#leliana x female trevelyan | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

herald-divine-hell · 1 year

Note

teaching you how to do something + close proximity for leliana/inquisitor? xoxo

Thank you for the ask!

The arrow caught itself into the motor of the stone walls, shuddering for a single breath or two. The wind had whistled when it took flight, true and straight, but when the arrowpoint slammed into the stone, the air punched out of it like a strangled sigh. Another sigh came from Leliana's side, and she gave the dark-haired woman a smile. "You hit something this time, at least."

Frustration darkened Alexandra's eyes, the pale silver taking a faint golden hue from the reddish-bronze sunlight peaking over the mountains. Skyhold was a flush with soft pinks, deep reds, and hammered bronzes, the air aglow like flame. The gray stone, drained sick and tired, took a fine paler color, blushing from the lightly stroking fingers of dawn. A golden mantle swaddled the green leaves and brown boughs, gleaming with the light shinning in gems, and the trickles that dripped from between left soft golden patches upon the green grass and rock-strewn paths.

And the dawnlight did wonders up Alexandra, truthfully. A faint shroud of pale white ran down her thick dark curls like moonlight running along night-darkened lake, shimmering. Her pale cheeks, with its high-cheekbones, was painted lightly with a flush, either from the cold or frustration, Leliana could not be for sure. But the redness was pretty to her. It allowed Leliana to count all the fine freckles hidden in the paleness, like flowers lost in the snow. Her nose crinkled upward, her full lips drew down pouting, and the urge to laugh and kiss her nearly overwhelmed Leliana. She distracted herself by walking toward the locked-in arrow, drew it out with a little strength, and checked for any chippings, ignoring the teasing thoughts twirling in her mind.

Alexandra spoke, her annoyance not hidden. "A target that is over twenty feet tall and dozen or more feet wide. Truly, I shall be recalled in legends for besting the terrible stone demon known as the curtain wall." Her fingers gripped tight the bow, her already white hands growing whiter. "I never had such difficulty for other things, before." She shook her head, the strands cradling her face bouncing a little. "I don't see why I am not allowed to use my magic to help guide the arrow."

With the arrow in hand, Leliana rested her knuckles against her hips. The urge to smile was terribly hard when Alexandra was so cutely frustrated. So rare it was to see the collected, savvy, and murmured arrogant, Inquisitor all aflush and pouting like some child. Her bouncing thoughts seemingly fled her when the arrow left her hands, Leliana thought, amused.

"Because the entire point of this is to be assured you are well capable of fending enemies off when your magicks are low or depleted, and there is not enough lyrium for you to drink to get out to safety."

Alexandra's gaze shot up, and the great storm often unyielding in her eyes took shape once more. "I already mastered well enough the dagger and the sword and the shield - surely this is unnecessary." She paused for a moment, eyes widened a little. "But that does not mean I do not enjoy spending time with you, of course." Her lips curled into that teasing, insufferably arousing half-smile. "Though, I can think of other ways we can practice different techniques and abilities."

A flush stirred at Leliana's cheeks, peeking like the first leaves in spring. She grappled and tousled with it until she knew it was little more seen that the natural flush on her cheeks. "While the thought is tempting." And truly, it was. Leliana had found herself half distracted by Alexandra's outfit - snug black breeches that did not hide the strength of powerful and supply thighs, tied neatly with a belt to reveal flaring hips, and a loose white blouse where if Alexandra bent over at just the right angle, hints of pale and soft flesh was revealed. Indeed, she felt terribly wrong for eyeing Alexandra whenever she was not looking, but she could not help herself. Often the arousal would dwindle away to admiration, one of breathless and star-dazzled. Everything Alexandra did came easy and elegant, even in her failings. She flowed like a shadow running across a field, without any stiffness or rigidness to be seen, with easy practicality and assurance that bordered on arrogance. But that arrogance faded away with Leliana, it seemed. A glint of something more was seen through the mask of the Inquisitor - something real and shy and overwhelming and beautiful that Leliana wanted to jump into, damn the consquences. But such thoughts often lead to blindness...and Leliana could not be blind, not now. Not after Haven, not after Justinia.

But Maker, do I sometimes wish I could be - for this woman I barely know but who entraps me so. A coal of frustration smoked through her limbs, smoldered a little. "We still must be assured that you are safe, regardless. After all, who was the one who ran straight into a dual dragon fight without any regards?"

The flush returned, brightly crimson. Alexandra looked away, fingers strumming the bowstring, but her smile did not leave her face. It seemed to have grown. "Bull had dared me."

Leliana shook her head. "Yes, I know." You and your dares and your foolish pride. Leliana took a few steps, slid the arrow back into the quiver drummed up-right into the ground. As she did so, Alexandra brushed her leather-gloved fingers across Alexandra's arms. "We will not have that happen again, correct?"

In the corner of her eyes, Leliana took in the pleasure of Alexandra's face growing captured into ruddiness, flowing down her throat. "I will be sure it won't," she promised, muttering.

"Good." Leliana dusted her hands with a few swipes against the other. "Now, your arm was too stiff this time, and you allowed your strength to come from your arm, not your back."

The smile of before, the one teasing and gleeful, returned. "It is not my fault that I use my hands and arms more."

"And yet, your masterful fingers and arms will avail you nothing in the end if your arrow is anything but a great solid target made of stone." Leliana moved forward until she was nearly pressed against Alexandra's back. "Grasped your arrow."

Alexandra did, and Leliana took her by the underneath of her arm, rested the other flat against Alexandra's stomach. She tried not to think of the sweet vanilla wafting from her dark curls. It would be so easy to lay a kiss to her neck, if I wanted. Here the Inquisitor was, trapped in Leliana's arms, such a lovely reward if there was any. She could brush the thick curls to one shoulder, reveal the pale secrets to her eyes and her eyes alone. She would be able to feel Alexandra's pulse quicken, the heat of embrassment and arousal burning Leliana's lips as teeth dug deep into skin, marking her for all to see.

She pushed those thoughts away. Now is not the time, she thought. With the softest pressure to her stomach, Leliana pressed Alexandra straight, and she softly cursed the fact that the woman was taller even with her boots on. Rising on her tip-toes, Leliana glanced and guided Alexandra's aim until it was true on the target. The hand on the stomach slid along, around her waist, pressed gently across her back with ghosty strokes. Leliana rested her chin on Alexandra's shoulders, turned a little, and whispered softly in her ear. "Aim, aim. Relax your arm, let your strength come from your back." Leliana felt Alexandra do so, the muscles beneath her fingers shifting and bundling as she drew her arm back, her fingers close to her face."

She adjusted her aim again, praising her all the while. "Now, l loosen your fingers, and let it fly."

The air sang with the easiness in which the arrow to flight. Winds whistling, the arrow struck true, and pride flickered through Leliana's stomach." She laughed gently, wrapped her arms around Alexandra's waist, and laid a kiss to her cheek. Heat burned her lips from the blush. "Good girl. You did amazing."

"Leliana?"

"Yes, ma cheri?"

"Bedroom, now."

#thank you for the ask!#This isn't my best but my brain has been fried from school #hope you enjoyed it tho!#heroofpenamstan #inquisitor x leliana #leliana x inquisitor #alexandra x leliana #leliana x alexandra #alexandra trevelyan #leliana #dragon age leliana #female trevelyan #f!trevelyan #f!inquisitor #dragon age fanfiction #my writing

11 notes · View notes

shinypandamiracle · 1 year

Text

Things need to get worse before they get better, right?

#Dragon age Inquisition #fanfic #crossover #the lord of the rings #I need to revise the tags because I said 'a little bit of angst' then dropped this #Leliana x ofc #Cassandra Pentaghast x Eowyn #F!Inquisitor x Josephine Montilyet #female trevelyan

0 notes

ode-to-fury · 2 years

Text

A Somewhat Forced Apology

Summary: Cullen and Inquisitor Trevelyan have an argument

Pairings: Cullen x female OC

Disclaimer: So yeah… first half not great, second half very cute, do with this what you will🤷‍♀️

“You cannot be serious!” Cullen exclaimed, at the same moment Cassandra let out a snort of disgust.

“You will ally with mages, apostate mages, no less, over the Templar Order? Men trained, tried and tested to do exactly what we are aiming to do?”

Ailsa Trevelyan felt her fists clench.

Trained, tried and tested to keep Mages locked in towers is not the same thing as closing a fade rift.

