Goddammit, I got got 🫠

Pinterest showed me an ad for a gag gift the other day, and now I'm writing about Sera giving this gift to Solas because she 1000% would.

#AmWriting #DragonAge

So after completing my disaster run (RIP the Veilguard), I reran Yaro as a LoF rogue who romanced Emmrich.

#DragonAge #Veilguard

But Mr. Gaider, don't you see?
We do so love our poet tree.
Amid the Sylvans, this being so rare
Truly is a breath of fresh air.

A feminine character kneels on the floor next to a masculine character, who is caressing the feminine character's face, on the cover of a book found in Lavendel in Dragon Age: The Veilguard. The title is written in Tevene and translates to Down Bad in the Deep Roads.

I need you all to know the title of this book I found in Lavendel is Down Bad in the Deep Roads

Translated using: drive.google.com/file/d/177Cd...

#DragonAge #Veilguard

A feminine character kneels on the floor next to a masculine character, who is caressing the feminine character's face, on the cover of a book found in Lavendel in Dragon Age: The Veilguard. The title is written in Tevene and translates to Down Bad in the Deep Roads.

I need you all to know the title of this book I found in Lavendel is Down Bad in the Deep Roads

Translated using: drive.google.com/file/d/177Cd...

#DragonAge #Veilguard

Black background with horizontal white lines. The text reads: "Wait," said Neve, looking confused, "I thought surface dwarves couldn't hear that." "We can't," replied Harding, "at least those of us born topside can't. We met a woman from Orzammar, Valta, back when we were still with the Inquisition. She had remarkable Stone sense that led us straight to a Titan." "A what?" asked Neve, even more perplexed. "A Titan," Varric answered, annoyance seeping into his voice. "We're not entirely sure what they are exactly, just that they're tied to the dwarves in some way, an ancestral way. And they're massive."

Black background with horizontal white lines. The text reads: Neve stood in stunned silence next to Harding as Varric stewed over what this meant for him. All his life he'd been trying to get away from all the dwarfy things his parents and brother had foisted upon him. He even went so far as to keep his face shaven until recently. He'd tried his damnedest to not let his ancestry define him, and now it was intrinsically tied to him on a colossal scale. Well, shit, thought Varric.

What If...? (3/3)

#StoriesOfThedas2025 #VeilguardSpoilers

Black background with horizontal white lines. The text reads: He cracked an eye open and discovered Lace was no longer in the room. The thought barely registered as the sound continued to pound out a loud, strange beat. Then, as quickly as it had begun, it abruptly stopped. He opened his eyes, panting as he slowly removed his hands from his ears. This time he heard the familiar beat of footsteps rushing in the hallway. Neve burst through the door a moment later with Lace hot on her heels. "Varric, are you alright? Lace said you looked like you were in trouble." The detective eyed him carefully, noting his pallid complexion beneath the blooms of bruises on his face and the sweat beading up on his brow. Her hand glowed, ready to administer healing magic. "I'm alright now. But didn't you two hear it?" Neve and Harding exchanged glances. Harding spoke first.

Black background with horizontal white lines. The text reads: "No, I didn't hear anything. We were talking and then suddenly you were writhing on the cot. And you were glowing. I didn't know what else to do, so I ran to get Neve." "And all I heard were Lace's cries for help as she came running into my room," replied Neve, still eyeing Varric with a wary gaze. "You're sure you're all right?" "Well, no. I'm apparently glowing and hearing shit no one else can hear." Just like Bartrand, he thought. And then the pieces slowly began to fall into place. "Wait. Solas stabbed me with a dagger made of lyrium, right?" Neve and Harding nodded in unison, both unsure where his train of thought was headed. "Where is it? I want to see it."

Black background with horizontal white lines. The text reads: Neve gave Varric a worried look, but retrieved the dagger from somewhere on the other side of the room. She carefully handed it to him. "Holy shit," he breathed in disbelief. "Hawke, my brother Bartrand, and I found this years ago back in Kirkwall, but it was a red lyrium idol of two figures back then. The idol drove Bartrand mad, said he could hear a song. Hell, even I heard something briefly when Hawke and I went to confront him. "What I heard just now was so unlike that, but the same altogether. I don't really know how to explain it, other than this version was like a pure version of whatever the red lyrium was doing. Almost as if..." He trailed off as horror began to set in. Harding unfortunately decided to finish the thought for him. "Almost as if you heard the Stone."

