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From the very start of Tabris' story, it's made clear through direct canon and complementary sources such as WoT that the family is viewed as financially privileged and well connected in the eyes of the wider Alienage community. Talking to NPCs in the run up to the wedding rather quickly reveals that, while some are happy for you or just pleased to be knee-deep in joviality no matter the reason for celebration, others are quick to compare your "lavish" ceremony and "dream come true" of a partner to their own.

"What exactly is your problem?" "You. Strutting around like you're the queen of Ferelden. Your father has the money to get you a great match. Meanwhile, what did I get? A fat old man who smells like the docks and wouldn't know what to do with a woman even if he was sober. You think you're better than me? Well you're not! I may have got a poor match, but at least I have some dignity, wench."

"You should thank the Maker for your great fortune! I wish my wedding could have been as grand as all this!"

Cyrion, as a relatively young, single working father to not just you but also his niece and nephew (it's worth noting here that while Shianni is shown to be a direct live-in member of the household, Soris seems to be a separate entity in terms of residence and finances. His match was not influenced by Cyrion's investment and the home's sleeping arrangement consists of three beds) has managed to invest enough money into matchmaking to secure you a partner who is objectively good looking, of good social standing, trade-trained and required secure passage south to the Denerim Alienage from Highever. Further to this, his connections seem to include Valendrian, leader of the community and long-time friend of Ferelden's Warden-Commander, and Alarith, owner of an ample dry-goods store and occasional smuggler. It feels worth mentioning that his sister, Shianni's mother, not only moved to the country but seems to have been a freeholder. Upon her death, he was also able to take the time to travel to her home to retrieve is orphaned niece, no doubt stepping away from work and having to hire some level of transport to do so in a safe and timely manner.

Where apartments seem to be the living standard, the Tabris home is large and well furnished, even by wider Ferelden standards. Most of the incidental homes we see contain a single bed, a small hearth, perhaps a table or two and are often without flooring. By contrast, each family member is shown to have a bed, the dining space is large and well stocked with firewood and utensils. There's a tub, wine bottles, large furniture in the form of shelving, a large wooden horse no doubt kept out of nostalgia (given you and Shianni both being adults). Of course, practically speaking these are likely pre-existing assets used to add flavour, but they were still laid out with purpose. If anything, conversations and canon imply the house is more populated with objects than we see, with allusions to your late mother's possessions and the tale of your childhood stuffed mabari, passed along to Shianni when she was first taken in.

The family is literate (though literacy in Thedas is a canonical mess), well informed, especially politically, well connected and contextually monied. As it is directly leveraged at you and Shianni by another elf during Unrest in the Alienage, the Tabris family is viewed as seeing itself as above its peers. Whether that's the case or not, in practice, it is clear others view them as a family with ideas above their station.

"You just don't care about how much trouble you bring down on us, do you? Must be nice to be above your own people."

I've picked that quote from Unrest as a purposeful bridge from the last point and into the next. It's no secret that the Alienage can see itself locked down and purged in a heartbeat. Escape routes are sealed and houses are set aflame, community members kidnapped or murdered. It is also no secret that the Tabris family is outspoken in its activism and views on Thedas' political injustice. Adaia, described as "a bit wild" and sharp-tongued, was martially trained - likely having served Loghain himself - and eventually killed for reasons that are not disclosed but are heavily implied to be related to her outspoken nature and a want for change.

Cyrion, who asks you to hide your martial talents and generally seems to exude a far more reserved front in public, speaks openly about social injustice, fearlessly harbours Soris while the community actively bays for blood, having passed the blame for the events that follow your killing Vaughan to him, and borderline idolizes his late wife. As much as he tries to stop your planned recruitment into the Wardens, and as much as he speaks with fear of the inevitable as your wedding day spirals out of control, he gushes with pride on both his and Adaia's behalf when you speak up, speak out and otherwise protect those around you.

