Hero of Ferelden

Yes, I'm very much alive, and yes, I'm very much excited for DA:V!

I'm still on discord if anyone wants to chat there! I'm available most there!

➴

While initially he hadn’t considered the possibility that Rose may well know Sebastian herself, it didn’t surprise him when she informed him of it. Instead, he grinned. In that case, at least three people making this trip were on amicable terms with the man– if you could consider the very likely possibility that Sebastian was going to be pissed at Yvair at least for the first day ‘amicable terms’…

“To be fair, he is a fairly likable noble, especially in comparison with quite a few others I’ve meet.” Yvair settles, crossing his legs underneath himself as he watched Tamlen’s pacing become interrupted by the mabari, the Warden stooping down to give Archer attention for the time being. A hum is offered as Yvair leaned back a bit, peering towards Rose from the corner of his eye.

“He’s the one who gifted me that outfit I was found in. The one with the Chantry symbols all over it? When he heard I was going, he was worried. He insisted on helping in any way he could, to be certain nothing bad would happen to me.” A frown forms, then, and Yvair’s attention drifts down to his Anchored hand as he absentmindedly lifted it up and twisted it, the odd tear hidden away behind leather gloves. “Neither of us could have anticipated this happening, however…”

Emerald hues flicker back up, focusing on the flame that danced in front of them, “… I thought it best not to reach out and inform him I’d survived… considering everything. I anticipate he’s going to be absolutely livid when he finds out I let him think I died.”

The exhaustion of the day was finally starting to catch up with Rose. She followed suit after Yvair, folding her legs under her as she took a seat on his side. Rose could anticipate vividly the emotions that were going to transpire when Sebastian was about to happen. The situation was all too like her own, except Yvair intended to find Sebastian eventually.

Rose glanced at Tamlen, her lips pursing in thought. She could recall vividly the days when she stared out on the horizon and prayed to the Creators for his safety. For this return to her. In that moment, Rose could imagine that Sebastian did the same with Yvair.

“Considering all the adoring fans you had when you were found, you did what was best. He’ll understand.” Rose reached over and gently laced her fingertips between his gloved hand, smilingly fondly as she gave his hand a reassuring squeeze. “I can’t promise that it will be all sunshine and rainbows when you reunite. I don’t know why all the books seem to write that, but he’ll understand when you explain it.” She chuckled a bit. “Besides, you’re too pretty to be mad at for too long.”

"I need to talk to you," Yvair's voice was low as he absentmindedly warmed his hands by the fire. A proper Dalish stew was cooking over the flames, temporarily unattended as Tamlen had wandered off a ways. He seemed restless, but that appeared to be a constant for the Dalish Warden. Emerald hues cast towards where Dorian had found himself a decently comfortable log to sit on and currently had his attention focused on a book he was reading before the last of the daylight slipped away.

He could worry about telling Dorian later— and he figured with Cassandra and Tamlen both being protective, he would have to bring it up to them as well. They could wait, however. Unless Tamlen wasn't as preoccupied as he seemed and managed to overhear Yvair's confession.

"I… am already well acquainted with the Prince of Starkhaven." And Sebastian was no doubt going to be pissed when he found out Yvair had survived the Conclave and hadn't bothered to send him a reassuring letter.

Over the course of several days, Rose had been craving a proper Dalish Stew. When the team had finally decided to settle for the evening, Rose couldn’t have been any more happier when Tamlen decided that he was going to cook. She had forgotten how much of the Dalish cooking that she enjoyed, and how much she missed it when Tamlen was gone for those many months.

Rose placed a few logs she gathered beside the roaring fire. She, too, could feel Tamlen was distracted, but she had to chuck it up to nerves. They were on their way to meet a noble, and Rose knew how Tamlen felt about nobles.

Her attention shifted to Yvair as he began to speak. A single brow lifted as she moved closer to him. “What is it?” She responded, her voice low as she looked at him. The concern fell from her brow as Rose’s features softened. A thousand thoughts ran through her mind at that single moment, and this was not something she did not think of. “Maker’s Breath, I thought you were going to tell me that you noticed a grey hair. Let me tell you, I’m not ready for that conversation.”

She gave Yvair a soft smile. “It’s nice to see the noble hatred doesn’t stem through every Dalish.” A chill ran down her spine as she felt the warmth of the fire cover her. She shook it off and focused her attention back to Yvair.  “Sebastian is also a friend of mine. It’s a shame I didn’t see him much when we were younger.” Rose turned her attention from Yvair as she caught movement out of the corner of her eye. She turned her head to see Archer sniffing the ground, huffing at the leaves before making his way to Tamlen’s side.

