snips2112

Latest Posts by snips2112

The Crows send their regrets

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What if everything felt too real? *Throws angst and runs away*

solavellan + being weird

I've heard it said that the appeal of the Solas romance is that he's a god who thinks Lavellan is a special princess. But this is clearly a misunderstanding, because the whole point of Solas is that he is not a god. He's ultimately just a weird nerd and I do not personally think he would fall in love with someone because they're a special princess. He falls in love with Lavellan because she's also fucking weird in ways that are partly similar to and partly complementary to his own brand of weird. 

It makes me think of the quote commonly misattributed to Dr Seuss about finding someone whose weirdness is compatible with your own. Solas calls Lavellan 'unique,' and yes, she is; but not because she's uniquely special and perfect but because her weirdness happens to be particularly compatible with his weirdness, and he's experiencing for the first time the astonishing bliss of finding someone who you really click with after a lifetime of never fitting in anywhere.

Hi friends,

I don’t know how many followers I have here that read my works on ao3, but given the issues with recent AI scraping, I wanted to give people a heads up that I have made the decision to lock all of my fics on ao3, so they are only available to registered users. I hate having to do this, because as someone who did not have an ao3 account for a very long time, it pains me to not have my fics available to everyone, but with the current issues with AI, I feel this is necessary.

If you don’t have an ao3 account, I highly encourage you to get one! You don’t need to be a writer to have one, and then you can also bookmark all your favorite fics :) If anyone needs an invite to create an account, please DM me; I think I have some to give!

Happy reading and writing,

Snips :)

Guys!!! I see my Solavellan comic is making the rounds again and I love that! But there’s a few more pages and it hurts me if you’re missing out so I’m just going to post those here (I changed her face on the last page so it’s updated!).

Lucanis Dellamorte’s perfect relaxation: Sprawled on top of Rook, head on their chest. In one hand Rook holds the newest book from his favorite romance serial, from which they’re reading aloud. Their other arm is around him, and that hand alternates between stroking his hair and scratching his back.

Man’s completely blissed out. Barely knows his own name. What’s a Talon? He doesn’t know.

(Spite takes over briefly. “I think. You broke him.”

Rook laughs.

No, Lucanis replies blearily in his mind. I think they fixed me.)

Last Line Challenge

Rules: In a new post, show the last line you wrote or drew, and tag as many people as there are words (or as many as you feel like).

Thanks for the tag @tealmisthams! Here is the last line(s) I wrote for my new Rook x Lucanis fic I'm working on (in the Dragon Age Fandom). The fic is And Always, My Love, and the first chapter can be found here on ao3.

After a moment more, she turned and made to leave the dining hall, regret rolling in her stomach. Had this been the right decision? Should she have taken the chance with Lucanis, despite everything? Could they have danced around each other’s wounds and hurts without hurting each other? She didn’t know. And now she never would.

NPTs: @tealmisthams (uno reverse mwahahah), @ladylucksrogue, @whyamismall, @queen-of-mandalore, @aknightreaderr and anyone else who wants to participate!

Well, I ended up writing a little something for myself for this prompt which has now spawned an entire fic... Please enjoy chapter 1, posted below! The rest of the fic will be up over the next week or so and can be found here on ao3.

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And Always, My Love

The first time Rook kissed Lucanis, it was unexpected. She’d put one hand on his cheek and leaned over, landing a sloppy kiss on his cheekbone, just below his eye. They were both drunk, as were Neve and Bellara. The four of them had been trading stories over a bottle of wine. One bottle turned into two, and two quickly progressed to three, and three… begot a kiss.

Lucanis hoped he wasn’t blushing. Bellara laughed and pointed, reiterating the obvious: Rook was very drunk, and Lucanis was very surprised. Neve glared daggers. Lucanis wasn’t entirely certain why. They’d flirted, sure, but nothing was spoken for at this point. Spite roared in his brain.

TELL. HER. SHE NEEDS. TO. KNOW.

Lucanis met Rook’s gaze, enraptured by her shining green eyes, and not for the first time. Some invisible force behind her gaze tugged at his breastbone, and he watched Rook’s eyes widen as he leaned in. Her lips parted, and she gasped softly, drawing his gaze downward. Mierda. He wanted to kiss her. Badly.

Lucanis’ eyes flicked back up to Rook’s and the intensity of her gaze struck him to stillness. Did she want to kiss him too? The way her gaze roved over him, searching and hungry, made him believe so.

Now. Tell her. NOW.

Lucanis opened his mouth, but in the same moment, the reason he could not tell her anything walked through the door.

“Drinking without me?” Davrin asked, his voice as smooth as silk and as deep as the ocean dared dwell. Rook shot up immediately, the spell between them shattering into a million pieces, and flittering off into nothingness like the end of a shooting star. It blazed hot, when you could see it, but it was intangible once the moment had passed.

She fluttered over to Davrin, her long curly hair bouncing with every step. Lucanis grimaced as his friend lifted Rook up, spinning her around before kissing her forehead once he’d placed her back on the ground. They were a good match. Lucanis pretended he was happy for them.

We could KILL him. Easy. POISON in soup.

No.

You COOK. You ASSASSINATE.

No!

What if there was. A CONTRACT.

“Oh, shut up…” Lucanis murmured with a sigh before rubbing his forehead.

“That’s rather rude,” Neve quipped. Lucanis raised his head, confused. Neve continued to glare daggers at him. “All Rook asked was if you wanted another drink.”

Lucanis flicked his gaze over to Rook. The concern in her eyes made her look suspiciously sober, but the way she wavered at Davrin’s side, prompting the other man to loop a steadying arm around her shoulders, betrayed her intoxication.

“My apologies, I wasn’t talking to you, Rook. Spite was…” Lucanis searched for the right words, not willing to allow his friends to be privy to Spite’s foolish suggestion. Finally, he settled on,  “…being rather loud.”

Rook grinned, an adorable, lopsided twist of her lips in her drunken state. “Well, maybe Spite needs another drink.”

YES.

