the-panda-writes

[the-panda-writes]

I belong with my One; Fili x Dúnedain reader

*Author's note*

So this took me a few days to finally get finalized and write down so I hope @futuristicyouthvoid I hope you enjoy this fic. For this fic I've put that instead of Kili getting shot by the Morgul arrow, reader gets shot saving him and ends up getting sick.

Warnings: reader poisoned, near-death experience, some angst and some fluff.

Taglist:

@plethora-of-things

@waddles03

@psychosupernatural

@jd-johndeacon-or-jackdaniels

@gay-and-ready-to-cry

@queen-paladin

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So much has happened in such little of time.  First Gandalf offers me a proposition for aiding a company of Dwarves, then we’re being pursued by orcs, then get imprisoned by the Elven king Thranduil.  Now we find ourselves at the mercy of the Men of Laketown.

Thankfully another friend of mine Bard was willing to let us stay the night at his house but of course the Dwarves had to screw it all up by going to the armory to steal the weapons and end up getting caught by the Master of the Lake’s guards.  But by some miracle, we were granted the supplies we needed to get us to Erebor to complete the quest before sunset.  Of course I knew it was because of the Master’s greediness that he agreed to help, he never was a good man.

“You do know we’re one short, where’s Bofur?” Bilbo asked.

“If he’s not here, we leave him behind.” Said Thorin.

“We’ll have to, if we’re to find the door before nightfall. We can’t risk no more delays.” Balin agreed grimly as everyone began piling into the boat.  But as I was just halfway over the plank, I felt a hand stop me.

“Not you.” I turned to see Thorin.

“What?”

“We must travel at speed, you’ll only slow us down.” He told me.

“I’m coming with you all to the Mountain. I promised Gandalf that I would.”

“(Y/n), you have been a big help to me and my kin. The first Ranger to truly stand for our cause. But lately you haven’t been up to par on your health. Stay here and rest, rejoin us when you’re healed.” Just because I’ve been feeling a bit sluggish since the river incident, doesn’t mean I’m helpless.

“Thorin—”

“I will say no more on the matter.” Without another word, Thorin went back onto the boat whilst I had no choice but to sit back down on the docks, feeling a chill suddenly come over me.

“I’ll stay with the lass, my duty lies with the wounded.” Oin said as he voluntarily got off the boat and came up to me.

“Uncle, (Y/n) has done more for this company than any other outsider could’ve done for us. You cannot repay her by leaving her behind.” Fili stepped up for me.

“Fili no.” I told him.

“I will carry her if I must!” Fili argued.

“Fili, one day you will be king and you will understand. I cannot risk the fate of this quest for the sake of a Ranger. Even if she were the only one willing to help us.” As Oin began feeling my forehead for a temperature, I soon watched as Fili stormed off the boat but Thorin stopped him.  “Fili, don’t be a fool. Your place is with the company.”

“My place is with her!” he snapped back at his uncle before taking back his arm and came over to me.

“Why did you do that? I thought you always wanted to see Erebor, you told me so yourself.”

“I’ll have plenty of opportunities to see the kingdom in my lifetime, but your wellbeing is more important to me than all the gold in Erebor.” I felt my cheeks grow warm as I softly thanked him.

“And don’t think it’ll just be Fee that’s gonna help you get back on your feet.” We turned to see Kili had also left the boat.

“Kili, you didn’t have to stay behind too.” Fili said.

“Yeah I could’ve gone but it’s my decision too.” He came up to me and stood on my right side.  “You saved my life back in the Woodland realm, I’ll gladly do everything I can to help you now (Y/n).” I smiled and looked at the brothers.

“You guys truly are the best friends I’ve ever had. Thank you.” They both nodded and as the Laketown band played a victorious fanfare to wish our friends luck, a sudden dizziness overcame me. 

My vision was going in and out of focus and as the crowd cheered as the boat with our friends departed from the docks, I suddenly fell forward, the last thing I heard was Fili’s voice calling my name.

*3rd Person POV*

When (Y/n) had passed out on the dock, Fili cried out (Y/n)’s name as Oin came up and began searching over her body for any trace of an infected wound or trace of blood.  Knowing that she had saved Kili from that arrow back when they were trying to escape the orcs on the river, there must’ve been a wound he might’ve missed before they came across Bard.

“OH, did you miss the boat too?” they soon heard the missing Dwarf, Bofur’s voice say.  But the moment he saw (Y/n) passed out, his concern grew as he asked Kili.  “What happened to her?”

“We don’t know. She just—suddenly passed out.”

“Her fever’s spiking lads. We have to get her help right away!” Oin said.

“Kee, help me out here!” together the brothers lifted her up by her arms while Oin and Bofur got her legs and they walked back towards the Master’s manor to ask for help.  After pushing through the guards, Fili cried out. “Please wait! Please, we need your help. Our friend is sick!”

“Sick? Is it infectious?” the Master exclaimed fearfully as he covered his nose with his handkerchief and fearfully cowered behind Alfrid. “Get back! Alfrid, Alfrid don’t let them come any closer!”

“Please. We need medicine.” Oin pleaded.  Alfrid walked closer as he sneered at them.

“Do I look like an apothecary? Haven’t we given you enough? The Master’s a busy man, he hasn’t got time to worry about sick Rangers! Let alone this one right ‘ere. All she’s ever done for this town is ruin the Master’s good name and turn the people against him.”

“She’s helped these people in their hour of need! Are you willing to let her die because of your own selfish needs?!” Kili demanded.

“None of our concern. She’s not a paying citizen here, therefore she’s not our problem. Now off you pop! Less we use more drastic measures.” With that Alfrid and the Master shut the doors and the guards ordered them away.

After being rejected by the Master, they tried going to other people to see if they could help but all of them were either too scared to go against the Master’s wishes, or didn’t have enough supplies to help aid her as well as their own sick family members.

With no other options left, the Dwarves raced back to Bard’s home.  Knowing of their friendship, they’d hope that at least he could help them.  Bofur knocked on the door frantically and as soon as Bard saw them, he sneered.

“No, I’m done with Dwarves. Go away!” he went to shut the door but Bofur stopped him pleading.

“No, no please! Please! No one will help us. (Y/n) is sick.” Bard opened the door further to see his good friend now sickly pale, strands of her hair stuck to her face from the profuse sweating she was doing, and her breathing was now choked gasps.  “She’s very, very sick.” Even with the grievance he had with the Dwarves for risking the safety of not only his children but the entire town of Dragon fire, he didn’t have the heart to turn his dear friend away.

“Bring her in.” Bard stepped aside and the four dwarves quickly piled in while Bard quickly looked around before shutting the door.  “Put her over there. I’ll see what I have.” Bard went to the back of the house as the Dwarves set her down on the nearby couch.  Fili took her hand between his and squeezed it.

“Hang on (Y/n), we’re all here to help you. Just…..don’t go where I cannot follow.” He whispered to her stroking the back of her hand with his thumb.  Kili watched his older brother and knowing of his feelings towards the Ranger, he couldn’t help but feel guilty knowing that it was because of his carelessness that the woman his brother loved got hurt to save him.

As the night overcame the lake, (Y/n)’s health was gradually becoming worse.  Oin did managed to find a small graze just underneath her elbow.  A graze that came from an orc arrow tipped with poison.  Already the wound (even for as small as it was) had already started to become infected and the poison was spreading fast.

(Y/n) was tossing and turning, panting as her body was glistening with sweat.

“Nothing’s working! Can you not do something!?” demanded Fili who was growing more frantic by the second seeing the woman he came to love be in such agony.

“I need herbs! Something to bring down her fever.” Bard soon came in with some more supplies and began listing them off.

“I have nightshade, feverfew…..”

“No, no there no use to me. Do you have any Kingsfoil?” said Oin but Bard told him.

“No. It’s a weed we feed it to the pigs.”

“Pigs? Weed. Right. Don’t move.” Bofur said before leaving the house.  As Kili was continuing to dab a damp, cool cloth across (Y/n)’s face and neck to ease her of her sweating, a rumble was soon heard coming from the mountain.

“Da?” asked one of Bard’s daughters Sigrid.

“It’s coming from the mountain.” Answered Bard’s son, Bain.  Bard had feared the worst, the dwarves had awoken Smaug the Terrible and soon the prophecy would come to pass, the Lake will shine and burn.

“You should leave us.” Fili said as he walked up to Bard. “Take your children, get out of here.”

“And go where? There’s nowhere to go.” Bard told him in defeat.  Little Tilda stepped in front of her siblings and asked her father fearfully.

“Are we going to die Da?” Bard looked at his youngest child and assured her.

“No darling.”

“The dragon, it’s going to kill us.” Bard then turned towards a beam just above the kitchen and gripped a thin but firm piece of what appeared to be black iron.  He pulled it down from the beam to reveal that it was a Black arrow, the very same black arrow that can only be used to kill the dragon.

“Not if I kill it first.” Bard said determinedly.  He then asked his son to come with him while the girls stayed behind with the Dwarves to help take care of their Aunt.

Time passed and (Y/n)’s fever was getting even worse.  Her breathing was sharp and panicked and she was now starting to writhe in agony.

“Durin’s beard where is Balin with that Kingsfoil!?” Fili demanded.

“I have the right mind to go out and look for him myself!” Kili snapped.

“You can’t leave! With the guards on patrol, they’ll arrest you too and aunt (Y/n) will never get better!” Bain said.  “No one is leaving this house understood!?” hearing the young man take a stand against the Dwarves made them both feel shock and admiration.

“Very well laddie. But I don’t know how long (Y/n) has got left, she’s growing weaker by the second.” Oin said to Bain.

“Tilda, Sigrid, come with me to get more rags and water for aunt Hela.” The siblings soon left while Fili gripped (Y/n)’s hand tighter.

“Fi…….li.” she choked out.

“I’m right beside you (Y/n).” he whispered to her.  Slowly opening her eyes she croaked out.

“Fili…..if anything hap-happens to me—”

“Don’t talk like that (Y/n). We’re going to heal you, Bofur’s probably found the Kingsfoil by now, he’s just probably ducking the guards and taking longer. Please don’t give in now.” He squeezed her hand between his.  “Don’t go where I can’t follow.”

Suddenly a scream was heard and next thing everyone knew orcs began dropping down from the rooftop or coming in through the front door.  The dwarves grabbed whatever they could to fight off the orcs but there were too many of them, and with the tightly constricted area the house provided, there was hardly any fighting room.

Kili got the children to duck under the table and fought off any orc that tried to come close to them, while Oin and Fili worked together to fend off any orc that came near (Y/n).  When they thought they were done for, help came from both Legolas and Tauriel who had been tracking down the orcs since they left Mirkwood.

As Fili managed to block an orc’s attack with a kitchen knife, (Y/n) had managed to crawl out of the couch and use a fire-poker to stab the orc through its spine.  But she soon let out a cry of agony as she collapsed to the ground, the poison fully starting to overcome her.  Eventually, all the orcs were either killed off or had begun to retreat from the house.

“You killed them all.” Bain said as he and his sisters got out from under the table after all went quiet in the house.

“There are others, Tauriel.” Legolas ordered but Tauriel was hesitant.  As Oin came down beside (Y/n) and felt around her neck to feel her pulse was slowing down, Fili and Kili came down beside her as Oin said fearfully.

“We’re losing her!”

“Tauriel.” Legolas said to her.  She turned back to her prince and said.

“The Ranger has done no harm to us, is there nothing we can do to help her?”

“She is beyond help. I’m sorry, there’s nothing that can be done for her.” Footsteps could soon be heard racing up the stairs and as the two elves prepared for another battle with orcs, they stopped to see that it was Bofur carrying some Athelas in his hand.

“Athelas,” Tauriel exhaled as she took it from him and admired it. “Athelas.”

“What are you doing?” Bofur asked nervously.  Tauriel looked into the room before looking back at him and said.

“I’m going to save her.” Legolas’ eyes briefly narrowed.

“Tauriel…..”

“You may go if you wish Legolas, but I cannot leave the she-ranger to perish in such agony. Not whilst she still clings to life and that I now have her only salvation.” The young prince took a deep breath then exhaled.

“What would you have me do?” the two elves raced back inside and Tauriel ordered.

“I need water fast. Get her on a solid, stable surface. Lay her flat on her back.” Every in the room reacted quickly.  Tilda gave Tauriel the bowl of water for her to mix the Athelas together, whilst Legolas and the Dwarves worked together to get (Y/n) on the table.

She was screaming and writhing in pure agony, her mouth starting to grow black with the poison.

“Where is the wound?” Legolas asked.

“Underneath her left elbow.” Oin said.  Legolas took hold of her left wrist and raised her arm above.  But when she tried to struggle, he was forced to also grab her forearm to pin it down and there he saw it.  The black graze and he could see the infection had fully spread and blackened her entire elbow.

“Hold her down.” Tauriel said.  Kili and Bofur held down her right leg while Bard’s children held down her left.  Fili held (Y/n) by the shoulders and Oin helped Tauriel brew the medicine.  Once it was brewed, Tauriel cut through the sleeve of (Y/n)’s shirt to get a better access to the wound.

