This will be the final regular chapter of my fic following Kalen Thorne and Davrin and oh my god emotional lol. Both me and my editor/beta reader were both like holy shit what do we do now! An Epilogue will follow.
Count this as my Five Sentence Friday and WIP Wednesday/Thursday Sample Saturday and everything in between this week :).
So here it is folks part 31 of A Life After... The Life After
Catch Up Here! with Darkness Rises.
Read it Here! Davrin and Kalen finally get the peace they deserve.
Davrin took a mouthful of the drink and swallowed. "Man, that's good. This stuff could be dangerous," Davrin laughed. Davrin stood close to Kalen and wrapped his free hand around him as he sipped away at his drink faster than he probably should. The four of them sat in silence just enjoying the ambience of the music and sipping their drinks while watching their friend's dance. Several minutes passed when Davrin sat his drink down and looked at Kalen and the others. "Whaddya say we get out there and show'em how it's done?"
"Davrin it's been awhile since I've done any dancing," said Kalen.
Davrin took a step back. "That's okay." Davrin bowed before him and extended his hand out to Kalen. "Just follow my lead, I've never steered you down the wrong path yet."
Kalen smiled at Davrin who looked up at him from his bow and slowly placed his hand in Davrin's. Davrin walked Kalen out onto the dancefloor and began leading him around, he had learned to dance in his early days of being a Grey Warden. He could tell that Kalen was surprised at him as he followed his lead willingly but had a look of awe on his face. Davrin whirled Kalen around before circling him slowly and pulling him in close.
"How is it you still surprise me after all this time?" asked Kalen admiration on his face and in his voice.
Thanks for tagging @becausedragonage and @thedissonantverses
I'm working on what will likely be the end chapter to my DavRook Fic A Life After.
You can catch up here!
Some time later Davrin, walked around with only his shorts on, he had gotten up early to make breakfast on that long-awaited honeymoon away. They had gotten to Rivain late the night before and gone to bed after the trip. Isabella and the Lords had given them a quiet cabin on the beach for a few days; a small, one room wooden cabin with lots of natural light, a fully stocked pantry and a usable kitchen. Kalen let out a quiet sigh as he slept comfortably on the bed in the corner, Davrin looked back at him and smiled from the stove. He had done everything but the coffee as he swiped some butter on the toast. He had left Assan with his sister because he needed it to be just the two of them for a bit. After everything they had been through on the Amiralucius, they needed the peace, the connection.
Thanks to anyone who's stopped by and left a comment, kudos or even just enjoyed it silently. Almost there...
Kalen sat back and looked up at Davrin as he finished the last braid and sang the final line of the song he had been singing as he worked on Kalen’s hair. They sat in front of their home, leaned against the big tree as they had done so many times over the last twentyish years. Assan lay in the tree above them curled up near the center of it so he wouldn’t fall; he got around okay but he was certainly starting to slow down as he aged. It was a warm summer day, but it was late and the sun was on its way down. Arlathan forest had gone quiet, over the years the Veil Jumpers had worked tirelessly to finally repair most of the damage caused during the war. A warm breeze blew as they had sat in comfortable silence while Davrin worked away at the braids. Kalen’s hair had gotten so long and at this point he couldn’t remember the last time he cut it. He had noticed that morning in the mirror that he was starting to finally get some white sprouts in and amongst his curls. Davrin on the other hand, sticking with routine had kept his hair much the same. The difference now was the white swath that had come in quite prominently through the last few years.
Davrin smiled down at him before leaning down and kissing his forehead. “Should we get inside then?” he asked.
Kalen returned the smile. “I’m good to just sit for a while if you are?”
“Yeah, I thought so.” Davrin leaned his head back and closed his eyes. Rubbing his hand across Kalen’s chest.
It was quiet for a few minutes when they heard the cabin door open. “Uncle Kalen, Uncle Davrin!”
“There it is,” Davrin chuckled.
“Yup.” Kalen opened his eyes and sat forward.
“I told you I was making supper today, it’s ready!” Dav’ari called from the doorstep.
Davrin pushed himself up from his seat. “I didn’t actually think he’d do it.” He turned and pulled Kalen to his feet.
“We’re coming!” Kalen called as he stood.
Assan let out a happy squawk knowing it was supper time and made his way down the tree, dropping the last few feet and hitting with a thud. “Careful boy,” said Davrin checking on him. Assan didn’t take to the skies nearly as much these days. He let out another happy coo and trotted to the house.
