#well it's just weird that she would appear in his companion quest and not the main story

[bellatrixdulac]

Really scared about the Yanqing bit of the 1.1 trailer. Was he fighting Jingliu? And this is supposed to be his companion quest too...

[exhausted-archivist]

In regard to my last reblog, I kinda want to expand on it.

The novels are 100% optional flavour text. They aren't required for you to really understand what is happening in the world. With the exception of Asunder, that one for me is a bit of a grey area but that is only because it covers aspects of two companions (Cole and Vivienne) that are glossed over and is rehashed entirely in an aspect by another companion's personal quest (Cassandra's).

Not even World of Thedas, the lore books are required because a big chunk of them are put in the game as codices. And the character stuff that's not? That's also flavour text and the fact that Leliana doesn't share background reports on your companions or you can't find them is a missed opportunity in utilizing Leliana. The whole "Game" aspect of Orlesian politics could have also been better incorporated through Josephine and Vivienne.

This is long so... cut.

But TLDR: Nothing is mandatory. World of Thedas, Asunder, and Masked Empire are just under utilized flavour text. They better not do the same or worse with Tevinter Nights.

We know they cut Cole from having Evangelina and Rhys appear for his personal quest and instead we got that weird thing with Varric and Solas being disagreeing dads on nature vs nurture. Rhys and Evangeline, but more so Rhys, are so important to Cole's background that I feel they could have brought them on with a little codex or preamble and it would have worked fine. They could have touched more on Cole's fear of becoming a demon again, his sense of identity and self, and even explored his whole concept of "helping" and his unique brand of compassion - because really Cole's form of compassion is a little off the beaten path.

But, that isn't because Asunder is mandatory, but because Cole isn't well anchored to begin with. They don't really explore him as a spirit/demon, they mostly use him as a way to tell you about other characters, and he's really wishy washy on even establishing what happened at the White Spire or with Seeker Lambert and just gives these sort of teasing/tantalizing starting points.

Which leads into a weak point with Vivienne. She has issue with how the war started. She has issue with the vote. She has issue with everything that happened with the White Spire. Which again, isn't explored and is just flippantly mentioned in banter with Cole or when she's snarking at Fiona.

We know she has issue with the vote because it was made when everyone was already dealing with Circles falling and templars killing people and extremist mages were killing other mages that opposed them. The vote was made not by people who were elected by the Circles - not entirely. They were made by whoever happened to get to Andoral's Reach and it was very much an emergency vote. She wasn't there for the vote and that's the start of the issue for her. Which, understandably this was written before Vivienne even existed, but with that they never resolve why she wasn't there for the vote or even aware of the chaos of the Circles. You kind of guess it's because of Bastien's health but yeah not really clear.

Both Cole and Vivienne's stories would be better anchored as well as give the Mage Templar war and the factions with in it more nuance if they even tried to incorporate the cliff notes of Asunder. It would also make it more of a flavour text and less of this murky grey area.

Which to make it even more murky and grey, Cassandra's whole plot of discovering the reversal to tranquility? Yeah that was discovered by a tranquil mage at the request of Divine Justinia. Literally every circle mage and Chantry person (of a certain rank) knows of its existence. Which they cheekily hide in ambient dialogue between Mother Giselle and another cameo character from Cassandra's past, Avexis. An elven mage who was turned tranquil because of the danger from her abilities to not only control small creatures but dragons.

That story Cassandra is known for? The dragons attacking the Grand Cathedral? Avexis was involved with that. Whole big thing in Dawn of the Seeker. But I digress.

Mother Giselle and Avexis talk about the reversal to tranquility in Haven. Everyone already knows but Cassandra's personal quest misleads you cause she's so pikachu-faced about discovering that there was a reversal and the Seeker's knew about it. Only half of the information should be new to her, the rest everyone knew about for a year and could have been beautifully folded into her story as to not only her mixed feelings on how she didn't feel as close to Justinia as Leliana was - because Leliana was in on it and Cassandra wasn't even aware that the Divine requested this happen behind the Seeker's back in 9:35 Dragon.

It would have been a great point to fold into the story to not only give more context to Cassandra questioning the Order but also feeling out of control and lost. Honesty would have been a good point in tension for her and Leliana to have.

But instead Cole goes largely explained, Vivienne is under explored and barely connected to the Mage Templar War conflict, and Cassandra is a (in my opinion) much less interesting rehash of something most people connected to the Chantry and Circles already knew for the most part.

Asunder is less required reading and more of discarded world building that amounts to a lot of missed opportunities.

Something I think that Tevinter Nights is at risk of if not worse. Either under utilized world building or they go full tilt in the wrong direction and it becomes the first required reading.

Specifically reading, because the first required additional media is the Legacy DLC of which they yoinked Corypheus and the whole start of the red templars from. And then again with Tresspasser which establishes and reveals so much vital information for the next game. Both DLCs, I think should have/be updated to free. Especially since it's been so long and they are required for the story now. And any "well players had to pay for them previously" is bs because new players can get the whole trilogy on sale for like 15USD. Deluxe editions included so they come with the DLCs - except for DA2.

Asunder and DLCs aside, lemme now circle back to the whole World of Thedas/Leliana and co thing.

The thing that grinds my gears about the World of Thedas bits is that a large part of them... are written to Leliana as reports. In game Leliana talks about doing background checks - how she isn't thorough enough with Solas because there wasn't enough time and more pressing things were coming. He slipped through the cracks. But everyone else? She got dirt on. Sera included. Leliana could have been a great vector to not only divulge more flavour text lore of our companions, but it could have also given us more aspects of conversation. How do they feel knowing Leliana gave us reports? Is sera annoyed because of the questions you can now ask? Is Blackwall sweaty because you might know details he doesn't? Does Iron Bull want to compare notes and see how good Leliana's network is?

There was so much they could have done with Leliana to not only make her more involved but made us more involved with the characters. It would have lead to more interactive story telling and folded in making the meta knowledge less meta as our Inquisitor actually used the resources of our spymaster.

Still, not required reading, but a way to fold in all the world building you've done to make the characters feel more real and give us a chance to bond with them. Even if we can't talk to them about it because "leaving it open ended for headcanons".

This also goes into how "The Game" is under utilized in Inquisition. So much of Inquisition is telling vs showing us or letting us experience something. Having more scenes where we walk in on Josephine dealing with combative knowledge, using our origins and background perks to play the game introduces us to the concept of Orlesian politics and perhaps we get perks - more soldiers, resources, gold, higher starting approval at the Winter Palace. Something that has more relevance to us and folds in this supposed system all of Orlais is beholden to.

A similar system could have also been used with Vivienne. Whether she was hosting nobles or if she wanted to gossip with you over a letter she received that she thinks could be of use to you if you know how to properly use The Game. It would have also been interesting if it impacted the noble npcs hanging out in the hall, if it became weighted depending on just how good you were. Less Orlesians meaning less support from Orlais and more reliance on other nations to legitimize the Inquisition. More Orlesians? A stronger army, more standing with the court and the Chantry, more ammunition for when you're dealing with Celene and Gaspard in the Winter Palace. Things like that. Simple story threads that didn't really need to go anywhere but perhaps impacted the ambient state.

It would have helped tie in Masked Empire and give it more weight (and also make Michel de Chevin be more than the rando the Imshael maybe killed).

Just saying... It's just under utilized world building in an interactive media.

[sananaryon]

Hey you said on march 24 you have an au of trixie and dash becoming celestia and luna and then never elaborated. Can you. Please.

Tagging @sighlentknight since they also asked. Sorry it took ao long, got distracted by dishonored au. Anyway

I'm playing a bit fast and lose with the canon timeline in this au cause let's face it the canon timeline is a mess and i'm just trying to have fun here.

The AU starts with Rainbow and Trixie being sent back in time. How, I don't know, it's not super important, maybe a messed up magical experiment, maybe Discord, maybe a weird phenomenon, anything goes. Point is that they're sent 1400 years back in time, to the Reign of Discord.

After spending a while bickering over who's fault this is (they do a lot of bickering, not gonna mention it every time so just assume they're always bickering), they try to set out and find their way home, weirded out at the chaos wastes they've ended up in. Eventuallu, they run into a group of important figures, either the founders or the pillars of Equestria, the specifics don't matter, but this is how they learn that they've ended up back in time.

Obviously freaking out, they eventually calm down enough to get the lay of the land and explain what's going on to the locals. They figure that finding Celestia and Luna would be the best shot at getting back home but weirdly none of the locals have ever heard of Celly and Lulu. Still, it's the reign of Discord so they gotta be around somewhere, and Rainbow happens to know that they're gonna get the elements of harmony from the Tree of Harmony, so just go there, wait for them, be home in time for dinner, no problem. Trixie is a bit doubtful of her confidence but hey, not like she has a better idea.

What follows is an epic quest as they make their way across the Chaos or Discord's reign with the help of locals, which would take at least another full post to explain so I'm gonna skip most of it. Point is, Rainbow and Trixie get some time to both bond and get really frustrated because finding Everfree is next to impossible when the world is all topsy turvy and directions don't make sense.

They eventually make it though, finding the cave with the Tree untouched by Chaos. Great, just gotta bunker down and wait for Celestia and Luna to show up, what could go wrong?

A lot, as it turns out. When they approach the tree, things happen. Maybe it senses potential in them, maybe its because they're time travelers and thus rather unusual, or maybe it's just cause theyre the first ponies who've made it this far and the Tree is low on options. Either way, the world is wildly out of balance and someone are needed to fix it and these two are as good as any.

In a bright light, Rainbow Dash and Trixie are ascended to alicornhood, their cutie marks changed into something more appropriate for the chosen guardians of Equestria's balance; a sun for Rainbow and a moon for Trixie.

Cue them freaking out for several hours because What The Fuck!?!?!

No time for that though because something like this has not gone unnotices by Discord. In a flash, he appears, curious about the two embodiments of Harmony in front of him. They're young so he could defeat them easily, but where's the fun in that? Instead, he wants to play with them a bit, taking their companions hostage so they'll play along.

This goes about as well as you could expect, Rainbow and Trixie may be confused and freaking out but neither take well to having their friends threatened. They confront Discord and, not really knowing what they're doing, use the Elements on him, ending his reign.

In the aftermath, they find themselves with a lot of ponies bowing to them, both strangers and ponies they met and helped out during their quest. Soon, it is pretty clear that they are being declared rulers of Equestria despite their objections. The people will accept no one else.

At the crowning, they are given regnal names. In a way, they chose them themselves. After all, they had both been quite insistant that Discord would be defeated by alicorn princesses named Celestia and Luna.

Over the years, they grow into their roles. Rainbow Dash's coat and mane is bleached by the sun she has found herself raising every morning, while the opposite happens to Trixie since she spends most of her time at night. Her eyes and magic color also changes as a result of her new magic. They both get into the flow of ruling a nation.

Throughout it, they of course don't give up on returning home, but experiment after experiment amount to nothing.

With time, their relationship also degrades. I mean, not like it's ever been good, I mentioned how they spend most of their time bickering, but with Discord defeated and them acclimating to their new situation, they no longer have more pressing issues distracting them from how much they REALLY don't get along. Trixie and Rainbow are hardly the most compatible of ponies in the best circumstances, and now imagine that but upped by hundreds of years. The only reason it doesn't happen sooner is because stuff like Sombra and Tirek pop up to distract them.

But Nightmare Moon does eventually happen. Afterward, Rainbow slips more and more into the Celestia persona. It's still a mask, something she puts on because she feels she has to, but without Trixie, there aren't a lot of ponies around who see her as anything other than the immortal dignified deity, so she spends more time being Celestia than she spends being Rainbow.

Eventually, the day she has marked on her calendar comes around, and she sees a huge rainbow spread across Equestria. It's fun seeing it from the outside, she so rarely has the chance to do it herself nowadays.

After 1500 years of life, tutoring a filly version of one of her best friends is still the weirdest thing she's been through.

It hurts seeing the mane six get together and be friends. She's happy for them, of course, but seeing her younger self laugh and be happy is a painful reminder that she will never be that pony again, her friends can never really see her as one of them again because even if she's still Rainbow Dash, she's also an immortal god empress and thats a rather big hurdle to overcome in a relationship.

With Trixie back at least, she starts letting the Celestia mask slip. Poor Twilight gets a heart attack first time she hears her mentor call Luna a bitch for taking the last slice of cake. With someone around who actually knows her as Rainbow and not Celestia, she can finally be her authentic self again, the mask becomes less something she wears all the time and more something she just puts on for court and lets slip in private. Those who know her are shocked at the change, but she seems happier than anyone has known her to have been for centuries.

She both dreads and looks forward to the day Twilight visits to tell her that Rainbow and Trixie have vanished. On one hoof, getting to finally drop the mask entirely and reveal who she is will be such a relief. On the other, how do you explain that their friend is both gone forever and standing in front of them?

Meanwhile Trixie has to be held back from having a threeway with her past self and Starlight.

[jekde04]

Serendipitous

Gruvia Week 2023 | Day 3: Starlight

Summary: "Gray-sama thinks it's a bad name, doesn't he?" she asked, cringing a little. "No, no." He ran his hands on her covered arms, relaxing her. "I think it's great. I even think it's serendipitous."

Disclaimer: Fairy Tail belongs to Hiro Mashima.

Read it on: FF | AO3  

"Greige."

Gray's head spun to his companion. He wasn't sure if he heard it right.

"Hmm? You said something?"

Juvia turned to him and smiled. They were walking back to their apartment, hand in hand, under the starlit sky that made her glowing porcelain face all the more radiant.

"Greige. For our baby boy. What do you think?"

"Greige," he repeated, an amused smirk appearing on his lips. Gray was sure he hadn't told her yet. But maybe someone else did, so curiosity got the better of him. "How did you come up with it?"

Juvia looked ahead, her free hand touching her chin as if deep in thought. "Well, she figured Gray-sama's family loved using colors for names, just like Silver-sama and Gray-sama. Greige is a beautiful color, right?" She squeezed his hand as she said so.

"I suppose so," Gray replied. It was certainly a unique one. And of course, there was the fact that he had never thought of their son by any other name than Greige.

But as far as he knew, he never told Juvia that. Sure, Edolas and Earthland are parallel universes, and the major things that happened in that world seemed to occur in their world too. But they have free will and are in charge of their own destinies. And he wanted Juvia to have as much freedom about their family as she could without his knowledge marring her decisions.

And now that she had come up with a name for their still unborn child, miraculously the same name that he had been thinking all along, he could let her in on his secret.

Halting on top of the small bridge overlooking the lake, Gray pulled Juvia aside and gently grabbed her shoulders to face him. "Juvia, I need to tell you something."

Doubt crossed Juvia's face in an instant. "Gray-sama thinks it's a bad name, doesn't he?" she asked, cringing a little.

"No, no." He ran his hands on her covered arms, relaxing her. "I think it's great. I even think it's serendipitous."

"Serendipitous?"

Gray stepped closer and wrapped his arms all the way around her waist, her five-month-old baby bump touching his torso. Instinctively, Juvia wrapped her arms around his neck, a familiar stance they often assumed when they were alone together.

"Remember when we got transported to Edolas in the middle of our 100 years quest?" Juvia nodded, the shadows of the water reflecting the moon and stars above dancing on her beautiful face. "I met our son there." He paused. "Well, technically, he was Edo-Gray and Edo Juvia's."

"Oh," Juvia gasped in awe. "We have a son in Edolas."

Gray nodded. "And his name is Greige."

"Wow," Juvia breathed.  "Why didn't you tell Juvia?"

"I didn't want to influence your decision," he answered. "Besides, I was interested in the names you'd come up with."

"Actually, it wasn't just because of the color that Juvia chose Greige," she admitted, an embarrassed blush blooming on her cheeks. "Greige sounds like Gray-ju, you know, a mix of Gray-sama and Juvia's names."

Gray chuckled. "Now that's just weird."

"But Juvia bets this was also what Edo-Juvia was thinking when she named their son Greige."

"More like Edo-Gray, actually," Gray answered as his thoughts floated back to the Edolas couple and how Edo-Gray practically worshipped the ground Edo-Juvia walked on.

Juvia sighed, pouting a little. "Sometimes Juvia can't help but wonder, what if Gray-sama is like Edo-Gray?"

"You mean crazy?" Gray asked, eyebrows raised.

"Head over heels for Juvia."

"Then that wouldn't make much of a difference, would it?" he answered, poking Juvia's nose and making her giggle, one of his favorite sounds in the world.

"Juvia was just joking. No matter how many Grays there are in the world —" she lightly kissed him on the lips — "you are the only Gray-sama Juvia loves."

"And you are the only Juvia I can handle," Gray chuckled, making Juvia pout cutely. "And the only woman I love, of course." Gray returned the kiss, lingering a bit this time.

A gust of wind blew, prompting the two to let go. Gray gave Juvia a peck on the forehead before declaring, "Let's go. I'll give you a foot rub when we get home."

Juvia squealed and gave her attentive husband a quick hug before resuming their walk home under the starlit night, hands intertwined.

*

A/N: Wow, that was an uncharacteristically fast update from me, lol. Next update would probably take a few days to a week; it’s full-on sm///ut for the temptation prompt and it needs major edits to sound less cringy.

[darth-shado]

How to deal with nightmares

Rating: T

Pairing: Dan Heng/March 7th/Trailblazer

Additional tags: Pre-Relationship, Hurt/Comfort, They/Them pronouns for Trailblazer, Aromantic Asexual Trailblazer, Mutual Pining, Literal Sleeping Together, Spoilers for Jarilo-VI quest, minor violence description

Word count: 1,3k

Cross posted on ao3

Trailblazer checked their phone, it was nearly the time when they usually go to sleep, although they couldn't be sure about that because time was different on the Stellar Express. Either way March 7 should be still up at this time, but not for long. The trailblazer memorized her routine as well as everyone else's, it just made their life simpler. They entered the Parlor Car and searched with their eyes for companion.

March 7 was sitting on one of the couches in the lounge, she was doing something with her camera when Trailblazer walked up and stood next to her.

"Hi Trailblazer, why are you still up?" She asked when with a corner of her eye she was them.

"I want to sleep with you." Trailblazer said before thinking.

"W-what?" March 7 looked up, a faint blush appeared on her face, as she was taken by surprise by this request.

