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sylseal · 1 year

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Sam's Bad Day, Part 4/4 (D&D fiction, ~3.7k words)

(Part 1, Part 2, Part 3. Thank you for reading <3)

Sarghun shot up in his bed, cold sweat broken out across his body, the older orc gasping for air and his body full of adrenaline. After a moment of realizing he was safe in his home, however, he rubbed his face and sat up on the side of the bed, staring out the window at the moon. Another nightmare about that little town had plagued him.

"Love...?" he heard a quiet mumble, and a hand came to rest on his shoulder. His wife, Lugash, had been woken from his stirring, it seemed. He put a hand on her own and smiled,

"I'm alright, I'm alright, I promise. Go back to bed."

"Another nightmare...?" she asked, more insistent this time. Sarghun went quiet. She sighed, "Well, I know you aren't going back to sleep, so I'm not either. I'll start to make some tea?" she offered, starting to sit up so she might stand.

"I-" he wanted to argue, but Lugash was already halfway up, giving him a knowing smile as she left the bedroom. He hated to impose, but Lugash loved to insist. Throwing on a shirt and some pants, he eventually joined her out in the living room, running his hand along her mess of wild black locks. "...Thank you," he finally said, staring at her for a long moment, simply admiring. She smiled back, and for a moment, everything was alright, and the world was at peace.

Then, there was a sudden, violent knock at the door. Sarghun's stomach twisted into knots.

"At this hour? Who's that...?" Lugash asked, but he shook his head,

"Don't know. I'll check and see, keep the tea on." with the bad feeling still in his stomach, Sarghun walked to the door, and opened it a crack.

It was Rhogar.

He was shirtless, with the only thing covering his chest being a symbol made using what smelled like the blood of an ox, a glyph in orcish that said "War." Tension filled Sarghun's body, and he stood tall as he opened the door fully. He knew what that symbol meant, and what Rhogar being shirtless meant. A duel. A tradition for usurping the clan leader since the beginning of their people. Gruumsh had taught the orcs; if an orc was not mighty enough to hold his position in one-on-one combat, without his weapons or allies to help him, then he did not deserve either of them.

"Commander," Rhogar growled in archaic, formal orcish, "I hereby challenge your authority over the clan. I would test you in a battle of physical and martial skill, to be witnessed by an impartial group of your fellow warriors, with the price of loss being death, and the reward of victory being the takeover of your position as commander, as is tradition. Do you accept?"

"Rhogar," Sarghun spoke carefully and softly, looking Rhogar dead in the eyes, "...Please, do not do this, I beg of you. We are so close to being free of her influence, we just need a bit more time-"

"Do. You. Accept?" Rhogar's features hardened, and he stood straight up, face cold. Sarghun holds that stare for a moment, still tense, before at last he lets out a sigh, resigned.

"...I accept. May Gruumsh strike me down with his spear if I lie." A nod from Rhogar, who turned and began to walk away. In the middle of the clan's temporary settlement, the "town square," as it were, there was a ring of other orcs, all holding torches up. Sarghun turned to Lugash, who looked at him worriedly.

"...Sarghun, are you sure?" She whispered, and he sighed,

"No." He began removing his shirt, feeling his old bones ache deep inside, as Lugash approached, "But I do not seem to have a choice. I will be back soon, love." She put a hand on his cheek, her face hardened.

"...Do what you must, and do so without regrets." He gave a small nod, though he knew he would be unable to fulfill her request entirely. He certainly did not want any of this. She let her hand fall, and Sarghun prepared to head outside.

As he approached the circle's center, silence rang out, deafening, over the arena. Rhogar was only illuminated by torchlight, but Sarghun saw him clearly regardless. His instincts demanded he see him, or he might die.

"We begin on the count of three," Rhogar growled, and put his hands up as if he were going to throw a punch. Sarghun did not.

"One." He began to step closer. Sarghun didn't move.

"Two." They locked eyes, and Sarghun bared his teeth.

"Three."

Rhogar was faster, running towards Sarghun, but Sarghun was more experienced. He saw Rhogar pull back a fist, and dove down, letting out a roar as he charged. He tackled the younger orc's legs out from under him, and hefted him into the air. Sarghun snarled while Rhogar attempted to elbow him in the back. Sarghun just ignored the pain, it being dulled after years of his body having weathered far worse. At the apex of his lift, Sarghun slammed Rhogar down to the ground, knocking the wind out of his lungs.

Not sparing a moment of hesitation, Sarghun moved to sit on Rhogar's stomach, his center of mass, to pin him down. Rhogar put his hands up to block his face, but Sarghun reared back and slammed a fist into Rhogar's chest, again, and again, and again, until Rhogar was wheezing for air.

"Give--in!" Sarghun cried out between punches, "Surrender now, and I--may--be--merciful!" Was it a warning or a plea? Sarghun himself didn't really know. He just knew his heart hurt, and he hated every moment of this.

He knew Rhogar's husband and their children. He would have to face them after this. However, he forcibly pushed those thoughts to the back of his mind, focused only on the fight. Those thoughts made him hesitate, and Rhogar landed a pretty good punch to the face as a result. Sarghun felt his nose break from how hard Rhogar walloped him, but he didn't move, and instead used the chance to retaliate, and keep the air from Rhogar's lungs with another punch.

"Never," Rhogar gasped, throwing another punch, but without any breath to back it up, it wasn't nearly as strong, and so Sarghun darted his head to the side, letting it sail past. "Ivory is--a monster! An evil, manipulative creature! I will not let her destroy all the honor you--you have worked to build! I will not allow it!" In the moment Rhogar next tried to punch his face, Sarghun grabbed him by the throat and slammed him against the cold, hard earth, knocking the energy out of him this time, and momentarily stunning him. Sarghun reared back to start laying into his face...

"Ahem!" A feminine voice interrupted, loud enough to get both of their attentions, and, at the edge of the circle, there stood Ivory, clad in black armor, pale skin nonetheless visible against the black night, and red hair glowing with hellfire. She had this shitty little smirk on her face as she stepped forwards. "I hate to interrupt this bit of, ah, tribal grandstanding, but...you may wish to know that I have found the item. It is within Veldin City, about a day and a half's travel from here. All signs point to it being there...and it has been there since we got back from that dingy little backwater."

Sarghun's eyes went wide, and he looked to Rhogar, who looked confused and in disbelief.

"I...I do not trust it!" Rhogar called, and Ivory guffawed,

"I," she grinned, "don't give a damn what your insignificant little brain believes. It is the truth."

"Rhogar," Sarghun said, getting his subordinate's attention, and seeing an opportunity here. "Ivory is a miserable little wench who deserves to go rot in the abyss." Ivory let out an offended scoff, but Sarghun trampled over it. "But, we have an opportunity here. This is it. This is our chance to wipe away the debt with her once and for all. Let us not waste it by killing each other and putting the clan at half-strength for the raid." Rhogar was, for a moment, silent.

"..." Gritting his teeth, he hissed, "...If it is not done after this..." he warned, and Sarghun nodded,

"If it is not, I will step down, and exile myself. I will not stop you, if it continues after this. Agreed?" Staring up at him for a moment longer, Rhogar nodded.

"...I agree." A wave of relief swept through Sarghun's body, and he stood up, looking to Ivory.

"Show me this city. Rhogar, get the warriors ready. We have one day to prepare, then tomorrow morning, we ride for this Veldin City, to finish this once and for all."

-----

Over the next couple of days, Sam and Riley trained with weapons and magic both; it wasn't much, but Sam was good with a sword, and took to the training quickly. And, thanks to her sorcerous bloodline, she also was a talented mage, too. She quickly learned that she had access to a handful of spells, most of them having to do with light or fire or using the light inside her in some meaningful way.

Then, on the third day, as they were eating lunch...Riley suddenly blinked and looked up...and her face went pale.

"Ri?" Sam blinked, finishing her food, "Everything okay?"

"The--" she swallowed hard, "The city's under attack, by a band of orcs. There's a devil with them. The guard is calling all adventurers to come and lend their aid." Sam's face grew serious, and there was a weird knot in her gut.

"Sounds like a good time to test out my new skills with a weapon, don't you think?"

"Orcs are serious business, Sam," she warned, "Especially if they have a devil with them." Sam grinned and nudged her,

"Yeah, that's why I'll bring you along!" Riley had a serious expression on her face, but sighed.

"...Oh, sure whynot. Worst that happens is we have to flee, right?"

"That's the spirit!" Sam grinned, putting on her scarf and starting outside, with Riley shortly joining her soon thereafter, as the two got ready to make their way to the section of the city under attack.

-----

When they arrived, they first smelled smoke. Then, Sam made a face, turning to Riley as they walked,

"Okay, come on, you have to smell that."

"No?" Riley blinks, "Aside from the smoke, you mean? No."

"It's--it reeks of rotten e--" Sam blinked in realization, and then her face contorted to one of pure rage. "...It reeks of rotten eggs. Like home." Riley's face paled, and she slowed to a stop, as they stood among the rubble.

"Maybe we shouldn't do this, Sam. Fighting while angry, it...it's a really bad idea."

"I don't care. I need to know why this happened, Ri." Light flooded her veins and fury screamed in her heart as she spoke, magic building inside her. "I need to know why they did this. Are you with me, or not?"

"I...fuck, Sam. Okay, yeah, I'm with you. Just, don't do anything stupid, okay?"

"I won't. Promise," Sam smiles, and Riley sighs, before falling into lockstep with her best friend as she started off towards where the smell was getting stronger. They passed by people running from the threat, or screaming to get away. Then, as they saw where the smoke was billowing from, they saw her.

It was just the devil; a woman with pale skin, deep ruby red lips, glowing red hair, two big red wings jetting out from her back, and wearing black armor. In her hand was a wicked-looking, spiked short sword. Her eyes, of course, were pitch black. She, Sam surmised, was the source of the smell.

Riley had her harp ready in one hand, short sword in the other. Sam's fingers squeezed tightly around a longsword Riley had bought for her, and she approached as the devil looked up at her. The woman's face contorted into a scowl.

"There it is," she hissed, making a motion with her hands and whispering some strange words in a deep hiss. Suddenly, shadows flew into her weapon, and formed an extended blade, turning it into a shadowy longsword.

In response, Sam focused on the energy within, and felt the light inside her surge forth like a tidal wave, surrounding her body in a protective barrier of pure sunshine, which quickly forged itself into a suit of golden, translucent armor. Like this, the scarf appeared as a glowing half-cape, and Sam looked like a regal warrior right out of a fairy tale.

"You..." the devil balked, "you used it!? You unworthy, insignificant bitch! You actually had the gall to use Bariel's Cloak! Do you even know what that scarf you're wearing is?" Sam's rage was bubbling up, and she wanted to scream, but Riley's words echoed in her mind.

Fighting while angry is a really bad idea.

Maybe leading with anger out in the open was a terrible idea, too. Better yet, maybe she could piss the devil off instead.

"I sure did," Sam hissed, "What's it to you, devil? I know for a fact that you don't own this scarf. I don't even know your name. In fact, why don't you give me your name? After all, I'll need something to engrave on your tombstone."

"For your information, little heavenspawn," the devil responded with such venom that Sam could almost taste it off the words, "I am called Ivory, an Erinyes, here on business for Lord Asmodeus! That scarf is stolen property of his majesty and the Nine Hells, and I will see it returned to us!"

"Oh really?" Sam held her weapon with both hands now, raising it to prepare for battle, "Seems like an awfully holy thing to belong to such a miserable creature as you or your lord. So thanks," her eyes began to glow, "but I think I'll keep it."

"You have even less right than its original owner did to keep it!" the devil snarled, lifting into the air, "And you couldn't even hope to keep it from me, even if you wanted to!" with a scream, she flew at Sam, weapon bared. Suddenly, as Sam focused, glowing, holy light engulfed her weapon, and she drew it upwards just at the last moment, letting out a shout of satisfaction as the two blades crashed together and locked in that position.

What Sam did not notice, however, was the appearance of a white, gold-glowing spirit, the same that had appeared in her dream, floating just behind her, guiding her hand and peering over her shoulder.

The Erinyes saw it, though.

"Bariel," Ivory hissed, looking at the spirit instead of Sam. The spirit did not reply, simply staring back at her, "Even in death, your essence cannot help but be a nuisance, hmm? You had no right to ascend, and you certainly have no right to interfere when we try and get back what-" in the midst of her talking, however, once Sam had heard enough, she reared a hand back,

"You should really," she growled, voice turning to a low roar, "pay attention to who you're fighting!" That light inside, it filled Sam's entire being now, overflowing like a pipe without a release. That light grew and grew in intensity, becoming so potent inside of her that it burned Sam's flesh from the inside out. Light poured out of her eyes, white jets of flame burned out from between her teeth, and beneath her chest, it was like someone stuck the world's brightest lantern inside her.

Just a small piece of that flaming light rocketed into Sam's fist, but it was more than enough to cause white fire to fill her palm and swirl around her arm. In a single motion, Sam threw her fist forwards, socking Ivory square in the jaw with so much force it caused an explosion to ring out.

Howling, the Erinyes held the side of her face as radiance stung it, forever marring it. However, she was quick to get up again, snarling,

"You little shit! You think you can just interfere like this?! You have no right to even exist!" Again, she flew through the air at Sam, but this time, Sam intended to meet her. With a grunt, Sam crouched, and leaped into the air, both hands on her blade. She was on perfect trajectory to meet Ivory's blow. And although Sam's longsword was nonmagical, that glowing light extended outwards, spiraling into the blade and causing the material to crack from the intensity of the holy magic that filled it.

In that moment, though she was a sorcerer, Sam's heart sang like any true paladin's in an oath to make her parents proud, an oath of devotion. Not only that, but, like any good paladin, Sam had realized the full potential of her inner, divine light, and was bending it towards a singular purpose. She knew, in that moment, that she existed for one reason alone:

To Smite Evil.

The instant their weapons collided, there was a great cracking sound, as both immediately shattered, and the shockwave of their great clash caused several burned buildings to collapse in on themselves. Sam was thrown back, as was Ivory, with both of them falling to the ground as ruined fragments of metal scattered this way and that.

Sam scrambled to her feet, as did Ivory. Riley appeared from behind Sam, at that moment, with numerous men and women in white armor joining her, all bearing holy and magical weaponry. It seemed reinforcements had arrived. A magical song rang out as Riley healed Sam, and Ivory looked over all of them, now starting to back up. Suddenly, she stopped--she was held in place, a golden spell circle forming on the ground around her. One of the paladins was stood up straight, a hand outstretched towards Ivory.

At that moment, Sam saw an orcish man approach from behind Ivory, with orange-red armor and with a hammer in his hands. He looked between the Erinyes, and Sam, and when he looked at her...he nodded, then turned away and left. Not even Ivory's own reinforcements wanted anything to do with her. Sam snorted at the irony, before she focused in on the devil once more.

She had horror in her eyes, something Sam couldn't help but find joyous. Sam began walking toward her, but someone put a hand on her chest. Not Riley, but a tall, broad individual, built like a wall, and wearing bright white armor with a symbol of a woman with burning wings, dancing in a golden flame on the chestplate. One of the paladins--their leader?

"Hold," a woman's voice emerged from the helmet, "She's currently being held, and will soon be bound so she can't influence or hurt anyone ever again. More than that, she is worth more alive than she is dead. Whoever you are acquiring vengeance for would not, I think, want you to lose yourself to that vengeance. Do you?" Sam glared up at her, seething, then glanced between the individual and the beaten erinyes. The light inside of her slowly settled and quelled. She didn't see how everyone gave her a wide berth when the light was active, nor how it singed the paladin leader's cloak. Instead, she just sighed, closed her eyes and turned away, saying to the paladin leader,

"Fine, just...please get her out of my sight." She started to walk off, not even waiting for a reply, and a few moments later, Riley jogged up to join her. Sam felt drained, like a sudden drop off in her energy came over her. She took a moment to put together what she knew from what Ivory had said.

