#shaedori

[luinquesse]

Dragon Age won the poll for this months fandom drawing. Sorry guy, you will not get anything new, because I'm currently in my "redraw my faves from the past era" apparently. This time we went as far back as 2016.

[mercurialmind]

The Power of Ice

A calm day in Emprise du Lion turns into an unexpectedly hard battle.

Or in other words, Shae Lavellan is a badass.

For @luinquesse ^___^

Shae looked around the snowy hills of Emprise du Lion, and breathed in the brisk air under the cloudless sky. The tightly packed snow crunched beneath his feet as they walked discovering areas they’d never visited before. Wind blew harsh on the hilltops, and Shae wrapped his scarf tighter around his neck. They were all feeling the sharp bite of frost, cold seeping beneath the armor, but his magic only seemed to have enhanced, empowered by the frozen surroundings.

There was a strange tingling on his skin, not unpleasant, but which made him slightly restless. He had felt it the day before as well, but it seemed to intensify the longer he spent outside in the cold. It was not the first time he’d experienced this though.

It was such a calm afternoon, no enemies in the sight since they’d left the camp. Thus, when the air was suddenly filled with loud roars echoing from the glazed cliff sides, the party was caught by surprise, quickly surrounded by a horde of red templars.

Dorian’s barrier fell upon them as they stood back to back, banishing the first attackers with quick swing of weapons. Shae heard Cassandra let out her warcry right beside his ear as he hit his staff against the ground, releasing a wave of magic towards the enemies. Three of them got frozen in place, and an arrow flew from Varric’s crossbow to hit a templar who was running between them.

The fight was a flurry of spells and arrows raining upon the enemy, and metal clanging against tough, red lyrium armor. Shae swore in his mind for giving the enemies the element of surprise as he swung his weapon around, sheathing himself in a thin layer of frost. Two templars trying to interrupt him got temporarily frozen in place, and Cassandra’s shield bash landed on them, as she charged through.

When he turned around, he met Dorian’s eyes, briefly across the glacier, but their attention was quickly caught by Varric’s shout over the sounds of battle.

“This isn’t going to be fun,” he said, pointing with his crossbow.

When Shae turned his head to the direction, he saw three red lyrium behemoths dragging through snow and dropping down the cliff. They landed roaring, the ground shaking beneath them all.

“Shit,” Varric swore, quickly charging his crossbow again.

A horde of red templars followed behind the beasts, and Cassandra stood in front of the party, her stance not wavering, though they were facing the impossible. Another barrier was set by Shae, and Dorian casted a fire spell on the templars now running in front, making them scream in agony. Cassandra charged against the first behemoth, knocking it off-balance, switching to a templar, to strike through its throat.

Shae saw in the corner of his eyes how Dorian stood still for a moment, leaning onto his staff, mumbling something quietly. Purple waves of magic left his raised hand, connecting to the dead enemy. While the battle continued around, the spirit of the fallen enemy rose back to life and turned to fight against his brothers and sisters.

They fought and fought, and Shae felt they had been doing it forever, more enemies appearing than they could fell. Cassandra landed on her back by a strong hit from one of the behemoths at the same time as Varric blasted a couple of templars with his explosives.

Shae felt the constant sizzling on his skin intensify until it had spread painfully all over his body. He fell down on one knee, his palm landing against the ice, the other hand holding on to the staff. He let out a groan as he felt the magic pulse through his body, connecting him to the frozen ground.

He caught the biting wind, and it began swirling around him in an increased pace, quickly forming into a raging blizzard. He could hear it howling in his ears, the snow pounding on his face, and as he tried looking for the others, the blizzard spread to surround them all. He heard his friends’ voices, their words swallowed by the storm which grew thicker and whiter, finally obscuring everything from the view.

***

When the blizzard calmed down, Shae stood up on shaky legs. He caught a sight of Cassandra crawling from underneath a frozen behemoth, felt Dorian’s hand on his shoulder. Varric stared at him, slackjawed, Bianca hanging at his side. The friends seemed unharmed--fortunately.

Everything else was frozen.

Shae took a few slow steps toward the closest enemy whose face was contorted in an endless scream. He stood there, staring at it for a moment, then turned to look at his friends who were examining the results of his magic.