"I mean- literally." They cleared up what they meant in the first place. "I figured that maybe sleeping with someone will help me with my nightmares." They said which sounded like they weren't quite sure about this idea but actually the more they had spoken about it the more embarrassed they were by this request as they realized how stupid it sounded.

"Yeah, I can help you with it." She smiled genuinely at the Trailblazer. "Do you want to go now? Because I was just finishing sorting out my camera roll for our next stop but if you'd like I can do it tomorrow."

"I can wait." They answered with a smile and sat next to March 7.

"What do you think about this one?" March 7 asked after a few minutes of silence, she turned the screen of the camera for Trailblazer to see it well.

It was a photo from the day they met. The picture only showed March 7 and next to her was Dan Heng.

March 7 started rambling about what made her unsure about the picture. "I think that the angle of it is kinda messing it up, but that weirdness of how this picture looks may also be because of the lighting on the station which is far too bright for taking good photos-"

"I think it's cute." Trailblazer said when they looked up from the screen.

"If you say so I'll keep it." She smiled at the Trailblazer for a second before returning to her previous task.

It didn't take long before March 7 finished sorting out her camera roll. She turned off her camera and turned to look at Trailblazer who seemed quite tired.

"Let's go." She said enthusiastically as she stood up and gestured to the Trailblazer to follow her.

"Okay we're here." March 7 announced when they were next to the doors leading to her room. She opened them and entered the room, Trailblazer followed her. Her room was different from Dan Heng's, it was brighter, it had more space, there were pillows and photos lying everywhere.

March 7 noticed that the Trailblazer was examining her room. "Sorry for the mess, didn't know you would be coming here." She apologized jokingly but slightly ashamed by the mess.

"No problem. I kinda expected that from you." They smiled warmly at March 7.

"Okay that's- Hey, wait a second." She exclaimed as she was fooled by Trailblazers expression.

Seeing March 7th face turn from a genuine smile to neutral and slightly disappointed expression, Trailblazer added. "It's fine, trust me."

"If you say so." March 7 answered more like herself, more cheerfully.

They stood in awkward silence, neither of them knew what to do at this point.

"Can I-" Trailblazer's gaze was on the bed, which looked more comfortable than any bed they have ever slept in.

"Yeah go ahead, I'll join you in a sec." March 7 quickly responded before she left the room.

Trailblazer followed what she said to them and they lied down on one side of the bed. Still after a few minutes they were unable to fall asleep and so they got bored so they pulled out their phone and started playing a video game on it.

"I'm back." She said quietly in case Trailblazer had already fallen asleep.

"Okay." They said with a hint of happiness in their tone, they turned off their phone and placed it under the pillow they were laying their head on.

March 7 walked around her room, turning off the lights. She hesitated when she was next to the light beside her bed and asked. "Do you want to have it off?"

"Either way it's fine." Just as March 7 heard the answer as turned off that lamp, they were left in a nearly fully dark room with only some light from the electronic devices. March 7 lied down on the other side of the bed.

She turned her head towards Trailblazer, she barely could make out their features in that lighting but enough to see that they looked at her with a corner of their eye.

"Why didn't you ask Dan Heng about it? He knows more about dealing with nightmares than me." March 7 asked, barely whispering.

"I was debating between the two of you. It was a tough choice but Dan Heng doesn't seem like the type who likes physical contact, unlike you." They stopped for a second. "Plus you have a comfier bed." They added with a hint of laughter in their voice.

"Seems reasonable." She laughed lightly as she imagined herself in their situation.

Just a moment passed and Trailblazer noticed that their eyelids seemed very heavy, they closed their eyes and fallen asleep.

They felt a cold blade buried into their chest, as quick as they were stabbed the blade left their wound. They lost balance causing them to fall. They heard screams. And as they were about to hit the ground, closing their eyes and getting ready for the impact-.

They woke up and quickly sat up. All the memories from Jarilo-VI came flooding back. They tried to calm themselves down by looking around the room and trying to ground themselves. There was a bright light that they could see with a corner of their eyes but it quickly disappeared, they looked back at their surroundings.

"-zer, what happened?" The voice of March 7 helped Trailblazer start to calm down. "Just focus on my voice, it's going to be alright." She said with a worried look in her eyes, that Trailblazer saw when they turned to the source of the voice.

It was helping them, their breathing pattern started becoming even again.

The door slid open just before Dan Heng entered the room, and quietly made his way to the end of the room.

"Are you okay?" He asked Trailblazer, he sounded very worried about them.

"It's better." They answered with a still shaky voice.

March 7 gestured to Dan Heng to sit down on the bed, he nodded slightly and sat at the side of it next to Trailblazer.

A while had passed until Trailblazer said that they were alright.

"Do you want to talk about it?" Dan Heng asked, and turned his head to face Trailblazer.

They sighed and answered. "Not now."

At that Dan Heng gave them a small nod of acknowledgement before he stood up and started going towards the door.

Trailblazer and March 7 exchanged a quick glance. "Do you want to join us?" March 7 asked a question her and Trailblazer thought about and discussed not verbally.

Dan Heng froze for a second before he answered as he clearly wasn't expecting that. "Isn't there too little space for me?"

"Nope, there isn't." Trailblazer answered just as they moved closer to March 7, making more space for Dan Heng.

He nodded and smiled slightly at the gesture, he lied down on his side, facing Trailblazer, March 7 did the same to make even more space for all of them. They had quickly fallen asleep together.

It was the first time in a long time that all of them had managed to sleep without any nightmares.

[danse--macabre]

ch'lakhou on companions:

jaheira: at first was on a knife edge, but after the bhaalspawn reveal... utter admiration for this woman. awe. respect. a woman with no time for bullshit nor romantic notions of heroism but not unkind, neither. ch'lakhou tends to wear a mask around most people for fear of fearing them, for fear of not being the kind of killer people want to see, but with jaheira they can be honest. with jaheira they can see a future baldur's gate which has a space for them.

minsc: admires the simplicity of his outlook. indulges boo. ch'lakhou likes to pretend theirs is similarly simple (I like killing and violence and I despise bullshit) but they have proven themselves wrong on that account multiple times since their brain was punched full of holes. surprised minsc hasn't sussed out that ch'lakhou was a terrible villain whose butt needs kicking yet. also, jaheira likes minsc, so ch'lakhou likes minsc.

shadowheart: a friend, after everything. ch'lakhou did, for the longest time, think SH would knife them in their sleep the moment their urge started working up. that fear has long passed. by act 3 they're glad she's still here.

wyll: baffled he's still here. they've been blunt and disapproving of his pact at all times. they also murder people straight in front of his eyes and even though he disapproves, he's never strayed. is something wrong with his head? ch'lakhou is a monster and is he not a monster slayer?

gale: they don't dislike gale and think he's useful and friendly even if his outlook is baffling to ch'lakhou but frankly one of the biggest reasons they keep him around is because lae'zel likes him. ch'lakhou is surprised when he appears to... well, get it. but ch'lakhou is quick to forget he was also left high and dry by a deity as well, and left to fend for himself in a horrid condition. they're touched by his kindness perhaps more than others.

halsin: ch'lakhou left him in act 2 sorry not sorry. the shadow-curse can be fixed later.

lae'zel: this is a whole essay but ch'lakhou went from 'terrified, as this is the first Real githyanki I have met who isn't me (fake githyanki)' and needing to impress her to realising... oh god this kid is uptight. oh god this kid knows nothing. really wish she'd chill the fuck out. so ch'lakhoi gently screws with her (lae'zel is fun to screw with). lae'zel quickly realises ch'lakhou is not a battle-hardened legend but a weirdo cast-off who, despite being taught to look down on cast-offs as lesser, is still a thousand times more adept at this 'navigating faerûn' thing. they have a major spat after the crèche but over time things cool off and ch'lakhou is just her weird aunt/uncle figure who can beat her in a straight fist fight.

minthara: found her in the dungeons in act 2 at her most wretched and saw themselves in her: a violent, bloodied tool that had been discarded and was going to rot. how could they not save her? how could they not chase her quest for vengeance, so tied up in ch'lakhou's own? ch'lakhou only wonders, when minthara calls them exquisite, whether they see the stone cold blooded killer who they were supposed to be? or the ruthless fighter they actually are. thinks her ideas about controlling the absolute are funny. they might kiss about it later.

karlach: karlach's outlook is simple. kill bad guys, have fun, get laid, get smashed. ch'lkahou's isn't too different (they say). they're simple (they say). karlach's the angel they want to be able to never disappoint. karlach says things like 'I adore you' and ch'lakhou wonders whether she's actually ever seen them, really, really really. ch'lakhou wants to be good enough for her. desperately wants to be good enough for her. (they don't think they're good enough for her). the real test will be gortash. when ch'lakhou says, look, you go ahead and kill him, but take someone else. take astarion or wyll or lae'zel with you. I can't do this. what happens then? does it all fall apart? will karlach see them as failing? did karlach even see more than the cowboy hero act? is it just masks?

astarion: oh! you thought karlach was complicated? or lae'zel? asides from jaheira, astarion is the only person who ch'lakhou thinks sees them, all of them. and yet he frustrates them with his propensity to talk complete shit. he's an impulsive idiot. he's remarkably perceptive and far more clever than he looks, even if he's not as clever as he wants to be. He shares that same hunger for the kill, that same fear of the world, and he understands them like no one else. he has zero time for their maudlin moments or navel-gazing and can't stand their poetry. he stopped them from killling themselves when they were barely more than strangers, and yes it was part of a manipulation game but it STILL had meaning. he also attempted to blackmail them after alfira died (it didnt work). he's the closest thing they have to a best friend. sometimes they're complete mirrors and sometimes they're absolutely nothing alike. they absolutely should not have slept with him, it made it complicated, in ways they can't describe. they called things off because of how terrifying it all was. they still don't know if they regret that.

[eligaxy]

Wind

☆ℜ𝔢𝔩𝔞𝔱𝔦𝔬𝔫𝔰𝔥𝔦𝔭 : Venti x gn!Reader

☆𝔚𝔞𝔯𝔫𝔦𝔫𝔤𝔰 : near death experience, you’re confused asf about everything, bad writing cause i suck, spoilers for the we will be reunited quest!! And also for venti’s backstory, venti is serious for once (yes it’s a legitimate warning🤚)

☆𝔊𝔢𝔫𝔯𝔢 : Some angst, some fluff? Idk bye🤨

☆𝔖𝔲𝔪𝔪𝔞𝔯𝔶 : "It's okay, it's over now" he kneeled to be at your level, his arms still wrapped around you, and you didn't have the energy to fight your urge of nuzzling into him. "I'll always be here for you, wherever there is wind, remember I'm here too. You only need to ask." (2.8k words)

♪𝔑𝔬𝔱𝔢𝔰 : i’m an idiot simp, i did this in one sitting and half asleep, english isnt my first language BLA BLA IM SORRY FOR MY POOR WRITING BUT HAVE THIS

basically you don’t know if you can trust venti or not, head says no, heart screams yes

Also, I was listening to stormterror’s lair ost while writing it, just because its fucking amazing, you might wanna listen to it too

I’m nervous to post this?/&:! This is the second fic i’ve ever finished in my whole life

i love venti and he’s hot in his god outfit i don’t make the rules

KAY ENJOY <3

✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧

"Please, anybody... Just help me."

Saying you were exhausted would have been an understatement. After reuniting with your sibling, you had been frantically searching for clues about khaenri'ah and ways to Inazuma. With no luck, you couldn't find any traces of Dainsleif or of your twin. The ruins had been sealed and you had no idea what happened to the inverted statue or the corpse you had found there. Desperately, you clung into every little information you had, you would have turned every rock on this archon damned continent if you had to, which is what led you into those ruins near Guilli plains.

Walking along the destroyed buildings your eyes caught sight of a dandelion and you froze. You missed them so much, why couldn't they go back home with you? All you ever wanted was to be by their side why, why were they running away from you?

You remembered your travels, the moments you shared together, their protectiveness over you, the fondness in their eyes when you smiled at them. You remember the times you got hurt and healed one another with your now missing powers. You remember sleeping by their side and being grateful to the universe to let you keep your ray of sunshine everywhere with you. How ironic.

What had they meant 'once you reach the end of your journey' ? What does that even mean? Stupid twin, if they knew you were here the whole time, why hadn't they come to you? Why were they always leaving just when they were within your grasp? Why? Did they know how much you missed them and how much your heart broke when you finally saw them? Did they?

You only realized you were crying when a small gust of wind had your wet cheek react to the cold, breaking your train of thought. Wind.

The wind is everywhere, you think, free as a bird, always accompanying every citizen of this world, never truly alone. With this in mind, you resumed your exploring, slower this time.

A sigh escaped your mouth. You didn't want to admit it, but the wind did comfort you a little. Almost as if he was here. God of freedom and of the breeze, he was more a singer than a protector and you couldn't bear to think about him. Was it true? What Dain said... Did he destroy this nation? Was he the cause of the scenery that still haunted your nightmares up until 500 years later? Your brain simply couldn't accept that Venti, your Venti, you catch yourself thinking, could have made such an act of wrath. He was the epitome of freedom, why would he take the very thing he based all of his existence on from mere mortals? Barbatos simply couldn't be afraid of being overpowered, he didn't even care about power. All he wanted was freedom and happiness for his people. Surley this couldn't be right?

But then again, who were you to deny the wipe out of an entire nation? The gods did it. They were afraid that Celestia would be overthrown by the pride of humankind, the destruction of khaenri'ah by divine beings was a fact. There was no misunderstanding about this. That was the one thing you were sure of. So why did you feel like crying even more now?

The mere thought of a gentle soul such as Venti committing innocent people to an eternity of suffering didn't sit right with you. Even when his dearest friend Dvalin had turned against him, he didn't try to stop him, didn't even ask the dragon to save him. He healed and helped him, gave him a choice.

'What is freedom if demanded of you by a god?' was the same person that asked this question the same one who committed mass murder? Genocide?

Did the little wine-lover bard you had grown fond of destroy all hopes and light your kin had?

You remember that night when he freed Stanley from his burden, freed his and his friends' spirits. You had marveled at his action, in that instant he was a god, and he definitely hadn't struck you as a murderer. You remember that look of silent pain and grief in his eyes when he sang the tales of the nameless bard he had taken the appearance of. You knew he trusted you enough to share his story, something so personal, you could almost feel the war that took down the tyrant of Mond. Oh how much you cherished that evening, treating him to some well deserved dandelion wine afterwards, his favorite, and asking him to sing you more about the time where was nothing but the spirit of a breeze.

Your heart broke a little, remembering his rosy cheeks and drunk smile, you wish you could talk to him, ask him what happened. What did he do, was he really as dangerous as you had been told? If so, then why did you feel so good around him? Why did you feel like you could give hi-

You stopped walking upon seeing a ruin guard up ahead in the distance. You're so stupid, you think. Feeling this way is not gonna get you anywhere, especially with how the bard had been missing for a few weeks now. Ever since you had last seen your sibling.

Where was he, where was he wandering off to? You walk towards the disabled ruin guard, not really paying any mind to it, still thinking about the god you longed to meet with. If you could see him, what would you even say? Would he even answer your questions? Why did your stomach feel so light and funny when you thought about seeing him, why aren't you angrier?

You're almost at the killing machine's level now, so lost in your thought you don't notice the five other similar robots hidden behind a wall next to it. You notice them only when it's too late and you've already turned them on while thinking about examining them and collecting their serial numbers. When you hear the familiar tick of the mechanism turning on, you internally panic and think about running away only to calm down moments later and think to yourself that you can simply beat it and take what you came here for. Even if you are emotionally and physically tired, you can manage, you think.

That was before hearing five other consecutive ticks right after it, and all around you.

Turning around, your gaze falls upon the small army of field tillers. Fuck.

Paimon wasn't with you today, you had asked for some time alone which she hesitantly accepted, so you couldn't ask her to go fetch help. You would have been worried if you had all your capacities but with the state you were in, you were wondering how you were going to survive this fight. You were alone, none of your companions with you, and deeply weakened by the busy day you had and the few hours of sleep you had managed to steal away from the night. Was it today you would meet your doom, with all your questions and uncertainties unanswered?

You tried your best to fight with the strength you had left, but quickly grew desperate after what felt like hours of efforts to swing your blade and being able to only take one monster down out of the six. It didn't help that you got injured along the way, their blows becoming harder and harder to dodge. After being thrown on the grown for the third time, you understood you had at least two broken ribs and that your shaking legs would soon fail you as well.

Fear crept upon you, you would die here today, alone. Alone. You couldn't talk to your sibling after all, couldn't understand. You didn't even get to talk to him one last time. Him... You would die without the knowledge of the truth about your bard. You would die alone. You didn't want that, you couldn't look death straight in the eye.

"Please, anybody... Just help me."

-

In Mondstadt, there was a musician, a weird singer everyone had heard about at least once. He lived off of his songs and was mostly known for having a great story-telling and being an alcoholic.

The number of people who knew the true nature of his identity were few and he was perfectly content with that. He didn't wish to be a god anymore, his gnosis had been taken away anyway and it's not like he had any power over the city of wind nowadays. Even if his people still worshipped him as Barbatos, it didn't sit right with him to be called a god anymore. It actually never did, he thinks to himself with a smile, he never really took any responsibilities that came with the divine title which is why he was so weak today. But it didn't matter to him, his smile turns into a soft giggle.

Sitting on a mill that was once born from his steps he looks fondly over the city he founded. Even if they were godless, the citizens were still thriving and free. He cared oh so very deeply about the place even if he rarely, if not never, showed the affection within his heart. He remembers the day he grew strong enough to dispel the storms over his actual Mondstadt, and made the weather gentle enough so that there was no need for fireplaces. Nowadays, he loves watching birds nest into the chimney tops and seeing them found their own home. It gave him a sense of belonging like no other, not above his people, but walking among them and watching them nest into this cocoon he created. He was proud of what happened to his land and would do it all over again if he had to.

Especially since it led to him meeting you. This thought doesn't catch him off guard, you often roamed around in his mind after all, and it's not like he didn't write at least three songs about you and your feat, your smile, your courage...

Ah there he goes again, rambling about you in a whisper. He turns around to the statue of him his people erected in his honor, chuckling at how they never made the connection with his signature braids. His, but not really his, since he had stolen this form from someone who was much more deserving of this power than him. Seeing his friend being honored with the statues of the seven around the land made him happy, he hoped that it was a good enough thank you gift in return for everything that the bard whom he couldn't even remember the name of anymore did for him.

