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In the darkest corners of the planet, where the light of the Sun never touches, eerie glows can yet be found, illuminating the shadows. This is bioluminescence, a remarkable ability that has evolved, separately, at least 94 times throughout the history of life on Earth. Bioluminescent organisms can harness chemical reactions to produce a glow of their own, a tool used for various purposes by the different creatures that wield it.

overwatch headcanons: cyborg!reader with Ramattra and Zenyatta

warnings: mentions of violence, trauma and such, a bit platonic and… ye, pretty much fine, nothing graphic

a/n: my love for Zen is 100% dear and platonic yet- well, you guys know. RAMATTRA!!! 

will do them separately in the present game timeline and then together back in the monastery and… it’s past midnight here, my eyelids are heavy, but there’s no sleep in between me and writing fanfiction so, sowy for the mistakes ahead, I will correct them tomorrow!! anxiety kept me awake and obligated me to post as soon as I’ve finished, you know

btw!! thanks for requesting. I love to write it and I hope you also enjoy. (˶˃ ᵕ ˂˶)

OPEN FOR HEADCANON REQUESTS! Send yours here, but read rules first

Ramattra

A Ravager was responsible for your body’s destruction, so it’s only natural you’re shaking on its presence

Back when it happened, omnics were still under Anubis’ control, so it’s not like you blame him or any other R-7000 for their doings

Still, you got these chills running down your spine now that you stand face to face to Null Sector’s infamous leader

But the thrill is even stronger when he proves all your believes to be wrong, being to one to extend a helping hand to prevent your body to overheat

As Genji, your parts were substituted with cybernetics: flesh, muscle and metal bounding into one thing to keep your alive

two dobermans that couldn’t be separated, differentiated by red and blue collars, abandoned and left in a shelter to rot. named rechts and links.

you couldn’t help the tug at your heartstrings as they took witness of you watching them, curled amongst each other. they saw you, eyed you with interest, before returning into each other’s coats.

you were no amateur dog owner. but what you were was alone in a nice sized house. you worked hard for it, you had little “spending money”, but you could budget some form of protection. you didn’t want to own a gun, if you didn’t have to, so the idea of a nice, large dog sounded best. and you get a friend out of it, allegedly.

you saw them on the shelter website first, then you got in your car.

and here you stood, taking them in. it seems as though nobody else was even looking at them, which was odd. these dogs were gorgeous. their demeanor was calm. they seemed like genuine good dogs.

you took them on a walk. you weren’t sure if they were leash trained, but they maintained your pace. occasionally tugged, a scent catching their interest, but generally remained to your side, or behind you. you turned back to look at them, and they seemed disinterested.

disinterested dogs can be changed. they can become well trained dogs. you just have to find what it takes.

you wrote the adoption papers, sucked the tear back into your duct at the cost of adoption nowadays, and grabbed their leashes.

you needed to make another stop at the pet store.

you knew you were going to get one, so you have one of... everything. and now you needed two. maybe really spoil them and give them a bath and get their nails clipped, who knows. you were damn near willing to do anything to get a look of something other than indifference.

you picked another large bed. soft, warm, and plush for them, whichever one wanted it. the thought of them sharing seemed so sweet to you, as you sucked another tear up spending another pretty penny, and loaded up their toys and bowls and them, on your way home.

this was the start of something good, you thought.

you were a god damn idiot.

these dogs fucking hated each other. and it only became more obvious the longer you kept them both.

they are horrible resource guarders. and you were the biggest prize. if one of them was sitting next to you on the couch, and you didn't have space for the other to join your side, they got mad at each other, and it became a fight. if one of them was sleeping on your bed, and you don't let the other one up, they got mad at each other, and it became a fight. but if you separated them, they both got worse. tearing at the doors until they force them open. curling amongst each other amidst the chaos they bring to each other.

it was distressing, but you can't help but admit they were cute. you felt like you were too far deep, now. you couldn't get rid of either one of them. they were your friends, and you were their handler. and you loved each other dearly.

so, when you woke in the middle of the night to an empty bed and rustling in the main living areas, your heartbeat quickened.

you slipped out of bed and pulled on a shirt to cover yourself, grabbing a pole you kept near your bed, and quietly opened your door, slipping out into the living room.

the hallway was dark, and the shadows played tricks on you. the silence fooled your ears, at least you hope it did, because you could hear quiet bickering amongst two people. you couldn't differentiate them, either. you clutched the pipe and entered the living room proper to see a light on in the kitchen, and the voices became clearer.

