Wings straight and swift will bring us home.

[siriusdraws]

stupid sexy starkhaven

[alustriel-the-star]

DA2 - The Prince by aimo

[orsino]

far from finished and not retextured in starkhaven colors but check out this fine and magnificent kilt seb

[dragonologist-phd]

Andraste said, “The Maker is king in the heavens, but it is the kings of Thedas who must recreate his worldly glory.”

Aesthetic Inspiration: Sebastian Vael

[inquisiitor]

“And every time your brother and sisters mentioned how much better you had it, how hard they were in their day, you’ll think ’yes’- but you’ll have had longer with them.” [ x / x ]

[falconsarrowarchived]

repost. don’t reblog.

rules: Pick four colors you associate with your muse. Then use the gif search-function and search for the color. Post one gif for each color. Tag 10 other roleplayers to do this.

tagged by: @frivolousfrills

Sebastian’s colors: cobalt, silver, white, auburn (orange)

Tagging: @falcononthewing, and whomever else wants to do this

[falconsarrowarchived]

None of us are free.

.| independent RP blog for Sebastian Vael |.

|| selective || para rp || non-secular leaning - read bio and rules ||

[vintyvanora]

   The rest of Vanora’s day is filled with relatively mundane tasks in preparation    for the flurry of activity that would begin once the merchants arrived on the    morrow. There was so much to be done there that she wanted everything at    home settled so she might dedicate her time and attention fully to the work    at hand. The house is cleaned top to bottom, furnishings adjusted slightly,    decor swapped in and out to her liking. By the time she is satisfied with it all    the sun has begun to dip past high noon. 

   Of course she had forgotten to eat anything. It was her nature, to be absorbed    completely in a task until it’s completion, regardless of how long it took or the    amount of sleep and food she missed. One of her slaves comes over to    suggest something to eat, but Vanora waves her off.

       “I think we have all done quite enough work for        the day. You are all relieved for the afternoon.”

   The people in the drawing room with her bow, turn on their heels, and leave.    Though in all technicality they are her slaves, Vanora much prefers to treat them    like servants. She has no tolerance for the magisters who treat their slaves like    items or animals, exerting whatever will they had in whatever manner they saw    fit. Not only did it seem morally just to treat them like servants, but it had proven    to be useful in surprising ways. Several times a slave had approached her,    revealing that some altus or another had been trying to get a spy into the    household. They were always rewarded for their honesty, and the situation was    always dealt with. To treat people right was to gain their loyalty and respect.

   When it is time for supper Vanora sends one of her guards to retrieve Sebastian.    She instructs him to head for the Ivory Knight with an explanation of what    Sebastian looked like, then sent him on his way. He was quite efficient in his task,    for within the time it took to bring food and drink into the sitting room and change    into something approriate for the evening, the guard had returned with Sebastian.    Stepping into the grand entry hall, Vanora smiled.

       “Ah, serah Vael. A pleasure to see you once more.        I trust that the trip here was uneventful? Alexander        knows all the ways from here to town that are safe        to travel. He’s an invaluable asset when traveling.”

[falconsarrowarchived]

When the merchant's guard shows up, Sebastian knows it right away. He follows the guard through the broad lanes that cut through Hightown, and then in through the tall entrance way of a decently sized estate, where he cranes his neck around to take in all the details. It was a manse built in typical Kirkwall fashion, with scroll work and columns carved out of rich wood and stone as he knew most of the other estates to be, as well.

Her voice draws him out of his observations, and he smiles, not taking his eyes from the architecture at first. "Ah, yes. He was quite perceptive of the quickest route, though I admit I have been several years in Kirkwall and am familiar with them--and their dangers--myself." His point is emphasized by the unstrung bow curving over his shoulder.

He debated leaving his armor and weaponry behind, but seeing as he'd given up his room at the Ivory Knight earlier that day and he'd already met this Vanora Raleigh in his full gear, it helps him to decide she probably won't take offense that he's shown up with bow and quiver strapped to his back and long dagger resting comfortably at the small of his back.

Sweeping his gaze finally down from appreciating the whole of the room he finds himself in with Vanora Raleigh, he settles it on her, the smile still resting on his mouth.

Giving her a bow of exactly proper depth, his eyes stay focused on her. "Please allow me again to express my thanks for offering to privately view such an antique. It is above and beyond what most merchants would do, and speaks greatly of your care to your wares and profession."

[exmigdha2010-13-deactivated2025]

Visit Original Link

[mitakasasa]

“You were given to the Circle. I was given to the Chantry. Hawke was driven away from home by the Darkspawn.”

