#you can also point out that cole is used for solas apologism as well. but in solas' case you can catch that he feels conflicted

[mourn-and-watch]

one thing that especially irks me about cullen's so-called redemption is the attempts to redeem him through cole's words.

templars' abuses affected cole so badly it damaged his connection to the fade and his own nature. he was a spirit of compassion and witnessing what was happening in white spire turned him into a killer. he murdered lord seeker lambert in cold blood for what he did and most of the time he doesn't regret it — and then he just. drops the "he's not like the other girls" lines about cullen.

and this is such a lazy and annoying move. another thing that is established about cole is that you particularly can't lie to him — about your real feelings and intentions at least. whatever he states about other characters must be true and it is often used as a tool to deepen the characterizations of the main cast and in cullen's case it is just. blatant apologism. there's literally a banter where cole talks about atrocities commited by the templars and then he adds "oh no but cassandra and cullen aren't like that" and never elaborates. the game itself doesn't elaborate either.

like please don't tell me that the spirit who was shaken by knowledge that an innocent boy can die from starving because his jailors simply forgot about him would look in the eyes of a person who used to be meredith fucking stannard's right hand and still thinks that her methods were just a little too harsh but necessary and justified and say yeah. this guy is such a friend of mages. if only there were more templars like him

[saintlethanavir]

Inquisitor as a Companion: Updated

Inquisitor’s Name: Calliope Tarenan Lavellan

Alternate Name?: Calliope Tarenan Himanaris 

Race, Class, & Specialization: Dalish Elf, two handed warrior, Reaver ; mage, necromancer (loyalty and/or romance dependant)

Varric’s Nickname for them: Shortstack

Default Tarot Card: Death (Upright: Endings, change, transformation, transition)

Loyalty Tarot Card: Judgement (Upright: absolution, rebirth, inner calling)

Romance Tarot Card: The Star (Upright: Hope, faith, purpose)

Hostile/Unloyal Tarot Card: Death ( Reversed: Resistance to change, personal transformation) 

How they are recruited:

The Inquisitor will come upon a dalish elf loitering in front of the Chantry after completely the prologue. They’ve been trying to get the attention of any guard that walks by though most completely ignore them or say they’ll send word to the proper people. Upon the Inquisitor leaving the Chantry they call out in an annoyed tone to them, a definitive mix of an Irish and French accent. 

If they’re an elf: “Will you not help a fellow elf, falon? Lot of people coming and going, ignoring my requests. Could you spare some time? 

If they’re not an elf: “Would you kindly tell your people to stop pulling my leg? I need someone to actually help me and not completely ignore my requests. Think you can do that?”

At that point the Inquisitor can: 

1. Apologize for the people before them not taking them seriously and ask what’s going on

2. Sigh heavily and commiserate, make a sarcastic comment about shemlen if Dalish, and ask what’s wrong

3. Tell them their tone is probably what put them off but if it helps them feel better they’ll do their best to help. 

With any of these options, Calliope will say that a friend of theirs is being held in the Chantry on an assault charge. Their brother, Elessar, accidentally nabbed a templar in the shoulder while out in the woods surrounding Haven. The Templar is fine and they’d rather not let their friend rot down there. If you answered with Option 3. Calliope will be short with you, and you will start with a lower approval score. 

The Inquisitor can then tell Calliope to move on or that they will release Elessar personally, and they either owe them and would like to speak to them, or that they just want to speak to them. 

If the Inquisitor tells them to move on: Calliope will break into the Chantry and get their friend out. Later on in Skyhold there will be a chance to recruit them if you go down to visit a prisoner, both Elessar and Calliope were arrested for spying on the group as they settled into Skyhold. If you recruit both of them during this scene you will start out with the lowest approval you can obtain with them.

If the Inquisitor breaks Elessar out: Calliope will express their interest in repaying the Inquisitor or say that they want to repay their debt as quickly as possible so they can get back to their clan. You can either dismiss them at this point or take them on as a companion.

Where they are in Skyhold: In the reading nook Dorian stands in, usually sitting at a table and idly reading a book about dragons. You can also find them hacking apart training dummies near the tavern. 

Things they Generally Approve of:

Sarcastic dialogue options

Supporting magic/mages

Supporting Elves

Criticism of the Chantry/Circle/Templars

Fighting Dragons

Being friendly towards spirits

Things they Generally Disapprove of:

Cruel/harsh criticisms of magic

Supporting the Chantry

Supporting the Circle/Templars

Criticism of Elves

Major decisions:

Greatly Approves Allying with the Mages

If in the party: “They have spent enough time in cages. Let them spread their wings, let them be free.”

If Inquisitor is an elf/mage: “Falon/Lethallen, you know just as I that magic can only be stunted under oppressive influence. Let them be free of their cages, it’s up to them what they do with their freedom.”

Back at Haven: “You did the right thing, never doubt that. They’ll be singing your praises tonight.”

Disapproves Conscripting the Mages

If in the party/Back at Haven: “You would have them trade one cage for another? Lovely.”

If the Inquisitor is an elf/mage: “I hope you release them eventually. A caged dog will bite the hand that feeds it.”

Greatly Disapproves of Allying with Templars:

If in party/Back at Haven: “You would trust a bunch of fools who believe they have a right to cage other people? That’s rich.

If the Inquisitor is an elf: “Fen’harel ma ghilana, garas quenathra. They will be the end of us all, da’len. May you learn from your mistakes.”

Slightly Approves of Conscripting the Templars: 

If in party/Back at Haven: “At the very least they have to do what you say, no? I hope you know what you’re doing. “

Approves of letting the Wardens Stay

If in the party/Back at Skyhold: “The wardens have a chance to make up for what happened, thank you for giving them that chance. “

Slightly Disapproves of Exiling them 

If in the party/Back at Skyhold: You didn’t exile the Fereldan Wardens did you? I wonder what will happen when the next Blight comes. I hope I’m not here to see it.

Greatly Disapproves Briala/Celene getting back together and/or Celene being on the throne/saved. Slightly Disapproves Gaspard ruling alone, and Approves of Briala puppeting Gaspard

If asked their opinion at the Winter Palace: “You should put Briala at the center and let the Empress die. She burned down the alienage, elves lost their families and lives. It was bad enough Halamshiral was taken from them once.”

If the Inquisitor is an elf: “I will help you end Empress Celene myself if it comes down to it. Briala is who I would choose. I hope you would as well.” 

Greatly Approves Allying with the Ancient Elves and doing the Rituals

Disapproves Killing the Ancient Elves

Slightly Disapproves if a non elven Inquisitor or Morrigan drinks from the Well of Sorrows

Approves if an elven Inquisitor drinks from the Well of Sorrows

Any decision made to make a mage Tranquil will result in Calliope becoming hostile towards the Inquisitor and romance/loyalty is cut off

Friends in the Inquisition: Iron Bull, Dorian, Varric, Sera, Cole, Leliana, brief friendship/romance with Solas. 

Romanceable?: Calliope is romanceable by male inquisitors of any race or class! Flirting is available the moment you get to Haven, though they are a lot more receptive to kind/non rival Inquisitors. A full romance is available after Here Lies the Abyss and if you continue to flirt with them, express interest in them. They will slowly reveal to you that they suffer from hallucinations (both auditory and visual) and have since they were a child, they have gotten worse since their magic appeared at the age of seven. Pressing on this matter the first time will result in them saying they don’t wish to speak more about it, but maybe in time they can tell the Inquisitor why they don’t just use their magic to alleviate some of their stress. 

After Here Lies the Abyss the Inquisitor can approach Calliope about what the Nightmare said to them, as it called them Lethanavir. A non elven Inquisitor may be confused as to what that means or at least curious, but an elven Inquisitor knows that’s the title of Falon’Din. Calliope will of course explain if the Inquisitor is in need of it, but they’re just as confused as them about what that could mean for them specifically. They will joke about past lives and memory loss to lighten the mood, but will confide in the Inquisitor that what they hear in their hallucinations are the sounds of the dying. Last words and breaths. Their visual hallucinations come at times of high stress and will sometimes involve watching someone they know or don’t know die. Sometimes they become paranoid that the person is truly dead and has been replaced if it’s someone they know. They believed for some time that practicing their magic would alleviate some of these instances but it never has. 

Though they don’t believe it’ll help much, an Inquisitor can either support them in building their magical talents or telling them it may not be worth it. If they support Calliope they will seek out the help of the Inner Circle Mages, and if Dorian is within the Inner Circle they will latch onto his teachings. It is also possible in the course of this romance to begin a polyamorous relationship with Calliope, Dorian, and the Iron Bull if the Inquisitor expresses interest in all three of them. It is also entirely possible for Calliope and the Inquisitor to engage in a polyam relationship with Solas, but eventually Calliope will break off the relationship with Solas for ‘personal differences’. This is also true if Calliope is not romanced and Solas isn’t pursued at first or not at all by the Inquisitor. Then if Dorian and Iron Bull are not Romanced, or if one or the other isn’t romanced, they will enter into a relationship with both or one of them. 

You will get a dance scene in Halamshiral if you take Callie along with you, though the scene will go a little differently depending on what you’ve done so far in the game. If Here Lies the Abyss is done after Halamshiral you will not get a dance scene with Calliope but you will be able to flirt with them as per usual. 

Upon finding them in the palace gardens sitting on the pool where you toss the coins: 

Inquisitor: How are you finding the party? It must be nice to know what everyone is talking about.

Calliope:��Ah yes, I love hearing about the various affairs of nobles and how they’ve been abusing their staff. At least the food is good, but I wouldn’t touch the ham no matter what Dorian says. 

Inquisitor, flirting: Do you think you’ll have time for a dance later?

Calliope (if in a relationship already): Vhenan, I will be whisking you away to the dance floor no less than three times if I have my way.

(If not in a relationship yet): I think I can pencil you in for at least one. Though I will be leading, I hope that’s alright (laughs). 

A romance will be locked in after Halamshiral or the completion of Here Lies the Abyss if Halamshiral was done first. They will meet the Inquisitor in their quarters and begin to show off what they’ve learned, commenting that their twin helped them perfect a barrier spell which they use on the Inquisitor. They will then share a tender moment and kiss, pushing the Inquisitor down on the bed. However, the Inquisitor can either choose to tell them they want to spend time with them but wish to not be physical, or they can continue that particular scene. Either way they’ll wake up the next morning with Calliope smiling at them and telling them they love them in Elven. 

There is a repeatable kiss scene with Calliope in the Inquisitor's quarters as well as a tarot card change! They will go from a two handed warrior to a necromancer as well, though will still use a sword along with their magic. At the end of the game there will be a cut scene where Calliope follows the Inquisitor into their rooms, then sweeps them into a near crushing embrace. 

Calliope: We survived, I cannot believe we survived. 

Inquisitor: You sound so thrilled! 

Calliope: (laughs) Asshole. You know what I mean. I am...just happy that we’re here together at the end of it all. 

Fear: The Dark 

What the Nightmare says to them: “Ah, Lethanavir. The Darkness will only consume you again, why do you struggle so? Wouldn’t it be better if you laid down and gave up?

Small side mission: 

Whose Faithful Sing: Calliope has tasked you to help them give final rites to the Dalish elves who have helped the Inquisition but died in the process. Take their remains to the Emerald Graves, the Dales, and the Hinterlands to lay them to rest. (Grants Approval all three times). 

This quest is given to you after unlocking the Emerald Graves on the War Table. 

Companion quest:

In the Dark, All is Revealed: This quest is given to you when Calliope asks to see the Inquisitor post Halamshiral and romance scene (if you romanced them). There will be a cut scene where Calliope lets the Inquisitor know that their twin brother recently joined the Grey Wardens after the events of Here Lies the Abyss, citing that he wanted to actually do something for the world for once. While Calliope had their reservations about this, especially because of the false Calling, Elessar did this anyway though has not had his Joining yet. He was recruited into the Grey Wardens of Ferelden and went with them on an excursion to the Deep Roads to block off some darkspawn hordes only to get trapped in a cave in. Calliope wants your help to get Elessar out of this situation. 

If Calliope hasn’t been romanced, and you are at low approval, and you tell them you can’t do this for them they will permanently leave the Inquisition. Refer to end card section for what happens post DAI and Trespasser. If you take this quest however keep reading! 

Calliope and the Inquisitor will go to the Storm Coast where the cave in happened and search for Elessar. They encounter the main group made up of grey wardens and Legion of the Dead soldiers, who mention the Elessar was cut off from the main group with Carver Hawke (Bethany Hawke if Carver did not survive DA2, or an unnamed senior warden if either are unavailable). After fighting through a horde, Calliope mentions that they’re having trouble with seeing things and that there are voices in their head. A romanced Inquisitor can ask if they’re alright and they’ll just say that they’re fine, it’s nothing. 

After another horde, there will be a cut scene where Calliope faints after they fell all the darkspawn. There’s a moment where the party freaks out only for Calliope to open their eyes wide and sharply inhale, with a two toned voice saying that there’s something big coming. And an ogre will show up! Their abilities will be slightly more erratic,either as a necromancer or a Reaver and halfway through the fight Carver (or whoever it was) will show up with Elessar. The twins begin to fight in sync and act much in the same manner until the ogre is felled and the Inquisitor can ask questions. The twins will reveal that they are Falon’Din and Dirthamen, a revelation to both of them, as the gods needed time to reveal and dedicate themselves to the cause. They explain that they are inhabiting the bodies of the twins not unlike how the Old God soul is inhabiting Keiran (if he was the result of the Dark Ritual. If he was not born they will liken it to being reincarnation. All references to being an abomination are met with scorn. They will then ascend to the surface after the gods release their holds, and the Inquisitor can interrogate the twins. Both mention they had no idea what was going on and will need some time to process, but they promise they’ll keep the Inquisitor posted. If they’re not elven they will also explain who the gods are. 

Once back at Skyhold a cutscene will trigger with Calliope asking to talk to the Inquisitor in their quarters. They’ll reveal that they’ve talked to Falon’Din, or what they believe is Falon’Din, and that while things are still murky they’re grateful for the Inquisitor helping them and their twin brother. If the Inquisitor is romanced, Calliope will mention that they understand if the Inquisitor is no longer interested, but the Inquisitor can reassure them that they still are and this doesn’t change who Calliope is as a person. 

End Cards/Trespasser: 

If loyal to the Inquisitor: ‘Calliope promised to stay at the Inquisitors side, as a bodyguard and friend. The Tarenan Clan are steadfast allies to the Inquisition, who hopes this will finally be a step towards peace for the Dalish.’ 

If romanced: ‘The Inquisitor and their paramour, the Lethanavir made quite the ripple amongst Chantry officials when they announced their partnership. Maker help anyone who should stand against them. Though some still grumble about and supposed elven god being in love with the Herald of Andraste.’

If they left the Inquistion: ‘Not much is known about what happened to Lavellan/Himanaris, though some say they’ve spotted the elf in the Emerald Graves. Though it was only ever for a moment. They left behind whispers of death and revenge, so the soldiers say.’

Trespasser: ‘They found traces of Lavellan/Himanaris between a section of Crossroads where it seems they have amassed quite the following. Dalish elves flock towards rumors of the reincarnation of Falon’Din and Dirthamen, but whether or not those rumors can be trusted is yet to be seen.’

If romanced: ‘What transpired at the Council leaves many questions for Calliope, but they know they will always have their Inquisitor close at hand. Come what may they will not let the growing threat of Fen’Harel and his plans overshadow theirs. There are fewer grumbles from the Chantry about their relationship with the Inquisitor, but the fires have been stoked once more after Calliope proposed. What will come for them next, its anyone’s guess.’

If loyal to the Inquisitor: ‘Promises to the Inquisition were made and they will be kept. Plans have come to fruition between Dorian and the Lethanavir, scouring the lands for any trace of Fen’harel and his spies (if Dorian is not romanced). Rumors have spread that the Magister may have even taken on Calliope as his paramour. The Magisterium has certain words for the pair, but they always fall on deaf ears. 

[sinsbymanka]

Writing Tag Game

Okay listen I’m on vacation XD hence why I’m ignoring everyone’s tags/taking forever to respond. But I’ve been tagged in this A LOT and I really liked it/wanted to do it so thank you to everyone who tagged me (oh my god I’m so sorry if I missed one of you there were SO MANY): @noire-pandora, @in-arlathan, @thevikingwoman, @morganlefaye79, @elveny, @kunstpause, @pikapeppa

I’m not tagging anyone because I’m tagging everyone since I’m too lazy to find my tag list (I’m on VACATION). If you’ve not gotten tagged and wanted to do this, say I tagged you. 

How many works do you have on Ao3?

147 - I have 145 linked to my profile and two in the anonymous collection. 

What's your total Ao3 wordcount?

1,468,248. Almost 1.5 million!! 

What are your top 5 fics by kudos?

Of Miracles and Heroes (FenHawke, Cadash/Varric, Varania/Blackwall): 269

Interspecies Relationships Have Their Ups and Downs (Shakarian): 145

Don’t Make it Hawkeward (Varric/Hawke): 135

The Ambassador’s Vices (Josephine/Adaar): 111

The Girl with the Arrow Tattoo (Cadash/Varric): 101

Do you respond to comments? Why or why not?

I do (but - to be honest - it takes me FOREVER). I love comments. It’s so much easier to not leave comments than leave comments, so every time someone leaves one I’m blown away. I feel like - for leaving me a comment - you’re definitely owed an answer! I do apologize that it takes me awhile though - I am very bad at answering because they mean a lot to me and I get easily overwhelmed by the AO3 inbox I don’t know why. Blame anxiety. 

What's the fic you've written with the angstiest ending?

I’ll be honest, I don’t like angsty endings so I don’t have many of them. By far the angstiest ending I have is Flowers, Lies, and Forgiveness. This is a Bianca Davri/Varric Tethras fic set during the final act of DA2. I wrote it from Bianca’s POV - showing Varric unraveling under the pressure of Kirkwall and Bianca’s complicated feelings about infidelity to her husband who clearly cares about her as well. I wrote it for @hollyand-writes who always lets me lean into the tragic “fucked upness” of the pairing when I’m feeling like making Varric suffer.  

What's the fic you've written with the happiest ending

I prefer happy endings so almost EVERYTHING has a happy ending. My favorite endings, so far, are for Cheating the Dread Wolf, which is my Varric/Cadash/Solas polycule (or as I like to refer to it - Solas has a dwarf kink) and The Viscount’s Mistress which is my Hurt/Comfort Cadash/Varric Trespasser bullshit. 

Do you write crossovers? If so, what is the craziest one you've written?

I have not written crossovers - but I am very into AUs in another setting that belongs to a different fictional universe. Most recently I got back into my Downton Abbey bullshit and wrote Flappers for Fen’harel which is basically a Downton Abbey AU Solas/Cadash and I’m not taking comments about the outrageousness of it. 

Have you ever received hate on a fic?

Yep. Honestly though? Over the two years I’ve been active in Fandom, the shitty comments can be counted on one hand and usually came from the same people over and over again, who are easily blocked, and should stop seeking out clearly labeled content they don’t like. Me and my work are not for everyone - that’s REALLY okay. I’ve blocked people for no other reason than making things I don’t like - that doesn’t mean they’re bad people. 

Do you write smut? If so, what kind?

GOD DO I.

