#i wrote it during 2 am aka the hour you should never trust about yourself

[superwingscentral]

blank version below the cut so you can do it with your fave

[3rensgf]

rent a gf - two eren yeager x reader

word count: 2.9k

warnings: mentions of sex, talks about "getting bitches", eren is an idiot, fuckboy!eren implied, tatbilb mention, uhh fluff idk theres not much to warn abt in here, not beta read

notes: chapter two is out! i'm really glad a lot of people are enjoying rent a gf. it really means a lot! i see some people commented on the previous chapter, and i would love to reply to them, but i'm not familiar with tumblrs commenting system D: if you wanna leave a comment for me to just read, that's fine you can still keep commenting here on tumblr. but if you would like me to reply to it, you can comment on ao3, and i will reply! happy reading :) p.s, waffles w whipped cream r so much better

[ read on ao3 ]

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In the early hours of Saturday morning, you felt a hand shaking your shoulder to wake you. Groaning and mumbling, you sleepily swatted the hand away and pulled the covers over your head. No one should be forced to wake up early on the weekends. It was Saturday, for fucks sake. Not to mention your hangover due to last nights mistakes was making your head throb.

The hand rested on your shoulder once more, shaking you gently. “(Y/N),” Mikasa said softly. “Your alarm has been going off for the past 10 minutes. Wake up. I have water and Advil.”

“Nooooo,” you moaned, snuggling deeper into your bed. “Don’ wanna.”

Mikasa stopped bothering you for a moment, and you let your guard down. Finally you could sleep. When it was time to wake up, you’d wake up.

Right as you were about to pass out again, your blanket was roughly tugged off of you. “Mikasaaa!” you whined, covering your face with your hands. “What was that for? I was trying to sleep.”

“Get up. You have to shower and get ready for lunch with Eren today. Breakfast is almost finished,” she explained, setting down the pills and water on your bedside table. “Go brush your teeth and wash your face so you can eat. Now,” she instructed sternly, moving to your window to open the curtains. The bright sunlight hit your still half-asleep face, making you hiss quietly.

She left the room moments after, probably to check up on breakfast. Honestly, you didn’t know how she could function this early in the morning despite having partied all night last night. Curse her and her inability to get hungover.

Grumbling to yourself, you adjusted your sleep clothes that had gotten disheveled overnight to make sure you looked decent. Your sleepy gaze wandered over to your nightstand to see two Advils on a napkin beside a glass of cold water. Thanking every higher power for sending Mikasa to you, you downed both pills and the glass of water. Even though you might bitch and moan to her constantly, you really weren’t lying when you said you’d die without Mikasa.

After sitting down at the edge of your bed for a few moments, you eventually shuffled into the bathroom to brush your teeth and do your morning routine. It took longer than usual thanks to your sluggish and tired movements, but you got done nevertheless.

A wonderful aroma came from the kitchen when you left, stomach grumbling in anticipation for the wonderful food you were about to scarf down. Mikasa was in the process of setting down both your breakfasts on the island, sitting down on the stools when you walked in. “Morning, Sleeping Beauty,” she greeted, resting her chin on her hands.

“Morning, sweet angel,” you replied, sitting at the stool beside her. In front of you was a plate of Funfetti pancakes with whipped cream instead of maple syrup (syrup was for pancakes only). There were a couple of cut up fruits beside them, too. “Where did you get these?” you asked, picking up your fork to take a bite of your breakfast.

Mikasa dug into her own breakfast of oatmeal as soon as you started eating. “Went grocery shopping and saw the mix in the baking aisle. I thought you’d like it,” she explained, taking a bite of her food. “Good?”

Your response was a moan, tilting your head back as you chewed. “Insanely,” you said, cutting up another bite. You stabbed the piece with your fork and guided it to Mikasa, keeping your hand under it to catch anything if it dropped.

She finished her bite and leaned in to take the bite, humming in satisfaction at the taste. “Good,” she nodded.

“They put like crack ‘n this shit,” you said through a full mouth, shoveling forkful after forkful into your mouth.

You could feel Mikasa's judging gaze for eating like a pig, but you didn’t care. All you cared about was eating these crack laced waffles as greedily as possible. “What time are you supposed to meet Eren today?” she asked to make conversation.

You remember drunkenly slurring to her that Eren was supposed to take you out for lunch today while she was trying to put you to bed. All she did was nod and dodge your flailing limbs while she tried to change you into your night clothes.

“Uhhh,” you trailed off, “I dunno actually. I think he’s gonna text me when.” The familiar notification from your phone indicated you had a text from Eren. “Right now.”

ren ᕙ(`▿´)ᕗ - 9:04 AM picking u up at 12 dont be late

you - 9:04 AM k

ren ᕙ(`▿´)ᕗ - 9:05 AM dont use k with me that makes me sad :(

you - 9:05 AM k

“He says 12,” you told Mikasa, setting your phone back down on the table. You went to go take another bite of your waffles, only to be met with stray bits of whipped cream and waffle crumbs. How disappointing.

“You have time to get ready then,” she said, finishing up the last bit of her own breakfast. Holding her plate, she got up to go put it in the sink, taking your plate for you as well. Literally an angel.

Suddenly, she leaned in to sniff you like the weird English professor you had your freshman year and cringed. “You’re gonna need all the time you can get. You stink.”

Never mind, not an angel.

Grumbling and cursing under your breath, you got off the stool to go take a shower. “And here I was about to offer to get you something for lunch while I was out.”

“A burger from the joint I like would be nice. So would a Coke and side of onion rings.”

“Size?”

