#neves posts while crying

[nevesmose]

Sad rambling time. It turns out that if you spend years of your life being completely, desperately in love with someone in a way that you could never act on, sometimes you'll see somebody on the street that looks exactly like he might now that we're both old and suddenly start remembering every little detail all over again. Weepy story below the cut.

To quote the surprisingly deep and emotional novel of Star Wars Episode 3: this story happened a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away. It is already over. Nothing can be done to change it.

Let's call him Nite Owl because someone once compared me and him to Nite Owl and Rorschach which I think is revelatory of something. Not very flattering about me I suppose but all my other nicknames at school were either serial killers or prissy female cartoon characters. We had a harsh collective sense of humour.

Anyway the incident that always sticks with me: on our last day of secondary school, as was tradition, we all fucked off early and went to the local park where somebody whipped out one of those disposable barbecues and everyone was having a fun old time.

It was also tradition to play a senior prank (my lips are sealed but it involved fish) and to wear fancy dress. I was a Ghostbuster with an inflatable backpack and he was a priest.

To give you an idea of our protagonists: me, your humble correspondent. I'm terrible at describing myself but the most flattering celebrity comparison I've ever had was to Matt Damon so I suppose imagine an introverted, depressed, insomniac Matt Damon with glasses who spent far too much time on 4chan and you're pretty much there. Main personality traits: undiagnosed autism and gifted-kid perfectionism.

Nite Owl: a tall chubby metalhead rugby player with long dark brown hair, deep brown eyes and a round face that lit up when he smiled. He was like the sun to me. We had a lot of similar interests e.g. Warhammer and just complemented each other in a way that even if there wasn't any romantic aspect we would still have been really good friends. The kind of person you just instantly feel a vibe of "we understand each other" with which is always worth treasuring no matter who or where.

Anyway, there was a big romantic aspect of it from my side at least. I never knew how he felt. But for me it was just a realisation one day, meeting his eyes during some inane conversation about whether Narnia was in the EU, that I would be so happy to just have this forever.

I treasured every bit of physical contact we ever had. He gave me a plastic Jack Daniels cocktail stirrer once and I kept it ever since. He borrowed the first Ciaphas Cain book from me and when he gave it back it smelled like him.

Christ I was pathetic about him. Still am, even just a little bit, or I wouldn't be writing this.

Looking back on it now with as much objectivity as possible, I think he was most likely a) straight and b) aware of how I felt but still enjoyed being around me and being my friend. And as sad as that is to think about, I feel like it's also kind of a testament to his character. He didn't have to do that.

But to get back to the last day of secondary school where, like I mentioned, I was a Ghostbuster and he was a priest. His priest outfit had a purple sash as part of it and while we were in the park he came over and put it around my waist and said "this is for you."

And I knew even then I was being ridiculous but in that moment it felt like a wedding ring. I was so, so happy to have something of his on me like that. So I was all twitterpated and caught up in the good vibes of the day and I thought, fuck it, I'll never have to be around any of these people again, and I decided that I would put my faith in every fucking fanfic and whatever else cliché possible and I would ask him to go for a walk with me in the trees down by the river at the bottom of the park, and I would tell him how I felt.

And even if he didn't feel the same that would still be ok in a way because I would have at least told him, I would have at least been brave enough to say it out loud after literally years of silence. At least I would have that.

So I went back over to where everyone was and looked around for him. He wasn't there, so I asked oh hey, where's Nite Owl?

And at this point I sadly need to introduce the antagonist of the story. She's only the antagonist because I'm the one telling it though. None of us was actually the bad guy here, not even her. Let's keep to the Watchmen theme and call her Silk Spectre.

It turned out that a short time earlier, Silk Spectre had gone for a walk down by the river with Nite Owl. Apparently she wanted to tell him how she felt about him and it was all very cute and sweet.

I leave it to you to imagine how I felt in that moment.

I left his sash for him somewhere he could find it and got a lift home. That would be a fitting place to end the story wouldn't it? That's how I would write it, with the last ironic twist making my actions all for nothing and the final touch of taking off his sash. Music, credits, not a dry eye in the house.

But. I started at university and tried to get over him, had the briefest of beginnings of other potential relationships. And then one day I saw him on the bus. I had the thought hammering in my head, don't do it, don't talk to him, don't start it all over again.

But I did. The idea of being near him again was too much to give up on. It turned out that he had taken a gap year before going to uni himself. He and Silk Spectre were still together (sensation of dissolving in my own upwelling stomach acid) but he had the decency not to mention her much and we were able to pick up our friendship as though no time at all had passed.

I tried very hard to be ok with it not having any prospects of developing further. That was a poor decision on my part and I think he understood better than I did how unhealthy it was. We drifted apart over the next year or so, and my last contact with him was one New Year's Eve feeling very lonely and depressed I texted him "happy new year x" and he never replied.

So that was that. Like I said, looking back on it I think he knew what the situation was and was doing his best to be a good person about it, which wasn't something I had thought of before I wrote it all out like this. For what it's worth I really do hope he's happy now.

They say "if only" is the worst kind of regret but I nurture a particular loathing for "even though" because even though I tried to do everything right it still didn't work. Sometimes that's just the way it goes.

[ayrennaranaaldmeri]

I can't believe Emmrich is scoring higher than other characters in polls, l didn't realise so many people with good taste existed.

[villa-dellamorte]

Who Said What in the Cut Romance Post Fade-Prison Dialogues

So I couldn't stop thinking about the cut dialogues from what I assume is a data dive that @merrinla posted. I wanted to take a swing at figuring out who each line belongs to.

First: Why it was cut

My best guess as to why this was cut is maybe there was supposed to be another quest between the fade prison and the final battle against Elgar'nan. Maybe the possible cut rescue quest that people have speculated about? Anyway, I think that having this dialogue, then the quest, then the bow-chika-wow romance scene, then the final quest would have made for good pacing, but who knows 🤷‍♀️

Opening Dialogue

Rook: Solas? (?): We're not sure. Probably searching for some way to defeat Elgar'nan. (?): We don't know. Not really. We were so busy looking for you we… lost track.

I think that these two (?) lines have to be between Emmrich and Lucanis for logistical reasons (i.e., the only three that are definitely going to be in the party/Lighthouse after Tearstone Island are Emmrich, Lucanis and Taash, but these dialogues just... aren't written in Taash's voice lol).

[Paraphrase] option: It's been two weeks. Rook: I was… what? Two weeks? option: A two-week long day. Rook: Apparently my hard day lasted two weeks.

My thoughts about this: the first option is probably the crying/empathetic option or thumbs up/agreeable option, and the second one is obviously the purple option. I wonder if a stoic/stern or otherwise third option would have been added or is buried in the data somewhere?

LI Worries About Rook

(?): Yes, you were gone two weeks. Which means you need rest, food, and water.

My assumption is that this is the dialogue that the player gets if the player hasn't romanced anyone. This has got to be Lucanis. Here's my reasoning: one, again, for logistics, the best choice for this line is between Emmrich, Taash, and Lucanis. This is not written in Taash's voice, and while I could see this as something Emmrich might say, it fits Lucanis so well. He is the mom of the group, and already is coded as Rook's BFF even in a non-romance playthrough, and the quick-to-the-chase attitude works for him, I think.

(Emmrich?): Yes, my love. Which is why you shouldn't rush out just yet.

I agree that this is mostly likely Emmrich's line. It seems like the logistic-safe companion dialogue options are placed first in this list, which makes sense, and Emmrich is notorious for his terms of endearment for Rook.

