you're impure. you've done bad things, been a cruel person, or you've been terribly wrong, and you've seen what the world really is. maybe you're bad, or maybe your road to hell is paved with good intentions. whatever the case is, there's red in your ledger.
they're pure. almost innocent, even. they're kind and open and the very opposite of worldly. maybe they're not always good, no one is, but their heart is clean.
despite these differences, there's something between you. you shouldn't relate, you should be worlds away...
how to play
comment with your character. mention if they're more likely to be pure or impure.
reply to others.
use the rng to determine the direction of your thread or come up with your own direction.
prompts
light || the pure is affecting the impure in a positive way.
dark || the impure is affecting the pure in a negative way.
purposeful || you want to corrupt something so pure.
forgive || they know what you've done and they've forgiven you.
death || something comes up from the dark past and strikes out at the one loved the most. they know it would hurt you to see them in pain - or worse.
life || the smut option. will there be hesitance in "defiling" purity?
cheer || never again did you think that there would be simple joys. picnics, birthdays, gentle holding of hands.
confessions || you have to get them into your life; they're the only good thing you can see.
teach || one party is teaching the other about more worldly pursuits, may or may not be sexual. perhaps they feel guilty for this, perhaps they don't.
end || you can't do this to them anymore. they deserve so much better than you.
[He was relieved to see her stirring the fire. If she was tending to comfort, she was truly coming back to herself, at least for now. He was under no illusions this would be the only difficult night. There would be plenty more to come, with more weight and losses as the time went on.]
We did. None of the sacrifices at Adamant were in vain. No demon army, no possessed Wardens as his playthings. I knew the Champion. Perhaps not as well as Varric, but I did. This is what Hawke would have wanted.
[To go out making a difference one last time.]
You didn't disturb me. When you hurt, I hurt. I know the same is true when the situation is reversed. I wish I had better to offer you than words or a shoulder. But to be perfectly blunt, the only thing that heals wounds like what happened to you is time, and that's something only the march of days can provide.
I'll be here as much as you'll allow it, as I always am.
[In all honesty, she was expecting to go about finishing up some work and not even attempting sleep again, once Cullen left. Part of her didn't want him to go, even though she didn't feel it wise to ask him to stay. It was selfish and silly and she'd already pulled him from his own quiet evening.
Sooner or later, she knew she'd need true rest but for the time being, the few hours she scraped by with each night would have to do.]
I'd keep you here with me for good if I could. I... like spending time with you. We get so little as of late.
Then I'll stay. It's not a hardship. I think you know that by now.
[Waking, sleeping, reading, whatever they needed to do. It wasn't as though she hadn't handheld him through some nights when his nightmares were relentless.
Are you certain you can leave your work behind for the night?
[She was teasing him now, or at least trying to. It fell a good deal short of her usual light tone and the edges of her smile seemed a bit strained, but she was trying.
She knew, but things were still new enough to her that she wasn't used to just being able to ask and there he'd be. In truth, she hadn't wanted to burden him when she knew how bad his nights could be. The last thing she wanted to do was add to his own troubles.]
[She was almost smiling at the thought as she glanced around. She knew there was a small stack of papers on her desk that needed attention but the last thing she wanted to do was spend the rest of the night perched there while she worked. As nice as the other option sounded, she didn't know if it was wise. As it was, they all had a lot to do.
She could finish some reading in bed, though. Right then, a warm room, an even warmer Cullen and a soft bed sounded downright pleasant. Correspondence could wait until morning. For now, she'd settle in with her reports and her Commander and try to make the night a decent one.]
Both. I've got some reports to finish reading, but that can be done in bed. You're always welcome to join me if you like. I'd offer something a bit more... fun, but I don't think I'd be up for it tonight.
You know, she wants to experiment on me. Well, the Anchor. Which is in me. I'm not sure if I should be wary or take it as a compliment.
[She let her gaze follow him for a moment. Even now, she found herself still just watching him. It was silly, really. She just couldn't help it at times.
Clearing her throat, she headed to the desk to pick up a few things from the top of the pile, pausing for just a moment to trace her fingers over a half-written letter. That was all the thought she'd give it for now, though. Things like that could be left for tomorrow.]