“Medium for both.”

You would’ve caved in and bought her something, anyways. Might as well know what she wanted in the first place.

Showering took longer than expected. Most of your time got wasted by you standing under the shower stream and soaking in all the warmth. It wasn’t until Mikasa knocked on the door asking you not to use up all the hot water that made you actually start going through your routine.

The clock read 10:09 when you got out. You still had more time to kill until Eren came, so you elected to sit on your bed in your towel to scroll through social media. At 10:45, you started to get ready for real now.

Your makeup was just enough to cover any imperfections on your face, and your outfit cute enough for a lunch outing with your friend-fuckbuddy.

At 11:50, you stepped out into the living room with your belongings in hand to lounge around while you waited for Eren. You would’ve gone to bug Mikasa, but she had just stepped into the shower minutes prior.

12 on the dot, a rhythmic knocking was rapped on your door, meaning Eren was finally here. Skipping over to the door, you opened it to reveal him while slipping on your shoes.

“Hey,” he grinned when the door opened. He leaned in to give you a kiss on the lips after you’d straightened up from putting on your shoes.

A grin found its way on your lips during the kiss. It only lasted a couple of seconds, ending with you pulling away with a quiet smack. “Hi,” you greeted back.

“Ready to go?” he asked, one hand leaving his jacket pocket to jut his thumb down the hallway towards the elevators.

“Yup, ready,” you said. Over your shoulder, you yelled into the apartment to say goodbye to Mikasa and locking the door once you closed. “Okay, ready for real now.”

There was a new hot pot restaurant near campus, Eren told you, that he so desperately wanted to try. He overheard some people talking about the place in his Stats class, and he’s been wanting to go ever since.

“So, about what I told you last night,” he said, leaning on the table close to you after giving your orders to the waitress. “You said you would help me get Mina.”

“I said it was a bad idea,” you countered, taking a sip of your drink.

“But you said you would help me. For a price.”

“That I… did say,” you sighed. “What’s your plan?”

Smiling, he opened up his jacket and dug into the inner pockets, getting out a small notepad and a pen. Your eyebrows raised at the sight of them. “Okay,” he started, flipping through his notepad. “So I was thinking about it this morning, and this is what I have down so far.”

Sliding it towards you, he waited impatiently for you to read what he had.

Your lips pursed to prevent giggled from leaving your lips. Well, it was a plan, alright. Written in Eren’s chicken scratch of handwriting were a few very simple steps.

eren yaegers fool proof plan to get bitches get mina aka operation rent a gf by eren yaeger 1. talk to mina to get her interested in you ✓ 2. get hot girl ((Y/N)) to pretend to be your gf and show you can be a good bf 3. get mina jealous so she wants you even more and not poopy thomas wanker 4. “break up” with (Y/N) and pretend to be sad 5. get mina to comfort you 6. get bitches make mina your gf 7. pay (Y/N) for her services 8. ta-da!

When you looked up from the notepad, you saw Eren waiting for your answer. “Well? What do you think? Is it any good?” he asked.

“Were you high when you wrote this?” was the first thing you asked him. Eren shook his head innocently. “You’re 100% serious?” He nodded.

You bit your lip, deep in thought about Eren’s supposedly fool proof plan. “What makes you think it’s gonna work?”

“I know girls and how they act. If Paradis University let me major in women -- don’t get smart with me I don’t mean Women Studies -- I would be passing all my classes with flying colors. I know it’ll work, trust me,” he said cockily, leaning back in his chair.

“No you don’t.”

“Yes I do. I know you. I know everything about you, (Y/N). I even know how to make you scream my name in--”

“Okay!” you cut him off, not wanting the strangers around you to know the intimate details of your sex life with Eren. “Okay.”

“I knew you were gonna do that. See, I do know women.”

A moment or two passed, both of you staring at each other. You with a deadpan expression, and him with a proud one. You were the first one to break the silence with a heavy sigh. “Okay, say I agree to this. What do I get in return?”

“Anything you want,” he said. “Within reason, of course. Please don’t ask me to like, hide a body or something.”

Ignoring his last comment, you continued speaking, “You’re not allowed to back out of whatever I ask you to, right? If this plan fails or succeeds, you still owe me whatever you promised.”

Eren nodded. “Of course. I swear on it.” He shifted a little so his elbow was on the table, holding out a pinky. Instinctively, you held out your pinky as well and intertwined the both of them. Pinky promises were something you and Eren had been doing for years now. It meant that the other was dead serious on their promise.

The waitress came back with your broth and dipping ingredients, setting them on the table for you right when your pinkes left each other. Thanking the waitress, the two of you talked some more while you waited for the broth to heat up.

“We should make it official. With a contract and set of rules,” he said. “Like that one movie you forced me to watch with you. The Boys I Loved or some shit like that.”

“To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before,” you corrected.

“Yeah, that. They’re kinda doing something like us, yeah?”

“Guess so,” you shrugged, picking up your chopsticks and a sice of pork belly when the broth started to boil. “After we eat though.”

Idle chatter was shared between the two of you as you ate. Even though you saw each other nearly every day, you never ran out of things to talk to. You could be talking about complete nonsense or how quantum physics made no sense, and you would still have the best time of your life.

By now, the broth had been drunk up and the table had been cleared out to be replaced with banana milk and ice cream. Eren brought out his notepad again to write down the set of rules for your fake relationship while enjoying your desserts.

Good progress had been written so far on the notepad. Both of you had given input and criticism on each rule made. In the end, you finally had a good set of rules written down.