(?): Enough of this. You need food and rest. We'll talk business later.

I think this is Lucanis. This is Lucanis's way of caring for a romanced Rook-- making sure they are fed and taken care of. Plus, it leads into the follow-up line well (see below).

(Taash?): Yeah. So you need rest. We can talk about the other crap later. Davrin: We'll talk about this later. You need some rest and Assan needs feeding.

Yeah, this is definitely Taash and Davrin.

(?): Everyone please stop. Rook needs rest, and… food, probably…

So, with Davrin we're getting into the list of characters who are not logistically safe. That means this one is likely Bellara: the tone fits a shaken Bellara who has just lost Rook AND Neve, and also fits the clear followup well (see below).

(?): Yeah. A lot happened. But it can wait. Until you've had some rest. (?): Yeah. There's a lot to catch up on. After you rest, anyway.

If my guesses are right so far, that means this is either Neve or Harding. These last two lines could really fit either of them. I think that the slightly more hesitant tone of the latter one makes it fit Harding better.

LI Follow Up

Rook: Thanks, Bellara. Bellara: Of course. I'm here for you. Whenever you're ready.

This one is why the "everyone stop" line seems like Bellara's to me. Rook has got to be overwhelmed and hungry and exhausted after everything, and is thanking Bellara for noticing that.

Rook: Lucanis… Lucanis: Go get some sleep before you collapse. If anybody knows how bad that is, it's me.

This Lucanis follow up is why I think his line is the "enough of this" one. Again, he is putting Rook's wellbeing first-- which, is also SO sweet for "crow-always-puts-the-contract-first" Lucanis. Ugh!

Rook: Taash… Taash: You need rest. I'll make you tea. Do you want ginger or lavender? Rook: Emmrich, I can't… Emmrich: Please. For the sake of one who's missed your company.

These are quite obvious and fit the preceding lines well, and are both equally sweet and caring. I love them!!

Rook: Rest? There's so much… (?): There always is. Don't worry. I won't start without you.

Rook: I can't rest, there's too much— (?): Who knows you best?

I'm tossing these back and forth between Neve and Davrin. I'm assuming the first one is Davrin: because what would anyone else be starting? So I'm thinking it's Davrin talking about feeding Assan? LOL. And the second one feels like Neve, best detective in Minrathous.

Rook: But there's so much to— (?): Please, Rook. For me.

This leaves the last one to be Harding. But it could easily fit any of the companions, really.

Player Dialogue Choice

option: Then let's all take a break. Rook: Everything you've done, you all deserve a rest as much as I do. option: Not too long Rook: The gods can wait a little while longer. Rook: Not for too long. But fine, I'll go rest. And hey, it's nice of you to care.

I would guess the paraphrases here are for the thumbs up/agreeable choice and the second is the stoic/stern one. The "hey, it's nice of you to care" is probably coded to happen no matter which choice, because of the next lines:

Close

These all seem to be written to occur no matter who is romanced, because of Taash's:

(?): You're quite welcome.

Polite, well-mannered speech? Yup, it's Emmrich.

Davrin (?): Assan will be happy to see you.

Definitely Davrin.

(?): It didn't feel right with you gone.

This feels like something Bellara would say, especially with how emotional she already is in this scene.

(?): Yep. What they said.

I'm stuck on this one between Taash and Harding. One on hand, the clippy, aloof attitude seems like Taash. But the little "Yep" could be Harding, too.

(?): It's good to have you back. (?): I'm so glad we got you back. (?): Rest well, Rook.

That leaves these three a toss-up between Neve, Lucanis, and Harding/Taash. If the "yep" is Harding, I think the "it's good to have you back" would fit Taash, and since the theme of Lucanis's lines here seem to be focused on sleeping, the "rest well" may work for him.

(?): I'll see you in a bit.

This is probably a catch-all line for all companions to say depending on who's romanced.

[sha-brytols]

yeah, i've never felt like your dav crit posts had any ill will or were mean spirited or w/e! (tho also i forgot that veilguard was going to come out or what any of the characters were until october....) and honestly your criticisms and love for davrin have actually made me want to replay to just experience his romance (and maybe with a character race that actually has any competent writing, so please any opinions would be nice on that)!

i originally did a qunari mage/lucanis(and /spite... in my heart and mind... where he is more than just like... a vague plot point... i love characters with wings) run and it was... not terrible but i also was pretty quickly playing to dissect the story to understand why it wasn't working for me.

like. for how quickly i was picking apart the story and analyzing its parts -- i figured out the varric ~~twist~~ before i even met bellara

but yeah! your dav crit to this vaguely neutral to "it did make me cry about bellara's bro so i do have a fondness for some of it" liker don't come across as mean but as just. very intelligent and insightful!

DWARFMANCE DAVRIN RIGHT NOW!!!!! datv was genuinely the MOST fun i've ever had playing a dwarf in dragon age. there's soooo much reactivity i genuinely was not expecting. it's not perfect but like. listen the other three games kept forgetting dwarves aren't supposed to be able to dream ok LOL i'll take Anything. i loooved dav's romance and i'm really enjoying it with a grey warden rook as well. it actually gave me so much nostalgia to when i played alistair's romance for the first time and kept having to pause cus i was blushing LOL

i also really enjoyed playing dwarves because the reaction you have to the titan reveal was actually really sad. harding sounds utterly betrayed while (mine at least) rook is genuinely Angry. you also get special dialogue as a dwarf when confronting mythal that actually made me burst into tears it was so unbelievably funny . oh my god i forgot theres also unique dialogue for grey warden dwarves in reaction to the blight. it's just good.

and i'm so sorry 😭 another victim of the lucanismance.... and i heard from poppy that the qunari rook was written in such a way that it genuinely felt like the game forgot you could be one LOL so i definitely recommend playing again with a different rook. from what i understand, emmerich, neve and davrin have the most(?) content in regards to the romance so i'd definitely recommend one of them (davrin)

and the varric twist was very funny because i knew he was gonna die the moment i found out he was in this game LOL. when that one screenshot of varric in the lighthouse got leaked and everyone was like "see. he isn't dead." i was like. no that's for sure a spirit or something. there is no way his ass is living to see the credits.

and there are a lot of really emotional parts of the game that i did enjoy a lot. siege of weisshaupt is literally one of my favorite quests in dragon age ever. i talked the first warden down and actually audibly went "NO" when ghilan'nain aborted his kill mid-stab i was sooo invested. and the regret sequence with varric made me cry like a bitch LOL i really enjoyed the "that was my choice. mine. you can't take that from me." it's just really profound to me in the context of anders and Maybe a hawke left in the fade.

sorry. yapping. thank youuuu ❤️ please update me if you do davrin's romance please please

[serensama]

Thursday Bangers: Dr, Who?

I love you @woundedsoul12 for this amazing game you've created <3 Rules for your Copy and Paste: Free form a blurb or drawing based on the weekly lyrics prompt. It doesn't have to include the prompt just whatever you're inspired to write, write it! Then tag some friends so they can play as well. It doesn't have to be finished on Thursday just post it whenever you can (you have a whole week between Thursdays).

Read on Ao3

Baby I'm so into you Darling, if you only knew All the things that flow through my mind - Fantasy Mariah Carey

---

Neve was a patient woman; she would wait until Lilya was ready to talk before saying anything. She had to be willing to wait in her profession; not all cases were open and shut within a day. Unfortunately, some cases took months to crack. This latest stuff with Aelia and Dock Town… urgh… No. She was not going to think about that witch any more than she had to. The detective wrapped her arms around Lilya, who was lightly shivering in the evening air, the autumn chill biting through her even with the tequila swimming through her veins, the two women huddling together for warmth, reminding Neve of their late nights trawling through different clubs in their youth and never remembering to wear jackets. Apparently, neither had grown wiser as they grew older. 