What If...? (2/3)

#StoriesOfThedas2025 #VeilguardSpoilers

Black background with white horizontal lines. The text reads: Varric felt the knife in his chest before he saw it. The lyrium dagger felt like a mix of fire and ice slicing deep into his flesh. Fuck, he ruined my coat, he thought idly as he felt himself stumble back. His head swam as the magical properties of the dagger overwhelmed him and he felt himself falling, unable to catch himself. He tumbled down the stone stairs and came to rest next to the shattered remains of his beloved crossbow. "Varric!" The voice sounded far away, his skin was burning while his veins were freezing, and everything hurt. He was vaguely aware of someone kneeling beside him as he writhed in excruciating pain.

Black background with horizontal white lines. The text reads: Varric's eyes fluttered open and found himself in a room he didn't recognize. The last thing he recalled was a massive concussive blast and being certain he was dying as the world faded to black around him. He shifted, attempting to sit up, and felt pressure across the right side of his chest. He paused and looked down and, shifting the collar of his shirt, found an expertly applied bandage. "Shit," he cursed as he laid back down. "Varric?" He looked over in the direction of the voice and found Harding staring at him, relief flooding her bruised face. "Hey Lace," he replied, his voice coming out in a croak, "how long was I out?" "Couple of days. You, Rook, and I really took a beating out there, though you got the worst of it. I did what I could to help Neve drag you and Rook back through the eluvian."

Black background with horizontal white lines. The text reads: She gestured to a cot behind her and he gazed over to see Rook fast asleep. Unlike Harding and himself, Rook didn't seem to have any noticeable wounds. "That son of a bitch," he grumbled mostly to himself, then to Harding, "Did we stop him?" "The Veil is still in place, so we must have," she answered. "Everything was so chaotic after the ritual went sideways, and I was focused on helping Neve get us all back to safety." He began to ask another question, but his thoughts were suddenly drowned out by the loudest noise he'd heard in his life. He winced and shut his eyes tight and clamped his hands over his ears, but it continued to ring through his head. "Andraste's tits," he cried through gritted teeth, "what is that Maker-forsaken noise?"

What If...? (1/3)

#StoriesOfThedas2025 #VeilguardSpoilers

An edited version of Varric's second tarot card from Dragon Age: Inquisition acquired after Here Lies the Abyss. As Varric kneels down with figures haunting him in the background, bits of lyrium blue shine through the red, implying Varric has been touched by a Titan (see following posts for story).

Day 28: What If...?

Thanks for reading my little vignettes about the inhabitants of Thedas all month. So now I leave you with:

What if Varric got Titan powers?

(there's a chance I may expand this one into a full fic at some point)

#StoriesOfThedas2025 #VeilguardSpoilers #Varric #Titans

An image of concept art for Dog (Barkspawn) from Dragon Age: Origins. The text over it reads: You awaken to a cacophony of shouting, barking, and scratching just outside your tent. Assuming the worst, you grab your weapon and head out in only a tunic and trousers, thinking to yourself, Maker, please, not another ambush. Instead, as you emerge from your tent, you find your companions scolding your faithful mabari Barkspawn as he gleefully flings dirt everywhere. "Andraste's sacred knickers, what is going on here?" you bellow to be heard over the noise. You set your weapon down as Barkspawn runs over, barking and wagging his entire rump with excitement. Your companions all begin to try to tell you what's happening, none of which you understand. "One at a time!" you cry, holding both hands up to silence them. Morrigan decides to speak first, "That beast has been stealing our things and hiding them all over camp!" "He's dug several holes, one of which contained the dragon statuette you gave me," Alistair chimes in. The rest of the companions all begin to tell you the various things your mischievous hound has taken: crystals, a mirror, a book, a totem, shoes, gloves, and the list goes on and on. You look to Barkspawn, "Did you take their things?" He lowers his head, cowering with a few small whines. "You need to give them back. The only things you're allowed to bury are the bones I give you." He whines some more. "Come on," you sigh as you head for the nearest dirt clump, "let's get to it." Barkspawn follows along sheepishly.

