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Stein Backstory: A Purpose Served

Cowriter: @hedgiestail

This is a back story piece where Young Stein meets, Hedgies character, Rachelle(Now known as Bruno.) One of Three New things you guys will be seeing for stein ✨

Setting: The Terrible Weasel tavern | High town

“Perched on the edge of the wealthiest district, stood The Terrible Weasel. The tavern's decor was deliberately understated, leaning towards austere. Dark wood paneling lined the walls, punctuated by portraits of weasels. The lighting was dim, intimate, casting long shadows that seemed to dance with the conspiratorial murmurs of nobles of High town. Instead of boisterous music, a lone pianist tinkled softly on an antique instrument, providing a subtle soundscape to the hushed conversations.”

Stein hardly ever enjoyed things like a tavern or pub, but on the rare occasion when he was drowned enough in work, he would. Typical disgusting drunks around, people this world would use some removal of. Stein was young, with bright ideas and a bright future, he knew he could do it but how. Little else to think about while he sat on the stool, ordering himself a drink. Not like they would ask his age there, most minded their business, figuring everyone needed a drink.

Rachelle slipped into the tavern, nervous and on edge. She has never done this before. Never visited a place like this. Her mother would be appalled, but she needed to try.

Her family was pressing on her to deliver an heir, and her husband insisted that she was the issue, they can’t have one.

Now Rachelle was determined to see if that was a truth or not.

Steins eyes noticed the woman clearly nervously walking into the tavern. It didn’t take a genius to realize she was probably around his age, but with how obvious she was being she certainly wouldn’t be served. Stein sighed and got up, approaching her, his arm going around her, just above the waist, he smiled. “I’ve been waiting for you, come along.” Stein then whispered to her, “Confidently walk to the bar, the trick is confidence. Act like you belong here.” He led her to the bar area, pulling back the seat for her.

Rachelle's heart pounded against her ribs as someone’s arm guided her. Barely catching herself from gasping out loud and making a scene.

‘That is what you wanted, girl, get a grip,’ she commands herself.

She focused on his words, trying to mimic the confidence he exuded. Taking a deep breath, Rachelle straightened her posture and walked with purpose towards the bar. After all, she is the Crown Princess. She can do it. She must.

As she sat, Rachelle risked a glance at the man who guided her. He was younger than she'd initially assumed, his eyes holding a spark of intelligence that belied his disheveled appearance. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice barely audible above the tavern's din. "I am not a regular for these sorts of…establishment."

“Relax your speech, not hard to tell you're some type of nobility by your words alone. Take a seat.” Stein let out a hum, thinking, observing. He didn’t need to involve himself and typically he didn’t but she drew him in. “Try a nevaran accent, it makes it easier to mask your speech. I’m Stein. And you are?”

“Relax my speech?” She thinks about it. “I can’t do Nevarran, but, perhaps, Orlesian?” She asks, imitating it. “A pleasure to meet you, Stein,” Rachelle bows her head a little in greeting. “Rachelle Svarah Alys Meredith,” she gives him her hand for the customary kiss.

Stein was a bit surprised by her hand but took it, placing a kiss to it, “Suppose Orlesian works.” He raised a brow, “What is a princess like you doing here? I don’t particularly see this being the right scene for royalty.”

“Who said something about princesses?” she paused, her gaze sweeping over the tavern's patrons, a mixture of curiosity and disdain in her expression. “I am simply seeking some company to…entertain me this evening.”

Stein observed her for a moment, taking in her attire and then sighed, he’d play along, “Alright, but Rachelle is a bit much for someone just seeking company, if you want some company, drive people insane by your name alone. How about it, Roxy?” His gaze boarded on interest and mischief.

“Roxy?” She scrunches her nose, barely containing disdain to it. “Wh- Uh… Perhaps someone who is a…regular to such establishments will know better,” Rachelle sighs with acceptance. She has to learn the rules of this game, if she wants to achieve the needed result.

