Laugh in the face of death

An independent, semi-private, selective roleplay blog for Samahla Lavellan from Dragon Age. Please read the rules before interacting. Penned by @afroditeohki.

[samahla]

"and if I leave Thedas just a little bit better than it was when I came into it, I'll have done my job well."

    An independent, semi-private, selective roleplay blog for Samahla Lavellan from Dragon Age, as penned by @afroditeohki (40+, she/her).

On trying to keep your laughter in the face of trauma and hurt.

Friendly to OCs, canon divergences, crossovers and other inquisitors. Multiship and multiverse. Mature themes will be present and tagged. Minors DNI.

carrd ⌘ rules ⌘ about the mun ⌘ about the muse ⌘ prompts&memes ⌘ thread tracker

journeying with: @fenanera (more to be added)

[aurorarpresources]

reblog this if you're fine with your mutuals sending you asks unprompted

[samahla]

Hi I was able to do one (1) (single unit) reply and it's already time for bed here :D welcome to working 9-6 I guess

[pcrseverance]

|| @samahla liked for a starter

"And so you allied with them?" the question is somewhat incredulous, given what he's just heard. The recount of the events from Redcliffe doesn't inspire trust in those the Inquisitor has brought with her, who's to say they still won't fall to such disaster?

"Were there conditions to this allying or are they simply... coming in unchecked?" he asks, already trying to figure out the technicalities. The best ways to distribute the templars until the new additions could prove trust worthy, any way to check for rogue Venatori hiding amongst them.

[samahla]

"Oh, I don't know, commander, maybe because I am a mage too and I wouldn't like to be, what, conscripted into someone else's army either?" She threw her arms up in annoyance, and most of all in not knowing what to do with all the weight on her shoulders.

"Am I coming in checked?" She snapped, and then took a long breath, rubbing the space between her eyes. "... Look. I have no idea what happened in your time as a templar, or even what actually happens in the circles of the humans. I'm willing to believe that the stories that reached our clans could be exaggerated or colored under the lenses of fear. I'm trying to understand, okay?" Slumping down on the nearest chair, she looked at Cullen, tired and sincere. "But what I know from generations of our mages, is that living in fear and pressure and removed of the control of ourselves only makes us more vulnerable to your so feared influence of demons. I can't imagine it would ever help unless one is willing to kill, or worse, tranquilize any mage without a second thought."

Samahla was no diplomat. Or strategist. That was why she had advisors.

And Cullen was one of them.

"They're people. We can talk terms, and I know that you and Josephine and Leliana will help come up with good ones. But please, please don't forget they are people."

[samahla]

I feel like most of the time I come here is to just drop excuses for being absent.

Anyway I got a new job (which I'm loving!) and I'm adjusting to the new schedule and exhaustion that's why I'm kinda away yadda yadda hoping to be back more often soon

[samahla]

Try to tickle Samahla at your own risk. Her reaction can be either a kick or an ice burst.

[samahla]

💖

[samahla]

Did I miss a positivity thing WHAT WAS IT I was at work I work outside now ;-;

[samahla]

bold what applies. italicize what sometimes applies.

[ COLORS ]

red. brown. orange. yellow. green. blue. purple. pink. black. white. teal. silver. gold. grey. lilac. metallic. matte. royal blue. strawberry red. charcoal grey. forest green. apple red. navy blue. crimson. cream. mint green. cobalt blue. lime green. beige.

[ ELEMENTS ]

fire. ice. water. air. earth. rain. snow. wind. moon. stars. sun. heat. cold. steam. frost. lightning. sunlight. moonlight. dawn. dusk. twilight. midnight. sunrise. sunset. dewdrops. magic.

[ BODY ]

claws. long fingers. fangs. teeth. wings. tails. lips. bare feet. freckles. bruises. canine. scars. scratches. wounds. burns. spikes. feathers. webs. eyes. hands. sweat. tears. feline. chubby. curvy. short. tall. normal height. muscular. lean. piercing. tattoos. lithe. moles. dimples.