The female ranger appearing like a rapid animal, screaming, grunting and thrashing about trying to free herself.  Tauriel took some of the Athelas and began rubbing it onto her hands as she chanted.

“Menno o nin na hon i eliad annen annin, hon leitho o ngurth.” She then placed her hands over the ranger’s wound and (Y/n) let out an agonizing scream.  Fili softly shushed her stroking through her hair and whispering in her ear all the while Tauriel kept chanting the spell.

Bit by bit, (Y/n)’s animalistic behavior quietened and then she went still.  Her breathing now soft and not as frantic as it had been.  Fili looked down at her worriedly and Kili asked.

“Will she be alright?”

“Athelas has powerful healing properties. With time and rest, she’ll regain her full strength. A few more minutes and she would’ve been beyond even with the aid of the Athelas.” Responded Tauriel.  The dwarves and Bard’s children breathed a sigh of relief.

“Thank you.” Fili said to Tauriel.  She gave him a soft but tight smile as well as a soft nod.  Then both she and Legolas left to deal with the orcs.

After her healing, Fili wrapped up (Y/n)’s wound with some bandages and kept vigil at her side.  Never before had he felt so scared than he had felt at that moment.  Fearing that the woman he had come to become fond of—nay love throughout this quest, he wouldn’t have known what to do had she been lost to him.

“She’ll be alright Fili. She’s strong, she’ll be back on her feet in no time.” His brother tried to assure him.

“I know. But seeing her go through all that pain, all that suffering, and who knows if she even knew she had been hit.”

“Even if she did, she’s got the stubbornness of a Dwarrowdam. Perfect woman for a guy like you.” Fili turned to his brother.  “You may try to have hide it from the others but you can’t hide anything from me Fee. I’ve seen how you’ve been looking at her since Rivendell. You care for her more than just as a friend.” Fili sighed and looked down to her.

“I don’t even know how it happened. But after all that we’ve been through, seeing her in a—domestic way. The way she was with her younger cousin, the way the sunlight seemed to reflect off her hair, and the way her eyes shone like jewels in the dark. Kee……I feel as if she is my One.”

“And you should follow through that brother.”

“But would it work? A dwarf and a human? It’s never been done before?”

“Is that what’s really troubling you? Or is it that you fear she doesn’t feel the same way?” Fili remained quiet.

“This quest has shown me that life is too fragile. And at any moment, any one of us can be taken away by any means. I want to tell her my true feelings but—not now. Not while our lives are still in danger. Perhaps when we reach the mountain, I’ll work up the courage to tell her but I—”

“I understand brother. The turmoil that must’ve been stirring in your heart seeing her on death’s doorstep, if you had confessed your love for her beforehand and it be too late to save her……I can’t imagine the pain that would’ve been.”

“She’s too precious to me.” Fili said as he stroked her cheek with the back of his finger.  “I feel like if she had died tonight, my heart would’ve died with her. My body may have continued to live on but my heart would never be full again.”

“Take comfort now that she’s alive and that she’s recovering. No more darkened thoughts need cloud your mind anymore.” Kili said as he placed a comforting hand on his brother’s shoulder, gently shaking it.  Fili turned to his little brother and nodded giving him a soft smile.

“Thank you Kili. I know I’m supposed to be the older brother here but, I’m glad that you were here to be the one to ease my mind.”

“I’m always here for you brother, and I always will be. Together forever right?” he extended his other hand out.

“Together forever little brother.” Fili clasped his other hand with Fili’s as they pressed their foreheads together, drawing in each other’s strength.

*My POV*

 All I remembered was darkness, as well as a voice reaching out for me.  Then a bright light and soon silence.  I don’t remember much after that but I do remember hearing Fili’s voice along with Kili’s.

“This quest has shown me that life is too fragile. And at any moment, any one of us can be taken away by any means. I want to tell her my true feelings but—not now. Not while our lives are still in danger. Perhaps when we reach the mountain, I’ll work up the courage to tell her but I—”

“I understand brother. The turmoil that must’ve been stirring in your heart seeing her on death’s doorstep, if you had confessed your love for her beforehand and it be too late to save her……I can’t imagine the pain that would’ve been.”

“She’s too precious to me.” I felt something graze my cheek with the most gentlest touch.  “I feel like if she had died tonight, my heart would’ve died with her. My body may have continued to live on but my heart would never be full again.”

So did Fili actually feel the same as I have come to feel for him? Oh Fili, I-I love you too. And I do hope that one day I can say that aloud, but for now I was just too weak to even open my eyes.  I soon passed out once again but it wasn’t until the sound of giant wings flying towards us had me opening my eyes.

Smaug was coming for us. And he was out for blood.

[the-panda-writes]

The Siren of the Inquisition

Chapter 13

Aiduin POV

When dawn breaks, the rest of the Inquisition’s forces and people set out to find a new place to rebuild and recoup.

Aiduin leads in the front, his advisors and the rest follow behind him as they walk through the snow-covered ground.

Scout to the North. Be their guide.

Aiduin recalls the conversation with Solas before they set out, hours of traveling toward an unknown place.

There is a place that waits for a force to hold it. There is a place where the Inquisition can build, grow.

Cullen POV

As they traverse the mountains to find this place, Cullen catches himself looking for the maiden and child, as if by instinct to be sure they are alright. Finding them, he walks over to them.

“How is he?” Cullen asks again.

Ashe smiles at him, placing a comforting hand on the boy’s back to make sure he doesn’t slip. “He’s awake, but he hasn’t spoken since he has. I guess that’s normal for someone that has witnessed something so traumatic. He hasn’t let go of me since.” She then turns her head to place a small peck on Peter’s head to help soothe him.

“I am sure he is in the most capable of hands.” Cullen tells her, making Ashe blush. “Do you need a break from carrying him? I can take him if you are.”

“I’m fine,” Ashe says with a comforting smile. “I’m not sure if he’s comfortable for someone else to touch him yet. At breakfast, he flinched at the cook who was just offering a bowl of porridge.”

Cullen just looks at the woman with a sad smile, but then notices out the corner of his eye that they are about to reach the peak of the mountain, seeing the Herald and Solas coming into a clearing.

“It looks like we are about to reach the peak of this mountain,” Cullen says, offering his hand to the woman. “Take my hand so you don’t slip.”

Ashe looks at him in shock and blushes but slowly takes his hand. He smiles and then leads her up to the peak.

Once they reach the clearing, they see a magnificent castle. It seems to be right at the border of Orlais and Ferelden, but its strategic point will definitely help them rebuild the Inquisition.

“Tarasly’an Te’las…” Ashe barely whispers.

“What does that mean?” Cullen asks out of curiosity.

“The place where the sky is held up.” Ashe says, translating it to him.

“I thought only Solas knew of this place?” Cullen asks.

“I read about it in Minrathous…” Ashe says, blushing in shame. “I may or may not have snuck into the restricted section of their…. Imperial Chantry…”

Every time Cullen finds one thing to try to get to know this woman, there is more about her that he has yet to discover.

“You are an enigma, my lady.” Cullen chuckles. 

They both head towards the Castle, entering its courtyard soon after. As soon as they are settled in, Cullen excuses himself and goes to meet with the other Advisors. 

Ashe POV

Ashe is settling into Skyhold with the rest of the Inquisition, helping with healing and cooking whenever there is a need for help. Skyhold is now becoming a pilgrimage for those who wish to be a part of the Inquisition. Peter is always near, scared to be away from her, clinging to her for comfort. 

Ashe knows he will do this for a while until he is comfortable to try and socialize with the other children of the Inquisition as well; but for now, she just needs to be patient.

She then notices that people are starting to gather around the staircase to the main castle, seeing Aiduin, Cassandra, and Liliana. Ashe also gathers with the crowd, Peter in hand to see the induction of the Inquisitor. 

Aiduin picks up the Inquisitor’s blade, promising to do what is right because the Inquisition has an enemy and they need to stand together, fighting for all of us. 

“Have our people been told?” Cassandra calls out.

“They have, and soon the world!” Josephine answers.

“Commander, will they follow?!”

Cullen turns towards the crowd, noticing Ashe and Peter. “Inquisition, will you follow?” he asks, riling them up. 

The crowd cheers in acceptance, Ashe along with them. 

“Will you fight? Will we triumph?”

The crowd continues as Cullen yells, unsheathing his sword, “Your Leader. Your Herald. Your Inquisitor!”

Cullen POV

“Send men to scout the area, we need to know what’s out there!” Cullen commands his scouts.

“Yes sir!”

“Commander. Soldiers have been assigned temporary quarters.” Another scout reports.

“Very good. I’ll need an update on the armory as well.” He says as the scout just stands there. “Now!” he commands. 

The morning has not been well to him after the Induction of the Inquisitor. His headaches have become more severe. I need to speak with a physician about getting another drought for my headaches. Cullen thinks as he sees Ashe and the boy walk up toward him.

“We set up as best we could at Haven, but never prepare for an Archdemon or whatever it was.” He says, rubbing his neck. “With some warning, we might have-”

“Cullen,” Ashe says, placing a hand on his arm. “Have you gotten any sleep?”

“If Corypheus strikes we may not be able to withdraw. I spoke to the Inquisitor about this, and I wouldn’t want to withdraw.” He says, leaning over the table with concern. “We must be ready!” 

“I’m sure we will, with you as their Commander,” Ashe says. “But you can’t be running yourself ragged to be able to lead their forces.”

Cullen just smiles. “Work on Skyhold is underway. Guard rotations established.” 

“I feel safer already.” Ashe giggles. “How is morale been?”

“It was low, but it has improved greatly since Aiduin has accepted the role of Inquisitor.” Cullen states, looking over the plans.

“How did Aiduin take to the title?” Ashe asks.

“He took it as well as expected, given he is an elf.” Cullen says, looking at the woman. 

“I’m sure he is more than capable, but do not put too much on his shoulders.” Ashe says as she walks to the front of the table. 

“Have you found accommodations for you and young Peter?” Cullen asks, looking down at the child as he hides behind Ashe’s skirts. 

Ashe chuckles. “Not yet, but I think the apartment above the building over there,” Ashe points to the schematics of the castle, the small building that is across from the tower where he wants to put up his office. “I think that would be good for the both of us.”

“I believe that building is going to be built into a tavern,” Cullen states noticing the building on the schematic. “I believe Cabot will be taking over bartending and running the establishment.”

“Has he thought of a name yet?” Ashe asks out of curiosity.

“I’m not sure. Any suggestions, my lady?” 

Ashe smiles. “The Herald’s Rest?”

Cullen looks at her and smiles. “I will pass it along to him. I will give him a good word and see if he would hire you into his staff and accommodations.”

“Thank you, Commandow.” the boy suddenly speaks. 

Both are shocked as Ashe bends down to his level to speak. “That's right, Peter. We say thank you to those who help.” she picks him up. “Those are the first words he’s ever spoken since he has woken up. You should be honored, Commander.”

Cullen smiles as he walks to the pair. “You’re welcome, lad. Be sure to listen to Lady Ashe. She is an amazing woman and will take good care of you.” Cullen says, rubbing the boy's head gently.

“Thank you, Cullen..” Ashe says with a smile, thinking back to the fall of Haven suddenly, making her sad a little bit. “Our escape from Haven… It was close, I’m relieved that you - that so many made it out. Along with this little one.” Ashe says as Peter lays his head on her shoulder.

“As am I.”

They look at each other intensely, the tension so thick, a knife could cut through it.

“Well, I think we should go and get something to eat and then I should put this little one to bed. Good evening, Cullen.” Ashe says, turning away.

But before she could get far, Cullen speaks up.

“You and the Inquisitor stayed behind. You could have… I will not allow the events at Haven to happen again.” He says to her, grabbing her unoccupied hand. “You have my word, my lady.” He kisses the back of her hand, sealing his promise to her. 

Ashe blushes at the gesture, allowing him to hold her hand for a little while longer.

“Thank you, Cullen..”

#my writing #writers on tumblr #fanfiction writers #self ship #cullen rutherford #dragon age inquistion

[the-panda-writes]

The Siren of the Inquisition

Chapter 12

Aiduin POV

“....What would you have me tell them? This isn’t what we asked them to do!”

“We cannot simply ignore this! We must find a way!”

“And who put you in charge? We need a consensus or we have nothing!”

“Please we must use reason! Without the infrastructure of the Inquisition would harbor-”

Josephine is cut off before she could continue with their argument when Aiduin finally wakes up. 

Sitting up with a groan, he looks around him, seeing Ashe with the young boy in her arms and Mother Giselle.

“Shh. You need to rest.” the female cleric says to the elf.

“They’ve been at it for hours.” Ashe deadpans, coming up to sit next to the cleric.

“They have that luxury thanks to the two of you.” Mother Giselle says to both of them with a small smile. “The enemy could not follow and with time to doubt, we turn to blame. Infighting may threaten as much as this, scurry fears.”

“I hate to say it, but she does have a point, your worship.” Ashe says, making him look at her. “During times of crisis and suffering a loss such as Haven, people will turn to blame others.”

He ponders this information, asking if we know where Corypheus and his forces are right now. 

