#Isabela is onto everything

[vaguely-concerned]

listen I don't even know what I'm talking about anymore but on this playthrough of DA2 I found myself once more entranced and heartbroken to see hawke reenact their relationship with their mother with the entire cursed city of kirkwall. you can never do enough for leandra, and you can never do enough for kirkwall. leandra is proud of you, and kirkwall uplifts its champion, but no matter how hard you try for them you can't fix everything there that's broken, no one could, and even the fact that anyone would feel the burning responsibility to take that task on is a huge warning sign on its own. leandra will easily allow you to sacrifice yourself on the altar of the family's continued well-being again and again, even when she'll beg you to spare the twins from the same thing. it's such a sad, painfully realistic thing because I truly don't think leandra meant to fuck up her kids, and yet she primed her oldest for an abusive toxic codependent relationship with an entire ongoing dumpster fire of a city state better than she ever could have if she had meant to.

I think what leandra actually, deep down wants from you is something you can never ever give her and that is cruel to ask of anyone, but especially your kid -- to bring her back to a time when she was happy. to reclaim when you were all happy, when nothing was broken that couldn't be fixed, before malcolm died, before you had to leave behind bethany or carver's broken body on the ground. to get her childhood back from where she left it and found it all gone and in ruins when she returned. 'this is all your fault'. this is the tragedy of parenthood sometimes I think, that capacity to define a life: she said that once, in a moment of profound pain, and she probably wouldn't have said it under other circumstances and she apologizes later, but now hawke has to live with that forever. leandra can't bear her own emotions without letting them spill over onto someone else so she won't have to hold the discomfort of them anymore, and hawke is left to shoulder that burden and responsibility again and again, handed the impossible task of making it all okay again, somehow -- of stopping anything bad from ever happening again in the Nr 1 Bad Things Constantly Happening capital of thedas.

and then at the same time there's the mirror of how varric's whole family wants orzammar back (and to him orzammar is just a ghost he's seen in their eyes -- there's something in his voice when he says 'That stupid plate was the whole city of Orzammar to him' that gets me every time, how much he understands that he doesn't understand and how lonely that makes him among them, and on top of it all he's frustrated and ashamed and sad that he just doesn't get it and can't meet them on it -- like it's a betrayal that he actually belongs up here, when varric wants so badly to be loyal), just as the hawkes want happiness back. (I don't think it's Lothering in itself that longing is for, it's for being together. Lothering was just the place they stayed the longest.) they're all in exile, even as they try to make a new home out of that exile.

(varric and hawke's real 🤝 quality across all personalities, affinities and choices is 'parentified child' lmao. so much of varric's character makes perfect sense once you know he grew up supporting a mother who was an emotionally volatile alcoholic, honestly. between varric, the hawkes, isabela, seb if you have him and merrill's whole Situation with marethari I feel like DA2 covertly is to mommy issues what ME2 is to daddy issues fjsdjfa)

basically I think I'm trying to pick apart exactly why the fact that leandra is clearly proud of hawke and tells them so several times doesn't feel like it helps at all, almost feels more like a cage even though it's clearly meant well? and what I'm getting is that it's because my sense of what hawke actually needs, in general but especially from a parent, isn't admiration or approval but to be loved and supported and understood. I don't believe leandra ever quite understands them, and it scares her because it makes her think she maybe never even understood malcolm. (that's the subtext of a lot of what leandra will say about him in legacy, at least. he's slipping away from her as the years pass after his death and she fears she never really had him in the first place, if he had secrets like these.) she consistently treats her oldest more like a partner or peer than as her child, which considering hawke is always described as being very similar to their father… I mean I totally see how that could be easy to slip into for her after he died especially, but it doesn't make it any less fucked up or unfair.

the real leandra in legacy is. she is SO absurdly self-centered, if you really pay attention. I don't want to keep dunking on her because I don't think she's like this on purpose, but it boggles my mind. if you do the quest in act 1 she gets so upset and overwhelmed that the kids just sort of sit there like :( at the end, which adds to the trend that through the game you constantly see hawke comforting leandra, and you pretty much never see leandra comforting hawke, beyond some light vaguely encouraging comments in passing. if you do legacy in act 2 while she's still alive hawke comes to her, tentatively asking if malcolm ever spoke to her about any of it -- clearly requesting some sort of emotional support or help to make sense of it. she then expresses her side of it, but never once does she say anything to the effect of 'hey that was a lot to go through, are you okay after all that?'.

instead she essentially hands them the responsibility of having a good life, to repay what malcolm did for all of them. and in theory that's not the worst takeaway I suppose, malcolm probably would want them all to be happy, but in the moment it only feels like more expectation heaped upon you somehow? especially since you don't really get to express anything about how it made you feel before she goes to the 'ah no use complaining' zone (after SHE got to express her grief at feeling like she's losing more and more of that old life, and hawke barely got to say anything fhsfalkjfs). in general she really doesn't do much like. parenting, does she haha. there is so much love there in that relationship, and yet so little comfort. Oh, those days. All of us, in that simple place. Well, that's neither here nor there, is it. This life, we have to make the best of it. And thanks to you, and him, I will. Oh well, mum, I'm uh. I'm glad you feel better after that, at least. Nice to be of service.

it's varric's ghost-leandra who actually acknowledges what a burden hawke has taken on, that shows an understanding of why they're doing it, acknowledges the loss they've been through and also reassures them in their sense of belonging that still can't be taken from them, despite it all -- The best of him is still with you. The best of all of us. It's what makes you try so hard. You'll always have that. We'll always be family. (you can't take 'loved' away, huh.) you get a bit more of a reconciliation/reconnection between hawke and their dad's memory by being reminded he got like this too, you know (implicitly you're not alone). varric through leandra is the one who tells them what they probably would have wanted and needed to hear from a parent right then -- It's going to be alright. that's what Hawke, The Champion means to everyone else, and for once they get to be the one to hear it. except only in a kind dream that never really happened. I. it. hmmmmmm. crushing. that is crushing. but also so incredibly tender from varric's side, and so moving to me that he's seen all this stuff and so desperately wants to give them that comfort. anyway DA2 is about love in some of the realest and thus messiest and most human ways I've ever seen and it makes my brain go wild it's my favorite game of all time goodnight

[extremereader]

Encanto TV show requirements (will be added on to as I get more ideas):

Cleaning day episode

Prank war episode

Singing, lots of singing

Solo songs for everyone

Actually talking about everyone's trauma

Cute couple moments

How things have changed in the encanto

One-on-one interactions between every possible pair of Madrigals

Christmas special

Mariano and Dolores getting married

Pedro lore

LGBTQ characters who aren't regulated to the background

Either a rewritten Family Madrigal or Columbia, Mi Encanto is the theme song

Someone not forgiving Abuela for... well, everything (Isabela seems like the most likely)

I kind of want to see how all the adults act while drunk

Can we get to know some characters outside the family?

Adding onto that, there's no way none of them have any friends. Let's meet these friends.

You can't tell me that everyone loves the Madrigals either

I'd like to meet Agustin and Felix's families

Triplet shenanigans!

THE OTHER ROOMS

[thehomeofplatonicfics]

Hi there. I really like your fics, (specially the hogwarts legacy and the Encanto ones) so can I ask you for an Encanto fic in which M!reader (or GN!reader if you want more people to feel included) struggles to control their gift which is manipulating any forms of fire. Abuela gets mad for the chaos they have caused and the people are scared of them.

The reader is feeling really bad because they feel that their gift can only cause destruction but then Bruno appears and comforts them and tell them that all of the people are afraid of him too and that the gift they have is truly wonderfull.

If this doesn't bother you can you make this before the events of the movie? Maybe the reader can be still a child who got their gift not so long ago. And also that their mother is Pepa.

Thank you so much and sorry if my explanation was so long and impossible to understand. English isn't my first language. Have a nice day/ night!!

A/N: Thank you so much anon! So sorry for the delay, I ended up with chickenpox for the past few weeks and it is has taken me a while to recover. Hope you enjoy!

Destruction

child!Madrigal reader x Bruno Madrigal (platonic!)

The whole village was a flurry with anticipation. There was to be a celebration in the village square and the entire Madrigal family was helping with the decorations and preparations. Your cousin Isabela had created the most beautiful flower decorations, and you took one of the flowers in your hand to smell the sweetness of it. A little bit of pollen got into your nose and… “Achoo!” You sneezed, triggering your gift to set the poor, unsuspecting flower aflame.

“Ah! No, no, no!” You muttered, as you tried to stamp the flames out. In your panic, you only made the fire worse as you slowly set alight to ALL the decorations. Soon, half the village square was up in flames. Villagers started running around screaming, pushing and shoving as they tried to get away. Some of the village children ran up towards you before they spotted the flames coming from your hands. “Ah! Monster!” They screamed, running in the opposite direction to you.

Your mother, Pepa, saw the chaos happening. Her eyes narrowed as she saw that you were in the centre of it all. The sky darkened and rain began to pour from the sky, as lightning flashed dangerously and the loud rumble of thunder signified how terribly angry she was with you. “Oh no…” You whispered to yourself, as she came over to you, agonisingly slowly. Luckily, the intense rain was able to douse your flames, including the ones still hovering above your hands.

“Y/N!” A shriek of anger comes from the edge of the village square. You turn to see your Abuela coming towards you, her face in a vicious snarl. “How could you? You’ve destroyed everything your family has worked so hard on today!”

You sniff, tears threatening to fall. “I’m sorry… I didn’t mean to, I couldn’t… control it.” Your chin wobbles, as Abuela yanks your arm to drag you back to Casita. Your family follows behind you, glaring daggers into your back. “I don’t want to hear it, Y/N.” Abuela shakes her head. “You have created absolute chaos, frightened the villages and disappointed your family. You must control your gift, or you cannot go out of Casita into Encanto.”