It's a shame, though. You've spoiled me for other men.
I'd say wariness is always a good policy when it comes to our arcanist.
[She didn't need to be actively malicious to do harm with her curiosity.
He shook the blankets out and had them mostly straightened by the time she reached the desk. The undersheet was still a mess. There was less he could do about that alone.]
I'm not sure I'd say that's a shame.
[There was teasing in his voice although the sentiment was a bit more serious. He didn't like to think of her with others. He never saw himself with others. The very thought of it felt beyond him.]
[There was no doubt in her. Her heart was his, all neatly bound up if he wanted it. While the Dalish didn't exactly life a chaste life and she'd been no stranger to the more physical acts of love, he'd won her over without even having to try. For her, there would be no others.
Papers in hand, she moved back to the bed, already reaching down to help him settle the last bit of the bedding she'd torn up earlier.]
Ah. Don't misunderstand me. It's a shame we're both too worn out to indulge.
I like to think that one day all of this will be over and done with to a satisfactory conclusion for both of us. We'll run off, sleep for a week, and make up for every time we've had to put each other off and either work or rest.
[Simplistic perhaps and almost certainly overly optimistic. He didn't care. He liked his fantasies, and they served a purpose. They continued to give him something to look forward to beyond more fighting and stress.
He flipped the covers back, kicked his boots off, and slipped between the sheets to get settled.]
[Simple was usually the best, even if she knew it such a thing would likely never happen. Fantasy was a good thing, a healthy thing, but it was something Elareth rarely indulged in anymore. Her life had become a study in practicality.
She heard his boots settle heavy on the floor and paused as she'd been about to perch herself on the edge of the bed.]
... you wore your boots? Why didn't I hear you come in?
[She might be tired, but she knew laying down was a bad idea. It would only encourage her to go back to sleep and that was the last thing she wanted. She might need it, but there was no way she was ready to.
Still, it was hard to resist the idea of curling up with her Commander.
Smiling a little, she slid under the covers and propped herself up next to Cullen, reports in hand and trying to keep from getting distracted with him there beside her.]
No, you weren't. It didn't take much to bring you back.
[Not as much as he knew it could when someone was in such a state. Overall they both escaped from the moment relatively unscathed, for which he was grateful.
He tucked a hand under his cheek as he finished settling. He was in no danger of falling asleep right away. He'd be good for some conversation before he started drifting. His knees lay lightly against the side of her leg, legs bent and one foot tucked up under the bottom of the other. He always folded himself together when he was ready for sleep, a subconscious habit that felt safe.]
[Her work. She should be concentrating, but she found it hard to when she was watching him settle from the side of her eye. It was... endearing, to watch him curl himself up. Each motion made her smile inch a bit higher even as it made her hard pressed to keep from ducking down to curl up with him.
Still smiling, she dropped a hand to lightly slide through his hair as she tried once again to read over the latest missive from the Hissing Wastes.]
I've lived with nightmares long enough to have some idea of what works and doesn't back in the waking world.
[He wasn't arrogant enough to think he had all the answers. Only experienced enough to know what might be good to try first. He was glad he hadn't been wrong.
He closed his eyes and let his breathing fall into a more relaxed rhythm. He always had enjoyed fingers in his hair, even when he was a boy. It was soothing.]
[It was such a gift to see Cullen actually relaxed. Sure, the circumstances he'd come under hadn't been ideal, but this wasn't such a bad thing. She was happy she could do something so simple for him after he'd helped her so much earlier.]
Most wouldn't dare approach a mage in the midst of a nightmare. It takes a brave soul. Or a Templar.
[He didn't want to speak of his doubts about whether he could still withstand a blast of magic as effectively as he could've when taking the lyrium. Sooner or later, he knew he'd have to find that out. Better if it wasn't at her hands for the guilt factor of it alone.]
You're not alone in this. Not if you don't want to be.
[Possibly even if she did. He was stubborn that way and would only allow himself to be held at so much of a distance.]
