#erlend holgerson

[commander-passiflora]

Miscommunication

Day 2 of Valentine’s fic week! Today’s prompt is Memorable Dates, so this is kind of a brief history of Toril’s relationship with Erlend, who eventually becomes her husband, but this is like. Early early days kinda thing. This is like awkward baby Toril though, before she was all confidence and swagger. It was really fun to play with that part of her history!!

Again, this is also posted on ao3, so here’s a link for that for anyone who prefers. Thanks for reading! <3

“Hi, um, is this--sorry, I’ve never been to Lion’s Arch before. I’m looking for a blacksmith?”

Erlend sighed from his place behind the counter. Normally at this time of day, he’d have someone else watch for customers while he tended the forge, but right now he was working on a design for a rather expensive axe someone had commissioned, so he had the distinct pleasure of fielding stupid questions from random LA tourists.

“Well, I’m a blacksmith, and this is my shop, but--” he said, turning to face the woman.

What he saw stopped him dead in his tracks.

She was large, tall even for a norn, with silver hair down to the small of her back, held neatly in a braid. She didn’t fit in with the tourist crowd in the slightest--this was a woman on a mission, that he could be certain of. She was clad in heavy, bulky combat armor, with a shabby iron sword strapped to either hip, and her eyes held...something. Something he couldn’t put words to. A power.

“But…?” the woman echoed as he stared at her, wide-eyed.

“But...it’s very dependent on what kind of services you’re looking for,” Erlend said, shaking his head to bring him back to reality. “My prices are a bit steep for the average adventurer.”

“Ah, well, it’s a good thing I’m not the average adventurer then,” she said with a smile that he could’ve sworn stopped his heart for a second or two. “You wouldn’t happen to be Erlend Holgerson?” 

“That’d be me,” he said. “I take it you’re here to commission something, then, if you’re seeking me out specifically.”

“That I am,” the woman said, reaching out a hand for him to shake. “Name’s Toril. Tainesdottir. I saw you eyeing my swords, and that is exactly why I’m here. They’re terrible. I need better ones.”

“Well, it’s a pleasure to meet you, Toril Tainesdottir. I’d be happy to help you out, but I have to warn you, it’ll be a few months before I can get to work on any new commissions.”

“I’m willing to wait,” Toril said. “I want the best, and everyone says that’s you. These swords are going to see quite a bit of use; I want something that’ll last.”

“Is that so?” Erlend inquired.

“Yeah, um, I was just recruited to the Vigil. About two weeks ago now, I guess, and my first official mission is soon, so I want to go in ready for whatever they throw at me. Make a good impression, climb the ladder, you know?”

“Sure, but like I said, I’m afraid I wouldn’t be able to get them done with such a quick turnaround.”

“I understand,” she said. “That’s not what--I mean, joining was what made me want to get--but I--you know what? I am making a terrible first impression here. You must think I’m an idiot.”

“Not at all. I try not to make a point of judging customers in general,” he said, “but honestly, you’re a refreshing change from my usual crowd.”

“Oh?”

“Yeah, I mean, I became a weaponsmith because I wanted to make weapons, but once you have enough of a reputation, you start getting inundated with orders from rich snobs who want showpieces. It’s a pleasure to have a proper fighter seek me out.” 

“Well, I promise your work will see plenty of fights in my hands. I’m going to be a legend, you know,” Toril said.

Erlend laughed heartily.

“I believe it,” he said. “Well, I can go ahead and get started on a design for you, even if it’ll be awhile before I can really get working on it. You have some time to talk shop?”

“Sure, but could we do it over lunch? I’m starved.”

***

“So you’re a revenant?” Erlend said, taking a sip of ale. “I’ve never met a revenant before. I’ve heard of them, o’course, but I sort of thought they were just a tall tale.”

“Well, we’re certainly not a common bunch,” Toril laughed, “but we exist. In my case, I ended up in the Mists because of Bear, and she was the one who set me on the path. I’ve heard all sorts of stories, though, of how other people got started on theirs.”

