- Pairings to write: (Romantic) Mara x Leliana (Platonic) Mara and Morrigan; Mara and the Tabris Family; Mara and Zevran
Asher Hawke (Champion of Kirkwall)
- Two Handed Warrior, Beserker
- Love Interest- Merrill
- Pairings to write: (Romantic) Asher x Merril (Platonic) Asher and Varric; Asher and Bethany; Asher and Carver
Valona Trevelyan (Inquisitor)
- Staff Mage, Knight Enchanter
- Love Interest: Blackwall
- Pairings to write: (Romantic) Valona x Blackwall (Platonic) Valona and Dorian; Valona and Laurel Trevelyan (sister); Valona and Sera; Valona and Edaline Rainier (daughter)
Shani Mercar (Rook)
- Orb and Dagger Mage, Spellblade (Former Blood Mage)
- Love interest: Davrin
- Pairings to write: (Romantic) Shani x Davrin (Platonic) Shani and Harding; Shani and Neve; Shani and Bellara
Vesuvia would bring a lot of new change for Annike and her family. New beginnings, a new home, and for little Katarina, new friends.
Finally managed to complete my fourth submission for @arcana-echoes , as long as it is not May yet, I am definitely not late. Featuring some new, yet familiar faces...
(Background by The Arcana)
No warnings apply. No beta, we die like Fools!
“Remind me again how you managed to even find this place?”
The old shop was dark, save for the afternoon light creeping through the windows. Dust covered the surfaces and hung in the air, the open door only providing so much fresh air to combat the stuffiness.
“I overhead the former owner complain about it,” Annike responded as she set Katarina down. “He got it from his grandmother, but apparently he had no use for it. Considering we needed a place to stay…”
“You bought it from him?” Jacobus finished. “How much did it cost you?"
“Actually, not that much.” Annike shrugged. “Said he didn't care about whether or not he gained profit from it, just as long as it was off his hands.”
A loud sneeze interrupted the two, coming from Katarina. The small child blinked as she was covered head to toe in dust.
“It's dusty."
Annike chuckled, pulling out a handkerchief to to dust off Katarina.
“That's because it's been abandoned.”
Katarina's eyes seemed as blank as newly made parchment.
“It means no one has lived here for a long time.” Jacobus explained, causing the girl to light up, before her eyes furrowed once again.
“Why?”
“Well, maybe the owner already had a place to live,” Annike stood up, walking to the open door to shake off the dust from the handkerchief. “Either way, this will be our new home now.”
Katarina's face scrunched. “Can we clean up the dust first?”
Jacobus let out a hearty chuckle, patting Katarina on top her her head. “Don't you worry about that, we will.”
Katarina turned her head around, gathering more of the area, her curious eyes landing on the staircase that led up. Annike had not yet seen what happened up the stairs, but the man she bought it from said no one had set foot in this place for a while.
“Can I go and look up there?” Katarina pointed.
“Upstairs you mean?” Annike asked, and Katarina enthusiastically nodded.
There would be no harm…
“Alright, but be quick. And don't run.”
Katarina nodded, walking up to the stair case, but only having set foot on one step before she fell over. Before Jacobus and Annike could react, Katarina stood up.
“I'm okay!” She proclaimed, before she sneezed once more. She smiled a big toothy grin before she continued to walk slowly up the stairs.
That girl was going to be the death of them.
“This may actually work for a shop, now that I think about it.” Jacobus mused. “It could be like the wagon we used to operate from. Only with a more permanent roof over our heads.”
“And no more homemade manure?”
Jacobus chuckled. “Yes, that too. The forest out on the outskirts. looks like a good place to scavenge, anyhow. We may not need to buy as many ingredients.”
Callen's judgement had been correct. Vesuvia had turned out to be promising for the family. And easy purchase, a forest ripe with ingredients, a fresh market. This may be the start this family needed. The type of life Aldert had begged his friends to give his daughter.
A shadow formed over the light coming from the door, snapping Annike out of her thoughts. She flipped her head to see a man in glinting chain mail and armour knocking on the open door. He held a halberd as tall as he was, a shield hung behind him
What was a guardsman doing here?
“Excuse me, madam.” He raised his free hand up. “I hadn't realised this place was abandoned. I'm simply here to investigate.”
“Well, technically it was abandoned,” Annike stepped twice towards the door. “My family just moved in.”
“Makes sense,” The guard said with a nod. “Still, I'd be thorough if I were you."
“And why is that?”
The guard did not respond for a while, simply weaving past her, looking around the room.
“You seem to be lacking-”
“May hide some suspicious people.”
Annike opened her mouth to say something, before Jacobus placed a hand on her shoulder, clearing his throat as he addressed the guard.
“I'm suspecting that is what you wanted to ask about.”
The guard turned to face Annike and Jacobus. “We received a testimony from a street vendor that two children stole apples from him. One shorter with fluffy hair, the other taller with a scrap for a blanket.”
