ALISTAIR APPRECIATION WEEK

14-20 May 2018

[alistairappreciationweek-blog]

That’s all, folks!

Thank you to all who followed, reblogged, posted,flailed, giggled and made this week another success. I’ll draw the Titans figurine winners from those who donated $5 to the fundraiser and then that’s it! See you for Cullen Appreciation Week? Your mods @alleiradayne @batdarkladyvampir @alistairaddict @cullenstairshenanigans

[thebleakypinders-deactivated202]

An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works

Summary: Alistair and Rhoslyn finally make a royal visit to Skyhold. However, it does not turn out quite the way he expected.

[allenvooreef]

Day 871 - The conclusion to this glorious Alistair Appreciation Week! Thank you all for your enthusiasm and your generosity on the charity campaign: thanks to you we made our goal of $1000 for Save the Children! It was wonderful to be part of this event. I’ll happily draw Alistair for another forever.

[dragonageguys]

I’ve been using Rainshock’s MMaP Armor .. but needed to up the stats as the game progressed… I used Winter Forge to change the base materials to Starmetal (warrior) and Drakeskin (rogue)… Now Alistair, my Warden, and Zevran look like an 80s band… (the hair doesn’t help) :)

[theanimangagirl]

Day #7  Free-for-all! – Open Day

Aliya Theirin, bastard daughter of King Maric and Fiona  a maid of Redcliffe castle. 

I was recently thinking on what if Alistair had been a girl, would she had been treated better? Worse? Would Isolde had been kinder, or harsher? Would she still be sent to Templar training? Thedas works in a theoretical matriarchy, would she had been more dangerous to Cailan’s reign more than Alistair?

Fro @alistairappreciationweek

[authorellenmint]

A last entry for @alistairappreciationweek that’s a bit different where Alistair’s daughter comes out to him from A New Hero.

“Father,” she said. He leapt nearly straight into the air at the sound and whipped back, clearly not having heard her come in.

“Maker’s sake, you could have knocked!” he gasped, a hand lain to his chest.

“I’d say the same for you,” she said, her rebellion tossing out the taunt before it had to be shut down entirely.

Her father snickered a moment and raised a glass at that, “Fair enough. Here.” Quickly he filled a second glass up to the brim with an amber liquid, probably rum. While most nobility scoffed at the pirate drink, it seemed to become her father’s favorite.

It was to Rosie he passed the filled glass, his eyes darting over the liquor sloshing into her surprised fingers. “Drink first,” he jerked his head to his own glass that was probably on its second refill. She stared deep into the dark honey swirls, struggling to find an opening. What could she say? What excuse could possibly exist to explain away that?

The King finished taking a long drink and wiped off his mouth. With his back turned to her, he sighed, “Out of all of you, I always thought Cailan would be the one I’d walk in on.” A laugh shook his shoulders and he dipped his head down, “I love him, but that kid is…as subtle as a cat in heat really.”

Tipping her head back, Rosie let half of the glass burn its way down her throat. When it struck her stomach the butterflies exploded into angry hornets, each one ricocheting up her chest. They stung into her heart, causing Rosie to wince as she stared at her father’s back. How many times had she sat upon those shoulders or stacked pillows upon it to make a fort out of him? How much of her silly, childhood creations did he have as keepsakes in his personal study?

She knew he loved her, adored her the way fathers are supposed to love their children.

How much of that did she destroy without a thought?

“I’m…” Rosie began, the tears warbling in her throat, “you weren’t supposed to see that.”

“I’d certainly hope so,” Alistair gasped, finally turning around. His hair was yanked straight up and the knotted bits on his shoulders were both undone as if he tried to pluck himself as far from the crown as possible.

“Dad,” she should apologize, insist it was a moment of frippery, nothing more. That it would never occur again. Rosie tried to open her mouth, to get any of it out, but all those hornets clogged inside her throat. “I’m sorry,” her heart broke in two, tears sliding off her cheeks. One landed inside the glass, the amber liquid quaking in her grip.

