Commissioned by @asteriyae , based on an upcoming Dragon Age fic, a tale of courage, sacrifice, and time-travel!
This is actually one of the most complex cards I’ve ever made in terms of the amount of elements heavy with symbolism. I’m not going into detail because I don’t want to spoil the story, but the card is based in the Wheel of Fortune, and it’s divided in 3 major arcs.
My inbox keeps screwing up, but at some point a long time ago, @idrelle-miocovani sent me a prompt for a “confessing feelings kiss” involving Iselan! Here I am, finally fulfilling it!
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Confessing Feelings Kiss
Words: 598
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Her life was everything she wanted. She had freedom, a constant breeze blowing through her hair, a crew that she considered family, and enough dalliances than she knew what to do with. Not that their captain knew about the one reoccurring one she had with a fellow crewmate. On land, when they harbored, it didn’t matter what they did. On the ship, their captain’s word was law and those laws were not to be broken.
She had a feeling that at least a couple of crewmates knew that she was sleeping with The Iron Bull from time to time, but it was nothing serious. Besides, she knew that the crewmates knew that if anyone dared to breathe a word, she’d throw them overboard herself. They all occasionally engaged in minor things from time to time. What the captain didn’t knew wouldn’t hurt him.
Which is why Iselan wished that Bull could have kept his mouth shut.
After a rather nice lovemaking tumble in her room - being first mate had its privileges - she rested on her stomach, halfway on him, her head and hand propped on his bare chest. She listened to his heartbeat as they rested, both radiating pleasure and content. It beat strongly, still a little quick, but eventually it slowed to a normal rate. She could hear the air moving in his body as he took in deep, slow breaths. It was mesmerizing in such a way that wanted to lull her to sleep, much like how the Hanal’ghilan rocked with the late night waves.
But they couldn’t stay there. There were watches to be shifted and preventative measures to be taken so that the captain wouldn’t catch them. She sighed happily and tilted her head up to look at him. “Until next time?”
“Mmhmm,” he murmured with a tired grin.
“Come on then, let’s get up.” She nibbled at his shoulder before jumping up out of his reach to collect her clothes. She heard him quietly rumble with a laugh before following after her to do the same.
Once they dressed, they hovered by the door, Bull having to stoop inside the small room. Just as Iselan’s hand went for the knob, Bull’s hand shot out and grasped at her wrist, spinning her around and he pressed her against the door, stealing a kiss from her. When they broke apart, both grinning, Bull whispered, “Iselan...I think I’m falling in love with you.”
Her smile fell away in a heartbeat, replaced with fear. She instinctively pushed him back some and shook her head. “No, Bull. You know we can’t.”
“I know, but when you replace the captain-”
“No,” she hissed, her fear hardening into serious determination. “We can’t. We can’t allow for a serious relationship while on board. It never works out. It causes strife among the crewmates. Favoritism comes into play and even if it doesn’t, those are easy grounds for mutiny.”
Bull inhaled slowly, hurt and anger swimming in his eyes.
“Bull...for what it’s worth… I’m sorry. I really am. But you know how much this ship means to me. How much the crew means to me. This is my entire life and I-”
“Can’t risk it being screwed up. No, I get it. I just…” He scoffed and shook his head. “Nevermind. Forget I ever said anything.”
Before Iselan could say more, he shoved by her and exited the room. When the door closed, she released a shuddering breath and leaned her back against the door and slid down onto the floor.
Maybe her life didn’t have quite everything after all.
I can't figure out who to ship Iselan with, I changed her character a lot and she's super independent and not used to having close relationships with people. She's probably too mage-y for Sera, and Josephine she would have to actively pursue her and she just can't do that. She needs someone who will stick with her through everything and be patient while she tries to get the hang of personal relationships... Someone who is headstrong and maybe a little stubborn, who won't give up on her
Thank you for the tag, @dreadhobo and @dragynfox! I think all of mine are either shy/awkward or super outgoing, so let’s see!
Aravae
Poor Aravae hasn’t had much experience with the flirting game. She can be a bit oblivious to others who have feelings towards her - she’s the kind to just mistake it for kindness, though she can see clear as day when it’s flirting if it’s towards others. However, once she gains confidence with Rienmar, she occasionally gets bursts of temptation where she wants to flaunt the power she has over him, though subtly. She give him hooded looks or ghosting touches with her fingers, then slide away from him with a sly grin. He loves every moment of it.
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Ena Lavellan
Ena is rather unaware of how to flirt. She never went out of her way to look for love. She didn’t think anything of attraction until something in her finally clicked that she liked Bull. Even then, she didn’t do much in the realm of flirting. She knows what she wants, but she was hesitant to go for it. She just flashes him sweet smiles and will sometimes shyly look away from him when he returns it.