“What, do you have meet ups or something?” he joked.

“Not exactly, but since there’s so few of us, sometimes we seek each other out to train and swap tips. Personally, I’m a bit more of a ‘figure it out as I go’ type, but I’ve helped out a couple kids who were just getting used to it after an accidental foray into the Mists. It’s hard to cope with. Changes you.”

“Well, I’d love to hear more about it,” Erlend said, “but let’s focus on the swords for now, if that’s alright with you.”

“Yeah, of course, absolutely. Maybe I can tell you about it another time,” she said, and Erlend felt his heart flutter. “What do you need to know to get started?”

“Well, for one thing, what’s your budget look like?”

Toril chuckled and said, “How about you tell me what you think it’ll cost when all is said and done, and I’ll deal with it? Your work is the best. I’ve been saving for months to commission you.”

“Ah, that’s--you’re too kind.”

“No, seriously,” Toril said. “I’ve been planning this for a while.”

“Really?”

She nodded. “Mhm. Everything really kicked off for me about a year ago, when I won the Great Hunt by slaying Issormir. After that, I was lucky enough to have Eir Stegalkin take me under her wing, and she recommended that once I was able, I come to you. Been saving every bit of spare change since then.”

“You’re Eir Stegalkin’s new protege?” Erlend asked, eyes wide. “I’ve heard so many great stories, but I never--wow, it’s--it’s an honor.”

“No, no, don’t do that, please. You’re the first norn I’ve met in ages to not lose it when they heard my name.”

“Fair enough,” he said. “I can understand that. I’ll let it go, on one condition.”

“What’s that?”

“You tell me your version of some of those stories yourself.”

She smiled, radiant and genuine and world-spinning. 

“I’d like that.” 

***

A week later and Erlend was meeting her at a practice field on the edge of the city. Turns out, it’s a bit hard to design weapons for a combat style you’ve never seen, and Toril agreed to give a demonstration. He was nervous, honestly, his stomach full of butterflies. Something about her was just...captivating.

“So the basics of how revenants fight are pretty out there,” Toril explained. “We, um, channel energy from the Mists, and it allows us to use a wide variety of skills.”

“So you use Mist energy to improve your combat abilities?”

“It’s...more than that. I channel specific people. Or beings, I guess. Their spirits. And they allow me to use their knowledge and strengths and skills to improve my own abilities in combat. Or, well, they don’t all allow it, per se.” She chuckled. “Sometimes it’s more that I just strongarm them into it.”

“I’ll be honest, I’m not sure I understand,” Erlend admitted. “Can you just show me?”

“I can certainly try,” she said. “Be prepared, though. I’ve had some people tell me it’s a little...disturbing.”

He didn’t know what to say to that, so he just shrugged and gestured toward a practice dummy. She smiled at him, winked (he thought he might faint at that), and then closed her eyes and drew her swords. When she opened them, they were glowing with a bright blue fire. It was like nothing he’d ever seen.

The same blue flames licked her wrists as she shadowstepped to a target and sliced it in half with a quick motion, sending sand spilling to the ground. She turned, raised a hand as if calling something down, and a moment later, a brick road--or magic shaped to look like one, anyway--was materializing before her, crushing three of the dummies as it went. She turned to another--the last one, now--and shadowstepped to it, before darting in and out of the Mists, delivering quick strikes faster than he could keep up with. When she stopped moving, she crossed her swords and conjured a chain, sending it flying to wrap around the target. Raising her hand again, she called down--he wasn’t sure he could describe it. It looked like the spirit of a dragon, but that was--that was ridiculous. Wasn’t it? 

It must have been real enough, because when it beat its wings it sent the target flying across the field. After a moment, Toril turned to him, panting, and sheathed her swords with a grin. He watched with fascination as the fire slowly disappeared from her eyes. 

“Yeah, I--sorry. I know it’s a little much,” she said, looking down as she approached him.