Day 27: Hole

#StoriesOfThedas2025 #DragonAge #Barkspawn

An image of Cullen's tarot card from Dragon Age: Inquisition. The text over it reads: Up high in a window a candle burns bright A man is up working late into the night He plans the movements and trains with the troops He rarely takes time to himself to recoup Despite his own demons, he's pledged to the cause Though it isn't for glory, acclaim, or applause Thedas won't fall as long as he lives The breach is a slight he cannot forgive A man is up working late into the night And he'll keep it up 'til they win this fight

Day 26: Late Night

#StoriesOfThedas2025 #Cullen

An image of concept art for Wynne from The World of Thedas Volume 2. The text to the left of it reads: Alistair - socks Sten - scarf Leliana - blanket Morrigan - shawl Zevran - mittens Oghren - hat Shale - pouch Warden - stuffed Griffon A list titled "Satinalia" found at camp near a pair of knitting needles and multiple skeins of yarn in various colors.

Day 25: Hobby

#StoriesOfThedas2025 #Wynne #Knitting

An image of Harding's tarot card from Dragon Age: the Veilguard. The text over it reads: Lace Harding woke with a start drenched in sweat and heart pounding. She had grown a little more used to dreaming in the years since she first became connected to the Titans, but the intensely realistic ones still gave her issues. After a few deep breaths to take the edge off, she decided to go brew herself a cup of tea. As she made her way down the hall, she heard someone milling about in the kitchen. Turning the corner, she discovered her mother at the stove heating water in a kettle. "Ma! What are you doing up?" Her mother turned and smiled, "I heard you making noises through the door and figured you might be having one of your bad dreams. You can tell me about it while we have a nice warm drink." She watched from the dining table as her mother placed a few dried spearmint leaves in each cup and poured the boiling water over. After letting it sit a few minutes to steep, she drizzled in a bit of honey, and brought a cup to her daughter as she took the seat across from her. Lace took a sip and then a deep breath before launching into her dream. "I was in a dense forest all alone with no way to tell where I should go. No tracks to follow, no sunlight, no stars. Then darkspawn began to pour out of the forest toward me from all directions. I reached for my bow, but it had disappeared along with my quiver. Just as they closed in around me, a large wolf showed up and chased them all away, then turned and started stalking back to me with a snarl. That was when I woke up." She took another sip of tea as her mother did the same. "Oh dear," she said, setting her cup down, "that sounds terrible. But I wonder, could it mean something?"

An image of Harding's tarot card from Dragon Age: the Veilguard. The text over it reads: Lace frowned and set down her own cup. She sometimes forgot emotions and feelings could seep out and tinge her dreams, something Emmrich had told her once. She thought about it for a moment. "Well, I'm a scout. I'm good at finding my way around places, but maybe I've been feeling a little lost lately as far as where I should go with my life next. Darkspawn are easy, they're darkspawn. Vile and evil and destroy everything they touch. But the wolf..." she trailed off, puzzled. The only wolf that large she'd ever seen was now trapped in the Fade, tied to the Veil itself. Why would he show up in her dreams now after all this time? She feigned a yawn and finished the rest of her tea, then gave her mother's hand a loving pat. "Thanks for listening, Ma. I think I'm okay to go back to sleep now." She went back to her room and waited until she was certain her mother was back in bed, then changed clothes, gathered her bow and quiver, and jotted a quick note that she took back to the dining table. Just as the sun was beginning to peek over the horizon, Lace Harding slipped out and headed off in search of answers. Solas was up to something, again, and she needed to find out exactly what.

Day 24: Dreams

#StoriesOfThedas2025 #VeilguardSpoilers #Harding

An in-game shot of the Memorial Gardens in the Grand Necropolis from Dragon Age: the Veilguard. The text over it reads: A skeleton in a long coat places a bouquet of Shroud's Kiss, lilacs, and lilies on a grave within the Grand Necropolis, then takes a moment to lovingly remove a bit of dust that has settled on the headstone. The epitaph carved upon it reads: Here lies Professor Emmrich Volkarin of the Mourn Watch, Protector of the Veil, and his dearest Rook, Champion of the Fade. After defeating the Evanuris, they spent many happy years together split between tending to the Necropolis and traveling across Thedas, exploring and assisting with recovery efforts. May they travel the expanse of the Fade, seeking adventure together evermore.