“He’s fine,” Kalen smiled at Davrin as they walked to the house. Dav’ari disappearing back into the house.
Kalen looked up at the house as they approached. What used to be their tiny two-room cabin had now been turned into a single-story bungalow with three bedrooms. Davrin had designed and Kalen helped him put it together over the years making it into a home for their little family. They walked up the steps and into the house, Dav’ari had just taken the pitcher of ice water to the table and poured the glasses. He had even prepared something fresh for Assan and had it ready at his spot for him.
Kalen looked at the table, he had prepared a Dalish Seafood soup, and a dish of Deep Forest Comfort. “I’m impressed baby boy,” said Kalen walking over and resting a hand on the young man’s shoulder.
“Uncle Kalen, I’m twenty-eight,” Dav’ari gave Kalen a side glance. “When are you going to stop calling me baby boy?” Dav’ari had grown into a fine young man, his familiar features that reminded him so much of Davrin when he was younger but keeping some of Junai’s softer features but he certainly didn’t keep his as tidy. He had become a talented mage and decided a few years back to join the Shadow Dragons having grown up with most of them as Neve helped teach him to control his magic over the years.
“You’ll still be baby boy to me, just cus your taller than me now…” Kalen trailed off as he sat at the table.
“Da’len you know how he gets,” laughed Davrin. He pulled Dav’ari toward him and kissed him on the side of the head before taking his seat across from Kalen.
“Little one? Really?”
“You’re not taller than me,” Davrin chuckled.
Dav’ari sat at the table with them and they ate their meal. Dav’ari told them about his day and about a young Qunari named Azreal he had met at one of the Dragon’s latest rally’s. Kalen knew they must have been special, Dav’ari had shown little interest in anyone beyond friendship since he came of age choosing to focus more on his studies.
A few hours had passed, and Kalen lay on their bed with a book in one hand that he had been reading for some time about magical theory and the effects of certain spells on the veil. A research theory developed by Professor Emmrich Volkarin with very few challengers and even less that had any grounds for their challenge. He sat with his other hand behind his head propping him up. He flipped the page using magic when he felt Dav’ari rest his head up under his arm. He looked up at the book Kalen was reading before pulling up his own text. Kalen had taught Dav’ari to read like this and it was something they continued to do even after Dav’ari learned to read on his own and like now; would bring his own book to read instead of listening to Kalen. He looked down at Dav’ari and gave him a small smirk, Dav’ari smiled up at him before getting into his book. “Twenty years later and you’r still up under my arm.”
“I can go to the chair,” Dav’ari suggested, finding his place in his book.
Kalen wrapped his arm around Dav’ari’s neck. “I didn’t say I minded.” The two of them continued to read in quiet as they always did. Kalen glanced over at the book Dav’ari read: a serial he recognized from Neve’s older collection. “Good choice.” Dav’ari grinned up at him in response.
Davrin had been sitting at his desk working away at a carving he’d been putting some time into: a desk top statue of Assan. He’d been working at it in his spare time for months and was just putting in some finishing touches on the smaller details. He leaned in and carved out a few more of the feather details when Assan walked over and rubbed against his side. He let out a soft coo and sat next to him looking at the figure. Davrin looked at him and could see by the look on his face that he wanted attention. His droopy ear still hung down like it always did no matter how old he got. Davrin reached out and ran a hand over his head. Assan let out a dissatisfied squawk and pranced over to the couch. “Oh really?” Davrin chuckled. Assan just sat by the couch looking at him. “Alright, alright, I guess I have been working at this for too long tonight.” Davrin got up off the chair and walked over to the couch and lay back. “Come on ole boy.” Davrin patted his thigh inviting Assan up and the griffon climbed up on the couch resting his head on Davrin’s stomach. Davrin started petting Assan’s head and laid his head back, it wasn’t long before Assan was happily purring. He could feel the griffon relax in his hands and sprawl out on the couch with him. Davrin let out a sigh as he reached up to rub his shield arm, a pain that flared up now and then. The ache went away briefly and the two of them drifted off for a nap.
Davrin didn’t know how much time had passed when he opened his eyes to Kalen kissing his forehead. “Hey,” Kalen whispered.
“Hello,” Davrin spoke quietly matching his tone. “Where’s the kid?”
Kalen sat next to Davrin on the couch. “He was falling asleep reading, so he’s bedded down for the night.”
“That’s good.”
“How’s your arm?” asked Kalen, knowing that it tended to bother Davrin in the evening.
