#zevran is the most favorite btw

[housederiva]

What if I did the opposite of the BioWare blorbo beat down? Where like, you vote for your least favorite and we figure out which motherfucker is hated the most

[alistairstheirins]

btw, i'm going to make my own poll for tagging game post and insp of this.

here's a rule:

make a poll of your favourite male characters (no limits - as many or as little as you want) and see which your followers like the most!

I will tag of my mutuals because/or i'm sure, they have same as mine.

@dekarios (i will dare you for this, lol), @simonghostrileys, @eurodynamic, @zevrans, @gallusneve, @cruelcomfort, @flincher and anyone else who wants to try, idk.

[explodingchantry]

Btw while I agree with how much I miss companions hating each other's guts because I think it's funny, but also it wouldn't have worked with veilguard. Even if the writing wasn't as mellowed out and softened as it was (that's a whole different issue) - a bunch of plot beats in veilguard would NOT work if the companions didn't all love and care for each other. A bunch of plot beats would NOT work if some of the companions were pitted against each other the way they sometimes were in previous games.

Spoilers for veilguard act 3 below

If I had to choose between getting one companion or the other killed in ANY of the previous games it would NOT have been a hard choice lmfao. I mean depending on the choice it would've been harder you know, like if they made me choose between zevran and leliana or something that would've been hard, or between merrill and isabela. But most potential choices would've been easy as hell. It would not have hit as hard as the harding/davrin choice in veilguard (and how scary the consequences of the neve/bellara choice was, too).

Come on man it's simple game and narrative design. Make people care a lot about all the characters and their relationship with each other so that favoritism is either difficult or not recommended and then make them make a difficult choice.

[average-mako-enjoyer]

"send me a character" ask game!

From the character ask game.

This is not a choose violence ask! You didn't have to choose violence, Liss!

Anyway, Zevran.

Favorite thing about him I think the best thing about him is also the worst thing about him. He's the embodiment of that toxic bisexual rep people keep ranting about, and he's designed to attract our kind.

He has:

a thick ass

dick game on a whole new level

weird sense of humor

tragic past

Oh, and he also knows how to stab people? And has a good sense of boundaries? Yeah, okay, Bioware, pack me two of those, please.

Least favorite thing about him He's that toxic bisexual rep people keep ranting about. XD

He lies and flirts like he breathes, he sleeps with everyone because it's fun and it helps pass the time, and yeah! Okay! I know people like that! Myself included. So it's a pretty realistic portrayal of a person who went through such a massive trauma as a child and was severely abused for most of his life. But his story lacks depth in some ways.

Yes, he confronts the Crows. Yes, he kills his former lover/friend to tie up loose ends, and that's it. I wish there were more moments that showed his vulnerability. His obvious flaws.

But I think that's what all the Origins characters suffer from. They fall pretty flat once you're done with their personal missions, and their romances lack that tasty substance for me as well.

Favorite line His stupid sex poem and how Warden asks, "You killed the person who wrote it for you anyway?" And he's like, "Well, of course! But only after we slept together. What do you think, I'm some kind of monster? I fucked her for a few hours, btw." And Warden goes, "Well, if it was hours…"

brOTP Him and Wynne. I think she can be a perfect match for his energy and just be a sarcastic ass around him for sports, which I am sure he loves. They can make fun of Oghren together. Also, he can fingerbang her into next Tuesday if necessary, and it wouldn't ruin their dynamic.

Also him and Leliana.

OTP Zevran/Alistair sounds like so much fun to me.

One is a labrador retriever, another is a sly fox. One is a virgin, another has fucked his way across the continent. One is a homophobic church boy, another is everything the church warns good people against. One is horrified by the fact that this man, dude, guy with a penis, oh my god he has an actual dick between his legs, is actually attractive, another finds the bi panic men expirience around him endearing. Alistair Theirin gets fucked into the mattress watch in HD 1080p.

Also, Zevran/Morrigan. They are a definition of bi4bi power couple.

But the best OTP is Zevran/freedom to do whatever the fuck he wants to.

nOTP Don't have one. I truly believe he can weasel his way into any pants.

Random headcanon He's such a slut for luxury lifestyle. He's pretty down to earth most of the time, but lay him down on some silk sheets after a good meal and he'll be yours.

Unpopular opinion He and Warden are not a good match for a variety of reasons, and I'm not that surprised that he's out of the picture by the time Awakening begins.

Song i associate with them Oof, this is hard. I guess Call Out My Name by The Weeknd?

Favorite picture of them This one or this one.

[shivunin]

✨Self-Rec Tag Game ✨

Rules: Share five of your own fanworks (fic, art, etc.). Then, tag five more people to share the things they've made. I’ve put categories below, but they’re more guidelines than rules.  1. Something you absolutely adore 2. Something that was challenging to create 3. Something that makes you laugh (or smile, if that fits more comfortably)  4. Something that surprised you (in how it turned out, how much other people liked it, etc.) 5. Something you want other people to see

@gaysebastianvael and @dungeons-and-dragon-age tagged me back to do this; thank you both! c:

Tidal Lock (T, 20k words, Cullavellan): This fic is the first finished thing I posted to AO3. It's a pretty different style from the other things I've written, but it's my comfort read for myself. I love stories that loop in on themselves, so have a big ol soft spot for it c: Writing Cullen as a kid was so fun and I fully intend to do it again sometime.