[If he had to find out, she'd prefer it be by her hand. It might be something to test, when she'd had a good night's sleep and such, but she wouldn't risk it to anyone else, let alone in the unknown of battle.
Humming under her breath, she let her hand settle into a slow, even pace as it carded through his hair. The motion was as soothing for her as it was him.]
You will always have a place at my side, vhenan. I doubt you'd let me stray too far, anyway.
[Stubborn in everything, including love. He kept his eyes closed without letting himself drift. It was rare they had quiet moments when they could both be reasonably sure they wouldn't be disturbed unless there was an attack.]
It does get better. The dreaming. Mine had gotten much better before I quit the lyrium. I had more control. I could wake myself up and interrupt the cycle. You'll find ways. I'll help you if I can.
[By now, she'd turned her gaze back to the report propped up in her lap but even then, her fingers never stopped moving. If anyone dared interrupt them, they'd likely find themselves at the mercy of Elareth's temper unless the situation was truly dire. They never got the chance to just relax with each other.]
I hope so. I haven't slept a night through since Adamant. I'm worried that it's going to affect my focus and that's something I can't allow. It could be dangerous...
Lack of sleep is hard to work through. Sometimes taking small naps can help. Just a few minutes here and there. I've done that. It kept me functional without wasting too much time.
[Usually, it wasn't long enough to allow dreams the foothold they needed to get started in earnest.]
[There was wry humor in her tone for the moment. He had a point, though. While she was at Skyhold, she'd have more chances to sneak in such naps. Once she was back out in the field, she couldn't risk it.]
I'd say the hardest part is in training yourself how to fall asleep that quickly, but once you reach that state of exhaustion, it's the staying awake that's the difficulty.
[If she wasn't there already, she probably would be soon.]
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bakerstreet2015-02-10 08:35 pm
no subject
We did. None of the sacrifices at Adamant were in vain. No demon army, no possessed Wardens as his playthings. I knew the Champion. Perhaps not as well as Varric, but I did. This is what Hawke would have wanted.
[To go out making a difference one last time.]
You didn't disturb me. When you hurt, I hurt. I know the same is true when the situation is reversed. I wish I had better to offer you than words or a shoulder. But to be perfectly blunt, the only thing that heals wounds like what happened to you is time, and that's something only the march of days can provide.
I'll be here as much as you'll allow it, as I always am.
no subject
Sooner or later, she knew she'd need true rest but for the time being, the few hours she scraped by with each night would have to do.]
I'd keep you here with me for good if I could. I... like spending time with you. We get so little as of late.
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[Waking, sleeping, reading, whatever they needed to do. It wasn't as though she hadn't handheld him through some nights when his nightmares were relentless.
He was both willing and able.]
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[She was teasing him now, or at least trying to. It fell a good deal short of her usual light tone and the edges of her smile seemed a bit strained, but she was trying.
She knew, but things were still new enough to her that she wasn't used to just being able to ask and there he'd be. In truth, she hadn't wanted to burden him when she knew how bad his nights could be. The last thing she wanted to do was add to his own troubles.]
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[He snorted an almost laugh and looked around the room.]
So where are we settling? Is it a working night or more leisurely?
[He wasn't about to suggest going back to sleep. That was entirely up to her.]
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[She was almost smiling at the thought as she glanced around. She knew there was a small stack of papers on her desk that needed attention but the last thing she wanted to do was spend the rest of the night perched there while she worked. As nice as the other option sounded, she didn't know if it was wise. As it was, they all had a lot to do.
She could finish some reading in bed, though. Right then, a warm room, an even warmer Cullen and a soft bed sounded downright pleasant. Correspondence could wait until morning. For now, she'd settle in with her reports and her Commander and try to make the night a decent one.]
Both. I've got some reports to finish reading, but that can be done in bed. You're always welcome to join me if you like. I'd offer something a bit more... fun, but I don't think I'd be up for it tonight.
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[He nodded and began circling to the other side of the bed to help straighten out the bed clothes.]
I'm not sure I'd be up for that, myself. I didn't have a bad night. I am tired, though.
[He wasn't afraid to admit it to her. He liked to think they were past trying to put up fronts with one another about the simpler complaints.]
