Prompt (Self-Assigned): Community
Word Count: 814
Featuring: Silva Mercar/Neve Gallus
“Do you ever go to the Ambassadoria?”
Silva Mercar looked up from the book she was reading with wide eyes, scanning the room. Until just a second ago she had been under the impression she was alone in the apartment. Fortunately, the sound of Neve’s voice was not alarming on its own. When she craned her neck so she could see the door she found her, balancing carefully against the frame as she removed her boot. It brought a smile to her eyes and she let herself just enjoy the sight of Neve for a moment. Her long dark hair was already down, spilling over her shoulders, and her button-up blouse was open for the first several buttons, exposing her chest and the very tops of her breasts. Silva had a real weakness for the way Neve looked in suspenders, and today she wore a pair of rich brown leather with ornate gold filigree that Silva had bought for her. And of course, a tight pair of trousers were always appreciated.
“Silva?”
“Hmm?” Silva’s attention snapped back into focus and she blinked. Neve was grinning and walking toward her now. The absolute best view of them all. “What?” Neve’s soft laughter was music to her ears.
“I asked if you ever go to the Ambassadoria? You have never mentioned it.” Neve settled on the arm of her chair and Silva rushed to put her book away, leaning forward to put it on the small table by the wood stove. She sat back in her chair and reached out with one hand, slipping it around Neve’s waist. As tempting as it was to pull Neve down onto her lap, she could wait.
“No, I’ve never been. Why?” Silva shifted a little in the chair so she could lean in closer, looking up at Neve. The other woman had only been gone for a few hours, fulfilling her turn at the agency office while Rana was out working on cases, but she missed her all the same. She could have gone with her, but it was important that they all get a little time to themselves. It made coming back together all the sweeter. And Neve had only just come home from Treviso a few days ago. Silva slid her other hand gently over Neve’s thigh. Neve’s hand settled against her cheek and she turned her head to press a kiss to her palm. This might be her actual favorite, just touching each other.
“A case came across my desk that someone in the Ambassadoria is helping Venatori get out of the city, letting them use their diplomatic status to evade the Templars.” That was a serious accusation. Silva hummed softly as she considered what it would mean. Not that it mattered what it meant if they could not get into the Ambassadoria. Which explained Neve’s question. Silva wished she had a solid answer for Neve on that front, but she did not. With a sigh she pulled her hand back off Neve’s thigh and sat back in the chair.
“I am willing to go, but I am not sure if I am permitted in the Ambassadoria. As a dwarf, I mean. I’m sure I can get in as a guest.”
“Aren’t all dwarves in Tevinter considered part of the Ambassadoria?” The question was genuine, but Silva knew that Neve already knew the answer to that. Dwarves were not citizens of Tevinter, they were dignitaries by default. Which was fine, but sometimes it could make things awkward. Like when you were a dwarf, but raised by human parents on the surface. Human parents who knew essentially nothing about dwarves or dwarven culture, beyond the fact that the Ambassadoria existed. She had a few dwarf friends growing up, dwarves were hardly rare in Tevinter, but once she went into the military that pretty much disappeared. There were almost no dwarves in the Tevinter military.
“Well, I’m only half, for one. I have no idea how they deal with half-dwarves. I’m also a surfacer, which makes me casteless. I think the Ambassadoria is a bit more relaxed about that than Orzammar, but it could be an issue. If that’s not an issue, there could still be the issue of not having ancestors.” But even as Silva continued her explanation, her own curiosity was building. Why had she never gone to the Ambassadoria? Had she really never thought about trying to connect with her own ancestry? It had never felt like a particularly big deal to her, even more so after she learned she was only half. Both of her parents, the ones who raised her, were human. Her siblings were all human. Neve was human. She honestly felt mostly human.
“I can try though,” Silva answered before Neve could say anything else. “I actually kind of want to. I’m not sure why I’ve never thought to go before.”
Prompt (Self-Assigned): Guarded
Word Count: 843
Featuring: Herra Brosca/Leliana
Herra Brosca poked her head around the edge of the marble pillar to get a quick look. The lay sister had her back turned, bent over as she scrubbed the floor of the Cathedral. A Templar walked lazily along the far wall, keeping a ridiculously predictable path around the space. Why a Chantry, which was supposed to be open to everyone, even had Templars walking around was beyond her. But the more important thing was that her moment of opportunity was open. She turned back and slipped around the other side of the column. Given that she was wearing the robes of a lay sister, she would not attract much attention if she was careful, but it was still best to go completely unseen. It was not as if there were dozens of dwarves serving in the Chantry just yet.
