#natalie cousland

[choccy-zefirka]

We previously had a whole Discourse Session about x reader fic on this blog, but I just saw this in visual form on my dashboard (Blorbo hugging/kissing a greyed-out silhouette instead of the artist's OC), and I am back to thinking how being expected to insert my OC into the author-prepared slot is not my thing (and makes me a bit sad, actually) because... all my OCs fall for their love interest, even if it's the same person, for different reasons.

Isk and Wyll are childhood friends who keep being torn apart by circumstances but inevitably find each other. Mariposa and Wyll are gender-swapped Beauty and the Beast; he is the radiant guiding light that inspires her to rise above her Dark Urge. Wilhelm is a classic sad dad, so his partners Wyll and Karlach help him find joy and whimsy in life again. Or, for example, Alyrr stirs Halsin's heart because she is kind to him, while Cinder falls for Halsin because he is kind to *her*; same goes for Niamh and Zevlor vs Dee and Zevlor.

Likewise, in other fandoms, Azelma Cadash and Blackwall initially despise each other because she thinks he's a boring straight-laced fuddy duddy, and he thinks she's a spoiled princess luxuriating in her father's crime spoils and wearing a Stop Being Poor T-shirt, but as their friendship progresses, each discovers that the other is a more nuanced person than their first impressions might suggest. While Naali Adaar teams up with him as Protector of the Small, and Adiba Adaar turns his head with her incredible Nerd Powers (Nana Lavellan is somewhere at the intersection of that, because she is both a nerd and a professional babysitter in her clan). Thraer Aeducan bonds with Morrigan like a golden retriever excitedly following her around; and Revas Mahariel sits across the room from her like they are a cat and she is also a cat, slowly getting accustomed to each other. Nella Amell gets to Zevran with her sweetness and faith in people, and Zevran gets to Brianna Cousland with his roguish charms, even as she appears to have hidden herself behind a wall of ice and grief.

Alisa Shepard is a neurotic perfectionist, Natalie Shepard is an enthusiastic, confident space adventurer; Garrus loves each of them. And in my newest obsession, Cyberpunk, my current rough and tough but secretly artistic street kid V is going to employ different tactics when convincing Takemura to ditch Arasaka through the power of love (shhh, let me have my headcanon) compared to a hyper-stressed, disillusioned corpo V and a happy-go-lucky nomad V I also have planned. And so on and so on and so on.

Can all these different love stories truly be expressed through x reader fics? Even if x reader is mostly focused on smut, I am not sure how much maneuvering you can do while leaving it generic. Again, going back to my own OCs, Arryn Lavellan, a hot-headed 20-something Dalish First, is a virgin who pretends to be sexually experienced to win Respect Points, and then learns the lesson that he did not have to do that; while Elgara Lavellan, a Circle mage and ex-Tranquil, is also a virgin due to her life circumstances, and her lesson is that there's no shame in having a "first time" after 40. Cinder the Tav is a half-Orc, half-Tiefling, used to being fetishized by intimate partners because of her appearance, so she gets her mind blown when Halsin worships her body as a great gift of nature. Laulu the Tav is a half-Orc, half-Halfling, a humble farm girl with dreams of someone who will love her for her, not her glamorous elf bard persona (courtesy of Disguise Self), so she gets *her* mind blown when Gale takes her, the real her, on a journey through the stars. But Amaya, a full Halfling this time, is a vengeful paladin who used to be married to an evil wizard that entrapped her in illusions of love and bliss in order to manipulate her to do his bidding, so she opts for the humble tryst in the woods, blowing *Gale's* mind this time as he realizes that he can be wanted for more than his magic. So for all of them, even smut will flow differently.

Some anons I got argued that inserting your OC into a love story focused on a canon character is too self-centered; you have to give other people a chance to imagine *their* OCs in this blank spot! And I guess it works for some people (a lot of people, in fact), but I would rather write stories and make art about specific OCs and read stories and admire art with *your* specific OCs and all the endless ways they can kiss that Blorbo.

[alistairsprayerwarrior]

OK OK GUYS I NEED TO SEE THIS FOR SCIENCE

DO YOU HAVE FACE CLAIMS FOR YOUR WARDEN/HAWKE/INQ/ROOK???

TELL MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

bonus if you already have a ROOK face claim!

here's mine :^)

Sereda Cousland

* with long red hair, side braid * Amy James-Kelly

Beatrice "Kiddo" Hawke

*red paint across face, short black hair (basically f!Hawke promo), blue eyes * Noomi Rapace

Evelyn Trevelyan

* white hair, also side-braid (inspired by HoF), also stark blue eyes, upper lip scar * Natalie Dormer

[ageofdragcns]

NAME:      Ilvanna Cousland HEIGHT:      5'5" CLASS:      Rogue ALIGNMENT / ATTITUDE:      True good; peace leaning FAMILY:      Havoc (Mabari dog), Fergus (elder brother), Bryce (father), Eleanor (mother), Oriana (sister-in-law), Oren (nephew) AGE:      20 TITLE:      Grey Warden & Heir to the Cousland Throne HAIR:      Falls just past her shoulders, has a slight natural curl to it. Brunette in color EYES:      Brown PRONOUNS:      She/Her SEXUALITY:      Pansexual SPECIES:      Human IDENTIFIERS:      Beauty on left cheek bone FACECLAIM:      Natalie Portman VERSES/AUs:      none atm GENERAL TAGS: FACE || HEADCANON || MUSINGS || GOOFY SHIT || THREADS || ANSWERED || SHIPS: none atm || *In verses where she is not in a ship, Ilvanna can be defaulted to being Alistair's Queen, if applicable

DRAGON AGE KEEP CHOICES BELOW THE CUT

“For generations, your family, the Couslands, has stewarded the lands of Highever, earning the loyalty of your people with justice and temperance. When your country was occupied by the Orlesian Empire, your father and grandfather served the embattled kings of your land. Today, your elder brother takes up House Cousland’s banner in service to the Crown—not against the men of Orlais, but against the bestial darkspawn rising in the south.”