"—god, i haven't stood in a kitchen in years, they've upgraded these! remember when a freezer used to be a hole in the ground? never kept anything as cold as these!"

"can you find your midnight snack so we can go to bed? i don't want to wear these clothes, and i'm ready to go back to sleep."

you peered around the corner into the kitchen to an odd sight.

two men, standing in your kitchen, digging through your fridge. one of them was obviously supposed to be a lookout, of sorts, and was thoroughly uninterested in his job. the other was elbow deep in your fridge, as they quietly bickered to each other. they were wearing your clothes. both simply dressed in your tshirts, and boxers.

they noticed you before you were able to get the jump on them.

"good evening." one of them spoke, pleasantly. it caused both you and his comrade to jump.

"who the— oh. oh! good evening! did we wake you? are you hungry? because you're welcome to cook! i hate getting greasy."

"who are you, why are you in my clothes, and what are you doing in my house." none of these were questions you actually wanted an answer to. "where are my dogs??"

"no need to scream. they're safe." the first one responded, seemingly undeterred by your firm voice and the weapon you carried. "if you hit us with that, aim for my temple, would you? and bust his kneecaps. if i have to hear about his agility scores again i'll kill myself."

"you're just mad i do better than you."

"yes, and you claw at walls until you bore holes through them when you have nothing better to do."

"go to hell."

"i'll meet you there."

"both of you, shut the fuck up, and tell me where my dogs are."

"we are your dogs! i'm links, i'm the red one."

"rechts, blue."

you stared at them both. they were damn near identical. and so undisturbed by your distress.

two sets of eyes glimmered at you. soft, unafraid, unashamed, and if you were marginally delusional, attentive, and doting, and intrigued in your goings-on. you clutched the pole even tighter.

"if you want us to leave, we're not going to do that. we like it here. and we like you!" links spoke first.

"but, if you go to sleep, we can make this seem like a dream." rechts finished the sentence.

you stared at them both, and one of them approached, gently grabbing the other end of the pipe, and pulled it away from you.

"go to bed, we'll be there shortly."

"—not in this form, of course. unless you want that."

"will you shut up?" the annoyance dripped from both you and rechts. and links eyes darkened at the seeming dogpiling.

"don't join in on it like you're better than me."

"i am better than you. that's why i disarmed them, first. you would've been killed if i wasn't here."

this is a dream. this had to be a dream. you turned to look at your front door, visible from the kitchen. it's still locked. it was quiet in your neighborhood, no strange cars on the road.

it was just you and them, and this had to be a dream. this didn't make any sense.

"i'm... gonna go to bed. can one of you please get my shitty guard dogs back into it, or i won't be able to sleep? it's what woke me up, actually..." you began to shift and turn, unarmed and, surprisingly, unafraid. this was just a dream, you just had to go back to sleep.

"of course we can. go to your room."

it was simple, and they went back to their musings within your fridge.

"oh, wait, before you go. while you're still "dreaming". your closet looks like the men's department of a macy's." links called from within the fridge.

you turn back to them.

"okay, and?"

"change that. you need better clothes."

"... i'm going to bed. i better wake up to two dogs and not you two."

"we can do that. good night."

"... good night."

you wake the next morning to a familiar feeling. two dogs, weighing your bed down, and overheating you. the sun streaming through the curtains making your room feel even hotter. you shift out of bed, and your feet touched the carpet quietly.

TEAM FORTRESS 2: ALTERNATE CHARACTERS An internal pitch project aimed to bring female characters to the cast of Team Fortress 2.

Here the result of the Seaham Formation #paleostream, maybe the most relaxing formation stream we will ever have! This Carboniferous tundra wasn't chosen because of it's fossils, but because of its setting.

Seaham was deposited in the neighborhood of a glacier, with volcanoes near by. Such a visual is totally foreign to most people when they think about the Carboniferous, the time of the tropical coal swamps, and that's why this formation made it into our selection.

There is a number of different formations in New South Wales that preserve evidence of the Carboniferous glaciation The trails of these glaciers can be observed to this day in the local geology.