[falconsarrowarchived]

Dragon Age Zodiac

Fenrir: 20th Wintermarch – 18th Guardian

Resourceful, brave, calm, loyal, secretive. Can sometimes be extremely fierce or seem old despite their years. The sign of transformation and regeneration. Can easily become distrusting and manipulative.

Kios: 19th Guardian – 20th Drakonis

Curious, idealistic, energetic, full of wonder. Craves change and new experiences. Enthusiastic and extroverted, with a strong desire for freedom. Can be tactless, impatient, or promise more than they can deliver.

Eluvia: 21st Drakonis – 19th Cloudreach

Artistic, intuitive, gentle, wise. Willing to help others without promise of return. Empathetic, faithful, and caring. Known for being extremely tolerant. Introverted and quiet. Can become isolated or martyr themselves for others.

Equinor: 20th Cloudreach – 20th Bloomingtide

Co-operative, diplomatic, gracious, peaceful. Lover of harmony, gentleness, and nature. Balance and symmetry, justice and equality. Can be indecisive and avoid confrontation, and sometimes carries grudges.

Fervenial: 21st Bloomingtide – 20th Justinian

Progressive, original, independent, energetic. Extremely adaptable, looks at the world as full of possibility. Strong desire for freedom and change. Can shy away from emotional expression, or be temperamental, uncompromising, or aloof.

Solium: 21st Justinian – 22nd Solace

Courageous, determined, confident, enthusiastic, passionate. Competitive, a natural leader, desires action and challenges. Pushes themselves hard. Can be impatient, short-tempered, impulsive, and aggressive.

Bellitanus: 23rd Solace – 22nd August

Reliable, patient, practical, responsible. Loves everything good and beautiful, very creative. Determined and protective. Known for their stubbornness, dislikes sudden change. Can be uncompromising.

Servani: 23rd August – 22nd Kingsway

Creative, passionate, generous, warm-hearted. Natural leaders, dramatic, creative, confident. Full of love, able to unite people easily. Can become arrogant, stubborn, self-centred, and lazy.

Toth: 23rd Kingsway – 22nd Harvestmere

Loyal, kind, hardworking, practical, methodical. Pays close attention to detail, conservative and organised. A creator. Desire to serve and please others. Can become overly critical, anxious, or prioritise their work to an unhealthy degree.

Satinalis: 23rd Harvestmere – 21st Firstfall

Affectionate, curious, adaptable, expressive, quick-witted. Sociable and communicative, fascinated by the world and desiring new experiences. Creative and musical. Inquisitive and fun-loving, but can be indecisive or inconsistent.

Tenebrium: 22nd Firstfall – 21st Haring

Responsible, disciplined, efficient, conservative. Practical and scrupulous, known for being very serious. Independent, ambitious, hates lack of control. Often aloof and unforgiving, can also be stubborn and pessimistic.

Silentir: 22nd Haring – 19th Wintermarch

Intuitive, empathetic, persuasive, imaginative, loyal. Good at solving conflicts, strong determination for harmonious relationships and well-being of their friends and family. Can become suspicious, pessimistic, or manipulative.

[vintyvanora]

   Although Vanora was being earnest in the emptiness of her day–it was no    great inconvenience to bring the bow with her a bit earlier–the man’s polite    attitude is appreciated. Even with his excitement he is composed and    respectful, traits that she could not say many people in Kirkwall possessed.    A bit of self control and good manners went a long way. She waves off the    guard who’d stepped closer, lacing her fingers together in front of herself.

       “Very well, I shall send someone to the Ivory        Knight this evening after supper. I do not go        back on my word–I have promised you time        with the bow, and so it shall be so.”

   The young man seems to suddenly realize something, bowing as he introduces    himself. She’d barely thought to introduce herself, she was used to people    knowing who she was. Then again she wasn’t often taken with chatting up    customers. Particularly not strangers with no intention of buying her wares.

       “Serah Vael, I am Vanora Raleigh, procurer of        rare objects and a merchant of other high quality        items. It is a pleasure to meet you.”

   She dips her head in acknowledgement, wondering why on earth Vael sounded    so familiar. It would be easy enough to figure out with so much free time. One of    the guards steps up behind her, murmuring into her ear as she sighs.

       “It appears that some last minute business has made        itself known. I shall see you this evening serah Vael.” 

[falconsarrowarchived]

             Sebastian raised a few eyebrows at the Ivory Knight when he came back after closing out his room tab only that morning, but no innkeeper worth his salt would deny a paying customer simply for being a tad odd. And so he lingers in the common room for the majority of the late afternoon. He spent the first portion of the day after meeting the merchant Vanora Raleigh wandering around Hightown, seeing to a few sundries he could have done without, but took the opportunity of remaining an extra evening to tie them up.

