#haverdoodles

Dreamwalker

— (Aethara Dream-Walker)

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She was the first to awaken from the ancient sleep, and for a thousand years, she wandered.

Her journeys took her across the endless seas of dreaming souls, a pillar of starlight among the lost. She followed, she listened, she answered. Though she found purpose in guiding the restless souls of the Fade, she knew her true mandate awaited behind the sealed doors of Fen’Harel’s long-forgotten tomb.

And so she wandered, ever patient, faithfully waiting for the day those doors would crack open and the world would be reborn.

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Though Aethara plays a very little role in my upcoming DA:I novel, her story is interesting enough to warrant a spin-off! I will write it all down once the main story is finished, I think. It’s also worth noting that she will be significantly more present during the events of DA4.

Idle Observers

— (Solas & Te’lise)

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What are they looking at? Wrong answers only!

Take A Breath

— (Ellana Lavellan)

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I accidentally created my ideal woman and now I have a mini crisis every time that I draw Ellana

Gentle Touch

— (Te’lise & Maran Lavellan)

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“A sword or a staff isn’t always needed to help people. Sometimes, soft words and a gentle touch can do just as much good.” - Te’lise Lavellan

When one of her halla is sick, Maran likes to paint their white coats with beautiful swirling designs – her reasoning is that it helps them feel prettier ✨

Clan Lavellan

— (literally everybody)

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A more detailed guide can be found on my Twitter (@/ haverdoodles)

Moonflower

— (Fenris)

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CW!! Male nudity!!

The Promise Braid

— (Solas & Te’lise Lavellan)

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“My Heart, you have been naughty,” Solas purred with deceptive softness as he approached. “I believe you have something of mine?”

Te’lise blushed bright pink at the suggestiveness of his tone, growing dizzy at the way his hips swayed with each step as he closed the distance between them. “I– yes.” Her voice shook. She cleared her throat. “I do.”

Solas halted a mere breath’s distance away. He peered down into her face with undisguised curiosity.

Growing warm under his gaze, she hastily added, “I wasn’t stealing it. I– didn’t– steal it. Erm… I had a gift for you in mind. Actually.”

Solas cocked a brow. “You wished to regift my necklace to me? How generous of you, Vhen’an. “

Te’lise swatted his chest with her free hand, rolling her eyes at the boyish grin that he bent towards her. “Oh, I might as well just come out with it,” she sighed. “Here. Your hand, please?”

Solas obeyed, watching her with soft eyes as she withdrew her own hand from behind her back to rest his jawbone necklace gently upon the surface of his palm.

“What’s this?” Solas asked, breaking his gaze to blink down at his jawbone in surprise. He brushed his fingers over the viridescent tassel attached to it, wondering, and Te’lise began to blush in earnest.

“In my Clan,” she said quietly, “When two Elvhen begin courting, they exchange these, Promise-Braids, to symbolize their commitment to one another. Normally they would be woven in one’s hair beside the Life-Braid, but… well…” The two of them simultaneously glanced up at the smoothness of Solas’s head.

“Ah, yes. I could see how that could pose a problem,” he said with a wry smile. His mirth faded into something tender when he took notice of the pink hue of Te’lise’s face, and the way her hands trembled. “This means a lot to you.”

Te’lise sighed shakily. “I never thought that I would be in this position,” she admitted, resisting the urge to curl in upon herself in the wake of her own vulnerability. “I was… not seen as desirable among the Dalish, you see. I was too weak and too sick. None of the males wished to tie themselves to someone they weren’t even sure would outlive the decade. I had made my peace with their misgivings, deciding that I could be useful to the People in ways other than marriage or motherhood. So to be here now, with you… to hear you call me…”

“Vhen’an.” Solas whispered.

Te’lise’s eyes burned. She cleared her throat, forcing lightness. “Well. I wished to show you my appreciation by offering you a courting gift the proper way.”

Solas was silent for a long moment. Just Te’lise was beginning to worry that she had offended him with her candor, he said in an unreadable tone, “The colour. It matches your eyes.”

Said eyes widened as mortification crashed through Te’lise in waves. “Oh, Gods,” she moaned, raising a hand to her face. “I promise, that was not my intention–“

And then he was kissing her.