“And mages are trained from the moment their powers are discovered how to manipulate the Fade, how to resist demons, what more could we ask for, Commander?”

He frowned at her, and her jaw clenched as well.

“I agree with Commander Cullen,” Cassandra said, “From what we’ve heard, these mages are not to be trusted. I would sooner ally with proven knights.”

“Leliana?” She asked, looking over at the other two women for support, “Josephine?”

“We agree with you, Herald,” Lelianna said, and some of the fear went out of Ailsa’s chest.

“Ser Trevelyan is correct. We have soldiers,” Josephine continued, “we have officers, what we need are mages.”

“I cannot believe this!” Cullen said, louder this time, his hands going up into the air in exasperation.

“Cannot believe what, Knight Commander?” Ailsa snapped at him.

At her question, he seemed to flinch, his eyes going wide for a moment, before his jaw set and he scowled across the table at her.

“That is not my title,” he growled.

“Then act like it,” she could growl too, if she wanted. “You claim to be loyal to the Inquisition, so prove it, because you are outvoted, ser.”

“You go too far, Herald or no,” Cassandra said, stepping up beside Cullen.

“Do I?” She said, and she became aware that smoke was curling from her fists. Hastily she fought to control the anger, or at least the power the anger was pulling toward her.

“I did not want any of this,” she said to the room at large, “But you, the four of you, turned me into the Herald of Andraste without my consent, and then gave me charge of this decision for Maker knows what reason!”

She looked straight at Cullen as she said, “Well, now I am taking charge. We ally with the mages. If we can save the Templars we will, but none of them will be safe anyway if we cannot seal that Rift. The mages are our best chance at doing so. Dismissed.”

She turned on her heal and strode from the war room, feeling like she wanted to cry.

“Herald!” Cassandra’s voice.

She didn’t stop, or slow. If she did she’d explode.

“What?”

“Why?”

That made Ailsa stop. She turned to the Seeker, frowning.

“What?”

“Why the mages, really?”

Slowly, her frown melted. Her anger melted, and she just felt tired. So tired. She unclenched her fists.

“Because they are the best- “

“I asked for the real reason, Herald.”

Cassandra had been… warming to her, since their trip to the Hinterlands. There was still a feeling of distrust, but it felt… forced, from the Seeker’s end. Ailsa didn’t know exactly what to make of it.

So she did the only thing she could think of. She told Cassandra the truth.

“Because I have to…” she trailed off.

“I have to believe they can do it. I have to believe they deserve the freedom they so desperately want.”

She paused, looking away from Cassandra.

“I so desperately want.”

Cassandra stared at her for a long moment before nodding.

“The Templars and Mages will be one and the same when it comes to power. I admit… I was hoping you may choose to support the Templars for personal reasons, but…”

To Ailsa’s surprise, she smiled up at her sheepishly, and held out a hand.

The two of them clasped forearms.

“You are right. If we cannot seal the rift, all is lost and I believe…” she looked at Ailsa with determination written on every line of her face.

“Andraste preserve me, I believe you will save us all.”

With that she turned and left, and Ailsa was left to walk to her rooms alone, tired, but a little bit lighter than moments before.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The next day found Cullen pacing up and down in front of the door to her room.

In his hands, he held two honey cakes.

Why am I even bothering?

He didn’t understand. Men called him deserter every day, and worse, yet the moment she called him Knight-Commander…

He shook his head, resuming his pacing.

“I’m sorry,” he mumbled to the open air. “I spoke out of turn I- Maker’s breath.”

He shook his head.

Why am I even bothering?

Mia had always said that if he felt unsure about saying something he should rehearse beforehand.

Mia had also always been better at speaking than he had.

He took a deep breath, then frowned at himself.

I’ve faced demons, he thought, demons and abominations, surely I can face a woman?

This woman, however…

Josephine and Cassandra had bullied him into apologizing. When he’d asked them with exasperation in his voice how he was supposed to make amends, he had been emphatically told to figure it out.

He hadn’t been able to figure out how he remembered she liked honey cakes from a passing comment she’d made weeks ago, before leaving for the Storm Coast, but it had seemed like his best option.

And he had to admit that… that breaking that fragile truce had felt worse than many other things he’d done in his life.

A glance at the area behind him showed him three Chantry clerics casting curious glances his way, and his face reddened as he realised he’d been muttering to the open air for a few minutes now.

He took a breath and knocked on the door with a knuckle.

A moment later footsteps approached, and the door opened to reveal the Herald, her hair braided along her neck, in a simple shirt and breeches.

She narrowed her eyes at him.

“Commander. To what do I owe the pleasure?”

“Oh,” he said, caught off guard by her frosty reception. “Uhm, well I… was thinking…”

He suddenly remembered the cakes he held in his hands.

He lifted both of them up so she could see.

“A peace offering,” he said.

She stared at the cakes.

“They’re honeycakes,” he said quickly.

She looked up at him, frowning.

His face fell.

“They’re the wrong ones aren’t they?” He asked, lowering his arms.

“No,” she said quickly, still frowning at him.

“No, they’re my favourite,” her voice was quiet. “How did you- ?”

“You mentioned it,” he said, “before you left for the Storm Coast.”

Her eyes widened.

“You remembered?”

“Yes…” he said hesitantly. She was still staring at him.

“I didn’t- I did something wrong, didn’t I?”

“Did something…” she rolled her eyes in what seemed to be exasperation. Just for a moment he could pretend he saw the corner of her mouth lift.

“Just come inside,” she sighed, shaking her head as she stepped aside to let him in.

She leant her back against the door and lifted an eyebrow at him.

“Here,” he said, holding the cakes out to her.

She reached forward and took one.

“You have the other one,” she said, and there was just the faintest impression of the dimple in her left cheek. “For the effort.”

He nodded, realising suddenly he was completely out of his depth. For someone who said they’d never had the chance to live a normal life outside the Circle, she definitely did not act like it.

He decided the best thing to do would be to say his piece and leave as quickly as he could, so he did not have to spend any more time under scrutiny of those grey eyes than he had to.

“You were right,” he blurted. She frowned with the cake halfway to her mouth, looking like she wanted to say something, but he cut her off.

“I won’t say that I do not still think the Templars would be better suited to the task of closing the Rift, or that they do not deserve to be saved. Your reasoning was sound, however, and I should not have let my prejudices interfere. I’ve,” he swallowed, not wanting to see the disappointment in her eyes he’d seen yesterday. “I’ve treated Mages unfairly in the past. I’m trying to do better.”

She looked at him for a long moment appraisingly before her eyes softened.

“I should not have let my emotions get the better of me,” she said then. “I know you are loyal to the Inquisition. Maker’s balls, probably more loyal than I am. I- I won’t deny my own prejudices about Templars interfered as well.”

He smiled, then, and earned one in return. It was… nice.

“But I have to, Commander…” she said, her smile fading as she spoke. “I have to give them a chance. In the Circles we were looked at as- as less than human.”

He grimaced, remembering Kirkwall, his own words that had sounded all too similar to those.

“When the rebellion happened, well… we were supposed to be better than- than the templars, but all it led to was more bloodshed. I-“ she clenched her fists. “I have to believe they can be better. I can be better.”

She looked up at him suddenly, eyes wide.

“I’m sorry,” she said sheepishly, “You don’t care. Forgive me.”

“No!” He said quickly, “no, I- I do. I know- I mean… I feel the same.”

That earned him a small smile, a nod, a softening of her grey eyes. Maker, she didn’t even realise how much he agreed with her. How her words resonated.

She turned the conversation to lighter topics, to the Hinterlands of Ferelden and the Free Marches. It wasn’t a smooth transition, but it was appreciated nonetheless.

“Commander,” she said later when they had eaten the cakes and he was about to take his leave.

“Yes?”

“Why did you come here?”

He blushed at the question.

I’ve been asking myself that for a day now.

“I…” Maker could you not have given me some talent with words?

“I thought it was right. We had a truce and I broke it.”

“Ah,” she said, giving him that crooked grin again. “Your conscience got the better of you, did it?”

He sighed.

“Would you believe me if I told you I didn’t know?” He said.

She looked at him for what felt like a very long time, but then the crooked grin was replaced with a small smile. She nodded.

“And I’d also believe you if you said Cassandra made you do it,” she said.

“Ah…” he cleared his throat. “Uhm, yes. That too.”