“Well, I don’t think they’ll be bothering us anymore,” Dorian quipped, putting his arm on the shoulder of one of the frozen templars. It shattered into thousand pieces in an instant, causing Dorian to stumble and nearly hit the ground. Cassandra poked one of their enemies with her sword, resulting it to crumble to the ground as well.

“That was one mighty blast,” Varric said, breaking another frosted templar into pieces.

“I’ve never seen anyone do something like this.” There was respect in Cassandra’s eyes as she looked at Shae.

“You seem to find ways to surprise us time and again, amatus,” Dorian said, smiling.

“How did you make this happen?” Cassandra inquired.

He explained the strange feeling he’d been experiencing, while they took their belongings and continued their travel forward. They were keeping higher guard this time, since they did not wish to be so badly surprised again. He told about the similar experiences in his past, although it had never been as powerful as this time. The whole matter roused a discussion amongst the friends, and they continued contemplating on the possibilities of magic even later on at the camp.

Everything was so odd, had been since the day the Conclave was destroyed. Shae looked across the land opening below the hill where he was standing, leaning his shoulder against a tree. Stars were bright against the dark sky, his breath vaporizing in the crisp air. He glanced at his hands and sighed. His skin was still sizzling, less now than before the burst, but it made him restless, put him on the edge. It would be very likely that the sleep were to elude him that night.

“What’s on your mind?”

He was startled by a soft voice which carried a hint of worry instead of its usual lightness.

“Nothing really…” he said, turning to look at Dorian who came to stand beside him, “...and fairly too much.

“I see.”

They stood there in silence for quite a while, staring into the distance, so many thoughts crisscrossing in his mind. He was glad for Dorian’s presence, but also for the silence surrounding them. He did not feel like talking right now, just wanted to let his mind wander.

Fingers brushed softly against the back of his hand, before catching it reassuringly and squeezing for a moment.

“I’ll be on watch duty if you need anything,” Dorian said, letting go of his hand and turning to leave.

He glanced at Dorian and gave him a soft smile.

“Thank you.”

[luinquesse]

A little redraw of a 2017 art~

[luinquesse]

Time to post the art I made for @loveacrossthedaszine

Working with this zine was so much fun, go check it out, it's free!

[luinquesse]

battlements~

[luinquesse]

A quick doodle because I felt like DAI

[luinquesse]

A pride month picture that got out of hand.

[luinquesse]

30 days OC challenge.

Day 29. Happiness

Link to my 30 day OC tag.

[luinquesse]

I have missed taking screenshots lately, so... yeah ( ^_^ ) 

[luinquesse]

Because I need happy things in my life right now.

[luinquesse]

30 days OC challenge.

Day 28.  Travel to Tevinter

The sending crystal let out a faint shine, indication that it was active. Shae picked it up from his desk. 

“Can you hear me, Amatus?” Dorian’s voice came from the crystal, as clear as if he was standing in the room.

“Yes, I can hear you. Where are you now?”

“We just reached the first inn. A rather nice one, I may add. Send Josephine my regards for arranging such agreeable lodgings.”

“I will.” Shae smiled. Agreeable. That probably meant the inn was something along the lines of Winter Palace quality. “How was the journey?”

“Utterly uneventful. No bandits or darkspawn to keep us entertained. How’s the arm?”

“It still aches sometimes, like I can feel the anchor. But it’s not bad. Sometimes I forget it’s not there and try to pick up things. It’ll take some time to get used to.”

“You should see a healer if you’re in pain Amatus.” Shae could hear the worry in Dorian’s voice.

“I know. But it’s really not that bad.”

“Do it for my sake. Go see a healer. Now, I will go downstairs to see if this place offers decent food,” Dorian said, “Just, take care of yourself.”

“You too, vhenan.”

***

Shae was eating dinner in his quarters when the crystal started glowing. Dorian greeted him in his usual cheery tone.

“I was just having dinner,” Shae said between bites.“How are you?”

“Absolutely fantastic. How’s the food?”

“It’s nice. White fish with butter and roasted vegetables.”

“Hmm,” Dorian hummed a little, “I will send the cook some proper Tevinter recipes when I get back home.” 

“I’m sure she’d like that.”

“Very well. Now onto the matter I contacted you for. Please, don’t use the crystal for the next couple days.”

“Why?”

“We are about to cross the narrow sea and I… do not want to humiliate myself anymore than I have to. I will contact you when we reach the shore.”