You gasp in shock, blinking rapidly as the tears mix in with the rain coming from Pepa’s storm. “You’ll lock me away in Casita?” You begin to sob, hugging myself as we trudge up the steps to Casita. As soon as you all get inside, you run up the stairs and run into your room, slamming the door. You flop onto your bed, staring up at the ceiling. It feels like your heart will break.

The door slowly creaked open, and your eyes land on your Uncle Bruno as he slinks into the room. “Y/N, let’s… have a talk.” You sit up, wiping your tears, as you sit cross-legged on your bed. Bruno sits beside you, a hand resting on your shoulder. “I know what it is like. To have a gift that causes fear in other people.” He says, as you look up at him, listening intently.

“People have a tendency to be… afraid of what they don’t understand. Now, you and I… we both have powerful gifts. Capable of great things… but also capable of causing a lot of damage.” You look down, sniffling, as you hug your pillow. “They see that power, and they are afraid. They don’t take the time to understand it.” Bruno adds, sighing as he looks down at you. “I know it seems tough right now, that no one will be able to see who you are, past the big scary fire…”

“They are so frightened of me… but it isn’t my fault, I can’t control it!”

“You will, with time. And when you can, they will love you for your gift. I think it is pretty neat, honestly.” Your face lights up. “Really?”

“Well, for a start, you can create a bonfire any time you want, and then we can toast marshmallows. Or when it is super dark, and you can just flick your hand and light us a torch? Yeah… your gift is awesome.” His words make you smile for the first time, the candles in your room start to burn a bit brighter.

“You keep your chin up, kiddo. Don’t listen to the others… listen to your Uncle Bruno.” You smile, feeling the room become warmer from the heat of your flames again.

“Thanks, Tío.”

[gadriezmannsgirl]

idk if this is where you write the requests but i have one for pedri🫶🏼 so maybe they’re just hanging out at home and y/n does that tiktok prank on him where she pretends to be on the phone with her friends and she’s like “whattt ong no way” basically pretending her friends gossiping to her, and pedri being all like omg let me listen put it on speaker

Yes, this is where you ask anything or req something🤣 Celebration fic as I ended my semester✨🌻🫶🏼 got one week of vacation before I start again, also fic celebration for Barça's win and Pedri's goal, so here we go! (Cute Golden fact: Golden Boy, Gavi doing the last goal at CN and Golden Boy, Pedri doing the first goal at Montjuic in an official match🥹🫶🏼)

Working on it, right now, because I was inspired🤭 also @http-isabela SHISME FIC! 🤣🤭

Chismoso -P.G8

Summary: Your boyfriend loves some good gossip

You smiled at your phone watching a girl do a prank on her boyfriend in Tiktok where she pretended to be on the phone with her friends with some "gossip" and her boyfriend was trying to listen to it.

Pedri, your almost three years boyfriend, loved any kind of gossip and whilst you delivered to them nicely to rant about your day or get off any anger, he got his dose of gossip and helped you with your problems.

You loved it tho. It was nice the fact, you were lovers and at the same time the best of friends, trusting everything you have and own into the others arms.

"Amor, estás lista?" (Babe, you ready?)

You smirked. You definitely were going to do this one.

"Si!" You replied grabbing the tray with your food. You pushed your phone in between your shoulder and chin and walked towards your living room. "Help me, please?"

"Hostias preciosa, you could have told me you'd need the help" You shook your head smiling softly

"I had it done until now" It was his turn to shake his head with a smile on

"Who is it?" He asked whispering noticing you were in the phone

"Alexia, she's been texting me non-stop today, she told me she'd call me for something, don't know what it is tho" You replied in the same way

"Baby, it's starting" Pedro pouted as you kissed his plump lips repeatedly

"You can watch it while I'm on the phone, it'll be quick, hopefully"

"No, I'll just pause it. I don't wanna watch it alone"

"It'll be just for a few minutes"

"Venga, bonita" You never resisted his big brown beautiful eyes and that little nickname of his

"Stay quiet" He nods sitting on the couch and you taking a seat next to him, he was the one who pulled you closer by the legs to him "Yes, I'm listening" You said before humming a few times

"Ay joder" You said furrowing your eyebrows as Pedri looked at you "And like she never stops having a few problems with Cynthia..." You made up sighing before shaking your head "That's bullshit"

"Gossip?" He mouths as you nod "Oh, I wanna know that. Put it on speaker" You shook your head <no> "Why not?" He asks but you shook your head "Wanna hear some good gossip" You smiled shaking your head and did a demand with your hand for later "No" He whined, you shushed him up "Want it now" He whispered pushing himself onto you "C'mon, let me hear" You started giggling "Stop laughing, focus on the gossip so you can tell me the details of it"

And with that you bursted in laughter.

"Oh my god!" You said throwing yourself at Pedri who was confused "Oye, no seas tan chismoso!" (Hey, don't be such a gossipmonger)

"I'm not a gossipmonger, I'm just interested in everything you do, speak to or look at, 'cus you're my girl" He tries to defend himself as you shake your head shaking your hand as well

"You're a chismoso" You said in laughter as Pedri smiles

"Chica, the call" He said after a few seconds as you show him your blocked phone

"There's no call, mi niño. I'm pranking you and realizing I have the biggest gossip for Fer and your parents once they came back next week"

"No! They'll be going at it for the rest of our lives!" You laughed as Pedri went ahead and hugged himself into your chest

"I'm preparing everything then" You smiled

"So, it was a prank?" You nod humming once you both calmed down "So there's no gossip? Joder" He lamented and you laughed again, this time Pedri joining too as you leaned down and kissed his lips

"Ay 'jueputa. Mi niño lindo y chismoso" (My pretty and gossipmonger boy) You both laughed, you felt Pedri leave a kiss in your cleavage

"Sólo un poquito" (Just a little bit)

°°° °°° °°° °°°

Taglist: @gaviypedrisbride @stuckinaf4nfiction @elijahslover @azzpenswrld @http-isabela

[thefourchimes]

there's many scenes in encanto that hurts me very much and makes me want to scream

but one scene i would like to give way to for today, especially as a cool hue sisters enthusiast, is this scene:

mirabel and abuela argument, face to face, parallel with each other...

...and then we have isabela and luisa, backs hunched and eyes lowered, terrified...and standing on the side abuela overwhelmingly stands on

not because they agree with abuela, hell no, but because of their genuine fear of her disappointment

they had talked with mirabel. they were able to connect with her after so long of being apart for more than one reason. mirabel was able to help them break from the expectations and pressures for even just a little bit of time

but it's not easy at all to completely break away from what what was instilled in you for a long time

i know that after everything, they would absolutely be by mirabel's side, standing with her and standing up for her and for themselves, but...understandably, as seen from the symbolism of that scene, it's not easy to move past years of the fear of disappointment holding onto you tight, wouldn't easily stop how they were still so terrified in that very moment

and god. that hurts.

[catboywithrabies]

I cannot stop thinking about I Saw the TV Glow.

How Isabel can only imagine themself as strong and able and be proud of themself when they're projecting onto the characters of the Pink Opaque.

I've always felt scared to accomplish anything significant pre-transition because I've felt like its not gonna be remembered as something done by me, but by someone else, a false perception of me, like I'm watching a separate character on TV do everything that I do while pretending to be me, almost kind of like an inverse of Isabela and the Pink Opaque. I've always projected onto fiction as a way to pretend like I could accomplish something and be proud of how I'm recognized for it, how characters unabashedly express themselves and how their selves are directly linked to their actions.

But then Isabel is still so used to having this shame attached to them that they're afraid of changing, that they won't live up to the image of the person they truly are. It's humiliating to even try. They've convinced themself that they just need to get into this unfamiliar character more and eventually it will become their life, their family.

[miracles-and-butterflies]

The promised fic of Mirabel falling through the ice @yellowcry. However… I don’t have much of it because AO3 drafts deleting themselves and me forgetting to take a copy of the final piece. My bad.

And From the Ground Beneath My Feet

“I won again, bitches!” Isabela called triumphantly, skidding to a stop at the marked finish line tree again.

Camilo scoffed, “I would have won if Dolores wasn't clinging to me the whole way. Why are you racing if you don’t like ice skating? Can't you go sit with Mirabel?”

“For the last time, Mirabel and I don't have to be joined at the hip, like you four insist you must be.” Dolores grumbled. She pushed herself away from Camilo, stumbling into Isabela. “And I do like ice skating.”

“Then why are you so bad at it?”

“Because Mama rarely snows this badly for the lake to freeze over. I can't practice.”

“The rest of us are managing without practice, sis.”

“Woo!” Antonio exclaimed, stopping the would-be argument, finally joining the group. He was being guided over by Luisa, who had gone slowly and not taken part in the race for his sake, instead helping him get use to being on the ice. It was his first time, after all. Thank God, he didn't take after his sister here. “Again, again, again!”

His sister shook her head though, quickly dismissing the idea. “No, let's take a break. I'm sure Luisa would like to actually beat Isabela and Camilo at something, you can come show me all the animals by the river.” She offered.

Antonio pouted, but seemingly agreed to the idea to check in with the local wildlife. He was also well aware that Isabela, Luisa and Camilo had wanted to play some kind of ice football that Mirabel had said was 'unsafe' and 'a bad idea'. Maybe if they got that done now, they would take him sledging as they promised. Just as the group began making their way to the edge, there was a sudden scream and splash behind them.

“What the hell was that?” Camilo asked.

“Someone fell in, I think!” Antonio gasped, stepping back fearfully.

Dolores froze in horror, staring out behind them, while Isabela glanced around in confusion. “But there's no one here but us— Luisa, what the fuck are you doing?!”

The rest of the Madrigal kids watched as Luisa haphazardly sprinted back across the frozen river to where they could spot a little, jagged hole. Luisa tore her skates off and flung them aside before stopping herself at said hole. There was barely a second of thought before she dropped to her knees and brought her fists down hard on the ice, breaking the surface around her and widening the hole. She dove in, water splashing out after her and the others panicked.

