Too many goddamn hyperfixations

Ash | ♋︎ | 24 | ☘ | she/her | MDNI: +18 only on my page.

[ashenlavellan]

Thoughts on my 1st Black Eagles Playthrough - [3/?]

It's been quite a few days since I last updated, but we're back!

So.... I officially witnessed Edelgard being crowned as the Emperor of Adrestia and Byleth turned her back on the Church of Seiros to defend her!

Holy shit - I've only witnessed Rhea's behavior through the Blue Lions/Golden Deer route, but the absolute switch-up..? The fact that she deems Byleth as a failure when you first escape from the Holy Mausoleum, but the fact that she screams that she'll rip out Byleth's heart if you confront her during the final battle before the timeskip..?

I was quite surprised during the fight sequence when the Death Knight/Jeritza showed up, but Edelgard was quick to tell us that he was an ally - my eyes went pretty wide, but I sort of kept my eye on him.

I will be honest - it was a little anti-climactic for me, with how Byleth disappeared. In Blue Lions/Golden Deer, Byleth attempts to rescue Rhea, but is knocked down into an abyss... With the Black Eagles, Rhea transforms into the Immaculate One and Byleth is buried underneath a ridiculous amount of rubble instead. It might just be me, but comparing that with the others - it felt anti-climactic.

So, once I started up the post-timeskip, I was very surprised by how different the reunion is and the fact that you actually have a couple of days to gather at Garreg Mach and prepare, unlike being thrown into an immediate fight with the other routes! (You'll hear me make comparisons quite a bit!)

Also - I finally saw most of the support conversations that were waiting until the timeskip and I've gotta say... Hubert's A-Support with Byleth made my heart skip a beat. He literally states that had he two separate lives, he would devote the other to Byleth... just the way that he said it and the little smile on his face???

Oh yeah. Byleth is definitely jumping that mysterious/homicidal emo man. (Like I mentioned in the first part - he reminds me so much more of V from Devil May Cry, especially his appearance now.)

[ashenlavellan]

Thoughts on my 1st Black Eagles Playthrough - [2/?]

So, quite a bit of progress has been made since my last update - I'm currently at the second to last chapter before the time-skip.

Where do I begin..?

It's been very interesting, playing this story route and seeing bits and pieces of Edelgard's motives and intentions - she sort of tests Byleth with certain questions and statements, as if testing to see if her loyalty could possibly lie with her and the Empire, or if it's with the Church.

I've also been trying to build up support conversations with EVERY character that I've recruited and I've had a blast seeing conversations that I've never seen before - especially Edelgard's and Hubert's!

As of this moment, Byleth has awakened the full power of the Sword of the Creator, and I accidentally joined Edelgard and witnessed her become the Emperor of the Empire, but didn't realize that it would skip the rest of the month. So, I went back to my save and I'll save that for the end of the month so I can continue to build support with other units and complete certain certifications.

But, man... that was such an intriguing moment to witness and sort of learning more about the relationship between her and her father. I also sort of wonder how this process was done in the other routes, since Edelgard mentioned that the Church is usually involved with those processions...

So, yeah - there's not a lot for me to discuss as of this moment. I feel like it's purposely done that way, since Edelgard and Hubert are very secretive - especially since it could be the Crimson Flower or Silver Snow route.

Side-note... I'm gonna be honest, I'm probably never going to do the Silver Snow route since I find Rhea/Seiros quite interesting, but her obsession with Byleth has always made me uncomfortable - that, and because I'm not usually fond of religious groups within video games.

[ashenlavellan]

Thoughts on my 1st Black Eagles Playthrough - [1/?]

It's been nearly seven years since Fire Emblem: Three Houses has come out and this will be the first time EVER, playing the Black Eagles route.

Now, my first and biggest request - please don't spoil this for me. I went into the Blue Lions route with a little bit of spoilers, but I have NO clue what the Black Eagles/Crimson Flower storyline contains.

So - I'm not super far into the route as I'm writing this. I just recently finished the chapter where you prevent the Western Church within the Holy Mausoleum. So, now Byleth has the Sword of the Creator!

Now... I don't have any clue how some of the conversations progress with certain members of the Black Eagles. Hopefully I don't offend, but here is the list of characters that I never (usually) recruited these characters - Caspar (1), Linhardt (2), Ferdinand, Hubert, and obviously, Edelgard. [The numbers beside them symbolizes how many other routes I've recruited them.]