This wasn’t how a princess behaved. She couldn’t cry all over an Arl or Teyrn. She had to be strong, and unbendable. With all the pathetic strength inside of her, Rosamund lifted her head to face her father. He may have been startled by her tears, she could barely see him through the rain.

“I’m sorry for disappointing you.”

“Oh,” he placed his glass down and dashed towards her. Strong arms that’d helped her fight off dozens of imaginary foes wrapped tight around her, “Oh Spuddy, no.” Her dad squeezed tight as he repeated, “No, no. Don’t be silly. You’ve done nothing of the kind.”

“But I…” she gasped in shock. Did he not understand? Maybe he thought Anjali was not a woman. That seemed a reach but it was possible.

“It was awkward, and on me. I’ll admit to that one. You damn kids, you keep growing up and reminding me I’m old,” her dad was babbling but he refused to stop hugging her tight. “Spud,” he drifted back a step, those oaky and safe eyes darting down to hers. “You can’t disappoint me. Not with…not with something like that. Putting your brother in a pickle barrel and nailing the lid on, now that’s a disappointment. And a very long punishment.”

She snorted at the memory, tears leaking from her eyes. Slowly, her dad released his grip to try and pull back her hair and wipe away her crying. “I thought, I didn’t want to-to ruin things by being…”

“Who you are?” he laughed a bit, tears stinging in his eyes at the foolishness. “Oh kid, come here,” her dad said as if he wasn’t in full control by wrapping his arms back around her. “I love you, you know. It’s why I’m such a pain in the ass when you do things that might get your butt in trouble. And I am so proud of you.”

All her life her father was huge. He was King, he was a great war hero, he was a pair of legs that’d stomp around while his kids hung on for dear life. As she came to study politics, to understand the crown to be placed upon her head, watched her father fumble with matters, he began to shrink. To become ordinary.

Now…her heart swelled with pride to think she’d not disappointed this gargantuan of a man. That he loved her even if she couldn’t be the perfect Queen everyone hoped for.

“I love you too, Dad,” Rosie gasped burying her face, mottled by tears, against his chest. He let her stay there, wetting his good doublet with salt water, while he slowly bobbed back and forth to his own song. It took her some time to slow the throbbing in her heart, each hornet slowly metamorphasizing into a beautiful lunarmoth.

Keep reading

[alistairappreciationweek-blog]

WE DID IT!!

WE REACHED OUR CHARITY CAMPAIGN GOAL OF $1000 IN AID OF SAVE THE CHILDREN!

Wow! I’m delighted and gobsmacked at all your enthusiasm and generosity.

This was a first, both for an appreciation week and for me to set up a campaign like that. It could have gone a number of ways- there could have been little to do donations, whether due to a lack of signal boosts or people simply not having the funds. Or we could have just about gotten halfway towards the goal (which would still have been something). Or (and that’s what I’d expected), with a lot of boosts and reminders, we could have landed just shy of the 1k at, say, 850 or so (which, as a milestone, would have been the Battle of Denerim, so it’s like almost there). But to fully reach the goal, and with half a day (US time) still to go- didn’t expect that.

I wanna give credit where it’s due and thank the amazing folks of the @dorianartbook initative for the inspiration to do a charity campaign inspired by a character; and Twitch’s kessel_runs, whose Tiltify campaign gave the idea to use that platform and set up rewards. (I got a fabulous custom video from @andrastini through that campaign and thought, hmm, can we do something like that?)

And there was so much support! Signal boosts, not just from us but from you guys- three, four or five times from some.

A lot of you donated, too, again some several times. One donor bought three commissions from two artists in one go. Another rejected her reward and threw it back in the pot for someone else to claim it so the campaign would get another $40. And another just chipped in the final 30 dollars after seeing our post.

Then there’s all the contributors who gave their time and talent:

Janett Kirchner, @mizunderstood2136, @th3morrigan (blasteddoodles), @dovalord123, @elevanetheirin, @starsandskies, Thecelticmyst, @alleiradayne, @ambellinaleander, @mapplestrudel, @machatnoir, @authorellenmint, @captainceranna, @bellanaris-somniari, @allenvooreef

A huge, massive, sappy thank you to all you guys for contributing to this fundraiser, whether with a creation, a donation or a signal boost. You all had your part in its success and you’ve shown what we nerds can achive together.