“You catch on quickly, Roxy.” Stein ordered them two ales, “And if you want company, you’re in luck, I’m looking for company. Preferable one willing to listen once I am drunk and sprouting all of my ambitious ideas.” Stein let out a chuckle, passing her the ale. “And if you were expecting a good drink, this isn’t one.” He took a sip of his own

Rachelle looks down at the drink with suspicion. She generally drinks only the expansive wines from their collection, but she can give it a try. “Then we are both lucky, as I am a great listener,” she toasted with her glass, took a sip…and almost choke on it. Trying as hard as she could not to be too loud about it.

“I did try to warn you, darling.” Stein was amused at her attempt to not be loud, then ordered her a glass of water and another drink for him. “Do you have any ambitions, my lady?” He raised a brow

“Ambitions?” She asks hoarsely, as she drinks her water. “Everyone have some sort, no? It may have different forms, but I believe it to be true… You are not from here, are you, sire?”

“You are correct, does that interest you?” Stein held his cup slowly swirling it before taking another sip

“This is intriguing,” Rachelle admits, watching Stein with great interest. “I haven’t heard this accent before, which is remarkable. There are you from?”

“Nevarra City. Though I’m doing a bit of outside research so I needed a change of scenery.” Stein chuckled, “I’m sure my accent is charming.”

“Nevarra…” Gears in her head start to accelerate rapidly. This can work wonderfully. “It is quite appealing, I must agree,” Rachelle purrs, leaning closer.

Stein was similar enough in build and facial structure to Henry for no one to raise a brow after, if it will work. And he will go back to Nevarra without a risk of exposing her. What is even more important, he was charming, and seems to be a much more pleasant company compare to some tevinter or orleis bollocks around here. “What kind of research, if you don’t mind me asking? Is it a…cultural exchange?” She puts her hand on his thigh, stroking it with a flirtatious smile.

Stein raised a brow watching the hand on his thigh, listening to the way she purred her words. On a usual day, these actions would be suspicious, but for now it was nothing dangerous nor did he feel she was any sort of malicious. But perhaps her charm was danger enough. “Cutural exchange?” He chuckled, “No one can do what I do, Marigold. But I study the blight, ways to make it better, ways to bring use from it instead of it damning us. I’ll change the world for the better with it.”

Rachel froze for a moment. Blight? That was unexpected. She hadn't expected this attractive stranger to be involved in something so... unappetizing. But she quickly pulled herself together, remembering her goal. If he believed he could derive some benefit from filth, then he was either a madman or a genius. Either way, this was not hers to judge.

“Blight, you say?” she repeated, moving her hand slightly higher on Stein's thigh and rubbing it softly, with an innocent smile. “An interesting direction. But isn't blight an exclusively destructive force? What good can be gained from it?” She looked at him curiously.

“It just needs to be tamed like any other animal, though the way I’d tame it is a bit frowned upon but I’m much too ambitious to stop. But if you’re genuinely curious, you can look through my notes at the motel I’m staying at.” His hand went over hers stopping her movements, “I can offer some teaching, Rachelle.” Steins own voice lowered, his eyes staring into hers.

“You are not staying here?” She asks, bitting at her lower lip. It was risky going away from the tavern, but perhaps… “I believe I am open-minded enough for acquiring some additional skills,” Rachelle leans closer, looking intensely in Stein’s eyes, another hand finds its way to his shoulder, fingers brushing lightly above his collar. Skin to skiing contact, even as light as this, makes her lightheaded and blushing.

The touch was light but tempting, no words needed to pass for him to understand what they both could use. “I’m sorry to disappoint Miss, but this place isn’t up to my standards though I promise it’ll be discreet. Safe for you, My Lady.” He got up from his seat taking her hand from his shoulder and placing a kiss on it, “Shall we?”

“Lead the way,” Rachelle smiles softly at him, a light blush creeping on her cheeks. She gets up from her seat too, leaning closer to Stein. “I am excited to learn something new.”