[ WEAPONS ]

fists. sword. dagger. spear. arrow. hammer. shield. poison. guns. axes. throwing axes. whips. knives. throwing knives. pepper sprays. tasers. machine guns. slingshots. katanas. maces. staffs. wands. powers. magical items. magic. rocks. mud balls. pyre. teeth. rifles. words.

[ MATERIALS ]

gold. silver. platinum. titanium. diamonds. pearls. rubies. sapphires. emeralds. amber. amethyst. metal. iron. rust. steel. glass. wood. porcelain. paper. wool. fur. lace. leather. silk. velvet. denim. linen. cotton. charcoal. clay. stone. asphalt. brick. marble. dust. glitter. blood. dirt. mud. smoke. ash. shadow. carbonate. rubber. synthetics. jade.

[ NATURE ]

grass. leaves. trees. bark. roses. daisies. tulips. lavender. petals. thorns. seeds. hay. sand. rocks. roots. flowers. ocean. river. meadow. forest. desert. tundra. savanna. rainforest. caves. underwater. coral reef. beach. waves. space. clouds. mountains. poppies. galaxies. stardust. sky.

[ ANIMALS ]

lions. wolves. eagles. owls. falcons. hawks. swans. snakes. turtles. ducks. bugs. spiders. crickets. bees. birds. whales. dolphins. fish. sharks. horses. cats. dogs. bunnies. praying mantises. crows. ravens. mice. lizards. werewolves. unicorns. pegasus. dragons. rats. livestock. foxes. bluebirds. deer. halla.

[ FOODS/DRINKS ]

sugar. salt. bitter. candy. bubblegum. wine. champagne. hard liquor. beer. coffee. tea. spices. herbs. apple. orange. lemon. cherry. strawberry. watermelon. vegetables. fruits. meat. fish. pies. desserts. chocolate. cream. caramel. berries. nuts. cinnamon. burgers. burritos. pizza. french fries. ambrosia. honey.

[ HOBBIES ]

music. art. watercolors. gardening. paper folding. smithing. sculpting. wood carving. painting. sketching. fighting. writing. composing. cooking. sewing. training. dancing. acting. singing. martial arts. self-defense. electronics. technology. cameras. video cameras. video games. computer. phone. movies. theater. history. libraries. books. comic books. magazines. cds. records. vinyls. cassettes. piano. violin. guitar. electronic guitar. bass guitar. harmonica. harp. woodwinds. brass. bells. playing cards. poker chips. chess. dice. motorcycle riding. eating. flight. climbing. running. exploring. partying. yoga.

[ STYLE ]

lingerie. armor. cape. dress. tunic. vest. shirt. sweater. boots. heels. leggings. trousers. jeans. skirt. jewelry. earrings. necklace. bracelet. ring. pendant. hat. flower crown. crown. circlet. helmet. scarf. brocade. cloaks. corsets. doublet. chest plate. gorget. bracers. belt. sash. coat. jacket. duster. trenchcoat. hood. gloves. socks. masks. cowls. braces. watches. glasses. sunglasses. visor. eye contacts. makeup. ties. uniform. fancy shoes. leather jacket. sport underwear.

[ MISC ]

balloons. bubbles. cityscape. light. dark. candles. war. peace. money. power. percussion. clocks. photos. mirrors. pets. kisses. diary. fairy lights. madness. sanity. sadness. bittersweet. happiness. luck. optimism. pessimism. loneliness. family. friends. assistants. co-workers. enemies. loyalty. smoking. drugs. kindness. love. hugs. revenge. lust. regrets. passion. spontaneity. potty mouth. recklessness. practicality. hope.

tagged by: @haludh (mwah thank!) tagging: @fenanera, @uvher (vaaax :B), @mortiscustos, @bushelofmuses (coooole :3), @dreadblaidd, your mom you!