“No,” Lucanis said firmly, and resisted another sigh. Resolutely ignoring Spite’s protests inside his head he continued, “On the contrary, I think Spite and I have had a bit too much to drink. I will take my leave.”

“Noooooo Lucaaaaanis,” Bellara whined drunkenly. “You can’t leave yet.”

Lucanis rose to his feet and took a second to let the world right itself before he stepped away from the chairs in the library. He called on all his discipline and dexterity to look less intoxicated than he felt and avoid tangling his legs on the table that sat between them, strewn with glasses and empty bottles of wine.

“I’m sorry, Bellara. I’ve had enough for one night.”

“Ooookay but just wait,” Bellara said cheerfully and shot up from her chair. She stumbled over to him, likely intending to give him a goodbye hug, but accidently launched herself into his side when she tripped on the low table he’d so painstakingly avoided. Lucanis caught her without too much trouble, but he staggered a bit, just barely managing to keep his feet under them both.

“Sorry, whoa-“ Bellara said, wobbling all over again the instant Lucanis righted her into a standing position. This time Davrin stepped forward, taking her other arm. She let out a peal of laughter and Rook’s infectious giggles joined Bellara’s, the humor of Bellara’s disequilibrium obviously enhanced by the alcohol bubbling through their veins. Rook’s laughter was a beautiful sound; Lucanis couldn’t help but stare. The way Rook’s whole face lit up with joy, her eyes scrunched into adorable crescents, cheeks round and rosy… Mierda. He couldn’t keep thinking these things.

“I should be going,” Lucanis said, leaving Bellara in Davrin’s capable hands. He bid his goodbyes and made a quick exit from the library, managing to stay upright without too much effort. He just had to make it to his quarters. The walk wasn’t long. This he could do. Spending time with Rook… especially Rook and Davrin… that was something he was going to need to work on.

TELL HER.

He couldn’t. It was better this way. Rook deserved better.

But. You CARE. About her.

That didn’t matter. He didn’t deserve Rook. He’d only entangle her in his mess.

WHAT. MESS.

Lucanis scoffed. The Crows. The Ossuary. The mess that was a demon inside his head.

But I CARE too. About Rook.

“It doesn’t matter,” Lucanis murmured to himself as much as to Spite. “She made her choice. And it was the right one. We… we are the wrong choice.”

LUCANIS IS. STUPID.

Lucanis rolled his eyes. “Whatever,” he muttered under his breath, staggering up the steps to the elevated courtyard. When he reached the top step, Lucanis sighed in relief, only to lose his footing instantly, his boot slipping on a particularly smooth stone.

Luckily, a pair of lithe but strong hands wrapped around his arm, saving him from a rather unfortunate fall onto the stone walkway.

“Careful darling.”

Lucanis sighed. “Neve.”

Neve looped her arm around his and helped him towards the dining hall at the far end of the courtyard, where his quarters lay. “We all had a bit too much to drink. Just wanted to make sure you made it back okay.”

“You didn’t have to do that,” Lucanis told her, shaking his head and then regretting it, as the world seemed to spin a little to the left.

“No, but I wanted to,” Neve replied, her voice light and hopeful. Lucanis frowned. This was a mess too. He’d started something flirty with Neve and he’d intended it to remain casual. It seemed she may want more than that.

“You deserve better, you know? She doesn’t get to demand your affections, not after she’s chosen someone else,” Neve said, turning up her nose as if the notion itself was distasteful to her. Lucanis and Spite both bristled, defending Rook immediately.

“She demands nothing.” He couldn’t tame the sharpness from his tongue, and it shamed him. While he did not deserve Rook, he had enough scraps of self-worth left to know how pathetic he must sound, defending her to Neve.

“Well then, how do you explain tonight?”

“I have… lingering feelings. That isn’t Rook’s fault.”

“Still,” Neve said, pausing outside of the dining hall before letting go of his arm. “Perhaps it’s time to find a new focus for your attentions.”

Lucanis’ frown deepened. He should have known this was coming. He’d never intended for anything serious between them, and he regretted if he’d given her the wrong idea. He tried to put her off.

“Look, Neve-“

“I’m not asking for you to fall in love with me, darling.” Neve interrupted. Slipping her fingers beneath his chin she caressed his jaw, drawing his eyes to hers. “But I think you could use a distraction.”

Lucanis raised an eyebrow, his apprehension fading as Neve presented him with a more familiar, easier option.

“A distraction?” He leaned in, coming nose to nose with Neve. Her brown eyes were half lidded as she stared at his lips. Her breath ghosted across his skin. It prickled in anticipation, and he waited, wondering what her next move would be.

After what seemed like an eternity, Neve spoke. “If you want to kiss me, you’d better hurry up.”

Without thinking, Lucanis crashed his lips against hers. Their kisses were rough and hungry, both desperate for a taste of the other. Lucanis wrapped one arm around her waist and the other he threaded into her hair, pulling at the soft brown strands, angling her mouth where he wished. She kissed him back fiercely, nipping his bottom lip and scrapping her fingernails pleasantly down the side of his neck. Pulling on her hair, he tipped her head back so he could kiss her neck. Rook’s skin was sof-

The hapless thought jarred him back to reality, and Lucanis pulled away abruptly.

LUCANIS. IS. STUPID.

Yes. Yes, he was.

“I-“ Neve started, looking rather flustered.

“Not tonight,” Lucanis cut her off, silencing any further questions with a shake of his head, and a thin lie. “I’m too drunk.”

Neve narrowed her eyes, obviously not entirely satisfied with his feeble excuse for such a sudden change in behavior. Her scrutiny was intense, but Lucanis was a Crow, and Caterina’s grandson. Learning to lie and resist interrogation had been both part of his training, and essential to escaping his grandmother’s wrath growing up. Silence came easily for him, drunk or not.

“Alright,” Neve said eventually, though the quirk of her lips told him she still retained her suspicions. “Rest well.”

Lucanis bid her farewell and staggered through the door of the dining hall, making his way to the pantry and promptly collapsing face down onto his bed.