I’ll stop now and leave you to enjoy the rest of day 7. 

If you like there’s still the cute Alistair plushie up for grabs at Caboodling with Alistair- no donation required, just throw your name in the hat.

Thank you all so much again, you’re an awesome, awesome bunch.

–

@cullenstairshenanigans and the wonderful AAW team @alleiradayne, @batdarkladyvampir and @alistairaddict

[alistairappreciationweek-blog]

And @dinah-myles, who contributed 2 commissions

[aurlyn]

An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works

Posting Chapter 2 of Body Positive for @alistairappreciationweek ‘s final day of submissions! Summary:

Cullen accepts Alistair’s offer for dinner. The evening doesn’t exactly go as planned, but the rewards were far sweeter than either of them expected.

This is in response to this lovely prompt:

[zulefandomgaming]

THE MAKER’S BOSOM

@alistairappreciationweek Was meant for RareShip Pairing day but wasn’t perfect yet, so I am submitting it for Sunday! ALISTAIR/LELIANA - VERY NSFW!

—

He was dead. They killed him. There was just no other explanation. He was dead, tortured to death - must have died from his injuries, for he was now being cuddled in the Maker’s bosom. And - by the Maker - The Maker’s bosom was glorious.

He was warm, he felt clean, was no longer hungry or thirsty, and - Blessed be Sweet Andraste - he felt no pain. He was cocooned in a soft bed of clouds - floating among the heavens beyond the fade - surrounded by the scent of Andraste’s grace; the scent of the Maker’s bride. His head was on the most blissfully pliable pillow, and the clouds swayed and rocked, delicately lulling him and quieting his mind. The floating sensation mingled with the song of birds on the wind, cooing softly. He stretched his body languidly, the barely dawning sunshine streaming down through the higher clouds, making his eyes squint as he groaned pleasurably at the sensation of his pain free, fully intact muscles rippling. Groaning again as his body went lax once more, he concluded that nothing could make him move from this bliss. No, he would stay here forever - tightening his arms around the delightfully soft pillow, nuzzling his face deeper into its balming comfort - as it continued… humming Leliana’s song and running it’s fingers through his hair?

Wait - What? Holy Maker…

Alistair sat up with a start, blinking at the burst of bright light and color that blinded him. Without allowing his sight a moment to adjust he began blindly groping the clouds and pillows for purchase. It took another moment or so for him to register the warm body he felt next to him and soft, gentle hands cupping his face. The Hands - they were talking to him… Attempting to calm him, murmuring,

“You’re free. It’s over. You’re safe. I’ve got you.” And his name, in between shushing noises. Those delicate fingers massaging his scalp and caressing his cheeks - never ceasing their calming touch.

“You.” He breathed, squinting to focus on his divine savior, a hallowed halo of dawning light shining about her fiery auburn hair.  Still blinking, his eyes moved between the angelic features of her face, and trying to observe the fade distorted room around him. “You’re here. With me.” Alistair whispered, deciding that the Maker’s bosom was indeed all the Chantry professed it to be…

https://archiveofourown.org/works/14682576/chapters/33924948

[alistairappreciationweek-blog]

WE DID IT!!

WE REACHED OUR CHARITY CAMPAIGN GOAL OF $1000 IN AID OF SAVE THE CHILDREN!

Wow! I’m delighted and gobsmacked at all your enthusiasm and generosity.

This was a first, both for an appreciation week and for me to set up a campaign like that. It could have gone a number of ways- there could have been little to do donations, whether due to a lack of signal boosts or people simply not having the funds. Or we could have just about gotten halfway towards the goal (which would still have been something). Or (and that’s what I’d expected), with a lot of boosts and reminders, we could have landed just shy of the 1k at, say, 850 or so (which, as a milestone, would have been the Battle of Denerim, so it’s like almost there). But to fully reach the goal, and with half a day (US time) still to go- didn’t expect that.