My Fenris scarf. My hands are a bit shaky, so I have a hard time drawing things. Unfortunately, I needed to draw the lyrium brand design straight onto the yarn (not a great surface for drawing things, btw) before I could embroider them into it with the glow-in-the-dark yarn. It turned out really well, but just putting the design down with chalk paint took at least three hours (only a little less than doing all of the embroidery)

3. Ohhh man, I'm having trouble deciding! Here are three options:

This ficlet about Elowen and Cullen after they almost kiss. They are both such an absolute mess, this conversation is even messier, and every time I think about it I get the giggles c:

This ficlet about Hawke producing most of a deck of cards from her and Fenris's person after a night at the Hanged Man (I just...think it's funny to imagine her sticking them into his belt during a card game and Fenris fully knows, but pretends he doesn't. for the bit)

This fic on AO3 (explicit) with Arianwen and Zevran; specifically the part after the smut things are done, when they're dusting each other off and lightly arguing about their little competition. They're just...such dorks sometimes.

4. Search Your Hands (E, 13,581 words), easy. I actually had this most of the way finished six months before I finished it, but I was convinced it was too silly to post (and thankfully @star--nymph convinced me that it was worth finishing <3).

One of my favorite things about writing Cullavellan is exploring the funky little miscommunications that happen with you're in a multicultural relationship and this fic was inspired by that. There's just a mismatch between Cullen (who, having very few personal possessions, is almost certainly inexperienced at receiving gifts) and a cultural tradition involving gift-giving as an expression of Serious Romantic Intent. I did not expect it to be as well-loved as it is, but it has (by a dramatic margin) the highest kudos to bookmarks ratio of all my stories (at ~1/3) and is like...the fifth most-kudo'd thing I have on AO3, which is wild for a one-shot with minimal smut.

5. Wander the Drifting Roads!! (M, 108,331 words)

It is the fic I am most proud of (though I think Palimpsest might be my number two at the moment) and it's also, indirectly, the reason I wound up actually deciding to participate in the Dragon Age fandom. I wouldn't have most of my fandom friends without Wander, so just that would be enough for me to want to share it.

Friendship aside, though, I think it's some of my best writing. Cullen is exposed to red lyrium and loses his memory in between the main game and Trespasser. His Lavellan (Emmaera) has to figure out how to carry on without him as Commander or her lover and they take a very long road back to each other again. If you're okay with some angst before a happy ending (or if you're really into yearning), I think it's a great exploration of what makes someone who they are: is it a formal title or role? is it memory? is it the circumstances they've overcome to get where they are? or is it something less easily-defined than that?

Writing Wander was very challenging (especially towards the end) but so rewarding and worth it. When I want to feel that very particular sort of hurt you get from a sad fic (the kind that twists in your heart), I open up Wander again and put myself through chapter 7.

(I want to stress that it does have a happy ending lol, and a whole anthology of sweet domestic things to follow it up, but I think most people hang onto the hurt part of the hurt/comfort in Wander lol)

I tried to tag most of my mutuals when I made the original post, but: @daggerbean I'd love to see what you've made! and anyone else who wants a reason to show off your fanstuff is welcome to join in c: Tag me so I can see!

[a-regular-dragonage-wynne]

Hi!! For the da4 asks :)

Do you have your Rook(s) planned out to any degree? If so, would you share some details or ideas you have?

Which character from the previous games or other media are you most hoping will make an appearance in DAV?

(this is fade and loathing btw)

Thanks for the ask! :D (and thanks for helping me figure out they weren't working at first TwTb)

I already know I want to take each class/subclass for a spin, but I've been interested in the mage class in particular now that they supposedly have melee capabilities. Makes me wonder if they're treating mages in a similar fashion to biotics in Mass Effect, especially if they're up close and personal like Vanguards, in which case I will totally make a mage that fits that bill XD maybe a scrappy kind of person.

I've always been partial to Dalish elves, but I may try a dwarf this time and make them a warrior instead. As far as how they'll look, I think I'll decide what I want in the moment (but I'll definitely be prioritizing romancing Davrin first, trust-)

Varric is my favorite, and he's already there, but to be honest? I'll be keeping an eye out for Morrigan. Who knows what she's up to now, especially if she drank from the Well of Sorrows? I want to know how that plays out. I would love to see Cassandra, Merrill, or Zevran make a return, too! (Really, I'll be happy with any cameo, tbh)

Thanks again for the ask!

[bonesaints]

hi hi hi

4, 8, 43 and 63 for whoever you want from the ask meme :)

OC Relationship Asks

hiiii hiiii omg. THANK YOU FOR SENDING!!!!

4. Has either OC ever gotten a hickey off the other? What was their reaction?

this one is worded in a way i don't quite grasp, so i'll answer the best i can. theron has DEFINITELY gotten hickies from zevran, trust and believe he tries to turn it into a contest (like he does with almost everything) of who can leave the better/more visible/longer laster mark on whose neck. blaise generally receives hickies as he remains extremely cautious and respectful of fenris's boundaries, and because he's a purple hawke, he probably makes cheesey jokes and sighs at fenris every time it happens.