I am extremely sex and kink positive. Because of this - a lot of my work involves sex in some way or another. I think sex is a beautiful part of many (although not all) relationships, and that it’s frequently glossed over in mainstream media (particularly queer, kinky, and polyam sex). 

This ranges from sort of vanilla slow burns (My Cole/Bea fic, Compassion for an Assassin, has smut which hasn’t been posted yet. It’s Cole’s first time and is fairly vanilla and romantic, and occurs approximately 40k into the fic) to some pretty dubious consent near 24/7 dom/sub dynamics with BDSM kinks (I’ve written JUST as much of the Sereda/Gorim problematic smut as @jarakrisafis has in our series Forced Moves). 

There’s very few kinks I’m not willing to touch at least to try out - even if I end up not liking them. And the ones that aren’t for me are 100% allowed to exist and I will fight for them to the bloody end. My only recommendation is CLEARLY labeling your shit and not being afraid to add a tag if someone asks you to. 

Have you ever had a fic stolen?

Not that I’m aware of? I’ve seen ideas I’ve tried on picked up by other people - but I don’t consider that stealing and it’s hard to trace “who has been inspired by who” because we ALL have been inspired by thousands of other people and frankly more stuff for me when I pull you over to my weird AUs and rarepairs. 

I also think that’s a huge part of not getting stolen - I’ve got so much weird niche shit that only a couple people read that stealing from me is going to most likely be caught IMMEDIATELY the audience is so small. 

Have you ever had a fic translated?

I don’t believe so!

Have you ever co-written a fic before?

Yes! I’ve got some co-written secret smut with @blarfkey which almost nobody has seen, I’ve borrowed @tightassets Hawke, Lavellan, and Shepard for fics that she has illustrated, borrowed @tuffypelly‘s Adaars for some great fics, and my most ambitious project - the Forced Moves series with @jarakrisafis. It started out as us just exchanging gifts back and forth but we’ve wrangled it into Gambits and Countergambits, an Aeducan-origin prequel, that I’m VERY proud of. 

I love co-writing very much, but it’s very important to find the right partner and for it to be someone you trust completely. 

What's your all time favourite ship?

This is a stupidly hard question because I am, at heart, a multi-shipper. 

I love Varric/Hawke and Varric/Cadash. I’m also a sucker for Solas/Cadash. My fandom pool noodle is Varric/Cadash/Solas which I adore, and I’m very fond of Cole/Cadash. 

Most recently I’ve been DEEP in Aeducan/Gorim Saelac, Bhelen/Rica/Vartag, and Aeducan/Brosca feels. Dwarf origins are the best origins in my opinion and those characters are PERFECT. 

What's a WIP you want to finish but don't think you ever will?

I fully plan on finishing everything. My writing style changed a lot, for the better, in a short period of time. I need to integrate my old style/new style and had to get a pep talk about how to do that. Now I’m ready to try as soon as I finish Compassion for an Assassin. 

What are your writing strengths? 

I write very sexy, hot smut. I also really like playing with character voice and making sure I get them “right” so I do a lot of experimenting before publishing a new character for the first time. 

I struggle to write action scenes - it’s like pulling fucking teeth - but people really LOVE my action scenes and they read well. So that’s something I’m proud of even if it feels like doing fucking pull ups. 

What are your writing weaknesses?

I never learned anything. My experiences with English and writing teachers were overwhelmingly negative. I’m unsure if I’m just not cut out for classes or if they were that bad, but I always left feeling like there was one “right” way to do it, and everything I liked was “bad”, so what was the point of “learning” anything? 

It turns out there’s this very pompous, pretentious thought process in writing where people “assume” things must be done, but GOOD writing teachers teach you the rules and then how to break them. I either never had a good writing teacher or got too intimidated to give them a chance before bouncing. 

So I’m exceedingly self-taught. I lack the vocabulary to discuss plot structure, characterization, grammar, etc. I instinctively know most of these things based on trial and error and reading, but I didn’t learn them and I miss a lot of nuance in the rules, but until recently I was still too intimidated and unsure of myself to admit that or take it seriously. 

So - my defense mechanism is NOT taking ANYTHING seriously. If my writing is a joke to me, it’s gotta be a joke to everyone else, but that’s been a shield to hide behind instead of being thoughtful about things. I’m here to have fun, yes, but there’s nothing wrong with learning a technique to the art. 

I’ve learned - mostly thanks to @blarfkey who is an amazing person and a wonderful teacher - that I am a good writer based on my self-teaching. And being intimidated of people who throw around impressive sounding words is a weakness that I am working on. 

What are your thoughts on writing dialogue in other languages in a fic? 

Use sparingly and with good reason. It should be short and explained later or clear from context. 

What was the first fandom you wrote for?

Harry Potter on message boards back in the fucking day. Thankfully none of it exists anywhere anymore. 

What's your favourite fic you've written?

This is such a sappy answer and I’m so sorry. My favorite things have been written for and because of people I love and care about. When I read them, I’m not just reading the story, but remembering the relationships I’ve made and how important they are. 

So, my top three fics for THAT reason: 

1. Cheating the Dread Wolf - written for @blarfkey who inspired the idea and ruthlessly encouraged me to make it happen. This fic was so healing for me because it heavily features Fatherhood within it - and I lost my father in June 2020. I don’t know if I’d have been able to do it without her and it was so important for me to do. 

2. Gambits and Countergambits - written with @jarakrisafis and the culmination of a years worth of gifting shit back and forth and crafting a shared universe. The worldbuilding, smut, relationships, EVERYTHING about this fic is so deeply and passionately cared about by both of us and to our knowledge it is completely, totally unique.  

3. Relentless, Ridiculous, and Rakish - one of my only primarily gen-fics focusing on a forming brother/sister relationship between Maria Cadash and @tuffypelly‘s Otsar Adaar. I very much enjoyed writing it for her <3 

And then my overall favorite fic: 

The Viscount’s Mistress: I have a lot of opinions about how fanfiction treats the anchor’s meltdown and the aftermath. It’s one of the things in DAI that resonated with me SO much as someone who lives with chronic pain and a disability. I loved the fact my OC was in the same shoes and STILL saving the world. This is very much a fic that explores all the dark sides of trauma, pain, and the mental health effects of it. But it ends on a happy and hopeful note.  

[mrs-theirin]

Ashariani Lavellan as a Companion

hello!! a few of my friends have done this so i’m excited to do this and i think i might try my hand at a da2 version...we’ll see!

(sorry i have no in-game screenshots i play on console :///)

Name: Ashariani Lavellan (she/her)

Race, Class, & Specialization: Elf / Mage / Knight-Enchanter

Varric’s nickname for them: Glimmer

Default Tarot Card: The Empress (upright)

How they are recruited: Ashariani can be found talking to the druffalo from Where The Druffalo Roam. When approached, she will:

(if Trevelyan) - Step back cautiously, but look on in amazement, introducing herself.

(if Lavellan) - Introduce herself, asking you if you remember her from the clan. You can either say yes, which will allow her to respond with excitement, or no, which will make her smile fade as she shrugs and mumbles, “Figured.”

(if Cadash or Adaar) - Show visible excitement and claim she’s “never met your people before” before panicking and expressing she hopes that doesn’t offend.

She will explain her clan sent her to look for another member who had not returned and either bring them home or report back what happened to them. She tells you she’ll return the druffalo home if you help her find her clan member. If you agree, the cutscene ends and she and the druffalo disappear, Where The Druffalo Roam being replaced by the quest Lost and Found. Following the quest marker, you find her in the hills. When spoken to, a cutscene begins where she expresses she doesn’t feel safe. A battle with a few Templars takes place. After combat is over, another cutscene starts, and this time Ashariani finds her missing clan member. They are badly injured. She will heal them with her magic, and expresses disappointment as they rush off without a word to her. She’ll turn back to you, explaining that as much as she loves them, she feels out of place with her clan. She offers to join the Inquisition, offering Dalish knowledge (if not Lavellan) and friendliness. If you agree, the cutscene ends and you can add her to your party. If disagree, she will become upset and rush away quickly.

Where they are in Haven: She can be found next to Varric. The two of them seem to be in constant conversation. She is normally sitting on the stone wall behind him, but will occasionally get down and walk around, usually to warm her hands in the fire. The initial conversation with her will have her remark on every companion you have so far, focusing heavily on Varric and/or Iron Bull, if you’ve recruited him by then. She will also express her delight to be accepted in the Inquisition and promises she won’t get into too much trouble, then asks you how you’re doing.

Where they are in Skyhold: She can be found by an empty spot near Cassandra. The initial conversation with her will have Cassandra looking up, yelling at her to come down. You can ask Cassandra who she’s talking to, which will make her scoff and begrudgingly admit it’s Ashariani. You then call up to her and wait a few seconds as she climbs back down. She admits with a smile that she likes to climb and Cassandra walks away, throwing her hands in the air. You can then talk to Ashariani about how she likes Skyhold. She’ll say it’s magnificent and that she’s happy you closed the Breach, but will then sober up and ask you how you are. You can:

tell the truth, admitting Haven shook you up

crack a joke, but eventually admit you’re fine/you’re shaken up

lie, telling her not to worry and that you’ll be just fine

ask her if she’s alright

If asked if she’s alright, she’ll be taken aback and confess Haven scared her a lot, gaining you approval. With medium-high approval, at the end of the conversation, she’ll admit she likes that you’re friends. With high enough approval, you can flirt for the first time, and she’ll become flustered before the conversation ends. Neutral-low approval will gain you a “I’m glad you’re okay” with no follow-up.

APPROVAL

Things They Generally Approve Of:

Greatly Approves - 

Allying with the mages

Disbanding the templars

Helping the Dalish clan

Bringing her to the Temple of Mythal

Completing the Elven rituals

(Lavellan-specific) Drinking from the Well of Sorrows

Approves - 

Bringing her to the Winter Palace

Finishing any of Cole/Varric/Iron Bull’s quests

Returning the histories to the Dalish

Saving the Chargers

Putting Briala in power

Choosing kind/merciful options in judgement

Slightly Approves -

Leaving Loghain in the Fade

Choosing her for your party

Finishing any of Dorian/Solas/Sera’s quests

Returning Lord Woolsley back home

Killing templars

Things They Generally Disapprove Of:

Greatly Disapproves - 

Leaving Hawke in the Fade

Leaving Alistair in the Fade

(Trevelyan-specific) Drinking from the Well of Sorrows

(Lavellan-specific) Letting Morrigan drink from the Well of Sorrows

Allying with the templars

Sacrificing the Chargers

Disapproves - 

Picking mean dialogue options when speaking to her

(Cadash/Adaar-specific) Drinking from the Well of Sorrows

Letting Morrigan drink from the Well of Sorrows

Selling the histories to the Chantry

Being mean to Cole

Leaving Celene in power/Reuniting Celene and Briala

Slightly Disapproves - 

Killing dragons (unless Iron Bull is in party)

Picking mean dialogue options when speaking to others

Putting Gaspard alone in power

Creating an alliance between Celene, Briala, and Gaspard

Picking anti-mage/anti-Dalish dialogue options

Flirting with her as a male

Mages, Templars, Other: Supports mages (being one herself) and hates Templars. She’s willing to give them a chance, but only if they truly show any sign of changing. She becomes uncomfortable around nobility and is more comfortable with “the little people.” Will not hesitate to point out injustices, but usually does so calmly.

Friends in the Inquisition: Dorian, Iron Bull, Varric, Cole, Solas, and Sera.

Rivals in the Inquisition: Blackwall (after Revelations).

Neutral towards: Blackwall (before Revelations), Vivienne, and Cassandra.

Romanceable: Yes, only by female Inquisitors. (Note: If not romanced by the Inquisitor, after visiting the Winter Palace, she will begin to speak about a woman named Eloise D’Arlesans, a half elf she spent time with there. A romance between them will begin.)

NAMES

Rivalry: 

(sharply) Inquisitor

Herald

(if Trevelyan) Shem

Neutral:

Inquisitor

Trevelyan/Lavellan/Cadash/Adaar

Friendship:

Friend

Silly

Sunshine

Romance [to/about Inquisitor]: 

Vhenan

Love

Sunlight

[to/about Eloise]:

Vhenan

Love

Honey

QUESTS

War Table: 

A Very Important Request

(after reaching Skyhold)

Inquisitor, 

Scouts desperately need to go to this location I’ve marked on the map. It’s for very important things. Please send them quickly and report back to ONLY ME what they’ve found. Thank you.

--Ashariani

Options:

>Leliana: Maybe it truly is important. I’ll send out a few scouts.

>Josephine: I do not believe Ashariani would waste our time and resources for something frivolous. However, to be on the safe side, I will send ahead to the nobles in the land to send their own scouts, if it pleases you.

>Cullen: What? This sounds like a waste of time, she won’t even specify what she needs them for! Fine. Two guards, but that’s it.

Results: 

>Leliana: My scouts found some rare stones and herbs, but nothing more. I wonder if this is what she wanted?

(Ashariani approves, Prophet’s Laurel x4, Royal Elfroot x2, Everite x2)

>Josephine: Perhaps I was incorrect. Nothing but some rare materials. The scouts were sent home with plenty compensation, so at least we have been put in a better light.

(Ashariani approves, Influence x30, Amrita Vein x3, Felandaris x4, Stormheart x2)

>Cullen: We cannot be wasting our resources like this. We acquired some materials along the way.

(Ashariani slightly approves, Ghoul’s Beard x4, Felandaris x4, Silverite x3)

Another Very Important Request

(after A Very Important Request)

Inquisitor,

Sorry to bother you once more. Please send people to Val Royeaux to obtain these materials. They’re for a very important project, I promise. Mae gen ti fy ngair [you have my word].

--Ashariani

(below is a list of materials: ring velvet, silk brocade, dales loden wool, and imperial vestment cotton)

Options:

>Leliana: Again? What could she possibly be making? I can send one or two scouts out to fetch these items.

>Josephine: She is persistent, is she not? A few favors can be exchanged for these materials at no cost to us. It will be done.

>Cullen: (not participating in this mission)

Results:

>Leliana: The materials were easy enough to obtain. Our scouts being spotted in public created quite a buzz.

(Ashariani approves, Influence x50, Ring Velvet x3, Silk Brocade x3, Dales Loden Wool x3, Imperial Vestment Cotton x 3)

>Josephine: The materials have been collected. We’ve created quite a stir with all this running around.

(Ashariani approves, Influence x50, Ring Velvet x3, Silk Brocade x3, Dales Loden Wool x3, Imperial Vestment Cotton x 3)

Companion Quest:

For What?

(after Another Very Important Request)

When spoken to, Ashariani will request you personally go to the map location previously mentioned in A Very Important Request. If denied, she will disapprove and claim she is going there herself and the cutscene will end. If this happens, she will not be available for your party the first time you leave Skyhold after that conversation (she will return after). If accepted, Ashariani is locked into your party and a temporary location appears on your map.

Upon arriving, you are immediately attacked by bandits who had heard the Inquisition had visited. After the battle, Ashariani apologizes and asks you to collect the metals and herbs. Once you find all of the materials, she will exclaim, “Perfect!” which will gain some confused remarks from your companions, which she will not truthfully respond to. You are then allowed to leave the location and it disappears from your map.

After visiting two more locations after that, upon returning to Skyhold, Ashariani will run up and greet you. She will ask if you’ll take her and Iron Bull to slay a high dragon and collect its bone and webbing. You can:

say yes / say yes and flirt (female only)

say yes, but ask her why

say no

express confusion, as she has protested to killing dragons before

Option 1: Causes her great joy, she jumps in the air before giggling and running off, thanking you in the process. The cutscene ends.

Option 2: She’ll get excited, then give you a cryptic answer before thanking you and running off. The Inquisitor says, “She’s determined to keep it a secret, huh?” and the cutscene ends.

Option 3: She will ask you if you’re serious, to which you can reply yes or no. If yes, she will become very upset and mumble something about you disappointing her, and the cutscene ends, gaining you major disapproval. If no, she’ll breathe out a sigh of relief and smile, punching you in the arm for teasing her. She thanks you and the cutscene ends.

Option 4: She’ll shrug, trying to look nonchalant, and say, “someone has changed my mind.” You can press this further by asking who, but she’ll only press her finger to her lips. Options A, B, and C are offered again and the cutscene follows accordingly.

If accepted, she and Iron Bull are locked into your party. You’ll get a few lines of dialogue between Iron Bull and Ashariani as they approach the high dragon, and some after. After collecting the bone and webbing, she thanks you and you gain major approval. After a visit to Skyhold and back, when arriving at Skyhold again, a cutscene immediately starts.

All of your companions (minus Blackwall and Vivienne) and the advisors are found in the Herald’s Rest. Upon your arrival, the tavern bursts into cheers, and Ashariani reveals that she’s been making gifts for everyone, explaining that Vivienne already has hers and she didn’t want to come to the party and doesn’t even mention Blackwall (but implies he didn’t get a gift). Some are clothes, jewelry, weapons, and armor, and each companion has their moment of showing off their gift. Iron Bull makes note to mention that his is a pink shawl with dragon bone accents, and he loves it. Ashariani then tells the Inquisitor she arranged the party and they had a gift of their own, which is a powerful set of armor. You can:

accept the gift and thank Ashariani / accept the gift and flirt with Ashariani (female only)

accept the gift but shut down the party, telling everyone to get back to work

deny the gift and lash out at Ashariani for wasting so much of your time

Option 1: She will give you a hug and the cutscene will end, fading to black as the crowd sings and dances. (note: flirting with her will gain some positive teasing companion comments).

Option 2: You will gain disapproval from every companion present, mostly Ashariani. Iron Bull will try to convince you to change your mind. You can accept or deny. If denied, you will walk out and the cutscene will end with Iron Bull comforting Ashariani. If accepted, Iron Bull punches you in the arm and the mood shifts back to a good one, the cutscene ending with a fade to black as the crowd dances.

Option 3: You will gain major disapproval from every companion present, mostly Ashariani. Iron Bull and Varric will step up to defend her.

Iron Bull: Come on, Boss. She was trying to do something nice for us. 

(if in a romance with Bull): Kadan. Is that necessary? She was trying to do something nice for you.

Varric: (sarcastically) Calm down, Inquisitor. We’re all just having a bit of fun during the apocalypse.

(if in a romance with Solas) Solas: (sternly) Vhenan. May I speak to you privately?

You can then choose to apologize or leave the party without a word. Leaving the party will gain more disapproval from Ashariani, enough to completely end the friendship. If apologized to, Ashariani will put on a brave face and accept your apology, but leave the party looking dejected, earning you disapproval. Sera will exclaim, “What’s up [their] arse, huh?” and the cutscene will fade to black with companions filing out of the Herald’s Rest, looking angry/upset.

Romance Quest:

A New Beginning

(after For What?)

Upon visiting Ashariani’s normal spot, you find Varric instead. He tells you he hasn’t been able to find Ashariani all day, and he’s getting worried. Not knowing where to find her, you go to Solas, who tells you she’s swimming in a lake not that far from Skyhold. You can ask him if anything’s wrong, to which he will simply purse his lips and say, “It is not my place to say.”

The scene shifts to approaching the lake, where you find Ashariani sitting outside of the water, talking to a halla. When approached, she will become startled, then bashful, hiding her face. Tears are noticeably glistening on her cheeks. She then draws attention to the halla, petting them again. She explains that the halla’s name is Annwyl, and she was her friend back in the clan. Clan Lavellan had sent Annwyl to Ashariani for her efforts in the Inquisition, as well as some gifts for the Inquisitor, which she gives to you. You can ask her why she’s crying, to which she will respond with, “I don’t know.” You can press further or leave it be, which will end the cutscene.

