#I know almost nothing about DA or DAI so that’s fun. so far the dwarf (Vargas?? I’m so awful at names) is the most valid perosn I’ve met. do | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

amazon-me-bitches · 4 years

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Made a Logan Angst story if anyone is interested.

I'm a stitch away from making it, and a scar away from falling apart.

Pairing: Logan-centric

When Thomas decided to make YouTube videos his entire career, Roman and Patton couldn't have been happier. A job centered around creativity and passion? YES PLEASE! Logan was not so thrilled.

YouTube was no more a job to him than Vine was, it was a hobby and having hobbies was a good thing! sure absolutely…but. “Thomas what about your job applications, there’s internships pouring in.” he said holding up the papers. “sure right, I am going to get to them Logic I promise.” he said smiling and taking the paper from him. “Thomas you just got a million followers on vine! You are practically a celebrity now!” Roman gushed. Patton cheered and through confetti “Can you even imagine that many hugs?!” he gasped hugging himself in excitement. Thomas eyes lit up and he sat the paper back down running over and jumping up and down in excitement. “This is more than I ever dreamed of!” he shouted unable to keep the laugh out of his voice. Logan smiled softly and clapped his hands. He loved seeing Thomas so happy. If that many people followed him for his 6 second comedy videos just wait until they saw what he could really do. He smiled wider thinking about Thomas name at the top of news articles about how he found a way to get clean energy for the whole world. Thomas Sanders new botany technique leads to new drought resistant trees. Thomas Sanders responsible for single handedly ending global warming. Was it too early to start writing the Nobel Peace Prize speech?

“Thomas you graduated one year ago today, You said you wanted to take a year off and that year is up now, I think we should really look into a research lab in Boston because they have the best reputation and they are doing amazing things up there.” Logan informed having taken the liberty of finding the application online for him. Thomas bit his lip and rubbed the back of his head. “wow this year really flew by didn’t it? I mean thank you Logic but I have a lot going on right now, I’m writing my own musical, I have 2 million followers on Vine that are all wanting a bunch of collabs and new material heck I'm even thinking about starting a YouTube channel.” Logan cocked his head to the side utterly confused. “What does any of that have to do with your career Thomas?” “well plenty, for example I can’t just up and move to Boston that’s crazy far away and I already have so many friends here. They are in my videos and we are hanging out every week, I don’t know… I mean Chemical Engineering will always be there, but right now I just feel I need to stay around here.” he reasoned. Logan furrowed his brow, frowning. “Thomas I think you should look at this from a different angle, You could do great life changing things with-” “Hey Kiddo, what are you doing? didn’t you tell Terrence you would meet him for the video at 3 its almost 2:30 and its all the way across town. We need to head out of we are going to make it.” Thomas gasped face palming “Oh shoot, when did it get so late? where are my shoes?” he asked in a panic running off into the living room to look for them. “Thomas!…wait.” Logan tried to catch him but the host was up and out the door before he could even set the papers down.

Several months later brought about the changing of the leaves and semi cooler weather. Thomas was back home with family for the holidays and the sides LOVED it. Roman always a show man loved socializing and playing pranks with Thomas’ brothers again. Patton adored the nostalgia the house brought back and reminiscing with all the famILY as he liked to call them. Logan…liked the holidays but they were entirely too mushy for his taste, still as long as Thomas was happy he was happy, that was the goal right? He stepped away as the third song among them started up. They were indeed a very…musical bunch. This was more Roman’s scene.

He made his way down the hallway and into a room he knew all too well. He stepped in and his heart did a little leap as it did every time he came back here. So many nights in here. looking up at the glow in the dark stars on the ceiling. using the telescope and recording stars in a journal Thomas kept in his drawer. They would pretend they were scientists.

“It says that some stars are called red giants and some smaller ones are called dwarfs. the hottest ones burn white and the coolest ones burn yellow. huh Logic does that mean the sun isn’t the hottest star?”

“Correct Thomas, in fact the sun is one of the less hot stars, but it is the only one in our galaxy so I think we should still appreciate all it gives us.” He smiled. Thomas grinned.

“your right, I love the sunshine, I would be sad if it wasn’t here”

“actually you would be dea…you know what, I'm glad it's here too.” he smiled.

“Logic?”

“hmm?”

“do you know everything?”

Logan smiled and turned to him. “no Thomas but we can get close to it, as long as you never stop learning I won’t either. we will help each other, deal?” Thomas beamed and hugged him.

“deal.”

He walked around the desk and sat down in the seat. He wondered how much homework was done at this table alone? Thomas was not a big fan of homework and having to do it right when he came home was not his idea of fun, but Logan could always manage to bring his spirits up. He was an expert at making up memory games and finding new ways to help give Thomas visuals in math. One of his favorites was using candy for counting in math. The candy also ended up being an after homework treat the two would enjoy.

He frowned pulling himself out of the nostalgia and wrapping his arms around himself. Fat lotta good any of that homework did him.. nothing they worked on would make him a better Youtuber. Roman could handle that all by himself. Logan didn’t hate the videos, he just didn’t know where he fit in there.

He turned and shut off the light walking back out into the room sluggishly. They were all still laughing and carrying on just the same as before. He decided to watch from the kitchen instead, just not able to get into the spirit and not wanting to bring anyone down.

New year, new asperations. It had taken some work but he had found a smaller research lab two towns over and because he knew Thomas didn’t want to be cooped up in a dark lab all day, he had even better news. They had a team that went outside and collected samples and did most of their experiments outdoors! They even went on trips to other countries to study new flora and fauna. He would be just like the nature scientists in movies. going to the deepest parts of the jungle, maybe even the rainforest. Thomas had talked about wanting to go to a rainforest since he heard the song Rainforest Rap as a kid.

“What’s got you so happy today Logan?” Patton asked smiling and drinking his morning coffee. Logan straightened his tie. “Just going to talk to Thomas today about an amazing opportunity I found.” he grinned. “Good for you Kiddo! Is it a idea for another video?” “Nope!” he replied all too cheery sinking out and into Thomas bedroom. “Thomas I come barring wonderful news!” he paused when he saw Thomas and Roman looking sullen and down trodden. “Is…everything alright? are you hurt?” he asked walking over swiftly and bending down. “Vine is gone, the whole website is shut down.” Thomas sighed resting his head on his folded arms. “Oh…I’m so sorry Thomas I know you really liked that website. There will be others though, you still have your YouTube.” “Yeah, but…doing videos that are longer than 6 seconds long just seems so intimidating, especially without Vine to fall back on, what if I cant think of enough content?”

Logan gave him a small smile. “well I have good news Thomas and a way you can fill your content too.” Thomas cocked a brow. “what are you talking about?” “Ta Da!!!” he grinned pushing the job application, all filled out into his hosts hands. “They are close to prevent home sickness but travel and explore frequently so you don’t get bored. They pay well and the work they are doing to help the environment is phenomenal.” He grinned waiting for Thomas to share in his excitement. He really had outdid himself this time. “Oh, Logic I don’t want to think about that right now, I’m sorry its just not a good time. I have a lot on my mind.” he said sighing and handing Logan back the paper. “Wait! I didn’t tell you the best part, They go on trips to the rainforest, as in real rainforests in South America. You love rainforests.” Thomas expression didn’t change. “yeah, I guess I did want to go to a rainforest when I was younger. I-I don’t know Logic there is just a lot happening right now, can’t we give it some time and think about it?” Logan's smile slipped off his face and his brows furrowed. “I’m sorry Thomas, but its been two years since you got out of school I mean…I think we have taken enough time to think things out, don’t you? I must insist we take this opportunity before someone else does.” he urged. “I’m sorry I know it’s taking some time but I just have a lot to think about right now. Now that vines dead I will have to really adjust to YouTube and find new content to make but I have a loyal fan base who will hopefully follow me over there. I’m the Storytime guy after all.” He laughed. Logan didn’t

“Thomas this has gone on long enough. You’re the ‘Storytime Guy?’ Okay that doesn’t mean anything. You are also a chemical engineer and a very smart person. Now is the time we leave all this silly Vine business behind us and move on to better and more important things. Don’t you want to get started on finding new conclusions and testing new experiments?” “I don’t know what I want to do Logic! I don’t even know if I want to be a chemical Engineer anymore! Everything about it just seems boring now, I found something that makes me happy, why can’t you just let this go?!” Thomas snapped sitting up and glairing at him. Logan stared at him like he just witnessed a murder. He couldn’t be serious…this is all Logan had looked forward to for six years “Y-You don’t mean that. You went to college for this Thomas, I know your videos are important to you but so is your education right?” Thomas rolled his eyes. “look college was fun but its over now and I found a new way to support myself. I never expected to be doing a job like this but now that I am I want to give it a real shot.” “So school was a waste then? all for nothing?!“ ”No!, I really and truly did think at the time that I wanted to do that, but I don’t know, I just did some soul searching and found out I wanted something different.“ “So you are just giving up on science and trading it in for social media?!” “Logic that has already happened, you just haven’t been ready to see it. I’m sorry but I just don’t want to do that anymore. Next to acting and collabing and making music…that other stuff just seems…boring.”

Logan sat back rocking on his heels and becoming very interested in the ceiling and trying to make the stupid lump in his throat go away. “Logic I’m sorry I-” Logan snatched the paper back up and sunk out, not letting him finish and definitely not letting them get the satisfaction of seeing the tears steaming down his face. He gritted his teeth in frustration before he began ripping up the paper into a million shreds and throwing them all over his room. Raking notebooks off the desk and ripping down his posters and degrees. His chest was heaving and he couldn’t stop his body from shaking as he finally collapsed on the carpet sobbing.

“Oh god I hope I studied enough! that test is going to be super hard!” “not to worry Thomas we went over the material thoroughly and you are well prepared” “thanks Logic!” Thomas waved before running off to Physics.

“Good job Thomas, You did so great Honey!” “I can’t believe I won the whole science fair! Everyone in the grade entered!” He said excitedly from the back seat looking at his medal. Logan sat next to him grinning like crazy. He knew Thomas would win they had spent weeks working on it. “Congratulations Thomas I knew you could do it.” Thomas put his hand over Logans. “We did it.” he clarified. Logan smiled like a maniac the whole night. Proud as ever.

Logan couldn’t breath. The tears wouldn't stop flowing and his body wouldn’t stop shaking. He curled up on the carpet and just let it all wash over him. It was his fault for getting his hopes up really. This is what comes from getting emotionally invested in things…and people.

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“What is up everybody! wow another year come and gone, but I did so much this year it is crazy. I guest starred in a Disney show and went to Vidcon, won a Streamy award and tons of other cool activities. You might think I would be looking to take some time off after that but you would be wrong. I have so many cool things coming up, Logan do you want to tell them about a few of them?” Thomas asked pointing to him. Since they had been introduced as part of a series on Thomas channel called Sander Sides he had been a bit more involved with the videos. Not a huge part to play and more often than not he found himself used as more of a walking talking day planner than anything else.