COMPANIONS ➼ Romanced Alistair ➼ Recruited Dog (Havoc), Sten, Zevran, Wynne, Oghren ➼ Persuaded Revered Mother to free Sten ➼ Loghain was killed by Alistair in duel ➼ Alistair became King & Ilvanna is his Queen ➼ Morrigan had an old god baby with Alistair ➼ Acquired grimoire peacefully

PROLOGUE ➼ Bought food to feed the Ostagar prisoner ➼ Cured mabari hound

NATURE OF THE BEAST ➼ Brokered Peace ➼ Told Athras about his wife's fate ➼ Brought Cammen and Gheyna together ➼ Brought Varathorn ironbark ➼ Saved the halla ➼ Returned Deygan to Dalish Camp

PARAGON OF HER KIND ➼ Defeated Branka ➼ Bhelen rules Orzammar ➼ Dagna left to study ➼ Didn't encounter Mardy ➼ Killed Ruck, said he died heroically ➼ Proved Legion of Dead connected to noble house ➼ Returned tome to Shaperate ➼ Helped Burkel create Chantry ➼ Zerlinda left for the surface ➼ Completed Rogek's lyrium deal ➼ Helped Orta join Assembly

BROKEN CIRCLE ➼ Mages supported ➼ First Enchanter Irving survived battle ➼ Did not agree to Cullen's request

DENERIM ➼ Ser Landry alive ➼ Told Bann Sighard about Oswyn ➼ Brought scroll to Sister Justine ➼ Didn't complete Slim Couldry's crime wave ➼ Helped clear customers out of Pearl ➼ Handled the Crimson Oars ➼ Gave Alfstanna Irminric's ring ➼ Return amulet to the beggar ➼ Didn't complete Master Ignacio's assassinations ➼ Helped Alistair find Goldanna ➼ Did not encounter Marjolaine

THE LANDSMEET ➼ Alistair and Ilvanna rule

THE URN OF SACRED ASHES ➼ Urn not poisoned

THE ARL OF REDCLIFFE ➼ Helped Redcliffe fight ➼ Freed Bevin and paid for sword ➼ Helped Redcliffe prepare ➼ Helped Owen's daughter escape ➼ Connor alive, not possessed ➼ Isolde is alive ➼ Bella left to start a brewery

THE BATTLE OF DENERIM ➼ Ilvanna killed the Archdemon

AWAKENING EXPANSION ➼ Ilvanna allowed Architect to live ➼ Nathaniel died ➼ Keep & Amaranthine protected ➼ Oghren & Felsi reunited

WITCH HUNT DLC ➼ Ilvanna did not go through the eluvian

WARDEN'S KEEP DLC ➼ Gained Power of Blood ➼ Slayed Sophia and allowed Avernus ethical research

STONE PRISONER DLC ➼ Shale recruited ➼ Matthias and Amalia both alive, neither possessed

[thatapostateboy]

for OCs, ships, prompts and askbox prompts, see below!

My inbox is always open, feel free to ask questions, send prompts, or just pester me about any of these! You can find my shared writing prompts here or I accept random requests.

You can find more info over on Carrds here

I also basically run a 'Everyone Exists' AU for all of my stuff - for example, all of the Dragon Age characters exist in Thedas together, so I also accept requests for their interactions together!

Baldur’s Gate 3:

Nel’Tavia Lienthel 'Nell' (Tav)/Wyll Ravengard/Astarion Ancunin

Malakai (Durge)/Shadowheart/Halsin

Malakai (Durge)/Gale Dekarios (this exists in the same canon as Kai’s relationship with Shad and Halsin, but Gale’s not part of the throuple)

Malakai (Durge)/Gortash (past)

Dragon Age: Origins:

Rowena 'Tab' Tabris/Alistair Theirin

Jennifer 'Jenni' Cousland/Zevran Arainai/Nathaniel Howe

Aedan Cousland/Leliana

Callum 'Cal' Surana/Morrigan

Brianna Amell/Bann Teagan

Lyna Mahariel/Tamlen

Thrina Aeuducan/Gorim Saelac

Dragon Age II:

Marie Hawke/Anders

Garrett Hawke/Isabela

Dragon Age: Inquisition:

Brenna Lavellan/Solas

Freya Trevelyan/Cullen Rutherford

Moss Lavellan/Dorian Pavus

Summer Lavellan/Blackwall

Dragon Age: The Veilguard:

Evanura 'Eva' (Rook)/Davrin

Dragon Age AU:

Alistair Theirin /Rowena Tabris/Jenni Cousland/Zevran Arainai

Rowena Tabris/Jenni Cousland

Rowena Tabris/Anders

Marie Hawke/Varric Tethras

Garrett Hawke/Sebastian Vael

Brenna Lavellan/Krem Aclassi

Greedfall:

Genevieve de Sardet/Kurt

Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen:

Alicia ‘Ace’ (Arisen)/Mercedes Marten

Liam (Pawn)/Julien

Dragon’s Dogma II:

Ceridwen ‘Saber’ (Arisen)/Glyndwr

Sebastian (Pawn)/Captain Brant

Mass Effect:

Nora Shepard/Kaidan Alenko

Sam Ryder/Vetra Nyx

Scott Ryder/Gil Brodie

Anthony Ryder/Reyes Vidal

Mass Effect AU

Nora Shepard/Sam Ryder

Fallout:

Cora (Courier)/Benny

Natalie Powell (Sole Survivor)/Paladin Danse

Stardew Valley:

Farmer Jack/Penny

Farmer Daniel/Alex

Fable:

Princess Sophia (Hero of Brightwall)/Elliott

Skyrim:

