#varevas lavellan

[lost-in-thedas]

Clan: Varevas, Lavellan

Age: 25 years old

MBTI: INFP

Gender: Non-binary

Pronouns: He/ She/ Them

Orientation: Pan - Asexual.

Bio:

Adahleni was born among the Varevas clan, in the deep forests of the Free Marches. Brimming with imagination and creativity, they developed a passion for crafts from an early age, and rarely left their hands free.

As soon as they were old enough to hold a small knife, Adahleni began to carve their first figurines, featuring the animals of the forest, such as bears, crows, or even Hallas. They also learned to sew, and enjoyed painting all sorts of things on pebbles.

At the age of 11, Adahleni’s life took another turn when their magic broke out for the first time. Varevas clan was used to deal with young mages, for they already counted many mages to their ranks. Too much, in fact.

Keeper already having a First and enough apprentices, the decision was taken to send some of the younger Mages to others Dalish clans, who, at the opposite, didn’t counted enough Magi among their peers.

That same year, Adahleni was sent to the Lavellan clan, to become the apprentice of the clan's Keeper, Deshenna.

Their integration among this new clan was… difficult. In contrast to the clan Varevas, Adahleni was the only child to be a Mage, and while their introverted temperament had never caused them any trouble before, most of the others kids were wary of them.

Although understanding of the reasons, Adahleni resented their family and their people for sending them so far away, yet, they also missed them even more.

Deshenna Keeper, however, was kind, and patient. Treating Adahleni as if they were her own child.

Seeing that Adahleni was having trouble fitting in, she asked another kid, Athrahel, to help them integrating among the clan.

Athrahel recently lost his mother due to an attack of dark spawns few months ago, and like Adahleni, he was quiet introverted.

Athrahel was a curious kid who loved to read, with as much imagination as Adahleni, and eventually, the two became friends.

As Keeper Deshenna had no others apprentices than Adahleni, their future place as a First was almost guaranteed from the moment they joined the Lavellan.

However, only at the age of 16, after mastering their magic good enough, they were officially named as First. For the occasion, Adahleni was granted their Vallaslin, choosing to honor June, the God of Crafts.

Alternative story

YAs rumors of a war between mages and Templars spread to the four corners of Thedas, Deshenna decided to send a clan member to spy on the conclave, for "what happens there", she said, "might affect not only the Dalish but all the Elves". And for this mission, what better candidate than her own apprentice? Adahleni, now 25 years old, disagreed. They, who had only ever lived with the Dalish, had no idea how to deal with the shemlens. Athrahel would be a much better spy, he who, now a top-notch hunter, already set foot in alienages to trade materials. Yet Deshenna was sure of her decision. However, she at least allowed Athrahel to accompany Adahleni to Darse.

And yet, no one could’ve prepared Adahleni for what was to come.

[gremlinquisitor]

Come and I Will Sing You

@sulevinblade​ gave me permission to post her awesome commission from the incomparable @pegaeae​! 

Sulahnassan and Varevas, making music together! I figure this is the song, but in some Dalish version where they go through the Evanuris instead of apostles. 

#Sulahnassan #varevas lavellan #babbies #I love them so much; they're cousins or siblings or what have you depending on the verse

[sulevinblade]

Hi there! May I request the prompt ❝ the last man standing gets final say on who is right or wrong. ❞ for Varevas? :)

THANK YOU! I’m sorry this took so, so… so long, but I hope you enjoy it! Varevas and an ensemble cast (Hawke, Solas, Dorian/light pavellan, Varric, Bull, Alistair), leading up to Adamant, ~1150 words, implied character death. For @dadrunkwriting!!

She’s not what he expected. Granted, he didn’t know much about her before this but he certainly didn’t anticipate that the famed Champion of Kirkwall would be a woman who barely cleared his shoulder but shook his hand with more force than Cullen. Her black hair hangs long and free about her like a cape and he can see in the way she moves and carries herself some genetic memory of the nobility her family once was, a history she never lived where she would’ve been the sort of woman to wear a cape.

She remains a wanted woman so he doesn’t get to spend a fraction of the time speaking with her that he’d like to at Skyhold, but every moment of downtime in the building of their forces for the assault on Adamant is spent reading through Varric’s record of their time together in Kirkwall. It makes his selection for his forward party at Adamant astonishingly simple, because he insists Hawke share their camp so he can pick her brain, learn all he can about her magic in the short time he has.

What he learns is that there’s a reason she’s the Champion of Kirkwall. Forces he can’t even see take him from his feet again and again, barely giving him time to get stable enough to cast a retaliation. When he finally calls an end to the spar, she’s there immediately, offering a hand to get him to his feet even as she smirks down at him. “I’m half afraid you’ll help me up just for the joy of sweeping me away again.”

“Not this time, Herald. I can only absorb so many wins in one day, my body’s not used to winning anymore. Try me after breakfast.”

They gather near the fire, or rather most of them do. Bull declares he wants nothing to do with four mages gathered for a chat this close to a fortress full of other mages summoning demons and Alistair is simply absent, but Varric joins them. He brings no paper or quill but Varevas still gets the impression their conversations in front of him are on record. 

He asks Matilde how she learned, where she draws from, how it all works, and Solas and Dorian are just as curious in their ways. She describes it for him: a centering of the mind, nothing as mystic as a vision but also not as external as elemental magic. It is, she says, a tribute to her sister, for whom magic was as natural as breathing. No need for lightning bolts or walls of flame or anything showy. It’s a simple matter of force and control; when you let out that much power, you have to be strong enough to balance against the recoil. Every action has its reaction, after all. 

Solas leans in, comments that while it might seem as though it’s all her mind, it’s actually her connection to the Fade that allows her to do this, but perhaps her methods might be applicable to the work Varevas is now doing to harness the energy of the rifts for his own use. It’s all a cycle that way, after all, but Matilde protests that it’s not and then she and Solas are on their feet, back to the same flattened area of sand Varevas had so recently gotten familiar with. At least Matilde has the decency to be honest in her motives. Solas claims it’s a scholarly exercise but Hawke shakes her head. “I’ve kind of been wanting an excuse to kick your ass, I just didn’t think I’d get one.”