He plastered on his fake smile and pulled out his notebook. “On the second of next month you are going to a convention and doing a meet and greet in New York. Every other week this month you have new collabs and you are scheduled to make more content for your second channel later this week.” He said putting away his book. “Thanks buddy!” Thomas said before his attention was once again pulled away to something Roman was saying to Virgil. The audience did so love their witty banter. He remained quiet until the video was over while Patton defended Virgil telling Roman not to be so mean to his ‘favorite precious sunshine’ Logan opened his mouth to say something to Roman about a fact he was just plain wrong about, but before he could utter a sound Thomas was wrapping up the video with his Hello Fresh sponsorship. Logan sighed and bit his lip, looking around before sinking out, back to his room. Quiet, alone and not in the way. Just how everyone wanted him to be.

#Logan Sanders #Logan sanders angst #thomas sanders #sander sides fanfiction #sandersides fanfiction

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idjitlili · 4 years

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Thorin x Modern!reader

Summary: imagine being annoying and singing the bilbo baggins ballad to wind up Thorin.

Word count:2125

You had been travelling with company for many months now, since you dropped from the sky onto a troll. It hurt like a smashing your back into the taps of a fancy bath. Then you were almost eaten by that troll, until Gandalf had saved you and the small dudes by smashing a rock in half.

Gandalf had allowed you to join the Journey despite Thorins total dislike of the idea.This face scrunched up in anger as he began to talk “I will not be responsible for her safety nor Bilbos.” You giggles at Bilbos name you knew exactly where you were and what you were going to do on the journey. Thorin turned to you and glared, you just stuck your hands up on surrender.

“Very well ,Thorin but you will not cause harm to my burglar or this women.” Gandalf spoke to the dwarves king.

Over the course of these months Thorin ignores you as much as he could even after bilbo saved him, he still avoided you at all costs. You thought he thought you were annoying. Kili and fili would annoy their uncle to get attention from him so that was exactly what you were going to do.

Now you all were escaping Thranduils kingdom in barrels down a river,thanks to Bilbo. The water soaked your shirt with y/m/r(movie reference) upon it, and denim shorts. Since the elves had stripped you from everything else, despite the dwarves anger. Not going to lie this barrel ride thing was very fun. From what you gathered so far Thorin wasn’t the type of person for jolly songs, and you knew of a song that was just that. You had previously had your arms in the arm , like on a rollercoaster, so you began shouting lyrics while doing so.

“In the Middle of the Earth, in the land of Shire

Lives a brave little hobbit whom we all admire

With his long, wooden pipe

Fuzzy, wooly toes

He lives in a hobbit-hole and everybody knows him”

Bilbo looks at you confused, aswell as legolas , he wonders what the fuck she doing she’s gonna get stabbed. Kili has already been shot and you all had already passed through the gate. You were trying to annoy Thorin yes but to lighten the mood distract kili from his pain.

“Bilbo (Bilbo!), Bilbo Baggins

He's only three feet tall

Bilbo (Bilbo!), Bilbo Baggins

The bravest little hobbit of 'em all!”

You aren’t really singing you just shouting the lyrics, Thorin keeps glancing at you with glares you smirk at him, you are sure that kili is going to join in singing soon enough.

“Now, hobbits are peace-loving folks, you know

They're never in a hurry and they take things slow

They don't like to travel away from home

They just like to eat and be left alone!”

“But one day Bilbo was asked to go

On a big adventure to the caves below

To help some dwarves get back their gold

That was stolen by a dragon in the days of old.”

You duck in the barrel as arrow flew passed you.

“Well he fought with the goblins!

He battled a troll!

He riddled with Gollum!

A magic THING He stole!

He was chased by wolves!

Lost in the forest!

Escaped in a barrel from the elf-king's halls!” You purposely changed ring to thing , so no one knew his secret you just smiled at Bilbo who had his mouth wide open, knowing you knew he had found a ring.

“Bilbo (Bilbo!), Bilbo Baggins

The bravest little hobbit of 'em all!” Kili and fili joined in at the second Bilbo, Bofur laughed the three of you, Bilbo smiled.

“Now he's back in his hole in the land of Shire

That brave little hobbit whom we all admire

Just a-sittin' on a treasure of silver and gold

A-puffin' on his pipe in his hobbit-hole!”

By the time you had finished you all had outrun or out swam , you all got the barrels drenched in water, clothes sagging from it.

“Y/n , is that a song from where you are from?” Bilbo had questioned you looking up at you , standing on the bank of the shore , you nodded at the hobbit. Before anyone could say anything else , Thorin marched over to you , grabbing you by the shoulder to turn you to him.

“What WERE you doing?” He screamed at you with anger. Damn this felt like the perfect line , he just spoon fed you more motive.

“ what arrr you doing?!” You frowned at Thorin , who clenched his fists harder.

“No,I SAID what were you doing?”

“What’re you doing?” You smirked , as Thorin scoffed at you about to shout at you, but then Bilbo clenched on your hand pulling you away. You looked back at Thorin who was still scowling at you, you gave him that smiling face Nicolas cage does.

That didn’t continue much longer , as Bard arrived, “damn bro he looks better in person.” You whispered Bilbo who just just nudged you’re leg to be quiet.

“When I was a lad, I ate four dozen eggs

Every morning to help me get large

And now that I'm grown, I eat five dozen eggs

So I'm roughly the size of a barge.” You spoke quietly down into the water recalling beauty and the beast. You had a huge crush on Gaston, but stupid Thorin bad made you achieve a bigger on on him.

“I’m so sorry miss y/n, but bomburs the only one the same size as a barge.” Bofur smirked to you , you giggled “it’s just a song from my home, sir.” You looked towards the dwarf with the hat.

“You will have to sing it for us miss y/n, your Songs are most enjoyable.” He smiled at you placing a hand on your shoulder.

“I can’t sing, hence why shouted the last song.” This made bofur laugh, but didn’t say anything , but bard told the dwarves to get in the barrels to hide. “Mister Bard , I have too long of a torso to hide in them.” Bard looked at your appearance , frowning you looked very different to anyone you had met. He wraps his coat around your shoulders.

“We shall act if we are courting as you need to wear my coat to hide your strange clothing.” He smiles lightly at you.

“Yes sir.” You did an army salute, he chucked at your weird gesture. Thorin didn’t like this idea or the way you looked at Bard.

Bard had been stopped from going into lake town from that greasy skank Alfred, eventually Bard had convinced him but that wasn’t going to stop him eyeing you up.

You glared at him , grabbing onto Bards arm, who realised what was happening wrapped his arm around you pulling you into his side. Alfrid was soon to look away embarrassed, he was clearly afraid of bard. Soon you passed and was able to let go of bard and soon the dwarves were out of the barrels. While bard and you headed to his house with his son , Bain. “Thank you bard for helping us.” You had told bard he sent you a smile.

You entered the house house to be greeted by his two daughters ,sigrid and Tilda. Their mouths gap in shock, at you wearing their fathers coat. You pull it off , putting on the peg. “Isn’t see a little young father?” Sigrid has questioned her father, you were only two years older than her.

“Uh.. I am not courting your father.” You replied with a blush on your cheeks from embarrassment. “Why are there dwarves coming out of our toilet da?” Sigrid had questioned, after the embarrassing in counter. “Will they bring us luck?” Tilda spoke up in excitement. Bilbo walked into the room wet and cold, as bards daughters gave you and the other blankets. You wrapped it around your cold form, “how was your trip Bilbo?” You smirked.

He sent you a glare “oh lovely , you know I had a nice swim.” You giggled.Thorin glared at you , from the fire place.

***

Yo u had told Thorin it was a trap , saving fili and kilis life, now Thorin fought Azog on the ice. Once Azog was distracted Thorin has threw that brick like weapon to Azog causing him to caught it. Thorin stood off the ice , making Azog fall but before he fell in the water you had popped out plunging the sword into Azog a back into his heart.

Your sword had became stuck, you pull at it with all your might, but you can’t get it free. Before you know it you are in the freezing water, trying keep ahold on the ice.

“Y/n?!” Thorin screamed running , towards you, but you cannot hold on to the cold ice any longer. “T-tho” before you can finish his name you lose grasp on the ice, plunging into the icy water. Your whole body is covered as your fingers lose sight of dryness , before the water takes over.

For moments that felt like hours you were surrounded, in death, before someone had grabbed onto your hand pulling you out of the water with ease. Yet you still only saw darkness until the you began coughing up water to breath. You lay on the cold ice spitting up the water on your side. “Y/n?” Someone’s voices echoed, through your blocked ears. You couldn’t see clear everything was blurry, you couldn’t make out details.

Large hands pull you into their bodies , wrapping fur around you soaking body. Bloody hell you were still wearing shorts and a t-shirt. “Yes?” You had whispered before closing your eyes, the person had stood up carrying you bridal style , becoming sonic running.

The next time you woke up you were in a bed , covered with furs and a very warm body laying at your side. The body is strong and muscular his arm wrapped tightly around your waist. The furs tickle your bare arms. You eyes shot open like a fridge by a hungry obese man. (That guy egg dude from sonic) You look to your side to see Thorin in deep slumber , his face surprisingly peaceful, as great contrast to his brooding face. “DAMN BRO did I finally get laid?” You shout loudly causing Thorin to jolt.

He sits up in the bed, you were in the covers yet he lay onto of them, without his shoes just a tunic and pants. “Y/n,you are awake.” He spoke groggly,removing his arm from you quickly when noticing it’s position. “I’m so sorry y/n” damn he never apologised except to Bilbo. “It’s okay I didn’t mind.” You smiled slyly at him.

“Thank you.” He had spoke sincerely, you sat up in the bed, joints cracking, looking around the room, this wasn’t your room Thorin had given you... it was his room.

“For what?” You questioned , you did nothing but almost dying. “For saving my family y/n . For that I also must apologise for treating you so poorly. I hope you can forgive me.” Thorin was also sitting up next to you clutching your now warm hand holding it gently.

“It’s all good Thorin. Not going to lie to you, I did annoy you to get a reaction out of you.” You smirk at the dwarves king. He chuckled at him “yes I was fully aware, kili and fili do the same thing.”

“That’s where I got the idea.” You giggledz

“Of course you did.” You sigh , In satisfaction you had never had a proper conversation with Thorin.

“God dude you didn’t even speak to me , and when you did you were angry. Yet still a dwarf , you captured my heart.” You spoke lowly , not really thinking about your words.

“I did?” You gasp , Thorin looks at you in shock, you eyes burn in embarrassment, you nod slowly and nervously. Before you know it , Thorin had grasped your cheeks pressing his lips to yours briefly before pulling away.