Much to his surprise--and delight--there is a chess game set up on a small table to one side in the common room, something he hadn't noticed before. It is no matter that he has no one to play with; Sebastian sits down at the board and moves both black and white pieces, thoughtfully going through several iterations of openings and early- to mid-game strategies with himself. His grandfather taught him how to play the game from a young age, and he hasn't played in many years--hasn't even seen a board in close to a decade.

All in all, it is a welcome distraction while he waits for the merchant's messenger to come fetch him.

The evening light grows rosy through the windows of the inn, slanting in as the kitchens spool up for that nights supper. Sebastian politely waves away a serving elf, indicating he did not wish to purchase a meal from them. He isn't sure what awaits him at the merchant's house beyond getting a closer look at the rare bow--if anything else at all--but he knows he does not want to be impolite and have to refuse any refreshments if they are offered. If it turns out looking at the bow and discussing it is all she offers him, he can just as easily purchase food after he leaves her estate.

He moves a few more pieces, keeping an ear and an eye toward the front door for someone looking for him.

[vintyvanora]

   The surprise, the dilation of pupils and quick breath, amuses Vanora. Such a    simple thing to offer, the holding of an item. It was obviously not an offer one    got again, if ever. To let a stranger hold such a priceless item was not in her    usual repertoire, but she felt like making an exception, doing something a little    reckless.

       “My home in Hightown should suffice. My wares        return there, to my vault, when the day is done. But        if you are on a schedule, returning to Starkhaven        perhaps, then I could have the bow brought back        earlier.”

   Vanora nods to one of the armed men lingering about, a bit of hired help to    ensure no funny business went on. They would handle it, keep it safe, and    keep an eye on it while she finished up at the stall.

       “If you intend to be gone from the city by supper,        perhaps stopping by for a chat over tea might be        more appropriate. Wherever you are staying, I will        send one of my servants or guards to escort you.”

[falconsarrowarchived]

             He inclines his head toward her while she speaks, a habit he picked up from his years in the Chantry and of listening and speaking so often with people who tended to be varying degrees shorter than he, an indication he was raptly listening to what was being said.

“No, no, please don’t alter your day simply for me; I am imposing already. After your shop closes for the day will be fine. I am in no hurry, and I would not want to cause you any issue, however slight.”

Though he keeps his expression the same, there is a twinge within him when she mentions Starkhaven--mostly of guilt, of delaying as long as he has, and now a day more. And to merely hold a bow he would never own, nor shoot, when he should have ridden the very day he heard of the assassinations. Resisting the will to shake his head at himself, he draws in a small breath instead, knowing that would have not been any help, either. One more day would not make a difference at this point. 

Even now, a small, venomous voice whispers in the back of his mind, you are still selfish as ever. He tamps it firmly down.

His attention focuses back to the present and the woman before him. “I have been staying at the Ivory Knight in Hightown, your men can find my there when the evening comes, if you are still inclined to your offer.” A thought occurs to him, and he starts a little, then gives her a short, courtly bow.

“But please, forgive my manners. For as generous as you have been with no cause, and here I am not even giving you my name.” Straightening and lifting his eyes to hers, he lets a smile spread across his face again. “Sebastian Vael, if it please you, serrah.”

[vintyvanora]

       “Finding and authenticating exotic, rare and ancient        items is my business–but that hardly makes it easy.        This is a particularly exciting find because of how        well preserved it is. I’m no expert, but I would wager        you could still use it…”

   Whatever the man is thinking, his eyes remain locked on the bow. That look    of wonder strikes a chord in her. Most of her clients were interested in the    rare items solely for bragging and display purposes. The only reason they    cared about the story behind them was so they could tell it later and show    off. No true appreciation for their value, for the work put into procuring them.    But that was why her prices were so steep. If you wanted something rare and    old, something nigh impossible to find, then you would pay for all the work    put into it. Plus the price of the item itself.

   Hands laced together in front of her as he stares at the bow behind her, Vanora    smiles calmly when he snaps back to reality. The apology is brushed off the    moment it’s out of his mouth, one ring-clad hand waving it off.

       "No need to apologize. My work has been finished        for the next few days, and I have nothing pressing        to attend to.”

   Glancing at the bow on his back, Vanora raises a brow.

       "You are clearly much more appreciative of my wares        than my usual clientele…even if you can’t afford them.        There is a different sort of satisfaction when a buyer truly        appreciates the product for more than a means to show        off. If you come back here, and promise on pain of your        own death not to try anything, I would let you hold it.        Though perhaps not here in the center of the market. It        is not often an archer passes by when I have such an        item to sell.”