Lilya pressed her cheek against Neve’s as she tightened her hold around her waist, desperate to siphon every bit of her friend’s body heat for herself, ignoring the way the taller woman laughed at her. “I can’t believe I did that, that was just so humiliating.”  Neve squeezed Lilya in return and comfortingly rubbed her back. “Oh, don’t worry, no one else noticed. Everyone’s too wrapped up in their own stuff to worry about anyone else.”  “But I know what I did, I’ll remember it,” she whined, burying her face in her friend’s collar. “Impulse control- gone. Reasoning- non-existent. Judgment- fucked from here to kingdom come. You should just put me in solitary for the next year and let me think about what I’ve done for a good long time, to make sure I don’t go terrorising random innocent people at night and try to mount them.”

Neve snorted and pushed away from Lilya, the latter moaning the loss of warmth instantly. “People, you say. Well, those particular people, you somehow managed to entangle yourself with, in the blink of an eye, looked mighty similar there, Lil. Seems you got yourself a type.” 

Lilya was half-tempted to stomp her foot like a petulant child, but she wasn’t quite that drunk yet. Sometimes she really hated Neve’s perspicacity and frankness; between her and Teia, she never had any peace. As good a reason as any to never let them hang out together. 

“Is this because of that night you spent with that guy a while back? I remember you telling me he was all god-like bone structure, a smile that made you feel like he was already inside of you and so beautiful it made you want to cry whenever you thought about him,” she ribbed, lighting a cigarette and checking her phone to see how long their Uber would be. Her eyes flicked back up to Lilya, who had turned a vivid shade of pink as she recalled their conversation one week after their encounter. 

“I told you that in confidence, whilst I was not exactly sober for your compassion, not for you to use as ammunition to call me out for fun at your leisure!” 

“…Do you even realise who you’re talking to here, Lil?” 

“I need new friends.” 

“You need to get over this little infatuation of yours.” 

“I was trying to, then you pulled the first guy away-”

“ He was my CI! A literal criminal, Lil!” 

“He was quite gentlemanly for a criminal.” 

“He’s a professional con-man.” 

“Who can kiss.” 

“The second one looked like he could, too-”

“He can.” 

Neve paused. She was certain that she had stopped her from kissing that other handsome stranger. How could she possibly know… “Shit. Lilya… that second guy. That’s the guy, isn’t it? The one you’ve been trying to get over.” Her silence was all the answer she needed; the detective cackled at her friend’s obvious discomfort. “Oh, this is too good. Better than any trashy stories from back home, I am positively living . Please continue, give Aunty Neve all the sordid details of how he found you here and what you would have done if I hadn’t interrupted you. Leave nothing out. We have another 5 minutes before our ride is here.” 

Lilya glowered at her, tempted to beat Neve to death with her own prosthetic- just to buy enough time to avoid revealing all the gritty particulars she’d been longing to share. Nonetheless, she knew she’d be dreaming of their almost-kiss for days to come. Her skin burned with the memory of his lips under her fingertips, along her ear, and the strength in his hands as he held her body to his. Her heart was already fluttering at the most basic of recollections. If she even dared to tell Neve the things she thought about him, what she wanted to do to him and with him? She’d probably come on the spot and then die from embarrassment. And if she didn’t, Neve would make sure to put her in the coffin herself with her never-ending, sarcastic quips.  She had finally managed to string the words together to tell her to shut up and mind her own damn business when the very hands she’d been fantasising about brushed her shoulders and slid down her arms. Lilya’s eyes snapped to Neve to check if it was all in her head- but judging by her bugged-out stare, it wasn’t just some intense daydream.

“This won’t do,” he tutted against her temple, his fingers caressing the smooth skin along her biceps as he huffed out his approval. “You’re so cold, Doc. We can’t have that.” He trailed his fingertips down her arms, thrilled by the gooseflesh that rose at her nape. It took everything in him not to run his lips over it and up her neck, to make the rest of her body tingle with his kisses- but her friend looked like she’d probably burn his eyes out if he tried anything more than what she already allowed with her friend.

Illario shrugged off his jacket and carefully draped it over her shoulders, his hands running down the line of her arms once more, firmer, not meant to tease, but to remind her how he had touched her when they were alone. “Here you go, Doc. You need it more than I do. I’d offer you a ride home, but I doubt you’d accept it. I do hope you have a lovely evening.” He squeezed her hands, and she almost squeezed back, her cheek pressed against the lapel of his jacket, facing him but unable to look him in the eye. Dangerous things happened when she met his gaze. 

Then, as quickly as he appeared, he was gone. He disappeared into his town car and did not even look back at her when they drove off. 

Lilya pulled the large jacket around her frame and let herself take in the fading scent of his cologne and closed her eyes as flashes of their kiss earlier that day flooded her mind, how wonderful it felt to be back in his arms with his mouth on hers- 

Neve stared at her friend, blinking blankly. She hadn’t seen her like this about a man since she had dated Ashur, the man who broke her heart to become a priest. By her glazed-over look alone, whatever the two shared was more explosive and intense than what Lilya had with the man she was convinced she’d marry. After things ended between them, the poor girl stopped dating and focused only on her career. Sure, there were casual flings, a friendly booty call whom she trusted enough to call upon whenever human contact was a necessity- but the look on her face screamed to Neve that this was not someone she was going to get over through willpower and abstinence from him alone. 

“Oh my darling, Lilya. You went and done it.” 

She looked up at Neve with confusion, her brows furrowing together as she continued to unconsciously revel in the scent of the man, her expression gradually softening the more she inhaled his scent from his collar. “Done what?” 

“Gone and fallen for him, obviously.” 

“Wha-no! I don’t even know the man, I can’t, you don’t just- I mean I certainly don’t - people don’t do this! A-Adults don’t do this!” she spluttered, growing increasingly flustered as her vehement denials piled up, her anxiety rising with a sharp sting of what she recognised as cognitive dissonance. “... Neve.” 

The detective hushed her, extinguishing her cigarette with her heel and opened up her arms again for Lilya to snuggle back into her embrace. “Don’t worry, Lil, there are worse things than being head over heels for a guy like that.”  “... There is?” she asked, her voice muffled between them.  Neve nodded and smiled softly. “Mhmm. You could like them, and they could not know you exist. Or they know you exist, but just don’t care. Thankfully for you, that man, oh Lilya, that man looks like you’re the only thing that exists. And at the very least, I know that he has excellent taste in women… And clothes, this jacket is fabulous.”

Softly tagging: @kabsey @jenn2d2 @rookamell @mythals-whore @davrinsleftpectoral @thedissonantverses @himluv @hedwigoprah and anyone else who may want to play <3

[felassan]

Item and ability/skill etc descriptions from the DA:TV Progression Deep Dive video. Sometimes these contain bits of lore, like in weapon/armor descriptions.

In some cases the description cut off as you would have to scroll down to read the rest. This post does not include items whose description we couldn't see.

SKILLS AND STUFF

Rogue core kit (Rook)

"Rogues are cunning and adaptive. They fight with two swords and a bow while exploiting enemy weaknesses."

Duelist – Specialization – Antivan Crows

"Swift as the wind, the Antivan Crow Duelist specializes in dancing between blades and punishing enemies with devastating melee blows."