First, this scarf used to belong to a former devil called Bariel, who ascended, possibly to celestial status? Bariel put some of her power into her cloak, which, Sam could only assume, eventually became the scarf. Ivory was sent to retrieve the scarf, which, for some reason, was in the possession of the Cinderbrook family. Then, when it passed to Sam, it activated the inherent magic inside her, and through a combination of her own abilities, and, she suspected, the spirit of Bariel inside the scarf, Sam had been able to ward off Ivory, who those paladins seemed to have pretty well-in-hand.

Part of her suspected her family didn't want to be an adventurer to hide her from Ivory's pursuits. Ironically, her leaving saved her life. But, why, then, had her mom sent her the scarf...? Was it really just because she wanted her to have it...?

Sam focused. She needed to find out more about herself. About that order of paladins. About just who her family really was, but, more than any of that, she needed to affirm something, for herself.

"Hey," she said, "Riley?"

"Yeah?" Riley replied immediately, looking ready to do anything for her. Sam gave a soft grin,

"...I've decided. I want to be an adventurer. Not just so I can make my parents proud, though that's a big part of it," she looked down at her hands, and saw she was still holding the shattered hilt of the longsword, "but also for myself. I want to find out the mysteries of my family, but I also want to go on adventures so I can explore the world, and find out why I'm really here. For a moment, during the fight, I...I was so sure that that was where I belonged. That fighting Ivory, fighting against evil, it was exactly where I was supposed to be." After a moment, she looked up to ask, "And, uh...I know your last party ended badly, but, I...I'd really like it if you were there by my side while I figured this stuff out. What do you think?" Sam was terrified of her response.

Thankfully, Riley always did have trouble saying "no" to her. The elf simply smiled sweetly, and stopped to pull Sam into a tight hug as the armor faded from the sorcerer's body, and she hugged back, very tightly.

"...I think that's a really noble idea, Sam. Of course I'd love to help. Just, do me one favor?"

"Yeah?"

"No more fighting devils entirely on your own, okay? If I hadn't gotten those paladins' attention, we may have been in serious trouble." Sam let out a sigh, breathing in the smell of Riley's perfume, a smell that got her to relax almost instantly, as she laughed in response.

"I think I can do that, yeah...now, let's go home."

#Sam's Bad Day #D&D fiction #Dungeons & Dragons #original fiction #fantasy fiction #my weary little bones #I love this but oh my god so much for a character backstory never again

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satsuha · 1 year

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long ass seiyasu rambling

i think the kind of rarepair that is like "they're in the same general group but aren't shown interacting much" is my fave kind bc there are parts of their lives that are shared no matter what even if we dont get to see it and i love thinking about those parts...

with seiyasu specifically i cant decide which past setting i like for them so i just juggle them all in my head 🥹 i like childhood friends but i dont think they would have ever been close enough to really call it that.. but yasu's reasoning for abandoning botan as a friend was to not make her sad if she were to find out about the wyrmclan leaders' short lifespans and as the heir to his clan seimei wouldve already been aware of that... theres a bit of evidence that the wyrmclan leaders knew each other prior to becoming a leader (yasu talks about mitsu before she was a leader) and nobu and mitsu were childhood friends despite their families disapproving but i also think sei was the kind to keep to himself so i like the idea of yasu just being curious about him from afar ever since they were young... catching a glimpse of him during big ceremonies and whenever he had to visit the ox territory for his duties...

then theres the current timeline of events that we see through the game's story.. yasu is shown in the chamber of light in a clawful caper's epilogue as they talk about seimei's supposed disappearance and im constantly wondering if the other wyrmclan leaders knew about the truth of his mission?? bc sei does mention that it was a secret mission but i wouldnt have thought it would be a secret to the other leaders.. and no one follows up w this either 😭 yoshitsune knew because rikugo informed her and seimei also apparently called for her help (im a bit skeptical as to whether this is the truth bc yoshitsune was also just aware of doman's movements while helping the mukuroshu)

and right after that was the events of fortune's fray where yasu does show up, supposedly at seimei's request... 🥹 if yasu really wasnt aware of sei's secret mission its nice to think about him hurrying to alberia to his aid once he found out sei was alive...

fortune's fray is really nice bc even tho it focuses on luca and elly more theres still the fact that yoshitsune and probably also ieyasu recognizing nameless as sei... i feel like its implied yoshitsune trained with sei a bit (she was close to rikugo, mentions being close to an onmyoji in the past so might have a rough grasp of onmyodo, sei's main attack shikigami are also birds) but the way yasu talks sounds like he figured out it was sei too and hffhgjfh its good...

dont think ive ever talked about this but their appearance in saiga story is also nice, i like that yasu was the one who proposed that saiga leads the assault into the mukuroshu base and probably ordered addis to support him... meanwhile i feel like gozu is there bc sei doesnt trust saiga

i was already exploding at the illust with all the wyrmclan leaders but shingen's story was really the cherry on top... its so cute how they went on a trip together and while we still dont see seiyasu interact bc its mostly one-on-one interactions between shingen and the others its still ...?? they were traveling together... its only a group of 6 and nobumitsu + shingen fudo would obviously stick together... im not delusional right.. even in yukimura story yasu is the one to deliver seimei's message fjdjjdg why?? please answer me cytendo (im joking)

im really not sure why i wrote this much i just like talking about the same thing again and again ♥️ seiyasu love

#seiyasu #text #dragalia lost

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mejomonster · 2 years

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I got to mine and uh. He's hot

Yakuza loves to be like: the most hot people are (mostly) your friends/allies. Or else the main bad guy cause the main ones often a hottie (at least Nishiki, Ryuji, Mine are shdjdj)

Anyway I want the mine daigo content I've heard so much about

In other news, majima isn't in this much but I do love him. The dramatics of the coliseum, the saving me in a pink truck, the way he's so loyal and ready to accept stubborn ox kiryus decisions but also offer to help him immediately with his whole family if kiryu calls. The way he agrees to also take kazama family. How he agreed to watch daigo and help him for the last few years for kiryus sake. They're like the parents of tojo clan rn.

Also I know it's not everyone's opinion so it's cool. I do rhink that me playing 0 then kiwami 1 kiwami 2 and now 3? Majimas character has been consistent. In kiwami 1 his majima everywhere mechanic makes him out as wanting to be friends with kiryu/caring about him but that means showing Any Yakuza can be untrustworthy/a danger and also preparing kiryu to handle Anything a yakuza may deal with. This follows super well into 3, where the collesium fight is a reminder to kiryu that even if majima is his GUY, his Most trusted and reliable friend, kiryu still needs to fight him "to get the info from him" because it's what they should do as yakuza (and majima is very aware of those kinds of expectations), afterward majima proves to as usual be the MOST earnest guy about being on kiryus side. About actually have been protecting daigo and truly doing exactly what he said he'd do - majima doesn't lie to kiryu, he's one of the Most reliable people in kiryus life. But that opening challenge is very much like kiwami 1 majima - that insistence kiryu remember even if majima is his confidant, kiryu needs to be prepared for the situations where it wouldn't be true. 3 also follows kiwami well in that like... in kiwami majima could not be as honestly publicly his friend. Whereas by 3 its fairly obvious majima never did want to kill kiryu (when he says kiryu don't die only I can kill ya in both kiwami 1 and in 3, by 3 its obvious its his way of telling kiryu he wants him to be okay and smart and live - that majima cares about him). By 3 it's a lot more obvious what parts of majima are an act versus his genuine feelings, because in 3 he's mostly just being his genuine self.

I also reallt liked his scene with the other yakuza leader - majima makes not a single expression in the scene, and its because he's whirling his brain figuring out the setup and situation and what to do and the implications. It's a moment that goes well with the yakuza 0 majima who was in a cage in sotenbori and often controlling himself and mentally figuring out the best play/the ramifications of given situations. So yeah just... I really like his characterization in 3, it's a very upfront show of majimas character and what he cares about.

Also I love rikiya and I'm very scared for my boy.

#yakuza 3 #yakuza #lb

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writingmaidenwarrior · 2 months

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The Cards We Got Dealt - Sin Eaters AU

After I was debating with myself weather I write this epilogue or not, I decided to do it and take the silly campy path. Bear with me here lol

Have fun @cljordan-imperium @noblebs @jezifster

May the dreams of your past be the reality of your future. Jimi Hendrix

The trading post was nothing like it had been described to Talindra by those who had been here. The bare skeleton of what could become a village made of the warehouse and the huge tavern that was the heart of it that got surrounded by a few small houses clearly got some meat on its metaphorical bones with the base structures of more houses scattered wherever she looked. The first colorful leaves of fall already moved between the building and were a sign to finish those houses soon before the first fall storms would come.

“Feeling better?”

Talindra turned to her mother whose face still showed signs of worry. The urge to roll her eyes was strong but she suppressed it.

“Yeah, it was probably just the lack of sleep.”

“I told you; you need to watch out for you. What shall your dear Wynthan think of you when he arrives today, and you lay ill?”

“Mom, please… I am more worried how worried he might be if you tell him.”

“Good.”

Pleased with everything her mother snickered and patted her head as if Talindra was still a little girl. Hectic she stepped aside.

“Mom!”

“New Arrivals!,” the guard from the watchtower yelled over the trading post.

Excited, Talindra jumped aside and ran to the gate that led to the side of the former Earth Seeker clan territory. The crow that arrived two days earlier announced Wynthan’s arrival with his mother and his sister Delythea, who refused to stay home despite being a new mother.

Out of breath and with a broad smile she waited at the gate. Wynthan was easy to spot right in front of the group. A little bundle wrapped around his torso made Talindra wonder until she spotted the woman next to him and the clear familiar similarities between them. It was an easy guess he was either made a babysitter or demanded to be it. His face light up when he spotted her and motioned to the little bundle on his torso as a nonverbal apology he couldn’t ran over to her.

The whole group around him noticed it and laughing Talindra watched how his sister made him stop and took her child back to give him the chance to meet up with Talindra before the others.

Long moments later, she found herself in his arms again, greeted with a soft but greedy kiss.

“I missed you,” he breathed into the kiss, breaking it just long enough to talk.

Talindra chuckled into it while she allowed herself to fall into him once again. Wynthan picked her up as if she weighed nothing. They ignored the snickers and whispered remarks around them until breathing was urgently necessary. She rested her head on his shoulder with a sigh.

“I missed you, too.”

“We could tell.”

Wynthan’s groan made her laugh. Slowly he let her down again but didn’t let go of her before he could steal another short kiss.

His sister had spoken while rocking the baby gently. The warriors and a few others who accompanied them gathered around him and Talindra in a half-circle.

“Delythea, Mom, this is Talindra as you could guess,” he spoke with a small, embarrassed smile.

Just then an older woman appeared from the crowd who still held herself with the air of a clan leader, but her eyes were soft.

“You are the poor one my coal brain of a son kept waiting so long. I am Kimesnin.”

“I wouldn’t say he was a coal brain because of this since…”

The rest of her sentence got suffocated by the tightest hug Talindra ever experienced from another woman.

“Since what?” Kimesnin asked laughing.

“I wasn’t better? In some weird way we both got dealt the same fates.”

“This big ox couldn’t shut up about this,” Delythea teased and tilted her head questioning.

The little one in her arms decided this was a perfect moment to announce her presence as well.

“I guess little Mylthamis wants to say hallo as well.”

Curious, Talindra stretched her neck, only to find herself with the little buddled up girl in her arms a moment later. Looking for help she searched for Wynthan who bit his lip with laughing eyes.

“Now you know how I happen to carry the little cutie.”

“Don’t act like she hasn’t wrapped you around her tiny fingers already,” Delythea joked, followed by a gentle hit against his shoulder.

“I leave you alone for a few moments and you already find the only baby in the camp,” her mother arrived as well.

Talindra could have done without her teasing, especially since it wasn’t her fault children happen to gather around her easily.

“That sounds like there is a story behind it,” Kimesnin chuckled.

“There is. I am Endiphal, the mother of this coal brain. The smarter one is running around somewhere.”

“Meri is here, too?” Wynthan wondered aloud.

Suddenly, Talindra was glad she had the baby in her arms because it kept her from strangling her mother.

“She is. The last days she had been busy organizing the house building with some of the others,” feeling the weird wave of nausea again she had been battling the whole day Talindra carefully handed little Mylthamis back to her mother “Give me a second. I need to sit down.”

Before she could even say one more word Wynthan grabbed her elbow and helped her to the bench close by. Kimesnin ensure the group spread out and found places to stay together with Endiphal while Delythea stayed back with her partner.

“You alright?”

Wynthan’s worried face was exactly what she tried to avoid.

“Yeah, just feeling nauseous a little. I should keep better track of what I eat and how much I sleep. Already got multiple lectures on this.”

She did her best to not roll her eyes as she explained the situation. Delythea took the free space next to her.

“Why are you working yourself to dust like this?”

“There was just so much to do…”

Colorful lights danced in front of Talindra as her body started to feel funny, like it wasn’t hers anymore. Willfully deep and long breaths worsened things instead of being helpful. She let her head drop back with a groan.

“I hate this.”

“You look pale as snow…” Wynthan stated, audibly worried.

“No surprise.”

She felt Delythea next to her move a little.

“Silmkryn, you know you way around here, don’t you? Could you get some water and some fruits?”

“Sure. Nat, I will need your help.”

Talindra felt his hesitation. The slight shuffle to the side, the way his shadow fell on her with her eyes closed, the soft, thoughtful huff were all little signs he didn’t like to leave her.

“I won’t pass out, coal brain,” she teased as good as possible.

“If you do, I will need to carry you.”

“Now you make fainting sound good.”

Delythea giggled next to her.

“Now go, you two. We need her back on her own two feet.”

The sounds of their footsteps sounded off and were gone a few breaths later. Again, Delythea changed her position. The thoughtful sound from her was surely not a good sign.

“Talindra, do you always forget eating and work yourself to dust?”

Having that kind of conversation was nothing Talindra wanted to have right now.

“Have a habit to forget things like sleep and food when I am busy, yeah.”

“Did you react like this before?”

“Nope. It’s new.”

A barely audible snickered waved over to her. Slowly, Talindra opened her eyes and moved her head to Delythea.

“What?”

“It didn’t start today, did it?”

There was some strangely knowing smile on the other one’s face and Talindra knew where she was going. Deep down she knew what was wrong but refused to see the shaman until Wynthan arrived.

With narrowed eyes, Talindra took a long, deep, and loud breath before she answered to steal herself for what would follow. That was not how she expected everything of this to go. A day or two more time would have been nice.

“No, it didn’t. It started about two weeks, almost three ago. Was never as bad as today. I could deal with the bouts of dizziness in the morning.”

“You know it, don’t you?”

“I wanted to wait for him.”

“Oh, dear gods, you are as much as a coal brain as him,” Delythea broke out laughing but somehow still managed to give Talindra a dirty look, “You work like possessed because you want it all be done in time.”

“Caught me with the hand in the honey pot.”

“You should see a shaman as soon as possible. They might be able to give you some herbs to ease it.”

“Trying to mother other people again, honey?” Silmkryn almost yelled.

He and Wynthan were still far enough to not overhear anything.

“Trying to talk this coal brain into seeing a shaman,” Delythea replied cheerful.

The wish to keep the people around her from spilling too much information helped Talindra to find back into a proper sitting position even if her stomach rebelled against it immediately and a new wave of nausea hit her.

Wynthan moved to her free side with a small jug of water and some fresh apples. She mused about the apples being probably just picked that morning before she took the jug from him.

“Please take it slower. You don’t need to do it all alone,” Wynthan stated while rubbing her back.

A part of Talindra wanted to snuggle into him right there and not appear again for the next days. Her mind on the other side threw around one idea after the other how fast she should see a shaman and how Wynthan might react and mostly, what she would need to arrange in a short time. Her head a battlefield of its own she bit into one of the apples.

“I will do my best.”

“Good. Now I like to know what your mother meant with already when she saw you with Mylthamis.”

His broad grin melted through any kind of resistance Talindra might had.

“I don’t know why but the little ones love me. Don’t know how many times I found myself surrounded by those miniature nature disasters on two legs, begging me to tell them a story or to teach them the basics of fighting.”

A chuckle escaped her as she talked about it.

“You love it,” Silmkryn snickered with a side-eye to Wynthan.

“It’s a nice change. But what’s that look to Nat?”