So, I'm a bit surprised - I was planning on going into this route with the intention of pursuing the S-Support with Dorothea. She's my favorite, but never went through with it since I always either picked Claude or was starstruck by Dimitri.

The kicker - as of this moment, I'm not starstruck by Edelgard. I just had the first support conversation with her and I feel terrible that she is the sole survivor of her family. How ALL of her siblings lost their minds or died and that she witnessed it and suffers from nightmares...

I am, however, very intrigued by... Hubert.

I was extremely surprised, especially after he basically threatens to kill Byleth should she cease to be useful or turns against Edelgard. But, then, I remembered that with most games that I've played.... I always end up going towards the introverted emo with a bit of homicidal tendencies and/or some mystery.

I think because of his appearance, especially his post-time skip appearance, reminds me of one of my all time favorite video game characters...

V - from Devil May Cry 5.

I tend to always go towards the either morally-grey, lawful-neutral or lawful-evil characters.

I can't say too much about the story because, again, I'm not super far into the storyline. I've noticed differences in some conversations pertaining the Flame Emperor - since I'm already aware that it's Edelgard due to the other routes.

But yes, this has been very interesting so far!

[ashenlavellan]

A Song for Every Letter...

I've noticed this little trend going around and thought that I'd try my hand at this, but with one of my OCs instead! :3

S - Sellouts (Breathe Carolina)

E - Emergence (Sleep Token)

L - Lilith (Halsey)

E - Endlessness (Really Slow Motion)

S - Stranger (Tove Lo)

T - Toxic (Britney Spears)

I - Into It (Chase Atlantic)

N - No Pressure (PLVTINUM)

A - Always This Late (ODESZA)

[ashenlavellan]

A Kudos Post to my favorite DA LIs

here is a condensed post of ALL of my favorite Dragon age romances - please keep in mind that this is my opinion/are my favorites. Your favorites might not be mentioned - please be respectful! ^.^

Alistair Theirin - The Grey Warden / King of Ferelden

He was my first romance when I played Origins and I will always have a soft-spot for this man - underneath the humor and comedic one-liners, you've got such a genuine and sincere man who is absolutely in love with your Warden.

He ALWAYS becomes King of Ferelden during my playthroughs - regardless if he's romanced, because I can NOT bear the possibility of him sacrificing his life in Inquisition.

Zevran Arainai - The Antivan Crow / The Black Shadow

His romance was unique; his casual approach to sexual encounters and nonchalance was surprising, but once you discover he's actually fallen for your Warden? The shift is apparent, even with companion dialogue, and its endearing that your Warden is the first he has ever truly loved.

I honestly love his interactions with a Tabris/Mahariel - there's a little bit of a difference compared to the other origins, but the one thing that remains the same is how he's willing to follow you... anywhere.

Fenris - The Lyrium Ghost / The Blue Wraith

His background is tragic, but the fact that he doesn't truly crumble underneath it and rebels against it is admirable - he gives himself little credit for what he has accomplished after the trauma he's faced, but he slowly opens up to the one he loves... no matter how much he tries to run from it.

DA:II was actually the first game that I played and I fell hard AND fast for Fenris - not only his personality, but his voice? I'm a very, very weak woman to accents...

Isabela - Queen of the Eastern Seas / Leader of the Lords of Fortune

She's such a unique character and her banter with the other companions can be quite unpredictable. However, her romance is can be quite steamy to begin with, it becomes much more mirthful as the relationship deepens.

The only other character I ever romanced in DA:2 and she definitely stole my heart - she's capable, charismatic, and with a hint of spontaneity!

Cullen Rutherford - Knight-Captain of Templars / Commander of the Inquisition

One of the very few characters who has made an appearance since the first entry - we're the first to witness his contempt and trauma from corrupt mages, but we also can uncover how hard he falls for the Inquisitor - even if she's a mage herself!

Cullen is not the only character my Inquisitor's have romanced, but he's basically the sole one at this point - his romance has always caught my attention, especially how sincere and tender he is with the woman he adores!

Lucanis Dellamorte - The Demon of Vyrantium / The First Talon

A man who has survived the horrid experiments inflicted upon his mind, body, and soul - although he has come out the other side with another inhabitant within his body, he's more than willing to get the job done. Especially if it can end with his lover holding him close...

The one and only romance that I'll ever pursue - his voice? His tender gaze? How thoughtful and considerate he is of not just his other companions, but the one he falls in love with? How could you not??