When pressed further, she will get emotional, exclaiming that she’s found out her brother has died. She explains the incident and sits back down, crying into her hands. You can:

sit down next to her and talk to her (flirt)

ask her if she wants to go back to Skyhold (flirt)

leave her alone without a word (no chance for romance after this)

Whether you sit down with her or ask her to go to Skyhold, the conversation is the same: after telling you a bit about him, she asks you if she can attend her brother’s funeral. A yes answer is locked in, however she will ask you to go with her, and this is what you can say yes or no to. You can:

say yes (flirt)

say no (no chance for romance after this)

ask why she wants you to go with her

If no, she’ll nod her head and say she understands and that she appreciates the time you’ve given her to talk about him. The scene will end there. If yes, she’ll smile, and it will cut to his funeral. If asked why, she’ll tell you she holds you close to her heart and it would mean a lot to her if you were there with her. After the funeral, when you return to Skyhold, Ashariani will express her gratefulness for your support. You can then kiss her (starting the official romance) or accept her thank you and move on, ending the scene and any chance of romance.

If kissed, she will hold her hand over her mouth in shock, her face becoming red. She’ll then surge forward and kiss you again, throwing herself into your arms. You both kiss for a moment before Ashariani whispers, “Thank you,” while looking at the ground. Here you can make a sweet, snarky, or silly comment, to any of which she will smile and kiss you again. With that, she’ll grab your hand and say goodnight, holding onto your hand for as long as she can before your fingers slip out of hers. The cutscene fades to black.

Side Quest(s):

For Him

(after Demands of the Qun - only if Chargers were saved)

Acquire a powerful axe for Iron Bull hidden somewhere in the Hissing Wastes. You will gain approval from both Ashariani and Iron Bull, and later, when talking to Iron Bull, will experience a cutscene where Iron Bull is thanking her for the gift.

//

Bianca 

(after Here Lies The Abyss - only if Hawke was sacrificed)

Acquire enough materials to craft a powerful addition for Bianca for Varric. Once crafted, equip Bianca with it. Once equipped, a cutscene will play where Varric is shooting with Bianca, showing off to Ashariani. As you walk away, Varric has a soft quiet moment where he thanks Ashariani and promises her he’ll be okay.

//

It’s A Date Then?

(after A New Beginning)

Acquire a gift for Ashariani and she’ll say she loves you. The gift (a pressed leather journal) can be obtained from the Dalish clan in the Exalted Plains. This will trigger a small cutscene where she expresses excitement over it and confesses that she loves you. You can say you love her too or that you’re not quite there yet, and either way she will be happy.

Cole’s reflection on their thoughts:

“So engulfed and yet, so alone. She fights and fights to stay something they could be proud of.”

“Bubbles, popping to the surface of a still lake. Change, but not too much. Warm, fuzzy feelings in her chest. Happiness is in reach, she hopes.”

“Friend. She helps, not harms. She sings, not screams. She is nice to me. I am nice to her.”

“Lost, fighting, breaking through the surface. He’s gone. But they’re here. They can make it go away. They can make her whole again.”

“She climbs and climbs, knowing there is a possibility of a fall. But she’s fallen before. No fear, she bounds from building to building, tree to tree. Where she’s free. Where there is no green, no screams, no evil. Just free.”

“Warmth. Warmth when they approach, their smile shining in the sunlight. Sunlight, beaming into her heart and warming her insides. Safe.” [about the Inquisitor]

“Warmth. Warmth when she’s nearby, honey sweet on her tongue. She is safe. She is warm. She is home.” [about Eloise]

DIALOGUE

Comment(s) on Mages: “Poor souls...if only we could help them.” / “They don’t deserve this.” / “I get that some are dangerous, but this?”

Comment(s) on Templars: “I hope one day they can admit their wrongdoings.” / “Never go near them!” / “This is wrong. What they’re doing is wrong.”

When looking for something: “I think something’s nearby...should we look?” / “I think we should take a look around.”

When finding a campsite: “Can we rest here? I’m hungry.” / “This is a nice spot to camp!” / “Inquisitor, I think we should stop here.”

When the Inquisitor falls: (low approval) “Inquisitor!” / (neutral approval) “No! Get up!” / (high approval) “Wait! Inquisitor! We need you!” / (romance) “Vhenan, no!” / “Sunlight, get up! Don’t leave me now!”

Upon killing an enemy: “I’d prefer it didn’t have to happen that way.” / “I guess you didn’t have anything better to do.” / “Such a waste…”

When they are low on health: “Oh no…” / “Inquisitor, help!” / “I need some help!” / “I don’t feel very good.”

When a companion is low on health: (Iron Bull) “You are strong, Bull! Fight on!” / (Varric) “Watch your step, Varric!” / (Dorian) “Dorian, stay strong! I’ll be right there!” / (Sera) “Be careful, Sera!” / (Cassandra) “Cassandra, you are hurt!” / (Solas) “Letha’lin, please be careful!” / (Cole) “Cole, watch out!” / (Vivienne) “Madame, your health is low!” / (Blackwall) “Fight stronger, Blackwall.”

When a companion falls: (Iron Bull) “Bull, no!” / “Creators, please don’t let him die!” / (Varric) “Varric!” / “Somebody help Varric!” / (Dorian) (affectionately) “Come on, you slacker!” / “Dorian, get up! Not now!” / (Sera) “Sera, I told you that was dangerous!” / “Oh, Creators, not Sera!” / (Cassandra) “Seeker!” / “No, not Cassandra! We need her!” / (Solas) “Solas! Please!” / “Letha’lin! You cannot fall!” / (Cole) “Cole, no!” / “Cole, please get up, please be okay!” / (Vivienne) “Madame!” / “Oh no, they got Vivienne.” / (Blackwall) “Get up!” / “Watch yourself.”

When revived: “Well...that was embarrassing.” / “Thank you for your help.” / “I’m back! What did I miss?” / “Ugh...my head hurts.”

When they see a dragon: “Wow...so beautiful.” / “So fascinating to see one up close!” / (If Iron Bull is not in the party) “We’re not hunting her...are we?” / (If Iron Bull is in the party) “Bull, look! So beautiful, isn’t she? Excited?”

When doing their small side quest: For Him: “I appreciate this.” / “It’s quite relaxing out here, isn’t it?” / Bianca: “I hope this will help.” / “Thank you for doing this.” / It’s A Date Then?: “It’s so wonderful to see more of my/our people.” / “Is that...is that a gift? For me?”

Default saying: (when you talk to them in Skyhold, how do they respond?) (low approval) “Yes?” / “What do you need?” / (neutral approval) “Inquisitor!” / “Hello!” / (high approval) “Friend! Good to see you again.” / “Where are we going, Sunshine?” / (romance) “Wonderful to see you, Vhenan.” / “Hello, Sunlight.”

TRAVEL BANTER WITH COMPANIONS

Cassandra: What is that touching fists thing you two do all the time? It is ridiculous.

Dorian: Never heard of a fist bump, Seeker? What’s wrong with having a bit of fun?

Cassandra: It’s distracting.

Ashariani: Aw, come on Cassandra. You should try it sometime! Really forms the bonds of friendship.

Dorian: (laughs) You are simply adorable.

Varric (if in party): Oh, don’t worry, Glimmer. Cassandra just doesn’t know the definition of fun.

Sera (if in party): That’s nothing compared to our secret handshake, yeah? You should see it, Seeker. It involves our butts!

Cassandra: (Disgusted noise).

//

Iron Bull: You know, you’re surprisingly light.

Ashariani: Really? I didn’t hurt your shoulders?

Iron Bull: (laughs) Kid, you’d have to weigh about 60 pounds more to even make a dent on me.

Inquisitor: You really have to stop letting her ride on your shoulders during battle.

Ashariani: But it’s fun!

Sera (if in party): Can I have a go? No reason why she should have all the fun, yeah?

Vivienne (if in party): Fun does not always mean safe, my dear. I would proceed with caution when tempting fate as such.

Ashariani (to Sera): Of course! (to Vivienne): Yes, ma’am.

//

Solas: Do you miss home, Ashariani?

Ashariani: Sometimes. Do you?

Solas: No. Though the thought of a home to return to is a pleasant one.

Ashariani: You have no home?

Solas: (chuckles) The Inquisition is my home now. Isn’t that more than one could hope for?

Ashariani: Yeah...I guess so. I’m glad you feel at home here.

Solas: I wish the same of you, Letha’lin.

Varric (if in party): Are you guys done with the sappy, cryptic talk yet? This isn’t good material for my stories.

Ashariani: (giggles).

Leaving the Inquisition: It takes a lot to get Ashariani to leave, but if you gain enough approval, she will come to you in tears, and tell you she doesn’t think the Inquisition is the right place for her anymore. She will wish you well and ask you to tell the others she says she’ll keep in touch. You can choose to beg her to stay, in which she will, but only if you don’t net any more disapproval before new approval, or tell her she can leave. She will then say goodbye, muttering bad things, and walk off, the cutscene ending and her leaving the Inquisition forever.

[novamm66]

From Earth to Sky - Chapter 3 - After Haven

—

The population of the Inquisition and of Haven had been cut by more than half. The few tents they had were not enough to shelter the survivors, and food was hard to come by this high in the mountains. Everyone was hungry, tired and hopeless with the loss of their Herald.

Varric sat in the snow, icy water leaking into his boots. But his grief overshadowed his discomfort, and he simply sat in the cold. He believed in his heart that Kiaya was dead, buried under the snow in Haven. The kind, strong woman, had become one of Varric’s closest friends, and she deserved better. She deserved to live, but there was nothing that Varric could do.

“Spymaster,” a scout raced up to Leliana, seated close to Varric. “They found her.” The man panted. “The Commander and the Seeker, they found her alive.”

The news lifted Varric to his feet, and he felt hope weave through the people gathered as the news spread through the camp. The sound of pounding boots broke through his thoughts, and Varric realized that the voices around him had stopped. The silence froze Varric’s heart as the Commander and Seeker came into his view. Both were running, and the body in Curly’s arms was lifeless.

Solas, Vivienne, and the other healers surrounded the pair as they approached, forcibly pulling the Herald from the Commander’s hold. She disappeared amid a flurry of activity while everyone else remained frozen, watching until the tent flap closed and, as one, the camp exhaled.

All of it happened within the span of a few minutes. It felt surreal as regular activity returned, somewhat muted than before. Varric listened to the voices around him: some despairing at her state, while others were filled with hope simply because she had returned. But outside the tent, among those who thought of her as a friend, the tension continued to rise. Everyone settled in to wait, and no one seemed to know what to do or say.

Please, please let Smudges wake up. We need her, and she deserves better.

Varric prayed for the first time in years. Haven’s fall had shaken him to his core. The world was in serious shit. It would be a long time before memories of the infected templars’ twisted faces didn’t haunt him. He knew it was time to throw everything he had on the table to stop this Elder One, but nothing would matter if Kiaya didn’t survive.

No one was expecting it when they heard the first snap of bone, followed by a scream of pain. Varric saw the Seeker turn white, then green, before turning heel and almost running from the camp. Varric followed more slowly. He didn’t want to hear any more from the tent and anyway, she shouldn’t be alone.

She hadn’t made it far: just past the tree line where the snow was less deep before she had dropped to her knees to be sick. Varric came up behind her, making enough noise to let her know he was there but not enough to startle her.

Cassandra finished retching. “Go away.” Her voice was ice and razors covering fear.

He offered her the water skin and towel he had brought. “I thought you might need these.”

She glared at him, her suspicion melting to gratitude and shame as she accepted his offering. Her thanks were softer, barely loud enough for Varric to hear. Cassandra remained where she was, staring at the cloth twisted around her fingers. She looked vulnerable, and it tugged at Varric’s heart.

“She’s strong, Seeker. Stronger than she knows, probably stronger than any of us know. You got her back here alive. She will be alright.” Varric could see the woman’s shoulders shaking.

“How can you possibly know that?” She twisted around in the snow to face him. “So she survives this, then what? She’s not a fighter, Varric! She is going to get torn apart.” Cassandra was just as passionate in her fear for her friend as she was in everything she did. Varric could see unshed tears in her eyes as she continued. “She stayed behind, Varric. Kiaya sacrificed herself for us. Who does that?”

“Heroes do that.”

Cassandra snorted. “Heroes are from stories. It’s never that simple.”

“Simple is boring and usually never the truth.” His answer had the desired effect, and she smiled a little. “We are all here for her, Seeker. You have protected her, helped her, and we are all going to continue to do so.”

Moments passed as the two looked at each other before Cassandra dropped her eyes. “I want to apologize to you, Varric. I may have been wrong in my...” the Seeker searched for words, “My judgement of you before. You have been an asset to the Inquisition and a friend. Thank you.”

Your judgement was not that wrong, Varric thought as he offered her a hand to help her to her feet.

“You’re welcome,” he said.

—

Cassandra sat on the bank of a small lake, watching Kiaya teach Cole how to swim. It was a moment of peace in a world gone mad. Kiaya and her team had left Skyhold shortly after the Herald had led them there, to round up supplies and answer the numerous calls for the Inquisition’s assistance. This break, this moment of rest and fun, was much needed by everyone. Cassandra chuckled when Cole, likely distracted by something on the bottom, didn’t resurface and Kiaya swore and disappeared.

“They certainly look like they’re having fun.” Varric appeared seemingly out of nowhere to stand next to her. “You didn’t want to join them?”

Cassandra shook her head. “I only swim for survival or to get clean. I have never taken pleasure from it.”

“I’m with you. Water is too shifty to be trusted,” Varric said. “It’s nice to watch them enjoy it, though.”

Kiaya’s laughter rang across the water as she dodged away from Cole, encouraging him to chase her. Cassandra marvelled at how easily she moved in the water. Kiaya looked utterly comfortable as she gracefully slipped just out of Cole’s reach. Kiaya also seemed happy, something that was rare since the Conclave. Cassandra smiled as she watched the two splash around.

“We could have done a lot worse, you know. Smudges have a good heart,” Varric pointed out.

“Yes. Kiaya has proven herself very capable. I just wish she would not fall so much.”

Varric chuckled. “She does seem to have trouble tripping over her own feet. Coordination isn’t for everyone, although you wouldn’t know that at the moment.” They both watched as Kiaya dove under the surface of the water.

“Where is that grace in battle?” Cassandra asked.

“I think she leaves it in the water,” Varric answered. Cassandra’s attention was caught by a bird landing in a tree above her and began to sing, and Varric noticed her distraction. “What is it?”

“A blackbird.” She smiled as the bird’s call filled the air. “One of the few memories that I have of my parents is mornings in the garden. Blackbirds had made nests in the wild roses, and they would sing like anything.”

“That’s a wonderful thing to remember. You must miss your family very much.”

Cassandra shrugged, watching the bird take off and fly over their friends’ heads in the water. “I miss the idea of my parents if that makes sense. I was very young when they died. My memories are so hazy. I miss my brother desperately, though. For the longest time, we were all each other had.”

Varric said nothing as he offered a hand to help her stand. Still, his eyes brimmed with an understanding that Cassandra had never seen before. She reached out and took his hand without thought. His palm was warm against hers, his fingers strong and a little rough. He quickly pulled her to her feet, and Cassandra felt disappointed when their hands parted.

Varric whistled loudly and shouted. “Hey, fishes. Food’s ready.” Then he motioned to the path and, in a familiar voice, said, “Shall we, Seeker?”

She led the way back to camp, still feeling the heat from his hand against hers.

--

Varric stood in the shadow of the gate of Skyhold fortress. The Inquisition had grown drastically. The fortress now housed the population of a village, and five times that camped in the valley below. The courtyards were always bustling, which suited Varric fine. He loved people watching, and it also gave him the perfect excuse to be waiting here.

His face split into a grin when he spied her entering with a group of merchants. She looked just as travel-worn as all the other folks, and no one paid her any special attention as she detached from the group and drifted over to him. Varric opened the door behind him, and they both pass through. The moment the door clicked shut, they both grinned at each other.

“Andraste’s ass, it good to see you in one piece, Hawke,” Varric said.

Hawke laughed and wrapped Varric in a hug. “I have never lost any pieces. Not any big ones anyway. I’m the worried one. What the fuck have you gotten yourself into?”

“A big pile of scary shit.” Varric sighed as they separated, and he led the way up the stairs towards the battlements. “I kept you out of it as long as I could, but after Haven…” Varric shook his head.

“What happened, Varric? The information I picked up is sketchy and terrifying.”

“Whatever you heard, the reality was worse. Corypheus is alive.”

Hawke stopped dead, her hand gripping his shoulder like a vice. “No, he’s not. I killed him myself. I stood in his blood. I had to throw out my boots.”

“You can tell him that when you meet him again. And his new archdemon.” Varric said while giving her hand a sympathetic squeeze. He had known that this news would upset Hawke.

Hawke let loose a string of Trevinter curses that would have made Fenris proud.

“It gets worse,” Varric added when she paused to inhale. “Somehow he’s infected the Templar Order with red lyrium. It’s everywhere, Hawke.”

All the colour drained from Hawke’s face as she rocked back to lean against the wall. Her eyes unfocused as she processed the information. Varric could see the same guilt he was feeling wash through her.

A few silent moments passed. Then Hawke blinked before resuming the climb. “Well, then. What’s next? And why are you telling me this in a stairway? I need a drink.”

Varric pulled out his flask and handed it over. Hawke laughed and accepted.

“Your arrival here will ruffle some feathers, and I would like to put that off as long as possible.” He answered.

“Mmm,” Hawke mumbled around a mouthful before swallowing. “That’s not like you. You enjoy it when I ruffle feathers. You’re usually egging me on.”

“True. However, this will likely get me punched in the face, so let's wait all the same.”

Varric could feel Hawke’s eyes on him. “Your ears are turning pink. Explain to me how getting punched makes you blush.” Hawke said.

“No.”

“You know, I will find out eventually,” Hawke said, but she let the subject drop. “Where are you taking me?”

“Up to one of the towers. You can lay low there until I can get Smudges. You and she have lots to talk about.”

“So, she’s not the puncher then.”

Varric rolled his eyes as he opened the last door. “Wait here, I won’t belong.” He ushered her into a room crowded with broken furniture and debris.

“I love what you have done with the place,” Hawke said as she sat sprawled on a three-legged bed. “I’m keeping the flask.”

Varric snorted. “I kind of figured.”

--

Thanks for reading. To read from the beginning here is the Master post.

[himluv]

Believer

Merry Christmas! Here’s another (kinda long, slightly canon divergent) Solavellan oneshot, because I am hopeless. Set after Perserverance. Also, side note, this is probably one of my favorite things I’ve written for them and hope you all enjoy it!

Despite the cold, Solas couldn’t shake the memory of the archdemon’s flames. He’d felt them on his neck as he’d run away. He told himself that he had been following her directions, that Cassandra and Sera had fled too. That they would all be dead if they hadn’t obeyed the Herald’s final command.

None of it helped.

He had left her behind to face a a monster right out of the Chant of Light. A being that shouldn’t exist, imbued with a power it had no claim to. He tried to convince himself that it was the loss of the anchor that he felt most keenly, that it wasn’t the thought of never seeing her questioning glances or her smile again that nearly brought him to tears.