She rolled her eyes, but there was no bite behind the gesture.

“Actually it was Josephine and Cassandra,” he said sheepishly. She snorted.

“Maker, you really didn’t have a choice, did you?”

He smiled.

“I’m not sorry about it,” he said softly, and regretted it almost immediately, because her eyes went wide and she turned away from him and Maker’s breath why did he always have to put his foot in his mouth?

She walked over to the small desk next to the bed, her fingers trailing across the surface.

“You know, Commander,” she said softly, not looking at him. “When Cassandra told me what you used to be I tried very hard to dislike you.”

“Oh?” He said, unsure where she was going. If you asked him, he would have said she’d been outright hostile toward him.

She nodded, and looked up at him from beneath her eyelashes.

“You keep making it too difficult.”

It took a moment for the words to make sense to him, but then a smile crept over his face.

“Good,” he said. Something in his chest had warmed at her words. Something he hadn’t felt in a very long time.

“I- I want you to know that I will do everything in my power to save the Templars,” she said then, more seriously.

She was looking at him as if she was trying to tell whether he believed her.

“I believe you,” he said. “Truly. I believe you’ll get us all out of this mess.”

She smiled, but he thought it was a sad smile.

“No pressure, then,” she said, laughing slightly.

“You’re not alone in this,” he said, almost reaching up to touch her shoulder.

She looked at him, and her eyes widened for a moment, as if she’d never even entertained the thought. Then, those grey eyes seemed to harden with determination. She smiled her crooked smile, one corner of her mouth lifting.

Cullen thought for an inane moment she looked quite pretty like that.

“I- I’ll try and remember that, Commander,” she said. “Thank you.”

#they have an enemies to lovers arc in my canon ok?#cullen rutherford x oc #cullen rutherford fic #cullen x trevelyan #cullen rutherford #dragon age #dragon age inquisition

10 notes · View notes

beauteousthings · 1 year

Text

Ask meme for DA:I

Favourite Male Characters: Dorian, Varric, Michel de Chevin, Fairbanks

Favourite Female Character: Vivienne, Lace Harding, Leliana

Least Favourite Characters: Sera, Blackwall, Céline, Briala, Teagan (he became such a shit)

Favourite Ship: Rare pair alert! Dorian x Michel de Chevin 😭 also Dorian x Trevelyan. (Does Michel x ME count? I love himmmm 😭 )

Favourite Friendship: Varric! Also Iron Bull and Vivienne.

Favourite Quote: “I lay in dark and dreaming sleep while countless wars and ages passed. I woke still weak a year before I joined you.” The Egg may annoy the crap out of me, but I love his lines and his story arc!

Worst Character Death (if any): in my game, Hawke 😭

This made me so happy you have no idea Moment: first kiss with Dorian uwu also seeing Michel at Emprise. I was shocked lol

Saddest Moment: leaving someone behind in the Fade

Favorite Location: Emerald Graves

#DAI #dragon age inquisition #meme

1 note · View note

inky-hell · 3 years

Text

Wynne: What’s going on between you and Leliana

Trevelyan: Nothing. She’s a respected colleague.

Trevelyan: I don’t have time to pursue a relationship, my work is too important to allow distractions. Leliana is a remarkable woman, she’s a valued friend, she’s…standing right behind me, isn’t she?

Wynne: Uhhhh-huuuh.

Leliana: Don’t let that stop you, keep digging.

#dragon age #dragon age origins #dragon age inquisition #leliana x inquisitor #leliana x female trevelyan #evelyn trevelyan #female trevelyan #wynne #dragon age incorrect quotes

42 notes · View notes

mortt-artsy · 2 years

Photo

Soft mornings

#Leliana #Inquisitor #Leliana x Inquisitor #Dragon Age #Dragon Age Inquisition #Inquisitor Trevelyan #Female Inquisitor #Female Trevelyan #Zamiana #my art #da art #Zameria Trevelyan #name courtesy of tim. ty love <3 #this was supposed to be for femslash february 🙃#along with some fshawson but it be like that #but i wasnt able to make it with aq of all ships so what does it matter really? all months are femslash months if youre gay af

328 notes · View notes

magnimoon · 2 years

Text

Chapter 7: The Herald is born (Cullen x F!Trevelyan fic)

“She did it, she came to save us! We saw her! She was helped by Andraste!” Everyone was now praising Bryony as the new chosen one.

One day had passed, and everyone was already proclaiming her the Herald of Andraste. Some were skeptic of this new title, such as Roderick and many people inside the Chantry; others, like the mages, saw a beam of hope within Bryony. A mage being the chosen one was certainly a good image for them.

Some of them were more intrigued in the benefits they could get from the Trevelyan. Leliana, Cassandra and Josephine were among these people. An idol such as Bryony could bring morale and a good image for the Inquisition, as well as help from a noble family.

Only two people were truly worried about her wellbeing. Varric shamelessly told many that he was hoping on getting material for his new book from this adventure. He even admitted on already thinking for the title. All of that was a huge lie. The dwarf was a little too concerned for what was departed for this person, he has already accompanied someone who had to endured the burden of being an icon. Being the Champion was one thing, but the ‘Herald of Andraste’ was on a whole different level.

And, of course, the second one was the Commander. The first day he tried to avoid Bryony’s place due to the exhilarating experience he had while carrying her. The second day he would glance towards her window. He couldn’t see her; it was mostly watching Solas and the alchemist discussing and analyzing the mage’s current state. The third day, he approached Adan as a way to know about her situation, everyone was getting a bit worried that she wasn’t waking up.

“What if she doesn’t wake up in two more days? Shall I arrange an assortment of food in case she desperately needs it?” Asked Josephine to the other advisors and Cassandra.

“It would be wise. We are already in the fifth day and she is still sleeping.” Answered Cassandra while trying to hide the fact that she was also distressed.

“We don’t know if she will wake up today, that food could be used for our new recruits. It would be better to order food each day and, in case she doesn’t wake up, give it as rations.” The Commander added his comment.

He was definitely worried about Briony, but his soldiers were a priority as well. At least with this movement he could secure rations for the Inquisition, and leaving a safe meal for the Herald when she wakes up.

“Then it’s settled,” Leliana added, everyone looked pleased with the suggestion, “in the meantime, we should focus in looking for our leader. We still have no notice about the Champion’s whereabouts, nor Br- the Hero of Ferelden.” She almost slipped by Briar’s name, as if they were still friends chasing down darkspawn and royal tyrants. “I’ll let you know if I find someone suitable for the task.”

“Good. I’ll continue training then.” Cassandra cut off the meeting and exited the war room. She looked rather displeased with the situation, probably because they were achieving nothing and they already lost many things in the span of almost a week.

“Then I shall arrange the food I suggested, if you’ll excuse me.” Josephine existed the room as fast as she could as well, although her mind was more focused on working.

Stressed or desperate would be fitting words for the situation. They needed support in order to be an organization that can achieve changes in the world, not just some random team that wants to fight for the sake of fighting and seeing if the dirt is moved. The Chantry was completely angry at them due to the “Herald of Andraste”. A blasphemous icon, heresy or even a pagan cult were some of the minor accusations they were receiving. And that’s without mentioning the fact that Bryony is a mage. Could’ve been worse, the Chantry would’ve lost their mind had the Herald been an elf… or a qunari.

The funniest thing is that the so-called Herald was sleeping in a cabin not so far from the War Room. The title itself was created three days ago thanks to some of the soldiers, a few templars and definitely a lot of mages.

“Then, if there is no need for me, I will continue training the recruits. Should I check on the Herald while I go there?” Cullen asked a bit nervous since he knew that action was completely unnecessary. Leliana could ask some of her agents to check on Bryony, yet the ex-templar was looking for an excuse to see the mage.

Leliana smirked a little. “I don’t think that would hurt anyone, if there is any change, please let me know,” she added while looking at him with the most mischievous look, “although, I believe the most interested in her condition would be none other than our Commander.” She added with a little bit of tease.

“I-I don’t… I mean… is not that way. I’m just worried about the… morale.” Cullen was failing so hard in keeping a calm face. He couldn’t see it, but his cheeks turned red up to his ears. Leliana didn’t show any changes in her face.

“I know, I’m just teasing.” She laughed a bit, she definitely enjoyed seeing Cullen’s blushed face. When he turned his back on her as he exited the room, Leliana’s face changed completely. There was an amused glare right there.