From the top of the staircase, Katarina froze in place. Her eyes wide, and her shoulders hunched. She shook her head and waved her hands towards her aunt.
“Do you have any idea where they could be?”
Katarina's gestures were more frantic, one finger moved to her lips in a hushing manner.
Was something wrong? Why was she so insistent?
Choosing to follow through, Annike shook her head. “No. No, there is no one here.”
“And you are sure...”
“Yes. We just did an inspection. All we found was dusty blankets.”
Jacobus ran over to the counter where a pile of dusty blankets was. He picked it up, fanning away dust from his mouth.
“Would you like one, brother?”
“No, thank you.” The guard winced, letting out a cough. “If that is the case, I am just wasting my time here. Let me know if you see them around.”
The guards eyes switched from Annike to Jacobus, back to Annike and back to Jacobus, as he slowly walked out the door, making a sharp turn. Footsteps could be heard on the cobblestone for a brief moment.
Katarina slowly walked down the stairs, still eyeing the door.
“Alright, show me what you're hiding.”
As Annike made the request, Katarina froze right at the bottom step.
“What?”
“I'm serious, little lady.” Annike's tone was stern. “You looked paler than a ghost born in winter.”
“I didn't…” Katarina's steps became smaller, her head was ducked. Guilty as sin.
“What was it you saw upstairs? And why did you not want to say anything?”
Katarina was silent, looking as if she wanted to shrink. Her hands clasped together nervously.
“Don't be mad at her."
A soft voice interrupted, and brought Annike's eyes back to the staircase. Slowly coming down were two children. One with hair as fluffy and white as a cloud, the other much taller, with a withered blanket. Both barefoot.
They were the children the guards were looking for.
The taller boy looked away after the sentence, his cheeks dusted with red.
“She wanted to help us. It's us the guards are looking for.” The white-haired child chimed in.
Katarina finally lifted her head and looked at Annike and Jacobus with pleading eyes.
“Can they have supper with us?”
The white haired child nodded. “We'll leave tomorrow morning, I promise. We don't want to get you in trouble!”
“And where do you intend on going, if we may ask.” Annike crossed her arms.
“We'll just go home. We live by docks.”
Annike and Jacobus exchanged looks. Orphans. Like Katarina.
“But Auntie told me that's where all the kids with no families live.” Katarina spoke
“Of course I have a family.” The fluffy haired child pointed to the boy next to him. “He is my family. And the rest of the kids there.”
Annike knew what Jacobus was trying to tell her from his expression. He didn't want to send those children back. Not without a proper meal.
They couldn't help every orphaned child. But it would be cruel to turn them away when they could help.
“Alright,” Annike agreed.“We'll let you stay with us for the night, but no more stealing from merchants. You nearly wounded up in a lot of trouble.”
“Understood, ma'am.” The white haired child nodded.
Katarina smiled and giggled, meeting the other two children at the bottom of the stairs, grabbing their hands in hers.
“That's my uncle Jacobus and Auntie Annike. My name is Katarina.”
“I'm Asra.” The white-haired child introduced “And this is Muriel.”
The taller boy, Muriel, looked away again.
“He's a little shy, so he doesn't talk a lot,” Asra explained
Katarina let out a toothy grin. “It's nice to meet you, Muriel.”
Muriel did not respond initially, causing Katarina's smile to drop. He seemed to have taken notice of this, as he looked at her once more.
An eternity of traveling leads Jacobus to a stranger, who provides on answers of how a promise old can be fulfilled.
Part three of my submission for the @arcana-echoes event! A little longer this time, as a treat!
(Background belongs to The Arcana)
Mentions of violence, death and a canon genocide which occurred in the universe. And once again, no beta for we die like fools!
“Uncle, you lie!”
A serious accusation from six-year-old Katarina that Jacobus was nearly taken aback.
“Oh? How so?”
Katarina sat on Jacobus's shoulders, her arms crossed on top of his head, lips downturned into a pout.
“You said we're gonna be climbing shiny stairs! There are no shiny stairs!” Her arms spread open.
Annike burst out into laughter, to the point of having to wipe tears from her eyes. “Oh, you're in for it now.”
“I said we're at the Shining Steppe,” Jacobus responded with a smile. “It was the name given by the people who lived here. The Khokuri.”
“Why?” Katarina tilted her head. “It's not even shiny.”
Annike chimed in. “That is because it is the perfect spot to stargaze.”
“Star case?”
“Stargaze,” Jacobus corrected. “When night comes, the twinkling stars come out at night, and they shine so brightly. That is why this place is called the Shining Steppe.”
And just like the stars, Katarina's eyes seemed to sparkle as they widened.
“Can we go see them? Please?”
Jacobus was about to answer, when a voice echoed through the tundra. “Ho, there! Travelers!”