Narah (Dragonborn)/Kaiden

Rowena (OC)/Vilkas

Choices: Stories You Play

(For the Choices deep dive, check out my secondary page https://indescribablechoices.tumblr.com/post/184653680920/mc-masterlist)

[lea-kenway]

oc guide

ellana lavellan (dragon age, ♡ solas)

revas lavellan (dragon age, alt. canon)

adrianne hawke (dragon age, ♡ ???)

natalie cousland (dragon age, ♡ leliana)

léonide durand (assassin's creed, ♡ connor kenway)

calliope of sparta (god of war)

gwendolyn castillo (red dead, ♡ sadie adler)

naomi parker (dc, ♡ casssandra cain)

aster la forge (star trek)

irri panrook (star wars, ♡ wrecker)

calypso creed (the hunger games)

jocasta creed (the hunger games, ♡ johanna mason)

[spainkitty]

DAI Leliana first dialogue: Kill that traitor, they knew the consequences.

My Lavellan Inquisitor: [stays silent]

Leliana second dialogue: I can't believe the Maker is putting us through this! Is he toying with us?

My Lavellan Inquisitor: Lol why are you asking me?

Leliana & Cullen scene: I should've made my scouts stay out there! If I hadn't called them back to save them, maybe Haven wouldn't have been destroyed.

My Lavellan Inquisitor: Our people are not expendable. (The only time I chose the Softened option)

Leliana to Natalie: Imma kill you!

My Lavellan Inquisitor: Uh. Maybe you shouldn't?

Leliana: ... *kills Natalie* Nah, she fucking dead

Me:

Leliana, finding the box: Why is Justinia guilty from beyond the grave?? I'm living my best life! Spying and murder is what I chose!

My Lavellan Inquisitor: Maybe you should let it go. It's what she wanted.

Leliana: Really? YOU'RE saying that to ME? Don't be a hypocrite.

Me:

Leliana as Divine, Hardened af and totally doesn't murder people who try to stop her plans (so many sus deaths). freedom for mages and elves OR ELSE: Ruthlessness gets the job done. Death and Deception is my trade and always will be.

Me:

My Lavellan Inquisitor, sipping wine and twirling her staff: This is the world I made 👑

Somewhere in Thedas, my Cousland Warden-Queen, who did everything Good and Righteous and had Leliana at 100 Friendship, feels a disturbance in the Force

[herhighness-thequeenofhearts]

Culture barrier

Warden Mahariel: wow look at this statue of the Dread Wolf!

Warden Cousland: what’s the Dread Wolf

Warden Brosca: what’s a wolf lol

[artsybeccaartblog]

The more that I play as my sassy royal girl, the more that I love her <3

[artsybecca]

My game glitched and I can’t stop laughing

[biotic-boshtet]

Head canon meme: 1, 4, 8, 13!

1. Light Sleeper: Aspen Cousland, but only after the blight, along with Tasha Adaar, and Norah Shepard.

4. Has a dysfunctional family: Ava Byrne

8. Can kill you with a pencil: Norah Shepard, Lilian Amell, Serenii Lavellan

13. Knows random facts about everything: Natalie Ryder, Dennis Adaar, Erik Cousland

[myloveisinthewilds]

Satinalia and Christmas Celebration with the Cousland-Theirin family, the Tabris-Arainai family, and the Mahariel family!🎄✨

Formal Photoshoot with the families. ❤️ (In photos: Kaeden Mahariel, Morrigan, Kieran Mahariel, Zaria Tabris-Arainai, Zevran Arainai, Aloiene Tabris, Evangeline Cousland, Alistair Theirin, and Duncan Bryce Cousland-Theirin,  Tarasylla Mahariel, Tariel Mahariel, Tamael Mahariel, and Tamlen)

Credits below :>

______________________________________________________________

Reshade 3.0.8 by crosire

Reshade preset: Prismatic TS4 Preset by Whiisker

Eye colors - PurEAly Eyes FP & PurEAly Eyes v2

Elf ears - Pointed Ears by CmarNYC

[Adults’ Clothes]

Basic Turtleneck Sweater by Gorilla Gorilla Gorilla

Holiday21LooseNeck by SimmieV

Snowflake Leggings (+HQ) by Pipco

Madison Skirt by CAMUFLAGE

[Tattoos]

Unisex Adult Tattoos Dragon Age Origin Human and Mage by Sourwolf

Unisex Adult Tattoos Dragon Age Inquisition Vallaslin ALL by Sourwolf

Unisex Adult Tattoos Dragon Age NPCs ALL by Sourwolf

Tattoo 9 (HQ) by Caroll91

Tattoo pack T01 by K8truman

[Kieran]

Hair - Hair05TurquoiseChild by QRsims

[Zaria]

Hair - PhippaKidsHair by Birksche

Clothes - TSR Christmas 2021 Dress Fchild by Ekinege

[Tariel]

Hair - Overgrown hair by Softpine

[Tamael]

Hair - Even more overgrown hair by Softpine

[Duncan Bryce]

Clothes - Moose onesie by REDHEADSIMS

[Evangeline]

Iris hair by Saurus

PS Morina Hoop Earring Trio by Pralinesims

[Aloiene]

CloudsAFHair by kismetsims

ts4 WM RINGS 202005 by S-club

[Tarasylla]

Daenerys hair by Birksche

TSR Diamond Leaf Engagement ring by GlitterberrySims

Vignette Crystal Earrings by Giullieta Sims

[Kaeden]

Legolas hair by Birksche

Carved wedding band male set by NataliS

[Alistair]

Simple mens band RIGHT by NataliS

[Zevran]

Echo hair by Nemesyms

Two-tone male wedding band set by NataliS

[Tamlen]

Mark hair by Vevesims

Simple mens band RIGHT by NataliS

[Morrigan]

Morrigan hair by Kaizoku-gal

PS Morina Hoop Earring Trio by Pralinesims

Asscher Cut Diamond Ring by NataliS

[Poses]

By Beto - Club Night somethin

Original pose by me

[roguescorner]

A bit of a quicker thing, but I wanted to do a side by side of my Warden, Natalie Cousland, Brianna Hawke and Inquisitor Elona Lavellan and their respective outfits.