(Y/N) and erens contract and rules for eren yaegers fool proof plan to get mina aka operation rent a gf by eren yaeger 1. act normally. eren and (Y/N) act like a couple already. just double the pda a little more 2. don’t tell anyone about the deal. the more people who believe in the relationship, the more likely it is for the plan to work 3. post each other on ig a lot. maybe add names and a date to bios to make it more believable 4. date night every saturday (go out or just hang out) 5. go to parties together 6. walk each other to class if you can 7. call each other cute pet names 8. after breaking up, the couple act has to stop including the sex 9. DON’T SLIP UP

payment for (Y/N):

Eren tapped a beat on the notepad, reading “payment” over and over again. Eventually he looked up at you, deep in thought. “Have you thought of anything so far?” he asked, clicking the pen to write what you wanted.

This was a tough decision. Eren was ready to give you anything to help him get Mina. You had to be wise and pick something big to take advantage of him. Something you were sure you wouldn’t ever regret getting.

“How about,” you started, trailing off, “you do my laundry for the rest of our time at ParadisU, buy me lunch every Wednesday even after we break up, recommend that godsend of a tutor you keep gatekeeping to help me too, and…”

“And?” Eren asked, looking up from his writing, waiting for your next words.

“All the orgasms I want during our relationship,” you finished, satisfied with what you chose.

“Is that all?” he asked, writing down the last of your words. “That’s a lot.”

“How about I let you know if I wanna add more,” you said. Eren nodded in response. His head hung to look at the notepad again, writing something down. Once he was done, he plaed the pen on the pad and slid it to you.

“Sign it so it’s official,” he instructed.

There were two lines beside each other, one already with Eren’s signature. Without hesitation, you signed your name neatly on the paper, giving the items back to Eren once you were done.

(Y/N) and erens contract and rules for eren yaegers fool proof plan to get mina aka operation rent a gf by eren yaeger 1. act normally. eren and (Y/N) act like a couple already. just double the pda a little more 2. don’t tell anyone about the deal. the more people who believe in the relationship, the more likely it is for the plan to work 3. post each other on ig a lot. maybe add names and a date to bios to make it more believable 4. date night every saturday (go out or just hang out) 5. go to parties together 6. walk each other to class if you can 7. call each other cute pet names 8. after breaking up, the couple act has to stop including the sex 9. DON’T SLIP UP

payment for (Y/N): eren has to do the (Y/N)’s laundry for the rest of university, buy her lunch ever wednesday, get tutor to help her and give her as many orgasms as she wants during the course of the relationship

signed x eren yaeger x (y/n) (l/n)

The two of you shook hands when Eren put away his things, to seal the deal again. The waitress came by again to give you the bill and collect your dirty dishes. Eren set down the cash needed to pay along with a tip in the check presenter before the two of you left.

You walked hand in hand back to Erens car before you realized you missed something. “Wait. What do we tell people when they ask how we got together?” you asked, pausing in your tracks.

Eren stopped with you, turning to look at you. “Um, you can say I confessed after lunch, and that this is technically our first date,” he suggested, tugging your hand to walk back to the car.

“Huh. Okay. That works,” you nodded.

The two of you got into the car a little bit past 2:30 in the afternoon, ready to go home. “Wait,” you said again, making Eren pause. “Mikasa wanted a burger from that one joint near our apartment. Could you take me there first?”

Eren smiled and nodded, starting the car. “Of course. Burger with medium Coke and onion rings?”

“How did you know?”

“She always gets that when we go there.”

“Huh… I guess you’re right.”

“When am I not?”

"Always."

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[overlordbravery]

Right of Conscription 2

Hey so that one shot I wrote? Surprise I wrote more lmao Ulrich’s adventures brings him to Ostagar where during his trials he meets the most stunning woman he’s ever met. Aka... y’all getta see what a fucking doofus he is with his love at first sight bullshit.

Enjoy?

He felt like they walked for hours, through their escape Duncan had finally put him down and told him that he needed to fight to survive. He didn’t want to, he was prepared to die with his family and now he felt lost and empty as they moved away from his home. He glanced back at it, looking to the smoke that rose from his burning home, seeing men running along the walls cutting people down that tried to escape.

“Don’t look.” He looked back ahead, adjusting the weapons he carried that now just felt heavy. “You should lighten your load.” He pulled away when Duncan reached for the shield on his back, free hand grabbing the sword from the sheath on his side as he pointed it at him. Duncan held his hand up in surrender as Ulrich tightened his hand on the hilt of his family sword.

“I have to bring these to Fergus.” His voice sounded weak from all the screaming he had done through the attack, Duncan just nodded his head while holding a hand out.

“Let me help you. You needn’t go through this alone.” Ulrich could feel his chin and lip quiver as he looked away and began walking again. Sheathing the blade as he wiped the tears from his face and eyes.

“I don’t need anything from you.”

---

Ostagar felt painfully far, eventually during the travel and nights curled up with Ruffian moping he began to start talking to Duncan. The man had started it, would try to make light conversation during the trip, asking things that he didn’t want to talk about at first but then found himself craving. Talking over a fire about shenanigans he had gotten into at home, talking about his family, crying over his loss and having him there to lean on. He began to like Duncan, he was kind and patient and a good person.

He just wished they met under different circumstances.

He felt both relieved and terrified when they reached Ostagar. He stared at large ruin before looking to Duncan who was leading the way, coming to a stop just short of the bridge. Duncan turned to look at him with a look of concern.

