Okay, maybe third times a charm. Let's see if I stick around for more than a hot minute. 🤣 Hello, I'm April or known throughout the interwebs as ladygelfling! Currently back on my Dragon Age obsession. I'm an artist , among other things, so I'll pin my current commission info to the top!
Follow along for art, unending talk about my Rook, Tessora, possibly some fan fiction, and the occasional meme. 😘
Hi there! Thank you so much for your interest in getting an art commission from me! Here are some things to keep in mind:
Timeframe - I try
A short and slightly smutty Emmrook snippet starring my favorite couple, Emmrich and Tessora.
Emmrich briefly pondered that this was a bad idea as his hand followed the curve of Tessora's thigh lifting the fabric of her dress along with it. Maker, she wasn't wearing any smallclothes. This was against all protocol. This was something a student of his would get up to, not the esteemed professor! But he married a woman with a spontaneous spirit and she had rubbed off on him, so to speak. In a multitude of ways.
So, here he was in a corner of the Memorial Gardens with one hand up his wife's dress and his other unbuttoning his trousers. His mouth was laying kisses along her chin, moving to her ear. "You'll need to be quiet, Darling."
"I'll try my best." She replied, moving to nip lightly at his own earlobe.
He pulled himself out and Tess took him in her hand squeezing and tugging at his length until he was fully erect. She removed her hand and he leaned into her, kissing her soundly while his cock found her center, hot and slick, entering her slowly.
Emmrich gently rocked his hips and Tessora's legs locked around him, urging him deeper. He would never tire of this feeling, the connection.
Tessora let out a moan.
"Quiet, my dear, remember." Emmrich reminded her before covering her mouth with his in an effort to quiet down another moan.
Tess retaliated by using her legs to pull him sharply so his next thrust was harder and then she squeezed around his cock. It was his turn to groan.
She smiled and whispered between kisses. "Now who's not being quiet," she teased.
They continued in this fashion for quite some time. Both of them trying to keep the noise of their coupling down. "Darling, I'm close." Emmrich said in her ear.
"I can tell." She panted. "Come for me, love."
Emmrich was trying to prolong the inevitable. "But you haven't..."
She tightened around him again. "Later. Don't fight it."
He gave three more hard thrusts before trying to stifle his own moan as he shot his seed inside of her. She held onto him, keeping them locked together for several more minutes.
They were both startled by the sound of rustling foliage. The Professor and his wife quickly readjusted themselves. Thankfully Emmrich had a handkerchief handy to clean themselves off.
They listened for the sound again but heard nothing. Emerging from the bushes, they saw Vorgoth and if he had a face, it would bare the look of disappointment.
"NO FORNICATING IN THE GARDENS!" He said before promptly vanishing.
----
Some slight context: Emmrich and Tessora were attending a fancy party in the Necropolis and while Emmrich was off speaking to his colleagues. Tess was over by the snack tables. She overhears some Nevarran noble women talking about her and Emmrich and how they thought she was not good enough for him and how they couldn't believe that he gave up lichdom for some pirate. Their words really get to her and when Emmrich finds out he goes to the women and tells them off and makes them apologize to Tess.
They are walking back to their apartment when Tess mentions how hot it was to see him take them to task and defend her. She says they can't get home fast enough and Emmrich throws caution to the wind and decides why wait.
I recently read a novel where a character develops Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) due to trauma and abuses and this other personality emerges as a way to cope with it. A stronger personality that acts as a protector.
It made me think of my Rook, Tessora, who had a horrible childhood as an orphan and then was sold into slavery. Then she spent 9 years obeying a horrible blood mage. She wasn't Tessora then, she had a different name. Tessora came later after she was rescued and started to become a Lord of Fortune. I don't think Tess has DID, but she has over the years compartmentalized enough to where she almost views her earlier self as a different person entirely.
In my last fan fic snippet where she tells Emmrich about her scars and how she got them she thinks to herself that "Tessora would never had allowed it" referring to the abuses. By the time the events of Veilguard happen it's been 16 years since she was liberated by Isabela. She tries not to think of her earlier life, hence why she doesn't open up about her past with just anyone. Tess is a good liar and after spending more time with Varric (who in my Tessoraverse she has known far longer than in official canon), she's learned how to "spin a story" when she doesn't want to talk about it.
