#saltquizzy

[ourinquisitorialness]

@saltquizzy

dude...come on...I’m just trying to have a good night over here.

[leothelionsaysgrrrr]

Nothing Hurt But Your Pride [Emma Sparrow/Talim Lavellan]

A (slightly late) OC kiss week drabble for my dear @saltquizzy, featuring her Talim and his unfortunate discovery of just how tricky Emma Sparrow can be.  ~1060 words. Set in an AU where Lailani Lavellan is the Inquisitor and Tasalin Lavellan is alive and with the Inquisition instead of Eren.

“Pulling punches today, are we?”

Ignoring him as usual, Sparrow didn’t pull the next one, but she didn’t land it either; Talim threw a forearm between the vicious fist and his chin with no time to spare, and a jeering smirk spread across his face as he locked eyes with her.  As much effort as the taciturn little woman expended to avoid people, eye contact had little effect on her.  Some people like that could be more like dogs, lashing out or becoming reckless from sheer discomfort at being looked dead in the eyes, but not Sparrow.  Sparrow stared back, taking nothing from his attempts to unsettle her and giving him nothing to work with, either, save for a momentary mimic of his expression.  

Short strands of her red curls hung in front of her face, having found their way out of the large, twisted bun in the back of her head, and sweat glistened over her bare arms even in the chill mountain air as she shoved away from him and reset her stance before attacking him again.  Talim’s own were spotted with gooseflesh, and a little red, but he would endure; he had to.  Despite barely standing as tall as his shoulders, Sparrow possessed formidable skill, but skill he’d matched evenly from the beginning; not once had they fought each other beyond a draw, and he certainly wasn’t about to be bested now, not by the likes of her.  If she could spar with bare arms in the cold, so could he.  

Talim attempted a hard downward strike towards her chest; anything higher was too easy for her to simply duck beneath, leaving his legs and abdomen open to counterattack, but this was just low enough that she couldn’t.  She’d have to block the blow, or take it, before she could counter, which would in turn give him all the time he needed to deduce what she would do next.  

She blocked, folding her arm in front of her to absorb the impact.

Good, just as I expected…

Talim resisted the thought that she was becoming predictable, but smirked at her again nonetheless.  She countered quickly with a hard right that just grazed his ribs as he moved deftly to the side, and sent one long leg back towards her head.  She ducked, of course, but he’d moved too far for her to have the reach to counter right away.  What Sparrow lacked in reach, however, she more than made up for in speed and endurance, and their battle was a heated storm of limbs once more in no time at all.  

“Getting tired?” Sparrow asked, barely audible as she caught her breath, taunting him even in her lack of inflection as she once again managed to outmaneuver his strikes.  She knew he wasn’t, and neither was she; in all likelihood, she was simply growing bored.

“Not in the slightest,” he rebuked, feigning an easier time than he actually had dodging away from her next attack.  “You done being lazy?”

The wind picked up for a moment, and behind the curls blowing in her face, Talim could’ve sworn he caught the slightest glimpse of a twitch at the corner of her stone-set mouth.

“As you wish.”

This was the real fun, when Sparrow stopped absorbing his teasing and started throwing it back at him with her punches.  When her feet barely touched the ground for her movements, her more acrobatic and overwhelming attacks, and he had to stop and wonder for just a moment between dodging and deflecting and attempting to counter, if she wasn’t secretly using magic to be able to do it.  Tsk tsk, little Sparrow…

Finally, a break: an aerial kick missed, landing her off balance and directly next to him with a stone wall behind her, and Talim grabbed firmly ahold of her, pinning her hard against the wall.

“If this is too much for you, we can just stop.”  The smile he offered her was far beyond smug now; this was gloating, plain and simple.  She had no recourse from this position unless he’d let her, and he certainly had no intention of that.  He’d bested her, and he wanted her to know it.  “I’ve seen all your tricks, little Sparrow.  Try anything you want; I’ll be ready for it.”