Upon gazing at the statue, he remembered telling you of his long gone friend. It was the first time he had talked about him to someone else, he didn't even mention it to Venessa, she who made him believe in himself again. He could ask himself why, but he simply knew that you had something different, more than meets the eye. Perhaps it was because you weren't from Teyvat, or perhaps it was just you being as simple as your natural self but he was simply and utterly captivated by your being. You inspired him to no end, at first he thought it was because he had never met someone like you and he loved new things! But as time grew and he got to know you, he understood quickly the meaning and depth of his passions. He thought of it with a light chuckle, content with your presence alone. He really did need and want you around.

So why did he purposely avoid you like the plague?

The wind had brought to his ears that you had met with Dainsleif.

And your twin.

His first reaction was to search for you, talk to you, he wanted to be here to know what happened! You had searched so long, he couldn't contain himself, still listening to what the wind told him, he started running with excitement but... But wait, Dainsleif was... He told you what?

Oh.

So you heard about Khaenri'ah. He had stopped dead in his tracks and turned back, only sending a warm current of wind your way, hugging you from afar.

He wasn't ready to talk about this yet, not ready to face you and absolutely not ready to answer your questions. He was a coward, he thought, running away like that but what else could he do, really. It was only natural for him to be as uncatchable as air.

A sorry excuse to avoid the fact that even if his past had marvelous story like the one of the nameless bard, it also had its share of darkness, something he wasn't ready to dive back into. Especially not now when your arrival has been shaking this world up like it hasn't been since at least 500 years.

But oh, how he longed to see your face or to hear your voice. So he asked a breeze to report to him what you were up to, and where you were. Just in case! he tells himself, what if you needed help ehe? But he knows you're competent and you won't need the help of a weakling coward like him anytime soon. Or so he thought.

Because when the breeze only gives him a few words back, his blood runs cold.

"Please, anybody... Just help me."

-

As you murmured these words in your desperate state, not really for anyone but yourself as a last resort, a prayer of some sort, you tried to stand by leaning yourself on your sword and failing miserably. You didn't dare look up as you heard the loud footsteps of the metal giants coming your way. It was over, and you barely managed to accept it.

As you rested your forehead against the cold handle of your sword, you closed your eyes, tears starting to make their ways out of your closed eyelids. All you could feel was remorse.

A soft breeze moved your hair slightly and your chest felt like a black hole had taken place where your heart used to be, regretting to not have been able to meet him under the tree at Windrise one last time.

The breeze quickly grew stronger, until it felt unnatural and you looked up from the ground, only to close your eyes again immediately when you realized the wind was too powerful for you to keep them open. If you had struggled to see though, you would have been blinded by the white light that soon illuminated the whole ruins. You didn't have enough time to register the situation when you felt a hand being laid atop your shoulder, snaking around your collarbones and pulling you back into... nothing? Another arm circled your weak form and a voice you immediately recognized said

"I've dealt with things worse than you, now crumble."

You realized that if you couldn't feel a chest behind you while still being embraced by his arms, it was because he was floating above you, and not standing behind you. A look in his direction confirmed your suspicions but what stunned you wasn't the fact that he was flying, but the attire he wore. Barely covering his body, a white set made of materials that seemed like clouds and liquid gold contrasted perfectly with his regular green clothes. His hair was glowing green and his eyes that were focused on the ruin guards up ahead had a marvelous shine that you had never seen before. He had that same aura he did the night he freed Stanley, but there was also something different about the way his hands gripped you a little too tightly or the way his voice sounded.

"Venti.." You muttered his name, relief and affection flooding you all at once, in his presence you felt as if nothing bad could happen to you. How foolish could you be, just a few hours ago you were speculating wether or not he had wiped out an entire civilisation and now here you were, being saved by him and feeling safer than you had in months.

"Close your eyes, I don't want give you a headache" he said, slowly floating legs first towards the ground. His unusually serious voice surprised you (and him) but you did as he told you. Letting go of your sword and leaning back into him, you let him deal with the monsters ahead of you.

"It's okay, it's over now" he kneeled to be at your level, his arms still wrapped around you, and you didn't have the energy to fight your urge of nuzzling into him. "I'll always be here for you, wherever there is wind, remember I'm here too. You only need to ask."

Being protected by a god really didn't feel that bad. Especially when you were in love with said god.

✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧

Thank you so much for reading whatever this is until the end :’)

Don’t hesitate to comment or reblog, tysm <3

Ps: venti loves u and so do i do pls take care of urself mwah

[astradrifting]

This is kind of inspired by this recent ask I sent to @esther-dot about Jon’s characterisation and Jonsa shippers’ apparent disregard for it, because it made me think of another part of Jon’s characterisation that is really integral to who he is. Mainly, that Jon really loves his brothers. Especially Robb. His rival and best friend and constant companion. Jon envies him, competes with him, buried a formative traumatic memory where he was deeply hurt by him... but ultimately loves him. Complex relationships with his brothers, both the Starks and his Night’s Watch brothers, are a running theme in Jon’s chapters.

Speaking of Jon’s brothers...

Aegon VI and Robb have a lot of potential parallels, actually. The “Young” moniker, red-haired counselors who are also their parents, trained to be the heir to a great kingdom from a young age, the barely younger half-brother Jon borne of their father’s dishonour of their mother… one that they might both have a good relationship with despite that?

The show tried to play with Jon ‘accepting’ his Targaryen lineage through the jonerice romance, very unconvincingly because it was simultaneously undermining it at every opportunity, in what was maybe a half-assed attempt at Pol!Jon (”They’ll all come to see you for what you are” isn’t anything but a threat in all contexts).

Jon will ultimately choose the Starks over everything else, that’s not really a question. But if Jon were to genuinely connect with another Targaryen, it’d likely be easier for him to find kinship with a half-brother than with an aunt - he has a basis for positive relationships with trueborn half-brothers, while the only aunt figure he’s ever known about is a) long dead and b) actually his mother. I think it’d both make more sense and be more compelling for GRRM to leverage Jon’s existing complex relationships with brotherhood by having him interact with and build a relationship with Aegon, than a rushed and out-of-character romance with Dany. 

Jon also is already primed to believe that Aegon is the real deal, that he was saved as a baby, because he’s already done the exact same thing himself - he swapped out a baby of royal blood who was in danger for a common-born boy, and then sent him halfway across the world for safety (side note: if Septa Lemore is Ashara, and if the baby was actually Ashara’s son as theorised here by @agentrouka-blog, that would just strengthen the parallel, because it would be his body double’s mother caring for him, as Gilly has to do for Mance’s son).

They’re definitely going to come into conflict first - politically, Jon will likely be in a position of power in the North by the time they meet, maybe as the KitN through Robb’s will or regent for Rickon, and probably will fight for Northern independence, while Aegon is fighting to be king of the Seven Kingdoms, not 6. Personally, it will be hard to get past the fact that Jon is the direct result of Rhaegar dishonouring Elia, plus that the Kingsguard who should have been protecting her were all stationed in Dorne, guarding Jon’s mother (in whatever capacity). But these interactions, a conflict and eventual friendship/brotherhood between them, would all be a lot more layered than jonerice can really offer. If a relationship between Jon and Dany was truly all that GRRM has been building up to, then there would have been no need for R+L=J - it adds nothing to that storyline, it doesn’t even make it a forbidden romance, because aunt-nephew is hardly the worst incest the Targaryens have engaged in.

It’s almost inevitable that Da*nerys is going to kill Aegon VI/Young Griff in the books, likely by burning him with dragonfire, in the Second Dance of the Dragons. The weird Dragonpit meeting in the show was very contrived, but it does make sense for Dany to meet the ruler on the Iron Throne at least once in a semi-peaceful context. In the show, she used her dragons only to intimidate Cersei, but she didn’t have a personal grievance with her. Aegon is in much more danger during such a meeting. After all she will think he is a pretender, and she doesn’t much care for the rules of safe conduct, as she showed to the envoys from Yunkai.

Dany shrugged, and said, "Dracarys."

The dragons answered. Rhaegal hissed and smoked, Viserion snapped, and Drogon spat swirling red-black flame. It touched the drape of Grazdan's tokar, and the silk caught in half a heartbeat. 

[...]

"You swore I should have safe conduct!" the Yunkish envoy wailed.

"Do all the Yunkai'i whine so over a singed tokar? I shall buy you a new one... if you deliver up your slaves within three days. Elsewise, Drogon shall give you a warmer kiss." She wrinkled her nose. "You've soiled yourself. Take your gold and go, and see that the Wise Masters hear my message."

(ASOS, Dany IV)

"Ah, there is the thorn in the bower, my queen," said Hizdahr zo Loraq. "Sad to say, Yunkai has no faith in your promises. They keep plucking the same string on the harp, about some envoy that your dragons set on fire."

"Only his tokar was burned," said Dany scornfully.

(ADWD, Dany VI)

So Dany will burn the Blackfyre pretender, and everyone will be happy and cheer to see the rightful queen, the last Targaryen, Slayer of Lies, Breaker of Chains, Insert-The-Million-Other-Titles-Here. Right?

Except how would she prove that he’s an imposter? She can’t exactly roll up with an Alt Shift X video pointing out that Illyrio has said some weird things about Aegon. Is Varys going to have an attack of remorse and explain his whole plot, complete with Blackfyre family tree? Or maybe she’ll explain that she went on a vision quest in Qarth and Aegon totally matches up with the vague symbolism that a bunch of drugged up warlocks told her before she set them on fire?

I don’t think it’s going to matter if Aegon is fake or not, and we might never find out either way. The mystery of his identity isn’t his main narrative, and all of his significance to the story and to multiple other characters is removed if he’s proved to not be Aegon VI. Him being proved fake would just make this plotline a weird, unnecessary digression on Dany’s journey to being the righteous and true queen, his death just another #girlboss moment for her. That’s definitely going to be her perception of it, but once she reaches Westeros we won’t have to rely on only her POV of her actions. History is written by the winners, and no one’s going to miss that it’s a lot more convenient for Dany if the boy with a stronger claim than her turns out to have been fake all along. Arianne and the Dornish are definitely not going to take it lying down, and neither is Jon. He’s not going to fall in love with the woman who murdered his brother, especially by burning him alive. ADWD has plenty to say about how much he hates death by fire.

“Men say that freezing to death is almost peaceful. Fire, though … do you see the candle, Gilly?”

She looked at the flame. “Yes.”

“Touch it. Put your hand over the flame.”

Her big brown eyes grew bigger still. She did not move.

“Do it.” Kill the boy. “Now.”

Trembling, the girl reached out her hand, held it well above the flickering candle flame.

“Down. Let it kiss you.”

Gilly lowered her hand. An inch. Another. When the flame licked her flesh, she snatched her hand back and began to sob.

“Fire is a cruel way to die. Dalla died to give this child life, but you have nourished him, cherished him. You saved your own boy from the ice. Now save hers from the fire.”

(ADWD, Jon II)

Funnily enough, the same fire as a kiss imagery from Dany burning the envoy’s tokar appeared there too, also used as a threat. 

If he is not a kinslayer, he is the next best thing. [...] What sort of man can stand by idly and watch his own brother being burned alive?

(ADWD, Jon IX)

So Aegon’s death is not going to be a triumphant victory for Dany, after which everyone proclaims her the true queen. It’s likely to just solidify opposition to her, from every corner of Westeros. If it happens during a summit or negotiation, it’d be even more of a tragic parallel to Robb and the Red Wedding; the young king murdered off of the battlefield, at an event where he was promised safe conduct. Featuring Dany in the role of Roose Bolton and Tywin Lannister. Tywin’s already died a very undignified death, and Roose Bolton looks to be on his way too.

I think the tragedy of Aegon’s death would also hit harder if we see it through Jon, as a main POV, or at least the aftermath of it. Jon was integral at the Dragonpit meeting after all, and probably would be at a peace summit or negotiation between the leaders of Westeros and the invading force.

In ASOS, there’s a curious lack of Jon’s reaction to Robb’s death. We see his initial reaction to Bran and Rickon’s supposed deaths when he gets back to Castle Black, but he doesn’t even know about Robb’s death until Stannis arrives to defeat the wildlings, and we’re not shown the moment he’s told about it. He barely even thinks about it, not even a mention until he meets with Stannis on top of the Wall:

“Your brother was the rightful Lord of Winterfell. If he had stayed home and done his duty, instead of crowning himself and riding off to conquer the riverlands, he might be alive today. Be that as it may. You are not Robb, no more than I am Robert.”

The harsh words had blown away whatever sympathy Jon might have had for Stannis. “I loved my brother,” he said.

(ASOS, Jon XI)

And that’s literally all we get that is specifically about Robb’s death - the rest of Jon’s chapters, his guilt and grief is about the loss of all his siblings, and the idea of stealing Winterfell from them. It doesn’t really make sense for him to not think about it at all, considering how close they were. This reminds me of how he has a non-reaction to Sansa’s marriage to Tyrion as well, as talked about in this post by @agentrouka-blog. Part of this could be Jon’s tendency towards denial and suppression of all his feelings, but it also points to GRRM explicitly obscuring his reaction - perhaps because he’s going to explore it in the wake of another brother dying a very similar death? One that this time he’ll be there to witness?

[bokettochild]

I just finished reading The Ties that Bind, and I love it! I have a small suggestion, one that you could completely ignore if you would like. Will Fable, Legend’s Zelda, meet Sky? Or Sky and the rest of the chain? I feel like that would be fun. But this is just an idea that I had, I’m not pressuring you do to anything.

I'm sorry it took so long to get to your ask, Anon! I've been thinking about this for a while, and the truth is that, while I would LOVE to have Sky meet all of his daughters at some point, I don't know if it will happen in the main plot of the story itself.

Currently in the story, they are in Legend's Hyrule, so there is a good chance of it happening, I just don't know if it will.

Considering this came along with various fic requests, I did end up writing something where they 'meet' but.. I'm terribly sorry, it's entirely crack, and I took way too many liberties with it.

I hope it will do to hold you over until Fable can make an actual appearance in the story!

“So, we finally get to meet your sister?” Hyrule asked, following as Legend led their group down the halls of Hyrule castle.

“Yes.”

“Yes!” Wind pumped his fists. “The only Zelda we haven’t met! I wonder what she’s like?”

“Kickass.” Legend smirked, stopping before one of the opulent doors and turning to face them. “I’d watch yourselves.”

There were a lot of things the Chain was expecting to see when they walked through the doors, but Warriors wasn’t expecting to see a young woman who looked quite ridiculously like Legend, if not for the haircut, spinning around to see look at them before having a wide smile break over her face.

“Z?”

“Link!” And the princess was running, running forwards with feather soft, tinkling laughter into the arms of...Wild? “Oh, Link! I haven’t seen you in ages! Why, look at you! Growing your hair out I see.” Another giggle drifted into the air as the girl brushed a hand through the Champion’s messy bangs.

Wild flushed slightly, much to the shock of all present, but especially to Legend, who stared between the two with his mouth hanging open.

“Everyone’s missed you so terribly, especially after you disappeared so suddenly! The Master was absolutely furious.” Fable added with a nervous laugh, smacking Wild’s arm lightly. “Thank goodness I can tell him all is well and you didn’t get killed or something, we thought he’d oust Robin for good when we couldn’t find you!”

Wild winced, nodding slightly. “I’m on another quest, but maybe I can send a letter? The mail system is working pretty well, for some reason.”

“Not out of Hyrule unfortunately.” Fable pouted, seemingly taking no interest in noticing the rest of them for the moment, instead continuing to stand in Wild’s personal space, neither having quite let go from their unexpected and rather startling hug. “Without you, the Master has closed all contact with Hyrule; I don’t think he wanted anything else to happen, especially since Mother would have been furious if someone else had gone missing.”

“Wait,” Warriors turned to see Wind staring at the- couple? Duo? “Zelly?”

“Tune!” Fable squeaked, pulling away from Wild and darting over to hug the second smallest hero. “My goodness you’ve grown! Are the two of you on an adventure together then? Wonderful!” Ocean blue eyes trailed up to look at the rest of their gang and Fable brightened even more. “Why, all of you are here!”

“All of us?” He couldn’t keep confusion from his tone as he spoke, quirking a brow.

“Well, nearly all,” Fable frowned, setting Wind down to gently stroke her chin. “And here I hoped to see Young Link again.”

Warriors was going to lose his mind. “Young Link?” His eyes turned to Time, who smiled with a light flush, raising one hand in a nearly shy wave.

“Hey, Zelly.”

The princess gasped, hands flying up to cover her mouth as she stared upwards to meet Time’s gaze. “Young Link? My. Goodness! Look- Oh my! You’re all grown up, aren’t you? I declare, you get even more terrifying than half of the others!”

“Legend,” Sky was grinning as bright and warm as the princess, eyes sparkling in the same manner and erasing any doubt that he was the young woman’s ancestor. “You didn’t tell us your sister was The Princess Zelda!”

Legend stared up at his ancestor in disbelief before shaking off Sky’s hands and throwing up his own. “That’s it,” The vet spun on his heel and turned towards the door. “I’m gonna go bang my head against the wall for an hour, toodles.”

“Well,” Fable turned to Sky with a bright grin. “It is wonderful to see you again, Link. Good heavens, how on earth do all of you handle being ‘Link’, it was bad enough having you all switch out, but now you’re all together at once! How do you handle it?”

“I go by Sky,” The Skyloftian replied with a fond smile. “He’s Wild, Wind, and Time. We use our hero titles.”

“Oh! That is clever! Sheik and I both have different names, so I suppose had it easy, I’m surprised no one thought of that before, what with how you all switched out so often- oh!” And the princess was spinning around to look up at Twi. “We’ve missed you too of course, but I must ask, since you’re all apparently time-traveling or some nonsense, could you give a message to your Zelda for me? I haven’t seen her in ever so long, and I do miss being able to talk over things with her.”

“I’ll pass it along.”

“You too.” She turned to Time, brows furrowing lightly. “Sheif is so terrible about writing to me, and I’ve missed being able to ask for advice with my fighting skills.”

“Understood.” Time grinned, earning a mirror expression from the princess.

How the heck was everyone taking this all in stride? Was Legend’s sister...dating Wild or some shit? How did she know Wind and Time? How did she know Sky? How did she know any of them?

“So,” Twilight cocked a hip and stared down at the princess with a warm smile. “They let you stay around, even after switching out all of us?”