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[She let her gaze follow him for a moment. Even now, she found herself still just watching him. It was silly, really. She just couldn't help it at times.
Clearing her throat, she headed to the desk to pick up a few things from the top of the pile, pausing for just a moment to trace her fingers over a half-written letter. That was all the thought she'd give it for now, though. Things like that could be left for tomorrow.]
It's a shame, though. You've spoiled me for other men.
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[She didn't need to be actively malicious to do harm with her curiosity.
He shook the blankets out and had them mostly straightened by the time she reached the desk. The undersheet was still a mess. There was less he could do about that alone.]
I'm not sure I'd say that's a shame.
[There was teasing in his voice although the sentiment was a bit more serious. He didn't like to think of her with others. He never saw himself with others. The very thought of it felt beyond him.]
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Papers in hand, she moved back to the bed, already reaching down to help him settle the last bit of the bedding she'd torn up earlier.]
Ah. Don't misunderstand me. It's a shame we're both too worn out to indulge.
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[Simplistic perhaps and almost certainly overly optimistic. He didn't care. He liked his fantasies, and they served a purpose. They continued to give him something to look forward to beyond more fighting and stress.
He flipped the covers back, kicked his boots off, and slipped between the sheets to get settled.]
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She heard his boots settle heavy on the floor and paused as she'd been about to perch herself on the edge of the bed.]
... you wore your boots? Why didn't I hear you come in?
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[Once settled, he flipped the covers back over his shoulder carelessly and turned on his side to face her.]
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Still, it was hard to resist the idea of curling up with her Commander.
Smiling a little, she slid under the covers and propped herself up next to Cullen, reports in hand and trying to keep from getting distracted with him there beside her.]
... I wasn't too bad, was I?
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[Not as much as he knew it could when someone was in such a state. Overall they both escaped from the moment relatively unscathed, for which he was grateful.
He tucked a hand under his cheek as he finished settling. He was in no danger of falling asleep right away. He'd be good for some conversation before he started drifting. His knees lay lightly against the side of her leg, legs bent and one foot tucked up under the bottom of the other. He always folded himself together when he was ready for sleep, a subconscious habit that felt safe.]
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Still smiling, she dropped a hand to lightly slide through his hair as she tried once again to read over the latest missive from the Hissing Wastes.]
... how'd you know?
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[He wasn't arrogant enough to think he had all the answers. Only experienced enough to know what might be good to try first. He was glad he hadn't been wrong.
He closed his eyes and let his breathing fall into a more relaxed rhythm. He always had enjoyed fingers in his hair, even when he was a boy. It was soothing.]
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Most wouldn't dare approach a mage in the midst of a nightmare. It takes a brave soul. Or a Templar.
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[He didn't want to speak of his doubts about whether he could still withstand a blast of magic as effectively as he could've when taking the lyrium. Sooner or later, he knew he'd have to find that out. Better if it wasn't at her hands for the guilt factor of it alone.]
You're not alone in this. Not if you don't want to be.
[Possibly even if she did. He was stubborn that way and would only allow himself to be held at so much of a distance.]
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Humming under her breath, she let her hand settle into a slow, even pace as it carded through his hair. The motion was as soothing for her as it was him.]
You will always have a place at my side, vhenan. I doubt you'd let me stray too far, anyway.
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[Stubborn in everything, including love. He kept his eyes closed without letting himself drift. It was rare they had quiet moments when they could both be reasonably sure they wouldn't be disturbed unless there was an attack.]
It does get better. The dreaming. Mine had gotten much better before I quit the lyrium. I had more control. I could wake myself up and interrupt the cycle. You'll find ways. I'll help you if I can.
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I hope so. I haven't slept a night through since Adamant. I'm worried that it's going to affect my focus and that's something I can't allow. It could be dangerous...
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[Usually, it wasn't long enough to allow dreams the foothold they needed to get started in earnest.]
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[There was wry humor in her tone for the moment. He had a point, though. While she was at Skyhold, she'd have more chances to sneak in such naps. Once she was back out in the field, she couldn't risk it.]
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[If she wasn't there already, she probably would be soon.]
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