But Seaham not only shows the presence of glaciers but also preserves the soil that formed in it's vicinity. The paleosols recorded here are very similar to modern day tundra soils, with wetter and dryer types found throughout the formation. There is even evidence...

...of little ice domes forming under these cold conditions. These more hilly, dryer areas were mostly inhabited by the "seed fern" Botrychiopsis while the wetter parts were full of horsetails of the genus Dichophyllites. Only trace fossils hint at the presence of insects.

But it is an internalised coping method for himself so that he doesn't get super attached and burnt just like he did with the da2 gang. I mean. Look no further to how Sera calls him out on this one.

Like it's kinda crazy the roles Varric fulfills in DAI all the way to WARNING LOVE INTERESTS THE INQUISITOR IS A BAD IDEA just like Wynne does in dao. He's literally so damaged and the ghosts of Kirkwall follow him everywhere and he's SO aware of what it means to follow a hero and let yourself care about them and their friends.

- having Kieran with Morrigan leads to Solas being significantly more powerful (Urthemiel's soul absorbed through Flemythal)

- making Gaspard Emperor of Orlais leads to an orlesian/fereldan allied war against Tevinter (because he chummies up with Alistair and/or Anora), weakening the Imperium significantly.

- giving Briala any kind of power supports Solas indirectly. (For elvhen glory™)

- disbanding the Inquisition lowers the Inquisitor's influence and reach, but they can act much faster. And Inquisitor in Chantry service has more power, but much less freedom with it.

- different support for the Inquisitor depending on their choice of ally or conscript/recruit mages or Templars

- Zevran alive and as leader of the Crows (in Antiva City) could mean infighting between houses or a different approach to certain missions, because of 'the purge'.

- Leliana as Divine might try to find an accord with the Imperial Chantry. Maybe.

- Hawke in Weisshaupt?

- Hawke sibling in Weisshaupt?

- Fenris in Minrathous (one way or the other)

- The Hero of Ferelden finds a cure for the Blight if still alive

- depending on who rules Orzammar key dwarf based mission follow different paths, because either you get in or you don't.

- being at least friends with Dorian in inquisition grants a boost in Shadow Dragon trust and influence

History

Satinalia was originally a day set as dedication to Zazikel, the Old God and Goddess–referred to as both, so three cheers for this non-binary deity–known as both the Dragon of Chaos and Freedom. However, with the rise of Andrastianism, worship of the Old Gods was largely snuffed out.

The holiday was rededicated to Thedas’ second moon, Satina. It is unknown what the day was called before this change.

The constellation Satinalis is connected with this holiday, after it too lost its original Ancient Tevinter meaning, Mortemalis; a warrior holding the head of an elf. The constellation is now viewed as the shape of a man playing the lyre.

Celebration

Throughout Thedas, Satinalia is celebrated at the beginning of Umbralis with masked partying, singing songs, naming the town fool as ruler for a day, and the main event being a large feast with no expenses spared.

During the feast, it is expected for people to exchange gifts and pranks with their friends, family, partners and associates. (Perhaps this is part of capturing both the freedom and chaotic nature of Zazikel?) 

Some nations have specific traditions:

In Orlais, an annual Satinalia parade is held in Val Royeaux.

Antivans, who are renowned for their festival culture, celebrate Satinalia for a whole week or more. A week of fasting then follows.

Dorian mentions that Minrathous after Satinalia is quite the shocking site, because “blood magic and brandy is a devastating mix.”

SOURCES

Dragon Age: Origins (+DLCs, namely Feastday Gifts & Feastday Pranks)

Dragon Age: Inquisition

Codex entry: The Old Gods (DA:O)

Codex entry: The Crown and Lion (DA:O)

Codex entry: Legend of the Three Sisters: Book 3 (DA:I)

Codex entry: Constellation: Satinalis (DA:I)

“The differences between the races of Thedas go far deeper than the point of elven ears or the squat stature of the dwarves. What’s more, distinct, sometimes opposing cultures thrive within each race’s ranks, only adding to political and religious friction. The only thing all people in Thedas seem to have in common is the continent they call home.”

“While humans are the dominant race in Thedas, they are also the most fractured. The race’s tribal roots led to the evolution of distinct groups with their own languages, customs, and beliefs.”