Once she was through the main hall of the Grand Cathedral it was smooth sailing. Most of the lay sisters and mothers were occupied with their various tasks throughout the day, and there were no templars in this part of the building. As she made her way upstairs the templars became more prominent, but she knew where they tended to stay and was able to slip in and out of various rooms to evade them. Still, it always felt good to slide into a place she was not supposed to be. A bit like home wherever she went. This time her prize was far better than a bit of stolen bread or a couple coins from someone’s pocket. And that prize was what made her willing to climb out of the Cathedral’s library window and pick her way slowly along the rather narrow ledge. That she had exceptional balance only did a little to keep her from wanting to vomit. You’d think they only wanted humans and elves to break into these places!
But she made it safely, and dropped onto the balcony with only the faintest thump of her soft leather boots. The soft leather soles were perfect for sneaking, less so for… well literally anything else really. The doors to the balcony were thrown wide open to let the light and air into the room, and Herra crept forward slowly. She smirked as the bedchamber came into view. Brilliant red carpet with gold trim was in sharp contrast to the pristine white marble. A massive bed, big enough to hold her entire family without touching, dominated the room with its tall posts and thick curtains that hung around it. Those curtains were currently pulled back, exposing the high mattress and the finest sheets and blankets she had ever seen. The walls were cluttered with expensive religious paintings and portraiture. Off to one side was a table with two chairs, and a large hearth that was home to only a small fire at the moment. Val Royeaux was warm enough in summers that it was not really needed.
But her real target stood near the doors. The Divine was not in her robes here, in her private quarters. Instead she wore simple white robes, not all that dissimilar from those of a lay sister. She was speaking with a servant, and Herra could not make out what they were saying. She did not particularly care. Instead she simply crouched down and watched them carefully, keeping herself concealed behind the door. It was only a few minutes before the Divine finished her discussion, and the servant departed. The massively tall door closed, and Herra strained to hear as the bar was pulled into place, locking the door. Perfect. While the Divine’s back was still turned, Herra sprang into the room, rushing toward her.
When she reached the Divine, she grabbed the tall human woman around her thighs and spun her quickly before lifting her up into the air. Only a startled squeak escaped the Divine as she dropped over Herra’s shoulder, and Herra grinned to herself as the Divine’s bottom was so perfectly perched on her shoulder. Without a thought about it, she let herself have a quick grope with one hand, and was rewarded with a playful giggle. She was rewarded by the feeling of hands upon her own ass and she almost jumped at the gesture.
“That is rather indecent, Most Holy,” Herra quipped as she turned to carry her toward the bed.
“So is kidnapping and fondling, Teyrna Brosca,” Leliana answered, her amusement and happiness obvious in her voice. “You are a full day early.” Herra placed Leliana upon the edge of the bed, pushing her upward onto the mattress. Now how in the Blight she was supposed to get up there was a mystery. Why these rich humans always made their beds so high she would never understand. But she would figure it out.
“Actually, I am right on time. I just… may have lied about what day I was arriving.” Herra looked up at Leliana and felt her heart swell as their eyes met for the first time in weeks. It was going to be a good visit.
Prompt (Self-Assigned): Attention
Word Count: 606
Featuring: Varta Aeducan/Rica Brosca
Varta looked up from the papers she was reviewing. Rica was across the large room near the hearth, sitting in a chair while the children played at her feet. The two youngest were surprisingly amiable with each other. Typically their play devolved into screaming and fists within minutes. That Endrin, so much older than the youngest two, was sitting quietly by reading was less surprising. He was a studious boy. The domesticity of the scene tugged at Varta’s heart. How often did she actually get to see this? Between the weeks she spent in the Deep Roads and the long hours she spent recruiting, it felt like she was never home. With a sigh she looked down at the papers. Surely this could wait?
Her resolve hardened, and Varta quickly packed the papers back into the wooden box she kept them in. She stood, her stool scraping on the stone. That got the children’s attention, at least, as all three of their heads snapped up to look at her across the room. Varta smiled at them and walked over. Rica’s attention came up more slowly, but by the time she reached her family, all of them were looking at her. Now that she was closer, she could see that Rica was practicing the fine embroidery that was becoming popular among the noblewomen of Orzammar of late. Some surfacer had introduced it, and it caught on like forge fire. It made little sense to Varta, but it certainly was pretty, at least. She stopped next to Rica’s chair.
In less time than it took her to blink, Dalian was clamoring at her side, shoving one of his brick toys into her hands. Varta took the toy from him, and he turned to get more as little Rishan reached her. The girl was walking well now, but she was still slow about it. Endrin did not rush her, but he was watching intently. Rishan tugged at her clothing, and she bent down, scooping her daughter up into her arms.