He leans against Dorian’s knee as he watches them. Solas is terrifyingly fast and does manage to get the better of the Champion at points but despite this being her second round of sparring, Hawke is no slouch and more than once, Solas does end up flat on his back. It’s more raw magical combat than he’s even seen in his life; this simply wasn’t done in the clan, mages were too valuable to risk it, and despite his best attempts he remains unwelcome among the recruited mages in their work. Varevas has never been in the desert before, never sat in the sand by a fire with the hand of the man he loved on his shoulder, never seen magic like Matilde’s before, but this moment feels more like home than any part of Skyhold ever has. 

Hawke and Solas only stop when they hear hoofbeats. Alistair, back from wherever he’d gone, informing them their little light show could be seen from a distance and unless they wanted company, it’s best they call it a night. Solas stalks to his tent silently but Matilde winks at him as she crosses the circle of the firelight. “Feels good to be the last man standing twice in one night, and I’m not even a man.” 

In their tent later, he wonders aloud to Dorian if he thinks Hawke might join the Inquisition when all this is done. Dorian chuckles and wonders back if he ought to be jealous. “Not hardly, I greatly prefer the way you put me on my back, but you might be wise to be a little more scared.” He never thought of himself as a part of anything with his magic–if anything, it was isolating–but tonight was a little taste of what the Inquisition could really be, what a world where mages weren’t limited in number or liberty could look like at it’s best.

And then, well. At least one part of that future shows that she has other ideas. He can see her, smirking in a way that doesn’t reach her eyes, but she’s on the far side of a wave of force that’s taken both him and Alistair from their feet. It’s her specialty, after all, but this one is fired with intent. It was clear both the Warden and the Champion intended to offer to make this sacrifice, but with one spell the decision is no longer there for Varevas to make. He probably should’ve seen it coming, taken the hushed conversations between her and Varric more seriously, but it didn’t really matter now. He flew out of the rift, skidding to a stop and lifting his arm to close it without even standing back up. 

He can’t even raise his head when Varric comes to him to ask after Hawke. He can’t look his friend in the face and let him see how he’s failed. She did like to be the last man standing, but nobody can stay standing forever. Some force in the universe demands balance, and when Varevas finally stands again, he does it knowing that it’s only because somewhere else, she’s falling. Every action has its reaction, she’d said. She may have decided it was right, but here on the other side, he’s not sure whether he agrees.

#veridium-bye #dadwc #dwc #i know it didn't have to include a hawke #but i have a lot of feels about things like varevas and a community of mages #and i have a mage hawke #i just don't really talk about her #she romanced merrill despite being p solidly red #i wanted her to romance fenris but no #ANYWAY #my metaphors got all wild in this but i hope you like it!!!!! #my writing #varevas lavellan #matilde hawke #deep focus playlist comes through again

[lavellander]

took a break from drawing older!alani to doodle what her and solas’s kids would look like around that time and 🥺 help

(names and their meanings taken from @/dalishious’s post on elvish names!)

#the ''listening intently'' is bc in alani's doodle she's telling a story to the clan lavellan kids ;_; #there was also a note under the twins that said ''inherited their momma's adhd <3'' lmfao #but it made it a weird size so. had 2 crop it #ANYWAAAYYYYY welcome to the iconic AU in my mind where biow*re cant hurt me. solas and alani are happily together and living w clan lavellan #no it doesnt rly make sense NO i dont care #also i have drawn children like thrice ever in my life so pls forgive me. if they dont look their ages just pretend lol #sketches #solavellan kids #pronouns included bc i didnt wanna be like ''heres their son and twin daughters!'' when i know varevas is not in fact a daughter #but i couldnt think of a better way to communicate that 😭 #at least not here when theyre babies dslkjs

[gremlinquisitor]

Look at these Dalish disasters awesome babes having a chat, probably about how cute their boyfriends are!! I LOVE THEM SO MUCH!!

Standing up is @sulevinblade‘s mage extraordinaire Varevas Lavellan, and next to him we have my dearest Sulahnassan in all her “how do you furniture” glory. 

Another wonderful commission from @pegaeae, who I cannot recommend warmly enough if you’re looking for art of your OCs. 

#varevas lavellan #sulahnassan #seriously I've had this for almost a month #it's a crime #but here it is!!

[sulevinblade]

For DWC! Var/Dorian: messaline - soft lightweight silk with a satin weave

I feel like this is kind of the idea you mentioned to me when I asked about this, but also not. Anyway, G, post Trespasser Dorian and Varevas fluff! Enjoy! For @dadrunkwriting!

The division of labor when they return from the eluvian is managed wordlessly: Sera runs ahead, breathing panicked but not so fast she can’t run and holler to get help assembled, Cassandra carrying the Inquisitor, and Dorian close behind. He tried to pick Varevas up himself when he stumbled out of the mirror but Dorian’s own arms were shaking too badly to carry him. Instead he focuses on concentrating a barrier around the end of Varevas’ arm, keeping the wound as stable as possible to let the elfroot salve do its work. It’s going to take more than a little elfroot to deal with what’s happened but it’s all they had available. Now, back at Halamshiral, they have access to the finest medicine and healing the Chantry and Orlais have to offer, but the key ingredient, as every healer tells them, is simple time. Varevas is recovering from shock, he needs time to recover and no amount of magic can compensate for that.

From there, the division of labor changes but mostly because Dorian Pavus, soon-to-be-magister, refuses to leave Varevas’ bedside. There’s no rush–the Council can’t be concluded without the Inquisitor, so until he’s well enough to be present, it’s on hold–and Dorian would almost enjoy it if the circumstances were less horrifying. As it is, he does his best to treat the whole situation like an extended opportunity to be lazy and linger in bed with Varevas. If he doesn’t think about it too hard it’s easy to accept the illusion. The room is open and breezy, warm in the late afternoon, but time has no meaning when your sleep schedule is adjusted to match that of a recovering patient. For now, Varevas sleeps but Dorian is awake.