Shae smiled, knowing very well how Dorian hated boats. He remembered their trip to Kirkwall, and how Dorian had locked himself into his own cabin. Yes, he had insisted on a private cabin. 

“I’ll wait for your call.”

“Thank you, Amatus. Now, wish me luck.”

***

“I take you are on steady ground now?” Shae mumbled, voice heavy with sleep. It was a late evening, and he was already in bed, almost dozed off, when Dorian’s voice had woke him. 

“We stopped for the night. Did I wake you?” Dorian asked.

“Yes. But I’m glad to hear from you.”

“I should let you go back to sleep.”

Shae yawned a stretched in his bed, placing the the crystal onto the pillow next to him. “I’m awake now. Tell me how your voyage went?”

“I would rather not.”

Shae laughed a little.

“I’m very glad you find my suffering entertaining.” Dorian sounded amused, not angry. “Do you want me to read to you?”

“That would be nice.” 

Shae could hear some rustling. He assumed Dorian was getting comfortable on his end. The book was called “Adventures of the Black Fox”.

Dorian read for a while, his voice steady and soothing. Shae loved when Dorian read to him. At some point, his voice started to fade. It was quickly followed by a thudding sound and Shae could hear him cursing.

“Let me guess. You fell asleep and dropped the book on your face?” Shae tried not to laugh.

“I would never. But it’s late and you should go to sleep.”

“You too, vhenan. Go to sleep.”

***

“Home at last,” Dorian said into the crystal, “Not that I dislike travel, but nothing wins the comforts of your own bed.”

“True. Though I would like to sleep there next to you.” Shae sounded a little sad. 

“I know, Amatus. But this is how it needs to be, for now,” there was a small silence, before Dorian continued, “I miss you already.”

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Link to my 30 day OC tag.

[luinquesse]

30 days OC challenge.

Day 2. Deep below the surface. (Romance)

They had brought Renn’s body back to the camp. From there, it would be loaded into a wagon, and taken away, to be buried according to the dwarven tradition. They hadn’t known Renn for a long time, but the loss of a brave man still stung.

Shae wasn’t quite sure if it was late at night or early in the morning, given that they hadn’t seen the sun in weeks. Not that it really mattered. He was tired and sad and angry. Well, not truly angry, just angry at himself for not being able to save Renn. The logical part of his mind knew he was not at fault, but that didn’t stop him for feeling guilty. He put down his backpack and placed a folded blanket onto the ground. He didn’t really want to sit on the bare rock. Dorian had done the same, sitting next to the fire. The camp was quiet, most people were asleep.

“I miss the sun,” Shae sighed.

“Such humble wishes. I miss a lot more.” A smile tugged at the corner of Dorian’s mouth as he looked at Shae. 

“Well… yes. Sun was first thing to come to mind.” Shae picked up a loose pebble, flicking it into the fire. He stared at the ground in front of him, when the realization came to him. “Is it tomorrow already?”

Dorian looked at him questioningly. “I’m quite sure the present is always today, unless you’ve been dabbling with time magic. Which I genuinely hope you haven't.”

“No, I mean. I have something for you.”

Shae rummaged through his backpack, pulling out a small package wrapped in wax paper and a string to hold it together. He offered the item to Dorian. “Happy birthday. I’m sorry we can’t celebrate it better, given the circumstances.”

“You’ve been carrying this around the whole time we’ve been down here? I’m touched.” Dorian’s tone had a tinge of amusement, but his expression was soft. He unwrapped the small parcel. Inside was a fairly simple wooden bracelet. “It’s beautiful. Thank you.” 

Dorian picked it up to examine it closer. The wood was sanded down into a silky smooth surface, but the grain was still visible. The crafter had clearly wanted to preserve the nature's own design. In the middle of the bracelet, there was a small line of white stones embedded into the wood. The flickering light of the fire made it almost look like they glowed. “After we get back, I will get you a present too.”

“You know I don’t really celebrate birthdays.”

"Maybe I just want to buy you pretty things.”

Shae kept his eyes at the fire in front of him. “I don’t need pretty things. I have you.” He said, quietly.

Dorian coughed, like he had just swallowed wrong. Shae’s gaze flicked to him. Dorian was staring at him, his hands frozen in mid air. Shae felt his face heat up, and it wasn’t because of the fire.