“Is something wrong?” Rica asked, though there was no deep concern in her voice. Varta shook her head as Rishan grabbed at her face, grinning brightly at her. Dalian was tugging at her trousers and shoving toy bricks into her pockets and the waistline of her trousers, wherever he could find a place that fit one. With a weak laugh, Varta took a careful step forward, mindful to not step on Dailan or knock him over. She stepped in front of Rica’s chair and then sat down on the cool stone floor, leaning back against Rica’s legs.
“No. I just realized I was putting my attention on the wrong things.” Varta tipped her head back to smile up at Rica, and her pretty red-headed bride leaned forward. Their lips met for a soft chaste kiss that still managed to convey the depths of their affections. It was beyond paradise to have such calm, easy moments. Things had certainly not always passed so easily between them. As the kiss broke, Varta turned her attention back to the children, settling Rishan in her lap.
“Okay, Dalian, okay. We will build something. Endrin, would you like to read your story to us?” Rishan snuggled against her while Dailan continued to pile his bricks on top of both of them. Endrin lit up though and nodded, turning his attention back to the page. He began to read slowly, practicing his pronunciation. A feeling of peace settled over Varta as she carefully moved bricks off herself and Rishan, stacking them up for Dailan to knock them down.
Prompt (Self-Assigned): Beauty
Word Count: 858
Featuring: Jesi Cadash/Dagna
Jesi Cadash sat still on a stool in the cave that housed Skyhold’s forge. With the cave opening behind her and the waterfall flowing slowly due to the winter storm that was blowing over the mountain, the forge was almost chilly for once. Although that meant it was still warmer than most of the rest of the castle. Skyhold was a wonderful fortress, but warm it was not. But it could have been freezing in the forge and Jesi would still happily sit here all day. Her tightly curled hair was growing out a bit, just enough to start tickling her ears. But it helped keep her head warm, so while she preferred it short she was letting it go for now.
Besides, Dagna said she liked that it was getting longer. The perky smith was currently at her forge, crafting something. Harritt was nearby, hammering loudly on a glowing red brick of metal. Dagna’s work was quieter, but far more prone to sudden eruptions, explosions, freezings, or sometimes just disappearing into thin air. Jesi had found that particular piece three days later in her bathtub. Watching Dagna work was always entertaining, but while others would sometimes filter down to see what minor disruption the dwarf was going to cause next, Jesi was the only one who came down here regularly. Because she just wanted to watch Dagna.
Ancestors but she was so pretty. From her pretty red hair to her bright brown eyes to the way her tongue sometimes stuck out of her mouth a little bit when she was concentrating on something. Jesi was a little bit obsessed with every inch of Dagna. She did not want to miss the way Dagna would light up when something worked correctly, or when it blew up. No matter how badly something blew up, or fizzled out, or physically snapped in half, Dagna seemed to always be delighted. Jesi had asked her about it once and Dagna had said something about how she could learn from it even if it was a failure. There had been more to the answer, but there had been a lot of words Jesi could barely understand. That was okay though, because Dagna’s voice was also pretty, and she could listen to her all day.
“Hey, she’s at it again,” Harritt complained loudly.
“What?” Dagna’s question caught Jesi’s attention and she blinked. Dagna had stopped her work and looked over at her. Jesi smiled brightly. “Sorry, Harritt,” Dagna apologized. Jesi did not feel sorry at all. Harritt just liked to complain. But she watched as Dagna carefully put away whatever it was she was working on, remove the heavy leather apron she wore for protection and lay it over the end of the worktable. Her smile got brighter as Dagna walked toward her, smiling back at her. That sight alone was enough to make her whole day no matter what else happened. When Dagna reached her, the pretty smith reached up to cup her face and then pressed a sweet kiss to her lips. That small kiss was enough to make her head dizzy.
“Were you waiting for me?” Dagna asked. It was a common enough question. Dagna was prone to getting so wrapped up in her work she would forget everything else. But not this time, and Jesi shook her head as she reached out and wrapped her hands around Dagna’s waist. She loved the way Dagna felt in her arms.
“No. I was just watching,” Jesi answered easily. She certainly had the time now. With Corypheus defeated and the Breach sealed it felt like there was nothing left to do. Lavellan was all worked up about Solas disappearing, and Trevelyan was focused on turning the Inquisition toward helping to rebuild what they could. But she and Adaar just seemed to be hanging around. And she did most of her hanging around down here, no matter what Harritt had to say about it. Jesi tugged at Dagna’s waist a little, pulling her in closer against her. She grinned happily up at Dagna’s face, marveling at her beauty. From the moment she first saw her, she had been completely struck by Dagna. If Orzammar ever needed a paragon of beauty there was one right here. The whole city was mad to have let her go.