But, after the day he’d had, Solas didn’t have the energy to lie to himself anymore. He cared about Riallan, more than he should. More than he thought he could. This world wasn’t real after all. It was a mistake, an errant timeline he must correct. But she was different, vibrant and vital and… everything.

And now she was gone.

Sitting at the edge of the fire, Solas covered his face in his hands and tried to clear his mind. He had to think, to come up with his next steps now that the Herald was gone. Defeating Corypheus and retrieving his orb were still the priority, and without Riallan it would be exceedingly difficult.

“You and the Herald were close, no?” Mother Giselle asked. She stood beside him, staring into the flames.

He cleared his throat, but didn’t look up at her. “No,” he said. “At least, not yet.”

She hummed as if she understood his meaning all too well. “The loss of what could have been often only amplifies the grief for what was.” She sat on the log beside him, crossing her ankles and tucking her legs to one side. “She was kind. Compassionate in a way rarely seen beyond Chantry walls.”

He snorted at that. “I’m sorry,” he said. “I do not mean to belittle your faith.”

She waved his words away. “I know you are not a believer, Solas. Nor was the Herald. And yet, she embodied Andraste in ways I would never have expected.”

He looked down at his hands where they hung between his knees. “She was a marvelous spirit.”

“On that we can agree.” She sighed, rubbing her hands together before holding them closer to the fire. “We must keep her in mind in the days to come. The Inquisition will need grace and fortitude for what comes next. May the Herald be our guide.”

The Revered Mother’s words rang in his head as he watched the flames, and the more he listened to them, the more he was certain Riallan would have hated them. She never wanted to be the holy figure in the humans’ war, she fought the notion at every turn. And yet he knew she would be forever remembered as the Chosen of Andraste, the martyr of Haven.

He stood abruptly, suddenly unable to stand the heat of the fire, or the company it drew. “Thank you, Mother Giselle, for your kind words,” he said and then hurried through the snow to his tent.

He shouldn’t have been surprised to find Cole sitting on his bedroll, but he’d somehow forgotten the spirit in the commotion of the evening.

“You’re hurting,” he said.

“We all are,” Solas said.

“Yes. Fire, fury, fear on blackened wings. They are afraid. Of what came before and what comes after.”

Solas sighed. He did not have the patience for the compassion spirit tonight. In the Fade emotions would make sense to Cole, but here, in a camp full of mortals fleeing for their lives, he would be overstimulated. Grasping for meaning and methods to help heal their pain. And it would be too much.

“Yours is worst,” the spirit continued. “The darkest song, bleak and black with blighted hope.” Cole blinked too-wide blue eyes at him. “You care for her. Wanted her in a way you had not let yourself want in so long.”

He scrubbed his hands over his face and took a deep breath. “Cole, please. This is not helping.” When he opened his eyes he was alone in the tent, a whisper of an apology shivering in the air. He stared at his bedroll and for once dreaded the thought of sleeping. He had grown so used to visiting her in the Fade each night. He looked forward to her questions, to the shocking realism of her memories.

But tonight he would be alone. After the millennia in uthenera, the concept should not be so frightening. But, after a millennia in uthenera, alone and wandering, her companionship in the Fade had meant more to him than he could say.

“Enough,” he said to himself. A pitiful pep talk, but it was enough to steel his mind and climb into the bedroll and try to sleep.

Three nights he wandered the Fade alone. Three days they trudged through the storm, the weather a fitting symbol of the Inquisition’s morale. They were lost and homeless, hopeless and hollow. The advisors argued among themselves, while her companions quietly checked on one another. Varric and Cassandra spoke with him most, but he was surprised at the care both Dorian and Sera showed him as well. Apparently his burgeoning feelings for Riallan had not been so subtle as he’d thought.

He told them all the same thing. He was fine, though he mourned the loss of the Herald much as anyone else. That he feared for the future of Thedas without her. But he left it at that and denied any personal attachment or grief. The script helped him bottle away emotions he would rather not face at the moment.

On the fourth night the storm broke and the stars shone down on the Inquisition’s camp. They’d taken shelter in some ruins, so he at least had those to look forward to in the Fade that night. It would be a blessed reprieve from the lonesome quiet of his dreams these past few evenings.

He sat at the fire, using the flickering light to draw and hating that no matter what he set out to sketch, it all turned into her. Riallan facing down a dragon. Her vallaslin in abstract against the Inquisition’s heraldry. Her face when she’d spoke to him about his artwork, the shining joy in her eyes.

“Shivering, shaking, shambling,” Cole said. The spirit materialized to stand just in front of Solas, blocking the light. “Everything hurts. Breathing, walking, speaking.”

Across the fire, Cassandra scoffed.

The spirit turned to look at him. “So close. Will I find them in time?”

Solas’ hand froze on the page as his head snapped up to look at the spirit. “For whom are you speaking, Cole?”

Cole turned and pointed away from camp. From the way they’d come. “Her. There.”

He met Cassandra’s gaze across the flames, and then she shouted, “Cullen!”

Solas didn’t wait. He dropped his sketchbook and fade-stepped in the direction Cole had pointed. He arrived first, the advisors close behind him as he turned the corner around a broken pillar and —

There she was, kneeling in the snow gasping for air. A cursory glance told him she was gravely injured. Dried blood streaked her head, face, and neck, while scrapes, bruises and a few burns claimed the rest.

“It’s her,” Cullen shouted as he reached them. “It’s the Herald!” The templar bent down as if to scoop Riallan into his arms, but Solas stopped him.

“I need to assess her injuries,” he said.

“She’s freezing,” Cassandra argued.

“I only need a moment,” he promised. Already his hands traveled over her body, the glow of his magic probing and prodding, searching for where the damage was worst. The power would also soothe some of the pain, though it would only provide meager relief.

At his touch she lifted her head, and blinked at him. Her green eyes were unfocused and dazed. “Solas?” She said. Her voice sounded rough and weak. “Is this the Fade?”

He gave her the tiniest smile. “No, lethallan. You are not dreaming.”

She let out a heavy breath and winced. “I made it.”

Before he could confirm or congratulate her, Riallan passed out and fell forward into his arms.

“Well?” Cullen asked, impatience making his tone gruff.

“Her right shoulder is dislocated, the collarbone broken, she has several cracked ribs, and if the ankle isn’t broken it’s definitely a bad sprain. There’s also high probability of a concussion, dehydration, and damage from exposure.”

Cullen stared at him, his mouth moving but no words coming out. He ran a hand through his hair. “Maker’s Breath,” he finally managed.

“Can we move her or not?” Cassandra asked.

“We must.” He lifted Riallan as gently as he could, but any pain she felt was thankfully lost on her for the moment. “Cole?”

The spirit manifested, startling those gathered.

“Go to Mother Giselle and tell her to make space in the infirmary.”

He nodded, but lingered as he looked at Riallan then back to Solas. “She’s hurting,” he said. “But it’s better now. You’re helping.”

“Hurry, Cole,” he said, but the spirit’s words brought him a warmth he couldn’t deny. The others followed him, hovering and offering assistance when all he really wanted was for them to leave them be. He knew they cared, that they worried for Riallan just as he did, but they were a distraction he couldn’t afford.

Once in the makeshift infirmary tent, he told them as much. Cullen and Josephine bowed out right away, the ambassador looking a bit squeamish. Cassandra planted her feet and prepared to argue, but Leliana silenced her with a hand on her arm.

“You will tell us if you need anything?” The Nightingale said.

“Of course,” he said.

She nodded. “Come, Cassandra. Let him work.”

The Seeker gave one long look at Riallan and then acquiesced. He set to work immediately. Adan and Mother Giselle worked in tandem, following his instructions and offering advice. They had to reset the collarbone, which had begun healing out of place. It was gruesome work, and painful enough that she had cried out even in her unconsciousness.

The sound of her scream and knowing that he’d caused it, would haunt him for a long time to come.

With the collarbone set and magic poured into it to accelerate healing, Solas worked on her shoulder next. Once that was back in place, he and Mother Giselle wrapped her torso, supporting the fractured ribs.

Some small part of his mind noted that Riallan was only half dressed. She lay on the cot in just her breast band and leggings as they worked. His artist’s eye catalogued each detail of her skin, even as he lamented that he saw her under such dire circumstances. Then the moment was over and he resumed his focus to healing her.

It must have been hours later when he finally sat on the cot beside her. He was exhausted. He’d had to replenish his mana with lyrium potions twice, or was it three times? He couldn’t remember. In Arlathan, even such an intense healing session would have cost him nothing; the power was available in every breath he took. But with the veil in place, with his power a mere trickle of what it once was, he struggled now to stay upright.

“Surely, you must believe in the Maker now,” Mother Giselle said. She looked about as tired as he felt, but her face with bright with hope. “He has returned her to us.”

His head was heavy, but he managed to look up at her. “No,” he said, the words thick on his tongue. “I believe in her.”

That wasn’t what the Revered Mother wanted to hear, but neither of them could be bothered to argue the point. She bowed her head slightly to him, and then left him alone with the Herald.

His hands trembled and an erratic humming coursed through him, the after effects of the lyrium. He felt jittery and hollow, rattled and raw. He wiped a hand over his face and only then noticed they were stained with her blood.

“You look like shit, Chuckles.”

He glanced up to see Varric enter the tent. He simply nodded in reply. It was all the greeting he could muster.

“Why don’t you go clean up?” He clapped him on the shoulder. “I’ll watch over her for a bit. You should get some sleep.”

Solas opened his mouth to protest but Varric spoke first.

“I’m no medical expert, but my guess is she’s going to be knocked out for quite awhile. Am I right?”

He sighed. “Yes. At least until morning, and even then we should administer a sedative. I should —“ He made to stand, but swayed on his feet.

“Woah, there, Chuckles.” Varric steadied him with a hand on his arm. “The only thing you should be doing is resting. I promise, if anything changes with the Herald, I’ll come get you.”

He wanted to argue, to demand that he stay by her side, but he had the energy for neither. He could barely keep his eyes open as he nodded and left the tent. For a moment he walked alone, weaving through the tents, and then Cole was there with Solas’ arm over his shoulder.

The spirit helped him to bed, the gesture surprisingly tender. “Scared, shimmering hope, so fragile. Exhausted, but proud. Suledin. She has endured so much.”

The elvhen was foreign on the spirit’s tongue, the word sharp where it should be round. It made Solas smile.

“The hurt is less now, for both of you.”

He wanted to say yes, to agree with Cole and smile and feel the joy of knowing Riallan would live. But those feelings would have to wait for the Fade. He was asleep before he could even give them a voice.

[apostaterevolutionary]

I created my tumblr mage just to follow mage-rights activists like yourself. That being said, how do you deal with the heavily anti-mage rhetoric in DAI? Every corner you turn in the Hinterlands has some random hostile mage, some dressed in Anders' DA2 outfit. The mages allying with Tevinter. And then nearly ALL the companions save maybe Blackwall, Dorian, Cole and Solas being against allying with the mages. And do you sympathize with people like Cassandra and Cullen?

Hey there! Welcome to tumblr haha. First off, I wanted to apologize for taking so long to answer this. I haven’t had a lot of time/spoons lately and I wanted to actually put some thought into it as it’s been a while since I played DAI fully

So to start, I will say that I still believe a lot of the mage rhetoric in inquisition was specifically intended to make the conflict seen more ‘grey’. It failed miserably, of course, but it really seems like Bioware looked at the player choice stats on origins and DA2 (and DA2 itself was also an attempt to do this, I believe) and the overwhelming mage sympathy (which is true; though most are not as extreme as we are, fandom surveys and stats from multiple sites have shown that most people side with the mages in both games) and wanted to even those out. Which I think is why a lot of strange, non-sensical new pieces of lore suddenly showed up

I’ve talked about a lot of specific examples before (check out my mage rights tag if you haven’t already), so I’ll mostly focus on the ones you’ve asked here. As to how I deal with the issues, well, step 1 is knowing that a lot of it is bad writing that goes directly against previous lore (e.g. Dalish dumping their rare, precious mages in the woods because fuck you). Step 2 is thinking about some of these things and wondering if you can make it make sense in a way that isn’t awful (e.g. the Dalish do not dump their mages in the woods, the one tribe who does is an outlier and should not have been counted because they are the only ones who do it). And then step 3 is remembering that this is a choice-based RPG and that even though there are limits on your choices, you have the power to make the game what you want to a certain degree (e.g. my canon inquisition worldstate is that Sebastian was not recruited in DA2 because, quite frankly, I don’t want to deal with his invasion of Kirkwall lmao)

[I’ve put the rest behind a cut because ho boy, this is super long]

For the Anders outfits, there are 2 ways that can help in terms of thinking about it: 1) This is actually a fairly common coat-style in Ferelden, but not in Kirkwall which is why it was unique to Anders in DA2, or 2) the rebelling mages have taken Anders’ aesthetic as a symbol of revolution. So depending on how radical you want to get lmao, both of those work comfortably for me (the truth is probably something in between tbh). The mages allying with Tevinter is kind of the same thing about how Anders sees Tevinter: he doesn’t see all of the awful things about Tevinter because he’s too focused on the good things. Most mages are oppressed and abused their entire lives; of course many of them would look at a place where their talents are celebrating and see paradise. It’s then easy to overlook whatever negative details they know about and blame them on Chantry propaganda. After all, the Chantry was wrong to demonize mages using hyperbole, so maybe they’re wrong about Tevinter too? They must be, right? Which is an understandable point of view, and of course one Tevinter would be foolish not to take advantage of if they could

(I will also add that the Chantry is mistaken about Tevinter in the focus on blood magic as opposed to, you know, the slavery and all that. But you know)

The companions are hard to deal with; on the last playthrough I did, I actually ended up not recruiting Vivienne because it’s impossible to play pro-mage and have her not hate you (also, bioware, you know that heavy anti-mage opinions are unpopular, so you choose to make the only black woman the most heavily anti-mage companion we’ve seen in the games? Yeah, that’s not suspicious at all…). But the fact that a fair number of them are pro-mage or at least mage-neutral (e.g. Iron Bull is fine with magic, just doesn’t like demons and weird fucky shit) does help some. I know for a fact it’s possible to get full approval with everyone while playing pro-mage aside from Vivienne, which helps some

Now, I do admit to sympathizing with Cassandra because as much as I disagree with her on mages, she does have an open mind. She wants to do what’s right and wants to destroy the corruption and problems with the Chantry and the Circles. That’s noble, I just don’t think she understands how radical the steps needed to actually achieve that really are. If made Divine, she tries to rework the Circles and ends up with basically what we started with, which sucks heavily, but I do believe she tries. She respects the power mages have, but she doesn’t hate or fear them. She aims to find a way that everyone is safe and cared for, she just doesn’t realize that such a thing isn’t possible when an entire group of people are treated like prisoners, even if it’s a nicer prison. I think she could perhaps be convinced, with time, because she is very rational in her opinions, but it doesn’t happen within the game. Leliana, especially hardened, becoming Divine might actually help her with this in time, but we’ll likely never know for sure. Still, she wants to do the right thing and does struggle with what that might be, it’s just that she needs to go further in her attempts and re-examine her biases if she actually wants to achieve that

For Cullen… it’s difficult. When I first played, I sympathized with him more than I do now. It was after thinking about it and reading some meta that I started to sympathize less, and replaying DA2 really sealed it for me. The thing with Cullen is he could have been written in a way that I would sympathize with, it’s just that he wasn’t. His arc is largely focused on recovery and a bit of realizing that the Chantry is pretty awful to Templars as well and this is actually true. Considering most Templars are Chantry-raised orphans who have been indoctrinated their entire lives and people who need a good, respected, decent-paying job to feed their families, it’s clear who the Chantry recruits. Then you get them addicted to drugs they don’t actually need to perform their duties (see: the fact that Alistair is capable of Templar abilities despite never taking lyrium) so they can never leave. It’s convenient to have your military arm forced to comply with whatever you want else be left penniless and addicted to a substance you control. And then take your leashed attack dogs and point them at another group (the mages) they’ve been taught to hate and give them carte blanche, then voila, you get abuses

That said, at no point does he actually address his own responsibility and the abuses he himself has inflicted upon the mages in his care. I understand he went through trauma in the Circle, but so does virtually every mage, and he was responsible for some of that trauma himself. That needs to be acknowledged. You don’t get a free pass to be an abuser just because you’ve experienced trauma. iirc there are some moments where he talks about guilt, but there’s no action to follow, no demonstration of such. I remember thinking if there was just a moment of him apologizing to someone he’d hurt in Kirkwall, some sort of tearful ‘my god, what have I done? I am so sorry’ moment, that would’ve finished it nicely and then I would’ve really liked him. But as it is, that moment doesn’t happen and we’re left with a half-assed redemption arc contained within a full-fledged recovery arc. So like… there is a little bit of sympathy, but it’s very much a case of ‘your tragic backstory explains your actions, not excuses them’. You cannot say ‘mages are not people’ and expect to be believed when you say you feel guilty but never show repentance for it. I needed him to show me proof, not just words, that he had changed and regretted his part in mage oppression, which he did not do. Bottom line is: I needed more. Now, whether that is actually a character fault or bioware choosing not to write it that way because they didn’t feel he needed to truly repent, well, I’ll leave that up for debate lmao

But anyways, I hope this answers some of your questions! You may also be interested in my mage rights masterpost, which is a large collection of pro-mage and pro-Anders meta I gathered up for all of your debating needs. Feel free to send me more asks anytime you like and I will try my best to not take 3 weeks to answer lmao (although I apologize in advance if I do; my brain is awful haha)

[aldridge-asset]

TELL ME ABOUT YOUR OC: COMPANION EDITION

Rules: Describe your OC as they are described by your companions. Show us what they look like! Tag at least 5 (or more) followers and 5 blogs you follow! :) Enjoy writing! :}

@deeafrotailmisstress basically tagged me over Discord. I will tag @pleasantcowboykid, @deeafrotailmisstress (hah!), @wethatkindoforc, @eldanseeker along with anyone else that wants to join the bandwagon (not sure who else plays DA:I off the top of my head at the moment, apologies).

Lady Inquisitor Rook “Notched-Knife” Lavellan, as described by her companions:

Blackwall: “I’m of the firm belief she is the only person here that has traveled more than I have. Solas likes to say he’s been around but you can tell when someone’s actually seen one end of Thedas and then the other. Got some incredible stories and much to teach. The trick is to get her to talk when she would rather listen.” 

Cassandra: “From the very start, Rook showed me she could be trusted. She made it abundantly clear that she had never lead anyone when the Inquisition had been created. But she weighs her options, listens to everyone at the table before making a single move. Losses weigh on her. Triumphs are credited not to her choices, but to everyone involved in their making. Reluctant she may be, but Rook has proven herself many times over. I will follow where she leads. I owe her that much and more.”

Cole: “Her silence is loud, deafening.The storm rests in the lack of words, in her sleep - far away from here and so close to there. Shrouded in something she doesn’t know, cannot remember. Not yet. Eyes watch her. Covetous. Many hands to reach out to take what they want. Many hands that bleed when they try. Sharp teeth with a heavy heart. Burdened shoulders and old eyes.”

Dorian: “Oh, Rook? Try as I might to find anything resembling a two-faced approach to any of our interactions - anything at all - I can’t. I don’t think there is a single fiber in her being that isn’t genuine. She actually enjoys my company. Who would have thought? It’s almost irritating to not have her to consider in the long line itching to point their fingers with something nasty to say.”

