Conspiracy Aydenne by @blackwall-my-tiny-husband Ancient Millenial; she/they genjyosgirl on AO3 + Bioware made me do it + forever a Gensomaden Saiyuki fan
Looking for my Saiyuki posts? Saiyuki my beloved tag here
My Dragon Age Stories
Hi friends! Time for a new pinned intro to my stuff because it's all a little messy. I currently have four series running for Dragon Age (Veilguard) and I'll introduce below the cut! All my stories live on AO3.
My main Rook is Xiqaa Laidir (elf Lord of Fortune, they/she, Lucanis + Emmrich romance) Profile here | Xiqaa Art roundup here
Aydenne de Riva is an AU Rook but he might see some canon action is also in my canon stories! Profile here | Aydenne art roundup here
Series + tag links:
Curious? Start with this character and motif write-up: Threads and Themes post about my VG canon Rook (Xiqaa), Lucanis, Emmrich and Spite
Or this self-rec! about some of my favorite writing, by me.
In Shadow, We're All Grey (series on AO3)
This series is my third in my Veilguard canon. The stories will primarily focus on Aydenne de Riva (now Dellamorte) and his complicated romance with Illario (formerly) Dellamorte. Larger world events are taking place as well, like the growth of his House under his leadership, and trouble is brewing in Antiva.
Tell Me Tuesday about the story so far June 2026
In Shadow tag (Tumblr posts)
WIP tag for In Shadow
It's Still You (longfic complete! series on AO3)
Post canon, This series tells continued story of Xiqaa Rook Laidir, Lucanis Dellamorte and his Spite demon, and Emmrich Volkarin.
It's Still You tag
Playlist on YT Spotify
Despite Everything (longfic complete! series on A03)
Set during the events of Dragon Age the Veilguard, this series explores the roots of the relationship between Xiqaa Laidir (Rook) and Lucanis Dellamorte and Emmrich Volkarin
Despite Everything tag
Playlist on YT Spotify
The CROWS of A.N.T.I.V.A. (ongoing series on AO3)
Viago de Riva (and now Aydenne "Rook" de Riva and his friends) gaslight, girlboss, and get loved while attempting to maintain their sanity as employees in a corporatized world.
We've got everything from Iron Bull as Pitbull to a magical self-witnessing legal pen alongside a super sized helping of the absurd and illogical. This is crack treated oh so seriously but there are no rules. You just never know what might happen in the next episode.
CROWS tag
#Advanced Negotiation & Tactical International Vacancy Alignment (secondary silliness tag)
In Shadow, We're All Grey
Illario stays with the Shadows, in an indefinable relationship with Zevran. Lucanis buys a tavern on the new Lords’ territory and takes contracts when he chooses. Xiqaa divides their time between the Lords of Fortune and running the Keep. Emmrich retires halfway, growing alchemical plants, helping Xiqaa and teaching in the Necropolis.
Aydenne returns to House Dellamorte, determined to do credit to his new house and life...while we look toward his future and fill in his past, with and without Illario.
**I can't really share oneshots from this series because they're all oneshots lol but the link will take you to the series A03 page and there's also a spoiler writeup of the whole canon so far.**
It's Still You
Continuing the adventures of Emmrich, Xiqaa, Lucanis and Spite.
In the aftermath of the Evanuris War, Xiqaa decides the most reasonable course of action is to petition for Illario’s release from prison into their custody. Lucanis hates this immediately, and spirals about it. Emmrich hates it more quietly, but because he just wants to retire quietly with his lovers. After speaking with Caterina about a way to get Illario out of prison, Xiqaa ends up contract‑bound to Illario for one year, responsible for his good behavior. Everyone pretends this is a workable arrangement.
I'm up to 18 oneshots in this timeline, so if you're looking for something short to read to introduce yourself to my characters, I invite you to click on the link and choose any story that's not "It's Still You" from the series. They're in chronological order, with the longfic somewhere toward the top!