Camilo practically scooped Antonio up to keep him out of the way, whispering assurances to him that everything would be alright. Isabela, meanwhile, had pushed Dolores aside and was now quickly following after her sister.

“Isabela! Don’t you fucking go in as well!” Dolores cried after her, with no success.

Fortunately, before Isabela could do anything dangerous, Luisa's head resurfaced. She was panting, finally able to breathe again, as she began treading water with her spare arm and making her way towards Isabela. The other arm dragged something else out of the water.

Mirabel.

With help from her vines, Isabela tugged Luisa back onto the ice and onto dry land. The warm siblings quickly made their way over to the opposite side as fast as they could - Dolores stopping to pick up Luisa's discarded skates. Luisa herself didn't seem too fussed by her skates right now. She didn't even thank or notice Isabela's presence, just set Mirabel down gently against the snow to look at her.

“Fuck!” Luisa cursed, unblinking at the unmoving, almost blue body before her. Missing her glasses, but apart from that, seemed to be all in one piece. She glanced at the others making their way over, then back at Mirabel, who thankfully was now shivering. Not normal shivering, it was something intense and shaking the poor girl to her core. “Fuck, fuck, fuck…”

Not wasting anymore time, Luisa scooped Mirabel up into her arms and set her target on the path for home.

“Luisa!” Isabela cried after her. “Luisa! Hey, wait for us!”

“No!” Luisa snapped, without sparing a glance back. “She’s going to fucking freeze to death! I'm not waiting, she needs to see Mama!”

Isabela groaned in frustration. “I get that, but it's a long way back. And even I know you can't leave her in those clothes the whole way! Dolores brought shit with us - towels or something - you can use that and then go! There’s gotta be a better plan then just carrying her like that for hours.”

Somewhat begrudgingly, Luisa drew herself to a halt and allowed the others to catch up with her.

“I know this isn't something to joke about,” Camilo started, innocently. “But it has to be said: this is karma for her smart-mouthing us the entire way down about falling in.”

Isabela looked pissed by the comment but she also snorted, having to cover her mouth with her hand and looking away to collect herself.

Luisa tried her best to ignore Camilo as usual. She didn't think of his comment further as Mirabel was suddenly shivering even more than before, eyes blinking open once or twice but not long enough for it to mean anything. The younger made a miserable noise and it only spurred Luisa into getting more impatient waiting for the supposed towels.

No sooner had Dolores caught up with them, all their things in tow, Luisa's gaze narrowed at her.

“What do we do?” She demanded, cold. “Come on. You’re supposed to be the one who knows everything. Tell me what to do. How do I help her?”

“Skin-to-skin contact.” Dolores blurted, and the area went silent. “It’s not the only thing we can try, but it will be the most effective in getting Mirabel warm, with what we have available, which is the most important thing right now.”

Everyone else looked a bit put off. Luisa herself didn't flinch, passing a limp Mirabel to Isabela and already yanking her top layers off.

“Whoa, whoa, whoa, hold on,” Isabela tried. “You’re not— look, I get it, we don’t want Mirabel to freeze to death, but what exactly is your plan here, Luisa? You can't walk back into town naked.”

Luisa just shrugged at the older, not stopping. “I don't have to be naked naked, right? I'm a giant compared to her, she'll only need a bit of my skin. It's no different to when we went swimming last month and I carried her in our bathing suits. And we have towels, I won't be bare.”

“And blankets! Bruno said we should bring them.” Antonio added, wanting to be helpful.

“See? Problem solved.” Luisa said. She took Mirabel back from Isabela and shuffled away from the others. “A little privacy?”

The four nodded and immediately wandered off; Dolores left the bag of towels and blankets against a tree for Luisa. She turned her attention back to Mirabel, who just looked worse every time Luisa looked at her.

“Sorry, hermanita,” she mumbled, beginning to peel off the clothes.

If there was ever a good reason for all of Mirabel's layers and numerous petticoats, it was that her undergarments were relatively dry. She would have folded up Mirabel's clothes nicely, as she knew her sister would be livid to find they hadn't been cared for properly, but she didn't want to leave the girl freezing in that time. Even if she was wrapped in at least five towels and six blankets currently.

Luisa had saved one towel for herself. She had dived in, after all, and could use with being dried herself. As she took her blouse off and felt the cold breeze on her back, she seemingly realised what exactly she was doing. But, like she had said to Isabela, their undergarments were no different to their swimming costumes. And, on a more important note, Mirabel needed warmth and this was the best/fastest way to give it to her.

She practically winced when she picked Mirabel up. Frozen, soft skin against her warm, toned body. On instinct, Mirabel nuzzled into the crook of her neck and Luisa immediately regretted not drying her hair first. The shock of cold skin and icy hair wasn’t pleasant. Oh well, she had already picked Mirabel up now. And she wasn’t letting go.

[evostar]

La madre silenciosa au character sheets!!

Btw many of the kids are from other towns as well!! The magic bought them and Dolores together! And Alma, julieta, Agustin, pepa, Felix, Isabela and Luisa are referred as “other family“

First we have Paloma, his family owned a shoe shop in bogota, his dad was abusive to his whole family, especially to him because he acts “girly“. He didn’t like making or fixing shoes, neither did he like the “manly“ activities his father forced him to do. He became a bully to protect himself from anyone, Paloma regrets it a lot though. Paloma hated his life and father very much, his mother never did anything besides watch which made him hate them even more. He realized that he loved baking a lot, at that moment he knew that he wanted to become a baker. When his father found out it wasn’t so pretty, he raged out onto him and in the same day Paloma ran away. A week later he was in the Encanto, that’s when Dolores heard him and took him in! He got adopted at the age of 8, a year later he got his gift and he has been the happiest ever :D it didnt take him a while to get off his habit but he was relaxed after.

Next is Camilo! Since birth he was more of an mama‘s boy, yet pepa didn’t pay much attention to him, only when he needed to get praised. Dolores on the other hand made sure to give him the motherly love he deserved. He didn’t like the feeling of Mariano appearing like an father figure for him, he was angry at Felix for lacking at it, but he adapted Mariano quite fast. He was often grouchy about the fact that his parents don’t care. His gift also made the situation worse but his real family always helped him which got him better though time. He loves to take care of his little siblings and in the same time being an wild teenager!

Ines is a "special" child, well at least for a lot of people. She has albinism, her parents thought she was some kind of evil spirit so they treated her rather badly. Ines got bullied from the neighborhoods because of her condition, the school didn’t accept her in either so she didn’t knew to write, read or properly speak. She really isolated herself from the world getting sick often since she stays in her room 24\7. Dolores heard about her a couple of times, she helped ines to get better at basic stuff, she schooled her and took her in when she was 9! Dolores noticed that ines had major anger issues, so she decided to put her in therapy to help ines, which worked a lot! Maybe she can snap sometimes but she‘s working on it. Also she dye‘s her hair because she doesn’t like the white color, she gets reminded often how pretty her hair is but she still won’t like it.

Finally mirabel! She is still giftless in this au, the other family still acts as if she were a curse (besides Luisa). Mirabel obviously tries not to think much of her being giftless even if she is reminded every day. Her parents maybe cared for her more than camilo‘s did but they stopped caring when she didnt get a gift, always making the same excuse “im busy“ Dolores knew mirabel didn’t deserve to get treated like that just because of her gift so she did the caring! Mirabel learned a lot of stuff trough her family, but what she loved to learn the most was the sewing skills her abuela Fiona’s showed her.

They all became a group, since they were raised together and been trough a lot together, their age made them closer too!!

Xavier had a pretty rough life, his mother died at birth and his father hated him for it. His father always looked him up into tight and dark spaces because he didn’t want to see him. Dolores reported him for some crimes he did, just so she could take Xavier in, he was 6 when he got adopted. Xavier was a bit shy at first but he grew to be a very brave boy! He looked up to Mariano a lot and practically did everything he did because he thought that if he did anything wrong he was gonna be put in a tight space again but they made sure to help him with his habit, now he is just wild!! Basically being himself.

Juan is Xavier’s best friend!! Which he is really greatful for since Juan never really had friends. He came from a wealthy family in bogota, he didnt like being wealthy because he got bullied a lot for it. It would get so bad that he often needed to be hospitalized. Because he is from a wealthy family his family doesnt accept him either, they ignore him, dont take care of him and neither do they try to stop his bullying. Like Paloma he ran away out of anger just that this time when he fell asleep in the woods, he woke up the next day in a cozy bed instead of his old cold one. It took him some time to adjust with the people in town, especially the older ones. Juan ran away when he was 8, and he first got his gift 3 years later because the miracle felt the anxiety in him, however he now lives carefree and safe!

Andres had a traumatic past, his blond hair and blue eyes made him get praised by a lot of people which made his parents realize the fame. Andres‘s mother was by far more obsessed with fame so she ofc did everything so people would notice him. They forced him to do stuff just so he would get praised and famed over, if he ddi something wrong he would get punished. When he was 7 he lashed out and his mother burned him with fire as punishment. That happened at night so Dolores got woken by screams, she got his parents arrested and took him in. Andres still tends to avoid a lot of stuff but it is noticeable how he is working on getting better!!

Luz is a bright girl!! Now her mom cared for her however she didnt take care of herself. Her mom always argued with her dad since he was somewhat abusive, at the end she divorced him because she found out he was having an affair. Life was hard after that, luz had to take care of both her mom and herself but after a year her mom took her own life, needless to say it wasn’t a pretty view. She got adopted by Dolores at 5, sometimes Luz has panic attacks because of the trauma so she regularly goes to therapy too. She‘s getting way better! Luz looks up to Isabela often because it seems like she and her mom don’t only look alike but also have a lot in common.

