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sabineelectricheart · 3 years

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The Long Road

Summary: Hawke asks Sebastian to accompany her to the Wounded Coast to help matchmake Aveline and Donnic. The Brother is not amused.

Rating: K+ - Suitable for more mature childen, 9 years and older, with minor action violence without serious injury. May contain mild coarse language. Should not contain any adult themes.

Words: 1909

Notes: So, I’ve been playing DA these days, and I thought to cross-post here some fanfictions I wrote way back when. Enjoy!

Sitting on the floor by the door of the City Guard Captain is certainly not the best use of my time.

Hawke was twirling her hair distractedly, to my great surprise, also looking extremely bored and rather uncomfortable. I did not think she had that tick, as I felt that fighting highwaymen and explorations down the Deep Roads did not seemed befitting to hair care and the affairs of the heart.

Well, this whole day has been about surprising circumstances.

*_*_*_*_*

“Please, Sebastian!” She begged. “The whole thing feels so ungainly!”

She came looking for me at the Chantry, early that morning, while I tended to the candles to the dead. I had not the chance to finish my prayers before she grumbled her request.

I was used to Hawke’s weird invites, and usually I am more than glad to attend to them. She is a good friend and a fierce fighter, I never feared for my life with her by my side, not to mention my standing debt with her.

This, however, was a little too weird. To help matchmake the Guard Captain with a guardsman. By doing the rounds ahead of them.

“I can see that.” I agreed. “That is why I don’t think I should get involved. How would Guard Captain Aveline say if she knew you are being so open about her private life?”

“She asked me for help, and now I’m asking you…” She mumbled.

“She asked you, not me. You should do what you can, not bite more you can chew, and certainly not go spreading the tale around town.”

“I know that!” She defended. “That’s why I came to you, really. Varric and Isabela would tell all the patronage at the Hanged Man, Merrill has good intents, but she has an awful lack of tact, and Fenris and Anders are pants at romance.”

“And you thought a Brother of the Chantry would be a better option?”

“Yes?” She said, weakly. “Look, you had a, er, prolific romantic life when you were younger. Besides, mother tells me all the noble girls ask for you to hear their confessions.”

I felt my cheeks redden. “That’s beside the point!”

“What I mean by that is that you know how it works.” She countered, matter-of-factly, then, whispering, she said, “That’s more I can say for myself.”

The declaration made me halt for a moment, as I was quite sure that she would have had involved herself with Fenris at some point in time, or at least Anders in the three months they were away at the Deep Roads.

Nevertheless, while I heard her quite well, in respect for her right to privacy over her affairs of the heart, I did not press, despite my deep-seeded curiosity in the matter.

“I do not know what you would call experience, but I insist that I have no special skill over those matters. Even if I did, my, ahem, interests have been firmly and historically towards the fairer sex, and I come to understand that this is an entirely different métier.” I argued, trying to put an end to the discussion.

She groaned unseemly, and looked me dead in the eyes. “I didn’t want to tell you that, but I have no choice. Yesternight, Aveline wanted me to take Donnic for a drink at the Hanged Man and distract him for a while before she arrived, and now he’s under the impression I’m interested in him. He rejected me, of course, and thank the Maker for it, but I’m horribly embarrassed by that.

“If you were to come with me, perhaps… Well, perhaps he would understand I don’t want nothing with him and refrain from doing this sort of comment. At least, I think he wouldn’t jump to that conclusion anymore. Just… Please?”

Guardsman Donnic thought Hawke was interested on him, out of all people? And then came to the conclusion she was not worth his affections? He had quite a sense of self, huh?

Marian Hawke was not only a blue-blood, hailing from one of the most important families of the Free Marches, and with an enviable martial skill, which serves to memory that he made use of when she saved him. She was remarkably beautiful as well, yes, but that is not all, either. She had a noble character that was very hard to come by, always in service of the downcast of Kirkwall, even if she made questionable decisions on occasion.

The thought that Donnic is somehow above her made me want to laugh.

“Fine. Let’s go.” I conceded, sighing.

She beamed and led me to the city gates by the hand. I did not mind.

*_*_*_*_*

Her plan at the Wounded Coast did not go well.

Aveline was right in asking for all the help she could get, as she was hopeless when it came to romantic relationships, and it was painfully distressing to watch it unfold.

After clearing the entire path of highwaymen and traffickers, Donnic and Aveline had a completely uneventful patrol, where she could not form a single sentence that did not feel like nails on a chalkboard, not to mention the pitiful romantic caliber of it.

Hawke was downright frustrated, whispering expletives to herself she thought I could not hear, and I usually would chastise the language, but there was a time and a place to swear, and I ought to say this was it.

Finally, when they reached our outpost at the end of the trail, she forsook their anonymity and jumped in front of the pair of guardspeople, a wagging finger in front of her face.

“We don’t have all night, you know?!” She shouted at them.

Donnic, confused, looked between me, emerging from the bushes, Hawk and Aveline.

“Would someone please tell me what is going on?” He asked.

I sighed. “Guardsman Donnic, excuse my bluntness, but for the Maker’s sake, me and Hawke have been trying to help Captain Aveline to communicate her feelings for you all day. Please cooperate, because she is helpless.”

“Captain?” He turns to her to confirm, and she could only laugh noncommittally. Faced with such riveting response, he responded, uncomfortable, “I… Should get to the barracks.”

“Most unwise.” I commented, but made no further attempt of dissuading the man.

As he left, Aveline turned to Hawke in absolute rage. “I thought we were friends.”

“Friends sometimes push.” Was her response.

“I have to fix this. He could ask for a transfer, file a complaint.” She said, concernedly, and then turned to me. “You! You will come to the barracks and explain why you put him on the spot, or so help me!”

“Aveline, love is patient, love is kind, but love does not read thoughts.” I pointed out. “I hear you wanted to know whether you were a good match for each other, and I am sorry to say, there is no other way. The Maker will not tell you the right answer, you will have to find out yourself.”

Her eyes narrow and her hold on her sword tightens. “I will see you at the Keep.”

*_*_*_*_*

Once at the City Guard headquarters, Aveline had yet to calm herself down.

She paced back and forth through the main lounge, the other guards looking curiously at us.

“Maker, where is Donnic?” She begruntled. “I have to stop this before it arrives at the viscount. Maybe a formal apology. Something that show the guards they still can trust me.”

“Perhaps a few awkward gifts should help.” Hawke pointed out, and I snickered.

The redhead glared at her friend.

“You are their captain, Aveline.” I said, trying to defuse the situation. “You are not a golem; you are a human being. They expect you to have feelings, and are bound to respect you more if you show them on occasion.”

“Not if they are getting on the way of the job!” She countered.

“You don’t know that yet.” Hawke piped.

“It doesn’t matter! It’s a liability!” The other woman responded, deeply frustrated and afraid. “I will not be that stupid again.”

Guardsman Donnic chose that moment to appear down the stairs at the headquarters.

“Excuse me, Serah Hawke, Messere Vael, I need to speak with Aveline in private.”

“Guardsman Donnic.” Aveline acknowledges him, looks for confirmation from Hawke and motions for them to converse at her office.

*_*_*_*_*

Now, we wait.

A loud giggle coming from the room surprises Hawke, who uncrosses her arms and straightens her back.