“I’m afraid to talk to him.” He blurted it out, looking to Duncan with tears already building in his eyes. He moved his hands in front of him, wringing his hands around a necklace he always wore as he stared at the ground. He felt small in this moment, vulnerable, like a child, which was funny considering Duncan had seen him scream and cry and throw tantrums, but this was what made him feel vulnerable. “I failed him, I mean, ‘watch the castle when we’re gone, Ulrich, take care of mum…’ and I failed both. My home is conquered, and our mom is dead… maker, his wife and son are dead.” He started to shake as he looked up to Duncan with tears already streaming down his face. “I failed him.” He flinched when the man reached and placed a hand on his shoulder.

“You did the best you could in a situation you were thrown in. You were betrayed, your father’s trust was used, and they blindsided you and everyone else. You didn’t fail anyone, Ulrich, you made it out alive, you are able to get news out, you are able to tell the king about Howe and his men and you will bring him to justice—" 

“Oh! Pardon the interruption!” He looked over to the King who stood there with his men, the man looking much to happy and cheerful for Ulrich’s taste. Ulrich moved to wipe tears away as Ruffian leaned into his thigh to get his attention. He moved a hand to pet the large hound as Duncan gave the king his attention, “This is Bryce’s boy! I knew you were heading over to the Cousland’s to get a new recruit, but you never told me it was the Teryn’s youngest son.”

“You don’t know he’s dead, do you?” Ulrich said the words sharply, a pointed tone that had King Sunshine’s smile drop from his face as he looked from him over to Duncan. Shock and disbelief obvious on his face as the King stepped closer to Duncan looking for confirmation. “Arl Rendon Howe betrayed my family and slaughtered them and everyone in my castle in cold blood because he knew my soldiers were coming here to fight your war.” Ulrich continued as he stepped closer pointing a finger at him as he grit his teeth. “I want that man’s head severed from his body. And if I have any say I would like to be the one to do it.”

“Ulrich.” He shoved Duncan’s hand off him as Cailan took a small step back.

“Duncan, is this true?” He asked while looking to him.

“I’m afraid it is, your Majesty, what Ulrich says is true. Howe told Bryce that his men were delayed which is why they wouldn’t be walking together to Ostagar. However, in truth they were delayed giving them the perfect opportunity to strike while those left behind slept.”

“This is horrible. Ulrich I am so sorry for your loss and betrayal I will make sure that justice is brought to Arl Rendon Howe,” He was getting excited now, he couldn’t wait for action to happen so he could watch that traitorous bastard pay— “after the coming battle.”

“What!? Why can’t something be done sooner?” He asked while stepping closer only for Duncan to catch him by the shoulder, he knew it was to try and calm him but he felt that boiling anger inside of him making his blood hot as he sneered at the man who was supposed to make this betrayal he suffered and his indentured servitude to the Wardens bearable.

“You needn’t worry yourself, Ulrich, we will be finished with this battle before you know it.” He wanted to strangle him as he crossed his arms and heavily rolled his eyes.

“Oh, right, fucking easy, okay.” He held anger and bitterness in his tone and when he looked to Cailan he could see that grin on his face once more.

“Your brother is in the Wilds, I’m sure you wish to speak with him.” Cailan finally stated and Ulrich’s expression dropped as he lowered his gaze to stare at the ground below him.

“I’m in no hurry.” He said softly before turning to crouch down and hug Ruffian, hiding his face in the dog’s fur as Cailan and Duncan proceeded to talk before the man took his leave. There was a moment of silence before he felt Duncan’s hand on his shoulder.

“He means well—”

“He’s an absolute fool.” He finally stood up after giving Ruffian some more hugs and pets. Dusting himself off he turned to look to the ruins they were heading to.

“There are two other recruits, Daveth and Sir Jory. I’ll take Ruffian and we’ll wait for you. I would like you to find Alistair, he should be dealing with getting what we need for the joining. Please feel free to explore and get comfortable.” He watched as Duncan and Ruffian began to leave him, he was silent in watching them vanish across the bridge before he took in a deep breath before heading across it and in to his new life.

His first meeting was with an older mage named Wynne, she was kind and sweet and humored him with conversations and answered the questions he had. She reminded him a lot like his mother, and he found a comfort in her, he was however sad when she needed to get back to work and he had to move on. Daveth was someone he would have loved to hang out with back at him, he seemed like the type he would be able to get into trouble with. And he was handsome and sweet beneath it all even if he was obviously a total player… Jory… Jory was a total stick in the mud and he and him got into an argument right off the bat. After parting ways, he found himself flagged down by some prisoner.

A prisoner he began to tune out until; “I’m not a deserter, I was just stealing.”

“Because that makes it any better.” Ulrich rolled his eyes, the man trying to defend himself just leaned against the cage.

“I have the key to the mage’s trunk. Aren’t you at least curious? I’ll give it to you if you just give me food.” It was a simple request, but there was an anger building in him, he stepped forwards and grabbed the man’s wrist yanking him hard against the bars as he snatched the key out of his hand. “Hey—” Ulrich couldn’t say why he did it as he pulled out his knife and stabbed it into the man’s throat. Watching him choke on his own blood he released him and put his knife back in its sheath, turning to leave until the guard that was there grabbed him.

“What the hell do you think you’re doing!?” Ulrich stared at him with a blank expression on his face as he looked back to the dead man and motioned at him.

“Now you don’t have to waste your time watching him anymore. You should thank me.” He pulled his arm away from the man as he continued to walk away, heading towards where he was told Alistair should be. There was a small part of him questioning what he did, and why he would do something like that without any real need. Sure, he was a criminal, but did he really deserve to die? They were going to kill him anyway he reasoned with himself as he continued only to find who he was looking for in what appeared to be an argument of some sort.