8. Who is the big spoon? Little spoon?

despite being about the same height as solas, manon prefers to be the little spoon. despite being substantially larger than fenris, blaise prefers to be the little spoon. with zevran and theron, it's less about preference and more about circumstance/opportunity, whoever is in the position at the time, assumes the position.

63. How would they describe one another in bed?

oh god u don't wanna imagine how zevran describes theron in bed in 4k hd ultra details nobody asked for (because being with the hero of ferelden is one of his favorite flexes, both due to theron's status and his appearance.) i headcanon one of his favourite quotes describing his activities with theron goes something like theron being a creature from heavens, but in bed it's like fighting a horde of demons… meanwhile, theron doesn't really discuss it. with solas and manon, i'm learning toward the "they didn't actually do the bingle bongle, but boy did they come close" angle (this may or may not change depending on what happens in veilguard btw, we'll see!) lastly, i feel like blaise and fenris are probably the most "respectable" couple despite their vibes/reputations, they don't describe or even discuss their activities with anyone.

[arnaerr]

For the fandom ask, Dragon Age series? Your art is gorgeous btw!!

thank you ♥

blorbo (favorite character, character I think about the most): Zevran

scrunkly (my “baby”, character that gives me cuteness aggression, character that is So Shaped): Mabari from DA:O

scrimblo bimblo (underrated/underappreciated fave): Sten

glup shitto (obscure fave, character that can appear in the background for 0.2 seconds and I won’t shut up about it for a week): The Architect, Sandal

poor little meow meow (“problematic”/unpopular/controversial/otherwise pathetic fave): Meredith, Jowan

horse plinko (character I would torment for fun, for whatever reason): Sebastian

eeby deeby (character I would send to superhell): Cullen

[bumblerhizal]

So, for Novhen Tabris (his name is so cool btw), a few questions:

1. What was your Warden’s first impression of Morrigan? Did they trust her or were they cautious around her?

---

2. Did your Warden match Zevran’s lighthearted attitude or were they more serious? What sort of relationship did they have?

---

5. Did Loghain survive the Landsmeet? If he did, why did your Warden choose to let him live?

Thank you ^^

aaa ok thanks for asking!

1. What was your Warden’s first impression of Morrigan? Did they trust her or were they cautious around her?

Novhen was cautious at first about Morrigan but no more than he would be any other unknown human and definitely not as much as Alistair was. He tried to be respectful and non-judgmental because that's only polite. It probably helped he didn't know enough about mage politics or care enough about the Chantry to have any reaction to her being an apostate stronger than mild interest.

2. Did your Warden match Zevran’s lighthearted attitude or were they more serious? What sort of relationship did they have?

For what might be obvious reasons, Novhen spends most of the game rather dour, but Zevran is definitely one of the characters better at bringing him out of that somber state when he inevitably gets too dragged down about duty.

Once he gets over the whole "didn't you try to kill me" deal, Zevran becomes one of his favorite companions. They were a thing for a while even, but Novhen eventually broke things off to be with the firmly monogamous Morrigan instead. He thought she would provide him a serious, long-term relationship, which was what he wanted, and was under the impression that Zevran was only interested in something casual. At that point in their relationship, Zevran wasn't yet willing to confront his own growing desire for something more formal with Novhen, much less tell him, so it just ended there. He probably would've been happier had he stayed with Zev instead since Morrigan disappears after the final battle, but where's the drama in always making or having a "right" decision?

Post-Origins, Zevran is probably the companion that Novhen has the closest ongoing relationship with. It's an instant mood-raiser whenever he visits Vigil's Keep, and he's the only other soul he's told about the dark ritual.

5. Did Loghain survive the Landsmeet? If he did, why did your Warden choose to let him live?

Unfortunately, yes.

Novhen suspects there's something Riordan's not saying at the Landsmeet and trusts that there's a reason he's so insistent about conscripting Loghain. After Unrest in the Alienage, Novhen is very personally invested in making him suffer, but he's forced to stuff down his personal feelings in the name of duty. He hates himself even as he makes the call.

There's also the matter of Alistair was lined up to be king, and his continued survival was one of Novhen's highest priorities. Conscripting Loghain offered the opportunity to put one more warm body between him and the archdemon.

No small part of him was hoping Loghain would die in the Joining. That'd be fine poetic justice. Yet the bastard insists on surviving.

[fae-fucker]

just out of curiosity, what visual media/video games/other media romances did you really enjoy? and good luck on your journey finding good romance novels i know how it is lmao

Unfortunately whenever I get questions like these everything I've ever put in my brain vanishes. Here's some stuff I managed to scrounge up. Sorry if you don't know what any of it means :')

So Bioware owns my ass (well, their older games do). Alistair and Zevran are both hits in their own right (I used to prefer Alistair, but now I'm more into Zevran, though I still love both of them). Alistair rly just pulls off the knight in shining armor, classical romance thing. He's just a real, genuine sweetheart and not just a bunch of tropes stuffed into a set of armor. Zevran meanwhile speedruns enemies-to-lovers and he's morally grey and flirty and sarcastic, but there's also a deep and genuine sadness in him that isn't edgy or forced, and you get to see him evolve and develop through the course of the romance.

The base-game DA 2 male romances are also excellent, I stan both Anders and Fenris and god, they're such huge messes and their romances are both defo unhealthy (abusive if you rivalmance them, but I never do that and never will, so), but again they're both such interesting and complex characters with emotions and motivations that feel genuine (most of the time. sometimes the gameplay and writing are in a fight and the writing loses and it sucks ass), and character arcs that feel independent of Hawke's.

