#val cadash

[childofthestone]

cadash stealing some frilly cakes from the val royeaux market and surprising solas with them. cadash gathering lemons from the garden and asking the scullery maids to squeeze them into sugar water and serve solas that instead of tea. getting more familiar with the elvhen language so she can pore over piles of books with him in the rotunda because they might help fight corypheus...even though this one is just a children's story. watching him paint for hours and never getting bored. laughing when he drops cold pigment on his toe. learning him in a way that has her thrilling with each new discovery.

always being suspicious of him because theres a feeling in her gut telling her something about him is wrong but choosing to ignore it because aside from being a little ignorant he's not all that bad. really.

for the first time, maybe her instinct-- tempered by a lifetime of mastering how to spy a tell, thirty-odd years of knowing the exact moment youre about to be had-- is the wrong one.

[adainesjacket]

Hi!!!! Welcome 💕 (I am in love with your character moodboards btw??) For Marika & Blackwall, "I know I should stay away from you, but I can't." maybe?

thank you so much! i love making moodboards (and always happy to create them for other people's OCs!) this is shorter than i'd have liked, i'm running out of steam and i have to get up early tomorrow, but i hope you like it. i love writing marika. what a horrid girl. @miladydewintcr @dadrunkwriting

f!cadash/blackwall, 421 words, angst

"You shouldn't come down here," the prisoner says. "People will talk."

"And you're so concerned with my image," Marika scorns, dragging a crate over to sit in front of the bars. "That's why you left me naked and alone in a hayloft."

"Have you come to list my crimes?" Blackwall asks. "I thought we were doing that tomorrow. You'll get to sit in your big chair. You love your big chair."

"Throne," Marika corrects him.

He leans back, huffs through his nose. So it's like that, his face seems to say.

Yeah, she thinks viciously, it is fucking like that. Because you served me with such staunch loyalty and admiration, you made me a paragon, and then I found out it was all based on lies. She can't pardon him. The damage it would do to the Inquisition's reputation is immense. Josephine already has to deal with her being a socially awkward, misanthropic dwarf. She will not add to that with rumours of corruption. Of course the Inquisitor pardoned her lover, they'll all say. Of course it doesn't matter that he has children's blood on his hands, not to a thug like Cadash.

Marika didn't feel like a thug when she was with him, is the problem. Blackwall makes her feel… delicate. He calls her 'my lady' like she's Andraste Herself, and with him she could be, something golden and precious and holy.

"You should-"

"Don't fucking tell me what I should and shouldn't do," she snaps. "I should have left you in Val Royeaux. I should stay away from you, but I…" She is the most stubborn person she knows, and hates to admit when she can't do something, but. "I can't."

Their eyes meet, and for a moment all the shared guilt and anger melts away, and she is back in that hayloft, feeling so cherished she might burst with it. He reaches a hand through the bars and he takes it. Their sword-calloused palms are a perfect fit. They always were.

"If tomorrow is my last day in this world," he tells her, "I will spend it in the best possible way. Kneeling before you. My life in your hands. My heart in your keeping."

"Me in my big chair," she sniffs, horrified that there is suddenly a lump in her throat.

"You in your big chair," he chuckles. He brings her hand up to the bars, and presses a kiss to her knuckle. "My lady."

"My Warden." It's at that moment she finally knows what to do.

[theanimangagirl]

I am halfway done with my female Cadash Inquisitor, Aiila Cadash for those who are curious and I just love her romance with Josephine

I just had the duel and I like to think that

Cadash was in her absolutely best behavior in Val Royeaux, she wanted to just draw her broadsword and cut the dude in half but no she followed every damn dueling rule and etiquette cuz she was not going to bring shame to her beloved Josie

Leliana absolutely tattled that the duel was happening, and given how Josephine arrived in the middle of it she tattled immediately after Inky left Skyhold

You cannot tell me they didn't jumped in bed as soon as they arrived in Skyhold

Lord Orento was eventually introduced to a nice Lady by Josephine as a 'sorry that our arranged marriage didn't worked out'

[daitranscripts]

An Unexpected Engagement Pt. 4

An Honorable Duel

Josephine Masterpost First: Terrible News Previous: About Lord Otranto

After the PC completes the war table mission “Challenge Josephine's Fiancé to a Duel,” an envoy arrives at Skyhold.

Messenger: Your Worship. May I deliver a message from Lord Adorno Ciel Otranto of Antiva? His lordship accepts your request for a duel for the affection of Lady Montilyet. He awaits your please in Val Royeaux.

Dialogue options:

General: Convey my thanks. [1]

General: That was easy enough. [2]

General: He’s going to be awaiting my fist. [3]

1 - General: Convey my thanks. PC: Tell Lord Otranto I look forward to settling this honorably. At once, Inquisitor. [4]

2 - General: That was easy enough. PC: No protests? No outrage that I’m trying to steal Josephine from him? Quite the contrary, Inquisitor. Lord Otranto is greatly looking forward to his first duel of the month. May you enjoy safe passage to Val Royeaux, Your Worship. [4]

3 - General: He’s going to be awaiting my fist. PC: Your master had better bring a first-rate healer with him. The Otrantos do not fear a fair fight, but I will convey your… advice. Good day to you. [4]

4 - Scene continues.

The PC travels to Val Royeaux.

Otranto: I am Lord Otranto of Antiva, rightfully betrothed of Lady Josephine Montilyet.

Otranto bows slightly before taking a pair of swords from some nearby guards. He throws one to the PC.

Otranto: Songs of your exploits have spread to my city, Inquisitor. It’s humbling to make your acquaintance.

The begin to circle each other.

Otranto: It is a pity it will not last longer. Before we duel, I trust you find the weapon to your satisfaction?

Dialogue options:

Investigate: What about my own weapons? [5]

General: Rapiers will do. [6]

General: If you must. [7]

General: Let’s get to it. [8]

5 - Investigate: What about my own weapons? PC: Am I not allowed to pick my means of defense?

Mage PC Otranto: Hah! Aside from the fact that your mage fire may put me at a disadvantage?

Otranto: I am the wounded party in this duel. Tradition dictates that I select our weapons. Of course, if you fear you might be clumsy with such a refined instrument, there is no shame in a forfeit.