If anything, Leliana was intrigued with the situation. Could it be love at first sight? Didn’t expect that she thought while analyzing the situation since there was no harm in falling in love in middle of the battlefield. In a way, he reminded her of the time she was completely in love with Briar, sadly the Warden’s heart already belongs to Alistair. I just hope he doesn’t get hurt. After all, while Leliana is perceiving some feelings from the ex-templar’s side, Bryony’s feelings are not yet known.

As the Commander exited the room, he saw the Seeker going back, accompanied by her favorite Chantry fellow, Roderick. Cassandra managed to see Cullen before letting him know only with her eyes that she was at the brink of murdering the closest living being. With those exchanged looks, he managed to do a courtesy bow and went to his room instead. He planned on training his soldiers, as well as checking on Bryony; but due to Leliana’s comment he was being a little paranoid on whether everybody knew or had an idea about his naïve feelings. Alas, he only sat on his bed, thinking of what to make from the situation.

----------------------------------------------------

“Do you think she will join us?” Asked Josephine with a bit of tension in her voice, she didn’t want for Cullen to see her anxiety… but she was gripping her board very violently.

“Well… I don’t want to sound pessimistic for Trevelyan. But the Herald has little choice in the matter. After all, she is speaking with Leliana and Cassandra, they will do their best to convince her.” Cullen answered while looking at the door, so that he could act as if Josephine’s nervousness is undetected.

“That is true,” Josephine exhaled in relief after answering; the crunching sound of the board stopped. “Can you believe it? The moment she woke up, everyone got into position only to greet her as if she was a holy icon. I mean, she could be at this point.”

When Cullen entered his room, he stood there more time than he thought. A part due to what Leliana said, and the other due to the lyrium withdrawal. This time it was almost his fault he went so deep into his dark thoughts. Cullen never considered himself falling in love again due to what happened in Kirkwall. It almost seemed unfitting or inadequate for him to receive such blessing. Do I deserve to be happy? There are better things to do right now, he said to himself. Not to mention that he has barely met her, definitely too soon for that kind of thinking or feelings.

Thankfully he was shaken off from his demeaning logic when Josephine entered the room. She told him about the Herald waking up not long ago. Cullen took a small glance into the corridor; he saw many Chantry sisters exiting the building only to greet the Herald. Both of them waited patiently, taking a small peek from time to time only to verify that Bryony was heading towards the War Room.

Bryony seemed to be a more rational woman, compared to Roderick; the bickering the Chantry brother was having with the Spymaster and the Seeker cooled down when he exited the place and the three ladies had the room for themselves. Neither Cullen nor Josephine could hear what was going on.

The negotiation didn’t last very long and it was as they were expecting: Bryony joined the Inquisition. Now officially as the Inquisition, Cassandra made the final decision of making publicly the inauguration of said title for their organization. What began as a group of people joined due to the Mage/Templar War was now a full-fledged group dedicated on closing the Breach.

Everyone did they part on making the official announcement in every corner of Ferelden and Orlais, especially Leliana with her crows. And finally, the Ambassador, Spymaster, Commander and now Herald of Andraste stood in front of everyone, waiting for the arrival of their Seeker so that the official banner of the Inquisition was unfurled in Haven.

Cullen couldn’t avoid looking at Bryony, it was hard not to when she was at his left side. He saw no fear nor regrets on her. She may seem uncomfortable due to the way everyone looked up to her now, however there was more determination in her eyes than any other feeling, just as the rest of the group. It is worth mentioning that another reason for his glances is that Bryony herself was also gazing from time to time at the Commander.

He couldn’t understand why, maybe she was still unsure of her position, or she wanted to look one more time at her new team. Yet, the second time she glanced at Cullen, she ultimately smiled at him, maybe she noticed him. Whatever the reason, the Commander felt a heartwarming sensation. Maker, she looks beautiful every time she smiles.

After the official announcement, everyone scattered to their own assignments, the now Advisors were waiting for Bryony’s return to the War Room. After all they had a lot to discuss regarding any possible alliances. But, and thanks to Cullen’s suggestion, they allowed the mage to mingle in Haven for as long as she wanted before the heavy tasks. It was fair since she needed to get used to the new place. If she’ll be living there for who knows how much time, at least getting to know the main keep would help her.

For now, they were discussing which factions should they allied with in order to grow in power. Certainly, the Chantry was their number one priority… then there were the mages and templars. As much as they wanted both teams with them, due to the tensions in the previous years, it was a naïve optimism that it would happen. Didn’t help that Leliana was going full support for the mages, whereas Cullen threw back in his templar side. Josephine was keeping them at bay, perhaps Cassandra or Bryony could resolve this matter.

For Josephine’s favor, both ladies entered the meeting earlier than expected and suddenly everyone was behaving as civilized human beings. Leliana did notice that Cullen was the first one to look at the present mage, with a smile no less.

“You’ve met Commander Cullen, leader of the Inquisition Forces.” Cassandra added in her normal tone.

“It was only for a moment on the field. I’m pleased you survived.” It was impossible for Cullen not to smile at this, not when he was looking at her. Bryony on her side also smiled back. It wasn’t a normal smile, more like a smirk. She definitely has a bit of a smug side, he noted that in their first encounter.

Cassandra continued with the introductions of both Josephine and Leliana. None of them were tactfully in the meeting with the new recruit and went straight to the point: they needed power. Power as an organization, power to close the Breach, power to do anything in general. But in terms of power, they needed something more literal. Leliana and Cullen resumed their bickering on whom to ally with in order to close the Breach.

The Spymaster had the upper hand in the discussion. The Breach was clearly a product of a spell gone wrong, it includes the fact that, as a whole, is a tear between the material world and the Fade. That place, which everyone knows about, is another realm in which all the magic comes from. So, it was clearly logical that people who knew how to sense, mold and transform magic were adept for the task.

It was a regretful case that the Commander wasn’t convinced of this idea. “And I still disagree. The templars could serve just as well.” He interrupted with a tired tone after having to resume this topic.

Even Cassandra supported the idea of the mages, she, being a Seeker. It meant that there was some truth in those words, mages are the most capable ones. “We need power, Commander, enough magic poured into that mark…” she sighed, even though Cassandra wasn’t in the previous argument, it was a debate that has been present for weeks. The tiredness of going nowhere was getting into the four of them.

“Might destroy us all. Templars could suppress the Breach, weaken it so…” Cullen interrupted again.

“Pure speculation.” Then Leliana, again. Bryony raised her scarred eyebrow as she assimilated the situation and why no decision was made.

“I was a templar. I know what they’re capable of.” Said Cullen with a soft, yet somber tone as he remembered with grief the training and trauma that every soldier suffered. He wasn’t wrong; while mages are trained to control their inner magic, templars had to endured and outside source of power in order to counterattack any malevolent spell. Many consider their abilities as magic itself since it’s not common for a human being able to dispel, drain, resist magic and even produce spirit damage. Just as mages were capable to deal with the Breach, so were the templars.

“Is everything alright, Herald?” Josephine interrupted while the fire of the discussion was getting off hand. She approached Bryony while trying to check her condition.

True to be told, after Cullen finished talking, there was a slight twitch and squeal that came from Bryony’s hands and mouth respectively. The other three turned their heads to see both the Herald and Ambassador. Josephine was right, their new guest seemed a bit pale in comparison to some minutes ago.

“No, no, everything’s fine. I’m just… analyzing the information,” she said while bringing her hand to her chin as to mimic a thinking position. But now she was avoiding Cullen’s gaze, “probably it’s because I barely woke up a minutes ago, nothing to be alarmed.” She reassured Josephine, there was a nervous tone in her voice.

The Ambassador returned to her place and thanks to that small pause everybody regained their composure. She took advantage of the silence to clarify that both groups were unapproachable at the moment since the Chantry as declared that the Inquisition is something to fear since there is evil in their ranks. And by evil they meant Bryony.

With this Bryony received the notice of her new title, the ‘Herald of Andraste’. The confusion within her was visible for anyone. She was grasping the whole idea of having Andraste by her side when she exited the Fade.

“It’s quite the title, isn’t it? How do you feel about that?” Cullen asked with his usual bright attitude, or at least he was trying to regain his old demeanor before the incidents. Bryony was taken by surprise and had to look eye to eye at Cullen.