“Probably because I keep mom’s tradition alive that the children can always come into the clan’s house for snacks and stories.”

His death glare to Silmkryn was as good as the mental picture to imagine him being surrounded by children of all ages every day who demand a story by their clan leader. At this mental imagine, Talindra started laughing and got a piece of apple in her throat the wrong way. Coughing and laughing at the same time she bent forward, waving him off.

“Damn…,” she continued coughing, “The idea…”

“Soon you will see this every day,” Kimesnin stated.

No one noticed how she and Endiphal came back with some snacks for everyone. Only they knew where they got them.

“I guess. Somehow, it’s cute. I bet this cutie will be the spearhead every time.”

Talindra nodded to Mylthamis who yawned in a cute way that made everyone swoon for a moment. With a knowing smile Silmkryn took his daughter and let Kimesnin help him tie the little girl to his torso again.

“I think this is our call to find a place to stay,” he stated amused, “Especially since this little lovely cutie won’t be so lovely soon.”

“One of the small houses got finished yesterday. There is not much in there, but it should do for today,” Endiphal offered.

Glad her mother took care of some of the guests, Talindra sighed relaxing.

“You start to look better,” Kimesnin stated with a hint of worry in her voice.

“I feel slightly better, but I guess I should really see the shaman. I am sorry, Nat, that wasn’t how I thought your arrival would go.”

Before she could say one more word he got up and held a hand out for her with an encouraging smile. Her eyes narrowed at him she took the hand. His smirk was a telltale sign he was aware of what she thought.

“The shaman should be at the tavern. She usually is during the day to be found faster.”

“That’s smart.”

Wynthan pulled her up with enough strength Talindra ended up in his arms again.

“Trying to seduce me again?”

“Does it work?”

“You have time for this later, coal brain,” Kimesnin playfully scolded him under the chuckles of the others.

With a nod from Talindra they both slowly made their way to the heart of the small settlement to find the shaman. From the corner of her eyes, she noticed how he kept on glancing to her.

“Worried I might faint?”

“Partially, but I am also wondering about something.”

“About what?”

The little tilt of his head warned her Wynthan would either tease her now or spill something important. A serene smile on his face he nudged he softly.

“You got this warmth about you. I noticed it when I embraced you earlier.”

“So?”

“Bouts of nausea, right?”

The smile grew into something excited and Talindra couldn’t help but smile herself.

“Yeah, just ask.”

“Could it be you didn’t leave alone after our little celebration?”

Wynthan snickered all the way through the sentence. She stopped, shaking her head at him.

“I don’t for sure, yet, but maybe.”

His eyes grew wide as he realized she waited for him to find out. The next moment he pulled her into a soft kiss.

“Gods, you are incredible. Do you know how much I love you?”

“I get an idea,” Talindra laughed into the kiss, “But we should find the shaman.”

“We really should.”

His excited, stupid grin kept on growing the closer they got the tavern, which was a miracle in itself because the way wasn’t long. Talindra stepped in first. Her eyes needed a moment to adjust to the dimmed light before she could glance around to find the shaman.

The long braids with hints of gray in them were easy to spot right at the first table to her right. The smell of the herbs that surrounded the elderly woman send another wave of nausea through Talindra, but she could fight it down.

“Chalindrys, that’s where you went,” Wynthan greeted her with a warmth in his voice that surprised Talindra.

“If this isn’t little Natty, what brings you here? Aren’t you supposed to lead a clan, my boy?”

Chalindrys got up with a motherly smile and hugged him tight. The next moment her gaze fell upon Talindra, and she snickered.

“Ah, I see. I was wondering, when you would come to me, my child.”

“Excuse me, what?”

With a wave of her hand, Chalindrys chuckled and motioned both to sit down.

“I may sit here most of the day but that doesn’t mean, I don’t notice things, and I clearly noticed you having some need for me. Now, I see why.”

The side eye to Wynthan made Talindra chuckle. The few days she had been around she didn’t have the time to get to know Chalindrys beforehand but decided she liked the old lady.

“So, you can help us find out if I am pregnant?”

It felt so surreal to say it out loud. Another dismissive wave of her hand later, Chalindrys started rummaging in her bag she kept beside the table.

“Nothing easier than this, my child.”

Tensed they waited for her to finish her preparations. Multiple herbs laid out on the table, along with a small needle, mortar and pestle, and a small bag.

“I am sorry, but I need some drops of blood.”

“I don’t mind,” Talindra snickered and held out a hand.

Wynthan bent forward, curious about all this. The small side glance of Chalindrys went unnoticed by him to Talindra’s amusement.

The next moment Chalindrys poked the thumb of Talindra with the needle and squeezed out a few drops into the mortar, added a few herbs and some water before she poured it all into a potion no one noticed before.

“Now we wait.”

“How long?” Wynthan asked.

“As long as it takes. I guess you must be already three months along?”

Sheepishly, Talindra bit her lip and nodded.

“That’s good. We will get a clear outcome then.”

A long silence stretched over the table until Chalindrys started to laugh.

“Don’t look like this is a funeral, my lovelies.”

“I just don’t want to get my hope too high,” Talindra admitted in a low voice.

Wynthan’s hand found hers over the table and squeezed hers.

“If this test says no, it doesn’t matter. We are still young. I am just happy to be with you again.”

His puppy look helped her feeling more at ease even if there was still a little ting to it. With so many people already suspecting her to be pregnant it would be a bummer if she wouldn’t.

The potion on the table fizzled out of the sudden, even Chalindrys jumped surprised. In a haste she grabbed the pottle and inspected it from all side.

“That is a curious thing.”

“What is so curious?” Wynthan inquired.

“Does one of you have cases of twins in your family?”

“Yeah…,” Talindra slowly confirmed.

Under amused chuckled Chalindrys put the potion back on the table and had a broad grin on her face.

“That explains a lot. The reaction is too strong that early on for just one little spark.”

Talindra jumped up, staring at Chalindrys in shock.

“Wait… you saying I am pregnant…”

“With twins as it seems. We can’t be sure until birth, but you better prepare yourself.”

Like the wind, Wynthan was by her side and hugged her tight. She got showered in kisses while her head still tried to manage the information of maybe getting twins. Gently he nudged her to move and directed her outside. In front of the tavern, he stopped with a broad smile.

“We will be parents.”

“Yeah.”

“And twins.”

“Yeah…”

“You, ok?”

“I consider beating someone up to feel better right now,” Talindra snickered once she said it aloud.

“Maybe we should tell our families first and you beat someone up after this to make it worth it.”

She blinked surprised at him, but Wynthan meant it in all honest. To be fair, that was a good idea, knowing her family it will make her hurt someone even more and his side won’t be any better.

“That is actually a smart idea. And then we sneak away to this hot spring you talked about.”

Laughing he kissed her cheek and placed a hand on her stomach.

“Whatever you wish.”

#writblr #writing #wynne writes #the cards we got dealt #epilogue #fantasy

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maguro13-2 · 4 months

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Shattered Hero ~ Origins of the Ink Demon : Episode Maka Pt.11

Mario : Bowser? You in here? I'm coming to save the princess! Bowser?

Bowser : You're just in time.

Mario : What's the problem...? Oh my God...Who are those youngsters?

Bowser : We were interrogating these nimrods from other countries. Their names were Ox Ford and Harvar D Eclair that we interrogated them, Kamek interrogating with these two teenagers to find the whereabouts of the Ohkuboverse's real intentions, we were trying to find out whether is the Ohkuboverse really a facade to shadow realm or they have the involvements of protecting the Kusakabe Legacy. So then...a one-eyed cloud creature name Kracko killed the Harvar guy with a strong thundershoot.

Mario : W-What!?

Bowser : I can't believe that I'm gonna say this. We nintendo veterans have killed a bunch of Square Enix Representatives! These imbeciles have killed a bunch of random teenagers who were under the influence of Shinra Kusakabe!

Mario : Then what happened!? Where did that magikoopa go? That turtle wizard who knocked the stork out when me and Luigi were infants on travels after we fell into Yoshi's Island! Where is Kamek!?

Bowser : He went off by his own to disguise himself as the Teenager that he killed three years ago!

Mario : Where did he run away to where? And to why?

Bowser : Perhaps you should answer this. He was trying to get someone's attention by being the stalker to a girl that caused the second explosion in Tokyo after the first explosion that literally destroyed four-fifths of Japan's population back in '94. (shows a photo of Kimial Diehl with long hair) This is Ashley's current partner in the force, Kimial Diehl.

"Meanwhile back at the forest..."

Inky Albarn : Well, if isn't the girl who lost the ones that she loved, the stubborn shinobi.

Tsubaki Nakatsuki : That's leader of the Nakatsukasa, you coward! And by the way I am Akujiki's new wielder...Tsubaki Nakatsukasa!

[Ageha - Fumie Kumatani]

Tsubaki Nakatsuki : Hey, Maka. You think that your blood-manipulating magic will do it for me?

Maka Albarn : Why me for that matter? Why do I need your help? (uses Blood magic to create a sword)

Tsubaki Nakatsuki : No time to ask questions. Let's finish her off!

(the two starts battling against Inky)

Tsubaki Nakatsukasa : Maka! I just realized! The goal to become an instrument of death, wasn't decided to become the next Death Scythe, it was about being the next tool to Shinra's Kind. We were being used as pawns in a corrupt game and Shinra was the one who is to blame!

Maka Albarn : So you knew about this, Tsubaki! So the goal was to be still a tool to Shinra's Kind, the so Hoshi Clan led by a heartless was killed for that!? I thought I had dream of showing the world my courage!

Tsubaki Nakatsukasa : There was no courage, Maka! Lies! Lies! It's all lies from Shinra! Why did Shinra's men of influence had to hid the truth from us and falsely led us to believe that Ashley's kind was the enemy, but not her nor her friend! The true enemies are heartless and they are the ones responsible for everything! My brother died when his Heartless killed and you should consider of opening your eyes to the truth! See what truth have us in store for us! Why my other gain pain and suffering!? The humans of the real world were playing God on us to think everything's a story, but even if it's a phony! I lost the one I loved dearly, Kuro! The one that I married to!

Maka Albarn : So that's why I was never the Soul World, I was under the influence of Shinra Kusakabe and I was being used for his kind. I felt like a stubborn loser and a puppet to his will. Is that the reason Soul World existed in the first place, was that Shinra's own fault? Or was it the heartless?

Tsubaki Nakatsukasa : Both of them.

(battle ends)

Inky Albarn : *panting*

Maka and Tsubaki : *panting*

Inky Albarn : This...isn't...over yet!

Maka Albarn : Now I finally understand to why on earth would frame for the misdeeds that you caused.

Young Cricket : You'll give us answers if you don't find out what's going on! Why in the world would you and those guys do this?

[Disquieting Shadow - Jun Senoue, Yutaka Minobe]

Inky Albarn : Shinra Kusakabe...that devilish son of a b*tch! His influence have ruined my life, forced me in the ways of making me the hero of the story that I was never. He's still alive!

Maka Albarn : What!? Shinra Kusakabe is alive? How did that happened!?

Inky Albarn : It was all part of the Time Eater's to destroy the Ohkuboverse that you've been living in, was all nothing but a lie. Shadow Realm was the real deal and the so-called Soul Eater universe is merely a facade. That's all I wanted to know from the Pharaoh.

Maka Albarn : I see...So that Shinra Kusakabe fellas wasn't reincarnted as a Chao, he was reincarnated during resurrection! So it was the Time Eater's doing that wanted destroy the universe that is false to the real world, Shadow Realm was the real deal. Heartless from KH was only getting their attention on destroying the legact and the Kishin...No Shinra's grandson has created a heartless of his own destroy the planet. I can't let them get away with this!

*RUMBLING+PERFECT CHAOS ROAR*

[Alert - Yoko Shimomura]

Ashley : Oh no! Not that power again!

Maka Albarn : Now I understand what lying hurts me than it hurts you! I trusted Shinra, I gave my life to protect the legacy of him, but I threw it all away and got careless! This is what Shinra wanted right! This is all the author's fault for getting to me into this ungrateful lie! *DBZ SFX : Powering up*

Inky Albarn : What do you think you're doing!?

*communicator beeping*

Hibana : (via communication) Tsubaki, what's going on back there! Did you get the evidence!? We need you out of here before that girl unleashes Shattered Resonance to create the same explosion like what she did in Japan with you in the jungle! So there's time to waste!

[Won't Stop! Just Go! - Jun Senoue]

All : BLOWS UP!?!

Inky Albarn : Sh*t! Time to bail! (flies off to leave)

Grim (Metal Sonic) : Everyone! Evacuate this area now!

Ashley : Hey, you two! Get on board! (Cricket and Mantis get on the tier brooms) Hang tight! We gotta find a way out of here! Get cricket and Master Mantis out of here! We gotta get these guys to a safe place!

Penny Crygor : On it, Ash! But the girl's power is going to go kablooey when she unleashes Shattered Resonance sky high!

Ashley : Alrighty then! Let's move!

(cuts to show Tsubaki running through the forest)

Tsubaki Nakatsukasa : This can't be good! Maka is unleashing Shattered Resonance? Why would anyone go unleash a hidden power to bring destruction over the planet? I bet it's the witches that are responsible for all of that power, could someone responsible for the power that the explosions hit japan all those years ago? Maybe I might be a Shattered Meister as well. Guess the DWMA was wrong about it. Guess they weren't the peceakeeping forces we knew from the start. I suggest that I should head back to HQ, Gotta get away from the blast!

*Heartbeat echoing*

Tsubaki Nakatsukasa : Guh! What's happening!? What is this sensation that I can feel? That power, Am I really connected to "her"?

*Heartbeat Echoing*

Tsubaki Nakatsukasa : Gahhhh!!! *panting* I finally realized that I have the Shattered Resonance! That power! Inca Kasugatani and those Kusakabe bastards! Their influence was only using us for the sake of power! Is this what truth is telling me?

Truth from FMA : (voice heard) That's right, you have been puppets to the devil's for a long period time and this lying from the devil would eventually hurts you more than it hurts to those who speak the truth. Where do I find your freedom in the real world? What chance do you have yourselves in store? Speak for yourself to find the answers of putting an end to the lying of Shinra Kusakabe and opened eyes directly to see the truth! Let the truth win, Tsubaki! OPEN YOURS EYES AND LET THE TRUTH MAY WIN!

Tsubaki Nakatsukasa : AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!!

*DBZ SFX : LOUD ENERGY EXPLOSION*

(we show Death the Kid looking at the monitor)

Death the Kid : Shinra Kusakabe, how lucky you are of hiding the truth from them? I guess this is what you wanted, right? You really are a foolish grandfather to me and is still alive after your 1000 years of death has brought into resurrection. Today the Kusakabe Family tree will be torn down and you will never let truth to win. This time, the lying of you is mine! (snickers)

"The heroes of we are today are no longer heroes to save the world."

"The Real World shall be the enemy to the Shadow Realm."

"The only thing that can save the world is to let Truth to win."

~ Act 11 : The Winner is Truth ~

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pactwyrm · 1 year

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assuming all of hinomoto is divided amongst the wyrmclans that would mean existing hinomoto chars would all (technically kinda) serve or at least be under the responsibility of one of the wyrmclan leaders... it would be cute if each territory had like a specialty

like marishiten being the wyrm of war + obv ieyasu and botan trained at a dojo together so maybe boar territory is more battle focused... we later found out that yachiyo's grandfather trained them so yachiyo (the peerless duelist!!) is probably also from the boar territory

gozu tenno's description about him helping the hungry + being able to cook so ox clan = culinary etc? tho also it's said that the ox clan (seimei's ancestors) were accepted as one of the wyrmclans because of their onmyodo proficiency so i think that's the most notable thing about the ox clan/territory...

hanabusa being from a family of dancers and mitsuhide also mentioning she learned dance when she was younger so maybe mouse clan is more arts focused... but nobunaga also seems quite interested in the arts so idk..

i only thought of this bc i thought itd be funny if mitsuba heard that some wyrmclan leaders were at the halidom and made a big ass fancy meal as an offering and asks them to sponsor the nanakusa restaurant LOL

#hc

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demonictales · 3 years

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BITTERSWEET - XUE YANG X READER

this wasn't requested but i got this idea shortly before i fell asleep so i figured I'll give it a try and see where I'll land with it. let me know what you think, aite? characters briefly featured: nie huaisang, nie mingjue, wei wuxian, lan wangji about 3k words

TW: MURDER, CHILD ABUSE, DEATH

It was a bright day in Yueyang as you walked quietly next to your father, only sweet eight years of age. You were the youngest of clan leader Chang Ci'an's children, your older brother Chang Ping, at home complaining why you were allowed to follow your father to Yueyang on this day while he had to learn swordman ship. It was your birthday, so you begged your father to let you come along and you did. Looking out of the window of the ox cart you were riding the eyes of the young child were looking left and right, dazzling items everywhere. But the toy stall was mostly what caught your attention.