Day 23: Necropolis

#StoriesOfThedas2025 #VeilguardSpoilers #Emmrich

A side profile image of Cole from Dragon Age: Inquisition with his large hat covering about half of his face. The text over it reads: A note appears on your desk one day along with a small jar of honey and some dried chamomile flowers—enough to brew a cup of tea—and no one seems to remember how it got there: Haunted, hurting, hopeless. Face hidden in tired hands, wishing to fade from existence. You hold pain and anger, but empathy and kindness, too. A lighthouse standing steadfast in the storm, beaming, beckoning, "Help is here, you're safe with me."

Day 22: Help

Author's note: regarding language of flowers symbolism, chamomile means "energy in adversity". 🌼❤️

#StoriesOfThedas2025 #DragonAge #Cole

An image of the bound copy of the Writ from the Divine. The text over it reads: Summerday celebrations across Thedas vary widely in presentation and execution, but at their hearts, are largely all the same. In Ferelden, festivities consist of singing, dancing, attending or participating in plays recreating various historical events or folk tales, with Dane and the Werewolf being a most popular subject, and seasonal markets for purchasing goods and hand-crafted baubles. Orlais continues The Game under the guise of a week of lavish balls in the evenings, with attendees opting for lighter fabrics for their extravagant gowns and suits. Seasonal fruits and wine are served alongside traditional Orlesian dishes. In the Anderfels, the Chantry puts on an extravagant week-long play, retelling the story of Andraste's rise to power, her death, and ultimately, her ascension to the Maker's side. In Nevarra, the Grand Necropolis hosts a large banquet where the living are invited to sup with the dead. Wisps flit between patrons, offering a delightful bit of entertainment (that is, when they aren't making off with the silverware). In Rivain, celebrations last a fortnight. From dancers and acrobats to elaborate feasts to Seers relaying fortunes, the festivities culminate in a large bonfire with singing, drinking, and more dancing. In Tevinter, the most elite and powerful mages put on a showcase of magical talents. In public, these showcases amount to harmless yet intricate parlor tricks. However, it is said that more private festivities include blood magic and sacrifices. As for the Dalish and the Qunari, it is largely unknown what sort of observations, if any, they make for Summerday. From In Pursuit of Knowledge: The Travels of a Chantry Scholar, by Brother Genitivi

Day 20: Festival
Day 21: Bonfire

(was a little under the weather yesterday, so both days have been combined)

#StoriesOfThedas2025 #BrotherGenitivi #Summerday

Concept art of Aveline Vallen from Dragon Age 2 with the Kirkwall knotwork heraldry behind her. The text over it reads: After the horrors of Ostagar and the loss of her husband, Wesley, Aveline Vallen had no intention of having children. Yet she found herself fussing over the guards more as a mother hen rather than a typical Guard-Captain, though she sold herself on the lie of it merely being "friendly concern". Not to mention keeping a watchful eye on Hawke and the rest of the friend group to ensure they stayed out of major trouble. They were, much to Aveline's chagrin, excellent at getting into some of the worst kinds of trouble. That she occasionally allowed them to drag her down along with them was neither here nor there; she'd never admit it, especially not to Isabela, but she would die for each one of them if it meant they were safe and happy. Aveline had sworn off parenthood, yet it found her all the same. And she wouldn't change it for all the sovereigns in all the royal coffers of Thedas.