[samahla]

pick some things and get a tragic love story

tristan & isolde

you’re a romantic pulled toward the forbidden. there’s something about what you can’t have that calls to you louder than what’s easy. your love is intoxicating, dangerous, edged with the thrill of secrecy. you know how it feels to risk everything for a fleeting moment, to surrender to desire even when you know the ending will break you. you live for passion, not safety. you yearn for the kind of love that makes your blood rush, even if it costs you everything else. people may see you as reckless or self-destructive, but in truth, you just refuse to accept a life without deep, soul-stirring intensity. your love is beautiful, tragic, and always touched by fate.

tagged by: @haludh and @blckmask (ty ty mwah mwah!) tagging: @fenanera, @uvher (Vax!), @inevitableking, @bushelofmuses, @mortiscustos, @dreadblaidd and whoever hasn't done this!

[samahla]

Okay, after much staring and still not knowing what to post, I'll declare this:

ongoing threads I have left to reply that I haven't replied to in the last few days are getting dropped. I don't know how to continue/lost muse for them and I would much prefer if we started another scene <3

this is NOT personal and I WILL love to rp more with you! I'm just stuck in those particular scenes. If any of them is something you were excited about, let me know and I will pour extra care in said thread and try to come up with something. Otherwise (or in that case too, honestly), please DO feel free to start other stuff with me! <3

[mortiscustos]

@samahla || LIKED for a STARTER

"I can't even hope to explain how long it has been since I have left Nevarra." Or even how long it had been since he had left the Necropolis: generations upon generations of humanity had been born, grown and died - but that was not a conversation well suited to the moment, not while the soft ground of Arlathan rested beneath his feet - near unrecognisable to him.

"What is it we plan to do while here?" He didn't feel anything out of the norm, other than the bought that nibbled at the back of his mind, that softly permeated the air from a vicious distance. It made him nauseous, made him uneasy.

[samahla]

"It's never too late to begin," she smiled at Osiris, her arms spread in welcome. She was only starting to get used to Arlathan forest herself - but unlike Osiris, she was well acquainted with forests.... for the last dozens of years, at least.

She had no idea if he had been used to forests at any point in time... in his very long time.

"My apologies, Arlathan might be a little different than you probably remember." Her small smirk was undeniable, the irony a silly joke to break some ice. "I grief for so much that was lost here, but the Veil Jumpers have been recovering a great many things in these lands. History to remember and value, and some magic artifacts that may be of use."

"Well. The Veil Jumpers have been assisting the Veilguard with whatever they can find that might be helpful at all. There is a spot deep in ruins that oozes magic from within, something powerful is definitely in there... But it is locked by some form of... maze, puzzle, science with magic - there are many writings at the place, but they feel entirely technical and there was only so much that us dalish have been able to recover of the ancient elvhen language and--"

She looked sheepish to even request that. "... I was hoping you could help translate?"

[inevitableking]

Alistair let out a snort, reaching up to rub at his neck and try to look dismissive. "Alistair can be gentle," he corrected after a few moments, glancing down at her with a smirk that was more self-deprecation than mirth. "The Warden and King titles were kind of accidents. But it seems like you know what it's like to fall into a title. Not know where you're supposed to go with the life you've had thrust on you."

His hand didn't move from his neck as he shifted, clearly reveling in her laughter and the smooth change of subject from his own mortality. The revelation that the Inquisitor apparently felt much the same as he had for ten years now is… enlightening and alarming, to say the least. She obviously hasn't been waiting for the Calling like him, but there was a darkness in her gaze as she spoke that told multitudes about what she had been through and how she might have reason like him.

Waiting, as it were, for a fate that wouldn't seem to come. That seem to keep leaving them behind over and over again with one task or another, the repeated You're not done yet driving them ever forward rather than giving time to rest.

He'd have to pay better attention, then. Alistair wouldn't wish the feeling on another person, were they friend or enemy. Samahla… was too good for it, which seemed to be the only kind of person that ended up like them.

"Cullen's always been predictable," Alistair drawled after some time spent forcing a chuckle that was part a façade and part genuine as he discussed the man he'd known for over ten years. He didn't mind using the other blond as the butt of a gentle joke, especially considering just how much the Commander could also likely use the lightness. "At least, I assume he's the same still. Never could get anything by him before. Are you usually in trouble?"