Jacobus and Annike froze in their tracks, as a bulky figure stood in the distance, spear in hand. Their silhouette indicated he wore a parka- common amongst the Khokuri.
Jacobus had not realised there were survivors among the people who attacked the Khokuri. It would explain the weariness surrounding the little family- They could be part of the group that attacked his people, for all he knew.
Annike gave Jacobus a knowing look, understanding the gravity of the situation. She raised her hands up, and gave him a nod.
“Uncle?” Katarina asked hesitantly.
“Don't be frightened. He'll know we're just passing by.”
Slowly, the family began approaching the figure. Their towering stature became more obvious as they got closer. His posture began to visibly relax.
A great weight lifted.
“Good day. You are Khokuri, are you not?” Jacobus asked when they became within talking distance. “We mean no harm. We'd just like to cross.”
The man sighed, lowering his spear as his stoic expression became more relaxed and welcoming.
“Forgive me, you could never be too careful these days.”
“I am Jacobus. This is Annike, and the little one is Katarina.”
“Callen.” The man introduced. “Once again, you must forgive me, I thought you were from the South. Scourge.”
“What is a Scourge?”
Katarina looked over Jacobus's head inquisitively. Callen was more than likely the tallest person she had ever met. Jacobus wouldn't be surprised that she was intrigued… or intimidated.
“A bad group of people.” Callen's voice became playful, his face crunching up. “And they like to snatch little children who do not listen.”
Katarina gasped, shaking her head. “But I listen! I listen good!”
“Is that so?” Callen barked out a laugh. “Well, then, you'd do good to continue listening to Mama and Papa.”
Katarina's expression changed. Her gazed lowered, and she appeared to make herself seem smaller.
It was hard enough to accept how to explain what happened to her parents, let alone that it was for her safety that she left.
Callen's smile dropped. He looked over at the pair with a questioning look.
“We're not her parents.” Annike explained.
“My sister and I were friends of her father,” Jacobus elaborated. “He asked us to take care of her.”
“You have my sympathies.” Jacobus nodded. “Have you been on the road long.”
“We've been nomadic for almost a year, now.”
Callen tutted, shaking his head in disbelief.
“Come, let me take you back to camp. I have family matters to attend to, but you are welcome to stay until tomorrow morning. The little one looks like she could use a proper rest, and a hearty meal.”
Annike and Katarina gave Jacobus an expectant look. It seemed as if the decision rested on his shoulder. If the limited number of books suggested correctly, the Khokuri were peaceful and generous. It might be foolish to turn down the offer.
“Very well.”
Ten minutes the group spent walking, until they arrived at Callen's camp, guarded by a white wolf-dog with piercing blue eyes. He'd shared with them a hearty meal of lamb stew, and a peculiar milky drink, given to him by a family friend.
The sun had begun to set, and Katarina could not keep her eyes open for much longer, worn out by the travel. She was curled up in Annike's lap, Annike rubbing the child's shoulder.
Having finished cleaning the dishes, and giving some meat to his furry companion, Callen joined the fire.
“You said the girl's father had to send her away?”
Annike frantically motioned with her hand for the man to quieter down, shushing him. She motioning her head in Katarina's direction.
“Yes,” Jacobus responded in a hushed tone. “Our home, Vivalen. In the Crab Isles. It had fallen to violence. Her mother… gave her life to protect her.”
Callen frowned. “And her father?”
“We haven't heard since the last letter he sent, two weeks after we left. I'd wish to believe he'd still live, but…”
Jacobus's eyes landed on Katarina once more. He didn't know which explanation was more cruel towards her- a comforting lie, or a cold truth.
Jacobus sighed. “I don't want her hopes getting too high.”
The wolf-dog hugged his snout in Callen's hand, and the man returned with a few scritches. He seemed solemn, but at the same time contemplative.
“Men and women from my tribe had to give away their children when the Scourge attacked,” Callen spoke lowly. “Most of them never got to live to see them again. Eithne and Naran, for instance. Good people. And strong warriors. Fought to the bitter end. They had a young boy they sent away when the Scourge started attacking.”
The wolf dog whined, sensing his owner's pain, and rested his head on his lap.
“I hope he's doing alright. Wherever he is.”
Jacobus couldn't help but wonder how many lives were lost
“Most of the Khokuri are scattered now. Once a year, around this time, we'd come back. Hold ceremonies. In honour of those lost. And the hope that our people will remain strong.”
The fire had begun to dim slightly. Callen took a long stick and began poking at the flames.
“You two have a destination in mind?” Callen asked. “I, obviously, cannot shame you for your nomadic life as a nomad myself. I just wonder.”
“Not really,” Jacobus admitted. “We weren't happy with the places we had initially planned on. We're hoping to find somewhere suitable for the little one, but it hadn't been easy.”
Callen's attention turned back to the family. He set down his stick.