"Diē diè, can I have some toys?" The angel like soft tone of your voice making your father laugh heartily. " How much more do you want today ? " He responded patting the place next to him. "Pretty please? It's my eight birthday. -- " You argued. "After I am done with my business here we'll walk the market." It was his final word and you were more than happy. Perhaps you'd even bring something for your brother. Not long after spoken words and a few hours after midday you finally enjoyed the market running from stall to stall until a sweet scent filled your nostrils. Your eyes became big when you spotted the freshly baked sweet pastries on a stall, running for it and it seemed you weren't the only one being lured by the sweetness flowing through the air of the Yueyang market. Next to you stood a boy, probably around your age, a bit taller than you and not as clean. His clothes were ripped apart and dirty, a beggar you concluded. It kind of made you sad but you couldn't do anything about it. One of the servants had caught up and you ushered him to buy you some pastries, delightfully taking a bite as you saw the boy next to you eyeing them. He could take them off of you if he'd ran fast enought but fate had different plans. You handed him some, two pastries, because you wanted too. He seemed hungry and you hated the feeling of being hungry to an extrend that made your eight year old body angry in a different way. You'd throw quite the tantrums. Perhaps that came from being to spoiled by your father. And speaking of the devil here he came, voice rough and loud. " Boy, do you want some pastries? " Ci'an asked, but you knew his tone, he wanted something in return. Your father did not even let the boy speak at all while pulling out an envelope. " If you can deliever this letter, young boy, I'll buy you the pastries. Find me afterwards." That was something nice you thought to yourself. Making him word but giving him food as payment. What your naive little mind did not know was that your father had other plans in mind and simply kept walking away from the pastries stand, leaving you to walk around on your own for a little while longer before asking you to hop onto the cart again to leave for home as it was soon dinner time. Xue Yang did gladly do as he was told for he could have some sweets and finally some food in his stomach. Yet the encounter didn't go as planned, instead he was angering the recipient of the letter and the boy had to deal with the consequences. Being dragged to the nearby liquor shop next to the stall where pastries were sold Ci'an and his daughter were long gone, leaving a young naive boy hungry outside, waiting in despair for trusting people. All the boy wanted was something to eat, so he roamed the streets until he found the man and his ox cart, a girl's head looking out of the window excitedly as she spotted the boy. "Diē diè! Diē diè!" You spoke loudly, rushing your father to stop the cart as the boy was running behind. " The boy has returned. You have to buy him pastries now." Though, as naive as you were you saw another side of your father that day, changing moods from being so generous to annoyed and angry. You had never seen him like that. And he did not stop the cart, not until the boy ran in front of it, halting it on his own terms. The scene played in front of your innocent eyes, making you cry. This was not how you knew your father to be, not in your eyes. The sound of the whip beating flesh making you fall back onto the ground of the cart, begging your dad to stop as it scarred you. Crying like a coward, just like the display of your father made your anxiety well up. For far you enjoyed your day, your birthday. Getting more toys, even finding something for A-Ping, your older brother and even sharing pastries with the boy outside just to see it all turn into a small nightmare during day. The sudden movement of the cart made you fall back again onto the ground until you heard a scream from underneath. It was not something you wanted to ever hear again. But the yells from people

around reminded you of what your father had just done. 'How cowardly to hurt a child. ' ' He really has no shame. ' 'Chang Ca'in you bastard.' 'Stop involving others in your quarrels. ' Peaking outside, you only saw a small group of homeless people gather around the boy who's name you never learned. Lying on the ground bleeding in pain and agony, holding his hand while crying. If you could only help him as you rode further away from the scene, back home. The past few days did not change a lot, you practically begged your older brother or any servant to take you to YueYang to find the boy and eventually one servant gave in. It took you a lot of convincing but you tried your best to find the boy. You had packed a small bag with bread and cheese and fruit. It wasn't a lot but it should be enough for a day or two. You even stole money from your father, hopefully it was enough to let a doctor help him. Ever since that day you saw your father in different eyes and learnt quickly he wasn't as great as you thought he was. You were only eight but you grew up faster than you wanted it to be true. You had spent all morning trying to find the boy until noon, you asked any beggar on the street, any stall owner, anyone you could probably think of and find until you found him dozing near the liquor shop next to the pastries. Their sweet scent filing the air around you once more. Carefully you approached the young boy, afraid you might scare him. He looked peaceful lying there and you did not want to wake him up. He sure had to be in pain. As quietly as you could you put down the small bag with food next to him, along the way you even bought a small bottle he could fill up with water. You wanted to apologize for your father's actions but you did not want to disturb him so you whispered something while being crouched down next to him. "I'm really sorry, little brother. Please eat well and get treatment or medicine. I wish it would not have happened.. Hopefully, you can accept my sincere apology." Little did you know he was listening as your eyes scanned his hand, you could not imagine the pain he had gone through, but there wasn't much more that you could do. You knew you were in trouble if your father found out you apologized to a beggar, especially to someone he caused harm to. Yet no one but Xue Yang knew that the two of you would meet soon again.

THIRTEEN YEARS LATER

You had soon learned to leave your home as fights with your father became bigger and more unbearable. You were ashamed to be a part of his cowardly behaviour and did not tolerate it. So eventually when you turned eighteen, you left the manor and roamed the cultivation world, working on yourself, getting to know yourself and making aquaintances. One of your aquaintances was Nie Huaisang. He was a refreshing young man you'd enjoy drinking with, leading you to meet Wei Wuxian, Jiang Cheng and even the most famous Lan Wangji along your journey. Nie Huaisang had become a good friend of yours, eventually you were a welcome guest at Qinghe. It was rare but welcomed, you saw him as family, a brother you enjoyed spending time with. Even now, you resided at Qinghe having Nie Mingjue talking sense into you for going back home on your mother's birthday and visiting her. Your father's reputation had spread wide and far over the years, making you embarrassed to even carry the last name of Chang but here you were, bowing to the clan leader and biding your farewell. Qinghe might never be your home nor would the Nie Clan ever be your family, but at least you had a place to stay and you were more than thankful of it. Many times had you spoken to Mingjue and expressed your thanks and all you could do was to repay his hospitality with loyalty. Hard to earn but easy to give and be accepted. Leaving at dawn it took you about two days to arrive at Yueyang. At the gates of a place you called home, though the atmosphere around it did make you shiver as you tigthly held onto your sword. Something seemed terribly off and it was a feeling you hadn't felt in years, nothing except one thing could compare to it. The hair on the back of your neck stood up, as you slowly approached the gates of what was once your home. Unbeknownst to you, someone was watching rather excitedly from the rooftop, ready to attack at any given moment. The quietness drove you mad as you kicked the door open, being greeted by hanging corpses yet the scenery of mass murder unfolded behind them. There was you clan, wiped out from existence. Elders, children, servants and anyone you once knew, lying in their own poodles of crimson colored blood. What happend? Who did this? Where was your brother? Where was your mother and your father? All security forgotten you run forward, looking for your parents. " Mother! --- Mother! " Unwillingly your vision became blurry as you stumbled through the corpses of what once belonged to your name. The stinging smell of death making it hard to breath. How many days were they laying there for already? A loud dull thud was heard as you fell to your knees, tears running silently down your pale cheeks as you cradled your mother's cold body to your chest, sobbing without content. Oh how he enjoyed the drama unfold in front of his eyes, better than any theater you could see at the market. Though even he did not let one person live, something about her seemed familiar. He could not pin point it, all he wanted was the revenge for what this man had done to his hand. It was worth the massacre and the now free show as he landed quietly a few feet behind her. She must've been the last remaining person of this god forsaken clan and his last victim to get full revenge. "I should never have let home in the first place. I'm so sorry, mother. I'm so sorry.." Your words were swallowed by your mothers dark hair. You would mourn her for a long time, she was a gentle lady. A few feet away you saw you father, nothing but anger welled up in you as you placed your mother down onto the cold ground, your robes stained by her blood. You had never felt this much rage or anger inside of you as you grabbed your sword, ready to hit whatever flew into your way. Standing above him, you could not hold one piece of respect for him. It was his fault again, for you to feel so painfully lost once more. " What kind of father are you? --- You cannot even protect your own wife. " Broken words had left your lips. " All because you were so cowardly, playing bigger than what

you could pay for. " Quietly those words left your lips, " Now we are no more. There is no more Chang clan, all because of your greed. " Out of nowhere someone started clapping, as if he waited for just the right moment. Faster than lightling you pulled out your sword, facing the young man in front of you, close to where you kneeled moments ago next to your mother's body. "What a tragedy! But brilliantly spoken. ----- It was indeed his fault. " Xue Yang crossed his arms behind his back as he came closer, step by step. " It seems I have not yet fully killed every single member of this clan. --- Who might you be? " He smiled mischieviously at you, but you answered either way. " Chang Y/N. -- Only daughter of clan leader Chang Ci'an. --- " "Today must be my lucky day then. I will for once and all end all of the clan members life. -- " Xue Yang dashed forward, a devilish smile as both of you fought amidst the chaos created by him. Usually something like that would excite you, you could flaunt your skills thought it was a different matter as you landed on the roof, holding him away from you. "What have we done to deserve being slaughtered?" You questioned him, not even bothering asking for his name in return. All you knew was that he had to die today, for the sake of your clan and that they may rest in peace. "Fine with me. " He grinned. as he held up his hand, turning it to look at it at every angle. Silently you watched as he turned around, voice raising. " Once upon a time there was a child, all he wanted was some food. ----- He met a men on the marked here in Yueyang, saying that if he'd delivered a letter, he'd buy him the pastries. As young and naive as the child was, he did so, the only thing on his mind was the food he would get. " The story seemed awfully familiar to you as you remembered the day, your eight birthday. "Though, he did as he was told, Chang Ci'an left without ever paying his debt to the boy. Instead the boy was beaten up, kicked out of the liqour shop and left hungry on the street. Dumb as he was, he confronted the man just ----" "--- just to get whipped and his hand crushed by an ox cart. " You finished his sentence as Xue Yang whipped around in curiousity, wondering how you knew. "You're the boy I met back then. The boy my father hurt. ------ " It was a moment of carelessness from your side, letting your guard down bit by bit. A change of attitute in your behaviour. " I came looking for you, to apologize. I left food and drink and even money to get yourself treatment. " Xue Yang's head was slightly tilted, oh he did remember, but that did not still his urge to have the clan burned down to ashes for what they did to him. She had shown him care indeed, but that was long forgotten he had no mercy, not the elders or children, not even you. "Why? --- Why di------" The sound of metal falling on the bricks of the roof filled the early evening. You had lost the grib on your sword when you looked down, the blade that pierced your back turned red with your blood dripping down, stopping you mid sentence. He had taken advantag of you being distracted, but could you blame him? No, you couldn't. Falling forward onto your knees, you started coughing up blood until you were kicked down, landing onto the stairs of the entrance, feeling the hit of the stone underneath you in your bones, shattering you into pieces from the pain you felt. Turning onto your back in pain, you saw him looking down at you. A huff left your lips, coughing again, quietly choking on the blood that filled your lungs. " What--- what is your--- name?" Words came out in pieces, all you could do was lay there, barely able to move as your own blood colored your robes in dark wet liquid that was warm. "Xue Yang!" "I'm sorry, little brother Xue Yang.." Your words were barely above a whisper as your head fell aside, your vision becoming darker by the second, all you remember was a young boy you once handed two pastries too because he seemed hungry. What you did not see was the smile that had left Xue Yang's features, the agony that

he enjoyed before hearing your words, the same words but with his name, the same words you'd spoken as you thought he was sleeping. In the end, you had the last word, not him. And your friend had to witness you and your clan being whipped out of existence, reporting to his brother that you had passed away at home being murdered.

For Xue Yang hearing those words being spoken lastly, it was everlasting terror.

#mdzs x reader #mdzs reader insert #xue yang x reader #cdrama x reader #the untamed x reader #mdzs x y/n #anime x reader #xue yang #mdzs: xue yang

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jodefrostwallart · 3 years

Text

Leader of the Ox Clan

Also a prickly jerk but anyway

#dragalia lost #dragalia lost fanart #dragalia lost seimei #traditional art #ドラガリ #i was completely lost while drawing his big back coat thing #it doesnt even look attached to him??#i dont know oh well #anyway hes hilarious #such an over the top brat #still think ieyasus my favorite #but seimei is coming for him #if he gets another chance to shine he might just become number one #sometimes i wonder if anyone actually reads these tags #or if im just shouting into the void lol #if youre reading these hello youre appreciated

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tsushimanoonryo · 3 years

Photo

Yakuza!Jin’s tattoos for real this time.

I know I’ve changed them like 800 times, but I’ve finally found some that I think I’m really happy with. The theme (Japanese folklore) is more cohesive and I’m pretty sure this is the last time I’ll change them.

Backpiece: Nine-tailed Kitsune

(Pretend like this one has nine tails... I am trying to work with images I was able to find). Servants of the kami Inari, kitsune are shape-shifting tricksters. There are stories of them behaving both maliciously and benignly toward humans, depending on how they’re feeling at the time. Kitsune with nine tails are very old, and very powerful, bordering on god-like. The kitsune on Jin’s back symbolizes the fact that he’s got a playful side, but isn’t afraid to use all the power of his syndicate to subdue his enemies. [This tattoo was chosen because of Jin’s affinity for foxes in-game.]

Chest/Stomach Piece: Raijin and Fujin

Raijin (the red oni) and Fujin (the blue oni) are the gods of storms and wind respectively. These brothers are constantly fighting, stirring up strife and calamity wherever they go. Jin is sometimes called the Storm of Clan Sakai, so this was an appropriate, albeit tongue in cheek, choice. [This tattoo was chosen because Jin seems to control the weather in the game with his choices.]

Left Arm: Kirin

Sometimes called an Asian unicorn, kirin are auspicious creatures with the body of a deer and the head and scales of a dragon, and the tail of an ox. In the old folklore stories, kirin appeared to new leaders signifying a long and peaceful reign. Jin got this at the behest of his uncle once he was named heir to the Shimura syndicate in hopes that it would signify that he will be a great leader when the time comes to take over. [This tattoo was chosen because the Clan Sakai armor has the antlers of a deer and the scales of a dragon. I fully believe it was meant to symbolize a kirin, even though Kazumasa Sakai was far from benevolent when he wore it].

Right Arm: Onryo

A vengeful ghost who cannot rest until it punishes those who wronged it in life. Jin is efficient and ruthless when he needs to be and can get in and out of places like a ghost. It seemed appropriate. [Tattoo chosen because he’s The Ghost.]

Coverage Style: Munewari

Top row, middle picture. His entire back is covered, as is most of his chest and stomach, save for a small strip of skin running from his neck to his groin. The tattoos wrap around his butt all the way to the front of his thighs. His sleeves go down to just below the joint of his elbows.

#headcanon #v: yakuza #headcanons #jin's tattoos #for real this time #y'all better not let me change these again

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makkoskafanfic · 3 years

Text

WiP fic release: TobiIzu vs HashiMada

This technically happens a few thousand words after this but I think this scene can stand on its own.

Tobirama failed to kill Izuna and now he has to ally with him to try to stop the blooming romance between their brothers.

Tobirama was only marginally surprised to see Uchiha Izuna storm into the house after he opened the door to his insistent pounding.

“What do I owe the honour of the visit?” he asked with as much sarcasm as he could muster.