“She knows it’s impossible, of course, but Mae refuses to consider anything other than a summer wedding.” He’s sitting on the bed beside Varevas, his back resting against some pillows and one hand gently stroking his hair. His color looks better; the sleep is doing its work. “I think it’s just because she saw a set of robes and fell in love with them. White messaline with a lovely sheen, gold and green embroidery all along the sleeves. I tried to tell her, just because you’re Dalish doesn’t mean you want to be draped in greenery and flowers for a wedding but she thinks they’ll be perfect as well as just the right level of scandalous. If I were to marry you there, after all, the most appropriate thing would be for you to be in full Tevinter fashion with no indication of your own culture. If there’s no abject suppression of Elven culture, is it truly a Tevinter ceremony?”

His speech has turned to soft muttering, not wanting to wake Varevas up, but even as he finishes speaking he sees a weak smile appearing on his face. Dorian holds his breath as Varevas shifts, rolling until he can lean his head on Dorian’s thigh. “I hate to disappoint Mae before I’ve even met her–”

“Hush, amatus, save your strength–”

“But if a little bit of Dalish in the ceremony is what she’s after, then she ought to know that by Dalish standards we’re already married.” Varevas opens one eye, pale green like sunlight through a new leaf, and peeks up at Dorian. His voice is raspy with disuse but still amused. “That ought to be scandalous enough for all involved.”

Dorian’s heart skips a little at the idea but he won’t be fooled so easily. “You’re very funny, you know. She’ll like that even if I suspect it wouldn’t be long before I found the two of you plotting against me.” He leans down to kiss Varevas’ forehead–warm and dry, not clammy or feverish, a huge relief–and chuckles. “Yet another reason I must insist you refrain from joining me in Tevinter. I can’t afford to be outnumbered in my personal life as well as my political one. Besides, you are a terrible liar.”

“You wouldn’t want me to be a good liar. I just thought if you believed we were already married, it would take the pressure off.” Varevas nuzzles against Dorian’s thigh, clearly already starting to drift back off. It’s a shame, Dorian misses him desperately even with him right here, but he does need the rest.

“Take the pressure off, or adjust it in your favor?” If they were married, it would be easy for Varevas to justify following to Tevinter despite the fact that the country couldn’t possibly be less safe for him. Flushing out the last remnants of the Venatori would take months and they were far from the only danger.

“Saw right through, huh?” Both of Varevas’ eyes are closed again and Dorian stays silent until his breathing evens back out, regular and easy as he sleeps.

“I’ll bring you home soon enough, amatus. Then we’ll have a wedding like no one’s ever seen. I just need you to make it there, all right? So… make it.”

#dadwc #dwc #my writing #varevas lavellan #dorian pavus #pavellan #gremlinquisitor #suchanadorer #ahaha i set it up for ao3 before posting here #d'oh

[gremlinquisitor]

Blankets

for @dadrunkwriting, from @cuillere‘s prompt “Blankets”

A companion AU where Sulahnassan is part of Varevas’ inner circle. He is @sulevinblade‘s, and you should all go ask her about him because he’s great.

~1150 words, good for all ages, mention of cold but no permanent injuries

-----------

Sulahnassan prowls the edge of the camp they’ve dug out of the snow, squinting into the wind as she paces, cloak pulled tight around her narrow frame. A nearby fire offers some warmth when the flames are whipped in her direction, but she would almost rather it was darker, so that her eyes could adjust - the better to see a figure moving against the black.

The better to see the Mark.

Cullen had all but hauled her out of Haven, and she is sure if they went back to the Chantry, there would be marks from her nails in the stone corners they’d turned as they fled. Her protests that she would not leave her family had done worse than fall on deaf ears, instead turning her into someone in need of protection, rather than the low profile she’d been keeping so far. She can feel eyes on her back even now, and a moment later the sound of heavy footsteps in the snow crunch towards her.

“Lady Lavellan--”

“Not a lady.” She doesn’t look away from the horizon when she replies, but she doesn’t have to to feel Cullen flinch at the remark. She sighs, trying again. “You can call me Sulahnassan.”

He takes a step forward, just enough that she can see him out of the corner of her eye. “You should come eat something, sit by the fire. You ought to rest.”

She shakes her head through all of it. Cassandra already tried once earlier, and while it was no doubt well-intentioned, she suspects part of it was based on her sudden promotion to Cousin of the Herald. At least Cullen makes it seem more genuine when he suggests it.

“You know, we are all hoping that he’ll find us,” Cullen offers. She hears him take a breath, then give up trying to continue, likely thinking better of it when her brow furrows at his words.

She is not hoping. She knows that he will come, and she plans to be the first to run to meet him when he does.

And if they are all hoping, then why are they not all lined up with her to watch the trees?

The trees that have been uniform in their movements until now, when one of them seems to sway under its own volition, pitching in a direction opposite the wind.

There is a flash of orange-green-gold when Varevas’ eyes find the fires below him, then it’s gone as he falls forward into the snow.

Her cloak slips through Cullen’s grasping fingers as she sets off up the slope. The storm is immediately more intense, like an animal that had been held back by the flames but claims the darkness as its own territory. Her voice is carried back to her, past her, tossed into the camp to rouse others as she calls his name, and she hears familiar shouts, but can’t turn back to look. All her focus is on the dark figure already half-buried in the snow ahead. Every eddy in the wind looks like movement, and she can not tell if he is truly still until she’s there, sliding to her knees beside his head.

“Var, hey, come on, talk to me.” She unties her cloak and lays it over his back, brushing snow from his hair and around his face. Her feet are numb and she can feel the skin of her lip splitting with every word, but she keeps talking, a constant flow of encouragement and familiarity for him to hear, as well as something for her to focus on other than the sight in front of her. He is breathing, and his eyelids flutter when she touches his face, but his skin is cold and his fingers don’t react when she lifts his hand to hold it between both of her own. “You gotta stay awake for me.”

