#diodorian

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It's so funny, when you don't even kiss Dorian Pavus after his personal quest, and Mother Giselle starts saying that there are rumours about your liaison with Dorian. It's like everyone in the castle is already betting on when you two kiss, but Dorian and Inquisitor are oblivious to it.

Inquisitor: *helps his friend with a personal matter, nothing suspicious, not at all* Mother Giselle: THE WHOLE SKYHOLD IS SHIPPING YOU TWO! Leliana: *winks*

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WIP Monday?

@12thhouse-sun, @muwitch and @roguishcat taggd me in different WIP games during two weeks which I spent only doing things for my day job, not writing any fanfiction. Now though I'll try to rectify it! Here's a snippet of what I'm writing for Dorian Week for today.

'How are the preparations going?' 'Splendidly,' Archon Pavus absentmindedly smeared ink on his chin, but didn't seem to notice it, 'but I'm afraid I'll need to use time magic to read everything I require to be ready. You must understand, it would be a disaster if I couldn't answer some apprentice's question.' Dionysios shook his head and laughed. 'Truly, though, I'm so glad First Enchanter Lavinius came up with this idea. I feel as if I'm young again.' 'I'm happy to hear it, but you're still not old,' Dionysios took his husband's chin and wiped the ink with the handkerchief, 'and you could thank a certain southern mage for nudging that conceited prick into inviting you to deliver a lecture about Fade.' Dorian frowned, not saying a word. 'Here's my special ability to render you speechless.' The former Inquisitor kissed the slightly parted lips.

Some fluffy piece about Dionysios and Dorian some years after Veilguard, when they're already married. Dorian is being overcome by the job of the Archon, but Dionysios comes to the rescue.

Tagging @maagisterpavus, @caughtnyact, @babydinosaur930, @in-the-drowning-deep and anyone who wants to participate!

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WIP Wednesday Thursday

@woundedsoul12 tagged me yesterday, but I didn't have anything to post. Now I have a little bit of "small talk" from the Red Future about Felix. I remembered that Dorian had canonically travelled to Weisshaupt, here is my interpretation on why it happened.

'At least you can tell us what kind of ailment he was suffering from,' Dionysios chimed in. He remembered the pale look of the magister's son. All of the Herald's emotions were numb at this point, but he knew he had to help people. Especially people like Felix. 'You didn't recognise?' Leliana turned and pierced him with her blue eyes. 'It's the Blight. Don't touch red lyrium and don't get close to darkspawn.' Dorian winced from her words. She didn't seem to notice. 'If any of your team is blighted, ask the Grey Wardens, they can stop you from dying.' 'As if they cared,' the Tevinter spat with venom, 'I travelled to Weisshaupt. The First Warden told me to not bother them, called me selfish for trying to save my dying friend.' He crossed his arms defensively. 'Wardens will never help.' 'You looked in the wrong direction,' the spymaster said flatly, 'I knew those who would help no matter what. A year ago they were still alive.'

There will be fluff in Burning Sky, I promise! Just wait a little bit, this chapter should have an adorable ending.

Tagging @maagisterpavus, @caughtnyact, @gentianahime, @muwitch, @babydinosaur930, @hyperfixationstation128, @aetherflowers, @choccy-zefirka and anyone who wants to participate!

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Silly Saturday

I was tagged by @in-the-drowning-deep probably 1000 years ago, and I apologise for such a late answer. But it's Saturday, and there's something funny from a very angsty Chapter 6 of "Burning Sky" (Dorian/Inquisitor longfic). They're in the middle of "In Hushed Whispers" quest (nospoilers here though).

'It was fascinating how you called all the alti "a bunch of assholes"', the Tevinter started, 'I was genuinely impressed.' His voice was soothing, even if the manner was expressively light. It was a welcome distraction for Dionysios, whose nerves started settling. 'What do you mean?' he was confused, 'I thought about the Venatori and that Elder One whoever it might be.' 'Ah, but you failed to take into account,' Dorian raised his index finger, 'that the alti have all the power in the Senate. If the Imperium takes control of Thedas they would profit from it most, while the laetans would gain nothing, not to mention liberati mages and the servi…' 'I'll appreciate it if you stop talking in Tevene,' the Herald interjected, 'maybe switch to Trade tongue for a change.' He gave the man a half smile.