Shianni is very attuned to the system and its injustices, not just as an elf but as a young woman and, like the other Tabrises, she is unafraid to speak out about it. She eschews traditional expectations and often acts spontaneously, coming into her own during Unrest, showing acute awareness of the truth of the situation at hand and desperately trying to convince those around her to open their eyes and listen. Something they are, for the most part, unwilling to do.

Even Soris seems to know his way around a sword and manages to make his way through the Arl's estate in one admittedly nervous piece. He grows in his self assurance and eventually marrying a human woman after the events of the game - an act that causes an active riot if he's Bann at that time.

Adaia was long ago a Crow, and it started the tendency of the Tabris family to reform Antivan Crows by loving them inconditionally. (Cyrion was the first, then Ciara married Zevran, and Finn and Saoris married Lucanis and Cid)

Adaia had no problem living in the Alianage (she wasn't important enough as a Crow for them to be looking for her anyway or maybe she faked her death, who knows?) but it was mostly because Cyrion's family, especially his sister Shaunna were lovely to her. But she definetly had a bite his family didn't have, she had no problem fighting with humans or kicking nobles out of their homes. It made her really beloved in the Alianage and a danger in the eyes of the humans around. She taught Ciara basic self defense and some other rougish things like picking locks, but she wanted her to have the most normal life she could grant her. And although Ciara was decent at these, she was especially good with a crossbow, Adaia and Cyrion noted early that Ciara was a really sharp child and mostly (in whatever means they had, which were not many) they wanted to invest in her education.

Cyrion and his family worked at the palace as servants, and after Adaia taught them how to read they became as high ranking as elves could become, since they had skills not even some humans had. So they had more money than usual, like this they got Ciara some books. Not as much of an education but all they could give her, and that would have to be enough.

Adaia was killed by a group payed by nobles when she was buying a story book for Ciara, she was jumped. This just taught Ciara no matter how strong or prepared someone was, this kind of thing could still happen to them. Her mother was just taken by surprise.

Like this Ciara started her train of thought where she wouldn't bring attention to herself, and she wouldn't bite.

Her aunt Shaunna stepped up to be like another mother to her, especially as Cyrion was grieving and needed help. She had a really big impact on Ciara too, she wasn't like Adaia, but she still was highstrong and adventurous in her own way (you can tell she had an impact on Ciara because both of them ended up having a kid with two different men asksbd although in Ciara's case it was mostly... circumstance)

Ciara started working as a servant when she was 10 years old. And she met Ronan soon after.

Ronan had a normal childhood for a normal kid such as himself. He had a loving family and a great education, although he often fell asleep during his classes. He was a spirited child that would rather climb trees and play with his brother at swordfighting with wooden swords.

His family went to Denerim once or twice a year to oversee some things with Maric, and Ronan did get along well enough with Cailan and Anora who were just a little younger than he was. But in general he was well liked for his charming personality and honest good heart.

But on one such ocassion (and I don't know why because I haven't thought of a good reason) during a party he run off crying. He was found by an elven servant, but one that was a child such as himself. She gave him a handkerchief which was beautifly embroidled, and he couldn't stop looking at it for the rest of the night. She was there during the party (maybe the youngest servant in there), working tireslesly but nobody noticed her. The handkerchief she gave him might have been the nicest thing she owned but she still gave it to him. After that whatever reason he was crying seemed so trivial.

He found her before his family had to go back to Highever so he could give it back. And they found out about each other's names. Ciara and Ronan.

Then began a decades old unlikely friendship. Ronan insisted coming with every time his father had to go to Denerim and he would look for Ciara more than Cailan or Anora. He found out she could read and write just fine and they became pen pals, which made the friendship much easier. He also learned so much from her, he couldn't stop noticing the servants after becoming her friend, but she told him servants didn't usually want to become friend with their employers, but if they needed something just to show them compassion and empathy.

Nan didn't like whatever was happening and why particularly the elven servants liked Ronan so much. But his parents took note, whatever was happening it was good for Ronan. He payed more attention in his classes because he wanted to share things with Ciara, and that way she didn't have to sneak so much into Cailan and Anora's lessons and get in trouble for not paying attention to her own duties. But from Bryce and Eleanor's point of view it just seemed like he was growing up and becoming a great man.