[ashenlavellan]

Want to get to know me better..?

Thank you so much for tagging me @vorchagirl - glad to take part in this! :3

Reading: I'm currently not reading anything, but I've been thinking of re-reading Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead. One of my favorites!

Last Song: Honey Whiskey by Nothing But Thieves - it's part of my Lorelei Ryder/Reyes Vidal playlist! :3

Favorite Flower: My all-time favorite flowers are the stargazer lily! I have a bouquet of them tattooed on the right side of my leg.

Currently Watching: My significant other and I have been watching Game of Thrones (for the first time) and we're currently in the final season.

Last Movie: Vampire Academy (2014) - one of my all time favorite movies and it was ahead of its time! I really wish we had movies for the rest of the series...

Current Obsession: I always switch back and forth amongst each fandom that I'm interested in, but I'm basically in the deep end for Mass Effect. I've even had writing inspiration for Bellatrix Shepard/Kaidan Alenko and Lorelei Ryder/Reyes Vidal.

Currently Working On:

ME:Andromeda One-shot (Lorelei Ryder/Reyes Vidal)

My Time at Sandrock Outline (Ceres/Logan)

One-shot smut (Bellatrix Shepard/Kaidan Alenko)

Last Google Search: I'm not gonna state what it is specifically, but I'll be moving in the summer time and I was looking up a specific area that I might move to.

What are you wearing? I'm wearing black pajama bottoms and a black t-shirt with a four-leaf clover and a marijuana leaf. :3

I know that this has been done before, but if you haven't? Feel free to do it after seeing mine! ^.^

[ashenlavellan]

All the Things That Were Never Said

[credit: @beemot]

Bellatrix Shepard had been devastated after the tumultuous reunion with the man she had fallen deeply in love with before her untimely death and time had passed since Kaidan Alenko had poured his heart out into the email he had sent her... As the Normandy quickly approaches the Collector base, she realizes that this may be her last chance to contact him again.

It's been quite a while since I wrote anything for the ME: Trilogy, but I was hit with the inspiration and just had to share this fic I wrote for my beloved Bellatrix Shepard and Kaidan Alenko! <3

[ashenlavellan]

Sebastian. He was deemed the social outcast of the town, but he was much more than that - he was a skilled programmer, a talented Solarion player, and the man she was lucky enough to call her boyfriend. Her eyes widened when his grip around her waist tightened and although he was silent, she could tell what he was thinking. The slight raise of his brow, his pursed lips, and how his pupils dilated as he stared at her - he was mesmerized. Ashleigh raised her right hand, placing her palm above his chest, and softly squeaked when she realized how fast his heart was racing.  She held his intense gaze, her mouth slightly opening as if her thoughts would escape, and her heart thundered within her chest as his eyes flitted towards her glossy lips. 

I want to sincerely thank my best friend @sinsydia for capturing the sweetest moment between Ashleigh and Sebastian, especially in time for Valentine's Day! <3

Please feel free to give my fic, that was released on Valentine's Day, a read - Petals & Love

[ashenlavellan]

Mass Effect: Trilogy - Alternate FemSheps

[credit: @beemot] Name: Bellatrix Deirdre Shepard Origin: Earthborn Background: War-Hero Class: Engineer Age: 28 Romance: Kaidan Alenko Sexuality: Bisexual

[credit: @anakliro] Name: Renée Yvette Shepard Origin: Spacer Background: Ruthless | Butcher of Torfan Class: Adept Age: 27 Romance: Garrus Vakarian Sexuality: Pansexual

[credit: @commander-sarahs-art] Name: Kirsikka Virva Shepard Origin: Colonist Background: Sole-Survivor Class: Infiltrator Age: 29 Romance: Liara T'Soni Sexuality: Lesbian

so glad to share this post - here are all of my beautiful, but deadly FemSheps, captured by different, talented artists! <3

[ashenlavellan]

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

A quiet, guttural growl reverberated in his throat, a sign that Spite was attempting to appear, but Lucanis retorted with a playful smirk, “If I recall correctly, you have mentioned beforehand that it’s quite easy to bribe you.” His eyes leisurely scanned her silhouette and features once more as he added, “I can also be very persuasive, cara mia.”  “I’m well aware of how persuasive that mouth of yours can be, mi amor, so why not try to convince me with your actions?” Tessa goaded, her brow raised as she crossed her arms underneath her chest and leaned in, her lips gently grazing his earlobe.