Her world was suddenly consumed by Solas; the way his towering form enveloped hers, the heated brush of his skin through his tunic, a strong hand gripping her hip and gently guiding her to lie back against the grass.

“My Heart, my Heart,” he murmured against her lips, chanting the two syllables like a desperate prayer. “Ar lath ma, Vhen’an.”

Te’lise’s eyes burned. How long had she waited to be told those three words? She began returning his kisses in earnest, pulling away just enough to pepper them across his freckled nose, his cheekbones, his closed eyelids, conveying her deep admiration with her lips against heated skin.

Eventually they parted, panting, staring at one another with flushed cheeks and glassy eyes. Solas surprised her with a grin, his chest heaving. He looked so happy.

“I take it that you don’t disapprove?” She asked shyly, and Solas began to laugh.

“Disapprove? I could never disapprove of you.” He bent down close enough that Te’lise could admire the way the fading sunlight caught his eyes, illuminating them silver. “I will treasure it, always.”

Her chest warmed. Not trusting herself to speak in that moment, Te’lise grabbed his tunic and yanked him down, muffling his surprised laughter with her lips upon his own.

A Bunch of Solas Heads

— (Solas)

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I felt like I was losing touch with Solas’s essence whenever I’d draw him, so I decided to redesign him in my style with a fresh perspective. It worked! I no longer despair at drawing one of my most favourite characters.

The Dreamer’s Realm

— (Solas & Thanuil Lavellan)

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Here is the link to the fic!

https://archiveofourown.org/works/38390569

The Dreamer’s Realm - vawashere - Dragon Age - All Media Types [Archive of Our Own]

Happy Solavellan Day!!

— (Solas & Te’lise)

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I rushed to make this in time, I didn’t even know Solavellan Day was a thing?? But I sure am glad that it is!

Sun-Kissed

— (Zevran Arainai & Liril Naman)

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Zevran loves his little inventor wife

I look forward to writing Zev and Teela’s story soon! It’s a cute spin-off that takes place after the events of Origins/Awakening, and doesn’t really hold ties to the main storyline. I can’t wait to write the two of them together!

FEED him, he is HUNGRY!!

— (THE Iron Bull)

Judgement Day

— (Ellana Lavellan)

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A piece I made for a DTIYS to celebrate 1k followers on Instagram! If you’d like to join in, head on over and look for this piece on my page :)

CW: partial nudity //

Salvation

— (Abelas & Aethara)

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“Ma serannas,” he breathed against her lips, again and again, a shakily-whispered prayer. His heart beat against hers like a fragile bird’s. “Please, stay by my side, dear one. Until the end.”

“Until the end, Sorrow.” She promised him, drawing him closer. “Until the end.”

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Both Abelas and Aethara have gone through so much in their lives. It’s only fitting that they find solace in one another :’)

I’m having some writer’s block with my main story, so I think I’m going to go ahead and start writing this spin-off. That way we can see the natural progression of Abelas and Aethara’s relationship, from aloof colleagues all the way to tender lovers <3 and with Solas making cameos as their exasperated boss!

Madame De Fer

— (Vivienne)

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A storm was coming. With it, the winds of change.

Someone asked what Te’lise’s illness was a little while ago, so I felt that it was important to give you all an update!

After much deliberation, I’ve decided that Te’lise’s chronic illness will be largely inspired by Cystic Fibrosis (CF).

It is an inherited disorder that causes really severe damage to the lungs and other organs, particularly the digestive system. It also impacts a person’s reproductive system.

While Clan Lavellan loves Te’lise, they do treat her with some unconscious stigmatization throughout her life. Her time in the Clan is spent being overly coddled and protected, even by those closest to her (Thanuil, and her mentor, Uriel) which makes her feel inadequate and ‘lesser’ than her able-bodied clansmates.

Despite being a mage, she is only taught to control her magic, not to use it properly, because of the debilitating effects it has on her physically. This leads to some deeply ingrained feelings of alienation and insecurity that will slowly be unlearned over time. It is only after she meets Solas that she is encouraged to explore her magical capabilities, and truly flourishes as her own person.

Because Dragon Age is set in a medieval-esque time period, largely dependent on magic and less so on science, I assume that they haven’t found some sort of magical cure for this condition, only treatment. While Te'lise’s entire life has been impacted by her illness, she doesn’t let it hold her back, and learns to embrace her strengths (creative mind, curious nature, gentle heart) instead of fixating on her weaknesses (inability to use magic properly, physical weakness). She becomes a pretty damn good healer down the line because of it!