➶

Sebastian was more than happy to return the quick embrace, and an amused chuckle slipped free from him at Rose’s comment. He pulled back, giving Rose a once over. It had been quite awhile, “And here I figured I was finally starting to look my age.”

Whatever Rose had tried to communicate to her companion earned Sebastian a suspicious look– though the elf’s hand laxed where it rested on his sword handle. Sebastian couldn’t really fault the man for being wary, especially considering some of the stories he’s started to hear. If it weren’t for Merrill eagerly inviting him to come and visit, Sebastian figured he’d have ended up keeping a respectful distance from the Alienage. Even though he wanted to try and see if there was some way he could help them– the buildings here seemed to be in poorer state than some of the ones in Lowtown were. He felt ashamed for not having realized how bad things were until he had started traveling around with Hawke and her crew.

“No need to apologize, it’s not something anyone could have expected.” He most certainly hadn’t anticipated it. Though he had been away from Starkhaven for years now, it certainly made it harder to keep track on what was going on. “I hear you had suffered similarly… I do hope you weren’t alone in your grief.”

The name brought a feeling of familiarity to Sebastian, and though it took a moment for him to place why he quickly made the connection. Merrill constantly talked about her close friend who had been taken away from her Clan due to catching Blight sickness. Tamlen… a Dalish elf that had then gone on to help save Ferelden from the Blight by slaying the Archdemon. It would explain why the pair had shown up in this particular Alienage. Better than some of the alternatives, if they were both Grey Warden.

“I’m not quite certain on that,” Sebastian allowed, rubbing the back of his neck in uncertainty at the mention of being Prince. It would be the logical choice, wouldn’t it, and yet– “It would depend on if I choose to return to Starkhaven and pursue the throne now that I’m the only direct heir. But it would require leaving the Chantry officially.”

“Congratulations on the marriage,” Sebastian hadn’t heard anything of it, and wondered if it was more under wraps due to the pair’s occupation… certainly a joining such as theirs would have otherwise spread, even out this far. Sebastian then forms a pleasant, warm smile as he shifts his attention to Tamlen, offering out his hand, “It’s an honour to meet you, Tamlen. You wouldn’t happen to be the one Merrill speaks of frequently?”

Tamlen eyed him, before firmly taking Sebastian’s offered hand in a grip that seemed pointedly tight– shaking it before retracting it, though now the elf crossed his arms over his chest instead of returning his hand to his sword, “… I am.”

“That is good to hear, she’s been very worried about you.” Though from the sounds and looks of things, Tamlen seemed more than capable of handling himself. There was always a chance for the unexpected, however.

It had been years since Rose had talked about what happened to her family. Rose was surprised to hear that the news had traveled all the way to Starkhaven. Her features softened slightly. “I was alone by my own choice.” She replied. It was a lie, but her tone was firm, firm enough to give the impression it was factual. Rose did not bother Tamlen with her grief. They had too much to worry about. They had to save Ferelden, how could they pause and focus on her? Tamlen mourned the loss of Fejin, Alistair mourned the loss of Cailin. Morrigan had a mother who was trying to kill her, Leliana had an assassin after her. Wynne was falling apart day by day and Sten was trying to atone.

It seemed selfish in her eyes. She couldn’t do that. She couldn’t dump her own anger on everyone else when they were all suffering.

“Thank you, Sebastian. It means the world to have your support.” Rose smiled. “Whichever you decide, you know that you’ll always have my support. It’s funny how life ends up putting us on a path we’ve never thought considered.” While becoming a Warden was never apart of Rose’s plan, it seemed the Maker and fate deemed it otherwise. If she was never a Warden, Rose never would have met Tamlen. Meeting Tamlen had changed her for the better. Rose and Tamlen were not officially married in the eyes of the Maker or the Creators, but Rose felt it fitting to claim him as such.

It had become almost routine for Sebastian to show up at Merrill’s house in the alienage once in awhile– of all of Hawke’s companions, she was one of the few he found himself enjoying the presence of. It was nice to sit aside for a meal and drink away from the harsher judgement some of the others tended to cast their way, and just chat. About anything. Though initially he was wary having learned about her using blood magic, she seemed smart enough to handle herself. And was really, really sweet. It confused him initially, but he felt no strong desire to turn her in.

Though the act did get him side eye from those who lived there, and earn him the same elsewhere once it was found out he didn’t find himself ultimately minding. It was nice to get out and have an interesting chat, maybe the occasional debate, and not feel so heavily judged for every little thing he may or may not say.