The stunning masterpiece was created by @nilusart - thank you so very much for bringing this sensual moment to life! <3

[ashenlavellan]

Fandom New Years Resolutions

thank you for tagging me @silurisanguine :3

anyone that wants to take part in this, feel free to do so and tag me so I can see your resolutions! ^.^

now, I've been struggling with health issues and stress, so it's been really hard for me to write anything... so, here's what I should say that I'm hoping to do.

Complete one fic for a specific pairing from three different fandoms. Or, make even more progress on current projects.

I'm hoping that I can write a short-fic / one-shot for any of my characters/love-interest from each - the Dragon Age, Mass Effect, and Baldur's Gate III universes. If not that, I hope that I can make much more progress with my Fields of Mistria project than I did this year.

[ashenlavellan]

Game Rook vs. Art Rook - Tessa de Riva

I was tagged by my friend @silurisanguine to do this! :3

Anyone that is interested in taking part, feel free to use this off of me and tag me so I can see your Rook's! ^.^

It's clear as day that in-game is during one of the cutscenes for a mission (specifically, Weisshaupt) and the other is the outfit she wears during her time in the Lighthouse!

[credit: @beemot]

I'm honestly obsessed with how Tessa turned out - she was captured perfectly! (It honestly frustrates me that I couldn't add a beauty mark to her face like I pictured, or her piercings!)

[ashenlavellan]

[credit: @beemot]

this is such a stunning masterpiece and Tessa de Riva looks absolutely gorgeous! it honestly came just in time for the holidays and I just had to share how beautiful she turned out! <3

[ashenlavellan]

Kirsikka Virva Shepard

[credit: @commander-sarahs-art]

here is my beautiful Kirsikka; she's been captured perfectly and she turned out absolutely stunning! thank you so very much for bringing my lovely Kirsikka to life! <3

[ashenlavellan]

Fan Art & Fic Recap - 2025

Thank you to my dear friend @vorchagirl for tagging me! :3

General stats for my AO3 writing:

Number of fics written: 4 Number of words written: 15,589 Number of hits on my fics: 2,425

Highlights:

Popular, Longest Completed & Spiciest Fic: Adoration & Desire

Kudos: 40 Rating: Explicit Pairing: Lucanis Dellamorte/Rook Words: 5,822 [Complete] My second submission filled with spice, pillow talk, and more; definitely pushed me out of my comfort zone, but glad that I shared Lucretia and Lucanis' most intimate moment! :3

[credit: @finchmarie] - one of the most stunning commissions I've ever received and love to this day!

Shortest Completed Fic: A Kadaran Sunrise

Kudos: 10 Rating: Mature Pairing: Reyes Vidal/FemRyder Words: 2,447 [Complete] Tender with a hint of spice is the best way to describe this fic - it's what I imagine life to be like for Reyes and Lorelei after the main events of ME:Andromeda, experiencing domestic bliss with a bit of teasing! :3

[credit: @anakliro] - my friend captured this scenic moment between Reyes and Lorelei perfectly! I was left speechless! <3

In-Progress Fic & Currently Has My Heart: Fallen Stars & Molten Hearts

Kudos: 4 Rating: Teen [Currently] Pairing: Farmer/March (Fields of Mistria) Words: 2,076 [Ongoing] Not only is this fic a work-in-progress, but it's also what helped pull me out of my writing-funk... the dynamic between Astraea and March is incredibly refreshing and I always enjoy writing their interactions! :3

[credit @allisonmckenzieart & @sinsydia] - the first was a commission of Astraea and she turned out so beautiful, but the second was a sketch my dear friend created and I absolutely adore how they captured March! <3

To all of the artists mentioned above, thank you so much for capturing the scenes that these fics were based around, or bringing my precious characters to life with your hard-work and talent! It means the world to me! <3

Anyone that comes across this tag, please feel free to do the same, but tag me so I can see your own recap! :3

[ashenlavellan]

Rook & Companion Banter - I

Neve | Harding | Bellara | Lucanis | Davrin | Taash | Emmrich

Neve: "A coin for your thoughts, Rook..?"

Tessa: "Call me Tessa..."

Neve: "Alright, Tessa. You didn't answer the question."

Tessa: "I thought you might know, since you're always watching me."

Neve: "Fair enough. However, I watch everyone."

---

Neve: "When was the last time you visited Antiva City..?"

Tessa: "You've done your research. Good."