Then there's the Garrusmance in Mass Effect, the romance that honestly is impressive on a technical writing level because it's just so multilayered and goes through different stages that feel really organic even though he wasn't always planned to be a romance option? First game is him seeing Shepard as his mentor and role model, the second game they're on more equal ground, partners and friends, and then she takes it to the next level as friends with benefits. And in the third game, when the world is ending, he's there and he loves her and wants to marry and have kids?? Hello?? And throughout this, there's more layers. For one, they're different species, two species who once hated each other and who often still see each other in a bad light, but it's not about species to either of them, it's who they are as individuals. Shepard is also better than him, she overshadows him, but he's comfortable in her shadow, and she knows she needs him just as much as the world needs her, and she wouldn't be where she is without him. And in the romance there's always this undercurrent of genuine respect, they respect each other's skills and opinions and rely on each other. There's loyalty and respect in every interaction, romantic or not. (This is all canonical btw, no matter how you play Shepard. Hence why I like it so much, it's a genuinely, fully written romance with layers and complexities. They're not spelled out or explored overmuch, but they're there if you pay attention.)

I also really like the Rory romance in the interactive fiction game Tally Ho. He's just so stupid and the combination of a hypercompetent and stoic butler who's unfortunately in love with their scatterbrained employer is just so unique and full of opportunity. Probably my favorite himbim romance. He's so stupid and I love him.

This one isn't really a fully written romance, but I found the concepts (that aren't explored at all because that's not the focus of the game) and implications of Dark's romance in the game Littlewood to be really compelling. Basically, after you save the world from him, you both lose your memories, and eventually he finds his way back to your settlement and you can straight up marry your old mortal enemy. But both of you have amnesia and he regrets his actions and role in all of this even though he doesn't even remember his own name, much less what he actually did. Idk there's something really sweet about two mortal enemies getting together in a cottagecore setting after their epic battle wipes their memories. It makes me want to write fic because this isn't really explored at all in-game. Also I drew fanart of him. He doesn't look like that in the game, unfortunately.

As for non-interactive romances, I think Critical Role's Vex/Percy works really well for an improvised show? I watched most of that campaign as it was released and the slow-burn kept me on the edge of my seat. The flirting, the gift giving, the pet names, the sexual tension. It just worked for me.

This one's a bit nostalgic, but I also really liked the romance in Cardcaptor Sakura as a kid (and still do). They're kids who are way more intelligent than they should be tbh, but that's sort of the standard for anime, but these two 10-year-olds (Sakura and Syaoran) pull off enemies-to-friends-to-dating (they're not lovers, they're 10) so much better than pretty much any other enemies-to-lovers thing for teens and/or adults I've seen. It's a bit of a slowburn, but it really works. It takes its time to show the characters' feelings as they slowly evolve. It's just really sweet and adorable. I honestly recommend the anime to anyone who likes magical girl stuff, it's one of the OGs and holds up really well. Don't read the manga though. CLAMP are a bunch of weirdos. Like thanks for the gay rep but maybe less pedo stuff? Anyway.

And now since I'm on anime, might as well mention Ouran High School Host Club. Everyone knows this one. If you don't, go give it a read/watch (but mostly a read). It's buckwild and the main romance is hysterical but also really sweet.

Ok this one's also pretty silly, but y'all remember that game Love Island? Or, the game based on Love Island? The game Cody and Noel made fun of? Well, Bobby from season 2 is actually a sweetheart and I really liked his romance. The vibes of all the drama going down around the player character and him while they're just vibing is really great, and he's also genuinely pretty funny and relatively well-written (bugs aside) in comparison to most romance-focused phone apps, and the non-toxic masculinity he displays is very refreshing IMO. I defo recommend trying out his romance in the game, I'm pretty sure you can get a good ending even if you don't pay for extra scenes (or you can just download a cracked version, idc).

Um. Can't really think of anything else atm. It's hard for me to distinguish "I enjoyed this media and it had romance in it" and "I enjoyed this romance media" if that makes sense? So ya know.

Anyway I think my brain is leaking out of my ears from all this effort to remember things I've subjected it to.

[claroso]

Like Real People Do

Zevran and Clara Amell have been dancing around the unnamed tension between them for months now. Finally out from underneath the thumbs of their respective jailers, they appreciate being able to take their time and enjoy the dance.

I’m referencing the Correspondence Interruptus quest in DA:O btw

Zevran lunged forwards, raking his daggers across the hurlock's side as he ducked under its swing. He felt leather armor and flesh give under his blades like butter. The monster screamed.

He danced back from the hurlock's next swipe, the rusty mace slamming into the ground. He hefted his dagger and threw it. The metal flashed as it spun through the air and lodged in its leg. Were it human, that would be a killing blow. But for a darkspawn? The thing simply growled, picked up its mace, and limped towards him.

The hair on his arms suddenly stood on end. That was the only warning he needed--he threw himself back a split second before a fireball crashed into his enemy. It screamed again, contorting in agony as it burned.

Then the carved end of a staff smashed into its head. The hurlock collapsed. Behind it, Clara Amell snarled and brought her staff down again. Its decaying skull split like a pumpkin, blood splattering across her pale face.