I wanna give credit where it’s due and thank the amazing folks of the @dorianartbook initative for the inspiration to do a charity campaign inspired by a character; and Twitch’s kessel_runs, whose Tiltify campaign gave the idea to use that platform and set up rewards. (I got a fabulous custom video from @andrastini through that campaign and thought, hmm, can we do something like that?)

And there was so much support! Signal boosts, not just from us but from you guys- three, four or five times from some.

A lot of you donated, too, again some several times. One donor bought three commissions from two artists in one go. Another rejected her reward and threw it back in the pot for someone else to claim it so the campaign would get another $40. And another just chipped in the final 30 dollars after seeing our post.

Then there’s all the contributors who gave their time and talent:

Janett Kirchner, @mizunderstood2136, @th3morrigan (blasteddoodles), @dovalord123, @elevanetheirin, @starsandskies, Thecelticmyst, @alleiradayne, @ambellinaleander, @mapplestrudel, @machatnoir, @authorellenmint, @captainceranna, @bellanaris-somniari, @allenvooreef

A huge, massive, sappy thank you to all you guys for contributing to this fundraiser, whether with a creation, a donation or a signal boost. You all had your part in its success and you’ve shown what we nerds can achive together.

I’ll stop now and leave you to enjoy the rest of day 7. 

If you like there’s still the cute Alistair plushie up for grabs at Caboodling with Alistair- no donation required, just throw your name in the hat.

Thank you all so much again, you’re an awesome, awesome bunch.

--

@cullenstairshenanigans and the wonderful AAW team @alleiradayne, @batdarkladyvampir and @alistairaddict

[authorellenmint]

Alistair X Amell

The first time the giddy fool confesses that he loves her while they’re wandering around in the forest. Taken from My Hope for @alistairappreciationweek

“Alistair, what are you doing?” she folded up her arms and tried to maintain a straight face as the man struggled to balance himself upon a downed tree. Unsatisfied with nearly impaling his body on jagged branches by using both feet to stand on the log, he was now lifting one up.

“I was thinking when all this is over, I could join a circus,” he said, promptly slamming his foot down to keep from falling over.

Lanny’s cool eye slipped up from his foot to the rest of him, “It’ll be the quickest act in thedas.”

“Well,” he hopped off the log and dropped in front of her, his feet sinking into the mossy forest floor. They were supposed to be hunting for werewolves, but somehow the two grey wardens kept finding any excuse to wander off alone together. It was a true mystery of the Maker. Alistair wrapped one of his sap coated hands around her back to pull her close, then brought the other together to close off the embrace. “If you came with they’d be certain to sign us on the spot. You could throw fire.”

“I’d set the audience on fire,” she whispered against his cheek. By dusk’s light, his hair seemed to glow like the pyre of Andraste - an eternal golden flame.

“That’ll just make it a more exciting show,” Alistair shifted her over to his side as he waved an arm out, “Come, if you dare, to watch the fire-spitting mage. People in the first five rows will lose their eyebrows.”

“You are bonkers,” Lanny said. Then she grabbed onto his cheek and took him into a kiss. “But you’re my kind of bonkers.”

“I don’t deserve this,” Alistair sighed in joy.

“What? Being called bonkers? I’d rather think you do…”

“I meant you,” he chided, before wrapping all of him around her, enveloping her body. It was strange how quickly she grew used to the bite of his armor against her chest, even came to enjoy it. “Having you be this amazing you, and with me of all people. I mean, look at you!”

Keep reading

[melisusthewee]

So with AN being next weekend, I have been too busy to participate in @alistairappreciationweek again for the most part. :(

I did, however, have some unshared Monster Hunter Alistair items in queue, however. So even though it is a day late, enjoy HQ video this time of Alistair vs an Elder Dragon for Day 6: AU

Previous compilations can be found with Part One and Part Two.