I'm doing another playthrough with Tess at the moment and just did the Fangscorcher quest with Taash. I got this dialogue, which I don't remember from the first time so I must have picked a different one the first time, but it made me think of Tess when she first came to Rivain and the LoF. She had spent her childhood in an alienage in deplorable conditions and then spent most of her twenties as a slave on a ship. She is quick tempered and would sooner punch you in the face than try diplomacy. (Looking at you, First Warden).
I think Tess opens up to Taash here and tells them about some of her past and the anger that bubbles up from time to time. She tells Taash that Rowan and Isabela helped her quell some of it throughout the years but it's not gone entirely. And that's okay! Tessora wants Taash to know that her and the Veilguard can help them too. They can help each other.
I think after this is when her and Taash start making regular trips to the Arena to work off steam and hit the taverns too for the occasional bar fight (not that they would ever start one....)
The statement in the screenshot can also apply to other things that Tess feels, but I have rambled on enough for now.
CW: Mentions of abuse, torture, SA. Nothing in detail.
**
Tessora gasped as she bolted upright on the couch. Her heart was beating out of her chest as she scrambled out of the room and onto the balcony. She was breathing hard as she clutched the railing, every scar burning as if freshly made.
Tess had put him out of her head over the years, why had her sleeping mind conjured him now? She could feel the sting of his dagger piercing her flesh, feel his breath on her neck, and the weight of his large frame pressed against her.
No no no no. He was dead. That chapter of her life closed. Suddenly the lighthouse was too confining. She needed real air. She needed her happy place - the ocean.
What about Emmrich?
It was true that she found his presence just as comforting as the sea but it was the middle of the night and she didn't want to burden him. Their affair, or whatever this was between them, was still new despite her rapidly growing feelings for him.
So the sea it was.
Tessora let her feet carry her down the stairs and into the eluvian bound for Rivain. A few minutes later another person entered the mirror, concern etched into his brow.
**
Emmrich knew something was amiss by the way she gripped the railing and the sound of her breathing. It was not unlike his own panic attacks of mortality. Before he could call out to her, she started moving down the stairs at a quick pace.
Wanting to make sure she was alright, he moved to follow. He entered the room just as she passed through the mirror. The palm trees that shimmered briefly in the reflection told him she had gone to Rivain. Despite his long legs, Emmrich still had trouble keeping pace with Tess. She was heading towards the beach and he was just about to call out to her when he realized she had started removing her clothes. Gentleman that he was, he turned away, leaning against a tree.
He heard more rustling of clothes and then a splash. Emmrich dared to look and saw her swimming out several yards before diving beneath the surface. He moved closer and absently started to arrange her clothes in a neat folded pile before realizing what he was doing. He chuckled to himself. Harding had brought up one day how different he and Tessora seemed to be. He liked to keep his space neat and orderly, while Tess liked to leave things in chaotic piles.
"But I know what's in each pile! I'm organized!" She had said.
Despite their differences, they were discovering some commonalities. Love of learning and also that of teaching. Though his teaching style was not the same as hers and definitely not in a classroom setting. Emmrich sat on a stump waiting for Tess to resurface.
Except she hadn't yet.
It had been well over two minutes since he had seen her go under. He scanned the water's surface under the moonlight but saw no sign of her.
Another minute had passed and Emmrich started unbuttoning his vest and pulling off his boots. He had thankfully removed his grave gold with the exception of his rings earlier as he was getting ready to retire for the night.
He waded into the water looking for any sign of her before plunging himself beneath the surface.
***
Tessora was floating in a beam of moonlight under the water. She loved the feeling of weightlessness but also of being held by the sea. Her dream still disturbed her but her heart rate was returning to normal and her scars didn't feel like they were on fire.
Not for the first time, she wondered if Emmrich would ever like to go for a night swim with her. Does he know how to swim? A tiny part of her was still wondering whether it was wise to pursue anything with him when they were in the middle of a crisis. She should talk to Varric about it. He was there when Kirkwall was in chaos and Hawke and Bela got together. He was also part of the Inquisition and witnessed the Inquisitor grow close to one of her inner circle.