Iron Bull: “The Boss is a scrappy lady, what can I say? Never would have thought arrows could be truly scary until I saw them shot through the thicker parts of dragon hide. Give her a couple daggers, it can get frightening. All that skill only comes after words fail her, though. Makes me wonder what she has me around for sometimes.”

Sera: “So she is serious, yeah? I mean she has to be. Everyone else has a pole so far up their arses that they taste what they ate last night. It’s strange to see. Rook was one of the little people, right? Was serious before, I think, just got a real shite hand dealt to her. Turned her hand into shite too. Thing’s eating it, you know? They have to watch it closely and it’s not hard to tell when she’s sore. But Rook’s not hopeless. She has some fun when she can. That’s when to catch her. When she’s relaxed and not having to worry about all the little people’s problems for a few hours.”

Solas: “The Lady Inquisitor is a being of harmonious contrasts, then all the shades in between her darkest and brightest aspects. The same hands that send arrows burrowing into men’s chests are also the ones who ushered in a small herd of halla into Skyhold. There is far more to her than she would ever begin to let on, though. To believe otherwise is foolish. She just doesn’t know it quite yet.”

Varric: “Blackbird’s doing well despite what she thinks. Got a big heart. I see her make rounds with the pilgrims and soldiers when she’s not being a ghost and scaring the piss out of everyone. She’s worried all the time, though. I do what I can in slipping her some books to take her mind off things every so often. Blackbird needs a break more than most.”

Vivienne: “You can slip a dress on her with some coaxing but you can’t get the dirt out from under her nails. It doesn’t take a genius to see that the Lady Inquisitor knows she’s not the one who, in a word, should be at the reins. Rook does well to do put her very best foot forward, however. No one can argue against that. I commend her on taking to the front lines as well. I know few of any comparable station that would do so.”

[dragonagecompanionsreact]

Companions, advisors, and romances react to an inquisitor who has absolutely no aptitude for battle (no hand-eye coordination, most fights involve a lot of running away) but is basically a walking encyclopedia of knowledge both useful and not so much. (Can't remember if I sent this already or not)

…So if Mod Sarah was Inquisitor, then?

Cassandra: She quickly keys in to the fact that they’re a civilian non-combatant following their complete lack of skill in defending themselves from demons. She takes the lead and tells them to stay behind during fights, not wanting them to get injured or in the way. Following stabilizing the Breach, she tells them bluntly that they MUST learn to fight, and that either she or Varric or Solas can start teaching them, depending on what class they want.

If she is the one chosen to teach them warrior skills, she and the other warriors in the Inner Circle work them to the bone for weeks, months on end of sparring and hours of working out, but they’re capable of defending themselves, even fighting when they’re done with them. As for their knowledge, she sometimes finds it useful, asking for their thoughts on unknown things they find in the wild, sometimes aggravated if they act like a know-it-all. “Clearly, you were a scholar before all this happened, but now you must be a fighter as well.”

Blackwall: Cassandra, Solas, or Varric have already started teaching them to fight, but they’re still pretty sloppy when they meet him, to the point at which he just tells them to stand aside during the initial fight. If they’re learning to fight like a warrior, he joins Cassandra, Cullen, and Iron Bull in training them, sometimes acting as something like a drill sergeant. “You’ll thank me when you can keep yourself from getting decapitated!” he tells them. He does compliment their intelligence and knowledge, however, and finds it useful when they’re out in the field, or if he just wants to know something he’s curious about.

Iron Bull: He basically punts them out of the battlefield the minute he sees them for the first time and tells them to stay put. When they get to talking, he can figure out a lot about them– scholar, never fought a day in their life until the Breach. He agrees with the others that they have to learn to defend themselves, and if they go for a warrior class, he’s right there working them to the bone like the other warriors. He even has Krem help him teach. If they complain, he grins toothily. “You’ll thank us when you can go close a rift without getting eviscerated by a demon.” He quizzes them a few times on their knowledge, to gauge what and how much they know, and finds himself impressed. “Once you learn how to fight… you could have been a great Ben-Hassrath.” he compliments.

Varric: He’s really patient with them– not everyone can fight, or should fight, and he’s sympathetic to them. He likes to ask them for information all the time when he doesn’t feel like doing hard research when writing his book. If they choose a rogue class, he suggests they just learn how to use a crossbow– it’s relatively easy. That doesn’t mean there isn’t a lot of training involved, but he also teaches them to identify traps and how to make traps– “Given the fact you’re a walking encyclopedia, Brainy, this should be a piece of cake for you.”

Sera: She’s baffled when Cassandra pushes them out of the way during the fight in which she first meets them, and is told they have no fighting prowess. “Ooooh.” she remarks. “Well, we’re gonna have to fix that, yeah? You can’t go around… not being able to fight when there’s demons everywhere and you’re the only one who can fix it.” If they choose a rogue class, she agrees with Varric that they should, initially, learn to use a crossbow for sake of simplicity, but states they should also learn to use a longbow. “Crossbows are good and easy for beginners, but longbows ‘re better by a lot. Come on, I’ll teach you.” Well, she and Leliana teach them, at any rate. Unlike Leliana and the warriors, she’s much less of a workhorse, and just has them come and practice when she’s shooting arrows for shits and giggles. Leliana’s the one working them, but she’s the one who teaches them tricks and fun stuff, which actually helps them learn a lot. She also remarks that they have to learn to be sneaky, which she teaches by having them accompany her during pranks. 

Cole: “Blood dripping, heart racing, I’m going to die, they’re going to die, I shouldn’t be here. You’re learning, but you still don’t know how.” If they choose to be a rogue, he smiles. “It’s okay. Sometimes people have to die. I can help. I can teach you.”

Vivienne: She’s sympathetic, but states they must learn to fight. “Knowledge is well and good, my dear, but in your new role, you must adapt. A healthy dose of fear keeps you alive.” If they’re a mage, she completely understands– not all Circle mages learn useful offensive magic. Many specialize in healing and other fields. “With how smart you are, learning offensive spells should be a non-issue. Learning how to react in a proper fight is another story…” She’s remarkably patient with them if she has to teach them.

Dorian: He’s a little envious of the idea of being allowed to learn and study in peace for so long into life without the barest concern for combat, but that time is long past gone for them, and he pities their loss. They get along as academic sparring partners, and often bounce ideas off each other. If they’re a mage, he offers to teach them practical offensive magic. “Fortunately for you, you now have a charming and talented tutor in the art of combat magic.”

Solas: He finds it a little aggravating, how they trail behind the party during Haven, and how often he finds himself throwing barriers and telling them to stay put. When he actually gets to talk to them, though, he finds himself very pleased and enthralled with the intellectual sparring partner he’s befriended. If they’re a mage, he insists on teaching them himself. “While you have spent your years thus far studying non-combat magic, it’s time for something new,” he says cheerfully, “I believe it will be both a learning experience for you and necessary for future endeavors.”

Leliana: At first, she wonders if they’re faking, but watching them for a little while makes her realize they sincerely have no idea what to do in a fight. She’s nicer to them after realizing they’re a scholar, and admires their intelligence. “Nevertheless, your life has significantly changed in a short period of time. You must learn to defend yourself.” she says. If they choose to be a rogue, she works them to the bone, but they’re perhaps the most prepared for a fight when she’s done with them as compared to other rogue teachers.

Cullen: He voices concern immediately over their incapability in a fight. “Your knowledge is good, but the reality of it is you must learn to defend yourself. I’m afraid your life as a sedentary scholar is over.” He ensures someone’s teaching them to fight in their chosen class. If they choose to be a warrior and have him teach them, like Leliana, he trains them and works them to near-collapse, forcing them to drill with the soldiers, but they come out fully prepared for a fight.

Josephine: She sympathizes with them so much. In many ways, she’s a lot like them, and offers her apologies for what they must endure. Whenever they’re done with a particularly heavy training regimen, she makes sure they at least have a comfortable room to return to with plenty of books to relax with. They become book buddies.

[somevirtualnolife]

Frostbitten

2120 Words Rating: G (T if you count the word tit) Pairing: Male Mage Trevelyan x Cassandra Summary: It’s cold out there, looking for Skyhold.

Previous One Shot: Flatterer

Author’s Notes: More like Frost-smitten amiright. Some more slow-burning fluff between my Inquisitor and Cassandra. Apologies for any typos and the like.  

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“I dun believe you,”

“It’s true,”

“My tits are already freezing under all these layers, and you’re trying to tell me that you don’t feel the least bit cold with both of your actual tits exposed to these winds? Do you believe him, Cassandra?”

“I want no part of this conversation,”  

“What are you three on about on about now?” asked Reagan, walking up from behind three of his companions; Sera, Iron Bull and Cassandra.

“Well, if it ain’t the Boss, himself! The healers finally gave you the okay to walk on your own?” the large Qunari gave the mage a firm pat on the back and almost sent him falling face first into the snow.

It had taken some time for Reagan to fully recover from the encounter with Corypheus at Haven. Part of him was still surprised he managed make it out alive. Call it Andraste’s Grace or just pure luck. Either way he was still alive. Needless to say, it had been a difficult period. Haven was currently under a mound of rock and snow. Lives were taken from them suddenly. The Breach was closed, but the darkspawn magistrate showed no signs of weakening. Arguments were fierce between the War Council members to what their next move should be.

But not all was lost. If what Solas said was true, there was a fortress, hidden in the northern mountains. If they could just make it there, then perhaps there was still a chance for them. They could still turn this around. They could still save Thedas.

The trek was not easy however. This was not just a party of soldiers. Many were civilians or injured as well those who had just lost their homes. They were not prepared for such a journey which slowed them down quite a bit.

At least today, despite the below freezing temperatures, the sun and blue sky were out today, making the journey a little more bearable than usual. Just a little.

“Honestly, I’ve been fine for the past three days. They weren’t listening to a word I was saying, until I finally convinced them that I heard the divine voice of Andraste. That she ordered me to go to the front and lead our people right at this very moment,” the mage wasn’t entirely sure if he should’ve said that. That might’ve been a little bit blasphemous, but what was done was done. If there really was an Andraste out there, surely she would’ve understood.

“But you still haven’t answered my question; why are we on about Iron Bull’s tits?”

Cassandra groaned and rubbed her temple. “Please do not encourage them,”

“Oh don’t listen to her. We’re having real conversations, right?” Sera’s eyes sparkled with a certain excitement. “We’ve been walking in this bloody cold weather forever, and Iron Bull is out here, no shirt, tryin’ to tell me he just keeps warm by sheer willpower,”

“It’s true,” Iron Bull said, laughing loudly. “I’ve dealt with much worse, believe me,”

“We all have our own ways of trying to steer away this cold bite,” Reagan said, not entirely sure if what Iron Bull said was actually possible. “I’m pretty sure Blackwall has grown his beard out even more to keep himself warm. I wish I could do that,” grown man of 28 and he could barely get past a stubble.

“Ha! You with a beard. Now that’s a laugh,” the elf snickered, no doubt imagining him with one. “Alright then. If Blackwall’s got his beard, an’ Bull’s got his willpower or whatever, what about Vivvy?”

“The finest Orlesian coats,” Reagan answered. “Or she full embraces it,”

“Cole?”

“He’s a spirit, isn’t he? Do they even get cold?” Iron Bull said.

“That’s a good point,” Reagan nodded. “Hmm. Dorian?”

“Blood magic,” Sera cackled. “Solas?”

“He’ll say that it’s warmer than the Fade. Varric?”

“Chest hair,” Cassandra finally said, surprising all three of them.

“Ha! So, Cass does have a sense of humor. Well done,” Iron Bull bellowed.

“Well, that one was very obvious. I’m surprised he wasn’t the first on your list,” the Seeker responded with a shrug.

“Alright then. Trevvy,” Sera said, looking back Reagan. “What’s your trick for keeping warm? That freaky hand of yours? Andraste bless you before you fell out of the sky?”  

“Well, I did study fire magic extensively back at Otsiwick, so-”

Sera managed to make both a farting and booing noise simultaneously. “Boring. Also cheating. And stupid. Out of all the stories we have and you end us with that one?”

“That was a legitimate and honest answer!” the mage protested.

“Yeah, but it’s no fun if it’s just basic magicky magics,” Sera made another farting noise. “Cassandra, what you got?”

“As though Cassandra has a better answer than-”

“Well, obviously I just punch the cold,” she responded before the Herald could finish, leaving him stunned once more. She really did have a sense of humor.  

“And Cass is two for two! You might have studied the flame, Boss, but it looks like our Seeker here is on fire today,” the large Qunari grinned even wider.

Suddenly, the sound of a loud horn echoed across above them, signalling that it was time for the group to take rest.

“Ugh, finally!” Sera groaned. “I’m gonna go an’ see if I can snag some extra blankets or jumpers from one of the caravans,” and with that the spry elf girl ran off, cursing under her breath about the cold.

“As for me,” Iron Bull stretched. “I’m going to go and see if any of these lovely ladies might need a hand or more in ‘keeping themselves warm’, if you catch my drift,”

“We didn’t need to know that,” Cassandra replied, shaking her head.

“Yeah you did,” the Qunari gave another firm pat on the back to the Seeker and mage before he two disappeared off into the crowd. Well, not really disappeared. He was a big guy, so all he did was just get slightly smaller than he normally did.

And so, it was down to Reagan and Cassandra again. They hadn’t really spoken on their own since Haven was attacked. With his injuries keeping him in one of the caravans with the healers, and everyone else on duty he didn’t get a chance to chat with any of his companions.

“Fancy grabbing some stew from the cooks?” he said with a bit of a grin, pointing at another wooden caravan nearby. “Or are you fine just punching your fists at the winter cold?”

Cassandra rolled her eyes at the comment, but nodded.

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

“How do you actually stay warm?” Reagan said as he passed one of the tin mugs to Cassandra and then walking finding a large, snowless rock for the two of them to sit on, overlooking the group.  

“I don’t,” she said with a sigh, bringing the mug close to her face, closing her eyes. “I just don’t see any sense in complaining about something that you cannot change,”

“So, I’ll take it that you’re freezing right now,”

“I feel as though my fingers my fall off,” she said in an irritable voice. “I do hope that Solas is right about this fortress. If he is attempting to trick us in anyway-”

“I trust him. I doubt he has little to gain from leading us astray,” Reagan replied, taking a sip from his own mug.

“And yourself? You do not seem like the type who would enjoy such frigid temperatures. Yet, you don’t seem nearly as bothered as you should be,”

“It’s as Sera says. I’m a cheater,” he with a small shrug. “Even before I knew what I was, I knew how to focus the heat into the palm of my hands. Think of a small flame. Just enough to feel a slight tingle in the palm of your hands, ”

“That’s impressive. I can’t imagine too many children being able to focus their magic like that when they don’t know what they are,” Cassandra responded, her eyes brows raised in interest.

“Don’t be too impressed. One day, the flame I thought of was a little too large and I set our estate’s tree on fire,” he laughed. “Yet, I still managed to lie about it and didn’t get found out for another year. I just told my parents I was playing with match sticks and only got a firm spanking,” he still remembered that day very clearly. 11-years-old just playing outside in the snow when he pointed his hand to the large oak tree in the garden. And just like that, several flames appeared around it and it became nothing but black charcoal. In hindsight, his parents must’ve knew it was magic. There’s no way a small match in the snow could do that.  But maybe they were in just as big denial as he was at the time.

“Somehow, that doesn’t surprise me,” Cassandra closed her eyes and gripped the tin mug tightly, as though trying to absorb the heat from it. “You seem like that the type of child that would have gotten into far more trouble than he’s worth,”

“I assure you I was only a slightly spoiled brat in comparison to the rest of my siblings,” he grinned wildly.

“Ah, that’s right. There’s three more of you,”

“Legally speaking,”

It was then that a biting gust of wind came across the group of people, though thankfully didn’t last long. Reagan looked over at Cassandra and he could see her dig her cheeks into her fur collar of her coat and shiver. But she was true to her word. As cold as she was, the Seeker did not complain. Still, he couldn’t help but feel a little sorry for her.

“Here,” he said, placing his cup down and pulling of his gloves and offering his palms. Cassandra’s grey eyes looked at him suspiciously. Right, yes. She wasn’t a particularly touchy-feely individual. This would look strange to her. “You said your fingers are freezing right? We can’t have one of our best warriors unable to wield her sword when disaster can strike at moment,”

The Seeker quirked a brow, but eventually also put down her cup and pulled off her gloves. “You’d better not set me on fire, Trevelyan,”

“Lady Pentaghast, you wound me with such accusations,” he said, smiling at her as he lightly took her hands into his. They really were as cold as ice, to the point when they were going from red to yellow. It really must’ve been painful.

Slowly, the Seeker felt the prickled cold pain in her fingers disappear, and instead felt a warm pulse start to form from her fingertips all the way through her hands. Whatever tenseness and uncertainty she felt about earlier seemed to dissipate with the cold.

“See? Still in one piece,” the mage said, running his thumbs across her palms. “Not even a blister,”

“I suppose it is nice to have feeling in my hands again,” she admitted, turning away from him. “… Thank you, Trevelyan,”

There was that blush again. The one that she would no doubt blame on the cold weather. The one that made him want to tease her more. The one that mad him want to caress her cheeks. The one that, as of late, made him want to pull her in close and press his lips against hers. Yet, there was still a question nagging at him, at the back of his head, that prevented him from completely hinting towards those feelings.

“Cassandra, who’s-” before Reagan could finish his sentence, the large sound of the horn sounded off again, indicating that they would be starting up again soon. The two quickly let go of each other’s hands.

“We should get back,” the Seeker said, grabbing her gloves and swiftly pulling them back on. “You are leading in the front with Solas, correct? You may want to confirm the details before we get moving again,”  

The dark-haired hero let out a sigh and stood up as well. Right. Now was not the time to be even thinking of what he and Cassandra could be. It wouldn’t do Thedas much good if he found frozen on top of a mountain fantasizing about his bewitchingly beautiful companion.

“Right,” he said, putting on a chipper voice. “And you have another exciting and riveting conversation ahead of you. It’s occurred to me we didn’t even touch upon our trusted council members. I’m sure Sera has some unique thoughts about them,”

“Please, don’t remind me,”

“Don’t miss me too much,”  

A final scoff came out of Cassandra. “And don’t make me give a reason to put you back on the caravan with the healers,”

“Again, Lady Pentaghast, you wound me,” 

[runningwolf62]

@wardencommanderrodimiss

Okay this is really old and I think I originally wrote it as Brennan was just a companion but I tweaked it so he’s an Inquisitor now, I was exploring how the Redcliffe bad future would affect his and Dorian’s relationship. It was also supposed to be longer, so I’ll probably come back and finish it now that I’ve found it again.

Dorian was a bit surprised when he arrived to find someone already in his corner of the library. Brennan Trevelyan looked over the books on the shelves, occasionally muttering to himself.

“No, not that one,” he paused and turned to face Dorian, immediately he grinned.

“Dorian, always a pleasure to see you.”

Dorian looked over the younger man before him, a swipe of dark blue paint curved over one cheek, under his tattoo and several patches were scattered on his shirt. Dorian’s eyes drifted to the splash of blue in Brennan’s hair, then back to the man himself, “how can I be of service?”