As a non-disabled person writing a disabled character, I will take good care to write Te’lise’s story in a respectful and well-informed way. I have such a huge amount of respect for people with chronic illnesses, their strength and perseverance, and I hope that will translate properly in my writing.

If ever you have questions in regards to Te’lise or other characters in my little universe, feel free to stop by my Ask Box! I’d be happy to answer them for you.

(A big thank you to @/ qveenofstars_art on Instagram for suggesting CF, and for providing me with such informative resources on the condition. She’s the best!)

Temptation

— (Cullen & Ellana)

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“Let me be frank, Commander.” Ellana purred. “I grow tired of this little dance of ours. I desire you, you desire me. Should you accept, I intend to court you.” Her lips curled upwards. “What say you to this proposition, hm?”

Cullen released a strangled noise and blushed.

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… I wish I was Cullen.

Home

— (Solas & Te’lise)

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Solas couldn’t help but smile as thin arms slid up and around his torso, capturing him in a gentle embrace.

“Hello,” he said amusedly.

“Hello,” Te’lise whispered back. Her eyes crinkled as she smiled, and she buried her face shyly in his shoulder. “I’m sorry. You just seemed so cozy, sitting here. I couldn’t resist.”

“Is that so?” Solas set down his book. Slyly, he said, “You cannot reach me properly from that angle. Shall I assist you?”

Te’lise pulled back enough to glance at him curiously. Before she could react, Solas twisted around and pulled her fully into her arms, grinning as she yelped in surprise.

Te’lise began to laugh, wrapping her arms around his waist, and Solas buried his face in her hair – partly because of the familiarity of the action, and partly so that she wouldn’t see the lovesick expression on his face.

The All-Father, God of Vengeance

— (Elgar’nan)

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I hope to paint the entirety of the Evanuris. And here we begin, with the King of Kings.

CW: very mild swearing

Reunion At Last

— (Varric & Hawke)

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“Varric, you mentioned living in a fortress, not an entire castle.This place is amazing!”

And there she was. Hawke was leaning against the battlements, staring out at Skyhold with wide eyes. She hadn’t changed a bit, it seemed – same lilting voice, crooked grin and terrible posture. Her hair, while still a short raggedy mess, had grown longer, and it now dusted the base of her neck in feathery tendrils.

She was still the same messy, all-over-the-place Hawke that he knew, and it brought a smile to Varric’s face.

“It’s still a fortress,” he reminded her, leisurely crossing his arms and following her gaze. “See that area over there? That’s meant for trebuchets. And just across from us is the archers’ tower.”

“Wicked,” Hawke breathed, and it was such a Hawke-like thing to say that Varric snorted. She turned to face him then, and smiled. Her eyes were very, very blue. “Proper greetings are in order now, don’t you think?”

“I think you and I have very different ideas of ‘proper’,” Varric said, glancing amusedly at their surroundings.

Hawke leaned in close, an impressive feat for someone of her size. Despite being nearly a whole half taller than Varric, she had always been insistent that she convey her affections without bringing in a step-ladder, and watching her awkward first attempts had often sent Varric into roaring laughter.

Now, years later, she had mastered it. Their faces were close enough that their noses were brushing, and Varric could count each of her pale eyelashes, so very long and dear to him. She smelled of hot metal and gingerbread and the Waking Sea. Hawke smelled of home.

“Hello, dear husband.” Hawke whispered, her lips grazing his in a way that made his heart lurch and his hands curl into weak fists. “Did you miss me while I was away?”

“More than I could ever put into words, dear wife.” Varric smiled. He bumped his nose playfully against here, and they both pulled away. “I’m glad you made it out here safely. I was about two hours away from asking the Inquisitor to send out a search party for you.”

“What, and ruin the surprise?” Hawke exclaimed. “You Inquisition lot certainly picked an… out-therelocation, but since it’s a fancy castle I suppose I can forgive you.” She wiggled her gingery brows. “Adds an air of mystery to it all.”

“I’ll be sure to ask the Inquisitor to install more brightly-painted signs to guide travellers in the right direction,” Varric said wryly, and Hawke snickered.