“Yep! I am, apparently, quite the favorite. As is L- I mean Wild.” She sent a warm smile towards said hero, who flushed with pleasure. Ew.

“Should’a known it, he's a good kid.”

“He says you mentored him, so I suppose that can be attributed, in part, to you!”

“Aw, thanks, Zelly.”

Warriors would like a drink now please.

“Wait,” Four stared at the princess, eyes slitted and brows furrowed in a way that revealed he was clearly having a headache as well. “You’re- good grief- you know all of us, don’t you?”

Warriors really needs a drink. Seriously? Four too?

“And who are you?” Fable cocked her head.

Four flushed, ducking his head. “Hero of the Four Sword.”

Like a switch had been flipped, recognition sparked in Fable’s gaze. “Oh! That- that makes sense! I had forgotten, I suppose, how you all- well-” She waved her hand vaguely, and while none of the others seemed to understand it (thank Hylia he wasn’t the only one), Four apparently did. “You don’t think it’s weird?”

“Heavens no!” Fable drew back, looking mildly offended. “Link- my Link- or rather, my brother- Good heavens, what on earth do you all call him?”

“Idiot. Pain in the ass. Veteran.” Warriors listed off, making sure his displeasure with being left out of the conversation was made very clear.

“Legend.” Hyrule answered, shooting a glare Warriors’ way.

“Legend, my, that fits,” Fable shook her head with another tinkling laugh. “Does the same thing, albeit in a different manner and without the use of the Four Sword.”

“Heard that!” Legend shouted from just outside the room. “Stop telling them things!”

“Then come in here and make me, you sissy!”

The vet stormed back in, cheeks red and brow looking considerably more bruised than it had been ten minutes previous. “Not a sissy.”

“Yet you only appear on occasion, and never fight?” The princess snarked, hands on her hips.

“Do I look like I have the time to be fighting?” Legend returned, mirroring her pose with enough attitude to match the blue flames of the princess’s gaze.

“Well, if you have time to play dress up-”

“Necessary for a mission, miss ‘I fight duels in my regalia’.”

“I win duels in my regalia, thank you very much.”

“Heck yeah you do.” And was that- pride in the vet’s voice? “You scare the shit out of all of them.”

“I always was the better of the two of us at doing that, you just spend your time talking to cuckos and wearing my clothes.” The princess smirked.

Legend didn’t even have the decency to flush, crossing his arms with a smirk of his own. “You have to admit, I look better in it than you do.”

“Yes.” Fable beamed. “Yes, you do, and I hate it.” Her smile said the opposite but the conversation seemed to be over at that, the princess turning to continue conversing with the other heroes only to spin around again and clap her hands. “Oh! You're off exploring and adventuring, so you drop a message for me! Tell Peach and Daisy that I’m awful sorry I missed tea last time, we’ve been trying for weeks to get around to it, but with L- Wild having disappeared, the Master simply won’t give me the free time and Mother’s been just as strict.”

Legend pouted. “Only if they’re the only ones home, if I have to see that insufferable plumber’s face again I think I might just punch him.”

“Please do.” Fable spat. “He used that stupid hat of his to mind control me and make me kick the crap out of my team.”

“He mind controlled my sister?” Legend hissed.

“Yes, that dumb hat of his is sentient now, and he can force us to do things.”

“I hate that thing.” Wild scowled.

“Same.” Several others echoed.

Sky looked between them all. “Are we talking about Mario? Because if so, Legend, I will totally join you in punching him in the face, that guy is a pain!”

“Oh, him!” Hyrule scowled. “I don’t like him; he grates on my nerves like nobody's business.”

“He’s worse than Tingle.” Wind added, face screwed up in distain.

“Seconded.” Twilight and Time called out together.

“Third, Fourth, Fifth and sixthed.” Four added.

“Just because your name is ‘Four’ doesn’t mean you get four votes.” Warriors groaned, staring at his companions in irritation. “And who the heck are you all talking about? How do all of you know him? Is he immortal?”

“Hylia, I hope not.” Nine voices groaned at once.

“Neighboring kingdom.” Legend replied. “The Mushroom kingdom’s own hero is an idiot plumber by the name of Mario. His twin isn’t bad, but he’s a piece of work. I’ve had to deal with outbreaks of monsters from their kingdom on multiple occasions because he can’t keep them contained. Add in there that their princess is captured every other Tuesday because the guy can’t up and beat her kidnapper for good, and the kingdoms a mess.” Legend paused, frowning. “Wait, I just agreed to go there, didn’t I?”

“Yep.” Fable chirped. “But don’t worry, Bowser is hanging out with his kids this weekend, so he shouldn’t be causing problems while you’re all here.”

Warriors groaned, this time, loud enough that all of them heard him. “Bowser? Are you on a familiar enough standing with some villain that he tells you his weekend plans?”

“Yes.” The twin siblings answered, Fable bright and cherry while Legend deadpanned.

“We even play sports with him on occasion.” Fable added.

“And who,” Warriors tacked on, absolutely done and uncaring for the fact that apparently Legend and Fable played golf or something with their neighboring kingdoms greatest threat. “The heck! Is Mario?”

Nine pairs of eyes stared back at him for a moment, blinking in confusion.

“You know,” Twilight stated slowly. “Has anyone actually ever seen Wars at an event?”

“Come to think of it,” Fable tapped her chin. “You are the only one I’ve never seen before.”

“The only one?” Can Warriors please get a drink?

“I’ve met all of the others, be it in racing, sports, fighting matches, any number of things, but I don’t think I’ve ever even seen you, much less heard of you. Who are you?”

“That,” Legend smirked. “Is the Hero of Warriors. And I don’t know if I should laugh or feel bad that he was never popular enough to get selected for the games.”

“You weren’t either.” Wind hissed.

“Mom said I was on bed rest from being struck by lightning.” Legend waved him off. “I’ve had my time in the Mushroom kingdom, and if they ever do invite me back, I’d burn that Smash invite so fast the Master would think it never arrived.”

That’s it. He’s done. “Legend, I’m stealing your thunder-”

“Please do.”

“I’m going to go bang my head against the wall until the world makes sense again, or until I black out, Bye.” And with that, Warriors left.

(This entire fic was inspired by @tortilla-of-courage, her blog had a stint of asks about the boys knowing each other from Mario Kart and whatnot and it set my brain spinning. I blame her that this was the only thing I could think of when trying to write Sky meeting Fable. Thank's Tortilla!)

[thefallendivine]

Ma’an-riss Q’iras: Bittersweet

NOTE: This is the short for the second Guardian. If you don’t want to be spoiled about the character, then you are free to skip this post.

---

An ear-splitting screech pierces the air as Tien stabs the wyvern right at the inflicted wound in its chest, bypassing its shell to tear right through its muscle straight into its heart. The wyvern’s last breath blasts her right in the face, smelling like a Dwarven coal mine: sulfuric, earthy, and comes with a burning sting that clings to the back of the throat. Even with the winged lizard’s lashing tongue and bared fangs, Tien is not at all fazed, having grown used to the sights and smells of these Draconic descendants.

Pressing one foot on the wyvern’s chest, Tien establishes footing as she twists her blade around its heart until the wyvern’s thrashing stops and it slumps lifelessly, just like all the others.

“That should be the last of them,” calls a familiar voice from behind Tien. Pulling out her curved sword before turning to face the approaching Human man. With a big grin on his face, Kimber looks around, “We hit the jackpot, didn’t we, boss?”

Tien casts her gaze all over the ruins, so does her companion, a Dragon Hunter just like her who has worked for the hunting party she leads for many years now. Someone she considers her brother. 

It is the strangest feeling, having been raised to view Humans with indifference at best, Tien now considers several of them as family. Fifty years ago she would have shuddered at the mere thought of entrusting her unguarded back to an incompetent race, but she has seen past that. Most times she wonders if the Elves are the problem, rather than the Humans.

But that in itself is the beauty of being a Dragon Hunter. No matter what shape or size a person is, they are welcomed with open arms in the quest of slaying terrorizing monsters. Most of them are already disowned by their respective nations, that is why they find no more reason to begin quarrels with one another. It may be a difficult job, but not any more difficult than any other job for a warrior.

“The only problem is: how are we going to transport all these guys?”

The question has Tien looking back to Kimber. “We don’t. Not yet.” Tien turns to the others, her voice then rings deep and loud as she instructs her party, “Wrap them up with the cloth we brought. Be thorough. When you’re done, load up half of the wagons with wyverns. Bury what’s left in the sand with the drakes and the wurms. Those of you whose mind and blade are still sharp, gather around.”

As their party moves to fulfill their leader’s orders, Kimber turns to Tien. “Those weird cloth that took up half the space in our storage. Don’t tell me they’re from ‘nishil-norey’.”

Tien stifles a smile after Kimber butchered the name of the Elven city. But from the proud undercurrent of Kimber’s expression, presumably from displaying his knowledge of the overlooked origin of an uncommon product in front of an Elf, Tien lets the Human have his moment of triumph. “Yes, they are.”

Nyshlenorreian fabric are used by Dragon Hunters to preserve their kills so the value does not depreciate as they are transported through changing humidity and temperature. Elves use them for preservation of harvests, especially those reserved for offerings, and are mostly used within Elven territories. Smuggling these fabrics out of the woodlands is a difficult undertaking and always costs a fortune.

“Holy shit, boss. You’re really serious about this haul, aren’t you?”

Tien raises a brow. “When am I never serious?”

Kimber nods. “Fair point. But why would we load up only half of the wagons?”

Tien turns to the center point of the ruins: an abandoned graystone fortress, its walls still standing strong despite the thousands of years of history that shows on its surface. “Because I need to somehow make up the investment I made. By, perhaps, about ten times?”

Following Tien’s gaze, Kimber whistles. “You mean to say there’s gold inside?”

Tien shrugs. “Gold, ancient relics, unhatched eggs, they always guard something. And that something is always worth a whole lot than a weyr of freshly killed Dragonkins.”

The response Tien is expecting does not come, and she looks to Kimber who now has faraway look on his face. “So you really were serious when you said that this might be the last hunt we’ll ever have. Our kills alone are enough to drown ourselves in fine wine for the next twenty years. But if you’re right about the treasures inside, then we don’t have to do all this anymore.”

Like Kimber, Tien does not reply, having mixed emotions about it all.

Thankfully for the Elf, the Human breaks the moment. “It’s bittersweet… but mostly sweet.”

Tien nods, a soft smile gracing her lips. “Mostly.”

Kimber smiles back before facing the other hunters who have now gathered, raising his sword as he shouts, “You hear that, fellas? One more dive into some musty ruins and we can finally pay back the boss with all the thousand year cognac she wants! No more of that filthy ale she forces down her throat to make us happy!”

The other hunters shout back their own cheer, inducing a fond shake of the head from Tien.

The raucous elation is then disturbed by a shriek echoing from inside the ruins. As the cheers come to a halt, a wyvern shoots out of the fortress’ cracked surface.

The laughter comes a moment later.

“Look at the little guy cheering with us,” Kimber says along with the jeers of the others.

Tien ignores her party in favor of watching the wyvern fly up high towards the sky. Wyverns are hostile on sight even if they are outnumbered, but the one that came out is not. And the shriek it let out is not one of fear; hunters are well aware of how a scared wyvern sounds. Tien has never heard that kind of emotion from a wyvern’s call.

How strange, she thinks to herself.

Just as Tien’s gaze settles back on the fortress, the ground they are standing on begins to shake. A clap of thunder that is usually heard from above reaches the hunters ears. It reverberates below their feet, and aside from just hearing it, they feel it as well. The tremors creep up from the earth onto their feet, quivering its way up their bodies until their balance breaks, pulling them down to the ground on their hands and knees.

Now kneeling and unable to regain stability, the hunters as one welcome the great Dragonkin that bursts out of the fortress with forced reverence.

Tien watches in both horror and awe as the fortress that withstood time is now shattered like glass to make way for what appears to be a giant wyvern— using the leading edge of its wings as a forearm, it lands on the solid ground of the desert.

Assessing the monster, Tien’s gaze moves over its golden carapace up to the crown of horns on its head. Just like any other Dragonkin, penetrating the scales would be difficult, which only leaves the underside. It will be the same as any other wyvern, except the one in front of them is ten times larger than the ones they fought in the area, which only means that it would be impossible for such a wyvern to fly. While it can still move around with leaps and bounds, it still is a wyvern on the ground. And as far as Tien’s experience goes, a grounded wyvern is a dead wyvern.

Tien nods to herself.

“Stand your ground!” She shouts as she gets back to her feet, sword placed in front of her. ”We cannot outrun a wyvern this large! So we kill it, like all the others!”

Just as Tien says the words, the “wyvern’s” wings detach from its front legs, before spreading outward in a glorious display— Tien has never seen a wyvern do such a thing. But before she can think further on it, the monster roars, and along with it, the earth quakes in perfect harmony.

Tien frowns, hearing something beyond the sonorous cry. An unrecognizable pattern of sound yet with distinct and clear succession of structured noise, one with an undertone of expression.

Tien’s eyes widen. Did it speak?

The Elf almost cannot believe the conclusion she came up with, but once more, the wyvern roars.

“Orrtid irayagnan onna...”

Tien’s breath catches. “Impossible...” she breathes out.

“Hey, boss! Are we gonna do this or not?”

To Kimber’s question, Tien can only respond with a vacant look.

Unfocused, her quiet words do not quite reach her companions, “Is this what the Dragonkin are guarding? A real Dragon…”

The golden titan roars again, louder and angrier, “Orrtid irayagnan onna!”

This time, Tien does reply. Not to the Dragon, but to her party. “Run! Run for your lives!”

Confusion spread throughout the Dragon Hunters at the sudden change of instruction. But seeing the frantic look on their leader’s face, they all follow with infected horror.

Ma’an watches as the mortal Humans, ordinary and odd, scatter across the sandy terrain, weaving their way through her dead Dragonkin servants. Anger surges from inside her, hot and pulsing like the world’s core. She takes to the skies, looking down on the mortals who dared disturb her slumber on top of murdering her servants.

She lets her wrath free, spewing out the heat that comes from her own core onto the fleeing mortals.

Once they were the masters Ma’an served, but no Human can ever make her bow down again. Setting herself down on the ground, she shouts a vicious cry: a proclamation of her awakening in the present age.

[heniareth]

Hi! OC ask for Astala :)

What was your OC's favorite toy/item as a child?

Do they always rationalize errors? How do they accept disasters and failures?

How does their education and intelligence – or lack thereof - reflect in their speech pattern, vocabulary, and pronunciations?

What demon would your OC be most susceptible to and how would the demon best tempt/manipulate them?

How has your OC changed since you created them?

Hey there!! Thank you the ask (and for giving me many questions to expound upon >:), this is gonna get some interesting answers. Since I have only one Dragon Age oc, it's time to talk about Astala Tabris.

What was your OC's favorite toy/item as a child?

Astala had a stuffed mabari toy by the name of Helm when she was little (the name comes from a weird obsession with the verb to helm. She picked that one up from stories her parents told her, which resulted in a four-year old declaring very earnestly she would "helm" whatever activity the family was about to partake in). Helm would patiently watch her train with her mother, give her some much-needed company while both her parents were at work, and embark on grand quests and adventures alongside the other children in the alienage. When Astala was nine, her mother got taken by humans in company of real mabari - big, snarling, muscly things that reached up to her chest. Astala has been afraid of mabari since that day, even of her old companion Helm. At around that time, her father took in his recently deceased sister's daughter, Shianni. At his suggestion, Astala agreed to give Helm to her cousin to help her adjust to her new life. Shianni has kept Helm up to this day.

Do they always rationalize errors? How do they accept disasters and failures?

She doesn't, or at least not easily. Astala prides herself on being a careful person with a gut instinct that seldomly misleads her. When a course of action does lead to failure, it breaks her image of herself amd her confidence in her ability to keep herself safe. Navigating the human world has imprinted upon her the need to dance the very fine line between self-preservation, standing up for herself and/or for others, and avoiding trouble for the rest of her community. Stumbling in that dance can lead to disastrous consequences, which is exactly what happened after the rescue mission turned slaughter that is her origin story. In retaliation (or so he claims), Rendon Howe purges the alienage. Here's how Astala reacts to that:

"Don't. Don't say you're proud of me." The words had to squeeze through her throat, but she choked them out nonetheless. "Don't you know? The purge you avoided has happened. Because of me."

Adaia Tabris’ face grew hard. “Those men had it coming, Astala. The death of our neighbours lies on the humans, not on you.”

“But they died anyway.” Astala stared at the spirit.

It has happened and nothing can undo it. Astala struggles with that.

How does their education and intelligence - or lack thereof - reflect in their speech pattern, vocabulary and pronounciation?

Astala has had a decent education (math, reading and writing, history and legends, as well as schooling in the Chant of the Light because Maker forbid the elves make up their own version of the chant). As far as intelligence goes, her strongest suit is interpersonal and analytical intelligence. This factors very much into her way of speaking. She has, in broad terms, two registers; one for people she isn't familiar with, doesn't trust, and/or whose opinion she values highly, and the other one for people she is comfortable and familiar with (her cousins, friends, and after she's gotten to know them, the companions). For the first group of people, she tends to use more complex words and "proper" grammar, mirror their manner of speaking and speak from the back of her throat, with a higher pitch. With people she's comfortable with, she'll shorten sentences, contract or omit words, swear and speak in a deeper pitch out of her chest. Here are two examples to contrast both styles:

Style 1:

“I’m sure milord Urien would like to avoid knowledge of his escapades to reach the high ladies of Denerim,” Astala answered. "And there's no need to make a fuss. If you leave and forget this ever happened, we shall return the courtesy."

Style 2:

"Right? It's terrible! I never knew if I should hide or help her," Astala laughed. "Though she wasn't doing it to guilt anyone. It was work, y'know? It put her on edge and then she'd do laundry until she calmed down."

What demon would your OC be most susceptible to and how would the demon best tempt/manipulate them?

Boy oh boy, this is a tough one. I just went and read up on the different types of demons and there are a handful that could fit. Rage would be one, because Astala carries a lot of grief that manifests itself as rage when she lets it out (she's a warrior with the Champion and Berserker specialization). A Rage demon out to posess her would be best served if it catches her in the middle of battle or another moment where she is full of rage and tempt her to forget or ignore the consequences and implications of killing. A demon embodying Vengeance or Bloodlust might do the trick.

