Ohhh [fictional character with worse mental health than me] save meeeee from this cruel world.
Hello! I read that you were open for requests and was wondering if I could request something for Anduin? ^^ Maybe with a female civilian s/o? Just something cute would be great and of course only if you want to write it! Thank you in advance
Pairing : Anduin Wrynn x Stormwind Civilian Fem!Reader
Words : 1039
Warnings : Fluff, Angst (Guldan at fault here), just a lot of feelings and kisses from an intense young love (Still SFW)
Music : Summertime Sadness (Bardcore | Medieval Style)
Author’s note : Like I said in another post, thank you so much for an Anduin request. Shadowlands is an emotional roller coster for him, I just - Argh. Anyway, this came out a bit angstier than intended. I might do another one in another setting (like with a champion or priest S/O). This is set at the beginning of Legion. So Anduin is (if no changes) technically around 18-19 yo. And because I want to hurt myself, this takes place two nights before King Varian goes to the Broken Shore. I still tried to put some cute elements in there, but I dunno, putting my mains in taverns always made me melancolic and longing for a calmer life for them. Okay I’m done rambling sorry, enjoy.
SHOULD BE PROOFREAD (If you find anything, don’t hesitate to point it out nicely ;) )
Night had finally covered the buzzing city of Stormwind. Its tall white stoned buildings casted large shadows in the moonlight. A wonderful perk for those in need of hiding. The fair citizens of the Alliance light up their candles in the foyer, emptying the streets. Only the guards and the drunks treaded the pavement. The stars shone bright, the moon kissing the sea near the lighthouse of the bay; the bell of the Cathedral rang the eleventh hour of the night.
In the Royal Dungeon, a silhouette lurked in the corridors. Its soft cloak flew with each stealthy step. Avoiding every guard, it went before the king quarters, stopping in its track in the corner of the corridors. Seemingly met with silence, it backed away near a curtain to disappear behind. A guard passed by, clueless.
The Whistling Pig tavern was strangely calm. Around two weeks ago, King Varian Wrynn had announced mass mobilisation of the army to fight off the returning Burning Legion on the Broken shore. The first week after the news, most clients were blacksmiths and stable boys, anyone preparing weapons and means of transport. After that came the lower rank officers and soldiers, drinking one last beer before saying goodbye. And it should’ve lasted until at least the night before departure. Yet somehow, the tavern was nearly empty two days before the departure.
It was nice, though, having a breather. Soon the wives, girlfriends and new widows would flood in. So as (Y/N)’s favourite shadow walked in to sit by the fireplace, her heart grew out of her chest. No one being in dire need of her help, she tiptoed to the silhouette, and whispered.
"Good evening Anduin."
One of her hands massaged the Lion Cub's right shoulder, as she kissed his left cheek.
"Hello, love."
The young prince dragged her gently on his lap. (Y/N) nuzzled her nose between his neck and his cloak. Her fingers traced his jaw, moving around his neck, only to settle in hair. His cheek pressed against her temple, breathing in. One of his hands rounded her hip, as the other caressed her shoulder. Their respective scents invaded their minds. They both exhaled softly. The fire softened their shadows, all the while warming their skins.
"I've missed you."
She put her head up, kissing his neck, jaw and cheek in the process. He captured her cheek, looking deeply in her eyes. His irises wore a tinge of sadness but mostly gratitude. (Y/N) rubbed her nose against his, making him giggle. Her right hand still in his neck, the same idea popped in their minds : slowly pulling each other, they kissed, chastly at first. Pulling apart, she admired the soft face of her secret lover being painted by the fire light.
"I'm scared." (Y/N) admitted.
His hand on her cheek went under her right thigh to bring her closer. Their forehead touched, but they never broke eye contact.
"I am not going anywhere."
Anduin kissed her fervently, a single tear rolling down his skin. It wet her a little, making her pull away. Her thumb sweeped it. His breath was shaky, his hands grabbing her just a bit tighter. She soothed him, kissing his cheeks, rubbing the base of his neck, as he silently sobs. The fire roared softly, filling the air. From the corner of her eye, she saw a customer giving them a sympathetic look. (Y/N) nodded, silently thanking them for the peace.
The tavern was nearly deserted now : her boss snoring on a chair near the kitchen fireplace, a client fast asleep on the counter, a lonely old woman finishing her dinner on a table… The senior noticed the sobs. Approaching quietly, she handed (Y/N) a clean handkerchief she sewed. With a warm smile illuminated by the fire, she bid her farewell, leaving the waitress with her weeping prince.