Sparrow glowered up at him for a moment that seemed to linger far beyond what it actually was, and, before Talim knew what was happening, her head rushed towards his.

A headbutt?  Now?  What is she-

His thoughts were irrevocably derailed as, instead of lowering her forehead and smashing it into the bridge of his nose, as he expected, she pressed her lips hard against his.  

The heat of her mouth on his couldn’t have been there for more than a moment, but the damage was done.  Talim could only stare, wide-eyed and completely incapable of speech, as the red curls and freckles, and those deadpan ice green eyes, retreated from him back to where he held her against the wall.  He didn’t even notice the subtle movement of one foot behind his, and as his mind searched frantically for what in the names of all the Creators he could possibly say, he relaxed his cold, goosefleshed arms just a bit too much.

Another moment passed with no words, and his eyes locked on hers, before she quickly shoved at his shoulders, hard.  Talim tripped on the foot she’d surreptitiously snaked behind his, and landed on his back with a winded grunt. 

Once he caught his breath and was finally able to make sense of what the fuck just happened, his hands flew to his forehead as he admonished himself with a disappointed sigh, torn between frustration and amusement that he’d actually fallen for that.  Truthfully, he was surprised she hadn’t tried it sooner.  Or, that he hadn’t thought of it first.  

Sparrow crouched beside him a moment later, straight-faced as usual, and offered her hand.  Talim accepted reluctantly, not only still unsure of what to say, but what, exactly, he should do with his face.  She was no help, as her mouth didn’t move from that hard set straight line the entire time she helped him to his feet, nor did her eyes move from his face, ready to meet his again once he’d somewhat dusted himself off.  He really should’ve known she’d have no intention whatsoever of letting him off that easy.

“Perhaps you will be ready next time.”

[sunshinemage]

💔❣️💟 for Rinna! It seems I have neglected to learn more about her in my struggles with everyday life I must remedy that! Lol~

💔- A memory that leaves them feeling lonely

Lonely is what you feel when you leave all the people you care about behind. Lonely is what you feel when you turn your back on your home and family. I felt lonely for a while, everytime I thought about them. Pretty much all the memories from my childhood made me feel lonely.

They don’t any more, even if I miss my family sometimes.

❣️- A memory that leaves them laughing

That time Oghren and I were sorting out the armory and taking inventory. One of the cooks came in and asked me if I could tell him how to say pretty things in Elvhen because he wanted to impress Velanna.

He asked the Elvhen for “the light of your smile brings joy to my heart- blah blah blah or something”. I gave him the Elvhen for “I wish your legs would open for me, you saucy hag.”

I love when Oghren laughs, and I love when Velanna is angry. Win-win.

💟- Wildcard!!!

A random memory, then?

The first time I met the Warden Commander. I remember, the first thought that came to mind was: “what did she had to leave behind to get here?”

The Hero of Ferelden. She had sacrificed everything to save so many. She held herself with dignity, an authoritative figure that commanded respect. But her eyes when she looked at me...

I felt so small. But I felt safe.

When I met her, I knew I had found my place.

Thank you <3Send me one?

[leothelionsaysgrrrr]

Ooo ooo Dear diary from Lailani to Tas (you had to see that coming) and Dear Diary to both Lux and Emma for Talim I'm curious about Lux's opinion of Talim

I am taken completely by surprise for this.  What the heck.

It’s been ages since I was named Lavellan’s warleader, but I recall the moment as though it were yesterday.  What sat with me most as the clan recognized me as their protector, the one they trusted to keep them safe, was the responsibility not to ever, ever fail them.  Yesterday, I watched as that responsibility was bestowed upon the little girl who followed my sister around, bright-eyed and filled with wonder at the world and what she, a mage, could do with it.  Lailani quite literally fell into this position, with no warning, no question as to whether it was what she wanted or not, and she has borne this burden, which I would venture to say is far greater than my own, with dignity, grace, and wisdom beyond her years.  It begs a strong sense of pride; that little girl from the clan may have fallen into this mess, but it is an indomitably kind, steadfast, and admirable woman who has emerged victorious time and again, and earned the right to represent our people and lead this Inquisition.  Regardless of who we were to each other before, I will follow the woman Lailani has become proudly, against whatever is to come.  