Another demon Astala would be susceptible to is a Fear demon. She is terrified of dying, and if she's backed into a corner without a way out, there's a good chance that she'd allow a demon in in order to survive.

How has your OC changed since you created them?

The most obvious thing that's changed about her is her appearance. In my first playthrough, she looked like this and her name was Estela, not Astala:

This was before I knew what either of her parents looked like, so I based the Warden from the first playthrough on a character I'd already made, an elven paladin called Estelleth. Estelleth is veeery happy-go-lucky and an eternal optimist, but Estela the Warden became a very different person the more I played her. And since her personality had changed so much and I wanted there to be a family resemblance between the Warden and her parents, for the second playthrough I created Astala: new name, new looks, new feel. She basically kicked down my door like "Hey, I'm a different character from the eternal sunshine over there." And who am I to deny somebody their personhood and story (the only drawback to that is that I drown in character I do very little with)

---

Aaaaand there we are!! This was lots of fun XD XD XD Thank you for the questions, for letting me ramble about my girl and for prompting me to flesh her out, because I had no idea about the mabari toy before I set to answer this ask. I hope you enjoyed reading this ^^

[greenteabtch]

Inquisitor as a Companion: Ty’as 

Hehe a lot of my mutuals have done this already but I’ve decided to debut my new Inquisitor by sharing them as a Companion! I put my whole heart into this, I hope you enjoy!

Name: Ty’as (she/they)

Race, Class, & Specialization: Qunari (Vashoth), Mage, Rift Mage

Varric’s Nickname for them: Mystic

Default Tarot Card: The High Priestess, Upright: intuitive, unconscious, inner voice.

How they are recruited: After addressing the Chantry in Val Royeaux, the Herald can speak to Solas in Haven about a matter of concern regarding Elven artifacts that measure the veil. He will mention the one in the Hinterlands, as well as a second, temporary location in the Hissing Wastes, beginning Measuring the Veil.

If the Herald does not travel to the Hissing Wastes to activate the artifact before reaching Skyhold, the location will disappear and Ty’as will no longer be recruitable. Talking to Solas will reveal that he felt tremors in the Hissing Wastes, leading him to believe the artifact had been destroyed. This earns slight disapproval from him.

If the Herald agrees and journeys to the location, Solas will be locked in as a party member for the duration of the quest. On arrival, there will be a small scene where they approach a half buried Dwarven temple. Solas will comment that the veil is alight, though with what he’s uncertain. If you investigate further he says the spirits are unusually talkative, and it is too difficult to piece out their message at this time. Descending through the temple, the Herald will encounter a mix of human smugglers and Venatori, each hoping to loot the deserted temple for forgotten art and knowledge. They will have to fight through them to reach the goal marker. Eventually, after two floors, the party will reach a wide room that looks to have been a former library.

A small cutscene plays as the Herald looks around the deserted room, saying they see no signs of any artifact. If playing as a Cadash, they’ll ask if Solas had gotten the location right, as the Shaperate never reflected the presence of any Elves in Dwarven settlements in the region. Solas will reply that he was sure it was here, only to blink and fire a spell towards the door which they entered. He shouts that the figure has the artifact, and the Herald catches sight of a cloaked figure running off in the direction they came and a chase is given through the temple. Before they can reach them, the figure throws up a barrier that causes the Herald and their party to bounce off and stay trapped as they make their escape on horseback. Solas, though aggravated, will sigh saying that it is fine. He is able to sense the artifact through his connection to the Fade. If a non-mage Herald asks why he did not dispel the barrier in the first place, he will comment that it is not a typical barrier, and in fact it seems to be imbued with a spirit of protection. If the Herald is a mage they will ask Solas why they cannot dispel it, to which he will answer the same. The conversation is ended by the barrier dispelling on its own, and Solas indicating that he will lead the way.

At this time the quest Measuring the Veil is marked complete, with a new quest taking its place called Building a Bridge.

The scene changes to an open market in the middle of the desert, colorful fabrics and jewel tones shining in the sun. The Herald and companions look surprised as Qunari pass by, of all ages and walks of life. They look at the party in surprise and question, murmurs indicating shock that they had been discovered by outsiders. If the Herald is an Adaar, they can say “Well… this is starting to look a lot more like home.” If Iron Bull is in the party, he will wonder to himself “Tal-Vashoth? Working together?” The party is then approached by a Qunari male, with one horn broken and a guarded expression. He appears to be a leader of the community, and greets them in Qunlat, asking them to explain who they are and state their business. The Herald can explain the occurrences at the temple, with Solas’ interjection about an artifact of his people being stolen, to which the Qunari male will rub his chin and ask how he can be certain that they’re not Venatori or Smugglers themselves. If Dorian is in the party, his clothes will be pointed out as clearly of Imperium make. The Herald can then show the Mark as proof of their role. 

If playing as an Adaar, the Qunari will apologize in Qunlat, and introduce himself as Nehara, the storyteller and leader of the Tal-Vashoth Encampment. Otherwise he will nod and invite them to follow him to the object. As he leads them to an orange printed tent in the back of the camp, he will refute Solas’ claim that the Elven artifact was stolen, to which Solas will dryly question if Nehara believed it was just being taken out for some air. Nehara will hum, stopping at the tent and saying that he had better let the Seer explain. With puzzled expressions, the party enters, the world around them fading into black. Companions may comment at this point:

The Iron Bull: Oh shit… 

Dorian: Good, I was beginning to forget what it was like to black out from expensive wines.

Vivienne: The fade? No… this couldn’t be… how curious…

Solas: Interesting...

Varric: I miss Kirkwall, at least the weird shit there was bright red in your face crystals, not the ground disappearing under your feet.

Cassandra: What is this… where are we?!

Sera: No friggen way, no friggen way!

Cole: Hello!

Blackwall: Right… guess we could do without the floor… and the walls.. And the sky…

The figure from the temple is positioned at the center of the darkness, and the Herald walks towards them, the party trailing behind. They face away from them, the artifact peeking out, glowing. The Herald has the option to either greet them, wait for them to respond to them, or rip their hood off. 

Option 1: Ty’as hums, asking for just a moment before standing up to face them, artifact in their arms.

Option 2: Ty’as continues to work till they are satisfied, before standing up to face them with the artifact.

Option 3: Ty’as continues to work, though they frown, before standing up to face them with the artifact. 

They will greet the Herald with a name derived from the Herald’s class. 

“Shanedan, (Warrior: Beres-taar, Rogue: Hissrad, Mage: Rasaan)”

Ty’as removes her hood, revealing her horns and explains that she is the village Seer, tasked with communing with the spirit realm and guiding the village through metaphysical matters. She apologizes for running off with the artifact in the Dwarven temple, returning it to Solas with a bow, explaining that she had thought that they were smugglers and wished to protect the artifact. If she had known it was the Herald, she says she would not have run. When asked how she knew about the artifact, Ty’as will smile and with the flip of her hand call a weave of colorful spirits to flow around her, before spinning them away. She explains that amongst the Tal-Vashoth, she is a Seer, the bridge between the natural world and the spirit. They had alerted her to the presence of the artifact when the breach exploded in the sky, and she has been monitoring it ever since, the spirits highlighting the importance of keeping it safe. Solas will look unconvinced. The Herald can ask his opinion, to which he will express that Ty’as’ story is not impossible but he has never met a Tal-Vashoth or Qunari that let their mages run with open mouths, not to mention hold a position of power. Iron Bull can also be consulted, to which he will offer a similar opinion, though run closer to the side of distrust. If Ty’as hears this, they will frown but plainly express that respectfully, what they know of Tal-Vashoth could be boiled down to the size of a Fennec’s nutsack. Iron Bull will snicker at that comment, despite him reaffirming that just because Ty’as could tell a joke didn’t mean Tal-Vashoth couldn’t be dangerous. Ty’as looks discontent but turns to the Herald. 

“I truly meant no disrespect. In truth, I am concerned by the breach, as any. The spirits are whispering of change in the winds, and I must take care to keep them safe.” With a woosh, the blackness disappears and the party is standing in the tent, plush pillows beneath their feet, Ty’as, no longer cloaked, is sporting travel bags and wrapping a shawl around their shoulders. “I will accompany you in your journey.”

The Herald may ask about their village, to which Ty’as will explain that their role as Seer calls them to care for the well being of the spirit realm to balance that of the physical. If they neglect the spirits to tend to their people, they will all suffer in the wake of the breach.  

The Herald can say two things.

Option 1: We’d be remiss to pass you up. (Slightly Approves, Ty’as is recruited for the Inquisition)

Option 2: I think we already have one too many mages. (Ty’as is not recruited for the Inquisition)

If Option 1 is selected, Ty’as will smile, thanking the Inquisitor for their trust. They say they will say their goodbyes. A scene will play where Ty’as walks through the village market, escorted by small children, and accepting supplies from merchants. She will meet Nehara in a hug, who will spin her with a laugh. A small exchange passes between them:

“Panahedan, imekari. Be safe on your journey.” (Take refuge in safety, child)

“Panahedan, Papa. Sataareth kadan hass-toh issala ebasit.” (Take refuge in safety)

The scene ends as Ty’as walks up to the Herald. The Tal-Vashoth village is now explorable, with merchants available, and additional lore about Tal-Vashoth if the Herald speaks to Nehara.

If Option 2 is selected, Ty’as frowns, puzzled. “The spirits did not describe you as a Qalaba.” With that she will brush past them, covering her head with her hood, as she stands at the exit to her tent. With a look back, she bids a final apology to Solas, and thanks the party for their time, walking off into the sand, never to be seen again. The Tal-Vashoth village is explorerable now, with merchants available, and additional lore about Tal-Vashoth if the Herald speaks to Nehara. Additionally, speaking to Nehara will reveal that Ty’as has journeyed on her own to stop the Breach, with or without the Herald’s help.

Where they are in Haven: Ty’as can be found in Adan’s Apothecary, perusing his shelves of herbs. When the PC walks in, they can occasionally hear Adan grumbling about Ty’as messing with his already shoddy equipment, to which she will liltingly reply that she didn’t hear him complain when she brewed a pot full of Vandal’s Tears. 

Speaking to Ty’as will unlock dialogue about:

The Kossith

Their views on Mages

Vashoth/Tal-Vashoth/Kossith Encampments across Thedas

The Qun/Qunari

Their role as a Seer

Their thoughts on Spirits

Their life at the Hissing Wastes Encampment

Where they are in Skyhold: Ty’as resides in the tower between Cullen and Iron Bull’s. Hanging from the beams above are cycles of stained glass, ornamented like mobiles that cast a rainbow pattern along the ground. The stone walls have been covered with tapestries and blankets similar to those seen at the Tal-Vashoth village. A table containing various ground spices, herbs, and dyes sits to the side, and a hammock covered in furs is suspended from the “second floor”. Pillows of orange and red are scattered in a circular fashion around a woven rug, and unfamiliar magical instruments of all shapes and sizes stick out from a chest to the side of the room. A kendang drum rests against it. There is a changing screen with gilded geometric patterns, and a wardrobe.  In the very center of the room is a flat pot of ashes, incense sticks protruding, steaming as if they were just lit. Flowers lie around it, as well as some food offerings. Typically, Ty’as is standing at the desk, staring out the window that looks into Skyhold, sitting in one of the circular pillows, lighting a stick of incense, or hanging strings of Plumeria Alba. For their opening cutscene they are pinning the blankets up to the wall, commenting that she has been amongst ruins before, but for some reason Skyhold’s walls feel eerie, like they were intended to block her connections to the spirits. The Inquisitor can offer to help her put up tapestries, which will give slight approval as she says she’d feel much more at home that way.

Things they Generally Approve of: 

Greatly Approves

-Letting Solas kill the mages in All New Faded for Her.

-Disbanding the Templars in Champions of the Just.

-Allowing Blackwall to stay with the Inquisition after Revelations.

-Selecting ”A dwarf/qunari/elf/mage will fight for us all” when made Inquisitor.

-Having less than 75 court approval at the end of Wicked Eyes and Wicked Hearts.

Approves

-Letting Celene be killed/having Gaspard executed in Wicked Eyes and Wicked Hearts.

-Defending/Showing respect to nonhuman races and mages.

-Letting Cole remain a spirit.

-Being brought to the fade in Here Lies the Abyss.

-Finding the Chateau D’Onterre and uncovering its secrets.

-Aiding the spirit of Command in Crestwood.

Slightly Approves

-Helping Vivienne collect books for the Circle.

-Allying with the mages in In Hushed Whispers.

-Being brought to places where the veil is thin, like ruins or former places of battle.

-Exacting creative punishment in judgements (conscripting Alexius/Blackwall, etc).

-General acts of humility and compassion, such as aiding refugees in the Hinterlands.

-Humorous dialogue.

Things they Generally Disapprove of: 

Slightly Disapproves

-Not aiding the spirit of Command in Crestwood.

-Vehemently anti-magic rhetoric.

-Sacrificing the Chargers in Demands of the Qun.

-Encouraging Cullen to continue to take Lyrium in Perseverance.

Disapproves

-Stopping Solas from killing the mages in All New Faded for Her.

-Putting Gaspard alone on the throne in Wicked Eyes and Wicked Hearts.

-Non-Elf Inquisitors drinking from the Well of Sorrows.

-Being taken into the Deep Roads.

-Conscripting the Mages in In Hushed Whispers.

Greatly Disapproves

-Recruiting the Templars as allies to rebuild in Champions of the Just.

-Banishing Blackwall for his crimes.

-Encouraging Cassandra to rebuild the Seekers.

-Forcing Dorian to reconcile with his Father.

-Cruelty and unjust dialogue/actions.

-Allowing the Wardens to remain in Orlais in Here Lies the Abyss.

Similar to Solas, Ty’as’ approval can be recouped through investigative dialogue about her experiences with spirits, magic, and respectful/affirming words on the Tal-Vashoth. It is not too difficult to earn high approval with her, though.

Mages, Templars, Other?: Growing up in her Tal-Vashoth community, Ty’as was removed from the width of the mage-templar conflict, though she had heard about some of it from word of mouth. She believes that mages can be free to exist without threat, but that Southern society has propagated an unhealthy fear of magic, rather than an understanding. To that extent, though they would prefer Circles to exist only as optional institutions of study, they believe in a paced transition towards changing the Southern perspective on magic that promotes harmony between Fade-Dwellers (spirits) and World-Born (physical beings). Only then can true freedom be achieved for all. Their views are most closely aligned with Vivienne, though they hold a strong distaste for the abuses committed by templars and sanctioned by the Chantry, and prefer disbanding them as the first step towards achieving peace.

Friends in the Inquisition: Vivienne, Iron Bull (later), Cole, Varric, Blackwall, and Solas.

Rivals in the Inquisition: Cassandra, Iron Bull(beginning).

Neutral in the Inquisition: Dorian, Sera, Cullen, Josephine, Leliana.

Romanceable: Yes, to all races and genders.

**If unromanced, and Iron Bull is not romanced, they will strike up a physical relationship that eventually turns  fully romantic. Asking Ty’as’ opinion on Iron Bull will result in a line of dialogue that shifts depending on the stage of their relationship. Stage 1 (Antagonistic): “Ah. He has made it clear where he stands on people like me. I have nothing against him, but I will not seek out a Qalaba and expect it to think.” Stage 2 (After Adamant, Neutral): “He has sought me out about the events in the fade. He is processing the best way he knows how.” Stage 3 (Friendly): “[laughs]... He told me a marvelous story yesterday about his Chargers. I don’t think he sees it, but he is truly a Mother Hen sometimes.” Stage 4 (Romantic; if neither has been romanced): “Maa Asala has grown. He is trying his best to unlearn his fear, both of my people and the spirits... I take great pride in him. Perhaps one day I can show him the village. The children would love his rack.”**

Names

Rivalry: “(if non-Qunari) Basra.” “Inquisitor/Herald.” “(if Qunari) Bas.”

Neutral: “Inquisitor Lavellan/Trevelyan/Cadash/Adaar.” “Beres-taar/Hissrad/Rasaan.”

Friendship: “My friend.” “(Name).”

Romance: “Kadan.” “Maa Asala.”

War Table:

Awfully Bland Here Isn’t It? (After Recruitment)

Inquisitor/Herald,

I’ve noticed a distinct lack of… diversity in your cooking supplies. It has made it difficult for me to perform my offerings to the spirits. If it pleases you, I believe I have a solution which benefits us all. I have contacts with Tal-Vashoth merchants who will be able to provide the Inquisition with a variety of herbs and spices at a reasonable rate. Our traders have access to stocks a Southern peasant would go their entire life without seeing. At worst, you’ll be able to resell them for a decent profit. If you can, though, try to keep this quiet. I would not want to risk the wellbeing of my people.

Please consider.

--Ty’as

P.S- I think the troops would be delighted to have a little bit of flavor added to their meals, wouldn’t you agree?

Options:

>Josephine: This is an incredible opportunity. It’s been whispered amongst elites that Tal-Vashoth trade routes span the entire continent and are impossible to access, for obvious reasons. I can have my emissaries establish a connection with the listed merchants and retrieve supplies of all flavors, materials, styles, colors... Did I already mention this was an incredible opportunity?

>Leliana: We’ll have to keep this quiet. Parading into their market and naming the Tal-Vashoth as our suppliers may inspire backlash amongst Andrastians who couldn’t tell a giant gray rock from a living, breathing, Qunari. My scouts will discreetly meet with these merchants and bring back a small batch of supplies.

>Cullen: This isn’t the North. As silly as it is to admit, the blandness of the food may go unnoticed if we don’t introduce anything new. I say we leave the Tal-Vashoth be and save our gold.

Results:

>Josephine: The delivery arrived this morning and it smells as wonderful as it feels. Unfortunately, Inquisition emissaries in full garb inspired gossip amongst the locals, and now rumor has it we are a long-arm of the Qun disguised as an Andrastian military force. Nothing will come of it, I’m sure, but it is not exactly ideal.

Received: 5 Felandaris, 5 Amrita Veins, 10 Dawn Lotus, 10 Witherstalk, and 7 Rashvine Nettle.

Ty’as slightly disapproves.

>Leliana: In and out, with not a head turned in surprise. Quite the find.

Received: 3 Felandaris, 3 Amrita Veins, 8 Dawn Lotus, 8 Witherstalk, and 5 Rashvine Nettle.