“As you have captured mine. God I saw those looks you gave that barge man.” He strokes his thumb on your cheek softly.

“What can I say he is a very handsome man.” You giggle at your own words.

Before you know it the door is open and Bilbo is skipping in “Oh my you have changed Thorin.” You both snap you’re heads to Bilbo.

“You did nawtttt God damnit Dildo Gaggins,”

#the hobbit imagine #the hobbit x reader #the hobbit x you #thorin fic #thorin imagine #thorin x you #thorin x reader #thorin oakenshield #thorin the dwarf

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dragon-age-companions-speak · 5 years

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Heyo! Found this delightful little page surfing for more DA content (again; thanks trailer) and thought I'd try an ask! Could I request reactions of all the DA:I companions to an Inquisitor that has been nothing but focused and serious about the whole thing just suddenly finding the cutest random object (like an abandoned music box) and going completely fan girl/boy over it for a few moments before remembering they're not alone? Thank you much and looking forward to your work!

Sent in by @bottastic0201 !!

((Oof, I deviated a bit from the ask, hope you don't mind! Also didn't include Blackwall cause I don't know his character to well yet as I never really had him as part of my party. Not to fear, he will be added later on!))

Cassandra: After the demon fight at the Temple of Sacred Ashes, Cassandra always had a certain respect for the Inquisitor, despite their poor first impressions. They took the Inquisition's cause very seriously, and were focused on closing the Breach perhaps even more so than she was. Of course, that didn’t stop the Seeker from at least chuckling at the sight of the Inquisitor fawning over a fancy little elven music box they found when exploring Skyhold, tucked away in some corner long covered in dust. They were exploring the lover levels of the grand fortress together, though Cassandra guessed they forgot she was even there whenever they spotted the little thing. It was made out of a black, sleek wood, and covered in carvings of wolves and halla with golden accents for the wolves’ eyes and the halla’s horns. Cassandra cleared her throat, arms crossed over her chest and a light smile playing at her lips. “Found something you like, Inquisitor?” The blush that crept onto their face was worth the little tease, and she had to promise them not to tell any of the others. If this little scene did manage to make it into one of Varric’s new books, she certainly wasn’t the one who told him.

Varric: Varric had to say that, in his time of both writing and following heroes, the Inquisitor was probably the most… Efficient one the dwarf had encountered. Sure, being driven to save the world from becoming ass deep in demons and corrupted with red lyrium was certainly commendable, though he did find himself missing Hawke’s snarky comebacks and sassy remarks. The Inquisitor was a serious leader, and didn’t usually humor his, well, humor. However, whenever the two stumbled across a little gold and white painted music box in a random part of the ass end of nowhere and the Inquisitor let out a little squeal at the sight, the dwarf couldn’t help but laugh. “Really, Stiffy? That’s what cracks you? A music box?” His gruff voice reminded the Inquisitor of his presence, and the blush of embarrassment that followed just made the dwarf grin. When they asked him to keep this little scene out of his book, all they got in return was a wider grin and a wink.

Solas: Before this little incident, Solas had a pretty neutral opinion of the Inquisitor. They were focused and did their assigned role well, and he couldn’t complain much about their serious demeanor. To be the Inquisitor was a hard task, and he understood what they had to carry on their shoulders and the face they had to put on for nobles and pretty courts. After all, he had the same weight on his shoulders, as well as a face of his own. Unlike a few of the more boisterous companions the Inquisitor has taken under their metaphorical wing, Solas doesn't interrupt them whenever they spot a charming little Dalish themed music box while combing through the Exalted Plains. He watches them fawn over the little wooden thing, running their fingers over the raven and bear carvings all over its surface. They pouted slightly once they realized the small box no longer played music, the handle broken and the gears inside probably long since rusted, and placed the pretty thing into their bag. “Shall we move on then, Inquisitor?”If this is after his personal quest ‘All New, Faded for Her’, and they tried to help his corrupted friend, the Inquisitor will find a new music box on the desk in their quarters. It is covered with delicate little designs of wolves and elves, obviously drawn by Solas’ hand, and when it’s golden handle is turned it plays a lovely tune that the Inquisitor is humming for days afterwards.

Sera: First impressions of the Inquisitor? A stuck up nob with too many sticks up their back-end mouth. They’re not fun to joke with, absolutely no help in pranking, and don’t appreciate a good bee nest inside of a training dummy. Sure, being serious was good and all, and being focused on what you want to do is fine, though Sera finds herself a little aggravated with them after a short time. Unlike most of the others, she was not exploring with the Inquisitor when she spotted them gushing over some slightly beat up doll in the middle of Redcliffe, though she was planning on pranking them with a good pie. However, whenever she spotted them holding the doll with the cheesiest smile on their face, cradling the small thing against their chest, Sera almost couldn’t handle it. She almost fell off of the roof she was spying on them from because of laughing so hard, which, or course, startled the Inquisitor to no end, and instead of being embarrassed they were almost terrified at the quirky elf’s barking laughter. “A doll?! You’re just putting me on, right? It’s a doll and you’re smiling at it like it’s just watered your damn crops!” Sera spoke in between laughing, and in the end, her pie ended up ruined all over the roof as she jumped down to the Inquisitor’s level. It becomes a constant thing she teases the Inquisitor about, and it’s not long before the rest of the Inner Circle knows.

Dorian: Dorian is not an unreasonable man. All he wants is a nice glass of wine in the morning, some decent fucking literature, and an Inquisitor who at least humors his jester personality just a tad more than the current one does. They dismiss any of his playful flirting and sarcastic comments, and suddenly that one glass of wine turns into two. It’s not that he minds them being extremely driven- Far from it, actually, though he wished that their devotion also came with a little sense of humor. So one can imagine how unimaginably pleased the ‘Vint was whenever they came across a pretty little mabari figurine at the Winter Palace. They were supposed to be looking for some halla statues or something to open a door in their way, and instead, found a golden painted dog in one of the guest rooms. While Dorian thought it would be more fitting to find in Ferelden, the Inquisitor was overly pleased to have found it at all. The dog had a golden chain attached to it, and it wasn’t long before it was around the Inquisitor’s neck and they were standing in front of the best mirror they could find to see how it looked. “I personally think drakestone would suit you better. Really brings out your eyes.”Dorian spoke casually as he stepped behind the Inquisitor, looking at their reflection in the mirror as they nearly screamed at his. The flushed look on their face and wide eyes were more than enough of a reward for his teasing, and he spent a lot of their time left at the Palace making similar comments.

Vivienne: Similar to Solas, Vivienne’s initial reaction to the Inquisitor was pretty neutral. They were serious in the work that they did and driven to rid the world of this nightmare, so she had a certain respect for them for taking the role as leader of the Inquisition in stride. She didn’t have a problem with their serious demeanor, and it made speaking to them much more tolerable than speaking to someone like Cole or Sera, who were either too cryptic or too aggravating to understand. Whenever they did find a little pretty trinket and the Inquisitor all but gushed over it, she found it almost charming. A powerful, grand person of power absolutely fawning over a wooden doll was almost unbelievable, yet here they were. They were shopping in Val Royeaux when the Inquisitor spotted the doll, and Vivienne felt a little pity for them. After all, the Inquisition’s money was always tight, and a doll was seemingly worthless in the grand scheme of their cause. With a gentle sigh, Vivienne stepped forwards and bought the wooden thing with her own money, which rewarded her with another smile from the Inquisitor. “No need to thank me, my dear. Do keep that out of Sera’s reach, though. I fear she may end up breaking it.”While it was nice to have a devoted leader, they still needed their reasons to smile. Vivienne was many things, and cruel wasn’t one of them. Bluntly honest? Maybe. But never cruel.

Iron Bull: Having a serious leader such as the Inquisitor was somewhat of a change for The Iron Bull. Having been with his boys for so long took away a lot of the seriousness from his own personality, so it was a bit of a difficult transition. They didn’t seem to care for his beautifully crafted puns and endearing nicknames, and was nothing but straight to the point when invited to drink with him and his boys. Bull understood that certain jobs needed to be taken with a certain amount of committedness, though it was a bit of a damper whenever they didn’t respond to a joke or laugh at his foolish nicknames. So, whenever his favorite ‘Vint and lieutenant Krem made a stuffed nug for the Inquisitor to hopefully lighten their mood, Bull was the one to volunteer to give it to them. He brought it to them right after him and the Inquisitor slayed their first dragon together as a ‘congratulations’ for the kill. They eyed the nug carefully before taking it away from Bull, giving him a curt ‘Thank you’ before closing the door to their quarters. He was a little disappointed with their reaction, as he knew Krem would be, though before he left he heard the most suspicious of noises from inside of the Inquisitor’s room. He grinned as he realized the Inquisitor was squealing over their gift, and he swore he could hear them speaking to the stuffed nug as well. “I’ll tell Krem you liked his gift!”Bull called through the door, and the sudden silence was enough to make him laugh. He brought the good news to his boys (And Varric), and they drank over a good kill and finally being able to know what makes the Inquisitor tick.

Cole: Cole didn’t know what to think of the Inquisitor at first. They were bright- Even without the mark they were bright and blinding and good. He didn’t really understand why Sera and some of the others got aggravated at them whenever they were so devoted to sealing the Breach and helping people. He knew they didn’t laugh as much as the others did, but it was only because they didn’t know when to laugh.She grins, a joke meant to be laughed at and shared, but they don’t. An odd look, then embarrassed, but it’s too late to do what they were meant to do, and the joke is ruined.It brings him joy when they find the music box Solas left for them because it makes them happy. It sings a song belonging to skulls and paints a story they don’t know, but they still love it.Winding, winding until it’s wound and sings. It’s so like him, so strange yet so harmonious, like a wolf howling to the sun. How long did it take him? Days, weeks? So pretty yet so tedious- Have to thank him later. Cole doesn’t interrupt them, and instead, watches passively as they hold the box in their lap and hum along to it, the stress of their day melting as the music plays.

#dragon age: inquisition #dragon age #dragon age companions #solas #dorian pavus #cassandra pentaghast #varric thetras #sera #the iron bull #iron bull #tw: cursing #cole #vivienne de fer #dragon age companions react

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ageofdragon · 6 years

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DA4 Cameos and Companions

I wanted to address this, since I really liked this post by @quizzy-tielle but there are a few more notes that can be added. tdlr at the bottom, under the read more.

Origins

Alistair: Alistair will probably only have a Cameo since he has two different paths (Warden or King), but I could see him being plot relevant. Maybe only a Warden like in DA2, even if it is possible for him to “die” in DA:I. This is because DA:I leaves that open if they want to “retcon” it. The words used in the choice implies you might be leaving Alistair to his death, there is an open end there. Especially since we don’t see his dead body only what looks like him going down. On the other hand, it has been a while since his Joining and unless he is like his mother (or the dragon’s blood theory is true), then he is almost due for his Calling. So if Al is there in DA4, expect him in Grey Warden regalia.