Spellblade - Specialization - Antivan Crows

"Weaving magic and melee together, the Crow Spellblade wields both dagger and orb to serve death to their foes."

Antivan Crow (an area on Rook's skill tree or something)

"Focused on melee attacks and parry. Maintaining momentum and finishing enemies are key strengths."

Riposte - Trait (Rook)

"After a successful Defend, you can now launch a powerful counterattack."

Toxic Dash - Ability (Rook)

"Dash toward your target to land a deadly blow."

Concussive Barrage - Ability (Rook)

"Remind your enemies that a rogue’s pockets are often filled with danger… and explosives. Fire a barrage of concussive bombs that deal increased Stagger. The duration of any Staggered condition from this […]"

Explosive Daggers - Ability (Rook)

"Unleash a barrage of sticky, explosive daggers."

Hurricane of Blades - Ability[?] (Rook[?])

"Hit up to 4 times. The final strike deals more damage."

Debilitate - Ability (Lucanis)

"Lucanis opens up his enemies with a debilitating strike."

Eviscerate - Ability (Lucanis)

"Lucanis deals a decisive blow, targeting an enemy’s weakest point. At half health or less, this deals bonus […]"

Adrenaline Rush - Ability (Lucanis)

"Lucanis gives you a rousing shout, motivating you to act with renewed determination."

Abominate - Ability (Lucanis)

"Lucanis sweeps the area with demonic strength."

Battle Cry - Ability (Davrin)

"Davrin lets out a formidable shout, drawing the attention of enemies attacking the party. Taunts enemies in the area, forcing them to attack Davrin for a short time. Does not affect some of the strongest […]"

Assan Strike - Ability (Davrin)

"Calls in Assan to attack from the skies above. Deals bonus Armor damage and Knocks Down enemies."

Blizzard - Ability (Neve)

"Neve summons a swirling vortex of ice to thrash and hamper her enemies. Deals damage each second to all enemies in the area of effect."

Icebreaker - Ability (Neve)

"Neve conjures shards of ice to launch at her enemies. Fires 6 projectiles at targets that explode after a short delay."

Chrono Control - Ability Upgrade (Neve)

"Time Slow Companions can use Abilities during Time Slow, and active cooldowns are reduced by 25%."

Murder of Crows - Ultimate Ability (Rook)

"Use your advanced agility to cut down enemies foolish enough to challenge an Antivan Crow. Your enemies will think you have wings as you leap rapidly between nearby targets, dealing damage with each […]"

ITEMS AND STUFF

Enchanted Longblade (Rook) - Mourn Watch - Uncommon Saber

"Imbued with necrotic energy through carefully managed rituals in the Grand Necropolis, this blade is deadly in the right (or wrong) hands."

Cryptwood Bow (Rook) - Mourn Watch - Rare Shortbow

"This bow is crafted from the ancient death-touched trees that grow deep in the crypts of the Grand Necropolis."

Antivan Rapier (Rook) - Antivan Crows - Common Longsword

((We couldn't see the description but I'm including it just because I think it's cool that we can wield an Antivan rapier in this game))

Duelist’s Blade (Rook) - Mourn Watch - Uncommon Rapier

"This razor-sharp blade, plucked from an ancient hoard, is surrounded by a deeply menacing aura."

Corvid Cloak (Lucanis) – Antivan Crows – Legendary medium armor

"A rich purple cape rests off one shoulder over thick black leather laid like feathers, perfect for leading a murder of Crows with presence."

Rialto (Lucanis) - Antivan Crows - Rare Rapier

"Named for the “still” waters of Rialto Bay, few weapons are deadlier than this light […]"

Mayhem in Gold (Harding) - Epic Shortbow

"Mayhem, but more of it. But shiny. If an enemy spots this bow in Harding’s hands, it’s already too late."

The Means of Antiva - Memento

"A symbol of the last nation that dared disarm Antiva. “Tap the empty crystal when on your first contract. Your blade needs no venom, save that which you give it.”"

Maferath's Embrace - Memento

"The last known vial of the poison that ended a Templar Order. Harmless due to age but an important example of Crow origins and means. Smells of elderberry."

[source, two]

[extramusetime]

Faded touch

Little Lucanis blurb

Post Fade prison

Emmrich had pulled them from the fade and Lucanis felt like his heart stopped for a moment. There was Rook, grasping onto Emmrich, their whole body shaking.

"Oh Rook, its alright" Emmrich assured them, rubbing a hand up and down their back as his free hand moved up and down slowly over their body, checking for anything that the Fade may have done to their fearless leader while they were gone.

As calm as he was, Emmrich had been a mess of no sleep and books everywhere trying to find Rook. He was keeping himself composed now but Lucanis had walked in on him crying into his hands a few times. Feeling guilty over being the one to tell them to grab the dagger instead of grabbing it himself.

"No trace of any lingering magic beyond the connection to Solas" Emmrich said with a sigh before his arm joined in wrapping around Rook, holding them tightly to him, letting the other shake and begin to sob in his arms. The sound of it broke Lucanis heart.

"Harding. Neve." Their sobs ripped through them harshly and their fingers curled into Emmrich's clothing as they hid in his chest. The two who had been with them since the beginning of this adventure. Rook was going to have a hit with this one.

Taash went quiet, looking down at their feet with their own emotions over Harding, to soon a loss after their mom.

Everyone was mourning, but after WEEKS of looking for Rook they finally had them back.

Rook didn't give themselves a moment to pause after having a good cry in Emmrich's arms, and ended up in their chair in the living room area that they could all get comfortable in. They got a report of everything that happened

Lucanis thought about their conversation before they went into battle. Rook had been about to.... and he stopped them. He stopped them from saying it and he may never had once heard the words come from their mouth.

When everyone else walked away he stepped up and let Rook know he'd be checking on them later- after all he'd been going into their room most nights and when he didn't, Spite lead them there anyways because as much as it reminded both of them of their prison it smelt like Rook and Spite missed Rook just as bad as Lucanis did.

Then he got to finally touch them for the first time in weeks.

Before Rook how long had it been since he had someone touch him with soft intent?

How long had he expected pain? Long before the prison.

Long before he took this contract and fought darkspawn daily.

The moment when Rook touched his chest with just their finger was probably the first time in years someone had reached out to touch him without it being laced with the intent to hurt or worse.

Their fingers combed through his hair as they spoke to him softly at his request and right here... this... this he would kill for over and over. He would fight tooth and nail to keep this forever. This gentleness.

This feeling of safety.

Spite seemed to agree, and they silently agreed to a new understanding with each other now that their deal for Catarina's safety was for filled.

They would keep Rook safe.

They agreed to that completely.

[curiouswisp]

Questions About Creating Your OCs

From this post

Combining all these into one post from my asks about Rukhana:

15 and 16 for @plethomacademia

6 and 19 for @serbarris

10, 12 and 18 for @quaksi

6: Is there any significance behind their eye color?

Yes! Rukhana's eye color is based on my cat Freyja's. I love the her eye has the darker green in the middle, then fades to lighter, with the brown ring on the outside.

10. If they have an LI, how much of their character is tailored to be compatible to that person.

She has two LIs. For Filomena, they became a couple way after Ruk's inception so I would say no, not really. I think the only thing that changed about her in regards to that relationship is her personality became a little more dominant. Her original LI Emmrich only slightly influenced her creation. She was my second datv playthrough, so I knew she had to be a MW and I knew I didn't want to play as a mage again, and that she would be romancing Emmrich (although she was almost tempted away by Neve). Right after the game came out, a lot of people were making really Morticia and goth inspired MWs, which I absolutely loved, but wanted Ruk to feel different from that, so that inspired her look.

