charmingthebones

[charmingthebones]

ugh I want to write but my brain is not braining in drafts or inbox today, I gotta cook dinner so we'll see how I feel after that

[charmingthebones]

"O Death [Thanatos], do not give up, come, healing one, The only healer where there is no cure. No pain can touch the one who is dead."

— Fragments of Aeschylus' tragedies that have not remained extant. 65. Philoctetes. 144 (255). [An attack of pain].

[charmingthebones]

sorry for shamelessly staring at you while you talked or focused, I was imagining kissing you, do you still fw me??

[charmingthebones]

Some notes for Emmrich's modern verse 'cause now I'm gonna play around with it.

Orphaned, parents died in building collapse when he was around 9

Was in the foster system until he aged out at 18, but he had stayed in the same house with an odd but caring older couple who could never have children of their own. They encouraged his studies and helped him get into colleges.

Went on to study anatomy and biomedical sciences, received a doctorate in the first and a masters in the second.

Became a professor of anatomical studies at a prestigious University (verse dependent)

Started being able to talk to ghosts shortly after his parents' death, it isn't something that he tells many people about, except for the ones on the internet message boards who hire him to help with hauntings.

Manfred is a skeletal pet cat whose collar gives him a glamour to make him look like a white sphynx with bright green eyes. He was a creature that Emmrich recovered and adopted from one of the haunts he'd been hired to cleanse.

[charmingthebones]

For @thepalehorsevictoria 🩶

[charmingthebones]

@dicethrow asked

[ ache ] sender kisses receiver like they’re trying not to fall apart ( from Lucanis )

"It's all right, darling." Emmrich murmured softly as Lucanis peppered desperate kisses against his jaw and chin and cheeks. They lay in the bed that

Nightmares still wracked the Crow, Emmrich knew, and he could only imagine the contents of them. Memories of the Ossuary, projections of the Crow's fears, whatever it was, Emmrich simply wanted to be there to help him through it.

And if kissing the mage desperately, like he wouldn't survive without it is what it took to make Lucanis feel safe and secure after waking up from a start, who was he to stop it?

"I am here for you, whatever you need..."

He raised a hand to brush his fingers through the rogue's hair softly, trying to calm him enough to give him reassurance and soothing words. Before he could speak again, Lucanis' lips were on his own in a kiss so desperate that Emmrich felt his breath nearly taken from him. He didn't deny him, he couldn't deny him, not when he was clearly seeking some sort of relief from the pain his dreams had brought him.

[charmingthebones]

You can find the mod HERE

[charmingthebones]

I’ve been thinking about the argument between Taash and Emmrich. And I think Taash’s side of it makes perfect sense and is pretty well explored in the game (creeped out by death + it brings up bad memories of their mother), but Emmrich on the other hand… I mean yes there’s the hurt of his culture and life work being insulted, yes, but there’s one line in the exchange that just isn’t making sense to me: Emmrich’s distaste for talking about dragons.

I mean, yes, feelings are running high in that scene, but even so, that comment did feel very out of place to me. It isn’t really in line with his character arc or anything we have been told about his backstory, and while I agree that the exchange is more about Taash then it is Emmrich, I do still wonder about his motivation.

Emmrich is a curious person. He asks the other companions about their culture, their homes. When asked about why he wants to live forever and why he would not fear the inevitable changes in the world he says: “There's always something to discover in this world. A fresh marvel. A new friend. I think I should never grow tired of that.”

Odd for someone who feels that way to be outright dismissive of an entire subject of zoology, wouldn’t you say?

So why would Emmrich not care for dragons?

Nevarra has a lot of history with dragons which could explain his negative feelings. He might be ashamed of its rich history of dragon hunting, or maybe the subject of dragons is one that is so painfully overdone that he is simply tired of hearing about it (imagine it as someone being really into talking about the weather, what’s for dinner, or your plans for the weekend. You’d be interested enough to start with, but eventually it would probably get dull).

But, looking into what we know about his backstory I theorise that there could be a different reason.