Natalie just has a play off of warden armour and art floating around of the warden design, with a one shoulder cape. With Brianna I didn’t change anything- I legit love the Champion armour. Though in DA2 she wears her hair short and in DAI its in a side cut where one side is shaved. Natalie is the shortest and Brianna the tallest.

Elona’s outfit I have the most ideas with and thought put into it. Her post Trespasser look takes from Dalish and Ancient Elvhen outfits with the gold chest piece and leaf like designs and wraps. The pelt she wears is Mabari, given they where used to hunt wolves. And of course, no longer wearing the Sylaise vallaslin. She does, still wear the gloves she did as Inquisitor though. 

[bigfan-fanfic]

The Alliance of House Theirin and House Cousland - The House of the Blue Rose

Mysen Theirin - formerly Mysen of Denerim (Kim Beom)

Alistair Theirin

- Not Pictured, Zevran Cousland - formerly Zevran Arainai and Benezio “Benny” Cousland (Pedro Pascal) -

Upon forming a poly relationship, all their children are named heirs to both the Theirin and Cousland names, and with all the holdings this implies. Luciano, as the eldest (not counting Rose) is the future Lord of Highever and heir to Benny’s titles and lands and property. Elari is the heir to the Theirin name and whatever that implies - although Ferelden law would place Jack as the heir because he is biologically Alistair’s eldest child. Luckily, the adopted siblings are close enough that no resentment comes from this arrangement, and all are happy and eager to keep the others in their lives.

Jack Theirin of House Cousland (Hideo Muraoka)

Jack is the son of Alistair and Mysen, concieved through a mystic ritual that imbued him with great magic. He was raised by all his siblings in addition to his four fathers, and he grows to be a powerful mage and warrior, using everything he has learned. Has a thirst for knowledge. Adventurous and noble, although surprisingly shy. 

Rose Theirin “van Tassell” of House Cousland (Natalie Dormer)

Rose is the daughter of King Alistair Theirin and his Chancellor, Prince-Consort Mysen of Denerim, conceived through a mystic ritual that imbued her with magic. However, the young princess was the only survivor of the magical cataclysm caused by the Dread Wolf collapsing the Veil, and she spent around twenty years traveling through worlds to gain power and return to Thedas. However, she ends up in a different timeline. Eventually, she is able to tell her fathers who she is, and they offer to have her stay with the family. Mischievous at first but soft when you get to know her.

Elaridin “Elari” Theirin of House Cousland - formerly Elaridin of Wycome Alienage (Finn Jones)

Though Clan Lavellan was saved though the quick actions of Inquisitor Adaar, Clan Lavellan did help get the city elves away from Wycome and to Skyhold during the riots in the city, to avoid a successful “purge” as was being called for at the time. Elari’s friendship with Tash helped to expose the troubles elven refugees at Skyhold were going through and allowed for the successful establishment of laws giving non-human races the same protections as humans. Elari was taken in by Mysen and Alistair after they found he was parentless, and he stayed with them from then on as their son. Calm and quiet, though cheerful. Dislikes conflict.

Marilla Theirin of House Cousland- formerly Marilla Aeliana of Vyrantium (Alexandra Daddario)

Marilla Aeliana was the daughter of a mid-ranking Tevinter leader, until the machinations of Tevinter politics ended up forcing her own father to sell her into slavery. She was bought by Crassius Servis who used her as an apprentice in studying the still ruins until he was captured by the Inquisition and she was freed. Marilla gravitated to Mysen, perhaps sensing his strange power, and eventually was adopted by him and Alistair, and traveled with them to Kirkwall. She ends up working with Merrill in order to create a new Eluvian network. Protective and precocious. Uses her intelligence against everyone but her family.

Luciano Cousland - formerly Luciano Cantori (Lucas Garcez)

A young man born into slavery and sold to the Crows, he was rescued by Zevran and Benny, spirited to their villa in Antiva City, and kept protected as the two men realized they did not wish to part from the young boy and hoped to keep him safe from further harm. Luciano traveled with Zevran and Benny for a while, until traveling to Skyhold and then Kirkwall to live with Alistair and Mysen. He becomes a talented warrior and tactician. Wise beyond his years and caring. Will take revenge on anyone that hurts his siblings or fathers.

Marcel Thierin of House Cousland- formerly Marcel Fournier (Josh Elton)

Marcel Fournier was once a baker’s son from Orlais, who’s magic developed when he was nine. His mother took him before he was taken by Templars, and they traveled to Kirkwall, where unfortunately she was killed by bandits. Luckily at the age of 11, Marcel was taken in by newly-formed Theirin-Cousland family, with four fathers to guide him and keep him safe. He grew into a strong mage and intelligent soul, working in the Viscount’s office to help keep order. Chivalrous and sweet, he learns baking from Tash.