Morrigan: I don’t think Morrigan will ever be a Companion player again, but she will be a major npc no matter where the game takes place. Not only is she headed where we are supposed to be, but she is now carrying some of the last remnants of Mythal whether in her head (depending on who drank the Well) or in her blood.

Leliana: If our game does actually take place in Tevinter, I think she might get a mention at best. Either by reminiscent characters or in the grand scheme of things. I don’t see her playing to much part unless some of the game returns to Orlais, in which case as a Divine she could very well pop up. As well as still being interested/running the Inquisition’s spies against Solas (I believe even as the Divine), so again a peripheral character. That said I’d really be interested to see if Lyrium Ghost Leliana pops up anywhere!

Wynne: Wynne has actually died by Asunder; leaving not a character no one cares about, but one that even if people wanted her she is unable to return. Unless as a spirit of course. That said it is not out of the question to meet her son Rhys and perhaps recruit him as a companion, along with his Templar sweetheart Evangeline.

Oghren: I could have seen Oghren returning when the team consisted of mostly the old writers. But with Weekes in charge and a few new writers around, I agree he is probably too lowbrow and overlooked (even among the writers) to pop up again. At the very most, if at all, it’ll be a quick mention somewhere.

Zevran: I agree that Zevran possibly being dead makes it hard, but honestly if I don’t get to see Zev once in this new engine. I will move to Canada just to stand outside Bioware studios and scream continuously at them till the day I perish. Zevran deserves more and if Leliana can resurrect, why not our favorite elven assassin.

Sten: Sten is actually a pretty popular character, only he doesn’t go by Sten anymore. Well at least not for most people. Which is where the conflict comes in. For anyone who earned Sten’s loyalty, he is Arishok now. Which big Qunari plot means definite appearance by the Arishok. However, I don’t see him being a companion, at best he would be a NPC ally. On the other hand, those who didn’t help Sten left him without the Qun...unless he went back and became Arishok later (after the Warden) which is a very easy work around.

Shale: I could actually see Shale being a companion. I mean they can reuse at least one (even in DA2, Nathaniel was going to be a return companion but they scraped it). Shale was a character a lot of people liked, but being a DLC character was underexplored. She was last seen heading to Tevinter to discover how to be a dwarf again. So golem, dwarven, or a mix of the two, Shale is a huge possibility.

Hero of Ferelden: Bioware has pretty much confirmed the Warden won’t be back in full capacity ever. Mostly because creating a unvoiced major character is very hard, when they once spoke (unable to make canonically mute) and finding a voice is no solution (they wouldn’t be able to appease enough people, no matter the actor). Which pretty much seals it as, if the Warden shows up, it is in a written or spoken about capacity and nothing more.

Dragon Age 2

Carver/Bethany: It would be such a guilt pleasure if they did show up, but I highly doubt they would and certainly not as a companion. They have too many outcomes and possible paths, it’ll probably be like in DA:I where they get a special mention. OR if Bioware was really clever, they’d make an obscure Warden in the background look like them but obscure enough they can handwave it as “no, but maybe”. Either way, might show up in the Weisshaupt storyline as a special mention, but not much more.

Fenris: I agree with the other post, that Fenris is the one person who would be the one most likely to pop up. I still don’t think as a companion, because he can die. But I do think he could be an ally NPC. Fenris either gets sent back to Danarius or has spent the past years hunting down slavers, so he is bound to be in or near Tevinter. I have almost no doubt we’ll see him, physically, at least once. Though I wouldn’t rule out him being a Weisshaupt too, if he romance Hawke and Hawke wasn’t left in the Fade.

Isabela: Isabela has been in every game so far and if they don’t continue this in DA4 I will be upset. Seriously, it’s like an expectation now. Every DA game is like sex, it’s fun, there is depth, and Isabela is there. Maybe as a companion, maybe as an NPC, or a extra to the cause. Don’t care, she just has to be there now. It’s a signature. Which...if we can get her in her sick Captain’s outfit again, more kudos to them.

Merrill: Hmmm, I don’t know about Merrill. She is such a good and well liked character, and I really need her to interact with Solas. BUT she had far more reason to be in DA:I, in a game that most likely will take place in Tevinter and surrounding area...I’m not sure where she’d fit. Not as a companion I don’t think. Maybe a cameo in Weisshaupt or when dealing with Solas stuff, but even then, her investment in those things seems a bit weak. The most likely place for me, would be dealing with the Eluvians or maybe even helping run an elven slave underground...kind of. But it would really depend where the game chooses to focus (on Tevinter, Solas, Weisshaupt, all 3 equally by some miracle).

Anders: I think at this point, everyone who loves Anders wants Anders back and safe, but also doesn’t want him to be touch by Bioware anymore. And anyone who hates Anders has either killed him or hoped that he was dead...so... Mixed feelings and mixed ideas. I don’t think he’ll ever be a companion again, Bioware learned their lesson (kind of considering Sera). But also being the entire world’s [of Thedas’s] scapegoat for the Mage War/Mage Split, I’m 99.9% sure we haven’t heard the last of some saying something bias, pretty much untrue, and absolutely scathing about him.

Aveline: She is helping run Kirkwall, which is where she belongs. If the game reaches out to the Free Marches, a glimpse or mention of her is sure to be heard. After all, she is the biggest badass there at the moment. Her days on the screen are probably over though, she was a good character but not one interesting enough to last past a single game of screen time. That said, I’d love to see her side-story with the Du Lacs actually revisited at some point, give us a deep Investigative story with her.

Varric: I mean I have to agree with quiz tielle, it pains me but his days as a companion are probably over. That said, I absolutely believe he’ll still have a large role to play. For starters, he is still our storyteller. Thedas’ storyteller and I highly doubt he’ll miss a chance to write out all of Thedas’ major historical events into eye-catching adventure novels till the day he dies. He may be a played out companion (can’t relate) but he isn’t dead and he is still an adventurer at heart, no matter how much he complains about the outdoors. All that aside, he is cousin to probably the most important, incredibly attractive magister in Tevinter right now, Maevaris Tilani (Tethras). I can definitely believe he’ll pop in to say hello and maybe scoop up a story or two, during DA4.

Sebastian: I’m not sure, I forget how his War Table mission plays out...but also not to offend any diehard Seb fans or anything...but he is shit and if he returns I’ll want to punch him. I mean he tried to overtake Kirkwall, for no reason than his own pride and probably a political move to strength his own country. It’s a Free Marcher thing, sure. But still, Sebastian Vael can get stuffed. That so awfully said, if he does come back I’ll still have a good time. Which serious for a moment, I don’t know why he would. Unless like I said we return to the Free Marches for whatever reason.

Tallis?: I have no idea if we have seen the last of her or not. I mean according to DA2 we haven’t and she was a War Table in Inquisitiion. So I suppose if there is a Qunari plot in DA4, you’d expect see her there. But I don’t know how there she’ll be...she could even be a companion. It’s a possibility, but I don’t expect it as a strong one.

Hawke: Hawke is definitely coming back, I don’t know when and I don’t know where but they will. I don’t say this as someone who loved their Hawke tho. I say this because Weisshaupt’s storyline seems to weigh on Hawke’s presence (if they escaped, they said that is where they are headed) and again, like I said in Alistair the decision to leave them behind in the Fade wasn’t final. Hell I wouldn’t be surprised in if in the obligatory Fade mission we ran into a Hawke that got left behind, half dead but still trucking along with that Purple Hawke smirk on their face. “You look like wyvern shit, Hawke.” “You would know.”

Dragon Age Inquisition

Josephine: I think if the Inquisition is there, Josephine is definitely going to be there in some regard. Even if it is a few letters lying around. She’ll be less relevant that she was in Inquisition though, well unless you romanced her. She still has a family to take care of, plus all that new trade and a few diplomatic graces. A lot for her to take on, plus a maybe slave rebellion?

Cullen: Cullen time has come, I don’t think Cullen wants a thing to do with Tevinter cause mages and honestly I’m glad. I mean yeah, he was the white boy version of Isabela’s cameo, but far less entertaining with his anti-mage, but they’re sorta of okay rhetoric. A little salty, yeah. Cause Bioware had 3 chances to get him to a better place (aka make him a great character with growth), but never got there. So as much as I’d love to see them try and fail to make him a better person one more time, it’s time to let him rest. With his slightly changed notions, his lyrium detox facility, and his dog. That rant over, he could be there in the same capacity as Josephine. A few letters and a little something extra for romancers.

Blackwall: A hard one...in theory Blackwall could make a comeback during the Grey Warden plot, Bioware hyped up. He could even be a true Grey Warden companion this time. However, he has a lot of variables and that makes it hard to bring him back as a return character. He could have died, he could have been saved and hidden, or he could have been saved and made a Grey Warden. Not to mention adding romances and whether he got the Grey Warden epilogue or the “prison counselor” epilogue.

Cassandra: I think Cassandra will have the same role/handling as Leliana honestly. She won’t be a companion, but we will see her interacting with the Inquisitor. Divine or not, she is still helping them with Solas. Though we might not actually interact with her, unless Orlais. Again like Leli.

Iron Bull: Another difficult one. On one hand, he could be dead and that is the end of. On the other he could be with Dorian, who I’ll get to in a minute. I think it’ll be a bit easier though, because they can use him like they did Stroud. If he is alive and helping Dorian (or the Inquisitor) then he can show up, be his usual self. Make references to the past game and his Chargers. If he is dead, then he has a blank stand-in that we kind of get to know during the rest of the game, but never to the extent that we know/knew Bull. That said, he is definitely not becoming a companion. Only two characters with a possible death have ever became companions again after said moment, and I think the fact it happens in the same game leaves Carver and Bethany in a completely different category.

Dorian: Alright, if we were ever going to have a returning companion it will probably be Dorian. I have to agree with the assumption. Because Dorian is Tevinter. He’s the good, the bad. The parts that need change, but also the parts that should be praised. He was singled out for this in Inquisition. It was focused on heavily about him being the new Tevinter ambassador. Of him and Mae taking Tevinter by storm. Their reformation of the Magisterium. They even gave him a plot item, that seemed unnecessary and yet provided a link. Which I’m talking about his sending crystal/magic cellphone. It was endearing and also telling. Why need a crystal when letters work too? And I highly doubt it was just to introduce the idea for fun...I’m getting carried away on my favorite boy. What I mean to say, is Dorian, if not a companion, will be a huge player in the next game. Assuming they are still sending us to Tevinter as planned. Not just because he was so loved, which he way. Or because he is an utterly striking, handsome character, which he is. But because Dorian is a major player in Tevinter as is, trying to change his country and you don’t just go to a country and not meet the most influential of them all.