Brennan’s answered with a smirk full of promises and replied, “in so many ways but right now I’m looking for a book, and I hope you can help me.”

“What in particular are you looking for?”

Brennan looked away, “there should be a book on astronomy around here, I saw it before, and I just need to look at it for two seconds.”

“And you need my help because…”

Brennan pulled his hands out from behind his back, he was not wearing his gloves, and it was obvious as to why, paint was all over his hands and fingers, which rather explained how it had gotten on his face and in his hair.

“I can’t touch anything, well I mean I could but I don’t want to end up on the receiving end of your fireballs, so…”

Dorian raised his eyebrow, “I was under the impression you were borrowing Solas’ paint to paint on the walls, not yourself.”

“Hey, most of it has gone on the walls,” Brennan insisted, tucking his arms back behind his back.

Dorian resisted the urge to point out the dried patch in his hair, “I do know what book you’re looking for though, one moment.” He’d rather hope Brennan would never come looking for it actually.

He pulled it off the shelf and offered it to Brennan, who raised an eyebrow.

“I still can’t touch it. Or turn the pages.”

“Is that a ‘please Dorian, would you be so kind as to help me in my time of need’?”

“Are all people from Tevinter this sarcastic or is this just your unique charm?”

“Oh now I have unique charm, do go on.”

“I’m sure you don’t need me to sing your praises, you do a fine job yourself,” Brennan grinned playfully, “however if that’s what it takes to get what I want, well, I’m willing to compromise.”

Dorian was tempted to reply, see how far they were both willing to go, when Brennan’s smile faded, “later though, I have to get back to painting and things. Shame, a few of your better qualities spring to mind.”

“Oh, like what?” Dorian did enjoy hearing a handsome man praise him.

“Well certainly not your humility or helpfulness,” Brennan could be as quick on his feet as Dorian on occasion, a trait most endearing.

Dorian could tell he’d get nothing more from Brennan now, as much as he enjoyed trying, “I suppose I’ll have to prove my helpfulness after all.”

He carried the book to a nearby table and opened it, Brennan used this chance to lean into Dorian’s personal space, subtle he was not, for as good as he was at stealth.

“There’s a map I need to see, page… one seventeen I think,” he chewed his lip a little as he thought, “that sounds right.”

Dorian paged through the book, the map was on the page Brennan had said, he left it open for him, and moved aside so Brennan could see.

Brennan leaned towards it, “let’s see, there’s Equinor, Judex, and there’s Servani.”

Dorian went still at the sound of Brennan naming that constellation.

Dorian and Esti stopped at the door, listening to the whispers from the room, followed by the sounds of scratches on the wall. Another one of her companions maybe, or perhaps another of Corypheus’ unfortunate trophies.

Together they slid into the room, and found more of the cells.

“Servani. The chained man. Possibly represents… represents…”

It possibly represented Andoral, but who was talking about constellations?

He peered into the cell, and was greeted by the sight of Brennan crouched at in the corner. In one hand he held a stone, carving marks into the stone that hadn’t been taken over by lyrium. The dim red light flickered over the walls, shining on the indents, Dorian recognized them as the shapes of constellations, hundreds of them were carved in sides of the cell.

Brennan could no longer see the night sky so he’d brought it into his cell with him. Whether for comfort or from madness was yet to be seen.

Esti hissed in alarm at seeing her friend like this, “Bren?”

He turned and Dorian’s eyes fell where the mark should be. Where his arm should be. Brennan stumbled to his feet, moving towards the bars, “Esti?”

“Bren?” Esti looked ready to cry, “oh Creators, what did he do to you?”

Brennan shook his head, “I was a war trophy, a prize.” He lifted his hand, “I’m alright now.” The joke fell rather flat and he let the silence stretch as they opened the cell door to let him out.

Dorian had the explanation ready but Brennan stepped right out of the cell with no further questions. He looked at Esti with a mix of relief, grief and guilt. Dorian knew he didn’t want to hear the story this vision would tell.

“You believe it’s us?” he asked, before he could help it. But how could he not, everyone else had doubted it.

“What does it matter, real or not, dead or not, demons or not, this is better than dying in that cell.” He turned to look at Dorian, his eyes red and dull, unfocused as though Dorian weren’t there, his lifeless gaze passing through him.

“Dorian?”

He blinked, and met Brennan’s gaze. His eyes were brown and clear, focused on him with a look of concern, his gaze trained on him.

“You were staring at me, and I was flattered until you suddenly looked kind of horrified.”

“Sorry,” Dorian apologized, “Got lost in thought.”

Brennan looked more concerned but nodded slowly, “are you sure you’re okay?”

“Fine, don’t you have a painting to get back to.” He waved his hand and moved back to his books, “and I have books to get back to.”

“I mean yes but you looked… not fine,” Brennan followed after him, reaching out before pulling his paint splattered hand back.

Dorian shook his head and turned to Brennan, who still looked concerned, “it’s fine, just a realization is all.” He saw no reason to tell Brennan how bad he’d been off in the future he and the other Inquisitor had seen.

Brennan pulled back, “well, umm… thank you for your help.” He rubbed the side of his neck, leaving a smear of paint from his hand, Dorian’s eyes lingered there, “I’ll see you later then.”

With that he headed off down the staircase. It hadn’t even occurred to him to ask why Brennan had come to the library with paint on his hands to look at a star chart. It was hardly the weirdest thing one of the Inquisitors’ companions, himself included, had done though. That spirit… Cole wasn’t it, had far stranger behavior. Dorian watched Brennan stop to talk to Solas briefly before heading out the door.

“In an hour I could probably make this work,” he was bragging a little, pushing himself a little but he’d have to try.

Brennan turned without a word to him, he stopped only to speak to Esti, their voices quiet, a conversation for Heralds alone. Then he headed for the doors, dagger in his unsteady hand. He didn’t even look behind him, he stopped only to wait for the other to catch up. Dorian met the Herald’s eyes, Esti didn’t look happy about this, but they had no other option. They would go back. They would stop this. This didn’t have to happen. He looked over at where the thing that had been Felix lay, before focusing again on the crystal. This didn’t have to happen.

-

It was a while before Dorian managed to catch more than just a glimpse of Brennan darting around the keep, between his research and Brennan’s own work on whatever he was doing their paths simply hadn’t crossed. Dorian wasn’t overly surprised though to find him outside one night, gazing up at the night sky.

“Evening,” Brennan greeted him with a grin, “you’re not spending the night deep in your books?”

“And you’re not spending it holed up in your room?”

“On a night like tonight?” Brennan sounded incredulous, “not a chance.”

Dorian looked up, the sky was clear and cloudless, marred only by the scar from The Breach.

Brennan was playing with was resembled opera glasses, a rather well-worn pair, “I mean, up here we have a really good view of the sky, this is one of the best views I’ve ever had. No buildings, few lights, it’s perfect.”

Dorian settled against the rampart next to him, “is that so?” It seemed fitting that a place called Skyhold would have the best view of the stars.

Brennan nodded, and offered the glasses to Dorian, “they’re not great, but if you want to look…”

Dorian held up a hand, “thank you but I’ve gone by the tavern tonight, so my grip may not be quite steady I’m afraid.”

Brennan nodded and withdrew the offered glasses, “alright, thanks. Though they can handle being dropped if you change your mind.”

Dorian followed Brennan’s gaze upwards, “I don’t believe I’ve ever told you how impressive it is how fast you are at those astrium puzzles?”

He looked over in time to catch Brennan duck his head, “thank you. Just years of staring at the sky.”

“To the point of having constellations memorized?”

Brennan shrugged, and kept playing with the glasses, Dorian studied him as he did, the way his fingers shifted over the frames, his eyes glancing between the glasses, the sky and Dorian.

“Favorite constellation?”

“Equinor, the stallion,” Brennan pointed towards the southern sky, “it’s low but you can see it, I never could in Ostwick.”

Dorian wasn’t sure which set of stars was meant to resemble a horse, but he took Brennan’s word for it, “least favorite.”

Brennan took much longer to answer, staring at the sky for far longer before answering, “if I had to pick, Judex.” He pointed to the south again but this time to the left.

“But only because I hated being a Templar,” he added, “the constellation itself is fine.”

“All those years failing to be a Templar gone to waste,” Brennan quipped, Dorian noticed his hand shook occasionally where he held his dagger, “Corypheus could stick me in his army now with the amount of lyrium in me.” The smile he offered was bitter and as brittle as the red lyrium.

Dorian blinked, Brennan was looking up again, not even paying attention to him. He’d had too much to drink, far too much.

“Did you ever have lyrium as a Templar?”

Brennan gave him a look of confused disgust, “no? I was only a recruit, never finished training, why?”

“No reason,” Dorian was studying Brennan, how many jokes had he made in the future? He couldn’t remember but then again, he hadn’t actually been paying that much attention. He’d been too busy trying to get himself and Esti back so they could stop all of it from happening. Dorian wasn’t sure anymore how much of his memories were real, and what his mind and the demons of the fade had made up to torture him night after night.

Brennan met his gaze, “hey. I have a question for you.”

“Oh?” Dorian raised an eyebrow, “are we to play a game of questions tonight?”

“You started it,” Brennan got to his feet so they now stood equal to each other, “why ask me about lyrium?���

“Seeing as we deal with the stuff constantly it was merely a question that concerned me,” Dorian replied, Brennan offered a reassuring smile.

“Well you can rest easy, I’ve never had any.” His grin turned flirtatious as his eyes roamed over Dorian, “I’m drawn to other vices.”

“Ah, a wise man,” Dorian winked back at him, though he wanted to be more than a vice, he had to admit Trevelyan had a charm to him. When he wasn’t accidentally causing chaos. Though, as Dorian made his excuses, and left Brennan there, awash with moonlight, perhaps that was also part of his charm.

-

The explosive force from the spell knocked Dorian and Brennan to the ground, Dorian scrambled back to his feet and sent a fireball back, before he realized Brennan hadn’t gotten back up.

“Brennan?”

Brennan’s body fell to the ground, limp and lifeless, they were out of time, it was time to go, he grabbed Esti’s shoulder, dragged her back to the portal, couldn’t save them now, had to go back to save them.

“Brennan!” Dorian reached down and shook the rogue, a bit harder than necessary, in an attempt to force the memory back. He wasn’t sure he’d actually seen Brennan’s body in Redcliffe castle, but now that he had the man lying at his feet, what he’d imagined seemed all too real.

Brennan grunted and shook off, water and mud spraying over Dorian, “sorry about that, hope you left some for me.” He grabbed his blades and got to his feet, he swayed a moment before Esti steadied him. They moved off side by side, Dorian followed after.

However, the image of Brennan, wracked by red lyrium and dead on the floor lingered, as did the image of Brennan unconscious on the ground, even as they made their way to where The Champion’s contact was.

To make it worse, Dorian was almost certain he hadn’t actually seen Brennan die in Redcliffe, but rather it was part of the nightmares he had. It bothered him that at some point the idea of Brennan dying had become so troubling a demon had created the image just to torment him with it.

Brennan, for his part, seemed oblivious to Dorian’s distress, wiping the rain from his face and pushing his bangs out of his eyes, “you know if we wanted to go swimming we could’ve just jumped in the lake.”

“I haven’t been swimming in ages,” Dorian commented, not since the summers when his mother and he would go boating.

“I can’t swim,” Brennan admitted, “though if this keeps up I’ll learn how in no time.”

“You can’t swim?”

“Never learned,” Brennan shrugged, “didn’t help keep mages from doing their wicked blood magic and destroying the good name of the Maker, so I was never taught.”

Dorian blinked, a response to both Brennan’s statement and the water running down his face, “you really do hold no love for the Templars do you?”

“What gave it away, my fondness for mages?” Brennan winked at him, before following after Esti, “come on, sooner we get to those caves, sooner we’re out of the rain.”

“Yes, but we might encounter those lovely oversized spiders all of Thedas seems so fond of.”

Brennan made a gagging sound at the prospect, and the image of him dead on the floor of Redcliffe Castle faded more and more.

[adlegend21]

For the da companion questions; Solas: 1, 2, 5 cole: 3, 4 varric: 1, 5 cassandra: 3, 5 vivienne: 2, 4 Iron Bull: 1, 4 Sera: 1, 2 Blackwall: 2, 3, 5

Did your Inquisitor engage Solas academically with questions or were they uninterested in his experiences?

“Solas.”

“Yes, Inquisitor?”

“When you say that spirits are twisted by our world and become demons, do you think they can be reverted back?” Elgara asks.

“In theory, should the circumstances around the demon change, it could possibly revert back to its nature, but it would most likely be irreparably changed by the experience.”

“So if that were to happen, they wouldn’t need to be destroyed?”

“It would make sense for that to be the outcome,” Solas answered, “But I don’t see how that is relevant to our situation, as it would take more time than we afforded-”

They both lunged out of the way of the swiping claw of a 12-foot tall pride demon.  He was happy that she took the time to ask him, but now wasn’t the time for magical theory, it was time for action.

Solas 2 answered here

What did they choose, stop Solas or attempt to redeem him, and what motivated their choice? Fear? Love?

“Vhenan...It doesn’t have to be this way...” The words carried more emotion and meaning than anything Nehn had ever said. Her bare face was covered in tears, partly from the pain in her hand and the sadness in her heart. Her love was tearing more than the anchor from her arm.

“I’m sorry, Vhenan.” Solas took his magic from her along with her heart. The pain was subsiding along with the feeling in her left hand. When she’d first awoke she wish the Dread Wolf would take this cursed magic from her, but now that he had, she was filled with sadness and regret.

She can only watch as he turns and walks away, toward the Eluvian. He vanishes and its light fades away.

“Take me with you...” the words escape her lips as she falls over, exhausted and ruined.

Was Cole made more human or more spirit and why did your Inquisitor choose what they did?

“You know I can see you, Cole,”

The words are kind instead of damning, he can still tell even if it takes a little more effort.

“Does that make it bad?”

“Not at all, it gives me a way to thank you for helping.”

Her smile is sweet, like the honey he added to her tea. Sister Nightingale still sings softly. She ruffles his messy hair and it feels right. He leaves her presence and receives more warmth with meeting the Inquisitor at the bottom of the stairs. She gives him another sweet smile to let him know he’s helping. It feels better when they don’t forget. That’s what Mary-Jeanette Trevelyan told him.

Did your Inquisitor become friends with Cole? Did Cole leave the Inquisition at any point, due to conflict with your Inquisitor?

“Cole, I made you this.”

He says to no one in particular until the familiar brim of Cole’s hat appears in his periphery.

Bhima holds a dagger like someone holds a kitchen knife. He gives it to Cole like he was given his ceremonial sword by Leliana when they arrived at Skyhold. Cole likes how it feels in his hands. It feels clean and pure, warm and pleasant, unlike his other dagger.

“It has a rune of cleansing, meaning that it works well against corrupting influence. It helps like you do.”

“I like it.”

It makes Bhima smile as bright as his hand. He knows it’ll work because he made it for his friend.

Was your Inquisitor’s relationship with Varric like that of Varric’s relationship with Hawke? Was it better? Worse?

“You know, you can go with her.”

Varric’s head turns to the Elf beside him, “What and miss all the fun?”

“You do plenty of that already, don’t you?” Elgara asked, “I mean, I bring Sera everywhere because y’know,” she stops to chuckle, “We already helped Bianca and I know you miss Hawke. She could use a friend.”

“Well, you’re a friend too, Inquisitor,” He protests.

“Which is why you call me Inquisitor, but call the Champion of Kirkwall Hawke,” Elgara replies smoothly, “You lied to the Chantry to protect Hawke, and it’s not the best way to stay alive to have Cassandra angry at you for deceit.It’s obvious where your allegiance is. I wouldn’t be upset if you did decide to follow her.”

He watches as the figure of the Champion gets smaller as she gets farther, “You’d really accept that?” he asks.

She nods, “I would. That’s what friends do for each other.”

Did your Inquisitor leave Hawke in the fade or save Hawke? How did that affect their relationship with Varric?

“It’s a shame about Stroud,” Varric said.

“Is it?” Saare asks, “I could see the anger in his eyes in the Fade. If he isn’t dead, he’s still fighting that demon with his stamina.”

“Hawke said she volunteered to see you out..”

“She didn’t have the fire he did about it,” Saare said, “Her fire is elsewhere, I’d just be damning her to death in the fade after everything she went through in Kirkwall.”

The conversation ends, but Varric can’t help but agree. Hawke wasn’t made for sacrifice, and he was glad the Inquisitor saw that too.

Did your Inquisitor push Cassandra to rebuild or abandon the Seekers of Truth? Why?

“I know you are a non-believer, I still value your opinion.”

“Then why do you look so upset that I think the Seekers should be lost along with the templars?” Saare was equal parts confused and defensive with Cassandra’s brow furrowing at her. “They made people tranquil. Then used it as a punishment.”

“The same punishment you used for Erimond,” Cassandra reminds her.

“Because he wanted me to kill him and I don’t bow to Tevinter, even if I’m not a true Qunari. He also tried to destroy the Grey Wardens, not take too long on a Harrowing or leave a Circle Tower to live free.”

The courtyard is quiet as the towering Inquisitor looks down at the sturdy Seeker. Soldiers and civilians alike waiting for bows to come.

“ultimately it is up to you Seeker. I can’t tell you what to do with your life like I tell you where to go in combat. As much as you don’t want to admit it, your destiny can be put in your own hands, not left up to Maker.”

(bhima knows all her names too)

Did your inquisitor view The Game as worthwhile or did they detest court intrigue? How did that affect their relationship with Vivienne?

“My dear, you handled yourself remarkably this evening.”

“You flatter me with compliments, Enchanter,” Elgara smiled.

“You know, you seemed like a masterful player of the game. Almost like you’d been raised in the very halls of power.”

“Really? Well it’s good to know that even a Dalsih elf can be good at what the humans call The Game.”

“You say that like I just asked you what smells you do not find appealing, my dear.”

“Oh, good. My words are having their meaning return. I’d gotten so used to just saying things back in the form of a question so people would be confused. I still can’t believed that it worked so well that an elf got into power just by me never answering anything at all. No wonder Corypheus got so close to ruining Orlais. Hopefully, Briala can get things done the same way. See you tomorrow Vivienne.”

The Enchanter was stunned but also filled with respect for her friend that she knew how to adapt to her surroundings.

Was Vivienne ever considered a candidate for Divine by your Inquisitor? Why was, or why wasn’t, she made Divine by your Inquisitor?

The scowl on Vivienne’s face was worth every laugh that escaped Inquisitor Bhima Trevelyan’s mouth. He laughed heartily and with feeling. He even added in a knee slap for effect.

“Oh, that was great. I do apologize for laughing too long, I should’ve stopped three seconds sooner. I can’t believe you think I would consider putting in a good word for you to be Divine when Leliana is right there.”

“Yes, I mistook you for someone with taste, my dear.”

“I helped you with Bastien, Vivienne, and make no mistake that I do respect you, but the Circles are done for, My Dear. Whether or not you agree, their time has come and gone and Leliana agrees with me. I’m sure you understand.”

“and is that why you also failed to support Cassandra for the position, and no just so youcould continue sleeping with her off the Sunburst Throne.”

“I’d sooner nominate sera for the Sunburst Throne then have the circles and templar’s return. I’ve got the title and power to make that happen. I wonder what they’ll name Leliana once she’s elected...” he said as he turned away from Vivienne and returned to the library.