What was he going to do with himself?

WHY. Are WE WRONG?

Lucanis sighed.

“We just are, Spite. We just are,” he mumbled into his pillow drunkenly, unwilling to delve any further into it. His mind was a mess, and not in the usual way. Lucanis squeezed his eyes shut tight. For the first time in a long time, he wanted to sleep. A brief reprieve from all this thinking… would be welcome.

As he drifted off, Lucanis murmured, “Don’t tell her while I’m sleeping. Please.”

He felt Spite slip towards unconsciousness with him for a change.

I WON’T BETRAY LUCANIS.

Lucanis was grateful. And then he slept.

Romance Prompt Questions:

✨ First Times ✨

To spark some positive fandom enthusiasm, I thought I'd try creating a ~fun little ask prompt~, so here goes!

Send an ask with "The first time..." and fill in the rest with whatever you like - then receive snippets, headcanons, or a mix of both!

This can be serious ("the first time character A confided something in character B" / "the first time character B thought about kissing character A" / "the first time they dealt with loss together") or entirely silly ("the first time character A heard character B snoring" / "the first time character A's uniform was horribly out of place in front of character B" / "the first time they laughed so hard they cried together").

I encourage all writers and non-writers alike to participate however they wish! This isn't about creating mesmerizing prose, but about sharing in each others' love of the Characters™.

For the "first time..." prompt - may I ask for "the first time Ahsoka saw Rex blush..." please? 🧡💙

Thank you for the ask my friend! Here is a little drabble for you :)

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The first time Ahsoka saw Rex blush was after the war. They were dismantling the old motivator on one of the ships Rex had acquired for his rebel cell, hoping to salvage what parts they could before they replaced it with a new one.

The engine compartment was cramped. They both fit, although just barely, the cramped space forcing them to crouch on their knees, facing one another. Ahsoka was sifting through a few useable parts they’d already removed, while Rex was looking for their next quarry to extract.

“I think we could also save the power cell which is…” Rex trailed off, looking around the cabin until he finally pinpointed his prize. He twisted sharply, awkwardly, trying to move in the tiny space to get to the power cell which Ahsoka identified to be directly behind him, just above his head. She grabbed the spanner and rose onto her knees.

“I’ve got it,” she murmured, shuffling over until she was directly in front of him, leaning over his shoulder to get at the apparatus. Her chest brushed against his shoulder as she miscalculated the distance just slightly, but Rex steadied her with a hand on her hip.

“Thanks,” Ahsoka said absentmindedly, her whole focus already on the power cell.

“Oh, uh, I-“ Rex tried to protest but Ahsoka was already halfway finished with disconnecting the mechanism. “Not a problem,” Rex muttered, slightly muffled from beneath her.

No more than a few seconds later, the power cell popped free and Ahsoka grinned triumphantly.

“There! Got it,” she declared and pulled back, settling back down onto the ground and smiling up at Rex, but she was surprised to find him looking rather bewildered instead. His eyes were wide, and lips slightly parted as if he wanted to say something. But most of all-

“Are you blushing?” Ahsoka accused, desperately trying not to sound too gleeful. Immediately Rex seemed to snap back into himself, vehemently denying it, all the while his blush only darkened.

“Of course not!”

“Really?”

“Really, Ahsoka.”

“Then why does it really look like it,” she teased, raising a hand to tap one of his ruddy cheeks gently. Rex rolled his eyes and swatted her hand away.

“It’s hot in here,” he said lamely, not quite meeting her gaze this time. Ahsoka scoffed.

“No, it really isn’t,” she argued, crossing her arms over her chest and sitting back on her heels.

“Well maybe not for you,” Rex exclaimed. “You’re barely wearing any clothes!”

Ahsoka let out an indignant gasp but when she glanced down at her outfit, she could see he wasn’t entirely wrong. She had on a tiny tank top and some form fitting shorts. Teth was a warm planet, and this was hard work, after all. She hadn’t wanted to overheat. But her point still stood. It really wasn’t that hot in this compartment. But perhaps it was a heat of a different kind touching Rex’s cheeks. The thought made Ahsoka blush a little as well.

“I can, uh, change. If you’d like,” she offered gently, not wanting him to be uncomfortable.

“Absolutely not,” Rex said, perhaps a little too vehemently, because they both burst out laughing at his enthusiasm.

With a smile, Rex clarified, “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to say… I’m just…”

“I get it,” Ahsoka said, shrugging. They stared at each other for a second before that familiar warm feeling bubbled up into Ahsoka’s chest. She helped it dissipate in the way she normally did, by leaning forward and kissing Rex’s cheek.

That earned her a chuckle and a smile. Now they were both blushing.

“Look, ‘Soka… we should probably talk about this.” He made a motion generally between them. Ahsoka nodded. She had felt it too, for a while now.

“But maybe not here,” Rex continued. “The innards of a ships engine just doesn’t quite seem like the place.”

Ahsoka laughed. “I can’t argue with you there.”

“Over drinks, after this?” Rex suggested.

“You got it,” Ahsoka replied, unable to keep the excited grin off her face. Butterflies erupted in her gut in anticipation that finally, they might move forward with this. Ahsoka hoped that meant she’d have the opportunity to see Rex blush many more times to come.

Romance Prompt Questions:

✨ First Times ✨

To spark some positive fandom enthusiasm, I thought I'd try creating a ~fun little ask prompt~, so here goes!

Send an ask with "The first time..." and fill in the rest with whatever you like - then receive snippets, headcanons, or a mix of both!

This can be serious ("the first time character A confided something in character B" / "the first time character B thought about kissing character A" / "the first time they dealt with loss together") or entirely silly ("the first time character A heard character B snoring" / "the first time character A's uniform was horribly out of place in front of character B" / "the first time they laughed so hard they cried together").

I encourage all writers and non-writers alike to participate however they wish! This isn't about creating mesmerizing prose, but about sharing in each others' love of the Characters™.