Ty’as approves.

>Cullen: Well. We might not have “java beans” or “galangale,” but at least we maintained our soldiers expectations.

Received: 20 influence.

No approval change.

Contacting the Kos-Rasaan (Available at Skyhold)

Written in a rushed but curvy script.

Inquisitor,

As I was meditating on the events at Haven, I recalled a conversation with my mentor where she lectured me on the Kossith’s recounts of the First Blight. Little outside our community are aware, but the Qun is only a recent innovation amongst our people. Outside of Par Vollen, expanses of innovation and knowledge dating back to the Divine Age were whispered and shared throughout Kossith/Tal-Vashoth societies. With Tevinter and Par Vollen’s history, it would be crucial to get in touch with Kos-Rasaan, to see if her knowledge reflects any existence of this Corypheus, and moreso, if the Kossith encountered others like him.

She may know a weakness that has slipped through the fingers of recorded history.

--Ty’as

Options:

>Josephine: I’m told the University of Orlais has scholars in the area. They may have some knowledge on Kos-Rasaan’s whereabouts. We can send them along with appropriate gifts, such as incense or rare roots.

>Leliana: Allow me to dispatch some of our Elven agents to search for Ty’as’ mentor. It may take longer, but the Kos-Rasaan may find it more amicable to have direct contact with a small number of Inquisition scouts than an unknown entity.

>Cullen: We can send troops to cover the area and conduct a thorough search of the desert. With luck, we’ll find Ty’as’ mentor by sundown.

Results:

>Josephine: The scholars were given quite the scare when they accidentally activated a series of wards, entrapping them in a feisty collection of Deathroot. They readily thrust out the gifts we had brought along, to which I’m told, Kos-Rasaan found amusing. She has sent this message along (see after all advisors)

Received: Saartoh-Bas Kos Issqun (Staff)

20 Power

Ty’as Greatly Approves

>Leliana: Our agents just narrowly missed the deathroot vines that shot from the canyon’s walls. I was told Kos-Rasaan was somewhat disappointed, but greeted them with warmth. She has sent along the following message (see after all advisors)

Received: Saartoh-Bas Kos Issqun (Staff)

20 Power

Ty’as Approves

  >Cullen: In an awkward first-encounter, our soldiers were caught in a series of wards that trapped them in vines of all shapes and sizes. Reacting, they attempted to cut themselves down, which did not please Kos-Rasaan. She was thankfully merciful on the realization that they were rookies, but we should probably consider sending a gift basket. Or replacement vines. I don’t know. 

Received: Saartoh-Bas Kos Issqun (Staff)

20 Power

Ty’as Slightly Approves

Attached Letter to Each Result:

Inquisitor Adaar/Lavellan/Trevelyan/Cadash,

It is certainly a surprise for a Saarebas of my years and reclusion to be put in touch with the Southern force making the ground quiver. Your scholars/scouts/soldiers were a welcome reprieve from the darkness of the times, [if Josephine used:and I thank you for the offerings you have sent (not to mention the gift of laughter).] Maa imekari was smart to point you in my direction, as throughout our history there have been tales of Dark Magisters claiming to possess the power that Corypheus wields. The spirits we have tended to since the birth of our people have whispered of mages entering the fade, but of a Maker or Andraste, not. There may be truth yet to Corypheus, perhaps corrupted after centuries being unable to leave the fade, or merging with a soul of… what you might know as an “Old God.” In any case, I had your agents transcribe some of our oral history regarding him. With any luck you’ll find something of use.

Give my blessings to Ty’as. Please remind her to keep both feet on the ground.

--Transcribed by a precise scholar’s/efficient scout’s/blotted soldier’s hand.

Companion quest:

Chasing a Dream

Triggered by entering her quarters after Here Lies the Abyss and +35 Approval. A cutscene will play where the Inquisitor looks around the room. It seems to be empty, but the incense sticks are recently lit. They look up to see Ty’as, hanging upside down from their knees. The Inquisitor can ask her what she’s doing, to which she will gracefully drop down with a sigh. She will explain that she is trying a technique that will pool her spiritual energy towards her crown, but once again it is to no avail. The Inquisitor can prod further, at which point she will frown and gesture for the Inquisitor to join them on the cushions. Ty’as will disclose that she is trying to widen her mana pool to seal her connection to the fade and achieve abilities similar to that of a somniari. If the Inquisitor asks why she describes with a fond look that the somniari leads a perfect state of being: one foot firmly planted in the spirit realm, and one in the physical. Though she would not be a true somniari, she would be able bridge the tiny magic deficit between herself and that of one to fulfill her role as a seer beyond a doubt, and serve her community in the ultimate way.

There are some Dialogue Options here:

a) You already seem to have a strong connection with the fade. (slightly approves)

Response: It is as you say… In truth, though, it is not as effective to commune with the beings there but not be able to enter their home as they enter mine. 

b) Getting sick of the physical realm? (slightly disapproves)

Response: I am equally bound to both realms, to neglect one would be to give a starving man food but no water.

c) So you’d be more susceptible to demons (slightly disapproves)

Response: It’s far more complex than that, but I suppose if you must put it simply. I would also be able to communicate with more spirits than before.

d) (Flirt) Ah, so now you’ll be making even more appearances in my dreams? (slightly approves)

Response: Even more you say? That could be arranged...

A mage Inquisitor may say that they thought that there was no recorded way to increase one's connection to the fade, to which Ty’as will look thoughtful. They will reveal their Father had passed down a story about a Kossith mage, who after performing a ritual, was able to enter the fade at will. They explain that they had always wished to pursue the tale, but after seeing the fade for themselves, began to look in earnest, resulting in the discovery of a set of tablets describing the ritual in the tale. Ty’as says that they need it retrieved from the private collection of a rich Orlesian merchant, and asks if the Inquisitor could spare the resources.

The Dialogue Options are:

a) We will get you what you need.

Response: [with a smile] You have my thanks Inquisitor. I will leave the location of the artifact with your advisors. (Approves)

b) Are you sure about this?

Response: I know it must seem like I’m chasing a loose thread, or that I am attempting to alter the physical fabric of my being. But I need to do this, to fulfill my role as a Seer. (Returns to options A and C)

c) I don’t like the sound of this.

Response: [frowns] Do not act as if you are more versed in what I need than I am. Please… you wouldn’t understand. Should you change your mind, I will leave the location of the artifact with your advisors. (Disapproves)

In any case, the quest Chasing a Dream will appear in the journal. To continue the quest, the Inquisitor must go to the war table, where a quest marker by the same name will appear in Val Royeaux.

Chasing A Dream; War Table

Inquisitor Lavellan/Adaar/Cadash/Trevelyan,

The tablets that Lady Ty’as seeks are housed in the DuRellion’s Estate. When we petitioned them for custody, citing the cultural value of the artifacts, they responded with an elegant refusal. Apparently it has been ‘passed down in their family for generations and generations…’ The tales these nobles spin… They will soon be hosting a soiree where they intend to showcase their immense collection of magical objects. If we play our cards right, it could be an opportunity to acquire a closer look at the tablets.

Yours,

Ambassador Montilyet

Options:

>Josephine: I could secure the Inquisition invitation to the DuRellion’s soiree. All they need is a little bit of assurance that the Inquisition will remember their generous contribution.

>Leliana: It would be simple enough to retrieve the tablets before the day of the Soiree. I hear blackouts are becoming common again throughout Orlais. A product of the civil war, perhaps?

>Cullen: Not participating.

Results:

>Josephine: It took several hours and multiple barrels of Antivan wine, but the tablets are secured. 

Received Quest Object: Tablets of Tjioman

Ty’as slightly approves

>Leliana: The soiree was cancelled after a sudden run of power outages led to the disappearance of the tablets. I’m told they suspect the Marquis! There always was bad blood between them. 

Received Quest Object: Tablets of Tjioman

Ty’as slightly approves

To continue, speak to Ty’as in her tower. She will be grinding a red colored mixture in a bowl, before drinking it. They turn when the Inquisitor enters, excitement in their voice as she asks for the tablets. The Inquisitor hands them to her, and she steps back, mouth moving as she looks over the ancient script. She halts her pacing.

“It would seem that I need your help once more. The ritual requires the presence of one who has walked the fade before. A somniari... or you.”

Dialogue Options:

a) But I’m not a mage? (non-mage Inquisitor)

Response: But you have the mark, and we all saw what happened in Adamant. (Returns to dialogue tree with this option gone)

b) This is starting to sound dangerous. (slightly disapproves)

c) What would you have me do? (no approval change)

d) I trust you. (Flirt) (slightly approves)

Response: Thank you...That holds great meaning for me.

“The instructions are difficult to translate. You will…for lack of better words.. Open a rift inside of me. Not in actuality, of course, but that is what it will feel like to you.”

Some investigative options are available now, which reveal that going through with the ritual will widen Ty’as’ mana pool, but at the cost of making her more attractive to demons. She may be more susceptible to possession, and lose some of her livelier qualities. She would be more powerful and see more of the Fade and its spirits if the ritual is performed.

Option 1: Say you will help Ty’as perform the ritual. (Greatly Approves)

Ty’as thanks the Inquisitor and says the two of you must go quickly, before this moon cycle ends. The scene changes to that of the desert, likely the hissing wastes, as Ty’as climbs a dune and sits below a barren tree. They pull out a mixture of gold and mark their face in ceremonial dress, beckoning the Inquisitor closer and doing the same for them. Then they pour a potion from their belt, sharing it with the inquisitor. They smile, looking somewhat nervous, but relax into a lotus position, waiting for the moon to finish its ascent. When it has reached the highest point, Ty’as will exclaim “Now!” and the Inquisitor will reach their hand out, showing a beam of green similar to when they close rifts protruding from Ty’as’ forehead. After a second, there is a boom that flings the Inquisitor back into a rock and knocks them out. When they awake, the sun is rising, and they scrabble over to Ty’as who is lying flat on their back. The Inquisitor shakes them awake and Ty’as opens their eyes, a coat of blue over them but snapping away with a blink. She accepts the helping hand up and smiles. “It is done.”

Option 2: Say you will not help Ty’as perform the ritual. (Greatly Disapproves)

Ty’as is visibly distraught and tries to convince the Inquisitor to change their mind, but if they stay their course, they eventually acquiesce and say that if it is so then it is so for a reason. The cutscene ends and the quest And Morning Came is available.

And Morning Came (Only if the Inquisitor did not help Ty’as perform the ritual)

Ty’as is sitting on the wall which overlooks Skyhold’s lower level, birds tweeting. They turn their head at the Inquisitor’s approach, a tentative smile on their face.

“I wanted to apologize for putting you in that position, Inquisitor. It was a daunting ask, one that you were reasonably cautious of.” They watch as Cole tends crouches by a sick man.

“I wanted to be more than I was born as. To rise to the role I had been given. I was so consumed with my love for the world that I did not stop to think that I was born as I was for a purpose.”

Dialogue options.

a) You’re perfect as you are. You always have been. (Flirt) (approves)

>Response: [softly] You speak from the heart?

I. Where else? (slightly approves)

II. Without a doubt. (approves)

III. I take it back. (disapproves)

*picking options I and II will bring a smile to Ty’as’ face, and she will look at the Inquisitor with pleading eyes, before looking to their lips, and away.

b) It’s easy to get lost in our ambitions. (slightly approves)

c) You care very deeply for your community. (approves)

d) That wasn’t very wise. (slightly disapproves)

“You are right… [she smiles towards you] I am feeling ...whole. Thank you, Inquisitor. For standing your ground.” They rise from their seat, walking off towards the battlements before calling over their shoulder. “Come by anytime Inquisitor. I am grateful for your friendship.”

Romance: The Land of the Living (Available if Ty’as was flirted with during Chasing a Dream or And Morning Came)

Activated by entering Ty’as chambers after the prerequisites are met.

The scene changes to twilight in Skyhold’s lower courtyard, where Ty’as is pleasantly speaking with an elven scout. She has picked a flower for Ty’as, who gratefully accepts and weaves it through her hair. The elf stutters, blushing like mad and taking their leave when the Inquisitor approaches. Ty’as watches fondly, before looking towards the Inquisitor, who asks, “New friend?” Ty’as shakes their head, explaining that people often like to bring them gifts of affection, despite her lack of interest romantically.

Dialogue options:

a) So you’re leading them on? (slightly disapproves)

>Response: (sighs) It is in fact their own fantasy. I make my intentions clear from the start.

b) In high demand then? (slightly approves)

>Response: (laughs) Apparently so. Perhaps my appearance is attractive to them.

c) Not the type to be tied down? (Flirt) (approves)

>Response: (she peers up seductively) In a manner of speaking I am. 

“In truth, I have never had a very structured experience with romance. Training in isolation for the decade of your maidan years does make that difficult, and my people struggle to view me as someone to know intimately.”

Dialogue options:

a) Is that something you want? (Flirt)

b) That’s not something I’ve struggled with. (Flirt)

>Response: (coyly) No?

c) I could never see you that way. (Ends scene)

She stands, gesturing the Inquisitor along. They walk towards the outside gates as the stars begin to show. They pause at the outermost wall, Ty’as leaning against it and looking over the glaciers.

“I want to live. To feel like I might die and fear every second of it.” Their voice drops, and they look to the Inquisitor, caressing their face. “To experience unimaginable levels of ecstasy and pleasure, achieved with one that I love. I want to be…” They drag their thumb over the Inquisitor’s lip. “Physical…” They look into their eyes. “Emotional…” Their lips part. “Yours.”

a) [Kiss her] (Locks in Romance) (Greatly Approves)

b) I want that too. (Locks in Romance) (Approves)

c) I can’t give you this. (Ends scene) 

Picking option A or B will result in a passionate makeout against Skyhold’s outer walls.The scene fades to black and the Inquisitor awakens in Ty’as’ room. Ty’as is already awake, and watches the Inquisitor languidly with love in their eyes. 

Tarot card change

Ritual Performed: Death, Upright: end of cycle, beginnings, change, metamorphosis.

Ritual Not Performed: The World, Upright: fulfillment, harmony, completion,

Romance: Judgement, Upright: reflection, reckoning, awakening.

Banter

Cole’s reflection on their thoughts:

“Colorful smoke, the smell of incense fills my nose, songs sung over a hundred ages, beasts and legends and heroes alike, us, me, ours, ‘Papa, are they proud of me?’”

“Ra’s staff sweeps my legs, ‘Again!’ bruises bloom, my proof, my flesh is frail, but I am strong, bright, blasting. I will try again.”

(If ritual was completed) “They’re loud now, they always were, they liked to talk, but too loud now, I can’t rest, I must listen, this is my purpose, Compassion help me!”

(If ritual was not completed) “She stares at her reflection, touches her nose, her eyes, her scars, her horns. This is me too.”

(If romanced) “Bodies and bodies, no, a body, one to hold close, confide in, who believes. He/She/They ground(s) me like roots in the desert, buried deep, tangled. Spirit and soul, united, alive, awake.”

Comment(s) on Mages: “Fear… so much fear… of the templars and of themselves…” “They are stronger than this.” “I wish I could sit down and speak to them all.” “It doesn’t have to be like this.”

Comment(s) on Templars: “Little people in big suits.” “I am sorry that they have been twisted to fear their siblings.” “They wield magic too.” “There is something to be said about people who hide behind weapons and armor”

When looking for something: “It seems the spirits are guiding you!” “I wonder what we’ll find!”

When finding a campsite: “Let us rest.” “A breath would be welcome.”

When the Inquisitor Falls: Low Approval: “Goodnight!!” “Meravas (So shall it be)!” “May you lie in the grave you dug.” // Neutral: “I will be there in a moment!” “Spirits watch them!” // High Approval: “I’m here!” “Rethsaam Inquisitor (We all protect the Inquisitor!)” // Romance: “Maa Asala, please do not leave!” “Spirits, not yet, not them!”

Upon killing an Enemy: “Spirits take you.” “Maaras, kata. (Nothing is ended)” “Asit tal-eb. (It is to be)”

When they are low on Health: “Virtues, some kindness please!” “Ah, those aren’t health potions.” “If you demand my soul, meravas!”

When revived: “My journey continues.” / “Not today, it seems.” / “You have my thanks.”

When a companion is low on health: (Iron Bull) “Losing your touch, Bull?” / (Varric) “Seek higher, Varric!” / (Dorian) “I’ll lend you my assistance!!” / (Sera) “Watch your surroundings, Sera!” / (Cassandra) “Ouch.” / (Solas) “Look forward, Vehl (Mentor).” / (Cole) “Compassion, knives are okay!” / (Vivienne) “My lady, allow me to help!” / (Blackwall) “Beres-taar, please care for yourself!”

When a companion falls: (Iron Bull) “(sigh)” if romanced: “Parshaara! You will not.”/ (Varric) “Small one!” / (Dorian) “Let’s not nap now, my friend!” / (Sera) “Sprightly one! Wake please!” / (Cassandra) “Hm.” / (Solas) “You are stronger than this, Solas!” / (Cole) “Compassion, no!” / (Vivienne) “My lady!” / (Blackwall) “My friend! Spirits guide him.”

When they see a Dragon: “Breathtaking. True embodiments of Protection.” “They are highly respected amongst my people… in person it is clear to see why.”

Default saying: 

Rivalry: “Ah, how unexpected.” “Inquisitor/Herald.” “Hello.” 

Neutral: “Inquisitor Adaar/Cadash/Lavellan/Trevelyan.” “How can I help, Inquisitor/Herald?” “Did you have need of me?”

Friendship: “My friend, let me start a brew you.” “Shanedan!” “Something is on your mind? Sit with me.”

Romance: “Maa Asala,” “How lucky I am, to share a moment with you.” “Your visage never tires me, Kadan. Speak with me for a while, please..”

Travel Banter:

The Iron Bull: So… your whole village back there…. Tal Vashoth?

Ty’as: Yes.

The Iron Bull: All of them?

Ty’as: What answer are you seeking?

The Iron Bull: Just an explanation to the number of hornless, the black eye-balls… features you don’t have.

Ty’as: Our community is descended from Kossith who left the North before the Qun took place. Some of their physical traits still show, to speak little of their cultures and histories.

The Iron Bull: But you’re really a Tal-Vashoth. 

Ty’as: My Mother is. She met my father after leaving the Qun. I am simply Vashoth. You believe what I say about the Kossith?

The Iron Bull: I’m looking for a reason not to.

