8061 réponses à ce sujet

[Sarah1281]

@Ejoslin, Payroo, Corker: Thanks!
@Corker: I don't think we're given an age for him leaving for the Dalish. He'd probably be hard-pressed to make it all the way there and back at that age anyway. How bittersweet that Taliesin would be so concerned for him and yet get it all wrong. I especially liked the part at the end where he was in the middle of a Dalish thank you and stopped himself. You really do have to wonder just how much he didn't fit in that he willingly returned to the Crows.

[ejoslin]

Gah, Corker, that's fantastic.



It really is a shame the only way you can learn about Zevran and Taliesen is so easily missed (romanced but below adore). They so obviously had something deeper there, in their own weird, twisted way.

[Sesshomaru47]

Shadow of Light Dragon wrote...

Sesshomaru47 wrote...

A question about Zevran and the male Wardens relationship. Do party members comment on it whilst travelling like they would if it were a female Warden or Alistair? Because no one is talking about My Dalish and Zevran..

Morrigan will comment on it, if she and Zev are in the party. They also have a banter if both of them are in a relationship with the Male!Warden at the same time. Oghren has a short banter with him as well.

I don't believe any of the others comment...except for Wynne's in-camp conversation, which happens for all romances.

Wynne's dead...oh well. That's a little disapointing though...Not her being dead.

[ICevoL]

EccentricSage wrote...



Prompt: Zevran and Taliesen.  Preferably centering around how they related to each other, or the nature of their relationship.  I find the little clues in the game so fascinating, yet there is so little about this cannon pairing out there.  Funny, tragic, naughty; PG, R, MA, anything goes.

It will not surprise anyone that I took the naughty route, correct?  I thought not.  Not within BSN parameters, so this is posted to my LJ at the link below.

Alive (Zevran/Taliesin slash; explicit language)

Summary: There's a first time for everything...

Time: between writing and editing, I took the full 3 hours.

Prompts previously posted: 2

[ICevoL]

Feedback time!

@payroo: The Fenris-Zevran kiss pic is made of WIN.  Hot like a hot thing *sweats*

@Kornichon: You and payroo are in a conspiracy to kill us with the Zevran/Fenris hotness... and it is WORKING. *drools*


Prompt Fills:

@payroo: Oh my... *thud*
*gets back up off floor* Um, yeah... I like this A LOT. Dayum...

@Sarah1281: I love this farewell scene as Zevran heads off to Ferelden.  The last two paragraphs in particular really got to me.  Kudos!

@Corker: Awesome interlude. I really love the byplay of Zevran's thoughts versus his words to Taliesin.  Excellent stuff!


And now, I am glad I didn't check out the other entries before posting my silly pr0n...

(edited for funky formatting)

Modifié par ICevoL, 13 janvier 2011 - 09:51 .

[ejoslin]

@ICevoL That really is quite sexy. I love the dynamic you have between the two of them.

[Corker]

ICevoL wrote...

And now, I am glad I didn't check out the other entries before posting my silly pr0n...

Tish tosh.  It's quite a nice pr0n! 

I'm fairly certain I've burbled about it before, but since it's the prompt - trying to pin down the dynamic between these two fascinates me, I think because it's got so many potential facets.  They're working partners, and rivals (because all Crows are rivals), and buddies, and lovers.  There's superior/subordinate authority issues, human/elf racial issues, and dominance issues (who's the better assassin?  who cares less?).  And when you figure Zevran is emotionally open and mature for a Crow, it really makes you wonder what was going on in there.

And yet, it somehow worked well enough that Taliesen followed him to Ferelden and risked taking on two Grey Wardens to do it.  

[ejoslin]

Corker wrote...

ICevoL wrote...

And now, I am glad I didn't check out the other entries before posting my silly pr0n...

Tish tosh.  It's quite a nice pr0n! 

I'm fairly certain I've burbled about it before, but since it's the prompt - trying to pin down the dynamic between these two fascinates me, I think because it's got so many potential facets.  They're working partners, and rivals (because all Crows are rivals), and buddies, and lovers.  There's superior/subordinate authority issues, human/elf racial issues, and dominance issues (who's the better assassin?  who cares less?).  And when you figure Zevran is emotionally open and mature for a Crow, it really makes you wonder what was going on in there.

And yet, it somehow worked well enough that Taliesen followed him to Ferelden and risked taking on two Grey Wardens to do it.  

There are a few different things going on with Zevran here, depending on his feelings about the warden.