Dialogue options:

General: Rapiers will do. [6]

General: If you must. [7]

General: No way. [9]

6 - General: Rapiers will do. PC: I trust you’ve made this a fair fight, Lord Otranto. Otranto: Upon my honor. Shall we begin? [10]

7 - General: If you must. PC: Rapiers will do, if you’re out of your depth with a more substantial weapon. Otranto: (Laughs.) Very good! Let us begin. [10]

8 - General: Let’s get to it. PC: Absolutely. Otranto: Then let us begin. [10]

9 - General: No way. PC: Not on your life. Otranto: Then let us begin. [10]

10 - Scene continues.

They begin to fight.

Otranto: An admirable start, Inquisitor!

Otranto (dwarf PC): And I was worried a civilized weapon might puzzle you, [Lady/Lord] Cadash! Otranto (Dalish PC): I assume your elven clan stumbled upon a practice sword one day in the woods. Otranto (Qunari PC): Perhaps not all Qunari are the simple peasants rumors paint them to be. Otranto (human PC): Perhaps House Trevelyan isn’t the obscure backwater I’ve heard it to be.

Otranto: I’m glad Lady Montilyet isn’t here, exquisite as I’ve heard her appearance to be.

He moves in on the PC.

Otranto: Cutting you down in front of Josephine would’ve given a poor first impression of House Otranto to my bride.

Dialogue options:

Underworld: You’re a family of backstabbers. [11]

General: She doesn’t want to marry you. [12]

General: I’ll tell her about you once I win. [13]

General: Stay away from her! [14]

11 - Underworld: You’re a family of backstabbers. PC: Strange. I would think the Otrantos already have enough blood on their hands after cheating the Terrazas. Otranto: Who told you— The PC shoves him back. Otranto: You dare to bring up that slander here? Otranto angrily goes at the PC again, and the PC slashes him across the arm. Otranto: Inquisitor, I will personally— [15]

12 - General: She doesn’t want to marry you. PC: Josephine doesn’t want this engagement. Call it off. Otranto shoves the PC back Otranto: To what purpose? You can’t think I’d— [15]

13 - General: I’ll tell her about you once I win. PC: Don’t worry. I’ll be sure to tell Josephine you fought bravely. Otranto shoves the PC back Otranto: I admire your fearlessness, but you cannot hope— [15]

14 - General: Stay away from her! PC: You won’t so much as touch her! Otranto shoves the PC back Otranto: Neither will you, Inquisitor, unless you— [15]

15 - Scene continues.

Josephine: Stop!

The PC and Otranto look over.

PC: Josephine!

Otranto: Lady Montilyet! What a pleasure to—

Josephine walks past him to the PC.

Josephine: What are you doing?

Dialogue options:

General: Trying to help your family. [16]

General: I can explain. [17]

General: Dueling him for you. [18]

16 - General: Trying to help your family. PC: If I duel Otranto to stop your betrothal, any dishonor falls on me—not your family. Josephine: I would’ve found a way around it! [19]

17 - General: I can explain. PC: Lord Otranto and I are settling our differences about your betrothal…? Josephine: That’s not your decision! [19]

18 - General: Dueling him for you. PC: Josephine, I can’t take the chance that you might have to marry him! Josephine: That’s not your decision! [19]

19 - Scene continues.

Josephine: The Inquisition needs you. I need you! Yet you threw yourself into danger! Why do this? Why risk everything we’ve built? Why risk your life?

Dialogue options:

End romance: You’re right. This was a mistake. (Break off your romantic relationship with Josephine.) [20]

Flirt: Out of love! (Continue your romantic relationship with Josephine.) [21]

20 - End romance: You’re right. This was a mistake. PC: Apparently I didn’t think this through.

Josephine: Apparently not. Since we can’t see each other until the betrothal is annulled… we’d best end things on a more permanent basis.

Otranto: If you are no longer spoken for, Lady Montilyet, why abandon our engagement?

PC: You think she’ll marry you?

Otranto: Yes—will you marry me?

Otranto drops to one knee.

Josephine: I’m not marrying either of you!

She storms away.

Otranto: Well. That appears to be the end of that. A draw, then?

Dialogue options:

General: Agreed. [22]

General: Why make the day worse? [23]

General: Absolutely not! [24]

22 - General: Agreed. PC: There’s no point in fighting over something already decided. Otranto: This was not how I envisioned the proceedings, either. At any rate, I believe the Otrantos will reconsider my engagement to Lady Josephine. Unless… do you know if she has a sister, perhaps? The PC throws their sword down and walks away. Scene ends. ㅤㅤ ㅤ 23 - General: Why make the day worse? PC: A draw. I see no reason to make an even larger fool of myself today. Otranto: This was not how I envisioned the proceedings, either. At any rate, I believe the Otrantos will reconsider my engagement to Lady Josephine. Unless… do you know if she has a sister, perhaps? The PC throws their sword down and walks away. Scene ends. ㅤㅤ ㅤ 24 - General: Absolutely not! PC: I will have satisfaction, Otranto, one way or another! Otranto: Ha! Let no fight go unfinished then, Inquisitor? Well, then: have at you! They continue the duel. Scene ends.

21 - Flirt: Out of love! PC: Because I love you!

Josephine: You… you do?

Otranto: [They do?]

The PC throws down their sword.

Dialogue options:

General: Of course I do. PC: Yes, Josephine. I love you so much. ㅤㅤ ㅤ

General: Apparently I do. PC: I wasn’t quite sure until I said it, but… yes. Yes, I love you. ㅤㅤ ㅤ

General: You heard me. PC: And I mean it. Every word.

Josephine: I love you, too.

The PC spins Josephine in the air and they kiss.

Otranto: Well-fought.

Josephine: Lord Otranto—

Otranto: I’d assumed your liaison with the Inquisitor was an affair of passion or convenience, Lady Montilyet.

Otranto sheathes his sword.

Otranto: But I’m not fool enough to stand in the way of true affection. The Otrantos regretfully withdraw the terms of our betrothal.

Josephine: Thank you.

Otranto: Do not thank me. I know when I’m outmatched.

He bows and leaves.