- Found in the journal of Tasalin Lavellan

Neutralized an underground group of smugglers based in Markham who were found to be aiding the Venatori.  Convinced them to hire us as guards, then eliminated their leader and framed their Venatori contact for the deed.  The smugglers attacked the very confused mages at their next meeting and were all killed; Venatori supply lines in the Free Marches weakened, no indication of Inquisition influence.  [scratched out] Partner was a valuable asset; we would never have succeeded without Talim’s unexpected charm, wit and incredibly slippery tongue.

- A discarded mission report found in the quarters of Inquisition agent Harper

I never thought I’d see the day that Emmi would stare past me to actually smile at someone else.  She thinks I didn’t see it, but I did.  Oh, I did.  I know Emmi.  She doesn’t like people, and she certainly never smiles at them.  He doesn’t even look the pleasant sort; he eyes me like a guard eyes a criminal, or a shopkeeper eyes someone to be sure they aren’t stealing, but the lady Inquisitor (Lailani.  I detest referring to her with that title) has nothing unfavorable to say about him.  Emma has nothing to say about him at all, which isn’t the least bit surprising, but she doesn’t need to.  She doesn’t need as much training as they do together, and there are few things she will turn the conversation away from faster than people who hold her interest.  Good.  She’s kept herself from caring for anyone else long enough because of me.  Even if he is a bit of an overprotective, insufferable ass.  

- The only entry in the journal of Inquisition agent Piper, otherwise known as Lux, that is not a wildly exaggerated and obviously completely made up story.

[leothelionsaysgrrrr]

Heya buddy~ 20 18 10 for dem questions

20) do you feel loved

<333 by you, always!

Tbh, though, yeah.  I do.  I waffle on that sometimes, but the final determination is always that I do, both at home and on here.

18) do you like your laugh

It’s kind of loud sometimes, but it’s not annoying?  haha.  I like to laugh, so I guess I better at least be able to handle my laugh.  ;)

10) do you believe in ghosts 

(copy/pasted from earlier) 

Honestly, no.

Boring, I know, but I really don’t.  Maybe this isn’t the best outlook to have, but I honestly believe that the idea of an afterlife, or of a ‘spirit’ or anything like that, is less likely to be true than it is to be something made up to be of comfort.  I mean…honestly trying to fathom not fucking existing anymore is next to impossible, and that’s terrifying.  So, even though ghost hunting is fun as shit, and it does give some level of comfort to think people I’ve lost aren’t really gone, that doesn’t make it true, whether I like it or not.

…aaaand that got dark.  Sorry!

Thanks for the ask, darling! <3

[kurosmind]

🌞YOU ARE A RAY OF SUNSHINE!!😎👌 Send this to 8 people who deserve it and make sure you don't break the chain✌⭐

awwww thank you so much dear! ♥

[sunshinemage]

When you get this, reply with 5 things that make you happy, then send it to the last 10 people you have notes from in your activity :)

Oooh let’s see

talking to @ourinquisitorialness

drinking scalding hot spicy tea

reading The Hobbit

baking

eating the previously baked cake

Thank you <3

[kurogoesinthedas]

🙋 + Does Fael ever have children? How many? What are their names? If he doesn't have any theeeen what about pets? :D

! Good ! Question! Short answer: Yes, one elf girl named Yara, and a black cat named Vhera (which literally means she-cat in elvhen. He has that kind of humour) 

Storytime, and buckle up kids because I’m telling here things I’ve been meaning to tell for ages. Also this turned into the entirety of his post-Trespasser headcanon so I’m going to put it under a cut. (let’s ignore the fact that all of this will be 99,99% erased by DA4)

Fael actually wants kids. Or better, he wants to build a life with Dorian, and he likes kids, so 2+2 the intention is there. By the time Trespasser comes, he’s fully prepared to disband the Inquisition and go with Dorian wherever they need to go. He intends to propose before the Council, but then Dorian drops the magister bomb and that’s one thing put aside for now. Fael’s plan is still the one to disband and turn into a elf-shaped backpack to follow Dorian to Tevinter though, he’s not giving up that easily. Then there’s Solas’ reveal, his plan, the news that elves all around Thedas are turning to him to join his army. 