We don’t know exactly how old Emmrich is (bear with me, this is relevant). The text of the game would suggest he is somewhere around 50. I would probably say 52 specifically, seeing as Hezenkoss is described to be 50 and two years his junior.

The point is that this would place Emmrich’s birth right around the end of the Blessed age or at the beginning of the Dragon age.

If we get a little bit more meta about it, Emmrich’s main writer has recently been quoted as saying that after having seen his game model they would consider him to be somewhere around 55-60 years old.

That would put his birth more definitely in the Blessed age. Somewhere around the 8:89-8:94 mark, probably.

Now I need you to think about what very important thing that happened at the end of the Blessed age, something so shocking that the Divine chose to name the next age after it?

Now, forgive me if this is wrong, I had to rely on what’s available on the dragon age fan wiki for the exact details.

[ID in alt]

The dragons returned in Nevarra in 8:99. Emmrich would likely have been 5-10 years old at the time.

One final piece of the puzzle. One of the first things we learn about Emmrich is that his parents were killed when he was a child. He was old enough to remember them, but only dimly for the most part. They were killed when their home collapsed. And sure, there’s a lot of reasons that might have happened, but given the timing…

Look all I’m saying is, if you were travelling with someone who constantly told you about dragons, the creatures that killed your parents and traumatised you so thoroughly that it gave you a lifelong phobia of death? Probably wouldn’t be too keen on hearing about them either huh……

[charmingthebones]

Emmrich's bafflement at the bard' fright is immediately faded when his eyes follow the direction Jaskier is pointing, and he sees poor Manfred cowering in the corner. It doesn't take him long to realize what occurred while he'd been away at his meeting and he gives a chiding look to both his ward and the bard.

First thing's first, though, he needs to get them both to calm down before the situation truly gets out of control. Emmrich has only been able to allow Manfred in his classroom because he has, thus far, been content to sit and listen and not make a sound during his lectures. He knows he is not allowed to reveal his true nature to anyone, but he also realizes that Manfred likely believes Jaskier to be trustworthy, especially if he had been paying attention to their exchange with the feainewedd before. "Well, firstly, my dear bard, he is not a thing or a monster. His name is Manfred and he is a spirit inhabiting a skeleton, and just as frightened of you as you are of him." Emmrich said gently, but sternly, slowly closing the door and guiding Jaskier back in his classroom just enough.

"I assure you, he is perfectly harlmess."

Once he has the bard back into the classroom a bit more, he hurries over to the shaking skeleton and kneels down in front of him, putting a gentle hand on his bone knee.

"Now Manfred, poor dear, are you all right? You gave our dear bard quite the fright, you know." Emmrich said, concern in his face for the spirit as Manfred looked up at him, seeming to calm just with the professor's presence. He gives a quick nod of his head, but peeks cautiously over his shoulder at Jaskier. "If you wanted to introduce yourself to Jaskier, you should have asked me first, Manfred. Not everyone is used to a being like you..."

Manfred looks down then, looking every bit like a chastised child as Emmrich stands and pats the top of his skull gently. "I only worry for your safety, Manfred. I know Jaskier is a trustworthy person, but you still have to be careful with who you show yourself to, especially if I am not here to explain."

After giving the skeleton a gentle smile, he looks over to Jaskier, a sympathetic and apologetic look on his face as he strides back over to the bard, reaching his hands up to gently grip his shoulders. To say there isn't a bit of worry in his eyes would be a lie. He can perfectly understand Jaskier's fright, but he hopes the bard gives him the time to explain before trying to run off and tell someone about Manfred's existence.

"Now that I am here, I can explain... everything. Whatever questions you have, darling, I will be more than happy to answer every one. But I do want to assure you, Manfred poses you no danger... I am only sorry you met him under such frightening circumstances..."

𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐟𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐝𝐨𝐞𝐬𝐧'𝐭 𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐦 𝐢𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐲 , 𝐨𝐟 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞. keeps wary eyes on the skeleton as it cowers in it's own corner , wondering if this is all a ruse. if it's trying to lure him closer again and then will lash out at him , as much smarter creatures are perhaps more likely to do. he doesn't think he's ever seen the dead rise like this , however. would think this far beyond the skills of a witcher and desperately needing a mage. but as luck would have it , neither are here.

that's more what makes him so terrified , perhaps. years of simply being able to make swift strides in geralt's direction and know he would be safe from all manner of ghoul and drowner alike. but not any more. he's pressed flat against the wall and trying not to make any sudden movements , even if his shouts have died away. rush of adrenaline and he feels unsteady on his feet , swaying , still staring back at those bright green gems ----

but then emmrich is here , and jaskier practically falls into his arms. something almost elated now that he's not alone and can't be accused of imagining things. some safety in emmrich's presence that he'll appreciate once he's not terribly afraid. points over to the corner , the pile of rattling bones that quakes in fear in the corner , and tries not to sound like an utter madman as his head whips between a view of emmrich and their haunted guest.

' the skeleton , it's alive , it talked at me and waved and now it's acting like i'm the monster , what the fuck is that thing? ' frantic ramblings and he's near trying to slip past emmrich , now that the door is open. to try and find some way to escape if need be and is practically hiding behind him now so that someone else can stare into it's blank , green eyes for a while. ' i've seen monsters in my time but not skeletons just springing to life! ' @charmingthebones

[charmingthebones]

The Destruction Before The Storm

Independent Roleplay Blog for Hakiem "Rook" Ingellvar from Dragon Age: The Veilguard 21+, triggering and mature content

Written and Love by jax

[charmingthebones]

The Destruction Before The Storm

Independent Roleplay Blog for Hakiem "Rook" Ingellvar from Dragon Age: The Veilguard 21+, triggering and mature content

Written and Love by jax

[charmingthebones]

The Destruction Before The Storm

Independent Roleplay Blog for Hakiem "Rook" Ingellvar from Dragon Age: The Veilguard 21+, triggering and mature content

Written and Love by jax

[charmingthebones]

To see a World in a grain of sand And a Heaven in a wild flower Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand And Eternity in an hour ~ William Blake

[charmingthebones]

Manfred does not expect that kind of a noise to come out of the bard. He's heard him sing, he's heard him laugh, but he's never heard that kind of noise ever. Out of anyone! And it startles him enough that Manfred lets out his own loud shriek of surprise and fright as he backs up into his own corner. His bones quite literally rattle and shake as he can do nothing but curl his knobby knees up against his rib cage and wrap his spindly arms around them.

"Sow'wee!" He shouts from his place in the corner, green gems fixated on Jaskier and wondering when it is he'll stop making such horrible noises.

Emmrich, meanwhile, walks down the corridor to his room after a very boring and drawn out meeting that could have all been handled with a simple note from the administrion, when he hears a sudden shrieking and shouting coming from behind his classroom door. A moment of shock rests on his face before his brows furrow and he quickens his pace down the hall, long strides getting him to his door within seconds.

It's clearly Jaskier that is shouting, and he sounds absolutely terrified. He doesn't have much time to think one what could have possibly frightened the bard so deeply within his classroom, but he has the door open in no time only to see Jaskier making desperate attempt to flee.

"Jaskier, Jaskier! It's all right, I am here!" Emmrich says gently but firmly, gathering the bard up to stand and holding him steady by the arms. "Look at me... breathe... easy now, deep breaths in through your nose... and slowly out of your mouth... Now what, pray tell, has you so excitable, darling? What's happened?"