Dialogue options:

General: I should have mentioned the duel. [25]

General: That ended incredibly well. [26]

General: This is wonderful. [27]

25 - General: I should have mentioned the duel. PC: I’m sorry I didn’t tell you about arranging the duel. Josephine: Given that you’re in one piece, body and dignity, I forgive you. [28]

26 - General: That ended incredibly well. PC: I can’t imagine a better ending. But wouldn’t you be impressed by a dueling scar? Josephine: My dearest [lord/lady], I love you precisely the way you are. [28]

27 - General: This is wonderful. PC: Josephine, I’ve never been happier in my life. Josephine: We’re tempting fate with such talk. But neither have I. [28]

28 - Scene continues.

Josephine: Just do kiss me again.

They kiss.

Scene ends.

Next: After the Excitement

[birdylion]

Finally got around to dueling Josephine's fiancé and I have to say, that turn of events surprised me. I liked it though - that this guy was ready to give up as soon as he saw that it wasn't just a power play, that the inquisitor wasn't just using Josephine, or vice versa.

Using this opportunity to show my Cadash and Josephine:

Of course, I didn't think about putting my Inquisitor in other clothing than full armour before going to Val Royeaux for this, so he goes in there clad like the warrior he is.

I like to imagine that he finds it super hot when Josephine is a diplomatic genius, just like she finds it secretly hot that he used to be a thug.

[britcision]

Another ficlet for our Four Heralds AU! This one is mostly about our dear wet cat of a Lavellan, Lluciano. It’s pretty early on while everyone’s getting to know each other in the Hinterlands.

Just some first little hints at our collection of backstories

Also, cooking head canons for the early companions 👀

—————

Foraging 

Things were… well, settling felt optimistic with the Breach still in the sky like a jagged green scar, but at least it had stopped growing. 

The Andrastians’ Chantry was trying to kick up trouble in Val Royeaux, and as much as Cadash would have enjoyed pretending they didn’t see why it mattered… yeah, a lot of people followed the Chantry like they had their heads in a bag. 

Blatantly refused to accept that not everyone else did, which was great when you had three “heralds of Andraste”, none of whom believed in the prophet, but hey. 

When someone asks if you’ve been touched by their god, you say yes. 

Not that they, Lavellan, or Adaar ever agreed to it. But they could see the wisdom in Leliana’s gentle confirmations, and it made their own denials seem more like humility than “why the fuck is everything about your god”, so that was a win. 

For now, even as much as Josephine fretted, the budding Inquisition had bigger problems than the Chantry coming up with a united stance. They had mouths to feed, too few horses, and roads completely swamped between rogue templars, flighty mages, and just regular bandits out to make everyones’ lives worse. 

Frankly, if they left for Val Royeaux now, the Inquisition’s forces just might melt away behind them. Pure coincidence that this meant flipping off the Lord Chancellor’s self importance every day they rode out to take care of the people, not a bunch of overinflated egos. 

The one thing they were probably never going to have to worry about though? Supplies, especially things like elfroot. 

You couldn’t put Lluciano Lavellan into the woods and expect him not to disappear off every thirty seconds apparently, chasing down a familiar looking leaf or bush. 

And to be fair, Cadash had been a broke ass blacksmith too long to let an accessible ore deposit pass them by, even if it wasn’t enough to make a nail on its own. 

Shit added up, and they’d smelted their own bar stock enough to know what iron could be used. No matter how much Varric or the others bitched, free beat trying to ship through bandit hell. 

They were on their way to scout locations for watch towers, one of their first missions out from Haven when it first came up. 

Corin had asked Lavellan to do his thing, forage around and rustle up something they could turn into a meal. Kid did damn well too, coming back with wild carrots, onions, and even some potatoes. 

Probably half a dozen new strands of elfroot too, but who was counting. 

Cadash had enlisted Varric and Cassandra in to help wash and peel, and been about to start themself when they saw Lluciano just. Bite the fucking potato. Raw. 

They damn near knocked it out of his hand. 

“What the hell are you doing with that?” They snapped, and Lavellan pouted back, clutching his raw. Fucking. Potato. To his chest. 

“It’s not green, it’s fine!” He snapped back, like that made a lick of sense. Corin stared at him for a long moment. 

“You know not poisoning you isn’t a sterling recommendation, right?” They asked dryly. Lluciano rolled his eyes. 

“Yeah, but what else am I gonna do? Boil it?” He asked with a huff. 

Corin stared at him a while longer. 

“Yes? Maybe? To make it fucking taste good? Or you could bake it in the fire, cut it up and fry it, literally anything except eating a fucking raw potato?” They demanded. 

Varric scooted away, quietly taking over the stew pot to add his potatoes and water. Cassandra was staring at both of them like she couldn’t quite believe what she was seeing. 

Varric also stole the potato she’d been peeling, but she didn’t seem to notice. 

Equally unaware of their audience, Lluciano rolled his eyes again and went to take a bite from his potato. 

“Yeah, right, and maybe I’ll rub leaves on it.” 

This time Corin did knock the potato out of his hand, just as Cassandra finally broke and asked, 

“Have you never had cooked food?” 

All three were now trying to remember if they’d seen Lavellan eat over the week and a half they’d known him. There must have been something. 

Nothing came to mind. 

The elf huffed, glaring at Cadash but not daft enough to try and arm wrestle a warrior. 

“Of course, that’s how I know it’s gross!” 

“You just bit a raw fucking potato!” Cadash threw both hands into the air. 

Varric quietly relieved them of the bitten potato. It joined its brethren in the pot. 

“I’d rather bite it raw than as a pile of dissolving mush!” Lavellan shouted back, reaching mutinously for a raw onion. 

Cassandra hurried to grab them and pull them away from him. At least it got her back into helping Varric, peeling off the skins and cutting them. 

He gave her a companionable nod, most of his attention still on the show the two heralds were putting on. 

“It isn’t mush if you cook it right!” 

“How else are you supposed to cook it!” 

“Bread.” 

Varric and Cassandra turned sharply, the word their first indication that Solas had returned from his wandering. He set down an armful of wood for the fire and gave them both an inscrutable smile. 

“I have seen Lavellan eating bread.” 

“Absolutely zero chance this is a weird Dalish thing then?” Varric asked with a hint of hope in his voice. 