“It seems to be going well.” She commented.

“It would appear so.” I agreed.

Her mouth twitched slightly over her thoughts, and then she sits next to me. “Hey, Sebastian?”

“Yes?”

“Before you made your vows, have you ever been in love?”

“No.” I said, categorically. “When I first left the Chantry, which was when I started dragging the family name through the mud, my mother offered me a choice: either to return to the order or to get married.

“I abhorred the idea of being what I thought to be equivalent to shackled to a woman the rest of my life, so I thought I could just pretend to have a righteous life with the sisters for a year or two, and then resume my prior interests once my parents forgot about it. Funny how things turned out.

“Had I been in love, truly in love, my choice would certainly be other. In fact, perhaps I would never get to the point of having to chose at all, I would have never strayed.”

“I see.” She tutted. “Do you regret it? Making your vows? Being unable to marry?”

I chuckled. “I could never regret a promise made to the Maker. However, I do wish things have never gone this way.”

“You mean, the Harimanns?”

“Yes, that too. I was more than happy to continue my life as a third son, keeping my vows, but I think I would be happy as a minor noble in an estate in the Marches, and that would include having a family, too.”

She smiled sadly at me. “For what is worth, I am sorry for what happened with your family. I am sorry you are being forced into a role you do not really want. Maker knows it’s something I have experienced.”

I thought about what I could say about that matter, but I was still trying to wrap my head around what had happened. Instead, I asked of her, “What about you? Do you desire to get married?”

“Yeah.” She responded shily. “I am a mage. I think I should marry, I feel like I should, for my people at Circles that cannot. Besides, you tend to develop a desire for stability when you become a refugee.”

I sighed. “I see. Who would you want to marry, then?”

Her cheeks redden. “I don’t know. The best I can tell you is I want a good man.”

“Preferably a direct one?” I asked in jest.

“Andraste, yes!” She breathed out.

As she spoke, Donnic emerged from the office, bowed his head slightly, and Aveline asked to talk to her.

“Sebastian?” She asked from the doorstep. “Would you care for waiting for me? We could stop by the baker’s before walking to the Chantry.”

I smiled. “I would love to.”

“Great.” She, too, beamed. “I’ll be right out.”

So, I began to think, what does make a good, direct man? Perhaps Varric knows the answer. I ought to ask him one of these days.

*_*_*_*_*

Dragon Age II Masterlist

#dragon age #sebastian vael

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bioware-reacts · 4 years

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Fun blog! May I request the DA2 companions reacting to the idea that Varric and Bethany are dating? Hawke too, of course.

Not my best work but hey, it's done! I hope yall enjoy. -Mod M

Carver: He's only a little annoyed. Just a bit. Its worse if Hawke is also dating someone because oh goddammit why does he have to be last? Every time! Annoyance aside, he is actually pretty happy for his sister. Everyone's been stressed since they left Lothering, hes happy she's happy if that makes sense. Carver is an angry hedgehog with a particularly soft tummy, when he lets people near him, okay?

Blue Hawke: Awww, good for those two! A nice Hawke would likely be happy for their sister and best friend, they both deserve to be loved! Isn't it great that they're happy together? Carver can't stand the sudden burst of even more optimism in the house

Purple Hawke: Show of hands, who saw that coming? Hawke did. Varric calls Bethany Sunshine and he likes the sun, if that didn't make it blatant enough! Sarcastic Hawke is never serious, but they’re also not particularly mean about their jokes (unless they're a mix of purple and red, then they might be).

Red Hawke: Oh for the love of- really? Right in front of my salad? Don't you hurt her feelings! Aggressive Hawke has the shovel talk handled, trust me. There were probably some creative comments involving nailing certain bits of anatomy to one of the twin statues Varric did anything to hurt Bethany, and possibly a warning shot her way about hurting their friend.

Anders: Hmmm? Oh, okay... what, who and who? Well, he'll admit he didn't see that one coming. He half-thought Varric wouldn't date anyone, what with how he talks about his crossbow. Either way, he sends a polite congratulations to the two and for the most part goes about his day, since his work keeps him busy. That night though, he actually sat down and planned out something better to say next time he saw the two.

Aveline: Oh Andraste preserve us there could be two of Varric at some point. Aveline already knew that, but the fact that he's now dating another person it properly hits. Despite her touches of dread, she remained civil, and she is actually happy for the two (especially if this happens after Hawke helps her with Donnic). Kirkwall is still one big tragedy after another, despite her best attempts, and she's glad there can still be joy.

Fenris: He genuinely offers the two of them a drink, probably at the Hanged Man since that's the easiest place to meet up. Mostly its just to catch up and congratulate them, but also because he's curious if either of the two act any different. And if he'll have to keep a closer eye on them in battle so nobody on his side gets cut in half because they were making heart eyes and not fighting.

Isabela: She'll have... talks with the people that give the two of them trouble, whether its because Bethany is a mage or Varric is a dwarf or both. These friendly conversations may or may not involve a knife, depending on the other persons behavior. Besides that, she definitely makes an inappropriate joke or two about it.

Merrill: Oh, how sweet! Merrill loves love honestly, and she thinks they look very adorable together! She might even make a gift for the two of them to celebrate! How about flower crowns? Would flower crowns be a good gift? Ohhhh, she could embroider something for them! It may not look the best, but she's quite proud of her work.

Sebastian: He probably says something along the lines of "Andrastes blessings on your relationship" and keeps going with whatever he's working on before he actually processes what he just got told. When that gets trough his head, he whips around to them and starts asking questions. Listen, its friendly concern! "When were you going to tell me?" "Just a minute ago Choir Boy."

#dragon age 2 #carver #hawke #isabela #fenris #anders #aveline #it took 3 tries to type that right #merrill #sebastian #it occurs to me you may have wanted the reacting to rumors ()#but this only occured to me when i had two characters left to write #sorry!#mod m

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lord-woolsley · 4 years

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Strangeness And Charm

Fandom: Dragon Age II (Anders/Garrett Hawke) Chapters: 1/1 (2033 words) Rating: Teen And Up Summary: Isabela has had enough of Anders and Garrett dancing around each other for three years, yearning and pining. When a favour for Aveline brings them to the Wounded Coast, she decides to set them up. Rant: If you like it, please leave some love on ao3. ♡ Ao3: Link

Strangeness and Charm

Anders woke up in his bed – or whatever he was telling himself was a bed – in the backroom of his “clinic“. Even though it was still late summer a chill was creeping over his skin, leaving goose bumps all over it and making him shiver.

He was wrapping himself in his blanket – or whatever he was telling himself was a blanket – hugging it tight before he let out an exhausted sigh. Justice was sending him messages – orders – so many of them through his dreams lately and Anders felt like he didn’t sleep at all.

The spirit had been feasting on his mind, his insecurities, his needs and wishes when he couldn’t have been more vulnerable, searching for something he could use for his own cause. He always took advantage of the fact that Anders – like all humans – needed to sleep. A state he didn’t have any control over and Justice liked to put thoughts and ideas into Anders head at night that couldn’t be his own, could they?

They screamed loud behind his eyes, showing him pictures of destruction, of fighting, of war even, pictures that still seemed so right, so necessary.

