#val'dran

Thanks for the tag @serrantalot :> Tagging @dude-wheres-my-ankheg @hydropyro @redroomroaving

I may or may not be writing on a fun little AU with Rook!Val'dran and Lucanis... 👀

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“What’s on your mind?” Lucanis asks. He sounds like Rook remembers him, except… there’s a hesitance now. A caution more reminiscent of their misunderstandings and disagreements at the start of their married life.

“Too many things,” he answers truthfully. “Can I—would you—an embrace? Please?”

Lucanis stares at him for a long moment, then gives a short nod. For another moment, neither of them moves, and then Rook steps forward and pulls Lucanis close. He’s warm. Alive. And somehow that—

“Are you crying?” Lucanis asks softly, stroking a hand along his back.

“Yeah. Sorry,” Rook manages, trying not to sniffle as tears simply cascade over his cheek. The fabric of Lucanis’ vest crumples in his grip, and his fight with emotions really isn’t going his way, because it’s all just a lot.

“The first thing Viago said to me was ‘Lucanis was killed a year ago’,” he explains, voice shaking. “And I was so very angry that he hadn’t even informed me. But then—Caterina explained that it was a ruse. And maybe it’s good I didn’t grieve you a year ago. But if I had known sooner—”

Lucanis sighs. “What could you have done? You had your contract with Varric.”

“I could still have… there could’ve been something. Anything,” Rook says miserably.

“Ombra. You rescued me now,” Lucanis points out. “If you hadn’t, I would still be at the Ossuary.”

“It doesn’t feel like enough,” Rook admits. “I essentially abandoned you. If I were there…”

“Then you would have been killed,” Lucanis replies. “Zara wanted only me. Cease thinking such things, Ombra. They will only make you miserable. I am here now, and I will recover. I merely need time. Your presence… helps.”

Rook sniffles pitifully, and Lucanis cups his cheek with a hand, his expression soft. “I have missed you,” he admits.

“I have missed you as well,” Rook mumbles. “I’m—so glad you’re alive. If too thin. Would you… like to make dinner with me?”

Lucanis smiles. “Of course,” he agrees. “Though we shall need to make a list of groceries going forward, or I suspect none of you will eat anything sensible at all. It is a good thing you recruited me for this group of yours.”

Been playing Palia recently! A chill lil game with some intriguing story points is nice for relaxation sometimes. Ofc I remain obsessed with my own OC, so have a majiri Val'dran!

Thank youuuuu ❤️

What was the original thought that led to the creation of this character?

I needed a name for a minor character in a story. The minor character in question was “The Mysterious Drow/Bregan D’aerthe Operative” from the Neverwinter MMO, and he started out as a snarky if jittery archer. Over time as I grew curious about this little background character, he morphed significantly. He gained a hell of a lot more anxiety, a very specific skill set, and a detailed backstory. His very first appearance was way back in 2017, so it’s been seven years of development! He had a big development period back in 2020, and then again with BG3, but at the core he’s still the same character <3  For the Rook variant, I merely intended to play Veilguard with Val’dran as a lil funny thing. Then I found Rook suited him. He’s got a bit of a different personality due to a different backstory, but essentially he’s still the same guy. It’s actually the first time I’ve created a fully different version of him, which has been an interesting process.

4. And reverse, which one of the four things did you struggle with the most?

Which did I struggle the most with… hm. That’s a difficult question! Since he’s developed over such a long time, I’m not sure it would be accurate to say I’ve struggled with any of them, because they’ve just… happened over time. But I suppose maybe appearance? Once I decided to diverge him from the character he was based on, trying to figure out how he looked was an interesting exercise. And I’ve since redesigned him twice.  Still not sure when his brushed back hair became an undercut. Guess he made that decision. 15. Have you ever made a moodboard for them?

I have, actually! And this question has me going “oh huh that was made long enough ago that he should probably have a new one after how much he’s developed”. Gotta put it on the list for stuff to be done! But in the meanwhile, here’s the old one ;3