[thebloodychampion]

Character Songs - Updated

For @capeshifters​

Nedra Surana

“Man, I Feel Like A Woman” by Shania Twain

Narya Surana

“In Your Eyes” by Sylver

Litriel Lavellan

“Wild Child” by Enya

Merlyn Lavellan

“Always” by Bon Jovi

Rufus Trevelyan

“You’ll Be In My Heart” by Phil Collins

Gigi Trevelyan

“Torn” by Natalie Imbruglia

Janus Lupus

“Broken” by Seether feat. Amy Lee

Alceon Lupus

“Frozen” by Madonna

Adrian Lupus

“I Don’t Wanna Miss A Thing” by Aerosmith

Bella Lupus

“Fate” by Bleak Feat. Ana Johnson

Marcus Lupus

“Sooner Or Later” by Breaking Benjamin

Luca Lupus

“Thanks For The Memories” by Fall Out Boy

Seranna Trevelyan

“Stained” by Persephone

Mario Albergotti Lamberto De Villacorta

“Smooth Criminal” by Michael Jackson

Vixten Adaar

“After The Rain” by Cinema Bizarre

Jacob Rivera

“Time Bomb” by Hollywood Undead

Albany Perdue

“Seven Devils” by Florence + The Machine

Nellie Cousland

“Memories” by Within Temptation

Milicent Cadash

“Ironic” by Alanis Morissette

Nova Lavellan

“1000 Words” by Final Fantasy X-2 OST

Devon Trevelyan

“Smooth” by Santana feat. Rob Thomas

Anders

“Lie To Me” by 12 Stones

Adam Hawke

“Iris” by Goo Goo Dolls

Hampus Luck

“No Air” by Jordin Sparks & Chris Brown

Dorian Pavus

“Summer Wine” by Ville Vallo & Natalia Avelon

Regina Le Bail

“Broken Wings” by Alter Bridge

Hay

“Hell Frozen Rain” by Silent Hill Shattered Memories OST

Valerie An Zarda O Bearhold

“It Must Have Been Love” by Roxette

Alan Ar Zara O Bearhold

“Anthem Of The Angels” by Breaking Benjamin

Lilah Bearhold

“The Voice” by Celtic Woman

Sherborune “Guy” Le Guyader

“Shy” by Sonata Arctica

Ashalanna “Anna” Alerion

“Mad World” by Gary Jules

Appius Trius

“What I’ve Done” by Linkin Park

Aila Synelis

“Lithium” by Evanescence

Lisetta Walgan

“Save Yourself” by My Darkest Days

Kai Kresge

“Can’t Take Me” by Bryan Adams

Kaisa Kresge

“Like A Rose On The Grave Of Love” by Xandria

Lesi Aras

“Crazy” by Aerosmith

Rinril Seraya

“If We Ever Meet Again” by Timbaland & Katy Perry

Armando Fiorenci

“Save Me” by Skillet

Francisca Fiorenci

“It’s The Fear” by Within Temptation

Nedra Shepard

“Remember The Name” by Fort Minor

Nigel Shepard

“Place For My Head” by Linkin Park

Magnar Shepard

“Nobody’s Listening” by Linkin Park

Salla Ryder

“It’s All Coming Back To Me Now” by Meat Loaf

Karin Chakwas

“Home” by Daughtry

Avitus Rix

“Crawling” by Linkin Park

Garrus Vakarian

“No More Sorrow” by Linkin Park

Liara T’Soni

“Can’t Get You Out Of My Head” by Kylie Minogue

Nakmor Drack

“Paid In Full” by Sonata Arctica

Pelessaria B’Sayle “PB”

“Look Through My Eyes” by Phil Colins

Camilea Octatus

“Everybody’s Fool” by Evanescence

Lisell Avequa

“Love Don’t Cost A Thing” by Jennifer Lopez

Nyx Avequa

“Nothing Else Matters” by Metallica

Jirida Avequa

“Livin La Vida Loca” by Ricky Martin

Han Xanis Vas Astra

“Telescope” by Starset

Tasha Tissel

“Let Love In” by Goo Goo Dolls

Nolus Abgius

“I Will Not Bow” by Breaking Benjamin

Tunar Abgius

“Heroes” by Shinedown

Vivia Bonisis

“Stronger” by Britney Spears

Tibesius Suldonis

“Locking Up The Sun” by Poets Of The Fall

Lucius Suldonis

“Shatter Me” by Lindsey Stirling

Quitilia Suldonis

“The Power Of Goodbye” by Madonna

Silia Salvilus

“It’s Amazing” by Jem

Serlio Salvilus

“Take Me Away” by Globus

Caius Salvilus

“Goodbye” by SR-71

Cosna Salvilus

“A Dangerous Mind” by Within Temptation

Titus Faion

“Simple And Clean” by Kingdom Hearts OST

Maxius Kyrik 

“Perfect” by Simple Plan

Luc Laxius

“Enjoy The Silence” by Depeche Mode

Anaya Kiuk

“I’m Like A Bird” by Nelly Furtado

Sunip Molane

“Farewell” by Apocalyptica

Bono Baffabar

“Hurricane” by 30 Seconds To Mars

Tokol

“Push It To The Limit” by Scarface

Camephilia Octatus

“In Perfect Harmony” by Within Temptation

Naigni Nabila

“Carnival Of Rust” by Poets Of The Fall

Neville Longbottom

“Glorious” by Natalie Imburglia

Harry Potter

“Here Without You” by 3 Doors Down

Augustus Rookwood

“Poison” by Alice Cooper

Lilo Young

“She Bangs” by Ricky Martin

Serafina Rosario

“Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield

Wilhelm Marble

“Whoever Brings The Night” by Nightwish

Hermione Granger

“Precious” by Depeche Mode

Savlia Pepper

“I Bruise Easily” by Natasha Bedingfield

Lucas Scales

“I’m Not Okay I Promise” by My Chemical Romance

Eleanora “Ellie” Spindleweed

“Immersion” by Persephone

Lassie Young

“Point Of No Return” by Starset

Quiet

“Nemo” by Nightwish

Diana Of Themyscira

“Unbreak My Heart” by Toni Braxton

Belle

“Nothing Compares To You” by Sinead O’Connor

Selina Kyle

“My Skin” by Natalie Merchant

Mei Ling Zhou

“Any Other World” by Mika

Elisabeth Caledonia “Calamity” Ashe

“One Day Ticket” by Eruption

Jean-Baptiste Augustin

“Undefeated” by Skillet

Red

“Can’t FIght The Moonlight” by Leann Rimes

[starforged]

f!nathaniel/elissa: The Calling

It has been eleven years and two months since Elissa completed her Joining. Nightmares are as familiar to her as her own body, both the tainted ones and the normal ones. When she wakes in a sweat, mouth dry and a scream on her lips as her lover shakes her awake, she knows. 