[liquid-paradox]

Always have gouda dreams, Alistair. 🧀 @alistairappreciationweek

[alleiradayne]

Field Reports

For: Alistair Appreciation Week 2017 Day 1 - Warden Alistair Rating: NSFW (i fucked up and this ended up being smut) Word Count: 3,016

Alistair writes another letter to Amodisia

I like you.

No. Maker, no, how pathetic? They had discussed that topic weeks ago. Alistair crumpled the parchment and tossed it over his shoulder, landing in the far corner of his tent.

You’re beautiful.

Better. But insufficient at best, and another crumpled page of parchment joined its companions.

Your voice puts angels to shame.

Cliché, but not bad. And yet, Alistair tossed the ball of parchment in with its brethren. He had to tell her. He owed her that much, his respect for her beyond measure.

I love you, Amodisia. Your brilliant mind never ceases to amaze me. I stand in awe of your magical prowess. Your flowing brown hair and shining emerald eyes enthralled me the moment we met. You, all of you, enrapture me so, I am yours.

Perfect. At least, he hoped. His practice over the last fortnight had served him well, Amodisia teaching him, guiding him, so willing to read anything he wrote. Most often, he expressed his helplessness in their situation, or his guilt for her sudden involvement. Ever pragmatic, she returned with advice, never a quick fix or solution, but words of comfort and solace and sympathy.

But this letter? Andraste preserve him, this letter asked of her the impossible.

Keep reading

[alleiradayne]

@alistairappreciationweek

[mahalzevran]

Kaibigan Lang

Pairing: Alistair x Female Surana

Rating: General Audiences

Tags: Unrequited Love, Slight Angst

Summary: Takes place during Awakening. Alistair wonders about the nature of the relationship between Rhian and Anders. Mention of Zevwarden.

AO3 link

“Pretty girl. Right here.”

Rhian and Anders proceeded to laugh. Alistair tried to suppress the twinge of jealousy that started building up inside him. When he had given Rhian the rose, she had thought it just a friendly gesture. He never bothered to correct her. Then she ended up with Zevran. It had taken him a while to get used to the two of them together. He was okay with it now. For the most part. It helped that the two of them weren’t too affectionate with each other in public. Made it easy to ignore.

But this was different. Ever since Anders joined the Grey Wardens, there’d been nonstop banter between him and Rhian. He’d make a comment and Rhian would laugh. It took Alistair a while to have Rhian laugh at one of his jokesーshe usually gave him a sort of pitiful look. Worst of all, though, was when Anders would make a flirty comment and Rhian would reciprocate. They did this a lot. She had introduced him as a friend from the Circle. But now he wasn’t so sure, what with their interactions. When Rhian had rushed to hug Anders when they found him at the Keep, Alistair had found it odd but brushed it off. Now he thought it may have been some sort of sign. Did they have a past? Was Rhian hiding something? Rhian never said much about her time at the Circle. Did Zevran know?

They finally made it back to Vigil’s Keep. It had been a long day and everyone immediately started heading to their quarters for some much needed rest. Before Rhian could head there, Alistair stopped her.

“Hey,” he said, making sure they were out of earshot. “Can I ask you something?”

“Sure, what’s up?” Rhian replied.

“It’s about that Anders guy.” Rhian nodded for him to go on. “Well, it’s just that…I see how you two are. The back and forth that you do…”

“I told you. I know him from the Circle. We were apprentices together.”

“Yes, I know. But, Rhi, it’s not exactly very friendly? It’s kind of flirty actually.”

“Alistair,” Rhian said, laughing lightly. “It doesn’t mean anything. It’s like how Zev was in the beginning. That’s just how we are. Girls and guys can be just friends, you know. Like you and me.”

“Right. Friends, like you…and me.” Alistair’s heart sank a little. He didn’t need the reminder. Rhian patted his arm and wished him a good night before leaving for her room.

Alistair sighed, the part of his arm where she touched slightly prickled. She’d never know the effect she had on him.

[alleiradayne]

Happily Ever After

For: Alistair Appreciation Week Day 2 - King Theirin Rating: SFW (fluffs!) Word Count: 1,743

Alistair Theirin and Anaphorah Cousland celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary.