[samahla]

She listened to those words, her eyes turning gentle. Sweet, perhaps. "A deal, then: between the two of us, you are not king or warden, just Alistair, and I am not inquisitor or herald, just Samahla." And only after she'd let those words out did she realize how intimate they had sounded, but they were out, and she did not regret them.

Truth be told, Samahla hadn't thought much about the wardens, all things considered. The one she'd thought she had as a friend turned out to not having been one - and though she'd forgiven Rainier for the lie, it became clear that he had not experienced the warden life after all. She only knew shallow truths about them, and in her heart of hearts she had no idea of the ever looming doom waiting in their minds.

She understood grief, though. Where, unbeknownst to her, Alistair grieved for the lack of freedom to just live, she in turn grieved for the lives lost at her fault.

"Predictable can be good. Sometimes we all need a safe shelter." It seemed easy for her, to just change subjects like this. To break a moment of darkness with warm smiles and silly words. To her, though, it was a conscious effort, one that seemed natural just because it had been practiced so often. "Trouble? As, in general? All the time, all. The. Time." There was a snort, there, thinking about that massaged anchored hand that often felt like a magnet for danger now.

For a moment she was thoughtful, then looked around them, still there on the ground. "You think they'd notice we're back by now?" There was a playful smirk at the corner of her mouth.

[samahla]

No you're not annoying if you DM me or send me a message on Discord. I'm holding your face ever so gently right now: I'll adore it. Plot with me. Send me a hello. Send me memes. Invite me to rp on Discord. Whatever. Hello

[samahla]

((Oh hi my muse, how have I missed you!

I'll tackle older threads too, by the way. In time. I need a Marvel Rivals match now))

[samahla]

(from @bushelofmuses ) Cole set a cloth pouch down on Samahla's desk, smiling shyly. He quickly took a step back, hands fiddling with his gloves. "I stole you sweets from the kitchens. Don't tell Marnie." The head chef would have his head if she knew he was stealing food again—or maybe she'd force him to sit and eat a full meal rather than pick at his food... Regardless of the potential consequences, he wanted to bring Samahla a distraction from work.

"Cole!" Samahla chuckled, so thankful to be pulled from her extremely boring and entirely too daunting paperwork. "You... I should admonish you for stealing, but.... How can I when it's with such good intent?" She smirked, and pushed the chair in front of her with a foot, gesturing for him to sit if he'd like.

"Share these with me?" Had she ever seen the young man actually eat? He was a wonder, in so many ways. "You're always worrying about everyone. How are you?"

[dreadblaidd]

askbox | starters

@samahla sent: "This... looks beautiful." Samahla stood there, staring at the recently completed first mural at the rotunda. It had been a short time since the Inquisition had moved to Skyhold, and already, their Fade expert was making the place gorgeous. "Did you learn to paint like this in your dream travels through history? The style reminds me of what we can see in elvhen ruins...."

“Some,” Solas allowed. He followed her gaze to that mural. To his critical eye, he could see imperfections, clumsy mistakes from an artist’s hand that had not held a brush or trowel for millennia. But art was never perfect, and it did not bother him much. Wisdom was made in trial and error. His next would be better. “Much was simply practice over time, with each piece improving upon the last. I enjoy the fluidity, where thought and feeling are expressed through subtlety and without constraint. Do the Dalish not paint in the old ways?” he asked, genuinely and, perhaps surprisingly, without judgment.

[samahla]

A trained eye would be able to notice that Samahla was consciously having to hold herself back from touching the thing, imagining that the paint might still be wet. "You're very skilled, and creative too." Her curious eyes were scanning details, wonder and joy plastered on her face. "Some try," she admitted about the dalish. "It's... complicated. We are never in one place for long, and the style doesn't seem to take to the wood of our aravels. One or two years and all the colors seem to fade dull."

"That, and--" she sighed and shrugged, wondering if he would understand this completely or not at all, being at once not dalish and also a wandering elf. "-- it's so rare that any of us have the time for such activities. Not when hunting, cooking, building and defending is more pressing. More mobile crafts end up being preferred, things we can stop and go back to at any time."