“I heard Vesuvia had become a hub for people like you,” He explained. “Further north from here. Warmer weather, a good trading hub. Lots of opportunities… at least, as I've heard.”
“Have you been there?” Annike asked.
“Not much longer than a few days. Most of what I've heard is word of mouth.”
Jacobus and Annike looked at each other, realising they had the same idea.
“It would be worth seeing, if we can.” Jacobus answered.
“There's a village off of the Great Gate, with ships that frequently make trips to the area. It shouldn't be too hard to catch a trip.”
Callen's eyes soon landed on the sky. Jacobus followed his gaze to the sky changed into a gradient of deep oranges and purples. And a few little bright dots began to litter the sky.
Annike, smiling, looked over at Katarina, still asleep. She woke her up with a gentle shake of her shoulders.
“Mm?”
Annike whispered softly. “Do you still want to stargaze?”
Aldert makes a final plea to his lifelong friends, when war turns to tragedy, a normal life for his family becoming an improbable fantasy.
Part two of my contribution for the 'Echoes of the Past' event hosted by @arcana-echoes. This time, we looked at the moment that my apprentice had to leave her old home for good.
Warning for mentions of death and war. Once again, no beta, as well die like Fools!
I'm running out of time.
Aldert had no idea how long he had been running. He couldn't afford to. The ship was going to leave any second. This was his last chance to save his daughter.
Despite how fast he was running, Katarina still remained fast asleep in his arms. Her freckled cheeks remained tear stained, from the moment her found her standing just mere centimeters away from the rubble.
The rubble wherein her mother lied.
As Aldert made a sharp turn through an alley, the dock came into view in the full moon's light. A cargo ship floated, and boarding it were two figures.
He made it.
She'd have a chance after all!
Aldert bolted, maneuvering through unsuspecting pedestrians, who simply looked at him confused as they found him weaving through. He was barely able to catch himself before he could fall on the docks, but as soon as he reached his friends, he fell to his knees as his legs acted, his heart raced, his lungs begged for air.
“I thought I wasn't going to catch you before you two left.” He said in between huffs. “I made it. I made it.”
“What the hell are you doing here?” Annike asked, her voice stunned. She knelt down to meet Aldert in the eyes, grippung his shoulders. “Why are you here so late? Why is Katarina with you? Does Ingrid-”
Jacobus walked to Annike, placing a hand on her shoulder. “Give him chance, sister.”
Annike turned her head towards her brother. Aldert could hear a sigh coming from her as she stood up. Aldert followed shortly, but his shoulders stiffened when he felt Katarina squirming in his arms.
“Papa?” She asked groggily.
“It's alright, my darling,” Aldert hugged Katarina a little tighter, stroking the top of her head. “Go back to sleep, it will be alright.”
“Explain yourself, brother.” Jacobus requested.
Aldert was quiet for a long time. Where would he begin. How could he begin?
“The Kercher family,” Aldert began. “One of Ingrid's brothers, he found the hideout. And their soldiers managed tear it down along with the rest of the warehouse.”
Aldert took a moment to pause. The siblings looked at each other with wide eyes. Annike's face in particular seemed bereaved, and Aldert knew her next question.
“Is.. is Ingrid…”
“She managed to get Katarina out, but…”
He let out a choked sob. He had tried to keep his emotions in when learning the fate of Ingrid. He'd never see her again, her beautiful smile and kind eyes. He'd never hear her laugh, smell the scent of dried tulip on her, run his finger through her hair.
“Oh… brother…”
Aldert did not notice the feeling of Jacobus's hand on his shoulder. He didn't want his friend's pity. He didn't deserve it. If she hadn't left her family, joined the rebellion, she'd still be alive.
“If I hadn't courted her…”
He failed Ingrid. But he would not fail their daughter.
“This is no life for a child,” Aldert spoke. He peered down at Katarina's peaceful expression, the way she curled in his arms.
“She can't stay here.” Aldert's voice cracked slightly. “Take her with you. Find a place where she'll be safe. She deserves to grow up like a normal child.”
“We'll have to speak with the captain,” Annike hesitated. She shook her head. “but he wouldn't turn away both of you, not while-"
“No,” Aldert interrupted. “I need to stay. Here.”
Annike blinked. “You're joking."
“All of this is my doing. I lead them both to a life like this.”
“You can't just let her go like this.” Jacobus was next to speak, the disbelief in his voice palpable. “Her mother's gone, now she needs you more than-”
“She needs a life I cannot provide. Please, I need your help. Just this one last time...”
There was no way. He knew Jacobus and Annike since they were children. They always treated him like family. Family wouldn't reject each other, would they?
For a while, neither responded. Aldert's lips trembled. He wouldn't be able to protect her. Not like this. They can't reject her. They had to take her.
“Alright.”
Aldert looked up. Hope filled his heart, the most he had felt for a long, long time.