Justified, he thought, gritting his teeth. But were they- justified? He asked himself. His eyes were burning, the blue light behind them so intense, banishing the soft hazel he called his own, forcing his question to disappear without a second thought.

I need to get up, he said to himself. Enough of whining about something he couldn’t change anyway. People needed his help and even Justice enjoyed himself when Anders was helping the sick. Keeping Justice on his good side, keeping him satisfied, was something that mostly resulted into being left alone. Anders liked to be left alone, liked to be the master of his thoughts, words and actions.

Sometimes – even though he and Justice were so entwined at this point, two beings living in one body – he remembered how it was to be the only one in there. Who would he be if he were just Anders, a shabby mage with strawberry blonde hair and freckles on his face? What decisions would he make if they were truly his own?

"Hawke, that horrible horrible man, with his sarcastic words and dumb jokes“, he thought, a sad smile on his lips. If the circumstances had been different, Hawke was a decision he would have made without a second thought.

•

When Anders finally opened the clinic, the first thing he saw was Isabela. He sighed. Maker, why do you punish me so early in the morning?

“Really, Bela, again?“, he asked. “Can’t you keep your hands to yourself for one night?“ Her lips formed into a mischievous smile. “Like you do all the time?“ Anders groaned. “You need to relax, Blondie.“, she mimicked Varric‘s words. “I could“, she stepped closer and straightened his cloak. “Oh no, no, no, no, I rather think not. I already know more about your sex life than I ever intended to. And I would like to leave it at that.“ “Your loss.“, she said.

“Still pining after Garrett? It’s time you moved on. Or make a move at least. I pity you both dancing around each other the whole time. How long has it been? 3 years? I mean I wouldn’t say no to Hawke, you know? I tried. But he‘s always busy yearning, it‘s quite depressing.“ “As if.“ Anders rolled his eyes. “Why are you here? To annoy me? To dig around and get information involving my non-existing love life.“, Anders wanted to change the topic as quick as possible, this wasn’t Isabela‘s business. At all. “Hm.“, She nodded. “You know there are actual people out there who are in need of a healer.“ “I am in need of a healer.“ Anders granted her an annoyed look. “The usual?“, he asked, rolling his eyes as far back into his head as they allowed him. “Yeah.“ “Next time you‘re on your own with it.“ “You wouldn’t!“ “Try me. Let‘s just get it over with and never speak of it again.“

•

Isabela was right though, he was avoiding being alone with Garrett as much as possible, losing control was nothing he could afford. He was only a man after all. In need of- Maker‘s Breath. What was it with the people today? That’s why he liked cats better.

“Garrett promised to help me with something...personal“, a familiar voice said. Aveline. What was Aveline doing here?

“He says he needs you for it. I don’t know why to be honest but who am I to judge Garrett‘s decisions.“ “You do that all the time.“ Anders said, eyebrows raised. “Fair enough.“ “What‘s different today?“ “It‘s private. Please don’t ask.“ Anders had a good understanding of privacy and wished way too often that people respected his. He didn’t ask, if Aveline didn’t want to tell him, he would accept that without questions. That didn’t mean he wasn’t curious.

•

“Anders, I‘m happy to see you again. You’re currently so busy, we rarely see each other these days. It’s a shame.“ Garrett clapped him on the back with his usual force and Anders instantly stumbled. That man really underestimated his strength. Like all the time.

Anders was lucky he didn’t lose his balance and landed in the dirt, not that it made any difference concerning his clothes but it was better for his ego that way.

But what if he had tripped? Would Garrett have caught him or would he have helped him up entwining their fingers?

For a moment Anders thought about throwing himself on the floor just to find out. But Isabela was with them and she already smiled one of her suggestive grins which instantly put a terrible blush on his face. Stupid ginger complexion, he cursed, making everything so bloody obvious. Maybe Aveline would sympathize.

When Anders dared to look at Garrett, nothing in his expression had changed. Thank the Maker. Maybe he wouldn’t die of embarrassment after all. At least not today, by any chance.

“What‘s wrong, what do you need me for?“, Anders asked. They just arrived at the Wounded Coast and it was already getting dark. Normally Garrett always talked to them about their missions first, this was extremely unusual but since Anders secluded himself so much recently, Garrett had probably thought he didn’t want to be disturbed or even worse, he didn’t want to see him for some reason.

Hawke – who probably thought he was whispering (but didn’t whisper at all) – was taking a step closer to Anders before blurting some words out that put a horrible blush on Aveline‘s face. Yes, she would definitely sympathize with the ginger complexion, he decided.

“Aveline here has a little crush on Guardsman Donnic and she needs some help to pursue him.“ “Oh.“, Anders said. “Not a word.“ Aveline seemed like she was about to rip Hawke in half if he only dared to continue speaking. Or Anders if he commented on it. Which he wouldn’t do, he didn’t plan on dying tonight.

“All these people with their crushes here tonight, I wish I would have brought someone myself.“, Isabela said and Anders thought about commenting on Aveline‘s romantic inclinations after all. Maybe dying wasn’t that bad.

“Huh?“, Hawke asked, pure eloquence. “You know her, she likes to tease.“ “That I do.“

While Aveline and Donnic were patrolling and flirting – if one could call it that, she was really competing with Anders own nervous rambling – Hawke, Isabela and Anders had much to do with keeping the bandits at bay, a factor that really played out in Ander‘s favour. They didn’t have much time for talking and had the great chance to listen to Aveline embarrassing herself. Anders felt terribly sorry for her while Hawke was slowly losing his patience.

“How can one be so bad at that? And how can Donnic be so oblivious?“, he asked, dramatically throwing his hands into the air like he wanted the Maker to do something about it.

“I don’t know, Garrett.“, Isabela said, amused. When she opened her mouth again Anders knew she would say something at his expensive. “Exactly. How can one be that oblivious?“, she repeated. „One must be really stupid to not notice anything after indulging oneself in three years of romantic fantasies while the real thing is right in front of them. Oblivious indeed.“ “What do you mean?“, Hawke asked, mildly confused. “Care to elaborate?“ “My dear Garrett, you might be buff but you are not that stupid.“ “I-”, Garrett started but Isabela cut in.

“Anders, please, for the sake of Andraste‘s lady parts, say something. At least one of us needs to get laid tonight. And since I‘m here with your stupid lot, wasting my night away instead of talking to handsome sailors in The Hanged Man while drinking cheap ale, I will not be that person. And Aveline will definitely not get lucky either after the disaster we just witnessed.“ She let out a sigh that made it noticeably clear she was so done with their idiocy and wouldn’t tolerate any more of it. “No excuses.“, she said and focused her gaze on Garrett. “You‘re a daft couple of... take a hint and bend him over a basin, will you?“ “Oh.“, Garret said. “Oh indeed.“

“Let‘s save Aveline from herself first, okay?“, Isabela suggested. “I can’t look at this any longer.“

“And then we let you deal with the rest, Bela, and we sneak away.“ “Thank you very much.“, Isabela sighed. “If you both didn’t annoy the hell out of me I would be offended but I‘m just so glad this thing“, she gestured between Hawke and Anders “is resolved now. Even though it means all my chances with Garrett are gone, aren’t they?“ “They most definitely are.“, Anders said while making a gesture that implied he would keep an eye on her. “If you change your mind and let me borrow him for a night, let me know.“ “No chance. He doesn’t have a say in this.“

Garrett chuckled and took Anders hand in his. “Ugh.“, Isabela said. “I prefer the Heartworm guy over looking at you being disgustingly affectionate. Let me deal with Aveline and disappear from my vision before I vomit on your shoes.“ And that they did.