Solas shrugged, taking a seat and looking over their preparations so far. He pulled a handful of herbs from a pouch, pulled out a frying pan, and tossed the herbs and some oil in before placing it over the fire. 

“Nothing is zero chance. Onions, please.” 

Cassandra carefully scraped the cut onions into his pan and he nodded his appreciation. 

“I’m gonna hope anyway,” Varric muttered, turning his attention to some of the dried meats they carried… and looking thoughtfully at Bianca, “I know some great Dalish cooks. It’d be a tragedy to think a whole clan missed out.”  

It wasn’t like they hadn’t already seen wild goats. 

Solas made a noncommittal noise, stirring carefully at his aromatics with a wooden spoon. 

Cadash and Lavellan were still yelling at each other, and a few minutes later the dwarf stomped over and scowled into the fire. 

“We’re teaching the little fucker what actual food tastes like,” they declared bluntly, casting a decisive eye over the food preparations thus far. 

Apparently everything met with approval, since they turned and just glared back at Lluciano. 

“Empty your pack. All your edible herbs and shit. I cannot fucking believe you grab all of them and never tried them.” They ordered flatly. 

“I have tried them, I chew mint all the time. Most of them are gross though,” Lluciano grumbled, but didn’t hesitate to tip out his pack, “I just grab them for other people.” 

“I wish I were surprised you’d just shoved them in your mouth,” Cassandra said with a sigh, fighting a smile. 

Varric shot Solas a quick look, nodding to the potatoes still boiling away. 

“You good to keep an eye on those?” He asked, hand sliding towards his crossbow. Solas glanced over, noted the gesture, and nodded. 

“Certainly, if it means we’ll get something fresh,” he agreed, glancing from Varric to Corin. “Did you have something specific in mind, Cadash?” 

The other dwarf glanced over at Varric too and nodded. 

“Whatever you can find. I’m not thinking too fancy, whatever you guys were doing’ll work, I just want to make a point.” They shot another glare over their shoulder at Luci. He stuck his tongue out at them. 

Solas nodded, pointing his wooden spoon at Cassandra as Varric headed into the woods. 

“Seeker, I’m sure an educated woman such as yourself knows thyme and yarrow?” He asked. 

Cassandra gave him an odd look for a moment, trying to find some kind of insult, but she was never quite sure with Solas. She was just so used to looking for them. 

“Yes; of course.” She nodded, about to rise and join Lavellan, who had obediently dumped out his pack and begun sorting plants. 

The elf interrupted her with a raised hand, thrusting the requested herbs her way. He did not look impressed. 

“They’re both gross,” he told them bluntly, eyes narrowing when they landed on Solas, “and yarrow is a medicine. It’s not for food.” 

“You think raw potatoes are food,” Corin reminded him, and he huffed but gave Cassandra the requested herbs. 

She gave him back all but a single leaf of the yarrow, glancing at Solas for approval as she returned with her bounty. She got it too, a slight flush rising in the firelight as he smiled broadly. 

“Perfect, Seeker. I admit, I’m increasingly curious to see your own cooking,” he said innocently, sprinkling thyme into the aromatics and not looking at her. 

Cassandra immediately backed up a full three feet, arms wrapping around her knees. 

“Yes. Well. Perhaps you will.” She said awkwardly, glaring into the fire. Solas’ smile took on a smug little edge, and Corin very nearly joined him. 

If ever you wanted Cassandra to back off, a single compliment was usually all it took. 

“We’re all gonna taste each other’s cooking at some point,” Cadash said instead, settling by the fire and taking the attention back off their dear shy warrior woman. “Except Lavellan’s.” 

“Cooking sucks,” Lluciano huffed, sitting as well and folding his arms, pretending he wasn’t sneaking peeks at Solas’ pan. 

It was starting to smell really good. 

“Cooking sucks unless it’s done well,” the elven mage offered as a compromise, pulling out a thin metal fork and stabbing it delicately into a potato. He then transferred it to his hot pan. 

Cadash and Cassandra watched with interest as he carefully moved each cut potato, the oil in the pan hissing and spitting but apparently never touching him. 

“Doing a hash?” Cadash guessed, and got their own little approving smile. 

“Something similar. After all, we don’t want dissolving mush, do we?” He asked innocently, his eyes shifting for a moment to Lluciano. 

Who scowled into the fire, pretending he hadn’t been looking. Sniffing. 

Solas was just about done by the time Varric returned, carrying a nug by its feet. He was grinning too, holding up his prize to show them. 

“Should be plenty for all of us, and some left for tomorrow too. That smells fantastic, by the way. I almost stepped on the damn thing sneaking closer for a sniff,” he added with a nod to Solas, sitting and pulling out a skinning knife. 

Lavellan was watching with more interest than sullenness by now, the smells from the pan at least peaking his curiosity. Varric’s return didn’t do much to distract him. 

Solas gave the dwarf a companionable nod, stirring his pan and expertly flipping it. 

“If you can do a quick filet, I’ll keep the pan hot and do them in the last of the oil and we can add them to the hash. Cadash, plates?”  

The other dwarf scooted theirs and Luci’s over, nodding to Varric as well. 

“Thin strips’ll cook faster. If you wanna take the legs off I can break two down to go in?” They offered. 

Cassandra rose for a moment, going into the packs to retrieve her, Solas, and Varric’s plates as well, bringing them back to the fire. 

“I can do the other two, and we could roast the body instead while we eat?” 

It was a very domestic scene, in stark contrast to the day’s travel and multiple fights. Even Lavellan’s sulking didn’t quite break the mood, although he still looked sceptical when Solas handed him a full plate of fried potatoes, onions, and carrot, seasoned with a tiny sprig of fennel. 

Cadash glared at him until he grabbed his fork and took a reluctant bite. And waved their own fork menacingly as he swallowed it straight. 

“Chew it, you animal.” 

Shooting them a token glare, he took another forkful and chewed as over dramatically as possible. 

His eyes widened. 

Solas, now frying the nug strips Cassandra and Corin had prepared, looked unbelievably smug. He dropped a finished strip onto Lluciano’s plate as the elf took another hesitant bite. 

“Try with the nug,” he prompted gently, the soft side that usually only came when talking about his travels in the Fade briefly visible. 