Solas: Oh boy, I have so much to say about this. First off, I don’t agree with the other post. I don’t think Solas will be the biggest villain this game, this time around. Unless Weekes is really enamored with getting that story out of the way, which he might be. I think he’ll be a smaller big bad in the grand scheme of things, whereas he was the big bad in Inquisition (literally all that happened because of him). I think it’d be interesting to see him as a return companion though. Like yes, we all know who he is. But to our new character? Maybe he is just a revolutionist, maybe he was the one who freed them (if they go the slave plot for the PC). Another chance for him to play the PC and we have to watch it happen. But also, we have to figure out why he’d help us with this rebellion (again relies on the slave plot being used) when he has no horses in the race. I don’t know, it is a possibility and a frustrating, but interesting one.

Vivienne: If she is Divine, I don’t see her doing anymore that Cassandra or Leliana in the position. And again, very dependent on if we go to Orlais. Maybe more so, since she wasn’t a founding agent of the Inquisition like Leliana and Cassandra. However, if the Mage College/Circles of Magi issue is more prominent than I think it will be in DA4, then she might show up a bit more than usual. Still don’t think she’ll be a big role or ally to the main character though.

Cole: I don’t agree with Cole not fighting people, but I do agree that he has other things to worry about that the PC in DA4. That said, when it comes to Solas I feel like Cole will be back instantly. Solas and Cole were incredibly close (for a few reasons I can theorize, coughelves=spiritscough), and he was one of the few who actually wanted to save Solas. So if he is there, he is there for his friends and Solas only. Which means no companionship from him.

Sera: I can’t see Sera giving it a try in Tevinter, for so many reasons. Unless the Inky asks her of course. Every thing from the elves, many who just accept their lives. To the magic, to the lack of friends due to brainwashing and fear. It’s just not an environment Sera would enjoy or even want to be it. But if Orlais is still playing a big part in the next game, I’m sure we’ll turn up the Val Royeaux Jenny eventually. Or like I said, if Inky needs her. I doubt she’ll have much to do with the main character though.

Inquisitor: They’ll be there. In some shape or form they’ll show up, that I have no doubt of. How or when will be a mystery. It might be in the form of speaking to Dorian through the sending crystal (removes the need for a CC) or it might be as a Major Ally (i.e. Hawke in Inquisition). I don’t think the story will center around them as much as we think or would like though. Since this isn’t another Inquisitor story, but our new PC’s story.

Tldr:

As far as I believe, there could be a ton of cameos from almost anybody. Seriously, there are maybe 3 who won’t come back and none of them are the Wardens or Hawkes left in the Fade.

The only one from DAO I could see being a companion is Shale, but Sten/Arishok deserves a mention if the Qunari War Plot is going to be as important as we’ve been led to think.

From DA2, I can only see Tallis as a companion, again due to the supposed Qunari War plot. But I’m sure we’ll see Fenris, Varric, Hawke, and Isabela again somewhere in DA4.

Inquisition provides the most likely return companion, Dorian. I could see Solas or Blackwall returning as a companion, but I don’t think they truly beat out Dorian in the amount of importance and content we could get from a returning character by our side. Since Inquisition is the newest game, I especially see most if not all of the characters making some form of cameo.

Some Special Mentions I want to throw out there too. I imagine Calpernia will still be relevant in some way to the story. As she is also someone who wants to redeem Tevinter (in her own way) and could not be killed by the Inquisitor, even being a villain in their game.

Marius, Tessa, and Charter all seem to relevant, recurring characters in the extended media. I wouldn’t be surprised if they roles in the next game. Especially given Marius’s ties to Tevinter and Calpernia

If we don’t have Maevaris Tilani as a companion, after all of this, I will be shocked and scandalized. She has been another character that has both importance in Tevinter and seems to hold importance to the writers (though how this will go now that her main writer, David Gaider has left I don’t know. Weekes still has access to them and he should use it).

We haven’t yet seen the end of Valta...and perhaps Renn. I’m not sure Bioware will approach more dwarven concepts in DA4, but one can hope. Even more so, since I want to see what happened to Valta and just what is happening with the Titans.

#long post #is long #DA4 Speculation #DA4 #Dragon Age #dragonage

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marbelmasnowshoe · 6 years

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Forged in Flames (Part 2)

Two Months Later…

Marbelma hated the Ironforge Orphanage. It was noisy for one. The other kids were constantly running around shouting and screaming at each other. Second, the food here sucked, all cooked by a lunch lady who was always grumpy and probably hated her job. Worst of all though, was Dagrella.

Dagrella was a Dark Iron girl about Marbelma’s age who, unlike everyone else, chose this life. Her parents were still alive, she just ran away because she didn’t want to worship Ragnaros or whatever evil thing Dark Irons do. Could’ve fooled Marbelma, because Dagrella was just as evil as any other Dark Iron. She was mean and loved to bully all the other kids.

Especially Marbelma.

“Give her back!” Marbelma said as Dagrella played a “friendly game” of keep away with Cotton, Marbelma’s beloved stuffed rabbit and the only thing she had left of her family.

“Or what, shorty?” the Dark Iron taunted. Despite being about the same age, Dagrella was considerably taller than Marbelma. With her superior stature, she was easily able to push Marbelma onto the floor. “You know, me Da was a mage. Learned a few spells from him, even, before I ran away. Watch this!”

The taller girl tossed Cotton to the other side of the room. She then conjured a fireball in her hand. “No! Wait!” Marbelma’s pleas fell on deaf ears as the bully threw the fireball at Cotton.

The stuffed animal exploded into flames.

Marbelma was shocked, frozen, even. Cotton…..She was all she had left. It was Dagrella’s harsh laughter that snapped her out of her stupor. “Aw, is the little Bronze Baby gonna cry now? Come on, baby! Let’s see some tears!”

As the Dark Iron resumed her uproarious, sadistic laughter, Marbelma shakily stood up and stared her down. Despite the tears streaming down her cheeks, there was no more sadness within her. First the troll who murdered her family and destroyed her life. Then Dagrella, who had been tormenting her for the last two months, and finally the death of the one thing she still held dear.

There was no more sadness.

Now there was only rage.

Marbelma grabbed a fork from the nearest table and lunged at Dagrella.

“She stabbed the other child with a fork?” Eadric the Pure asked.

“Aye.” Orphan Matron Hearthkeeper replied with a nod. “They were in the dining area. Dagrella, the bully, burned up Marbelma’s stuffed rabbit. The poor girl snapped, grabbed the nearest fork and attacked Dagrella like a wild animal.”

“Oh my…” Eadric stated. The middle-aged dwarf woman nodded as she rose out of her chair and poured herself and the paladin some tea.

“I’ve been this orphanage’s matron for nearly forty years now.” Hearthkeeper said. “It’s rare to see this kind of rage in a child. The kind of rage that can lead her down a bad road later in life. That’s why I invited you here, Mr. Eadric.”

“Oh?”

“I understand that you and some other paladins are here to recruit champions for your Argent Tournament up in Northrend?” Hearthkeeper asked as she handed the human some tea.

“Indeed. We’ve almost gathered enough champions to qualify for the tournament.” Eadric said. “I suspect this is the last time I’ll be in the Eastern Kingdoms for quite some time.”

“But you also recruit squires, yes?” Hearthkeeper asked. “Children to serve as apprentices to your argent crusaders?”

“And you want us to take in this child to be a squire.” Eadric surmised.

“Marbelma’s a good girl.” Hearthkeeper assured. “She just needs guidance, I think. A Light to show her a way out of the darkness. I even have a crusader in mind.” She fished out a folder from a drawer and handed it to Eadric. The human looked through it, and found crude crayon drawings of a female draenei paladin. “That’s the woman who rescued Marbelma from that dreadful troll that night.”

“Vindicator Rhyliaandra.” Eadric said. “Yes, she was patrolling that area as a favor to the Ironforge mountaineers when she heard that commotion from the Snowshoe household. She saved that little girl’s life.”

“Aye, and I’ll bet it’d be a dream come true for little Marbles to be a squire to her.” Hearthkeeper said. “That moon goat’s practically her hero.”

“Hrm. I’ll speak to Rhyliaandra about it.” Eadric said. “She’s always been a bit of a lone wolf - prefers to operate alone. But I think I can convince her. With her sense of duty and unwavering dedication to justice, she’ll make a fine mentor to the child, I think.”

Two weeks later….

“Marbelma!” Rhyliaandra barked outside the smithy’s.

“Coming, Rhyliaandra!” Marbelma Snowshoe, newly-minted Argent Squire said as she came out of the smithy and handed the freshly-repaired sword to the Argent Crusader. The draenei inspected the weapon with a skeptical eye, then nodded with approval as she sheathed it.

“Come.” Rhyliaandra commanded. “Our boat will arrive soon.”

Marbelma shyly followed the draenei through the busy streets of Menethil Harbor towards the docks. She had only been a squire for a little over a week, and already Rhyliaandra was proving a stern master. She had given the young dwarf a wooden sword and a dummy to practice on. So far, practice sessions were nothing but a storm of blunt critiques of Marbelma’s form and technique.

“Stop swinging it blindly, and AIM for something. It’s a sword, not a club.”

“Your follow-through was too slow - an ogre would’ve smashed you by now. Again.”

“You fight like an orc. Don’t smile, that wasn’t a compliment. Orcs are primitive brutes enslaved to their own bloodlust. If you’re to be a paladin, you must hold yourself to a higher standard than that.”

It was frustrating at times, but Marbelma never blamed Rhyliaandra for it. She knew it was her own fault for not being good enough yet, and even then it wasn’t entirely her own fault. As Rhyliaandra said of her;

“Of course you are ineffective as a fighter. You are freshly mined chunk of true iron. And I am a blacksmith. My job is to melt you down, mold you into shape, temper you, and eventually forge you into a weapon of the Light. It will be a long process, but by the time I am done, you will be a worthy blade for the Light.”

Even so, Rhyliaandra’s training was brutal. She was unforgiving of mistakes, and was quick to lecture the child every time she whined for a rest.

“We are weapons of the Light, Marbelma. Does the blade desire a break from slaying its master’s enemies? Does the arrow complain about flying too fast from the bow? No - they simply do what they were made to do, as shall you.”

But even so, the training was already paying off. As she shifted the backpack laden with food, water, armor polish, everything a traveling paladin needs, Marbelma never felt so strong before. She felt like she could beat the crap out of Dagrella a dozen times over, and with continued training, she was only going to get stronger. She already fantasized about confronting that troll one day and smiting him with the Light.