Day 19: Parent

#StoriesOfThedas2025 #Aveline

An image of Haven's Chantry from Dragon Age: Origins. The text over it reads: Ashes to ashes, dust to dust The guardians stood ready to do what they must Decades to centuries, time passed by Purpose was twisted, though none recalls why Ashes to dragon, dust to bone "Andraste is risen, on wings hath she flown" Duty to delusion, faith to superstition Visitors met with zealous aggression No one to someone, a quest for a friend The fanatics of Haven all met their end

Day 18: Haven

#StoriesOfThedas2025 #Haven

This image is made to look like a piece of parchment. The text reads: I dream of Ferelden, the land of my birth I long to be home, to till the rich earth I imagine my family tending the farm Safe and secure, so far from harm I may never return to see them again Since I joined the Wardens and swallowed the taint I dream of Ferelden, the land of my birth 'Til my ashes are spread in her bountiful dirt - a poem recovered from the body of a long dead Warden, unsigned

Day 17: Ferelden

#StoriesOfThedas2025 #Homesick #GreyWarden

An image of the Altar of Dumat from the Dragon Age 2 Legacy DLC. The text over it reads: Seven priests sat in the respective Temples of their Gods Fasting Meditating Praying Listening Whispers from colossal eidolons Crossing the abyss of time and space Harbingers heralding horror and havoc Wrapped in promises of piety and prestige "Come, open the gates Loose us that we may reward your faith Come, behold such wonders Bear witness to our terrific might Come, claim your birthright Take our gifts to cleanse the world Come, be made whole"

Day 16: Meditate

#StoriesOfThedas2025 #MagistersSidereal #Tevinter

An image of an Andraste's Grace flower from Dragon Age: Origins. The text over it reads: Five years after the Exalted Council, Divine Victoria returned to her personal chambers at the Grand Cathedral one day to an unexpected package, small and otherwise innocuous. She carefully removed the twine and the plain paper wrapping, revealing a modest wooden box with a note attached that simply read: For your Nameday, M. Upon lifting the lid of the box, she discovered a linen satchel, and within that, a little vial of fluid labeled "Andraste's Grace". The Divine removed the stopper and a familiar floral fragrance filled her nose. "Thank you, Morrigan," she whispered, happy tears threatening to spill down her face. From that day on, whether tending to her beloved nugs or to her congregation, Divine Victoria left the scent of Andraste's Grace in her wake.

Day 15: Scent

#StoriesOfThedas2025 #Leliana #Morrigan

An image of Manfred from Dragon Age: The Veilguard. The text over it reads: "Touch!" Davrin stirred from his nap upon hearing someone in his room. He yawned and stretched, and thought he heard happy hissing as his senses slowly came into focus. "Touch!" Sure enough, as he swung his feet out of the bed and onto the floor, he saw Manfred standing in front of the newest figurines he had completed the night before. "Touch!" "Yeah, you can touch them," Davrin replied with a chuckle as he made his way over. However, it wasn't the figurines Manfred was interested in touching. "Touch!" he hissed, waving Davrin's whittling knife with glee. "Whoa! Hey, let's put that down," said Davrin, moving a little faster to disarm him. "Touch!" Manfred happily relented and let him take the knife without incident. Davrin made sure to store it much higher atop the shelves surrounding his desk. He didn't think Manfred could hurt himself, but he wasn't willing to find out for sure. "Manfred, if you really want to touch something, how about we go find Assan. He really enjoys getting his ears scratched." "Touch!" cried Manfred with a series of delighted claps.

Day 14: Touch

#StoriesOfThedas2025
#VeilguardSpoilers
#Manfred #Davrin

An image of Luanis's room from Dragon Age: The Veilguard. The text over it reads: Lucanis Dellamorte, Demon of Vyrantium and master assassin of the Antivan Crows, sat quietly on his cot within the Lighthouse pantry turning a dagger over in his hands. Rook had presented him with a wyvern-tooth dagger seemingly out of the blue, just because. As he sat marveling at the gleaming blade, his mind drifted back to a childhood memory. Caterina had sent him and Illario to the market to purchase fresh fruit and herbs. As the boys wandered among the various stalls, a bard caught Lucanis's ear. The man was regaling a small crowd with a tale about Andraste and a wyvern. Entranced by the story, Lucanis quietly left Illario's side to join the audience. Thus began his affinity for the creatures. He read everything he could about wyverns, imagined having a wyvern of his own, and even implored Caterina once, and only once, to have a wyvern-tooth dagger. As he grew into a young man and began training in earnest to become a Crow, his passion for the beasts got placed on the back burner. Now here he sat in the Fade, staring at a wyvern-tooth dagger given to him by a mere acquaintance simply because he mentioned casually that he liked wyverns. And for the first time in a long time, Lucanis began to entertain the idea that maybe he deserved to have the things he wanted. Maybe he deserved to have things that made him happy.