•

Anders woke up in his bed – this was his bed, wasn’t it? – and tried to snuggle up to his blanket which surprisingly didn’t feel like a blanket. “Go back to sleep.“, the blanket said and didn’t sound like a blanket at all.

Anders wanted to follow the advice; he was so incredibly tired. Justice had tormented him with one nightmare after another, mostly screaming at him that he wouldn’t allow Anders to forget the cause, the greater good, because of unnecessary distractions. Distractions such as Garrett.

Not justified, Anders thought. Let me have this. He knew Justice wouldn’t force him to give up Hawke when he still went through with the plan.

Justice was right about so many things after all, he wanted the mages to be free more than anyone else and Anders would give them that freedom. But first he deserved some of it himself and his freedom might as well be Garrett.

If they only had been born in a world that was fair to mages, a world in which he didn’t have to make a pact with a spirit in the first place, a world which would let him have this – a little bit of happiness – without regrets. He had to think about the future, remember why he did this. There would be mages who could have this because Justice had succeeded with his plan. Anders had to keep this in mind.

“Ten years - a hundred years from now - someone like me will love someone like you, and there will be no templars to tear them apart.“, Anders whispered. “What did you say?“, Garrett asked, still half-asleep. “I said I need to open the clinic in a few, I bet Isabela is the first in line.“ “Why would she come to the clinic?“ “I‘m pretty sure she gave in and bedded the Heartworm guy.“ “Gross.“

“Anders.“, Garrett said but it somehow sounded like a question. “Hm?“ “My door will be open tonight.“

#dragon age #dragon age 2 #fanfiction #dragon age fanfiction #handers #anders #hawke #garrett hawke #my writing #writing #ao3 #da #da2 #mine #my stuff

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taki118 · 5 years

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Fenabela the looked over ship (a DA2 meta)

~~slight TW: mentions of abuse~~

Fenabela is one of those things often pushed to the side in the Dragon Age fandom, I find. Despite being a cannon ship there aren’t many fics or art dedicated to the pair. This is especially noted when compared to Adoribull (and the fact that the personalities of Dorian and Bull parallel Fenris and Isabela)

Now part of this is of course taste, most people having dubbed Isabela their wife or Fenris their husband and disliking pairing them with anyone other than Hawke or shipping with other npcs. To each their own I realize not everyone can multiship.

However I have noted a few general misconceptions or certain readings that get passed around and a few critics on the narrative that really need to addressed.

And I will display and counter these things here so strap in. (Obligatory sex joke)

Before that I want to state it is not my intention to tell anyone what they can and can’t ship. However I have found a good deal of unwarranted hate towards this ship and wish to defend it and explain why one might ship it. I do greatly enjoy this pair but I will do my best to remain objective.

I don’t like the characters

Of course if you don’t like characters involved in a ship you won’t like it. But Fenris and Isabela are often misunderstood or misread so I’ll go over some things for each quickly.

Fenris

Generally speaking Fenris is the fan favorite of DA2 (and I think a surprise one to the BioWare crew as I’m fairly certain they thought Anders would be the most popular).

However if you aren’t a fan of the broody archetype you likely won’t like him at least for half the game, towards the end he grows to be more relaxed and open.

Another general issue with him is his hatred of mages and support of the Chantry. While his feelings are understandable it can get grating. But again this softens as the game goes on if you weren’t an ass to him by the end he is willing to put his own issues to the back to protect mages and even stating he respects Mage Hawke or Bethany indicating mages who prove themselves to be humble and strong willed are able to earn his trust.

Isabela

Now Isabela is, at least I’ve found to be, one of the more polarizing and misunderstood characters in Dragon Age, and as such I’ll do a more in-depth meta on her at a later date. But here are some common things noted in regards to this ship.

People often think Isabela is a selfish bitch who doesn’t care about anyone but herself. However this is only if you don’t learn about her. The best quote I can give is from Act 3 between her and Anders.

Anders: I always knew you had a heart of gold

Isabela: shush don’t tell anyone.

Isabela has lived a life where she was shown that no good deed goes unpunished and as such tries to hide this aspect of herself. You gotta remember the whole reason she did the Qunari job is because she couldn’t go through with bringing slaves to Tevinter and was forced to steal the tome as compensation.

It wasn’t built up/rushed

Now I can’t be certain on this as I obviously don’t work for BioWare but it should be noted that:

1- this was the first time BioWare had a Love Interest romance and likely wasn’t sure about how much they should do. The next one was Talibrations in Mass Effect 3 that had around the same level build up followed by Adoribull that was given more time to develop naturally.

2- It seems like they wanted to do more but with the notorious 2 year time crunch by EA couldn’t. You can see this in the purposely added dialogue for them in dlc

Of course I am only guessing here but given this it sort of makes sense why it is the way it is. they were likely trying to find a balance between believable and non intrusive that was later utilized better in DAI but you gotta start somewhere.

Fenris doesn’t like Isabela or her flirting

I just um ok this is just so wrong I’m sorry I’m trying to be objective and shit but like come on.

So I know the line most go to, to prove this it’s

Fenris: From what I gather, you like a lot of things.

Isabela: Nonsense. But when I see something I like, I go after it.

Fenris: I suggest keeping your distance.

BUT that’s only if Fenris is romancing Hawke if he isn’t the banter is instead

Fenris: From what I gather, you like a lot of things.

Isabela: Nonsense. But when I see something I like, I go after it.

Fenris: Do you intend to go after me, then?

Isabela: Will you take off all that spiky armor you're wearing?

Fenris: It's been known to happen.

That’s a big tone difference isn’t it. In the first version he pushes her away as he’s interested in Hawke currently but in the second he’s flirting right back.

While yes in Act 1 he’s unsure and unused to her flirting but by Act 2 he’s willingly playing along. I mean he wouldn’t offer to play “Guess the color of my underclothes” with her if he didn’t enjoy it. It’s a safe way for Fenris to explore his sexuality and the only reason he tells her to back off at that time is because he’s serious about pursuing Hawke.

And no matter what Fenris respects her if only for one thing

Fenris: So you freed a group of slaves?

Isabela: Would-be slaves. They weren't slaves yet.

Fenris: Still, you did the right thing. Many would turn a blind eye.

Isabela: Don't read too much into it, all right? It just seemed a good idea at the time.

Like fundamentally I don’t think Fenris can hate someone who freed slaves.

It’s toxic/just about sex

I feel like this is more a jab at Isabela but again it’s over simplifying her character. Because here’s the thing most people over look when saying this ship is toxic for Fenris cause he’s a sexual abuse survivor ISABELA IS ONE TOO.

Isabela doesn’t really talk of her past much but from the dialogue given in game and tie in material we do know that

- her husband Louis purchased her from her mother young in the 10-13 age range

- he likely intended to groom her to be his perfect bride what with the lessons, gifts and such

- he forced himself on her and when isabela rebelled against him it’s implied he either did or was going to allow his friends to do so as well. To again let me reiterate a girl young enough to be his daughter.