During a tourney when he was about 18 , he won and was asked to give a rose to the most beautiful girl there. It was about time his parents were looking for a match for him as Fergus was looking for his own but Ronan seemed disinterested. He gave the rose to one of his noble friends. He confessed to Ciara he wanted to give it to her but that would probably bring attention to her she didn't want. But she was still flattered he thought she was the most beautiful so she kissed him.

They were hormonal teenagers and all, although as they started taking their clothes off, Ronan stopped her saying this couldn't go any further. She was like "Duh, I know I can't marry you" but he explained he just wouldn't even be able to love her like that if she was his misstress, he just...he had never seen people that way and although he loved Ciara a great deal, he just couldn't bring himself to love her that way, because he couldn't...in general. Ciara understood, but she was fine with the arrangment, her father had started to look for an actual husband for her so she just told him they could have fun while she waited.

Anyway besides their friendship they started a sexual relationship, they saw each other maybe once or twice a year so they took advantage of it. (They had other sexual partners but their relationship was the one they enjoyed the most since they were such close friends besides that)

Now this was one (what I thought was) a small change that turned out to have huge ramifications.

The events of both origins (Tabris and Cousland) are both canon but with wildly out of order. Well the Tabris one is, the other ones happen pretty much at the same time. Anyway.

The Tabris origin happened like 10 years before the events of the game take place. So when Ciara and Ronan were about 20.

It happens more or less the same, except Ciara isn't taken to the Wardens. She just basically gets away with it (I don't think Vaughan's servants, particularly the elves, were fond of him so they helped Ciara clean the mess. Anything else? Ciara's wit just got her family out of trouble)

Now you might have noticed in the family tree Soris and Valora are still married and they have two children. I'm happy for Soris that he got to marry a human woman in canon and all that, but I like Valora and since it was 10 years before the start of the game she had time to be integrated in the family, establish an actually good relationship with Soris and have two kids (Niamh is about 5 years older than Finn, and Shennan is about 2 years older). And after all that, and everything that's going to happen later I just didn't have the heart to hurt her more, so she gets to live and be happy. Yay!

Anyway back to the timeline. Ronan is horrified to learn this is what takes place in Alianages, in a not so rare ocassion. And insists Bryce takes care that this isn't going on in Highever, how much he's able to achieve that is...up for debate, although his family is curious why he cares so much about the elves. For Ronan is a matter of principle, if they live in Highever is up to them to take care of them. He also tries to talk about it with Cailan and Anora although to little success. But Ciara is very thankful still that he's trying.

Ronan is still very popular but there are some rumors going on about him for a while for caring about it. And they also call him "elf fucker" which is not wrong, but hey. Although Ciara is friends with some courtesans and other servants (obviously) and does tell him a lot of his peers are very much "elf fuckers" too, but definetly not friends like they are.

Ronan is sympathetic to Ciara and doesn't push her in any way, especially until she saw her fiance die. But after some time their sexual relationship continues.

They have been safe until then because they didn't see each other very often anyway but we all know Finn happens. And he happens, when Ciara and Ronan are about 28 (two years before the events of Origins)

Ciara sends him a very urgent letter that she doesn't care what his excuse is but he HAS to come to Denerim RIGHT NOW because there's something she needs to tell him and it would be better if it was in person. Ronan isn't as good at lying as Ciara is (he was able to keep their friendship secret (request of Ciara) just fine until now because he didn't really lie when he said he was sending letters to a friend in Denerim. His parents just assumed it was another noble kid or something) so Eleanor gets very suspicious and goes with him.

When Ciara and Ronan meet she's pregnant, not like extremely visible yet but noticeable. Cyrion asked to meet the father and he almost had a heart attack (Shaunna started cackling when she found out) Sorry Cyrion.