Something's Coming 👀

FULCRUM: An Ahsoka Tano Zine is a non-profit zine centered around our favorite little daughter of the light. Keep your eyes peeled for our interest check on April 17th!

First/Last Line Challenge

Thanks for the tag @tealmisthams!

I will also do both! Here is the first and last line I wrote today for the next instalment of my Crosslo series!

The first line:

Arlo merely leaned over and kissed his cheek, communicating her answer through a small wink.

The last line:

“I’m yours,” he rasped, and then kissed her, moving his lips slowly and assuredly against hers.

NPTs: @ladylucksrogue, @whyamismall, @aknightreaderr, @julijuli77, @queen-of-mandalore and anyone else who might want to participate!

Last Line Challenge

Rules: In a new post, share the last line you wrote (or drew) and tag as many people as there are words (or as many as you feel like).

Thanks for the tag @tealmisthams! Since I am so spotty in terms of my activity these days, please have the whole last passage I wrote, instead of simply a last line! Unfortunately this is from a fandom that I know you don't normally live in, but I hope its still good <3

With a frown, he pivoted slightly, facing her at an angle. The sunlight filtering through the windows hit his face, highlighting the angry red mark her palm had left upon his cheek. Eldhira continued to cry. She hated him. She hated herself. Why she’d thought this dangerous scheme could work, she did not know. But his next words bolstered her resolve, sealing his fate and hers. “Dar’eth Shiral… Inquisitor Lavellan.” Eldhira stared him down, using his words and her hurt to lock away her softer feelings. Fen’harel left her without another word, all alone, to ponder how one who’d held her heart so softly could be the one who rent it open so completely, even after all these years. She supposed it didn’t matter. In the end, it would either be his blood or hers staining these marble floors, and the one left alive would be the one who truly lost.

NPTs: @ladylucksrogue, @whyamismall, @queen-of-mandalore, @s0lavellan (you're one of my few moots who actually follows Dragon Age <3), @tealmisthams (uno reverse, my dear friend :)

Yay! I can't wait for this! <3

Did someone say Fivesoka Discord server?

Let me know if you’d like to be tagged once it’s up and running! 💙🧡

@snips2112 @solodoodless

Omg it’s me 🥹 I am honored, thank you! 💕💕

Determined to be more direct, Ahsoka laid a hand on Rex’s arm, and he looked up at her. She took a deep breath and tried to be brave. “I, um, knew about tonight.”

Rex breathed in sharply, expression turning unreadable. Ahsoka continued on in a rush before she could lose her nerve. “I know Fives and Jesse were taking you out for drinks to try and find out if you have feelings for me. But it’s okay if you don’t! I just thought maybe you might because well…”

She wagged a finger back and forth between the two of them. “Well, I don’t know about you but I kind of feel like something was happening here. And, um, for a while now, I’ve kind of been wondering how you feel. Because of how I feel.”

— Snips2112, from Chapter 2: An Unexpected (But Welcome) Outcome in ‘Tihaar? More Like Truth Serum’

DR SOLAS WOLFF (with two effs); MD, PhD Fanart of Doc as per The Blighted Butcher by @psykergirl, described in Chapter 1, to go with fanart of Ellana.

Those 2 are insufferable, I love them so much

Nearly Whole

Summary: Crosshair and Arlo take the next step in their relationship, and Crosshair finds clarity in what he wants for the future.

Fandom: Star Wars The Bad Batch

Pairing: Crosshair x Original Female Character

Word Count: ~5,200

Warning: mild smut, swearing

Hope you all enjoy the next instalment in my Crosslo series! Slowly but surely I am adding to their story haha. The rest of the series can be found here on ao3.

Last Line Challenge

Thanks @queen-of-mandalore for the tag!

In a new post, share the most recently completed line(s) of your WIP, whether the last you wrote or the last you drew.

Then tag some folks to join in!

This is from the next instalment in my Crosslo (Crosshair x ofc) series, which can be found here on ao3.

He leaned into that feeling, deepening the kiss as he pulled her closer. He kissed her again, trying to banish the fear with each pass of her lips upon his. He allowed her to take away his guilt and pain with each caress of her hand. He felt warm. Safe. Whole? Nearly whole… the doubts lingered, but they were quiet enough that Crosshair did not feel compelled to face them, at least not right now.

I'm hoping this fic will be up sometime in the next couple weeks, but it will depend how much writing time I get!

NPT: @tealmisthams, @ladylucksrogue, @whyamismall, @aknightreaderr, and anyone else who wants to participate!

💙🧡 Fivesoka Recs 🧡💙

Fivesoka Creation Day is 2 weeks away! You can see the full announcement HERE.

On that note, I put together a small list of Fivesoka fic recommendations to provide inspiration or just to enjoy.

I do also plan to make a Fivesoka Master List after the event, so this is sort of the beginning of that.

I only selected a few, so if there’s a Fivesoka fic (or art) that you love that’s not listed here, feel free to drop a link in a comment or reblog! Just make sure the link is for the main source (AO3, Tumblr, or wherever it was originally posted).

If you need more Fivesoka fics to read, I recommend going through the Fives/Ahsoka tag on AO3. There’s some really good stuff in there!

Rec List

Title/Link (Rating) by Author - genre(s)/brief details

Asking For Trouble (T) by lildropofmagic on AO3 - fluff & humor; this whole series is really good!

Reunion (M) by @snips2112 - fluff, angst, mild sexual content

From Yellow to Red (T) by @tealmisthams - fluff & mutual pining

Get your act together (M) by Yelpe on AO3 - angst, humor, slow burn

No Subs (E) by Jade_Max on AO3 - angst, hurt/comfort, smut

the courage to confess (T) by @aknightreaderr - crack, angst, mutual pining

Dividers by @ahsokathegray

Tags: @aknightreaderr @snarkyfina @cyarikacyare @snips2112 @solodoodles

If you’d like to be tagged in future posts for the Fivesoka Creation Event, let me know!