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Rienmar
Veryyy smooth son of a bitch. His words as silky smooth, just as his actions are. He’ll usually try to be considerate and only truly flirt when he is not in the presence of a group, but sometimes he just can’t help himself.
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Nuvian
Also relatively smooth, except the big difference is he has no filter. He will flirt with anyone at anytime. He’ll sometimes try to play it off like he isn’t flirting, just being complimentary. With that said, he can tell if he is pushing boundaries or not. He isn’t in the game of making people uncomfortable - he just wants to have fun.
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Samahl Lavellan
Flirting doesn’t exist in her book. She forces feelings down and hides them away because she doesn’t want to be clingy or seen as a lovesick puppy. She does blush very easily, though, all the way to the tip of her ears.
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Captain Iselan
If a woman can ooze confidence, it’s Iselan. She will walk straight up to a person and tell them what she thinks. She will figure out what they like and she will embody it. If they like sexy, she definitely knows how to own that. If they like more conservative, she can still do that with ultimate class.
Thank you for even more tags! This round was from the lovely @ladymdc and wonderful @thevikingwoman! I think this interview is going to be nothing short of interesting...
Check out the joint interview of Aravae and Rienmar here!
Check out Nuvian’s interview here!
This round is another joint! Samahl and Iselan, step on up!
Art by @kawereen and @hansaera!
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1. What is the name you go by?
S: Samahl.
I: Captain Iselan. Don’t mess that up, darling.
2. What is your real name?
S: ...Samahl.
I: Captain should have been my first name, wouldn’t you say?
3. Do you know why you are named that?
S: My parents said that when I was an infant, I would smile and laugh a lot, so they wanted to give me a happy name.
I: Aww, that’s precious! As for me, I don’t really know. My parents weren’t the kind to stick around. I don’t even know if this was my birth name or the name the other pirates gave me. I suppose I could ask them someday. I just don’t care that much.
4. Are you single or taken?
S: *flushes and doesn’t answer*
I: You are too much, Samahl. We need to rid you of that adorable innocence. As for me...well, it depends. Bull and I have a friends-with-benefits relationship, even though we’ve talked more about developing it into something more.
5. Have any abilities or powers?
S: No.
I: Abilities or powers... I mean, I command a ship of pirates. Wouldn’t you say that suffices?
6. What is your favorite food?
S: Anything warm that doesn’t taste like oatmeal or stale bread.
I: Mmm, fresh lamb. Can’t beat that.
7. What’s your eye color?
S: Baby blue.
I: Grey.
8. How about your hair color?
S: ...Can’t you just see this yourself? Blonde.
I: I’m a little with her on this one. Black.
9. Have you any family members?
S/I: No.
10. What about pets?
S: I guess...technically, I’m now stuck with the mabari, Heulwen.
I: Stuck with? You treat that mabari with respect, Samahl! She adores you, look at her.
*Heulwen is sitting loyally at Samahl’s feet while staring up at her with her tongue hanging out the side of her mouth*
S: ...Is that what that is? Adoration?
I: Of course it is! Now, I currently do not have any pets. Taking care of the crew takes up all my time. I’ve thought about a bird, though.
11. Now tell me about something you don’t like?
S: Dogs.
I: Samahl!! Don’t listen, Heulwen. You are a precious baby. You’ll worm your way into her heart. I do not like being challenged. Trust me, I’m not normally this open and fuzzy, but since it’s Samahl, I think it warrants a...personal touch.
S: I don’t like the way you said that.
12. Do you have any hobbies/activities you like?
S: Reading and practicing my speech.
I: I do love a good dart game. And card games. I suppose any sort of game, really. Ever played Antivan Roulette with a nervous group of drunk pirates?
13. Ever hurt anyone before?
S: ...Yes.
I: Of course!
S: Why are you smiling?
14. Ever killed anyone?
S: Not...not yet.
I: Of course!!
S: Why are you still smiling?!
15. What kind of animal are you?
S: I’d... *shy smile* I’d like to be a bat.
I: Hmm. Interesting choice. I’d say I’m a wolf.
16. Name your worst habits.
S: I’ve been told I’m really stubborn.
I: Where do I begin...
17. Do you look up to anyone at all?
S: Only to Solas.
I: You answered that pretty fast, my dear...
S: *flushes*
I: Too cute. Anyways, no. I do not.
18. Gay, straight, or bisexual?
S: Straight.
I: Come one, come all...
S: Stop leaning towards me.
19. Do you go to school?
S: No. I teach myself.
I: Who needs it?!
20. Do you ever want to marry and have kids one day?
S: I’ve...never given that any thought, honestly...
I: Me either, really. There isn’t much happiness in a pirate’s life. Too much danger, too many enemies. Having a child would be too dangerous for both me and them, not to mention a weakness I’d have to cover for.