(After Chasing a Dream is completed)

Solas: This ritual you found… did it succeed?

(If ritual not completed) Ty’as: Perhaps it did long ago, but it was not to be for me.

Solas: That is… unfortunate to hear. A greater relationship with the fade is one to be treasured.

Ty’as: I understand what you are saying, Vehl, though I find I am grateful for my relationship now. We cannot force ourselves into a deeper connection with friends and lovers, the spirit world is the same.

Solas: A unique way of approaching it. I am glad to see you remain whole.

Ty’as: (smiling) Me too.

(If ritual completed) Ty’as: It did.

Solas: Ah, how intriguing. How has dreaming been since?

Ty’as: Dreams have always been different, but the few times I have managed to sleep have blessed me with visions been beyond description.

Solas: Few times? Not sleeping well then?

Ty’as: No. Adjustment has been… odd.

Solas: I can imagine. When we return to Skyhold, I will send over some herbs that may help. Ghilas eth ma. (Go with safety.)

Ty’as: Compassion, is this the only form you have?

Cole: Leliana doesn’t let me fill out reports.

Ty’as: Ah, my mistake. 

Cole: You mean why don’t I look like Bronala? I can grow the horns if it will help, but I don’t think Vivienne will like me on four legs.

(If present) Solas: Nor will the rest of the Inquisition, I believe.

Ty’as: No, thank you. I would not wish you to change yourself for me. Be as you are.

Cole: You were not wrong about what we look like. Some windows are more colorful than others.

*Bronala- An animist god said to embody compassion in Kossith religion.

Cassandra: Ty’as, Cullen has told me that you have been aiding our soldiers through stretches?

Ty’as: It is called merengtakan. Would you like to join us? It may give you some peace of mind.

Cassandra: I pray to the Maker for that.

(if present) The Iron Bull: You’re missing out, Cassandra. I felt a pop in my back so big I thought I lost part of my spine.

(if present) Sera: Frig. That arse would’ve been the perfect target.

(if present) Varric: Listen, I was skeptical too Seeker but you can’t argue with the results. Look how much handsomer I’ve gotten!

Ty’as: We all have different pathways to clarity. Go as you wish, but you are always welcome.

Dorian: Ty’as, you’re awfully tall.

Ty’as: [laughs] You’re awfully small.

Dorian: Yes, astute observation. I was just thinking it must be difficult to find clothes in your size, like Bull.

(if present) Iron Bull: My lack of clothing is a personal statement.

(if IB present) Dorian: Right, that’s why you don’t wear a shirt in minus 30 weather. To make a point.

Ty’as: No more than it’s difficult for you to find a tailor willing to sew forty buckles together and make a onesie.

Dorian: Well, touché.

Blackwall: So. What did you do for fun in the desert?

Ty’as: Ate fruit, communed with the spirits, danced naked in the moonlight, mancala. 

Blackwall: Mancala you said?

(if present) Sera: You?!?!? Oh… joking.

(After Revelations)

Ty’as: Blackwall…

Blackwall: Yes?

Ty’as: I am proud of you.

Blackwall: … Thanks.

Vivienne: Ty’as, have you had the chance to look over the books I sent you?

Ty’as: I found them intriguing, my lady. Did you give any thought to the scrolls I sent?

Vivienne: Of course. This research on the fade is… one lacking in the Circles. 

Ty’as: If it pleases you, I will be happy to make copies so that you may share them amongst your peers.

Vivienne: No, allow me darling. I’m grateful for the knowledge. Spreading education and understanding of magic will be a huge help to young mages across Thedas.

Ty’as: You are as intelligent as you are beautiful my lady. I could not agree more.

(If in party) Iron Bull: Damn...

 Leaving the Inquisition: If approval is low enough for them to leave, the Inquisitor will find Ty’as descending from the tower wearing travelling gear. They will say that it is clear that the Inquisitor was not who they thought they were, and that their partnership will end here. The Inquisitor may try to ask Ty’as to stay, but Ty’as will say that the spirits signs are clear, and the Inquisitor’s poor leadership and cruelty are intolerable. They will leave if the Inquisitor does not apologize and pledge to do better, never to be seen again.

[elzetastuff]

New Feelings Blossoming

*in the middle of a battle against fatui in a domain*

*Team composed by Aether, Diluc, Fischl and Bennett*

Bennett: "I'm going in! *Activating his ultimate on the ground*

Diluc approaches to the buff circle and charges his ultimate

D: “Burn!!!”

A giant pyro eagle comes from Dilucs sword, hitting the fatui soldiers and damaging most of  them, while the rest of the soldiers survive with just a little bit of life left.

Aether: *using his anemo ability* “Wind Blade!”

From the palm of his hand, the traveler summoned a vortex that damaged the rest of the enemies and threw them in the air, finally knocking them up and clearing the room.

Aether: “Huh, it wasn't a bad combo after all”

Bennett: “Yes! We did it!”

Diluc: “Don't chant victory yet, kid. they're still coming”

Portals appear in front of the party as moew fatui soldiers arrived, ready to stop and defeat the adventurers

Bennett: “What? A second round so soon?”

Fischl: “Foolish ignorants who dare to combat with the prinzessin der verurteilung only shall find despair and failure in their future!”

Aether: *sighs and grabs his sword* “Lets keep going!”

The team keeps fighting together as the fatui used their weapons against them

F: “Oz! Reveal thyself!” 

O: “As you wish, Mein Fräulein”

Oz appears and starts to attack the soldiers with electro damage. with Diluc’s sword and Bennett’s buff power, the Cryo and Hydro soldiers got defeated fast

Suddenly, a new portal emerged from behind the team. and a Electro Fatui soldier appeared with his hammer in hand, ready to smash the adventurers

A: “Watch out!”

The Fatui soldier lifted his hammer and attacked in the direction of Fischl. The girl was frozen in place as the Soldier jumped at her direction. but before the hammer could hit her, someone yelled her name

Bennett: “Fischl!”

The boy ran to her direction and pushed her out of the way. The hammer hit against the solid floor as the fatui soldier growled in anger

“Stupid kids, stop getting in our way!”

D: “You and your organization should be the onea to get out of our way”  Diluc says with an angered tone as he prepared himself to launch his ultimate ability again

Aether: “Let's do it at the same time!”

“As if you-!!!”

D/A: “Time for… Retribution!/ Disappear!” 

A giant tornado appears and swallows the electro soldier and the rest of the fatui remaining, damaging and knocking them up along with the pyro damage

Once the room was cleared up again. Diluc sighs and crossed his arms

D: “Guess those were the last ones, for now at least”

A: “Hey guys, are you guys oka- uhhh”

Bennet groans and shakes his head “Ow, I think I hit my head… wait, where’s Fischl-!”

Bennett’s eyes widen as he notices Fischl, the girl that he just pushed away, laying below him with a beet red face. 

F: “C-Care to move already?”

It took Bennett a few seconds before realizing the compromising position they were in now “Gah! I’m sorry!” quickly standing and giving the girl some personal space “I swear it was not my intention to-”

F: “T-Theres no necessity to apologize, companion. I understand the reasons of your actions and Im grateful in these timea of war and disgrace”

Despite saying those words. Fischl’s face was still red and looking away from Bennett and the rest of the team

B: “Uhm, I think I did not understand much about you said..” in that moment, Oz chuckled as he flied to the boys direction

O: “Do not worry, sir Bennett. Mein Fraulein is only thanking you for saving her, that’s all”

B: “Oh, well, it was nothing, as long as everyone is safe and well”

Diluc sighs and shakes his head “I'm sorry if I ruin this moment, but we should keep going before more fatui arrive and makes things worse”

Aether: “Sir Diluc is right. Let's keep moving and finish the mission as soon as possible”

The two walked in direction to the exit as Bennett sighed and looked at the girl sitting on the floor

B: “Need some help?”

Fischl looked up as the boy offered her a hand, and she scoffed

F: “Thanks, plebeian companion, but I, Fischl, can stand up on her two feet without the aid of- ouch!”

She hissed in pain before she could get up. 

B: “Eh, are you okay?”

Oz approached the girl “Mein fraulein, what's wrong, can you get up?”

F: “My foot… it hurts..”

B: “Oh, you must have gotten a twist on your ankle. Don't worry, it's not something too big, but still, we should go back to Mondstadt so they can see your knee”

O: “It looks like sir bennett knows a lot about this kind of injuries”

B: “Oh well, I get hurt everyday, I'm just used to it, you know”, He shrugs as he offers his hand again, “You may still need help to get back to the city. Don't worry, I can help you with that” 

Fischl mutters something before sighing and grabbing his hand “Fine. I guess I can let you, oh cursed companion, to help this princess in her moments of aid. I will allow you to get close but not too much, so the darkness of my spirit doesnt eat your soul and fill the void of my heart”

Oz:  “Mein Fraulein says she's thankful again for your help, but asks you to not touch her too much”

B: “Eh? Well I wasn't thinking about doing anything weird...”, Fischl grunts in pain as he helps her stand up, then he puts her arm over his shoulder “See? you can use me as support until we go back to Mondstadt”  

Fisch sighs and blushes at Bennett’s kind smile “I suppose...”

Oz: “Don't worry, Mein Fraulein. Once were back and you're healed with the healing magic of the nuns, we will go back to our adventure”

F: “I do not wish to be healed by the magic of those pagans who make rituals for- eep!”

B: “Hey, don't try to walk so fast, you're going to lose your balance like that” 

Bennett softly grabs Fischl’s waist  as she gasps “See? try to keep the pace with me, I promise I will walk slow”

F: “D-Don't grab my waist like that!”

B: “Like how? Im just helping you to balance so you don't fall”

O: *chuckles* “Looks like Mein Fraulein is getting a little bit flustered at this situation”

F: “O-Oz!”

B: *Oblivious and confused*

Much later, the team exited the domain and arrived at the city of Mondstadt. The others asked what happened to Fischl, and Bennett told them what happened with her ankle ane that they shouldnt worry.

While Diluc had to go back to the winery and Aether had a new important quest to do. Bennett helped Fischl to walk and enter the cathedral.

B: “Hello? Hey, it's me again!”

Seconds after announcing his entrance, a known nun appeared from another door

“Oh Bennett? So soon already? What happened to you no- Oh!”

B: “Hey Barbara” *smiles* “I'm sorry to bother you again, it's just that we were on a mission and Fischl twisted her ankle. Can you help her?”

Fischl scoffed “I don't have any business with- ow!”

Barbara: “Oh, I see now. Don't worry, Im sure my hydro vision will heal you in no time, Fischl, please take a seat”

B: “This way” , Bennett helped the princess to sit on one of the benches as Barbara quickly approached 

Fischl pouted and crossed her arms as Barbara touched her leg

B: “This won't take much, please don't be scared if you feel a cold sensation in you leg”

F: “Me? Scared? the cold sensation of healing wont do anything to turn me away from my destiny! Not even the dread cold of death, nor the sensation of despair and the sound of desperation of hundreds of agonizing mortal lives can-”

B: “And, ready! try to stand up this time, but don't try to overwork yourself too hard this time”

Fischl’s eyes widened a bit before she started to stand up. “The pain disappeared...” she mumbles as she started to walk

Oz: “How can we repay for your healing services, madame?”

B: “Oh? Oh, don't worry about paying me. I'm always happy to help everyone who enters this cathedral. If I started to charge mora for my services, I don't know how I would feel! No, as long as you're safe and happy, it will be more than enough”

Oz: “Those are incredible words to hear, madame. Truly you're one of the most humble and kind persons we could ever meet”

Fischl huffes and crosses her arms “Very well. I thank you once again for your services, dear nun. but I, the Prinzessin Der Verurteilung, still has a lot of jobs in this mortal realm and its remaining hours until the darkness swallows the existence of this word”

O: “We should ask Katheryne if she still has more quests for the day. thanks once again”

Bennett: “Glad I could help too”

Fischl: “Huh? Now wait there, young man. I still have some words to talk to you”

Bennett: “Eh? what happened now?”

Fischl approached with a frown to Bennett and grabbed his arm as she dragged him to a place away from the nun and the crow. Once they were far away, she let his arm go and glared at him.

F: “For all the things that happened today, and for the intrusion of the personal space of the Prinzessin, you would have been arrested and fusilated in my world…. *sigh* but since we’re not in my world, and for your sudden help, and your good intentions, I think you deserve a small reward for the time being…”

B: “Reward? ¡Oh no! It's not necessary, miss Fischl I don't need- !!!”

Bennett’s words died on his throat as he freezed. the touch of soft lips touched his cheek for a few mere seconds before she pulled out.

The two blushed hard as Bennett looked at her, shocked and not believing what happened

Fischl covered her red tomato face as she looked away “S-So, anyway… Goodbye!”

Fischl ran away as she passed through Barbara and Oz

O: “Miss Fischl! What did Miss Barbara tell you about running?”

F: “Let's go already Oz!” she yelled as she ran to the door

O: *sighs* “Pardon me for leaving so soon, Miss Barbara, I hope we can meet again in a better time”

Barbara: *giggles* “It's alright, remember that the cathedral of Mondstadt is always open for travelers and adventurers. So don't be afraid of coming back, even if it's just for just talking”

Oz: “I will remember that, thanks”

Oz quickly flies away before Fischl could close the door and run away. His questions about why she looks so red and why she was running will be answered once she calms down

Barbara smiled before looking back at Bennett, who was still frozen and touching his cheek

Barbara: “Bennett? are you feeling alright”

B: “... did a girl just kissed me...?”

Barbara: “What? Bennett are you- Eep!”

Suddenly, the boy fainted on the floor as his brain couldn't process what just happened earlier.

Barbara: *sighs* “Guess I should carry him to a bed until he wakes up..:”

Since ever that day, the relationship between the princess Fischl and the unfortunate adventurer Bennett changed, as new feelings would blossom in the near future.

[witchyintention]

10 Witches Of World Mythology

Witches and witchcraft have captivated the minds of everyone: from angry villagers wondering why the women of the town were gaining a sense of independence to the average Joe wondering whether that herbal tea last night was a potion or just really bad tea. Witches have been seen as objects of wisdom and evil in folklore for many generations.

10. Kikimora

The kikimora, whose name is extremely fun to pronounce, is a household spirit who must—above all—be respected. She is the female equivalent and wife to the domovoi, or male household spirit, and her presence is always made known by wet footprints. So what makes the kikimora a witch you don’t want to cross? Well, she’s somewhat harmless, but if she is disrespected, she will whistle, break dishes, and throw things around. Unless you like all of your things broken, you’d best stay on her good side.

9. Circe

A famous character in Homer’s Odyssey, Circe was a witch who lived on an island called Aeaea. She took up a rather peculiar hobby—she would turn passing sailors into wolves and lions and all sorts of animals after drugging them. Hey, some people collect stamps, others like turning men into animals. Who are we to judge?

When Odysseus visited Aeaea, Circe turned his men into swine, but Odysseus was given a magical plant by the gods that prevented Circe from morphing him. After making Circe swear not to betray him, Odysseus and his men lived under Circe’s protection for a year before attempting to sail back to Ithaca.

8. Morgan Le Fay

Most people are vaguely familiar with the legend of King Arthur and his companion the wizard Merlin, but few of us remember a character by the name of Morgan Le Fay. In the myths, she works tirelessly with her magic to bring down the good Queen Guinevere, who banished her from the court when she was younger. She tries to betray Guinevere’s lover, Sir Lancelot, and foil the quests of King Arthur’s knights. The ultimate fate of Morgan is unknown, but she does eventually reconcile with King Arthur and brings him to Avalon after his final battle.

7. The Witch of Endor

The Witch of Endor wasn’t necessarily malevolent, but the fate she spoke of was not one to be ignored. As the story goes, King Saul went to the Witch of Endor for answers about how to defeat the Philistines. The Witch then summoned the ghost of the prophet Samuel—who didn’t tell him how to defeat the Philistines—but prophesied that he would be defeated and join his three sons in the afterlife. Saul, who is wounded the next day in the battle, kills himself out of fear. And while the Witch didn’t technically make Saul kill himself, she was certainly an accessory.

6. Jenny Greenteeth

Depending on where in England you’re from, you may know this cruel hag as Ginny, Jinny, Jeannie, or Wicked Jenny. Jenny Greenteeth was a hag who would intentionally drown the young and the old for the sheer fun of it. In some legends, she devours the children and elderly. In others, she’s just a sadist who enjoys the pain her victims go through. She’s frequently described as having a green complexion and razor-sharp teeth. As with many creepy characters from folklore, she was probably used to scare children into behaving and staying close to the water’s edge when taking an afternoon swim. But the main moral to this story is this: stay away from green river hags.

5. Chedipe

Ah, the Chedipe. What art thou: a witch, a vampire, what? Either way, she’s no pretty dame in the moonlight. The Chedipe is a woman has died during childbirth or committed suicide and is to the Indian equivalent of the succubus. She rides on a tiger in the moonlight, and when she enters a home, not a soul will wake or notice her. She then sucks the life out of each man through the toes—yes, the toes—and leaves without a trace.

4. The Weird Sisters

Shakespeare’s Macbeth is one of the Bard’s defining plays, with brilliant characters galore and a story rife with magic, betrayal, and fear. But the very first characters in the story are the ones that set everything in motion—the Weird Sisters. And yes, they are more than a little weird, but in this case “weird” means “fate,” so they are the Sisters of Fate. They act as agents of destruction and not only send Macbeth into a spiral of corruption and paranoia, they send all of Scotland to war just to take one man out of power. Now that’s evil.

3. The Bell Witch

The Bell Witch is the most famous witch in American folklore, and her story is the kind that you’d tell around a campfire. The Bell Witch was supposedly a poltergeist that appeared in the home of John Bell, Sr. in 1817. The Bell Witch would attack members of the household and frequently swear at the family, and she eventually poisoned John Bell, Sr. by leaving a bottle of poison in the guise of medicine. Remind us to burn some sage tonight.

2. Hecate

Hecate was the Greek goddess of witchcraft. She was also the goddess of witches, sorcery, poisonous plants, and a host of other witchy attributes. Hecate was the daughter of the titan Perses, and she is still worshipped by some Greek polytheists today. It is said that the very concept of a jinx came from her, and shrines to her were raised to prevent the wrath of evil demons and spirits in the Greek mythos. One of her names—Chthonia—means “of the underworld.”