Jacobus opened his arms, and Aldert slowly shifted Katarina so she would lie comfortably in them.
“I… will send letters where I can. You have no idea how much this means to me.”
Katarina began to stir once more, her eyes- the eyes she shared with her mother- looking at him?
“Papa?”
As selfish and cowardly as it may have felt, Aldert had hoped she wouldn't wake up when he left. He didn't want to see her cry. He didn't want to see her like this as he said goodbye
“Stay strong, my vuurligie.” Aldert spoke softly, stroking his daughter's cheek, planting a kiss on her forehead. “I love you. I love you so much.”
A sudden commotion from behind Aldert caused him to look back. People began to talk, which became frantic screaming. People began to run as the sound of galloping horses echoed through cobblestone.
A sailor peered over the ship, visibly agitated. “Oi! You lot going to stand there or what? Captain would rather have the ship remain in one piece!"
Aldert began backing away, not daring to look behind him. “Go. Now!”
“Papa!” He could still hear her voice. She was calling out to him. She needed him. He couldn't stay. “Where you going? Papa!”
Ingrid Hirsch agrees to a tradition that was inherited from her husband's family for their daughter, but is concerned of what implications of the future this tradition recieves
Part 1 for the 'Echoes of the Past' Arcana event by @arcana-echoes . A look at my apprentice's infancy, and no way an implication of what life has in store for her.
(Background belongs to The Arcana)
No warnings apply. And no beta, we die like Fools!
A mobile twirled above the cot, adorned with figures of gentle creatures, a soft melody playing thanks to Annike's enchantment. The infant, though only a month old, seemed captivated, reaching her tiny hands up and cooing, sky eyes full of wonder.
Ingrid couldn't help but smile, placing a hand on the top of her daughter's head, stroking the tuft of fiery hair. Katarina already seemed to be taking joy in the pleasant things. It was something Ingrid wanted more than anything- enjoying a life of simplicity, rather than demanding a life of wealth.
The city of Vivelan may not be the most ideal. But Ingrid left her family, and abandoned her title of Lady, for a reason- Having yhe family she wanted, raising her child in a world she deserved.
The trapdoor created and a streak of light shot it's way through. Ingrid looked up, ready in case the hideout was spotted.
“The Fool sends her regards.”
A familiar voice, and the Revolutionaries password. Ingrid relaxed, and took Katarina from the cot.
Aldert's eyes shone when he saw the two, and Ingrid soon found herself in her husband's embrace.
“I'm glad you're safe,” Aldred said with a sigh of relief. “How is Katarina?”
Ingrid pulled away and offered Katarina to Aldert, who gladly took her.
“A bit fussy when her papa left, but the mobile was quick to distract her.” Ingrid turned her face to the two others who had entered the hideout.
“It will be normal for an infant to be upset when her caregivers are away,” Jacobus stepped towards Aldert, peering over his shoulder to get a look at Katarina. “She seems easy to cheer up when you return, however. A good sign. The family bond is strong.”
As if on cue, Aldert began playfully bouncing the infant, who cooed once again in response. He laughed and gave a rather dramatic kiss on the cheek
After a moment, Ingrid spoke.
“I suppose this is no normal check up, considering how short notice this is."
Jacobus looked up from Katarina, and looked over to Annike, who began searching through the embroidered satchel.
“Always a keen eye. “Jacobus chuckled. “Aldert had requested we give your daughter her first reading.”
Ingrid furrowed her eyebrows. “Isn't she a little too young?”
“It is customary.” Annike pulled out the familiar deck of cards shared between the two siblings from the satchel and handing it to Jacobus. “From the village where the three of us grew up. A month after an infant's birth, one of the village magicians gives them reading. Insight to what the child's future may hold."
Aldert handed over Katarina to Ingrid again, placing a hand on his wife's shoulder and planting a kiss on her cheek.
“It's nothing to worry about,” Aldert said with a soft smile. “Even if the cards seem bad-”
“You already know there is no such thing as a ‘bad card’.” Jacobus shook his head, shuffling the cards as he sat down at the dining table.
Aldert guided Ingrid to the dining table, pulling up a chair for his wife to sit on. “Yes, well, the worst case scenario is a learning opportunity. How we can provide support for our little vuurliegie. Give her the best chance we can of a good life."
Jacobus divided the cards into three piles, choosing one at random. He spread out the cards of the chosen deck, hovering his hand over them until it stopped at one. He took the card, flipped it over and began inspecting, muttering silently to himself.
“Seven of cups, reversed.”
Annike stood next to Jacobus and looked at the cards with a concerned look.
“And?” Ingrid enquired, absent-mindedly letting Katarina hold her finger. “What do the cards say?”
Jacobus's eyes were closed, yet his expressioned focus. As if he was trying to listen. Finally he spoke.
“Her path will converge. Many, many times.”