As you can guess Marcia isn’t liked because of her eyes, some of them find it freaky or weird. She actually had a quite big family but they hated her for being different so they tried to get rid of her. (Iykyk) Marcia was extremely traumatized by it, Dolores scolded the entire family including arresting the older ones, needles to say she wasn’t so happy about what she heard. Marcia isolated herself for 6 months after, her family were with her the entire time to help her. The passing months she was getting better and Marcia started to open up. Now she’s happily learning how to write!! Dolores adopted her at 5 years old, kinda sad she was this young.

Lyla had good guardians, her grandparents took care of her till they died, which was when she was 4, after that her parents took her in and since they were young they didnt attend to take care of her. Dolores was already good friends with her grandparents, they knew that her parents wouldn’t take care of her so they asked Dolores to do it. Dolores talked with her parents and adopted lyla!! Layla basically already grew up in the casita so she is pretty used to everything, yet she does need help if it comes to the stairs.

Carlos was actually a homeless boy, his parents left him on the streets when he was 3 and he was on the streets for 3 years till dolores found him. He got picked on a lot and he was skinny which made him insecure too. When Dolores found him he was barely holding on, so he got spoiled a lot ofc!! They helped him with school which he didnt like learning at first, but later on found out he could read comic‘s with it. Plus he became very confident too!!

Esteban has divorced parents, both of them absolutely HATE eachother so they make him their weapon. Every once a week he has to visit the other parent and before he goes the parents tells him to do this or to do that. Esteban doesnt want to do it, he doesnt like it, he feels guilty about it but he knows the punishments. Both of his parents were arrested for the crimes they did (i wonder who reported them) dolores adopted him when he was 8!! Esteban got nothing but just affection from his new family, he loves them very deeply and feels safe with them than he ever has.

The triplets had it very rough, they were selled by their own parents. The ones that bought them treated them very bad, they experimented on them, hurt them for fun and did a lot of other bad stuff. They escaped the place and hid in casita. Dolores found them and adopted them! It took them the longest out of the children to get used to a normal life, but now they are pretty comfortable with their new family! She found them when they were 5, pretty young, sometimes they still struggle a lot.

Leandra‘s dad is pretty troublesome. He always gets in trouble with some kind of bad gang‘s, as you call it. These things get both his dad and himself in danger, he hates not feeling safe the entire time. When he was 6 his dad caused a big thing with a gang, they cornered him and Leandra was with him at that time. In order to survive he told them that they could take Leandra, they then took Leandra and left him alone. The people hurt him for fun throughout a half year, Mariano say them doing stuff to him one day and it didnt end well for them. Mariano saved leandra from the trouble and since that day he has major trust issues, hes grumpy most of the times however he still can be soft :)

Esmeralda was abandoned by her mother when she was 2, she just left her in the forest. Months went by and Dolores started to hear noises in the forest at some points. When she decided to check it out she saw a little toddler, Dolores ofc adopted her. Esmeralda didn't have many problems besides some, she had and still has problems with communication. Speaking for her can be difficult, that's why her family makes sure to always give her a rest when they talk with her. She may looks like she would creep someone out, but she's harmless and would never think of hurting anyone :D

Olivia‘s parents were not stable, they always took some shit. She sometimes ended up in the orphanage because they got arrested. Her parents are abusive and alway aggressive, they never care for her or her brother, so most of the time she has to take care of both of them which can be exhausting. Dolores arrested her parents and took both of them in. Olivia was really happy to have new parents, she got used to Mariano and Dolores really quickly because they were so comforting. She was also happy that her brother was treated well in others care, she finally could be a normal kid!

Rosa has a big family, she has 3 big siblings who moved out of her house when she was young, they didn't treat her well, especially her older sister. They left her out and bullied her often, Isabela reminds her of her big sister a lot and that’s why she hates Isabela a lot. Not only that but they both look and act alike which makes her hatred towards Isabela even more. Her parents weren’t good people either, they too treated her like an outcast and made her do all the chores in the house. They made fun of her too till Dolores got them arrested for a reason. Rosa really looks up to Dolores as her savior, she can finally just be herself without anyone judging her.

Rafeala‘s parents were young when they had him and that’s why they gave him to his grandmother. His grandmother HATES him for making her daughter's life miserable. Rafaela was treated very badly by her, when he was 5 she hurt him so badly he got a major concussion. That concussion damaged his brain really badly which made him forget to do a lot of stuff and a lot of memories. Dolores wasn’t so happy about the news and that woman did not end in jail without breaking some bones. However the injuries didn't stop him from being a very positive child!! He’s happy with his new family!! Sometimes he is scared of Alma because of his memories.

Antonio was in dolore‘s care since the moment he was born, pepa did not want to raise another child. (As if she raised her others) Antonio knows that Dolores and Mariano aren't his real parents but that won't stop him from loving them as if they were his parents which they technically are. He hates his other family for hurting his family, the only person he would still talk to would be Luisa since she is actually nice and would be there for him. He didn't have much problems with his family next to him even so sometimes he still has a lot of anxiety because of his expectations of being the next “hope of the miracle“. His family will make sure though whatever will happen that they will always stay with him.

Cecilia has some troublesome parents, they caused trouble and blamed her for it. She didn't like being blamed for everything they did. Not only that but they were heavy alcoholic‘s too. Sometimes they would force her to buy it for them, she hated the feeling, she hated it all. She isolated herself a lot, Dolores finally got her parents arrested last year and since then she has been the happiest. No more getting blamed at, no more of the smell of alcohol and no more hurting. She loves her family and loves to be with her friends everyday.

Alejandra has divorced parents, she never really sees her dad and is around her mom the entire time. Her mom brings a man over sometimes and if they are really drunk they start to criticize her, calling her bad names or just making fun of her in general. She hates being made fun of so she goes to her abuela Fiona’s house a lot since it's near. After some time Dolores adopted her, now she feels safe in her own home. She doesn't need to be scared of anyone criticizing her ever again and she loves the feeling of being free of those bad words.

Juancho was also one of Mariano’s neighbors. He practically grew up in Mariano’s home since his parents didn’t give a shit about him, like they wouldn’t care if he just went missing, nor would they even care if he had died. They didn't want children and acted aggressive towards him often, Juancho didn't like them even one bit. Mariano often hung around him because he knew how they acted with him, in the end he adopted him and Juancho was more than happy. Juancho did have a coffee problem because once he saw the coffee he pretty much got addicted, they are working on it though.

They all got matching bracelets after seeing the older ones having one too.

Patricia is Frisco's and Vicenta’s step sibling. Their mom cheated on multiple men and in the end she married one, aka patrcia‘s dad. They got treated pretty bad, they were forced to do all the housework, if they didn't they got punishments. Dolores adopted them last year when they were 4, she actually fought to adopt them earlier but the police often refused, in the end she finally adopted them. They were fearful at first but then got comfortable with their new family, they are relaxed and don't have to worry about punishments anymore.

Yoga was treated badly because of his skin condition, his family made him feel like a mistake, like he didn’t deserve to be alive. Luckily he was the neighbor of Fiona, he always ran to her after they did something, sometimes he would stay with her some days and sometimes he would stay at Dolores’s. He hated being treated badly just because of his condition. Fiona ranted the parents out and Dolores ended up adopting him. For some reason he liked the julieta‘s outfit a lot, it made him feel calm just by seeing it so they made sure to make him something similar in which he ofc feels safe.

Diego was the oldest and first one Dolores adopted. (Besides Camilo and Mirabel) His father didn't treat him well, he made Diego work a lot. His uncle‘s side of the family wasn’t good either, they too treated him badly. Diego was confused most of the time, yet he was also angry. Sometimes his father would kick him out and then take him back in, but one day when Diego was 9 he ran away, he didnt wanna work anymore, he didnt wanna get hurt or bad-mouthed anymore. Dolores found him in the forest and took him in, he looked up to her a lot since that day. Now he is rested, no more work and no more bad words, plus he loves being a big brother.

Bronco‘s parents only used him and his sister for good reputation. They didn‘t want children but they saw how much people with children get praised so they decided to have 2 children for good reputation only. When they weren’t getting praised they were left alone unattended somewhere, Dolores always has to go to their garden so they won't hurt themselves accidentally. When Bronco was 2 he set the house on fire without knowing, the house burned down but Dolores still got him and his sister out in time. His parents didn’t survive, but bronco didn't care that much since he didn't even really know them. Dolores adopted them and he felt happier to be with her than his parents.

Cruzito‘s parents didn't want him, they noticed how Dolores adopted many children, so they asked Dolores to take him. She was upset how they did not want their own child but she didn't refuse. Dolores adopted cruzito, he grew up happily in a big family with lots of love and spoilering.

Almira’s parents used her for a good reputation like bronco. She didn't like seeing so many bad face‘s, some were making her upset. She didn't like going to the same places and would just end up crying. One day her brother set the house on fire, Dolores saved her but she was really traumatized by it, she cried every time she was put down by Dolores because of the thought of being hurt again, after some time though she felt safe enough to be on the floor and even start to walk herself. Mostly though she likes being picked up rather than walking.

Angela‘s and Amalia's parents weren’t bad people, well at least not their mother. Their mother was good friends with Dolores, but she knew that she couldn’t handle twins at birth since it was risky for her age. She made a promise with Dolores that if she died she wanted her to take care of the twins. And sadly she did die after the birth, Dolores was devastated but kept her promise. Their father divorced their mother when he found out about the pregnancy, he didn't want children and so he left. Dolores makes sure they grow up to be loved.

Victorio is Olivia’s little brother, since birth he has been abused, his parents were nothing but just aggressive towards him. Thankfully he is a calm child most of the time. He is happily now in Dolores’s care, without getting hurt for the rest of his life.