Day 13: Inner Child

#StoriesOfThedas2025 #Lucanis

An image of the Kirkwall heraldry from Dragon Age 2. The text over it reads: Origins, 2, Inquisition, and Veilguard Choosing a favorite, for many, isn't hard My first trip to Thedas, a first love so true Rests in the hands of Dragon Age 2 I traveled to Kirkwall in a raging storm Life's waters were choppy, and gone was the norm I needed distraction, a way to unwind And the Kirkwall crew were there to oblige From the summit of Sundermount to the Wounded Coast Those are the stories I treasure the most When I most needed escape, they entered my life In a turbulent, dark moment, they provided some light I'm forever grateful for Dragon Age 2 From out of the Abyss, it helped me pull through

Day 12: First Love

#StoriesOfThedas2025 #DragonAge2Appreciation

An image of the Cousland heraldry from Dragon Age: Origins. The text over it reads: "Papa!" cried a young girl as she ran up to his chair, "can you please tell me a story?" The man chuckled and scooped her up into his arms and settled her into his lap. He held her close and gazed at the fire in the hearth, contemplating which tale he should indulge her with for the evening. "Would you like to hear the tale of how King Maric defeated the Orlesian usurper?" The girl shook her head. "All right then," he mused, stroking his beard, "how about the one about Ser Aveline?" She shook her head again. "Papa," she said, gazing up at him expectantly, "I want to hear about the Hero." The man furrowed his brow, fighting the sudden lump in his throat. He didn't tell that one very often, too many painful memories attached for him. As he sat there blinking back tears, he felt a reassuring hand on his shoulder. His wife had been sitting in a chair on the other side of the room mending pieces of clothing, but moved to his side upon hearing their daughter's request. "Darling, I'm not sure Papa is up to telling that one tonight," she replied softly, giving his shoulder a gentle squeeze. "No, it's alright, my love," he said, taking a shaky breath before continuing. "Once upon a time," Fergus Cousland began as the girl rested her head against his chest, "my little sister, your aunt, saved all of Ferelden from the Blight."

Day 11: Hearth

#StoriesOfThedas2025 #HoF

An image of the Vhenadahl tree from Dragon Age 2. The text over it reads: "Varric, you like stories. Do you know any elven ones?" Merrill asked as they made their way to the alienage, the glow of the moon lighting their way. Varric had insisted on walking her back from the Hanged Man himself after Hawke and Isabela started trying to one up each other on drinks. Aveline said earlier in the day that she'd be working late, neither Fenris nor Anders turned up, and Sebastian rarely joined them. So the Storyteller opted for the role of Bodyguard for the time being. "I don't think I do, Daisy. Well, apart from the ones you've told me anyway." He preferred inventing his stories rather than telling and retelling stories made up ages ago anyway. "Oh, well, I don't suppose you know any from the dwarves then?," she asked as she picked at a loose thread at the hem of her tunic. Varric glanced sideways at her, puzzled. "What would an elven apostate want with dwarven stories?" "Oh dear, was that rude of me to ask?" she asked, worry flooding her voice. He stopped just as they reached Gamlen's hovel, even more confused than he was before. Merrill practically froze next to him.

An image of the Vhenadahl tree from Dragon Age 2. The text over it reads: "No, Daisy, it wasn't rude," he said with a chuckle, "but what are you asking about stories for?" "Oh," she began sheepishly, "it's just that I like to tell myself stories at night before bed. Helps with the loneliness." "I see," he said as he readjusted Bianca and gestured for them to continue walking. "I was hoping to add some new ones to my collection." The tension had mostly left her small frame as they arrived at the door of her hovel. She gave a small smile and thanked him for walking with her. "You know what, Daisy," he said as she turned to open her door, "I'll see what I can dig up for you." The following week, Varric delivered a box full of rolled parchment to Merrill's home. He'd kept his word and used a few connections to track down some stories he thought she'd enjoy from Seheron all the way to the Korcari Wilds, and even threw in a couple Tethras originals. All painstakingly hand-written in a familiar script, she wouldn't need to go looking for new bedtime stories anytime soon.