Nat is sitting up next to her, the sheet bundled around her lap, a look of concern across her stern features. Elissa leans over the side of the bed and vomits onto the floor. Nat’s hand is on her back, rubbing slow circles over bare skin.

“Elissa?”

Her voice sounds so distant. There’s a roaring in her ears again, like the archdemon from eleven years and two months ago. Like the darkspawn have all reached up to scream directly into her brain, claws and fingers and teeth grasping at her, dragging her down. The images don’t go away. She heaves until there’s nothing left inside of her.

“Elissa, what’s wrong?”

She went away for just this reason. It was a selfish desire, when the world probably needed her. Selfish desire wrapped up in this noble idea.

Curing the Calling. 

Maybe it has always been her fate to not outlast the very thing she’s dedicated her life to. 

Elissa grinds the heel of her hand into her eyes, wiping away sleep and tears. That warm hand on her back rests on her shoulder now, gently pulling her back so that she has no choice but to look up at Natalie Howe, her right hand, her best friend. 

“Already?” Nat asks in a broken voice.

They had talked about this, of course. How could they not? They were both Wardens, and there was always a possibility. Not that it could happen - of course it would happen. They had poisoned themselves for something greater than them without a choice. No, the possibility that it would be sooner rather than later had always been there. The greatest lie the Wardens ever told was how long it would take for the Calling to reach its cold hand out and bring them to brink of chaos. 

And Elissa Cousland, the sweet youngest child of Bryce Cousland, forced to make the Joining to escape death at the hands of Rendon Howe, forced to endure the suffering of the Blight, the Hero of Ferelden, had been so neatly tied to the darkspawn that she knew it would come for her sooner rather than later. 

“You’re not coming with me,” Elissa tells her. It’s pointless to say, she knows that already. Nat’s never been one to listen to anybody, least of all her, when her mind is set. 

“My bag is already packed.” She slides on her family’s bow, one eyebrow raised. She’s daring Elissa to argue.

But Elissa’s never been one to back down, either. “You’re not experiencing the Call.”

“I don’t care about whether or not I’m experiencing it. I’m not letting you go into the Deep Roads by yourself.” 

“I wouldn’t really be by myself,” she counters, packing her bag onto her horse. “I already have a contact with the Legion.”

But Nat’s already on her own horse, waiting patiently for Elissa. She glares at the woman, but there’s no animosity behind it. She doesn’t want to bring Natalie to an early death (even if she has, everything about Nat’s life leading them to this point has been on her younger shoulders; she just tries to not think about it).

“I won’t make you go alone,” Nat says. It’s firm and decisive.

Elissa pulls her scowling girlfriend into an awkward kiss from atop her own horse, a loud and playful smack that doesn’t betray the fear coursing through her body. “The ride would be boring otherwise.”

She rests with her arms behind her head, staring up at the stars. She’s fighting sleep for as long as she can manage, but that’s likely going to drive her crazy before the dreams do. Or are they visions? Are there hoards of darkspawn waiting to greet her down below the surface? 

Perhaps instead of fulfilling her agreement people long since dead made with the dwarves, she can go on one last ditch effort to save herself from becoming a ghoul, from the madness the taint is going to bring her. Maybe she can play like Anders and host a spirit in her body. She might not be a mage, but she has use of arcane magics. Not that she really knows the long term effects of that particular relationship. 

“Do you think that Fergus will be upset with me? For not visiting, I mean.”

Natalie draws in a deep breath, and from the corner of her eye, Elissa can see her large nostrils flare. True to her nature, many of the things Nat has wanted to say have gone unsaid. “Did you write him a letter?”

“Several.”

“He knows what you are.”

“But he doesn’t understand the Wardens.”

They’re quiet again. Nat reaches out, wrapping her long fingers around Elissa’s elbow in lieu of holding her hand. “I wrote my sister.”

“Oh?” 

“I told her that I would have the bow sent back soon.”

Elissa sighs. “You’re going to need it.”

“There are others. I would like one of my nieces or nephew to have it. It’s our only heirloom left to us.”

She turns her head, taking in Nat. Her face, her hands, her hair, that nose. The length of her stocky body and the near-permanent frown always tugging at her lips. Elissa should be grateful to have someone so staunchly loyal, to want to end her life so early. 

But she doesn’t want that for Nat. 

“Can I convince you to stay here?” she asks. 

Nat glances at her. “There are many things I have done for you, Elissa Cousland. Not this one.”

“What if I gave you an order, as your commander?”

“Nope.” Nat turns on her side, her back to Elissa. “Go to sleep.”

Elissa snorts. “Insubordination is such a turn on.”

“There are so many things I dislike about you,” Nat grumbles.

She scoots closer, wrapping an arm around Nat’s waist. She presses a kiss to her shoulder. “Such a grump.”

They sell the horses outside of Orzammar. Nat ships her bow back to Amaranthine. Elissa mails out her last few letters. To Alistair, her king and dearest friend. To Leliana, with a note for Morrigan, should Leliana ever be able to find her. To Weisshaupt, detailing both her Calling and her whereabouts. 

They meet with the Legionnaire that was her contact. This isn’t the first Grey Warden he’s taken with him and his group below the ground. They all know they’re unlikely to return, and they don’t mind the madness that comes with the Wardens. They always fight more viciously. 

Or, at least, that’s what they learn one night during dinner. 

Elissa grins. “I have always fought viciously.”

“Trust me on that one,” Nat agrees.

The Legion can’t wait to see what it is that makes the Hero of Ferelden as important as she is.