Ronan goes back to his mother and explains the whole situation and she goes off on him, mostly for not being careful. But she is surprised he has lovers given he's rejected any marriage proposals. She's curious about Ciara though, especially after he describes her as extremely sharp, and that he's the second woman he trusts most in the world (only second to her, of course, she is his mom) And what surprises Eleanor is that he comments that he runs most important decisions with Ciara before making them. So some of the best choices he's made as a Cousland were run by an elven woman.

When she meets Ciara she sees the same as Ronan, she's bright, she's witty... And it's a shame somebody like her wasn't provided enough so she could reach her full potencial. She wants to run it with her husband, but she's sure Bryce will agree to help Ciara with her son as much as they're able (he is going to be their grandson too after all, but it's also better if he stays close to his mother too) She does see that Ciara didn't get pregnant to get money or power from them, it was an accident. But they're good taking care of things like the kid's education.

Ciara just asks for things to stay in the downlow, like her friendship with Ronan has been, because she doesn't want to bring even more attention to herself than she needs to. She's respected in the Alianage but a lot of them are also envious because she has a good position at her work and her father was able to pay for a good wedding and all.

Bryce is surprised by the news but trusts his wife's judgment. Fergus can't stop laughing (he's not the jealous type but he sort of knows Ronan is the favorite, and it's kinda funny seeing your younger brother fuck up so royaly)

Ronan doesn't really have to hide anything from his family and if they talk about Finn they do refer to him as Ronan's son, not like his bastard or anything (except Nan, who's kind of a racist bitch) Only Ronan gets to meet him personally but he tells them Finn looks human, which Ciara was very happy about cause it will give him more opportunities in the future, maybe even live with the Couslands. Ronan is happier that Finn looks like him (he has many traits of Ciara of course, but he has his nose, his mouth, his and his mother's green eyes) The Couslands are just waiting until Finn is old enough to see what they can do for him (for now they agree is better if he stays with his mother) Oren is probably the most excited to meet him one day.

But that day would never come.

Finn was 2 years old when the Fifth Blight started. And Duncan wasn't with Ciara, or Ronan. He was in the Circle of Magi recluiting my canon Warden Rune.

Ronan run around the castle saving as much people as he could before Howe broke the doors open. He held the door shut telling the elves and Nan to go to Denerim and find a red headed elf named Ciara, and she would know what to do. And he wanted to leave a message to his son. But by that time a lance broke through the door and his torso. And he was never able to deliver a message to his son. He saved many lives that day, but not his family.

The elves located Ciara easily. But she had already found out. Howe was faster than them getting back to Denerim, and with Loghain. Servants are never to be noticed, and they always forget they're there when they're discussing such topics. She had to swallow her emotions until she was in a safe place to break down. Over her friend of 20 years, the father of her child and her child's future that she couldn't give him, and the family he'd never meet.

They shouldn't have underestimated Ciara though (well, to be honest they never estimated her at all because they barely knew she was there) because she knows how everything moves, she's been serving since she was a child. She knows how all of these people think. Because they don't know her, but she knows them.

So Ciara starts making moves, to keep her people safe (she saves many people from being sold into slavery) and to make things better for all of them (But that's a story for another day)

She's the first one to meet Zevran because she knows Loghain and Howe got an Antivan Crow to kill the Wardens (this a whole other thing but she has some information that makes her know the Wardens are important and shouldn't be killed) And she knows, from her mother that even trained assassins can be taken by surprise. So she tries to shoot him before leaving Denerim, she fails at jumping Zevran and he seriously outmatches her in terms of strenght and dexterity. But when he has her pinned to the ground she pulls the "You wouldn't kill someone this beautiful" and while he's busy laughing because "That's my line" She stabs him. She feels bad though because he was laughing and she takes him to her house, where she explains the whole situation and asks him nicely not to kill the Wardens. Which he doesn't promise but later starts sending her letters with updates (He was bewitched by her, love at first stabbing)

(He also met Finn and until then he seriously realized he had never interacted with children before. But Finn was mostly curious about his tattoos. Zevran was not inmune to how cute toddlers are)

They met again in Redcliff. Howe had seen Finn one day while hanging out in the castle's kitchen with his mom and he recognized Ronan's features in him. Especially his green eyes. And he remembered long ago when there were rumors about the young Cousland being a lover of elves. But Finn looked human, and therefore was dangerous.