Day 10: Bedtime Story

#StoriesOfThedas2025 #Merrill #Varric

An image of the lyrium heart from The Descent DLC. The text over it reads: I am Learning. I hold the knowledge, ideals, and memories of legions. Draw close and I shall tell you of one forgotten by time: Some time ago, I cannot recall how long—a day? A decade? An eon? A small child born of the Stone lost in the Deep Roads. Each twist and turn brought darkness and unimaginable horror, nightmares those capable of dreaming could never fathom. Though eventually rescued, he was first found by something else. The child wandered the broken halls of his Ancestors, terrified and dirty. Hiding when hellish creatures drew too near, a miracle he managed to survive in such conditions so long. At last he turned a corner and saw a glow at the end of a long hallway, different from the glow of fire or lyrium. White and blinding, but nevertheless inviting. He crept forward, cautious and curious of what lay ahead. As he inched closer to the light, he lifted a small hand up to shield his eyes. Upon exiting the tunnel, it took several minutes for his eyes to adjust after spending so long in the dark. Once he could see properly, he gasped in amazement.

An image of the lyrium heart from The Descent DLC. The text over it reads: A large cavern filled with plants and buildings greeted him. The light he had followed seemed to emanate from somewhere deep within the cavern, but he could not discern the source. As he wandered further in, creatures began to emerge from the buildings. Different from the rotten brutes he had encountered before, but no less intimidating. Dressed in strange armor interlaced with lyrium, the creatures surrounded him, speaking in a language he did not understand. He began to sob, certain in the end of his young life. The creatures fell silent as one of them stepped forward and placed a hand on the child's shoulder. He opened his eyes at the unexpected gesture, sobs softening to whimpers. The group escorted him past buildings and down various stairs and ladders, gathering in number as more creatures emerged as they passed by. The child followed along obediently, not daring to attempt escape lest they change their minds and decide to kill him. At last they reached the center of the cavern and the one who touched his shoulder gestured for him to step forward. The crowd watched as he moved forward with trepidation, many remembering their own apprehension when they too were shown this path. A large stone wall shifted and retracted downward, revealing a large blue lyrium heart. He felt his own heart racing with fear and excitement in equal measure. As he stared in wonder at the display before him, raw lyrium shot forth from the heart, rendering him unconscious.

An image of the lyrium heart from The Descent DLC. The text over it reads: Upon waking, the child found himself alone in the darkness once more. No blinding light, lyrium heart, or armored creatures to be found anywhere. As he began to believe it all to be an elaborate dream, a large rotting creature with horns rounded the corner. With a menacing roar, it charged forward. The child cried out and threw his hands up as if to shield himself. When the attack never came, he lowered his hands and chanced a look. The creature stood frozen like a statue a hair's breadth from him. Startled, he fell back from the thing and stared down at his hands in disbelief. He scrambled back to his feet and ran down the nearest passage, wanting to be far away should the creature begin moving again.As he rounded a sharp corner, he collided with something that fell back with a loud OOF! A man of the Stone who had been looking for treasures to sell in his store lie on the ground gulping in air. The child froze, unsure if this was another trick of his mind. As the man managed to sit up, he caught sight of the child. "By the Ancestors! How did you get here?" The child remained still and quiet. The man clambered to his feet and shrugged off the pack he carried. After a little digging, he produced a blanket and brought it slowly over to him. As he felt the blanket encircle his shoulders, the child decided this was indeed real and hugged the man as tight as his small arms could manage. "There, there," crooned the man as he returned the hug, "you're safe now. Let's get you back to Orzammar. What's your name?" "Enchantment!" cried the child.

Day 9: Forgotten Memory

#StoriesOfThedas2025 #Dwarves

This image is made to look like a codex entry from the Trespasser DLC. The test reads: Vir Dirthara: Observing the Griffons The pages of this book-memory?-describe winged creatures hunting at a river in an ancient forest. These young chimeric beings, at once awesome and delightful, take turns swooping down to the water's surface and snatching fish quick as a lightning strike. They are far removed from the fabled illustrious duty they will one day inherit, yet still formidable in speed and skill.

Day 8: Griffon

(This was actually the first one I wrote lol)

#StoriesOfThedas2025 #VirDirthara