Catriona Argrave

[Dragon Age OC RP blog. Please see Profile and Verse pages for more info. Askbox is always open; interaction encouraged]

[starkhavenshadow-blog]

The Paths to Tomorrow

[starkhavenshadow-blog]

The sigh she let out was slow and thoughtful.  She rolled her neck on her shoulders to try and ease some of the stiffness that had built there before answering, a small, almost sad smile on her lips.

“Starkhaven,” she admitted.  “Or, at least it was.  These days… I’m not so sure. Going back might be… difficult.”

[iron-and-earth]

Starkhaven?  That’s where she was from?  That explain the accent he couldn’t quite recognize.  

“Not a welcoming place anymore?”

[starkhavenshadow-blog]

She chuckled ruefully.  “Something like that.  It’s... a bit of a mess.  Politically.  It’d probably do more harm than good for me to be there right now.”

[minacixusarchived-blog]

send me ❤ and I will bold all that applies to your muse

I would kill for you. • I would make love to you. • I would fuck you. • I would protect you. • I would hurt you for a selfish cause. • I wish we had more in common. • I want nothing to do with you. • I want to see you cry. • I want a future with you. • I want to destroy your future. • I do not care what you do. • I am indifferent towards you. • I want children with you. • I love you ( platonically ) • I love you ( romantically ) • I love you like family. • You are my family. • I could fall in love with you. • I would lie for you. • I would fight by your side. • I will never let you go. • I would hold you while you cried. • I would hug you. • I want to kiss you. • I would stay by your bedside if you were ill. • I want to fall asleep with you in my arms. • I want to forget you. • I will never forget you. • I only want to make you proud. • I wish I could make you happy. • You deserve nothing. • I will never forgive you. • You confuse me.

inspired by here.

[starkhavenshadow-blog]

like for a starter :)

or, even better, pick a year in the DA timeline and/or a verse and I’ll write a starter for that

or, if you have a wish/plot you would like to discuss, message me :D

[starkhavenshadow-blog]

✖ — a repressed memory

She ached.  From top to toe, inside and out, the price of her escape from the hands of slavers.  Her split lip stung with each word she spoke, and the bruise at the base of her jaw made her want to flinch - but she kept her face blank, her expression appropriately level.

Her uncle was concerned, noticeable even through his own professional neutrality.  The guard captain was more obvious, visibly guilty for imposing on her for details right now, but some things couldn’t wait.

“Did they question you?”

Caught, captured, taken alive, a foolish mistake borne of trusting the wrong person at the wrong time.  She didn’t know how long they had kept her here, too close to the furnace, her bound hands stretched above her head where she was held by chains…

“Cat?”

She blinked once.  “Sorry.”

“I need to know what you told them.”

Someone had screamed.  It took a long moment for her to realise that it was her who was screaming. “Nothing to anyone who still lives.”

Her uncle nodded, satisfied with her answer, even as the guard captain looked a little nauseous.  “Get some rest,” her uncle said.  “The guard will be able to take it from here.”

[starkhavenshadow-blog]

artwork by ymirr-art-blog

embiggen

[seekingabalance-deactivated2020]

The arrival of company does not go unnoticed. Cassandra eases her stance and places the sword, recently held in her grasp, back against the rack for safe-keeping.

The Seeker’s shoulder rolls, even as she paces to face the scout, an old stiffness worked out through the flex of muscle and bone before and after each drill. “I did. Thank you for meeting with me, Scout Argrave.”

A hand gestures, waves dismissively, as an indication that the formalities are not necessary. “I will not waste time standing on rank. We both know that is not why I asked you here.”

To acquire one of Leliana’s agents is more than a personal favor; it is of interest to the Inquisition, its safety, as a whole. The furrow at her brow is something like concern. “As you are no doubt aware, we have our share of agents stationed throughout Val Royeaux. Many openly represent us, diplomats and ambassadors highly recommended by our advisors. There are others who are less known – scouts such as yourself, an extension of our influence where we cannot directly be. Recent reports show that there are some we have not heard from in weeks. Missed dead drops, abandoned contacts. It is unlike their habits. We believe someone has uncovered their identities.”

[starkhavenshadow-blog]

Catriona frowned in concern; Leliana’s people were all professionals, skilled and sensible.  For one to go silent was a worry - for more than that, it was potentially a serious threat.  “How many are unaccounted for?” she asked.  “And for how long?”

She ran through her head the ones she knew were in Val Royeaux herself, but that was probably only a fraction of the eyes and ears of the network.  It wasn’t like she had been in contact with them recently either; she hadn’t been stationed in the city for some time.  “I assume I’m here for an assignment, then?”