“Just what has your brother done to mine?” Izuna demanded, whirling around and stepping too close into his personal space. Tobirama crossed his arms and stood his ground. He wasn’t about to be intimidated by an Uchiha brat throwing a tantrum.

Although they had to be close in age, the other was at least half a head shorter and must have weighed considerably less than Tobirama did. All delicate Uchiha features and a slender body, compensated with haughty arrogance. Tobirama let a disdainful sneer curl his mouth. In a way it was refreshing, not having to keep too much of a civil face around Izuna.

“If you mean the details - I don’t know, and I prefer it to remain that way.” Izuna sputtered.

“What…? Do you mean…? No! My brother is not like that.”

“Like what?”

“He doesn’t… do things with men!”

Could have fooled me, Tobirama thought. Hashirama had never been particularly discreet with his liaisons, or felt the need to keep his activities in secret from him, no matter if maybe Tobirama would have preferred to know less about his escapades. But that probably gave him a sharper eye when it came to notice the booming romance between their clan leads. While Tobirama hardly talked more than a few sentences with Madara, he saw him fight the Senju, mostly his brother, in countless battles. Tobirama had a keen eye, and seeing Madara fight so often provided some insight to his character. He would have betted Madara was a much more reserved man than Hashirama was, so he probably kept his affairs discreet. Maybe he really never had done anything with another man. It didn’t change the fact that there was definitely something going on between the two now.

“Look,” he said, trying to remain calm and reasonable. “You can’t deny he is doing things with my brother.”

Izuna looked at him with dark eyes that were burning with hatred. Tobirama half expected him to activate his Sharingan and attack him. Then suddenly his shoulders sagged.

“Maybe you are right,” he admitted. “I wanted to ask Madara, but… he didn’t yet come home tonight.”

“Neither did Hashirama.”

“I just… how did it come to this?”

“Can’t speak for your brother,” Tobirama shrugged. “Mine is stubborn. If he sets his mind on something, he just doesn’t let it go. He had always been planning to create this village, with Madara, ever since we were children.”

“I just can’t believe that he… and a Senju. It’s a disgrace. Our clans were never supposed to mix. It’s… unseemly. Madara could do so much better.”

“Watch your mouth, Uchiha scum,” Tobirama growled. “My brother is likely the strongest shinobi alive. Madara could be grateful he is wasting his time on him.”

Izuna curled his lips in silent disgust, and that blew Tobirama’s remaining calm out the window.

“An ox is strong too, but it’s still only a dirty animal and not an honorable partner,” he said dismissively. Tobirama instinctively reached to grab the front of his long shirt but stopped as Izuna’s sharingan swirled to life in his eyes. “Try me, Senju dog,” he whispered. “Let’s see if your luck holds out a second time.”

Tobirama breathed out through his nose and forced himself to calm down. It was very easy to forget, in that moment, that they were at peace, that this conceited man who didn’t seem older than a teenage boy, was his ally.

“You can insult me as you want, but it doesn’t change the fact your brother looks at mine with sickeningly lovelorn eyes. Obviously he doesn’t share your distaste for the Senju.”

“I don’t know what your damned brother did to Madara,” Izuna narrowed his eyes. “But I’m going to speak to him, and I’m sure he will see reason. We can’t have any scandals, especially now, that he’s about to be voted the leader of this village.”

“Are you out of your mind?” Tobirama snapped. “It’s obvious that Hashirama is to become the Hokage.”

“We will see about that.”

Hashirama chose that moment to barge through the door.

“Tobirama! Guess what… Oh, Izuna-kun, what a nice surprise! So nice to see you getting along with Tobirama. Madara had concerns, but I told him now that we are at peace, all of the old disputes can be left behind.”

Izuna stared at him as if he lost his mind and Tobirama couldn’t really fault him for it this time.

“Old disputes? Your brother almost took my life.”

“Well, yes,” Hashirama’s naive, optimistic smile dimmed a little, before it returned with full force. “Luckily that you are all right now, aren’t you?” He walked up to them and made a motion as if he wanted to pat the Uchiha on the shoulder. Izuna whirled towards him, eyes full of hatred. Hashirama dropped his hand. “Anyway, I will leave the two of you to… whatever you’ve been doing. I’m going to retire for the night, Tobirama, it’s been a tiring day.”

Hashirama’s haori was barely hanging on his shoulders and his top underneath was badly tied. As he turned, they left the junction of his neck and shoulders in a clear view. There was a reddish bruise just above his left collarbone that looked a lot like a forming hickey. Tobirama heard Izuna suck in a sharp breath.

The two of them stared at the door Hashirama closed behind himself.

“Look,” Tobirama said, without taking his eyes off the door, “we have a common problem here. I suggest we temporarily work together to… solve it.”

“Right,” Izuna said in a clipped tone. “This situation warrants drastic measures. I’m willing to collaborate with you for the time being.”

#hashimada #tobiizu #hashirama #tobirama #izuna #wip fic release #makkoska writes

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jackdawyt · 3 years

Video

youtube

So, Tevinter Nights released a year ago, and you bet I’m still talking about this magnificent book that’s setting up the future Dragon Age title. For those who haven’t read the book, heavy spoilers are ahead as I rundown each story and the major characters mentioned and introduced in Tevinter Nights.

For those of you who’ve already read the book, well, hopefully I’ve noted and discovered things that, perhaps, you may have missed or forgotten about regarding certain characters in this novel. For the sake of this video’s length, there is an emphasis on major characters, by that, I mean the ones who took centre stage in these stories - appearing most relevant for potential future ties.

With that said, In the book’s chronological order, let’s delve into the many characters that were revealed and mentioned in Tevinter Nights.

“Three Trees to Midnight” by Patrick Weekes

Myrion:

Myrion is a Tevinter mage; not a Magister, from the city Ventus that was recently destroyed during the Qunari Antaam’s invasion in Dragon Age: Deception.

“Myrion of Ventus didn’t know much about Qunari. Until last week, they had been an annoyance, something young soldiers went off to fight while everyone else grumbled about the taxes they paid to defend the Imperium from the savage ox-men.” (Three Trees to Midnight).

Myrion comes from a slave family, and only became an official Tevinter citizen when he started showing signs of magic, as of which, the owner of the factory where he worked adopted him into his family.

“I’m not a magister!” Myrion glared, his eyebrows about the only thing Strife could make out in the darkness, then sighed and shook his head. “Magisters come from important families! My family were slaves. I only became a citizen because after my magic came, the owner of the factory where we worked adopted me into his family.” He swallowed. “I’m nobody. You know the glowing lamps in the streets of Ventus? I light those with magic. That’s my job.” (Three Trees to Midnight).

During the Antaam invasion, Myrion was captured by the Qunari and was sent to chop wood for the Qun in the outskirts of the Arlathan forest - while chained to an elven male.

Strife:

Strife is a tall Starkhaven elf with silvery hair and a strong build. He’s at-least fifty years old and has no vallaslin.

“Then chain me to a man, not this knife-ear,” Myrion said, glaring at the silver-haired elf.” (Three Trees to Midnight).

Strife left the Starkhaven alienage after hitting a guard who was beating elven children, he was living in the woods when the Dalish found him and let him join their clan.

“Hard to believe, I know. I hit a guard who was beating elven children, and he came back with more guards, and I ended up living in the woods. The Dalish found me and let me join up with them. I’ve picked up what I can from them, but . . .” (Three Trees to Midnight).

Strife ended up chained to Myrion, after butting heads, the two prisoners worked together and escaped the Qun’s grasp, they fled into the Arlathan forest and were able to make their way to a Dalish clan with the help of Irelin - Strife’s shapeshifting elf companion.

Irelin:

Irelin is a Dalish shape-shifting mage who saved Strife and Myrion from Qunari imprisonment, and even worse, a potential Qunari lobotomy. Before the Qun were defeated, Strife told her to warn the clans that the Qunari plan on moving into Rivain, she returned later having told the clans, and saved Strife and Myrion. The group then decided to head to their Dalish clan.

“The halla looked at Myrion, his breath heaving and his leg throbbing from the shackle, and then at Strife. Then, with a shimmering sparkle of magic, the halla slid into the form of a young elven woman.” (Three Trees To Midnight).

Saarbrak/The Huntmaster:

The Huntmaster is a Qunari tracker in charge of chasing down and punishing would-be runaway slaves. After he killed one of the Qunari Antaam leader’s known as Bas-taar, the Huntmaster revealed to Myrion and Strife that he's actually Saarbrak of the Ben-Hassrath. He was sent to confirm the rumours about the Antaam in Ventus not acting in accordance with the Qun. After confirming these rumours to be true, he took command of the remaining Qunari, and let Strife, Myrion and Irelin go.

“Now weaponless, the Huntmaster raised his hands, and then, as though they stood at a fancy ball, he placed a hand across his waist and bowed politely, his stoic expression melting into a polite smile beneath the face paint. “I am Saarbrak, of the Ben-Hassrath.” (Three Trees To Midnight).

The Dragon Age Day short story “Ruins of Reality” furthered Three Trees to Midnight’s plot. Set in the Arlathan Forest, Strife witnessed an illusion of himself as powerful magic cursed the forest. Him and Irelin braved the dark magics at play and retrieved a figurine of the elven goddess Ghilan'nain, for whatever purpose.

“Strife was looking at it now. On the other side, so was his double. Both transfixed by a statue of elven goddess Ghilan'nain holding a crystal halla figurine, exactly as the journal described.... Irelin swooped in and snagged the figurine with her talons, tearing it from Ghilan'nain's grip.” (Ruins of Reality).

The short story’s artwork revealed Strife wearing a mysterious cloak with floating triangles that bear similar to the Executor’s logo - “a downward-pointed triangle with two wavy lines drawn through it.”

So, are Strife and Irelin working for the Executors? Or is something else at play here? Hold on to that thought for the future.

"Down Among the Dead Men” by Sylvia Feketekuty

Guardsman Audric Felhausen:

Audric Felhausen was a Nevarran guardsman before he was killed on duty by Lord Penric Karn's possessed corpse, however, he was brought back to life, caught between two spirits: anger and curiosity. A conflicted Audric awoke inside Nevarra’s Grand Necropolis as the Mortalitasi’s Mourn Watcher’s questioned Audric’s attack and began an inquest into the matter.

“Audric would always remember the moment a withered hand grasped him by the shoulder, and a corpse in jangling gold crunched its teeth into his neck.” (Down Among the Dead Men).

With the help of Mourn Watcher Myrna, one of elite guardians of the Grand Necropolis, Audric decided to confront the Pride Demon who possessed Lord Karn’s corpse. He later discovered that the ‘real’ Audric died during this attack, and he is, indeed, caught between two spirits.

“Guardsman Audric Felhausen died of his wounds after Lord Karn’s funeral.” Myrna sounded apologetic. “His body arose the next morning, and went to his old post. Your captain was at a loss. As you were intestate, she sent you to us to ease your passage.” “I’m not dead,” Audric said as he grabbed at the blade in his chest. “I’m myself. I’m not a spirit, I’m . . . I’m me! (Down Among the Dead Men).

In order to find a balance between anger and curiosity - and to resolve his conflicted nature - Audric faced and challenged the Pride Demon that possessed Lord Penric Karn’s corpse.

“You brought me here to watch me,” he said, quietly bitter. “The Mourn Watch assists both the dead and the living. We wish to help you resolve what you are.” (Down Among the Dead Men).

After Myrna helped Audric defeat the demon, he felt a sad relief, like he had fulfilled his purpose. Myrna offered him a choice - Audric could rest in peace with his death, or work under the auspices of a Watcher. With much excitement, Audric was given the position to be in charge of the Necropolis’s library.

“What position were you thinking?” “I thought it was obvious.” Audric felt a slow excitement as he heard Myrna say: “We have a great need for someone to take charge of the library.” (Down Among the Dead Men).

Mourn Watcher Myrna:

Myrna is a young Mourn Watcher mage with pulled-back hair, she is a guardian and keeper of the Grand Necropolis. It has always been the Mourn Watcher’s responsibility to assists both the dead and the living, and that is why she helped Audric uncover his true nature.

“The younger mage, a woman with pulled-back hair and a severe gaze, sipped her own tea and regarded the guardsman silently.” (…) “Within the Mortalitasi was a group of select mages invited into an old fraternity called the Mourn Watch. The Watchers served as elite guardians, keepers of the Grand Necropolis and its sacred repository of the dead.” (Down Among the Dead Men).

"The Horror of Hormak" by John Epler

Grey Warden Ramesh:

Ramesh is a Senior Grey Warden who’s been with the order for over twenty-three years – with his older age, his calling is almost upon him.

“Twenty-three years Ramesh had been a Warden. His Calling was nearly upon him—and if he’d been alone, if only he had felt the palpable sense of dread that filled the woods, he might have thought it was that. It reached every Warden differently. But Lesha had only been a Warden.” (The Horror of Hormak).

Along with a small rescue party, Ramesh led an exhibition into the Nevarran forest to search and find Senior Warden Jovis and his recently missing group. Jovis, in particular, meant everything to Ramesh at one point, however, the Wardens are called to a higher purpose as death walks with every Warden. Grief is often buried beneath their duty, and it’s easier to do that then care for another with love and friendship.

“Jovis had meant everything to Ramesh once, but he’d pulled away. Death walked with every Warden, and you learned to bury grief beneath duty. Easier to do that, it seemed, before grief ’s edge had been honed by love and friendship.” (The Horror of Hormak).

The Warden’s discovered an entrance to the Deep Roads with the name ‘Hormak’ encased in a Dwarven rune. As they explored the thaig, they unearthed entirely elven ruins filled with twisted, mutilated creatures and a massive pool with a viscous gray fluid. The same symbol of the horns of a halla were repeated on each column.

“This, however, was exclusively, entirely elven—there were no dwarven works interspersed throughout, not even any sign of the darkspawn that filled so much of the underground. And this chamber was nearly pristine.” (The Horror of Hormak).

Ramesh approached one of the mutilated monsters, it was an enormous centipede that had hundreds of legs and a humanoid face, he recognised its face as a bloated and broken Warden Jovis attached to this diabolical creature.

“Before him, twisted and broken, was Warden Jovis. It was him from the waist up, but bloated, grotesque, and his flesh flowed into that of the massive creature.” (The Horror of Hormak).

Jovis was able to recognise and communicate with Ramesh, even in this state, he told him that ‘they’ made the Warden’s drink from the gray pool, explaining his twisted nature. He added that they can't let "her" have it again and the pool chamber must be destroyed. Jovis lost control as the creature regained itself and took over.

“Ram . . . esh?” The voice came slowly, as if across a great gulf of memory, and possessed of an almost insectile buzz that tore at Ramesh’s tattered nerves.” (…) “Can’t let this out. Got to . . . bury it. Bury me.” The words came even more slowly, each one being forced through whatever will battled Jovis’s for control of the creature. “She cannot have it. Not again. Locked for a reason.” (The Horror of Hormak).

Grey Warden Lesha from Ramesh’s search party sacrificed herself so Ramesh could leave and warn the rest of the Wardens about the horrors witnessed at Hormak. Ramesh reluctantly escaped, remembering that this mountain he’d brought down, encased with all of its nightmares, was not the only one to which the aravels brought their prey. There had been, before the images repeated, eleven others. His task was clear, warn the rest of the Wardens.

“The rain started to fall—a soft drizzle, the water mixing with the tears that streamed freely down Ramesh’s face. Tears of mourning, of grief. For Lesha. For Jovis. For the rest of the Wardens, whatever doom had taken them.” (The Horror of Hormak).

"Callback" by Lukas Kristjanson

Donal Sutherland & Company:

Last seen in Dragon Age: Inquisition, Donal Sutherland, now a landed knight known as Ser Donal of the Hinters returned to Skyhold with his company to investigate the recent inquiries made by the caretakers about restoring the rotunda’s fresco. Donal’s company included the elven mage mercenary Voth and the human rogue Shayd.

“The three of them had arrived at first light: Ser Donal of the Hinters, Crosscut Brother, namesake of Sutherland’s company; Ser Shayd, Lady of Evesol, bard of secret distinction; and Ser Voth Dale’An, free mage by special commendation.” (Callback).

