Writing in a Corner

I'm Leona or Maddie, I go by both at this point, I reblog crap I like, which is a lot of Mass Effect, and Dragon Age, along with other shit I find amusing/touching/nostalgic. I'm currently afflicted with the Our Flag Mem Death brainrot, so expect a nauseating amount of that. Avatar by the incomparable thephoebster.

[saint-leona]

Well, Twitter is going down in a blaze of something that probably isn't glory, so I'm dusting my Tumblr off.

Still going to have Dragon Age and Mass Effect, because I love them dearly, but I'm currently afflicted with the Our Flag Means Death brainrot, so expect a lot of that.

How are we all doing?

[saint-leona]

non-HTF anon here--I couldn't remember if I actually sent you the link to the story, so here you go. It's on AO3 29290518

I'm not sure what I ever did to deserve this lovely gift, but I love you immensely for it you sweet Anon.

Please, everyone, read this gem.

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

[hightown-funk]

The Collection is LIVE!

The works for Hightown Funk 2020/21 are officially live! Everyone go ham!

Enjoy all the wonderful fanworks that have been created this year! 

Please remember to leave a comment for your gift giver—we all appreciate validation, and everyone worked very hard, especially in such a chaotic year!

Thanks to everyone, across all the years of this exchange’s run (2015–present), Hightown Funk has now collectively contributed over 100 works to the Varric/Hawke tag in AO3! This is particularly exciting because this exchange was formed as a way to search for other fans of this ship, and help grow the tag and community. 

We hope that those of you who have been with us for a while, as well as those for whom this is their first time participating, have enjoyed being a part of this exchange.

Special thanks to all of the wonderful pinch hitters that came in clutch in the final week!

Your mods, meggannn and calysto1395

[saint-leona]

It's that time of year, when I come out of hiding and scream at everyone to read all the Hawke/Varric goodness, because there can never be too much Hawke/Varric goodness in the world.

Go forth! Read about shenanigans and bffs that become much more!

[saint-leona]

So I am not part of the Hightown Funk exchange--I just happened to stumble across it--and I wrote something loosely based on your first prompt. Would you be okay with me posting it to AO3, not as part of the collection? I can add you as a gift recipient or not, up to you.

Um, so two things. 

One, I am so sorry I didn’t see this sooner, Tumblr has issues with asks.

Second, do you know that you are my favourite person right now?  I feel like screaming and doing some sort of happy dance.  I would LOVE for you to post something based on one of my prompts.  You are wonderful and amazing, and I love you forever!

[saint-leona]

Last question from your 2020 Hightown Funk gift giver... Does Varric have any special nickname for Aliss besides the canon "Chuckles" for the purple Hawke?

No nickname, and honestly, I don’t lean into the “Chuckles” thing either.  Kinda ruined it when it was reused for Solas.

[saint-leona]

Your hightown funk gift giver here! Quick question: Is Aliss good at lock picking?

Honestly, I never thought about it. I mean, she is a rogue, and lockpicking is their schtick in the game. So yeah, Aliss can pick a lock with the best of them. :)

[saint-leona]

Safe

Hightown funk is here for the fourth year in a row!  I absolutely adore this exchange, as evidenced by he fact that I leap out of lurk mode to post an actual fic that I wrote! Everyone needs to check out the entire collection here!

Summary: Keeping Hawke away is Varric’s way of keeping her safe.

Rating: G

Words: 1541

Notes: for @fanfoolishness for Hightown Funk 2018.  The prompt mentioned Varric writing to Hawke in the time between DA2 and Inquisition, and I kinda latched onto it.

As always, you can read on AO3.

Min.

Well, you said once that you wanted all the gossip from Kirkwall, both good and bad.  And I am always a dwarf that keeps his promises.  And you can tell Rivani to stop laughing at that.  

Yesterday was three years since that shit show with Orsino and Meredith.  Aveline and Donnic had their hands full with competing mobs - one that is sure you are Andraste reborn, and the other that is sure you are the next Archdemon.  Funny, there isn't really an inbetween.   There was a mob trying to storm the Gallows again and get near Meredith.  Not sure if they wanted to try and destroy her, or take her out and worship her.  Also had a mob outside the Hanged Man yelling that Hawke was the worst thing to ever happen to Kirkwall.  Love those assholes to pieces.  