Stein led her to a nearby inn, though it was in a darker part of the area. People sitting on the street, small tins for change. Ruffians in the alley ways, stein chose this spot to avoid any wandering eyes. He kept an arm around Rachelle’s waist, leading her to his room. His room was nothing large either, a single bed, a small washroom as they walk in, a desk filled with papers nearly falling to the floor, test samples of blood and blight. “There isn’t a lot of space here but it’ll do.”

Rachelle looks around the space with wonder. “I have never been to a room like that,” she stops faking the orleisian accent. “Looks like a servant's room… probably.” She wasn’t sure, as she never saw one either. Her own chambers were four time the size, if not more. “Do you really live here?”

“Temporarily, Rachelle, my lab in the necropolis is much cleaner.” He took her hand leading her to his bed, “You may sit.”

She worries her bottom lip and sits down on the bed as he said. “And how long this temporary will be exactly?”

Stein moved back to his desk, picking up a few notes that had fallen, “Well to be honest, I’ve already collected what I needed from here. I will collect one last round of spare blight samples and then be on my way. So maybe another day or two.” He gave her a gentle smile, “Through this is the first time I've actually wished to stay longer.”

“What’s stopping you from staying?” Rachelle asks shyly, looking at Stein through her eyelashes. She hoped she could persuade him to stay for a little longer, in case she will need more than one tries to achieve her goal.

“Well, Princess, work. Most watchers don’t usually leave. And the rest of my research is back home.” He held up a journal for her, as he approached the bed and set it next to her then place a hand under her chin. “What would you give to have me stay?” His eyes watched hers, his thumb gently sliding over her chin side to side.

“A pleasure of my company?” Rachelle sighs, eyes half-lidded as she looks at Stein. A shiver runs down her spine, as she placed her hand on his knee, squeezing.

She has ever been only with Henry, and now she felt her nerves playing, but also a thrill of something new.

Stein stared into her eyes, his hand cupping her cheek, “That would persuade a few more days.” He leaned down, his lips ghosting over hers, “Would that please you, Rachelle?”

She worries her lip, brushing his cheek with her fingers. “Yes,” Rachelle breaths, leaning into the kiss, heart racing in her chest. Blush high on her cheekbones.

His leg kneeled up beside her as he gently pushed her down, going down with her, lips moving against hers. “Your wish is my command.”

———

Stein sat up on the bed as Rachelle slept, pushing up his reading glasses as he read through his notes with pen in hand as he crossed off things that worked and things that didn’t.

Rachelle wakes up slowly, and deeply amazed. That was… so different. She didn’t know it could be so.

She opens her eyes, finding Stein with a notebook in his laps, and the cutest glasses on his face.

“Doing something already?”

“Hm? I’m surprised you are awake, I thought you’d sleep some more, but yes. A working mind never stops working. And these activities certainly help me think, Marigold.”

“And what are you working on?” Rachelle asks with interest, crawling closer to Stein to peak in his notes… Is that? “Are you a mage?”

“I am, mostly necrotic magic but, for my particular research the blight responds to blood magic. I’m working on controlling it. Morphing it into something I can mold. I can change it’s appearance, but when it comes to actual control, blight is emotional.” Stein pulled off his glasses, “Want me to show you? You are free to look through this particular set of notes.”

“Blood magic? What is it?” She asks with interest. “I have never met another mage, or, well, any books or studies about it!” All Rachelle knew was what she learned thanks to her spirit friends. “Yes, I want!”

“It’s not well practiced in most of Thedas, people say it is corrupting, but that’s only if you don’t know how to wield it well. Keep a straight mind on when using it, alright? And know what you are doing.” He took her hands, taking his smaller blade from his drawer, he pressed the blade to his finger and then offered it to her, “May I?”

Rachelle watched his movements with bated breath. “Y-yes, you can,” she replies shyly, willingly opening her hand for the blade.