Upon arrival, the group discovered that Skyhold’s caretakers had been brutally murdered, some dismembered. The culprit of which emerged from the plasters of Solas’s painted mural – a regret demon in the shape of a wolf and dragon.

“What in the—!” yelled Shayd, waking to find a dismembered foot in her lap.” (…) “Regret raised itself unnaturally, its body simply re-forming into a standing position, like a shadow rising without a wall. It looked at Sutherland, but there was no smile this time. It snarled a toothy growl, a sound that—like its shape—was somehow between wolf and dragon. Regret touched the wall, and more plaster from the fresco joined its mass. The wound in its chest remained, but it filled and discolored with new material.” (Callback).

The demon revealed that it was the regret of a god. The unfinished, final panel of Solas’s fresco revealed an outline of a beast that stood over both dragon and sword. This mural was drafted by Solas to represent his exchange between himself and Mythal after Corypheus was defeated.

“But here, unfinished, was the outline of a beast that stood over both dragon and sword. This was not the battle, or the victory. This was after. And the beast was not a dragon. The outline alone might have allowed that assumption, but now, filling with black and red, it was something other. The creature was reptilian, but also canine. The snout was blunted and toothy, but edges came to a point in houndlike ears. As the mass of plaster filled the shape, it began to rise, revealing scales and tail, and paws with talons. It looked like two figures painted on either side of a pane of glass, then viewed together, their forms confused. A wolf that had absorbed a dragon, and now stood crooked over all.” (Callback).

As Sutherland faced the demon alone, he regretted acting alone and using his friends, as the demon drew closer to Sutherland’s regrets, the rest of the company plus Dagna, Rat, Harritt, Morris, Cabot, and Elan Ve'mal attacked the demon and sent it back to the Fade.

“And then it hit walls made of flames and runes and a half-filled cart. Dagna and the others blocked its escape. They were the little people, who supposedly didn’t matter. But inspiration had once made them the heart of Skyhold. And now they were again. Regret stood no chance. The doubt it fed on had evaporated. It flailed and gasped, and its legs crumbled beneath it.” (Callback).

Their victory was regarded by Divine Victoria herself.

“By order of the Most Holy, Her Divine Victoria, you who have served are to be commended. And though the Herald guides you no more, and legion and name are retired, know that you served good and true. Change comes, both to and because of the Inquisition. And we are blessed with the ability to accept and move on, to leave dread and regret behind.” (Callback).

"Luck in the Gardens" by Sylvia Feketekuty

Hollix:

Hollix is one of the many nicknames of a mysterious Lord of Fortune, a new-faction introduced in Tevinter Nights. The Lords of Fortune are a renowned guild of treasure hunters and dungeoneers based out of Rivain.

“One of the famed Rivaini Lords of Fortune. A guild of treasure hunters and dungeoneers, they specialized in pulling gems from the eyes of statues and, for added cost, protecting the softer people who hired them to do so.” (Genitivi Dies in the End).

Hollix, in particular, is a master of disguise and can pass as, pretty much, anyone when needed with their extensive use of make-up, accents and plenty of outfits.

“I’ve been called many things—a liar, a knave, a scoundrel—even a hero, once or twice. I don’t like being called lucky, though. That comes and goes, and it’s best not to be superstitious about it. “Oh ho! A Lord of Fortune, shunning luck?” Very funny, you wits.” (Luck in the Gardens).

While in Minrathous, Tevinter’s capital city, Hollix was hired by Dorian Pavus, last seen in Dragon Age: Inquisition and Maevaris Tilani who was introduced in Dragon Age: The Silent Grove. The two hired Hollix to hunt down a wicked, tentacled monster that lurked in the city’s gardens. The creature was known as the Cekorax because it beheaded all of its victims.

“Dorian produced a map. It was a wonderful piece of work: crisp letters, bright inks, and a master’s eye for details. “There’s been nine people killed so far, here, here, and here. Each was found decapitated. The criers and balladeers have charmingly dubbed our killer the Cekorax, which is a rather suspect kludging of the old Tevene word for ‘headsman.” (Luck in the Gardens).

A young girl by the name of Mizzy witnessed some of the monster’s attacks. With her help, Hollix, Maev, Dorian and Mizzy headed to the monster’s lair in the sewers of Minrathous.

We digested the picture in silence. “So you didn’t see anything?” I eventually asked. “Not much,” she answered. “But I know how the monster got in the house.” (Luck in the Gardens).

The group lured the Cekorax to the city’s garden as the monster peeled open at the top to reveal a ring of dozens of eyeless heads. It spoke in the voices of its many victims.

“There was a ring of heads. Dozens, not just nine. Their eyes were plucked out, their flesh otherwise whole and healthy. Squeezing tendrils ran inside, caressed the cheeks. A crown of the blind, lovingly carried inside that atrocity. When the Cekorax spoke, their silent mouths formed the dripping words. “Come inside and see.” (Luck in the Gardens).

They killed the monster together as Dorian recalled what the Mortalitasi said about beasts of this nature, that it may be past the Veil of the world, neither demon nor spirit.

“I was at a party with one of those necromancers from down south a while ago. Five cups in, she went on about things ‘past the Veil of our world,’ neither demon nor spirit. Perhaps it wasn’t the tipsy nonsense I assumed it to be.” (Luck in the Gardens).

Hollix extended an invitation to Mizzy, if she ever wanted to join the Lords of Fortune, she’d be more then welcome. Bidding their farewell to Dorian and Maev, Hollix set sail for Rivain.

“I had told Mizzy, she might learn something from the Lords of Fortune in Rivain. “I’ve got loads of aunts and uncles and cousins south of here,” she had said reproachfully. “I’ve got to take care of them now that I’m a rich lady. But when I grow up,” she’d concluded, “maybe I’ll visit. Don’t forget me!” Then she hugged me for a moment, and ran into the crowds and was gone.” (Luck in the Gardens).

"Hunger" by Brianne Battye

Grey Warden Evka Ivo:

Warden Evka is a dwarf born and raised in Orzammar, she is a profound member of House Ivo, one of Orzammar’s many noble houses. She’s been living on the surface as a Grey Warden for three years.

“Warden Evka Ivo had grown up in Orzammar. The dwarven city was what it was: stone floors, stone walls, stone ceilings. It never changed much. Her three years with the Grey Wardens had brought her to the surface and she’d found a lot to love about life aboveground.” (Hunger).

Following orders directly from Fortress Weisshaupt to escort new Grey Warden recruits to the Warden headquarters, Evka and a newly-joined elf Warden called Antoine stop in a supposedly cursed village called Eichweill in the Anderfels. Some of the town-folk had suddenly began disappearing.

“After a hasty recruitment in Orlais, Evka was charged with taking the new recruit to a quiet outpost. They weren’t halfway there when the messenger caught them. The summons called available Wardens to Weisshaupt Fortress, the center of their order, located in the heart of the Anderfels.” (…) “Because Eichweill’s cursed,” Mina said. “That’s what people say. And we’re either too far out or too Maker-damned for folks to bother with our bad luck. Or they show up and die, too.” (Hunger).

The two Wardens agreed to help the villagers uncover the truth. They discovered that a wayward son of a noble who was kicked out of the town for poisoning a Chantry brother, starved in the woods, which attracted a demon of Hunger. The noble’s son was turned into a werewolf and had started infecting the towns-folk. Evka and Antoine defeated the werewolf and saved the town.

Grey Warden Antoine:

Antoine is an elf from Orlais who was recently recruited as a Grey Warden. It was Antoine’s belief in the Order’s heroism that compelled him to help the villagers of Eichweill.

“Antoine held his bow loosely in one hand. This was it. His other hand hung by his side, fingers twitching. Ready. The last and only time he’d fought darkspawn, it hadn’t gone well. He’d barely survived and lay near death for days before the Grey Wardens rescued him. He hadn’t been a Grey Warden then, but he was now. And Grey Wardens stopped the monsters first.” (Hunger).

While unearthing the town’s mystery, Antoine was bitten before the werewolf was slain. However, they killed the werewolf soon after his affliction. Antoine and Evka believed that with the werewolf defeated, the curse of the bite was also dead.

“He grinned. He hadn’t died—they hadn’t died. They had beaten a werewolf and Antoine was still breathing. And Evka was standing very close to him. “We should . . .” “Make sure it’s dead?” Antoine touched his shoulder where Renke had bitten him. Ending the night as a werewolf was not how it was supposed to work.” (Hunger).

Having saved lives and resolving the curse, the Wardens headed for Fortress Weisshaupt, this time with no side-tracking or detours.

“What now?” he asked. “Weisshaupt Fortress?” she said. “The part of being a Warden where we report where we’re supposed to and get told what to do without being sidetracked.” “Bien sûr—on y va! No detours!” His grin said he didn’t believe the last part. She wasn’t sure she did either.” (Hunger).

In the hushed whispers of the village, the hunger demon endured - ready to pray on its next victim.

Small, banished. Powerless. But if it waited, it would sense the knot that twisted its victim. The weakness that followed. The opening. The longing. And just before the blackness fell, when they would do almost anything, it would whisper . . . Are you hungry? (Hunger).

The Dragon Age Day short story “The Next One” revealed Evka’s recruitment to the Grey Wardens.

Evka was rescued by Warden Lawrence, she was attacked by a blighted creature with two mouths while in the Deep Roads. Lawrence’s perseverance to save Evka was so insistent that he attracted a spirit of Perseverance to keep him fighting despite his fatal wounds. Evka ordered the spirit to release him, and to tell him that she'd save the next one for him.

“The ghouls were dead. “Who are you?” Evka asked, grip tight on the hammer. “A spirit,” it said through Warden Lawrence’s mouth. “I could hear him.” Drawn to the dying, then. After all he’d done... “Release him,” Evka snapped. She wouldn’t leave him like this.” (The Next One).

"Murder by Death Mages" by Caitlin Sullivan Kelly

Sidony:

Last seen in Dragon Age: Inquisition’s multiplayer component, Sidony is a Mortalitasi mage from Nevarra. She voluntarily became an agent of the Inquisition when she witnessed the Breach first-hand, her sole purpose was to research and study Thedas’s biggest magical mystery of the age for her own advancement - nothing and no one will stand in her way of reaching her full potential as a mage.

“And what better way is there to achieve a great understanding of magic, and thus grow more powerful, than to observe the biggest magical mystery of the age?” (WoT. V2).

After Corypheus was defeated, Cassandra Pentaghast instructed Sidony to return to Nevarra City to investigate claims of a Mortalitasi plot that involved assassinating a member of Nevarra’s already unstable line of succession.

“They could not easily overlook claims that a Mortalitasi—one of the influential and highly respected mages charged with tending Nevarra’s dead—was planning to assassinate a member of Nevarra’s already unstable line of succession. Especially when those claims came straight from another Mortalitasi, one that Sidony once knew.” (Murder by Death Mages).

Reluctantly, considering her hatred for her home country, Sidony agreed to this assignment and headed to Nevarra City. She was handpicked by Cassandra because of her intimate knowledge of the Mortalitasi.

“None of the other Nevarrans have your intimate knowledge of the Mortalitasi,” Pentaghast reminded her.” (Murder by Death Mages).

Upon arrival, Sydony attempted to make contact with her previous mentor, Lord Henrik, the one responsible for warning the Inquisition regarding this plot in the first place. However, Sydony found his lifeless body in a city alleyway.

“The more she looked at them, the more they twisted and contorted until all she could see was the vacant face of Henrik’s lifeless body.” (Murder by Death Mages).

With her former mentor dead, Sidony contacted Antonia, a Mortalitasi mage who Sidony met as a child. Antonia told her to head to a party hosted by Nicolas Reinhardt, a minor family, but one of the oldest in Nevarra. Nicolas, in particular, enjoyed shouting accusations that the death mages were ruling the kingdom through manipulation.

“House Reinhardt: a minor family, but one of the oldest in Nevarra.” (…) A man drunk enough—or stupid enough—to shout accusations that the death mages were ruling the kingdom through manipulation was a man who might let slip rumors about a Mortalitasi assassin’s plan to remove a noble from play . . . if he wasn’t a target himself.” (Murder by Death Mages).

At the party, Sydony made acquaintances with Cyrros, a very dapper elf who’s accepted among many members of the Nevarran elite considering he knows everyone’s dirty secrets and scandals. After more nobles were killed, Cyrros and Sidony decided to work together to find the assassin.

“An elf in such finery, mocking and touching a member of old Nevarran nobility, and no one batting an eye—this was someone welcomed with open arms and stacks of gold in circles fueled by secrets and scandal.” (Murder by Death Mages).

Lady Reinhardt, Nicolas Reinhardt’s wife was killed as both Cyrros and Sidony stood over her deceased body. Nicolas walked in to see the two over his dead wife and believed they had killed her. He shouted at Cyrros and claimed that he hired him to kill his rivals and blame the Mortalitasi for their deaths, not to employ a death mage and kill his wife.

“What would you have me believe?” Reinhardt roared. “I hired you to kill my rivals and take the Mortalitasi down with them, and now I find my wife slain by the assassin I employed—and one of the damn death mages herself!” (Murder by Death Mages).

After Cyrros explained that someone must’ve killed Nicholas’s wife before they arrived, Sydony, frustrated at Nicholas’s attempt to blame the Mortalitasi for these deaths, killed Nicholas and Cyrros.

“She thrust her arm forward, tearing away her bonds, flinging the siphoning spell and hitting him square in the chest. The skin on his extremities turned dark purple, then black, as the curse drained the very life from his body.” (Murder by Death Mages).

Sidony returned to the Grand Necropolis to attend Lord Henrik’s funeral, she spoke with Antonia who revealed that she was the one who killed Henrik and Reinhardt's wife in an attempt to give the Mortalitasi control over the Nevarran elite. She used Sydony to expose the corruption of the elite, so the Mortalitasi could rule without question.

“So many people tell me they’re ready for change, for the kingdom to be taken in a new direction, without the uncertainty of the old royal blood and their constant struggles for control. With the line of succession in such disarray, maybe it’s time for the Mortalitasi to intervene . . .” (Murder by Death Mages).

Sidony killed Antonia for murdering Lord Henrik, and later returned to Cassandra Pentaghast having dealt with this Mortalitasi assassination plot.

“And in the time it would take for someone to discover the Mortalitasi’s body, Sidony would be too far from Nevarra City to hear their screams. They had met in an alley, and in an alley, they would part.” (Murder by Death Mages).

"The Streets of Minrathous" by Brianne Battye

Neve Gallus:

Neve Gallus is a human private investigator set up in the streets of Tevinter’s capital city, Minrathous. She is a mage and has a single dwarven-crafted prosthetic leg.

“My one leg may be dwarven-crafted metal below the knee, but that doesn’t keep me out of a chase.” (…) “I channeled a bit of magic, ready for whatever he planned to do, then let it fade back.” (The Streets of Minrathous).

Neve accepted a contract by a man called Otho Calla who wanted her to tail and pursue his nephew, Quentin Calla, to see if he was secretly working with the Venatori. She witnessed Qunetin assassinated in an alleyway by a figure in white and beige robes with a full-face mask of polished bronze. The figure escaped the scene by using blood magic and reflecting one of Neve’s spells onto herself.

“A figure in white and beige robes approached from the shadows.” (…) “The figure that stepped into the light wore a full-face mask of polished bronze.” (The Streets of Minrathous).

Before Quentin perished, he told Neve that It was ‘almost the hour’. Neve returned to Otho Calla and informed him of his nephew’s death.

“It’s almost the Hour,” Quentin said. The words sounded forced, as if they pained him more than the knife. His hand sank back. (The Streets of Minrathous).

She reported the crime to Knight-Templar Rana Sava and the rest of the Templars who shared that Quentin Calla wasn’t the only one who was ominously murdered last night, Lady Varantus was also killed, uncoincidentally another person with connections to the Venatori. Both Calla and Varantus had brutal neck marks as if necklaces were forcibly removed from their bodies.