Cullen is first to arrive after her, scooping Varevas up in his arms with a strength that Sulahnassan can only wish that she possessed. She struggles to her feet, brushing snow from her breeches as Cassandra and Leliana arrive. She doesn’t want to have to look at them, to see their stricken expressions that she knows match her own. She follows at Cullen’s elbow as they make their way down the hillside, and twice Sulahnassan catches him when he slips in his rush to get them back to the camp. His grateful glances do not go unnoticed, but for the moment they both have a more important goal.

“Bring blankets!” She calls as soon as they are within earshot of the camp. The wind that had carried her voice away from Varevas moments ago now serves to carry her cry to the others, and there is a flurry of activity as soon as they arrive. The crowd parts, and Mother Giselle hurries Cullen to a tent. He looks back over his shoulder at Sulahnassan before disappearing inside with her cousin still in his arms.

Varevas’ staff is heavier than it looks when he wields it, but she doesn’t set it down as she heads towards the tent, only to be met by Cullen as he comes out again.

He puts up a hand to stop her. “The healers are doing everything they can for him.”

“Let me through.” He steps to side to block her entrance when she tries to move around him. “I’m a healer, too. I can help.”

Sulahnassan does her best to stand her ground, but Cullen is head and shoulders taller than her, and far more broad, so she can put up little fight when he pushes her towards the closest fire and down onto a log to sit. She glares at him as he drapes a blanket around her shoulders, and clutches Varevas’ staff to her as if she thinks he means to take it.

“You can see the tent from here, so you’ll know as soon as he wakes up.” He sighs, voice and expression softening. “You need to warm up as well.”

He’s right, so she doesn’t look at him, instead staring past the fire and willing the tent flaps to part and reveal her cousin standing there. Cold and exhaustion creep over her as she watches, and she grits her teeth to keep from biting her tongue as she shivers.

A bowl appears in front of her, steaming and savory-smelling, and she does her best to smile when she takes it, though it feels more like a grimace. Not Cullen this time, but a Chantry sister whose name she hasn’t learned. The Commander has gone back to the other advisers, all of them huddled around a map.

She tucks the staff into the crook of her elbow and lifts the bowl to her lips to drink, holding the spoon out of the way with a finger.

Come on, Var. Wake up.

#dadrunkwriting #my fic #my writing #sulahnassan #varevas lavellan #cullen rutherford

[sulevinblade]

I wasn’t joking when I said Varevas could rock the 70′s men’s fashion from this post, ok, even if technically his pieces are from pinterest. Anyway, so much love to @ladylike-foxes for making the Dalish disaster look a lot less disastrous! This art is amazing, his face is perfect, his shirt is perfect, you are a champion and I am so, so grateful because LOOK AT HIM LOOK AT HIS PANTS. 

shirt ref | pants ref 

#bless alix for indulging my fashion fantasy but this is iconic #i love it so so so much #and she was a dream to work with #you should all absolutely commission her #i'm so happy #this made my entire month honestly #m!lavellan #varevas lavellan #ladylike-foxes #commissions #ART

[sulevinblade]

OC Three Things Meme

Tagged by the always lovely @mocha-writes aaaand @bitchesofostwick, thank you both <3

Tagging @gremlinquisitor, @luciferesque, @tevinter-amatus, @will-and-her-fandoms, @gothkimmyschmidt, @saphyremelodies and @thereluctantinquisitor

rules: say the first three things that you think of when you think of your OC(s)! (without an explanation of course)

Ghilanel Lavellan: ballet flats, armour, smiling

Varevas Lavellan: fire with no smoke, sharp teeth, white leather

Leohta Aeducan: lapis lazuli, driftwood, hands inside gauntlets

Jonah Hawke: blue eyes, sadness, open sky

Sarenan Boranehn: steel, bad blood, lungs aching from running

#ghilanel is cheating a little #as soon as i saw this tag i was like #ghilanel is ballet flats #and then haven't really been able to think about anything since #anyway have the big four #with sarenan who sprung like 75% formed into my head the other day #still working out some timeline kinks with her #ghilanel lavellan #varevas lavellan #leohta aeducan #jonah hawke #sarenan boranehn #meme

[sulevinblade]

For the DA Drunk Writing Circle: blue velvet, a broom closet in the Winter Palace, witching hour, ghosts, with the ship of your choice.

Thanks so much! Varevas x Dorian, ~1350 words, T, alcohol and intoxication warning. Companion AU for Varevas, running interference at Halamshiral. For @dadrunkwriting!

The Inquisition didn’t normally tip toe around things but this was the Winter Palace. Tiptoeing was as much a part of the Game as smiling, nodding, and dancing. Varevas had been hoping it was an overly cautious measure, all this planning, but as he leaned on one of the upper pillars and watched Josephine attempt to guide Cullen around the dance floor, it became clear that there was no such thing as an overly cautious measure.

“Varevas.” When he turned, Ghilanel was at his elbow, with Solas a respectfully distant but unmistakable presence behind her. “It’s the witching hour.”

Every canape and frilly cake he’d eaten consolidated into a block of ice in his stomach. He nodded as she touched his elbow. “I’m sorry, I’d go get him myself but–”

“No, no, it’s all right. Is he… how is he?” Creators aid him if Dorian was feeling combative.

“Laughing and telling stories but they are becoming increasingly–”

“Increasingly Tevinter,” Varevas supplied, cutting Solas off as well. The Inquisitor and her supposed serving man exchanged a glance, then she nodded. “I’ll see him to bed. Enjoy the rest of your evening, Inquisitor. Solas.” Varevas nodded in return and turned to make his way to the garden.

If it were any other circumstance, he’d slip in beside Dorian, loop an arm around his waist, murmur something against the side of his neck and lead him away before he did something he’d regret. This was the Winter Palace, however, and that meant a different approach, especially as an elf approaching someone who might as well be a magister in the eyes of the crowd assembled around him. Delicacy had never been Varevas’ strong point but the moment demanded it.