“No--I--that--” Erlend stammered. He took a deep breath, collected himself, tried again. “That was the most incredible thing I’ve ever seen. You’re incredible.”

“Oh, um, thanks. I, uh...I’m not used to compliments. Most people seem really creeped out by revenants.”

“People tend to fear things they don’t understand,” Erlend says. “Me, I’ve always liked a good mystery.”

Toril raised a single eyebrow, and for one tense moment, the smith thought he may have overstepped, until her rough facade gave way to a tender smile.

***

They met up a few more times, here and there. It was always at her invitation and under the guise of talking about the swords, about Toril’s combat skills, about what it’s like to be an oddity, what it’s like to forge a legend--anything that could be dismissed as strictly business. Erlend thought that was all it was, really. Business. She was fascinating and wild and dangerous and beautiful, and he was a smith born and raised in Lion’s Arch and distanced from his own culture for so long that every time it came up with Shiverpeaks natives he learned something new. 

This time, she’d asked him to dinner, and how on Tyria could he say no to that? 

Toril told him about her first mission with the Vigil--a resounding success, of course--and about her mentor, a stern norn Warmaster who had made a point of keeping her ego in check. He told her about some rich bastard who’d stumbled drunk into his shop and demanded Erlend make him a fine greatsword within the fortnight. 

“So hey,” Toril said at one point, a little serious to fit within the laughter they’d been sharing, “I wanted to, uh, talk to you about something.”

“About what?” Erlend asked, just a touch nervous.

“Oh it’s--it’s nothing bad!” Toril assured. “I don’t mean to make you worried, it’s just that--well, with where this seems to be going, and seeing as I really, really like you, I think you should probably know that, um, well...I have a girlfriend?”  

“You have a girlfriend?” Erlend parroted.

“Yeah, well, see, we have this, uh, arrangement, I guess you could say. We both have other partners. Or, well, can. She’s the only one I have currently. Unless, y’know…”

“I, um--forgive me, please,” Erlend said, “but is there--is there a particular reason you feel I should know this?”

“Oh, um, were you not…? Like, I thought you were maybe interested in me, and I’m more than a little interested in you, and...you know…”

“Are you--has this--have we been going on dates?” Erlend babbled.

“Haven’t we been?” Toril answered, now just as confused.

“I thought this was--I didn’t think you were--I didn’t want to presume anything, but well, you’re so--and just--”

“Hey, hey, hey,” Toril said, holding up a hand in an attempt to calm him, “it’s alright, Erlend. Stuff like this happens. Miscommunication and all. I’ve been asking to see you because I like you. I think you’re sweet, and you understand me, and you have this grounding sort of energy about you that I can’t seem to stay away from. I thought I had communicated that, but I suppose not well enough.”

“Oh.”

“Oh?”

“Well, y’see, you walked into my shop and I--” Erlend tried, took a deep breath, started again. “When I saw you, I think my heart stopped for a minute. You’re absolutely, stunningly gorgeous, and funny, and a badass, and just absolutely otherworldly, but I don’t go after customers. It’s rude. I’m not the type for that, bothering a lady just trying to buy a weapon. Too many other assholes out there who like to do that sort of thing. If someone makes the first move, well, I’m not opposed, but...I enjoy spending time with you, but I just assumed someone like you wouldn’t really be interested in...well, me.”

“Why on Tyria would you assume that?” Toril asked.

“Your life is so...I don’t know. Interesting? I’m just me, and you’re, well, you.”

She reached a hand across the table, placing it over one of his that had been fidgeting nervously with the wood. 

“Didn’t you hear the part where I said I like you?” she asked with a gentle smile.

“It may have gotten a bit lost in there somewhere,” Erlend admitted. 

Toril chuckled and lifted his hand, holding it in both of hers. 

“Every bit of time I’ve spent with you, I’ve enjoyed,” she said. “And I’d like to spend more time with you, if you’d like to spend more time with me.” 

“I...yeah. I’d like that, too,” the smith said, nodding awkwardly. After a long pause, he added, “So what do we do now?”