Dorian regained his composure, clearing his throat a bit and folded the wrappings around the bracelet, setting it on the ground. He moved his folded blanket, in a slightly awkward movement, a bit closer to Shae’s. Taking Shae’s hands to his own, he suddenly looked serious, like he was searching for something to say. “I know I don’t tell you this enough. I love you, Amatus. Even if I complain about all the uncomfortable, downright nasty places you drag me into. Even if I have to spend my birthday hundreds of feet underground, in the darkspawn infested caverns. If that means I can spend it with you.”

Shae stroked the side of Dorian’s hand with his thumb. It was smooth, much smoother than his own. He raised it to his lips, giving it a slight kiss. Glancing up to Dorian, who was now smiling at him, Shae felt happy. He hadn’t felt happy in a while now. 

“I love you too.”

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Link to my 30 day OC tag.

[luinquesse]

30 days OC challenge.

Part 1 here

Day 17. Injured (Hurt)

“Everyone out, now!” The healer raised her voice and pointed at the tent entrance. People suffled out, with worried faces and backward glances. The only ones  remaining in the tent were the healer, her young student, Dorian, and Shae who was still unconscious. She looked at Dorian, but before she could question his presence, he  spoke, “Do not waste your time on me. I am not leaving him. I will not get in your way.”

She nodded and turned to Shae, who had been laid on the hard wooden table. His jacket and vest had already been removed and the shirt had been cut open, to bare the wound on his left side. Inspecting the wound, the healer spoke to her student, but the words were loud enough for Dorian to know she meant to keep him informed as well. “I cannot feel any red lyrium in the wound, but we need to bleed it to make sure. We also need to get the excess blood out of where it doesn’t belong. He’s still bleeding. Whatever spell he has used didn't stop it. It’s simply bleeding inwards now. Edrick, fetch me the surgery kit from the trunk, and towels. And tell the soldiers we need clean water, both hot and cold.” The boy dashed at her command. She glanced at Dorian. “Are you familiar with sleeping spells?” 

“I am, but only in theory.” Now was not the time for bragging. Dorian’s voice was rough, “But I’ll do what I can, if you require my help.”

“I need you to keep him unconscious and calm while I work.”

Dorian moved to the end of the table. Cassandra had quickly sneaked a pillow under Shae’s head when they lifted him onto the table. Carefully, Dorian placed his hands on both sides of Shae’s head,  gently holding him steady. Sleep, Amatus. Dream pleasant dreams. I will be waiting for you when you get back.

***

Shae woke up. He felt groggy, disoriented. Why was I sleeping? He tried moving, but a sharp sting on his side stopped him. Oh.

“You’re awake!” Dorian was suddenly on his side, sitting on the side of the bed. He looks so tired. “Don’t move. You were hurt quite badly.” Dorian brushed back the loose hairs from Shae’s forehead, gently touching his face.

“Why would you do such a foolish thing?” Dorian chastised him, “You… you should know you can’t heal a wound by freezing it. You could have killed yourself!”

“I didn’t really have a choice. It was either that or getting killed by the stalker.” Shae could not stop the annoyance getting through in his voice.

They looked at each other for a moment. Dorian turned away first, his shoulders sagging as he sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. He’s hurt. Worried. Shae reached for Dorian’s hand. “I’m alive,” he said, softly.

Dorian turned back to him and gave him a small smile. “And that's the only reason why I forgive you your foolishness.”

Shae chuckled a little, but stopped with a wince. He felt weary.

“Are you in pain? Should I get the healer?” There was worry in Dorian's voice.

“It’s tolerable. I think I want to sleep a bit more.”

“Very well.” Dorian bend down, putting his weight on one hand while the other found its way into Shae’s hair. He pressed a kiss on his forehead. After, he lingered, letting their foreheads rest together, closing his eyes. “Dream of me while you sleep,” he whispered.

Shae mumbled, voice heavy with sleep. “I think I already did.”

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Link to my 30 day OC tag.

[luinquesse]

30 days OC challenge.

For today, I chose the Soft promt, just so I would have an excuse for writing  random fluff.

Day 22. And In Health 

Shae startled awake. There were slivers of light coming through the curtains. The dream that had woken him was already fading. It had been a strange dream, about people and events he did not recognize. Had it even been a dream? Turning onto his side, he found the bed next to him empty. Dorian never came to bed? Dorian often came to bed later, being the nightowl he was. But this was a bit more unusual.