“It’s… a little unsettling.” She answered while stumbling a little bit with her words. Bryony was still confused by the whole situation. But at least that she answered his question soothed Cullen a bit. He thought that maybe, by revealing that he was a templar, she became uncomfortable with his presence, maybe she had her own share of trauma with one of them.

“I’m sure the Chantry would agree.” He laughed at her answer in a good manner, since the whole situation was a bit ironic. That laugh also made the Herald smirk a little bit.

Accepting this new title was something Bryony was having issues with, she’s clearly unable to separate her feelings from her expressions. Not to mention that all of the advisors had tasked her with something special: getting the assistance from Mother Gisselle, expanding the Inquisition’s influence and gathering agents. Certainly Bryony was getting her hands busy for a long time.

With that, the meeting ended and everyone returned to their assignments. Bryony was clearly overwhelmed by the situation; Josephine swore that she was expelling fumes from her head due to the amount of information and tasks thrown at her.

Bryony and Cassandra were the first ones to exit the place, followed by Cullen. Josephine was going to her room, but was stopped by Leliana. Cullen didn’t want to spy on them, but he heard Leliana mentioning something about “the bets from old days”, whatever that meant. He decided that it was for the better not prying into that matter.

So, at the end of all, there was Cullen, in the same spot he was the previous days. As always, he was securing the training for the new ones, occasionally checking on Cassandra, more specifically that she still had training dummies to smash on. Everything was normal, clearly normal. Certainly there were no other feelings mixed in between.

When he was in the War Room with the rest of the team, Cullen was completely focused, no ill-infatuations conflicting with the mission. He was glad that everything was a misunderstanding from his own mind, and, from what he saw, the Herald wasn’t interested in him. It hurt him a little that last fact, but he could live with that.

That thought lasted at least… ten minutes at best. Then the Herald approached him for talking. He was focused on his job; both were surrounded by the clashing sound of many swords and the ground being stomped. He crossed him arms when she approached him, ready to have a professional talk between two comrades, only two comrades and nothing more. Even if his comrade was a tall, lovely woman that could punch demons if she needed to.

Maker, he is not prepared for what’s about to come for him.

----------------------------------------------------

This took longer to write, I've been distracted lately (watching the Sonic movie and replaying DAO again because why note)

I've been thinking on writing prompts, but I'm still not sure, what do you think guys? I'm open to suggestions (and feel free to comment about any of the existent chapters ;v;

Previous | Next

#dragon age #dragon age inquisition #cullen #cullen stanton rutherford #cullen rutherford #cullen x trevelyan #inquisitor trevelyan #inquisitor #cullen x mage trevelyan #mage trevelyan #cullen x female inquisitor #cassandra pentaghast #leliana #josephine montilyet

5 notes · View notes

ladyrosalie7 · 3 years

Text

Masterlist

Dragon Age: Inquisition

Cassandra Pentaghast/Female Inquisitor

The Belle of the Ball

In the Eye of the Beholder

Covetous

Broken Hearts and Leaping Starts

Female Hawke/Isabela

Safe Harbors, Isabela

Female Inquisitor/Leliana

Nor the Arrow for its Swiftness

Dark Shadows (2012)

Angelique Bouchard/Original Female Character

Season of the Witch

Resident Evil

Lady Dimitrescu/Original Female Character

Danse Macabre

Lady of the Lake

28 notes · View notes

crystalessenceswrites · 4 years

Text

You’re Enchanting--Chapter Two

Summary: Delphine always told Elazar she would do anything to help him if he was ever in trouble, even knowing his knack for finding it. She didn’t expect to be helping him save the world after someone blows up the Conclave and tears a hole in the sky. Nor did Delphine expect to be falling for anyone, let alone a troubled, former templar, while she’s watching her best friend shape the future of their world with a green glowing hand.

Pairings: Cullen/Trevelyan & Dorian/Lavellan

Warnings: none I think? Includes discussion of mage/templar opinions of the other but nothing extensive

Can also be found on AO3

[Chapter One] [Chapter Two] [Chapter Three]

Chapter Two- Focus

“So, you don’t have a clue as to how you got the mark on your hand, except that it happened during the explosion, which also opened the Breach that’s allowing demon rifts to open and terrorize the good people of Thedas. And knowing this, you joined the Inquisition because the mark closes rifts and they want to seal the Breach in the sky and save the world.” Delphine sat on the edge of Elazar’s cot, rubbing her temples. “Do I have that all correct?”

“Pretty much,” Elazar shot her a half-assed grin. She knew he was getting too much enjoyment out of watching her try to wrap her mind around the events of the last week.

“And people are believing that a Dalish elf is the Herald of Andraste?”

Elazar’s fingers lightly traced over the blue ink below his eye. “That has surprised me just as much as you… but it’s better than people calling me some sort of darkspawn.”

“I can agree with that,” Delphine sighed. If becoming a religious icon protected Elazar from such accusations, she would let it stand for now. “Does it hurt? The mark, I mean.”

“Not so much anymore. Right after the explosion, when the Breach was still growing, the mark was spreading. Solas and the apothecary here, Addan, managed to keep me alive long enough to seal it… and once we did, the mark stopped consuming my arm. We think…”

Delphine could spot his fake optimism a mile away, but he wasn’t just trying to convince her that the mark was no longer a danger but himself as well. She hated that he felt the need to do so around her. They hadn’t been apart for that long, had they?

“Well, I guess that’s good to hear. There’s still the fact that it’s there at all, but that’s a problem that needs a solution later on. You will let me know if it starts bothering you again, won’t you?”

“Yes, of course, Del. You’re the last person I could hide it from anyways,” Elazar chuckled.

“That’s true. I can read you like a book.” She grinned back.

Maybe it hadn’t been that long after all.

“Which reminds me! I lent you a copy of Early Orlesian History before I left the Circle. Please tell me you left that in the tower and that it didn’t go up in flames in the explosion.”

The color draining from her elvish friend’s face didn’t give Delphine much hope.

“Ha- I was hoping you forgot about that.”

Delphine pressed her palms over her eyes, all hope of possibly appeasing her uncle next time she saw him was gone. That is if she ever saw him again…

“My uncle lent me that copy! I’ll never hear the end of it from him, ever!” The man could hold a grudge, which stands as quite a testament to character considering her family and their reputation.

“I’ll apologize to your bookworm uncle myself if I must. And I’ll see if I can find another copy to replace it with.” This was not the first time one of his books had been destroyed by Elazar’s mishaps, and apology and a replacement might not cut it this time around.

“Elazar, between worrying me and destroying my uncle’s prized library, you will be the death of me.”

In short order, Delphine found herself in the presence of the Inquisition leadership. Elazar, true to his charismatic nature, cheerily introduced her to Leliana, the Left Hand of the Divine, who eyed her with unabashed curiosity. Delphine was used to being ogled like an exotic pet but considering it was the Divine’s spymaster looking at her with such intensity gave slight cause for concern. Next, she was properly reintroduced to Cassandra, the Right Hand of the Divine. Despite knowing the woman was formerly a Seeker, Delphine was not nearly put off in her presence. Maybe it was the fact that her eyes weren’t nearly as cold and sharp as the other Seekers she’d crossed paths with over the years.

Josephine greeted Delphine with a practiced gleaming smile and a myriad of questions, the first of which was on her relationship to the Bann Trevelyan of Ostwick. She shouldn’t have expected any less from the ambassador.

“He would be my father.”

Delphine wondered if she should be more concerned about the ambassador considering the glee that washed over Josephine’s face at the answer.

“Lady Trevelyan, you and our ambassador are soon going to become fast friends.” Leliana sounded thoroughly amused at the development.

Josephine quickly voiced her agreement before Delphine had a chance to correct the Spymaster. Delphine had not been considered a lady since she was a child, and honestly, she held little desire to return to that position. The only title she savored was the one she had earned through dedication to her studies and craft.

Lastly, Elazar reintroduced Delphine to the Commander, who stood near the back of the room, his hands resting crossed over the hilt of his sword. The stance was as close to relaxed as any templar could allow themselves while still being able to perform their duties. Delphine did her best to keep her skepticism from showing as he greeted her in return. She also tried to ignore the way he looked her over in a not so subtle manner.

“I have asked Delphine to stay and help… after all, she is the smarter of the two of us. She may prove to be more helpful to the Inquisition than I.”