Tagging @maagisterpavus, @caughtnyact, @seastar-bunny, @gentianahime, @hyperfixationstation128, @sillyliterature, @12thhouse-sun, @babydinosaur930, @aetherflowers

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Burning Sky (Dorian Pavus/Dionysios Trevelyan fic)

This chapter is from Dorian's POV, and if you just want to enjoy some Dorian (interacting with Felix and Lace Harding mostly), you can read it separately from the story. His thoughts about the Herald of Andraste are, of course, here as well.

Chapter 5. The Peacock In The Frostbacks

Pairing: Dorian Pavus/Inquisitor Trevelyan

Rating: E (for heavy topics now, and maybe for smut, but that would be much later)

Main tags: Slow Burn, Romance, Friends to Lovers

AO3 link to the beginning.

Summary of the chapter:

While the Inquisition is preparing to confront Alexius, Dorian Pavus is trying to get to Haven. He has a talk with his friend, meets Lace Harding, fights more demons and, finally, tells Leliana about an unusual acquaintance.

Fragment of the chapter:

The shore of Lake Calenhad looked idyllic for any passing spectator. Emerald grass met mirror-like water surface, dragonflies hovered over long stem of some southern plant. Fennecs and nugs were rushing through the grass while the wolves didn't dare to come out of the forest at that time of day. In the distance one could discern the outline of a castle. If Dorian Pavus, who was standing in the middle of this picture, had attempted to put it into a golden frame, it would probably have looked like one of those dowdy little paintings with which wealthy soporati decorated their houses. Yet he was by no means a painter or a passing spectator: he was bitten by every insect in the area, his nose had gotten used to the scent of decay and his body probably started to smell like a wet dog, just as every other creature in this Maker-forsaken place. How had that Marcher mage even agreed to speak with him if the Tevinter had reeked of whatever had been in that lake? Probably, because they were both covered in demon slime.

Dorian shook his head and decided to stop ruminating on what his life had become. He carefully sat on the riverbank and put his hand in the water. After checking that no other terrestrial creature had ventured into the water, he released a small lightning spell enough to kill several fish in the vicinity. When their corpses surfaced, he took a makeshift scoop net and started drawing them out of the water. He had already put a couple of them on the grass behind him, when someone cleared their throat. The mage turned around with a fire spell on his fingertips.

'Dorian, it's me, Felix,' the figure exclaimed and stepped back. It was, indeed, his friend, who stood beyond the small tent, just behind the magic wards. Under the direct sunlight it was even clearer that he became paler and there were black veins under his skin. He still held himself upright like an altus, but the strain was written upon his face. Dorian plastered a convincing smile on his own face and waved a hand deactivating the wards.

'Salve, amicus,' he came closer, and lit the bonfire with a flick of his wrist. 'Have a seat, the dinner will be ready soon.'

'Salve,' Felix indeed sat on a well-worn blanket and started unpacking his bag. 'I didn't envision you'd make a whole meal on your own, so I brought you some food.' He placed cheese, sauteed vegetables and cold chicken meat on two plates he also brought with him. 'Can't have you starve before we deal with father's plot.'

AO3 link to the chapter

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I Want to See You Shine

A little ficlet for @dorianweek! "Confessions and Understandings" was the prompt for Day 1, and here is a scene some years after Veilguard between two husbands, Dorian and Dionysios.

Pairing: Dorian Pavus/Inquisitor Trevelyan Rating: G Summary: Dionysios observes his husband Dorian Pavus preparing to deliver a lecture on the Fade research. He is excited, happy, and unaware of how much Dionysios did to ensure the Archon has a breath of fresh air in his unrelenting work.

AO3 link or read below.