Zevran's heart skipped a beat.

The fire guttered out as the mage straightened, her eyes sweeping across the battlefield. A handful of steps away, Wynne and Sten stood at the ready, their weapons raised.

"We're clear!" Clara called after a moment.

They all relaxed.  

Zevran grinned. Working with a mage was a rare treat with the Crows, but being able to work with a mage who could predict darkspawn attacks? Amazing. They didn't have to be on edge every second of the day. And travel went so much faster without checking for ambushes around every corner. He knew he was getting spoiled traveling with Wardens, but he was determined to enjoy it while he could.

Of course, it didn't help with bandits or anything of the non-tainted variety, but that became rarer and rarer as the stories of the last two Grey Wardens spread.  

Clara barked out orders--to search the bodies, the cabin nearby--and they wordlessly complied. Hardly anything was left intact after a darkspawn attack, and this one was no exception. The house was barely standing and the animals had run off long before they arrived. And the remains of three farmers were strewn around the clearing.

Unfortunately familiar with the sight, he began searching the poor souls' home. Even with such carnage, he enjoyed working with the Wardens far more than the Crows. Clara at least listened to him. He didn't with her disagree often, but she didn't threaten bodily harm when he did.

Actually, now that he thought about it, threats of bodily harm were surprisingly rare with his new group. Except Morrigan, but the lovely witch usually kept it limited to Alistair.

And he kept a substantial cut of the loot, he thought as he rummaged through a chest at the back of the cabin. He slipped the few coins into his belt. The dirty leathers he tossed. That left a single leaf of parchment at the bottom of the chest. He broke the seal with his thumb and opened it, a smile spreading across his face.

"Zev!" Clara called. "We're leaving!"

He jumped up and rushed back to the group. Wynne dabbed at the bloodstains on her robe and Sten's face, as always, was stoically impatient. The Warden, wearing a mismatched set of armor over her Circle robes, sported her usual scowl. As he grabbed her hand and swept into an overdramatic bow, her expression shifted to confusion.

"My dear Warden." He purred, holding the letter up with a flourish. "I believe I've just won the bet."

She scoffed. "No chance in the Void. Let me see that."

"I apologize, but as I've said before," he dodged her outstretched hand and winked. "Poetry simply must be read aloud."

Sten grunted, somehow putting an entire lecture's worth of disgust into the sound, before turning on his heel and marching off.

"I rather agree with our taciturn friend. I'll see you back in town." Wynne said, starting down the trail back to Redcliffe.

"There's no way that's worse than the letter I found last week." Despite their companions' lack of enthusiasm, Clara had the slightest curve of a smile. Practically jumping up and down with excitement for her, really.

"Shall I?" Zevran said, raising an eyebrow.

She waved toward the path. "Walk while you talk, Brother Genitivi."

" 'My dearest Virginia Trueroyal,' " He said in a deep Fereldan accent.

"That's awful."

"Hush now. The audience doesn't speak. 'My dearest Virginia Trueroyal,' " He scoffed. "That can not be a real name."

She chuckled. "Get on with it."

" 'Regarding: Bodice ripped.' Oh, how scandalous!" He spun around, walking backward ahead of the Warden so he could wiggle his eyebrows at her. " 'Enclosed are seven silver and my most heartfelt apologies for said bodice.' "

Clara suddenly grabbed the front of his armor and pulled him roughly to the side, narrowly missing a tree.

He didn't stop. " 'I would blame the cold ocean spray, the loss of my favorite shirt, the bucking of the stallion,' " He winked, and she rolled her eyes. " 'or perhaps the strain of maintaining all such elements while sitting for a portrait, but I was certainly not myself. I hope you will forgive me and not take it upon yourself to find your own determined way in this world.' "

" 'Yours, Ser Rival Grouseman' " He finished with a flourish.

"That was terrible." Clara frowned.

"Exactly!" He exclaimed, delighted. "I will accept payment in silver or fine leather goods, mi estrella!"

"No, that's actually, really terrible. It's not even dirty!"

Zevran gasped. "How can you say that? The 'bucking of this stallion', the 'cold ocean spray' ripped this poor woman's bodice open!"

"It's too subtle." She argued. "I don't want flowery details and sighs in the moonlight. If you're going to talk dirty, at least give it to me straight."

"Well, if you insist."

In a very appropriate display of maturity, she stuck her tongue out at him.

"No matter." He said as they stepped into Redcliffe village. "Leliana can break our tie."

A few minutes later, they stepped into the tavern. Wynne sat at a table in the corner with a tome and a mug of ale in front of her. Sten was nowhere to be seen.

After dealing with the blood mage and possession of Connor at Redcliffe Castle, Clara had refused to stay when Teagan offered. Instead, they had found rooms in the village. Since they'd cleared the dead from the town and broke the siege, they'd been welcomed back with open arms. Any unoccupied room was free for their use. Sten had taken up in a hut on the edge of town. The mages settled in an empty house so they could practice without disturbing anyone. The rest stayed in the rooms above the tavern.

They'd only been there a week, but it was a much-needed break from their constant travel. They still hunted down pockets of darkspawn and bandits to ensure the town was safe, but they also slept in real beds and ate at the tavern every night. Leliana even volunteered at the local Chantry, dividing resources and praying with the town.