That sentence caught Ingrid's attention. And it seemed Aldert's as well, judging by his face.
“There will be plenty of points in her life where she must make decisions that would change the entire directory of her life.” Jacobus continued. “She may even have to question her own beliefs at these points.”
Ingrid looked at Aldert briefly. This left her with more questions than andwers. Yes, Katarina wouldn't have an easy life, but that didn't mean she'd struggle so much, did it?
“That…”
“Just means we'll have to be as involved in her life as we can,” Aldert said, giving a chuckle that slowly shifted from nervous to light-hearted. “That's all.”
Ingrid frowned, looking at the infant in her arms.
“I wouldn't phrase it that way. I don't want to smother her. She deserves to experience freedom."
Aldert ushered Ingrid to stand up, motioning for her to face him. There was a solemn look on his face.
“As long as your mother remains in power, she will not be free. Not truly.” He placed his hands on her shoulders. “Jacobus is right. This world won't be easy on her.”
Ingrid noted the sad yet hopeful note in his voice. He seemed determined, as he planted a kiss on Ingrid's forehead.
“And I want to change that. For her. For all of us.”
Before Ingrid could speak any further, an uncomfortable noise broke her thoughts. Katarina was squirming in her arms, almost uncomfortably. That was when the smell hit her.
“Oh dear…”
“I'll change her nappy, love,” Aldert smiled, opening his arms to recieve Katarina. He noted her hesitancy and insisted. “You've worked the whole morning. Parenthood is not something to burden alone.”
Ingrid smiled softly, handing Katarina over. As Aldert shifted their daughter into his arms, the infant sneezed, and there was another noise.
Katarina wailed.
“Heavens, Ingrid, what have you been feeding her, woman?” He brought a hand to fan away the smell.
Ingrid chuckle. “Nothing she shouldn't be eating.”
Aldert groaned. “It smelt like you fed her a barrels worth of-.”
“Just change her already, oaf!” Annike interrupted. “It's stinking up the whole place.”
“Right!” Aldert rushed his crying daughter to the cot.
“On the table, Aldert. Not the cot.” Jacobus groaned. Aldert simply winced, grabbing the cloth nappy hanging on a hook and rushing her to the table. Annike raised an eyebrow at Ingrid.
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"Do you even know how much I miss you?" For Mara x Leliana?
Reunions is one of my favourite topics to explore with my girls! Thank you so much.
Canon divergence where Mara Tabris briefly puts her mission on hold to help the Inquisition. Leliana can't complain about that, not one bit.
Content warning: No explicit smut, but it is very clear that these two have been busy and are going to be busy for the rest of the day.
@thedasweekend
“Do you even know how much I missed you?” Leliana's sultry voice was barely above a whisper, in between a spew of quick pecks on Mara’s face.
“Well, let me think…” Mara raised an eyebrow. “You pounced on me to the ground the moment you saw me arrive at Skyhold, you haven't been able to keep your lips off of me-” she was interrupted by a kiss.
“Point proven,” Mara chuckled when Leliana pulled away. “And today, once you finished your work, you immediately went to me in the training yard and dragged me away to your quarters for some ‘girly fun’. So, I'm guessing you hardly missed me at all.”
Mara broke out into laughter as she saw Leliana's offended look, hand placed dramatically on her chest.
"Alouette," Leliana sulked, pouting.
Mara reached a hand out to wipe a strand of red hair away from her beloved’s face. “Aww, Lillypad…” She soothed, still chuckling as she pecked Leliana’s soft lips. “I know how much you would have missed me.”
Leliana stroked Mara’s cheek. “No matter how many times I slept in this bed at night, it never felt quite warm when you’re not laying by my side.”
Mara sat up from the bed, and Leliana shifted to allow Mara the space. Mara placed a hand on Leliana’s shoulder, stroking up and down her beloved’s arm.
“I often saw you in my nightmares,” Mara’s voice went soft, her face turning glum. “You were often in danger, being swallowed whole by hordes of darkspawn… and most of the time I failed to save you.”
Leliana furrowed her eyebrows in sympathy, but also a sense of grief. She thought about the Inquisitor’s words about the future where the Alexios and the Venatori one. Mara had apparently given her life to try and save her.
It was no wonder her future self fought so hard for the world back.
Leliana gave a peck on Mara’s cheek, smiling softly once more. “Come, enough of those thoughts. We are here now. Back in each other’s arms. No nightmare is too great for you to conquer. And, if they are, I’ll be there to fight them with you.”
Mara’s shoulders tensed a little less, smiling in reassurance.
“Well I’m not sure I’ll have to deal with them tonight, because I don’t really feel all that sleepy yet,” Mara’s hands slid up Leliana’s arms until she could wrap her own arms around Leliana’s shoulders. “How many rounds do you think we can still last for? Four? Maybe five.”
Leliana giggled sultry, her hands beginning to wander Mara’s sleek body.