𝐣𝐚𝐬𝐤𝐢𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐤𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐨𝐧 𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐝 𝐞𝐲𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐭. seems to be such an aura surrounding it , something not quite eerie but strangely companionable. wonders why exactly there are those gems inlaid in the eye sockets , where they came from , and who thought to put them there if it wasn't emmrich himself. stares into that deep green and smiles at him ---- or her , them , he's not quite sure.

he'd come in to place a bunch of flowers on emmrich's desk. nothing as extravagant as the pretty feainnewedd from drops of his own blood , but they'd quite do. sunflowers for adoration , loyalty. irises dotted between each for wisdom. and carnations , of course , for fascination. meant to leave them there and not linger , but there was curiosity that came calling in those jewelled eyes.

he'd gotten it very wrong , in his unexpected bit of guesswork that he'd indulged emmrich in a few days ago. and so he picks up the skeleton's hand with an intrigue in seeing how it really does all fit together , gentle as he goes. melitele spare him from a fate of breaking something , not being able to fix it , and having to make the embarrassing admission it was him.

but the scratching , unnerving little voice that echoes from the skeleton's now moving jaw puts that thought out of his mind entirely. he reels back with such an almighty shriek that would've usually had a witcher come running , but these days he's not so lucky to have one around. recoils in utter fear that there is something monstrous here that may hurt him , and jaskier near tumbles over a desk as he scrambles for the door.

' emmrich! emmrich! ' such desperately scared cries as he tries to open the door , anxiety ridden and full of adrenaline now and horrid pains in his chest , his arms , and his grip on the handle just won't unlatch the mechanism right to let him leave. wide eyed gaze still remains on the skeleton , it had moved , surely moved , spoke to him and he cannot and will not be trapped here alone with it a moment longer , if that can be helped. @charmingthebones

[charmingthebones]

@taleswritten asked

❛ you look like you've got something to say. ❜ from dante

Oh, Emmrich has plenty to say, he just isn't quite sure how to begin to go about saying it all. One moment, he and this Dante fellow he might quite suddenly and unexpectedly on a job were getting ready to banish a demon, and the next thing he knows it Dante is taking a blow for him while simultaneously taking the demon out entirely.

But where he had thought he would be rushing to a lifeless corpse, Dante had suddenly sprung up with quite a bit of unexpected vitality.

And though Emmrich has so many questions running through his mind, there is only one thing he is able to stutter out.

"Are you all right?"

[charmingthebones]

Emmrich knew very well what the others thought of Iseris' magic. Prejudice was hard and bitterly battled for those that went against the status quo, more so when they did such with magic that was dangerous and misunderstood. Mortalitasi once faced such prejudice, and still did in many parts of Thedas, even if they practiced necromancy for the greater good. It was one of the reasons Nevarra, and the Necropolis specifically, was so isolated from the rest of the world.

It kept them safe, but at what costs, really?

"You are very welcome, my dear Iseris." Emmrich said gently as he put the finishing touches on the bandage, tying it in a way that was secure enough without being too tight. He only wished that his healing could do more for her, but he understood why it didn't, probably more so than Iseris even knew.

"You know... I admire you for the way you use your magic, darling, even if others see it as something dangerous and even sinister. I know well the benefits of using blood magic ethically... and I hope you know you won't find any of those prejudices with me."

@charmingthebones asked: [wound] - Sender has to patch up receiver's wound

Emmrich had insisted on assisting her, though she had tried to deny his help. It was a tiring old routine for Iseris now, to patch her own wounds that no longer responded to magical healing and had to heal naturally. At least now her wounds were no longer bleeding-- her blood magic had slowed it to a stop, blood crusting at the edges of new cuts along her forearm, skin red and sore and angry.

Emmrich had come upon her amidst her carefully slathering antiseptic across her arm, stepping in to assist, though it was his assistance with tying the bandage that was most welcome. Iseris did not often let others tend to her injuries and yet... she could not bring herself to turn Emmrich away.

"Thank you..." She murmured, watching his hands work, careful not to tie the bandage too tightly around her arm. He did have such nice hands... "It's rather awkward tying a bandage on yourself, especially one-handed... Though, perhaps I should be better at it by now, hm?" After all, she had done so for some time so far.

[charmingthebones]

No.3: self-care/ morning stretches! He is limber as a gymnast, cannot tell me otherwise, the way he's bouncing around the battlefield! Manfred joining his dad bsky for the "goods", you know the deal, link in bio yada yada 🤭