Tess tried to clear her mind and just be one with the ocean. That is, until a pair of arms grabbed her from behind and started hauling her to the surface. She managed to wiggle free just before breaching the surface and swiftly kicked her attacker in the stomach.
They both surfaced, gulping air, and she saw who it was.
"Emmrich? What are you doing?"
He groaned in discomfort, moving hair out of his eyes. "I thought I was saving you."
"Oh, well thank you? Sorry I kicked you, but I didn't know it was you." She felt horrible at having possibly hurt him. "Can you make it to shore?"
He nodded and they both swam for the beach. Emmrich layed down on the sand, his hand hovering over his abdomen, a blue glow illuminating them both.
Tess wrung her hands. "Did I hurt you?" She tried to keep her panic out of her voice but he noticed.
"Tess, you thought you were being attacked and only defended yourself. If anything the fault is mine. I'll be fine." He reached out and covered her hand with his, squeezing it.
She offered him a half smile and looked down at his wet clothes and realized that she was completely naked. She grabbed her shirt from the neat pile and put it on. "Sorry you had to get your clothes soaked for nothing."
"They'll dry. I'm just glad you weren't actually drowning."
"I can hold my breath for more than five minutes actually. I like to just float under the water. It's very calming." She layed down beside him, looking up at the stars. Her hand brushing against his softly. "I didn't mean to worry you."
"Why did you leave the lighthouse so suddenly? You seemed to be in distress." He asked with concern.
Tess waited a moment before replying. "I had a bad dream."
"Do you want to talk about it? You don't have to, but it can be helpful."
She did not like to talk about her past. Rowan had told her a similar thing and it did help in the long run but Tess would always prefer to just pretend it never happened. She watched a falling star streak across the night sky and sighed. "I dreamed about my mast - my old master. It's been a long time since he last appeared in my dreams and it got to me." Emmrich turned on his side and propped his head up with an arm. She could feel his gaze on her. "How come you've never asked me about my scars? Everyone else has."
"I figured out that you tell everyone a different story. If I let you tell me in your own time, I thought I'd get the real one. But you don't have to tell me anything, Tessora." He took her hand and brought it up to his lips, gently kissing it. "I did ask Neve about it. She suggested that they were all from the same blade."
"That's why Neve is a damn good detective. She's right. He gave them to me." Her heart was starting to race again and she took a deep breath. "He needed blood for his rituals or magic and he liked to use mine. When I woke from that dream earlier it felt like every scar was on fire. Like they were fresh cuts. He had felt too real and it brought back all the things I try to forget. Not just the slices he put into my flesh but the other uses he had for my body." Tess closed her eyes as a fresh wave of memories came back. That was Lailyn. Tessora would never allow it now. Be gone! "So when I woke up I needed to center myself, as Rowan puts it. I didn't want to bother you so I came here."
Tess turned to look at Emmrich and he was gazing at her with those kind eyes of his. "You thought of me? To help center you? It would not have been a bother, my dear. It would have been an honor."
She thought she'd accidentally revealed too much. "I know this thing between us is still new and I have no idea what I'm doing half the time, but from the moment we met, you made me feel calm and safe. The ocean is the only other place I feel that."
He was staring at her wide eyed. "Darling, I..."
"It's too much too soon. Sorry, forget I said anything." She got up off the sand and grabbed the rest of her clothing, putting them back on hastily.
***
Emmrich felt such anger for this monster who had abused her and taken such advantages. And she endured it for years? It did bring some clarity to what Isabela and Rowan had alluded to when they offered their opinions on their blossoming romance.
They were concerned about her being hurt again.
He stood up from the sand, wincing slightly as his abdomen was still a little sore. He moved to join her near the tree he had hid behind earlier. "Tessora, you don't need to apologize for anything. You are right. This romance between us is quite new. I've never felt such a near instant connection to anyone before. I find it exciting actually. If you're worrying about frightening me off, I'm not going anywhere."
She smiled and put her arms around him and he hugged her, both of them ignoring his wet clothes. "It doesn't change anything, does it? Knowing where I got my scars. Knowing what..."
Emmrich looked down Tess but she was avoiding his gaze, looking troubled. He put a finger under her chin, lifting her head so he could look into her sparkling eyes. "My dear, you are the bravest person I have ever met. I thought that from nearly the beginning of our acquaintance. You are beautiful, from within and without. Nothing will change that in my eyes."