“It’s okay, seems pretty calm tonight.” Davrin sat up in the spot and Assan adjusted along with him clearly not ready to move yet.
“Should probably head to bed,” said Kalen standing. “It’s late.”
“Go ahead I’ll be in soon. Take him with ya,” said Davrin gesturing to the griffon sprawled along his lap.
Kalen pat Assan on the back and stood up. “Come on big fella.” Assan lifted his head and looked at Kalen before hesitantly standing and getting to his feet. “He’ll be in soon he said.” Kalen leaned in and kissed Davrin again before leading Assan out of the room and to their bedroom.
Davrin stood up from the couch and walked over to his desk sweeping up the shavings from the work he had done earlier that evening. He put out the candle on the desk and pushed back the piece he had been working on. Davrin turned and looked around the room. On the far wall Kalen’s Scorch Staff and his Blight Killer blade were hung neatly and lengthwise on the wall, they had stopped monster hunting about ten years ago having made enough money to live comfortably after they had finished the work on what was once just their little cabin. He walked through the room passing where their favourite armours were on display, two from each of theirs, Davrin’s Wildwood Benefactor and Resolve and Kalen’s Garb of Kinship and Warden Archivist Robes.
He walked through the kitchen noting the coffee cup set that Lucanis had given them that Kalen had sat on a wall shelf below the Display of Ancient Griffon’s Kalen had given him during their early days. The small bed that the kids used to sleep in was still set up by the original fireplace but was now only a decoration, at least until Dav’ari or Sylphie had kids of their own. He smiled thinking of when they were little and how Assan would stay with them while they slept, or how Dav’ari used to talk to Hope before it went dormant. A vase with some Brona’s Bloom sat on the table and Kalen’s griffon toy sat on the shelf above the fireplace. He looked at the door to the room that used to be his and Kalen’s that was now the guest room. Dav’ari had hung a Shadow Dragon tapestry on the door he had gotten from Neve some years ago.
The room that was now theirs was at the end of a short hallway that they had added to the house. He walked into the hallway and took note of the masks they had worn on their honeymoon that Kalen had put in a glass display case. They had used them a couple of times since but they had since collected some dust over the years so they cleaned them up and put them in the case until they’d use them again. On top of the same case; the two vials that held the cure they had taken on their wedding day. He walked down the hall past the two Grey Warden tapestries that Antoine and Evka had gifted them. A couple of Dalish Banners that Eldren had given as a housewarming gift after they finished the upgrades draped the top of the wall. Davrin missed the old man as he had passed only a year ago. It had hurt but they were prepared for it as he hadn’t been well for a while. Dav’ari struggled with it the most as he had tried everything magically possible to fix the old man. It got to a point where Eldren had told the boy to stop trying, that he was ready to go.
Davrin shook the memory off as he walked into their bedroom. He had taken longer than expected Kalen and Assan were already sleeping on the very large bed he had designed so Assan didn’t have to sleep on the floor. He smiled to himself as he walked over to the vanity and lifted his shirt over his head. Kalen’s shaving mirror sat on the table next to the carved piece Davrin had given him when he asked him to be his bonded. Davrin chuckled a bit to himself, Kalen still insisted on using the mirror even though they had a full size one right on the table. He picked the small carved piece up and ran a finger over the wording; The Heart of a Halla; it had worn a bit over time but was still in good shape. He sat it back on the table and finished stripping down to his small cloths before crawling into bed.
Kalen took a deep breath as Davrin pulled him into him and nuzzled into his neck. As Davrin closed his eyes he couldn’t help but think of a conversation he had had a long time ago while they were fighting the gods. He couldn’t even remember who he was talking to but it stuck true to what he said he wanted; grow old with a griffon…
Ya'll wanted WIP here's a WIP ;) thanks for the tag @gingervitus I just needed a reason to post this!
Davrin will have to fight for Rook's life in a battle that no matter the outcome, will change their lives forever.
Find it here!
Sample of what's in there!
"Do you think we will just stand by and let you do this?" Obsidius' voice echoed through the chamber. "With this body, its original host defeated the Evanuris, the greatest force known to walk these lands. I will not let you harm my children." Obsidius raised a hand quickly and somehow teleported the observers out of sight leaving only the crew of the Amiralucius. "But do not think me foolish, I do not fight alone. Even now my my will has begun the cleansing of your homelands, even with your warning they will not be able to withstand us."
Rook could see Davrin's hesitation at the voice coming from his body, but he and Elissa walked within a few feet of him and stopped each with their weapons up. "Davrin, please just end it…" Rook whispered to himself.