“Not yet. To be honest, I don’t even know where we are.” Ashe chuckles.

“How can one laugh in a situation like this?” Mother Giselle asks in a calm yet judgemental tone. 

“It helps me cope.” Ashe snides at her, then looks down to the child who is now wiggling in her arms. “If you will excuse me, I need to check on Peter’s wounds. It looks like his vision will be impaired from now on.” 

As the woman walks off, Aiduin returns his gaze back to the Cleric. “Despite the number he still commands, there is no sign of him. That, or you are believed dead. Without Haven, we are thought helpless, or he guilds for another attack.” she says, trying to play devil's advocate. “I cannot claim to know the mind of that creature, only his effect on us.”

“If they are arguing about what we do next, I need to be there.” He says, trying to sit up some more, but the Cleric stops him.

“Another heated voice won’t help, even yours.” Giselle says, placing a calming hand on his shoulder. “Perhaps especially yours.” 

Aiduin lays back down as the Cleric tells him about what they have witnessed, seeing him; their defender; stand and fall and see him return. He still goes to sit up on the side of the cot as she continues.

“The more the enemy is beyond us, the more miraculous your actions appear, and the more our trials seem ordained. But it is hard to accept to know we have been called to endure, what we perhaps, must come to believe.”

Aiduin just chuckles a little but goes on to continue the conversation. “I escaped the avalanche, barely with my life and the life of the woman that saved me; but I didn’t die.

“Of course. And the dead cannot return from across the veil, but the people know what they saw; or perhaps what they needed to see. The Maker works both in the moment and in how it is remembered. Can we truly know the heavens are not with us?”

Ashe POV

As Ashe left the conversation between the cleric and the revived Herald, she is relieved that he is okay. She was so scared that if she didn’t do everything to save him, she would have to find another way to find a way home.

If there is one.

Ashe places that child in her arms on a spare cot as she checks Peter, the boy now turned orphan she rescued. 

He is not going to be able to see properly for the rest of his life. And he is going to have so much trauma from this ordeal, leaving a mental scar as well as physical. Ashe thinks, frowning as he caresses the boy's small head. She uses her magic to try and ease some of the pain from the burns on his neck and torso. She is interrupted by movement coming from the opening, turning to see the Commander coming to check on them both.

“How is he?” Cullen asks with a sad smile.

“He’ll live, but I am worried about how his mental state will be when he fully awakens.” Ashe says, going to place a blanket over the child and using her magic to heat it up to stave off the cold. 

“Once we find a better, more fortified place to rebuild, I will see if he will be placed with a kind family until we can get into contact with someone of his ken.” Cullen says, placing a gentle hand on her covered shoulder.

“You won’t have to,” Ashe says, turning her head to look him in the eye. “I’ll take care of him.”

Cullen POV

Cullen is in a state of shock when she, a woman of 25 winters, unmarried and has no children of her own, will be taking in a small boy no older than 5 winters and caring for him and his needs.

Before he could bring another word out, he hears singing coming from the campfire.

“Shadows falls

And hope has fled

Steel your heart

The dawn will come.

The night is long

And the path is dark

Look to the sky

For one day soon

The dawn will come.

The Shepherd’s lost

And his home is far

Keep to the stars

The dawn will come.”

He smiles looking back to the pair, seeing that Ashe has now huddled behind the child to keep him warm and is asleep as well. He brushes a small piece of the woman’s hair away from her face, seeing her marking enhance her beauty to him as he sings with the rest of the Inquisition.

“The night is long

And the path is dark

Look to the sky

For one day soon

The dawn will come…”

Aiduin POV

After the people have quieted down a bit, Aiduin looks to them before his thoughts were interrupted.

“A word.” Solas says, curtly, leading them both away from camp.

As soon as they were far enough away, Solas lights the torch with his magic and turns towards the herald.

“A wise woman, worth heeding. Her kind understands the moments that unify a cause - or  fracture it.” Aiduin’s fellow elf says to him as he gets closer. “The orb Corypheus carried, the power he used against you, it is Elven. Corypheus has used the orb to open the breach, unlocking it must have caused the explosion that destroyed the Conclave.”

Aiduin looks at him, almost shocked but now finally understanding the power Corypheus wields is of their people. 

“I do not yet know how Corypheus survived, nor am I how people will react when they learn of the orbs Origin.”

Aiduin asks what it is and why he knows of it. Solas tells him that it used to focus and channel ancient magics. “Corypheus may think it is Tevinter; his Empire’s magic is built on the bones of our people. Knowing or not, he risked our lives, I cannot allow it!”

“This whole mess is confusing. I can see how our people might be an easy target for blame for all of this.” Aiduin says, pondering how to go with this information.

“History would agree, but there are steps we can take to prevent such a distraction. I know of a place we can go to for shelter and, possibly, rebuild.” Solas says, turning towards the mountain. “We will set off in the morning and I will tell you a way to lead the survivors to a safer place.”

“Thank you, Lethallin.” Aiduin says, turning to him and giving him a small bow. “Come, let us get some rest.”

As they go to return to camp, Solas asks a question.

“What did Corypheus say about the half-elf maiden?”

“He called her a ‘Traveler,’ said that she is not of this realm.” Aiduin says, trying to make sense of the monster’s words.

Solas remains quiet, pondering the information. I must keep a close eye on this maiden, she may know more than she lets on.

#writers on tumblr #my writing #fanfiction writers #self ship #self insert #cullen rutherford #dragon age inquistion

[the-panda-writes]

The Siren of the Inquisition

Chapter 11

Summary: Fall of Haven Cont.

The moment they left the Chantry, everything was up in flames. Ashe was uing her magic to keep the red templars at bay whilst helping the party. Going though the destroyed village that was once Haven, her and the rest of Aiduin’s party reached the last trebuchet. Once there, they defeated more of the creatures trying to deter their path, but Aiduin did what he was set to do. 

Turning the trebuchet towards the mountain, they fell each foe that was cast at them, Aiduin was finally able to set it in place when he heard a screeching roar in the air.

The dragon was coming.

“Move,” Aiduin says the party, backing away. “NOW!” 

He turns to run the minute the dragon laid out its attack, breathing fire at the party, destroying a barrel of explosion powder.

The explosion goes off, throwing Aiduin back, fumbling backward onto the snow and on his back, knocking the breath out of him. 

Ashe was able to get away from the explosion in time, but the figure that came out of the smoke and flames was something you wouldn’t even see in her worst enemies nightmares. 

Corypheus had come, and he had come for Aiduin’s mark.

 Aiduin was able to get to his feet, seeing the Darkspawn Magister. Attempting to flee, he was unable to because the dragon had come up behind him, letting out another screeching roar.

“Enough.” Corypheus simply says, displaying a small portion of his power to silence the beast.

Ashe slowly goes towards the trebuchet since Corypheus’ and the dragon’s attention is on Aiduin, but is still keeping an ear out for what he says to the elf rogue.

“Pretender.” the Magister speaks. “You toy with forces beyond your ken. No more.”

Aiduin just stands there, looking at the deranged creature before him. “What are you? Why are you doing this?”

“Mortals beg for a truth they cannot have. It is beyond what you are, what I was.” Corypheus says to Aiduin. “Know me, know that you have pretended to be. Exalt the Elder One! The will that is Corypheus!” 

Pointing a crooked finger at the Herald, he says, “You will kneel.”

“Why are you here? You haven’t even asked for anything!” Aiduin yells to the creature, noticing that Ashe is almost to the trebuchet.

“I ask for nothing, because it is not in your power to give,” Corypheus says, pulling out a black sphere in its clawed hand. “But that will not stop me.” 

He then activates the sphere with what looks like dark magic. “I am here for the Anchor . The process of removing it begins now.”

When he says that, Corypheus uses his magic to activate the mark on the Herald's left hand, causing his hand to shake, trying to stop it with his other hand. 

“It is your fault, ‘Herald.’ You interrupted a ritual years in the planning, and instead of dying, you stole its purpose. I do not know how you survived, but what marks you as ‘touched,’ what you flail at rifts, i crafted to assault the very heavens.” 

Sending another surge of dark magic to the mark, it forces Aiduin to keel over on the ground in pain. 

“And you used the Anchor to undo all my work! The gall!” 

Ashe was able to reach the trebuchet during this, readying her staff. Corypheus trudges towards the Herald, holding the elf above the ground by his marked hand as he begins monologuing about traveling to the Black City and seeing the throne of the gods empty. 

“HEY! ASSFACE!” Ashe yells. Corypheus turns towards the half-elf. “How about we even the odds?” 

“The traveler.” the creature spits at her. “You are not of this realm, yet you speak to me as if you have the right to?” 

Throwing the Herald at the trebuchet, Ashe goes to him as Corypheus continues. “The Anchor is permanent. You have spoiled it with your stumbling.”

Aiduin then fumbles for the sword nearby, trying to protect himself and his friend from the fiend wreaking havoc. 

The dragon follows Corypheus as he continues with his treat. “So be it. I will begin again, find another way to give this world the nation - and God - it requires.

Aiduin looks up towards the mountain and sees the signal flare. 

The people of Haven have escaped, but now it's time for them to.

“And you,” Corypheus speaks to both Aiduin and Ashe. “I will not suffer any unknowing rivals. You must die. Both of you.”

Aiduin pushes Ashe behind him as he puts both hands on the hilt of the sword. “You expect both us to fight, but that’s not why I kept you talking.” he says, looking back at Ashe, giving her a wink. “Enjoy your victory. Here’s your prize!” 

Before Corypheus could utter another word, Aidun kicks the mechanism that makes the trebuchet launch, throwing the rock towards the mountain, causing the fiend and his pet to look towards the mountain, seeing a landslide coming.

Whilst the beasts backs were turned, Aiduin grabs Ashe and runs! Just before they were buried, they get thrown into a hole in the ground, hitting something and falling hard.

Ashe POV

Ashe finds herself on top of something soft, slowly coming into consciousness. “Aiduin?” she mumbles, getting up. She then notices that Aiduin broke her fall with his body. Getting off him quickly, she gently smacks his face, trying to wake him up. 

“Aiduin? You okay, hun?” Ashe says, waking him.

He groans, waking up and looking up at her. “Well, if I was going to be wakened by a beautiful being, I’d get knocked out more often.” 

“The Herald has a sense of humor, huh?” Ashe chuckles, helping him stand. “Flattery will get you everywhere, but not to me, sweetheart.” She says, feeling his waist and arms for any broken bones. “Besides, I know for a fact that I’m not your type.”

“Why would you ever believe that?” Aiduin chuckles, checking to make sure his weapons are secure and looking where they landed. 

“Cause your type is tall, dark, handsome, and he’s got a dick.” Ashe tells him, smacking his face gently in a playful manner then casting a fire spell.  

Ashe turns around to find an exit, unable to notice that Aiduin had a slight blush on his face that was not because of the cold.

Using what little light they had, Ashe and Aiduin go down the only tunnel that looks like could lead to the exit. They follow the tunnel for what seems like hours before they go to a clearing, seeing an exit.

“There!” Aiduin says leading them towards it.

But when they get close, they notice the exit is blocked by ice and some wraiths have come to say hello. Ashe and Aiduin fight them to the point when he uses the mark on his hand to create a small rift, eliminating them all and opening the path forward.

Ashe had seen the power of the rift through a screen and would have never been able to witness it in person, but it was powerful as it was terrifying.

“Let's go.” Aiduin says, grabbing Ashe’s hand once again to lead them both out. 

Once they stepped outside of the cold cave into blowing snow and wind, they head down a direction to find the rest of the survivors of Haven. 

Trekking through the cold was a heinous endeavor, but they needed to find the others. After walking through the snow for what felt like hours, they come to a clearing to see if they are on the right path. 

Despite Ashe using her fire magic to keep them both warm, the cold is seeping into her skin; right to the bone. Aiduin pushes on through the forest when they start going up the mountain. They see a small campfire and they trek towards it. 

“Embers… Recent?” Aiduin mumbles as he almost stumbles, but Ashe is keeping him up. 

“We’re almost there..” Ashe says. Her magic was low and cannot conjure a single spark to keep them warm, now its up them to reach the rest of the Inquisition. “C’mon, we can make it..” 

Ashe then basically carries him up the mountain some more, but he stumbles again and brings them both down onto the snow.

“Go… Go on without me…” Aiduin says, trying to push her away but to no avail.

“I won’t! They are just over this ridge, we can make it!” Ashe says, pulling him back up to his feet and putting an arm over her shoulder. “You have to make it, Aiduin! This realm depends on it!” 

She can’t feel her feet, her hands. Hypothermia starts to kick in as they get to the space in between two rocks. “W-we ha-have to m-m-make it-t.” At this point, Aiduin had already passed out on her shoulder, dragging her down to the snow once again. 

“There! It's them!” She hears as she slowly begins to pass out.

“Thank the Maker!

—-----------

Cullen POV

Thank the Maker! Cullen praises as he goes to pick up the woman he has grown so fond over.

“They’re still warm!” Cassandra says, touching their skin. “But her mana has depleted!