Regardless of what exactly happened this did effect Isabela just in a different way. Isabela took autonomy of her body back once he was dead. Look some survivors of traumatic experiences are terrified of ever encountering it again but others continuously face the action head on to refuse it power, both are valid ways to deal with it. One is just less noticeable/sympathetic.

This line of thinking also ignores that literally the first intimate thing Fenris does when he enters a relationship with Hawke is have sex. They don’t ease into it just bam sex, but I have yet to see a Fenhawke is toxic hot take. which I mean I could make easily. Don’t believe me?

In the act 2 romance scene Fenris is angry, raw and emotional and taking it out on Hawke verbally before psychically pushing Hawke against a wall. when Fenris realizes what he’s done and pulls back Hawke immediately kisses him and they have sex. I could say Hawke took advantage of Fenris in his emotional state for their own sexual gratification. I don’t actually believe that but I could claim it. if you’re thinking that’s insane, you are correct but that’s the point it is very easy to twist things to fit a narrative if you really want to.

Now you might be thinking “Well it’s different Isabela just wants to use Fenris for sex” and if you think sex is just sex with Isabela you haven’t been paying attention.

Again I’ll go more into this with my isabela meta but to her sex is safe, it can’t hurt her but people can so she keeps them at arms length. With sex she can get the pyshical closeness she craves while keeping her feelings locked away in one night stands/flings. So the fact that she WANTS to continue seeing Fenris almost immediately after their first tour below deck is telling. And the fact he wants to continue just as much shows the relationship is as much his choice as it is hers.

And speaking of sex...

the memory plot hole

The main confusion I see people have with this ship is the Fenris gets memories after sex bit. And I get why it’s kinda vague but let me assure you it’s not a plot hole.

When you romance Fenris in Act 2 he leaves after having sex with Hawke due to memories returning and being unable to handle them. The confusion I see is often “so what sex with Hawke was so good it gave Fenris memories but not Isabela?” Or “why is it only Hawke?” The answer, it’s just a matter of timing.

The scene in question with Hawke only takes place in Act 2 but Fenris and Isabela don’t hook up until Act 3 and those three years in between make all the difference.

Act 2 Fenris has been free from Danarious(I will not spell his name right sorry) for at least 6 years but he’s still controlled by the man. He’s pissed at the lack of leads and when he gets one demands you go after it immediately and will straight up leave the party if you take too long. The reason is twofold he wants revenge and he’s afraid.

Fenris has only just started to carve out a life for himself in Kirkwall but he’s terrified that whatever life he has there will be torn away by Darnarious. Cause it’s happened before. So when he engages with Hawke and he’s flooded with these mostly happy memories it’s too much. He can’t handle it, at that time.

In just three years Fenris becomes a much more open and relaxed person. by Act 3 he has weekly card nights with Varric and Donnic, willingly helps Aveline and is even more relaxed about mages. The idea that he once had a life and a family before Danarious and that he can have one now isn’t as daunting or impossible to him as it was in Act 2.

It’s not that he doesn’t get the memories when sleeping with Isabela it’s only that he’s now in a place where he can handle them. Had Hawke the option to tell Fenris to take things slow in Act 2 the pair likely would not have separated. However that’s not what happened Fenris thought that he could handle it but couldn’t as he was in Act 2.

Don’t believe well Fenris himself says so to Hawke in Act 3 when asked why he left.

Fenris: the pain, the memories it brought up... it was too much. I was coward. If I could go back I would stay.

I’m not surprised people either missed or didn’t pick on this bit it happens late in the game and it is entirely possible to miss this branch of dialogue but it’s there and confirms what I stated. It’s not a plot hole only a matter of timing. Hawke had bad timing Isabela didn’t.

By Act 3 he’s in a better place mentally and is able to feel okay with the memories, with intimacy and with the idea of having a life. Whether or not Fenris and Isabela are serious about the relationship is irrelevant (though I head cannon they tell themselves it’s just a fling only to still be together years later) it’s the fact that he feels he can engage in this fashion with someone that’s important.

It should have been Isabela x Merrill

Now I can’t argue with people’s taste that’s ridiculous and I can see the appeal they’re cute. However it’s not something they could simply put in the game like Fenabela.

Let me explain. The reason it works in DA2 is cause it’s a light, flirty and fun type relationship and even if you don’t ship it, the idea is easy to chew off. If you play through their romances the idea that the two characters with huge trusts issues hooking up for fun isn’t that hard to buy.

Merrill however would require more than a couple teasing lines of dialogue. The reason being her romance plot.

The first thing Merrill says after having sex with Hawke is “I love you” if you don’t think Isabela would freak out at that and jump on the first boat she could find I don’t know but I’d like to hear your reasoning.

It takes Isabela a long ass time to be ok with saying and being told that with Hawke. It’s a big part of her romance arc.

Sooooo if one were to play through both their romances then play a game where they got together off screen it would require more dialogue than what Fenabela got otherwise it’d be a far bigger plot hole issue as the pair do not move at the same emotional speed.

Like I can’t see Merrill being into having a casual fling even by Act 3 and I can’t see Isabela being ok with a serious relationship either without a good deal of added dialogue and scenes.

Now this one is the most subjective part of the meta, I’m well aware, but with how BioWare handles their side romances Isabela x Merrill just could not be folded into the narrative as easily as Fenabela and likely would have been too intrusive for those uninterested in side romances.

So we’ve covered the main misconceptions and complaints on the ship. now to get into why Fenabela does work, and why people like this ship.

Their romances parallel each other

Something I noticed about the Kirkwall crew (and I might make a meta on it damn I got so many things to write) is that they each parallel and reflect each other (which is one of the reasons I dislike the Sebastian addition cause he kinda screws it up)

Aveline and Varric:

- Both are non romanceable

- Need Hawkes help to sort out their personal lives

- Both thrive in the friendship Hawke gives them

Merrill and Anders:

- both thirsty AF for Hawke and immediately move in

- both have blinders on in regards to their goals and ideals, Merrill with the mirror and Anders with well you know

- this also causes problems for both in their relationships with Hawke

So then we have Fenris and Isabela

- both wear a mask of indifference in Act 1 that is peeled away by Hawke in Act 3

- both runaway/try to distance themselves from Hawke and their relationship in Act 2 only to renew it in Act 3

- and both NEED to feel they can trust Hawke in order to move forward

Now unlike Merrill and Anders who’s conflict with Hawke is mostly situational (ie were it not for the mirror and being in Kirkwall aka mage torture capital of the free marches, there would be no problem) Fenris and Isabela’s conflicts are purely emotional and an emotion they share

Leading us to

They are damaged in similar ways

The main conflicts in their romances is fear.

A fear of happiness and a fear of love.

They both think that if they were to get that which they desire most they’d lose it or it’d be used against them or most of all they aren’t deserving of it and will never receive it.

And this is entirely because of what happened to them in life prior to arriving in Kirkwall.

They lived lives where love and happiness were things that could be used against them. A weakness to exploit or a reward to be taken away. So it makes sense that for their romance arcs they have to have trust to believe this love and happiness with Hawke is worth the risk.