'Can you imagine, amatus, there's a work on reverberation of the Fade energy in thin-Veiled areas! And the papers by the Dalish researchers give a whole new perspective we didn't even acknowledge ten years ago. And, oh, amatus, you'll like that one: a paper, co-authored by the dreamer, claiming to talk to Solas himself about the Veil. If only I could meet him…'

'If you meet Solas, you'll punch him, even in the Fade,' Dionysios chuckled, leaning on the marble table encrusted with intertwined black snakes, now all but covered with books and journals. The spacious Archon's office was turned into a study with stacks of books and pages with diagrams occupying every available space. Right in front of the former Inquisitor, behind the huge ebony desk, sat Dorian with ink on his fingers and a spark of joy in his eyes. Several months before those eyes had been lacklustre, the room filled with treatises and reports, and Dionysios nearly gave all hope of seeing his husband full of life again.

'How dare you think I'd be so crude!' the mock offence didn't make Dorian's smile less broad. 'We'd have a civilised discussion about the construction of the Veil.'

'Or he'd end up bruised not only from the dragon,' the former Inquisitor came closer to the desk. 'How are the preparations going?'

'Splendidly,' Archon Pavus absentmindedly smeared ink on his chin, but didn't seem to notice it, 'but I'm afraid I'll need to use time magic to read everything I require to be ready. You must understand, it would be a disaster if I couldn't answer some apprentice's question.' Dionysios shook his head and laughed. 'Truly, though, I'm so glad First Enchanter Lavinius came up with this idea. I feel as if I'm young again.'

'I'm happy to hear it, but you're still not old,' Dionysios took his husband's chin in his magical prosthesis and wiped the ink with the handkerchief, 'and you could thank a certain southern mage for nudging that conceited prick into inviting you to deliver a lecture about the Fade.' Dorian frowned, not saying a word. 'Here's my special ability to render you speechless.' The former Inquisitor kissed the slightly parted lips. The kiss was gentle and soft, and they parted smiling.

'Why…' the other man leaned back in his chair, 'why would you do this? It must have been difficult, that scholar is exceptionally petty.'

'That was my last chance, love,' Dionysios sighed. 'It was nearly two years ago when I noticed how you deteriorated under the burdens of ruling the Imperium. You became irritated, indifferent to whatever happened to you. Your eyes were hollow, I felt like I was speaking to a Tranquil.'

'You didn't even tell me?' Dorian's voice was trembling.

'I didn't, because I knew that wouldn't help,' the former Inquisitor made a vague gesture, 'before all that, before I became a Pavus, when I had been a leader of a huge organisation, I had felt the same. You give it everything you have, and it swallows you whole. I had you by my side, though, and you always kept me alive with your playful banter, talks about magic theory and those nights when we didn't need words to communicate.' He smiled, remembering what happened a decade before.

'You could try using my methods before going to these sharks in Minrathous Circle,' Dorian didn't sound certain. 'Or… you did, didn't you?'

Dionysios nodded with a sad smile. 'I tried doing my best in bed, but sex with you was mechanical,' he put up a hand, because his husband wanted to interrupt, 'not your fault, as I said. I bought best wines, took you to theatres, to our estate in Ventus. Maker's breath, I organised that Satinalia, when our children came from the Circles to the mansion, and we stayed there the whole week.'

'It was a wonderful celebration,' Dorian's eyes were full of tears, 'I still have all the enchanted trinkets Mavaar, Lyra and Myron gifted me. It kept warmth in my heart for months.' Dionysios put his hand on the other mage's cheek.

'I saw how happy you were, but behind that happiness there was the same dreariness. You were livelier for some time, but then the indifference and irritation came back, every time I tried to cheer you up.' The former Inquisitor stood straight. 'Several months ago I saw you and Bellara talking about magic theory. I was stunned, because there was a spark in your eyes that I thought I'd never see again. It seemed as if she infected you with her own enthusiasm.'

'I've already told her to try a career at the Circle,' Dorian smiled, 'She's a remarkable scholar with the ability to make even a standing stone interested in magic theory, let alone a mage apprentice.'