“Now, you might imagine that slaves are treated poorly and you would be right, but there are nuances to it.” Dorian was holding court with a handful of Orlesian nobles in a half circle around him. Their expression were conveniently hidden by their masks but the ladies were also whispering behind a shared fan and there was no way that was a good sign. “Slaves are no different from any other property, so the more money you can spend accessorizing your property, the better. A well-appointed slave is the equivalent of good interior design. I remember stories about one magister, his name escapes me, but his house perfected a technique with lyrium–”

“Altus Pavus,” he said, a little louder than the low hum of the garden’s conversations, “I’m terribly sorry to interrupt but your presence is needed inside.”

“Of course it is, my presence is in demand everywhere,” Dorian replied with a wink, his eyes shining with intoxicated cheer, “but I’m rather in the middle of a story.”

“I understand, but this really cannot wait. My apologies for stealing him away,” Varevas offered with a bow to the assembled nobles as Dorian sighed dramatically and moved toward him.

“I’m sure there’ll be an opportunity to continue this later, because whatever you’re imagining, it’s worse, I promise.” Dorian linked his arm through Varevas’ as they headed back to the doors leading into the ballroom. The ice in his belly thawed a little at Dorian coming along without creating a scene, even if the commentary among his audience was likely to be scathing. “So, where is it that I’m so desperately wanted, hmm? Surely our beloved Inquisitor hasn’t tired of the Empress’s company already?”

“Not exactly, no, it was more that I found myself unable to live without it any longer.” It’s a cheap play to Dorian’s sentimental side but he seems to accept it. Steering him away from the ballroom stairs was taking more effort than Varevas would’ve expected given how Dorian’s gait is swaying, but he does eventually manage to aim him more or less toward the hallway that will lead them to the guest quarters.

“Come to steal me away to the nearest broom closet? I knew this was a working trip but I had no idea you’d be this demanding.” The din was fading behind them. Dorian acknowledged it by putting his head on Varevas’ shoulder, if only for a moment. It was enough for the smell of his breath to reach Varevas, though; the wine was blended with something harder now and part of him wondered if it was part of the Game to ply the allies of one’s enemies with liquor. It seemed as likely as anything, but Orlais had no way of knowing that Dorian hardly needed to be plied.

Varevas opened the door to his own quarters, intentionally swept clean of any bar service the other rooms might have offered. “Nothing so uncultured as that. Besides, they’re all in use at the moment and I’d hate to waste a perfectly good bedroom.” The door barely closed behind them before he felt Dorian’s fingers wandering, picking at the blue velvet sash on his waist with interest.

“I like where this is going, amatus.” Dorian slid right up against his back, looping his arms around Varevas’ waist, but Varevas just threaded his fingers between Dorian’s to still his hands.

“I hope you still feel that way when I say I only intend to put you to bed.” He lifted one set of their hands, kissing the back of Dorian’s before stepping out of the circle of his arms and turning to face him. “I love you but you’re going to need all the sleep you can get.”

Dorian’s face was flushed, his cheek warm when he lifted Varevas’ hand to it. He was quiet for a long moment, eyes closed as he rested his face on Varevas’ palm. “Will you stay? They don’t tell you this in the grand tour, but the Winter Palace is haunted.” His voice was low and tremulous, like he desperately believed every word despite the fact that if anyone knew the ins and outs of handling spirits from beyond the dead, it was Dorian Pavus.

“I hadn’t heard that, no.” It’s possibly the least erotic time he’s ever undressed Dorian but for all that he may have regrets tomorrow morning, they’d only be worse if he were to sleep in his clothes.

“Oh yes, ghosts everywhere. It’s so strange, though, they all look like people who died at parties like these in Tevinter. No masks and blood everywhere. You’d think more people would notice.” Dorian shrugged out of his jacket, stripped away his boots, stepped carefully out of his pants. Varevas could tell he was trying to help but the evening had certainly taken a turn for the melancholic. All the better that it happened once they’d gotten somewhere private. “I detest this kind of thing. Just tell me to fuck off directly, no knives in the back or veiled insults.”

“It’s not where I’d have come tonight either given the option,” Varevas conceded as he folded Dorian’s uniform. He shed his own jacket but opted to leave his pants on for now, just in case. Behind him, Dorian settled into the bed, rolling over to watch Varevas as he also approached the bed. “At least it’s nearly over.”

“Not hardly, have you ever tried to sleep somewhere haunted? It’ll be nothing but nightmare now.” Dorian’s eyes were unfocused, turned inward even as his blinks grew slower. “I hope you understand how serious I was. Please, amatus.” Varevas knelt on the bed, prepared to lay down himself when reached for Varevas’ wrist, hands clammy despite the warmth of the room. “Stay.”

“Of course, Dorian. At least until you fall asleep, or until you throw up on me, whichever comes first.” He slid down until his head was resting on the pillows and lifted an arm, offering an invitation Dorian was only too happy to take.

“Slander, I’ve never thrown up on anyone other than myself, and that was years ago. You’re as safe as possible now.” He laid his head on Varevas’ chest, eyes closed and tension already slipping out of his neck and shoulders. “Stay until I wake up.”

“All right, vhenan.”

#contreparry #dadwc #dwc #my writing #varevas lavellan #dorian pavus #pavellan #alcohol mention

[sulevinblade]

Playing a little catch up for @dadrunkwriting​!! Thanks for the prompt, this was fun c: Dorian and Varric featuring Varevas and a little Bull, and posted this way because I think I may have either sent the answer privately or tumblr ate it? Either way, this is for @4vrafangirl/ @talesfromthefade!! The prompt was, Wanna bet?

The sound of the horses’ hooves, brighter than normal on the frigid white stone underneath them, was the only sound as the party reached the center of Judicael’s Crossing. The morning had dawned crisp and bright, though that brightness dimmed considerably when Varevas declared that today, his only wish was to fight the last remaining High Dragon in the Emprise. Of course Baron Dejardins was delighted to hear that the last scourge would be defeated that day, but the three men the Inquisitor asked to accompany him had simply exchanged quiet glances around the fire.

