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divine-donna · 10 months

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knight in shining armor

pairing: cullen rutherford x gender neutral! reader

premise: a royal au, featuring cullen as a member of your royal guard.

♡ cullen rutherford, your knight in shining armor since you were young. a righteous boy who grew up into a righteous man, protecting you from dangers beyond the walls of your castle and imperial spies.

♡ cullen rutherford, who was brash and outspoken, who would talk back to his superiors for interacting with royalty when he himself was nothing more than a peasant.

♡ cullen rutherford, a boy punished for rumors untrue.

♡ cullen rutherford, who became a knight and popular amongst your kingdom subjects.

♡ cullen rutherford, who became a hero in the war against an imposing empire that threatened to swallow your country whole. you were a hero strategist and he the heroic knight-commander.

♡ cullen rutherford, who gained a promotion from your father. “any position.” he said. it almost seemed too good to be true.

♡ cullen rutherford, who asked to be part of the royal guard. “nothing would bring me more honor than to protect you and your family, your greatness.”

♡ cullen rutherford, who also got a mabari with his promotion. he was more than ecstatic considering that he’s wanted once since he was a kid.

♡ cullen rutherford, who learns it was you who got him the mabari hound he’s wanted. your act of generosity would not go unnoticed.

♡ cullen rutherford, who participated in many tourneys representing himself. his experience gave him the upperhand against the nobles who had never even stepped foot on a battlefield.

♡ cullen rutherford, who asks for your favor. you smile cheekily and toss him the wreath of flowers. “may the maker smile upon you today.” he notices the wreath has daisies woven within it.

♡ cullen rutherford, who is assigned by your father to watch over you personally especially during the treaty signings. maker forbid something happened to you, the heir to the kingdom.

♡ cullen rutherford, who finds his love for you deepening, a love that has been building since he was a child and saw you all those years ago. he can’t help the smile that continues to form on his face. leliana and josephine are always pointing out his lovesick grin when you’re around.

♡ cullen rutherford, who continues to polish his chess skills. it drives you a little stir crazy that he has only beaten you. 10 to 0 is the current score. you’re determined to win at least one game.

♡ cullen rutherford, who finds you reading up on chess strategies and asking other people that have played him for advice on how to win. it amuses him and he decides to leave you alone.

♡ cullen rutherford, a man who feels pride when you finally beat him. you outmaneuvered him in almost every way. it was a little scary actually how you beat him.

♡ cullen rutherford, who meets you in the gardens at night. it’s just the two of you. alone. no one around. he could hear nothing but your breathing and his own and the gentle hum of insects.

♡ cullen rutherford, a boy who grew into a handsome man. the scar adorning his face added a charm to him. and his eyes were warm, gentle, inviting.

♡ cullen rutherford, whose touch put you at ease and made your skin flush. your heart would pound against your rib cage and it threatened to burst from your chest.

♡ cullen rutherford, who felt like forbidden fruit. you should be dallying someone of your status, someone born into nobility and with titles and lands. he was a man with neither (outside of his current titles, of course).

♡ cullen rutherford, who cupped your face gently. the two of you were so close. so very close. if you moved further just a little...

♡ cullen rutherford, a man surprised when he felt your lips against his. he suddenly couldn’t move, body frozen. he had become putty in your hands, maleable by your will.

♡ cullen rutherford, who kissed you back with such fervor that it felt like you were about to explode. with happiness of course.

♡ cullen rutherford, your lover. a secret affair you had to have. and sure, were you breaking your promise to your father to marry someone adequate? yes. but you knew what you felt and it would never be with any of the nobles that send proposals every day.

♡ cullen rutherford, who is content to be your lover in the shadows of the night. you were his liege. he wanted nothing to happen to you. he understood the responsibility on your shoulder.

♡ cullen rutherford, who always deflects from the rumors and questions surrounding him and his liege. people are talking. it wouldn’t be long before such whispers reached the greater nobility.

♡ cullen rutherford, who is surprised at your forwardness and openness during your name day ball. you ask him for a dance. openly. in front of all the suitors that had lined themselves up for you.

♡ cullen rutherford, who takes your hand and ignores the looks being sent his way, ignores the hushed whispers behind elegant masks and large hand fans.

♡ cullen rutherford, who utterly melts when you whisper to him, “i love you.”

♡ cullen rutherford, a man interrogated by your father because of the rumors of his liaison you. he gives vague answers that only further frustrate your father.

♡ cullen rutherford, a man saved when you enter the room and give your father clear answers. you are firm on your stance and on your love for cullen. he feels flutters in his heart watching you argue with your father. it appears you had become his knight in shining armor.

♡ cullen rutherford, a heroic knight-commander promoted to a member of the royal guard and now, your husband. he says his vows with enthusiasm and love. his whole body shakes with enthusiasm as he says, “i do.”

#dragon age #dragon age inquisition #da: inquisition #cullen rutherford #cullen rutherford headcanons #royal au #cullen rutherford x reader #x reader #female reader #male reader #gender neutral reader #romantic headcanons

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sxrensxngwrites · 8 months

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Spirit Inquisitor Headcanons

This ask comes from an anonymous user who asks: "I was wondering if I could request the inner circle reaction towards finding out that their inquisitor is a spirit like Cole, like first meeting them and how'd they get along with them or how would they treat the Quizzy after finding out, maybe the inquisitor is a 'Hope' spirit since in lore it stated Hope and Faith are very rare spirits so maybe the Inquisitor was attracted to the real world due to the hope of both templar and mages in the conclave"

I absolutely ADORED this ask and had so much fun with it. I'm even entertained by the idea of an actual oneshot or fic... And for those of you that sent in other requests, I see them! Just getting to them slowly.