Despite Everything
A longfic of missing scenes and love stories from the Veilguard. Emmrookanis (and Spite) with alternating POVs, mostly Rook and Lucanis. Complete, 103k words. Rated M (it's pretty much for two chapters)
There are other oneshots in this series, I don't have a lot of plans to return to this timeline but I'm pretty random so it's still open. Mostly fluff rated T. Spite is romantically interested in both Rook and Emmrich and participates in most everything in some way.
This is the first day of my life - Emmcanis
Solstice - Rookanis
Rook Captures King; Checkmate - Rookanis
The Rook Who Murdered Dinner - Rookanis
All of It and More - Rook/Spite (spiritually), gen
Sweet Dream - Spite POV, gen
Spite. (Determination.) - Spite POV, gen
Thoughts on Breaking (the Rules) - Spite POV, gen
Spite's Shenanigans (series)
(thanks @gatesofminrathous for the meme)
Humor and fluff about Spite (and often Manfred) learning to live in the mortal realm
Needs Salt
Textures
The List belongs here as well.
The CROWS of A.N.T.I.V.A. (series)
This is a pure crack fic and I refuse to be sorry. Viago de Riva is a spreadsheet girly who runs his department with an iron fist and a judgy attitude until the Rookie, Aydenne de Riva, gets hired to disrupt his life. Corporate nonsense turned up to 11. Feat. unexpected Illarook romance and much Teiago.
Internal Compliance
Interview Notes
La Piazza
Concert
Pre-Meeting
Concert
Coffee Break
Beach
All Hands Planning
Viago's Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day (feat. Isadora de Riva)
Drive Me, Crazy
Inquiry (side story! - Rookanis ft. Xiqaa Laidir)
Risotto (Xicanis pt. 2)
A Side of Dread, Please (feat. Xicanis)
Birthday Party (Xicanis pt. 3)
Sick Day (Aydenne x Illario)
Mandatum Inevitabile (feat. Gemma de Riva)
Cake Crimes and Pizza Parties (Aydenne's birthday celebration!)
Unrelated to my Canon (Everything else DA)
Ashes - Lucanis turns away from Rook after Treviso is blighted.
Rival Mine - Lucanis/Viago relationship I feel is an offshoot of Ashes Lucanis.
the perfect crow was never born - I like to think this is the same Lucanis as in Ashes. Spite/Lucanis introspective.
Echo - M!Rook/Davrin discover the well in the Hossberg Wetlands.
I do take asks and I have some tagged as "ask game" so feel free, my asks are always open.
If you want to talk about any of my other fandoms I'm ALWAYS down for that too.
"Heat envelopes Lucanis' body where a weight presses down against his back, over his arms. He presses back into the body that curls against his own, closing his eyes as he settles into the rhythm of the rise and fall of Davrin's steady breath." - Everything and Nothing to Lose, Chapter 13
thank you so, so much to everyone who answered my call for laidirs, rooks, and others to use in this fic! i wanted to end the weekend on a high note and lean into the silly goose vibes the Lords bring to the party. and of course, i can’t do something dragon age and not write a codex entry 😂 placements 2-8 were randomized, and the bottom three… well, they know what they did (their creators told me they wouldn’t be any good)
LIST OF LORDS (in alphabetical order)
Amara (@chaosherald)
Arlo (@casa-dei-corvei)
Basalit'Reth (@tarasmom)
Bashir (@handsignals)
Carine (@commander-krios)
Celeste (@woundedsoul12)
Clara (@sandcastlekings)
Dasha (@lemondelighted)
Gemma (@serialsforbellara)
Gladius (@jenn2d2)
Lydia (@sorcerousadventurer)
Turvi (@davrinsleftpectoral)
Varevas (@ladyofcrowsandcoffee)
Xiqaa (@genjyoandgojyoandhakkai)
CODEX ENTRY: RESULTS OF AN ARCHERY TOURNEY, AS WITNESSED AND NOTED BY CLASH, SPIRIT OF VALOR
Many young Lords seek to prove themselves in the Hall of Valor through feats of strength, tactics, and endurance during battle. It was an unusual but welcome change to observe the precision and dexterity of their archery skills. There were three rounds of competition.