'I hope she'll heed your advice,' Dionysios said, 'So that's when I sought out First Enchanter Lavinius. I knew that you love not only magic research itself, but presenting it to others, telling people about everything incredible that you find in magic. A lecture sounded like an ideal variant.'

'And he agreed right away?' There was a smirk on the other man's face.

'Not until I threatened to go to another Circle, which would be glad to house a lecture from the Archon himself,' the former Inquisitor chuckled. 'They miraculously found a time slot in their big amphitheatre for you. Everything else was easy — writing to important Enchanters in the South, explaining everything to Elaine, who invited the magisters and scholars from the Imperium. And organising refreshments for the banquet after the lecture.'

'You shouldn't have bothered yourself for this,' Dorian took his hand and squeezed affectionately, 'sacrificing so much time just for my whims.'

'Happiness isn't a whim,' Dionysios squeezed his husband's hand back. 'And to be happy you need something you love, and I'm always ready to provide it.'

'I love you, Nionios, more than anything in the world,' the grey eyes glistened, the voice was nearly a whisper.

'I'm not the only thing you love,' full lips touched the Archon's nose. 'Magic research makes you shine, and to see that I'm ready to persuade thousands of self-centred morons.'

'Nonsense,' Dorian's voice regained its usual playfulness, 'you're not a "thing", amatus. I just wonder how could I meet such a wonderful person as yourself?'

'You haven't heard? Andraste personally delivered me from the Fade right into your hands,' Dionysios laughed, and it proved to be contagious.

'I need to properly thank the holy woman, she did a remarkable job,' Dorian walked around the desk and placed his hands on his husband's waist. 'Now as I understood I need to rectify something,' he leaned to speak into Dionysios' ear, 'specifically my not mechanical performance in bed.'

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Nice To Meet You (Part 1)

Next installment for @dragonagekissweek! This time one story in two chapters, the first is about reunion (Day 6), the second will be about celebration (Day 7).

Rating: G Pairing: Dorian Pavus/Inquisitor Trevelyan Summary: Dionysios Trevelyan travels to Tevinter incognito to see his lover. Yet when he enters the estate, he is reminded that even after Halward's death Dorian still has a parent.

AO3 Link

The moment Dionysios Trevelyan stepped off the Montilyet merchant ship onto the docks of Ventus, he started gazing around impatiently for a familiar face. Soon a middle-aged elf in livery embroidered with House Pavus insignia appeared before him, saying that the magister was sending his apologies for being delayed due to the Imperial business. The elf had a directive to transport Dionysios to the Pavus estate. Inquisitor Trevelyan was disappointed, but thanked the man and smiled.

The whole trip in the carriage he fretted, imagining how he would greet his beloved. It took some time for him to realise he was tapping the door with his metal prosthesis, and the middle-aged coachman (the same who picked him up from the docks) didn't deserve to hear the unpleasant sound. Dionysios was ashamed of himself, but couldn't help thinking of Dorian again. They hadn't met for more than half a year. The Inquisitor's longing for his lover had reached its peak when he had boarded his friend's vessel in Antiva, and the sentiment refused to go away.

When Dionysios arrived at the estate, he thanked the coachman heartily, confusing the man, then rushed into the manor house. The only thing in his mind was Dorian, his smile, his gorgeous eyes, his smooth velvet voice. The Inquisitor nearly ran to the place where it should've been a parlour. He heard voices behind it, and opened the door.

'I'm so happy to see you, my…' Dionysios stopped short, because Dorian was nowhere to be seen. Instead he stood in front of an elderly human woman dressed in intricate robes made from dark silk and imperial vestment cotton, complemented with expensive jewellery. Her face was stern, but had elegant features that looked familiar. And although she was pinning Dionysios with a piercing gaze, her big eyes with stormy grey irises were reminiscent of his lover's.

'My apologies, Lady Aquinea Thalrassian,' he made a little bow. When she didn't utter a word, Inquisitor stepped closer and kisses her hand, 'it is my pleasure to meet you.' The woman, surrounded by two elven servants, looked Dionysios over appraisingly.