Now we're onto Dolores!! She started to notice Mirabel was neglected by the whole family, even by her own mother. She hated hearing the cries she heard from mirabel after the ceremony, no one also went to comfort her so she took the matters into her own hand and started to take care of her, it wasn’t a long time till she started to take care of Camilo too. After some time she heard a child in the forest, all alone and she couldn’t just leave him there so she took him in. Since that day she started to take more and more care of the children that needed care. But who would take care of Dolores? Well at the time she found that child in the forest she also met a woman in the age of her mother, she built a bond with the woman and started to see her as a mother figure, pepa lost her spark with Dolores a long time ago, since she was 5. She also met her beloved husband through the kids, everything is great…till it isn’t.

Mariano grew up with no parents, his father is unknown and his mother died at birth. His grandma took care of him and he made a promise to never be like his father. He grew up pretty well behaved, he made sure to treat everyone kindly. He started to get a crush on his best friend, Dolores after a while. He has known her since childhood and he also knows that she helps the people in need. He wanted to be by her side, helping the ones in need, but he also wanted to help her too. After a confession, they started to date and then he proposed, they got married and Mariano couldn’t be happier. He loves his family and what he has become. He would never change it the way it is.

Elena Rosa, the grandmother of Mariano had a normal life, she grew up like any other kid, maybe sometimes her life got down, like that time she lost her husband in the escape. She gave birth to a little girl, who later on also died on her grandson‘s birth. She was devastated but she swore to raise him in the way she would’ve. She hates her daughter's husband for abandoning her during the pregnancy. Elena loves Dolores and her family a lot too. She knew that Dolores was just perfect for Mariano, plus she also loves to spoil her great grandchildren. They are everything for her.

Fiona grew up poorly, her family wasn’t the best, so she made sure to cut them out if she ever got married. Which she did, but after he found out that she couldn’t get children he left her and 6 years of her life went to waste on him. She was alone after that, till Dolores came to her life. She treated Dolores like a daughter she couldn’t have before. And in the process Fiona also got a son-in-law plus grandchildren!! She loves spoiling Dolores and her grandchildren, she made sure to make sure they won’t get the same treatment she got. She’s very protective of her family, she will hurt anyone who even dares to looks at them the wrong way.

\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\

Y’all best believe I spend a lot of time of this 😭 I also needed to rewrite most of their lores since tumblr decided to be a pain in the ass 😞 Fiona is just a character I wanted to add since Dolores deserves a mother figure in this au 🥲👍 I really love and enjoy this au a lot!! I think in the future I will start to write too :D!! If any of y’all got something to say or ask so about this au I be very glad to answer or hear about it!!

Also, the children live in a second casita alike house, just that this house is like a magical room. In Dolores’s room, Guzman‘s house and Fiona‘s house is a door connected to casita 2.0. The room is ofc huge, and everyone who chooses to have an own bedroom has one, some share one cuz they don’t like being alone. They have a garden, multiple bathrooms, and everything they need. Since technically the room isn’t connected to the candle like casita is, it still will be there after casita‘s fall!! Just that Dolores room door won’t work anymore till they rebuild casita. 🩵

[vigilskeep]

thoughts on handersbela? just in general, since you’re so good at thinking about dragon age

this is VERY good timing... i have been thinking lately of Them

i read a little snippet of andersbela fic the other day that wormed its way into my brain... theyre so interesting. putting them in a terrarium to study. with isabela’s avoidance of causes and anders constantly dwelling on his, they’re natural foils who can be lighthearted with each other and also have genuine discussion that brings out a unique philosophical side in isabela plus anders’ humour and slips of i think mixed frustration and admiration at the life she leads. their approach to relationships would create so many sparks (and not just in the bedroom. okay ive made my obligatory joke about them canonically having sex) with anders’ desperation for attachment while he can get it and isabela’s desperate avoidance of the same, and isabela’s need to take care of herself first and foremost and anders being self-sacrificing to the point of self-destruction. with my preference for red hawke i like hawke as a fierce solid support for anders and isabela as someone to lighten and distract; hawke to defend and stand by isabela as no-one has and anders to be gentler and affectionate with her as no-one has but also to challenge her to be everything she’s capable of. but with other hawkes there’s so much you can do too. the POSSIBILITIES

the idea of hawke holding onto them and them both convincing themselves they can risk having this one thing just for a little while... um some assorted thoughts. i think the classic arishok duel aftermath with anders desperately trying to save hawke’s life afterwards and isabela with her heart in her throat knowing it’s her fault is peak drama of all time. i think anders moves in and isabela always leaves in the morning and one time she can’t move because the stupid great big dog got in and laid down on top of her and she likes waking up with them so much and the whole day is full of light and she doesn’t come back for weeks after. i think isabela insists on anders’ terrible lute playing. i think anders doesn’t wear a hawke favour bc he has malcolm’s honour but one day he finds a hole in his coat skilfully patched with a square of blue and gold that doesn’t match at all. i think isabela never fights with as much brash cackling confidence as when she knows anders will heal her before she even stops to realise she’s taken a hit (obligatory “my hands look like this (glowing spirit healer magic) so my girl can look like this (sexy armour)” joke) and anders never feels as safe as when he knows he can count on her to appear out of nowhere to watch his back. i think she’d fascinate justice. i think anders is so bitchy abt her act break disappearing act and isabela snaps right back and that they always make it up to each other repeatedly. i think anders doesn’t understand why isabela keeps leaving and she doesn’t understand how he can bear not to keep moving

they both love hawke so much and they’re both so terrified of what it’s going to do to hawke, is the thing. i was vividly imagining them the other day (i really do mean it when i said this ask was good timing) and there was this rough wistful act 3 dialogue in my head that went like... isabela out of nowhere tells anders he should marry hawke and get out of kirkwall and have a dozen glowing children who talk too much. and he’s vaguely amused and disbelieving as they chatter through the hypothetical (“who’s going to marry us, then? the chantry?” “ship’s captain! right here! you get any old revered mother instead of me and i’ll scratch her eyes out”) but eventually he shakes his head, and says quiet, tired, “if only i could run away anymore.” and then he raises an eyebrow, and says, you should marry hawke. yeah? yeah, marry hawke, get out of kirkwall. have a dozen pirate children with no manners. win each of them a dozen ships to sail. and they laugh through the hypothetical and she says, “it’s almost a shame i’m not the marrying type.” and they both kind of sit there with the knowledge that hawke has lost so much and they’re inevitably going to leave them alone

and then because i’m a sap the last straw is isabela’s chance to step up and fight for what’s right and what’s hers without running away, and anders isn’t cast aside like he always expected but fought for no matter the odds, and hawke gets out of kirkwall and onto the open sea, sailing off with their loves to free the rest of the mages and to learn how to laugh again. and then corypheus rises and hawke is the one to leave them behind after all

also the champion of kirkwall and their bf and gf who can’t stop getting kirkwall burned down is, like, so funny. can’t you three do this at home.

those are my thoughts sorry it got long and silly and embarrassing its late and i love them both so much

[usedtobeguest123]

Encantober Day 1 - Sunset

Bruno stepped his bare feet down onto the wood of his bedroom floor. He stood from his bed and padded to the center of the room. The air was thick with salt and brine, filling his nose with the sharp, wet scent. He could taste the saltiness on his tongue. The tide pushed in across the floorboards, the chilling foam washing over his bare feet, thinning as it went until it was just a film across the wood behind him. As the water pulled back, it carried grains of wood with it like sand, and Bruno's heels sank slowly into the floor, leaving him standing just a little deeper than he'd begun.  He'd never been to the beach. He'd read about it, but being here was different. The saltiness tasted different than salt tossed into the air, than the rush of dry sand. It all felt thicker, heavier. He used to daydream as a child of visiting the beach, and here he was. How funny that all he had to do this whole time was step out of bed.  Ahead of him Mirabel and Antonio splashed and played in the wake, seagulls dipping down to greet them with harsh calls. Deeper in, Luisa and Camilo swam amidst the waves. Antonio was almost as tall as Mirabel. When had he gotten so tall? ... It was a sunset. Or was it a sunrise? Wait--hadn't it just been night, hadn't he just been in bed? As the last of the orange sun slipped below the line of water, a flash of green raced out like a gunshot, pulsing toward him faster than the tide. WOOSH. He squeezed his eyes shut as it pushed past. Everything tasted green, salt and brine.

For @encantober-official Day 1, I took inspiration from a vision-dream that Bruno has in chapter 13 of my fic La Traes. His reimagined bedroom is from my other fic Bruno from Before; you can find its description below the cut!

There were no more treacherous stairs to trek up, nor ghastly images of a haunted prophet to pass to get to Tío Bruno's cave. Now it was just the ornate round door settled deep into the back wall of his room, shadowed slightly by an hourglass shaped entryway that no longer poured out sand. His main room was cozy and warm now, despite the impossibly high ceiling of the tower that rose above it. Natural light filtered in from the round window at the top of the tower like a cathedral, illuminating minute particles of dust and sand that floated lazily through the air. The left side of his room held a small bed tucked against the wall, a desk littered with papers and pencils, and a dresser situated next to the main door. The entire right side of the room was a sitting area, red and green cushioned chairs angled at each other just enough to encourage conversation but not enough to force it, a low table sitting between them. The backs of the chairs were to the center of the room, the chairs positioned to face a wall of bookshelves loaded with not only books but also doo-dads and collected odds and ends that Tío treasured for some reason or another. Two or three of the plants gifted by Isabela climbed precariously from their potted places on the shelves. One entire shelf seemed to be some sort of rat maze. Framed pictures of each and every Madrigal, some current and some yellowed with age, spread across all the walls like butterflies drifting in clustered groupings.  And there, straight across from the main doorway, stood the hourglass cutout and the large round door through that, looking for all the world like nothing more than a particularly interesting closet and not a room where the future sifted into the present. 

--Bruno from Before

[queenofthedisneyverse]

WOAH ME SENDING AN ASK WHAT UH…Anyway for some stupid reason I didn’t see you tag me in the dragonoid post until a week later I AM SO SORRY???