Speaking of their lively bard, Zevran spotted her rushing towards them with Barkspawn at her heels.

"You're back!" She exclaimed. "How did it go?"

"I think all the bandits ran off." Clara pulled down her hood and ruffled her sweaty blonde hair. Half of it stuck straight up, making the fierce warrior look more like the head of a broom. "Didn't see anything human all day."

"And the darkspawn?"

"Not gone, but it is a blight." She shrugged. "I think we'll leave the day after next. The guard should be able to handle what's left."

"More importantly," Zevran said, "I found the winning letter!"

Leliana grinned. "I'll get the drinks!"

After drinks were delivered and they'd settled at a table, Barkspawn curled over Clara's feet, Zevran read the letter again, with plenty of flourishes and suggestive looks. The redhead giggled through the entire thing.

When he finished, Clara shook her head. "Not a chance, Zev. Mine's better."

"I don't know." Leliana said. "There is a certain poetry in it."

"What? Why are you on his side?"

She shrugged. "None of the letters I found can compare. I'm not wasting time betting on a horse that can't win."

"Fine." Clara huffed. "Then you're the deciding vote. Pick one."

Delicately tapping her chin, the bard paused, obviously deep in thought.

"You can't be serious, Leli." Clara demanded, leaning over the table. "Mine's better! Just pick mine!"

He chuckled, admiring her fierce frown. So competitive!

Leliana smiled sweetly. "It's only that poetry is best when read aloud. Zevran really made the words come alive, don't you think?"

She fluttered her eyelashes as the Warden's mouth dropped open. Clara had staunchly avoided reading aloud any of the letters they found.

"Yes," he purred, "won't you indulge us, Warden?"

"I--you can't--fine!" She snatched her bag from under the table and rooted through it, muttering under her breath.

She slapped the parchment to the tabletop. " 'Miss Ambrose'." She started, a determined set to her shoulders.

" 'A long, slow grind, the motion careful, aided by generous application of oils. Size is no concern with my equipment, and I am always mindful when stuffing, not risking a--risking--" Clara stuttered, her voice climbing higher with each word.  "--a burst before every order is fulfilled.' "

Leliana giggled and he pressed a fist against his mouth.

" 'My meat--" She winced, her pale skin red as a tomato. "--goes hand in hand with satisfaction.' "

He laughed. She fought down a smile and took a deep breath.

" 'Your interest astounds, but I would not question a customer's choice in nighttime reading." She said quickly, her voice strangled. "Three pound sausage again next week? No cheek, of course.' "

She collapsed against the table, arms over her head, shoulders twitching, as Leliana and Zevran howled with laughter. Barkspawn joined in with an actual howl.

"Maker's breath," Leliana sighed. She wiped her eyes. "That was marvelous, my friend. You win."

Clara looked up, hiccupping with laughter, and tried her best to glare. "You're all terrible people."

"What a performance!" Zevran cheered and clapped. "More than worth the five silver."

She rolled her eyes, but accepted their coin without further grumbling.

"And with that, I must be off." Leliana said, standing up. "I promised I would be up early to repair a barn. Zev?"

He sighed. "Yes, I suppose. As long as you buy the drinks again tomorrow."

"Helping the locals now?" Clara asked, refilling her cup.

"I might as well." He shrugged, leaning back in his chair and waving off Leliana. "Idle hands and all that, you know."

She frowned. "Are you tired of patrolling already?"

"Oh, there is no need to pout, my Warden." He said with a wink. "You know I only have eyes for you."

She hid a smile behind her cup of wine. Zevran grinned back, putting his feet up in Leliana's empty chair. They settled into a comfortable silence, simply observing each other.

He and the Warden had been dancing around each other for the past month. They each knew what it was and where it was going--into bed, most likely, though he had no qualms about a tent or wall if that's where the moment led them. But this, the dance, was equally enjoyable. Flirting, teasing, finding out how to make her smile or blush down past the neckline of her robes.

And learning how she flirted back. That's how he knew that arguing and knocking her shoulder against his was practically a wink and a loosened bodice for Clara.

Suddenly, her mouth dropped into a true pout, eyes shifting behind him. He turned to see Alistair move quickly across the room and out the front door with his head down.

He frowned. Something had happened between their stalwart Grey Wardens. For the past week, Alistair and Clara had barely even acknowledged each other. The playful teasing was replaced by awkward silences and short, to-the-point conversations. And occasionally, he caught her staring at him like she did now. Hurt danced across her expression with abandon.

Then she scowled. In one smooth motion, she picked up her cup and drained it.

Zevran blinked. Slowly, he pushed his whiskey over to her.

She drank that just as quickly, though with a lot more coughing after. Barkspawn whined and pushed his head into her lap.

Well. This was worse than he thought.

"Mi estrella." He said, leaning forward with a smirk.

She wiped her mouth with her sleeve. "What?"

"You've drunk far more than your usual fare." He nodded to the empty cups. "Sleep here tonight, in one of the empty rooms upstairs."

"That's...probably a good idea." Clara stood with a groan and tucked her staff under her arm.

"I shall escort you."

"What possible ulterior motive could you have, I wonder?" She mused as they started up the steps.

"Believe me, I am not a subtle man." He said. "When I have a motive, you will know."