WARNINGS/TAGS: Inquisitor is referred to in the 3rd person with they/them pronouns as to keep it open for everyone, Hawke has a mention and uses she/her pronouns, There's a small mention on Anders and Justice/Vengence, most of this is sweet/fluffy in my opinion

The Inquisitor wasn’t always a spirit. In the grand scheme of things, the change has been fairly new–at least compared to Cole.

They went to the Conclave to watch the discussions between the mages and the templars. Unlike many others, they were hopeful for new beginnings and opportunities that would occur as a result. However, after the Conclave exploded, they were one of the many to be caught by the wreckage.

The Fade was already very thin at the site of the explosion, due to the nature of its cause. So, it’s not unreasonable for spirits to pass through. It’s not long before a spirit of Hope finds its way through one of the many rifts, it hopeful of the same thing that the Inquisitor wanted. Having similar wants, the spirit of Hope merges with the body of the would-be Inquisitor.

When they awake, they have no recollection of who they were before—only filled with a strange sense of levity despite the awful situation they’re in. They’re a bit uncoordinated, almost like a large child that isn’t quite sure what they’re supposed to do just yet. However, after the journey to the Breach alongside Cassandra, they become more in tune with the skills of who they used to be.

In the beginning everyone is very quick to dismiss the strange behavior of the Inquisitor, chalking it up to them being shaken up from the Breach or some sort of residual magic left within them. However, as time goes on and they don’t seem to be recovering any memories, suspicions begin to arise. However, they’re such a sweet and optimistic soul, dedicated to leading the cause, that no one can stay put-off by them.

When Cole appears, there’s an immediate connection. The two are so similar it’s almost eerie. Neither seems to know exactly what they are, but they know that they are like each other. Hope and Compassion easily find a place alongside each other, and this uncanny similarity is what begins to raise Cassandra’s red flags—that it’s not just amnesia or a strange personality trait of the Inquisitor’s.

At Skyhold, the implications become far more severe. When the Inquisitor’s family writes letters and sends for them, they simply tell Josephine that they’re not quite sure who those people are or what they want. Their mother only says that the Inquisitor has the face and name of their child, but there’s a strange absence of everything else.

It’s Hawke who points it out to Varric. From the moment she meets the Inquisitor she can identify what’s wrong. At first she could never tell when Anders was truly Anders or when Justice and Vengeance had seeped into his mind, but by this point it’s burned enough into her mind that she can see it in the Inquisitor. Of course, it’s different here: whoever the Inquisitor was before, they’re very much dead—Hope now piloting the body. Hawke is relieved that they’re not fighting over control on the inside; that has been Anders’ demise after all. Varric doesn’t want to admit the similarities, too afraid to face the same situation again.

When it becomes clear that the Inquisitor is dead and they’re actually a spirit of hope, reactions are mixed among the Inner Circle.

Cassandra is very off-put initially. The concept scares her a great deal, but she eventually comes to terms with it. After all, she had begun to respect the Inquisitor for their devotion to the future. That respect couldn’t disappear at the mention of a spirit. The same could be said of Blackwall. Leliana and Josephine are also puzzled, but I think they’re both more open to it than Cassandra.

Cullen is admittedly very afraid. He’s still apprehensive of anything spirit-related since that night at the Circle Tower. However, he is won over by seeing the caring nature of the Inquisitor—and their hope for him on his journey to wellness.

Vivienne reacts very similarly to how she reacts to Cole. She’s ready to pull her support of the Inquisition immediately, but there is something about the Inquisitor that’s very endearing to her. I think their devotion to help her, even after she treated them so rudely, was enough to get her to stay.

The Inquisitor being a spirit makes no difference to Sera, Dorian, or The Iron Bull. They’ve certainly seen or heard of stranger things.

The relationship the Inquisitor has with Solas is very deep and profound. He seems to understand what’s happened almost immediately, and encourages the Inquisitor to touch into their spirit-side. Of course, he educates them on their origins and the Fade. They even journey there together many times.

Varric is still haunted by the image of Anders, so he’s hesitant to fall back into their friendship. However, after some encouragement from Hawke, he does his best to continue interacting with the Inquisitor again. It’s then that Varric realizes that he never knew who came before, but he does very much know he’s talking to in that moment—his friend, the Inquisitor.

And of course, Cole and the Inquisitor are virtually inseparable. They share such a strange coincidence, that it’s only natural they get along so well. They each understand the other and their own personal confusions, providing support for the other as they battle with the question of Who am I?

It takes a while for everyone to get used to saying it out loud: that whoever the Inquisitor used to be was actually dead a long time ago and that they had been inhabited by a spirit for as long as they had known them. But after they say it out loud, they realize it doesn’t make too much of a difference. Just as Varric realizes, everyone else does too; Their friend isn’t the body, but the Hope inhabiting it.

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andraste-preserve-us · 7 months

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Ok but putting a cloak on someone is so personal. The other person has to wrap it around you in almost a hug-like position, then readjust it on your shoulders so it sits right, then get in close to clasp it around your neck, and just imagining Cullen wrapping his cloak around you/your Inquisitor UGH

#dragon age inquisition #cullen rutherford #dai #commander cullen #cullen x inquisitor #dragon age #da #cullen x reader #cullen x trevelyan #cullen x lavellan #commander cullen imagine #commander cullen headcanon #cullen rutherford imagine #cullen rutherford headcanon #cullen rutherford x reader

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bogunicorn · 10 months

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Inquisition companion coffee orders and how they'd be at a coffee shop, based on the less than a year I spent working at fake starbucks many years ago. In a different order than my last post, just for the hell of it. Some of these are based on real customers that I still remember. I wrote this at 5am when I was high and unable to sleep so keep that in mind if you think I'm wrong. I'm not wrong but you should keep it in mind. H'kay let's go

Josephine: large americano, extra shots, cream and sugar and sometimes a shot of a seasonal flavor if it's a special day. She comes in twice a day, she tips, and the baristas are all trying to figure out how she hasn't had a heart attack yet from having that much caffeine every day. Staff knows her name and likes her.