Neve: "You're... pleased that I looked into your background?"

Tessa: "I'd be disappointed if our prized detective didn't. To answer your question, I haven't been there since I was ten."

Neve: "Hmm... No offense, but you're a strange one, Tessa."

---

Tessa: "I must say, the serials and novels that are published in Minrathous are quite thrilling. Quite different than the ones from Treviso."

Neve: "Oh? I didn't take you to be interested in the same serials as Bel."

Tessa: "I take it that you're not watching me as closely as before, Neve."

Neve: "Why should I? You've proven to be trustworthy. For a Crow."

---

Tessa: "What was that dish called..? The one you and Bellara mentioned?"

Neve: "Khachapuri?"

Tessa: "Yes! That's the first Tevinter dish I've had in my life and I'd love to learn how to make it."

Neve: "Would you like it if I taste-tested it for you..?"

Tessa: "I'd appreciate it. I've only made Antivan, Dalish, and Ferelden dishes - this will be a first."

---

Neve: "So..."

Tessa: "So?"

Neve: "You and Lucanis - you know each other. What's the story?"

Tessa: "It's a long story, Neve-"

Neve: "Oh, I bet."

---

Neve: "Belladonna, huh?"

Tessa: "Ah, I haven't heard that title in awhile. Now, who did you hear the details from..?"

Neve: "I heard quite a few stories from Teia when we last visited the Cantori Diamond. Should I have asked someone else?"

Tessa: "No, no. If Teia told you, then she would have shared accurate details. If it was Illario, then he would have bored you with his infatuation over me."

---

[Tessa had chosen Treviso over Minrathous]

Neve: "Rook."

Tessa: "Neve..."

Neve: "Hm."

---

Tessa: "For what it's worth-"

Neve: "I'm sorry, but I'm not ready for this conversation, Rook."

Tessa: "Fair enough. It may not mean much, but I'm here if you need me."

Neve: "Are you truly?"

---

[After Weisshaupt]

Neve: "I heard that you decked the First Warden once you reached the War Room."

Tessa: "Did Bellara tell you? If so, then I'm assuming you disapprove too?"

Neve: "Quite the opposite. The man had it coming, after ignoring every single piece of evidence proving that this is no normal Blight. Minrathous should have been the first sign."

---

Neve: "Were you the one that prepared breakfast, or was it Lucanis..?"

Tessa: "I was the one who baked the pastries and prepared the savory dishes, including the grilled fish. Lucanis, however, brewed the batch of coffee that was served."

Neve: "I had a feeling, but wanted to verify. It was delicious - thank you... Tessa."

Tessa: "My pleasure, Neve."

---

Tessa: "I know you said that it gets the job done, but why do you boil your coffee..?"

Neve: "Well, for the longest time, I never had the time to properly do so. So, I just settled on boiling it and it's worked for me since then."

Tessa: "Ugh..."

---

[Romancing Lucanis]

Neve: "Quite fitting that the pair of Crows fall for one another. Can't believe it took this long, though."

Tessa: "I still can't believe I told you that I had feelings for him during our late night conversation..."

Neve: "Heh. I still would have figured it out by the way you stare at him when you think no one is watching."

---

Tessa: "Why are you smiling?"

Neve: "Oh, no reason... I just think it's adorable that Lucanis is the only one that can make you flustered."

Tessa: "Mierda! I'm starting to hate that you can read me easily with a single glance."

---

[Extra]

Neve: "There wasn't much to go by, but I looked into that request you left for me, Tessa..."

Tessa: "And?"

Neve: "Some of my contacts believe that the hair-ornament you showed me originates from a Dalish clan... there's a likely possibility that your mother was Dalish. I hope that's sufficient enough..?"

Tessa: "Thank you for looking into it, Neve. I never knew much about my mother, but it's nice to have something..."

---

thank you so much for reading this personalized banter I created for Neve and my Rook, Tessa de Riva. it was fun adding my own twist to their dynamic and relationship - I can't wait to write more for the rest of them! <3

[vorchagirl]

I'm tired. I'm so tired.

Guys ... i just need to make it through 2 more weeks but i don't know how because I'm red lining now.

Please reblog with happy gifs or beautiful pictures so i have the strength to carry on.

[ashenlavellan]

I don't have any pictures, but I find comfort in pink-purple sunsets with ocean waves - I hope this makes your day at least a little better and calmer, my friend. <3

Take it easy and sending virtual hugs your way! :3