They ducked into the room at the top of the stairs. As she shucked off her armor and robes, he wandered the edges of the small room, faking interest in its small baubles and plain furniture.

"If I may pry, my Warden..."

She glanced at him, suddenly tired and thinner than she had any right to be, clad only in a thin sleeveless shirt and trousers.

"You're asking permission? That's new." She noted dryly.

"Hm. I noticed some tension between you and your fellow Grey Warden recently."

Her shoulders tensed. She winced at the movement, hand going to her right shoulder.

He padded over to the bed and sat, gesturing her towards the middle. "Here, sit."

She shifted onto the bed.

He began to knead her broad shoulders. She tensed at first, either at the new intimacy or his cold fingers. Only when she relaxed under his hands did he speak again.

"Did you disagree on how Connor was dealt with?" A feint.

"No."

"On our next journey?" Zevran found knot after knot in her muscles, like a string of pearls underneath her skin. He started to doubt this plan--having this conversation and taking care of her horribly abused muscles demanded his full attention and right now he wasn't sure which was more important.

"No," she sighed, "we both think Orzammar is the best move."

"Then he finally confessed his affections?"

Clara's head snapped around to meet his gaze.

He smiled slightly. Braska, he hadn't meant to say it quite like that. But she was a blunt woman, she might prefer a blunt approach.

"Maker," She twisted away from his hands, "I hoped it wouldn't be obvious."

"It's not your fault. Alistair is rather blatant about his feelings, though." He chuckled. That was a bit of a white lie. They were both obvious about their falling out, but a tiny fib never hurt anyone. "The poor boy has been mooning over you for a few months now."

"I must have done something to lead him on..." She said with a deep frown. "I'm a terrible friend."

He shrugged. "Well, I can't comment on that last bit, not having much experience in the area. Flirting, though, I am quite skilled in. And its all about intention."

When she didn't respond, he placed a hand on her arm, drawing her attention up to him.

"Clara, you can't lead someone on unless you mean to."

She smiled weakly.

"A massage, for example." He continued. "This could be just a friendly massage, but I hope you know enough of my intentions to tell otherwise."

She blushed, but reached up and squeezed the hand on her arm nonetheless. He pushed past the excitement buzzing in his chest. Despite knowing about their mutual interest, the acknowledgement of it thrilled him.

"Good. It's not your fault, or Alistair's, for that matter. It was just... a miscommunication."

"You make it sound so simple." Clara sighed.

"Only because it is." He said. "Give it some time and you'll both be able to look back at it with laughter."

She scrunched her nose. "Maker, you sound like an old man."

"A beauty such as yours, my lady, inspires the wisdom of ages."

She groaned and fell back against the bed dramatically. "Not more poetry!"

"Your storm-grey eyes cut my chest to ribbons," Zevran said, leaning on one hand to smile down at her. She rolled her eyes. "such do I ache for you."

"Your laugh soothes my pain and heals me." His fingers dug into her sides and she squealed as he tickled her.

Loud and unrestrained, the laughter transformed her. Her face, so often grim and lined with worry, turned bright and open. A smile split her face nearly in half.

Zevran admired the sight, his mission tonight accomplished, when she suddenly grabbed his wrists tightly. She shoved him, rolling them over and pinning his wrists above his head.

"Ha!" She crowed, victorious and beautiful, only inches above him. His heart stuttered. "That's--"

He leaned up, closing the space between them, to meet her lips. He felt, more than heard, her gasp. A breathless moment passed before she returned the kiss with a sigh.

She pressed down more firmly into him. Her hands released his and snaked down to cradle his face. Warmth trailed behind her touch, tracing patterns across his cheeks, down his neck.

He tilted his head, slanting his mouth open in invitation as he wrapped his arms around her. She ran her tongue teasingly against his bottom lip. Then, she bit down, slowly, deliberately.

He groaned as she pulled away, opening his eyes to see Clara, flushed and grinning down at him

"Your lips enthrall me." He murmured.

She chucked, brushing a kiss over the corner of his mouth. "You're absolutely terrible."

"I believe that speaks more to your taste in men than my taste in poetry, mi estrella."

"Are you ever going to tell me what that means?"

"I've no plan to."

Clara kissed him again. Her hands were buried in his hair now, grasping and pulling for new angles, as she hummed deep in her throat. And he let himself drown in her warmth, just for a while.

Sometime later, after her hand was underneath his shirt and his was gripping her thigh, Zevran pulled back.

He arched an eyebrow. "This was not the intention in my suggestion, Warden."

"So?" She grinned, her eyes dark and wild.

"So, you were close to collapse only five minutes ago." He brushed his fingers against her lips, following the curve of her smile.  "And, if I have my way, this will be quite acrobatic. You'll want to be awake for it."

Truthfully, he was enjoying the chase far too much to jump into bed right now. He'd never had the luxury of time before--the lovers he had taken in the past were either jobs or other Crows. Both were always rushed, fumbling selfishly for whatever pleasure they could take before moving onto the next. This, her, would be the first entirely of his own choice, free from his masters. If he wanted to savor it, he damn well would.

Also, he made a point not to fall into bed with someone distracted by another man. Even if it wasn't 'like that'.

He'd had precious few friends in his life and never any friend as close as Clara and Alistair were. He wouldn't be responsible for the end of their friendship. After they mended their ways, then he could move forward.