“Well,” Toril said, smiling brightly, “how do you feel about ice cream?”

#gw2 #gw2 fanfiction #tyriaslibrary event #valentine's fic week 2020 #fanfic #my fic #verse: toril #toril dragonslayer #erlend holgerson

[commander-passiflora]

Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Original Character/Original Character Characters: Toril Dragonslayer - OC, Erlend Holgerson - OC, Female Norn Player Character (Guild Wars) Additional Tags: Fluff, Wintersday (Guild Wars), Snow, Snowball Fight, Married Couple Series: Part 1 of Wintersday Fic Week 2019 Summary: “Erlend stepped into the gate to Hoelbrak with a beaming smile. He could hardly remember how long it had been since he last saw his love, nevermind the last time they’d had an entire week to themselves. The Wintersday festivities meant that Toril finally got a break from Commander-ing, as he liked to call it, and he’d left his shop in the care of his apprentice, who he was fairly certain was competent enough to manage. Hoelbrak was rather quiet at the moment, too, or so Toril had told him. With so many people staying in Divinity’s Reach to take full advantage of the holiday, the city she grew up in and loved so dearly was the perfect place to retreat into the warmth of each other’s company.” *********** Hey hi, it’s my first fic for the Wintersday Fic Week! I’m so excited, this is actually my first time EVER participating in this kind of event. I’m challenging myself to focus on developing all of my characters more in depth this week, bc I’ve been focusing a looooot on Dianach at the expense of, like, everyone else. So first up is a lil fluffy fic about Toril, my norn commander, and her husband Erlend! I’m also going to be posting a little more info about the two of them (and also Toril’s other partners, who will also be popping up over the next several days) later today, as well as similar things about the other folks showing up in my fics throughout the week! Also coming later today is the second chapter of This Dream Was Me and You, my ultra-sappy self-indulgent trammander fic.

#gw2 #guild wars 2 #gw2 fanfiction #wintersday #toril dragonslayer #elrend holgerson #oc/oc #my fic #tyriaslibrary event #verse: toril

[commander-passiflora]

Toril and Friends!

So here’s that fun little info post I promised about Toril, my norn Commander, and her partners! These are similar to the little blurbs on my characters page, but go a little more in depth than I’m able to there.

Toril Dragonslayer (Tainesdottir)

Toril Tainesdottir grew up in Hoelbrak and came from a long line of Raven shamans, so it was expected that was what she would become. When she was instead chosen by Bear to fight for her people and to become Tyria’s champion, it left her family more than a little shaken. At times, she doubted her path, but her connection to the Mists as a revenant made it easier to maintain her relationship with Bear and keep focused on her goals.

After defeating Zhaitan, many of the Norn (skaalds especially, and even more especially her partner Auslog) began referring to her as Toril Dragonslayer, and she eventually took up the name for herself. She saw it as a way to distance herself from the history and expectations of her family, who openly disapproved of her choice to pursue the dragons.

While her public persona is carefully crafted, ensuring she is perceived as a tough, no-nonsense leader who stares death in the face without fear, underneath it all she’s the biggest softie. She may try to hide it, but in truth, she would do anything to protect those she loves, from her guildmates in Dragon’s Watch to her partners.

Toril is bisexual and polyamorous, with (currently) three partners: Erlend Holgerson, Auslog Iceshaper, and Solana Aksim. She’s married to Erlend, but sees all of her partners as being of equal importance.

Erlend Holgerson

Erlend was born and raised in Lion’s Arch by his mother (a weaponsmith and his teacher) and his father (a Lionguard). He’s often treated differently by other Norn because of his unusual upbringing and the ways in which it shaped him.

Erlend has a shop in LA, crafting weapons of all kinds for any adventurer, hunter, or hero who seeks him out. His work is prolific the world over, with people coming from as far as Elona to commission him. However, he’s far from a fighter, preferring to offer support rather than a sword of his own.