Dorian: Iced white chocolate mocha. It's the only thing he gets. He will not drink it hot. He will not try a different flavor. He shows up in the morning and orders two, one with ice and one without, and be puts the one without ice in the fridge to drink later. Staff knows him on sight, but they make him state his order every day as if they don't because he doesn't tip.

Varric: regular brewed coffee, but he likes to hang out at the cafe, work on his books, meet with people, etc. He's really nice, he over tips, and sometimes the staff "forgets" to charge him for a refill. He also orders whatever food they're running out of because he figures that means it's popular and therefore good.

Solas: Decaf brewed coffee, and then he puts a disgusting amount of sugar and cream into it. He actually hates coffee and refuses to drink caffeine, but he doesn't come for the drinks, he comes to people watch and do life drawings. He needs the coffee so he has a purchase that can reasonably last him hours before he's expected to spend more money, and hot coffee won't leave condensation on the table and get his paper wet. Staff knows him and their advice to each other is not to ask him questions because he will answer you, at length, in great detail, if it's something he knows about. But he occasionally just puts a couple 20s in the tip jar, so they've decided he's cool but kind of a weird nerd.

Blackwall: Seems like he'd be a "just a NORMAL COFFEE" kind of guy, but he's actually one of the staff's favorite customers. He's some kind of blue collar worker who comes in on the way to work and on the way home, and he gets the same thing every day: regular hot latte in the morning, decaf hot latte at night. He's always there at rush times, but he's polite and he tips even when service is crowded and messy. The baristas start making his coffee when we walks in the door if they notice him, so he rarely has to wait, but he seems flattered and grateful every time.

Sera: Her order is different every time she comes in and it's always something all fucked up and weird. Half the time she just shows them a screenshot on her phone of some complicated meme recipe from TikTok, or she wants whatever technicolor monstrosity frappuccino that's on special. The staff dreads her order, but she also has a habit of getting belligerent with customers who give the staff a hard time, so they're pretty sure Sera is like a part time security guard who demands meme drinks in payment. They're allowed to complain about her if they want, but they'll malicious compliance the fuck out or anyone else who does.

Iron Bull: He doesn't have a single go-to order, but he's nice and likes to ask the staff for recommendations if it's not too busy and lets them test new recipes on him. He always tries the seasonal flavors at least once. Sometimes he comes in with a group of friends who look like trouble on first glance, but Bull pays for them all at once, doesn't let them order blended drinks, and always makes sure they clean up after themselves, so it's okay.

Cullen: Just a NORMAL COFFEE. He's totally overwhelmed by the amount of choices, but this is the closest place to his office and getting out to buy coffee is his excuse to take a break and stretch his legs. The staff knows him and actually responds to "just a normal coffew" because it's too much trouble to interrogate him about which roast or what size cup, because last time he said, "I don't know, something dark? Whatever has the most caffeine in just a regular size to go cup." He's been drinking a medium blonde roast for years and still doesn't know what blonde roast is, save that he thinks he doesn't like it.

Leliana: Two shots of espresso over ice. Leliana had shit to do and she needs that caffeine in her body as fast as possible. The ice is there to keep her from burning her mouth off. She drinks it like it's whiskey and throws out her cup without even breaking stride.

Cole: Year round pumpkin spiced latte. If they're out of the syrup, he gets the cheapest thing on the menu, no add ins, and then doesn't drink it. He rarely comes in on his own; Cole is usually there with a friend and is aware that it's rude to be there without buying, but the pumpkin spice is the only thing he actually likes. He's polite but he creeps out the other customers with his thousand yard stare.

Cassandra: London Fog, but she never remembers what it's called. She drinks it because she wasn't sure and someone recommended it, but the name just will not stick in her head. She orders it as "hot Earl Grey tea with milk", she listens every time they say "okay, so a London Fog", but by the next time she's in she's forgotten. It's not really a big deal, though, she seems pretty overworked. At this point the staff would be sad if she did remember, honestly.

Vivienne: "The Usual". Literally only one barista knows her order, because it's some customized thing that that specific barista made for her once ages ago. Viv knows what's it in but she will not tell you because she doesn't trust anyone but that one barista to make it. If her regular person isn't around, she just gets a hot latte with sugar free vanilla. That one barista also won't tell you what's in it, but that's because Vivienne tips them directly instead of in the jar and they don't want to ruin a good thing.

**also if you like this and think "i'm gonna give this fine person a follow because they're so funny about dragon age", i made a new DA sideblog at @skyholdstarbucks where i'd post anything similar to this in the future

#bog post #i need a dedicated tag for these if I'm gonna keep doing them #dragon age #dai #cullen rutherford #leliana #josephine montilyet #cassandra pentaghast #blackwall #the iron bull #varric tethras #sera #cole #solas #vivienne de fer #dorian pavus #da headcanons

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thatwavephenomenon · 2 months

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The concept of Inquisitor Anders (and Justice) is so special to me actually. Everyone agree that everything the "regular" Inquisitor goes through/accomplishes is already mind-blowing. But for Anders to be the Inquisitor? The stakes would be even more impossible.

Anders thought he was going to die for what he had done, but Hawke spared him. After that he has to go on with no plan whatsoever, as best as he can while on the run as one of the most wanted man in Thedas. The only thing that is clear to him is that he has to keep helping the mage rebellion until he is either caught and killed, or until his Calling. All he has is borrowed time. So even as a fugitive, Anders' story is likely already written and over.

And then the Conclave happens, and Anders not only has his eyes glow blue sometimes, but he now has an occasionally green glowy hand as well.

So here he is, Anders the apostate, Anders the Kirkwall Chantry criminal, who has nothing but with *everything* to prove.