[elgararla]

"That happens regularly, does it?” Given the easily wounded pride Ainsley has rapidly familiarized herself with, it isn’t entirely a shock, but the part of her that remains hopeful tends to reflect on tales with caution. Exaggeration, perhaps, but as with everything, they always contain a shred of reality.

“You’ve earned your right to wear our colors, Catriona. No one can take that from you, within these walls or outside of them.”

[starkhavenshadow-blog]

She chuckled. “Oh, you have no idea.  You’re lucky the Lady Ambassador keeps the worst of it at bay, or your days would probably be filled with more squabbling nobles than demons.”

Catriona felt her breath catch at Ainsley’s praise and reassurance, swallowing the well of emotion that rose in her throat.  “Thank you, Inquisition.  That... that means a great deal.”  She cleared her throat before continuing.

“Have you thought about participating yourself?  I’m sure the Ambassador or Sister Nightingale could pull some strings... not that you’d need many, what with being Inquisitor.”

[starkhavenshadow-blog]

The Paths to Tomorrow

[starkhavenshadow-blog]

She huffed a small laugh.  “I suppose not,” she admitted.  “Is Kirkwall where you’ve stayed the longest then?  It’s been a good few years, no?”

[iron-and-earth]

He laughed as well, grinning and waving a finger.

“It’s not where I’ve stayed the longest but Kirkwall is by far the most hospitable.  If you can even imagine that…”

He visibly, comically shudders.

“What about you?”

[starkhavenshadow-blog]

The sigh she let out was slow and thoughtful.  She rolled her neck on her shoulders to try and ease some of the stiffness that had built there before answering, a small, almost sad smile on her lips.

“Starkhaven,” she admitted.  “Or, at least it was.  These days... I’m not so sure. Going back might be... difficult.”

[starkhavenshadow-blog]

The Paths to Tomorrow

[starkhavenshadow-blog]

One shoulder lifted in response, a casual shrug, and her expression matched the gesture: she didn’t really know why she asked.  “Just curious, I suppose.”

She wasn’t even sure what she expected.  All she knew was that talking helped a little, in it’s own way.  Talking to someone who was separate from the situation, no interest in Starkhaven, or Sebastian, or whoever would rule that city - just a friendly ear.

Leaning forward a little more, she rested her elbow on the bar then her chin on her hand, tapping her lip with her little finger thoughtfully.  “I don’t think I’ve ever asked where you’re from,” she said, looking guilty.  “Do you miss home?  Or wherever home is for you.”

[iron-and-earth]

He smiled and nodded as he noted her curiosity.  She was in her full right in being so and as she had said she had never asked.  He was never opposed to such a situation, though.  His hand stayed at his chin a moment long before falling to the bar between them.

“No, you haven’t.  Cliche as it may sound, home is wherever I tend to sleep the longest.  Hard for me to say I miss Kirkwall when I still live there, eh?”

[starkhavenshadow-blog]

She huffed a small laugh.  “I suppose not,” she admitted.  “Is Kirkwall where you’ve stayed the longest then?  It’s been a good few years, no?”

[ataashe]

 ATAASHE’S 1,100+ FOLLOWER “LOVE-A-BULL” GIVEAWAY

Hey Everyone! I know I’ve been saying I was going to produce a giveaway for my 1,000 Follower Milestone, and (miracles!) I’ve actually managed to get something sorted!!

First of all, I am just simply amazed and humbled that so many of you lovely, quality people have decided to follow me along on this journey into Iron Bull’s psyche and inner workings. He is such a rich, complicated character, and I am truly honored that you all have deemed me worthy of bringing his personality to life.

With that said, I want to give you all a little something in return!! So let’s have a giveaway!!

P R I Z E S

First Place

A special edition DragonKeep.com T-Shirt (size Large) featuring Qunari Archetype Art. I actually won this shirt at PAXSouth 2015 as part of the Dragon Age Cosplay Contest judged by Mike Laidlaw.  

A Qunari / Dragon Age Sticker of your choice, chosen from These Options: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4

Your RP Blog Promoted on my Blog with Custom Graphic

Para-Length RP Starter or Drabble of your Choice featuring Iron Bull

Second Place

A Qunari / Dragon Age Sticker of your choice, chosen from These Options: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 (after first place)

Your RP Blog Promoted on my Blog with Custom Graphic

Mid-Length RP Starter or Drabble of your Choice featuring Iron Bull

Third Place

A Qunari / Dragon Age Sticker of your choice, chosen from These Options: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 (after first and second place)

Your RP Blog Promoted on my Blog with Custom Graphic

Short RP Starter featuring Iron Bull

I also have some additional fun little dragon age stickers to throw into the mix, because everyone likes stickers, right?? I feel a little silly offering my own writing as some kind of prize, but hopefully whatever I write for the winners will be a good read… and hey, at least you get some other fun swag!