What he wasn’t expecting upon leaving one day was noticing another human in the area– it was enough to cause the man to slow down and pause when he realized immediately it wasn’t Hawke, and he couldn’t help but be nosy as to what someone may be doing here. Realization dawned on him almost as soon as his name slipped from the woman’s lips– though he had not seen her in years by this point.

“Rose?” Disbelief coated the name, and a smile is offered as he closed the distance between them, “It is good to see you. What brings you here?” To Kirkwall, he meant, but the alienage was just as much a curiosity point. Blue hues cast towards the elf accompanying her, noting the faint squint of his eyes and how his hand rested casually on the sword at his hip. He spared the moment to wonder if he was a Grey Warden, as well– though neither currently donned the armour to showcase it, Sebastian had long since heard about what had happened to Rose.

When they found out that Tamlen’s sister was residing in Kirkwall, Rose knew it was only a matter of time before they made their way to see her. When the news of the Deep Road expedition hit their desk, the two of them knew they needed clear the area for any signs of darkspawn that remained.

When the two finally set foot in Kirkwall, Rose felt a chill run down her spine. The large marbled statues of what looked like guards with chains welcomed them and Rose did not have a good feeling about it. There were whispers about, saying Kirkwall did not treat their mages kindly, and Rose suddenly wondered how much of it was true.

They set foot on land and the first thing they did was search for the alienage. They had no map, but Tamlen’s instinct was sharp. He knew the alienage wouldn’t be in such a place as Hightown. They made their way towards Lowtown. The first thing Rose could feel were eyes against them as they made their way through Lowtown. It felt as if every corner had someone watching them. Rose could only chuck it up to the fact they were no doubt strangers invading.

And there it was. The tree in the middle of the alienage was hard to spot amongst the buildings around it, but it was there. They moved down the steps and the leaves were hearty green.  Rose felt the daggers from the elves around them. It wasn’t until she noticed another human when her attention shifted. It did not take Rose long to recognize the familiar blue eyes. Sebastian Vael, a noble of Starkhaven, was here in Kirkwall. But why?

When she called his name, he closed the space between them quickly. “It’s good to see you!” Rose closed the space more between them, her arms wrapping around the other noble for a quick embrace. “The years have been far too kind on you. You look like you haven’t aged a single day since we last met.” Rose withdrew her arms back and looked back to Tamlen, her eyes giving him a quick look to show it was safe.

Tamlen didn’t want to dwell too much on what he figured was happening– the idea made him angry, but admittedly also terrified him. The sound was always something there if he were to stop and listen out for it in the quiet moments, but it was never overwhelming. Never forefront– never demanding. But as days passed by, the soft song seemed more insistent and the implications of such a thing were hard to ignore.

He’d hoped he’d have more time, especially considering how many years most Warden manage to live until the inevitable happened. Until their Calling came, and signaled they should follow the tradition set before them for generations of taking to the Deep Roads and dying. It never was an option he wanted to entertain, given how it betrayed the traditions of his people… it did not help that the Deep Roads filled Tamlen with anxiety and caused him massive discomfort. The idea of dying there of all places, potentially lost after his death–…

Blue hues that were fixated on stone wall for longer than he could remember at this point blink as a pointed ear flicks– then Tamlen’s attention shifts and lands on Rose, bringing forth another wave of anger that he bit back and kept inside. He wondered if he had just been doomed against love for his entire life–… he also worried that if his had come so soon, if it were a side effect of his contact with the Eluvian all those years ago or if he had to worry about Rose following not too soon after… maybe the whole batch of Darkspawn blood had been done wrong and it cut both their lives much shorter.

Or they were lied to.

“Ir abelas,” The apology was soft, and Tamlen forces his tense arms to loosen in their position crossed over his chest, “I was just lost in thought… what do you need?”

Normally, Tamlen being distracted was nothing that Rose concerned herself with. Rose couldn’t place a finger on it, but something just felt off about it this time. It was harder to grab his attention more so than usual, and when she did, he seemed not there. Rose bit her teeth down against the inner part of her lower lip as she finally made eye contact with Tamlen.

Instantly, she felt her stomach sink. He looked annoyed, bothered that she was here, bothering him when he had things to focus on. The Warden ran her tongue across her lower lip before she started to speak. “I was just wondering if you were going to join us for dinner, or if I need to bring you food again.”

It was a lie. Sure, dinner was done, but that was not the question that Rose wanted to ask. Tamlen knew it, and Rose knew that she couldn’t lie to Tamlen. Ever since the Archdemon, Tamlen made her promise that no secrets were kept between the two of them.