She must have used her magic to keep them both warm in such a storm. Cullen thinks, looking down to the half-elf maiden, placing his gloved hand on her cheek. He then takes off his mantle and wraps it around her, making sure the fur is around her neck.

“Let us return to camp! The healers will know what to do.” Cullen commands, Cassandra agreeing before she, too, picks up Aiduin.

They begin the trek down the mountain to their camp, but he then feels movement in his arms.

“Cullen..?” the maiden in his arms says, barely a whisper. 

“Yes, sweetling? We’re almost there.” Cullen says, smiling down at her. 

“We have to stop meeting like this…” Ashe says, making him chuckle.

“Like what, darling?” 

“With me in your arms…” Ashe whispers as they begin to enter the camp. 

“I don’t mind at all. Holding someone as beautiful as you is worth it.” He smiles as he carries her to the healer's tent. 

“Such a charmer…” She smiles at him as she falls back to sleep when the healers begin their work.

He doesn’t have in his heart to leave her like this, but he must discuss with the rest of the councilors about what is to happen next. Hopefully, both the Herald and his rescuer will awaken to some good news.

Now, they must rest. They have a long road ahead of them.

#my writing #fanfiction writers #self ship #cullen rutherford #dragon age inquistion

[the-panda-writes]

Word of the day {19}

Oneshot summary; After a difficult day, Fíli surprises you with quite… unconventional way to make you forget and focus on something else.

Pairing: Fíli x reader

Rating: Explicit

CHAPTER NO/ONESHOT: Oneshot

Word; 5.3k

Warnings; Smut (please no minors interact only 18+), blindfolds.

Author; @the-goddess-of-mischief-writing​

MAIN MASTERLIST

ADVENT CALANDER MASTERLIST

When you opened the door to Fíli’s chambers, you saw the dwarf in the corner of your eye. Even if you noted his presence, you had no regard for what he was doing. Concentration set nowhere but straight forth.

Fíli, however, had snapped his eyes up the moment your figure could be seen through the door slightly ajar. He’d been about to welcome you back, but seeing how you just continued straight forth through the room as soon as you entered, his lips that had parted closed, merely following you. You were mumbling to yourself, but everything disappeared beneath your breath.

Keep reading

[the-panda-writes]

The Siren of the Inquisition

Chapter 10

Masterlist

The village is under attack. Buildings are burning. Soldiers getting slaughtered mercilessly.

Trebuchets are firing on the red templars as fast as they load them, but they are being run over by those monsters. Aiduin runs to each machine, helping out and firing each one, the last one causing an avalanche, cutting off most of the enemy forces.

Cheers erupt from the surviving soldiers, signaling a victory.

But that victory was short lived.

A roar erupted from above, a blast destroying the machines used to help them, merely splinters from this beast.

A dragon, being controlled by the Elder One has just turned the tide in this battle.

Everyone is running to the Chantry, but there are buildings that were on fire and people trapped inside!

“Aiduin! There are people trapped in the fires! We need to help them!” Ashe calls out to him as they run through the gate as the soldiers close them.

“Everyone, split up and save as many people as you can! Ashe, you’re with me!” He ordered everyone and they nod, then split off. “Let's go this way!” Aiduin says, pointing towards the tavern.

Ashe follows him as he goes to the tavern first and tries to break down the door. 

“Help! Please!” Ashe hears Flissa through the door.

“Hang on!” she calls out. “Together.” she tells Aiduin.

They pushed on the door a few times before they broke it down and went to Flissa.

“Go! To the Chantry!” the Herald tells Flissa and she does. 

“I saw a family run towards the living areas just before the fire started! They had a small boy with them!” Flissa tells them both.

“We’ll check that way after, but you need to go, Flissa!” Ashe says as she pushes her out the door. 

They both exit the tavern when they hear someone coming from the Apothecary cabin.

“Go towards our quarters! Find that family and get them to safety! I will save Adan if I can!” Aiduin orders and Ashe runs to their cabin.

Just before she was able to reach, she heard a woman's voice!

“I’m coming! Hang on!” Ashe says, running; but she is flanked by red templars before she has a chance to get there.

Tapping into her magic, she uses her fire magic to set them ablaze. While they scream in pain, she brings out her knife and kills each of them.

Her victory was short-lived because she had to save people! She ran to where the woman called out to, but cannot find her!

“Where are you! Call out! Please!” Ashe shouts, but in the midst of all the noise, she hears a pained groan. She looks towards the fallen building and sees a bloodied hand! “Hang on! I’m coming!” She shouts as she starts to pull the wood and rubble from the person trapped in there.

She keeps going as she sees the woman that came for her help the week prior! 

“I’m here! I’ll help you, I promise!” Ashe says through the tears that are forming, yet she notices the piece of wood sticking out from the woman's side. 

“Please… My son..” the woman says weakly as she tries to pull her son from under her.

Ashe sees what the woman was doing and she helps get the boy out from under her, looking him over. “He’s fine, just unconscious.” 

The mother grabs Ashe’s hand, looking at the dying woman as she is caught in her pleading stare. 

“Please.. Take care… of him.. My Peter…” She says, caressing the boy's cheek.

“I… I will take care of him… I promise..” Ashe says with tears in her eyes.

“Thank you…” Then the woman is gone.

Ashe cried for the woman as she died in pain, leaving only her son behind. “Go in peace. May the Creators and Andraste guide you.” 

She then carried the boy, sprawled on her chest, to the Chantry as a man, Roderick, Ashe recalling his name.

“Move! Keep going! The chantry is your shelter!” the cleric yells as the Herald and his group run in; Ashe runs in behind them.

“Here! Grab the boy, Aiduin!” She calls out to the Herald and he grabs the boy in her arms. Ashe then goes over to the Chancellor to help Cole, assisting him to walk.

“He tried to stop a templar. The blade went deep. He’s going to die.” Cole says to the Herald and the half-elf.

“What a charming boy.” Roderick says, trying to ease the tension.

“Don’t talk. Lets go sit.” Ashe says, helping the dying man walk to a chair.

As they are assisting the man, Cullen comes running up to the Herald. 

“Herald! Our position is not good. That dragon stole back any time you might have earned us.”

“I’ve seen an Archdemon. I was in the Fade, but it looked like that.” Cole said to them as Ashe tries to heal the cleric’s wound.

“Thank you, My Lady; but I don’t think all the magic or healing you can muster will keep me alive…” Roderick says to the half-elf. “My only regret is that I didn’t treat you with the decency that you have afforded me, and for that, I am sorry.”

“I-... You are forgiven.” Ashe says, giving the chancellor a small peck on his cheek. 

“I don’t care what it looks like! It just cut a path for that army. They’ll kill everyone in Haven!” Cullen shouts.

“From what I can tell, this ‘Elder One’ doesn’t give a rats ass about the village.” Ashe points out.

“He only wants the Herald.” Cole says in a somber tone.

“If it will save these people, he can have me.” Aiduin says, passing the child over to Cullen. 

“It won’t. He wants to kill you. No one else matters, but he’ll crush them, kill them anyway.” the spirit tells them, turning away. “I don’t like him.”

“You don’t like…?” Cullen starts, but Ashe then goes up to grab the boy, placing a calming hand on his arm. Somehow, he just knows this woman will always calm him down. “Herald, there are no tactics to make this survivable. The only thing that slowed them was the Avalanche. We could turn the remaining trebuchets, cause one last slide.”

“We’re overrun. To hit the enemy, we’d bury Haven.” Aiduin says, looking at Ashe and the small boy she is carrying.

“We’re dying, but we can decide how.” Ashe says to them, her eyes only looking at the boy. Only to live a short life, but I will die with him so he will not be alone anymore. Ashe thinks, caressing the boy's head. “Many don’t get that choice.”

“I agree.” Cullen says, turning towards them, eyes filled with sadness.

Without the others noticing, Roderick turns towards the back of the chantry, as though an idea has formed. Cole also turns towards where the chancellor is looking, then nodding at the dying man.

“Yes, that.” Cole whispers before turning towards the group. “Chancellor Roderick can help. He wants to say it before he dies.”

They all turn to the dying man. “There is a path.” Rocerick tells them weakly, gasping for air as he does. “You wouldn’t know it unless you made the summer pilgrimage. As I have.” 

Aiduin walks up to the Chancellor as he stands up. “The people can escape. She must have shown me. Andraste must have shown me so I could… tell you.”

“What are you on about, Roderick?” Aiduin asks him. 

It was whim that I walked the path. I did not mean to start- It was overgrown.” Roderick tells them. “Now, with so many in the Conclave dead, to be the only one who remembers… I don’t know, Herald.”

The man looks as if he were going to burst into tears, he would have done so at that moment as he tells the Herald that he could have been wrong about everything…Including Aiduin… saying that he could be more than an accident. \

It must have been fate.

Aiduin just stared at the man, but then turned to his Commander. “What about it, Cullen? Will it work?”

“Possibly. If he shows us the path. But what of your escape?” Cullen asks.

Aiduin just stares off, unable to give him an answer.

“Perhaps you will surprise it, find a way…” Cullen says, knowing what might happen.

“He won’t be alone.” Ashe says, finally speaking up. “I’ll come with you.” 

“No.” Both Aiduin and Cullen say at the same time.

“I will not put you in danger, Ashe.” the Herald says to her, blocking her way to the door.

“He’s right, Ashe. As you are a capable mage and warrior, you are still just a woman. I couldn’t bear to see you slaughtered by those monsters, let alone an Archdemon.” Cullen says, placing both his hands on her shoulders gently.

“I know.” Ashe says, gently passing the boy back to Cullen. “But I need to find out why I’m here. Maybe this ‘Elder One’ will give me a glimpse of my purpose here…” 

The woman then looks up to Cullen. He wishes that he could just tell her no and force her to go up the mountain with him, but she needs answers just as bad as the rest of them. 

“Please, be careful.” Cullen whispers so that only she can hear. 

Ashe smiles, then goes on her toes to place a kiss on his cheek. “I will.”

#self insert writing #cullen rutherford x original character #cullen rutherford #male levellan #dragon age #dragon age inquisition #original male character #female lead is not inquisitor #the panda writes

[the-panda-writes]

The Siren of the Inquisition

Chapter 9

Masterlist

The morning of the closing of the Breach, the Herald had called upon the mages to march to the Temple of Sacred Ashes. Ashe did not go because she knew what was going to happen in the aftermath. She needed to prepare.

She only packed the essentials and got a hold of her custom made staff that she asked Vivianne to commission for her a few days prior. When she was done, she went to work at the Tavern for a while. She will be watering down some ale for the soldiers and patrons just to make sure that they will be aware of what will happen. 

A thunder and boom! , she heard it. Running outside, she sees that the Breach is gone, only leaving a green hue, as if there is a faded scar. People start to celebrate, Flissa calls her back into the tavern to serve and help tend the bar.

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

Well into the night, music is playing and the ale is running. 

Ashe hopes that with her watering down the ale, people will not be as inebriated. 

Cullen was hoping to maybe get one dance in with her, but he saw that she was on edge.

“My lady. Whatever is the matter?” Cullen asks her out of concern, making her jump.

“Oh! Commander! I’m sorry.” Ashe says as she takes a deep breath, putting her hand on her head.

“Is everything alright? You seem on edge.” he asks, somewhat suspicious of her behavior. From what he could tell from the last couple of weeks, she has never been this frazzled, even from when they were properly introduced. 

“I wish I can explain how I feel right now. I wish I can tell you-.” She was interrupted when they both heard the warning bell.

Cullen begins to run to the gate that leads to the entrance of Haven. “Forces approaching! To arms!” He commands his forces as they all run to the gate. 

Ashe also runs towards the gate, meeting up with the Herald and Cassandra along the way.

The rest of the retinue follow behind, Solas being at the head of the group.

“Cullen?” Cassandra calls for him, wanting to know what is going on.

“One watchguard reporting. It’s a massive force, the bulk over the mountain.” Cullen reports.

“Under what banner?” Josephine asks.

“None.”

“None?” she asks in surprise.

Then they all hear something banging on the gates, a glow following after every pound on the wood.\

“I can’t come in unless you open!” a young man’s voice calls out.

Aiduin goes to open the gates, revealing a skinny young man with a large hat that really doesn’t fit with the rest of him killing a templar from behind.

He and the Commander run towards the young man, Ashe slowly approaching them with caution.

“I’m Cole. I came to warn you. To help.” Cole says, walking up to the Herald and the Commander. “People are coming to hurt you. You probably already kno-”

“What is this? What is going on?” Aiduin cuts him off.

“The templars come to kill you.” The spirit living in human skin tells him ominously.

“Templars?” Cullen yells, pushing the young man away from Aiduin. “Is this the order’s response to our talks with the mages? Attacking blindly?”

“The red templars went to the Elder One.” Cole begins to explain.

“Oh god…” Ashe finally speaks up.

“Yes.” Cole says, turning back to Aiduin. “You know him? He knows you.” he turns back to Ashe. “You too.”

“Me?!”

“Her?” 

Both Aiduin and Ashe speak at the same time, then looking at each other in confusion and fear. 

“Yes. You took his mages.” He points to the mountain. “There.”