An argument that ended in the mage the man was talking to storming off.

“Ah, something about the blight just brings people together.” Alistair said in a sarcastic tone as he headed over to him. “Don’t you think?” Inquiring in a way which was making him relax as he shrugged his shoulders.

“Soon we’ll all be huddled around a campfire singing songs.” Ulrich retorted getting a laugh from the man who stepped closer to him. A small smile playing on Ulrich’s own face.

“See, you I like. I like you… unless. You’re not a mage, are you?” The man squinted at him suspiciously and Ulrich snorted.

“Oh, yeah, totally a mage, that’s why I’m carrying swords. Who needs a staff, am I right?” Alistair was looking over the weapons which he realized he probably looked ridiculous in blood stained casual wear with a great sword and a shield thrown on his back and then his family short sword on his hip.

“You definitely are almost dressed to be a one-man army… Not a fan of armor I see?” There was humor in his voice and Ulrich shrugged while tugging on the collar of his shirt.

“Slows me down.” Joking tone while finally holding a hand out. “I’m Ulrich, it’s a pleasure to meet you Alistair.”

“Ohh, you might regret that later, Ulrich, most people do.” He got a firm handshake followed by a salute before Alistair motioned around. “I’m going to accompany you around the camp, Duncan’s orders.”

“Babysitter, huh? I guess that’s fair.” He shrugged his shoulders while motioning him to come with him. The two of them having small talk as they looked around the camp before joining Jory, Daveth, Duncan and Ruffian. The last of whom Ulrich practically tackled and hugged. The war hound giving a happy bark and easily shoving him off him before jumping on Ulrich and licking his cheek. Ulrich laughed while wrestling with his dog, trying to enjoy this as Duncan cleared his throat.

“Ulrich.”

“You separated me from my son, I miss him.” Ulrich complained to him while getting up. Hugging the mabari and picking him up with ease as the hound gave a stern bark and raised his head. “See he misses me too.”

“We need to discuss the joining ritual.” Ulrich sighed while pressing his face into the back of Ruffian’s neck only for the dog to happily, clumsily, and dramatically throw his head back and headbutt him. “You will be going into the Wilds, where you will collect darkspawn blood.” Ulrich set Ruffian down from that as Jory stepped forwards.

“Isn’t that dangerous—”

“Dangerous? Really? You’re here to be a Grey Warden and all they do is kill Darkspawn, but this is too dangerous? Yeah. Okay. What else?” Ulrich asked crossing his arms over his chest.

“There are treaties that were left here in a chest we must collect.” Ulrich narrowed his eyes before arching a brow while motioning around.

“We’re in a ruin, what if the treaties are gone?” Ulrich asked while waiting for the answer that would come back to him. Duncan just gave him a patient smile, and he hated how much it began to calm down that simmering anger within him. He grumbled slightly while crossing his arms over his chest, face feeling hot from embarrassment which was so… stupid, he had absolutely nothing to be embarrassed about.

“I have a good feeling you will find them.” He wanted to argue before Duncan just motioned at him. “You should really get some armor if you plan on fighting Darkswpan.” Ulrich slowly looked down at himself, staring at the fine tunic he wore that was stained in the blood of Howe’s men. Stained in the blood of the prisoner he killed not too long ago. Skin and sleeve still wet with it, he could feel a sorrow inside his chest, an aching regret that made him sick to his stomach as he adjusted the belt around his waist that held his family sword at his hip.

“I wasn’t able to collect any money.” He said while slowly looking back to Duncan, the man looked him over before looking to Alistair.

“Take him to the trader, I am sure he will have the supplies needed to outfit more soldiers for this army.” Ulrich looked to Alistair who nodded his head, and Ulrich could feel his heart in his throat as he moved to grip the front of his tunic. Wringing it in his hands, it felt like he was throwing away something, that he was just trying to cover up things that happened to him. He felt lost and angry and he didn’t want armor. He didn’t want to get everything taken away from him so quickly even if it was just stupid blood-stained clothes. “I can hold that for you.” He looked to Duncan feeling the tears prickling his eyes as he gripped the sword at his hip protectively.

“I have to get it to Fergus.” Desperate to hold on to it, he could feel them looking at him from the way his voice wavered. “I have to get it to Fergus, please don’t take it.” He felt on the verge of tears and the man held his hands up in surrender.

“Alright, alright, I won’t ask about it again.” He relaxed from that while giving a shaky breath and a nod of the head.

“Thank you.” He added before looking from Duncan to Ruffian. “Can Ruff-Stuff come with me this time?”

“He will remain here.” He didn’t like that but sighed before nodding his head, looking to the people he would be working with for who knew how long. A thief, a knight, a templar, and an orphaned nobleman… what a mess they were, he watched them before glancing towards where the merchant was with armor and weapons.

“Come on.” Alistair lead the way over to the merchant and Ulrich looked the armor over, it was cheap but easy to make and replicate in large orders. He ran his hands over chainmail and plate armor, leather pieces looking for what he should wear before he slowly dropped his hand.

“This is all shit armor.” Alistair laughed from his comment and elbowed him.

“Can make a difference between life and death though.” He looked from it towards the mages then back to Alistair.

“You don’t make mages wear armor.” He commented getting an amused look from Alistair. “But I guess that’s just so you can kill them easier.” He added with a bite to his tone, that smile fell from his face and Ulrich shrugged. “I don’t need it.” He turned and ignored Alistair’s protest as he began heading towards the gates.