Erm 🤓☝️ I would love to help with it, I love world building so much you don’t understand. And this au has a really cool start, any more lore or do you need like. Prompts or whatever 🌚

Girl I mostly need help with lore (and maybe design ideas, I don't mind prompts eigther) but here's some other stuff I got so far

For now, we'll call baby dragonoid's "Hatchlings". They stay with the name "hatchling" until they are about the equivalent of 10 years old.

I can't think of a dragon equivalent title to tween or teen so if you come up with anything. Edit (idea given to me by evostar): Tweens/teens are called Dweeps!

Diet mostly consists of fish (like regular dragons). I think fruit, other types of meat, and vegetables too?? I'm not sure.

Elders that are the equivalent of 40-50 years of age guard the edges in case any humans stumble upon the Encanto.

Also, dragonoid's that are Alma's age are deathly afraid of the outside world. So, the rule of never going beyond the barrier is HEAVILY MANDATORY.

DO NOT TOUCH THE EGGS!!! If you aren't a relative or close family friend, you will get a limb torn off.

Hatchlings are very curious and hardheaded; they only learn after the accident to not do it again (hopefully). Same for tweens and teens, but not to an extreme extent. Hatchlings also have a lot of energy.

Nests/Homes are always adorned with jewelry and anything shiny.

No shoes. Their feet are as stuff as leather so there's no need to wear them.

Teeth are as sharp as knives, it's a miracle tongues aren't bitten by accident on the daily.

shops, vendors, and "restaurants" do exist in Encanto it just looks different a little different.

The fashion is well...raggy per say?

Examples:

They can make their clothes look close to human standards, but they simply don't want to conform to that for petty reasons. And I just love this kind of fashion, so I wanted to put it in here.

Odd patterns, random jewelry, embroidery, patches, etc. Plus, certain patches or scraps of fabric are passed down from generation to generation.

Madrigals!

I've decided, they do have gifts!

Alma wears a headpiece jewelry on her head that belonged to Pedro. She's rarely, if ever, seen with it off. Example:

Also, male dragonoid's where whatever they want. Earrings, necklaces, rings, etc.

Ceremonies still exist, but like in beach town au, the very fact that you are alive is very important. Especially to a dragonoid seeing as they were wiped out very easily.

All of them are close in this au, no pressure. Isabela is the very definition of wild and so are the other grandkids.

As hatchlings (baby - 4), they bit everything in sight for teething reasons. Even their parents but it doesn't hurt at all. But to a human, the pain would be like if a piranha latched onto you.

Mirabel doesn't have a gift (I'm sorry Miraboo butcha don't), and her wings are smaller than the others. So, she mostly has to walk, crawl, climb, and run wherever she needs to go.

Which isn't an issue really, her body is already equipped with the biology to do all four, but it does get tedious.

Pepa doesn't breathe fire, she blasts lightning out of her instead. Think toothless.

Also, I'm not sure what dragon type they should be related too. Each dragonoid is related to some type of dragon but I can't decide theirs'. (But I think the triplets should be a mix between Alma and Pedro, the yellow kids should be a mix of Pepa and Felix, same for the blue couple and their kids.)

One more thing, Dragonoids' are taller than the average humans but much smaller than original dragons (BUT it depends on the type of dragon). I hope that makes since.

I'll have to look up the different types of dragons from HTTYD for some more info.

Also, @evostar

srry, forgot to tag you @thefourchimes

[yellowcry]

Joke on you

"In highsight, I should have clarified some details beforehand"

Luisa fumbled, wiping the sticky sweat off her brow. She was so exhausted after a long working day. Her legs could barely hold her, and she needed a shower like Parce needed raw meat. Two showers. Crap, maybe she DID overworked again. But Luisa could swear it was an accident. Old habits were just too hard to break. So from time to time Luisa had unintentionally slipped onto the overworking ground again.

"Hola, how's your day's been?" Isabela jumped to her as Luisa collapsed onto the old creaky wooden chair. Hmm, maybe she should paste it some time later.

"Anything interesting?" Luisa sighed, pushing a cup of coffee to herself. Surprisingly, without a sign of milk in it. Knowing her older sister, there was no chance she wouldn't try to ruin this precious drink with her poisonous milk. Did Isabela grow a weed again? And she didn't even invite Luisa! It's so rude of her! Not like Luisa planned to agree anyway, but still.

Isabela pushed a plate with some sort of a cake on it to Luisa. The fine biscuit and some topping made out of what seemed to be smashed fruits. The younger of of pair narrowed her eyes, half standing now. She pressed her palms against the pedestal-table and narrowed her eyes at the food. The kitchen had looked surprisingly normal for Isabela cooking. Usually it was finished with burned place and smelly mass that nobody could really call 'food'."What is this?" Luisa tilted her head, as if she stares at some puzzle she couldn't solve. And she was actually pretty hungry too.

Isabela shrugged, unbothered. "Mamá's new recipe. You better try it until Camilo gets his hands to the last piece." Luisa chuckled, slightly spilling coffee from the gush of wind. Of course, Camilo would eat it the moment he sees it. There was no big surprise. And Luisa had to try whatever it was. Judging by the fact that cake looked pretty normal it must be actually Mamá's food.

Luisa took a handful of fork... And spit out most of it in five seconds. It tasted worse than hay for the donkeys in the barns (don't ask how she knows it.) Extremely gross taste, sour as if Luisa swallowed a whole lemon and so salty that even Mirabel would refuse to take a second bite. It buried itself inside Luisa's mouth, while she gagged. At first Luisa tried to drink coffee to get rid of the taste. But it only ruined the taste of coffee too. Casita pushed a bottle with water to Luisa with motherly care.

It was Isabela's, wasn't it? Fuck her. Luisa leaned against the old table, feeling it cracking under her strengt. Her head felt like it was running a marathone. Pain jumped up and down, spinning in circles inside Luisa's exhausted body. Her arms felt heavy like two churches.

For maybe a minute Isabela stood with a smirk, which further proved she was behind this all. But the smugness slowly turned away. The older sister raised her eyebrows, baring her teeth in worry. And maybe a glimpse of guilt. "Fuck, are you okay?" Isabela pushed her way to Luisa's side, helping her to hold her weight with the vines.

"I don't feel so good." Luisa murmured, eyes shut. She shieved from cold, the same kind to when you walk out of the water. "I... I'll go to bed." She tried to get up herself but had practically collapsed the moments there was nothing to hold her weight. Hell, what is going on with her? Her eyes were closing themselves,every step was so clumsy. She buckled, Isabela helped her get all the way up to her room. She heard somebody talking but couldn't exacty made out a single word. Just grunted something.

"Okay, okay, go to bed. It'll teach you not to drink black coffee."

Luisa collapsed onto the bed. Her head could not stop spinning. Everything floated in a lazy haze. Luisa could barely breathe, it hurts so much. What the fuck? She was sick several times but it never was like this. Her body twitched. Starting all the way from her fingers, then enbows, spine moving in a strange way, nose snapping like a twig. Something slipped down from her body.

She wasn't sure how she managed to stand up. Her room looked stranglely smaller than usual. Isabela was just at the door.

"What the fuck was in this cake?!" Luisa growled and Isabela almost felt onto the floor in surprise. If it wasn't for the stone, she would've created a bunch of vines in self-defence instinct.

The older sister stared at her with wide open eyes. Breathing heavily under Luisa's huge frame. "Luisa, what the hell is bear doing in your room?" She chuckled nervously. "You should've told me you've got a new pet." A BEAR?! Luisa stared around, trying to spot it. Was it Antonío's runaway. Eye twitching from worry. Isabela blinked several times. "Sis?"

"Where's that bear?" Luisa asked, still looking aroung. She gave a hand to Isabela to help her get up. Well... tried to. What used to be Luisa's arm now was hude and covered in black fur with big claws at the end of it. Luisa gasped, falling onto the cold floor. Looking from one of her arm to another. Both were fluffy, paws instead of hands. Sharp claws rang agains the raw stone. She trembled, trying to feel her face. What the fuck was going on with her? Her breathing hitched, the room was spinning. Luisa felt like throwing up.

Her clothes lied in her bed. Now too small to Luisa. And considering that it was too huge to be worn by anyone becides Luisa she must be huge right now. She wailed on the floor, her heart beating way too fast. What the hell was going on? She tried to yell at Isabela, demanding an explanation, but the only sound that came out was an animalistic growl. Which made ger freak out even more.

Okay, no, it was a dream! She must be sleeping! She felt sick earlier, it was the reason. She wasn't actually. She wasn't an animal... But each time Luisa tried to feel her face, she could sence an enlogate snout. Would anybody have to say she was freaking out in the mometn?

She needed some fresh air. Luisa had shoved Isabela away brutally. The older sister tumbled and yelled as Luisa broke her door off her hinges, barely managing to stop herself before she broke the rails too and fell down the patío.

Isabela had found her sister by bear cries coming from Antonío's room.

The whole thing went wrong! It wasn't supposed to happen! Damn witch, Isabela should've never trusted her! Okaay, maybe she didn't think this throught too good. Planning wasn't her strong side. And she also didn't think Luisa would turn into a bear. Remind Isabela to ask what type of magic she uses the bext time she meets a witch.

She stared at how her youngest cousin pat a giant bear, undoubtedly Luisa. It didn't look like Andean bear, but something unknown and scary. And big, Luisa was more than two feet bigger in lenght that she used to be. The fact that she managed to squeeze herself through the doorway was a big surprise. Luisa lied in a puddle of fur on the grass, merging with the floor in her despair. Sobbing profusely while Antonio was noddindg with understanding. Luisa had a habit of talking so much nobody could insert a word when she was upset and freaking out. Which was happening right now.

"I'm sure being a bear isn't this bad!" The young boy looked over to Isabela."Oh, and Bela will know how to fix it, right?"