Remember. This is the man that gave everything that he had, everything he was to his cause. He fought for *years* in Kirkwall with his clinic, his manifesto, with the Mages Underground and still things worsened, with barely anyone listening to him until he blew the Chantry up. And now he has to convince everyone that he isn't responsible for the explosion at the Conclave? Right, as if his track record would permit that. How could he possibly be able to close the breach in the sky when he was the one who started the war between the templars and the mages in the first place?

The regular Inquisitor already has trouble proving themselves trustworthy at the beginning of DAI, so imagine it now with Anders. People would literally be out for blood. The Chantry would not only discredit the Inquisition as heretics, it would call for his immediate dissolution/destruction. Anders would also try to help all the refugees just like before in Kirkwall, while being the very reason these people lost so much in the first place this time.

Now on to the advisors and companions. How would Leliana, who also walk the path of violence for her cause, who is pro-mages but also had great faith in Justinia, interact with Anders? Even if Cullen has left the templars, could he and Anders even manage to cooperate after everything? Especially considering that Cullen was Meredith's second and the one who dismantled Anders' Mages Underground? How would Josephine and Anders work together to promote their cause, with how Anders must regard nobility after living in Darktown for years or after watching Kirkwall nobles interact with Hawke?

After investigating what happened in Kirkwall, Cassandra would probably be more than wary of Anders. But at the same time in DAI she is among the first ones to believe that the character must be the Herald of Andraste. I imagine that Cassandra would be particularly conflicted on how to treat Anders because of this.

Varric. Anders was his friend. Anders is the one who set Kirkwall on fire. For all that they know each other, things would probably still be tense between them at first. Varric also followed Hawke to see him rise from having barely anything to his name to becoming the Champion of Kirkwall. What would he think about Anders, a companion of the initial protagonist (or even protagonists, if you take into account DA Awakening), when he's now taking a path that seems to lead him towards becoming so much more? Especially considering that in DAI Varric struggles with how to perceive the Inquisitor, having to juggle between seeing the character as his friend (if you have a good relationship with him) and seeing them as an icon, the Herald of Andraste.

Anders and Vivienne would absolutely despise each other and their snark matches would be the stuff of legends. The only reason those two could even work together is if they agree that closing the breach takes priority over everything else.

I imagine that Anders, Justice and Solas would have some interesting conversations about spirits and the Fade while also butting heads on a lot of things. Both would be convinced that they are the authority on these subjects. But perhaps they would learn to eventually concede on some things with time.

I think Sera would really like Anders for his continued dedication towards helping people and his insistance to give up what he has for others. Sera's fear of magic and Anders absolute pro-mages stance would definitely cause more than one row between them however. Not to mention Justice. Their relationship would be one of the most interesting there in my opinion.

Blackwall would also be another greatly interesting character to watch interact with Inquisitor Anders. Anders would be able to tell that Blackwall is bullshitting about being a Warden from the get-go, because he was one and can sense the taint. Those two would definitely have some interesting debates on justice (and with Justice), or talks about how to go on and do good after having committed an atrocious crime. Blackwall's admiration for the Grey Wardens versus Anders "Oh yeah, I was a Warden once, then I just quit" attitude would also result in some great banters I'm sure.

Anders would say to Iron Bull that he is very different from all the other Qunaris that were in Kirkwall, though I don't know how that conversation would go. Iron Bull would also definitely be afraid of Justice. I can see him adressing the question/problem of Anders being an "abomination" quite directly, because he is not comfortable with spirits/demons that are capable of taking over someone's mind, and Anders is a living proof of that fear. Despite this, I like to imagine that Justice would actually grow to respect the Iron Bull in some parts after hearing the Chargers' stories about him and seeing how protective of them Iron Bull is.

Despite their different upbringings, I think Dorian would somewhat remind Anders of himself when we was younger/before he merged with Justice. If Hawke isn't a mage, I can imagine Anders' relief and joy about finally being able to talk to someone about magic normally and openly. They would have conversations about Tevinter, politics, etc. In DAI, the Inquisitor can inspire Dorian and support him in his fight to change Tevinter. With Anders as the Inquisitor, this aspiration for social changes could be even more relevant.

Cole and Anders/Justice interactions would be another cool thing to see. Justice would recognize Cole as a spirit of Compassion right away. Despite their differences as spirits, I could see Justice becoming quite protective of Cole and defending him against people like Cassandra or Vivienne, having an unfortonate amount of experience being treated as a "demon" or "abomination". Cole would also try to help Anders with his guilt of course.

Discovering that Corypheus is their enemy would be less of a "oh it's him again/oh okay this is the villain" moment and become a lot more personal, with the worry that Anders could fall under his control if he is not strong enough.

Meeting Hawke once again in Skyhold would be An Event for sure, espeeecially if Hawke and Anders were (are?) in a romance. I'm letting everyone imagine how that would go with their own Hawke here.

And The Choice in the Fade, you know the one, would be even more heart-wrenching. Particularly if the Warden is someone that Anders knows, like Nathaniel Howe or even the Hero of Ferelden/Warden-Commander.

Bonus: Anders could also meet Fenris by chance during a mission to eliminate some Venatori.

Anyways. I really like the idea of Inquisitor Anders, yes.

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demigoddessqueens · 1 year

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oh i got one. Dragon age with Solas, Cassandra, Varric, Cullen, Josephine, Leliana, iron bull, and Sera.

Where their inquisitor!S/O has a identical twin to the point it's uncanny. And when said twin came for a surprise visit, they both decided to prank everyone by appearing in separate places so it would look like the inquisitor was in two different places at once. How long did it take before they realize that there were two of them.

Hahahaha! I love it 🤣 Twin shenanigans

Solas - he’s not so easily tricked, but finds you and your twin’s antics humorously endearing

Cassandra - she was surprised at first but after the few times you two prank her, she’s all like “ok haha 😒 very funny”

Varric - he thought he noticed something was different at first, but caught on pretty quick when the three of you had a good laugh over it

Cullen - you’re going to give him a heart attack!! But now he’s double thinking everything like “was that then I kissed or their twin?”