She doesn’t waste the opportunity to show off when they’re attacked early the next morning - or what she assumes could be morning. It’s only been a few hours since her and Nat fell asleep in each other’s arms. 

Elissa licks the blood off of her lip. She’s long stop caring about the gruesome sight she must present to other people, and besides, what’s the worst that tainted blood can do to her now? She laughs at the thought and earns a grin from one of the dwarves. 

“You’re all alike,” he chortles. 

The madness, she guesses. It sings inside of her, intense and needy. It’s only been a few months since she’s been down here, but she knows time is growing closer. She’ll have to cut loose from the Legion eventually, let herself be swallowed up by battle.

Nat nudges her with the toe of her boot. “I know it doesn’t taste that good.” She tosses her a wet rag.

Elissa wipes her face off. “I don’t know, it’s got a tang to it.”

Nat rolls her eyes. Climbing to her feet, she holds a hand out to Elissa. She takes it, allowing her lover to walk her out to an empty tunnel, away from their group. Nat pushes her into a wall when they’re alone, pinning her shoulders to the rough stone. 

“Promise me, Elissa.”

“What?” She has to shake her head to bring herself back to reality. The singing clouds her head sometimes, strangles her thoughts until she’s almost outside of herself. 

“That you’re not going to walk off without me.”

“Natalie Howe, even if I did, you’d just follow me anyway,” Elissa says with a bark of a laugh. “I’d rather you died with me than dying while trying to find me. I need you at my back when it comes.”

She searches her face, as if trying to find the line in her words. Her face is grim, her lips pressed thin and white. And then she finally nods. “How soon?”

“Soon,” she admits. 

Nat kisses her hard, digging her fingers into dirty hair and pressing her body against Elissa’s like the space between them might kill her. They try to stay as quiet as they can, moreso to keep from attracting another battle than to keep themselves hidden from their Legion. 

Elissa’s never been very good at being quiet.

They walk away a week later, hand in hand, further into the darkness of the Deep Roads. 

[alleiradayne]

Happily Ever After

For: Alistair Appreciation Week Day 2 - King Theirin Rating: SFW (fluffs!) Word Count: 1,743

Alistair Theirin and Anaphorah Cousland celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary.

Peace.

At last, after hours upon hours meeting with nobles, cajoling with diplomats, and reviewing treaties, Anaphorah Cousland—Queen Anaphorah Theirin—collapsed on her throne.

Maker’s breath, a moment’s respite. A reprieve. Rest. May she lay her weary head in her hand and doze but for a moment, a chance to catch her breath.

“Your Grace?”

No rest for the wicked.

Her eyes snapped open to find a serving man at the foot of the stairs, bowing low and gaze averted. “Your Grace, your pr-presence… has been r-requested.”

From her seat, Anaphorah stood, a slow straightening of her legs as she stared down the young man. “By whom?”

“Who?” he repeated. “Th-the ah—beg your pardon, Your Grace—the King.”

“For?”

The lad’s hands twisted, fingers tangling as he stared at them. “Dinner, Your Grace. In the kitchens.”

Kitchens? She nodded as she descended the steps. “Is that all, my dear?”

The messenger raised his eyes, chancing a glance at his queen. “Yes, Your Grace.”

With a finger and thumb beneath his chin, Anaphorah raised his head and smiled. “What is your name?”

“Connor, if it pleases you, Your Grace.”

She rested a light hand on his shoulder. “In my court, Connor, you look me in the eye. Is that understood?”

“Yes, Your Grace.”

“Good,” she commented. “Though I am your queen, I am not your jailor. A people should not fear looking upon their queen. She is a symbol of leadership, of trust, honesty, and justice.”

Tension seeped from his shoulders, muscles relaxing beneath her touch. “Thank you, Your Grace. That is… refreshing.”

“You are most welcome. I am sure you have other duties to attend,” she stated.

Nervous fingers twisted again, torqued and twined. “No, m’lady. I am to escort you to the kitchens.”

Anaphorah laughed her barking laugh, doubled over with a stitch in her ribs. “Oh, Maker’s breath, I beg your pardon, Connor,” she gasped. “I know my way to the kitchens.”

Mouth agape, Connor stared. “You do?”

“How else would I sneak tiny cheese cakes for the King?” she laughed as she gestured ahead and lead the messenger to the far end of the hall. “I’m surprised you’ve not heard that rumor yet. Although, best it stay a rumor, now you know the truth. Can I trust you with such a silly secret?”

“Absolutely, Your Grace,” Connor replied, fingers unraveling. “It is a good rumor.”

Beside the young man, Anaphorah walked her slow stroll, slippered feet and long dress swishing over the carpet. “Why do you say that, my dear?”

“May I be blunt, Your Grace?”

Anaphorah nodded as they reached the door, her hand pausing on the handle. “It makes him seem more human. Both of you, really. You’re like one of us.”

She embraced him in a hug, catching him flatfooted, and he hesitated in returning the gesture. “Thank you for your honesty, Connor,” she said as she released him. “We are no different than you. Lucky, yes, but we have paid our dues.”

When Connor did not comment, Anaphora spoke in his stead. “That’s enough talk for now. Do not hesitate to speak with me in the future. I am here to serve.”

With a deep bow, Connor agreed and slipped across the hall to the far door. Anaphorah waited, watching the lad go before turning into the door for the kitchens.

At the center butcher block, Alistair stood, a careful eye scrutinizing the spread. Two dinner settings sat across from one another, empty but for water in small glasses. He paced, recalling his steps, hoping he forgot nothing.

Perfect. It had to be. Rare, a Warden living beyond his thirties, and rarer still for two to see their twentieth year of marriage. It had occurred to him to hold a grand celebration, but in the end, Alistair had preferred a more intimate setting, private, for their eyes only.