It startled Varric and Cassandra, who hadn’t really bothered talking to him about magic much. 

Lavellan obediently stuffed the whole strip into his mouth along with the veg, now chewing harder because his mouth was overfull, not to be a little shit. 

By the time he finally swallowed his expression was open awe, staring at his companions in real, genuine disbelief. If any of them thought he’d been lying about not eating cooked food before… 

“But… but how did you do that?” He asked, staring from Solas to his plate. “Those were just the potatoes I brought you, and you made them all…” words failed him and he gestured vaguely with his fork. 

Cadash’s worry-disguised-as-irritation melted away into still worried amusement. 

“Delicious, thanks Solas. Seriously though Luci, you’ve never seen cooking before?” It was a little hard to imagine, but easier than any other possible explanations. 

Lluciano shrugged, shovelling in another big bite of hash. He seemed more sheepish than upset now, and more than happy to eat. Which made it all more genuine.

“Well I saw my parents boil everything, and I knew other people in the clan cooked but I thought they must be getting different food,” he explained quietly. 

That answered a few questions, really. Varric grimaced in sympathy, reaching around to pat Lavellan on the shoulder. 

“Sorry to be the ones to break it to you, kid… boiling just doesn’t get the same depth of flavour,” he offered, and Lluciano frowned at him in confusion. 

“You boiled the potatoes,” he pointed out. Varric glanced over to Solas. 

“It’s a good way to get them started cooking, so the middle is ready before the frying burns the outside,” the older elf explained magnanimously, dishing out more slices of nug. 

Lluciano nodded slowly, taking careful spoonfuls at a slightly less breakneck pace now that people expected him to talk too. 

“So… could you show me? This is a lot better than raw,” he asked hesitantly, just the most adorable puppy hope in his eyes. 

“Which is why we’re making sure you don’t just raw dog your dinner again while you’re with us,” Cadash grumbled, pointing at him with their spoon. “I can show you a few things.” 

“I believe we all could,” Solas agreed genially, nodding to the group as a whole. “Perhaps you’ll be ready to make us dinner in turn by the time we return to Haven.” 

That definitely brightened Lluciano up and he nodded earnestly, digging back into his food with vigour. 

The others followed suit, possibly thinking about what they’d like to try and teach an elf whose previous options had been “boiled” or “raw”. 

At least it’d give them something else to do while they got those watchtowers set up. 

—————

And a link back to the master post for organisational purposes

[valos-isatunoll]

cadash name workshopping

I wanted to do something with val- as it's a proper dwarven prefix seen in names of people (Valta), places (Valammar) and words (Valos atredum, V) but it's at best half of a name. still need another part

Valrika (a mash up with the default name Malika and Rica Brosca, best sister)

Valata (sounds more dwarven, mash up with Stalata Negat)

Vala/Valan/Valann (from Revann Thaig, Ortan Thaig)

or I could just name her Natalia. it is a pretty name.

[trillian-n7]

The sun was setting over the harbour of Val Royeaux. On an open balcony sat two dwarves, each holding a glass of wine and the table before covered in an assortment of fruit and cheese. There was a gentle breeze that carried the scene of blooming flowers from the garden below. 

‘So, is that it then? The end of the Inquisition?’ Bianca asked. 

‘I suppose so,’ Valka Cadash replied. She was staring at the water as she absentmindedly sipped at her drink. The last three years of her life had been dedicated to the cause and, in the last few weeks, the details had been finalised and the Inquisition was no more. It had been months of planning, ever since the Exalted Council, and Valka was exhausted by the process. 

‘What am I meant to call you now? The Inquisitor was growing on me,’ Bianca asked. 

‘You could try just Valka. I’ve been telling people that for years.’

The peace and calm of having drinks with Bianca was a nice change. No nobility seeking her favour, no Josephine pestering her to make the rounds. Just friends enjoying an evening meal together. 

‘You know,’ Bianca began. ‘If you weren’t a surfacer, the Assembly would have already named you Paragon. It is such a shame really.’

Valka let out a small laugh. 

‘They would never ever consider it. Remember, we are not dwarves according to them. ’ She refilled her wine from the decanter. ‘Besides, who needs a stuffy bunch of Deshyrs deciding your future.’

‘I know. I mean, my machines have revolutionised agriculture in southern Thedas. Yet those assholes in Orzammar would rather starve than even let my name enter the Assembly debate.’

‘And nepotism! The Princess Aeducan was an outcast, lost to the stone by their own standards. Yet all she had to do was crown her brother king and, boom, named Paragon.’

‘I guess she did end the Blight.’ Bianca shrugged as she chose some of the food from the table. 

‘So she killed one dragon,’ Valka scoffed. ‘Big deal, I’ve killed plenty of those. And saved all of fucking Thedas from being destroyed.’

‘The silly girl should have crowned herself queen though,’ Bianca speculated. ‘A crown personally made by Paragon Branka. She could have done anything with that power and yet she threw it away.’

‘See, those cave dwellers, they have no clue. Bunch of rock-lickers, the lot of them.’

‘Had you heard the rumours that she took a human lover,’ Bianca gossiped. ‘The king of Ferelden, no less. Seriously, a human!’

‘Humans aren’t all that bad.’ Valka smirked as she took a sip of her wine, thinking to herself. ‘What they lack in stamina, they certainly make up for in enthusiasm.’

They sat in silence, enjoying the atmosphere as the city below buzzed with life. The company of Bianca was relaxing for Valka. While their introduction had been initially antagonistic, over the years they had kept in contact and managed to forge a solid friendship. 

‘So, what is next for the Inquisitor?’

Valka sighed as she stared at the sunset in silence. The answer to that was complicated. Her purpose was done and while she knew Divine Victoria would welcome her assistance with the Chantry, Valka felt that part of her life was over. All her friends had moved on, seeking their old lives or new adventures. 

‘Who knows?’ Valka replied. ‘Maybe I’ll take Varric up in his offer to get back into business. Legitimately this time, not like before.’

‘Is he still trying to give away that Merchants’ Guild seat? He never gives up, does he?’ Bianca asked with a laugh. ‘Just a warning, the Guild can be as cutthroat as the Carta, they just hide it better.’