Josephine - takes her a bit of a while but she started picking up on it, with the little mannerisms here and there. Surprised when she figures it out but excited to meet your twin!

Leliana - busy AF so she gets frazzled about it at first, “wait you were there?” “Now you’re here?!”, until you reveal to her it’s your twin. “Oh it’s so nice to finally meet you! I’ve heard so much!”

Iron Bull - he’s perceptive about these things so he also figures it out three of you have a good laugh about the pranks you’ve all pulled in the past

Sera - oh she’s loving this!! Finally two more people who can be her prank buddies in Sky Hold

#dragon age #dragon age inquisition #inbox request #headcanons #dragon age x reader #cullen rutherford #solas #my writing #varric tethras #dai #dragon age iron bull #dragon age sera #cassandra dragon age #cassandra x reader #josephine dragon age #leliana dragon age #solas x reader #cullen rutherford x reader #dragon age inquistor

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bigfan-fanfic · 11 months

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A Stolen Kiss (Male!Reader x Cullen Rutherford)

Can I request a fic where Cullen mets the reader when he was in the circle tower and they kinda live this forbidden love, sneaking back to kiss, but during the blight, the reader escapes the tower and they just meet again during the Inquisition. Cullen, however, is kinda embarrassed to talk with him again because of how he treated mages in Kirkwall but they eventually date again, please?

He tastes like mint.

He just likes to be fresh when you get to kiss, so he makes a habit of chewing on the mint leaves he can pilfer from the greenhouse rooms where the mages practice their plant magic.

There's an alcove where the patrols rarely go. It's hard not to feel like it's a betrayal when you take him there, but it's love, in this dark tower, it's a blindingly bright light in a life where you have none, so how can you resist?

Everything has been taken from you. Family, life, freedom. So when Cullen lets you take the lead, when his lips part at the slightest prompting from your tongue or teeth worrying his lip, it almost feels like the Maker giving you everything you missed out on.

You've never seen him without his armor, nor he you without your robes - there are whispers that the Templar recruits train shirtless outside the tower, but the windows start on an upper floor, and they don't let you see the sun. And yet there's something about it that makes this feel so intimate.

Your fingers tangle in his curly hair, and he moans when you tug it, just rough enough not to be considered gentle, but not rough enough to cause any pain.

"I love you" is said, because how can it not be? This is the only kind of love you'll ever get to have in this tower. A forbidden, clandestine love with a man who tastes of mint, who kisses you desperately, who cannot let himself lose control and gently bite you without uttering a prayer to the Maker and Lady.

But he finally finds a way, pulls you into a discreet broom closet and asks - more like begs, really - to touch you.

It's awkward and uncomfortable in there, but you get his armor off and marvel at him and his tanned skin and his muscles, and he gently removes your robes and what you two do cannot technically be called making love, because it's over too quickly, but you two hold each other close and it's even better, your lips finding his skin, your body protected and warm in his embrace.

He whispers "I love you" against your skin so many times you lose count...

but then, during the Blight, there's a chance. An opening as demons overtake the Circle, and you flee.

Even ten years of apostasy later, you still can remember that first time touching grass on the outside.

The Inquisition needs the help of mages. That's why you go. Not because it's pretty famously Cullen that's their armed force commander.

You accept that he's busy, but after a few weeks go by, it's pretty obvious that he's avoiding you.

So you go to find him.

He looks at you with a bit of... shame? Fear?

"Cullen... it's been a long time."

"I... you haven't changed a bit."

"Really? I feel like I have."

"You still light up a room the way you always have when you walk in."

He blushes after blurting that. Such an honest and eloquent response.

"You knew I was here."

"Yes, but... I wished to respect your distance."

"Distance?"

"I'm sure you... heard of what happened. In Kirkwall... and Kinloch. What I did. What I proposed to do."

"I did. But I also heard that you've... that the Inquisition was helping mages."

"Against my recommendation, I'm sorry to say."

"And you're still forthright to a fault, I see."

"I looked for you. At Kinloch. I thought you were dead."

"I'm sorry."

"I'm glad you did. My fear of magic... of mages. It's... I need to make an effort. To know mages. To understand that - that maleficarum and abominations are an exception and not the rule. That mages are just people. Just people trying to survive, like everyone else."

"Do you still dream of me, Cullen?"

"Yes." he breathes. "Often."

"Look, Cullen. It's been a while, I know. How about... we get to know each other. Outside of the Order. Outside of the Circle. Just us."

"I... would appreciate that chance. Though it may be short-lived, with our battle with Corypheus on the horizon."

"Then let's make the most of it."

"As always, you are right."

You whisper "I love you" as you leave, eager to start your second chance.

Unbeknownst to you, he whispers it at the exact same time.

#cullen rutherford x reader #cullen x male reader #dragon age x reader #dragon age x male reader #dragon age headcanons #headcanons #male reader

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ceo-of-sloppy-men · 2 months

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You ever think how Cullen chose the room with a hole in it probably because then he genuinely knows he’s free? Like, sure, Templars often joined of their own volition but that lyrium has to wear away at anyones resolve after a while until you felt like a prisoner to it and the chantry. Being kept in a stuffy tower would only lead him to associate that warmth and comfort with that point in his life if it goes on long enough, so Cullen probably chose that room specifically because of the draft. He keeps it deliberately uncomfortable. That’s why there’s no “repair Cullen’s room” upgrade in Skyhold. He needs the constant reminder he’s free.

#cullen rutherford #dragon age inquisition #headcanon #da:i Headcanons

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videogame-ocs · 11 months

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Dragon Age characters IRL#1: protagonists and love interests:

So I recently (like last year) discovered Artbreeder and so decided I’d make a series of some of the dragon age characters as I’d imagine them to look, in real life.

Amelia Cousland* & Alistair Theirin:

*Normally, Amelia’s hair would be up in a braided bun but I couldn’t get the bun to work on her portrait so, enjoy Amelia without her hair down.