Delphine had never been fond of how Elazar put himself below her. He was just as talented in magic as she was, if not more so.

“That’s not true. We’re no longer in the Circle so I will not have this argument with you again,” she scolded. “And you are the one with the glowing hand in all this, not me.”

Cassandra looked rather amused but did not interject, deferring to Leliana. “I am sure we all agree that any assistance Lady Trevelyan can offer would be most appreciated, Herald. She is most welcome here.”

Cullen and Josephine nodded, the ambassador looking more pleased with the development than the commander.

“With the settled, we should discuss the names that Mother Giselle supplied us with. I believe having the Herald address the clerics is not a terrible idea.”

Elazar had briefly explained why he had been sent to the Crossroads following the developments at the Temple. Delphine was skeptical that any in the Chantry would even dare to gather in public right now.

“You can’t be serious.” Cullen balked, and Delphine had half a heart to agree with him.

“Mother Giselle isn’t wrong: at the moment, the Chantry’s only strength is that they are united in opinion.”

“And we should ignore the danger to the Herald?” Leliana shot back.

“Let’s ask him.”

Elazar shrugged, “what can they do? It’s just talk.”

Had he skipped all of his history lessons while they were apprentices?

“Don’t underestimate the power of their words. An angry mob will do you in just as quickly as a blade.”

Delphine nodded in agreement, Leliana had more than a fair point. “Never doubt the power of public opinion.”

“I will go with him to Val Royeaux. Mother Giselle said she could provide us names? Use them.”

Cassandra was a woman of action, and deserved credit for that, even if the idea did seem rather fruitless. All the Chantry would do for such a meeting would be a charade. Leliana seemed to be of the same opinion.

“But why? This is nothing but a-”

“What choice do we have, Leliana? Right now we can’t approach anyone for help with the Breach. Use what influence we have to call the clerics together. Once they are ready we will see this through.”

Begrudgingly the rest agreed, Leliana and Josephine would begin sending out letters and agents to bring together those they could in Val Royeaux in a few weeks’ time. Delphine offered Josephine any help she needed. She had not seen this list of names yet but it was entirely possible she knew of or was related to one of two of the clerics suggested to be amenable. It was the most she could do, for now.

“In the meanwhile, I plan to return to the Crossroads. There is still much to do,” Elazar declared. Always one to make such decisions on his own. At least that much had not changed.

The pair spent the rest of the day settling into Haven and planning what they could. Due to the already apparent lack of housing it was decided Delphine would bunk with Elazar. Another cot appeared rather quickly and was situated across the cabin from Elazar’s. It was more privacy than she had expected upon her arrival in the small village. Someone else came by not long after with fresh clothes more suited to the mountain winter. Delphine heartily thanked the elvish woman who looked at Elazar with wide eyes.

After bathing, something Delphine needed even more than fresh clothes, Elazar sat with her on her new bed and combed out her long sandy locks. Her elvish friend had been enamored with her hair since they had met. There had been plenty of nights over the years where he would sit behind her while she studied, dutifully combing and braiding. Delphine had tried unsuccessfully, on many occasions, to convince Elazar to grow his own hair out. She thought he would look rather charming with long dark hair. He always shot the idea down, content with his current messy floof.

“It makes me appear more the dashing rogue, don’t you think?”

Delphine would always roll her eyes, “if that’s what you believe, El.”

Maybe he would be some dashing heartbreaker had he been left to live his life outside the Circle tower, as his people intended.

Elazar’s hands lingered across her shoulders as he finished styling her hair. “I missed this- I miss you, Del.” He wrapped his scrawny arms around her shoulders, leaning across her back. “I’m glad you came… I don’t know if I could do this, whatever this is, without you.”

She couldn’t remember the last time he had hugged her. They hadn’t been on speaking terms last time they saw each other face to face. It had been too long.

“Well someone has to keep you out of trouble, El.” She lay one hand over his, rubbing soothing circles across his knuckles. “So, you won’t be getting rid of me so easily again.”

“Thank you, Del.”

Delphine felt much more prepared to face the day as she readied herself the following morning. Requisitions had supplied her with suitable clothing that actually fit, unlike the hastily bought traveling gear Del had purchased for herself upon her arrival in Ferelden. It was much easier to tromp around Haven in fur-lined boots that weren’t threatening to fall off her feet. She admittedly was also more comfortable going about her business in a skirt than the leather trousers she’d been wearing.

“You almost look like a proper Ferelden lady.” Elazar had snickered as she finished dressing.

She rolled her eyes in response. A brown lambswool sweater, cream skirt, and sturdy boots just made her appear ready for the weather, not Ferelden. Perish the thought she would ever be anything besides a Marcher.

After breakfast they parted ways, El wanted to discuss plans for returning to the Hinterlands with Cassandra, while Del wanted to see about having armor prepared. Next time Elazar went out on one of these missions, she wanted to be prepared to go with him. Del would leave nothing up to chance or fate now, she would have her friend’s back, defend it if she must.

Most of her day was spent in lively debate with the blacksmith, Harritt. He was hesitant at first, Delphine assumed because he spied the staff at her back the moment she entered his forge, but began to open up the longer she was able to hold a conversation with him. Back in the Circle Delphine had studied mage armor as a purely academic topic. It was not something they would ever be allowed to make or own as they weren’t permitted to fight, but there had been plenty of books and schematic references in the tower library. She may have never had the opportunity to craft but the theory behind it was one she understood, and it was the theory she needed now. Harritt would concern himself with the actual creation, Delphine simply had to supply the instructions.

Harritt was the first person outside of the Circle who seemed to enjoy, and dare she say, respect her knowledge. For the first time Del wondered if Elazar was right about people outside the Circles. Maybe it was possible for people to find common ground with mages. Could it be that the rebels found sympathy for their cause outside of their own kind? Delphine had plenty of time to sit and ponder the thought as Harritt got to work on her enchanter armor. It would take a few days to complete, as the blacksmith also had to manage the growing need for standard armor and weapons for the new recruits. She was not in any particular hurry and went about helping Josephine the best she could in the meanwhile.

Like everyone else Josephine had plenty to do. There wasn’t much Delphine could do concerning politics, a subject Del was much more removed from outside of mage and Circle politics, but she had decent penmanship and some tact with words. She did what she could helping pen the letters out to the Chantry Mothers, and offered what insight she could on the clerics themselves. One was a distant cousin by marriage to Delphine’s mother and another had been one of her brother’s sponsors when he had pursued his calling. Giving her name to those two letters did not feel like much but Josephine reassured her that every bit of influence that could gather would help.

“You do not understand the power of your name?” Josephine seemed rather confused by it, but Delphine decided it was not something to hold against the Antivan woman. How was she supposed to understand the hesitancy of a noble turned mage?

“It is not a name that is truly mine,” it was difficult to put to words, although it was her name and would forever be the family she shared blood with, any power it held had been stripped away along with her title all those years ago. Most days, Delphine was alright with that fact. “I have not been a proper member of the Trevelyan family since I was sent to the Circle.”

Josephine’s usually bright face dropped, “I see…I did not consider that fact. There is that much separation between mages and their families?”

“Most never see or speak to their relatives after entering the Circle. I was lucky due to my family’s position in the city.”

“I see…”

The Ambassador was rather apologetic the next few times Delphine stopped by to offer her assistance, though there was no need for her to be. She was not offended by the topic. Delphine imagined most had little to no knowledge of what life as a mage entailed. It was not something she’d ever consider holding against the woman, especially when Josephine had been otherwise nothing but kind to her. Delphine wanted to do what she could to help the bustling woman but found there was not much she could take off her hands.

Delphine soon found herself with more time on her hands than she knew what to do with, particularly after Elazar departed for the Hinterlands. It was a different kind of lonesome that Del was not accustomed to. Much of her isolation in the Circle had been self-imposed. This was the kind of where she sat and prayed, hoping Elazar would return in one piece.

Eventually, she fell into a routine, checking in with Josephine and Harritt in the morning to offer what help she could. If there was anything for her to do, it was usually wrapped up by midday, so Del would spend her afternoons sitting on the side of the main steps of the village, taking in what sun she could and watching the soldiers train by the frozen lake. It was oddly satisfying to watch them continuously drill and spar. Delphine had enjoyed people watching in the Circle, this was just a kind of people she had not had the option of watching before. Additionally, it seemed to annoy Joshua. He would often spot her staring and shake his head or act as if he was shooing her away. They had been playing this odd game of theirs for just over a week when the Commander caught Joshua in his usual display of displeasure. After what seemed like a thorough chewing out by his superior officer, Joshua waved her to come over.