I would say, with Taliesen, in gameplay terms, Zevran is between 51 - 70 care with taliesen

Zevran wants to leave the crows.  If he doesn't trust the warden, he doesn't see a way out.  He knows the warden will win the fight, but still attacks.  He's just finishing what he set out to do.

If he likes the warden, even just a bit, he will fight, and afterwards he wants to leave.  The crows will assume that Zevran sided with Taliesen and died, and he can disappear, and live his life in obscurity.  of course, if the warden asks him to stay, Zevran does stay, though this condemns him to a life on the run from the crows if he survives the upcoming battle.

If he's in a relationship with the warden, but doesn't adore him/her, he's conflicted (which is where i get the approval rating idea for Taliesen).  You CAN get him to fight with you if you remind him that he can be free of the crows, but the other answers you can give lead to Zevran leaving, just not able to kill one lover for his other lover. This is also the time you find out that the two men were lovers, and when you talk to him later at camp, he is more obviously upset, but also is clear that he's ready to move on -- just like he doesn't blame Taliesen regarding Rinna, Zevran bears the warden no ill will for killing Taliesen.

If Zevran adores the warden, however, there is just no doubt at all -- he will fight by the warden's side.  Taliesen is already in the past, and while he was saddened to kill him, there just isn't the same conflict there.

No matter what, if Zevran is in a relationship, he wants to stay with the warden.  He knows, again, that this will condemn him to a life on the run, but he would rather have just that much more time with the warden than his complete freedom.

Edit: I find it interesting that Zevran's friendship follow up conversation can unset his friendly/love eligible status.  It's like Alistair's confirmation of his hardening -- you can either confirm for Zevran that he is right to trust someone, or you can confirm for him that everyone really just uses other people.  So I guess you're confirming his, hmmm, gentling? maybe.

Modifié par ejoslin, 14 janvier 2011 - 01:56 .

[Giggles_Manically]

Is it wrong that I cheered when Zevran said:

And I am not about to let that happen?



I mean I almost jumped from my seat and yelled at how awesome he sounded when he said that.

No doubts in my Warden's mind as to where he stands.

[Hilde]

Giggles_Manically wrote...

Is it wrong that I cheered when Zevran said:
And I am not about to let that happen?

I mean I almost jumped from my seat and yelled at how awesome he sounded when he said that.
No doubts in my Warden's mind as to where he stands.

Not at all!  I think I wait for that line with every game.  It is just wonderful.

[Giggles_Manically]

I lost my pictures of that in DA.



Then again I FF Taliesen and let Zevran destroy him with extreme prejudice when the rest of the crows are dead.

[payroo]

You know, I sometimes wonder if Zevran was to Taliesin and Rinna was to Zevran. I've always felt that Tal felt more strongly about Zev that Zev for Tal (poor guy did follow him in a suicide mission across a country!) I believe it's been said before in this thread (or the previous incarnation of it) that "love" doesn't really have a chance at actually existing within the Crows, but Tal -> Zev was something analogous at least.

[Hilde]

EccentricSage wrote...



Prompt: Zevran and Taliesen.  Preferably centering around how they related to each other, or the nature of their relationship.  I find the little clues in the game so fascinating, yet there is so little about this cannon pairing out there.  Funny, tragic, naughty; PG, R, MA, anything goes.

I struggled to find Taliesin's voice so went a seperate direction.

Time: 1.5 Hours of writing, editing and fretting
Prompts: 1

A Small Mercy.


It was bad timing. Had the Crow collapsed at his feet fought a little harder he would not have had to witness it.

He had turned just in time to see the spark of life drain from Taliesin’s eyes as his warden thrust a gilded dagger deep into his chest. The strike he utilized, the same strike that Zevran himself had taught Torin only weeks before, pierced Taliesin’s heart causing his old friend to bleed out quickly; a mercy Zevran was silently thankful for.

His warden was gentle as he lowered the Crow, his latest assassin, to the blood soaked ground beneath him. Zevran was surprised to see sorrow in the deep brown eyes as they turned to face Zevran; guilt hid behind a red mask of exhaustion.

Zevran had spoken little of his former friend but was certain that a few of his companions, in particular his warden, had seen through some of the bravado and had understood his reticence to speak of him.

As Zevran approached Taliesin’s body his companions slowly backed away. He had not realized his warden’s presence until warm breath caressed his ear.

“We will give you some …room.” The warden whispered, his voice cracking in what Zevran recognized simply as regret.

“Room for what?” he thought cynically as he knelt down beside his old friend.