“That’s sweet,” Dagna smiled back.
“It’s creepy is what it is,” Harritt grumbled loudly from behind Dagna. His back was to them, but obviously he could still hear them. “Take it to your chambers like respectable people.” His complaining just made Cadash laugh a little, but she let Dagna step back so she could stand up. Her hand slid into Dagna’s easily and they walked together past Harritt toward the door. Cadash was pretty sure he complained more than he was actually bothered. He had complained quite a bit when Dagna first showed up too, and now he loved her. But if his complaining helped get Dagna out of the forge once in a while so she could receive her full attention, then she was certainly not going to stop him.
“It’s not creepy. Beauty should always be admired.”
Prompt (Self-Assigned): Bold
Word Count: 783
Featuring: Jadal Thorne/Lace Harding
(I did not mean for this one to be a massive tease, I'm sorry!)
“Please,” Jadal Thorne bent forward almost double with a hand on one knee, panting for breath. “Just… stop running. Come on.”
The glowing… thing, whatever it was, stared at her with no expression on its lyrium face. At least she hoped it was lyrium. At least it wasn’t red, like the last one they had caught creeping around the Deep Roads had been. Jadal was still panting for breath while it peered at her as if it was curious. Well, if it had questions it should stop running. Air was supposed to be thinner up on the mountains, one would think it would be thicker down in the Deep Roads. Maybe it was too thick to breathe. Who cared, she just wanted one refreshing lung full of air. And now she had the stupid whatever it was cornered.
In the silence she could hear boots on the stone and Jadal slowly straightened, finally catching her breath. Boots meant Harding was catching up. Maybe it would talk to her. For the moment though, Jadal pushed some loose curls out of her face and studied the lyrium dwarf. That was a good enough name for now. It looked a lot like the red lyrium avatar for Harding’s anger that they had found before, except that this one looked nothing like Harding. It did not look like anyone she could remember, although it definitely looked like a dwarf. Maybe this one was connected to Valta? Or maybe there were other Stone-Touched dwarves running around somewhere. She was pretty sure Harding would have mentioned that if she knew about it though.
“Rook?” Harding’s voice echoed off the stone and the lyrium dwarf twitched, looking past Jadal.
“Over here,” Jadal answered, careful not to shout too loud. The last thing she wanted was to provoke this thing into running again, especially since the only way to run was back through her. Could you even fight a lyrium dwarf? It would probably give you lyrium poisoning. It had to, right? She shook her head as the sound of Harding’s boots got closer and closer. Jadal glanced carefully over her shoulder when she sensed a presence behind her, and was grateful to confirm it was Harding.
“What made you run off li-What is that?” Harding stepped up next to Jadal and stopped when she got a good look at the lyrium dwarf.
“That is what made me run off. I thought it might be another friend of yours,” Jadal tried to sound lighter and less concerned than she felt. When she ran after the thing she had assumed it was connected with Harding, and was not as worried as she obviously should have been. It had been a foolish move to begin with and now it felt even more foolish. “I don’t think it wants to speak with me though.” She looked over at Harding but kept one eye on the lyrium dwarf. Harding was doing the same. Jadal could see the concern in her eyes even as she nodded.
“Well I can try.” Harding stepped forward, putting herself between Jadal and the lyrium dwarf. As she had when they met the red lyrium version before, Harding held out a tentative hand toward it. The creature narrowed its eyes, as if suspicious, but its focus moved back and forth between them. “Can you speak? Were you looking for me?” A blue glow gathered around Harding as lines of lyrium spread slowly across her skin line veins. The creature tilted its head and focused solely on Harding now. Jadal tensed and resisted the urge to pull Harding back. She had to trust her, and she did. Harding was more than capable of defending herself. Even without the power of the Titans.
“No.” The lyrium dwarf spoke in a voice she did not recognize. It was deep, and decidedly masculine, but it was also crackly and broken. As if it had not spoken in a long time. Once again it looked past Harding and Jadal felt like it was staring into her, not at her. The feeling was uncomfortable. But she was a Grey Warden, and of the Veilguard, and she would hold her ground. “Not you.” There was a little less crackle in the voice this time. The cryptic words were enough to make Harding turn, looking back at Jadal. Jadal met her eyes and shrugged in question. If it was looking for her then she had no idea why.
“Okay. Are you talking about Rook?” Harding turned slightly, so she could see both of them. It also allowed Jadal to meet the lyrium dwarf’s eyes again. There was that feeling again, as if it was measuring her.