Freya Hawke & Anders:

Anya Trevelyan & Cullen Rutherford:

#da: inquisition #dragon age #cullen x inquisitor #dragon age inquisition #dragon age origins #cullen x trevelyan #inquisitor trevelyan #dragon age hawke #da headcanon #alistair x cousland #alistair theirin #anders dragon age #cullen rutherford #hero of ferelden #hawke x anders

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andrastes-strap-on · 1 year

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The Inquisition Rides A Dragon

Cassandra: my god. She effortlessly glides that beast through the sky. You can’t even ride a horse that well. You have no idea she’s screaming in her mind

Cullen: takes a while to get on, and manages a good while before the dragon purposely shakes him off. Don’t worry, he lives

Varric: refuses. Busy watching Cullen fall off from his deck chair, drink in hand, sunglasses on

Solas: confidence is peaking. Instantly falls off

Cole: he hasn’t climbed on yet. Wait is he… talking to the dragon? Is he befriending the dragon? Oh. He appears to be going for a walk with the dragon to discuss dreams and fears… you didn’t know the dragon had those

Dorian: too busy tryna look seductive on the dragon’s back that when take off comes he is left behind

Iron Bull: cums instantly

Josephine: too timid and scared to get on the dragon. Needs encouragement. Eventually they take off and she immediately goes to burn down a village. She had her reasons… you think

Sera: talks big game. Dragon kicks her in the face. Hospitalised for a week. Insists she won that fight

Leliana: uses this time when everyone’s distracted by dragon riding to have a little self care

Vivienne: organised the self care. Dragons are so vulgar

#don’t take this too seriously I’m being silly #dragon age headcanon #dragon age #dragon age inquisition #cassandra pentaghast #cullen rutherford #varric tethras #solas #dragon age solas #cole #dragon age cole #dorian pavus #the iron bull #josephine montilyet #sera #dragon age sera #leliana #dragon age leliana #vivienne de fer

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sxrensxngwrites · 9 months

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The Inner Circle Crushing on Someone from a Different Background -- Part Two

this request comes from anon, who asks: 'Head canons for the main dragon age squard (if you feel up to it of course!!!!) About them crushing on someone from a different background (example: cullen and someone rich)'

I ended up splitting this up because I got carried away... my bad. If you want any of these to be revisited or you want me to go into more detail, feel free to shoot me another ask! The same can be said if you want DA characters from different games.

Part One (Blackwall, Cassandra, Cole) Part Two (Cullen, Dorian, The Iron Bull) Part Three (Josephine, Leliana, Sera)

CULLEN:

Cullen’s family had many mouths to feed, but they never tried to make their kids feel like they were missing out on anything. However, as Cullen got older he began to realize how difficult it was for his parents. This led him to joining the Templars; working in the order was a very consistently paying job that gave him places to sleep, so he could very easily send money back to his family. Even after he leaves the Templars and joins the Inquisition, he finds himself double checking his finances out of habit. The Inquisition is tighter on money and resources in the beginning, so suddenly he’s back to watching every coin that comes into his possession.

Enter the object of his affection: a person who never had to worry about money ever before. They’re likely related to some nobility, whether it be from Ferelden or otherwise. Money had been a given, so they’re very quick to buy drinks for the whole Inner Circle or give out money to the villagers of Haven. Cullen admires their generosity, but it hurts him greatly to watch them treat their money with such irreverence. He wishes it didn’t bother him as much as it does. As Cullen begins to catch feelings, the formalities aren’t what trips up their relationship. In fact, they have little to no meaning after a month or so of knowing each other.

However, now that they’re a full member of the Inquisition and the strains of the job are becoming more apparent, money is becoming an issue. Their family isn’t exactly pleased that they’ve spent family money on the ragtag Inquisition–it being seen as sacrilege at that point. So, their family cuts them off, forcing them to learn how to spend their resources wisely. As sad as it is for them (and disappointing for the Inquisition to be losing such an important donor), Cullen is somewhat relieved. Now he doesn’t have to watch them throw away their money as if it has no value.

They come together over it actually, Cullen giving sound advice on rationing their money and picking up jobs to help around Haven. Although it frustrated him initially, he finds their eagerness to learn rather endearing. They spend regular time together, Cullen teaching what he’s picked up about finances and them telling stories of their upbringing. They begin to understand one another better, and Cullen is sure that he’s smitten. Eventually–when money and war isn’t the primary focus of either of their lives–they decide to stay together after the Breach has been dealt with and pool their remaining savings together.

DORIAN:

Growing up as a son of a Tevinter Magister, Dorian had quite a lot of resources at his beck and call. However, he never let that deter his outlook on other people. There might be some disagreements here and there, but Dorian never let it dictate who he kept in his company–especially after he left Tevinter for Ferelden and Orlais.

Most everyone in Dorian’s early life was a mage, so it wasn’t unsurprising to him that he would be attracted to a mage when he ran away further south. However, his new romantic interest was unlike any Tevinter Mage. After the fall of many of the Ferelden circles, it was only natural that they’d be deemed an apostate. They had to travel light, but it wasn’t like they ever had much to their name to begin with. That had been taken away before they even made it to the Circle.

Dorian, while he doesn’t hide his standing, also doesn’t wave it in his peers’ faces to make them feel less than. His companion, on the other hand, is still afraid of announcing their mage status in the post-circle world of Ferelden. Upon their meeting, however, the two connect over their different relationships with magic. They share anecdotes, stories, and theories, ultimately bonding over a shared academic interest. Dorian sees them as an equal from the beginning.

Everything goes swimmingly until it becomes apparent how much sway Dorian’s family has in Tevinter. Still afraid of being found by any remaining Templars, his crush is cautious of any sort of fame. Even if it includes being involved with the son of a Tevinter Magister. It likely separates the two for a while, but then they each remember what brought them together in the first place: the possibilities of what could be in the future. Abandoning fear, the two rejoin together, seeking new avenues for each of them to progress their spheres of influences.