12. What have you found to be most difficult about creating art for your OC (any form of art: writing, drawing, edits, etc.)?

Good question. For writing, Ruk's internal dialogue is very different from what she shows and tells people externally. So maintaining her aloof and cocky external persona while exploring the depths of her fears and insecurities has been challenging. And trying to figure out exactly how much of her own issues she's even aware of. All parts of drawing her are tough bc I'm not very skilled at art lmao.

16. What is something about your OC can make you cry?

It's so fun to play in a space with someone that is this flirtatious cocky badass, but inside she really is just scared and lonely, and angry about being scared and lonely. She breaks my heart sometimes thinking about how full of want she is, and how terrified she is to want those things and how no one has ever told her she deserves to want those things 😭

18. What is the most recent thing you've discovered about your OC? 

I've been exploring more of her interpersonal side, and I low key thought she would be a disaster forever, but I'm learning she can be as fearless about introspection and working on herself for the ones she loves as she is facing down an enemy.

19. What is your favorite fact about your OC?

Underneath all the armor she is just a nerd. Get her going about complex puzzles or history or flowers, and you'll find her secret yapper button.

Also that her scar has no cool, epic story. An enemy rushed against her shield and it hit her on the chin. It was patched up with minimal supplies in a battlefield camp (by Filomena) and left a scar.

[thesummerstorms]

I spent a slightly ridiculous amount of time in Canva recreating this meme from Twitter for Neve, Arsinoë, and Lucanis. ❤️

Some headcanons/descriptions beneath the cut:

"Do they live together?"

They are trying, okay. It was easy in the Lighthouse, but while Arsinoë might be able to get away with living there full time, Neve and Lucanis both have jobs that require them to stay in their respective cities most nights.

They do have shared quarters in the Lighthouse post-game (converted from the meditation room) that they try to make use of semifrequently. If Neve or Arsinoë are in Treviso, Lucanis's overly large "apartment" is their apartment. If Lucanis or Arsinoë are in Minrathous, Neve's shoebox apartment is their apartment.

(Arsinoë has quarters in a communal House de Riva, technically, but at this point with her things already spread between the Lighthouse, Minrathous, and Treviso, she isn't seeking to maintain a fourth place. She leaves most of her things in the Lighthouse when not with Neve or Lucanis.)

2. Bugs/Crying: I don't think any of them fuss overly much about bugs, but neither would any of the three be the type to cry over them.

3. Practical Purchases/Impulse Purchases: Is Lucanis likely to make impulse purchases for himself? Not often. (See: Wyvern Tooth Dagger.) Is he likely to make impulse purchases for his friend and especially for Rook or Neve? Absolutely. (See: All of Coffee with Crows.)

4. Cuddles/Distant: I feel like Neve is just like... a normal person when it comes to cuddling. Sometimes she wants to, sometimes she doesn't. The touch-starved Crows on the other hand...

Arsinoë's desire for physical touch as reassurance increases after the Regret Prison, which bumps her to the top of the list. Lucanis I picture as generally being cuddly in private unless he's having a bad mental health day, in which case some days he doesn't want to be touched.

5. Cooking/Take Out: Lucanis has despaired. Rook can cook a tiny handful of things adequately, but will not choose to almost ever because that is a whole lot of executive function for a task that she could pay someone else to do for better results. Neve's attempt at home cooking is considered a war crime in Treviso.

6. Neat vs Chaotic: The ADHD is kicking Arsinoë's ass on the daily here, despite her efforts. Going back and forth between the de Riva barracks, Lucanis's apartment, Neve's apartment, and the Lighthouse at least cuts down on the amount of clutter she can accrue, but she has lost so many good pens and sewing needles during the transitions. And hair ribbons. And cloaks. And pairs of socks. So far all the rings have shown back up though!

Neve is again, a bit more "average" unless she's actively working a case, in which case her notes can sometimes swallow her office whole.

Lucanis is generally neat; Caterina would never have tolerated anything else. By now, those routines are mostly ingrained. The coffee cups, however, are a problem when he's sleep deprived or in the middle of a tough contract or negotiation. Spite also could not care less for Lucanis's routines.

7. Lucanis's objects: I don't know if Lucanis's original snake is still around, or what kind of snake it is, but the white snake looked pretty, so that's what he has now. The silver object at the bottom is a very fancy coffee grinder; all the dishes in his picture are silver.

8. Arsinoë's objects: Arsinoë has a lute and a spool of thread. Sewing and playing the lute were both learned with pragmatic reasons as excuses- to maintain her gear and to blend in as a traveling musician on contracts- but she enjoys them for their own sake.

The pan is full of acquacotta, although the version Lucanis makes for her is a thousand times fancier than anything she ever ate growing up.

The cushions are Minrathous style; despite generally having stereotypically Antivan design sensibilities, Arsinoë loved the turquoise/red color pairing + patterned rugs and cushions from Minrathous and readily incorporated them into all of her own spaces. (A side benefit of Lucanis keeping an apartment rather than living in the villa is not having to argue with Caterina when Neve and Rook bring Tevene decor home.)

9. Neve's objects: Neve's apartment is full of plants, which amazingly she manages to water and keep alive despite her chaotic schedule and the presence of a grey tabby she swears isn't her cat. (She is the only one of the three who succeeds at this.) Some of the plants come from cuttings from Harding's garden.

[unitedbydevils]

Summer Signings

I've listed who I'm selling. Now for who I'm signing if I'm United.

As I said in the last blog post, I'll list it as:

Who will we get

Who should we get, and

Who could we get

Who will we get

Two players: Matheus Cunha and Liam Delap.

United are crying out for a dazzling, technical 10 and a striker who actually plays as the centre-forward and can score. These two tick those boxes. I'm not saying they're Champions League winning quality, but they're better than what we've got and they do improve us. They would have made the difference vs Spurs in the EL final...

Who should we get

One name stands out as the prime target - Viktor Gyokeres. He's good, he proved he was up to the physicality in the Championship, and he's gone from strength to strength at Sporting. He suits Amorim football to a tee, but he is Champions League quality. Will he waste a year or more away from it gambling on us to qualify? I doubt it.

Beyond that, I still really think we're weak at the 10 even with Cunha in. I'd be looking at Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford. I think he's more of the scorer we need than Cunha is, though we want his technical skill and his shithouse temperament. Those two behind Delap would be fire & ice, and I like that. I see Mbeumo as the next Sane in terms of development.

Who could we get

None of the names above are surprising. This section is where we get fun and start listing potentials:

Victor Osimhen - A world-class striking talent. You'd be silly not to want him, but it'd be a bold move from him to come to our shit show. That said, we are a step up in stature from Galatasaray...

Jean-Philippe Mateta - This one might seem odd, given Palace won the FA Cup and are now into the Europa League and we're not in Europe at all, but playing well for Palace hasn't earned Mateta a regular France spot. Playing for United, and well, would, and he'd have plenty of game time.

Tyler Dibling - A good young prospect who can play RWB and as the right 10. I like the idea of him and Amad rotating in games, and maybe he's affordable from Southampton, but they were talking big money and we're not going to fuck around overpaying.

Denzel Dumfries - A proper RWB. Mazraoui isn't one, and Dalot is average. Amad has been our best pick but it seems Ruben wants him in the right 10 more.

Emi Martinez - Villa are letting him go and he's better than Onana. If he's available on a good deal... why not.

Zion Suzuki - The young Japanese keeper is currently at Parma and doing well. He'd like a United move, but he said before he'll only go places as their no1. It might be a few years too soon, but who knows.