So it’s safe to say that we’re they not romanced by Hawke it’s only natural they’d be drawn to one another. We often look for similarities in our partners sometimes it’s in appearance, others it’s values but for them it’d be their shared pain and fear.

Hawke: you’re not afraid of being hurt you’re afraid of hurting someone else

Isabela: no I look it isn’t like that it’s just easier this way

Isabela: you were right. I wasn’t afraid of love I was afraid of being loved.

Fenris: I killed them all

Hawke: why would you do such a thing?

Fenris: I felt it inevitable. My master had returned and this...this fantasy life was over.

Fenris: I’m sorry. All I ever wanted was to be happy...just for a little while. Forgive me.

Its why they are implied to have a more casual relationship in Act 3 than they would with Hawke. Hawke doesn’t have the same issues with intimacy as they do thus would take longer. And there is an appeal to the idea of two people finding comfort and support in one another even if it’s only temporary.

Isabela = fog warriors

So this is something I literally just noticed as I was working on this meta but um the Fog Warriors who helped Fenris after he first was free of Danarious whom he speaks of fondly greatly resemble Isabela at least in the traits he describes that he seems to find the most appealing.

Fenris: I had grown fond of the rebels. They bowed to no master and fought for their freedom.

Fenris: I had only been with them a few months but in that time I had felt I truly lived. They were bold, strong, free with their affections. I was in awe of them.

Like let’s take what he says here out of context for a second.

He says he was in awe and felt truly alive with someone who was

- bold - strong - free with affection - rebellious

- defiant - strong sense of freedom

That kinda describes Isabelas base personality perfectly. I can’t state that this was intentional or even if Fenris was aware but it’s not a long shot to say that Fenris would be drawn and attracted to people like this for this reason.

Their banter is cute

I mean I know it’s subjective but they do have some great back and forth and if you enjoy flirty snarky people it opens up some great opportunities in fan fiction and such. Characters who play well off each other are always more desirable and they got a great wise guy/straight man thing going.

They spend more time than we know together

A thing that can be overlooked easily it that each act has about 3 years in between them making the total run in the game about 9 years. We know from banter that the various characters interact with each other regularly regardless of whether or not Hawke is there. (Something I wish they could do more if EA got their heads out of their asses and gave us re release!)

Anyway we know from these brief moments that

- Fenris lets isabela visit the mansion

- isabela helps him out from time to time

- she’s one of the few people who’s opinion on mages he considers

- they play cards and/or make bets with each other

- they interact enough that Varric takes notice in the MOA dlc

it’s again something that’s fun to play with in fiction.

To summarize

- it’s not toxic

- they like interacting with one another

- there is no plot hole

- it’s not just about sex

- they were the easiest to pair up on the side

- they parallel each other

- share similar fears and traumas

- their personalities are fun to play with for fans

Fenabela really does not deserve the hate or lack of care it gets from the fandom. It’s the story of two damaged people finding support in one another if only for a short time and there’s nothing wrong with enjoying that.

Again I’m not saying this ship is better than any other, I’m not trying to get you to jump ship all this meta is here for is to clear up some misconceptions and unwarranted hate, and bring some much needed spot light to this ship that is often overlooked.

Anyway I want to thank anyone who read through this whole thing for their time and if you’d like to discuss any points here with me please reblog with “makers breath” first and I’ll 100% be up for talking (if you didn’t bother to read and just want to rant at me I will ignore it) I plan on making more of these as well as finishing fics but this topic has weighed on me for some time.

#dragon age #da2 #fenris #da isabela #da fenris #fenabela #fenebela #fenris x isabela #meta #isabela #da #bioware

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daughter-of-the-prophet · 5 years

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Aveline Vallen

Race: Human

Gender: Female

Class: Warrior

Title: - Soldier

- Guardswoman

- Captain of the Guard

Affiliation: - Kirkwall City Guard

- Areida Hawke

Specialization: Guardian

Family: - Benoit du Lac (father)

- Wesley Vallen (first husband)

- Donnic Hendyr (second husband)

- Areida Hendyr (daughter)

Voice: Joanna Roth

Appearances: - Dragon Age II

- Dragon Age: Inquisition (mentioned)

- Trespasser (mentioned)

- Heroes of Dragon Age

Aveline Vallen (née du Lac, later Hendyr) is a human warrior. She was fleeing Ostagar with her husband Ser Wesley during the Fifth Blight when they were set upon by darkspawn and rescued by Areida Hawke and her family. Aveline is the first companion Areida Hawke encounters besides her siblings.

Background

Aveline is the daughter of a chevalier named Benoit du Lac, who fled from Orlais to Ferelden after losing his patron to assassination. Raising her on stories of knights and adventures, he hoped Aveline would be a knight, even naming her after Ser Aveline, the Knight of Orlais. He eventually sold everything he had to sponsor her into King Cailan Theirin's service.

Aveline met and married Wesley Vallen while in the Fereldan army, where she was an officer. Her company was part of the first charge. However, Loghain's betrayal at the Battle of Ostagar forced them to flee the darkspawn horde. She ordered a scattered retreat and told her people to make their way home. She and Wesley eventually made their way to Lothering's outskirts, where they met the Hawke family.

Involvement

Dragon Age II

Areida Hawke saves Aveline and her husband, Ser Wesley, from imminent death while escaping Lothering. When Flemeth indicates Wesley will die of the darkspawn taint, Aveline delivers a mercy blow to him. Wesley's death leaves Aveline with few options, and she accompanies the Hawke family to Kirkwall.

Upon arriving at Kirkwall, the group finds the guards must be bribed in order for them to enter the city. Areida’s uncle provides contacts who can help them, in exchange for mercenary services from the Hawke family through the next year. With no other options, Aveline assists the Hawke family in entering the city; While the Hawke family helps Athenril in dealing with Cavril, the merchant's cheating ways incense Aveline, and she deals with him very effectively.

Act 1

After entering the city, Aveline joins the Kirkwall City Guard to make a living. She and Areida uncover a conspiracy involving Jeven, the current Captain of the City Guard, and the Coterie. Areida and Aveline discover that Jeven has been sending guardsmen on dangerous patrols with a satchel of valuable city information in order to sacrifice them to the Coterie so that the thieves could obtain the information with out looking suspicious. When Jeven's scheme is revealed to the authorities, he is arrested by his own guardsmen and Aveline replaces him as the new Captain of the Guard for her role in ending Jeven's corruption. Aveline's guard and Guard-Captain positions allows her to deal with certain people effectively, namely other guards and scoundrels.

Act 2

Three years later, when Areida visits Aveline, Aveline warns Areida that her new found wealth and influence has changed the fortunes of many people in Kirkwall; and not always for the better. When Areida asks her how she’s settling into her new position as Guard Captain, Aveline complains that they are spread thin and how the templars are unwilling to requisition a few of their men to fight for the city guard as it was considered "demeaning". Even so, many of the guardsmen seem to have rallied under her leadership.