Looking up the mountain, she sees a sickly looking man and then…. Corypheus…

“I know that man… but this Elder One…” Cullen says, looking up the mountain.

The Elder One steps up and looks down on the village of Haven… Knowing what he is about to do.

 Red templars are marching down the mountain and towards the Village. Ashe knows what she must do….

“He is very angry that you took his mages.” Cole says

“Cullen! Give me a plan! Anything!” Aiduin orders.

But before Cullen could get a word in, Ashe finally speaks up. “Haven is no fortress. If we are to withstand this monster, this ‘Elder One,’ we must control the battle.” She steps forward with her staff.

Cullen smirks a little, but then says. “Get out there and hit that force.” he points to the trebuchets. “Use everything you can!” 

The Commander then pulls out his sword. “Mages! You-you have sanction to engage them! That is Samson. He will not make it easy!” 

Ashe can feel the magic pouring through her veins. Solas notices that flash goes over her eyes.

“Inquisition! With the Herald! For your lives! For all of us!” Cullen shouts, leading the charge. 

“With pleasure.”

The battle for Haven’s survival began..

#self insert writing #cullen rutherford #original female character #cullen rutherford x original character #male levellan #dragon age #dragon age inquisition #female lead is not inquisitor #the panda writes

[the-panda-writes]

The Siren of the Inquisition

Chapter 8

Masterlist

The days that led to the Herald; along with the allied mages; to closing the Breach, Ashe continued on as a barmaid and part time songstress. She would mainly sing the shanties that she knew when she was requested. 

While she was working, Aiduin had showed up and called her over.

“Well, hello stranger.” Ashe said, her southern slang coming through by accident. “What can I get you?” She said, pulling out a small notepad. 

“I’ll just have whatever Flissa is serving,” he said. 

“Well… I actually made tonight's dinner…” Ashe told him, embarrassingly. “I wanted to make my mother’s infamous chili. Always warmed me up on a cold night.” 

“Well, I will definitely try that. It sounds delightful!” Aiduin proclaimed.

“Coming right up then!” Ashe ran to the back to grab his serving.

Aiduin sits there just listening to the hustle and bustle of the tavern when he overhears something.

“... give to have that woman.” One man said behind him. Wondering whom they were talking about, he decides to listen in.

“Yea, I agree with you.” the other, whom was with the first, had said in agreement. “Amazing body, can cook, and she sings!” 

“I wonder what else she can do with that mouth of hers..” They both chuckle.

Aiduin was about to step in when Ashe came back with his meal. “Is there anything else I can get for you, Herald?” she asks kindly.

“Nothing else, thank you; but I would like to have a word with you.” he asks, but before she could answer, the pair of men called her over.

“Barmaid! Another ale!” 

“I’m sorry. I’ll be right back!” Ashe says, gesturing for him to stay put as she goes to get the ale the men demanded. She comes back minutes later with their ale, giving them pleasantries and rushes out of there quickly before the two could put in two words in. “Hey! I’m back. You wanted to talk to me about something.” 

“Yes, but I want to talk to you about one concern though.” Aiduin told her, worried about what those two men said about her. “Don’t look, but I overheard those two men behind me talk obscenely about you. Here,” he takes out a small dagger, hilted in a leather holster, and hands it to her. “Keep this on you at all times. I know you have your magic to defend yourself, but men like them always have a trick up their sleeves.”

“I know, Herald. My father taught me how to defend myself, but I appreciate your concern.” Ashe says, taking the dagger and strapping it on. “Now, was there something else you wanted to talk to me-” 

“SOMEONE HELP!” A woman running into the tavern hysterically. “Please! My son!” 

Ashe is the first to run to her. “Tell me what happened, quickly!”

“My son was playing with some of the other children when they went to step out onto the frozen lake! I kept an eye on him, just to be sure and the ice broke from under him!” 

Ashe had heard enough as she ran to the frozen lake, the mother and the Herald of Andraste hot on her heels.

As they came up to the lake, a small crowd had formed. “Has the boy resurfaced? Has anyone seen him?”

They all say no. Without thinking, she takes off her shoes and glasses and jumps into the hole that was not far from the lake's inlet.

Aiduin is shocked by what he just witnessed. He orders one of the guards to bring warm blankets and a healer.

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

Cullen POV

Cullen was just observing the recruits when he saw one running to the supply shed as quickly as he could.

“What is going on?” He demanded. 

“Sir! A young boy has fallen through the frozen lake! A woman has gone in to find him! I was ordered by the Herald himself to bring blankets and a healer!” The recruit told him and he went to get the blankets.

“You go grab the first healer or mage you see, I will bring the blankets to the Herald! GO!” Cullen orders and he rushes to the lakeside. “Herald!”

“Commander! Thank you.” Aiduin says as Cullen hands him the blankets. 

“What is the situation? Who is in there?” Cullen asks in a haste.

“The mother came into the tavern calling for help. Ashe and I ran back here to help and by the time I got to the lakeside, she had already jumped into the frozen lake.” Aiduin explained to him.

“Who jumped into the lake?”

“Ashe!” Aiduin shouts as the woman they speak of breaks through the water with the small boy in her arms.

“My lady! Are you alright?” Cullen says, draping the blanket over her. 

Ashe bears him no mind as she shakes the boy's shoulders to get him to respond. “Are you okay, sweetheart? Can you hear me?” 

Placing two fingers on the boy's neck and tilting her head near his mouth, she shouts “I don’t have a pulse and he’s not breathing!” She places both hands on the boy’s chest and she starts to push down on him.

“What is going on here?” Cullen hears Dorian as he is running to assist. 

“I have no idea what she’s doing…” Cullen says as he just watches her.

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

Ashe POV

Ashe can barely register her surroundings. All that she is focused on is saving this child’s life. When the adrenaline is starting to wear off a bit, she can hear Dorian.

“Dorian! Are you good at lightning spells?” Ashe questions as she finishes up chest compressions. “... 29, 30!” 

“Yes? Why do you need to use magic?” He asks, seeing her bring her mouth up to the child’s and giving small breaths to him. 

“Because I need you to send a small pulse of electricity through him to jumpstart his heart!” She explains to him, continuing compressions.

“If I were to do that, it could kill him either way!” Dorian shouts. 

“We have to try! I am not letting this boy die!” Ashe yells at him, looking at him dead in the eye. “Get charged up! After I give him two rescue breaths, put one hand on his sternum and the other on his lateral abdomen, just below his chest!” 

Dorian nods and charges his hands with electricity. 

“On my signal! 28, 29, 30!” Ashe gives the boy two rescue breaths and shouts, “CLEAR! NOW!”

Dorian then sends a small pulse of electricity through the small boy and the child jerks awake!

The boy is coughing up the water as Ashe turns him on his side as the mother rushes to her son, cradling his head on her lap. She says something in a language that Ashe could only tell is Antivan, thanking her for saving her son.

“He’ll be fine…” Ashe says, taking the other blanket from Cullen and wrapping it around the boy. “He just needs to rest and get warmed up.” 

“Thank you! May Andraste bless you and your children!” the Antivan woman says to her and Ashe just nods. 

The mother and son rush away as the crowd disperses, leaving just Cullen, the Herald and Dorian surrounding Ashe. They all just stare at her, thinking how a woman like her knew how to save this child’s life. 

Cullen kneels down to her, placing a comforting hand on her back. “You are amazing.” he says, barely a whisper.

Ashe just chuckles as she tries to reach for her shoes and glasses. Aiduin rushes to get them for her as both Dorian and Cullen go to stand up. Cullen offers her his hand and she grabs it, only to be unable to get up.

“Um…. Cullen…” Ashe says, hiding her face, embarrassed.

“Yes, my lady?” 

“Could you…” Ashe says, grabbing his cloak. “Could you carry me? My legs aren’t working because of all the excitement.” 

Dorian just chuckles as Cullen smiles. “As you wish, my lady.” Cullen helps her up (with Dorian’s help, and lifts up in his arms, making sure she’s wrapped up in the blanket. 

“Thank you…” Ashe says quietly, placing her head on his chest and dozing off.

#self insert writing #cullen rutherford #original female character #cullen rutherford x original character #male levellan #dorian pavus #dorian pavus x male!inquisitor #dorian x inquisitor #dragon age #dragon age inquisition #female lead is not inquisitor #the panda writes

[the-panda-writes]

The Siren of the Inquisition

Chapter 7

Masterlist

After the match, Aiduin and his retinue went to the tavern to celebrate her win.

“Guys, we don’t have to!” Ashe laughs as they begin to practically push her into the tavern.

“Of course! I owe Tiny money and I plan to use it on a round of drinks!” Varric said with a grin.

Ashe just laughs as they stumble into the tavern and as soon as she sets foot into the door, Flissa rushes over to her.

“Oh! Thank the Maker you’re here!” Flissa says, panicked.

“What’s wrong, Flissa?” Ashe asks out of concern.

“Mayrden, the Bard that was supposed to come play for us had a last minute session in Val Royeaux. The people are starting to get too rowdy and I need your help now!” Flissa explained.

Ashe pondered it for a minute. “I’ll help. I sang in a few taverns in my travels to earn some coin. Do you have an instrument I can borrow?”

Flissa goes behind the bar and pulls out a violin and a bow. I barely know how to play the violin, but I need to keep to the story behind my character in this world. “I’m kinda rusty, so please bear with me.” She says, almost hesitating to take them.

Maybe Téir Abhaile Riú will be good enough. Ashe thinks as she begins. She starts a few times, adjusting the pegs on them a few times. Once in tune to her liking, she nods to the group and steps out to the middle of the tavern floor. Cullen walks in before she starts to play, notices that she’s shaking. He goes to stop whatever is going on but Aiduin stops him with a hand.

“Let her try.” is the only thing he says, then leads his retinue to a vacant table

Ashe doesn’t notice Cullen walk in because she’s scared out of her mind right now; but, she closes her eyes and takes a deep breath. Placing her chin on the rest, she begins playing.

All the noise in the tavern is silenced at her playing, but Ashe is just immersed in the music before she begins to sing.

“Look how the light of the town

The lights of the town are shining now

Tonight I'll be dancing around

I'm off on the road to Galway now”

Ashe can feel her magic flow through her as she plays and sings, creates an illusion duplications of herself that echoes her;

“Look how she's off on the town

She's off on a search for sailors though

There's fine fellas here to be found

She's never been one to stay at home

Home you'll go and it's there you'll stay

And you've work to do in the morning

Give up your dream of going away

Forget your sailors in Galway

Téir abhaile riú, téir abhaile riú

Téir abhaile riú Mhearai

Téir abhail gus fan sa bhaile

Mar tá do mhargadh déanta”

Ashe plays the violin with more passion and Cullen notices this as well. She begins to dance a little before she goes:

“Come now and follow me down

Down to the lights of Galway where

There's fine sailors walking the town

And waiting to meet the ladies there

Watch now he'll soon be along

He's finer than any sailor so

Come on now pick up your spoons

He's waiting to hear you play them WHOOO!”

As Ashe finishes that line, she throws off the headband she was wearing and shakes her hair, becoming more wild as she begins to feel more… free as she sings:

“Here today and she's gone tomorrow

And next she's going to Galway

Jiggin' around and off to town

And won't be back until morning

Téir abhaile riú, téir abhaile riú

Téir abhaile riú Mhearai

Téir abhail gus fan sa bhaile

Mar tá do mhargadh déanta”

Cullen sees her continue to play after that verse, her becoming more passionate and her magic reacts the same. It’s nothing like the magic he has dealt with before; her magic is more…. comforting. Other magic was used in self defense or for their own personal gain, but hers…. He feels safe.

“Off with a spring in my step

The sailors are searching Galway for

A young lady such as myself

For reels and jigs and maybe more

Stay here and never you mind

The lights of the town are blinding you

The sailors they come and they go

But listen to what's reminding you

Handsome men surrounding you

Dancing a reel around you

Home you'll go and it's there you'll stay

And you've work to do in the morning

Give up your dream of going away

Forget your sailors in Galway

Téir abhaile riú, téir abhaile riú

Téir abhaile riú Mhearai

Téir abhail gus fan sa bhaile

Mar tá do mhargadh déanta”

Ashe starts to begin the end of the song going towards the retinue, as if she is serenading them with her magic and song.

“Listen to the music flow

I'm falling for the flow of home

I'm home to dance till dawning

Téir abhaile riú, téir abhaile riú

Téir abhaile riú Mhearai

Téir abhail gus fan sa bhaile

Mar tá do mhargadh déanta

Stay a while and we'll dance together now

As the light is falling

We'll reel away till the break of day

And dance together till morning

Téir abhaile riú, téir abhaile riú

Téir abhaile riú Mhearai

Téir abhail gus fan sa bhaile

Mar tá do mhargadh déanta

Téir abhaile riú, téir abhaile riú

Téir abhaile riú Mhearai

Téir abhail gus fan sa bhaile

Mar tá do mhargadh déanta

Do Mhargadh de - do mhargadh déanta”

The minute the music stops, she throws the bow in the air, spins around and catches it. Her duplications disappear in a flash and she takes a bow. The tavern erupts in applause as Ashe just smiles and laughs as she turns towards the Inner circle.