THE IRON BULL:

The Iron Bull was raised inside the Qun, following it up until it came in the way of him and The Chargers. Even then, it greatly influences how he interacts with others. For Bull, romantic and intimate relationships are a need to be fulfilled rather than a connection between people.

Most cultures outside of the Qun think the opposite of intimacy: that it’s a special connection between people rather than a need to be fulfilled. Bull has met many people who think this way, but even then most of them are willing for their relationship to be short-lived. However, Bull meets a special someone that he has no intent of romancing: they’re a diplomatic bard in the court of Orlais with a soft spot for the romantic.

They initially meet when the Bull’s Chargers are stationed in Orlais. Bull’s interest in them is initially surface level–a few interactions that will eventually fizzle out as he moves on to someone else. Little does he know, they’re very incapable of something as mild as a fling. So a friendship begins, Bull being filled in on all the Orlesian gossip by his new friend. A physical relationship might even begin, but Bull’s new “friend” is ever the romantic, and is severely disappointed when it doesn’t turn into a love to last all ages. When the Chargers are called away on business, they part ways.

They’re reunited once again when Leliana and Josephine call an old friend to the Inquisition–and Bull is met with a broken heart he left back in Orlais. Of course, they’re very aware that the misunderstanding is their fault, but that doesn’t make it hurt any less. Over time, they learn to forgive Bull and see him as a friend. After everything is said and done, I believe Bull reframes the way he’s the world–now having chosen his friends over the Ben-Hassrath. Once he’s had some time to reassess who he really is and who he wants, he might let the romantic have another try.

PART ONE | PART TWO | PART THREE

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andraste-preserve-us · 1 year

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Cullen’s partner putting the gel in his hair for him and then giving him a little kiss on the forehead while he’s all 🥹

#dragon age inquisition #cullen rutherford #dai #commander cullen #dragon age #cullen x inquisitor #cullen rutherford x inquisitor #cullen rutherford x reader #cullen rutherford imagine #commander cullen imagine #cullen rutherford headcanon #commander cullen headcanon

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loveandfictionforall · 1 year

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Heey, how are you going? Could I request a fluffy prompt with Cullen (dragon age), winking at reader in public and them getting flustered as heck? Maybe while they have a meeting or something? Thank you!!

Cullen is my baby boi 🥹 Together with Dorian 🥹

I am doing absolutely good right now. Laying in bed with my bf, writing is a bit difficult because he wants to cuddle and sleep and I want to write 😂 Otherwise, well, gotta work tomorrow and I am not ready for it again 😅 How about you?

As the inquisitor your life was not easy. You had many things do to, some which made you very uncomfortable. Like right now, talking with people and trying to find a way with all the different opinions. Deciding for all of you made you still uneasy, the pressure was real and one mistake could lead to a lot of deaths.

You were standing at the war table, together with Leliana, Josephine and Cullen. Cullen, your boyfriend or rather man? He was your anchor with all this shit happening. Sometimes shy, sometimes very bold.

Right now, he seemed to be very bold, always searching your gaze, sending you small smiles which always made you look away.

Right now, you were speaking, voicing your opinion if you should go to the Western Approach or not. Voicing your opionion against Cassandra seemed sometimes impossible when she seemed to judge you with her very eyes.

When speaking, you always made sure to look everyone into the eyes, making sure that everyone was following your, just as you learned from your father who tended to be very strict in his lessons and regarding if you were listening or not.

As your gaze met each one of your friends, you finally looked your gaze with Cullen. Cullen who send you a smirk which made your knees go weak. You could feel hiw your heartbeat was quickening but you still managed to form your sentences.

But then he winked. He winked at you, with a crooked smirk and every word you had in your mind flew out of the window. You could feel how your checks began to darken, especially as Leliana pinned you down with her firm and strict gaze. You had no words left as you quickly looked to the side, avoiding any looks you recived. And so you missed Josephines and Lelianas looks between the two of them while Cullen stood proudly, arms behind his back and still smirking.

"Do you want to say something?", finally Josephine asked you. And you could hear her smirk and imagine how her eyesbrows were lifted high. Your checks darkened a bit more.

#dragon age: inquistion headcanon #dragon age: inquisition cullen #da:i #da:i cullen #dragon age inquistion #dragon age: inquistion x reader #cullen rutherford #cullen rutherford x you #cullen rutherford x reader

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bogunicorn · 10 months

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i'm bored so it's time to throw rocks*, here are the types of reality tv/game shows i think the inquisition companions would watch

cassandra would watch one of those romance ones, like too hot to handle or love is blind, and get really, really invested. she's active on the reddits for her favorite shows. all of the cheesy, painfully heterosexual-but-strangely-sanitized reality TV horniness works well on her, she's the intended audience 100%. she's genuinely sad about it when couples break up after the show ends.

varric likes interpersonal dramas and gossip and backstabbing, he watches the vh1 dating shows. he knows most of it is fake, but that's what he likes about it, and he appreciates the classics. anything with "of love" in it, he loves it, he's there. he thinks newer shows work too hard to convince people they're actually real because he thinks embracing the fakeness makes it more fun.

solas has been watching reality tv since the OG: survivor. he's seen every season. he has very strong opinions about play strategies and a personal ranking of the best players of all time just ready to go if you just ask. he's convinced he would win if he was on it, but deep deep down he knows he would never get the votes to win at the end because he'd be seen as a villain and won't apply.

vivienne thinks she's above this kind of garbage tv, but she actually really likes the masked singer. she's pretty good at guessing the celebrities, but she doesn't put much effort into guessing after a point. she's in it entirely to relax and quietly fantasize about being on it herself, because so much of her life is about playing games of intrigue and survival and perception. she records the episodes and skips most of the judging because she doesn't think the judges are funny and gets annoyed when they make stupid guesses.