“This is borderline suicidal, Ulrich.” Alistair had concern in his voice and Ulrich gave him a blank silent stare, one of knowing and understanding and Alistair just frowned at him.

“I have a shield.” He added with a shrug before heading into the Wilds.

---

“I say we put him out of his misery.” He was already grabbing the knife he used to kill that prisoner, a dark look on his face as he stared down at the wounded soldier, about to step forwards and make good on the statement only for Alistair to catch his arm.

“Let’s help him.”

“This is helping.” He said it back with a blank expression honestly seeing the man bleeding out like that was sending flashed back to his father. He could feel tears in his eyes and Alistair’s original hardened disgusted expression became one of pity. The man let go and moved to help the soldier and Ulrich crouched down and ran his hands through his hair, pulling it as he sniffled and tried not to cry. He was brought back to the present from hearing the man thank Alistair, watching him stand Ulrich felt shame burn deep down in his chest along with utter hatred.

He didn’t want to be here, he didn’t want to do this, he just… he wanted to be home, he wanted to be in his home flirting with Dairren, and others in the castle. He wanted to have a party when his mother left and give his people a taste of what it would be like with him as Teryn. He snapped out of his thoughts when he saw a hand being held out for him.

“Ulrich, you can’t just… jump to murder for your answer for things.” He slowly took Alistair’s hand and used it to help himself up. He wanted to argue but he just nodded his head.

“I’m sorry I just had a moment… I was somewhere else.” He sheepishly rubbed the back of his neck. Not wanting to look at any of them as he shifted in his spot. “Won’t happen again.” He knew deep down that was a lie.

“There’s darkspawn ahead.” He looked in the direction that Alistair pointed and moved to grab his sword from off his back. Not saying anything as he led the way, always the leader even in things he didn’t want. It felt unfair as he headed through the arch way and looked to the Darkspawn that filled the area, looking the archers first he took off in a run. Ignoring the others who at first sounded like they wanted a plan before jumping in.

Leaving the warriors to the others he went for the archers knowing they were more of a threat. He gave a war cry as he jumped in the air sword high above his head before he brought it down on the genlock. Teeth gritting as he was splashed with its tainted blood, he turned to look to the other only to watch it fall from Daveth having pelted it with arrows. He jumped off the genlock sword being held out to his side as he ran at the third archer which moved to try and get away.

Foolishly turning it’s back as Ulrich dragged the sword up across its skin severing it’s spine before he spun to look at Alistair and Jory who finished taking down the Hurlocks.

“You’re very reckless you know that?” Alistair was smiling though, meaning it in a playful way that had Ulrich shrugging his shoulders, kneeling to collect blood from the Genlock corpses as Jory and Daveth collected their own as well.

“I think it might have to do something with the sheltered life I lived.” Joking back as he joined the rest of them. “Blood, check. Time to find those stupid treaties.” He slipped the bottle away before turning to head towards where Duncan indicated. The four of them silent for the most part, randomly striking up conversation, which most of it was them bugging Alistair for more information on the Warden’s. Alistair didn’t seem to know much though, still somewhat fresh in his own rank.

“Darkspawn ahead.” Alistair said it in a warning tone and Ulrich stopped, he stood still and closed his eyes, focusing listening to the air around them as Alistair drew his weapons. Daveth and Jory drawing their own, he could hear the sounds of breathing and a low growl that had him opening his eyes. A flash of red in them as he pulled his shield off to strap it over his right forearm, tightening the straps hard enough that he wouldn’t have to hold it as he pulled out his great sword and charged.

He could smell it, he could smell the taint, feel the heat as he cut through what looked like air only for his sword to hit something and stick. In a flash the invisible Darkspawn became visible and Ulrich could feel that surging pulse of adrenaline through him as he stepped back and lifted his arm with the shield blocking a dagger of another genlock.

“Ambush!” He shouted as the other genlocks attacked, Alistair protecting Daveth and himself as Jory blocked an incoming attack with his own sword. They fought together and despite only just meeting one another and only having one previous battle Ulrich couldn’t help but be impressed with how well they worked as a team. They stood in victory, and Ulrich had a large smile on his face as he rested the flat part of his blade on his shoulder. “Good job, guys.”

“How did you know where it was?” Jory finally asked, Alistair looked impressed as well and Ulrich could feel his face heat up from the question.

“I… I dunno, it’s always something I’ve been able to do, it’s a blood thing? Like I can feel other people’s life forces.” He didn’t know what it meant, but there was one time when in fighting Howe’s men… he moved his hand to his side where his shirt had a cut in it. “I’ve been able to heal myself through someone else’s life before too.” It was a strange sensation, he could remember the pain and agony of the blade that pierced into him. Kicking the man off his own sword and ending his life, feeling like he snuffed it right out of the air with his own hand and brought it right to his side where he healed that injury.

He thought he made it up in his own traumatized mind.

“Have you ever heard of Reavers?” Jory asked, they all looked over to him and Alistair actually shuddered from the mention.

“Ugh, you mean the warrior equivalent to Blood Magic?” Alistair held an obvious distaste in his voice. “Thought you could only become one from drinking dragon’s blood. And I don’t know about you lot but last I heard Dragons were extinct.”

“I heard another way was through a deal with demons, much like Mages with Blood Magic.” Daveth pitched in, Ulrich stared out at nothing before turning his head to look at him. He couldn’t recall making any deals with demons, and if he had, well he hoped his family would still be alive and he wouldn’t be in this mess.

“I think I would remember making a deal with a demon… Or drinking a Dragon’s blood.” There was a long moment of silence before they all continued to walk again.