"Rook… Kalen, I love you," Davrin started. "I know you're still in there and I'm going to do everything I can to get you back."
"There is no Rook… no Kalen. I am Lord Obsidius the Black Titan, and you will refer me as such Demon!" Obsidius roared before unleashing an ice blast at Davrin who rolled to the side.
Davrin watched as Rook's eyes began emanating pure darkness and his body took a few steps back before lifting into the air. The elements began to rage around them, fire, ice, lightning, and wind came out of nowhere in a flurry of elemental chaos.
Thanks for the tags @thedissonantverses @waxlyricalmoon and @serstolas
It's more of scene written but I think its pretty juicy. Its an exert from the 29th Part of My A Life After Series.
“Killing me will do nothing but send me to my god, I have served him well,” scoffed the man through a mouthful of blood. “I’ll say nothing more.”
Davrin looked back at the others as he stood up slowly before looking down at the man who glared up at him from under Assan’s weight. “Do me a favor, when you get there, tell him we’ll be seeing him soon.”
“He knows!” the man bellowed.
“Good… Assan!” On order Assan mauled the man who kicked and struggled under the griffon’s weight before ripping his throat out, the body going limp. Harding stood up and they looked at the others.
Finally got this one put together in full last night and its ready for the press. Sample below.
Find it Here!
Hawke opened the door. "Rook, you're awake," he said. "I was coming to wake you like we discussed last night." They had met after dinner the previous night and quickly discussed the plan of action, they would hide the ship near one of the smaller nearby islands while Davrin would scout ahead for a way in. Then determine how they were going to find the Executor's headquarters. Rook was confident the shadows would lead him to them; they just had to make landfall to test the theory.
"Alright, we'll get ready and head up," said Davrin. Hawke nodded and pulled the door shut and Davrin walked over to his wardrobe, he had scouted only in his fatigues so Assan could fly longer. "Let's go. Dav'ari go get your armour on."
"Okay!" Rook watched as Dav'ari ran over to the chair where his armour was sitting and started to put it on.
Rook let out a sigh as he walked over to his wardrobe and quickly got dressed. Putting on a new armour he had had custom-made. A modification of his reinforced regiment leathers, blue cloth with a leather chest guard, golden bracers and leg plates, with a golden griffon's head on his right shoulder. He strapped his dragon bone dagger into its sheath and put his staff on his back. As he finished Davrin walked over to him in his newly forged armour Evka had made for him before they left. A chain mail with silver chest, pauldrons, and gauntlets; with full silver leg plates and boots. A blue cloak connected to his collar and hung the length of his back a heavy plate belt wrapped his waist with a griffon motif on its face long blue coattails hung just above his feet accented by gold and some leather padding. His obsidian blade hung from his side with his preferred heater shield on his back; Assan's Fury. He was ready for a fight and was well protected. They gave each other a nod before Dav'ari ran over in his armor and took Davrin's hand. "Let's get up there," said Rook turning to lead them from the room Assan following.
They left the room and quickly made their way above deck, as they came up from the under bowels of the ship it was still dark outside. Bull was at the helm with Leliana, Hawke, Elissa and Harding; Taash was likely still sleeping along with Emmrich and Cullen. Carver and Anders were getting the small rowboat ready at the side of the ship and Bellara was standing with Krem talking to him as he worked. They had dropped anchor off the coast of a small island with thick jungle that provided cover for the ship. The island was a good bit of distance to the main city but would be easy to get to via rowboat with a bit of magic and they were far enough away to stay hidden. Dav'ari instantly pulled from Davrin's hand and ran to Bull at the helm who hoisted him up on his shoulders. Rook made eye contact with the others as they approached the helm.
Tags Cus ya'll watching ;) but also cus I massively appreciate.
Next update is live. Took some time with the beta reader but its up.
Find it HERE!
A sample of what's inside a little bit of fragile Davrin cus I love it... (left out the spoiler)
"Well let me know if you need anything," Rook offered. Elissa gave a final nod before walking out of the room, Davrin knew she was not the type to let people fuss over her. Rook looked at him now that they were alone in the room, Davrin couldn't help but notice the tendril of black peaking out from under his shirt at the base of his neck. He chose to ignore it for now; they both knew about it and there was nothing left to say that hadn't already been said. "Are you okay?" Rook asked.
The question caught Davrin off guard. "What do you mean?"