So what makes her so fearsome? Well, she’s the goddess of witchcraft. If she existed, she probably wouldn’t take too kindly to Europe’s (or Salem, Massachusetts’s) ancient habit of hating and burning/killing “witches” (who were likely just the unfortunate innocent). The fact that we’ve turned witches from fearsome wise-women who could inflict pain and healing into beautiful, televised women who use magic to cheat on their exams would probably irk her slightly.

1. The Graeae/Morai

So what witches do we conclude our list with? Why the very spinners of fate, of course. The Graeae and the Morai are two separate trios of witches who understand the whims of fate, but since they are often lumped together we’ll mention them both. The Morai spun the loom of fate, and everyone’s fate was tied to their loom, even those of non-mortals.

The Graeae, on the other hand, were three malevolent sisters—kin to the Gorgons (Medusa and her two lesser-known sisters). The Graeae were not the friendliest bunch, but they did share an eye, which they passed between themselves. The Graeae also had knowledge of the unknown and of fate, but they did not control it. So which is worse—sisters to Medusa or those who could snip your string of life? We’d steer clear of both of them if we were you, dear reader.

[crocworkships]

Reconnaissance Mission

(A/N: Part three to this and this little series. How is Illumi dealing with this weird Hunter woman? Not especially well! :D)

In the days after she snapped at him, Illumi found himself thinking more and more often of the strange Hunter that dared stand between himself and his dearest little brother. Her indignation and her stubborn drive to protect those children (even from things they needn’t be protected from, like their own family) stuck in his mind. It also bothered him that his Kill seemed to care for her as well.

He started keeping an eye on the Hunter once in awhile, in-between jobs. He told himself that he was simply watching over Kill at first, since she accompanied him and the other boy, Gon, fairly often, like a mother hen. Then he decided that he was watching the Hunter to figure out the opportune moment and way to get rid of her, so she would stop interfering with his family. Then, he simply watched her out of habit. She was so odd, in a completely different way than most other people he knew; she flipped constantly between maternal caring for the two young boys, to a sort of childlike giddiness whenever she talked to a friend (he observed that she spent a lot of time in a retired Hunter’s curio shop) about recent acquisitions as a Hunter, to that same pique she had showed him when she felt one of her own was threatened – though he also observed that this happened relatively infrequently.

Illumi was unaware how much he had been thinking of this Hunter, trying to establish a pattern in her behaviour and discover her combative prowess, until Hisoka brought it up to him, to his slight embarrassment.

“You look troubled, my friend. Thinking about that girl again?” Illumi could hear the smirk in the magician’s voice without needing to look.

“Why do you think that?”

“Because I’ve seen how much you watch her. If I didn’t know better, I’d almost think you were smitten,” Hisoka said, leaning in too close to Illumi’s face. He did things like this often, and Illumi immediately schooled his expression into one of smooth indifference perfected after years of practice.

“I need to know how to cleanly get rid of her. She is interfering with Zoldyck family business, but I don’t want my brother to be too upset when she disappears.” He said quietly, calmly. It wasn’t that he didn’t trust Hisoka, but he knew his companion was always looking for cracks in everyone’s armor. This woman would not be one in his.

“I’m surprised you haven’t taken her out already,” Hisoka purred, “she isn’t a very experienced fighter. You could take her out easily. She can barely keep her aura under control with the intensity of her emotions.” His voice was right in Illumi’s ear, like a snake. Illumi finally deigned to look at Hisoka, turning his eyes, but not his head. He wasn’t sure what to say here; a part of him balked at the idea of killing the Hunter-woman, but he couldn’t articulate why.

“I know what I’m doing, Hisoka,” Illumi said, unsure if he were assuring the magician or himself, “don’t worry about it.”

Hisoka shrugged playfully, backing off. Illumi returned his gaze to a spot on the wall opposite him and concluded that he would have to do something about the Hunter before Hisoka did.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Two weeks after that exchange, Illumi covertly followed the Hunter on one of her quests, as he had been doing increasingly often. He was not especially worried about her safety; the things she Hunted for she typically did not have to fight others to acquire. He watched her glide through forests, consulting ancient maps, and finally arrive at what looked like the ruins of a temple. His Hunter approached the ruins slowly, reverently, her eyes shining in awe. There was something fascinating about that, he thought. Seeing her eyes all wide and bright captivated him, somehow. Perhaps this is her nen style? Was she a Manipulator, like him?

Before he could ponder it too long, there was a sudden movement as five men leapt out of their hiding spots to surround his Hunter before she could reach the ruins. Illumi leaned forward, observing more closely now. He had been looking forward to this. He knew that his Hunter was being followed, and now he would have an opportunity to see how she fought. Then he would know how best to neutralize her, and she would not have her claws in his Kill anymore.

His Hunter jumped, frightened. She clearly had not known she was followed. Her first mistake.

Reacting quickly, she looked around for possible escapes. Apparently finding none (though Illumi could spot a few), she lowered her stance and said something to the brigand directly in front of her. Naïvely demanding answers or trying to buy herself time? Either way, a waste of precious time to fight or escape. Her second mistake.

Fortune must have been in her favour, though, because the apparent leader of the brigands laughed and began delivering what must have been some sort of monologue; the other four men politely waited for him to finish, rather than rushing her while she was distracted.

Suddenly, a shout: “ASĊUFE!” and the leader was sent flying back a few feet. His Hunter did not appear to have moved, but that was clearly a use of her nen. She must be an Emitter, then. That would account for her short temper. He leaned in closer, intent on learning exactly how she fought.

Not waiting for the leader to get back up, she rushed forward, aiming for the entrance of the ruined temple. But she was not quite quick enough as the leader grabbed her leg and dragged her down. Then the four other brigands rushed in, some recoiling with shouts of pain when she shouted another word, “Forseċe!” and as she inexpertly slashed at her attackers with a knife. But they were all larger than she, and clearly trained to fight together, and Illumi began to worry that she might not make it out of this fight.

No.

He dashed toward the melee, keeping himself concealed, and threw a needle at each brigand. With practiced effortlessness, he hit his mark each time and a round-headed needle embedded itself into the neck of four of the men, and the eye of the leader, still under his Hunter. Ignoring his screams, Illumi sat back in his hiding place in the forest canopy as he realized what he had just done. His Hunter rolled away in a panic and ducked for cover – that’s better, Illumi thought absently – and he tried to decide how to proceed from here.

Why had he done that? It was reflexive, he did it the moment his Hunter looked to be in real danger. Well, I need to be the one who kills her, I can’t let some nobody thugs do it before I’ve made her pay, he thought. But was that really the reason? Why did the idea of someone else hurting her twist his gut so unpleasantly? The only time they had spoken, she had snapped at him for talking to his own beloved little brother. Why was he being like this?

He didn’t understand this strange protectiveness. This Hunter had a dangerous hold on him now, not just his Kill. This was a problem he would need to give some serious thought to now. He needed to deal with her – the sooner the better.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Trying to muffle her panicked breaths, the Hunter waited in her hiding spot for what felt like an eternity under the cover of the ruins, in case whatever had suddenly killed the mercs was still there. Eventually, when listening and searching for an aura still indicated that she was alone, she crawled slowly out of her hiding place and examined the nearest body, Mad Dog, the leader. There was something in his eye, and looked deep enough to have gotten to his brain. The screaming as he died had been horrible, and she had to turn away and take some deep breaths to keep herself from puking. Turning back to look again, she finally recognized what the weapon was: a needle, with a big, round, golden head. She had seen these once before, and she couldn’t imagine who else could use them to so effectively kill someone. An icy hand clenched around her heart.

Illumi’s been following me.

[duelofthefatesmp3]

i DO actually wanna know how youd make kotor 3 !!!!!

this ask has been sitting on my inbox for so long on PURPOSE! i wanted some time to re read the revan book + watch some swtor gameplays so i could give a concrete answer about why the book and swtor arent satisfactory and what i would do instead (im not like. a storytelling god so i this is just my PERSONAL idea). under the cut!

to begin with, what's wrong with revan the book and swtor, mai?

i am very fond of swtor i think it was such a nice idea to have an "open" world game set in star wars old republic time. but ultimately, it was not a good conclusion to revan and meetra's storyline! now, i don't really know what happened in the development of the third kotor game (if there ever was a plan for one) but it's clear they dropped the ball on that and decided to start a whole different project. i don't think we can blame disney for that one, because it was announced on 2008, launched in 2011, and disney had just bought star wars that year. so who knows.

the thing is that it's painfully evident that a bunch of the story that was gonna be in the third game, ended up in the book + misc parts of swtor. much of the book feels like a gameplay.

now, it was clear when the book was planned that they wanted to keep revan's story open so when the game came out, they could have a cool Revan storyline so he could make a cool villain appearence and draw in some of that kotor nostalgia. which ehhhhhh. uh. i don't really think did any favors for revan's character. he didn't have a satisfactory arc (I'm not saying "a happy ending" because good arcs aren't always happy) but at least some closure?

revan went through many big events in his life. we didnt need to keep his ass in stasis for his fun villain moments 300 years later. we already had what we wanted from him: jedi turned sith turned jedi again to defeat a terrible threat. that was it we could have let it there and it would have been cool! but then they decided to drag and drag his story just to leave him right where he was before. he just suffered a little more in the in-between.

you could say he finally redeemed himself of all of his crimes this way, but wasn't that the whole purpose of the first kotor game (and would have been the purpose of the 3rd?)

swtor does not centre revan in his own narrative. he's a side character for the player to experience. and look, i get it, we've had a different protag on each game, why not have another one in this one. well, because the protagonist has no personal relationship with revan. meetra was one of his closest friends, and fought with him. there is a connection that can be exploited. but the swtor protagonist is just some guy 300 years in the future who happens to stumble into revan and his life. not even his descendants get to fully interact with revan.

also, there is the fact that revan is not the centre of the game itself, only of a particular storyline. and it's weird, because swtor could have happened without revan's involvement.

ms. meetra surik, ms. bastila shan, women of the world I'm sorry

so it's no news that star wars is misogynistic as fuck right. cause it is.

so you decide to make your gender neutral protagonist a guy. then you decide to make your other gender neutral protagonist a woman. cool. now let's guess who gets underdeveloped, turned into a plot device without reason, and promptly fridged in the most unceremoniously fashion just to fullfil some manpain moments. which one do you think got that treatment.

i know the revan book is supposed to be about revan, but why make meetra go through a whole arc just to undermine her character and turn her into the faithful servant of the guy? she leaves everything behind for him, sacrifices herself for him, hell not even dead is she not serving the guy. and she was the second game’s protagonist! she beat up a bunch of powerful people and now she’s just meh, there? she had so many interesting ways to interact with revan (meeting kreia, revan’s first master, encountering another force consuming entity, etc.)

meetra went through a whole arc about dealing with the guilt of doing something horrible and having the consequences of it cut her from the force. we see her broken, then slowly come back to the world and reconnect herself with the force, then stop running and face the consequences of her role in the war. thats such a cool character with tons of potential! and nothing happened!

then we got bastila who is. a whole deal. so you make her go through a “promising jedi who defeated revan, to questioning reluctant companion, to fell into the dark side, to was redeemed thanks to her bond to revan, who helped her come back because he’d been through the same experience” arc, and then you decide to push her to the side to have a baby?? which is... its clear that the writer didnt know what to do with her (or with the other characters outside of canderous) so hey, lets get her to marry revan and have a baby.

my ideal kotor 3

to preface, im not a game developer, so some of my choices could be stunted by what a kotor rpg can do lol. of course, it would follow the same mechanics and have the same format as the first two, because consistency!

the fun way to start the game, would be from scourge’s perspective. we get to play as a sith! i’d even say you get to change scourge’s name and gender and looks (i know sith have different looks)

in scourge’s storyline, we get from his arrival to normound kaas, to his talks with nissyris, to his missions working for her. in some of these, we can make scourge lean into the dark or the light side! fun! plus we get some exposition with dialogue options. it all continues untill we get to nissirys story about the emperor. we get a fucked up cutscene of his childhood and then BOOM when its over, we see revan waking up from a nightmare and their pov starts.

ok, as for revan’s story, since we’d have to pick it up from where kotor ended, i’d have a little cutscene of revan back into the ebon hawk, with bastila, and them telling the crew to take them to courascant. then cut to a council meeting where revan and bastila get scolded in private, then rewarded by the republic. i would also like to see some revan mournink malak’s death mayhaps. since he was their childhood friend and all.

i would 100% scrape the marriage and two years passed part. as the book said, the council had no use for revan aside from the legend(tm), so why would they stay in courascant. revan was very alienated from the jedi at that point, despite being back in the “light side”

then like, to revan asking around for meetra and other jedi from the mandalorian wars, we can cash in that atris cameo, then revan starts to have these visions about the sith emperor, and maybe we could get a playable dream sequence about revan’s fight with mandalore the ultimate (I KNOW I WOULD LIKE TO SEE IT.) and we get the whole exposition to mandalore telling revan that the sith are behind it all. i believe we should get a bunch of these flashback/dream sequences of revan’s past doing shit. cut to revan burying the mask in a planet, then back to the present. we see a bunch of mission and juhani scenes trying to reach him, but he keeps pushing them away. revan and bastila meet canderous, travel to the ice planet, meet clan ordo (god i love clan ordo) you get the whole quest, you decide weather to spare veela or not, maybe you get a cheeky mandalorian companion (force sensitive mando oh?) and leave canderous behind.

we can visit like, a couple more planets searching for clues maybe, etc. then when reaching nathema, you are forced to go alone as revan, get to explore nathema a bit (raiding ancient location yay) nathema as a location can be so fun because you can have it weaken you hp bar and also you cant use the force (which, in game is pretty cool)

then we get to scourge and nyssiris arriving to the planet, they fight but since theres two of them and revan doesn’t have the force, they beat the shit out of them, and while running away, they get in a fight with bastila and the companions in the ebon hawk (ebon hawk shooting game my hated). bastila manages to get a glimpse of revan’s thoughts before they take them away. but the ebon is so ruined it takes bastila, t3 and the mandalorian a while to fix it, and they get stuck into the unknown regions for a while. the ebon hawk is left in an outer rim planet with t3 fixing it, bastila and the mandalorian run back to the jedi council, only to get caught in the middle of the jedi civil war. we can have bastila choosing to hide in courascant and trying to make sense of what she saw, reading texts about the sith empire, trying to plot a course to where they took revan (more atris! but shes pissed at her now)

cutscene to meetra’s pov, leaving malachor v behind, getting calls from everyone at the hawk (atton my beloved) but just as she’s leaving she gets a force message from revan, calling for her to find him and sending visions of normound kaas. then, through her force bond with visas, she tells her not to go because they’re gay and in love and whatnot.

then boom, she gets intercepted by bastila’s ship, with the mandalore and the other mandalorian (yes i do love having a bunch of mandos on board) and they go on their way to find revan.

now i want there to be an underlying message of “we can’t take our friends with us because we have to do this ALONE we’re powerful JEDI we don’t need our FRIENDS.” meetra gets asked if she wants to bring any friends and she’s like “no. we have to do this alone.” along the game you get constantly contacted by other game characters, you get the chance to talk to them or ignore them.

so, we get back to nathema, and meetra has a whole “holy shit this is just like darth nihilus but ten times worse. but i beat darth nihilus. i can do this!” then she finds peace in this place without the force, we get a whole speech about how the odds arent against them, they find a way to normound kaas, and get going.

in normound kaas i thought about them getting a whole mission about how to infiltrate the citadel, only to get helped by scourge. he joins the party, we get a little flashback of all the years he spent trying to make revan remember and they storm the citadel. we get to fight the dark council members, fun! then we get to free revan and the game switches povs. bastila hands the mask to revan and he has a cool “yes im revan im pretty cool” then a nice heartfelt yet rushed reunion with everyone.

then have a small CONVERSATION WITH MEETRA where she talks about the sith triumvirate she defeated and revan is impressed with her and is like “we are the last hope of the jedi, we’ve learned to walk between light and dark, we’ve done horrors but we can still make things right, our experience has made us more powerful etc.

then they fight the imperial guard, ALL OF THEM, meetra revan and scourge make it into the throne room, they all fight the emperor. meetra shows the emperor that she has seen the void, she has cut herself from the force, and she’s not afraid of him, revan supports her, talks about redemption and hope  and NOW.

NOW. how the alternate endings could go:

if you decide to take scourge through the light side, he manages to form a forcebond with meetra and revan since they’ve both teached something about the duality of the force, they get 100% stronger, but its still not enough. UNTIL. a bunch of ships (jedi and mandalorian, even non republic ships) arrive to dormound kaas, the gangs from each game storm the room and together they make the emperor and his guard a bunch of punching bags. they beat him! (unknow to them, this was a backup body because the emperor can do weird shit like that, and has only debilitated his plan, but he’ll come back dont worry). then they fly back to the republic, to tell the chancellor about the sith threat, and preparations for the war begin. meetra and revan get to live happily ever after for a while, then they die away from the jedi or the sith (waaah im thinking about them helping canderous rebuild the mandalorians, and them doing it since they killed so many mandos in the war)

BECAUSE IN THE END KOTOR IS ABOUT LEARNING TO PROCESS TRAUMA AND RECOGNIZE YOUR MISTAKES AND LIVE WITH THE GUILT WHILST TRYING TO FIX THE MISTAKES YOU MADE ALONG THE WAY. AND ALSO TO HEAL FROM TRAUMA YOU NEED A SUPPORT SYSTEM SO EVEN THOUGH IT MAKES SENSE TO YOU YOU SHOULDNT PUSH PEOPLE WHO LOVE YOU AWAY. AND THINGS AREN’T BLACK AND WHITE ITS COMPLICATED SO YOU DONT END UP BACK ON SQUARE ONE YOURE A CHANGED PERSON.

or

if you decide to dark side scourge further, he betrays revan and meetra, they all die, and the emperor unleashes his angry lightning or whatever on everyone + a bunch of visions of all the enemies of past mocking them, and their loved ones suffering. and since you’ve had that “im not calling my friends bullshit” no one comes, you die there, and the emperor is only stalled for a few years. swtor ensues. scourge becomes the emperor’s hand.

now you could of course bring revan and meetra up in swtor, but maybe only as force ghost guides, or have some of the other characters of the game have relevance (visas tries to heal the miraluka planet 2021)

WELL THAT WAS A LOT OF WORDS. HOPE THIS IS SATISFYING ENOUGH