Rayan Cherki - I really like him. Great with both feet, can hang wide or cut in, offers goal threat, composure on the ball, willing to receive... if he's available I'd get him with a quickness.

Adam Wharton - The next Ruben Neves. We need a midfielder to sit, in a pair, and dictate games. Someone to pull the strings reliably, ala Carrick. Wharton does that, and given his overlook from Tuchel for the England squad... reviving United could be the way he earns the manager's respect.

Ruben Neves - The OG Ruben Neves lmao. He's everything Adam Wharton offers and more. He has experience to boot, and is a tried and tested leader. He'd be someone reliable and dependable in our squad and our dressing room, and that leadership and standard setting is exactly what we need.

Jonathan David - Available on a free from Lyon. Why not. He's quick, similar profile of forward to Gyokeres... can't be worse than Hojlund.

Angel Gomes - Another free from Lyon and a former United academy player. While he's a bit small, he's very good on the ball and under pressure. He has that close quarters technique we see in Mainoo, but he's more at home sat further back in CM.

Francisco Trincão - A good RW from Sporting. We can't have Quenda because Chelsea got in first, so who else can we rob that Amorim trusts?

Franco Mastantuono - The kid's mint. If he goes anywhere but Barca/Real I'll be surprised, but Yoro came to us. We could offer a similar stepping stone for him on his rise to stardom...

Éderson - Atalanta's CM has been linked to us repeatedly. He's good, but he's quite similar to Ugarte. He offers a bit more passing range and box-to-box profile, but I feel he'd be rotating WITH Ugarte, and that we'd still need a playmaker CM alongside.

A lot of potentials and prospects there. I still feel there are probably more goalkeeping options we haven't considered though.

Here's hoping for a busy old summer. I want a lot of people fucked off out of our club - and ideally shot into the sun - and a lot of fresh blood, eager to battle and win, brought in. UTFR.

[salemshotspot]

HE HAS TO DO THIS

Cody Rhodes x Drew McIntyre x CM Punk

WORD COUNT: 1.5k

DESC: After sustaining an injury, Cody has to deal with both of his boyfriends convinced they know what's best for him more than the other

WARNINGS: Not Proof Read//Not Canon To The Actual Match//Injury Descriptions//Implied Anxiety//Fight Details//Mentions Of Canon Type Weapons//Swearing//Shouting//Crying//Medical Staff Mentioned//Arguments//Angst If You Squint//Happy Ending

A/N >> This fic was inspired by a post I saw on here a while back [OP is tagged below!] and a few details of the match have been altered just so it better follows my writing direction, for example how Cody tore his muscle and other exaggerated injuries! lease drop any writing requests in my inbox and let me know if you want to be tagged/untagged in future fics

TAGS: @a-random-pillow @maskedhydra

Enjoy!

——————————————————————————

It was 2022's Hell In A Cell match and to say Cody was anxious would be a gross understatement, he was set to fight the self proclaimed visionary, the self proclaimed icon of the WWE, he was set to face off against Seth 'Freakin' Rollins and he had never been so worried for a match. Cody was good, he was really good but both him and his partners Drew McIntyre and Phil Brooks [better known as CM Punk] knew Cody didn't have something which Seth had; experience.

While carefully wrapping his fists in tape, mind racing, Cody's focus was quickly snapped back into the room as he felt a firm hand comfortingly rub his shoulder, the hand accompanied by the thick Scottish accent of his partner Drew; 'you're going to do great Cody' he reassured the blonde who took his hand in his own to plant a kiss as a silent thank you. The intimate moment was quickly cut short as the uncharacteristically quiet, the uncharacteristically nervous black haired man sat on the other side of the room spoke up; 'ya'know...' he immediately cut himself off, embarrassment painting his previously white cheeks before Cody prompted him to continue, 'it's not too late to call of the match Codes.' Warmly smiling at his other partners' concern Cody walked over to Phil, taking his hand in his own just as he had just done with Drew, gently pulling him up from his seat so their eyes would meet, not letting go of his hands as he spoke; 'I know Phil but I need to do this, I need to prove I can look after myself.' Phil attempted to cut him off to protest but Cody didn't give him the chance, placing a soft, grounding kiss to the older man's head Cody promised, 'I'll be careful' which is all his boyfriends could really ask for.

Before either of the three men realised Cody had been called for his match, the cell had been locked and the two men had been fighting for what felt like hours, Seth had effortlessly smashed the steel steps off of the back of Cody's head, his bleach blond hair now dyed a sickly red, the delirium incrementally washing over Cody fogged his mind, he needed to finish this match any way he could. Before he could think Cody had retrieved a stray kendo stick and began mercilessly lashing Seth's exposed back, his muscles working independently to his brain as with every lash Cody was stumbling, his body begging to collapse as his brain forced him to continue his attack.

Watching backstage were Cody's partners, the sight of their boyfriend so clearly past his limit, so clearly in dire need of help caused both men a fear they never thought possible to articulate. 'Fuck this' Phil suddenly muttered shooting up from his seat, Drew softly yet firmly grabbed the man's wrist, Drew knew his partner well enough to know what he was thinking, what they were both thinking; 'you can't go out there and stop the match Phil, Cody will neve-' In his emotionally heightened state Phil cut off the logic of his boyfriend and began shouting; 'I can't leave him in there Drew, I didn't even want him to have this match in the first place', his voice cracking as tears threatened to leave his eyes. Drew wanted to shout back, he wanted to cry, he wanted to do something, anything to feel like he wasn't powerless in this situation but his boyfriend's uncharacteristically fragile resolve broke him, Drew was terrified but so was Phil and right now they needed to be there for each other.

Drew sighed, standing from his seat, towering over the older man, pulling him into a comforting embrace as he spoke; 'and you think I did? I don't want him out there either Phil but if we stopped the match he'd never forgive us, you'd be the same if we stopped one of your matches, he needs to do this Phil.' Drew was right and Phil knew it, the two men sat back down by Drew's prompting, never letting go of each other as they continued to watch Cody's match in each others arms, a mutual fear making the two men feel less alone.

Now focusing on the match, the two men watched as their boyfriend yanked Seth up from the floor, getting him into position to carry out a Cross Rhodes, Cody had done that move more times than any of the men could count so they were certain he would execute it perfectly, get the three count and finally be permitted to come back to the arms of his doting boyfriends. Maybe it was because of Cody's already sustained injuries or maybe it a result of a sickening lack of luck but as Cody carried out his move his screams deafened everyone watching as he frantically grabbed at his chest, the area already turning purple. Instinctively the referee began calling for the match to end. With his free hand Cody grabbed a fistful of the referee's shirt, nothing but adrenaline pooling in his eyes; 'you're not-' he coughed aggressively, 'you're not stopping this match' he coldly declared to which the referee reluctantly agreed.

The following moments moved as a blur for everyone, for everyone mere seconds had passed but for Drew and Pihl everyone second lasted a life time, Cody throwing himself down weakly over Seth's practically unconscious body was viewed by the two men frame by frame, the three count signalling Cody's victory lasted long enough for him to be counted as a winner a thousand times over, but most importantly; as the referee let go of Cody's arm after raising it as the winner, the time it took for Cody's face to slam against the mat as he collapsed from exhaustion lasted long enough for the torture to turn any man's stomach.