“No,” Rana agreed. “A person in a bronze mask was seen in the street. The timing works out.” (…) “A thin line of bruising arced across the exposed skin, suggesting a fine chain once sat there—one that had been forcibly removed. I bet Quentin Calla had the same marks.” (The Streets of Minrathous).

To inquire about the necklace’s stolen, Neve met up with a con artist she’d turned in the year prior. His name was Elek Tavor – the two met in a tavern called the Lamplighter. Elek confirmed that Quentin Calla was looking for quiet ways to leave the city, perhaps connected to the antislavery movement, or even for himself - he knew something bad was about to happen and made plans to leave.

“I don’t know who Calla thought he was meeting at the docks,” Elek continued, “but I know why. He turned up a few times, asking about false papers, places to buy horses or hire a boat with no one noticing. That sort of thing.” (…) “The way he’d toyed at the chain around his neck . . . he’d known something was coming.” (The Streets of Minrathous).

Neve left the tavern, and was ushered by a strange, robed Tevinter man with bloodshot eyes who inquired about Calla and Varantus’s deaths, explaining that another was killed last week - someone by the name of Paxus. He shared further that the assassin was called Aelia, and she took round clay discs that were encased in necklaces from their bodies. He then gave Neve one of the discs so she could inspect it for herself.

“The man shook his head. “Paxus was killed last week. No one noticed that one. Well, almost no one.” “This Paxus. Venatori?” I asked.” (…) “Do you want to know what Aelia took?” He’d changed tacks again, this time emphasizing the new direction by shoving a round clay disc into my hands, although he kept hold of the chain attached to it. “Aelia’s the one who killed them?” (The Streets of Minrathous).

As Neve continued her investigation and reported her findings with the Templars, she was attacked by the Venatori cultist Aelia in-between narrow streets of the city’s lower market. Aelia drained power from Neve to unfold the necklace’s enchantment, and fled the scene with parts of the necklace having almost killed Neve.

“Our lives for the glory of Tevinter reborn.” “You’re Venatori,” I said. “Why—?” “Minrathous has forgotten its way,” Aelia said. “It falls to us to put it right. To make it rise.” (The Streets of Minrathous).

With the help of Flavian Bataris, Neve uncovered that the Venatori planned on unleashing a demon that dwelled below the city. The eight necklaces were blood-bound between members of the Venatori, they would be used to free the demon from its prison, restoring Minrathous to the Tevinter Corypheus promised. However, Calla, Varantus and Paxus refused to give their necklaces, thus explaining their deaths.

“Not like this,” Flavian said. “I’m not even sure demon’s the right word. It’s something only a god could summon.” At the look on my face, he added: “If not a god, Corypheus was close enough.” (...) “And the plan was as well. Until Aelia took over. The Venatori still want the Tevinter Corypheus promised, whether he’s around for it or not. All she needed were the seals.” (The Streets of Minrathous).

Neve faced Aelia and her Venatori alone in the city’s catacombs until Knight-Templar Rana Sava and the rest of the Templars joined the fight. They stopped the summoning ritual and Aelia was incarcerated. Minrathous, for the moment, was safe from the evil clutches of the Venatori.

“Minrathous is broken,” Aelia spat at me. “I know,” I said. “But you aren’t the one to fix it.” I left Aelia to the templars. I wanted sleep more than anything, but there was one more stop I had to make.” (The Streets of Minrathous).

Neve returned to Otho Calla and told him that his nephew had left the Venatori, so he could treasure Quentin’s memory. She then walked away back into the streets of Minrathous.

“For what it’s worth, you weren’t wrong to give Quentin a second chance,” I said. “He’d left the Venatori. There’s nothing ‘unsavory’ in his last days either.” (…) “I don’t know,” I said and walked away.” (The Streets of Minrathous).

"The Wigmaker Job" by Courtney Woods

Lucanis Dellamorte:

Master Assassin of the Antivan Crows, Lucanis Dellamorte is the favourite grandson of Caterina Dellamorte - the First Talon. As of which, Lucanis is the heir to the First Talon of the Crows considering he’s Caterina’s favourite. But we’ll talk more about that later on, when we get to the story - Eight Little Talons.

“For years, he’d hated her. But his time as a Master Assassin had since taught Lucanis that Caterina’s cruelty was her way of making sure that he was prepared for this life—that he survived.” (The Wigmaker Job).

Lucanis is lean with dark hair and umber eyes, he’s focused and intense. The kind of man you couldn’t look away from—until he looked at you.

“Both men were lean with dark hair and umber eyes.” (…) “While Lucanis stared ahead, focused and intense. He was the kind of man you couldn’t look away from—until he looked at you.” (The Wigmaker Job).

Along with his cousin Illario Dellamorte, the two Crows were on their way to the Tevinter city, Vyrantium, both contracted to assassinate Ambrose Forfex, Tevinter’s premiere wigmaker and high-ranking Venatori blood mage.

“Ambrose threw down the matted mess. “Lucanis Dellamorte, I presume?” “Sì,” Lucanis answered, knowing even a single syllable of a foreign language would disgust the Wigmaker. It had the desired effect—Ambrose recoiled as if he’d stepped in urine. “Is this your handiwork?” “Sì.” (The Wigmaker Job).

Disgusted with Ambrose’s method of feeding slaves red lyruim to create wigs, Lucanis and Illario executed Ambrose, freed the slaves, and destroyed an elven artefact that allowed spirits of vengeance that once lingered to return to the Fade.

“It was Ambrose’s turn to laugh. “I thought a Crow could stomach anything—for the right price.” Lucanis leveled the Wigmaker with a pointed look. “Not red lyrium.” (The Wigmaker Job).

After fulfilling this contract, and stacking up to around 40 deaths, Lucanis was known by the rest of the Venatori as ‘the demon.’

“Lucanis Dellamorte is responsible.” Crispin licked his lips. “We won’t be able to keep this one from the public.” He and Felicia exchanged a nervous glance. “They’re already calling him ‘the Demon.” (The Wigmaker Job).

The two cousins spoke about Lucanis becoming the First Talon, however, Lucanis didn’t believe that, and instead wanted Illario to become the First Talon.

“Even if it kills you,” Illario whispered. “Death is my calling,” Lucanis stated, matter-of-fact. “Just as yours is to become First Talon.” (The Wigmaker Job).

Illario Dellamorte:

Like his cousin, Illario is a Master Assassin of the Antivan Crows, as well as one of Caterina Dellamorte’s grandsons. He’s lean with dark hair and umber eyes, however, Illario is all smiles. He’s got a calculated handsomeness from his smooth skin to his perfect, white teeth. And, according to Lucanis, Illario has a silver tongue. Illario would love to be the First Talon, he believes it’s his calling however, that is not his call to make. Only Caterina Dellamorte can decide who takes her place.

“Both men were lean with dark hair and umber eyes. Illario was all smiles. His was a calculated handsomeness. From his smooth skin to his perfect, white teeth, everything was contrived to be enticing. As they walked through the crowd, he basked in the appreciative glances he received.” (…) “My talents lie elsewhere,” Lucanis said, gesturing toward the arsenal around him. “You’re the one with the silver tongue.” (The Wigmaker Job).

Magister Zara Renata:

Venatori Maleficar Zara Renata is a Magister of the Imperium who seeks the death of Lucanis Dellamorte along with her Venatori agents, Crispin Kavlo and the sister of Livius Erimond, Felicia Erimond. They plan to exploit everyone of Lucanis’s flaws until ‘the demon’ is defeated.

“Freeing Ambrose’s slaves already tells us this Crow has a heart. He will reveal other flaws. And we will exploit every last one of them.” (The Wigmaker Job).

"Genitivi Dies in the End" by Lukas Kristjanson

Brother Genitivi:

Last witnessed in Dragon Age: Origins, however, his literature has spread throughout Thedas in all games, infamous Chantry scholar brother Ferdinand Genitivi gathered legendary scholars Philliam, a Bard and Sister Laudine together to write a manuscript about their experience finding the true history of the elven pantheon. Each writer used a pseudonym to protect themselves from the Qunari Antaam.

“You want me to find the true history of the elven pantheon, in a piece of a library that doesn’t exist, beneath the Imperium, deeper than the Deep Roads?” Philliam tossed the scroll back to his publisher. “I don’t do fiction.” His host started to laugh, and then didn’t.” (Genitivi Dies in the End).

Philliam, a Bard!:

Philliam Bernard Aloicious Trevelyan, more commonly known as Philliam a Bard is a Free Marcher known for plenty of literature spread throughout Thedas. However, Brother Genitivi thinks Philliam is a thief considering he reduced his five hundred-and thirty-six-page book to a twenty-page collection of cautionary-yet-enticing executions.

“Philliam knew the name before he felt the sting. Five hundred and thirty-six pages of leather-bound Ferelden heraldic history—not including epigraphs and appendices—slapped across his face. It was a book he’d reduced to a twenty-page collection of cautionary-yet-enticing executions. “Thief!” yelled Brother Ferdinand Genitivi, honoured Chantry scholar and respected historian, on the eve of the longest—and last—month of their lives.” (Genitivi Dies in the End).

Sister Laudine:

Formerly a sister of the Chantry, Laudine is a young writer in her late twenties with long blonde hair. She has published many works, particularly about Orlais which have been officially denounced by the Chantry.

“Formerly Sister Laudine, ex of the Chantry, documenter of all things sensual and denied in otherwise falsely prim Orlais.” (Genitivi Dies in the End).

The three scholars ventured on an expedition that took them to the Silent Plains with the help of a hired Lord of Fortune.

Mateo:

Mateo is a Lord of Fortune, he’s a broad-shouldered man covered with many trinkets that he’s discovered throughout his years. He has a genuine appreciation for history, because of which he was hired for Genitivi’s expedition as a driver and delver.

“Their hired driver and delver was a broad-shouldered man called Mateo, one of the famed Rivaini Lords of Fortune.” (…) “The Lords wore their expertise, and the sash around Mateo’s waist was heavy with ancient coins and other trinkets from beneath the plains. He had a genuine appreciation for history, but didn’t claim to know the works of his current charges. Which, all things considered, probably made him the best fit for the expedition.” (Genitivi Dies in the End).

Rasaan:

Tamassran Rasaan was last seen in Dragon Age: Those Who Speak, as a female priest of the Qun, Rasaan’s role has been to determine what is done with captives of the Qun, she will interpret the Qun with regards to how it applies to those outside of it. Rasaan has served directly under the Ariqun and was long ago chosen as the Ariqun’s eventual successor by the rest of the priesthood.

Recently, Rasaan has taken great interest in Fen’Harel and his scheme, as of which, she led the Qunari Antaam unofficially In Tevinter to search for Fen’Harel’s true name. This has been an unsanctioned operation considering the Arishok is the only member of the Qun who leads the Antaam.

“Fen Harel,” she lectured, “is a name given by enemies. Its translation, ‘Dread Wolf,’ isn’t true.” She turned, considering one of the tomes now piled on the slab. “The name given when he lied to us—and to your Inquisition—was chosen by a self-styled martyr. ‘Solas’ is also not true.” (Genitivi Dies in the End).

Therefore, Rasaan revealed to Brother Genitivi that “her” Antaam are in Tevinter unofficially.

“Rasaan stopped him with a raised index finger. “I know your work,” she said. She knelt again, her eyes dead-straight with his. “My Antaam are in Tevinter as officially as you are. Does that change your tone?” (Genitivi Dies in the End).

Rasaan uncovered that Fen’Harel’s true name isn’t Solas, but actually Pride. With this true name, she could track the best and worst of him, find flaws, exploit weaknesses and know what he had failed to be. Rasaan believed that there is no greater advantage than to know an enemy’s true name.

“With this “true name.” You could track a person back through the best and worst of themselves. Find flaws. Exploit weaknesses. Know what they had failed to be.” (Genitivi Dies in the End).

And so, Rasaan’s quest continues to uncover Fen’Harel’s scheme while hunting Genetivi, Laudine and Philliam a Bard!

"Herold Had the Plan" by Ryan Cormier

Bharv:

Bharv is a Dwarven Lord of Fortune. He has spent decades of his life as a treasure hunter, consequently, he has a lot of long scars over his body, and a crooked back. Be that as it may, Bharv enjoys the life of a Lord of Fortune, it has provided all the thrills he’s ever craved.

“The dwarf clawed back up to the dry riverbank and looked around.” (…) “The Lords of Fortune provided all the thrills he craved, but decades in their service left him with long scars and a crooked back.” (…) “Still, despite the pain, he’d always slept better as a Lord of Fortune than as a creeping thief in his younger years. Through decades of treasure hunting.” (Herold Had the Plan).

After a botched robbery job at the Grand Tourney went sideways, Bharv and his elven Lord of Fortune companion, Elim, fled into Starkhaven’s forest. Herold, Bharv’s partner, was killed during the escape. However, they were able to successfully retrieve their target – a powerful and ancient amulet.

“They’d recovered the amulet from the lockbox at the Grand Tourney like sneaking the sugarcake from a child’s lunch. No one spotted them. No one at the tournament even sneered in their direction.” (...) “Bharv shrugged. He was told it was ancient and powerful. That was all he needed to know.” (Herold Had the Plan).

The two Lord of Fortune’s located Panzstott, their hired guard from Tantervale. The Tournament knights caught up and surrounded the group, they claimed that one of them had stolen the Celebrant – the legendary greatsword granted to the winner of the Grand Tourney. Panzstott had stolen the blade on behalf of Lady Lucie, in exchange, Lucie would help find Panzstott’s sister who was headed to the Anderfels to become a Grey Warden.

“We only want the sword.” It was a man’s voice calling. “Though we will take your thieving lives all the same.” (…) “Never.” Even Panzstott’s voice was different. “It’s what Lady Lucie wants. It’s not yours. You got your thing, I got mine. All square.” (…) “Lady Lucie, yes. She’s sure my sister might be found. Says so all the time.” (…) “Lady Lucie says she can find anyone. Her husband is also a warden.” (Herold Had the Plan).

After a rambunctious fight, Panzstotts was killed, Bharv and Elim were fatally wounded, the knights retrieved the Celebrant and Lady Lucie was imprisoned. Bharv only survived death because he wore the mysterious amulet that restored his wounds, however, Elim was killed.

“Collect the sword,” the captain said. “Bind the widow’s hands.” “The thieves, Captain?” The captain clucked disgustedly as he considered the question. “Leave them to die.” (Herold Had the Plan).

Having picked himself up, Bharv made his way to the nearest village downriver, to the place where Herold used to get drunk. He handed a very familiar elven squire the amulet and finished the job.

Vaea:

Introduced in Dragon Age: Knight Errant, Vaea is a Ferelden elven rogue who serves Ser Aaron as his elven squire. Bharv’s partner, Herold had contacted Vaea specifically to take the amulet to Northern Tevinter. Accompanied by Ser Aaron, the two toasted to Herold’s memory with Bharv before setting out on their next adventure.

“Vaea nodded. “He contacted me and said a job of his had turned into a charity run. Asked me to bring the amulet back north with me, to Tevinter. The chaos there has left many in desperate need, a lot of families torn up. He said you’d understand.” (Herold Had the Plan).

"An Old Crow's Old Tricks" by Arone Le Bray

Lessef/”Old Nan”:

Lessef is an old member of the Antivan Crows. She has a kind and wrinkled face, and her eyes are of someone who has lived a long life.

“Kind and wrinkled in the corners. They were the eyes of someone who has lived a long life.” (…) “Lessef of the Antivan Crows has fulfilled the contract.” (An Old Crow's Old Tricks).

In the middle of the Tevinter Imperium; over the Nocen Sea, Lessef made herself known as “Old Nan”, a trading merchant who was known for selling fine wares. However, her actual intention was to fulfil an assassination contract on the Tevinter centuri who recently murdered Dalish children for control of resources in the area. Tevinter solider Chencel had chased down and killed a twelve-year-old Dalish boy under the order of Magister Bicklius, the Oranavra clan purchased Lessef to kill the remaining centuri, as of which, Lessef tricked and suffocated Chencel with a scarf made of halla leather.