–World of Thedas: Vol 1, pg 26

Just like our world, there is the human race, and then within the human race are different racial/ethnic backgrounds, coming from different parts of the world.

Neromenians

Origin: North of the Boeric Ocean Language: Tevene, King’s Tongue Religion: Old Gods, now Chant of Light

Supposedly the first human settlers in Thedas, and claim to be the first to possess magic, the Neromenians came from the north, just as the Qunari did. Their arrival resulted in skirmishes with the elves, but nothing as drastic as what would come after the formation of the Tevinter Imperium.

Three kingdoms that broke off from the Neromenians grew to become their own, distinct peoples: Barindur, Qarinus, and Tevinter. All three groups traditionally worshipped the Old Gods, until the rise of the Imperial Chantry.

Barindur

Origin: Branched off from the Neromenians Language: Tevene, King’s Tongue Religion: Old Gods, now Chant of Light

There are next to no Barindur people left, as a great tragedy befell their land. In a very Pompeii-esque event, the entire kingdom was buried and apparently preserved under volcanic ash. Legend says this is because the king pissed off Dumat by turning away a visiting priest.

Qarinus

Origin: Branched off from the Neromenians Language: Tevene, King’s Tongue Religion: Old Gods, now Chant of Light

When breaking off from the Neromenians, the Qarinus went east, right on the doorstep of Arlathan. They settled in what is now the city of Qarinus in the Tevinter Imperium.

Tevinter

Origin: Branched off from the Neromenians Language: Tevene, King’s Tongue Religion: Old Gods, now Chant of Light

The Tevinter people rose in power, and eventually swallowed the land of the Neromenians, Qarinus, and remaining Barindur, forming the modern day mapped Tevinter Imperium in -1195 Ancient. This is largely due to their alliance with Kal-Sharok, (which meant lots of lyrium.)

With their land expansion now including Qarinus territory, the genocide and enslavement of the elves followed, only bolstering their power. They spread south to as far as Ferelden, east as far as Rivain, west as far as the Anderfels, and north to Seheron, but have greatly shrunk thanks to the opposing people of these lands.

Chasind

Origin: Across the Frostback Mountains Language: Unnamed language, King’s Tongue Religion: Unknown, (very likely Alamarri Gods, though not said outright)

An Alamarri people (Alamarri being a blanket term for the Clayne, Chasind and Avvar) who dispersed from the Frostback Mountains fleeing a demon referred to as a “Shadow Goddess”. They were driven into the Korcari Wilds by the Clayne, where the majority still reside, outside of modern Ferelden rule, in small communities with cultural differences.

(The Chasind are of particular fascination to me and I have a whole post about them, so I’m gonna link you here for way more.)

Agadi

Origin: Branched off from the Chasind Language: Unknown Religion: Unknown, (likely Alamarri Gods)

The Chasind are also the only people known to have settled in the “uncharted” Frozen Wastelands in the south, which they refer to as the “Sunless Lands.” It is suspected that the people to inhabit here, known as the Agadi, have broken off into their own culture by Genitivi in WoTv2, but we will probably never actually get a clear answer to this.

Avvar

Origin: Across the Frostback Mountains Language: King’s Tongue Religion: Alamarri Gods

An Alamarri people (Alamarri being a blanket term for the Clayne, Chasind and Avvar) who dispersed from the Frostback Mountains fleeing a demon referred to as a “Shadow Goddess”. They were driven back into the Frostback Mountains by the Clayne, where the majority still reside, outside of modern Ferelden and Orlesian rule. However, some Avvar fortresses extended as far north as the Waking Sea, in their fight against Tevinter expansion, but have sense been abandoned or claimed by the Clayne.

Like the Chasind, the Avvar are made of numerous settlements (referred to as Holds) with distinct beliefs and cultures, though they all still worship the old Alamarri Gods.

Clayne

Origin: Across the Frostback Mountains Language: King’s Tongue Religion: Alamarri Gods, now Chant of Light

An Alamarri people (Alamarri being a blanket term for the Clayne, Chasind and Avvar) who dispersed from the Frostback Mountains fleeing a demon referred to as a “Shadow Goddess”. The Clayne settled in the valleys of modern day Ferelden, the country they would come to form, and over time have largely dispersed and moved away from their ancient culture.

In the process of Ferelden’s creation, they pushed the Chasind and Avvar into remote territory, though the three groups still united to drive back the Tevinters.