Cody was swiftly rushed to the medical office, Drew and Phil both barging into the office moments after Cody had arrived, both men's faces a perfectly painted picture of worry. The medic spoke calmly to both men; 'he'll be fine, he's torn a muscle and the strain his body was under has caused him to faint, he won't be able to wrestle for a few months depending on how his physical therapy goes but with plenty of rest he'll be as good as new.' Both Drew and Phil sighed in unison, simultaneously relived Cody was ok but also upset on Cody's behalf, they both know he won't take to not being able to wrestle well, wrestling is his everything and he'll struggle to adjust to life without it, even if just for a while.

Around a week had passed since Cody's injury and Drew and Phil were doing their best to care for him but with their polarising personalities sometimes it was difficult. 'He needs to rest' Phil insisted, 'if he's constantly resting how do you expect him to get better? You heard the doctor he needs to do his physical therapy exercises' Drew retorted, Cody rolling his eyes as his boyfriends initiated their daily argument because they both think they know best, Cody found it cute how worried they were but their overprotective natures clashing were exhausting at times.

With age came an above average perceptiveness which is why, while wrapped up in his anxiety fuelled argument Phil noticed as Cody's mouth fell into a frown of frustration, instantly cutting off Drew by holding a finger up, immediately turning his attention to Cody; 'what's the matter Cody?' Phil frantically asked. Cody instinctively lowered his head slightly to which Drew, who now also had his full attention on Cody, gently lifted with his thumb, reiterating Phil's previous question. Cody sighed and began; 'I thought the one good thing about me being injured would be we'd get to spend time together but so far every time we had the chance to spend some time together you've just been arguing about what you think what's best for me', Cody lowered his voice before continuing, 'you haven't once asked what I thought was best for me.'

The two men felt the worry clouding their vision swiftly being replaced with an indescribable guilt, Drew was the first to break the silence knowing if he didn't then no one would as in situations like this Phil is fast to get in his own head, rendering him momentarily paralysed; 'Cody, I'm-', he looked over at Phil, grabbing his hand and gently rubbing it with his thumb in an attempt to ground him, 'we're sorry, we were just so worried about you we got caught up in-' Cody cut him off by attempting to outstretch his arms to pull the two men into him but the pain in his arm hadn't yet healed causing him to wince in pain and lightly hiss.

The sound of his boyfriend in pain paired with the grounding sensation of his other boyfriend's hand on his pulled Phil from his mind back into the room and almost without thinking, still holding onto Drew, Phil sat down right next to Cody, burying his face into the crook of Cody's neck as he whispered both apologies and sweet nothings to the injured man. Letting out a light hearted laugh, Drew sat with the two men, encasing them in his arms as Cody let out a yawn, happy to have gotten what he wanted from the beginning; all he ever wanted was to have his partners with him and now he has that he couldn't be happier.

——————————————————————————

A/N >> I'm so sorry this took so long to get to, I was majorly burnt out for the longest time, I hope this fic is ok considering the wait!

[i-creatied-au]

OC Tag Game

tagged by @antivan-sprig :> thanks for tagging me

anyone who saw this and didn't make this thing... consider yourself tagged

GENERAL

Name: Esha Orana Mercar

Alias(es): Rook, baby (by her adoptive parents)

Gender: female

Age: 32

Place of birth: Maker knows where. Charon found her on the battlefield and just said "you are my baby now"

Spoken languages: Trade and Tevene

Sexual orientation: polyamorous bisexual

Occupation: Leader of Veilguard and a member of Shadow Dragons (read as "pain in the ass of the venatori)

FAVORITE

Color: sea blue

Entertainment: training or creating worst puns in the world (and then annoy everyone with them). And few times a week she's feeding street cats in Minrathous

Pastime: cleaning her blades or baking something. Both processes are like meditation to her. And she really likes playing with Assan and Manfred in her free time

Food: she likes dishes with a meat and different pastry and Lucanis's food

Drink: she likes coffee, but prefer to make it herself (Lucanis's too strong, Neve's not strong enough). She not against drinking alcohol but doesn't drink it often

Books: doesn't read much, but really loves stories from Bellara's cycles

HAVE THEY

Passed university: she got home education in the Mercar's house

Had sex: yes, few times

Sex in public: no, Esha prefer it to be indoors

Gotten tattoos: no, but she would really like one

Gotten piercings: yes, her ears pierced, but she doesn't wear earrings often

Gotten scarred: oh, a lot. One long scar from her lip to the ear and a lot of small(and not) scares all over her body. She believes every scar is a prove she's alive and she won a fight. (Papa Charon told her that, when she was little and crying over a scar, and now suffering, seeing how his daughter running head into some fights)

Had a broken heart: not in a romantic way. Seeing Minrathous after dragon attack... Broke her. She knew it was on her and did everything to fix the city or help it, at least a little, while inside Esha scream from pain, anger and frustration. She was especially rough with venatori, often killing them with bare hands. Talking with Taash, Harding and Lucanis helped her to control herself better and after some time Esha find peace with her choices.

Been in love: oh yes, definitely. First time, it was fellow Shadow Dragon, she was in love with her but it was one-sided and after some time, Esha got rid of idea being with woman. Second time was Lucanis. Her falling was slow, but deep. First she was "haha, cool moves, random guy". Then his eyes were sparkling when he talked about wyverns, and she thought "heh, cute". Then she was trying to kill a dragon for that man and his city and were thinking "Maker help me, I'm in love". Esha knew she has to be patient with him, but every time they were alone it took all her will power to not hug him tightly and kiss his sad beautiful face.

Plus, she's in love with almost everyone in Veilguard (Esha: Have you seen them?! It's hard to be surrounded with so many beautiful and amazing people and not fall for them!). If that was an option, she would definitely create a polycule

ARE THEY

A cuddler: yes, she loves hugging people. During the sleep... She would like it, but with horns it's getting uncomfortable.

Scared easily: not really, but a jumpscare can caught her off guard.

Jealous easily: not at all. She's confident in herself and she trusts Lucanis. Esha more of a protective type of person. I mean, she'll be okay if you try to flirt with her husband, but if she'll see he's uncomfortable, you'll be politely escorted away from him.

Trustworthy: I would say so? Esha is true to her word and if she says something, she'll do it. But she can be reckless and it might be a problem on some missions.

FAMILY

Sibling(s): she has younger brother, Remus, another orphan Mercar's took in. They rarely see eachother now, and their relationships a little rough, but in post-game they will start working on it and get closer.

Parents: she doesn't remember birth parents, but she has really good relationship with her adoptive parents, Charon and Anora Mercar.

Children: in the future she'll have a daughter with Lucanis, who they'll name Cecilia.

Pets: her parents had few mabari and she adored them. I think she'll have few animals, dogs or cats.

[solitaireships]

5, 10, & 15 from the first ask game & 🎨🍯🌙 for the second! ^^

omg thank you so much!

5) How many people do they invite? Immediate family and a few close friends, or cousins, second cousins, and A’s aunt’s best friend’s sister?

They mainly invite people that they're close to! There's four of them, if they're inviting everyone they even somewhat know, it would be way overcrowded lol. Everyone else from the Veilg.uard is of course there, and so are their other friends and the remaining family that they have

10) Do they stumble or get nervous saying their vows? Does the other get emotional hearing the other say such sweet words to them?

Oh Emmrich is crying throughout the entire ceremony. He doesn't quite stumble with his vows, but he does get a little choked up as he reads them. He had always wanted to get married, but especially as he got older, he assumed that wouldn't be an option for him. Adding to that that he's someone who feels every emotion very strongly, and he was tearing up the whole time. Bellara did stumble with her vows a little, but to be fair she was giving them both in Elvhen and in common, so she had a lot to say lol

15) How do they wake up every morning after, knowing they’re married to the person they love the most?