Rook's face changed to that of concern. "Come on Davrin… ******…"
Davrin felt his heart sink in his chest, ******'s final moment flashing through his mind. He looked away from Rook for a second thinking for a moment he'd push it down when he decided not to, he didn't need to hide from Rook. "I ah… hm." Davrin let out a breath and suddenly the tears came from nowhere. He put his hand over his mouth and struggled to take a breath.
Rook pulled him into a hug and Davrin cried into his shoulder. "It's okay, Davrin."
"Gods Kalen… he was still in there…" Davrin whimpered. "He begged me to do it."
"There's nothing you could have done any differently," comforted Rook running a hand over Davrin's back.
"What if we could have saved him… if Assan hadn't of been injured, I could have run from him or, or kept him occupied longer…" Davrin had never felt like this after a battle before, his usual discipline had somehow left him and all that was left was this emotional being that he wasn't completely unfamiliar with, yet didn't see very often.
"You don't know that Davrin. If you hadn't of stopped him, then you and Assan would have been lost instead," Rook's voice cracked as he spoke. "If that had happened, I don't know what I would have done…"
Davrin held Rook tight to him and kissed his cheek. Just the thought of leaving Rook alone to deal with what was coming was too much. "I won't let that happen… I promise." He kissed Rook along his cheek, before landing on his lips. "I love you, Kalen."
"I love you too, Davrin." They kissed again this time a slow loving kiss Rook brought his hands up to Davrin's face. They pulled apart and Davrin looked at Rook for a second noticing that his eye had almost all turned back to normal except for a few blotches of white. Davrin touched his face before taking his hand and kissing his palm.
Thanks for the tag @gingervitus I've been writing this chapter very slowly over the last couple of weeks because it's been taking a long time to get the words out like I want them but here's the latest.
Still in the untitled Honeymoon finale chapter of A Life After
Here's part of it:
The table erupted in a quiet murmur as they talked quietly amongst themselves, catching as old friends that hadn’t seen each other in some time. Neve and Emmrich laughed and reminisced, Lucanis, Davrin, Strife and Taash shared old battle stories as took part in their drink. Kalen and Lace, gushed over everyone’s outfits as well as discussed and sampled the elaborate cheese plate in the middle of the table. Emmrich would silence everyone a moment and do a toast to those who couldn’t be with us tonight but also those that made the night possible to begin with. It wouldn’t be long before they would be served a light but satisfying three-course meal ending with a delightful Orlesian Chocolate Truffle that Kalen absolutely adored. Davrin fed him his first bite before they shared it together.
Davrin watched as Kalen took the final bite of the truffle and could see from the way his eyes fluttered, he thoroughly enjoyed it. Davrin had taken some and it was truly the best desert he’d ever had but for Kalen it seemed to be a whole other experience.
“You okay there, Rook?” Lace giggled from across the table.
Kalen squinted his eyes at her with a smirk on his face. “First off private moment,” he laughed pointing between Davrin and himself. “Second you have cheese, I have this.”
Lace laughed. “Sorry I interrupted you three.”
Neve sat her empty glass on the table and looked around for the server. “Amatus, why don’t you and Davrin go and get us a little top up on the drinks?” she said caressing Lucanis’ shoulder. “Maybe something to cleanse the pallet after the meal.”
“I know just the thing,” Lucanis leaned in and kissed Neve’s cheek. “Come on Davrin.”
“Wonderful, sounds like the ball room is picking up why don’t you meet us there?” Neve and Lucanis both stood from the table.
“Oh, that does sound delightful,” agreed Emmrich he and Strife stood to join them. “Taash, Lace, Rook? Will you be joining us?”
Davrin stood up and could see Harding begging Taash with her eyes to say yes. He knew Taash wasn’t much for this sort of thing, but they had gotten better with it, and the drinks were probably helping.
“Okay, let’s go,” they’re voice dripped with sarcasm, but they stood up. Harding did a silent cheer to herself when she realized Davrin noticed she pretended not to.
Kalen stood from the table and leaned in and kissed Davrin briefly. Davrin could still taste a bit of the truffle on his lips. “Don’t be long,” Kalen smiled as he joined Neve and Emmrich.
“Don’t worry, I won’t be gone long,” Davrin gave Kalen a seducing glance as he pulled away.
“Come on you big softy,” laughed Lucanis. “Plenty of time for that later.” Davrin laughed with him and followed him to the crowded bar while the others left the banquet hall. Lucanis stepped up to the bar and ordered for all of them.