Was your Inquisitor wary of Bull upon learning he was a spy?

“Chief!”

“Herald!”

The smaller humans are shuffled toward the towering Qunari. Seconds earlier they’d been conversing until the female of the two launched her forehead into her male counterpart, knocking him to his rear.

“Relax!” the male Qunari said, his good eye shut while his hand was held up to keep the humans at bay. “We’re still talking...get back to work chargers.”

Saare was seething and seconds away from immolating this “Iron Bull” where he sat after stating he was Ben Hasserath. He was part of the reason her parents fled their homes every few months when she was little. Why she hadn’t made friends for most of her life and why her parents left in the first place. If he had his way she’d probably have her mouth sewn shut and be leashed somewhere.

“I’m not the enemy here, that thing in the sky is. I’m not here to convert you, I’m here to help. I’ll give you everything you need and they won’t come for you. If that changes, you can burn me on the spot.”

She walked away to calm herself and she thought about it. The Inquisiton needed her and she was under watch already. If the Ben Hasserath were to come, they’d be starting a war with the chantry and there were already exalted marches for that sort of thing. Plus she could take him in a fight.

“Alright, but I’m watching you....” Saare reached down and helped Bull to his feet.

Did they choose the chargers or the Qunari alliance? If they condemned the Chargers to death, how did they feel?

“You’ve thrown away an alliance between our peoples.”

Gatt says this with the anger he spoke of before the mission, Saare can use that, “Why would I choose an institution that would see me in servitude over the best damn soldiers under the Inquisition's banner?”

“Hissrad, you let her change you.”

“Don’t you call him that,” Saare moves closer, standing over the Elf with her natural stature, “He’s not a liar and he doesn’t keep secrets. Hissrad is gone. He has and always will be The Iron Bull.”

“I guess you’re right...” Gatt leaves, knowing that she’s right. It won’t make the trip back to skyhold any more pleasant for him, but it’s the truth.

“Thanks, Saare...”

She turns to Bull and sees him smiling, “What? I defend your name and I’m not your boss anymore?”

“No, you are, but Even after you gave me this necklace, I wasn’t really worthy of it. I’ve been calling you Bas this whole time...”

“Other.”

“But you’re not Other. You’re Saare and I’m not Hissrad, I’m The Iron Bull.”

“Damn right you are...”

What did your Inquisitor think about the Red Jenny organization? Did they choose to be apart of it?

no ficlet but all my Inquisitors like it cuz they like helping people.

Did your Inquisitor see Sera as troublesome or simply fun-loving? Did they join in for her pranks?

“We should do that more often, it’s not every day Cullen blows his top,” Elgara had just recovered from laughing so hard that she almost fell off the rooftop after Cullen came storming through the courtyard in a huff. They’d sabotaged his desk and now they were reaping the rewards of their efforts.

“You surprise me, Inky. I didn’t think you’d go for this what with you being in charge.”

“We Elfy elves like to have fun too. It’s not all history and traditions among the Dalish.”

“Well, I don’t know about that, but you’re alright.”

Elgara would take it for now.

What did they choose to do with him and how did they feel about their choice? Were they guilty about leaving him in cell, if they choose to do so?

“Why?” Blackwall croaked. His hands free after his crime had been barred to everyone in the Great Hall.

“Because,” Bhima said, “In life, many people ask for redemption. Bl-Rainer, you took it. While you are no Grey Warden, you are no Evil man. I can see that so in Andraste’s name, you are forgiven.”

“I...thank you, Your Worship.”

Did their treatment of Blackwall change after discovering who he was? If yes, how so?

The battle is over, the last bandit has fallen, and yet the sweet smell of a position fills his nostrils. He can feel it take effect almost instantly and he feels rejuvenated and in less pain than he was seconds earlier.

He looks to the Qunari woman who undoubtedly threw the concoction and she has a soft smile for him. He noticed that she was going out of her way to do these things and he wouldn’t forget. While other’s may still show him hostility, and rightfully so in his mind, she gave him nothing but kindness. 

He would never forget.

Did they remain in contact with him after the events of Trespasser?

All of my quizzy’s keep in touch to let him know he’s a good person and that he can still help people.

[butchvamp]

-

i know yall probably really think im a hypocrite with the amount i shit talk bioware while simultaneously owning and repeatedly playing all their games but like....i mean mass effect is like super important to me and i’ll always love it, but i can never excuse anything the bioware team did after me3 and the way they taunted and mistreated fans because they let bioware know how disappointed they were. and we never got an apology?

but at this point bioware has consistently treated their fans like garbage and just...dont try? like they are in a place where they can do a lot of good, they have a huge well established fan base and multiple series spread across different fandoms and they know that, but instead of pushing for the best or breaking barriers with decent representation they just give us utter garbage because they know we’ll buy it because they’re fan base is so well established. like they’ll keep giving out mediocre garbage and pat themselves on the back for it.

like theres a difference between real, decent representation and what bioware has given us especially with inquisition and their terrible writing with sera and her relationship, as well as with krem where basically every single option was to say some horrible transphobic shit to him, and the extremely unhealthy way dorian & bull’s relationship was portrayed, the handling of kaidan’s sexuality as well as jack’s and just the repeated fact that they’ll scrap their nonstraight romances first when they (always) run out of time. also the fact that they always whitewash their characters?

ashley and kaidan, alistair, cole, briala, solas, sera, cassandra, isabela, fiona,like...... that is INSANE, and im probably even forgetting some. and they keep doing it. i wont be surprised if we get concept art of a white character in andromeda who was originally nonwhite.

and the way they treat their nonwhite characters in game as well (and this goes for the fandom too) but with vivienne, fenris, isabela, zevran, cortez & traynor... they’re all either oversexualized, demonized, or just completely ignored/written out. and its OBVIOUS...every bad thing bioware has done is painfully obvious and everyone sees it and calls them out on it but they dont care and never try to improve and its insulting.

i know me and da have separate teams but it all still overlaps and you can see problems in both franchises.

like i hope andromeda is good and im looking forward to it but like...im not expecting anything from them lmao

[typhonserpent]

Waaaaay back in the day there was a tag game floating around DA and I recently found that I saved it to my old hard drive at some point. I think it would be a fun exercise so I’m gonna kick it back into circulation.

RULES: 1. Post the rules 2. Tag five other users to fill this out when you’re done 3. Choose ten characters (canon, OC, or both!) in any particular order (NO PEEKING AT THE QUESTIONS AT THIS STAGE) 4. Answer the questions that follow

CHARACTERS: 1. The Iron Bull 2. Blackwall 3. Cassandra 4. Solas 5. Vivienne 6. Dorian 7. Cole 8. Sera 9. Varric 10. Cullen

WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF… 1. Number 1 woke you up in the middle of the night? Realistically? Scream. Although cuddling is another option. 2. Number 2 asked you to go out with them? I’d say yes, though that would also mean that Blackwall is an open bisexual and nobody knew it. 3. Number 3 walked into the bathroom while you’re there? Cassandra would likely be far more flustered that I would. She’d blush and sputter and apologize while I sat there frozen. 4. Number 4 cooked you dinner? Can Solas cook? I don’t imagine he sampled a lot of fine cuisine as a nomad. I’d eat it out of politeness. He probably at least knows how to cook on an open fire which is fun. 5. Number 5 was lying next to you on the beach, sleeping? I can just picture her on a towel under a massive umbrella with tanning goggles on and I would politely leave her alone because she scares me. 6. Number 8 got into the hospital somehow? Most likely she was pulling a prank that backfired and I had to drag her there kicking and screaming the whole while because she doesn’t want any magic-using healers touching her. 7. Number 9 made fun of your friends? Varric would only do that in a joking matter. If he legitimately hurt their feelings, I’m sure he’d pick up on it. Even if he didn’t, I’d politely let him know he went too far and he’s probably relent immediately. 8. Number 10 ignored you all the time? Okay I’m about to confess something that I know is blasphemy in the Dragon Age fandom but I actually … don’t really … like Cullen very much. So it wouldn’t effect me whatsoever. In fact, I would probably be grateful. -x- 1. Two serial killers are hunting you down. What will Number 1 do? Bash their brains in, obviously. 2. You’re on a vacation with Number 2 and you manage to break your leg. What does Number 2 do? After carrying me to the doctor’s to get the cast set, he’d wait on me hand and foot for the remainder of the vacation or possibly suggest we go home early. 3. It’s your birthday. What will 3 give you? A copy of one of Varric’s books because if we’re friends then that’s likely what we’d bond over. 4. You’re stuck in a house that’s on fire. What does Number 4 do? Well, he’s got a few options. 1. erect a barrier around me so the flames can’t touch me 2. dispel the fire 3. douse them with his epic elf magic 4. just walk in like moses parting the red sea. I’m sure he’d barely blink. Or since I’m a human he might just let me die! Never know with that guy. 5. You’re about to do something that’ll make you feel extremely embarrassed. What will Number 5 do? Politely but firmly pull me aside with some bullshit excuse like needing my opinion on draperies and then inform me that I’m about to pull a stupid again. 6. You’re about to marry Number 10. What’s Number 6’s reaction? He’d be very happy for us and likely do his best to make the wedding. 7. You got dumped by someone. How will Number 7 cheer you up? OH OF COURSE COLE GETS THIS ONE. Come on y’all he’ll do what Cole does. He knows exactly what I need to hear to feel better and he’ll immediately make me forget him and go look at dirt or something.

8. You’re angry about it afterward, how does Number 8 calm you down? Takes me onto the roof to throw things at people. 9. You compete in some tournament. How does Number 9 support you? Heckling the competition and taking bets. 10. You can’t stop laughing. What will Number 10 do? Stand there awkwardly. RELATIONSHIP PART 1. Number 1 is all you’ve ever dreamed of. YES HE IS IN THIS HOUSE WE LOVE AND RESPECT THE IRON BULL 2. Number 2 tells you about his/her deeply hidden love for Number 9. Your reaction? First of all, this quiz seems blatantly bent on making Blackwall bisexual. Second, I break the bad news to him that Varric is taken and offer to buy him a drink and go out with me instead. 3. You’re dating Number 3 and introduce him/her to your parents. Will they get along? Oh hell yeah, mom would love Cassandra! I mean full disclosure my mom loves everyone, but in particular she has a lot of respect for honorable and honest people and that’s all Cassandra is. Plus once they find out they’re both bookworms, maybe they’d even start a reading club together. 4. Number 4 loves Number 9 as well. What does that mean? It means Solas is also an open bisexual. 5. Number 6 appears to be a player, they breaks many hearts. What do you do? This … isn’t this canon?

6. You had a haircut and Number 7 can’t stop looking at you. What goes on in your mind? I don’t think anything of it. He probably doesn’t even notice he’s doing it. 7. Number 8 thinks they’ll never get a boyfriend. What will you tell them? “Sera … you’re a lesbian.” 8. Number 9 is too shy to face you and confesses their love by sending you an e-mail. Now what? VARRIC confessing his love by email? That’s actually such a Varric move. He’d compose some epic tale that ends with his confession and I would be hooked the whole time. And I’d probably agree to a date because I’m a thirsty boy. FRIENDSHIP PART 1. Could Number 1 and Number 6 be soul mates? ( ͡º ͜ʖ ͡º) 2. Would Number 2 trust Number 5? Absolutely not. 3. Number 3 wants to go shopping, will Number 7 come along? Sure would! Though he might continually get distracted by all the different people in the shops. 4. Number 4 is bored and pokes Number 10. What happens after that? Cullen blushes and asks “What was that for?” And Solas shrugs and they both go back to work. 5. Number 5 and Number 1 are forced to go back to school together. What study will they pick? Law school, maybe? 6. If Number 6 and Number 3 cooked dinner, what would they make? After fighting for three hours over the superiority of Orlesian versus Tevinter cuisine, Cassandra would relent and let Dorian direct everything in the kitchen. I’m thinking fresh spinach salad, a wine basted roast, and sweet potatoes. 7. Number 7 and Number 9 apply for a job. What job? Therapist 8. Number 8 gives Number 5 a haircut. Is that okay? Oh god no … no. No. Absolutely not no. No. No. Nooooooooo. 9. Number 9 sketches what Number 6’s perfect girlfriend should look like. “Varric, while I appreciate the gesture, this is just an illustration of Bull in a dress.” 10. Number 10 and Number 8 are blushing while they talk. What is their conversation about? Boobies

I tag @gaysparkler​, @protect-him​, @emotionalmorphine​, @amenadeal​, and @feynites​ and I’ll post a blank version below for easy copy/pasting … As always, you don’t have to do it if you don’t want to. And if you aren’t tagged but you want to do it, consider yourself tagged and tag me back so I can read it!

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF… 1. Number 1 woke you up in the middle of the night? 2. Number 2 asked you to go out with him/her? 3. Number 3 walked into the bathroom while you’re there? 4. Number 4 cooked you dinner? 5. Number 5 was lying next to you on the beach, sleeping? 6. Number 8 got into the hospital somehow? 7. Number 9 made fun of your friends? 8. Number 10 ignored you all the time? -x- 1. Two serial killers are hunting you down. What will Number 1 do? 2. You’re on a vacation with Number 2 and you manage to break your leg. What does Number 2 do? 3. It’s your birthday. What will 3 give you? 4. You’re stuck in a house that’s on fire. What does Number 4 do? 5. You’re about to do something that’ll make you feel extremely embarrassed. What will Number 5 do? 6. You’re about to marry Number 10. What’s Number 6’s reaction? 7. You got dumped by someone. How will Number 7 cheer you up? 8. You’re angry about it afterward, how does Number 8 calm you down? 9. You compete in some tournament. How does Number 9 support you? 10. You can’t stop laughing. What will Number 10 do? RELATIONSHIP PART 1. Number 1 is all you’ve ever dreamed of. 2. Number 2 tells you about his/her deeply hidden love for Number 9. Your reaction? 3. You’re dating Number 3 and introduce him/her to your parents. Will they get along? 4. Number 4 loves Number 9 as well. What does that mean? 5. Number 6 appears to be a player, he/she breaks many hearts. What do you do? 6. You had a haircut and Number 7 can’t stop looking at you. What goes on in your mind? 7. Number 8 thinks he’ll/she’ll never get a boyfriend. What will you tell him/her? 8. Number 9 is too shy to face you and confesses their love by sending you an e-mail. Now what? FRIENDSHIP PART 1. Could Number 1 and Number 6 be soul mates? 2. Would Number 2 trust Number 5? 3. Number 3 wants to go shopping, will Number 7 come along? 4. Number 4 is bored and pokes Number 10. What happens after that? 5. Number 5 and Number 1 are forced to go back to school together. What study will they pick? 6. If Number 6 and Number 3 cooked dinner, what would they make? 7. Number 7 and Number 9 apply for a job. What job? 8. Number 8 gives Number 5 a haircut. Is that okay? 9. Number 9 sketches what Number 6’s perfect girlfriend should look like. 10. Number 10 and Number 8 are blushing while they talk. What is their conversation about?

[l8rose]

Dead Gods Still Dream

Dead Gods Still Dream Chapter 35: Kirkwall

The travel to Kirkwall went quicker then I thought.

Abelas rarely let me keep watch and my nights were filled with strange dreams. Solas visited almost every night but the dreams were weirder on the nights he did not arrive as if he was keeping the stranger parts of the fade at bay.

One particular dream had been about the hall where Radinan had held me captive or at least I believed it was that place. The ceiling was completely gone and there were always stars overhead as if I was looking into the night sky. The place was stripped clean of anything that hinted at people. No chairs, no tables, nothing.

The spirits were there, or at least it looked like them. They were in the guise of demons with the Desire demon always the one who came to talk to me. Each and every time, I woke up before anything could be said.

Both Abelas and Solas believed they were trying to tell me something but their grip on the fade was tenuous at best. They had been changed too much by stepping through the rift I made.

It was just another thing added to the long list of things I had to fix.

I was still thinking over it all when we arrived at the gates of Kirkwall.

I could barely remember what the city looked like but it was a lot less friendly looking then what I could remember. We could see the giant statues as we approached, rising into the sky like fearsome protectors. I had no idea why Varric wanted to live in a place like this but then, people called the strangest places home.

“I do not like this place.” Abelas voiced his concern in ancient Elvhen as we approached. He quickly went silent as we neared others walking on the road.

I nodded in agreement to him but said nothing as I led the way into the city proper. There were guards but no one stopped us from entering.

It was just as one would expect of a large city. People everywhere. Beggars, merchants, guards, and everything in between. It bustled with life and energy.

Occasionally, someone would glance towards Abelas but otherwise ignored me. His armour did stand out quite a bit compared to what everyone else was wearing. I realized I would have to find something less ancient Elvhen for him if he truly did want to attempt to fit in with the people when he needed to.

We stayed close as we went through the throngs of people and I tried to remember where Varric would be in all of this. It had been years since I had seen him last and I simply could not remember where he would be.

The press of people around me made it harder for me to think. Their voices rising in a cacophony of noise made the hair on the back of my neck stand up on end. I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself but it was hard. I had not encountered this many people in years. There had been far less at Solas' keep and they had all parted for me to pass.

“We will need directions, I think.” I said over my shoulder to Abelas who nodded in agreement.

Forcing our way through the crowd, we managed to get off the main street. I realized then that Abelas was frowning at me.

“What is it?” I asked in ancient Elvhen.

“Rest here. I will find information.”

I scowled but he was quickly on his way back out into the group of people before I could say a word.

People still moved about the side street but it was a relief not to have someone jostling my horse every few seconds. I gently stroked the creature's neck and I was just glad the creature was far calmer in the crowd then I was. I did not even want to consider what it would be like to wander through here with a skittish horse.

I stopped petting the horse when I felt something beside me. It was almost like a sudden increase in heat next to me but it also flickered, like a candle.

“I told Varric you are here.” Cole's voice came from between the horse and the wall.

He looked almost human as he stood there. That big hat shadowing his face as he kept to the shadows.

“Cole!” I said with a smile before sliding off the horse to give the spirit a hug which he awkwardly returned. “It is good to see you, Cole.”

He felt as real as any other person but I knew better.

“You are tired.” Cole said with a tilt of his head.

“It's nothing.” I shook my head and tried to alleviate his concerns. “Just...”

“Not used to the people.” Cole finished for me. “Big. So many people. Hard to think.”

“Yes, well. I haven't really been in large crowds without something bad happening.”

“Nothing bad will happen. He will protect you.”

“I don't want people to protect me, Cole.” I wrinkled my nose.

“I know.” Cole bobbed his head. “You are strong, but he sees. He knows. Endless sleep, endless dreams.”

“Abelas won't let me do much on my own.” I said with a small laugh.

“Abelas...?” Cole cocked his head. “Oh yes. He sees too. Not as much but he sees.”

I blinked, realizing that the first he was not Abelas. I had the feeling that he was referring to Solas but I was not entirely sure about that.

“Cole?” I questioned.

“Ah, there you are.” A voice from down the side street had me glancing over the horse towards a group of town guards walking in my direction.

Out of the corner of my eye, I could see that Cole had vanished once more. Sighing, I stepped from around the horse to get a better look at the people approaching.

The speaker was a woman with red hair and a uniform that clearly marked her as being the leader of the group of guards.

“My apologies, Lady Lavellan, we were only just made aware of your arrival.” Something about the way she carried herself almost reminded me of Cullen. Almost like she was being crushed by a sense of duty but yet loved every moment of it.