Aveline later tells Areida that she needs a favor that she can only trust Areida with. First she asks her to deliver a package to Guardsman Donnic. The package turns out to be copper marigolds, confusing both Donnic and Areida. Aveline then asks her to post the duty roster. Areida does so and reports Donnic's negative reaction. When Aveline brings up the idea of bringing three goats and a sheaf of wheat to Donnic’s mother, knowing that that’s a dowary tradition, Areida realizes that Aveline is trying to court Donnic. Aveline finally confesses she was attempting to court Donnic, she just doesn't know how to do it. Areida suggests inviting Donnic to the Hanged Man.

As agreed, Areida visits the Hanged Man at night to meet Donnic so they can wait for Aveline. Aveline arrives without Donnic’s knowledge but becomes too shy to approach the table Donnic and Arieda are sitting at. This causes Donnic to think that Areida is interested in him, and lets her down by telling her he prefers women with a backbone. Afterwards, Areida speaks with Aveline who confesses that she was just too scared to approach Donnic. Areida then suggests that Aveline should go on patrol along the Wounded Coast with Donnic.

At the Wounded Coast, Aveline engages Donnic in conversation, blundering her way through her ideas of small talk while Areida and the rest of her companion clear the area of enemies. Fed up and knowing that this is not going to get Aveline anywhere, Areida confronts Donnic and Aveline and reveals Aveline's motives to Donnic. Donnic shocked by the revelation, abruptly departs, and Aveline becomes worried that he will file a complaint and will request a transfer. She orders Areida back to the barracks to head this off.

Back at the barracks, Aveline becomes frightened of what Donnic might do, but he later appears and reassures her that he has no intention of leaving or filling a complaint and in fact, he's interested in her too. Shortly after that, Aveline thanks Areida for all the help.

After Areida’s mother, Leandra, is murdered by a blood mage serial killer, Aveline consoles Areida and comforts her by telling her a story about her own father.

Aveline later enlists Areida's aid in trying to arrest two fugitive elves who murdered a city guardsman for raping their sister but have been granted religious sanctuary in the Qunari Compound for converting to the Qun. The Arishok takes offense to the attempted arrest of his new converts and counterattacks, marshaling his forces to conquer the city and convert it to the Qun. Areida saves the city by defeating the Arishok in single combat and is crown the Champion of Kirkwall as a result.

Act 3

Over the past three years, Aveline and Donnic married and honeymooned in Orlais. When Areida visits Aveline, she states that without a Viscount, the templars have been trying to influence the city guard more.

Since his fall from grace, Jeven has taken up with base types who hold prejudiced views against Fereldans like Aveline and Areida. He became the leader of a dangerous group of insurgents who attempted to have Captain Aveline expelled by forcing anonymous complaints that she was coddling her men. Jeven even attempted to coax guards into joining his cause. In addition to getting revenge for his arrest at Aveline's hands, the scheme was intended to reduce what Jeven saw as excessive Fereldan influence in Kirkwall, though the plan backfired when Captain Aveline confronted him in the sewers of Kirkwall. He was killed after attacking Aveline. Aveline becomes proud of her efforts in reforming the Kirkwall City Guard and is thankful to Areida for encouraging her.

Despite being against siding with the mages and knowing that it might strip her of her job as captain of the city guard, Aveline joins Areida and the others in protecting the mages from Knight Commander Meredith’s wrath after Anders blows up the Chantry. She has Donnic order the city guard in protecting the civilians, keeping them out of the fighting.

Pregnancy

Two years after Anders blew up the Chantry, Aveline became pregnant and gave birth to a daughter she and Donnic named Areida, named after Aveline’s friend, Areida Hawke, who brought Aveline and Donnic togeather.

Dragon Age: Inquisition

When Rosabelle Trevelyan asks Varric Tethras about Aveline’s fate, Varric states that she is still Guard-Captain and is responsible for a lot of Kirkwall's stability.

Tresspasser

Aveline is seen in Varric's epilogue picture, smiling, implying she is still the Guard Captain of Kirkwall.

NOTE: The names in the family members section of Aveline’s biography that are bolded and italicized are part of my own version of the Dragon Age timeline and are therefore in no way canon.

#dragon age #dragon age 2 #Dragon Age: Inquisition #aveline vallen #Warriors #Kirkwall City Guards #Captain of the Guard

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cometladyicarus-blog · 7 years

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Character Sheet - Dragon Age Marian Hawke

Name: Marian Revka Amell Hawke

Nickname(s): Mari, Sister, Sweetie, Daughter, Varric calls her Hawk

Codename: Hawke, Champion, Boss

Race: Human

Gender: Female

Age: 23 at Lothering's Destruction/Ostagar

Faction: Ferelden; Templar supportive;

Class: Apostate Mage

Weapon(s): Sword and Shield

Armor: Heavy Armor

Place of Birth: Honnleath, Ferelden

Parent(s): Malcolm Hawke (Apostate Mage) (d. 3 years before Act I), Leandra Amell Hawke (Former Noble) (d. Act II)

Sibling(s): Bethany Hawke (sister) (d. Lothering Escape), Carver Hawke (brother)

Spouse/Significant Other: Fenris “Wolfe”

Other Relatives: Uncle Gamlen Amell, Cousin Charity, Cousin Solona Amell, twin children Jayme Cullen Wolfe and Aveline Bethany Wolfe

Magic-Using Relatives: Father, Sister, Several Amell Cousins

Mentor: Father, Ser Berkley

Friends/Allies:

Carver Hawke

Guardswoman/Captain of the Guard Aveline

Guardsmen Donnic

Varric Tethras

Merrill

Fenris

Captain Isabella

Sebastian

Grudgingly, Anders

Knight Captain Cullen Rutherford

Knight Lieutenant Thrask

Knight Templar Kerran

Warden Captain/Knight-Enchanter Solona Amell

Alignment: Neutral Good/Lawful Good, something around there, though the mages would be more inclined to think of her as Lawful Evil because she keeps sending them to the Templars as according to the law.

Warrior/Peacekeeper: She's more inclined to use humor to defuse a situation, but when the potential fight involves something that offends her "Ferelden Peculiarities," she is more likely to be on the Warrior side of the spectrum.

Torture/Healer: She knows some healing spells, but she's not an expert at them, but even without magic she's better than most of her Company back at Ostagar, so was trying to help the makeshift infirmary by providing bandages and health poultices. If blood magic/slave trade/kidnapping is suspected to be a part of the situation, however, Hawke has had years of learning at her father's side all the bones that can be broken in a hand, and knows how to break them. If blood magic is not involved, she does have a scary looking sword she can swing around and terrorize answers out of people if just asking isn't working.

Range/Melee: Melee, sword and shield; (Inq-Era) Range Magic Staff

Rusted Knight/Greenhorn: Ostagar survivor, she went in idealistic and independent, came out of it scrambling to hold on to those she cares about and still has nightmares about. Hawke develops into a more "rusty knight" type of person as people keep coming to her with their problems they wants fixed.

Cynical/Optimist: She believes Kirkwall is a cesspool and a disaster, where no one should ever live. She does believe it is possible for conditions for mages to be improved, but that the common people will always fear magic and likely attack magic out of that fear. But Hawke is also very good at drowning her private thoughts into whatever best suits her situation at the moment. By Act II, Hawke has been "outed" for being a broody drunk in the Hanged Man once most of the group has left by Varric and Isabella.