They rode now in pairs, Bull riding beside Varevas at the front, Dorian beside Varric behind. It was only when they saw the dragon take to wing and Bull predictably starting professing his love for it that Dorian finally spoke. He had to say something. “Varric, this is the first time I have ever seen you smiling after being recruited to fight a dragon. Has the cold finally gotten to you, too?” Dorian would be the first to admit this particular excursion threatened his sanity flake by delicate lacy flake.

“Nah, nothing like that. I’m not worried because there’s no way we’re gonna fight that thing today.” Varric tugged at the cuff of one glove and Dorian narrowed his eyes.

“That’s literally the only thing planned for today and you don’t think it’s going to happen?”

“Nope. In fact, we’re not even going to get close. Five royals says we don’t even make it past the second tower.”

Dorian scoffed and looked across at the landscape as it came closer. From an aesthetic perspective, the stark white and stone of the Emprise was beautiful in its way, but there was nothing ahead he could see that ought to impede them. “I can’t imagine what would turn us back this close.”

“That’s because you don’t know our beloved Inquisitor as well as I do. Trust me. Or don’t, if you wanna bet. Make up your mind, though, once we’re off the bridge the money’s off the table.” Varric kept his gaze dead ahead when Dorian turned to look at him, betraying nothing that his trademark smirk didn’t already make obvious.

Varric routinely offered wagers like this and Dorian was hardly shy about betting against Varevas; it was all in good fun. This time, however, he was both certain he’d come away a winner but also certain that meant Varric was up to something. The end of the bridge was approaching, though, so he didn’t really have time to figure out what.

“You’re on, but only for five royals. I don’t know what you’ve got up those rolled up sleeves of yours but I’m not losing my shirt over it.” He watched out of the corner of his eye as Varric nodded.

“All right. That’s fair, even if it is a little modest for my blood. It’s five royals I didn’t have yesterday anyway. Yesterday,” he continued thoughtfully, “which was our what, sixth day in the Emprise?”

“Seventh. We were three days in Sahnria, a day to travel and rest at that charmingly named Tower of Bones, one day to clear out the Keep, then we got started on the local wildlife. First the Hivernal, then the...” Dorian stopped and blinked. Oh no.

Besides him, Varric laughed and reached across to pat his arm. “It’s all right. It’s easy to lose track of time out here. We all do it, but some do it worse than others. Look.”

Dorian followed where Varric pointed and sure enough, while Bull chattered merrily away about the smell of hot dragon blood and the things it did to his various body parts, Varevas had gone silent and appeared to be looking at his saddle’s pommel. Dorian knew better, though, and so did Varric. Oh, amatus, why do you do this to yourself...

As the two of them watched, Varevas’ arms went slack on his reins. Bull reached across the distance between their horses to take them, pulling the Inquisitor’s mount to a stop. The jostle was just enough to start him tilting and all three of them watched as the leader of the heretic army that was trying to unite the world under a broken green sky slipped slowly from his saddle and disappeared into the snowbank at the side of the bridge’s base, sending up a puff of fresh powder as he landed. He sat back up almost immediately, rubbing at his face and blinking as though he had no idea how he’d gotten down there.

“All right, Boss. We can tell everybody you tried if you want, but if you think I’m following you into a dragon’s nest right now, you’re wrong. No offense, of course.” Bull was fighting back a grin and Varric wasn’t even bothering to fight it, laughing softly to himself as he started to turn his own horse around.

“He’s gone four days before without sleep, you know, and could go longer under the right circumstances.” Dorian watched every move Varevas made as he hauled himself back onto his horse and started to coax it into turning around as well. He seemed fine, his pride not even injured in the fall. Of course it wouldn’t be, he was used to it, somehow. Dorian urged his horse forward so he could get turned around before continuing. “What made you so sure he wouldn’t be fine for today?”

“The fact that the only thing louder than you complaining about the cold is you when you’re getting the Inquisitor to keep you warm, Sparkler. You should let the poor man sleep once in a while.” Varric winked at him before nudging his horse into motion. Dorian suddenly couldn’t get his legs to work and instead spent a long moment contemplating hopping into the snowdrift himself and never emerging again. Bull slapped him on the back as he passed him, now laughing without reserve, and that was enough to start his horse back to life even if Dorian was certain his soul had departed his body in mortification.

The only thing to truly bring him back was Varevas’ hand at his elbow as he caught up to him. Up close now he could see how worn he looked and it made him cringe, thinking that the pursuit of a bit of pleasure had played any part in that. As if reading his mind, Varevas moved his hand over Dorian’s forearm and gripped his hand, just for a moment. “Hey. Don’t look like that. I’m not sorry about it and you certainly shouldn’t be. Besides which, I’m honored that you bet on me for once. It’s a nice change.”

“I simply underestimated my own influence on the situation since it’s so rarely a negative factor. I assure you, it won’t happen again.”

“Aww.” Varevas feigned a pout before letting go and settling back into his saddle, an image of nonchalance. “And to think, I was really starting to enjoy your influence.”

“Don’t you worry. I’ll just apply it a little more discretely in the future, amatus.”

#my writing #4vrafangirl #talesfromthefade #dwc #dadwc #dorian pavus #varric tethras #varevas lavellan #the iron bull #pavellan #funny story #one of my cats is a fool #he fled out the door this morning and jumped into a snowbank #and i said to myself #i'm gonna write that into something tonight #so here it is #dumb redheads getting into deep snow for dumb reasons because they're dumb

[sulevinblade]

Be Your Worst Self

This is outstanding, thank you for the tag @mocha-writes!! I’ve seen this a bunch so I’m only gonna tag @gremlinquisitor, @gothkimmyschmidt, @will-and-her-fandoms, @goblin-deity, and @luciferesque because I don’t think I’ve seen yours? But I might also be totally wrong, wouldn’t be the first time.

ANYWAY on to the content!

Ghilanel Lavellan: You Are An Emotionally Volatile Nightmare

Your heart guides you and sometimes that's not as dreamy or romantic as it might sound. It's true that your feelings often inspire you to heal and create, and as long as those feelings don't steer you wrong, you're capable of truly visionary accomplishments in the name of empathy and love.