The Lion Cub took a few minutes to calm down, blowing his nose out every now and then. (Y/N) got up, fetching him a glass of water. He giggled at the silly sight of a huge tankard containing his beverage. His lover had the biggest grin on her face.
"That is quite the glass you got."
She sat on his lap again. A kiss later, she used the handkerchief to wipe his tears.
"A big glass for a big man."
He huffed jokingly before drinking a bit. Noticing no one was around, (Y/N) slowly took off his hood, revealing his long free blond locks. He side-eyed her a bit, but her smile reassured him. Putting the tankard away, the prince held her tighter than ever, planting kisses on her jaw and behind her ear.
"I am scared too. But I know Father will be alright. And as long as you are by my side, nothing can stop me."
A log cracked under the fire warmth. (Y/N) teared up. Taking his chin in her fingers, their lips met again, desperate but not hungry. It was taking in the other; the warmth, the tenderness, the caring side, the affection. Anduin sometimes cursed life to have him born in royalty, and not by (Y/N)’s side. He could have cherished her, wedded her, perhaps even become the father of their angels… but right here, with her close and offering her heart to him, he forgot his frustration and took her in. She was his reality anchor.
(Y/N) moved her hands to his cheeks, caressing them with her thumbs. They pulled away, drowning in each other in the magnificent fire light. To say she nearly didn't get the job… yes, she too fantasised to have been born somewhere else. But then, the thought of not being noticed by him in the royal court frightened her.
Thanking the Light, with all of her soul, that he came one night disguised to blend in with his people.
Thanking the Light that he talked to her all night.
Thanking the Light that he came back often.
Thanking herself for taking the first step towards him, only to be met halfway by the eager young man.
(Y/N) breathed out, not realising she was holding air in.
"I love you."
The fire of the tavern was their solace; lovers protected by the night and its shadows.
Cooking their partner's favorite dish just to see them smile.
Recalling not just the big moments, but also the small, seemingly trivial details of conversations they've had.
Feeling a sense of peace just by being in the same room, even if no words are spoken.
Making future plans in their head that unconsciously include their partner.
Feeling a pang of longing whenever they see something their partner would like or enjoy.
Automatically writing their partner into hypothetical scenarios when daydreaming.
Finding themselves texting or calling for no reason, just because they want to connect.
Getting nervous or excited before meeting up, just like it's still one of their first dates.
Being more willing to compromise, even on things they used to be stubborn about.
Noticing that they're smiling more often, and it's usually when thoughts of their partner cross their mind.
Feeling a strong protective instinct whenever their partner is upset or in trouble.
Starting to adopt some of their partner's habits or phrases without even realizing it.
Finding joy in planning surprises that they know will delight their partner.
Experiencing a deeper empathy towards their partner's challenges and achievements.
Seeing their partner's quirks not as annoyances, but as endearing traits that make them love them even more.
unpopular take
ghost isn’t aggressive or overly dominant in any sense. in almost all of his voice lines, he’s calm and collected or simply quiet, especially in his banter and life lessons with soap during the gameplay. he doesn’t like being smacked around in bed, nor does he like smacking around others he loves. he’s had too much trauma from being smacked around, neglected, degraded, assaulted, everything that comes from torture and war that he physically can’t bring himself to do it in relationships.
he’s surprisingly gentle, something that you didn’t really expect going from his outward appearances. in the beginning all of his touches are soft and easy, as much as he can be, like a ghost grazing your skin. he never pushes your limits, respects the boundaries you set up when it comes to what you will and won’t do because he knows what it’s like for those to be crossed without his consent. (the comics are brutal to read, his story is fucked.) it takes him awhile to open up enough to actually get in bed with you, even just cuddling and holding one another.
he’s sensitive when it comes to his feelings regarding you, he’s lost everything he’s loved before so it’s a new experience for him. he worries a lot that he’ll lose you too somehow. he knows he’s not good with words or showing his care most of the time outwardly, something he’s picked up over his time serving. so he tries extra hard with the more subtle indicators, picking up small gifts that remind him of you, when you finally get to spend time together he offers his undivided attention, placing his hand over ledges he knows you bump into often, going out of his way to leave you a coffee when he has to go, etc.
when you finally trust each other enough to actually sleep with one another, he’s so careful. he’s afraid to hurt you, to scare you away, to accidentally push past your limits. he doesn’t like being rough with you, he doesn’t think you deserve that sort of treatment, doesn’t want to feel like he’s working again. he likes slow and close, the stark contrast of genuine intimacy he’s unused to being welcomed with open arms. missionary where he’s leaning close over you, bodies flushed, eye contact, noses brushing against each other, telling you how good you are for him, how much he really loves you. after the deed is done, he’s just as careful. doesn’t want you or him to feel used in any way, talking, holding one another close, kissing your forehead, cheeks, nose, carefully cleaning you up, etc. he’s gentle to you, for you.