The first: two rows of moving targets made up in the style of miniature Antaam warriors, all of which needed to be struck with an arrow within a set amount of time.
The second: a set of three traditional bullseye targets were set at various distances, with the objective to place an arrow in the center of each target within three shots per target.
The third and final round: a trick shot showcase, where each archer's attempt at artistry was scored by the Admiral Isabela herself. This round was the favorite of all spirits in attendance.
After all three rounds and some time spent in tallying scores, the results of the tourney were as follows.
1st place: the Most Holy, Divine Victoria (fitting, as the tourney was being held in honor of Her Perfection's birthday and visit to Rivain)
2nd place: Carine (attributed her win to the lucky Arlathan acorn she kept in her pocket, given to her by a Veil Jumper as a token of favor and affection.)
3rd place: Turvi (was informed several times that he was to receive a prize, but continued insisting that he would celebrate his placement by cooking for everyone)
4th: Clara (in addition to three perfect bullseyes, she gave an informational demonstration on using arrows to set of traps with triggers and pressure plates for her final performance)
5th: Celeste (most likely would have placed higher, but was late in arriving for the opening round due to unabashed and flagrant flirting with several spectators)
6th: Varevas (began the tourney with a rousing rendition of What Do We Do With a Drunken Templar, performed adequately in all three trials)
7th: Xiqaa (lost points for destroying the moving targets that they missed with lightning, though was an obvious crowd favorite afterwards)
8th: Dasha (left the last round of competition unfinished due to the buttons of her top succumbing to the obvious strain placed upon them halfway through her routine)
9th: Amara (after securing promises from each of the other entrants that they would 'be careful', the healer agreed to enter as a participant herself, possibly swayed by the additional promises of drinks and sweets)
10th: Arlo (took his next to last finish with grace, and assured everyone in attendance that he would redeem himself with a song or two played upon his viola at the Hilt later that night)
11th: Gemma (after placing last, she insisted that she joined the tourney 'as a regular person' in order to highlight the skill of the other archers in comparison)
When the healer Lydia was asked if she also wanted to participate in the tourney, she stated that she didn't know how to shoot an arrow, only how to heal puncture wounds.
The following Lords were disqualified for varying reasons.
Bashir: after encouraging the onlookers and his fellow archers to admire his strength in stringing a longbow, he bent the bowstave with such force that it snapped in two. Declaring that the Spirits had spoken (please note, neither this one nor any other Spirit said anything at all), he withdrew from the competition in order to place wagers instead.
Basalit'Reth: greatly misunderstood the purpose of the competition and brought javelins in place of a bow. Despite an impressive show of hurling one through the center of a target, it was decided by all that it did not fit the spirit of the game and that he must withdraw.
Gladius: Also chose to bring javelins when he saw Basalit'Reth's display, and withdrew from the tourney in favor of setting up a contest of throwing for the two of them, with the prize being a mug of ale. After several rounds that ended in a draw, Gladius declared that they were both rich enough to buy their own ale and left for the Hilt posthaste.
Thanks for the tags, @lemondelighted @redaresss @cimmanombagel @gatesofminrathous @mushrooms-x-moss!
After a very hectic few weeks and some lovely collabs for LoF Weekend, I'm back on my Three of Crows BS lol it's time to bring this ship in to port. I think I only have a couple chapters left, and they're gonna be a ride. Aydenne's story will continue beyond this, but this is the most love story-ish of all the installments, I think!
He would never forget the kindness in Zalan’s eyes; the way he’d looked at Aydenne with a strange mix of pity and confusion, as though he couldn’t understand how someone so quiet had survived this long. And then—without hesitation—he’d helped him wrap a deep slice on his arm, hands steady, movements sure.