As they made their way over to the docks, there was another draenei waiting for them - a male wearing ranger-like mail armor, a pair of hatchets strapped to his belt, along with several strange objects he called “totems.” It was Rhyliaandra’s brother, Roniaar, or “Uncle Roni” as he had taken to calling himself around Marbelma. He was a shaman - a practitioner of Horde magic, as Rhyliaandra once told her.

“Hello, sister!” Roniaar warmly greeted as he saw the vindicator approach. “Got everything?” In sharp contrast to his stoic sister, Roniaar was nearly all smiles all the time. Were they really family, Marbelma wondered.

“Yes.” Rhyliaandra replied. “I’m surprised to see you here so soon - and sober no less.” The vindicator sneered at her brother. She once told Marbelma that he was a ‘hedonist’, whatever that meant.

“Well, we ARE about to hop on a boat.” Roniaar said. “Seasickness combined with a hangover hardly sounded fun, so I chose to take it easy on the ale last night. Although, I DID meet this nice night elf girl…”

“Not in front of my squire, please.” Rhyliaandra said as she gestured to the young dwarf.

“Oh right! Nobody told her about the moths and elekks yet, huh?” Roniaar asked. “Don’t worry, Marbles - I’ll tell you all about it when you’re older.”

Marbelma giggled a bit. ‘Marbles.’ She liked that nickname. Her giggles were silenced, however, by a stern glare from Rhyliaandra. “I’ll go check in with the captain. The two of you stay here, and don’t go anywhere.” With that, she walked away.

“How long will the boat ride be?” Marbelma asked.

“Not too long. A few weeks, at most.” Roniaar replied. “This will be your first time to Northrend, yes?”

Marbelma nodded. “What’s it like?” she asked.

“Cold, as you can well imagine.” Roniaar answered. “And also dangerous - not just from all the undead, but vrykul and ice trolls as well.”

Marbelma shivered. Trolls. Like the one that…….well, if she saw a troll up there, she’ll help Rhyliaandra kill it.

“But it’s not all bad.” Roniaar said. “Northrend can also be quite beautiful. The awe-inspiring cliffs of the Howling Fjord. The jungles of Sholazar Basin, teeming with life. And of course, Ulduar.”

“Ulduar?” Marbelma asked. “What’s an Ulduar?”

“You’ve never heard?” the draenei asked in playful shock. “Oh, it’s an incredible story that will thrill, captivate, and-“

“Marbelma! Roniaar!” Rhyliaandra barked from the end of the dock. “We are boarding now!”

“I’ll tell you the whole story later tonight - once Miss Bossy-Hooves over there is asleep.” Roniaar whispered, earning a giggle from the dwarf. She didn’t know why Rhyliaandra seemed to dislike Roniaar so much. He was nice, and fun! He was Marbelma’s first real friend since the orphanage.

As the two draenei and dwarf boarded the Northspear, Marbelma couldn’t help but imagine. What wonders and dangers would she encounter in Northrend? She had never been so far from home before. It would no doubt be an exciting adventure!

She only wished that Mum and Da could see her now. They’d be so proud…

#Marbelma #Marbelma Snowshoe #World of Warcraft #Wyrmrest Accord #RP

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joyfullynervouscreator · 7 years

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The Song of Souls (One)

Chapter 1 - Khazad-dûm, SA 1697

Art by @corinthian-13 /Kazuzaa on DA

On an ordinary day in SA 1697, Narvi is - as often before - losing herself in work.

On that same day, standing in a chamber of torture and looking at the battered body of the Elf he once proclaimed a friend, Annatar - better known as Sauron - realises that the Noldo is as stubborn as his grandfather, and will not reveal the location of the Three Rings. Delirious with bloodloss, desperate to thwart the evil he naively helped create, to make the pain stop, Celebrimbor remembers a snippet of an old bedtime story, the calm voice of his uncle speaking. He knows well the Songs of Power, knows how his House could do fantastical things through song, but he never really believed in the Song of Souls... until he is standing in an unfamiliar workshop, staring at a heart-breakingly familiar face.

On an ordinary day in SA 1697, Narvi begins hearing voices... well, one voice.

“Narví!” The cry startled her into dropping her hammer, whirling around to look behind her. Narví stared across the room. The workshop was empty.

“I could have…” she murmured, shaking her head as she picked up the small tool meant for the more intricate carvings she made. Once, she had known that voice, had heard it call her name – though never so desperately – and dreamt of more… but it had been years since Khalebrimbur had been in Khazad-dûm, years since he disappeared, and even if he had returned, he had never visited her new workshop, constructed well after the Doors were finished.

Narví sighed. She had resigned herself to the idea of never seeing the Elf again – at least that’s what she told herself – realising after the first year that he must have found some diversion in one of the Elven Realms, and by the time he remembered her again, she might already have run out of her mortal years. Elves are flighty like that, she told herself, but she had lost interest in the stone she was carving, her chisel slowly dropping to hang loosely at her side, consciously not-clenching her fist around the metal.

“Narví! Help them!” the voice came again, but this time Narví did not look up, convinced she was hearing things. “Narví! Please, Narví!” It repeated, trailing off into increasingly worried calls of her name. Narví’s not-clenching failed, her fists tightening in anger; this was not funny! Throwing her door open, she expected to find someone outside, playing her for a fool – her brother had called her foolish for striking up such a close friendship with the Elf, but he would not be so cruel… others, however, might, she admitted – but she found no one in the deserted corridor. “Narví, please,” the voice implored, and – even if it had been years since her ears had last enjoyed the way that voice wrapped around her name, making it sound different than when spoken by a Dwarf – she knew who was speaking.

“Khalebrimbur…” she whispered, turning her head slightly to her left when the voice repeated her name. No one was there.

“You can hear me!” Celebrimbor cried, staring at his golden Dwarf – she hadn’t liked it when he called her that, which was half the fun, watching her all riled and glorious in her anger – praying that his uncle had been right when he explained how it worked. His plan – as much of a plan as it was – hinged on an old bedtime story he only half remembered; a remnant of happier days in Valinor, days that seemed in hindsight to have been filled with nothing but laughter and love and play, watching his father’s hands create the most wondrous toys, listening to his mother’s calm voice telling stories or his uncle singing as he played his harp, making up lullabies for the boy who had been named Tyelpë. ‘One hour, little one,’ Makalaurë had said, ‘One hour and no more, then you must return to your own self.’ He hadn’t really believed it possible – how could you separate your fëa from your hröa without dying? – and uncle never had explained it properly, and Adar had scoffed and told him it was a silly story, but Celebrimbor had to try. He hadn’t even been certain it would work until he was suddenly staring at her; she had hardly changed in the time – it must be years now, he suddenly realised – since he had last seen her, her golden curls still doing their best to rebel against her braids. “Narví, please,” he repeated, “you must help me save them.”

“Save them?” Narví asked, staring at a point slightly to his left; Celebrimbor realised she couldn’t see him, which wasn’t something Makalaurë’s story had mentioned. He didn’t worry about it, too busy drinking in the sight of her, the sound of her voice, even the familiarity of the clutter in her workspace, though the room was foreign to him; this was not where they had worked on their Doors.

“My people,” he implored, trying to make her understand, “let them escape through the Dwarrowdelf, Narví, while there is yet time for some to survive what is coming.”

“Escape… survive?” she frowned, but she began moving slowly. Celebrimbor wanted to weep with gratitude.

“Nadad!” Narví called, striding into the council chamber and interrupting a meeting; by the look on her brother’s face, it was tedious, so she didn’t much care. “I must speak with you urgently.” Waving away his councillors, Durin, King of Khazad-dûm, turned to face his sister, noting her flustered appearance.

“What’s wrong, nana?” he asked, offering her a seat. Narví paced.

“Âti sabktharr[1]?” she asked. Durin cocked his head, staring at her.

“’Atsi barath'adad, nana[2].” The firm statement did not still her roving feet. “Narví, what makes you ask such a thing?” he murmured, catching her arm.

“You’re quite sure?” she asked him, and for a moment she didn’t know which answer was worse. People who weren’t physically with you couldn’t speak to you, it was a known fact.

“Absolutely,” he blustered. She smiled, involuntary; her brother was boisterous at the best of times, though he was shrewd enough to play up the trait around those who might be fooled into taking him less seriously because of their perceptions – an error of tremendous proportions – but he rarely did so with her. Narví knew it was an attempt at comfort, but she did not feel comforted. “Now, tell me why you felt it necessary to break up my meeting – thank, you, by the way, Lord Brago has only grown more tedious since you refused his offer of marriage.”

“Please, Narví, help them escape,” Celebrimbor added, trying to reach for her, tug on one of her curls to catch her attention – it had been far too long since her blue eyes had blazed in his direction, he felt – only to watch his fingers slide through the coiled hair. He stared at his hand, horrified.

“Did you hear that?” Narví whispered, beseeching her brother. Durin shook his head.

“I heard nothing but your voice.”

“I must be mad, then,” she mumbled, her shoulders slumping. “I could swear I keep hearing Khalebrimbur talking to me…pleading with me.” Durin frowned, stroking his finely plated beard, weighted with mithril and diamonds in a display of wealth his sister would normally have called ostentatious, but her complete disregard for the ornamentation – which had taken the better part of an hour to plait – told him that she was deadly serious.

“No, Narví, listen to me!” Celebrimbor objected, still staring in horrified fascination at what was – to him – a fully visible and physical representation of a hand. Narví’s shoulders stiffened. “Please, mellon, you must save them, please!” He would get on his knees and beg, if he thought it would make a difference, but as neither Dwarrow could see him, he had only the tone of his voice to convey his urgency. He didn’t know how much time he had already spent as a disembodied fëa, but his hour must be up soon.

“He just keeps talking!” Narví cried, waving one hand in the direction she thought her friend’s voice was coming from.

“Hush, 'âzahbilisûna[3],” Durin murmured, wrapping his strong arms around her shaking frame. Narví’s head thudded onto his shoulder. She breathed heavily. “What’s the silly Elf saying?”

“Narví, save them,” Celebrimbor begged, feeling time running out. “I don’t have much time.”

“He keeps asking me to save someone, or escape…” Narví mumbled into the fine brocade robe, “but the words are unclear, like he’s shouting through bad rock.” Durin frowned. “I just… he sounds so,” she trailed off, “sad. Desperate, almost.”

“Well. I thought he was travelling to other Elven Realms?” Durin asked. “As he is plainly not here, perhaps that advisor, Erestor or whatever his name was, might be able to tell us what’s going on?” Squeezing her stout frame, he moved one broad hand up to cup her chin, stroking his thumb along the braid that bore the mark of their family line. “Come on. We can reach the Doors within a day if we hurry; it’s been a while since we’ve travelled together. We’ll call it a surprise Royal Inspection,” he teased, trying to make her smile, wiping away the first suggestions of tears from her cheek. Narví nodded, taking a deep breath.