Aiduin and his advisors come up to applaud her.

“You are just full of surprises, no?” Josephine compliments her. “I do not believe I have heard or seen such a wonderful performance.”

“Yes, it was very entertaining.” Leliana compliments with one of her rare smiles. “Maybe it will help with morale of the people and of the soldiers.”

“I for one am more relaxed now than I was before I came in.” Cullen admitted out loud. This shocked even Liliana, but she kept her words to herself.

Before Ashe could put a word in, Flissa ran up to her. “That was an amazing performance, girlie! I should have hired you as my bard and not a barmaid!”

“Why can’t she do both?” Dorian points out from behind Flissa.

“I can’t possibly do that!” Ashe says, brushing a hair behind her ear, blushing nervously.

“You clearly have the talent for it and your magic responds very well with music.” Solas speaks out of nowhere. “I am very impressed and would like to understand this magic as well, if you allow me?” he asks with a finger to his chin.

“Suuuuure??” Ashe says, awkwardly. She begins to shrink in on herself with all these people around her and Aiduin notices it.

“Let us continue with the night and then retire. We all still need our rest if we are to ally with the Rebel Mages.” he states, clearing a path for Ashe. “Go rest in our cottage, you’ve had a very exciting day and you need your rest for tomorrow.”

Ashe practically runs out of the tavern, but is more dreadful in knowing what is going to happen to the Herald. Yet, she can’t tell him because it would paint more of a target on her and he, nor the rest of the Inner Circle, especially Cullen, will trust her.

After Ashe leaves the tavern, Solas confronts the Herald. “Da’len, I must speak with you.”

“What is wrong, Solas?” Aiduin asks, worried.

“Let us discuss this in a more private setting. Please, follow me.” Solas says as he leads the Herald outside and away from prying eyes. “I am concerned for Ashe and her magic.”

“I have noticed that her magic is different from the type of magic our people have done. But why are you concerned?” Aiduin asks.

“I am concerned because I have never seen this type of magic before, even in my travels into the Fade. Yet, it feels the same as if the ancient elves had conjured it.” Solas explains with wonder.

“So, you are saying that she is not like other mages?” Aiduin asks in shock.

Solas stares at him and says, “I am saying that she is a different type of mage in general.”

#self insert writing #cullen rutherford #original female character #cullen rutherford x original character #male levellan #dragon age #dragon age inquisition #female lead is not inquisitor #the panda writes

[the-panda-writes]

The Siren of the Inquisition

Chapter 6

Masterlist

Cullen’s POV

What am I thinking? Cullen thinks to himself as he removes his armor in an empty tent near the training grounds. She’s a woman! And a mage no less… He continues to hate this duel more and more when Cassandra comes into the tent.

“Are you having second thoughts, Commander?” Cassandra always knew what went on in his head. 

“I don’t want to hurt her. She seems so fragile and she’s barely been awake a week!” Cullen tells her. “Maybe I should just forfeit.” 

“Commander, she challenged you. Not the other way around. Ashe would not have if she knew she wanted to.” Cassandra told him, explaining it to him plainly as he finishes removing his armor. “Plus, I do not think she is as fragile as you think.” 

“What do you mean-” Cullen starts to say as he walks out to the tent and catches a glimpse of the woman that challenged him.

She had decided to put a strap of cloth over her head to remove her hair from her eyesight; her glasses were not on her nose, but she had yet to notice him.

She was wearing a long sleeve tunic tucked into a high waisted pair of leggings and wearing elbow length leather gloves, but decided to wear the traditional footwear of the Dalish. 

Aiduin or Solas must have lent her a pair. He thinks, his eyes ogling her form. She was very proportional, especially in the hips. 

Before his eyes could wander any further up, he heard the woman in question look towards him.

-----------

Ashe POV

Ashe was getting prepared for her sparring/duel with the Commander, Varric decided to put in a few smarmy words.

“Don’t look now, sweetheart, but Curly is looking our way; and I’m sure he's not looking at Tiny.” He chuckles.

Ashe looks over her shoulder discreetly but not-so-discreetly and notices his stare as he saunders over to the training area. Apparently, people are starting to form a crowd, seeing how a mage had the gall to challenge the Commander.

“The Commander can look all he wants, but he can’t touch.” Ashe says teasingly. At least not now. She thinks, walking over to the weapons rack and picks up a sword. She spins in by the hilt, tests the weight then twirls it around. 

As the inner circle looks, The Iron Bull comments that he has money on her and Varric agrees.

Ashe then walks to the training area, the crowd parting to let her in to face her opponent along with Cassandra.

“Alright, for this to be a fair fight, you are not allowed to use magic.” Cassandra says to Ashe and she agrees. “Are you ready, Commander?”

Cullen nods, unsheathing his sword, gripping its hilt with both hands.

“Fight!” Cassandra shouts and rushes out of the way.

As she does, Cullen and Ashe rush to each other, swords clanging when they meet.

“At least you can hold your ground, my lady.” Cullen says with a smirk, pushing her backwards. 

“Just don’t hold… back.” Ashe says, grunting as she tries to push him back with all her strength. Cullen just chuckles as he pushes her off balance and swings, but Ashe bends backwards, showing off her flexibility, missing his strike.

She gets back up and they clash swords again, Ashe now getting the upper hand. Cullen then finds an opening and clashes their swords so hard, she loses her grip and her blade falls from her hand. Cullen goes for the finishing move, but Ashe has a trick up her sleeve. 

She’s always wanted to try this move ever since she saw Iron Man 2: The Black Widow Takedown.

Ashe uses her hand to block and disarm him; using the momentum to bring her up, does a scissor takedown, and having him land on his back, knocking the wind out of him. Ashe quickly picks Cullen’s sword and angles the blade tip by his neck.

“Do you yield?” Ashe proclaims. Cullen just looks around him, but nods.

 “...Yes. I yield.” He says, conceiting. She removes the blade from his neck and holds out a hand. Cullen takes it, surprised Ashe could help him up. 

She gives Cullen back his sword. “Good match. We should do it again sometimes.” Ashe says, punching his shoulder lightly then walking towards the Herald and the rest of the Inner Circle, which now had Lilliana and Josephine. 

Aiduin hands the woman her glasses, which she entrusted to him before the match, before giving her a big slap on the arm in congratulations.

“I have never seen an ending move like that in all my training! You need to teach me that!” He happily exclaims, putting an arm over her shoulder as he and his retinue follow.

Cullen just stands there gobsmacked that a woman, a mage was able to take him down… He was very impressed.

That was how he knew his infatuation with this young woman became to being absolutely smitten with her..

#dragon age inquisition #cullen rutherford #cullen rutherford x original character #original female character #dorian pavus x male!inquisitor #female lead is not inquisitor #dragon age #dorian pavus #cassandra pentaghast #the iron bull #varric thetras #the panda writes #self insert writing

[the-panda-writes]

Help Me Get Away From Myself - Part 1 (You Let Me Complicate You)

Pairing: Joel Miller (TLOU) x Female Reader (JTGTBG universe)

Word Count: 7,960

Rating: M. Language. Reliving trauma. Loss. Typical TLOU violence/death mentions.

Warning: There are OUTRIGHT spoilers in here for The Last of Us. If you are trying to go into the show not knowing about important plot points, this story is not for you because I am EXPLICITLY TALKING ABOUT SOMETHING THAT HAPPENS THAT IS ESSENTIAL TO JOEL’S BACKSTORY. I understand that that means some of you can’t/won’t be able to read this … and that’s fine. It’ll still be here after the first few episodes of the show air.

Summary: You know what Joel’s birthday means to him - and why it’s essential that no one makes a big deal out of the day - and the one after it. But when you and Tommy hatch a plan to get Joel out of Jackson for a few days, it becomes impossible for Joel to keep you in the dark about the finer details… and what he’s like while he relives the trauma of September 26 and 27, 2013. 

Author’s note:

Just Too Good to Be Gone universe - takes place a few weeks after “Promise Not to Stop When I Say When”

HAPPY THE LAST OF US PART 1 RELEASE DAY, FRIENDS. 

I originally wanted to post this on Joel’s birthday, but decided not to wait three more weeks. This is darker. This is angsty. But there’s a reason for it - and getting through this first ‘milestone’ day is important for these two moving forward. 

I love this man with my whole entire heart, and know that this is very much a set-up chapter … but the next one is not. (It’s also much longer, but I wasn’t about to drop 18k of a single chapter on you all). 

Thank you for reading - thank you for any feedback. And please, please PLEASE - if you have any question, feel free to ask. 

Song Suggestion: “Closer” by Nine Inch Nails

A little under a month and a half. 

That’s how long it had been since the first time you and Joel slept together - you spending the night at his place for the first time, waking up next to him, eating breakfast with him like the world hadn’t gone to shit and it was the morning after a typical date night.

Keep reading

#fic rec #joel miller #joel miller x reader

[the-panda-writes]

Help Me Get Away From Myself - Part 2 (The Only Thing That Works For Me)

Pairing: Joel Miller (TLOU) x Female Reader (JTGTBG universe)

Word Count: 14,701 (Don’t even look at me. I know it’s long AF)

Rating: NSFW. This is a smutty one - but it’s also got just about everything else in it too - angst, painful memories, talk of loss of a child, rough sex, injury, TLOU canon type situations. There are a LOT of difficult things mentioned in this - be warned.

Warning: There are OUTRIGHT spoilers in here for The Last of Us. If you are trying to go into the show not knowing about important plot points, this story is not for you because I am EXPLICITLY TALKING ABOUT SOMETHING THAT HAPPENS THAT IS ESSENTIAL TO JOEL’S BACKSTORY. I understand that that means some of you can’t / won’t be able to read this … and that’s fine. It’ll still be here after the first few episodes of the show air.

Summary: Alone with Joel at the cabins, there’s a lot to talk about - and even more to worry about. When you and Joel get deeper into the past, and he shows you a different side of himself than most have seen, are you going to be able to be what he needs? 

Author’s note:

Just Too Good to Be Gone universe - takes place a few weeks after “Promise Not to Stop When I Say When”

This has taken much longer than I wanted it to to get done - but there was a lot I wanted to cover in this chapter so I didn’t want to rush it. I hope you all like it. 

I’ve included a link to the group of cabins - as well as one to the brand of whiskey I mention in this chapter - on the masterlist page in case you’re interested in seeing the setup / knowing what Joel likes to drink. 

Thank you for reading - thank you for any feedback. And please, please PLEASE - if you have any questions, feel free to ask.

Song Suggestion: “Closer” by Nine Inch Nails

Catch up on part 1 (You Let Me Complicate You) here 

It was strange to be in such an isolated place with Joel, especially as the sky darkened slowly, the sun setting behind the mountains to the west. But I like it. You watched him work - the man keeping busy long after Tommy had ridden off, heading back in the direction of town. Joel seemed refreshed from his nap - which had lasted nearly 45 minutes, and so the two of you were able to get a lot done. 

Keep reading

#joel miller #joel miller x reader #fic rec

[the-panda-writes]

The Siren of the Inquisition

Chapter 5

Masterlist

Ashe woke up before sunrise. She really couldn’t help it.

Waking up in a different world kind of gives you a different perspective on time.

Plus, when she worked long hours, she would often wake up before the sun broke through the skies. Looking around, she sees the Herald still sound asleep in his bed. He had decided that she would stay in his cabin until proper accommodations were prepared. Aiduin even commissioned a bed for her and put it on the opposite side of where he slept. 

I guess he is trying to get on my good side, trying to let me see that not all full-blooded elves are bad. Ashe thought to herself at the time when they brought the bed in. But now, she’s just happy to have a semblance of home.

Home.

I wonder if I will be able to get back. I don’t belong here. Ashe thinks as she gets ready for the day. She forgoes the outfit Vivianne had picked out for her and she grabs one of Aiduin’s leather vests, a long sleeve shirt and leggings. She ordered some boots from Seggrit due to the snow seeping into the other pair of shoes she had. Ashe preferred she didn’t lose her toes to frostbite.

Once she finishes getting ready, she grabs the leatherbound journal she found and quietly leaves the cabin and heads towards the frozen lake. Ashe stands on the tallest hill, looking over the vast expanse of the lake. 

She has wondered what her powers were like here? Are they the same as other mages or was she different like Solas and Morrigan?

Well she didn’t know shit about the Fade, and she didn’t want to risk shapeshifting into one of those giant creepy crawlies.

Ashe got a chill up her spine just thinking about it.

Ok. Start with something simple. Fire magic sounds basic. She thinks to herself. 

Ashe focuses on what the essence of fire is. It's not just not destruction, but rebirth. She pours the feeling into her palms and they ignite. 

“WHOA!!” Ashe stumbles seeing the fire in her hands. They don’t even burn, it feels like… a heartbeat fluttering. Closing her hands, the fire disperses and it got her thinking. 

The basic magic spells are: Fire, Ice, Lightning, Earth and Spirit. Mixing spells can give different outcomes like when she cast the glamour yesterday. With basic fundamentals and science, she could probably spellweave, creating different types of magic. 

But yesterday was a fluke. I had no idea what I was doing. Ashe thinks. Maybe if I just practice and write down my findings, I can get a better understanding.