Delphine made a point of approaching solemn-faced, worried she too would be getting a lecture from the former templar. “Yes, Lieutenant?”

“The Commander asked to speak with you.”

She must have grimaced because Joshua looked absolutely thrilled to usher her towards the blond soldier.

Delphine wasn’t frightened by the ex-templar, per se, but after a lifetime of being watched by men and women like him, she had been instilled with a healthy sense of wariness around them. It did not matter if she was in the tower or at one of her family’s estates being guarded by one of her uncles or cousins, they all viewed her as a potential danger and they acted as such. She didn’t necessarily disagree with their view. Delphine understood the dangers of possession, but she had no reason to trust someone who already mistrusted her. Delphine had yet to see the Commander interact with any of the mages who remained at Haven, besides in their initial meeting. Most seemed to avoid him, which stood as no surprise. She had yet to see him mistreat one of her kind but that did not mean he didn’t either.

She wanted to make up her mind about the man, but there was a small voice in the back of her mind that urged her to look closer. She had not heard him utter any disparagement towards mages, even in the few war room meetings she had attended in the absence of Elazar. There was also a certain steel that he lacked. He was gruff, yes, the lip scar and light stubble made him appear the rough soldier, but his voice lacked a certain bite that Delphine had become accustomed to with templars.

“Ser, you asked to speak with me?”

In the time she had spent watching from afar, Delphine had concluded the Commander had two kinds of days. On occasions she could read him like a book; these were the days when the stress seemed to overwhelm him physically, leaving him looking sickly and gaunt in his bulky armor. The rest of the time, she could not discern what he was thinking. There was no doubt that the man was strait-laced and knew how to act the part of a leader. As for today, Delphine stood cautiously next to the former templar as he looked out over the training recruits, she could not read his hardened stare.

“The Herald said you two studied together in Ostwick, correct?”

Delphine blinked for a moment, she still did not associate Elazar with his new title, despite the advisors all referring to him as such. “Y-yes. Elazar and I met in the Circle.”

“Then you received some proper amount of training?”

A proper amount of training? Maker’s balls she was an Enchanter!

Not trusting her voice to not give away her frustrations, Delphine gave the ex-templar a cautious nod. She wondered if he was worried that she wasn’t aware of the threat of possession she faced? As if she had not been living with the constant reminder for nearly twenty years.

He appeared satisfied and quickly turned to shout at the soldier currently sparring with Joshua. “You there! There’s a shield in your hand. Block with it. If this man were your enemy, you would be dead. Lieutenant, don’t hold back. The recruits must prepare for a real fight, not a practice one.”

“Yes, Commander.” Joshua quipped before he promptly knocked down the younger man with a shield bash.

Turning back, the Commander seemingly returned to his earlier point. “We’ve received a number of new recruits- locals from Haven and some pilgrims. They are progressing well but some have never even met a mage before, let alone faced one in combat.”

Delphine had an idea of where this was headed now.

“I believe it would be beneficial for the new recruits to practice defending against magic. Would you be willing to assist with this?”

“I…I want to be as much help as possible, ser. But in truth I have next to no combative magic experience.” He was an ex-templar, surely he was aware of the fact that Circle mages were not trained in such magic. Any “combat” primal magic Circle mages knew was self-taught, personally developed, or from banned literature. Delphine had been taught healing, crafting, and barrier magic, disciplines meant to protect and serve.

Yet the Commander looked a bit surprised by her admission. “The Herald said he had been part of the group who rebelled against the templars at Ostwick so I assumed you had as well. Did you not agree with the others?”

Delphine thought it best not to mention that Elazar had been the one to lead the rebellion at Faxhold.

“No, I left the tower before Elazar and the others rebelled. My family is made of templars, ser, I couldn’t find it in myself to fight against those in my Circle either. I took the cowardly way out and ran away so I wouldn’t be forced to choose one side or the other.”

He paused for a moment as if to wrap his mind around the fact that there were mages out in the world that did not inherently desire the death of all templars. “Well, I do appreciate your sentiments. But now might be the time to come to terms with the fact we are in the middle of a war, with a giant hole in the sky.”

“I have been thinking long and hard about that,” Delphine quipped back. She was not so naïve to believe she would walk away from this all without raising her hand against another person. When it came to Elazar, she would do all in power to protect him, fight for him if the need arose, but it was a sense of defense, she did not seek out violence. Yet in this case, the Inquisition was the force trying to quell a rising storm in their world, using her magic in defense of that idea was not inherently violent, was it? And by helping these soldiers with their training, she could possibly be saving lives down the road. Wasn’t that worth it?

“I want to assist you, ser. I’m just worried that despite what training I do have, I am going to hurt an untrained recruit instead of teaching them properly.”

His lips pressed together into a thin line as he ran one gloved hand through his hair. “You have a valid concern, Delphine. The freshest recruits may not be ready to face an untested mage. It may be best to stick with demonstrations for now. Would you be comfortable sparring with a trained templar instead? Someone who already knows how to handle your attacks?”

Delphine was surprised by how quickly he was taking her concerns into consideration but nonetheless appreciated it. Perhaps the Commander wasn’t such a typical templar.

“That would make me worry less. Thank you, ser.”

“You really don’t need to keep calling me “ser,” Delphine. You’re not one of the recruits.”

“Oh, that’s a bit of an old habit, I suppose. Is Cullen alright then?”

“That’s perfectly fine.”

Delphine could have sworn she saw his lips twitch up into a small smile but it was so brief and with the afternoon sun reflecting off his well-polished armor she could have been seeing things.

“Whenever you are ready, come down to the field and I’ll have someone set to run demonstrations with you.”

Elazar returned from the crossroads the following day to find Del throwing balls of fire at a shield wall while Cullen explained how the stance was an effective way to defend against an apostate mage or rouge’s fire attacks.

“Cullen has even roped your friend into training the new recruits.” Elazar jumped about a foot off the snow, not having heard the Spymaster approach. “And it seems to be going well so far. What she lacks in experience she makes up for in talent.”

“She did always have a good grasp on her studies. And she spent more time with her nose in her books than I ever did, if we’re being honest.”

“Are you worried about her Herald?”

“Perhaps a bit. I know she’s capable, more than capable really. But I am the reason she’s here and I don’t know what I would do if something happened to her. At the same time, I also don’t know what I would do without her. She was the only person in the Circle I truly trusted.” And she was all Elazar had left from the Circle. Everyone else they had ever known was gone.

“Well, the faster we can seal the Breach, the faster the two of you can head home.”

“That’s what I hope.”

[Masterlist]

4 notes · View notes

fandombird123 · 3 years

Text

Tranquisitor- Chapter 3

Hope you’ve all had a wonderful day. I have been very busy and so I wasn’t able to post chapter 3 when I wanted to. That you for waiting and hope you all enjoy.

Here is is also on Ao3- https://archiveofourown.org/works/27360070/chapters/67282732

After sealing the next rift Olive was incredibly relieved to have finally reached the forward camp. The large doors slowly opened and Olive, along with Solas and Varric, followed behind Cassandra. As they walked through the camp Olive saw Cassandra was leading them to a table where Leliana was arguing with two other men.

Olive could tell the older man was a part of the Chantry just by the way he was dressed. However she wasn’t sure about the younger man. He was dressed in shiny white and gold guard like armor and she guessed was an archer based on the large bow he had with him. When they got closer Olive could hear what they were saying. “You have already caused enough trouble without resorting to this exercise in futility.” The older man argued. Both Leliana and the archer seemed pretty annoyed at this.

“I have caused trouble?” Leliana asked.

“We cannot do nothing. The Breach is still expanding.” The archer beside Leliana pointed out. His accent seemed familiar to Olive but she couldn’t quite place it.

“You have already caused enough trouble without resorting to this exercise in futility.” The man from the Chantry yelled at Leliana before turning to the archer beside her. “And you have no authority here.” He stated.

When Olive’s group got closer she noticed Varric’s expression was something between surprised and annoyed as he noticed the archer beside Leliana. “Choir boy?” Varric asked and the archer quickly turned to face them.

“Varric? What are you doing here?” The archer asked, seeming just as surprised to see them.