Valka ran her finger around the rim of her glass as she thought.

‘Anything is better than going back to my family’s control,’ she responded. ‘You have no idea what I would do to avoid that fate.’

‘I might just have an inkling of it. I’m sure Varric has told enough tales of my family.’

‘True, I forgot about that. Anyway, Kirkwall is probably my best opportunity. At least until I figure out my next plan. You could always join me, the boat trip looks to be rather lonely and I’m sure by now you know more than a few shortcuts around the city to stay out of sight.’ Valka gave a knowing glance at Bianca. 

Now it was Bianca’s turn to consider her words.

‘I think it’s best if I stay away from Kirkwall. My presence, well, I think Varric and I just need proper distance. It’s not healthy to be so hung up on the past.’ Bianca paused. ‘Besides, wouldn’t Thom be travelling with you?’

Valka stood and leant on the railing, focusing her attention on the dirt below as tears began to roll softly down her cheeks. She hastily brushed them away and tried to steady her voice. She had only just recently heard from Thom himself of his plans, plans that did not include her. 

‘He has finally decided to answer the Warden’s request for him to return to Weisshaupt. In the end, his duty meant more to him than I do.’

 Bianca stood and wrapped her arms around Valka, a small show of support for a friend going through heartbreak. ‘I’m sorry to hear that.’

‘I will be ok, just not yet.’

‘Will more wine help?’ Bianca grabbed the decanter from the table and refilled their glasses. 

‘Always,’ Valka enthusiastically responded. ‘Though I’m not sure you have enough wine on hand for this one.’

‘Well,’ Bianca raised her glass to Valka as she handed over a full one. ‘Here’s to new ventures and new beginnings.’

Valka tipped her glass in response.

Who knew what the future would bring?

[vigilskeep]

When she looks back, there's Amell, still at the window, unfairly fucking luminous. It's those big dark eyes. The starlight pours out into them like silver on the forge. She's craning to look up at the sky, leaning far enough out to put twice the jitters in Cadash's stomach. Like if she can just get a bit free, that would be enough. Like if she got into the air, she could take off like a bird, wings and all. Maybe she could; she's magic. Cadash has seen crazier. The thrumming of Cadash's heart, the kind that has nothing to do with heights, or sneaking out of a Circle tower... That's crazier. Cadash's grandmother had been born down below the earth, one of those mouthy greybeards who still preached the Stone to every cloudgazing brat in sight, like it hadn't spat the lot of them out. Every family had one cast in that particular mould. The Stone sings, she used to say, pinching fingers sharp on your ear to make you listen, breath rattling in her lungs. You'll know it in your chest when you hear Her, even you, little knife. Cadash had only ever wrenched herself away with a kid's idea of a curse on her tongue. She's never felt anything inside her chest but that rib she cracked on her first run to Wycome. Not underground. Not even in Orzammar. Looking at Amell, she feels... something in there. Close enough to holy, she thinks. Go back, says the stupid voice in her head, the one that has worse ideas than Lantos. She wants out. Take her with you. And then what? The family didn't take kindly to runners, let alone one stupid enough to steal away with a priceless contact. She's a lesser cousin of a lesser cousin; blood trickling that thin wouldn't save her hide, name or no name. And as for the templars... She looks up at Amell, and tries to imagine a burning Chantry sun where the moonlight kisses her forehead. Wishes she hadn't. Her stomach turns. Besides. Amell would laugh right in her face. Cadash knows what she looks like, cheap Carta blade, next to the pretty front the Circle puts up. Thick hands that are only smart with something sharp, skin marked up with brands and bruises, hair like dry straw half shaved to the scalp. Amell's as fine as Orzammar gold and as smooth as good Kirkwall jet, and wanting a breath of fresh air now and then doesn't mean she's desperate. Cadash doesn't begrudge her that. She can't gamble on a few smiles, a few soft words, a moment of touch. They hadn't cost Amell anything to give. Don't be stupid, she tells herself. Do your job. Take the fucking money, and get gone. And maybe... Maybe when you come back... She's stood there too long, like an idiot. Amell looks down and sees her, and waves in farewell, smile blooming across her face. Cadash, colour on her cheeks—idiot—raises a hand in return, and quickly turns away. She's already halfway to Val Royeaux when she first hears word of the war.

did you guys know that warden amell has four circle mage siblings that are free real estate. anyway

cadash who went to the conclave “on a job” but secretly was just looking for a circle mage she’d fallen in love with while trading black market lyrium. is that anything

[happywitch416]

Dragon Age Questions

I was tagged by @joufancyhuh thank you! This was fun! I’m gonna tag @kaleidoscopegirl @thesecondseal @rhetoricalrogue @lechatrouge673 @bugsieplusone @sasabelle-a and anyone else! Everyone else!

01) favorite game of the series?

DA2, hands down. I played DAI first and don’t get me wrong it’s a pretty game and a good game, but I love Hawke’s story. Someone who tries so hard and it’s never enough. I relate.

02) how did you discover Dragon Age?

I got a free copy of Inquisition with a new xbox, and honestly, hubs is the one who was oh it has dragons, Erin will like that! I wonder if he ever regrets that decision.

03) how many times you’ve played the games?

Origins- completely through 3 times? My dalish Elf who i didn’t even name her own name. Oops. Then my Arwen Tabris who smooches Zev and I actually have sorta fleshed out. I also have a Cousland and a dwarf that I never finished. I suffer from The Joining is Stupid syndrome.

DA2- I replay this constantly. I love Rose whether I am playing her as a mage or a rogue. I have played through with Selene twice maybe? I like all the choices! And how the choices change things! And well, Varric.

DAI- I’ve played through each race, as female, probably half a dozen times a piece. I really like being a Qunari lady, me and Sera swoon together. And it’s very different from other fantasy races I’ve played. And I love Val Cadash with her giant warhammer. The Iron Bull loves her too. Lol

04) favorite race to play as?

In all honesty? Elf. Elf me. Unless I’m playing Rose. Rose could never be an elf. So. But playing as a dwarf IS SO FUN and honestly far more relatable than playing a human.

05) favorite class?

For Origins and DA2, I prefer rogue. That being said, I hate playing rogue in DAI, so I mage it all the way.

06) do you play through the games differently or do you make the same decisions each time.