Zevran shifted out from under her and brushed a kiss against her cheek. She fell back on the bed and yawned widely.

"Rather proving my point, Warden."

"Fine. It's your loss, really." Clara said, smiling as she closed her eyes and curled around a pillow. "I'm an animal in bed."

"I've no doubt." He muttered, hardly able to contain his own smile as he left.

[yulelog]

tell me about your current favorite oc. favorite color, favorite food, worst memory, a song you associate with them

JHFGDSHJDGH GOD I CAN NEVER PICK A FAVE!!! ummmm ill do my surana, sasha, since ive been thinkin abt him today!!

i dont think he really has a favorite color? he probably likes red and also something cheesy like the exact color of zevrans eyes

he finds out after leaving the circle he really likes spicy food! he always likes it when its zevs turn to make dinner even though everyone else thinks he over-spices it, since i imagine in the circle there wasnt a lot of access to spices. he ends up really liking antivan food i bet. he seems like the type of guy to really like tamales which i imagine if they exist in thedas are probably antivan

his worst memory.... ogidhdjfkgjfh there’s a lot. like. a lot of his life in the circle? also the entire circle quest from da:o... uhhh. right before the archdemon battle he had a big argument with zevran n he legit thought he was going to die with his last words to zevran being angry so like that sucked also (theyre all good now btw their relationship was just rocky during the blight bc thats not really the healthiest time to cultivate a relationship especially between a guy whos been trained since childhood to be an assassin and a dude who lived most of his life indoors with no contact to the outside world & both of them being victims of abuse and conditioning and. yeah...)

as for songs i associate him with, a big one my my mirror speaks by death cab for cutie! but if youre interested i actually have a whole spotify playlist for him hsjkdfghj

[thedivinemissema]

fic authors self rec! when you get this, reply with your favorite five fics that you’ve written, then pass on to at least five other writers.

I was tagged by @faejilly and I’m tagging @chyrstis (waves hi vigorously in your direction) @amandakitswell @fluidfyre @lywinis  and um, @ anyone else who writes, because seriously rec me your best shit and I will read it.

Fair warning, this list is going to include WIPs, because I have a ton. 

Paint Me A Picture -- Dragon Age -- F!Hawke/Seneschal Bran -- WIP I love this fic for so many reasons. I love the verbal sparring these two thrive off of, and I adore the idea of poison pen letters coming to Hawke and she’s just ignoring them, of all things. There’s mystery and power games with favors for nobles and just a good deal of sex too. Norina (Nori) Hawke is physically one of my favorite Hawkes, mostly because she’s so distinct in my mind already. Her faceclaim is Nia Long but she’s a far bigger woman. She’s tall and big and sturdy in a way I wish I was in real life, all thick hips and swagger. In game she’s a warrior, so it fits her body type well, and I she’s my most purple Hawke ever.

By Hook Or By Crook -- Saints Row -- F!Boss/Troy Bradshaw -- WIP These are all separate AU fics in the same collection, so it might be cheating to include it. But Elle Baker is my most well developed Boss, and she’s stupidly in love with Troy no matter what scenario I drop them into. It’s kinda like the soulmates thing without the weird Saints Row ending becoming mandatory. I’m always taking prompts for this one, btw.

Skyrim Is For Lovers -- TES V: Skyrim -- Multiple Pairings Technically this fic is done, but it’s a collection of short fills, so it’s never really done. I feel like I’d be remiss not to include this because at almost 20,000 hits, it’s my most popular work on AO3. I spent a lot of time playing Skyrim, and I enjoy that there’s so much blank space to fill in. My favorite story out of the bunch is a second person POV Nightmares. Always taking prompts for this as well.

Objet D’Art -- Dragon Age -- F!Brosca/Zevran There just isn’t enough Brosca fic in the world for my liking. I watched both Thomas Crown movies several times in a few weeks to write this story, because I wanted to write a heist caper with the background of a time filled with social change and rebellion. I also love that Brosca is very much the thief and Zevran the law in this, which is just counter to expectations.

From Both Sides -- Mass Effect -- FemShep/Hackett I wrote a backstory for Illadia Shepard, and how she fell in love with Admiral Hackett in one of the unadvisable moves ever, and considering she’s Shepard, that’s saying something. This one is so old, I think it’s the oldest story on this list, and it may be in need of an update, but I still remember writing it and being so excited when they finally began to relish the falling. I think Illadia is my only sole survivor Shep and that plays into this story. Oh I had a picture of her somewhere, I think it might be in the next story in their series, and I can’t find it now. 

Honorable mentions: I also am really in love with the entire Kirkwall Tech series that I’m writing now, and with City of Stone, Heart of Glass, which I’ve been writing forever.

[razor-crests]

18, 43, 58

Who did you choose to rule Fereldan? WELL when I play as a Cousland I always end up marrying Alistair and ruling together, but any other time I just leave it to Anora. Favorite romance overall so far? I’d die for Alistair Theirin but Isabela is a close second (however I think Zevran’s is the most well done) My PSN is queentheirin and I’m a mess 😩  Who has the best character arc overall?  Morrigan. We see her metamorphosis throughout the entire series and truly, she’s completely evolved from the teenage swamp witch we met after Ostagar, ESPECIALLY if the dark ritual was performed. Reaching 100% approval with her is sooooo worth it btw.