“I could be asking you the same question.” Varric responded. Cassandra then looked between Varric and the man he had referred to as Choir boy. “That’s Prince Sebastian?” She asked Varric. ‘Prince?’ Olive thought. So far there was a prince, a Seeker, and an apostate but Olive still hadn’t seen a single circle mage or templar.

Before Sebastian or Varric could respond Leliana had finally noticed the group. “You made it!” Leliana excitedly said before turning to the older man. “Chancellor Roderick this is-.” She started but was interrupted by the Chancellor.

“I know who she is. As Grand Chancellor of the Chantry, I hereby order you to take this criminal to Val Royeaux to face execution.” The Chancellor demanded as he pointed at Olive.

“Order me? You are a glorified clerk. A bureaucrat.” Cassandra argued, becoming just as annoyed as Leliana and Sebastian were.

“And you are a thug, but a thug who supposedly serves the Chantry.” The Chancellor responded. As the four continue to argue about what Olive assumed was probably political chantry matters Olive’s attention slowly drifted to the large green light in the sky. She really didn’t understand the point. Even if they did arrest her or pick a new Divine the Breach was still there and getting larger as more time passed. ‘This is all pointless.’ Olive realized.

“Shouldn’t we focus on closing the Breach?” Olive finally spoke up. The four in front of her. “You brought this on us in the first place!” The Chancellor yelled at her.

“She’s right. We still need to close the Breach.” Sebastian agreed with Olive. Cassandra then stepped forward and stood beside Sebastian at the table so she was in front of the Chancellor. “Call a retreat, Seeker. Our position here is hopeless.” The Chancellor said but Cassandra ignored him. “We can stop this before it’s too late.” She stated.

“How? You won’t survive long enough to reach the temple, even with all your soldiers.” The Chancellor asked, seeming hopeless.

“We must get to the temple. It’s the quickest route.” Cassandra said.

“But not the safest. Our forces can charge as a distraction while we go through the mountains.” Leliana then suggested pointing toward the mountains.

The four continued to bicker a little longer but their arguing was interrupted by the loud sound of the Breach expanding again. Then Olive felt the pain return to her hand along with the bright green glow. Olive held her wrist in pain and watched as the glowing and pain subsided again.

“How do you think we should proceed?” Cassandra then asked her. ‘They want my opinion? I’m not even sure what’s going on.’ Olive internally panicked. As she looked at her hand she realized she may not have much longer at this rate. Even if she didn’t make it the Breach needed to be closed.

“We should charge. I may not survive long enough for your trial.” Olive finally answered. Cassandra then turned back to Leliana. “Leliana. Bring everyone left in the valley. Everyone.” Cassandra ordered.

As Leliana began to walk away Sebastian stopped her. “I’m coming with you.” He stated.

“Shouldn’t you be with Hawke?” Varric then asked Sebastian. For a second the anchor seemed like he wanted to say something but chose not to. “That’s not important right now.” He responded before following Leliana, leaving Varric confused.

Olive and her companions then followed Cassandra as she headed through the camp. As they continued on Olive heard the Chancellor give them one last warning. “On your head be the consequences, Seeker.” -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Olive couldn’t help but feel nervous once she jumped from the rubble and slowly approached the large rift now above her and the glow from her hand returned again. “Someone help me!” They heard a ghostly voice cry out of nowhere. “What’s going on here?” Another ghostly voice said. Olive recognized it as her own but it just didn’t sound right. Other than the odd echo her voice sounds so monoton. There was just no emotion, not even confusion.

‘I barely sounded like a person.’ She thought, now reminded of her previous state before the mark. “That was your voice. Most Holy called out to you, but…” Cassandra started to say.

They were then interrupted by a flash of light and when Olive looked again at the rift she saw a huge shadowy figure looming over the Divine. Olive watches as a ghostly figure of herself slowly walked into the room. Her face lacked any expression of fear or confusion and on her forehead was the brand of a sun.

Olive was tempted to feel her forehead now and see if the mark was still there but she knew she had to focus. “What’s going on here?” The ghostly tranquil asked.

“Run while you can! Warn them!” Justinia yelled. The Shadow figure didn’t even move. It simply said. “We have an intruder. Slay that thing.” Sounding repulsed by Olive.

With another flash of light all the ghostly figures were gone bad leaving just the large rift. “You were there! Who attacked? And the Divine, is she…? Was this vision true? What are we seeing?” Cassandra began to question Olive.

“I don’t remember. I’m sorry.” Was the only answer Olive could give.

While Olive was speaking with Cassandra she hadn’t noticed Solas walking closer to the rift. “Echoes of what happened here. The Fade bleeds into this place.” Solas said before turning back to the group. “This rift is not sealed but it is closed, albeit temporarily. I believe with the mark the rift can be opened and then sealed properly and safely. However, opening the rift will likely attract attention from the other side.”

“That means demons! Stand ready!” Cassandra shouted to war the soldiers and archers around them. Olive then watched as everyone prepared themselves for the fight and she stood under the rift.

‘Maker, I know I’m a mage and maybe you don’t like me but please don’t let this be the end for me.’ Olive prayed as she looked up at the rift.

Olive slowly raised her hand and began to open the Breach. Once it had ripped open a huge Pride demon fell out, knocking Olive off her feet. “Now!” Cassandra shouted from behind Olive.

Olive quickly scrambled to her feet as the soldiers charged the giant demon. Grabbing her staff and when she turned it on the pride demon Olive watched in frustration as all she could use was small sparks. If there wasn’t something more urgent going on she would have been tempted to throw the staff out of frustration.

However even in her anger she knew that wouldn’t help. Olive then noticed the shades coming out after the pride demon who was now fighting the soldiers. She could only use a small amount of her magic but it was enough to focus some electricity at the end of her staff. A Shade began to quickly approach her and since most the other soldiers were focused on the pride demon she was on her own.

Once the Shade was within range Olive quickly struck it with her staff as hard as she could in the side and watched as fell back and was stunned from the electricity. While it was still getting over the shock of the attack Olive attacked the demon again. This attack knocked the creature back even further. It was then that she saw the second Shade quickly approaching her.

When she hit the second Shade it hadn’t been as effective. The Shade recovered much quicker and started to attack Olive. She then quickly moved out of the way of the incoming demon claws. Now with the two Shades after her Olive took another hit at the weaker Shade. When her staff struck the Shade to her surprise another lightning chain came from her staff, killing the both the demons in front of her. Relieved to have her magic back again, she joined the fight against the larger demon.

As the fight continued on Olive was surprised how quickly her energy was drained. She tried to keep her distance from the pride demon as she used what little magic she still could. There were a few times that she had almost been struck by the large wips the creature was using. Cassandra and the rest of the soldiers had charged the demon and were keeping most of its attention. The demon had become weak enough to have a hard time defending itself against the Seeker and other soldiers.

While Cassandra kept it distracted Olive saw she had a clear shot to try and reach the rift. As Olive shot one last bolt of lightning at the demon she quickly and ran to get closer to the rift. Unfortunately that one last attack had gotten the attention of the pride demon and it was no longer focused on the soldiers at its feet. Before Olive had realized it the demon sent a blast of lighting in her direction. The charge of lighting barely missed Olive as she was quickly pulled back by someone behind her. When she quickly turned to see who had saved her, Olive was surprised to see the archer from earlier beside her preparing to fire another arrow.

Now that the demon seemed focused back on the soldier nearest to it Olive quickly got back to her feet and ran to the rift hoping nothing else would get in her way. After she finally managed to get close enough to the rift Olive raised her hand like she had before. The pain in her hand was more severe than before as Olive tried to force the rift closed again. Once the rift finally sealed there was a flash of bright light before Olive watched as everything faded to black.

Just to warn you all from this point forward the story is going to get very cannon divergent. You’ve been warned. The idea to make him a DAI companion actually came from a chat I had in a discord group I joined. Thank you to everyone in that group if your guys see this. Even though there will be a lot of cannon changes it is still going to be the story of Inquisition so don’t ya’ll worry. Hope everyone enjoyed and have a wonderful day. Happy Birthday Inquisition!

#trevelyan x solas #dragon age #dragon age inqusition #sebastian vael #inquisitor trevelyan #female trevelyan #mages #mage trevelyan #leliana #cassandra #tranquisitor #varric #writing #fanfic #female trevelyan x solas #olive trevelyan

1 note · View note