21. Do you have fanboys/fangirls?
S: I’ve...heard I have one mega one? It...started with a K?
I: Of course I do~
22. What are you most afraid of?
S: Becoming useless and getting in the way.
I: My sweet Hanal’ghilan getting damaged!
23. What do you usually wear?
S: Lightweight clothes. I’ve been stuck with a dress for some time, but Solas said we will find something more suitable soon.
I: Oh? Like wearing nothing at all? Don’t-don’t pass out, Samahl, I was only teasing. I typically just wear my tunic, breeches, headband, and foot wrappings.
24. Do you love someone?
S: Y-...yes...
I: Eh, love is a strong word. Maybe?
25. When was the last time you wet yourself?
S/I: *stare blankly in disbelief and disappointment*
25.5. I apologize.
S/I: *does not move an inch*
26. What do you think is the worse act someone can commit?
S: Forcing people down and stripping them of hope.
I: I can think of some pretty awful things, so I’m not quite sure how to rank what would be the worst.
27. What class are you? (high class, middle class, low class)
S: Low, I guess?
I: I’ll fix that for you. Here, hold out your hand...
28. How many friends do you have?
S: Just Solas.
I: And Heulwen! And me!
S: I...guess?
I: *sighs dramatically*
S: Aren’t you avoiding a lot of questions?
I: Hmm? I don’t know what you’re talking about.
29. What are your thoughts on pie? Cake?
S: Both are nice. I don’t have a preference.
I: Mmm, caaake...
30. Favorite drink?
S: I don’t care much for drinking.
I: Whatever is strongest! How can we be so similar sometimes, but polar opposite other times?
31. What’s your favorite place?
S: Outdoors, under a tree during the late morning to early afternoon.
I: In the crow’s nest at night.
32. Are you interested in someone?
S: Yes...
I: Of course she is! Look at her! She turns red every time we bring it up!
S: You’re avoiding again!
I: Yes! Get angry at me! This is how real friendships are born!!
33. What’s your bra cup size and/or how big is your willy?
S: *deadpans*
I: My dear, I am a 34 C! Samahl...hmm, I’d peg her for-
S: Stop staring at my chest!!
34. Would you rather swim in a lake or the ocean?
S: A lake.
I: The ocean, clearly!
35. What’s your type?
S: I...don’t really know how to describe it.
I: I think we all know what you mean. I like a strong, tall, confident person. Height is negotiable.
36. Any fetishes?
S: *starts to stand up to leave*
I: *grabs her and holds her in her seat* I have a couple, but that is one thing I’ll tell you that you need to buy me dinner first for~
37. Seme or uke? Dominant or submissive?
S: *starts trying harder to leave*
I: Now who’s avoiding questions?! I’m dominant, naturally.
38. Camping or indoors?
S: ...
I: Oh, come on, it’s an innocent question. I would have to pick camping, since it’s outdoors.
S: ...I prefer indoors more.
39. You are trapped on a desert island. What 5 items do you take with you if you can?
S: Parchment, quill, ink, water, book.
I: What a...predictable answer. My daggers - they count as one - an extra pair of foot wrappings, a hammock, a keg of a strong drink, and a hat.
S: ...What?
I: What? I won’t be staying there. May as well enjoy myself!
40. You have found a genie! What are your three wishes, not counting getting more wishes.
S: I would wish for hearing, Solas to be able to find whatever it is he’s looking for, and a place I can call home.
I: ...Why do you keep making all my answers look so lame? I would want upgrades for Hanal’ghilan, plenty of good sailing weather, and my own private island.
S: You’re a pirate. How do you not have your own island somewhere?
I: That’s none of your business.
42. Are you wanting the interview to end?
S: Yes.
I: Aww, don’t say that so fast!
43. Well, now it’s over!
S: *gets up and runs off before Iselan can grab her*
I: Fine, be that way! Bye, sweet little Heulwen! I’ll see you soon, puppy!
Thank you so much for the tag, @dreadhobo! I was excited to see this one making its rounds! :3
I’ll tag: @hansaera, @rawrzimon, @shannaraisles, @buttsonthebeach, @empresstress13, @thevikingwoman, @galadrieljones, @calwyne, @katalyna-rose, @star--nymph, @ladylike-foxes and anyone else who would like to do this!
Prompt thirty eight, Solavellan, but Solas is the one doing the fainting?
I knew immediately that I wanted this one to be about Iselan and Solas because it just fit Iselan’s personality so much. I hope you like it and thanks for sending this in! :)
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On the High Seas
Words: 1037
Prompt 38: “You fainted...straight into my arms. You know, if you wanted my attention, you didn’t have to go to such extremes.”