“Ethara is fine.” I responded, wrinkling up my nose.

“Ethara.” A small smile cracked the stern line of her face. “I am Guard Captain Aveline, Varric sent me to fetch you.”

“Oh... you're that Aveline.” I stared at her.

Strangely, the Tale of the Champion was one of the things that I could remember clearly. Perhaps because I had read it so many times. Seeing Aveline here was a bit surprising.

“I thought you left Kirkwall after the Chantry -” I continued.

“Don't believe everything you read in Varric's books.” Aveline said with a small laugh, cutting me off before I continued. “I remained in Kirkwall after Hawke and the others were forced to flee.”

“Well, pleasure to meet you, Miss Aveline.”

“If I'm to call you Ethara, you may call me Aveline.” She said with a small nod before gesturing to my horse. “If you'd mount back up, we'll lead you to the Keep.”

“Certainly but I need to wait for my companion to come back.” I responded as I climbed back into the saddle. “He went to ask about where Varric would be.”

Aveline flashed me a strange look, like she was about to question that but thought better of it. She nodded over towards two of the guards before speaking to me.

“What would he look like?”

I did my best to give a description of Abelas, from the horse to the armour. The guards quickly made themselves scarce as they followed her orders to seek him out.

“There, they will inform your friend where you can be found. Varric was fairly insistent that I get you up to the Keep as soon as possible.” Aveline motioned for me to follow.

I thought about it. About refusing and just waiting there for Abelas to return but there seemed to be a sincerity about the woman that made me want to go with her.

I also had the sneaking suspicion that Cole had informed Varric that I was drained.

I turned the horse in her direction and urged it forward. The guards all fell in step near the horse with Aveline walking just ahead of me.

She led us through the streets, keeping to the back ways instead of the main streets. I eyed her back suspiciously until we came out in front of a set of stairs leading up to a rather large building. There were more of those statues but it looked like they had gone through some effort to at least make it look friendlier.

“You'll need to leave your horse here, I'm afraid.” Aveline said as a guard stepped forward to take the reins of my horse. I must have looked startled as Aveline quickly spoke again. “Don't worry, nothing will happen to the horse and there are plenty of guards here. You'll be alright. Varric's offices will be up the stairs to the left once you enter the Keep.”

I shot her a questioning look before climbing off the horse.

She merely smiled and beckoned for me to continue on my way. I was not quick enough to ask as she had turned to speak to another nearby guard, clearly giving him instructions about my horse and general guard behaviour.

Sighing, I climbed up the stairs on my own and entered the building.

I remembered what Solas' Keep had been like, teeming full of elves, but this was completely different. It was full of people from all the races of Thedas. Elves, humans, dwarves, even a qunari or two. They were all chattering away at one another, some louder then others.

Guards stood along the walls and at the foot of the stairs.

It seems the city had done alright since the days of the Champion. I would never believe it if someone told me that the Qunari had ransacked the Keep. The damage was almost nonexistent at this point.

I straightened myself as I walked. My head held high like the Inquisitor I was supposed to be.

Thankfully, no one really cared about the lone elf walking up the stairs towards the Seneschal's office. I was only stopped by the guard standing at the door.

“State your business.” His tone was gruff and his gaze was harsh.

“I'm here to see Varric Tethras.”

“You and every other person.” His voice became downright dismissive.

“He's expecting me.” I said with a shrug. Caution had me keeping my name to myself, given that Cassandra was supposed to be impersonating the Inquisitor in the South.

He stared at me but did not move.

“Just go tell Varric that his expected guest is here.”

The guard next to him just rolled his eyes before stepping into the room. I had no idea whether he was irritated with me or his fellow guardsman.

I could not really see much through the small crack, nor could I really hear anything.

The other guard came out shortly before nodding to me.

“You can go in.” He said simply.

I stepped between them and through the door but I could hear the first guard complaining to the other. I tuned him out as I shut the door behind me.

I turned around and found myself caught in an almost rib crushing hug from Varric.

“It's damn good to see you.”

I returned the hug even as I felt a little teary eyed. I had only seen Solas, Cole and Bull since I returned from behind the veil. The full weight of that hitting me like a blow.

“Hey now!” Varric said, a small chuckle coming from the dwarf. “No crying. If you start, then I'll start and that will just be terrible.”

“It is good to see you, Varric.” I said, giving him another little squeeze before letting him go.

“Come on, sit down.” He stepped away and motioned towards the desk on the other side of the room.

The papers were piled high beside a quill that looked like it had been used quite often. Two chairs were situated around it, one clearly having been moved from the other side of the desk.

I quickly glanced around the room as I walked over. A window to let in light, a small fireplace, a lot of shelves full of books and parchments. It looked every inch the room of a Lord.

“I forgot that you had taken over Kirkwall.” I smiled as I sat in the chair.

“Yeah, Dorian told us about you being through time and stuck behind the veil.” He grimaced a little as he sank into the opposing chair. “That must have been hell of a thing. How did you manage to get out?”

“The Breach tore holes in the veil,” I answered, knowing that he meant my imprisonment in the fade. “It took a while before I was brave enough to try going near one of the little rifts but I managed to get through one. Remember that rift we closed that had no demons around it?”

“I thought that had been a little strange.” He chuckled. “That was you on your way out?”

“I didn't quite mean to but yes, that was me.”

“Took out a full rift worth of demons by yourself, getting quite powerful kiddo.”

“You do realize I'm now thousands of years older then you, right?” I could not help but smile at him.

Varric had always been one of those guys that you could not help but laugh and smile with. Sure, he was capable of some pretty large lies but he was not cruel or evil. Every lie he had said had always been for a good reason, or at least the ones I knew he had said.

“Let's not think too hard on that.” He shook his head with a grimace. “At least not until I'm good and drunk.”

“If we had the time to get you that drunk...” I laughed.

“Right, problems in Thedas.” That grimace deepened. “That's why you're here, isn't it? Dorian said something about the elves taking you to spend time in uthenera.”

“Yes,” I stopped laughing. “Apparently I overstepped my skills a little and needed to rest. Dorian managed to pass on the message that things were going badly but he was really, really out of it.”

“I imagine he's mentioned the war in Tevinter then?” Varric said with a quirk of his head. I nodded and so he continued. “We've had an influx of people fleeing the conflict, a lot more elves coming south then staying there.”

“I thought they had a community in the Arlathan Forest?”

“They do but the refugees coming south? Those are kids. Old people.” He sighed. “They wouldn't admit it but they're all the ones the others sent south to keep safe.”

I stared at him in surprise. This Myal in the north was sending away all those who could not defend themselves. That meant they had to be gearing themselves up for battle. There was no other reason why they would do such a thing.

“Do you know that for certain?” I found myself asking.

“Yes.” Varric nodded. “They won't talk to my people but they will talk to the Sabrae Clan.”

“The Sabrae Clan?” The name was familiar but I just could not place them.

“Dalish elves that live just outside Kirkwall. I can arrange for you to meet with their Keeper.” He paused for a moment, thinking about that. “Actually, I probably should do that anyway. She'll be pretty upset that I didn't bring you to visit her if you left without going.”

“You're on good terms with the Keeper of a Dalish clan?”

I was a little sceptical of that. Varric was a friendly man but the Dalish were not that keen on outsiders, especially ones that were not elves and generally not with the people ruling cities. Clan Lavellan had been different but that difference had cost them their lives.

“Of course. It's my old friend Merrill.” He said with a grin that reached ear to ear.

“That's the one from the book?” I asked although I was a little surprised. If I remembered the story right, she had attempted to make a deal with a demon which had ended badly. I really could not remember how terrible but just that it had been bad.

“Yes and I know what you're thinking.” His eyes twinkled. “After the destruction of the chantry, there was a lot of problems here in Kirkwall and with the elves. Merrill is the one who pulled them all together. Dalish and city elves. Things aren't the same here as they are elsewhere, elves aren't as hated because of the things her and Carver pulled off.”

“Her and Carver?”

“Ah yeah, left that out too.” A slightly sheepish look. I assumed it was just another thing he left out of the book as I had no idea about this Carver. “Carver Hawke has pretty much been by her side ever since they left Kirkwall. He's pretty accepted by the elves in the clan as well.”

I did not believe that. There was accepting that the Clan was more like Clan Lavellan and friendlier with outsiders but to have an actual human in the Clan and tied to the Keeper. That was just a little too unbelievable.

I suppose being related to the Champion of Kirkwall might have helped a little with it but it was still surprising.

“Trust me. It's the truth. Clan Sabrae has taken in a lot more then just Carver when it comes to humans.” He was back to smiling again. “They've even taken in some elf blooded kids. It's mostly elves there but they seemed to take after a particular elf that decided to save the world regardless of what everyone else thought of her.”

I felt a blush creeping all the way to the tips of my ears.

“You made an impact, even here. Especially since I was walking proof.” He shrugged before getting up. “After the Chantry, you doing all that was what people needed to realize that if we all don't work together, things were never going to change. Merrill started that change here by rounding up Clan Sabrae and anyone else who needed a home.”

“I definitely need to meet this Merrill then.” I nodded with a smile even though I sincerely hoped that he had not been promoting me as someone larger then life to them.

“You'll also be pleased to know that there are survivors of Clan Lavellan there as well.”

“Really?” That was a pleasant surprise. “I thought they were all up near... “ I paused, not quite remembering the name of the other city.

“Wycome.” Varric provided with a look of sympathy but it was clear that gave him an opening to something that was bothering him. “Look... I know it's not a question you've really been thinking about... but how much do you actually remember?”

“What? Why?”

“Dorian said that you were gone for thousands of years. I can hardly remember things from a few years ago if it's not written down.”

“I can remember enough.” I did not meet his eyes. “I remember the Inquisition, I remember my friends and most of the important stuff.”

“Ethara...”

“It's not a big deal, Varric.” I sighed. “I was only the Inquisitor for what...? Five years? Prior to that, I was just trained to be the next Keeper of Clan Lavellan. I ended up spending more time in Elvhenan then at either of those.”

“Still, it's not something to dismiss. Especially if you're going to be jumping head first back into politics like the others want.”

“So you know about what's happening with the Inquisition as well?”

“Of course. That and the shitstorm up north.”

“What can you tell me about the leader of the elves in the north?” I asked, only too happy to divert the conversation away from myself.

“Not much. She's a young elf, Dalish and she's promoting you as the goddess of the people. She's apparently capable as a leader as there aren't many complaints from the ones that do come south.”

“That doesn't help much.”

“Well, does it help in knowing that they're not actively searching for something in the forest?” He provided, watching me keenly as he spoke. “They did a few sweeps through a small area and then disappeared into the deeper parts. A few groups of them split off and that's about all we know. If there is something in there that they want, then they know where it is already.”

“That helps. Troubling but helpful.” I admitted.

“You know something?” He quirked an eyebrow as he asked.

“It really was the location of Arlathan.” Was all I said.

I honestly did not know what had happened to the city. I had spent my days with Mythal in her temple outside the city proper before venturing to the Alinuris. I just knew that was where it was.

I guessed Solas knew more about what happened with Arlathan but I did not want to bring that up with him.

“That's what most people assume.” Varric sighed. “There's something else you should be aware of.”

“What's that?”

“Remember those people that kidnapped you?”

“You mean Ellendra and her companions?”

I would always leave it at just that. The less people that knew, the better. Especially given that she had been part of a group of cultists led by my father.

That was a conversation I really did not want to have right now.

“Yeah.” Varric looked away from me as he spoke. “They've been popping up all over Thedas now. Not large numbers but enough that it's clear they're looking for something. My guess is that they're trying to find where you are... or Solas but I'm going with you as they had you prettied up when we got there.”

I frowned and looked down at the glove covering my crystalline hand.

“There are some here in Kirkwall.”

My frown deepened but I did not look up. I knew what Abelas had said earlier, that I was still too weak from what I had done. I was not sure if I would be able to stop the Cultists if they came after me while I was in this particular state.

“Damnit.” I muttered under my breath.

“We've managed to route them out but they come back every few months. Aveline caught one trying to sneak in here while I was out.” He half-laughed, half-snorted as he thought about it. “As if I would keep documents about where you were lying around.”

“That is going to make me getting back to Skyhold a lot more difficult.” I said.

“I'm thinking there might be a way around that.” Varric's voice went thoughtful for a moment.

I glanced over at him to see that he had that expression on his face like he was working things out.

“Merrill might have the answer, that's if Solas didn't completely lock down her eluvian.”

“Merrill has an eluvian?” I sucked in a breath of air, startled by that revelation. I had assumed that either Solas or Morrigan had control of the eluvians. “I thought you wrote that Hawke had destroyed it?”

“That's much better then she repaired it and it did nothing, right?” Varric said with a thin smile. “It's a long shot but if it actually does work, we might be able to get you back through there without having to cross through all of Thedas.”

“So, when do I get to meet this Merrill?” I asked.

“As soon as your chaperone shows up.” Varric said with a laugh. “Cole did say you weren't alone.”

“Oh right... Abelas.” I had not forgotten about him, I had just gotten so distracted with talking with Varric that I had forgotten he was not nearby.

“Not Solas?”

“No.” I answered, not quite looking at him.

“Well, not gonna pry into that one.” He shook his head before laughing again. “You're free to come and go as you please in Kirkwall, my home is your home for as long as you're here. When Abelas shows up, I'll have Aveline take you to meet Merrill.”

“Thanks Varric.” I said with a smile, truthfully meaning it.

We continued to talk for what seemed like hours. He reminded me of what things I had said or done as the Inquisitor and I told him what my life had been like since I disappeared. I did not get into too much detail about the time travel as he clearly said that whole thing gave him a 'headache'.

I began to feel a bit on edge as time wore on.

“I think I should have Aveline look for him.” Varric said, whether it was because he noticed my behaviour or he simply realized that it was far too long.

“Thank you.”

“You get some rest until then.” He said as he got up. One hand motioning to a set of doors leading further into the keep. His personal rooms, I guessed. “No arguing. Go lay down.”

I grumbled but I could not help but deny that I was feeling drained. I knew I could trust Varric and his friends to look for Abelas so I slipped into the other room and fell asleep the moment I laid my head down on the pillow.

[dragonagecompanionsreact]

How about the companions and advisors reactions to learning that Mage Trevelyan Inquisitor was disowned for being a Mage (romanced too please)?

(This is actually part of my Inquisitor’s backstory, omg. So I’ve thought about this one).

Cassandra: While she agrees that sending them to the Circle as a child was best, she’s utterly disgusted with their family for acting with such disdain towards their own child. If she ever meets them, she’s cold as ice towards them. If Romanced: She’s mad, surely, but she calms down in the presence of her love, and she grasps his hands. “They have made the worst of mistakes,” she says, “for they abandoned one of the finest men in Thedas. I will always here for you, my love.”

Blackwall: He’s furious. “They disowned you for that? No good person does that. I’m sorry.” If he ever meets their parents, he’s abrupt and harsh with them. If Romanced: He’s twice as angry, if it’s possible. He can’t believe their parents were that rotten to their own child because of magic. “I’ll never abandon you for anything like that. I promise.”

Iron Bull: “That’s some bullshit.” he snaps. “I mean, I get sending you to the Circle, but they didn’t have to kick you while you’re down. Assholes.” If he ever meets them, he does his best to loom over them and frighten them. If Romanced: The reaction is largely the same, but he takes the time to comfort his Kadan however they like, and he reassures them that he wouldn’t do that to them, ever.

Sera: “What? They just– up and said you weren’t one of them just because of the magic-y shite?” She growls. “I mean, fine, go to a Circle for teaching, but taking the time to officially kick you out just because of what you are even though you’re their baby is… shite! Well, listen, you’re my friend, and you don’t need them, yeah? Friends are just as important.” She sends a letter to the Friends in Ostwick, who begin to torment the Trevelyan household. If Romanced: She wants to make it her personal mission to go to Ostwick and torment her girlfriend’s parents. She begs and cajoles to do so, to abate her anger. “Friggin’ noble pricks– they don’t deserve you.”

Varric: “Shit.” he remarks, appalled. “That’s– I’m sorry, Inquisitor. For what it’s worth, you deserve better. Remember that you’ve got friends, now, and I and the others– we’re here for you. And I’ve always got an ear for listening if you need it.”

Cole: He knew. He feels their pain, knows the sting of betrayal, and doesn’t know how to make it right. It’s a pain that can’t be easily dismissed. “They hurt you.” he says. “Screaming, crying, flailing as the templar pulls on my wrist, stop the bad man, don’t let them take me away, I thought you loved me! They don’t look at you as it happens, they’re not my child, a mage can’t be my child. If I don’t look, they aren’t real, and neither are their screams. They’re bad people. I don’t like them. I’m sorry they did that to you. We like you. We love you for you.”

Dorian: He’s utterly disgusted. He had heard of the way mages were treated in the south, but this… well, he knew a thing or two about being kicked out. “I’m so sorry. I… sort of know how you feel, but I wasn’t seen as shameful until I was an adult. You were just a child. Maker’s breath, your parents are monsters.” He offers them some wine and an ear for listening, if they ever need it. If Romanced: He’s absolutely livid. He hugs his amatus and kisses him, and whispers reassurances. They were both outcasts in their family; he could understand. He also tips off Sera to have her tell Red Jenny. They wouldn’t get away with this.

Solas: It is sad, but does not surprise him. The people of modern Thedas were so afraid of magic it drove them to do horrid things, and this is merely another example. He offers his sympathy. “It is unfortunate that they feared so much that they would abandon their own child.”

Vivienne: Like Solas, she is not surprised. It was, unfortunately, something that happened that wasn’t uncommon to many Circle mages. While she doesn’t disagree with the decision to send them to a Circle, the notion of wholly abandoning their child disgusts her. “I’m sorry, my dear,” she apologizes, “your parents are clearly not worthy of you. You are above them.” She gives Sera information about the Trevelyans, and sets out to ruin their social standing, at least to the point she can without hurting the Inquisitor.

Leliana: Her first question is if the Herald would like their parents to be handled. The Herald quickly refuses, and while mildly disappointed, she understands. “I’m so sorry,” she says, though she tries to not sound pitying, “one of the greatest sins known to the Maker is to abandon your own kin. They are therefore hypocrites, in all their piety, and should be ashamed of themselves.” She still sends spies to creep on them and discover any information that could be used to publicly shame them.

Josephine: She’s actually shocked and offended when she hears it. How could they do such a thing to their own child?! “Maker’s breath! That’s horrible! I-- I am so sorry! No one deserves such cruelty.” She offers to listen, if they ever want to talk. Should the Trevelyans ever send a letter, she is very passive aggressive and cold to them when she responds. If Romanced: She first has the reaction that occurred above, and then she makes to introduce them to her family. She asks if she can tell them, and they welcome the Inquisitor with open arms, welcoming them into the family. “Just know,” she says after her excited family swarms them, “that you are a Montilyet now. My family knows you are a mage, and none of us mind. We will never abandon you, certainly not I, and no one else here.”

Cullen: He wishes he could say that he’s surprised, but he’s not. He’s met a lot of mages that this happened to. “I’m sorry to hear that. No one deserves that.” He’s not quite sure what to say, so he leaves it be. If he ever meets their parents, he’s cold and brushes them off. If Romanced: His reaction is largely similar, but he asks if she wants to talk about it at all. He also introduces her to his family, who accept her with open arms.