Framing Forgiveness - Solas Atonement Ending (Romance)

There are a few things that stand out for me around Lavellan’s forgiveness of Solas in the Atonement ending. 

1) Only a romanced Inquisitor speaks words of forgiveness to Solas specifically 2) Lavellan’s forgiveness comes before Mythal speaks  3) Mythal does not ask for forgiveness 

Lavellan Forgives 

Forgiveness is not comfortable; it is controversial because it can be viewed as weak or foolish. However, it is an incredibly strong act of free will and when given in truth, it offers spiritual, emotional and psychological healing. It liberates the forgiver and the forgiven.  

I’m actually impressed that the devs made this choice in the game and chose to tie it to love, framing it as an intimate and emotional act - an act of love.  

Forgiveness is about choosing to let go of resentment, it breaks cycles of guilt and vengeance, it helps to shift beliefs rooted in self-loathing. It does not erase what has been done. But it grants Lavellan agency. To forgive is to refuse to be defined by suffering. She is not the victim of his betrayal but takes ownership of how this story ends.

And what makes forgiveness powerful is that it forces the forgiven to see themselves through the eyes of the forgiver. For a man who has spent so long seeing himself as the villain, the betrayer, the destroyer - what must it be like to be met, instead, with grace – from the woman he admits he betrayed? 

One of the more difficult aspects of forgiveness, and why some may struggle with it, is that it isn’t always earned. Some don’t like that Solas could be forgiven before he has earned it. But the game doesn’t present forgiveness as a reward – it presents it as a gift. And that is when forgiveness is at its most powerful, when it can change a person, when it offers healing.  

Limiting the forgiveness to a romance is interesting. To have all characters forgive Solas would have made forgiveness feel like a general moral principle, rather than the personal act of emotional transformation I think Veilguard was going for in the Atonement ending. It also offers the idea that true redemption begins with love, not with punishment. If we only forgive someone when we feel they have fully atoned, then forgiveness is not about grace, it’s a transaction.  And that’s the messy thing about forgiveness, it comes first, when there is no guarantee that the forgiven will atone.   

I think for Solas’ arc, that gift of forgiveness is highly symbolic and impactful considering his history.  

And I love that the devs chose to position her forgiveness ahead of Mythal.  

Lavellan’s Forgiveness Before Mythal’s Release 

Sola's life has been dominated by Mythal – a bond as profound as it was painful.  With Lavellan offering forgiveness before Mythal speaks, she is standing independently from Solas’ legacy of entanglement with Mythal, away from all that pain and regret. 

Lavellan’s forgiveness is not divine or bestowed like a ruler pardoning a crime – her forgiveness is mortal, intimate and human.  By positioning this before Mythal, we are reminded of his humanity, but also of his personal connection to Lavellan, that she symbolizes a place for him to belong as himself – as Solas. He was Solas first, after all.  

Solas’ turning point isn't dictated by Mythal’s authority alone, but also by this personal moment.  If we, the player were only given Mythal’s voice at the end without the voices of Rook and Lavellan before her, it might have felt like a convenient way to absolve Solas of his guilt.  Instead, this gradual approach – Rook’s appeal, Lavellans’ forgiveness and then Mythal’s release – make this emotional shift feel earned rather than a deus ex machina moment.  

Mythal Does Not Seek Forgiveness Nor Offer An Apology 

If Mythal had asked Solas for his forgiveness, it would have acknowledged that Solas had power over her in that moment.  By having Mythal not seek forgiveness, the game reinforces that their relationship was never truly equal, that Mythal always dictated the terms.  Mythal had to be the one to dictate the terms of their parting.  It is also a fascinating exploration of their differences – Solas carries guilt, Mythal carries responsibility. She acknowledges they did many wrongs together, made terrible choices together, but she does not seek emotional resolution for it. 

If Mythal had apologized it would suggest that the past can be undone, old wounds closed.  But Mythal doesn’t give Solas any of that. This is very fitting – Solas' entire story has been about trying to fix his past mistakes.  Mythal’s lack of apology forces him to accept that some things cannot be undone and she denies him an easy emotional resolution. Instead, he must find his own way forward, despite the wrongs he did.   

Lavellan’s Forgiveness – Mythal's Release 

Mythal releases Solas as a leader releases a soldier. Lavellan stays as a lover choosing to stand beside him. Mythal says “I release you.”, Lavellan says “There is no fate but the love we share.” Mythal’s statement is about a duty ending.  Lavellan’s is about love enduring.   

But Solas’ fate is in his own hands now – and that moment where he looks back at the tear in the Veil, he is choosing.   

I feel like I need to add that this isn’t about diminishing Rook here. Rook offers a chance to atone - tied to duty. Returning the dagger to Solas is a gesture of trust, an acknowledgment that he still has a choice - but it comes with an expectation: bind yourself to the Veil. Set things right. Like Mythal, Rook does not release Solas from consequence.  

But this post is focused on forgiveness - its power, and that Lavellan offers the personal, emotional resolution that Mythal withholds.

I really appreciate the game having the courage to incorporate forgiveness into this world state. To offer grace as an aspect of this story’s ending is beautiful and fitting in the Veilguard setting, a game where many of the companions have to walk through their own forms of forgiveness and letting go.  

Forgiveness can be uncomfortable because it challenges the idea that justice is solely about punishment. It forces us to reckon with the full complexity of a person - not just their worst actions. In Solas’ case, it requires seeing him as more than the sum of his crimes - it demands acknowledging that he was not only a destroyer but also someone who cared, who loved, and who suffered. And by contrast, it demands viewing Lavellan and her forgiveness in the same light - not as naive or weak, but as someone making a deliberate, choice of strength to see beyond her own pain and shape what comes next.  

Fivesoka Creation Day

Officially announcing the first ever Fivesoka event! 💙🧡

Guys, I cannot put into words how excited I am and I’m still amazed at how many people responded to the interest check. You guys are the best! Best birthday present ever. 🥹

When: March 15, 2025

What is the event? An opportunity to create new Fivesoka content for ourselves and the fandom! Create something—fic, art, mood board, whatever you want—and submit it on March 15!