Appearance: Default markless Hawke preset without makeup– Light grey/blue eyes, dark near-black hair that often looks like she cuts her hair with a dagger herself instead of going to someone else to keep it short, she's a little shorter than Carver who seems to tower over everyone else,

Disability(ies)/Health concerns: None

Scar(s): Various battle injuries have left scars

Tattoo(s): At certain points, she will have smeared the blood on her face into the iconic image of her wearing the mark that went into her "official" image in The Tale of the Champion's portrait of her; The blood mage tattoo was carved into her arm during the fight with Danarius and she hasn't been able to make it go away;

Accent: Ferelden, fades a bit into Kirkwall over the course of the story

Prized Personal Possession(s)*: Malcolm's Staff; (Post Act II) Her mother's note;

Pet Peeves: Her mother's blaming her for Bethany's death despite the apology after getting the will back; People always going to her for help with their problems no matter how small or big; Being reminded about "her" Templar problems; Owing debts (money or otherwise); Varric not having a nickname for her (He does, but it sounds exactly like her name); Being pulled into the Mage-Templar conflict; "Ferelden Peculiarities" as Kirkwallers would call it – slavery, a lack of personal independence to choose who one wants to be, a lacking of dogs, Andraste in the Chantry wearing armor and holding a sword, the political song and dance before getting to the point, overheating instead of always being cold;

Likes: Keeping her family and friends safe and provided for; Magic being treated as a dangerous weapon and helpful tool and then being respected as such; dogs; reading; (Act III) learning languages; dancing in the Hanged Man; Going to the Chantry for lessons on the Chant; exploring the lands outside of Kirkwall; (Inq-Era) Exploring Thedas; the trail of dead slavers between herself and Fenris;

Dislikes: Blood magic; demons and spirits; power abuse; the fact she often actually sympathizes with Gamlen; kids being used as tools; Fereldens being abused by the Kirkwallers who are more wealthy; The stuff elves deal with and how she never quite has enough political pull or power to make the Alienage safer in general; Gamlen's asinine comments; Her mother clearly having favorites among the Hawke siblings; Her mother trying to reclaim lost glory in the name of the Amells; Being alone without someone she feels she can confide to; Being "other" in groups (Ferelden, Apostate, not Templar-hating being the major reasons); Spiders

Vice(s): Approval seeking from Leandra, though she likes approval from people in general; Validation that she's not a "bad person"; Roaring rampages of Revenge once provoked enough; Her desire to keep people she feels responsible for safe; She enjoys tweaking noble people's sensibilities of 'proper';

Natural Abilities: Magic, has little to no trouble learning magic and mastering it; a knack for picking up languages;

Trained Abilities: Sword and shield combat; Using humor to defuse situations; herbalogy;

Understand Language(s): Common; Chasind; (During Acts I and II) A smattering of Qunlat; (During Acts II and III) Learns Tevinter;

Communicable Language(s): Common; Chasind; (As of Act II) Some Tevinter; (As of Act III) Tevinter fluently

Signature Outfit: She is famous for her Champion of Kirkwall bronze segmented armor she was given after being declared Champion; In reality, she was seen, before and after becoming Champion, most often wearing medium or heavy plate armor that was less fancy until she needed her Champion gear.

Formal Attire: Champion of Kirkwall armor; As Scion of the Amell family, she wears a set of nice robes with the Amell crest, or a custom dress made to slightly resemble a hawk in pattern and some feathers to be worn in her hair

Fallen Attire: She'd be drenched in the blood of her enemies she had used in combat against them; or wearing ornate and incredibly fancy clothes [Not sure really, I mean, Hawke isn’t a Warden and wouldn’t become Tainted, and it wouldn’t be in her to become a bloodmage either, so “Fallen” is sort of a placeholder term for “if goes evil or something”]

Lazy Attire: A tunic and breeches with leather boots

Catchphrase(s)/Famous Quotes: "Hawke this, Hawke that. Why does everyone come to me?"; "Hey! I tried to fix it, they just broke it!"; "Woah, is killing them the right choice right away?"; "WHERE DID THAT BLOOD MAGE GO?"; "Eh, he deserved to die."; "It wasn't my fault!"; "I have a role. I defend Kirkwall."; "Seriously?"; [In response to something crazy] "Oh. That sounds like every day to me."; "You do realize that if they send me, things are going to bad, right?"; "I really don't have time for this."

War Cry: "For Ferelden!"; "GET OUT OF MY KIRKWALL!" "And here they come again."

Nightmare(s): Failing to save Bethany; Failing to save her mother; failing to save Carver; failing to save her friends and others who depend on her; Templars discovering she's a mage; being made Tranquil; Never regaining her mother's approval after Bethany died; The blood mage tattoo activating and turning her into a blood mage regardless of her wishes; Blood magic; The Battle of Ostagar; Her name being used in the rallying cry of mages breaking Circles everywhere; Her role in the Mage-Templar Role; The Dead blaming her; Blighted Spiders that were the first wave of Darkspawn invading Lothering and killing those who were last to flee;

Hope/Goal(s): Not being responsible for a constantly growing number of people;

Secret(s): She doesn't realize that she places too much responsibility onto herself and she's enabled her mother into essentially holding her down into a live she's miserable in out of "duty"; She wishes she could just give everything up and turn herself over to the Templars to join a Circle; She hated the idea of being noble; Her feeling about always putting on a show of being "responsible," "kind," "respectable," and "dutiful"; She hates being the Champion of Kirkwall when it seems like the Viscount doesn't actually do much of his job by handing most of the stuff onto her; She has a weakness towards being called “pretty” and “beautiful” by people whose opinion she values, but has a hard time believing it because she’s used to people calling her sister and mother beautiful and her just “strong” or something, so when Fenris first calls her that, she freezes and flees from him;

*Story behind this/these:

Malcolm's Staff – When Hawke refused to use her magic after burning a neighbor's barn down, Bethany inherited their father's staff and used it while the Hawkes escaped Lothering. When Bethany died, Hawke carried the staff with her anyway and only used one spell after Beth's death before going to Kirkwall to disguise the staff as a walking stick for Leandra. When they arrived in Kirkwall, the staff was stashed out of Gamlen's potential reach while in his home, and then placed above the mantel in the Amell Estate with the spell removed. Everyone knows the staff is there, everyone knows Leandra married an apostate and that Templar Hawke and Serrah Hawke are the children on an apostate, but neither have touched the staff except while moving it to one residence to another. When Hawke flees Kirkwall, she takes the staff with her. She uses it during her time with the Inquisition

Leandra's note – When Hawke lost her mother to blood magic, Hawke had felt she had failed another in her family – Bethany who died, Carver who left to join the Templars because he felt he didn't have a place, their father who had died years before, and now their mother who had also died. Hawke also had a less-than-positive relationship with Leandra because of the Bethany Death Guilt Card that had been used often enough for Leandra to keep some semblance of control over her own fate – as she likely thought of it – and then Hawke's general failure to assimilate into Kirkwall noble life. Overall, Hawke had felt that she was Leandra's greatest failure since Bethany was the ideal daughter despite being a mage, and Leandra was closer to Carver as a non-mage. This letter was in an envelope filled with similar letters. Hawke keeps the letters in a pocket of her belt or robes, and flees Kirkwall with them.

#Character sheet #Dragon Age #DA2 #Marian Hawke

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