R U L E S

Must be following me (hopefully for the purposes of enjoying my writing and not just for the sweet Qunari T-Shirt)

Giveaway Blogs will be disqualified

Entries will cap at Two Reblogs and a Like

Must have your Askbox Open for when you Win

Winners can be anywhere, I’m happy to ship worldwide (if you’re okay with waiting for the prizes!)

If y’all have any questions, please feel free to shoot me an ask. Again, thank you to everyone who has followed me thus far. I look forward to many more milestones with you great followers!

~ Bull-Mun

[starkhavenshadow-blog]

The Paths to Tomorrow

[iron-and-earth]

With a soft clank of glasses glancing off one another, he lifted the ale to his smiling lips.  Before the glass had been lowered to the bar, Catriona had posed a rather sudden question.  His hand reached his chin as he sought his response.

“Hrm…no one’s really ever asked me that, before.  If I’m honest…nothing, really.  I’ve just…come to like it, here.  I suppose, though, if an opportunity would arise, I wouldn’t really feel all that bad about heading somewhere else.  Why do you ask?”

[starkhavenshadow-blog]

One shoulder lifted in response, a casual shrug, and her expression matched the gesture: she didn’t really know why she asked.  “Just curious, I suppose.”

She wasn’t even sure what she expected.  All she knew was that talking helped a little, in it’s own way.  Talking to someone who was separate from the situation, no interest in Starkhaven, or Sebastian, or whoever would rule that city - just a friendly ear.

Leaning forward a little more, she rested her elbow on the bar then her chin on her hand, tapping her lip with her little finger thoughtfully.  “I don’t think I’ve ever asked where you’re from,” she said, looking guilty.  “Do you miss home?  Or wherever home is for you.”

[starkhavenshadow-blog]

The Paths to Tomorrow

[starkhavenshadow-blog]

The coins clinked together, the metal hissing as they passed over each other one more time, Kirkwall over Starkhaven, before vanishing out of sight, a deft sleight of hand.

“Aye, something like that,” she said. Lifting her head, she smiled softly at Atticus. “It’s been a long few weeks.”

She pushed back her hood, her black hair tired back in a short braid over her shoulder. Lifting her glass, she finished the whiskey and gave the glass an expectant cheeky shake. “One for me and one for you?”

[iron-and-earth]

He nods and smiles.

“Yes…yes it has.”

Happy to see the hood fall, as well as the smile, he took the glass from her hand and set about filling.  Quickly after he produced a small glass for himself from below the bar and filled it was well.  He returned her now filled glass to her and held his aloft before her.

“To a moment’s peace?”

[starkhavenshadow-blog]

She huffed a soft laugh, raising her glass and letting it clink lightly against his.  “Brief as it is likely to be,” she added before taking a generous sip.

Setting her glass down, she watched the ripples in her drink settle a moment before lifting her head regarding Atticus thoughtfully.  “What is it that keeps you in Kirkwall? If you don’t mind me prying.”

[starkhavenshadow-blog]

The Paths to Tomorrow

The Hanged Man, Kirkwall, 9:34 Dragon

At the bar in the Hanged Man, a hooded woman sat alone, her drink warming in front of her as she rolled two silver coins over each other with one hand.  One bore the seal of Starkhaven, the other of Kirkwall.  Each pass of the coins was accompanied by the soft tinny hiss of metal on metal, and after a few more turns, Catriona let out a long sigh.

As much as she chafed at being given direct orders for how she did her duties in the past, she couldn’t deny that she missed the sense of direction they gave her.  Now, everything seemed like a gamble with no clear odds or results, and she wasn’t sure she had the authority to be placing the bets.

The revelation of the true traitors to Starkhaven, the betrayers who were once considered allies… that should have been closure.  It should have made things easier.  Instead, it only seemed to bring more questions.

[iron-and-earth]

The usual rabble had finally shuffled into the Hanged Man that night for a grand game of Wicked Grace.  This always resulted in two things; that the back tables would be crowded and that next to no one would be at the bar.

Atticus entered the space behind the bar from the back room, a rag in one hand drying off the inside of a glass in the other.  Turning to the sound of a sigh his eyes fell upon a familiar figure; still familiar even obscured by cloak and hood.  Setting the glass on the bar, he stepped slowly toward her and rested his hands on the bar, his eyes falling to the coins in her hand.

“Something on your mind, Miss Catriona?”

[starkhavenshadow-blog]

The coins clinked together, the metal hissing as they passed over each other one more time, Kirkwall over Starkhaven, before vanishing out of sight, a deft sleight of hand.

"Aye, something like that," she said. Lifting her head, she smiled softly at Atticus. "It's been a long few weeks."