How to submit your creation: Post it here on Tumblr or, if it’s on another website like AO3, post the link. Make sure to tag @everythingfivesoka so I can reblog it and include the tag #fivesokacreationevent

Not sure what to create? I will be taking prompt suggestions over the next few days, which I will then compile and post, to help with the inspiration. That being said, create whatever you want! Create what Fivesoka content you haven’t seen yet, but would like to. Create whatever makes you happy!

There are a few RULES…

1 — Please only create content in which Ahsoka is portrayed as an adult. Whether you want to age her up during TCW or have your setting be after TCW or an AU, up to you!

2 — Aside from that, anything goes, as long as it is Fivesoka-centric. Just make sure to tag sensitive content accordingly. (Smut/NSFW, trigger warnings, character deaths, etc.) If you’re not sure if you should tag something, tag it anyway, just to be safe! Also, please put NSFW content under a cut here on Tumblr.

3 — Creations that will NOT be accepted: AI or plagiarized work. Any creations depicting hate or harassment of any kind. Creations in which either character is underage.

4 — Please be kind and considerate! The Fivesoka community is very small, so let’s support each other as much as possible!

Since many of us are in different parts of the world, the official time for the event will be rather loose. Just try to post on March 15, whenever that is for you! And if you post later, I’ll still reblog. 😊

Feel free to message me either here on @everythingfivesoka or on my @tealmisthams account with any questions!

Also, let me know if you’d like to be tagged in future posts related to this event!

Thanks, you guys. I’m so excited!

~ Misty 💙🧡

Art by @ahsokathegray

Tags: @aknightreaderr @snarkyfina @cyarikacyare @swfandomevents

Dear Fives,

I have a bit of a dilemma. After reading all of your insightful, informative and thoroughly entertaining replies to other lovesick readers, I think you're just the person to help me.

I've had an eye on a certain clone trooper for a while now, but I just can't seem to get a good read on him. I work as a physician on Pabu, and there are a group of clones who live here. You may know them as 'The Bad Batch'? There is a certain sniper among them who has caught my attention.

He's tall, and handsome, and although he tries to put on a tough front, I know he has a kind heart. His softer side shows through from time to time, especially around his little sister. He can also be rather grumpy, but I find it endearing. I could talk about him all day... but that's not what I am trying to accomplish by writing to you.

Although I have been rather taken by his taciturn nature, it is that very trait that makes him so hard to read. We've spent a lot of time together: he often walks me home from my clinic in the evenings, and I've managed to run into him a few times around Pabu. We always talk and it's always enjoyable... but whenever I suggest meeting in a more purposeful way, he makes his excuses and scurries off. Or as well as a man of his stature can scurry anyways, but I digress.

I suppose, after all that exposition, my question to you, dear, dear Fives, is how on earth am I supposed to figure this man out? I've tried to be patient, but at this point, I do wish for an answer. I sorely hope it is the one I seek, but even if it's not, anything would be better than dancing around the subject like we tend to do.

Help me, dearest Fives. You are my only hope.

Best Wishes,

Arlo

Editor's note: Got a question for Fives? Read the rules here. My ask box will close in 12 hours. I was so excited to see that this is from Arlo!! I’m so glad your lovely OC has decided to swing by Fives’ advice column <3

Dearest Arlo,

You call it a dilemma. I call it an opportunity.

I am unfortunately acquainted with The Bad Batch. I actually quite like them all (my editor too, especially a certain Hunter-Gatherer) except for The Biting Child. You refer to her as the little sister. 

Do not be deceived by her supposed kindness. It is all an act. I must warn you that she bites. It’s important you are aware of this because if you’re about to get close to Crosshair, you’re going to be around her a lot. I’ve been told she only bites because she’s protective of those she loves but I’ll let you read between the lines.

Your Crosshair is such a sweetheart. It’s true that he hides behind the tough bad boy exterior, but he truly has a heart of gold. Please do not feel the need to stop talking about him. That’s what I’m here for - to listen!

I think that there is only one way to approach this and that’s to be blunt with Crosshair. If he keeps making excuses then it’s a sign that he is not ready for a relationship. You should not be chasing after someone who won’t recognise your value and accept your advances.

However, it is also important to balance that with realising that some people need a bit more time and coaxing. It’s a tough balance, I won't lie.

Knowing his personality and his history, I think he has a hard time connecting with new people and learning to trust them. That being said, his actions are all very positive so far. He’s choosing to spend time with you and talk to you. 99% of the time (pun intended but the statistic is true) he will grunt at someone then walk off. It’s clear that he genuinely likes you.

You need to tell Crosshair in no uncertain terms that you like him and you get the feeling that he might reciprocate such feelings. Tell him that you would like to explore a relationship and that it does not need to move fast if that’s what he needs to feel comfortable. I would tell him what ideas you have for a first date. That way, it takes away some of the nerves on his end if he is planning to say yes. Crosshair will appreciate knowing that you've thought through all of the details.

The other thing to consider is when and where to do this. I suggest one night when he walks you home that you invite him inside for caf or something to eat. Once you’ve both got a cup in hand, I’d ask him out. That way he cannot easily scurry off.

I personally think he has feelings for you. However, if he is not brave enough to act on them, then you shouldn’t waste your time waiting for him to man up. Remember that your time is precious and so are your feelings. You shouldn’t put your life on hold because a man is struggling to get his life together.

Remember, my dearest Arlo, that we have hope. Hope that things will get better. And I think they will 😉

Lots of love,

Fives advice columnist who writes “insightful, informative and thoroughly entertaining replies” - quote Arlo

Thanks for the tag @ladylucksrogue!

Wildfire by Michael Martin Murphey is currently stuck in my head 😆 it’s a pretty pleasant song to have stuck in your head, if I’m being honest

NPTs: @tealmisthams, @whyamismall, @aknightreaderr, @julijuli77, @acatinwinterfell and anyone else who wants to participate!