“Thank you,” she whispered, closing her eyes.

“Thank you, Durin,” Celebrimbor chorused, staring at the Dwarf who had been far friendlier towards him than he had expected when the project was proposed. The King of Khazad-dûm released his sister, keeping a hold of her work-roughened hand as he pulled a cord on the wall, summoning a servant.

“Prepare a pack of provisions for myself and Princess Narví,” he ordered, “we’re going to visit the Doors. Be quick about it!” With a bow, the servant left. Narví sighed.

“I ought to go change,” she mumbled, looking down at her work-stained tunic and trousers. Her boots were covered in stone dust and her fingers were streaked in grey granite powder. “I don’t exactly look like a Princess.” Her answering smile was wry when Durin laughed.

“You’re always most beautiful like this,” Celebrimbor objected quietly. “I must leave now, Narví… thank you.” This time, by chance, her vivid blue eyes caught his when her head snapped in his direction, wide and a little fearful. Just in case, he waved, but she did not move a muscle as he closed his eyes, trying to transport his soul back to its physical home.

“Narví?” Durin asked, putting a hand on her shoulder when she didn’t continue moving towards the door.

“He’s gone…” she whispered, shuddering once under his touch before striding out of the room, her spine painfully stiff to look at. Durin sighed, shaking his head.

There was… nothing. Celebrimbor flailed, but there was nothing to flail at. He screamed, but there was nothing to scream at, no sound escaping his mouth. He pinched, but there was nothing to pinch, nothing to touch, and no flesh responding to the command to do so. Narví! Calling her name had worked before, combined with his wish to save, to protect, to love. It did not work any perceptible magic on his surroundings, but – just like he had realised under the hands of Sauron’s torturers – thinking about her made him feel better. Narví, Narví, Narví, Narví, he chanted, imagining that he could see her in a thousand different iterations; her mouth – her full lips stretched around a laugh or pursed in thought – splitting in a smile to reveal her teeth, her nose – straight like one of her stone edges – wrinkling in laughter, in distaste, nostrils flaring in anger. He remembered her pride, in-born like most of her race – though he had been among proud people all his life, so perhaps that was why he was so drawn to the Khazâd? A question to ponder – but justified by the skill of her hands, those hands which shaped stone so carefully and easily that she made it seem malleable as clay, a skill he both admired and coveted, feared would be lost with the ending of her mortal years.

The word rang through him only once, but in a terribly moment of clarity, Celebrimbor realised what must have happened.

He died.

It was the only explanation; whether uncle’s warning had gone unheeded, or his tormentors had finally succeeded in breaking his connection to his hröa, ending life as he had known it.

The part of him that didn’t immediately burst into a rage he had thought he had conquered – watching what anger had done to his father, his grandfather, his uncles, his kin, had been a valuable lesson in many ways – felt torn between relief that it was over, confusion that he was not in the Halls of Mandos, and a terrifying fear that his soul had slipped into the Void and he was doomed to this nothingness for all of existence.

[1] Am I pumice? (lit. feeble-rock? ) [2] You’re pink granite(rare and valuable type, found very far down), sister. [3] Aquamarine-lady

A/N: This is a verse where the doors were made after Annatar left Eregion. Possibly even after he had finished making the One Ring.

[One] [Two] [Three] [Four] [Five]

@mainecoon76 @pandepirateprincess @life-is-righteous @sassytyphoondetective

#narvi #terrifyingtolkien #Celebrimbor #ghosts #the sacking of eregion #Song of Souls

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weekendwarriorblog · 4 years

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The Weekend Warrior Home Edition June 12, 2020 – THE KING OF STATEN ISLAND, DA 5 BLOODS, ARTEMIS FOWL, YOU DON’T NOMI and more!

Sorry about the delay in this week’s column. Some stuff came up that was out of my control… like the actual summer.

If this were a normal weekend, I’d be writing about the box office prospects about a few movies, including Judd Apatow’s new comedy THE KING OF STATEN ISLAND (Universal), which teams him with “Saturday Night Live’s” enfant terrible, Pete Davidson. Instead, I’m once again writing about movies mostly not playing in theaters except for a few sporadic drive-ins across the country.

I already reviewed The King of Staten Island earlier this week – you can read that here – and though I know it will be playing in some regional drive-ins, I have no idea how many nor do I think Universal will report any box office if it does make decent bank. I think there will be general interest among younger people who like Pete Davidson on SNL but I’m not sure anyone over a certain age, say 30 or 40, will have much interest in what Davidson and Apatow can do together. The general gist of the movie is that Davidson plays Scott, a Staten Island slacker whose widowed mother (Marisa Tomei) starts dating a fireman, much to the chagrin of Scott, who lost his fireman father at an early age. You can read my review to see what I think, but it’s relatively tame for Apatow compared to his earlier films. I’m not sure that makes it necessarily better but people seem to be digging it.

One of my favorite movies from last year’s Tribeca and what is essentially this week’s “Featured Film” is Jeffrey McHale’s YOU DON’T NOMI (RLJE Films), which takes an in-depth look at Paul Verhoeven’s 1995 movie Showgirls, thought to be one of the worst movies and biggest bombs in its day but also a movie that has grown a built-in cult audience that adores it. It’s a pretty straight-ahead doc that relies on a number of experts to discuss the problems and virtues of Verhoeven’s film, including David Schmader, who did the DVD commentary for Showgirls, and author Adam Nayman, who is responsible for the book, “It Doesn’t Suck: Showgirls.” While I never fell into either the love it or hate it camp for Showgirls, I love how McHale’s doc acts as a thesis piece to explain exactly why so many critics took issue with Verhoeven’s much-maligned follow-up to hits Basic Instinct and Total Recall.

I won’t spoil the movie’s climax showing Showgirls finally achieving redemption, but it’s a pretty amazing event from 2015 that shows that maybe Showgirls has gotten past the hatred and ridicule that followed it around for decades. If nothing else, You Don’t Nomi will make you want to rent and watch (or rewatch) Showgirls almost immediately after seeing it. You might even agree with this film that it’s a misunderstood masterpiece on second viewing.

I’ve also decided to scrap the sections in this column, since two of the other big movie releases this week are going straight to streaming services, although both would probably have gotten some sort of theatrical release if not for COVID.

One of the other major releases of the weekend is Netflix’s streaming of Spike Lee’s DA FIVE BLOODS, his look at the Vietnam War through the eyes of four black Army vets who return to the country to retrieve the body of their fallen comrade… as well as a cache of gold bullion they found and hid during their previous tour.

I’ll be the first to admit that the quality of Spike Lee’s filmmaking over the past couple of decades has been somewhat spotty at best, although BlacckKKlansman was probably one of his better films over the past couple decades. Da Five Bloods reunites Lee with his BlackkKlansman co-writer, Kevin Willmot, and though it’s a fictitious tale, there are a few themes and elements in common.

Delroy Lindo and Lee regular Isiah Whitlock Jr. star as two of the Bloods, Paul and Melvin (along with Clarke Peters’ Otis and Norm Lewis’ Eddie). We meet them as they’re reunited in Vietnam, soon joined by Paul’s son David (Jonathan Majors) along to keep an eye on his father’s health. Chadwick Boseman plays the group’s leader, “Stormin’ Norman,” in the flashback sequence to the war era showing what happened to the Bloods on the fateful day their chopper went down behind enemy lines. There are a few satellite characters, played by Mélanie Thierry and Paul Walter Hauser (making a return from BlackKklansman), as well as Jean Reno, Jasper Pääkkönen and Johnny Trí Nguyễn, who all become involved in the Bloods’ search for gold

When you think of Vietnam War movies, it’s impossible not to think of Apocalypse Now, and Lee throws in a few obvious nods, whether it’s using “Flight of the Valkyrie” or the Chamber Brothers’ “Time Has Come to Day” but in general, the musical choices are solid. I wouldn’t say that the screenplay is particularly enlightening, the story being far more simple than

Just when you have settled into what you think is a fairly laid-back pace, Lee throws a “Holy shit!” moment at you that completely changes the complexion of what you’ve been watching, and that’s when the movie starts breaking into a few more action setpieces, some better than others.

Honestly, it’s a little strange seeing all these old black guys running around and shooting guns without Samuel Jackson being among them. Make no mistake that this is first and foremost Delroy Lindo’s film, as he gives a strong if not somewhat erratic performance, and he’s the crux of the story, but Whitlock and the other actors have some nice moments, as well. The bonding between the four guys is pervasive, to the point where it almost feels like the other characters are interfering, maybe because they are.

It’s a great time to release Da 5 Bloods, due to what is going on in this country, and like with BlackKklansman, Lee throws in a few shots at Trump, the guys referring to him as “President Fake Bone Spurs.” At least in this case, it’s incorporated into the story, but I hope Lee realizes that these Trump references will ensure these movies will feel dated if watched ten or twelve years from now.

That all said, Da 5 Bloods is a decent Spike Lee Joint, maybe not quite on par with BlackkKlansman but better than his last attempt at a war movie, 2008’s Miracle at St. Anna.

Rating: 7/10

As expected by quite a few people earlier during this pandemic, Walt Disney Pictures decided to send the Kenneth Branagh-directed ARTEMIS FOWL movie directly to their Disney+ streaming service, despite the movie having been in various stages of development for a decade or more. Unlike Da 5 Bloods and The King of New York, this movie based on Eoin Colfer’s book series, is far more streamlined with a kid-friendly running time of 95 minutes. Phew!

It centers around 12-year-old super-genius Artemis Fowl (Ferdia Shaw) whose father (also named Artemis Fowl and played by Colin Farrell) goes missing, forcing the young “Artie” to look for a powerful mystical device called the Aculos. Joining him on this quest are his non-butler Domovoi (Nonzo Anonsie), Dom’s daughter Juliet (Tamara Smart), an elven police officer named Holly Short (Lara McDonnell) and an oversized dwarf played by a bearded Josh Gad. Oh, yeah, and in this world, fairies, trolls and dwarves are real, but most humans don’t know about their existence due to their secrecy as well as having a way to erase humans’ memories ala Men in Black.

I’m quite sure the latter will be a qualifying benchmark for those who review the movie without having read any of Colfer’s fantasy series – like myself -- but it takes similar ideas as David Ayer’s Bright and the Amazon series Carnival Row and transforms them into something that attempts to be in the vein of Harry Potter or Fantastic Beasts but maybe comes across more like Percy Jackson. The irony is that Chris Columbus directed the initial chapters of both Potter and Jackson, but Artemis Fowl benefits from having Branagh at the helm.