He brought his face closer to hers and captured her mouth in a kiss. Her lips tasted of the salty sea with hints of some of strong alcoholic drink she must have had at bedtime.
She opened her mouth and the kiss deepened as she ran her fingers through his wet hair. "Charmer," she said between kisses.
They moved apart and he glanced down at her now damp clothing. "So much for keeping your clothes dry."
Tess laughed and it sounded like music to his ears. "Well, Professor, next time take off all of your clothes before joining me in a swim."
The thought warmed him. "Next time, Dearest. Now, let us get back to the Lighthouse."
I was planning on making these more general and not tied to my Rook but I failed. 🤣 This is Emmrich, his sons, Manfred and Rupert, and the newest addition to the Volkarin clan. Not pictured is my Rook, Tessora, recovering.
Since one of my drawings for Emmrich week is a glimpse into the somewhat near future, I better post this little fic so it makes sense. 😊😊😊
Tessora stood on the deck of her ship, surrounded by her crew, preparing to run through the job they were taking. She had just pulled out her map when she was hit with a sudden wave of nausea.
"Captain?" Said Farcyne with concern.
"I'm fi-." Tess was not fine, she was throwing up the contents of her stomach over the railing. She steadied herself and turned to see them all staring at her.
"Are you seasick, cap? I've never seen you get seasick!" Asked Zee.
Tess was almost offended. "I do not get seasick." Which she reiterated by throwing up over the side again. When she turned back around, Domneth was smiling at her.
"What?"
"No, she ain't seasick. I've seen Illia go through this five times now. The last two times, I knew 'fore she did!" The dwarf was now grinning.
"No." Tess said. "I can't be."
Koa came over to her and bent down to smell her hair. "You do smell different than normal."
Tess raised an eyebrow at him. "Did you really just walk over to smell me?"
Domneth still wore a silly grin on his face. "You've got a glow to ya, Captain."
"I'm so lost here. Why does the captain smell different? Why is she glowing? I don't see it!" Zee looked around like they were being left out of some inside joke.
"They think I'm pregnant!" Said Tessora, not at all in a panicky way.
"Will you let me check to be sure, Captain?" Asked Farcyne.
Tess was definitely starting to panic. "I can't be pregnant. I take potions for that. Potions that you make, Farcyne!"
"But have you been drinking them on schedule?" The healer asked.
Farcyne waved her hands around Tessora's abdomen, weaving magic through the air. She also called to any listening spirits to aid her. When Farcyne was done, she opened her eyes to look at Tess. They glowed with magic briefly before fading to normal. "You are with child, Captain. The spirits also confirm."
"I knew it!!" Shouted Domneth, who smacked Koa on the back in celebration.
Tessora's knees buckled and she sank to the ground. "Captain!" cried out Farcyne.
The crew surrounded their captain in concern.
Tess was trying to wrap her head around it all. She admitted to herself that she had been feeling off or different lately but put it down to maybe catching a cold or something. But pregnant?
"Just breathe, Tess." Someone said.
"Is this not happy news, Cap?" Asked Domneth.
"I'm just...this is unexpected." She managed to answer. Sometimes Tess was still getting used to being a mother to Rupert, who had just recently turned one. Now they would have a second child? One that would come from her own body.
"Captain, we've all seen ya with Rupert. That little guy loves you. You're a great mum. Illia even said so the other day! Oh, she's gonna be so excited when I tell her. Can I tell her?" Domneth was beaming proudly. Tess had never seen him so giddy.
"Yes, Domneth. I'll take all the advice she's willing to give." Tessora suddenly started laughing. "I'm pregnant! I have to tell Emmrich!!"
Her crewmates laughed with her. "That's why we are turning this ship around." Announced her first mate.
"Wait, I can still go on this voyage!" Tess protested but another wave of nausea told her otherwise.
"It's too risky and besides we can't have you vomiting over the rails every ten minutes. When you get home, have the Professor examine you and tell us his reaction later on." Said Farcyne, with finality.
Tessora was back in the Lighthouse a few hours later. After climbing the stairs from the Eluvian room, she found Bellara and Rupert in the library.