ATTENTION

If you see this you are OBLIGATED to reblog w/ the song currently stuck in your head :)

@tealmisthams

OMG thank you so much for this <3 It really made my day!

Thank YOU for being my friend! I have been so grateful to have someone to enjoy the fanfic world with this last year, and reading all of your wonderful fics are inspiring. You are also a fantastic writer, and I can't want to read whatever you write next. I am so grateful for our friendship! Happy Valentine's Day to you as well my dear friend <3

Happy Valentine's Day from Crosshair! Read messages below the cut

To: @ladyanidala

My dearest LadyAnidala,

YES I AM GOING TO GET SENTIMENTAL. I LOVE YOU! Also I can't believe we only met A YEAR AGO?!! I feel like I've known you forever (I mean our first Facetime call was 5 hours long so no wonder why)

Thank you so much for your friendship, your voice messages, your glorious TBB drawing, late night advice (or early morning, depending on which time zone we're looking at), support, and for all the fun we've had. You were my first friend I made in this fandom and I am so blessed that what turned out to be a simple email has blossomed into a deep friendship that includes fandom but grown beyond that too.

Now for the truly sentimental part... I have to thank you for being such an inspiration to me. The way you are so selfless and sacrifice your time for others is truly admirable and the most beautiful example of what love is. And of course, I have to talk about your writing. You are not just an incredibly talented, hilarious, and very emotive writer, but you are also so encouraging and a helpful critic. The fact that you send VIDEO REACTIONS is worth its figurative weight in gold and then some.

So my dear LadyAnidala, enjoy some Crosshair, and I hope you know how loved you are and what a privilege it is to call you my friend!

Always & forever,

aknightreaderr AKA your number 1 fan AKA irl's hunter wife with 2 kids xo

From: @aknightreaderr

To: @wings-and-beskargam

I know I have some competition going around when it comes to men in Katarn armour, but I would shoot (for) the stars for you.

From: Crosshair

To: @thora-sniper

I've got my aim on you.

From: Crosshair

To: @snips2112

Thank you so much for being my friend and supporting my writing over the past year. So many of my fics wouldn’t have gotten off the ground without your support. You’re brilliant and a fantastic writer. I’m so thankful for you! Happy Valentine’s Day, my friend!

From: Misty 💙 ( @tealmisthams )

To: @dystopicjumpsuit

I've got you locked in my scope.

From: Crosshair

To: @523rdrebel

You’re a beautiful and wonderful human! Thank you for being my friend!

From: @returnofthepineapple

Heart divider by @/saradika-graphics

Omg this was so adorable! Literally just what I needed today. Thank you for the fic 💕💕

For your valentines drabbles: Echo/Cadence for prompt: Dancing! Thank you 💕💕

Thanks for the request and for the opportunity to write more about these two! 💙

The song that Cadence sings in this drabble is “Better When I’m Dancin’” by Meghan Trainor.

It’s also here on AO3.

Echo was tired. It wasn’t something specific, though. He hadn’t had a particularly difficult workout nor had the 501st’s most recent mission been especially long. He hadn’t lost anyone he was close to recently nor had he performed any tasks that were more mentally taxing than normal. No, it was more of a general tiredness.

He was tired of war, of watching his brothers die—whether or not he was close with them—and the hopelessness of it all. How much longer would it go on? However long that was, would he even live to see the end? It was just one of those days.

But Echo did his best to push his weariness to the back of his mind as he strode through the streets of Coruscant. Cadence had just arrived on the capital planet and it would be their first time seeing each other in over a month. That last thing he wanted was to dampen their reunion with his dismal mindset about a situation that he wouldn’t be able to change.

When he reached the hangar, he stopped to take a breath before approaching her ship, making one more effort to clear his thoughts. Then he made his way over to her freighter, the Atonal , and tapped the entry code into the security panel.

“Echo!”

He had only just made it to the top of the ramp when he heard his name. Then Cadence was running at him and leaping into his arms. He caught her instinctively and held her off the ground as she kissed him fiercely.

“I missed you,” he breathed, after they broke apart.

He was still holding her and she leaned her forehead against his. “Echo, what’s wrong?”

He fought the urge to sigh. Of course she knew and he knew better than to think that she wouldn’t sense his negative emotions immediately.

“It’s nothing specific,” he answered honestly. “Just one of those days when I wish this war would just end already.”

“Do you want to talk about it?”

He shook his head.

“Dance with me then,” she said.

“What? Now?” He wasn’t opposed to dancing in general, but now didn’t seem like the best time.

“Yes! Put me down.” He did. “Now, come on.”

She took his hands and led him to the living area of her ship.

“Bettii!”

At the sound of her name, the little BD unit darted in from the direction of the cockpit. She beeped excitedly when she spotted Echo and hurried over to greet him by climbing up onto his shoulder.

“Hey, Bettii,” he said, patting the droid’s head.

Cadence pressed two fingers to the side of Bettii’s head and music began to trickle out of the little droid. The instrumental tune was upbeat and Cadence immediately added her voice.

—

Don’t think about it, just move your body

Listen to the music, sing, oh, ey, oh

—

A small smile crept onto Echo’s face as his partner, still holding his hands, pulled him farther into the center of the room. It really wasn’t fair. She knew hearing her singing voice always made him smile.

Bettii hopped off his shoulder and Cadence continued her vocals, as she began moving their arms in some sort of motion that Echo didn’t quite understand.

“What dance is this?” he asked.

“Don’t worry about it!” she responded, between lyrics.

“But what are the steps?” Echo asked again.

“I have no idea!” She beamed at him and he couldn’t stop his own smile from widening.

—

We can do this together

I bet you feel better when you’re dancin’, yeah, yeah

—

Now they were spinning aimlessly around the ship’s living area, still joined by their hands. At one point, Echo thought to lift one of his arms, so Cadence could twirl underneath it. Then he pulled her to him and kept an arm around her waist as they continued their chaotic dance routine. His partner’s voice remained steady the entire time; he still couldn’t understand how she could sing so flawlessly while moving her body so rapidly.