Fael can’t allow that.

“You don’t need to destroy this world, I’ll prove it to you”. And he means to. When he wakes up, with one arm missing, a decision waiting and the feeble plans he had for the future completely in disarray, he chooses to keep the Inquisition going. Keep his political role to be able to actively do something to change the situation of the elves in the south, to offer them an alternative to Solas. He puts his personal desires aside, and keeps going forward like always, believing it’s his duty to do so, as he has got the chance. For the first weeks after Dorian’s departure, it’s tense. The conversations between them are short, almost impersonal, until a letter reaches Dorian telling him that Fael is very much not alright and he snaps. A very long, heartfelt, wet conversation follows, and after that things are a bit lighter.

Fael gets a cat, no one really knows where. At some point he returns to Skyhold with this black, huge, imperious ball of fur and she stays. Vhera becomes his shadow, judging everyone from her perch on whatever comfortable surface she finds, and you’d say she’s protective of him if you didn’t know she probably considers him her pet. Also she doesn’t like Dorian. He claims her elf for himself and that’s just not acceptable (but in the cousin AU, she very much adores @numin-lavellan‘s Ataashi)Fael and Dorian see each other from time to time, when Dorian manages to head south, more often when Fael turns up in Tevinter for very convenient diplomatic meetings. 

Fast forward to ~5/6 years later. Something happens, something bad, very bad, I can’t tell you exactly what yet, as it’s a storyline that needs some definition yet, (but I can tell you that I don’t believe Corypheus is truly out of the way. Nope). After that, everyone is shaked to their core. While Fael had come out of Adamant and  Trespasser pretty much still in one (psychological) piece, this breaks him. Dorian isn’t faring much better either. So they pack their bags, tell Maevaris and Cassandra to temporary take care of their respective organizations, and go on a holiday for a few months in a isolated cabin somewhere. They also eventually get married, with Leliana coming all the way from Val Rouyeaux because Andraste’s tits she booked her role as the ministrant years before that. 

Shortly after that, a Dalish elf woman - Miva - and her seven year old child come seeking for asylum and aid, and carrying informations about Solas’ plans. The woman’s clan had turned loyal to the Dread Wolf, but she refused to follow, so she escaped with her kid, Yara. So they return to Skyhold, Fael reunites the Inquisition’s inner circle, the ones avaliable at least, and follow the lead. The operation takes weeks, and gives them a huge boost in their underground fight against Solas, but Miva is eventually killed. Her last wish to Fael is to make sure Yara is safe. 

Yara, smol child who saw way too much shit in her short life, wants to stay at Skyhold because she feels safe there (she’s not sure about Dorian at first, him being human and Tevinter, but gleefully warms up as soon as Dorian wips out some books and offers to teach her to read). Fael wants to adopt her, as he feels responsible for her being an orphan, and to honour her mother’s wish, Dorian’s isn’t really sure at the beginning but warms up pretty soon. It takes a while for Yara to get over her mother’s death, but she basically declares at some point that she’s adopting Fael and Dorian and not the reverse, the smol fierce girl. When Dorian eventually goes back to Tevinter, Yara stays in the south with Fael (it’s safer… and she’s taking sword lessons from Cassandra)

Yara for you: 

Fun fact about Yara: she has a birthmark under her left eye that vaguely reminds of a dragon head profile. Her names means “she who will rise for us” in elvhen. And she calls Dorian the elvhen term “papae” and Fael “dad”, to the latter’s dismay and the former’s delight. Vhera has claimed property over her in approximately 0,5 seconds.

(and if you want to look at her) 

and oh my god how much did I write?