Feelings, though, aren't always gentle and sweet. You know that better than anyone, because your own emotions - the same overwhelming forces that inspire you to make the world a better place - can take you to very dark places, especially if you believe that the subject of your ire has shown unwarranted cruelty toward you or something you hold dear. You know that your feelings aren't necessarily rational, but that doesn't stop you from dramatically blaming other people for causing you pain. Of course, you might not even stop at crying; that notoriously brilliant creativity might even spur you to express your wrath artistically - nothing says “emotional stability” like a morose, vengeful poem.

Mmm I dunno about this? She’s very empathetic and loving, but when she goes to those dark places she tends to turn it on herself and her own failings. Ghilanel’s so intently people-pleasing and deferential that it’s hard to imagine her really snapping on anyone. So yeah, this feels like a miss.

Jonah Hawke & Varevas Lavellan: You're A Narcissistic Monster

You're the best - right? Wherever you go, the spotlight finds you, and you're hardly complaining. You can't imagine your friends care, since, after all, you're so generous. Well, that's what you like to think about yourself. You're generous, enthusiastic, and fun, so if you compulsively steal the spotlight, it doesn't really matter. If you fuel drama just to feed your thirst for a dramatic life, is it really that bad? Is it really so wrong for you to be the center of attention? Does it really matter how other people feel about it in the long run? Of course, you'd never say no. You're the generous friend, and you'd never hurt anyone on purpose just to keep all eyes on you... right? Every now and then, you imagine your funeral and how all of your friends will go on and on about how wonderful, magnetic, charming, and generous you were.

Is there a Hawke who isn’t at least a little narcissistic? I mean in Jonah’s case attention hogging is because he believes he can handle it better than anyone else, that his friends shouldn’t have to live under microscopes so he tries to be bigger than life to keep the attention off them, but the end result is still the same. Center of attention Jonah Hawke.

Varevas is much less intentional about it but basically once the gravity of what he’s doing sinks in properly, he tries to be somewhat larger than life to make any potential mistakes seem smaller. If he can get by on his personality then the fact that he’s flying by the seat of his pants will be less obvious or at least more forgivable, right? Right? So yeah, this is pretty accurate.

Leohta Aeducan: You Are Shockingly Violent

There's no getting around this: you desperately need to attend anger management. You're just as headstrong and opinionated, and your energy and enthusiasm can turn into explosive violence at the drop of a hat. You're a walking time bomb of seething rage, and the more you try to hide it, the more it escapes in unpredictable, volatile mood swings. Do yourself a favor and invest in a stress ball or a gym membership before you do something you'll really regret.

I wouldn’t say unpredictable or volatile but this woman does not shy away from fucking things up and she definitely has unresolved anger management issues. Luckily her job is killing things so she can release it through that but yeah, this is not wrong.

#ghilanel lavellan #varevas lavellan #jonah hawke #leohta aeducan #meme #i was gonna take this for myself #then decided no quiz gets to know me like that

[sulevinblade]

(Talesfromthefade) aspectabund - letting emotion show easily through the face or eyes, for the OC or character of your choice?

Thanks for the prompt, and I’m sorry it took so long to get to this! Inspired by something that’s been on my mind this week, Dorian and Ghilanel, after Adamant, in an AU world state where Ghilanel’s cousin Varevas is a companion. For @dadrunkwriting!!

When she finally prodded him, it was like a mask fell away. Dorian’s face had always been expressive but this was new, more raw than anything she’d seen since Halward ambushed them in Redcliffe. She knew he didn’t blame her but that didn’t make her feel a great deal better. Closing the distance between them, Ghilanel reached out to lay a hand–her right one, the one that hadn’t sent her, Solas, Varevas, and Sera back into the Fade–on Dorian’s arm.

“I’m sorry. I reacted on instinct and believe me, I never wanted to go back to the Fade. I… wish I could promise you it won’t happen again but–”

“Oh, don’t be so foolish. We both know better than that and I should hope you know that’s not what I’m hoping to hear.” Dorian withdrew a little, moving away from her touch so she let her hand drop and regarded him as he started to turn away.

“What are you hoping to hear then, Dorian?”

When he turned back around his arms were crossed, his mouth pinched and small, his entire being seeming to retreat in on itself. “Sometimes I don’t think you understand the full extent of your power, you know? I’ve seen the way you conduct yourself, trying to save as many lives as you can wherever you can, but that’s on a worldwide scale. Have you considered the impact you have on the lives of those closest to you?”

Ghilanel stayed silent. It was clear from the slight edge of anger creeping into Dorian’s fear that he had more to say and while she wasn’t sure she was ready to hear it, she was certainly going to try. If nothing else, there would never be a better time for him to say it.

“I have found here a place where I can be myself more fully than ever before in my life, and every time the two of you leave this absurd gray icebox I have to wonder if that place is going to slip through my fingers. I don’t think you understand how horrible that feels. If you weren’t here, how long do you think they’d allow a Tevinter mage to stay? And beyond that…” Dorian sighed and his shoulders slumped. “When you leave, you take Solas with you. I wouldn’t expect you not to, it’s natural, to want to have the person you care about most close to you in times of uncertainty and danger and the end of the entire damn world. You can protect one another that way, you can be aware of one another. But this time, you took Varevas and all I could do was watch as he disappeared into the Fade. You may be my best friend but all I could think was, this is it, I’m never going to see him again.”

“Dorian–”

“I have the entire rest of the world waiting with baited breath to take this away from me, Ghilanel.” He continued as if she hadn’t spoken, leaving her feeling slightly chastized but then, she deserved that. This clearly wasn’t easy. Dorian’s eyes were lit with a kind of sad desperation and he unfolded one arm, clenching his fist in front of his chest. She almost wished he could see himself, or that Varevas could see him like this. How many words it might save between the two of them when Dorian’s face spoken volumes. “I need to know that you understand how difficult it is for me when you play a part in that, even if you don’t mean to. I can’t protect him and I know it’s not fair to ask you to do that but you are the only person that can. So please. Please.”

