Tales From Thedas: Dragon Age One Shots

Trevelyan Magic

Dorian was, as usual, nestled in his favourite chair in the tower library. A crackling fire burned nearby, chasing away the perpetual chill he'd felt ever since arriving in Skyhold.

On a small table to his right sat a pot of steaming coffee he'd pilfered from the kitchen. Beside it sat a half-eaten cinnamon roll and he was deeply engrossed in one of Varric's stories.

Though he'd acquired copies of them as a gift for his amatus, he'd lied when he'd said he'd read most of them. Truthfully, he hadn't wanted anyone to know of his secret passion. Had even made a point of implying Varric's stories were so bad he felt dumber for reading them. But the truth was, he was addicted to the damn things.

Filled with adventure, romance, flirting and hero's, he couldn't get enough of them. When he'd heard Cassandra had gotten the Inquisitor to get Varric to write another chapter in his Swords and Shields series, he'd waited for her to finish it before pilfering it from her room.

So immersed in the story was he, he didn't hear the tread of someone ascending the stairs until they were standing before him. Feeling someone's eyes on him, he looked up and blushed profusely. Slamming the book shut, he slid it behind him out of sight and stood, taking a moment to compose himself.

"Lord Pavus?" Asked the striking brunette before him. She was dressed in the most fashionable and complimentary royal blue mage robe he'd ever seen. The bulk of her hair was piled atop her head and trailed down her back in soft, flowing waves. A royal blue ribbon was weaved into her chocolate brown locks, bringing out the pale green of her eyes. He was struck by a strong sense of familiarity but couldn't for the life of him place her.

"I am he." He said. "Though many here call me Dorian. Much better than evil Tevinter, but that is neither here nor there. You are a very striking woman my dear and I must confess you seem familiar. To whom do I have the pleasure of speaking with?"

She smiled, the warmth of which made his insides melt at the way she instantly set him at ease. "My name is Ashlyn, Lord Pavus."

"Pleasure to meet you." He said, taking her proffered hand and placing a gentle kiss to the back of it.

"Likewise." She smiled. "Though I am known formally as Lady Trevelyan, I have never gone by that moniker having spent most of my life at Ostwick's circle."

"Trevelyan?" Dorian stammered, his eyes wide with shock. "I... you're..."

She giggled, the smile crinkling the corners of her eyes, enjoying the effect her revelation had had on him.

"Forgive me my Lord. When I first heard the tales of your charm, I was intrigued and had to see it for myself."

"My charm?"

She smiled again and placed a tentative hand on his arm. "I'm sorry. I'm guessing my brother didn't mention me."

"Your brother? So you're Nathaniel's sister?"

"I am yes, his twin actually. Though it has been many years, we spent much of our early childhood together before I left for the circle."

"I am not easily made speechless. Though if it had to be done, then I am pleased to have a charming and beautiful young woman such as yourself be the one to do it."

"You're delightful Lord Pavus." She smiled.

"Thank you my lady, but please, call me Dorian."

"As you wish."

"Now that introductions are taken care of, was there something you needed? Nathaniel didn't tell me you were coming."

"That's because he doesn't know. I thought I might surprise him."