She pushed back her hood, her black hair tired back in a short braid over her shoulder. Lifting her glass, she finished the whiskey and gave the glass an expectant cheeky shake. "One for me and one for you?"

[xxmoved-blog]

memory meme.

[starkhavenshadow-blog]

past experiences help shape who we are currently, how we see the world. Send in a symbol and I’ll write a drabble of one of my muse’s memories. 

❥ — a childhood memory ♣ — a fading memory ✂ — a vivid memory ✖ — a repressed memory ✈ — an eye-opening memory ✤ — a memory that involves romance/love ☤ — a memory of death/loss ✍ — a memory of their mother ☽ — a memory of their father ♘ -- a memory of their sibling(s) ✌ — a memory of a relative ↕ — a memory that may or may not have happened ♚ — a memory of something paranormal ✓ — a sexual memory ♬ — a friend/best friend memory

[starkhavenshadow-blog]

The Paths to Tomorrow

The Hanged Man, Kirkwall, 9:34 Dragon

At the bar in the Hanged Man, a hooded woman sat alone, her drink warming in front of her as she rolled two silver coins over each other with one hand.  One bore the seal of Starkhaven, the other of Kirkwall.  Each pass of the coins was accompanied by the soft tinny hiss of metal on metal, and after a few more turns, Catriona let out a long sigh.

As much as she chafed at being given direct orders for how she did her duties in the past, she couldn’t deny that she missed the sense of direction they gave her.  Now, everything seemed like a gamble with no clear odds or results, and she wasn’t sure she had the authority to be placing the bets.

The revelation of the true traitors to Starkhaven, the betrayers who were once considered allies... that should have been closure.  It should have made things easier.  Instead, it only seemed to bring more questions.

[ataashe]

 ATAASHE’S 1,100+ FOLLOWER “LOVE-A-BULL” GIVEAWAY

Hey Everyone! I know I’ve been saying I was going to produce a giveaway for my 1,000 Follower Milestone, and (miracles!) I’ve actually managed to get something sorted!!

First of all, I am just simply amazed and humbled that so many of you lovely, quality people have decided to follow me along on this journey into Iron Bull’s psyche and inner workings. He is such a rich, complicated character, and I am truly honored that you all have deemed me worthy of bringing his personality to life.

With that said, I want to give you all a little something in return!! So let’s have a giveaway!!

P R I Z E S

First Place

A special edition DragonKeep.com T-Shirt (size Large) featuring Qunari Archetype Art. I actually won this shirt at PAXSouth 2015 as part of the Dragon Age Cosplay Contest judged by Mike Laidlaw.  

A Qunari / Dragon Age Sticker of your choice, chosen from These Options: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4

Your RP Blog Promoted on my Blog with Custom Graphic

Para-Length RP Starter or Drabble of your Choice featuring Iron Bull

Second Place

A Qunari / Dragon Age Sticker of your choice, chosen from These Options: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 (after first place)

Your RP Blog Promoted on my Blog with Custom Graphic

Mid-Length RP Starter or Drabble of your Choice featuring Iron Bull

Third Place

A Qunari / Dragon Age Sticker of your choice, chosen from These Options: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 (after first and second place)

Your RP Blog Promoted on my Blog with Custom Graphic

Short RP Starter featuring Iron Bull

I also have some additional fun little dragon age stickers to throw into the mix, because everyone likes stickers, right?? I feel a little silly offering my own writing as some kind of prize, but hopefully whatever I write for the winners will be a good read… and hey, at least you get some other fun swag!

R U L E S

Must be following me (hopefully for the purposes of enjoying my writing and not just for the sweet Qunari T-Shirt)

Giveaway Blogs will be disqualified

Entries will cap at Two Reblogs and a Like

Must have your Askbox Open for when you Win

Winners can be anywhere, I’m happy to ship worldwide (if you’re okay with waiting for the prizes!)

If y’all have any questions, please feel free to shoot me an ask. Again, thank you to everyone who has followed me thus far. I look forward to many more milestones with you great followers!

~ Bull-Mun

[starkhavenshadow-blog]

Verses

Had a crack at writing out some of the many different ways Catriona can exist in DARP here: http://starkhavenshadow.tumblr.com/verses

This list is by no means exhaustive. I’m really flexible and can think up verses/AUs/different settings and scenarios until the cows come home.  If you have a particular setting or string of choices you want to RP, let me know, and I’ll fit Catriona in.

If you’re a Sebastian/Hawke/Leliana player half the stuff written is default suggestions for when playing with other players.  I do not godmod, and will react to whatever decisions you want to make with your character. As mentioned, if you have a string of choices you want me to folow, let me know, and I’ll do it.

So now that’s done... anyone want to RP/plot/plan?