'Do you have a name, stranger?' she finally spoke with barely concealed disdain. If only she knew who she talked to. But the Inquisitor was in the Imperium incognito, and he couldn't blow his cover.

'Magister Dorian calls me Nionios,' he gave a polite smile, 'I'm here on important Inquisition business. And to see the magister himself, of course.' There was no denying his eagerness to see his lover now, especially after what he had said upon entering the room.

'The fact that my son has such friends as you is a disgrace to the family,' her voice became low and threatening, 'if anything about your affiliation with Dorian is known to the public, I'll eliminate you like the insignificant pawn you are.'

'I assure you,' Dionysios gave her a smile he reserved for uptight Orlesian aristocrats, 'I'll never do anything that would harm him or his reputation. It is both in my interests and the Inquisition's.' She didn't look convinced.

Suddenly the door opened with a flash of silken robes. Dorian's eyes, stormy grey and utterly beautiful, were widened in panic, his forehead covered with sweat. Dionysios couldn't help grinning at his lover, whom he finally saw in person after months of talking through the crystal. The magister gave him a warm smile, but then turned to Lady Aquinea with his lips in a tight line.

'Aren't you happy to see your old Nionios?' the Inquisitor broke the heavy silence. Someone had to ease the tension, and he had a habit of solving problems and preventing disasters. Hard habit to break.

'Of course I am!' Dorian chuckled, 'though I'd say you're as good as new.' He embraced Dionysios, then went to Lady Aquinea. 'Salve, mother,' he kissed her on the cheek.

'Salve, magister,' her voice dripped with disgust and anger, 'you decide the future of the Imperium, yet you refuse to marry an alta and, furthermore, dare to bring your bedmate to my home. This one has manners, at least,' she gave Dionysios a quick glance, 'but I don't want to see the two of you together. Conduct your business somewhere else.'

'You forget that this estate now belongs to me,' Dorian spoke with cold fury, 'yet I'm not a cruel man, and right now my servants are preparing the Guest House for me and Nionios to stay. I'll inform you when we'll be on the beach or in the gardens, so that our paths won't cross.'

'If you expect me to be grateful for your generosity, I'll have to disappoint you.' Her bracelets clanked, when she turned towards the window.

Dionysios nodded and bid her farewell, to which Lady Aquinea only nodded in acknowledgement. When he was already exiting the room, he heard Dorian's voice: 'He is not a bedmate, he is my lover, and I want you to know it.' The Inquisitor was so proud of his beloved.

'As you wish,' was the only answer from the lady.

When they closed the door, Dorian opened his mouth to say something, but Dionysios captured it with a kiss. He drank his lover as if he were an oasis in the desert, desperately, clutching at the leather belts with his prosthesis. His hand was in the lush black hair, that grew longer since Dorian's time in the Inquisition. When they parted, his beloved looked at him with adoration. 'Welcome, amatus,' he whispered, 'let's go to our home.'

Part 2

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OC Layers Tag Game

Around a million years ago I was tagged by @maagisterpavus and @caughtnyact, and only now I finally got to it. I'll talk about my first and beloved Inquisitor.

Dionysios Trevelyan

LAYER ONE: THE OUTSIDE

Name: Dionysios Trevelyan (during the time of the Inquisition, at birth and after Veilguard parts of his name differ from this)

Eye Color: Deep brown

Hair Style/Color: Dark chestnut hair. Shoulder length, always combed back. He grows them out by Veilguard and sometimes wears a braid.

Height: 181 cm

Clothing Style: He likes nice and elegant clothing, prefers to wear blue. Further in a post about his clothing!

Best Physical Feature: Big brown eyes, which Dorian says should be illegal (who can say no to Dionysios' puppy eyes?). He also has a small tattoo near his brow.

LAYER TWO: THE INSIDE

Fears: Being made Tranquil, becoming a Trevelyan his biological parents wanted him to be (the beginning of Inquisition). Later he fears losing Dorian.

Guilty Pleasure: Buying himself fancy things (food, furniture, clothing, jewellery). He never had it before Inquisition, when he starts surrounding himself with nice things. Of course, he also gives a lot of gifts to Dorian. After Trespasser Dorian starts spoiling Dionysios with gifts.