“Chencel remembered. On their way to set up camp here, the centuri had encountered some Dalish children from an aravel. Her centurion, Magister Bicklius, ordered the whole group wiped out so that the centuri would have no competition for resources in the area. Chencel had to catch the child who started to run, so that he would not warn the rest. “His mother called him Sil. He was twelve. You held him under the water.” Chencel still struggled, but the older woman’s grip was too strong. “Did he fight back? While his breath left him, and you held his shoulders to keep him still, did he thrash? Kick? Try to scratch or bite?” The soldier’s arms started to go limp. “Did you know that the Oranavra clan also sold their goods? They even made enough to purchase a contract from the Antivan Crows.” (An Old Crow's Old Tricks).

As the Tevinter centuri discovered an Antivan Crow was in the midst, Lessef assassinated Magister Bicklius. She evaded the rest of the army by having Tainsley, her seven-foot, elf-blooded human servant, dress up and pretend to be a Qunari.

“Reaching his full seven-foot height, he stretched his arms and legs, kneading the muscles with his aged hands to start the blood flowing again.” (…) “He knew he might look like a monstrous apparition, seven feet tall and wrapped in wiry, taut muscles, but he still felt every bit of his seventy-six years weighing him down.” (An Old Crow's Old Tricks).

The Tevinter soldiers retreated as Lessef and Tainsley celebrated by eating cookies, revelling in their victory having redeemed the Oranavra clan.

“Onward, to cookies!” (…) “Thanks to his mistress, his uncle’s clan would at least have their halla statue back.” (An Old Crow's Old Tricks).

"Eight Little Talons" by Courtney Woods

Caterina Dellamorte:

First Talon of the Antivan Crows, Caterina Dellamorte leads the Antivan Crows. She has silver-white hair swept up into a bun and an impressive collection of rubies hanging from her ears and neck.

“Her silver-white hair swept up into a bun to divert attention to the impressive collection of rubies hanging from her ears and neck.” (Eight Little Talons).

Her two grandchildren are Lucanis and Illario Dellamorte, however, Lucanis is her favourite – she intends on promoting him to First Talon when it’s his time.

Caterina Dellamorte called for a summit and invited each of the eight Antivan Crow Talons together in one location to discuss the impending Qunari threat. The summit was held in a villa on an island at the centre of the lake called the Verdant Isle.

“To that end, First Talon Caterina Dellamorte insisted her colleagues put aside their differences and attend a summit to concoct a plan of action.” (…) “The summit would be held in a villa on an island at the center of the lake called the Verdant Isle.” (Eight Little Talons).

Dante Balazar:

Second Talon Dante Balazar was eliminated and betrayed by Emil Kortez, the fourth Talon.

“That you were right. Dante was poisoned—with the Quiet Night.” (Eight Little Talons).

Lera Valisti:

Third Talon Lera Valisti was also eliminated by Emil Kortez.

“We know Lera died before dinner, but after her argument with Dante in the garden.” (Eight Little Talons).

Emil Kortez:

Fourth Talon Emil Kortez decided to betray the Antivan Crows. He stuck up a ‘peaceful’ deal with the Qun, Kortez agreed to eliminate all the other seven Talons with the assumption that the Qunari would honour their deal and occupy a peaceful conquest of Antiva and its people. As a trade-off, the Kortez family would be the only house leading the Antivan Crows.

With this machination in play, Kortez killed the second, third and eighth Talon before Viago, Teia and the rest of the Talons unmasked Kortez’s conniving plot, and then defeated their brethren.

“Emil squared his shoulders. “The Qunari are many things—brutal, rigid, merciless warriors—but they are also honorable.” (…) “Under one Talon, we might actually get something done.” (…) “Following Teia’s lead, Viago, Bolivar, and Caterina all raised their blades. The steel glinted in the fire’s light.” (Eight Little Talons).

Viago De Riva:

Last seen in Dragon Age: Deception, Fifth Talon Viago De Riva helped thwart Emil Kortez’s scheme. Viago and Andarateia have since headed to Antiva City to inform the royals of Antiva in preparation for the Qunari war. The Crows also plan to recruit more Talons for their ranks, as they just lost four leaders thanks to Kortez’s scheme.

“To brief His Royal Fatherliness?” She balanced the stick on the tip of her boot. He reached for it. “Why are you asking?” With a kick, she flung the stick onto her other foot. “To see if you had a place to stay.” (Eight Little Talons).

Bolivar Nero:

Sixth Talon Bolivar Nero helped the rest of the Talons against Emil, after killing him, Bolivar was the first to leave the scene. Viago believed it was for the best, Bolivar didn’t have much to offer the war effort.

“Bolivar refused to speak to anyone. He simply grabbed a bottle of wine and barricaded himself in his room until the boats arrived. Viago thought it was for the best. Bolivar didn’t have much to offer the war effort.” (Eight Little Talons).

Andarateia Cantori:

Last seen in Dragon Age: Deception, Seventh Talon Andarateia Cantori, otherwise known as Teia helped uncover Emil’s scheme alongside Viago. She’s since headed to Antiva City with Viago to warn the Antivan nobles and recruit more Talons.

“Is that an invitation?” “Is that a yes?” He reached out again. This time, she let him have the walking stick, but held on to the end. Viago drew her close, until they were a breath apart. “It’s a definite maybe,” he murmured. Teia beamed up at him. “My favorite answer.” (Eight Little Talons).

Giuli Arainai:

Eighth Talon, Giuli Arainai was eliminated by Emil Kortez.

“Dead,” Bolivar spat. “Like Dante and Giuli and Lera—and us if we don’t leave this cursed place.” (Eight Little Talons).

Since Kortez’s agreement was foiled, the Qunari are heading to Antiva with a full invasion in mind after their ‘peaceful’ contract went sour. Should the Qunari decide to attack, the assassins must present a unified force.

The Dragon Age Day short story “The Wake” furthered Eight Little Talon’s plot.

Illario Dellamorte, Viago De Riva and Teia Cantori mourned the loss of Lucanis Dellamorte, the heir to the First Talon.

For reasons unknown, Lucanis has mysteriously died, perhaps the Venatori Maleficar Zara Renata discovered his flaws and murdered him, or perhaps Lucanis is pretending to be dead. Regardless, it seems the next heir to the First Talon is Illario Dellamorte, if Lucanis is truly died.

“He was my cousin, but we were more like brothers, really. Always getting himself into every sort of trouble. And I was always right behind him, you know? Always.” Illario’s voice suddenly grew thick with emotion. “Now there’s nobody for me to follow.” (The Wake).

"Half Up Front" by John Epler

Vadis:

Vadis is a former Tevinter Altus, she left her life of nobility behind to peruse a romantic relationship with Irian Cestes, her father’s elven servant. Vadis has since built a reputation as a crafty thief.

“Altus, not magister. I’d never been a magister—my father filled that seat for our family. And I’d left the nobility behind, so even altus was past tense. “My one rule is no names. You don’t know a damned thing about me.” She arched an eyebrow. “The disgraced daughter of Magister Mareno Vadis. Lover of an elven servant.” (Half Up Front).

In Minrathous, Vadis was hired by a mysterious elven lady to find and steal a relic called “Dumat’s Folly” - supposedly it was a piece of the Black City itself.

“Then you know the significance of Dumat’s Folly.” She gestured at the rubbing I held in front of me. So that’s what it was. “Supposed to be a piece of the Black City itself. A ‘reminder of man’s hubris, and of the unique and glorious divinity of the Maker.’” I snorted. “Seems like a bunch of nug shit to me.” (Half Up Front).

Together, Irian and Vadis infiltrated the Archon’s palace, they discovered a centre case where “Dumat’s Folly” had been, however, until recently, the glass display was empty. They found large footprints and a blood trail that led down a tunnel with Qunari Ben-Hassrath instructions regarding the relic. They pressed on through the tunnel and found a fake model of “Dumat’s Folly” believing that the Qunari had the real relic.

“The center case where Dumat’s Folly had, until recently, sat was empty. The glass in its display case was missing.” (…) “It’s orders—well, instructions. Ben-Hassrath. Locations and names are in code, but it’s telling them to get the item and return home. Not to be seen either.” (…) “I nodded. “The Qunari have the real one.” (Half Up Front).

The pair headed to the Qunari’s new Darvaarad, a ship headed to Rivain. Vadis uncovered the real “Dumat’s Folly” on deck, when suddenly her patron, the mysterious elven lady revealed herself. She approached from the shadows and claimed to be an agent of Fen'Harel.

“I opened the crate. Dumat’s Folly. I smiled. All right. I reached into my satchel and pulled out the rune that my client had given me. I wanted to make sure the artifact was the real thing before I took it back—not that I had any reason to believe otherwise, but I’d promised my client I’d verify first. I moved the rune toward the object and it started to vibrate, to glow.” (Half Up Front).

She declared that she acted freely for the Dread Wolf, to bring back what was once theirs, and what must be theirs again. She wore a simple robe embroidered with an unknown symbol. Her plan was to trick and frame Vadis into stealing a powerful and dangerous artefact that was integral to Fen'Harel's plans.

"The agent replies that she acts "freely. For the Dread Wolf. To bring back what was once ours—what must be ours again.” (…) “One of our agents spoke of Dumat’s Folly. Suggested it was an artifact of great power and danger, integral to Fen’Harel’s plans.” (…) “She’d traded her thick winter clothing for a simple robe, embroidered with an unknown symbol." (Half Up Front).

This relic was in-actuality a magical bomb, that was supposed to be used by Vadis, destroying the Qunari’s Darvaarad. This would’ve created a calamity feud between the Qunari Ben-Hassrath and Tevinter kinsman, if each party had discovered that an Altus thief attacked Qunari lands using this bomb, it would cause immediate chaos for all of Thedas.

“It is an ingenious device. Not a piece of the Black City, like the true Dumat’s Folly, but taken from the same time. It draws magic into itself.” “A Tevinter altus, striking at a Qunari settlement that had yet to enter hostilities? Ben- Hassrath wouldn’t be able to sit the war out anymore. Utter and complete chaos.” I felt nauseous. What I’d almost done, almost been responsible for. (Half Up Front).

Fortunately, this wasn’t the case, the Agent of Fen’Harel committed suicide to avoid future interrogations. Vadis used magic and forced the Darvaarad out to the sea where it exploded, with few casualties. One of the Qunari Ben-Hassrath agent’s took Vadis and Irian to a tavern in Kont-aar.

“I thought I could see the dreadnought, the burning deck a distant speck on the horizon. A moment passed. Another. And suddenly, a flash of light, a second sun on the horizon.” (Half Up Front).

Gatt:

Last seen in Dragon Age: Inquisition, Gatt is an elven agent of the Qunari Ben-Hassrath, he shared the Qun’s knowledge on the agent of Fen’Harel’s scheme with Vadis and Irian. He then asked that if they wanted revenge against the Dread Wolf, they should seek a dwarf in Kirkwall, because he will want to hear what they’ve got to say about the agents of Fen’Harel, even more than that, he’ll have work for the two of them.

“You cannot stay with us. Nor, I imagine, would you want to. But we have other allies. A dwarf in Kirkwall. He will want to hear what you have to say about the enemy. And more than that, he will have work for you. Something more than survival—a chance to strike back. A chance to matter.” (Half Up Front).

Vadis and Irian decided to head to Kirkwall, but first, took a stop to see Val Royeaux together for the first time.

“We’ll go to Kirkwall. Eventually.” I looked at Irian again and my smile widened. “But first, any chance we can go to Val Royeaux? (Half Up Front).

"Dread Wolf Take You" by Patrick Weekes

Charter:

Last seen in Dragon Age: Inquisition, Charter is an elven agent of the Inquisition who worked very closely within Leliana’s spy network.

In Hunter Fell, Nevarra at a tavern called “The Teahouse” (the same name as my private Discord server that you can join if you become a channel member). Charter invited the best spies in Thedas for a roundhouse meeting to discuss the Dread Wolf and his scheme.

A Carta Assassin, Orlesian Bard, Mortalitasi Mage, and an Executor Agent presented themselves at Charter’s summit. The Tevinter Siccari and the Qunari Ben-Hassrath both declined their attendance at this meeting.

“The lamps were dim and the walls bare of both windows and any painting where a peephole might have been concealed, but a fireplace against the wall crackled merrily, and seated around the fire in comfortable overstuffed chairs were four figures.” (…) “As did the Ben- Hassrath.” She grimaced. “The latter is especially disappointing. They had more knowledge of Solas’s movements than anyone else.” (The Dread Wolf Take You).

As each faction-representative shared their slightly fabricated perspectives on the Dread Wolf and his red lyrium idol, the group grew tired of each other’s white lies and false truths, they began to argue until their truths were finally revealed. By which point, the Orlesian Bard had already killed the Executor before they could share their insights. The Bard then froze the Mortalitasi Mage and the Carta Assassin, he took off his mask and revealed himself as Solas.

“That’s a good story,” the Assassin said, cutting into the silence, “but I’d rather hear the truth.” (…) “The Assassin and the Mortalitasi were still where they stood, their skin and clothes suddenly the gray of dead, dull stone.” (The Dread Wolf Take You).

Solas:

In a desperate attempt to understand what the Inquisition and a few other high-profile factions knew, Solas disguised himself as an Orlesian bard. He understands that the powers against him in Thedas are not fools, and there are many who oppose him.

“I wished to know what you all knew,” he said, gesturing at the table. “There are many of you, and you are not fools. As for me coming in person . . . the Inquisition was involved.” He returned to his seat. “Why did you come?” (The Dread Wolf Take You).

When he revealed himself, Solas looked tired and sad. He said that telling the Inquisitor what he intended to do in Trespasser was a moment of weakness. He admitted that he’s prideful, hot-headed and foolish. He then told Charter to tell the Inquisitor that he’s sorry.

“He sighed. “It was a moment of weakness. I told myself that it was because you all deserved to know, to live a few years in peace before my ritual was complete. Before this world ended.” (…) “I am prideful, hotheaded, and foolish, and I am doing what I must. When you report back to the Inquisitor . . .” His voice faltered. “Say that I am sorry.” (The Dread Wolf Take You).

The Dread Wolf:

Whether a separate being from Solas, or his own shapeshifting form, the Dread Wolf appeared in the Fade with wings of fire that resolved themselves into a horde of lesser demons. He’s lupine in appearance, but the size of a high dragon, with shaggy spiked hide and six burning eyes like a pride demon. The Fade is his natural home, and the spirits there serve him willingly.

“It was no elf, no mortal mage. It was a beast unlike any I had ever seen. Lupine in appearance, but the size of a high dragon, with shaggy spiked hide and six burning eyes like a pride demon, and it came to us on wings of fire that resolved themselves into a horde of lesser demons as the Dread Wolf landed before us.” (…) “But whatever fear the name Dread Wolf carries, he has earned. While we might visit the Fade, it is his natural home, and the spirits there serve him gladly.” (The Dread Wolf Take You).

The red lyrium idol belongs to him and he wants it back. The Dread Wolf declared that if anyone ever binds a spirit, then your life is his. This is particularly difficult for the Mortalitasi considering their entire culture is dependent on binding displaced spirits to corpses.

“YOU USE MY IDOL CARELESSLY TO VANDALIZE THE SEA OF DREAMS. NOW FEEL THE PAIN OF WHAT YOU HAVE CREATED.” (…) “FROM THIS MOMENT, SHOULD YOU EVER BIND A SPIRIT, THEN YOUR LIFE IS MINE.” (The Dread Wolf Take You).

From this moment, the Dread Wolf has a ritual in the Fade, binding spirits and using blood magic undoes his work, therefore, he has abolished these types of magic and will eliminate anyone who dares use them in the future.

"And as clear as the Dread Wolf’s anger at what we had done— the Mortalitasi binding spirits he considered his own, the Tevinter mage using forbidden blood magic— was the feeling that we had disrupted his own work." (The Dread Wolf Take You).

For now, his ritual and future plans are largely unknown, in any regard, the Dread Wolf has risen and is preparing his scheme to destroy the Veil and reclaim the elvhen kingdom.

With that, there’s all the major characters mentioned and introduced in Tevinter Nights that I feel are paving the way forward, and may potentially have some involvement in the future Dragon Age game. Let me know your thoughts, which characters did you like the most, who would you like to see in the next game, who appealed to you and has the most plot potential?

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