“Tamlen, are we okay?”

The question slipped from her lips faster than she could blink. Instantly, she regretted it. Rose felt her stomach sink. She could feel her heart starting to race. Rose took a deep breath before she lowered her gaze from his. “I don’t mean it like that, I—what I meant was,” She took a sharp breath. Her mouth felt incredibly dry.

❀

“Just because you’re used to it doesn’t mean it’s a nice thing to encounter,” Merrill offered the words almost as if she knew from personal experience– then again, she did, in her own way. But then she was grinning happily and holding out the flower crown for Rose to inspect and take, entirely proud of her work. She’d gotten a lot of practice in while sitting with her few friends in the Clan and listening to them tell her tales of their adventures that day. Adventures she frequently missed out on due to her own duties and expectations.

“It’s taken years of practice, but I’d be more than happy to teach you! Though I must admit, I use a bit of magic to extend the lifetime expectancy of the flowers. Do you know how long you two intend on staying? I’ve heard Wardens tend to live a busy life…” She was ecstatic when Tamlen had arrived, especially when Ashalle had made it sound like it may yet be awhile before he ever got the opportunity to.

“I know, but there are people no matter where you go that make it a point to make sure you know you’re not welcomed.” Rose knew Merrill was right. Given her partners history, Rose could only imagine the things that humans have said to Merrill.

She extended her hand out and grabbed the delicate crown in her grasp. The pedals of the various flowers were soft and delicate in her fingertips. She questioned how long the crown would stay in tact, but no matter. Rose was thrilled to have it. She placed it on her blonde crown, the shades of pink and purple playing on the golden tones in her hair.

“Tamlen is going to be so jealous he doesn’t have a matching one.” Rose grinned as she looked to Merrill. “We might have to make him a matching one before we head out. Who knows, maybe we can all match?” She reached behind her ear and tucked back a few loose strands of blonde.

“We’re going to be staying about a week or so. I wish we could stay longer but regretfully, our duties call us elsewhere.” Rose turned her head to the side to glance at Ashalle’s tent, where Tamlen had spent most of the day catching up with her. She brought her gaze back to Merrill.

"I wanted to give you this as an apology—" Merrill starts, holding out a pretty flower crown of pinks and purples, vibrant and brimming with life despite the factor that the flowers were no longer connected to soil. With a bit of magic, it wasn't hard to extend the lifetime of picked flowers, after all— "I noticed the way you reacted when I sounded surprised over Tamlen bringing a human home with him. I hadn't meant any offense, it's just not something I'd have ever anticipated." A pause, as Merrill's hands suddenly falter and lower slightly, "Oh Creators, you're not allergic to any flowers, right? I probably should have asked Tamlen first, but he insisted it was fine and I didn't like the idea of leaving things on the wrong foot—..."

Rose’s features softened as she looked at the crown Merrill held delicately in her hands. It was carefully crafted and looked absolutely stunning. “It’s okay, Merrill. I honestly didn’t expect him to like a human, either.” Rose laughed softly. It was true. Her and Tamlen didn’t necessarily get off on the right foot. “No, no. I’m not allergic to any flowers, but you don’t owe me an apology. Everyone seems to have the same reaction. Seems he had a bit of a reputation, hm?”

➴

Yvair relaxed slightly under Rose’s touch and words of comfort– but even if that were the case, he still had the lingering annoyance of being totted around as a symbol for a religion he didn’t exactly believe in. There’s only so many times one can politely correct the claims before one runs the risk of snapping. Not that Yvair’s rejection of the claims of being Andraste’s Herald were always something one might consider ‘polite’– but he knew better than to snap over it and instead gently remind others he has his own beliefs.

“I’m sure it’s nice to have family visit. If I had the chance, I’d love to be able to swing by my Clan and personally reassure them everything’s fine.” For now, a letter sent through Leliana’s people seemed the best option available. At least it had gone over well, beings he could not just up and leave everything behind. Not without pissing off too many people. “It’s important to stay in contact with those who care about you.”

Dorian scoffed at the suggestion Rose offered, flustering slightly at the idea of such a thing. As if to safe face, the mage forced himself straight and fussed with his hair that had unfortunately become more and more tussled as the day wore on, “I’m perfectly capable of standing on my own two legs, thank you very much. Just need a moment to catch my breath again.”

“You claim, looking ready to collapse any second now,” Archex grinned, but at the glare it earned him he merely shrugged. Yvair noted the Qunari testing his leg, and dug into the small pack he had to fish out the last of the potion they had on hand. But when he held it out towards Archex, the Qunari held up his hands in an attempt to ward it off, “It’s fine, I don’t need it.”