Oddly enough, the only place in the entire city that isn't going to the Void is the Alienage.  Daisy has become a real bright spot over there - not that she wasn't before, but she's managing to keep chaos at bay.  The elves may actually be the happiest group of people in this entire damn city.

There's a sentence I never thought would see the light of day.

Stay safe out there.

****

Varric.

All that is well and good, but not one word about you?  How you're doing?  It goes something like this:  'Dearest Min, you are the bestest friend I could ever hope to have in my miserable existence, and my life is better for having you in it.  My days are darker now that you're gone, and I pray to the Maker every day that you return safe.'

See?  Pure poetry.  Maybe you should retire and I should be the writer?

Isabela had us off the coast of Llomerynn for a while, hunting down slave traders and whatever.  I think Fenris is having the time of his life.  He does love punishing slavers.  

Don't exactly know where we are now.  I mean, we're on a boat, and there's water all around, but that's all I've got.  There's word of putting into Hercinia soon, but with the Admiral, soon can mean tomorrow or six months from now.  I like to think of it as a surprise.  Sounds nicer that way.

Be well my friend.

****

Min, if you started writing that, my retirement would last about an hour, and that's being generous.

Okay, I have a surprise for you.  After nearly four years, the Chantry is finally sending their forces here to get to the bottom of what actually happened in the Gallows.  Rumor has it they're actually sending a Seeker of Truth with them.  Could be fun, who knows?  This Seeker may have a sense of humour about the whole thing.  The next Archdemon could rise and declare world peace as well.

I'm trying out this optimist thing.  I'll let you know if it works.

Point is, I'm fine.  All is well.  

*****

The Admiral and I are on the way.  We'll get you out of there.  Just hang on.

*****

Don't you dare!  You know me, I can handle this.  Whatever they want, they're not going to find you.  I'll make sure of that.  Just stay where you are.

Rivani, I know you're reading this.  You and the Elf have to keep Min away from here.

*****

Got a letter from Merrill.  

I say letter, more like loose scribbles and some illustrations.  It was amusing.  However, I couldn't laugh at the part where she says you're a prisoner now?  

Does the dwarf in distress need a daring rescue?

*****

Not a chance.  And I prefer the term 'unwelcome tagalong.'  The Seeker wants me to talk to the Divine about what happened, that's all.  After that, I should be free to go.  

See?  The optimist thing works.

*****

Varric Tethras!  What in the ever-loving fuck happened?  

Here I am, minding my business, when half of Haven blows up and now there's a giant Maker-damned hole in the sky!

I swear, you better not be dead.  Bringing you back to life just to kill you again is not on my list of shit I want to do!

*****

Aw, Min.  You do care!

Honestly, I have no sodding idea what happened.  Only know I was far enough away to not get caught in it.

(I was in the pub actually.  Huge shocker there, I know.  But I'm not living in this one, so some things can change I suppose.)

And how do you know about the Chantry and the explosion?

*****

Did you really think I was just going to let you get taken as an 'unwelcome tagalong' and do nothing about it?  I've been following you since Kirkwall.  I'm about a couple of days behind you.

*****

Damn it Min!  You're supposed to be in the Anderfels or Rivain or anywhere that isn't here!  What if they find you?

*****

Aw, Varric.  You do care!

Have you lost all faith in my skills?  They haven't found me yet, and they won't.  Will you please trust me?

*****

I do trust you Min.  But everything is going to shit.

Just do me one favour, please?  Stay away from Haven.  The people are scared and looking for something to blame.  I don't want that something to be you.

*****

Okay Varric.  I promise.  I won't say where I am, but I'll stay away from Haven.

I actually heard there were Wardens in the area.  I think I'll go looking for them.  Maybe they'll know something about Bethany.

If you do need me, just say the word.  I'll be there.

*****

Yeah, because the Wardens never led to anything bad ever.  You and I need to have a talk on what 'staying safe' actually means.

The Seeker keeps asking me about you.  I keep telling her I have no idea where you are.  It's not a complete lie.  I really don't know where you are exactly at this moment.  

Haven is starting to become something big.  Not sure what yet, but we are gaining more and more allies.  We convinced those mages that were holed up in Redcliffe to join us, and that was no easy feat.