“Do you have magic in your bloodline?” He stopped from that question looking back at Jory in surprise from the question.

“I think so, but like haven’t had a mage pop up in generations. At least that I know of.” He slowly looked to his own hands, but then wouldn’t he be able to do more things? He… he wanted to read about Reavers now, he shoved the thought aside as they continued their walk, Alistair pointing out when they were coming up on Dark Spawn and Ulrich using his own abilities to see if there were any more roguish folk trying to sneak up on them.

Eventually they reached their destination, walking through the broken arches Ulrich looked to the chest and motioned to it before looking to Alistair with a look like; ‘I told you’ he didn’t say it, but he thought it really loudly hoping that Alistair could read his mind. “They could still be in there.” Ulrich felt his eye twitch but turned and headed over to the chest, kneeling next to it while looking through the rubble.

“It’s not here—”

“Well, well, what have we here?” He turned his head to look at where the voice came from, he stared at the woman with awe as she walked so elegantly down the ramp that was still standing. As corny as it sounded with the light behind her she looked like some sort of angel, she walked with an air around her that felt confident and told Ulrich she was to be respected and feared. He could feel a fluttering in his stomach that made his mouth feel dry as she stared at him with those beautiful piercing yellow eyes. His heart hammered in his chest in a mix of excitement and nerves.

He didn’t get nervous often but right now his hands were just about shaking and felt so sweaty he wanted to wipe them on his shirt, but that seemed impolite somehow.

“Are you a Vulture, I wonder?” He found himself compelled to step forwards, drawn to her with a mesmerizing pull only to be stopped by Alistair who put a hand on his shoulder. He didn’t even look at the man just made a disapproving noise in the back of his throat. “A Scavenger poking amidst a corpse whose bones were long since cleaned?” He watched as she stepped on to even ground. And even in that she still felt like she stood above the rest of them, like it was her rightful place. “Or an intruder, come into these darkspawn-filled wilds of mine in search of easy prey?” She came to a stop and crossed her arms over her chest while looking them all over. “What say you, hmm? Scavenger or Intruder?”

“I’m sorry—” He blurted it out before he realized he had said it.

“What are you doing here?” Alistair asked her in an accusatory tone that made her laugh. It was something Ulrich found himself wanting to do, he thought it was pretty, her smile was pretty. Even if it did vaguely make him think of a wolf baring teeth as a warning. He loved it, the way her eyes sparked with the smile like the sun breaking through clouds. Dangerous and happy, and he desired to be the cause of such a beautiful thing. She dropped her hands to her sides while walking towards them again.

“I have watched your progress for some time now. ‘Where do they go?’ I wondered, ‘Why are they here?’ and now,” She walked passed them, and they moved out of her way and around her, no one engaging all just watching as she kept her back to them and stared out at the wilds. “you disturb ashes none have touched for so long. Why is that?” She finished the question while turning to face them.

“Don’t answer her.” Ulrich looked to Alistair as he began opening his mouth to do just that. He blinked a few times in confusion while staring at him. “She looks Chasind which means others are nearby.” Jory and Daveth got closer from the warning and Ulrich arched a brow about to question until he saw the woman move.

“You fear Barbarians will swoop down upon you?” Arms thrown in the air for a flair of dramatics that brought a smile upon his face. He really liked her.

“Yes, swooping is bad.” Alistair said in a very obviously annoyed tone of voice.

“She’s a witch of the wilds she is!” Daveth finally pitched in, paranoid and delusional. It was said in a way that Ulrich could literally feel his own feelings toward him drop into the negatives to join Jory. “She’ll turn us into toads she will!” He didn’t realize the Grey Wardens only hired paranoid fools.

“Witch of the Wilds?” He looked back to the dark-haired beauty before them, watching the amusement plant itself on her face with a lingering annoyance. Hands on her hips as she stared Daveth down with a look he swore should be able to kill. “Such idle fancies, those legends. Have you no minds of your own?” It felt challenging as she looked over to him, motioning at him so there was no mistaking her intent. “You there, handsome lad,” he could feel his face heating up with a blush from the compliment, “tell me your name and I shall tell you mine. Let us be civilized.”

“My name is Ulrich.” He stepped forwards ignoring Alistair trying to stop him, a charming smile was on his face as he held out a hand, tucking one leg over the other behind him as he gave a polite bow, a noble bow, full of respect and kindness. And he wished he was able to take her hand and place a kiss on the back of her knuckles. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“Well that is a proper civil greeting.” She sounded amused, and pleased and Ulrich raised his head from his bow to look up at her with a smile. “Even here in the wilds.” He could see her step closer and he slowly raised up to watch her, not like how the others did. He wasn’t distrustful or anything like that, he just was genuinely intrigued by her. “You may call me Morrigan.” She informed.

“Morrigan, might we inquire about your assistance?” He asked and got a confused noise from Alistair. She hummed in thought while crossing her arms once more, a look in interest on her face as he motioned to the old broken chest. “We are with the Grey Wardens, we were asked to retrieve the treaties that were carelessly left here.” Trying to be diplomatic in this and try to appeal to her in hopes that she would be interested enough to help. “Might you know what happened to them?”

“She probably stole them.” He looked to Alistair with surprise, he was sure it showed on his face. He did nothing to hide it, it was a look of surprise mixed with offense that they would just jump to this type of conclusion with someone just because they were in the Wilds. It wasn’t right, it sounded down right insane to him. He really wasn’t understanding what any of their problems were with her, she hadn’t done anything to earn this distrust.