"Mama!" He shouted when he spotted her. Tess felt a sudden burst of joy in her chest. She smiled wide and went to pick him up. "Hey, my little monkey!"
"Tess, I thought you were off on your ship? Not that it isn't nice to see you!" Bellara said.
"I had a slight change of plans." Tess gave her son a raspberry on his cheek causing him to giggle. She loved that sound. "Is Emmrich here?"
"Yeah, he's giving Manfred lessons so I offered to watch Rupert! I've been telling him about fade bubbles!"
"Would you mind looking after him a little longer, I need to talk to Emmrich." Tess handed Rupert back to Bellara. "Be good for Bellara, little monkey!"
Tessora made her way up to his laboratory. She wasn't sure why, but she was nervous. Pausing outside the door, she put a hand on her abdomen. Tess couldn't quite fathom that there was a baby growing in there.
Without further ado, she opened the door and found Manfred and Emmrich surrounded by green swirls of magic. Tess watched them quietly, in awe of their combined magic. She glanced at the little table behind the desk and was glad that fucking skull wasn't there anymore. Rupert kept wanting to play with it so Emmrich finally had her moved to a new room, with enchantments from Bellara.
Manfred spotted her and the magic dissipated. "Tess!!" He shouted.
"Darling? Back so soon?" Emmrich made his way to her and kissed her sweetly on her cheek.
"I sort of vomited over the rail of my ship. Farcyne sent me home."
"Are you ill, dearest? Did Farcyne give you any potions or tonics?" Emmrich put a hand to her forehead.
"She did give me some things. She also said you should examine me. Something about a second opinion?"
"Yes, of course."
Emmrich lifted his hands and magic flowed around her. His brows were furled in concentration and he was muttering under his breath, catalogueing her vitals. He stopped mid motion and opened his eyes, confusion written on his face. He waved his hand again and this time, his eyebrows shot nearly to his hairline.
"Tess." He whispered, meeting her eyes.
Tessora started to smile knowingly.
"Darling, you're....you're pregnant!" Emmrich's mouth fell open and stared at her stomach then up at her face.
"Surprise!"
Emmrich engulfed her in his arms and kissed her. "A wonderful surprise! Are you alright? How do you feel?"
"I thought maybe I had some bad fish or something with the vomiting and the nausea. Domneth actual called it before Farcyne even checked. He's very pleased with himself. I admit, I did panic a bit when she confirmed it." She looked down, slightly ashamed. Tess had always been the reluctant one about having children in their relationship while Emmrich, though supportive and understanding, always wanted to be a father.
"Tess, you don't have to hide your feelings from me, you know that. If this isn't something you want..."
"Emmrich, that's not...I just wasn't expecting to get pregnant. I was taking precautions but I slipped up. I am nervous and terrified but also excited? I suppose we're even now. You surprised me with Rupert and now I've surprised you with this one."
Tess could see the tears forming in Emmrich's eyes. "As with all our endeavors, we shall get through this together. As a family."
After all this time, Tess still couldn't believe that she was part of a family, that she was wanted and that she belonged. It had been her greatest wish as a child.
She glanced over at Manfred, who had been watching them both with curiosity. "What do you say, Manfred? Want to be a big brother to another baby?"
He clapped. "Rupert?"
"No, Manfred. Tess is going go have a baby." Emmrich tried to explain.
"Baby! Where?" Manfred looked around a little confused.
Tess laughed. "The baby still has a bit of growing to do. It's in here right now." She indicated her stomach.
"Tess ate baby?!?" Manfred cried.
Tess started laughing so hard that tears were coming down her face.
Emmrich pinched the bridge of his nose but also couldn't help but chuckle. "No, Manfred, she did not eat the baby."
"Emmrich, you might want to explain to Manfred where babies come from." Tess said with a grin.
Emmrich's week will take place from Monday, October 6th to Sunday, October 12th! The hashtag for this event will be #emmrichweek2025.
If you'd like to participate, do check out our FAQ & Rules—our inbox is always open for additional questions!
Please use the hashtag when posting anything for the event. However, tagging us directly is the best way to ensure we're able to see your creations and reblog them!
A huge shout-out to everyone who shared their ideas in the Emmrich Week prompt survey. We chose prompts that included as many of those ideas as possible, and we're super excited to see what you create with them!