He was told to not get in the way of the crew, but he still needed to carry his own weight. Some days, he was scrubbing the decks. Some days, he was down with whoever was cooking that day, scrubbing dishes or peeling potatoes. Some days, he sat upon a questionable rig to scrap forming barnacles off the sides of the ship.
All days, it was hot.
The spray of the sea was the most relief Solas got. Even when the wind would be strong, it didn’t feel like it provided any semblance of cool air. Everything felt hot, muggy, and it felt miserable. He knew now why all pirates with lighter skin tones ended up with dark tans. The sun beat down most days. On cloudy days, he could still feel his skin radiating the heat from the sun. On stormy days, when the ship got beat around and rocked violently from the waves, he happily stayed below deck, hoping the ship wouldn’t go down, but in the back of his mind, he always thought: At least I’m not out in the sun right now.
It didn’t seem to bother the others much. He’d hear a gripe every once in awhile - usually from Sera - but it was always said in a joking manner. Or someone would say something gruff in return. He thought that the crew would be different when Iselan was out on deck. She would come up and stand by the helm, overlooking the working crew. To Solas, she seemed to be a figure of powerful authority, a person to be feared and respected. It only seemed right that she have tight run of her ship. The crew performed their duties well and in a timely manner, sure, but he had yet to see them interact.
The Iron Bull would sometimes come out on deck and bark a few orders, though sometimes he got sarcastic back talk. He would grin and joke back, but the moment his eyes passed over Solas, they grew serious again. It didn’t take a genius to learn that Bull didn’t care much for Solas’s presence on board.
This particular hot, steamy day, Captain Iselan showed herself on deck. Solas was helping to swab it. He noticed how the crew glanced up at her, as if waiting for orders, but when nothing was said, everyone proceeded with what they were doing. Her eyes scanned the deck and she was watching everyone’s movements like a hawk. Bull was at her side, talking softly into her ear. Her gaze passed over Solas and he averted his eyes, turning them back to his task at hand. Not much happened. It was some time that Iselan stood there, overlooking things.
“Captain! When are we gonna make our way to the cove so that we don’t hafta stay out in this wretched sun?!”
Solas’s arms completely froze when he heard that question be shouted out from Sera, for everyone to hear. He felt as though his neck were creaking as he slowly shifted it to look at Iselan’s face. To his utmost surprise, though the other crew members were looking, none seemed to be worried or in shock. Iselan merely raised a slow eyebrow.
That was it. Solas was about to witness his first case of a pirate walking someone off the plank-
“She does have a point, my dear Captain,” Vivienne added. “We’ve been a bit idle for a bit too long, wouldn’t you say? What if the others come across us?”
Solas’s eyes may have bulged a little. What was wrong with the crew? Had the sun fried their brains?? Were they about to mutiny? What would he even do? They were so far away from shore and he wouldn’t be able to outrun a ship in a rowboat - that is, even if they let him live… His head, which had already been pounding with a headache due to the sun, began to feel lighter than air on his shoulders.
“I didn’t realize I ran a ship full of crybabies,” came Iselan’s voice, clear as day.
“Just a ship of reasonable people,” Varric called with a slight chuckle in his tone.
“Solas? Are you okay? You don’t look so good,” whispered Cole from his side, startling him. He hadn’t realized the young man had been there. “When was the last time you drank?”
“Reasonable, you say?” Iselan’s boots thudded heavily against the wood as she started to make her way down to the deck. “Hmm. I don’t know if that’s the word I would use.”
The solid floor under Solas’s feet began to shift up into the air. The mop in his hands suddenly didn’t feel like it was supporting him much anymore. The thud of Iselan’s boots got closer and closer...until they came to a stop right in front of him. “What do you think, greenhorn?”
He heard her words, but as he brought his head back up to look at her, the world twisting violently before going black.
When he opened his eyes next, his vision was a little blurry, but he was able to make out the sky and Iselan’s face hovering not far above his. With the hollow feeling in his body, he wasn’t even able to jerk out of the way. From what he could tell, her expression almost seemed a little...amused. “Hmm. You fainted...straight into my arms. You know, greenhorn, if you wanted my attention, you didn’t have to go to such extremes.”
Had his cheeks not already been flushed from the heat, Solas likely would have blushed from the comment. Before he could even try to reply, she spoke again. “You have to stay hydrated in this heat, idiot. Cole, Leliana, if you two wouldn’t mind, get him below deck and make sure he drinks something. Blackwall, shift our course. We’re heading for the cove.”
Iselan’s face disappeared from his view and Solas felt himself being pulled up by Cole, the young man draping Solas’s arm across his shoulders. Leliana followed along behind with an amused smirk. Just as they passed below deck, Solas could have sworn he heard a ringing laugh that belonged to none other than the Captain of the Hanal’ghilan.