Peace.

At last, after hours upon hours meeting with nobles, cajoling with diplomats, and reviewing treaties, Anaphorah Cousland—Queen Anaphorah Theirin—collapsed on her throne.

Maker’s breath, a moment’s respite. A reprieve. Rest. May she lay her weary head in her hand and doze but for a moment, a chance to catch her breath.

“Your Grace?”

No rest for the wicked.

Her eyes snapped open to find a serving man at the foot of the stairs, bowing low and gaze averted. “Your Grace, your pr-presence… has been r-requested.”

From her seat, Anaphorah stood, a slow straightening of her legs as she stared down the young man. “By whom?”

“Who?” he repeated. “Th-the ah—beg your pardon, Your Grace—the King.”

“For?”

The lad’s hands twisted, fingers tangling as he stared at them. “Dinner, Your Grace. In the kitchens.”

Keep reading

[alleiradayne]

@alistairappreciationweek

[alistairappreciationweek-blog]

Alistair Appreciation Week ||  Giveaway & Fundraiser!

Yes, that’s not one but TWO opportunities for you to get cool stuff! And yes, this is the post we’re asking you to signal boost and share wherever you can!

Both of these start today (11 May) and run until the 20th.

CABOODLERS RAFFLE

This one’s simple: Join us at Caboodling with Alistair, check the announcement post and enter to win a super-detailed, tooth-rottingly cute Alistair plushie hand-crafted by the ever-talented @mizunderstood2136!

CHARITY FUNDRAISER

The Arl used to come here in the winter when I was small. I, uh… slept with the hounds.

Alistair experienced a childhood of suffering and unhappiness. And in our world, many children today share this fate as they are growing up in abusive households, in poverty or in war zones.

That’s why we’ve decided to use this event not just for fun and swoop- swooning, but to support a worthy cause Alistair would be more than supportive of. From 11 to 20 May we’ll be raising funds for Save the Children, a charity working to give children in the US and around the world a healthy start, an education and protection from harm. Find their charity ratings here and here and their 2016 financials here Direct link to campaign is https://tiltify.com/@alistairappreciationweek/alistair-appreciation-week .

And what’s more, you won’t just be doing something good, but your donation will get you one of a bunch of fabulous rewards! A group of talented, passionate and well-loved fan creators have dedicated their time and skill to bringing you stuff you’ll find just here. There’ll be crafts, fan fiction, art and oh so much Alistair!

Contributors include 

@starsandskies, @elevanetheirin, @dinah-myles, @bellanaris-somniari, @alleiradayne, @machatnoir, @allenvooreef, @mapplestrudel,  @cullenstairshenanigans, @authorellenmint, @blasteddoodles, @dovalord123 and more!

Some of the rewards are ready-made, and you’ll get them upon donating.These have unlimited availablity. They’re separate from the themed days for Alistair Appreciation Week, and you won’t see them anywhere else.

Then there’s custom rewards- amazing and unique craft items as well as commission slots from some of your favourite writers and artists in the fandom! These are marked as limited availability.

So please donate to help us reach our goal! Doesn’t matter what amount- every little helps!

And whether you’re donating or not, please consider reblogging this post and sharing this campaign across your social media channels so we can reach as many people as possible and reach our donation goal!

[alistairappreciationweek-blog]

We’ve got today and tomorrow and are $120 away from our goal! Commissions are available from @mizunderstood2136 (2x $15), @alleiradayne ($25), @elevanetheirin (2x $25) and @ambellinaleander ($40) and there’s other rewards too. Any signal boost and donation helps!

[alistairappreciationweek-blog]

LAST DAY TODAY AND WE NEED JUST $60!

[alistairappreciationweek-blog]

$55!

[felan-daris]

Almost there!

[angyvalentine]

Just 40$, please donate if you can <3

[alistairappreciationweek-blog]

Thank you so much <3 And yep, just $40 left!

[mapplestrudel]

$30 left ^_^

[alistairappreciationweek-blog]

Omg you’re all amazing! Just $30 towards the goal!