Aydenne touched the long scar now, fingers brushing the ridge now crisscrossed by newer scars. He remembered the feel of Zalan’s fingers, warm and certain. He remembered the way Zalan had patted his hair absently in farewell, like Aydenne was someone worth comforting.
“Do you love him?” Fio asked.
“I love Illario,” Aydenne replied almost automatically.
Fio snorted. “You love a ghost.”
“He’s real.”
“I saw him. I saw you. If that’s love, I think I’d rather be alone.”
Like “I realized that I was in the wrong and now I will work hard to atone” is good and all, but “how dare you infect me with morals” will always be so much more entertaining
HELP!!! okay so davrin and rook are literally adorable together but how am i meant to romance davrin when emmrich is right there?? like gimmie dat old man! but then neve is there too and she's upset with me and like i'll build up her trust in me again and it will be really cute but harding is also there and she's literally the cutest ever and i need. help.
Rook Week 2026 Day 1: Sacrifice / Nightmare / Survival
Thanks to the mods of both weeks for making this happen!
In the Gemmaverse timeline, this occurs after the events of the Veilguard as told in the newly completed Tale of an Antivan Canary, after Illarook 2025 (the Rookanis wedding), and before the Canary sequel, Crows in Nevarra. (Coming soon!?)
Location: Hightown, Kirkwall. Present.
Gemma had never found herself in such a dire situation before.
Surrounded.
Cut off from the one exit.
Out of knives. Out of poison. Unable to use magic.
All she had left were her negotiation skills.
“We don’t have to do this,” she began, keeping her tone even. “We can part now and go our separate ways, and everyone can live.”
Silence.
Those still living paid no attention to the dead impaled with her knives.
She tried to appeal to their romantic side.
“I’ve been married one month today. It was a beautiful wedding on the beach and an even better honeymoon. Even if my cousin-in-law crashed for a day in the middle of it. I’d really like to see what month two of marriage brings.”
More than being trapped alone in a damp cellar in Kirkwall, she hoped.
No response.
“Don’t you all have loved ones and families to go home to?” Her frustration grew. “Don’t you have something better to do than to be here? Now?”
It was impossible to negotiate when she received no reaction or response. She itched to draw on her fire and escape, but it was too risky. She couldn’t chance ruining this important contract before it barely began.
There had to be another way.
Maybe if she tipped the shelf over, sacrificing a few bottles of wine, grabbed the shelf to the left and swung around to the right –
The door opened.
“Watch out!” she cried in warning.
Lucanis stared at her with molten eyes ringed with violet. He looked around the room and after a moment of stillness, sheathed his swords.
One side of his mouth quirked. “This is what kept you? Dinner is getting cold.”
It hadn’t felt like she was trapped that long. She watched as he carefully navigated the living to reach the scattered corpses and pull her knives out. His expression was even, though his moustache twitched. She appreciated his restraint and couldn’t help but smile when, her knives properly stowed again, he held out his arms.
She climbed down the shelf she was perched atop. He grasped her waist and swung her over the fallen and the living to place her safely outside the wine cellar door. After retrieving a bottle of wine from the shelf on the left, he closed the door quietly but firmly.
“YOUR NEGOTIATING TACTICS. WERE SOLID. IT WAS A TOUGH ROOM,” Spite said encouragingly.
She signed inwardly. Of course he had heard her. They walked up the stairs in silence.
Illario relaxed back in his chair when they entered the kitchen. “Trouble in the cellar?”
Lucanis handed him the bottle of wine and pulled out a chair for her.
She sank into it, feeling heat rise in her cheeks. “I had an escape plan. I thought they deserved a chance to live,” she said, trying to hold onto the remaining shred of her dignity.
Illario looked confused.
Lucanis kissed the tip of her ear and set a plate of food in front of her. “Cockroaches.”