Hiii Mish! For the OC of your choice "letters between two of your OC’s companions about them" Happy writing! <3
Since I haven't gotten a prompt for my Hawke yet, a little exchange between Merrill, whom he romances, and Bethany. Thank you so much for the ask ^^
@thedasweekend
"Aneth Ara, Bethany
I am sending you this to inform you of something rather important that I need to tell you. Or maybe remind you. It is possible your brother has already told you. Or Varric. He always ends up knowing, even when you think he doesn’t.
Pardon the rambling.
Asher and I have become romantically involved with each other. In fact, he has asked to move in with him. I still spend a lot of time in the Alienage and only sleep at night in the estate, but according to him I am now a resident of his home. Sorry, is this too much information? Asher is always better at writing letters and not saying too much.
I just wanted to see if there is a way we can come to a truce. I know I haven’t made the best impression of you when we met. And I know we don’t see eye to eye when it comes to my blood magic. I know you’re scared of me. Maybe you even hate me. I wouldn’t be too surprised.
But your brother cares about you. Deeply. He tells me you both exchange letters where you can, and he always tries to take chances and see if the Templars allow him to visit. They never do.
Asher cares about you a lot. And the fact that he lets me in makes me almost believe that he cares for me too. I truly do love him, and want him to be happy. And I think being able to make peace with you is something that will truly make him happy.
Yours dearly
Merrill."
—
"Dear Merrill
My brother had already informed me of your relationship with him. In his letter, he seemed quite excited. I noticed before I went to the circle he always seemed to look at you fondly, even with your blood magic. It just never clicked that it was in a romantic way. He hasn’t been like that with anyone, even people he acknowledged were ‘pretty’ or ‘handsome’.
The truth, Merrill, is that I never hated you. We both come from different backgrounds, and were taught different things about magic. My father always told me it was something to hide, while even though blood magic is frowned upon among the Dalish, magic in general is something the Dalish embrace. Even now, it is still strange to live in an environment where I don’t have to hide, even if the conditions here are… less ideal. I don't blame you for how you view magic compared to me.
You are right about one thing, and that is my brother does care. He cares so deeply it leads to harmful behaviour, trying to be the hero when he doesn’t have to be. It’s especially been like this when we lost our father, and when we lost Carver.
All I ask is that you look after him. Maker knows he deserves someone who can remind him he does not always have to be the strong one. That he can allow himself emotional vulnerability.
Kindest regards
Bethany
P.S. Be careful about what you say about magic around our mother, especially blood magic. It may give her a heart attack."
Now that the Wintersend Exchange gift names have been revealed, I can share my little contribution to @thehangedmancreatives little event for @enraptvvred
I had never written Solavellan before, but writing this gift now solidifies my opinion Solas should have been made Queer and been a romance option for all races/genders (or at least not just restricted to a female Lavellan)
Here's one for your warden: How did they feel about being put in a leading position? Do they resent Alistair for putting that on them or are they ok with it?
-asexualtabris 💜
Fellow Tabris lovers Rise Up!
How did they feel about being put in a leading position? Do they resent Alistair for putting that on them or are they ok with it?
Mara kind of put herself in the leadership role, if I'm making sense. From a young age she's been forced to make difficult decisions, and among the Tabris cousins she's been the one to take initiative, to speak out, etc. So she was completely fine with being the de-facto leader for the Merry Band of Blight Fighters.
She never resented Alistair for this. If anything, she was confused as to why he wasn't the one taking charge as the senior Wardens compared to the two. Until one day Mara got a nasty fever and Alistair was forced to temporarily lead the group to find a herbalist that can cure her fever.
Let's just say by the time they got back and Mara got out of her tent briefly for air (with Wynne and Leliana helping her), a Spider Morrigan was attempting to eat Schmooples with Bonesly trying to eat Spider Morrigan, Sten yeeted Oghren onto a nearby tree, Zevran somehow pinned Alistair against the same tree and Shale was covered in blood and feathers.
welcome to thedas weekend!!!!! For the OC of your choice, maybe "a report written by your OC’s teacher or mentor" from the OC Codex Prompts list? 👀
Thank you so much for the ask!
A report written by your OC's teacher or mentor
"First Enchanter Clayton
I am happy to report that Corinne's remedial classes have been a massive success for integrating her into her new routine. Her magic is unlike any apprentice I have worked with since I became an Enchanter. It is volatile, and seemed to react heavily to emotions such as fear or anger. But once I and Enchanter Liezl have managed to calm her down and reassure her she was safe, she has shown remarkable control. She still showed some hesitation and fear around the Templars. It almost reminded me of when I first came to the Circle.
We took Corinne to the library this morning, and the little one seemed so excited by the amount of books that were present. She immediately started taking as many books as her little hands could carry and sat on one of the desks to begin reading. The books was among our more advanced material too. An eager learner, and a gifted learner at that.