“I promise just a prick.” He took her hand firmly, pricking her finger, “we can start real simple, changing hair color for example. Blood magic can alter appearance, quite a bit but for now just focus on changing your hair. Channel the magic through your blood, recreate yourself, imagine your blood and reconstruct it to your liking.” He rubbed his blood together in his palm demonstrating his focus, his hair changing to match hers. “Easy.”

Rachelle marvels at the sight, her eyes wide with fascination as Stein's hair transforms before her very eyes. It’s almost unbelievable. She takes a deep breath, trying to emulate his focus, visualizing the color she wants – a vibrant, fiery red. She closes her eyes, concentrating on the prick on her finger, imagining the blood flowing through her veins, changing, morphing. A tingling sensation spreads through her scalp.

She opens her eyes, glancing at Stein for confirmation. "Did it work?"

Rachelle takes a strand of her hair, and gasps. Her hair, once a honey blond, now blazes with the crimson of a sunset. She brushes her fingers through it, a look of pure wonder on her face. "I… I did it," she whispers, barely able to believe her own accomplishment.

“Now, you can run out of your castle under a more convincing disguise.” He chuckled, taking the stands from her hand and kissing them, “You could alter your entire appearance but I don’t recommend it, it can be dangerous overtime and the longer and more you do it.”

Rachelle laughed, a light, joyous sound. "I suppose I shouldn't overdo it. Yet I do wonder how far it can be pushed, or for what else it can be used... Thank you, Stein. For everything," she felt a warmth blooming in her chest, a mixture of gratitude and something else she couldn't quite name. She thanked him for more than just magic, even if he will never learn about it himself. Rachelle briefly brushes her stomach with a smile.

The magic thrummed in her veins, a newfound power that both thrilled and intimidated her.

He pressed a kiss to her temple, “I didn’t do much, Rachelle. You are radiant. More radiant than anyone I’ve ever known.” It was a rare truth Stein would give.

A soft blush crept up Rachelle's neck, warming her cheeks. "You always know what to say, don't you?" she murmured, turning away slightly to hide her sudden shyness. The compliment, so genuine and heartfelt, resonated deeply within her, stirring emotions she hadn't realized she was capable of feeling. The touch of his lips on her temple lingered like a gentle promise, a silent understanding between them.

She reached out, her fingers tracing the lines of his face, lingering on the sharp angle of his jaw. "I feel… different," she admitted quietly. "Stronger, somehow. Like I can face anything."

Stein hummed, his hand wrapping around her wrist gently, “Magic has always been a powerful thing, you just have to be confident in it. Learn your magic well, Rachelle and no one will be able to stop you.”

“I… do like how it sounds,” she admits shyly, snuggling closer to Stein. “Although, I don’t think red is quite my colour, do you?” Rachelle rubbed her pricked finger so that another drop of blood would appear. Changing her hair back to original homey blond.

“Perhaps Brunnette but the blonde suits you well.” Stein played with the ends of her hair rubbing it between his pointer finger and his thumb, “Rest some more for now. We can continue this discussion later, perhaps.”

Rachelle hums, closing her eyes as she relaxes against Stein. “Brunette does sound nice. Maybe I will try it sometimes,” she murmurs, as the sleep overtakes her.

“Rest well, Rachelle.” Stein pat her head, watching her rest, knowing this peace would be short lived because there was still much work to be done. Stein had priorities and a pretty face was one he could only indulge for so long before he had more pressing matters to attend to. He waited for her to fill be asleep before he moved out the bed and packed his things. Stein looked over his notes and placed them on the nightstand beside her, “These have already served my purpose, hopefully they serve yours.”

With that he left.

As promised some bloopers of me and hedgie being silly

#dragon age #dragon age the veilguard #datv #rook #oc #writing with rook #rook ingellvar #Stein Ingellvar #Rachelle #other people’s rooks