So Ciara had to leave. The resistance of the elves did faulter without her around but with everything going on in Redcliff she sneaked easily. This is where she meets the whole party in person, convinces Alistair to become king (admits in part she's manipulating him to make things better for her people but at least she's honest???) and bonds more with Zevran. They have impecable chemistry.

She helps get the party ready for the Landsmeet. She knows more about how nobility acts than most of them (except maybe Leliana who also helps get everyone ready) And she's crucial in both tricking Anora AND convincing her later to stay on their side. Because they can't just throw her in jail forever, and if they just get her out now she'll start a rebellion. But Ciara convinces her that right now a fight for the throne is not what Ferelden needs and if she really cares about her Kingdom she'll help them. (She also reminds her that she's known her since she was a child, but Anora doesn't know Ciara at all and doesn't know how many tricks she's got up her sleeve. She's seriously outmatched) Both her and Anora become Alistair's most trusted advisors.

Zevran and Ciara did have sex before the Battle in Denerim because they might die. But Ciara told him they shouldn't start anything serious yet. She was still shaken by the loss of Ronan, and he for the loss of Rinna and Taliesen. So Zevran went with Rune to Amaranthine and Ciara stayed in Denerim with Alistair. Both promising to write, and if in a years time they still felt the same they would start a relationship (spoiler alert they did reunite after a year and they did get married, they even had a daughter)

During this year Fergus finally was able to make it to Denerim looking for Ciara. She helped the poor man as best she could and he met Finn in person for the first time. It hurt to look at him, with the green eyes his mother and little brother shared. But he was the last Cousland, and with everything happening Finn might have a choice getting a good education even as an elf. But Fergus still asked to take Finn under his wing to train him as his heir when he was old enough and he had taken Highever back again. Ciara agreed, because she still knew being raised as a noble would still benefict Finn the most.

Fergus didn't really take him until he was ten, but he had been to Highever some times before that. Fergus was...a good mentor. But between his grief and Finn's special circumstances, they weren't as close as they might have wanted to be. Finn was a very sensitive, quiet and bright kid. He was very special and he didn't know what to do with a child like that.

So that's when Finn started to mask. And he really wasn't as good at swordfighting as his father or uncle. He was decent but not great.

His cousins (remember Niamh and Shennan lol) though were pretty good. Both Niamh and Shennan became soldiers (Soris also ended up becoming one, specifically one designated to the Alianage by Alistair so nobody could enter it with ill intent, and his kids basically carried the same career)

Finn wasn't the best swordsman but he's very smart. So when he was in tourneys and such he would just analyze the situation, his opponent or the terrain. Niamh thinks this is cool (she's really good with a sword so she doesn't need anything more than that) But Shennan is kind of a jealous little shit who calls him a cheater and wants to pick a fight every time he sees him (usually stopped by Niamh) Despite this Finn gets along with both his cousins and Niamh's wife (they rescued her when Tevinter was trying to sell their people to slavery, and she's been a friend of the family ever since. Basically her Ayla and Niamh are childhood sweethearts)

Saoris was born when Finn was 10. And she's his favorite person in the world. She also inherited the classic Tabris beightness, but as established Ciara did a lot to get Ferelden to a point where elves are treated fairly well so she got a great education. (Ciara is an Advisor and Zevran became Ferelden's spymaster after Rune suggested it)

By the time of Veilguard none of the little kids have been born. Obviously, but like I said I drew him without rhyme or reason (because Rini is older than Alma and Marcelo. Like Niamh is 30 and has been married for a while in Veilguard and Saoris and Cid are 15, they're going to take their time getting into a relationship, let alone have children)

If you're worried about auntie Shaunna, she died of all age. Nothing dramatic happened to her thankfully.

This was VERY detailed on Finn's parents part and not at all on the others I AM SO SORRY

BUt I've been rotating them in my mind since I started drawing and I had to get the word out. They had a very interesting relationship