“She really hasn’t done anything to deserve this hostility.” He stated with a disappointed tone in his voice. Turning on them as he glared at Alistair who looked at him briefly before looking back to Morrigan, standing taller almost as if he meant to intimidate.

“Those documents are important, I demand you return them.” He found himself wanting to punch Alistair—

“I shall not for was not I who took them.” Morrigan stated so matter of fact Ulrich could see the shame and confusion on Alistair’s face.

“Do you know who took them?” Ulrich asked trying to salvage this hot mess his so-called companions were putting them in. Doing his best to remain polite as he turned to look back to Morrigan, hoping she understanding he was absolutely mortified of his party member’s behaviors.

“T’was my mother in fact.” She informed now seeming to be ignoring the rest of his party and focusing mainly on him which he didn’t mind one bit.

“Could you please take us to her? I promise we mean no harm we just wish to talk and possibly get those documents back.” Ulrich explained while moving closer to her, she smiled from his words.

“Now there is a sensible request, I like you.” The way she said that made his face feel even hotter. This was a type of praise and attention he never expected. This was someone who wasn’t being flirtatious because of what his bloodline would mean for them. She knew nothing about him, and he was beginning to enjoy that immensely. He wanted to speak with her, he wanted to spend time with her. He wanted to know her.

“I’d be careful.” Of course, Alistair had to ruin it. “First it’s ‘I like you’ and then it’s ‘zap’ frog time.” Ulrich moved a hand to rub his face in complete and utter exasperation.

“She’ll put us all in the pot she will!” Daveth pitched in and Ulrich felt like he was going to have an aneurism. “Just you watch.”

“You’re both idiots.” Ulrich said under his breath.

“If the pots warmer than this forest, it’d be a nice change.” He felt surprised from Jory, glancing back at him with an amused smile before he looked back towards Morrigan who sighed.

“Follow me then, if it pleases you.” Oh, it does. He thought to himself as he watched her turn to start walking. He didn’t even bother to wait for the others he just followed after her, enjoying not leading people for once. Being able to relax as he stayed close behind her while looking around.

“Your forest is beautiful, I’m sorry it’s being overrun with Darkspawn.” He stated while catching up to her, looking around and admiring the views.

“You should not apologize for things you are not responsible for.” The way she said that had a smile pulling at the corner of his mouth. She didn’t seem too keen on engaging in any more conversations which had Ulrich looking back ahead as they walked, curious if she was leading them straight there or making it an odd way so they couldn’t return out of the blue.

“Mother, I bring before you four Grey Wardens—”

“I see them girl.” Morrigan’s mother wasn’t what he was expecting, she had very strong facial features. Even with the lines of age she had a beauty to her that was hard to ignore. He long white hair falling passed her mid back pulled back into a half pony tail. He looked from her towards Morgan and back again, he could see the resemblance between them from more than just the eyes. These were both very powerful women, Ulrich gave her the same bow he gave Morrigan. Continuing to spread his respect as he looked back to her.

“I’m Ulrich, it’s a pleasure to meet you.” The woman laughed in surprise as she stepped forwards and looked him over. There was a way she was doing it that made him feel almost vulnerable as he stood up straight and didn’t step away from her gaze.

“Manners, always the last place you expect to look. Like stockings.” There was a way she spoke that had him give an amused smile, curious if she played batty old woman well from practice or if she was one.

“Morrigan tells us you have the Treaties from the old ruin, might we request their return.” She smiled while pulling rolled up documents from a belt she was wearing. Holding them out to him with a smile.

“I was expecting you.” He stared at the documents before looking back up to her with slight surprise, knowing there was no way that Morrigan could have warned her they were coming. She actually knew.

“You are Witches of the Wilds.” Daveth said, he glanced over his shoulder to look at Daveth when the man stepped back. She laughed from that, full of humor and entertainment. Not that he blamed her, it was fun to poke at people’s fears.

“Witch of the Wilds, Morrigan tell you that did she? Oh, how she dances under the moon light.” Ulrich found his eyes moving to Morrigan from the comment, face feeling hot again from mental image of her naked under the moonlight dancing happily and care free like legends of old. “I kept the treaties safe from scavengers.” Ulrich reached out and took them looking in her eyes, he could see a wisdom in them as he watched her. A look of knowing and understanding, a look that was beginning to rub him the wrong way. Like there was something else about him she knew that she wasn’t going to talk about.

“Thank you.” He wanted to know what she knew, but instead she turned to look to Morrigan. Leaving him wanting as she smiled to her daughter and motioned to them.

“Lead them out.” Morrigan didn’t look happy, sighing as she turned and lead them out where she had collected them from. Daveth and Alistair seeming even more nervous as Jory seemed unfazed, once they reached the tower Ulrich smiled over at Morrigan.

“Thank you, Morrigan. Will we see you again?” He asked sounding more hopeful than he intended. She looked at him with amusement before shrugging.

“Perhaps, perhaps not, who can say.” She already began walking away from them. “Farewell, Warden’s.” Ulrich watched her depart with longing in his eyes, even giving a soft sigh only for Alistair to nudge him.

“Hey, lover boy, you know she’s some barbaric apostate, right?” Ulrich shrugged while moving his hand to play with his necklace.

“You’re barbaric.” He said in an almost childish manner while motioning to where Morrigan had headed. “She’s beautiful, and funny, and did you see her smile? It’s such a pretty smile... I want to make her smile and hold her hand.” He even looked to his own sad about how lonely it was only for Alistair to grab him by the back of the shirt and drag him towards the gate back into Ostagar.

“You’re hopeless.”