“You’re going to cave and carry Rose, especially once you realize she’s injured herself. You can carry her, but none of us can carry you.” Yvair firmly pressed it to Archex’s hand, and though it seemed he was about ready to argue all Yvair had to do was narrow his eyes to prompt Archex into relenting and taking it. “Besides, if your leg gave out and you dropped Rose, you’d be kicking yourself over it.”

Archex hesitated only momentarily, before finally drinking the potion and allowing it to work its magic. As the Qunari checked to be sure his leg was better, Yvair moved over towards Dorian and nudged him playfully, “Don’t worry Dorian, if you get too tired I can carry you instead.”

The mage rolled his eyes, “You look half dead yourself, Inquisitor. Don’t go making promises you can’t keep.” 

Finally certain of his footing, Archex gestured for Rose to hop onto his back for a ride, ready for the trek ahead of the small group. A proper rest is just what they needed– hopefully it was a clear road to their destination. 

The trip to the Cousland estate was surprisingly calm. After the team had successfully closed the rifts, the demon infestation seemed little to none as they made their way to the familiar homestead. Archer strolled along Yvair’s side as the group traveled down the well worn road. The closer Rose got to the Estate, the more the homesickness started to disappear.

The group had arrived to the Estate shortly after sunset. Fergus had greeted them exactly how Rose anticipated. He was startled. Archex was the first Quinari the elder Cousland had encountered. With the greetings aside, the group followed Fergus deeper into the estate.

The younger Cousland winced when she seen the House Elves. During their travel to the Estate, Rose forgot to mention to Yvair, to warn him ahead of time of the elvhan workers that lived in the estate. One could only assume that the Dalish would change his opinion on her. The difference between her and Dorian was that the workers here were paid and respected, not slaved in Tevinter.

It felt odd to be in her childhood room again. Being back in the room brought back memories of the estate. Rose took a breath and she reached down to pet Archer. “Nothing like being back home, hm?” She rubbed the fur between his ears as he rubbed his head against her leg. “Spend some time with Fergus. We’ll be leaving in the morning. I’ll be fine, I promise.”

Archer licked Rose’s hand, letting her know he understood, before he left the room in search of Fergus. Rose followed after Archer but in search of someone else. She wanted to find Yvair and see how mad he truly was with her. Rose made her way towards the nearest balcony. There she seen a familiar silhouette of a Dalish, and her stomach churned. Rose took a soft breath as she approached.

⚔︎

Tamlen had more or less not been paying too much attention to the ongoings of his companions as they traveled through the forest. Instead his attention was focused outwards– deep into the forest that was familiar to him after years of traveling with his Clan throughout the land of Ferelden. When Fejin had taken his hand in theirs after the last fight, he hadn’t batted an eye at it– though he cast a glance towards their companions; by now they already knew well enough of the pairs’ relationship but it still set him on edge after tiptoeing around his Clan for so long.

When the ruins came into sight, Tamlen paused– a mixture of feelings spreading throughout him. Despite the incident that had initially brought him here, curiosity was one of the heavier ones. Along with an overwhelming wariness. 

Fejin’s question had Tamlen’s ears twitching faintly, but when they were suddenly moving his hand it snapped his attention properly to his company– just in time to watch Fejin hand off his hand into Rose’s. Ear tips heat up, and a frown forms as the elf practically freezes on the spot. He didn’t even register Fejin taking off until a moment passed. Eyes dart up to catch the tail end of the rogue slipping into the ruins. While he trusted in Fejin’s capabilities, it also brought up a sense of anxiety. Without thinking, his hand tightens on Rose’s.

“Teldirthalelan…” the insult was a breath of exasperation as Tamlen grabbed his bow with his free hand, “We can’t dawdle, there’s no knowing what lies in store for them in there. Let me go or be dragged.”

This is exactly what Rose did not want to happen. Tamlen still felt hesitant towards her, and Rose didn’t exactly blame him. He had every right given the history between humans and elves. Rose and Fejin had become friends back in Ostagar, while Tamlen remained close, if not, in Rose’s face to asset his presence to make sure she meant no harm.

What seemed like a joke quickly turned southward. Rose could feel an overwhelming tension fill the space between them. At first, Rose thought it was because of her but quickly realized it was because of them. Rose shook her head and as she felt his fingertips tightened around her own hand. “Listen, they told me to hold onto you. Apparently you need to be watched. Drag my ass and if you hurt me in the process, I’m sure they’ll handle it for me.”