This Inquisition business is way above my head - I know you're going to make an obligatory short joke here, so have at it - but there's something else going on that I haven't seen in a while.  These people actually believe in the Herald.  They have hope.  

And you know what?  I think I do, too.

*****

I never thought I'd see the day where you have hope in something.  Maybe the optimist thing is working after all?

*****

Min.  

By now you know about Haven.  I'm fine.  I made it out.  But we have a bigger problem.

It's Corypheus.  He's back.  I don't know how, but damn it, it's him.  He's the one that attacked the Conclave.  He's to blame for it all.  I'm sorry to do this, but I'm saying the word.  I think we need you.

*****

I'll be there in two days.  Dawn.

*****

Varric paces, as he tends to do when worried about Hawke.  He's been waiting for almost an hour, hoping that either she would be early, or the sunrise would be.  He's disappointed on both counts.

The guard that had been posted to the bridge was more that happy to leave early when Varric offered to cover the remainder of his shift.  So long as the guards on the ramparts didn't look too closely, he may just be able to get Hawke in without anyone noticing.  He made a mental note to talk to Curly about making security a little tighter.

The first rays of dawn break over the mountains and lights the valley below.  Varric squints as he looks out over the bridge to Skyhold.  At the far end is a dark figure, coming toward the fortress.  

Varric knows that gait.  He sees it every time he closes his eyes.  He's sure he'd dream about it if he were able.  

He clenches his fists at his sides as he waits for her in the gatehouse.  It takes every bit of self-control he possesses to stay put and not run to meet her.  After all, they are trying for secrecy here, and a dwarf racing over the bridge isn't exactly inconspicuous.  

She's finally close enough where he can see how four years have changed little things about her: she has a couple more scars, and she's a little leaner.  But that grin is exactly the same and is as familiar as her walk.  

She stops in front of him, shifts her weight to one leg and puts her hand on her hip.  "Varric," she says, still wearing that grin.  "You look like shit." Varric smiles back and doesn't miss a beat.  "Said the pot to the kettle."  

Hawke barks a laugh and falls to her knees before throwing her arms around him and burying her head in the crook of his neck.  "Maker, I've missed you," she whispers.

Varric hugs her back with identical ferocity.  "Hawke, you have no idea."

He doesn't know how long they stay like that, holding on to one another, but he can't bring himself to let go.  For that moment, she is here, she is in his arms, and she is safe.

[saint-leona]

Hi! I'm your hightown funk person. I was wondering if you'd be okay with a 'default' or 'unspecified' female hawke, rather than your oc. I love your Aliss, but im terrified of characterizing her wrong! It's completely okay if you'd prefer Aliss, I just really want to make sure you enjoy your gift!

Oh, my sweet author.  

I understand all about not wanting to mischaracterize Hawke.  I feel the same for every Funk.

But I promise you two things: 

1.  You cannot screw up Aliss.  I mean, aside from the fact she’s screwed up in her own right (aren’t all of our Hawkes?).  Seriously, as long as she speaks sarcasm as a second language, you’ll have her down.

2.  I will love whatever you write.  Seriously.  I cannot emphasize that enough.  I.  WILL.  LOVE.  IT.

However, if you feel more comfortable using the default Hawke, that’s okay.  I will still love it.

And if you have any other questions of me, just let me know.  

I love you, happy writing!

[hightown-funk]

Hello! Hi! Welcome!

Hightown Funk is back on its bullshit for the fourth year in a row. If you like fanfiction, fanart, and low-stakes challenges, and maybe even if you’ve read the newly released Hard in Hightown and thought “Wow, that Varric has it worse than I thought,” then this is the Hawke/Varric fanfest for you. Give a gift, receive a gift, and everyone gets more content to enjoy.

Minimum requirements: 1000 words or one sketch

Sign-ups close: September 1st – (Easy to remember, it’s the day Harry goes back to Hogwarts)

Submissions due: December 15th

For old hats, the same old rules are the same old rules. For newcomers, we’ve got all the answers you’ll need:

Got a question? Send us an ask.

Curious? Read the rules.

Ready for the whole shebang? Sign up here!

Remember how it goes and already inspired to make some magic? Here we are on AO3!