I have high hopes for Corinne, and I am thankful that you have entrusted me with the task of adapting her into life in the Circle. I am optimistic that she will accomplish amazing things for the Circle. One thing is for certain, she would make an excellent Senior Enchanter.
Mixed some Act 2 and 3 stuff for the companions so that I didn't have to ask the same thing twice.
The version of this for the HOF and the Inquisitor.
Does Hawke look more like Malcom or Leandra? Do they look like their siblings?
What is Hawke's personality and does it change during the years?
How did Hawke feel about Lothering? Did they like their home?
How did Hawke react when Malcom died?
What was Hawke's relationship like with their family prior to Lothering's destruction? Who are they closest to?
Does Hawke like Gamlen?
Who did Hawke join - the mercenaries or the smugglers? Is there a particular reason for it?
How does Hawke feel about taking care of their family? Do they feel like they're carrying a burden or do they assume the responsbility?
What are their thoughs on Mythal/Flemeth?
What's their first impression of Varric?
During their first year in Kirkwall, did Hawke recruit everyone? And what are their opinions on the whole group?
Who is Hawke closest to in their group?
Is there someone, from the Kirkwall gang or an NPC, that Hawke does not like? Why?
How does Hawke feel about blood magic?
How does Hawke feel about the rising tension between mages and templars?
What happened to Bethany/Carver after the Deep Roads expedition and how does Hawke feel about it?
Does Hawke like the Arishok?
How does Hawke feel about Cullen? Do they like him?
What was Feynriel's fate?
Did Hawke help Aveline get laid married?
Did Hawke help Merrill fix the Eluvian? And did Merrill break the eluvian or is it intact?
How does Hawke feel about the whole Anders-Justice situation?
What are Hawke's thoughts on Fenris and his opinion of mages?
Is Bartrand dead or alive? Did Hawke let Varric keep the red lyrium?
Did Hawke recruit Sebastian? What are their thoughts on him?
How did Hawke feel about learning the truth of Isabela's artifact? Did they feel betrayed or did they understand her?
What were Hawke's thoughts after Leandra is found dead? Did they blame themselves or someone else? How did they grieve?
Did Hawke initiate a relationship with any of their companions? If so, why were they attracted to that companion? Was it a frienship or a rivalry romance?
Did Hawke gain the Arishok's respect? And how did they handle the Qunari invasion?
How does Hawke feel about being the Champion of Kirkwall?
What are Hawke's thoughts on Meredith, Orsino and Elthina?
How does Hawke feel about helping Meredith and Orsino?
How is Hawke's relationship with their love interest after 3 years?
If Bethany/Carver is alive, how is their relationship after so many years like? And how is it after Leandra's death?
What is the fate of Merrill's clan?
How does Hawke feel about Anders behaviour (in regards to him being secretive about the 'potion') in act 3? Are they suspicious of him or are they understanding?
Did Hawke find Charade and how do they feel about discovering a new cousin?
How is Hawke's relationship with Gamlen after all these years?
How does Hawke react to the explosion of the Chantry? How do they feel about Anders's actions and do they kill him or let him live?
Who does Hawke side with - Mages or Templars? And why?
What does Hawke do after they flee Kirkwall (if Viscount, after they are disposed by the templars)?
Do they try to keep contact with the other companions?
How does Hawke react when Varric publishes the Tale of the Champion? Have they read it?
🌻 How old is your Rook? How do they feel about celebrating their birthday? What gift has meant the most to them?
🪻 What is the most painful injury your Rook has received? How has it affected them once it healed/scarred?
🌹 What’s the first genuine fight Rook got in with their love interest about? How was it resolved?
🌸 Does your Rook have any siblings or close friends they see as such? Where are they during the events of Veilguard?
🌾 If there was a demon trying to trap/take over Rook, what kind would be the most successful? What would break their hold?
🌱 Was Rook involved romantically with anyone before Veilguard? What was their partner like? How did the relationship end?
🌼 If someone was to ask Spite what Rook smells like, what would he say?
🌷If Rook needed to get away from their responsibilities for a moment, where would they go? Where is their safe space outside the Lighthouse?
🥀 What figure from Rook’s personal past would be added to the regret prison?
🪷 Does your Rook have an irrational phobia? (ie spiders or large man-made objects submerged underwater)
🍀 Has Rook had any near-death experiences? What went through their mind during what they thought was going to be their final moments?
💐 What is the relationship Rook has with their faction mentor? What was the moment they sent Rook away like?
🌺 Is there an object from Rook’s childhood they look back on fondly? (ie a favorite stuffed animal, book, or food)
🌿 Does your Rook have any tattoos? What was the moment when they got them like? If they’re a Crow where is their de Riva brand located? What vallaslin do they have/how did they earn it if they’re Dalish?
🍂 What was it like the first time Rook killed someone? How did they react afterwards?