Depends on why I’m playing. For fun? I don’t care. For story plots? I keep it consistent unless I want to know how an action changes things (Hawke in the Fade :c). I do have playthroughs specifically for certain world sets too. Like World Asshole is basically thumbing the line of are my heroes even heroes anymore? Or just shiny monsters.

07) go-to adventuring group?

Origins- Zevran, Morrigan, Shale/Oghren.

Awakening- Valenna, Anders, Oghren.

DA2- Anders/Merrill, Isabella, Varric always. Rogues can tank if they try hard enough.

DAI- Varric, The Iron Bull, Viv or Dorian.

08) which of your characters did you put the most thought into?

Rose Hawke. Her past, present, and future is planned and mostly written. I adore her. She is how and why I discovered the how and why people write fanfic. And make headcanons. And Pinterest boards.

09) favorite romance?

VARRIC TETHRAS YOU COWARDS.

But in Origins, it’s Zevran. All day every day. I love me a character of questionable morals with a heart of gold. So complex, so murdery, so cute.

10) have you read any of the comics/books?

I think maybe I own them all? The books are a bit dry. But I love the comics. Superb art work, pretty good story telling. I read them mostly for lore reasons but they stay because they are good.

11) if you read them, which was your favorite book?

Until We Sleep

12) favorite DLCs?

Mark of the Assassin is just pure madness and Tallis makes me heart eye emoji. But The Descent and Jaws of Hakkon are my favorites. The music! The scenery! The stories!

13) things that annoy you?

I cannot romance Varric ever.

DAI’s gender and race locked romances. Some I get, Dorian and Sera because hi, representation matters. . But why can Cullen only romance elf/human ladies? Why on earth is Cass straight? The Iron Bull is only one who isn’t locked out of one thing or another and I love that. I love Bull. But like I feel we went meh good enough or something with the others. Especially after the everybody bangs everybody of DA2. Which was that trying to do a good or lazy writing? Dunno.

Fandom ruins a lot of things for me. I don’t want to take part in convos beyond my circle. Yikes.

Alistair. I get it, it’s tragic but ugh. I’m just too old for him. Same actually for Cullen, and for the above reason, Fandom. Yikes.

The Samson/Cullen thing they tried to replicate with Leliana and Calpurnia. It only worked for the boyos cause they are two sides of a coin. Unless Leliana is secretly a mage? Maybe she IS the ravens.

Consistent Canon doesn’t go here. They don’t even know who that is.

Why do you whitewash your own characters?

THE GODS DAMNED HINTERLANDS

I don’t want to kill the dragons. Let me recruit them.

Where the fuck is my Mabari: Inquisition Addition

14) Orlais or Ferelden?

KIRKWALL. Ferelden is quaint and Orlais is just gross. But has lots of shiny so it does rank higher than Ferelden.

15) Templars or Mages?

Mages, mostly because I want to dismantle the Chantry and continue the tradition of blowing it up. It’s bad. Templars just don’t have enough walking explosives for that.

16) if you have multiple characters, are they in different/parallel universes or in the same one?

I slap them all in the same verse if they are fleshed out in anyway. Rose Hawke and Val Cadash are best buds, business partners, and occasional bed warmers. Arwen Tabris is hiding from them at this point, she took that Warden Commander title and noped the fuck off around the world with Zev. She doesn’t want their drama too.

17) what did you name your pets? (mabari, summoned animals, mounts, etc)

I name the Mabari Hero. Let’s be honest, that mabari is the true hero of the first two games.

18) have you installed any mods?

I only started modding a few months ago and haven’t modded any of these yet.

19) did your Warden want to become a Grey Warden?

Arwen- Nope. But she really wanted to live, with that much blood on her hands it was join or hang.

20) Hawke’s personality?

She’ll help but she’s tired.

21) did you make matching armor for your companions in Inquisition?

If by matching you mean I dyed everything but the plaid weave of shame black then yes. Plaidweave is for liars.

22) if your character(s) could go back in time to change one thing, what would they change?

Arwen Tabris would kill Vaughan and his ilk at the wedding, not letting them take Shianni or the others.

23) do you have any headcanons about your character(s) that go against canon?

Rose Hawke is a rogue and a mage. Arwen Tabris is not getting married at the start of Origins. Val Cadash is still a respected member of the Carta while also being Inquisitor. Rose and Varric live happily ever after.

24) are any of your character(s) based on someone?

Rose is the one that has the most of me in her. The rest are just who they are.

26) favorite mount?

Dracolisks. Because the cowards make me kill dragons. Cowards!

[illusivesoul]

Solas forgot that he wasn't in the Fade anymore and that he can't just run through walls.

[adainesjacket]

My Dragon Age/DADWC prompt list! See this tag for current prompts (or feel free to send me song lyrics, lines from poems, etc) and find my ao3 here!

Romantic ships:

Anders/Justice | Anders/Hawke/Justice | Anders/Hawke (F or M) | Anders/Karl | Hawke/Varric | Dorian/M!Trevelyan | Cole/F!Trevelyan | F!Trevelyan/Josephine | F!Cadash/Blackwall | Solas/M!Trevelyan (rivalmance only) | F!Rook/Tarquin/Ashur

Platonic ships:

Hawke & siblings | Trevelyan & Trevelyan (twins) | Trevelyan & Inquisition members | Rook & Veilguard members | Dorian & F!Trevelyan / Dorian & F!Rook (daughter)

OC's with descriptions & moodboards under cut:

Seong Trevelyan

Inquisitor, bard, archer rogue, proud Free Marcher (Eastern Marcher/Korean background), half Orlesian on mother's side. Romanced Dorian, close friends with Cassandra, Blackwall, and Cole, friendly with Sera and Bull, respectful of Vivienne, rivals with Solas (pre-Trespasser). Polite, mischevious, noble, bit self-righteous at times. Plays The Game well. Living in Val Royeaux as a bard/spy/gap yah student before the Conclave, was at the Conclave to search for news of his twin sister Viola who is missing and always his number one priority. Bisexual cis man.