The rasp of metal on metal snatched his attention, head whipping to the door. Through the heavy stone archway slipped his wife, regal dress and slippers traded for tunic, leggings, and soft boots. As charming as ever, she flashed her dazzling smile, toothy grin revealed by wide lips.

“What’s all this?”

Maker’s breath, he thought. She had forgotten.

Alistair rounded the counter and embraced his wife, then lead her to her seat with a guiding hand at the small of her back. “Dinner, my dear.”

“I see that,” she stated as she sat. “But…”

Eyes the color of a turbulent ocean widened as she stared, and Alistair’s own smile spread in the wake of her understanding. A groan rumbled in her chest as her head fell into her hands, elbows propped on the counter.

“You cooked, didn’t you?”

He nodded as he took to the roasting pot by the fire. “Quail.”

“My favorite,” she said with a giggle. “It’s our anniversary, isn’t it?”

Alistair doubled over with laughter as he withdrew a tray revealing two whole roasted quails. “It is.”

She gasped, fingers covering her gaping lips. “Maferath’s balls, has it been twenty years?!”

“I’ve been planning for weeks,” Alistair replied as he served their food, potatoes and leeks and squash accompanying the tiny birds. “I hope you—”

From her seat, Anaphorah flew into his embrace her arms wrapping around his neck. “Ali, it’s perfect, it’s all so perfect.”

At risk of dropping the gravy pot, Alistair set it on the counter, metal thudding on the wooden block. Lithe and long, Alistair’s massive arms encircled his wife with ease, hands smoothing her tunic and slipping to her backside.

She squawked in protest, barking laughter filling the tiny room. “You keep that up, we won’t get to enjoy this amazing dinner.”

Truer words had ne’er been spoken. Alistair set her on her feet, releasing her backside and kissing her forehead. “As always, you are right.”

She returned to her stool and hefted the bottle of wine as Alistair continued to prepare their food. And then, from a concealed pocket his wife brandished a small knife, breaking the wax seal and poured him a full glass of yellow gold wine. As discrete as she had withdrawn her blade, Anaphorah concealed it once more, returned to her sleeve.

“I’m glad.”

Anaphorah pouted, bottom lip sticking out and forehead knotting as she regarded him. “About?”

“In the two decades we’ve been together…” he started as he lit two tall candles, “you’ve not changed a bit.”

Maker, but he loved her adorable pout. “I've changed. I'm queenly. Regal even.”

True. “But queens don’t carry knives in their sleeves.”

“Oh?” A quirk of her lip brightened her smile. “And how many queens have you known, my king?”

Quick as ever. “None but you, Your Grace. Touché.”

As he sat across from his wife, Alistair marveled once more that two decades had past them by in the blink of an eye. And in that moment, Anaphorah voiced his thoughts. “Do you remember when we met.”

“I remember a haughty mage and a fresh warden recruit,” he chuckled. “Yes, it’s as if it happened only yesterday.”

Anaphorah laughed with him, grey-green eyes rolling at the memory. “Oh Maker, I knew I was in trouble right away.”

Alistair hesitated as he hefted his knife and fork, elbows flanking his plate. “What do you mean?”

“Don’t play coy,” she admonished. “We were attracted to each other immediately. Right?”

Don’t fuck this up, Theirin. “I… was very intimidated by you. By your wit, your grace, your beauty. Yes attracted. But I would have never guessed you were interested until you asked.”

Her charming smile spread, crinkling the corners of her eyes, and Alistair eased on his stool. “You were adorable. And funny. And so very tall, with your broad shoulders and big arms.”

He cringed as he cut into his bird. “I always felt too big, too clumsy when I was living in the Chantry. The sisters scolded me for taking up so much space, knocking things over.”

“That’s terrible,” she sighed through her food. “I loved your… stature.” Her subtle glance to his groin heated his cheeks.

“Stature,” he stated, clearing his throat. “Sure.”

Anaphorah giggled at that, turning back to her food. They ate in silence then, Alistair listening to the soft sounds of her pleasure as each new bite graced her tongue. And there, his mind wandered once more to marvel at the mystery of their continued existence. They both should have left for the deep roads years ago, but neither had heard the song yet, not a whisper in their minds. And yet the worry gnawed at the base of his skull, a constant worry that haunted his dreams where he woke to find himself alone in his bed. And when he searched for here, he would find her letter, saying her final goodbye and—

“I’m pregnant.”

“What?”

Anaphorah continued to eat as if she’d said nothing important. Through a mouthful of leeks, she repeated herself. “Pregnant.” With her fork, she pointed at her belly. “You know,” she continued, then swallowed. “A baby.”

Alistair gaped, jaw working to find the right words. “We're going to have a baby?”

She nodded, a nonchalant shrug of her shoulders. “I think I want to name her Natalie.”

When Alistair said nothing, Anaphorah looked to him, frowning. “Alistair? What’s—”

No memory of standing, of running around the table and wrapping his wife in a massive hug, existed. But there they embraced, Alistair lifting her from her stool and shouting his excitement. Too good to be true, he maintained his hold of her lest he awake from the dream, lest this miracle escape their grasp.

Whether minutes or mere seconds had passed, Alistair cared not in the slightest. But a burning question begged for an answer and so he asked.

“How long have you known?”

“A while,” she started. “Long enough to know it’s a girl.”

A gentle touch of his fingertips sought her belly. “A girl?”

Anaphorah smoothed his hand over her tummy, a subtle, firm bump that Alistair had missed. “Natalie.”

He grinned, then to her stomach he spoke. “Natalie,” he sighed. “Hello Natalie.” He placed a kiss atop her stomach. “Hello my baby girl.”

“Is that okay?”

Alistair regarded his wife with a curious brow. “Of course, it’s okay,” he laughed, tears spilling over his cheeks.

“No,” Anaphorah admonished with her own bout of tears. “Is Natalie okay?”

“Natalie,” he sighed once more, a soft caress of his wife’s belly.

“It’s perfect.”