I will freely admit that I’m very much a bonafide Branagh stan, and much of that is due to the way he’s handled bringing fantasy worlds to life in movies like Thor and Cinderella. Artemis Fowl is right up his alley, and he does an exemplary job even if most of his cast other than Gad… oh, yeah, and Dame Judi Dench, who plays the head of the “fairy police” – are fairly inexperienced. You can kind of tell that’s the case with first-timer Shaw, and his inexperience might be one of the tougher things for which older viewers might have to contend. Younger viewers won’t take issue with any of the problems that might throw off those expecting more from Artemis Fowl, because the storytelling is kept at a fairly brisk pace with a few decent action setpieces.

Artemis Fowl could have been released theatrically and been one of the summer’s sadly forgotten films. It finds a fun way of setting up the characters and ideas – presumably most of them taken directly from Colfer’s book – plus it sets up the possibility for even more fun family-friendly fantasy storytelling.

Rating: 7.5/10

There are a few other movies below I was hoping to get to, but see my note at the top of this column about why it was delayed by a day. If I get to any of the ones below, I’ll update and mention on social media.

One of the movies delayed from March but now getting a digital release is Carl Hunter’s drama SOMETIMES ALWAYS NEVER (Blue Fox Entertainment) -- not to be confused with Never Rarely Sometimes Always with the two movies at one point in danger of coming out on the same weekend! It stars Bill Nighy as tailor Alan, who has been searching for years for his missing son Michael, who stormed out after a Scrabble Game. When a body turns up, Alan must try to work things out with his younger son Peter, played by Sam Riley, and an online player they think could be Michael.

Jonas Alexander Arnby’s Danish film EXIT PLAN (Screen Media) stars Nikolaj Coster-Waldau from Game of Thrones playing insurance claims investigator Max, who follows the clues of a death to the remote Hotel Aurora, a facility that specializes in assisted suicide, uncovering some disturbing revelations in the bargain.

Joshua Caldwell’s INFAMOUS (Vertical Entertainment), which will be available via VOD and in select Virtual Cinemas, stars Bella Thorne as Arielle, a down-on-her-luck dreamer seeking popularity who runs into Jake Manley’s Dean, an ex-con working for his abusive father who dies in an accident sending the two of them on the run.

The dance drama, Aviva (Outsider Pictures/Strand Releasing), directed by Boaz Yakin (Remember the Titans, Max), was supposed to premiere at the SXSW Film Festival in March, but it will instead get its premiere through Virtual Cinema this Friday. It’s a love story that explores gender dynamics with dance sequences choreographed by Bobbi Jene Smith of the Batsheva Dance Company. Aviva is a young Parisian who gets into an online romance with a New Yorker named Eden, eventually meeting and getting married with the story told by four different dancers/actors simultaneously.

I haven’t had a chance to watch Flavio Alves’ The Garden Left Behind, starring Michael Madsen and Ed Asner, but it was a winner of the Audience Award at the 2019 SXSW Film Festival, so I’m definitely interested in learning more about its story of a young trans woman from Mexico who lives with her grandmother as undocumented immigrants in New York City.

Released in a union between Shudder and RLJE Films, The Dead Lands (Shudder/RLJE Films) hit Digital HD yesterday. The supernatural fantasy set in New Zealand is co-directed by Peter Meteherangi Tikao Burger and Michael Hurst, and it stars Te Kohe Tuhaka as Waka, a murdered Maori warrior who has returned from the Afterlife who goes on a quest with with a young woman named Mehe (Darneen Christian) to discover who broke the world. Not quite sure why didn’t get to this one, as I’m usually interested in New Zealand-based films as well as supernatural fantasy.

Daniel (For the Bible Tells Me So) Karslake’s new doc For They Know Not What They Do (First Run Features), which will hit virtual cinemas this Friday, which looks at the intersection between religion, sexual orientation and gender identity in America through a number of families of faith learning to accept their LGBTQ children. It has pretty much run the festival circuit through most of last year, winning a number of audience awards.

Coming to the Film Forum’s Virtual Cinema this Friday is Bill Duke’s 1985 directorial debut The Killing Floor and Alastair Sim’s 1954 schoolgirl romp, The Belles of St. Trinian’s. Uptown at Film at Lincoln Center, besides the Human Rights Watch Film Festival (see below), they’ll be debuting Hong Sangsoo’s 2014 film Hill of Freedom (Grasshopper Films) in their already quite robust Virtual Cinema.

A few other films I wasn’t able to get to this week, include Return to Hardwick (Gravitas Ventures) and The Departure (October Coast), so I guess I did better than last week?

A few film festivals taking place mostly virtually this week include the annual New York edition of the Human Rights Watch Film Festival, running from June 11 through 20, and the Fine Arts Film Festival in Venice, California (June 8 to 14). The latter is offering 92 films from 27 countries with different packages including the entire festival for $20 or individual series for $10. Also, the Oxford Film Festival continues its virtual festival with two music docs, Dillon Hayes’ short All I Have to Offer You is Me about country-Western singer Larry Callies, as he tries to get his voice back after a degenerative disorder, and Dennis Cahlo’s feature In Flowers Through Space, in which the filmmaker tries to use the Fibonacci Sequence to try to create a unique music album. You can also check out Ben & Bo Powell’s Mississippi doc Nothin’ No Better about Rosedale, Mississippi, and more short blocks, all available on Oxford’s Virtual Site.

Also, the June episode of Hulu’s horror series “Into the Dark” is Good Boy, a movie directed by Tyler MacIntyre, starring Judy Greer, Steve Guttenberg and Ellen Wong (from Scott Pilgrim!) that has Greer adopting an emotional support dog that kills anyone who causes her anxiety. Just in time for Pet Appreciation Week! Yeah, I’m gonna have to see this one.

Next week, more movies (mostly) not in theaters!

By the way, if you read this week’s column and have bothered to read this far down, feel free to drop me some thoughts at Edward dot Douglas at Gmail dot Com or drop me a note or tweet on Twitter. I love hearing from readers … honestly, I do!

#TheWeekendWarrior #ArtemisFowl #DaFiveBloods #SpikeLee #Movies #Reviews #YouDontNomi #Streaming #thekingofstatenisland

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fromorzammarwithlove · 7 years

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Hi I've been following your blog and all the other dwarfs-centric blogs for some time now andnd while I love your content I was always wondering why so many dwarf fans feel like the dwarfs are sidelined in DA:I. I'm not being critical I just really want to know. Big fan btw

I’m sorry for getting to this so late, but I was out of town for some weeks and my phone was the only way I could get on tumblr and typing a long text with it would have taken forever. So I’ll just answer it now, hope you don’t mind, anon.

Thanks for liking my content, it’s really apprechiated and I’m thankful for every little message like this. Thank you so much for enjoying my ramblings and bad english! This really makes my day! Now, about the dwarves and their treatment in DA:I...

I’m not quite sure how to begin with this or if I am really the right person to ask, but the reasons why I believe many dwarf fans may feel sidelined are these:

1. The camera angles are almost always off and were clearly not adjusted properly for the dwarven player characters. This was just sloppy, especially compared to the (by comparison) flawless animations of human and elvhen characters. As my canon inquisitor is a Qunari, I know that this problem isn’t exclusive to dwarves and Qunari fans have been mad about the weird camera angles, as well.

2. The dwarven characters had far less options of armors to chose from. If you’re playing a race who already has one less class to chose from, it would be nice to at least get to make your character look cool and unique, with more armor options than the standard trenchcoats, which gave me the feeling of playing a blank slate. While elven and human characters had many race-specific unique armors and robes and Qunari characters at least had vitaar, the dwarves had pretty much nothing, initially, apart from the Carta coat, that could only be worn by rogues, despite Cadash’s background being from the Carta. That changed with The Descent DLC, but in many ways, I think dwarf fans felt like it was too little, too late.

3. Every other of the player race options’ lore and background was included into the narrative, except dwarves. The whole main storyline was about becoming the herald of the human-run chantry and travelling across Orlais and Ferelden, two human lands. DA:I also included so much more information about elvhen history and culture, making one of their deities play such a major part in the story, and visiting ancient sites like the temple of Mythal, which was ripe with new lore. The Iron Bull’s companion quest was all about the Qun and its ideals versus Iron Bull’s own individuality, reflecting a lot on the Qunari and their culture, and the Tal-Vashoth and their way of life. The dwarves were largely confined to a DLC, that was released I think over a year after initial release and was boycotted by many players, because it cost way too much and came way too late, and didn’t even address the major cliffhanger of the original game ending. As of now the events of The Descent DLC don’t really tie in with the story of the main game. If it were taken away or ignored, the world would be in exactly the same state as it already is, whereas human society has changed vastly because of which Divine we chose and which side “won” the mage/templar war, elvhen society has changed because we have either given Briala power to influence Orlesian politics and represent her people or stripped her of that power; and of course because we either want to kill Fen’Harel or simply stop his ludicrous plans, and even Qunari society was somewhat changed by our actions, because we could have shown them that either peaceful alliances are possible or we have taken one of their best agents from them and rid them of one of their massive warships, giving Tevinter an edge in their arms race. The only major thing that happened with the dwarves was that we killed a titan’s minion in a DLC and were teased some lore tidbits that we can’t puzzle together with the grand scheme of things and which, as of now, kind of exist in a vacuum. It doesn’t matter at all how the DLC ended or if we did it at all. It doesn’t influence the world state, it doesn’t have any effect on our character, even if we played a dwarf, it just doesn’t matter at all.

4. Three games in, still no full-fledged dwarf romance. May seem silly, but I think that it’s a major factor when it comes to getting to know a fictional culture in a game like this. Apart from that the dwarven companions we did get oftentimes had little to no insight in dwarven history and culture and were kind of interchangeable with human characters, like Harding and most aspects of Varric.

5. This next one is nothing I myself am annoyed by, but many dwarf fans on this site have been rather vocal about this, namely that the fandom tends to focus more on elven and human characters and lore than others. There’s more confessions about them on DAconfessions, which is probably the most popular DA blog, there are more OCs, more metaposts etc. I personally do not believe, that this is something that can be critisized. The game should be played and enjoyed by everyone the way they want to and no blog on tumblr should feel obligated to talk about dwarves, if they don’t want to, but others disagree. They think it is the job of the blog-runners to talk about their personal interests and theories. That’s the state of mind where the salty confessions on DAconfessions come from, who complain about dwarves being sidelined by the fandom. Not a fan of those arguments. I just try my best to put my own thoughts into words, to varying degrees of success, and I ramble a lot about dragon age dwarves.

Hope this could show some insight. And please remember, that my word isn’t gospel and that my own views don’t necessarily reflect all of these points. I think despite its flaws Dragon Age is a fun video game series and shouldn’t be taken all that seriously. For what it’s worth, I still enjoyed the hell out of DA:I and The Descent DLC and I can’t wait for the next game.

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