sera likes the obstacle course-type shows like wipeout and the floor is lava. anything where people have to come up with creative solutions and also might get hit with a giant thing made of foam and get smacked around like a rag doll. sera has been trying to convince people to team up with her and apply for this type of show for ages and it never works out. she also likes the really weird off-brand ones that only ever get one season, like who wants to be a superhero or opposite worlds.

blackwall likes the circle. he always quietly roots for the catfish. no reason.

iron bull is a drag race superfan. come on, one of them had to be. he's been watching since the season 1 vaseline filter days. he approaches each new season with the masculine seriousness of a suburban dad planning a fantasy sports lineup and correctly predicts every winner three episodes in. he would absolutely volunteer for a makeover episode if he could. his favorite queens are usually the pageant queens; he likes the sparkly ones, and the pageant queens always end up covered in rhinestones.

dorian loves innovation and being judgy, so he loves shark tank and anything similar. he enjoys episodes with absolutely terrible inventions just as much as the good ones, and is the kind of viewer who actually will go ahead and buy something he saw on the show -- including the really stupid ones, because he gives them to his friends as joke gifts.

cole watches those shows that are equal parts talent competition and sappy backstories, like american idol, x-factor, the voice, stuff like that. he always cries a little when someone does a ballad. he never votes because he can never decide who deserves to win the most, and he doesn't watch the results shows because they make him too sad.

cullen watches HGTV and gets belligerent if you point out that house hunters is fake. unclear if that's because he thinks you're being a wet blanket or because it was news to him and he doesn't want to admit it.

josephine likes strategy and competition, but the grime, physical danger, and "eat this gross thing" challenges of survivor aren't fun to her. instead, she's really into big brother. josephine is convinced that she would win big brother if she was ever on it, and she's correct, but she can't take the time off work.

leliana is an OG ANTM fan. she'll dabble in other shows that center on makeup and fashion, but she always ends up going back to the classics and the older seasons, as she feels like the current era of ANTM is too gimmicky and self-aware. the human rights violations are allowed if they make good TV.

*this is for fun don't actually throw things at me please

**also if you like this and think "i'm gonna give this fine person a follow because they're so funny about dragon age", i made a new DA sideblog at @skyholdstarbucks where i'd post anything similar to this in the future

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pinayelf · 2 years

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Drew Immy in another precolonial Bisayan inspired outfit, this time more formal and based off what the upper classes wore. I also drew Cullen in Celtic inspired clothing because I like the Irish Cullen headcanons ❤️

Another take on Halamshiral outfits perhaps?

#cullen rutherford #inquisitor lavellan #cullavellan #cullen x inquisitor #cullen x lavellan #lavellan #dragon age inquistion #dai #dragon age #art tag #cullen x imryll #imryll lavellan #shoutout to Laura and kat for Irish Cullen headcanons

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trevelyawn · 3 months

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Gwendolyn steps into the cold. The sun hangs low, casting shadows over Skyhold. She rests crossed arms on rough stone and admires the people's hard work. Messengers are frantic, hurrying between advisors with concerns and queries; soldiers are patrolling the outer walls, acquainting themselves with the perimeter, committing each loose slab and crumbling parapet to memory; labourers chat amongst themselves as they assemble scaffolding. Those without a specific purpose, but with a desire to be of use, busy about, shuffling supplies between tents and buildings. Gwen feels pride swell in her chest. This is the Inquisition; her Inquisition.

Her attention is drawn by blond curls. The Commander is in the lower courtyard, barking orders at soldiers and messengers alike. He leans against a desk, scrolls pushed to the side as he consults an old map. Using two fingers, he points here and there, ushering workers away with new tasks. Gwen makes her way down the stone steps, unconscious effort pushing her to his side.

She approaches from his left, watches as he sends an idling messenger away. He sees her draw near and straightens, hands coming to rest over the pommel of his sword.

“We set up as best we could at Haven, but we could never prepare for an Archdemon- or whatever it was. With some warning, we might have...” he trails off. Gwen lets the breath she hadn't realised she'd been holding out.

“Do you ever sleep?” Cullen's lack of sleep is evident by the purple-grey bags. He avoids the question.

“If Corypheus strikes again, we may not be able to withdraw... and I wouldn't want to. We must be ready. Work on Skyhold is underway. Guard rotations are established. We should have everything on course within the week. We will not run from here, Inquisitor.”

She still wasn't used to the title. It sounded wrong. “Inquisitor Trevelyan,” she says quietly, sighing. “It sounds odd, don't you think?”

“Not at all.”

She raises a brow, unconvinced. This had to be just as odd for Cullen as it was for her. They had known each other before; before Corypheus, before Kirkwall, before Blight. She attempts humour. “Is that the official response?”

He laughs. Success. “I suppose it is, but it's the truth. We needed a leader, you have proven yourself.” She smiles at that, thinking back to their last words before she had left to face the unknown, willing and expecting to lay down her life. What about you? He had worried.

“Thank you, Cullen.” A pause. “Our escape from Haven... it was close. I am relieved that you- that so many made it out,” she corrects herself. Heat rises beneath pale skin and she knows that her cheeks are already flush.

“As am I.” Gwen is content to leave it at that and she turns to leave. She stops when a hand closes around her wrist, the touch feather-light as though Cullen was unsure of what he was doing, unable to stop himself from reaching out. “You stayed behind.” His voice cracks, hitches. “You could have-”

Trembling hands move to take Cullen's from her wrist and she holds him gently. With slender fingers she traces faded scars stretched across his knuckles and she looks up at him. Blue meets brown. “I found a way.”

#headcanon: my inqy is a circle mage who has known cullen since her early teens #my writing #cullen #cullen rutherford #cullen x inquisitor #cullen x trevelyan #dragon age inquisition #inquisitor trevelyan #dragon age #cullen x mage trevelyan

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