Ashe ponders this while heading to the tavern for breakfast.

--------

As she enters the Tavern, she goes straight to Flissa. 

“Hey, I would just like to have whatever you’re serving.” Ashe requested. 

“Sure. That’ll be three silvers.” Flissa said. Ashe fishes out the last of her coin and gives it to her. “It’ll be out soon. I hope you will be joining me behind the counter soon, lass.” 

“I will. Is tomorrow good?” She asks. Flissa just nods and gets to work on other patrons.

Ashe goes to sit at a table off in the corner, not wanting to attract attention to herself. She starts to write notes in her journal, not noticing two people sitting in front of her.

“Good morning.” A man’s voice rings out.

“Mornin’ girlie.” A woman’s voice comes after.

Ashe looks up and sees Dorian and a blonde elf. 

“Can I help you two with something?” Ashe says still writing down her notes. 

“Oh nothing, just wanting to make conversation.” Dorian says as he begins to drink his wine, making a disgusting look as soon as he tastes it.

Before Ashe could say anything, Flissa brought her breakfast. “Here you go, lass.” 

“Thank you.” She says as she closes her notebook and pushes it to the side. She begins to eat when the elf starts to speak.

“So, yer a mage, huh?” The elf asks.

“Yes. And you’re a Red Jenny?” Ashe says, looking up at her from the rim of her glasses as she eats.

“Yes. Wot of it?” The elf asks, getting defensive.

“I have come across the Friends of Red Jenny a few times during my travels.” Ashe says as she continues. “I actually fought a group once.” That got the elf to her feet. “Don’t worry, I’m not stupid enough to kill them. We ended up teaming up together to defeat a common threat.” she tells the elf, who is now getting back down to her chair. “The pompous prick that your friends killed tried to kidnap me.”

“Why didn’t you try to escape?” Dorian finally speaks up.

“Well, to my misfortune, the prick had a pack of Templars with him.” Ashe drinks from her cup. “Probably wanted to ‘share me’ once he was out of the city since I’m kind of a novelty. ‘Pretty half-breed bitch should have a nice cunt.’ one said.” 

“Lucky you escaped with your dignity.” Dorian said, looking at her with sympathy. 

“Yes, and I cut off the guy's dick and fed it to a pack of wild Mabari.” Ashe says, making the elf spit out her drink and laugh. “Lucky your friends distracted them enough to where one attempted to kill me, but I electrocuted one of the guards that the prick hired and we teamed up. Left on good terms.” Ashe says as she finishes her meal. 

Suddenly she burped loudly and covered her mouth. “‘Scuse me.” 

“I like you!” The elf says, still laughing. “My name’s Sera. I already know your name. Let's get together sometime!” and with that, she left.

“Well, that was quite the story.” Dorian says. “Also, you know my name, but I don’t have the pleasure to know yours.”

Ashe told Dorian her name, exchanging greetings. “So, what were you writing in that journal before Sera and I showed up?”

“I was writing down some notes on how to combine different types of magics to make something new.” Ashe explained to him. “A form of ‘spellweaving’ if there is such a term.”

“I have seen the term among my time at the Magesterium, though from what the Inquisitor has told me, you have as well.” Dorian points out.

“Yes, but Tevinter magic is different from other forms of magic. I’m trying to combine them all together to create a different form altogether.” Ashe explains to him. 

Dorian was at a loss for words. They continue this conversation for about another hour before Cullen walks into the tavern and sees them together. A pang of jealousy that he knows not where it came from washes over him, but disregards it as he walks up to the pair.

“Good morning, My Lady. Sera Pavus.” Cullen speaks to them.

“Good morning, ser. Bright eyed and bushy tailed aren’t we?” Dorian says, drinking the rest of his wine. “Well, my dear, we shall continue this intellectual discussion later. It seems that the Commander is not quite finished with you.” he says with a small wink, making Ashe blush.

“Oh, piss off, Dorian.” Ashe shoos him away. “We’ll talk later, maybe after your chat with our dear Herald?” she says with one eyebrow raised and with a teasing look. 

That shut Dorian up; he just chuckles as he gets up to leave.

After a few minutes, Cullen coughs into his hand. “I hope I wasn’t interrupting anything.” He says as he sits across Ashe, where the Magister was sitting prior.

“Oh, no!” Ashe waves him off. “We were just discussing different fundamentals of magic and I shared some of my theories with him.” She crosses her arms on the table leaning forward. “Did you sleep well?”

“As much as I hate to admit. It has been rough the last couple of days.” Cullen says and he rubs his hands together. “Why are you up so early anyways?” 

“Force of habit, I guess.” Ashe says. “I’m used to waking up before dawn. My mind is always running and the last couple of days have been rough for me as well.” 

“Is there anything you wish for me to do, you need only ask.” Cullen says sincerely. 

“The only thing right now is just trying to contact my family and let them know I’m alright.” Ashe says.

“I will have a word with Liliana and see if we can get word out to them.” Cullen says as he stands up, holding his hand out to her. 

Ashe can feel the tips of her ears burning and she grabs his hand to help her up. “Thank you, Commander.”

“Just Cullen is fine.” Cullen says as they both walk out of the tavern.

“Well, ‘Just Cullen’, I recall that yesterday evening, you showed me your training area. I need to blow off some steam so I would like to request to use it as well?” Ashe said with a smug look.

“Well, of course. But you are a mage, do you have any experience of wielding anything other than a staff?” Cullen asked her with a smirk.

 Ashe walks close to him where they are barely a breath away from each other. “Try me.” She says.

“Is that a challenge I hear?” a booming voice comes up. Ashe turns and sees a giant Qunari along with Cassandra, Varric and the Herald.

“If you are challenging Curly, I definitely want to see this.” Varric boasts.

“Well, it’s only a challenge if the Commander accepts it. Unless he’s too afraid to hurt a woman who is also a mage?” Ashe says, goating Cullen.

Hearing ‘oohs’ from the peanut gallery, Ashe just turns to Cullen. Taking a deep breath, he says, “Challenge accepted, My lady.” 

Cullen starts to walk to an empty area before he’s stopped by the woman challenging him.

“My terms are, to make this a fair sparring session, you must remove your armor.” Cullen and the rest of the inner circle just stare at her as. Ashe just smiles. “Do we have a deal?”

#self insert writing #cullen rutherford #cullen rutherford x original character #original female character #dorian pavus x male!inquisitor #dragon age #dragon age inquisition #female lead is not inquisitor #the panda writes

[the-panda-writes]

The Siren of the Inquisition

Chapter 4

Masterlist

After Ashe decided to step out of the War Room, she decided to venture out into Haven, see if there is anything she can do to help.

She decided to check out the Apothecary first, maybe Adan would give her some work. 

“Hello?” Ashe speaks up.

“Yes, may I help you?” Adan speaks. “Ah. I know you! The half-elf that fell through one of those so-called ‘rifts’. How are you feeling now?” 

“I’m feeling well, thank you for asking. If it wasn’t for the healers, I may have frozen to death.” Ashe says with a smile.

“That's good then. Are you looking for some potions or…?” Adan begins.

“Oh, no! I was wondering if you had a position open for work?” Ashe explains. “I want to help in any way I can.”

“I’m sorry miss, but I have no positions open at the moment. Maybe Flissa may be able to help with that, she has mentioned she is in need of some workers.” Adan told her.

“Oh, thank you sir!” Ashe says turning to go. “If you need anything, please do not hesitate to ask ser..?”

“Adan. I will let you know if I am in need of any assistance.” Adan chuckles as she sprints out the door. 

The minute she stepped a foot out the door, she ran into a broad chest with an oof.

“Oh! I’m sorry! I didn’t see-” Ashe began to apologize.

“It’s no problem, da’len.” A deep voice responds. She looks up and sees a tall bald elf. “I’m pleased that you are alright. We were all worried.” 

“Thank you for your help and hospitality.” Ashe says with a small bow.

“Please, raise your head. You are amongst friends.” He says with a wave of his hand. “I am Solas. A pleasure to meet you while you are conscious.”

“Hello, My name is Ashe.” Ashe gives a curtsey. “It’s a pleasure to meet you as well. You’re one of the people who saved me, so I am grateful.” Even though I already know who you are. She decided to keep that last part to herself.

“It ‘twas no trouble.” Solas says with a smile. “You did make quite the entrance you know.”

Ashe smiles nervously while rubbing the back of her head. “Well, not as grand as the Herald, I presume?”

Solas looks at her in suspicion, making sure she doesn't notice. “Well, not everyone can come in from the fade.”

They both stand in awkward silence for a few minutes, Ashe trying not to make eye contact with him.

“Ah. I must be keeping you. We will catch up later if you so wish.” Solas says as he steps to the side. “I hope to see you again.”

“We’ll see.” Ashe says with a small wave as she heads to the tavern.

I wonder…. Solas thinks as he sees her look over her shoulder before entering the tavern.

—-------

Outside the Chantry

As the meeting adjourned and they went back to their respectful positions, Cullen went to look for their guest. 

“I wonder where she would have run off to.” Cullen ponders to himself. Since she is also a mage, he figured she may be with the other mages under the Inquisition’s protection, so he decided to head towards there. 

“If you’re looking for the new girl, she ain’t over there, Curly.” Varric points out as Cullen walks towards the gates. 

“I’m sorry?” Cullen asks, confused. 

“She ain’t with the other mages. I saw her head towards Adan’s cottage. She’s probably looking for work.” Varric says. Cullen takes his word and heads over to the tavern.

When he reaches it a few minutes later, just before the door opens, the woman that has been invading his thoughts bumped right into him.

“Oh. Pardon me, my lady.” Cullen says, checking on her.

“What is with you people calling me a lady? Huh?” Ashe says, holding her nose. 

“I’m-” Cullen begins to say before she holds one finger up, then steps to the side and sneezes.

“Ugh. I’m sorry, that happens more often than you think, Commander.” Ashe explains as she sneezes again. “My nose is sensitive, it always has been.” she says, rubbing her nose.

“It is no trouble, my lady.” Cullen chuckles. “And bless you.”

“Thank you.” Ashe giggles. “You wanted to say something?” 

“Yes.” Cullen says, wiping the smile off his face. “I was wondering if you were still up for a tour of Haven?”

“Oh yes! Please?” Ashe says, excitedly “I would like the lay of the land before starting work.”

“So you were able to get the job at the Tavern, then?” Cullen asks.

“Yes. How did you know that?” 

“Varric told me while I went searching for you.” he says, rubbing his neck, blushing a bit.

Oh. Mah. Gerd. He did it! He’s so cute, I could die! Ashe’s brain malfunctioned, but didn’t let it show on her face.

“Well, lead the way.” She told him. In response, he made a hand gesture that typically means after you.

—-----------------

“And this is our training area.” Cullen points out. “This is where I spent most of my time, apart from the war table.”

“Maybe I’ll spend some of my spare time here.” Ashe pointed out.

“Well, I hope you can keep up, my lady.” he says, jokingly. Ashe quirks an eyebrow and smirks.

“We’ll see.” she says, accepting the challenge. “How about tomorrow?”

#self insert writing #cullen rutherford #cullen rutherford x original character #dorian pavus x male!inquisitor #dragon age #dragon age inquisition #original female character #female lead is not inquisitor #the panda writes

[the-panda-writes]

The Siren of the Inquistion

Masterlist

Her heritage derives from the Dalish Clan Sabrae, she was whisked away from her family and home to the feet of the Herald of Andraste. Once given her identity, she decides to stay with them until she can find passage to her home. Working in a tavern is the best she can do, as a singer and a barmaid.

Pretty much a Modern girl in Thedas type thing but she has a species change.

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Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Chapter 11 Chapter 12 Chapter 13

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[the-panda-writes]

The Siren of the Inquisiton

Chapter 3 

I wonder which point in the game I’m in. Ashe thinks as she tries on the clothes Dorian gave her. They looked like they came straight from a Renaissance Festival. The top was a pink creme color that bunch together at the elbow and around the chest, then flares out in ruffles. With this, they’ll see more than what I have to offer. She thinks, putting it on. Next is a burgundy red skirt. Simple enough to put on and looks good with the top. Lastly is a brown leather corselet. Andraste I hope this fits… She is struggling to put it on and not sure how to do it properly when someone knocks on the door.

“My Lady? Is everything alright?” A female elven servant comes in.

“Perfect timing! Could you help me put this on? It’s been a while since I’ve worn one.” Ashe admits with a blush.

“Of course, miss.” The woman then goes to help Ashe with putting it on. It is a struggle, but after close to half an hour trying to secure it, she is able to tie it up with enough room to breathe just a little. “There we go. Here are your shoes ma’am.” The woman hands her a pair of flats. Slipping them on, it’s a perfect fit. “The Commander wishes to meet you at the War Table along with Mistress Liliana, Lady Josephine and The Herald of Andraste for questioning. I have been asked to escort you.”

Probably wondering how I got here no doubt. Ashe contemplates before speaking. “Lead the way!”

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

In the War Room…

“We don’t know if she is here to harm the Inquisition, Liliana.” Cassandra says to the spymaster.