They're all very happy about it. I touch on this in the fic I'll be posting tonight, but Minala thinks of it as them finally getting their happy ending. They went through a lot together, and now they're all able to relax and see what lies ahead. She knows that every morning they have together was a hard earned one, and it's not something to be taken for granted. And she cherishes every morning that they have together for the rest of their lives <3

🎨 - What are the wedding colors you and your F/O decided on?

Green and gold! Gold's essentially bcs of how heavily it features in Mourn Watch traditions, then the green was Bellara's idea since she and Neve like green a lot. I'm thinking something like this

🍯🌙- Where are you and your F/O going for a special honeymoon spot?

Yet another thing I'll be touching on in my fic, but we'll be going to Antiva City! It's along the coast so there's beaches that we could go to together, and I think Manfred would have a blast getting to build sandcastles. Then there are also plenty of libraries that we can check out, among some other ideas of things we can do while in the city

[bottomthor]

1, 15, and 4 for the Rook + partner asks please!! (hi it’s dissonant verses)

Does your Rook fall for their partner at first sight? If not, what moment made your Rook realize they're in love with them?

Alero isn't a love at first sight kind of guy. A lust at first sight kind of guy yes, and he flirts with Emmrich immediately- but also with Davrin and Lucanis. And Viago. Teia is very amused by that one. He's immediately attracted to Emmrich, but doesn't realise he *likes* him until after one morning when Emmrich comes to check on him because he hasn't come out of his room when he normally would and finds him praying- and waits for him to open up about his feelings on the Maker and about his doubts. That's when he realises "shit, i think i actually like him". it's also when he stops flirting with everyone as he processes this, and Emmrich thinks that his interest has *stopped* until Harding sets him straight.

4. Do your Rook and their partner share the same faction? If so, does that affect their relationship at all? If not, what is your Rook's opinion of their partner's faction? What is the partner's opinion of Rook's faction?

They don't- Alero is a Shadow Dragon. Emmrich is happy to be able to help and thinks it's a fight worth fighting, and Alero is a little taken aback by the Mourn Watch at first- but finds the Memorial Gardens beautiful and wishes Tevinter's poor dead were taken care of as well as this. (I wrote him taking Emmrich to see his parent's urn before i got to the quest about Emmrich taking Rook to see his parents' graves). Post-game, once Tevinter has settled somewhat, Neve and Maevaris convince him to follow his heart and after consulting with the Mourn Watch frequently he joins them and thrives.

15. What was the partner's reaction to Rook being imprisoned in the Fade? How did they cope? How did they react upon seeing Rook again?

Emmrich does *not* cope at all. He barely sleeps, works at all hours, slaves away over the fake dagger and has to be pushed into bed to actually rest. When they finally find him he and Alero cling to each other and just *cry* for a very long time. There's no words at all being said, just clinging to each other while the others fan out to keep an eye on them (while being within protection range. neither are able to actually fight)

[springagainafter]

Final chat with Neve!

Compared dialogue from my Warden gal run because I couldn't remember exactly what she said there and was pleased to see that she's always fairly positive about the state of the city (even on a saved-Treviso run).

Rook asked how she was holding up.

Neve: I've seen reports from the city. The lost... Neve: But more are still standing than I might have bet on.

Halos is totally fine!

Yaaay flirt option!

Rook: We started this together, and.... Neve: Now we stay focused, cross our fingers, and keep our guard up.

That's super cute that Rook brings up that they were both around at the beginning and pfffff, Neve cut off whatever he was going to say about finishing the job together, presumably on the grounds that that's looking too far ahead. (With the honest option here, friend Neve says "We can't get overconfident.")

Rook pointed out that Neve was thinking about something else too.

Neve: This started with Solas. It will end there, too. Neve: He played mind games with you, targeted your emotions, then went right for the heart.

Rook was a little :( at this because it is of course true.

Neve Gallus is your gal for companions-ticked-about-the-blood-magic content: she brings it up 1) after Tearstone while she's in Bellara's room 2) in her banter with Solas and 3) her goodbye here, and she always does all those both as a friend and if she's romanced. :D

I suspect the trick dagger ending falls into the later category. Eeeeee heeeeeeee.

Neve: However this plays out, I'm with you, Trouble. Right to the end.

AWWWWW.

A Shadow Dragon option popped up here (which I had to skip in favor of the flirt option, but I love that there is one!)

Rook: Ready when you are. Bring the light, Neve. Neve: Feeling formal? I guess now's the time for it... Neve: Bring the light, Rook.

Flirt option resulted in this:

Rook: I couldn't do this without you. Neve, playful: Sure you could. But it wouldn't be as fun.

Which made Rook laugh, awwww. (Friend Neve has a possible line that will also make Rook laugh and in both cases it's just a lovely moment while things are otherwise looking dire).

Neve: Rook, before we go, I....

Rook immediately guessed what she was hesitant to say and told her "It's all right" (as shorthand for "you don't have to tell me you love me in front of other people; you know and I know and it's perfectly fine for you to not say that out loud Right Here").

(A note: Rook is *wonderful* in this romance at not being pushy with Neve at all and generally is just consistently present and patient and waits on whatever Neve wants to do, even when that involves watching Neve pace back and forth on a dock debating with herself for several minutes.

Neve tends to be very private - except with Bellara, XD - about seriously talking about their relationship so I really like the brief you-don't-have-to-do-a-serious-public-display-of-affection reassurance).

Neve went for it anyway.

Neve: I love you.

THERE's the delivery that I've seen posts on where people have commented that she says it's like she's trying not to cry/generally like it's really difficult to say.

(She said "All I know is, if I don't say I love you this time, I'll regret it" *much* more easily earlier in the Lighthouse, when it was just them).

Rook: I love you, too.

Awww.

NEVE <3

11/10 romance, would definitely replay this worldstate.

[thedragonagelesbian]

8, 27, and +1 for loml Rook!Cyrus for the rook questions

yay tyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!! Rook Questions

8. What makes Rook a good leader?

A steady hand, heart, and mind, decades of life experience surviving impossible experiences, and his stubborn, unrelenting optimism. Morrigan called him naive for it in their first meeting, and Solas scoffed at it as ignorant overconfidence during their first conversation in the Fade, but Cyrus believes with his whole whole heart that he's going to defeat his gods.

27. When was the last time they cried?

I'm so glad you asked this question specifically bc I've been meaning to make a post about it lmao

It's Varric. Varric is the first person Cyrus has ever allowed himself grieve properly. He didn't cry for Malcolm or Carver or Leandra, and while he cried for Anders, it was only during the crisis in Kirkwall, and after that, he bottled all those feelings up again, preferring numbness and detachment. But he lets himself cry for Varric. Not just upon learning that he died at the ritual site, but whenever his grief moves him going forward, he allows himself to feel it. He usually politely excuses himself to Lace's room, to be somewhere green and thriving while he mourns.

(I also haven't fully turned over what this mourning period might imply for his relationship with Emmrich... you'd think a Mourn Watcher would make for good companionship, but the initial disconnect re: are spirits actually the souls of the departed may turn Cyrus off of seeking his counsel & comfort.)

+1 What does Rook smell like?

Depends on when you're doing the smelling. Being a warrior means he often smells like sweat & blood (forever morning the fact that Veilguard doesn't have persistent gore....... or at least let me give him the bruises Harding/Neve have pls... I need to see him wrecked........) In more casual settings, though, he smells like his favorite lavender soap and fantasy tiger balm, which has become an important part of his post-Fade chronic pain management.