Isabela swallowed under the piercing plate-sized brown eyes. In fact, she had no idea. Hopefully, it would go away itself. But what if not? She really shoud have asked what whe was getting Luisa into before giving her a magic cake.

Luisa huffed, looking away. Maybe she was upset. To be fair, Isabela couldn't blame her for it. "Yeah, it was an accident!" She hoped she sound confident enough. "We"ll go to that dawn witch and force her to take it back. Or I'll beat her with a cactus."

If there was anything in being perfect for so long, it was the fact that Isabela had gotten so good in acting that pretending unbothered came as a second skin. Everything should be fine, she would get Luisa back to normal. (She didn't know what she would do if she couldn't). Luisa was upset already, Isabela's crying would just be useless for either of them. She would be much better off if she acts like she knows what she's doing.

They just needed to get outside. Which would've been easy if adults weren't talking about Luisa's suddenly broken door in the patío. Isabela held back the want to do some stupid comment about the situation. It would've been so much easier if Luisa wasn't so stupidly emotional. The other part reminded that it was Isabela's fault to begin with.

"Oh, Toñito," Camilo meowed, inviting himself into the room. "Have you heard? There's some drama with Luisa."

Luisa tensed, pulling her... arms... legs... paws? Limbs under her body. Her ears fell down with a small grunt.

Camilo inhaled, clapping his hands. "Toñito? You've got a new friend?"

"It's Luisa! Isabela had turned her into a bear!"

Isabela squinted, baring her teeth. Her fists clentched. She preferred to focus on rapid water steam nearby. Luisa seemed to do the same thing.

"Wait?" Camilo stared at Isabela with wide open mouth. "You can turn people into animalis? That's so cool! Can you turn me too?" There was no surprise in Camilo wanting to join the chaos. Becides, his gift was shape-shifting already so even if he didn't know beforehands, maybe it was easier for him than for Luisa. And honestly, knowing beforehand Isabela would like to be changed too. Hell, maybe Luisa herself wouldn't freak out if she knew. Not like Isabela could warn her. She didn't think it would turn her into a bear too.

But hey... Isabela could use it to her advantage.

"If you help me to get Luisa out of here, she's not so happy about this."

Luisa growled, her fur standing up. Camilo snarled back almost instinctively. "Language, Prima, there's Antonìo!" Even as chaotic as he was, Camilo had a huge parental instinct.

"Uh... Since when can you understand bears?" Isabela muttered, looking from her eye-twitching sister (guess even being an animal doesn't help her with this) to her primo.

"I can't, it just sounded like Luisa swore."

Antonio nodded, flattered. "She did!"

Isabela decide to ignore Camilo trying to get from Antonío who had taught him bad words. It wasn't a big surprise. He was Tía Pepa's son after all.

She crounched becides Luisa, digging her hand into the black coat. Luisa made another displeased sound, which Isabela couldn't understand. She had no idea what they were supposed to do. It was meant to be a silly innocent joke. And Luisa clearly disliked it with every muscle of her body.

Just act like she was confident in herself. It would at least be more assuring for Luisa than Isabela admitting that she had no idea what she got themselves into.

[mrs-theirin]

[ao3 link]

Andraste’s ass.

After the Seeker left, well informed but deeply dissatisfied with Varric’s answers, all Varric had left was the ruin of the estate and silence.

Hawke’s estate wasn’t used to silence. Even on her worst days, she managed to keep it loud and bustling, bursting with music or laughter or just plain shouting. Whether it was the chaos of the mages taking refuge or the banter of their friends, there was always noise. Yet silent it had been for years. Until now.

Letters scattered on the cold tile. Lamps shattered, desks haphazardly laid ajar, doors thrown open and left agape. Even bottles of wine poured onto the floor in case there was something, anything hidden within them. Cassandra and her men did not spare a single corner.

To bring him here, to interrogate him about her in her own home–

Varric’s fist tightened around a discarded bottle of wine.

Rivain’s purest, the bottle read. The telltale sign Hawke was traveling with Isabela.

How stupid did Cassandra think they were?

Straight from the Anderfels, said the bottle at his feet. Taste of Tevinter, read the bottle shattered a few steps away. Finest from Ferelden, said the bottle in her room upstairs. Did the Seeker really think that Hawke, the Champion of Kirkwall, a woman of lies, of banter and deceit and all things criminal, the woman who had survived in Kirkwall by hiding her identity, would be stupid enough to send Varric letters? 

Given that Cassandra had taken everything he had said as fact, Varric didn’t think she was all that bright in the first place. Sure, Hawke had known nothing of Anders’s plan–after all, why wouldn’t she be oblivious to her closest friend’s plans to change the course of history? Everything that had happened to Hawke was an unlucky happenstance; of course she killed the Arishok with pride, of course she had been up and running with a grin immediately after Leandra died, of course she was best buddies with the captain of the guard. Surely none of these could be false.

Meanwhile, if Cassandra had just asked Aveline what she thought of Hawke, she’d be able to provide her with such a long string of synonyms for the word “bitch” that she’d still be talking a week later.

He tilted the bottle in his hand. The simplest code, and the Seeker still couldn’t crack it. Didn’t even consider it. Hawke always knew how to outsmart the public.

Interrogated in her home. It was all such complete bullshit.

If he had just come here a second sooner–

Maker’s breath, the place was empty. So empty. 

And now, just like everything else in Hawke’s life, it was tainted by people who thought they were entitled to her life. To come here looking for her as a sign of faith, as if dragging her to continue being the #1 punching bag of the cosmos was a luxury, as if it was an honor. As if all she had fought for was to get yanked back into it against her will by idiots who were just trying to do “the right thing”.

Hawke’s estate was empty. And if the Seeker had her way, it would stay that way forever. Silent. Everything that Hawke never was. And never would be, if Varric had anything to say about it.

But even as he stood in the ruins of her home, clutching a bottle with her essence on it, with the sound of her voice in the dryness of the wine, with a wisp of her hair stuck to the side, he knew he’d never had a say in the matter, and likely never would. Because no matter how many stories he wrote, no matter how many lies he spun, his writing couldn’t change reality, and reality had never been kind to people like Hawke. Hawke especially. 

In her own fucking home.

Andraste’s ass.

[tobythewise]

Happy Friday and welcome to DADWC! How about A 'please be okay' kiss for Handers?

Thank you for the welcome and the prompt! I hope you enjoy :D

(Written for @dadrunkwriting Warnings for hurt Hawke, Anders' self esteem issues, angsty thoughts but with a hopeful ending)

Anders isn’t sure he’s ever been this tired before. His entire body aches down to his very core. He’s so tapped out that he’s positive he couldn’t even conquer a spark. His connection to Justice is barely there, leaving him feeling completely and utterly alone despite the commotion going on around him. 

“Bandages. I need more bandages,” he manages to grit out through clenched teeth. 

His heart is in his throat, his hands just barely keeping from shaking. It’s a testament to his time as a healer that Ander is capable of keeping his cool at all right now. 

Isabela places more into his outstretched hand. He doesn’t even have the energy to properly thank her. Ander continues his work, patching up every wound he can get his hands on. 

Maker’s breath, there’s so much blood. 

There will be consequences of what happened today. Hawke might have come out of this fight on top, but everyone saw him use his magic. Everyone saw Anders use his magic. There’s no way that Meredith is going to let this go, but Anders can’t let himself think about that. Not yet. Not while Hawke is still fucking bleeding. 

Anders used the last of his magic to stop the internal bleeding and now that Varric and Isabela have helped him carry Hawke back to his estate, he’s working against the clock to patch up the rest. 

As he places the last bandage over Hawke’s chest, making sure it’s secure, clean, and medicated, Anders sits back on his heels. He lets out a long breath, wishing he could feel Justice. He needs the reassurance that he’s done everything he can, that he’s doing what’s right. 

His eyes never leave Hawke’s face. He places a hand on Hawke's chest, just to feel it move. Anders needs the physical proof that he’s alive, that despite everything Hawke should be okay. Anders holds onto that like a lifeline, keeping him from sinking into the all consuming despair nipping at his heels. He’s not sure he could handle losing any more people. 

He’s not sure he would survive losing Hawke. 

A hand touches Anders’ shoulder and he just barely finds the strength to raise his head and look away from Hawke. 

“You did good, Blondie. Hawke is already looking better.”

The gravity of what’s just happened starts to sink in. It’s only a matter of time before the templars are banging on Hawke’s door, wanting to pull the two of them into the Gallows. It’s only a matter of time before the place Anders has put down roots is torn away once more.

He’s so fucking tired of running. 

“Just another day with our fearless leader,” Anders says, trying his best to keep his voice in his usual sarcastic tone, but it falls terribly flat. “The Arishok really should have thought better than to pick a fight with Hawke.”

Varric squeezes his shoulder. He understands, no doubt feeling just as keyed up as Anders after seeing Hawke so close to death's door. “You should get some rest,” he says, his voice achingly soft. Anders has to fight against the impulse to push that softness away. He doesn’t deserve it, not really. Too bad he’s too tired to do anything but shake his head. 

“Can’t leave him,” he says, knowing it’s enough for Varric to understand. 

“Okay,” Varric says after a long pause. “I’ll be nearby. Give a yell if you need anything, alright?”

Varric and Isabela leave the room. Anders rests his forehead against the bed for a moment after carefully taking Hawke’s hand into his own. He gives it the gentlest squeeze, hoping Hawke can feel that he’s here, that he’s not alone. 

“Please,” Anders whispers, his chest aching with emotion. He shouldn't have allowed himself to fall for Hawke. All of this would be so much easier if he wasn't attached, if he wasn't willing to drag another person into his plight.

Loving someone at the best of times is hard and Anders has learned time and time again that it's so much worse to love someone while being a mage.

He kisses the back of Hawke’s hand, not caring that both of their hands are covered in blood that don’t belong to them. Hawke’s with the Arishok’s blood, his own hands with Hawke’s. “Please be okay,” he whispers between kissing each of Hawke’s knuckles, wishing the tales he read as a child about magical kisses were actually true. 