He got up, pulling on some clothes and light leather boots, so he could descend the stairs into the great hall. Taking the middle door on the right, he climbed into the skyhold library. What he found there was amusing, but not very surprising.

Dorian was sleeping in his chair. The book he had been reading was still on his lap, with one hand stuck between the pages to mark the spot. Just resting your eyes, as you usually tell me? Shae couldn’t help but smile. He approached, gently removing the book from Dorian’s hands and placing it aside. He put a hand on Dorian’s shoulder, slightly pushing, trying to wake him up. 

Dorian stirred, looking at Shae, slightly unfocused. “How late is it?” he asked.

Shae chuckled a bit. “More like early. Do you want to sleep in a real bed for a while?”

“I guess that wouldn’t be too disagreeable,” he said, giving Shae’s hand a slight squeeze before he pulled away. 

“You’re going to get sick, sleeping here like this,” Shae said, hand on his hip, the other one gesturing at the frosty window. The library didn’t even have a fireplace, which made the whole tower even  colder compared to  the rest of the hold.

“Nonsense, I’m in perfect health,” Dorian said as he got up, stretching. As he did so, a loud pop came from his back. He winced a little, more from the sound than actual pain.

“Evidently.”

Dorian looked at Shae, feigning hurt. “It’s too early. Let’s go back to bed.”

They climbed up to the tower. After changing into more comfortable attire, Dorian flopped down on the bed, pulling Shae with him, who let out an inelegant squeak.

“You woke me up at this god forsaken hour, so now you have to face the consequences. I will have you lounge here with me till noon at least.”

Shae rolled his eyes at the mock threat. “Such a harsh fate.” He twisted around, pulled off his boots, and crawled back to the middle of the bed where Dorian was lying on his side, already halfway under the covers. Shae mirrored his pose, tucking one hand under the pillow. Dorian scooted a little closer, nudging Shae’s nose with the tip of his own, smiling. Then he propped himself onto one arm and with his free hand, traced his fingertips on Shae's cheek, tracking the lines of the vallaslin. Leaning in, he placed a slight kiss on his lips. Then another one, with a bit more pressure. Shae hummed a little under his breath, turning his head for a better angle. He slid his arm around Dorian's shoulder, pulling him even closer.

Yes, such harsh fate indeed.

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Link to my 30 day OC tag.

[luinquesse]

30 days OC challenge.

Dorian is a grumpy patient. :D

Day 21. In Sickness

“Do you want more tea? Or water?” Shae asked.

“You can stop fussing over me like a mother hen.” Dorian was half sitting in his bed, propped up by multiple pillows, covered with thick blankets neck to toe. He had been sick for a couple days, nothing major, just a slight fever but the healers had agreed he shouldn't be up and about for it not to get worse. Shae was sitting in an armchair, next to the bed.

“I’m not fussing, I’m simply keeping you company.”

“Sure you have more important business to attend to, dear Inquisitor.”

Shae leveled him with a look. “I have nothing to do that is more important.”

 “You’re too damn kind for your own good,” Dorian grumbled into his blanket.

Shae sighed, sinking a little lower in the chair. “And you are a very grumpy patient. Do you want me to go?”

Dorian paused, looking a little ashamed. “...no.”

They sat there for a while, the only sound was the small fireplace crackling in the corner of the room. Shae was about to doze off when a quiet plea woke him. “I could take some water.” 

Shae fetched a glass from the dresser and sat  on the side of the bed, waiting for Dorian to empty the glass. Instead of giving it back, Dorian placed it on the nightstand. “Sleep here tonight?” he asked, “I would love the company.”

Shae considered. Dorian seemed already better, so his presence would probably not bother his sleep. He got up, shedding most of his clothes, down to a light undershirt and underwear. He climbed into the bed where Dorian had scooted a bit to make room. Shae arranged the pillows behind himself to a slight elevation. Lying down, he indicated Dorian to join him. Dorian laid his head on the space between Shae’s shoulder and chest, and Shae wrapped his arms around him.

“I’m not very tired yet,” Dorian said. He often stayed awake late into the night, and the past days of staying put did not help.

Shae drew circles against Dorian’s arm with his fingertips and placed a kiss on the top of his head. “Explain to me again how the Haste spell works?” 

He could feel Dorian smiling against his chest.

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Link to my 30 day OC tag.

[luinquesse]

I commissioned @iawv  and holy heck!!! I have no words.

So, here are some of my favourites instead~