Even before Ferelden and Orlais’ conception, the Clayne and Ciriane had a long history of antagonism, though there are case examples of unification, mostly against Tevinter. Supposedly Andraste was half Ciriane and half Alamarri; likely Clayne.

Ciriane

Origin: Unknown Language: Orlesian, King’s Tongue Religion: Unknown, now Chant of Light

Most of those native to Orlais are Ciriane, but while the ancient cultures in current day Ferelden have been preserved and are fairly well known, ancient Ciriane culture has been erased through time. This is largely due to Kordillus Drakon I forcefully spreading the Chant of Light in the process of land expansion and the unification of the Orlesian Empire in -155 Ancient. Before that time, they lived in isolation.

Even before Ferelden and Orlais’ conception, the Clayne and Ciriane had a long history of antagonism, though there are case examples of unification, mostly against Tevinter. Supposedly Andraste was half Ciriane and half Alamarri; likely Clayne.

Planasene

Origin: Unknown Language: Nevarran, King’s Tongue, Tevene Religion: Animism, now Chant of Light

Most of those native to Nevarra are Planasene, as well as many in the Free Marches and southern Tevinter. Not much is known about their ancient history, other than that they were traditionally farmers. The Nation of Nevarra was formed in -165 Ancient, but remained in political turbulence and occupied by Orlais and Tevinter multiple times. Nevarra regained and has kept independence since 3:65 Towers.

Inghirsh

Origin: Unknown Language: Orlesian, King’s Tongue Religion, Unkonwn, now Chant of Light

The Inghirsh people lived in the land between northern Orlais and southern Nevarra. Originally a large cultural group, they were all but completely wiped out by the Neromenians. Survivors merged with the Ciriane and Planasene.

Rivaini

Origin: North of the Boeric Ocean Language: Unnamed language, King’s Tongue, Qunlat Religion: Natural Order, Qun

According to Gaider on the forums, the Rivaini people originated from islands north of the Boeric Ocean, and that there are still natives who live there, but are mostly uncontacted, fearing southern colonization. They settled on the northeastern peninsula now known as Rivain, forming the nation in -44 Ancient.

After spending much time under control of the Qunari, there is a significant population of converts to the Qun. While there are some who believe in the Chant of Light, most not following the Qun are pantheists, who believe in the traditional Natural Order. They have also kept their traditional matriarchal society structure, with special respect for Rivaini Seers. The older, the wiser.

Antivan

Origin: Unknown Language: Antivan, King’s Tongue Religion: Unknown, now Chant of Light

It is unknown where the Antivan people came from, but quite possibly have a culture dating back as far as Tevinter. It is unknown how long the city states existed before becoming a nation in -30 Ancient, but considering the story of Beregrand the Bold–a dwarf from Gundaar who built a local navel empire–the civilization must at least go back a good number of years before that, since Gundaar fell in -40 Ancient after many years of suffering from being sealed away in the Deep Roads.

Orth

Origin: Unknown Language: Ander, King’s Tongue Religion: Unknown

Some time ago, the Anderfels was known as the Orthlands, after the native people, the Orth. But after being conquered and the land colonized multiple times by both Tevinter and Orlais, the Orth were pushed into the Wandering Hills. They are a solitary people, living far out in the deserts that most deem unsurvivable, and as such, not much is known about them, other than that they practice facial scarification and it was they who taught the Grey Wardens how to ride griffons.

Fex

Origin: Par Vollen Language: Qunlat Religion: Qun

The Fex are the native people of Par Vollen, and according to Gaider on the forums, they have always been there. Deep in the island’s jungles they built pyramids of unknown significance that still remain.

The Fex have all readily adopted the Qun, and their old society entirely lost. It is suspected their willingness to accept the Qunari’s control is attributed to the qunari race’s resemblance to ancient Fex petroglyphs of tall horned men shown in a manner of authority and respect.

Voshai

Origin: Across the Volca Sea Language: King’s Tongue Religion: Unknown

The Voshai are a mysterious people who settled in the Anderfel city of Laysh, interested in trading. They exhibit an obsession with lyrium, and all of their ships are run by dwarves, who the humans treat with reverence.

The Voshai were absent from Laysh for some time, and only recently returned speaking of a “great cataclysm” in their homeland.