He rests his forehead against their combined hands. Maybe if the Maker hadn’t turned his eyes away from Anders the day he manifested his magic as a child, he’d take the time to pray to him now. Instead, he breathes through his panic as best as he can and waits. 

It could be minutes or it could be hours but eventually, Hawke squeezes his hand and Anders suddenly feels like he’s allowed to breathe again. Tears of relief spring to Anders’ eyes. There’s still so much to deal with and so much to prepare for. Anders can feel it, things are about to change and he’s positive it’s not for the best, but all of that can wait because right now, the man he loves is okay.

A fight is brewing and as much as he wishes he could shield Hawke from it, he knows it's too late from that. They'll fight this side by side and see this through. Anders just hopes that this won't break them in the end.

[acewithapaintbrush]

My entry for week three of @wdtajn for the prompt crossover and also for @empty-cryptid cause they wrote a super cute Encanto/One Piece crossover and I was like ohhhhhhhhh I wanna write Bruno and Luffy interacting too! So yeah, without you this wouldn't exist. Enjoy.

👒👒👒👒👒👒👒👒👒👒

"Wahoooo! Sugoi ne! It's like Arabasta in here!" 

The boy with the strawhat turns in a circle, his head tilted back so far that his hat almost falls off. He's got his hands up and shielding his eyes even though there is no sun in Bruno's room that could blind him. 

Bruno thought that he would grow annoyed quickly with the overly excited visitor, but he's actually enjoying himself. This Luffy has a childlike wonder to him that is contagious.

When he'd arrived in a flash of light in the middle of their family breakfast (literally falling onto their table with a bone breaking crash) it had only taken him one second to find his bearings and greet them all with a cheeky "Yo!" and a bright smile. Not even Isabela threatening him with her spiky vines or Pepa gathering a cloud with lightning above her head had fazed him too much. He'd simply gushed and ah'd and said something about devil fruits and how Pepa's power was just like Nami's weapon and since his Nami is the strongest navigator ever Pepa must be super cool and strong too, right? 

Needless to say, Pepa had been ready to adopt him just minutes after meeting him. 

Surprisingly enough he hadn't been especially impressed with Luisa holding the table threateningly over his head. The reason for that became abundantly clear when he offered to help tidy up and lifted a nearby table with nothing but one arm. These noodle arms hide a lot of muscles, apparently. 

After a lot of back and forth to get the whole story out of him (pirates and devil fruits and rubber powers and a legendary treasure, oh my!) Abuela's hospitality and Luffy's obvious lack of ill intentions (he'd let Antonio use his rubber arms as a swing during the entire conversation without batting an eye) had won out and he'd been allowed to wait in Casita for his friends. 

Bruno has been tasked with keeping an eye on him during the day, much to the consternation of all the kids who wanted to play with the newcomer but were instead sent into town to take care of their chores first. The journey to Bruno's room took forever because not just the youngest Madrigals have taken a liking to their surprise visitor, but Casita as well, letting the boy use her stairs as a slide over and over again. 

"I don't know what that means." Bruno admits. He watches as Luffy plops down and starts gathering sand around himself. He must be as old as Isa and Dolores and at first sight he doesn't really act it. But Bruno can also see the sinewy muscles in his arms as he gathers the sand or the way his gaze took everything in before entering this room, as if assessing his surroundings for threats. It was a fleeting moment and Bruno only noticed because he was watching the boy so intently. There is something about this boy (man?) that makes you take notice, that makes you straighten your spine and tighten your fists. 

It's like watching a tiger play. A big cat, cute one moment but ready to rip your throat out at the slightest sign of danger in the next, and don't you dare forget about that. 

Agustin and Felix had snorted into their coffee when Luffy had declared himself the captain, but Bruno has no trouble believing it. 

No trouble at all. 

Bruno sits down and continues watching as Luffy builds a sandcastle. Or a goose. It's hard to tell. 

Some of his rats have come over to investigate and instead of shooing them away or being disgusted, Luffy only blinks at them for a second before including them in his play, setting them on little hills and smoothing down some sand so it becomes a slide. 

Any lingering apprehension Bruno might have had about the guy disappears. 

"You are very… calm about all of this." he starts slowly. "It must be scary, trapped in another world?" 

"Nah." Luffy is distracted by two rats angrily squeaking at each other over the slide. He just adds another. "My Nakama saw the whole thing. I'm sure they have already caught the devil fruit user and are figuring out how to reverse this."

"You have a lot of faith in them." 

"Sure I do! They are the best!" 

"Would you tell me about them?" 

Luffy lights up so much, Bruno fears he's going blind. 

And then he talks about all of them. How they met and who they are and their dreams and ambitions and why they are the greatest people in the whole wide world and how he would be lost without them and that he's so happy they decided to follow him. He talks about every single one of them with so much love and appreciation that it's hard not to fall a little bit in love with this crew just by his descriptions alone. 

It's also not hard to imagine why they all follow this boy to hell and back either. 

And then he talks about this One Piece and his dream to become the king of the pirates. It should put Bruno off (pirates are the bad guys, right?) but instead he grows excited. He is a storyteller at heart and this makes for an amazing story. 

He finds himself once again explaining that there are no devil fruits here, just their magical candle and how it came to be. Luffy nods along with stars in his eyes. 

When Bruno tells him what his gift is, Luffy almost bounces off the walls in excitement. 

"The future???? Honto ni??? That's so cool!" 

"Oh. Well." Bruno chuckles, a little bit flustered by the open admiration. It's been a long time since someone other than his family has called him cool. "I could show you. I mean. Maybe show you when your friends get here? Or maybe how you find the One Piece?" 

How, because "if" never even crossed Bruno's mind. 

Of course Luffy is gonna find it. 

Luffy's "No!" is a bit more forceful than Bruno expected, but before he can shrink back or register any hurt, Luffy grins at him  and clasps his hands around his crossed ankles. One of the rats has curled up on top of his hat for a nap. "No way! I don't wanna know how we'll find the One Piece. That would take all the fun out of it. I don't wanna go on a boring adventure!" 

"Fair enough." Bruno says and shrugs. 

Yeah. There is nothing worse than a boring adventure. 

Good thing there is rarely a boring day in the life of the Madrigals. 

"But hey! Can you look where we'll find Sanji's favorite cooking spoon? Someone… Not me! Definitely not me! But someone lost it when they were playing sword fighting with Usopp. As a good captain it's my duty to find it before Sanji notices and hits that person. Not 'cause it was me! 'Cause it wasn't! Okay?" 

Bruno just laughs. 

[ghostwise]

Zevran is once again struck by the way people change when you leave them alone for a while.

Three times now, the Maker has seen fit to place them in each other's paths. This time, however, rather than feeling regret at all he has missed in his friend's life, he feels only awe at the ways she has grown and the ways she has stayed the same. Isabela listens with a patience he's seldom associated with her, and for that he is grateful.

Still, he's almost afraid to tell her all that has happened.

"It is a very long tale, my dear," he says when she asks. "And I'm afraid it does not portray me in a very positive light."

"Oh, please. Like you're the only one with a past," she teases. "Have you forgotten already how we met?"

"Never," he replies, and she's coaxed a smile out of him despite his worry. It's easy to remember why he loved her--loves her--and trusts her, too. So, having surpassed that slightest bit of resistance with her support, he lets it all pour out in a flood of words.

Everything from Rinnala's betrayal to his contract in Ferelden, to his time during the Blight and Taliesen's death. Everything from the fight against the Crows, to his year spent at Quinta de Talpa, and his travels throughout all of Antiva and beyond. He tells her everything, good and bad, without omission.

It must be some surprise to her; he’s become so honest and vulnerable. But it’s deliberate, and he barrels into it with a certain recklessness because it has been hard-won.

Most of all, he talks about the Warden, like a thread weaving through every single piece of his life. Making his story coherent. Stitching the broken bits whole.

"I must admit, I didn't think him your type then, and I certainly don't now," Isabela says when he's done.

They're lounging on the bed together, barely dressed. Her hair is fanned out across her pillow and she makes a face, features pulling into a delicate pout.

"Please tell me he's not as grim and somber as he seems. Frankly, I’m still surprised he was alright with you and I meeting. Unless..." She sits up, and peers at him, blouse falling over her shoulders. "Unless he doesn't know?"

"He knows," Zevran murmurs against her knee. “He knew who I was when he married me.”

“Good.” Content to hear it, Isabela leans back with a smile. "What a waste it’d be otherwise. I mean, for you as well. Don't change for anyone, Zevran. I mean it. There are far too many miserable marriages in the world. I should know."

For a moment both of them reflect on those words. But they speak to a life long past, and not worth revisiting. After a moment Zevran just sighs with the most lovestruck look she's ever seen him sport.

"Ah, I'd love for you to get to know him as I do..." He strokes her leg gently, hanging onto her, though it is clear his mind is drifting. "He would never ask me to change. He doesn't want to impede me in any way. He sees the depths of me, good and bad, and asks for nothing. I never imagined... Isabela, he makes it so easy, so simple and calm. So you see, because of that, I can give him everything. Because he-"

"Oh, enough!"

Yanking her legs back she tucks them beneath herself and tackles him with a hug, affectionate but very much exasperated.

"You talk about your husband too much, Zevran! No one will ever want to sleep with you!"

Zevran draws in a sharp breath, then he collapses into laughter.

As they laugh and cling to one another, he’s infinitely glad he saved her all those years ago. He’s glad she’s here now. He's glad for every note in his story, from the highest to the lowest.

"Seriously, Zev," Isabela says, as she extricates herself from his embrace and walks to her dresser--truly a vision, as beautiful as she'd been ten years ago. "I'm glad you've found someone to make you happy. You deserve no less. As for the rest, all that matters is that you've kept on living and doing your best. That's all any of us can do."