He met Toril years ago, before she became the infamous Commander of the Pact, when she purchased a set of swords. She was the one to make a move, asking if he’d like to share a meal with her. Naturally, he said yes.

While he often worries for Toril’s safety, Erlend supports her in her endeavors and is incredibly proud of her, often going out of his way to talk about his wife whenever possible. Others have teased him for this, of course, but he’s always thought it’s more their own jealousy than anything else. Basically, he’s been chugging that Respect Women Juice his entire life and he’s incredibly in love with Toril (*John Mulaney voice* AND THAT’S MY WIFE), and he makes sure everyone knows it. 

Erlend is straight, asexual, and monogamous, but doesn’t mind that Toril has multiple partners because, in his own words, “Nothing could keep that woman from loving everyone she meets, no matter how much she refuses to admit it.” He wouldn’t want her any other way. He also has a bad leg from an injury he sustained during Scarlet Briar’s attack on Lion’s Arch, and uses a cane on days when it hurts particularly badly.

Auslog Iceshaper

Auslog grew up in Hoelbrak and trained as an elementalist. She and Toril met early in both of their lives, and quickly became close friends. Often, people joked about never seeing one without the other, as they spent most of their time together. Eventually, they both confessed to wanting their relationship to change into something more romantic, and have been together ever since.

Auslog is notorious as one of the best ice sculptors in Tyria, using her powers as an elementalist to aid her, as well as occasionally fulfilling the role of skaald. She was the first to refer to Toril as the Dragonslayer, and many other skaalds followed along. With many people coming to her homestead to commission her, she worked unofficially with the Order of Whispers for years, feeding them important information about prominent clients. 

When Toril formed Dragon’s Watch, Auslog decided to abandon her homestead and her sculpting to tag along. A fierce fighter, her skills as an elementalist quickly became invaluable to the guild. 

Auslog also became close with Braham during her time in the guild, eventually developing a romantic relationship. Toril sees Braham as her best friend and supports their relationship entirely, and was in fact the one to push both of them to admit their feelings. The three of them often spend their time between missions together, just hanging out and being pals and swapping kisses while cuddling. However, Toril has a strict rule about them actually telling anyone she partakes in the hanging out and being pals and swapping kisses while cuddling, which is mostly a joke actually. Mostly. 

Auslog is a bisexual, polyamorous, nonbinary trans woman and a proud part of their little polycule. She tends to be a bit emotionally reserved at times, but much like Toril, loves deeply and often.

Solana Aksim

Solana, a human thief, grew up in Elona. For quite a while, she served as a spy for the Order of Shadows, eventually moving to Cantha to monitor the situation there and send reports back. Her time in Cantha was traumatizing, to say the least, and when she finally made it home to Kourna, it took her years to recover. She resented the Order for sending her, eventually leaving and offering herself as a mercenary to anyone who could afford to pay her. 

When she first heard tell of the Commander’s appearance in the Crystal Desert, she was intrigued, and even more so by the deeds of heroics travellers shared. When Toril’s guild came to Kourna to fight Joko, she knew she had to introduce herself, and was absolutely taken with the norn. 

Solana just kind of...inserted herself into Toril’s life, and the Commander took notice. As their relationship developed, Toril not only grew to love Solana, but also saw a goodness in her that had been suppressed by her own disillusionment with her former life as an agent for the Order of Shadows. At Toril’s encouragement, Solana began training as a sunspear, eventually taking up the role of head of the Sun’s Refuge guard. She often misses her love terribly, but sees her dedication to protecting the Refuge as a way to connect with her and honor their bond.

Solana is a polyamorous lesbian, but for the most part prefers casual encounters outside of her relationship with Toril. However, she’s open to finding other long-term partners, she just has a very hard time trusting. She also has severe PTSD from her experiences in Cantha, which she’s slowly working to overcome.

#gw2 #my fic #well sort of #character sheets #verse: toril #toril dragonslayer #auslog iceshaper #erlend holgerson #solana aksim #the tl;dr here is everyone is queer #origninal characters