[saint-leona]

[wonderofthedaspodcast]

Episode 57: Is That Canon?

Are we allowed to do this? Join us with Andy Klosky, Leona St Clair, and Toby for our answers about using Dragon Age’s established canon in your games!

Welcome to the Wonders of Thedas Podcast, your one-stop-shop for all your Dragon Age RPG needs!

You can listen to this episode above, or…

View On WordPress

[saint-leona]

In War, Victory In Peace, Vigilance In Death, Sacrifice

[wonderofthedaspodcast]

Episode 55: Elf in the Big City

We go to the harsher part of the cities, and meet the City Elf Background! We are joined by a special guest (and Patron): Leona St. Clair!

Welcome to the Wonders of Thedas Podcast, your one-stop-shop for all your Dragon Age RPG needs!

You can listen to this episode above, or…

View On WordPress

[saint-leona]

If you enjoy Dragon Age RPG, or just Dragon Age in general, come have a listen to the Wonders of Thedas Podcast! I was blessed to be asked to be a guest on this show. We talk lore, background, and we may or may not have formed a band (long live the Dalish Queens!).

Check it out, then go back and listen to some past episodes. They are all excellent.

[saint-leona]

Popping out of hiding again to share my Dragon Age RPG character, Shaesa, by the fabulous @kitteria-art.  Poor baby has been through a lot: lost her clan, killed people she really shouldn’t have, lost her best friend (he’s still alive at least), lost her lover (he’s alive too, though minus an eye now, thanks to her), and then she had a mountain fall on her.  To top it all off, she was put though the Joining, but at least she survived that.  

Damn, I love this game. And if there's one thing I love more than the Dalish, it's the Grey Wardens, so she is naturally my favourite character of all time (I give so much credit to my amazing DM Derek for that - he throws stories at us that make me laugh, cry, and squeal in horror, surprise, and delight).

If anyone has a chance to commission Kitteria, you should do it.  Such a delight to work with.  And seriously, just look at the result.  I’ve been staring at her for hours. 

[saint-leona]

Hi everyone!  It’s been a while.  Mostly because not one interesting thing has gone on in my life in the last six months. Other than Kid 1 setting her room on fire at her dad’s house just before Thanksgiving.  That was an interesting day.  Everyone was fine, all the pets got out okay, but they haven’t been back in the house since then, and they probably won’t be for another few weeks.

But fun times are ahead!  I’m going to Chicago tomorrow!  It’s only for a couple days, and then on Wednesday night I’m heading to Lake Geneva, Wisconsin to get my nerd on at GaryCon.  My friends have already driven my car out there, and I’m flying to meet them. (Kid 1 had a volleyball tournament this weekend, so I couldn’t drive out with them.  A tournament where her team came in dead last.  But they played really well, so that’s something.)

My writing has dried up, but I’ve been playing a lot of the Dragon Age RPG some D&D, as well as a few more board games and such to warm up for GaryCon.  I was supposed to play Star Wars: Imperial Assault with none other than Tracy Hickman, but he had to cancel last minute.  There are no words to describe how disappointed I was with that news.

And honestly, that’s about it.  I’m going to end this with some pics of the most majestic cat I have ever seen, none other than His Majesty King Cailan.  He’s such a good boy.

[saint-leona]

First Line Meme

Tagged by the incomparable @skybound2, so here, have a line.  :)

Rules: Post the first line of a WIP, then tag as many people as there are words.

Alistair didn’t enjoy drinking, not really, though he was good at it.

And that reminds me, I really want to finish this one.  (It’s part of my “I’m an asshole” world state.)

I’ve got twelve words, but I never tag anyone to do these, so if you feel like doing it, then consider yourself tagged.

[fymodernflapper]

1920s Halloween postcard 🎃

[saint-leona]

I just went to Universal Studios in Orlando for the weekend. Let me say that the Wizarding World of Harry Potter totally lives up to the hype.

BUT, when I got back last night, I find this box from Amazon full of kitty treats and a toy and cleaning spray for Cailan, all from the absolutely wonderful and amazing @zendelai.

Thank you so much Zen! I love you (and so does Cailan). 💜

As a bonus, here's a picture of the king himself watching me play The Old Republic.