artist in denial of being depressed: omg this 2 month long art block has been crazy... sorry i haven't updated any of my fics in a long while! it's just been super difficult to daydream! so weird that i've lost a little bit of passion for my current comfort character and ocs... this couldn't possibly have any implications or alternative explanations
i still hate y’all bitches who say oc x canon shit is cringe like bitch you have ANY idea how flattered i would be if someone made an oc for my fantasy world? how utterly PSYCHED my ass would be they loved a character so much they fleshed out one themselves just 2 be with one of mine? fuck y’all haters
As I said before, I am not doing every possible combination (PC wise) because I just don’t have that kind of time. I pulled what I thought was relevant out of the few YouTube vids that had other combos. Since this is a royal pain, I thought I would share what I have transcribed for others to use as they please. Also, Origins dialogue is a confusing mess, hopefully how I’ve mapped it out makes sense.
DA: Origins Series: Mage Origin | Broken Circle Part 2 | Broken Circle Part 3
[PC enters room just below Harrowing Chamber to find Cullen stuck within a magical cage on his knee and bowed as if in prayer]
Wynne: “(Gasps) It’s a templar. He’s still alive…I think. We must help him!”
[PC approaches cage, goes to cutscene]
Cullen: “This trick again? I know what you are. It won’t work. I will stay strong…” *Note: He says this no matter the PC, but since Wynne is locked into your party, I suppose the “trick” could be her—in that the demon/mages were using people he recognized during his t*rture. Otherwise, it doesn’t really make sense (imo) for any PC outside of a mage. Unless he was hallucinating and seeing something else before realizing it wasn’t real.
Mage PC Options: A String—
Are you alright?
Cullen! Don’t you recognize me? (Mage only)
A templar, and it seems he is a prisoner.
What won’t work? *Note: The options vary in wording based on the PC, but the general thought behind the options is the same.
Options 1 & 3 & 4 – (To “The boy is exhausted”) Option 2– Cullen: “Only too well…how far they must have delved into my thoughts…”(To “The boy is exhausted”) Wynne: “The boy is exhausted. And this cage…I’ve never seen anything like it. Rest easy…help is here.” Cullen: “Enough visions. If anything in you is human…k*ll me now and stop this game.”
*No Leliana and/or Non-Mage PC— Cullen: “You broke the others, but I will stay strong, for my sake…for their’s…Filthy blood mages…getting in my head…I will not break…I’d rather d*e.”
*With Leliana— Leliana: “He’s delirious. He’s been t*rtured…and has probably been denied food and water. I can tell. Here, I have a skin of—“ Cullen: “—Don’t touch me! Stay away!”
Female Mage Only— Cullen: “Sifting through my thoughts… Tempting me with the one thing I always wanted, but could never have…”* *If Zevran is present— Zevran: “Someone was quite the little heart-breaker when they were an apprentice. My, my.” Cullen: “Using my shame against me… My ill-advised infatuation with her… A mage, of all things.”
Male Mage— Cullen: “Filthy blood mages…getting in my head…I will not break…I’d rather die.”
Cullen: “I am so tired of these cruel jokes… These tricks… these…(sobs)”
PC Options: B String (Female Mage Options)—
Uh…I don’t think I should be hearing this.
Stop it. You’re embarrassing me.
This is no trick. We’re here to help.
(All) Cullen: “Silence! I’ll not listen to anything you say. Now begone! Still here? But that’s always worked before. I close my eyes, but you are still here when I open them.” *Note: This is how he responds to B String no matter the options/PC
Mage PC Options: C String—
Just tell me where the surviving mages are.
Makes you wish you hadn’t said those things, doesn’t it? (Female Mage Only)
I’m real, and I’m here to help you.
I am no trick of the mind.
You’re pretty dense, aren’t you? *Note: Again, options’ wording is different based on PC, but gist is the same.
Option 1– Cullen: “What others? What are talking about?” Option 2 (Female Mage Only)– Cullen: “I am beyond caring what you think. The Maker knows my sin, and I pray that he will forgive me.”
A. There is nothing wrong with liking someone. B. Why does it cause you so much pain? C. I’m sorry if I ever led you on. It would never have worked.
Option 2A/2C— Cullen: “It was the foolish fancy of a naive boy. I know better now.” Option 2B— Cullen: “You are a mage and I, a templar. It is my duty to oppose you and all you are.”
All other options— Cullen: “Don’t blame me for being cautious. The voices…the images…so real” (To “But why have you returned…”)
Cullen (Mage PC): “But why have you returned to the tower? How did you survive?”