“There is nothing we know about her. We don’t even know her name!” Liliana counters, putting her hands behind her back. “How do you know she isn’t here to hurt us or not?”

“I carried her unconscious body here, something must have happened to her before she fell through!” Aiduin shouts. “She was covered in bruises and cuts.”

“I get your concern, Herald, but we need to know who she is and where she comes from before we let her roam freely. She is an apostate; and from what I could tell, she has some powerful, untapped magic that could cause chaos.” Cullen says, calming the room.

Before anyone could say anything more, the woman they were discussing walks in.

The moment she walked in, Cullen felt like all the air had left his lungs. She was breathtaking, even in the simplest attire.

“How are you feeling, my Lady.” Josephine cuts in before he gets a chance to say anything.

“Please,” the woman waves off. “I’m no lady. You can call me Ashe.”

“Ashe?” Aiduin questions. “That is a strange name for a Dalish elf.” he comments.

“It’s ‘cause I’m not Dalish.” Ashe points out. “My vallaslin is a sign of my Dalish heritage from my mother’s side.”

“So, you’re not a full elf?” Lilianna asks. “What about your father? Do you know him?”

“If you are insinuating that my mother was raped by Shemlen and decided to keep me, you’re wrong.” Ashe scowls at the spymaster. “I’m actually the second eldest in my family.”

“So, your father… Is he human?” Cullen asks.

Ashe grows nervous under his stare and wraps herself in her arms. “Yes. My parents have been together for nearly thirty years now..”

“Wow.” Aiduin says in shock. “They must truly love each other, despite the hardships and scrutiny.”

“Yes. I’m actually one of four children.” Ashe responds.

“Well, that paints somewhat of a picture, but I have a few more questions to ask you.” Lilianna states. “Where are you from and how do you know about some of our members, such as the Commander?”

“I am from Ferelden, but I used to live in the Free Marches, near Kirkwall. My father moved to Kirkwall during the third or fourth blight. That's where he met my mother.”

“So Varric was right about some part of your heritage.” Cassandra comments.

“So your mother was from the clan, Saruna, correct?” Aiduin asks.

“Yes. She was her clan’s First.” Ashe tells him, making Aiduin’s eyebrows raise in surprise. “To answer your second question, I knew of the Commander from when we lived in Kirkwall. My father was protecting me and my family from the Templars and also helped other mages escape the Gallows.”

“I didn’t know about this? How is that you slipped under our noses?” Cullen asks.

“My father and mother were smart, staying under the Templar’s radar by leading mages to another to escape.” Ashe says, standing firm. “But we had to leave when the Qunari invaded Kirkwall. We barely made it out by the skin of our teeth.”

“That must have been hard for your family.” Josephine states her sympathy.

“It’s fine.” Ashe says with a small smile. “After leaving Kirkwall, we headed towards Redcliff, but we ended up settling near Honnleath.”

That made Cullen’s eyes shoot up to his hairline. “That doesn’t explain how you knew the Teventer mage.” he states, crossing his arms.

“I was getting to that, Commander. ” Ashe sneers at him. “After settling in our new home, I decided to travel, wanting to learn more about magic that my mother couldn’t teach me. I’ve nearly been to every major country at least twice.”

“Impressive.” Josephine comments.

“Thank you. I knew of Dorian and his family from my travels to Tevinter Magisterium-” Ashe says before she was cut off.

“I’m sorry. Are we supposed to believe that you were able to get into the Magisterium without getting caught?” Liliana questions.

Ashe just smirks a bit. Might as well give them a show to make sure they believe my story.  

“Do you want me to tell you or show you?” Ashe asks with a smirk. The silence in the room was her only answer. “Stay at the ready, Commander.” she tells him as she closes her eyes.

Just as she does, lightning magic and ice magic appear in each palm. Cullen and Cassandra then stand ready to protect everyone in the room.

Ashe then brings both palms together, as if to combine the magic and brings it close to her head and then the magic snaps, creating an illusion of a glass sphere around her then disappears.

After everything calms down, Ashe pulls her hair behind her ears. Aiduin notices they are no longer pointed… They appear human.

“What did you just do?” Cassandra asks, shocked.

“I casted a glamour. The people within the glamour barrier will see what I truly look like, but those outside will see what I want them to see.” Ashe explains, snapping her fingers and dispersing the spell, returning to normal.

“What about your vallaslin?” Aiduin asks.

“Nothing but a little makeup won’t cover up.” Ashe answers.

“Well, I am impressed.” Aiduin states. “What I’m more worried about is how you got here? You fell through a rift covered in bruises and cuts. How did that happen?”

Ashe then wraps herself in her arms again. “I don’t really know. The last thing I remember is seeing a green light before I blacked out.” she explains, trying to look scared to be convincing.

It took Aiduin less than a minute. “Well, I’m glad you're safe, da’len.”

Ashe looked at him shocked. “I never hoped to be called that by any elf in my life. Thank you for being accepting.” She gives him a small curtsey. “If there is anything you wish to know, you need only ask.”

Aiduin gives her a small smile. “Well, that is all I need to know for now. Anyone else?” he asks, stating the room. When met with silence, he nodded. “So this is put aside, for now. Let us return to more important matters.”

Ashe slips out as they discuss whether or not to recruit the rebel mages or the Templars. Cullen watches her leave as the rest of the advisors and the Herald discuss other topics of interest.

#dragon age #dragon age inquisition #self insert writing #cullen rutherford #cullen rutherford x original character #dorian pavus x male!inquisitor #original female character #female lead is not inquisitor

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The Siren of the Inquisiton

Chapter 2

Three days have passed since the strange woman fell from the breach. Aiduin went to Redcliff via the Hinterlands to meet with first Enchanter Fiona about an alliance with Cassandra, Sera and Solas.

Madame de Fer decided to stay behind to help with the care of the young woman, making sure she had proper clothes when she woke up. Liliana and Josephine were both trying to gather information on their guest whilst Cullen went back to training recruits.

Cullen couldn’t get the woman out of his head though, wondering where she came from and how she got here.

He tried to get his mind busy with training recruits and maintaining the Inquisition’s forces; his thoughts were cut short when he heard shouting coming from the Herald’s cottage.

He ran there quickly to find the young woman backed into a corner, scared out of her mind.

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

Minutes earlier…

An elven servant was making their rounds of care when they noticed the young woman stirring. Thinking quickly, they ran to get Vivianne.

As they were gone, young Ashe began to blink to adjust to the sudden light, reaching for her glasses.

Except she can’t feel them. She usually keeps them on her bed close to her, so when she wakes up, they’re right there.

She jolts out of bed, vertigo hitting her instantly when she hears the door open.

“Ah. You’re finally awake.” A dark skinned woman said. “You really shouldn’t be out of bed, but how are you feeling, my dear?”

Ashley began to back away into the corner of the room. “Where am I?” she asks, frightened yet demanding.

“You are in Haven, my lady.” the person beside her says. Ashe’s eyes are still trying to adjust, but she’s practically blind without her glasses.

“Ok, I’m gonna level with you. I can’t see for shit right now, so I’m gonna go and get back to reality!” Ashe shouts, laughing a little as she begins to analyze her surroundings. She may not see well right now, but she can see well enough to find an escape.

“I’m afraid you can’t leave right now, dear. You are still weak from the shock and trauma you went through getting here.” Vivianne says, taking a step. “You also nearly froze to death if our Herald hadn’t rescued you.” Another person came into the building; guessing by the height and stature, it was a man.

“What the fuck is a ‘Herald?’” Ashe demands, but she’s just had enough at this point. “You know what, I don’t give a damn at this point! I am leaving!” She shouts as she begins to run towards the open window and jumps out.

“After her! She is needed for questioning!” the man's voice shouts from the building. Why did that voice sound so familiar? Ashe thinks, but brushes the thought away as she looks around her. Finding an opening, she makes a run for it.

Now finally getting her bearings, Ashe notices her senses have heightened as well as her speed. She also notices something…. different about her…

She gets lost in thought, she forgot that she was being chased and some soldiers wearing armor surrounded her. The man comes into the circle as Ashe rubs her eyes a bit to see a bit more clearly.

“Surrender. We don’t want to hurt you.” the man says, sheathing his sword. “No weapons, just come with me. I’ll make sure you don’t hurt anyone.”

“Why would I hurt anyone?” Ashe asks accusingly.

“You are a mage, are you not?” He asks as he takes a step forward.

Ashe’s eyes widened at the realization, looking down at her hands, seeing sparks of magic coming from her fingertips. The realization hits her like a freight train. “No fucking way…” She then looks up and sees the giant hole in the sky. After seeing that, the shock of the realization topples her backwards and she faints.

Before the woman could hit the ground, he runs up and catches her in his arms. Vivianne runs up to them both, examining the young woman.

“Don’t worry, the previous shock from when she woke up caught up with her and she fainted. She just needs some more rest.”

“Do you know why she acted the way she did?” Cullen asks.

“She was confused by her surroundings. Also, I think when she saw the sky torn apart and the shock itself made her go faint.” Vivianne told him.

“From her accent, she sounds like she may be a mix of Ferelden and the Free Marches.” Varric points out.

“Maybe her clan migrated from the Free Marches to Ferelden when Kirkwall’s chantry was destroyed.” Cullen surmised as he carried the woman back to the Herald’s cottage. “I guess we will find out when she fully awakens.” he says, laying her down on the bed.

Curiouser and curiouser… Varric thinks as they all leave to let the girl have some rest.

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

Four more days have passed and Cullen goes to check on the woman on routine after Aiduin returns from Redcliff, but he then is told that someone from the Storm Coast wants to meet him and he is off again; but not before bringing back a Tevinter mage; Dorian of House Pavus, his name was; that was persuaded by the Herald lend his part to help in the care of the woman.

Cullen waits at her bedside when the Tevinter mage walks in.

“How is our patient doing?” Dorian asks, placing a hand on the woman’s forehead. “Still sleeping, I presume?”

“Yes.” the Commander says.

“Well, she may be waking up soon, I hope. It’s been a week as you all have told me.” Dorian points out as he pulls up a chair. Cullen just grunts, not giving the mage a single look, just looking at the woman. Dorian picks up on that and chuckles “I wonder, my dear Commander; why are you always checking in on this woman? Infatuation?”

Cullen just groans, ears turning a slight pink. “I don't really know. I’m just curious about who she is and how she got here.”

“That would make you a majority of the Inquisition as well.” Dorian jokes, but then notices the woman stirring.

Cullen shoots up from his chair, leaning over her, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. “My lady, are you alright? Can you hear me?”

Ashley then opens her eyes slightly. Great, now I have a headache the size of a mountain. She thinks to herself as she struggles to sit up. She feels another hand on her stomach and her back as they help her sit up.

“There you go. Take it easy.” A man’s voice, one different than the one she remembered she heard before, says as she turns towards two figures.

Ashe rubs her eyes, trying to focus, but she is just so tired. “Where am I?” she asks quietly.

“You are still in Haven, my dear. How are you feeling?” The fancy talking man asks her.

“Okay, I guess. I wish I could see, though.” Ashe says trying to make sense of her surroundings. She then catches the other one moving, handing over a small case.

“Here. Lady Vivianne requested these for you. The lenses have an enchantment on them so they will automatically sync with your vision so you can see better.” he says, placing the case in her hands. Ashe opens them and sees they’re a pair of glasses; she puts them on and instantly sees better.

“Better?” the fancy man asked. Once Ashe got a good look at both of them, blinking just to make sure, she just stared blankly at them. “Is something on my face?” Dorian asked, feeling his face to make sure.

“Oh! It's nothing! Sorry for staring.” Ashe says with an awkward smile. “I guess I’m trying to wrap my head around this whole situation.”

An awkward silence fell in the room, Dorian just guffawed. “Well, it seems introductions are in order. My name is-”

“Dorian of house Pavus.” Ashe interrupts him. She then looks to the other man “And you are Cullen Rutherford, former Knight-Commander of Kirkwall’s Templars, now the Commander of the Inquisition’s forces.”

“How did you know that?” Cullen asks in shock as Dorian just looks impressed.

“I may not have any recollection of how I ended up here, Commander, but I keep my nose to the grindstone, keeping up with current events and such.” Ashe points out as she moves to get out of bed. She then notices the shirt and sleep trousers she is wearing. “Whose clothes are these? What happened to the clothes I was wearing?”

“They are getting washed, my Lady.” Dorian tells her, handing a small bundle of clothes. “Try these on for size. I’ll call for one of the servants to help if you need it.” he says as he motions Cullen out of the room.

“Once you are finished, I will show you around Haven if you wish, my Lady.” Cullen says as Dorian leaves the cottage.

“Yes, I would like that, Commander.” Ashe says, giving him a small smile.

“Until later then.” He says, giving her a small bow as he leaves the cottage as well.

Looking out the window, Ashe contemplates how she is going to survive in this world and what story she has to spin to make sure she doesn’t get killed.

#self insert writing #cullen rutherford x original character #cullen rutherford #dorian pavus x male!inquisitor #dragon age #dragon age inquisition #original female character #female lead is not inquisitor #the panda writes