After a moment of companionable silence, Hawke asked, “And how are the others?”

It was the casualty and nonchalance of the question that alerted Varric to the fact that she was not asking about the Inquisition, but of their own friends back in Kirkwall. For her own safety and their friends’, Hawke had ceased all communication with them since the explosion that had devastated Kirkwall, save for maybe Fenris on occasion.

Hawke’s shoulders had slumped very slightly since asking the question. She missed them.

“I have a whole mountain of letters from Merrill that I’m sure you’ll want to read through later. She misses you terribly, and hopes you’re remembering to eat your vegetables,” Varric said, bringing a half-smile to Hawke’s face. “Aveline’s doing a fine job as guard-captain, as we all knew she would. Isabela is… Isabela-”

“I heard she’s joined forces with our favourite Lord Trevelyan on the Waking Sea,” Hawke said interestedly. “Pirates and smugglers? It’s a wonder no one has shut them down yet.”

“What, and face off against those two? As if they’d dare to try,” Varric said, and the two of them exchanged grins.

“Now, where was I? Ah. You’ve got a little pile of letters from Sebastian too. It’s mostly just a bunch of sanctimonious bullshit, but he wishes you well. He also mentioned something about an ‘unpaid tab’?”

“Prick. Of course he’d hold onto that,” Hawke chuckled. “And… how is Beth?”

Hearing the naked vulnerability in her voice, Varric knew he had to tread carefully. “Sunshine’s happy,” he said, and she relaxed. “It’s a good thing that you bribed the Circle to allow Dog to live there, because everyone loves him apparently. It brings her joy to have a slice of home in there, though I’m sure she’d love to hear from her big sister.”

“Ah, I don’t know,” Hawke sighed, slumping. “Perhaps… I could write a small letter for you to pass on? A little anonymous thing that you could claim as your own.”

“That’d be more than enough, Hawke.” Varric said tenderly. She was bent down low enough that he could reach up and ruffle her hair, grinning as she squawked in protest. “You look good, sweetheart. I’m happy you’re alright.”

“Blame Fenris for that,” she huffed out between peals of laughter, batting his hand away with a giant grin. “He always seems to appear when I’m thinking of doing something stupid.”

She straightened, and the two of them stared at one another, breathless. Varric swallowed. Maker, how he wished he could just knock her off her feet and kiss her senseless. For countless nights he had lain awake, running his fingers again and again over the red scarf wrapped firmly around his wrist. He dreamed of her often, of her uneven gait and strong arms and the smell of her hair, and it always felt as though she was hovering over his shoulder like she used to, ready to give amusing little comments about everything while still just out of sight.

“You’re giving me that look,” Hawke said quietly. Her blue eyes were dark and tender, reflecting the heat that he knew could be found within his own. “I missed you too, Varric. I missed you so much it hurt.”

“I know, Hawke.” He choked out. She reached out a hand, the one that was only lightly gloved instead of armoured, and he took it.

“I came to Skyhold because of Corypheus,” Hawke told him, “But that is only partly the reason. Largely, selfishly, I came for you, Varric. Because I love you, and every second that I spent away from you was an agony.” She smiled, and it lit up her face. Varric had never seen anything more beautiful. “Let’s stick together from now on, yeah? Just you and me, like old times.”

“As if you need to declare it,” Varric chuckled, bringing her hand up to his lips in a gentle kiss before letting it go. “The Inquisitor should be arriving soon.”

“Knowing you, you probably left some sort of cryptic message.” Hawke said, because of course she knew him like the back of her hand. “Right then! Inquisitor Lavellan sounds like the scariest fucking woman in Thedas, so I can’t disappoint. Varric, I was thinking a dramatic entrance with the stairs - you could announce me with something really cool and casual like, say, ‘Inquisitor, meet Hawke,’ and I’ll come walking down the steps…”

As Hawke stumbled up the battlement steps, waving her hands around in dramatic depiction, Varric could only watch with a helplessly besotted grin. Yes, he was stuck in the ass-end of Thedas, battling an old foe to save the world, but wasn’t that the usual?

With Hawke by his side, nothing felt impossible anymore.

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To go along with canon, I feel like Hawke and Varric have kept their relationship a secret (outside of their circle) up until this point in time. Filling their romance with longing looks and subtle touches fills me with so much joy!