“Parladians”

Origin: Par Ladi Language: Unknown Religion: Unknown

In WoTv2 Genitivi refers to the native people of Par Ladi–an island in the Boeric Oceans near Par Vollen–as Parladian, to quote, “for lack of a better term.” The Parladians are uninterested in contact with outsiders, so the only thing known about them is that their fortresses on the shores are a magnificent sight, they wear lots of gold and jewels, and their language is not one recognized in Thedas.

It is rumoured that the Parladians have mages much like Rivaini Seers that keep their island cloaked in a spell that prevents explorers from docking.

Unnamed Natives of Seheron

Origin: Unknown Language: Qunlat Religion: Unknown, Qun

Gaider said that the Fog Warriors of Seheron are not Tal-Vashoth, but people native to the island. This is further evidenced in DA:I’s codex about the Fog Warriors, written as a note that speaks of Tevinter and Qunari colonization and war. The Fog Warriors want Seheron to be an independent nation, separate from both Tevinter and the Qunari, who are in constant battle over it.

Daefads

Origin: Unknown Language: Unknown Religion: Unknown

The Enigma of Kirkwall codex entry mentions that prior to what is now known as Kirkwall being taken by the Tevinter Imperium, some say it was home to the Daefads. There is no knowledge of any kind about these people.

SOURCES

Dragon Age: Origins

Dragon Age: II

Dragon Age: Inquisition

Codex entry: The Avvars (DA:O) Codex entry: The Vigil (DA:O)

Codex entry: Beregrand the Bold (DA:2)

Codex entry: The Enigma of Kirkwall (DA:2)

Codex entry: The Lost City of Barindur (DA:I)

Codex entry: The Annulment at Dairsmuid (DA:I)

Codex entry: Seers and the Allsmet (DA:I)

Codex entry: The Pyramids of Par Vollen (DA:I)

Codex entry: Battleground State (DA:I)

World of Thedas: Vol 1

World of Thedas: Vol 2

David Gaider on Rivaini origins

David Gaider on Fex origins

EDIT 05-APR-2024: This post received a huge update after I got my hands on the official Dragon Age Cookbook, released Oct-2023! Enjoy!

—–

I’ve seen one or two (really good) posts about Thedosian cuisine, but I haven’t seen a compilation of canonical foods/drinks to date. So I’ve made one. This is based on what is mentioned in game, written in codex entries/item descriptions, novels and lore books.

Obviously this isn’t only what’s available to eat in Thedas. This is just a list of things that have been mentioned in canon.

This could also helpful for breaking down the ingredients for other foods!

Sources included at the end of the post! I will try to update it as I stumble upon more, but I’m calling it extensive enough to post now. :P

ahhh thank you! that's very sweet of you!! i wrote a very long ted talk bc i'm incapable of being succinct haha 😭

of course a lot of this would depend on the actual... plot and what the actual Deep Lore shakes out as (what does the elf rebellion do. where are the uthenera elves. what happened to the titans in the dwarven memories. what IS in the black city for real. are the evanuris alive in there. what did flemythal actually want for her reckoning. what does the well of sorrows do to morrigan/the inquisitor. how did solas seal the black city in the first place. what does the blight require to be turned back into normal titan thoughts rather than mean titan thoughts. etc).

so assume that there's an actually good game prior to the ending, that engages with these topics, and has options to figure out what solas is planning/ask him about it/make actual attempts to help the spirits and elves and titans during the plot, and it concludes with convincing solas to change his plan to be less destructive/mitigates the veil tearing.

my main issues with the vg solas ending (from solas' side, bc my thoughts on lavellan are different) is that:

if we look at solas' whole character, its kind of defined by: him being forced into an unpleasant role or captivity, bc of either someone else's wishes, or A Greater Good Goal™ he's assigned himself. like... he got locked into physical form bc mythal wanted him to. spent ages as her soldier. and then as her courtier/agent/lapdog/whatever. and then the rebels' leader. then as whatever events inspired the various "dread wolf got caught and had to chew his way out" legends, while trying to free others from the evanuris. NONE of which allowed him to fulfill his nature or interact with people in a normal way. and then he put up the veil and passed out, woke up into a severely doomed and flawed world, and once more decided he HAD to fix it regardless of the cost, even if it meant giving up any chance of companionship or happiness.