Ghilanel moved in again, this time closing both her hands around Dorian’s fist. “Dorian, I’m sorry. I’m sorry I never considered that when I was deciding who would be with me at the front line at Adamant, even if I couldn’t have predicted what would come of it. I’ll try to be more mindful in the future. I don’t know what that means but I will try. But also… I don’t think I’m the only person who needs to hear this,” she said, lowering her voice as a familiar head of red hair appeared through the doorway in from the exterior walkway. A blast of cold air blew through the second floor of the rotunda and Dorian closed his eyes and shook his head.

“He has the most astonishing sense of timing, doesn’t he?”

“Inquisitor, Dorian, am I… interrupting?” Varevas looked between each of their faces and their joined hands and Ghilanel laughed before leaning up and kissing Dorian on the cheek. The desperation in his eyes faded to something fonder as he unclenched his hand and turned his attention to Varevas. 

“Don’t worry, I was just leaving, but we were just talking about you. You should ask Dorian about it.” She turned to make her way down the stairs, just catching the beginning of their conversation as she went.

“Only good things, I hope?”

“As if there were any other kind, amatus.” 

#dwc #dadwc #4vrafangirl #dorian pavus #ghilanel lavellan #varevas lavellan #pavellan #this went a little lateral i think #but also dorian's face in any conversation after adamant breaks my heart #so maybe not #talesfromthefade #my writing

[sulevinblade]

Your Most Attractive Quality

Thank you for the tag @mocha-writes​!! Gonna tag @gremlinquisitor​, @goblin-deity​, @gothkimmyschmidt​, @bitchesofostwick​, and @apostatetabris​!

Quiz is here!

Ghilanel Lavellan and Jonah Hawke: You are loyal!

You do not like to be alone. Because of this, you make an excellent partner to others, especially for those who crave closeness at all times. You will do anything for those you love and will do anything to make a relationship work. You are often described as an artist of love. Building bridges is your lifeblood, and traditional courtship activities are your way of life: graceful words, flowers, beautiful music, greeting cards, and dining out. In short, you are often trusted by many. These are the small but powerful romantic gestures that will go a long way with you.

Yeah, that’s pretty on point for her. Things will naturally change with her and Solas after Trespasser and whatnot but she doesn’t stop being loyal to him and trying to make some kind of relationship between them work. I don’t know about artist of love or things like that, but she is very traditional and favors small gestures.

This is painfully accurate for Jonah. He cannot handle being alone at all, he builds bridges like it’s his job (what is his job???), and he is trusted by many. His loyalty is definitely the buttercream frosting over the disaster cake that exists underneath, but it’s not wrong.

Varevas Lavellan: You are bold!

You have an incredibly bold character. You are a go-getter that won't hesitate to strike at what you want! You are also self-starting, self-reliant, and seemingly fearless. You willing—and geared to—take chances and make bold moves. You are real. You own their flaws and strengths and keep your priorities clear. You always know what you want! People around you won’t be bored, and they might be thrilled. 

That’s pretty close. I’d say he starts off not remotely owning his flaws or strengths and he’s about as far from real as he can get, but Var is very much a case of faking it till he makes it, or faking it until it becomes the truth. He’s always bold and outgoing and works to keep people around him entertained, and he certainly doesn’t mind taking risks or chances, but the “go-getter” stuff starts off ironic and over time becomes very real.

Leohta Aeducan: You are brainy!

You are known for being perfectionist, but this is just a symptom of your incredible intelligence. You have the ability to see through others and truly understand them. You are the sexy intellect in your group of peers. You have both a keen analytical mind and an efficient, direct way with words, and can make sense of anything. You not only push yourself to be the best you can be, but you also push others toward greatness. You are someone who can see the best in everyone, even when they can't. 

No. I mean, the Origins team is not always an absolute brain trust but she is noooooot the brain among them, she is not a perfectionist, she cannot truly understand others, I literally picked the “can’t related to others” choice for her personal flaw, I don’t know how this happened.

#ghilanel lavellan #varevas lavellan #leohta aeducan #jonah hawke #meme

[sulevinblade]

24. How did they react when they found out about Blackwall/Thom Rainier? (For Varevas and AU Leohta?)

Leohta conscripts him; she’s still Warden-Commander after all, even if she knew from the first he was no Warden. She suspected Leliana knew as much as well, if not right away then likely after meeting him, and Leliana’s judgement is as good as any to her. Besides, it’s not as though Blackwall/Thom was doing anything to besmirch the Wardens’ good name. They were doing well enough on their own on that front, really, and if murder was a stumbling block to Warden membership, she’d never have recruited Anders or Velanna as Wardens, never mind her personal connections to Sten and Zevran.

Varevas was surprised and disappointed mostly in Blackwall’s deception. Killing people for money is hardly a behavior he endorses directly but the Inquisition did hire the Chargers, a mercenary band who… kill people for money, and are very good at it. They’re also straight forward about that fact and for him that’s where the difference lies, and why he elects to free Thom Rainier to make amends as Thom Rainier. They were never especially close to begin with but this cements a certain distance between them. Var just does not take well to being lied to.

#mocha-writes #leohta's just like look #he didn't try to kill me #and yes the bar is that low #of course the situations are different in each of those uh situations #and she and blackwall aren't close #but he'll do fine as a Warden #varevas was the closest any character came to leaving blackwall to sit in val royeaux #and he's basically indifferent to him after he comes back #varevas lavellan #leohta aeducan #ask meme

[sulevinblade]

I was tagged by @red-wardens for oc face claims, which isn’t something I’ve thought a lot about but I did have ideas so tada! I’m not great at this but I’m pretty happy with who I found for them.

Tagging @gremlinquisitor and anyone else who wants to do this because I know face claims aren’t everybody’s thing but I’d love to see who you’d cast as your darlings!!

#ghilanel lavellan #varevas lavellan #astoria trevelyan #jonah hawke #leohta would be sort of ellen page but #really her fc is my old mmo character so #the new dwarf would be my old fantroll #and portia is probably allison pill but the character creator doesn't let you do properly rounded faces on humans #at least not in any way i had success with #meme #face claims