Cullen (Non-mage PC): “Did Greagoir send you? How…how did you get here?” (Go to E String)
Mage PC Options: D String—
I defeated everything in my way. Now it’s Uldred’s turn.
Greagoir told me what happened; I knew I had to help.
I survived through quick wit and talent, of course.
Is it so surprising that I’ve returned? This was my home.
Options 1 & 2– Cullen: “Good…k*ll Uldred. K*ll them all for what they’ve done.” Option 3– Cullen: “Yes. How proud you are of your power. Just like Uldred and look what’s become of him now.” Option 4– Cullen: “As it was mine. And look what they’ve done to it. They deserve to d*e. Uldred most of all.”
Cullen: “They caged us like animals….looked for ways to break us. I’m the only one left…”*
Cullen: “They turned some into…monsters. And…there was nothing I could do.”
*(If Oghren is present) Oghren: “I think you need a tall mug of ale to calm you down, lad. I may need one myself, come to think…” Cullen: “That was inappropriate, dwarf. But what more could be expected from an ignorant, cave-dwelling heathen?” Oghren: “‘Ignorant, cave-dwelling heathen’…? (Chuckles) Have we met before?” Cullen: “What do you know about the mages’ evil, anyway? You didn’t see what they did to the others.”
Mage PC Options: D2 String—
Where are Irving and the other mages?
Uldred will pay for what he’s done.
You must stay strong.
Be thankful it wasn’t you.
Option 1– Cullen: “What others? What are you talking about?” Options 2 & 3– Cullen: “And to think I once thought we were too hard on you.” Options 4– Cullen: “Don’t think I’m not grateful…but why should I live when my friends lie dead, their bodies and spirits broken? And to think I once thought we were too hard on you.”
Mage PC Options: E String—
I’ve heard talk of others. Of survivors.
We’re not all evil, Cullen.
Watch what you say to me. I am a mage. (Mage only) *Note: Differs for non-mage, but same gist.
Option 1– Cullen: “What others? What are you talking about?” (To “Irving and the other mages”) Option 2– (To “Only mages”) Option 3– Cullen: “Did a mage not start this? Isn’t one of you to blame? “
Cullen: “Only mages have that much power at their fingertips. Only mages are so susceptible to the infernal whisperings of the demons”.*
Cullen (Non-mage PC): “To think I once felt pity for the Circle. Now, I’d like nothing more than to wipe their taint off the face of Thedas.”*
*Wynne: “This is a discussion for another time!” (Move to “Irving and the other mages…”)
Wynne: “Irving and the other mages who fought Uldred. Where are they?” Cullen: “They are in the Harrowing Chamber. The sounds coming out of there…oh, Maker.” Wynne: “We must hurry. They are in grave danger, I am sure of it.” Cullen: “You can’t save them! You don’t know what they’ve become.”
Mage PC Options: F String—
We can’t just kill them all.
I am a mage too, Cullen.
And you do?
I don’t understand. What are you afraid of?
Options 1 & 3 & 4– (To “They’ve been surrounded…”) Option 2– Cullen: “But you haven’t been up there. You haven’t been under their influence.”
Cullen: “They’ve been surrounded b-by blood mages whose wicked fingers snake into your mind and corrupt your thoughts.”*
*If Alistair is present: “His hatred of mages is so intense…the memory of his friends’ death is still fresh in his mind.”**
Cullen: “You have to end it now before it’s too late!”
**Female Mage Only— Wynne: “He’s suffered pain and anguish like few have had to endure. That and his lust for revenge have confused the issue—“ Cullen: “—Do not presume to judge me, mage! I am thinking clearly—for perhaps the first time in my life.”
Part 2 of Broken Circle Here
(Expressions/Body Language During Conversation)
Addition: He also seems to say these two lines to a female mage—
Cullen: “When you knew me, I was an innocent. I wanted to be a knight, but I never really thought about why we were needed.”
Cullen: “Now, my eyes have been opened. The naivety I once had is gone forever. But I welcome the change as long as it helps me better serve the Chantry.”
I found these in this tumblr post, but could not get them to trigger, so I am not sure what’s required to make Cullen say them. In truth, I’ve never heard these lines in any of my playthroughs of DA:O or any available to watch online. If someone knows how to trigger them, I would greatly appreciate if you could tell me.
xxx
[Sources] Denny Ayard YouTube Enthusiast Gamer YouTube moarinternets YouTube
Note: Had to censor words so tumblr would show it in the main feed.
Broken Circle Part 2 Here
His chest in that soft jacket (♡´౪`♡)
one hug (still), please