Songs that fit this character: 'Dear Fellow Traveller' (Sea Wolf) | 'The Archer' (Taylor Swift) |'Ego' (Halsey) | 'Homesick' (Noah Kahan)

Viola Trevelyan

Twin sister of Seong, same background. Spirit mage, estranged from brother due to being found by Templars when they were teenagers, missing during half the events of Inquisition. Either got lost in the physical Fade or made temporarily Tranquil, depending on what headcanon I like best that day (sorry, Viola). Romances Josephine or Cole. Becomes close with Vivienne, and Dorian. Kind, cuttingly eloquent, practical, mischevious. Bisexual trans woman.

Songs that fit this character: 'Lonely Is The Muse' (Halsey) | 'Millions of Heartbeats' (Kate Nash) | 'right where you left me' (Taylor Swift) | 'Wax & Wane' (Alana Henderson)

Malika Cadash

Inquisitor, sword-and-shield, ex-Carta dwarf. Ruthless, cunning, practical, shy in social situations. Romanced (and pardoned) Blackwall. Close with Dorian, Cullen, and Sera. Fiercely loyal. Straight cis woman.

Songs that fit this character: 'King' (Florence & the Machine) | 'Training Montage' (The Mountain Goats) | 'A Better Son/Daughter' (Rilo Kiley) | 'Bury It' (Chvrches ft. Hayley Williams)

Camille 'Rook' Pavus

Half-elf, Shadow Dragon, artificer rogue. Adopted by Dorian Pavus aged 10 after she was discovered as the sole survivor of her Venatori mother's blood magic ritual. Shy, kind, witty, hardworking. Doesn't romance anyone in the Veilguard but has a huge crush on Tarquin (and later, Ashur). ???sexual cis woman.

Songs that fit this character: 'Quiet' (Matilda the Musical) / 'seven' (Taylor Swift) / 'Stray Italian Greyhound' (Vienna Teng) / 'Five Foot Three' (Flannel Graph) / 'The Louvre' (Lorde)

Rafe 'Rook' Thorne

Human, Grey Warden, necromancer mage. Golden retriever boy. Grew up in the Kirkwall Circle and liberated by the Mage Underground pre-rebellion. Joined the Grey Wardens to honour Anders, a personal hero. Idealistic, kind, enthusiastic. Prone to anxiety and depression. Romanced Davrin, close with Bellara and Lucanis. Gay trans man.

Songs that fit this character: 'Ship in a Bottle' (fin) | 'Theseus' (The Oh Hello's) |'My Boy Builds Coffins' (Florence & the Machine) | 'Daytona Sand' (Orville Peck)

[imakemywings]

If anon is interested, I have some sapphic Vivienne fics to rec! (oﾟvﾟ)ノ

Unravelling Stitches by adler_obssesed - Bastien/Vivienne/Nicoline - Bastien’s eyes linger on them both, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. ‘Nicoline,’ he begins, his tone almost rebuking her, ‘I thought I told you to stop borrowing things from my room.'

A Most Edible Thistle by chocochipbiscuit - Josephine/Vivienne - Artichokes, assassins, and the schoolgirl crush that Josephine never outgrew.

To Feel, Still Seeing by hornkerling - Josephine/Vivienne - “Were you aware-? …Oh, I don’t know if I should tell you.” Josephine taps her pen against the top of the desk a couple of thoughtful times and looks at Vivienne, eyes filled with giggly mirth. “At my finishing school in Val Royeaux, the girls had a habit of choosing prominent persons who figured in the societé as idols. To… dream about. Entertain girly fantasies. You, Madame, were one of them.”

Comfort by RipplesofAqua - Josephine/Vivienne - In tired moments, they find comfort from one another.

Nevarran Steel by bioticbootyshaker - Cassandra/Vivienne - Endangering her life needlessly, Cassandra realizes that the vow she made to Vivienne -- to be her Chevalier and to serve her -- is more than just some silly promise.

Tailoring Touches by barbex - Cadash/Vivienne - Lenka Cadash may be a warrior but that doesn't mean that she doesn't recognize that she looks ridiculous in the uniform for the ball at Halamshiral. Hopefully Vivienne can help.

Pretend This Isn't Bleeding by ghost_teeth - Trevelyan/Vivienne - For the first time in perhaps ten years, Vivienne considers withdrawing from a party for a breath of fresh air.

Unconquered by Chocochipbisucuit - Svarah Sun-hair/Vivienne - “Madame Vivienne, I thought—if you were Avvar, a respected warrior of another Hold who bested me in combat, it would have been simple. I would have asked if you wanted company in the bedroll and we would have had it out, one way or another. But by the Lady…” Svarah’s voice trailed, rueful. “You lowlanders distract and divert like fish in a stream.”

Late, Late Nights and Early Starts by - Leliana/Vivienne - Sleep is for those with less to do.

v excited to see you vivienne posting again!! what are some fun sapphic ships for her do you think?? I've seen a fair bit of cassandra/vivienne, but alas there's such a small amount of wlw content for her in general

hello nonnie!! i'm glad to be vivienne posting again, i missed my girl soo much, so im happy to hear it was missed!

and sapphic ships for vivienne, hrmm. i've joked around on this blog before about various ships, but there's only a small handful i really think about when it comes to her. i see the appeal of cassandra/vivienne, and i do like it! though it's not one i spin around in my head often at all. im always in support of inquisitor/vivienne ships as i think we can never have enough vivienne romancers (my current favorite inq taashath is a vivienne romancer), but in terms of canon shipping?

morrigan/vivienne is really fun to me as a rivals-to-lovers sort of deal. josephine/vivienne also has some really cute potential imo, and like i said in the tags of my other post, i really like the idea of vivienne and lydia potentially once having some sort of tension between them that never got realized. maevaris/vivienne is also fun! i am generally willing to try out most wlw ships for vivienne tho bc, like you said, we're kind of starved for it lol

[drunken-drengr]

Val Royeaux |  Ambassador Josephine Montilyet ; Inquisitor Karrie Cadash

Josephine, noble with bright acumen With grace and charm in hand Ambassador to the wealthy and shrewd And dear through the land

[doctorhawke]

another night hard at work in the character creator factory <3!!

chip cadash, warrior, they/them

val trevelyan, mage, she/her

jude trevelyan, rogue, he/him

[urdnotcadash]

| Sunshine Cadash | The Threat Remains |