Biggest Pet Peeve: Templars and liars.

Ambition for the Future: He gave the Inquisition 11 years of his life (he didn't dismantle the organisation and worked under Leliana until Veilguard) and his arm. That's enough for him, so he wants to be with Dorian. And Dionysios knows what it means to be a leader, so he's ready to make sure the Archon of Tevinter doesn't work himself to death. In his spare time the former Inquisitor wants to study magic in Tevinter, to continue his education and maybe pursue an academic career.

LAYER THREE: THOUGHTS

First Thoughts Waking Up: "No, not getting up, I'm too warm and cozy here".

What They Think About the Most: "What can I improve the life of mages in the countries where they are oppressed?"

What They Think About Before Bed: All the miserable thoughts swirling in his head.

What They Think Their Best Quality Is: Persuasiveness.

LAYER FOUR: WHAT’S BETTER?

Single or Group Dates: Single, because Dionysios gives all his attention to Dorian and wants the same thing from his beloved.

To be Loved or Respected: Loved. He always craves to have family, because his (lack of) relationship with the Trevelyans left a huge hole. All his interactions are marked with it.

Beauty or Brains: Brains! Dionysios likes nice things and good-looking people, but what makes him fall for Dorian is his wit and intelligence.

Dogs or Cats: Cats, because sitting with a book is always good when there's a cat on his lap.

LAYER FIVE: DO YOU?

Lie: He was brought up in a Circle, he knows how to lie in the templar's face. He doesn't like it and telling the truth to someone is his way to show respect for this person. That's why he doesn't believe in white lie even existing as a concept.

Believe in Yourself: Dionysios has a lot of problems with it, he doesn't see himself as worthy, sometimes even worthy of existing. Gains confidence and starts believing in himself closer to Veilguard after going through fantasy therapy (which I invented as a form of healing in Tevinter).

Believe in Love: Yes, he likes romance and wants to find someone he would love and cherish his whole life. In that he succeeds!

Want Someone: He pined after Dorian for a long time, but saw himself as unworthy of Dorian's attention.

LAYER SIX: HAVE YOU EVER?

Been on Stage: He likes making inspirational speeches as a Herald of Andraste and later Inquisitor. In Tevinter he probably performs as a singer and musician.

Done Drugs: No, he didn't.

Changed Who You Were to Fit In: Oh yes, at first he had to be "a good Trevelyan", then "a good mage", then the Herald of Andraste (working for the benefit of the Chantry), then a good player of the Orlesian Game. Never fit in any of those and changed it all, becoming a rebellious mage, who gave his heart to a Tevinter altus (and later Magister).

LAYER SEVEN: WHAT’S THEIR…

Favourite colours: Blue, specifically indigo blue.

Favourite animal: Fennecs, cats, dragons (he admires them and doesn't really want to kill).

Favourite book: Catullus' poems (I want Catullus to be a poet who wrote in ancient Tevene). In-game it's "Writings of Magister Callistus of Taraevyn" on the nature of the Fade. Dionysios is fascinated, when he finds this book in Minrathous Circle.

Favourite game: Most probably chess, although he isn't good at playing it.

LAYER EIGHT: AGE

DOB: 9:17 Dragon.

How Old Will You Be: Definitely over 80 years old, maybe even more. Outlives Dorian, but not for a long time.

Age You Lost Your Virginity: 24 (during DAI)

Does Age Matter: It doesn't, but he's still baffled that Dorian is only 6 years younger than Dionysios' mentor from Faxhold. Dorian is also 6 years older than Dionysios.

LAYER NINE: FINISH THE SENTENCE

I love: my found family and the beauty of the world.

I feel: inspired to change the world.

I hide: my insecurities.

I miss: my (found) siblings/friends/lover (at different points in time).

I wish: I could make every person in Thedas happy.

Tagging @sillyliterature, @choccy-zefirka, @deathspelljedis, @ladyofcrowsandcoffee, @sandradolmaeater, @lunastarhawk and anyone who wants to!