When the song finally tapered off, Echo halted their steps and pulled her into a series of heated kisses. They were both breathing heavily by the time their lips disconnected and he bent down to lean his forehead against hers.

“Thank you,” he whispered, tucking some of her wavy hair behind her ear.

“I hope it helped,” she said quietly. “For now, at least.”

“It did.” He tilted his head to place another soft kiss on her mouth.

The Love Drabble requests are now closed, but stay tuned for more drabbles that have yet to be posted! 💕

Fic Game

Rules: Give us the links to your fics with the most hits, second most kudos, third most comments, fourth most bookmarks, fifth most words, and fic with the fewest words.

Thanks for the tags @aknightreaderr and @tealmisthams!

First Most Hits:

That Familiar, Yet Unfamiliar Feeling - 6,112 Hits

This was my first long fic, which is essentially my take on what happens to Rex and Ahsoka post Order 66. This was definitely a labour of love and very close to my heart!

Second Most Kudos:

Tihaar? More Like Truth Serum - 128 Kudos

One of the very first fics I wrote, a cute little confession of feelings between Rexsoka. If anyone is looking for a cute, fluffy read, dare I make a little self-rec? :)

Third Most Comments:

Not the First, But the Best - 36 Comments

This is one of the Fics in my Crosslo series, for Crosshair from The Bad Batch and my OC, Arlo. This fic is about their first date, ending with some light teasing for Crosshair from his siblings.

Fourth Most Bookmarks:

A Tie!

Not Strong Enough & Please Don't Make it Real - 19 Bookmarks

Both of these fics had the 4th most bookmarks! Not Strong Enough is a Tech Lives fic I wrote for Angstpril where Tech is CX-2 and is recaptured by the Batch who try to break him free of Hemlock's conditioning.

Please Don't Make it Real is my take on Crosshair finding out about Tech's death between Season 2 and Season 3 of The Bad Batch.

Fifth Most Words:

Hold on to Me - 7,233 words

This fic is a AU where Order 66 did not happen, and the Clone War continued on. This fic is about the final battle before the Republic is victorious.

Fic with the Fewest Words:

Chaos and Order - 410 words

A short fic I wrote for Clone Twin Week about how despite being opposites, Tech and Crosshair have personalities that complement each other very nicely.

NPT: @ladylucksrogue, @whyamismall, @melting-houses-of-gold, @acatinwinterfell and anyone else who wants to participate!

No Rest, No Reprieve

Summary: In the aftermath of the final battle of the Clone War on Raxus Prime, Kix struggles against the mental burden and emotional exhaustion inherent to his role as a medic for the 501st. Overwhelmed and exhausted, Kix must find the strength to continue on, for the sake of all his brothers who depend on him.

For Febuwhump 2025 Day 2: Holding Back Tears

Fandom: Star Wars

Pairing: None

Characters: Kix, Coric, & Jesse (Kix POV/Kix-centric)

Rating: M

Word Count: ~2,400

Warning: CPR, medical scenario, themes of death and burn out

Link is here on ao3 because again tumblr doesn't allow me to direct post the link.

This fic is the sequel to my fic "Hold on to Me", which can be found here on ao3. This will provide some context to some of the situations Kix references during this fic, but both can be read independently.

Please enjoy and let me know what you think!

@tealmisthams and @kotemf, tagging you guys because this is the "Kix the burnt out medic fic" from my WIP list game that you both asked about! It is finally finished, so instead of answering your asks I give you the fic :)

💕 Misty’s Love Drabbles 💕

Welcome to my Valentine’s event where you send in a request and I write you a drabble!

Requests will be open from Feb 1-Feb 7, and I will be posting the drabbles between now and Valentine’s Day.

I’m pretty busy with life stuff at the moment so, to keep from overloading myself, I’ll be trying to limit the drabbles to 750 words or less.

Also, please only submit ONE request per person. If I manage to complete everything early, I might offer second requests.

How it works:

- Pick a pairing

- Pick a prompt

- Add a few other details you’d like (I won’t promise to include everything, but I’ll do my best!)

- Send in an ask!

Pairing Options

- Fives/Ahsoka

- Echo/Cadence (my OC)

- Rex/Ahsoka

- Fox/Riyo

- Tech/Phee

Prompt List

1. Blind date

2. Meet cute

3. First kiss

4. First date

5. First time (rated T)

6. Proposal

7. Love confession

8. Accidental feelings reveal

9. Love letter

10. Secret admirer

11. Jealousy

12. Words of affirmation

13. Gifts

14. Surprise

15. Dancing

16. Cuddling

17. Hurt/comfort

18. Missing each other

19. Reunion

20. After all these years together

Once I’ve written your requested drabble, I’ll post it here on Tumblr and everything will be compiled on AO3.

Also, feel free to message or send an ask with any questions!

-Misty 💙

Tags: @aknightreaderr @snips2112 @julijuli77

Coming soon…

💕 Misty’s Love Drabbles 💕

I really enjoyed doing the mistletoe drabbles for the holidays, so I’m planning to do a similar event for Valentine’s Day!

I’ll be offering my usual ships and the prompts will be general romance prompts. I’ll post the details on Feb 1 and requests will be open until Feb 7!

Keep an eye out for the official post! If you’d like to be tagged in it, just let me know!

First Line Challenge

Thanks for the tag @tealmisthams and @aknightreaderr!

This is not the first line, but it is the first line I wrote today for my upcoming Crosslo fic. It is the one referenced in my WIP game post as “Crosslo confessions fic” so I’m tagging @julijuli77 as well since you asked about that one! I don’t wanna reveal too many details, but let’s just say there will be some confessions from both Arlo and Crosshair 👀

“Why didn’t you tell me you were leaving?” Arlo asked quietly as they turned on to her street, unable to ignore the subject any longer. Crosshair frowned but merely shrugged, seemingly unbothered.

NPT: @ladylucksrogue , @whyamismall , @acatinwinterfell , @saviinika , and anyone else who wants to participate!