[falconsarrowarchived]

             Listening to her speak solidifies Sebastian’s impression that she is a professional that knows her business well, and he nods. At her suggestion that the bow is still serviceable, one auburn eyebrow arches.

“Of that... I’m not sure. While it does appear to be in excellent condition, its age alone would make me wary of stringing it.”

But, when she goes on to offer to let him hold it, the other eyebrow joins its fellow and he searches her face for several moments in disbelief, trying to discern whether she is joking with him or not.

“I--I would be flattered to have you put so much trust in my hands for such a rare thing. Name the place of your preference and I will happily follow or meet you there.” He hesitates, for a breath, thinking. 

“I do have business I must get to that takes me outside the city... but I can spare time for this.” He smiles at her. “It’s certainly not every day I happen across such an antique.” At least not now, not outside Starkhaven and the treasury, the unspoken words form in his mind. He pushes the thought away, focusing on the present moment. “I would enjoy the chance to speak more with you on where you found it and what all you know about its history.”

[vintyvanora]

   It takes but a few moments for the market to be brought to life. People bustle    about, shifting from one stall to another, getting their necessities. Of course,    there are plenty of stalls that deal in luxury items, geared towards those not    shopping for necessity but for amusement. The entirety of the market is    fascinating to Vanora–not for the purpose of shopping, but to watch the way    life moved forward. It was an endless source of information, both spoken and    unspoken.

   When she is certain her own stall is set perfectly, she fades into the bustle of    the market. Vanora weaves her way through the crowd with practiced ease.    She slows at a few stalls, ones that she know carry high quality adornments    and accessories, but nothing sticks out. If there had not been a shipment    coming in from the North the very next day she might have picked out a piece    or two. As it stood, there were a few choice items coming from home, so there    was little reason to purchase more.

   As the sun rises higher in the sky the market crowds grow. Women in finery    walking with elves holding their goods, young men ogling the stalls procuring    weapons, and the servants that slipped quickly through the crowds to pick up    groceries or deliveries already paid for. A fascinating slice of life. Today there are    more merchants personally manning their own stalls, perhaps to ensure that any    visiting merchants arriving early would see them and their success. It seemed a    desperate attempt to show off in Vanora’s eyes.

   After a turn around the market Vanora finds herself satisfied. Nothing exciting    happening despite the impending arrival of the Starkhaven merchants. Without    anything interesting for sale she returns to her own stall. Miracle worker that he    is, Elijah had managed to sell off some of the more expensive pieces for prices    higher than she had expected. Arching an eyebrow at the man, who merely    shrugged and smirked, she shook her head. Vanora is adjusting the items before    her when a stranger walks up. There’s nothing special about him at first glance,    but the accent tips her off immediately. Straightening up she looks him over while    his attention is on the bow behind Elijah and herself.

       “It is indeed quite beautiful. The bow of Cesar        Valisti–the First Talon of the Antivan Crows        when they first broke away from the Chantry.”

[falconsarrowarchived]

             Bright blue eyes leaps up from the bow itself to the woman’s face. “Truly?” he asks. “It is a wonder you were able to procure such an artifact. And be so certain of its history.” He looks back to the bow again, admiration evident on his face. “It looks to be in excellent condition.”

It must have taken quite a treasure hunt, Sebastian finds himself thinking amid the myriad of all kinds of similar antiques and rare items in addition to the bow that caught his eye. How many years did it take? How many dead ends or fake replicas? How many nights of discouragement, of pushing past the heavy thoughts of what if I can’t find anything?

That is what he now faces, trying to learn more about the assassinations of his family, of everyone who was behind such a violent coup. He hopes he is able to keep as much faith he will find an end as this merchant.

Smiling at the woman behind the stall to take his mind from such thoughts for now, Sebastian says, “Forgive me, I am taking up your time, admiring your wares with no promise of purchase. Finely crafted bows tend to catch my eye.” As explanation, he cants his heads a little to the unstrung bow on his own back.

[falconsarrowarchived]

Librarian + 135

the Librarian | accepting

Deathless, Catherynne M. Valente

“I don’t sleep on anyone’s bones.”

              “I will not see it taken back by force.”

Sebastian’s voice was quiet, but firm. He kept his gaze steady and unrelenting at the night sky, pensive, as if he were studying a familiar tapestry and not an infinite breadth of stars.

“There has already been too much bloodshed in my family’s halls, and too many of my people have suffered after. No,” he continued. “For me to retake what is now my burden by birthright, it must be without violence. If I cannot do that, then what kind of ruler would I be to those who need care the most? Who need a just Prince the most?”

[inboxideas]

Send me "Librarian!" + a number and I'll grab the closest book, flip to that page number, and make us a starter using a random line of text from said page!