Smiling faintly he pulled a cloth from the pouch at his belt; a cloth typically reserved to wipe away the tainted blood of darkspawn, dampening it lightly with water.

Methodically he began to wipe away the blood, sweat and dirt from Taliesin’s now tranquil features allowing a moment of reminiscence; a small luxury he typically found a waste of time.

The two had been in trouble together throughout their childhood and training. Until recently Taliesin had been the closest to what he had believed to be a friend and they had protected one another, excelled and rose in the ranks of the Crows together.

Rinna had changed everything. His affection for her had been his own undoing; her death only brought about a desire for an end.

He had sought escape from not only Rinna as he fled to Ferelden, but also from Taliesin. He had truly desired an escape from what he struggled to name.

Pain pierced the back of his eyes as he stiffened; his mind struggling to repress all thoughts of what had brought him to Ferelden. The man below him had been his friend, a close partner in the life he had before, a life he must leave behind.

His hands caressed the now cool skin as he closed each of Taliesin’s eyes for the last time. Silently he said his final goodbye. What Taliesin had meant to him in the past was meant to remain in the past.

Zevran realized that his freedom from the crows, from his former life was now complete. His future now only lay ahead with the man standing silently behind him. 

Edit: Format -- If I could only spell
 

Modifié par Hilde, 14 janvier 2011 - 04:51 .

[Giggles_Manically]

That was very well done Hilde I am still writing mine.

[Hilde]

Thank you very much Giggles. I really appreciate that!

Modifié par Hilde, 14 janvier 2011 - 04:53 .

[Giggles_Manically]

Quick question:

Do you think that the Crows are trained to throw daggers very well?

I just realized that Zevran threw daggers almost as far as a steroid pumped MLB pitcher could. After looking at a picture of the ambush.



REWRITE!

[EccentricSage]

payroo wrote...

You know, I sometimes wonder if Zevran was to Taliesin and Rinna was to Zevran. I've always felt that Tal felt more strongly about Zev that Zev for Tal (poor guy did follow him in a suicide mission across a country!) I believe it's been said before in this thread (or the previous incarnation of it) that "love" doesn't really have a chance at actually existing within the Crows, but Tal -> Zev was something analogous at least.

That's what I think... hell, I think Taliesen feels more strongly for Zevran than Zevran did for Rinna.  I got the impression Zevran didn't really know Rinna that intimately... When he speeks about her he speeks symbolicly... she represented everything he wanted, he does not speek of her as a person with likes and dislikes.  I think she merely made him realise that he WANTS more than what the Crows will let him have, and that both led to an intense infatuation with her as well as sheer terror at the thought of it.

Taliesen, on the other hand, had to have truly loved Zevran, even if it was a love that could not be named, or even looked at.  He not only follows Zevran across a barbarian nation during a Blight out of concern for him, he will try to avenge Zevran if you killed him.  He had to have known that's suicidal.  It was a mission he himself would not take, yet he risks everything to finish what Zevran started.  I don't doubt that Taliesen would have been in denial of the depth of his feelings, and perhaps that's why Zevran never felt as strongly... the Crows corupted Taliesen's worldview more than Zevran's.  Zevran began to realise that he was wrong about the Crows, and wrong about himself.  Taliesen never has that moment as far as we know.  If he had, he could have backed down and gone on the run with Zevran and your Warden.  But instead, I imagine he just felt betrayed when Zevran chooses the Warden, and fights to the death.  Doesn't Zevran have a line afterward under certain conditions... something to the effect of Taliesen having the wrong priorities?  I think that's the disfunction that makes Taliesen so tragic.

I really recomend you guys watch Sparticus: Blood and Sand.  Besides being simply amazing in it's own right, the lives of the gladiators remind me very much of what we know of the Crows, and it's really enriched and informed my understanding of the psychology behind characters like Taliesen and Zevran.  The writing and acting are phenominal, and I warn you, you will cry almost every other episode, it's brutaly tragic, but it's so worth it.

PS.  I'm waiting untill the end of the prompt to post my reactions to all the entries.    I can tell you though... I don't know how I'm going to pick a winner!  So many entries already, all phenominal quality, and there's still nearly four days left before the deadline!    I think I might have to do Third, Second, and First place prizes at this rate...  OMG.  AND IT'S TOTALY WORTH IT!  This has been awesome.  I've smiled, I've cried, I've... done other...things....  lol

Modifié par EccentricSage, 14 janvier 2011 - 08:16 .

[Corker]

Giggles_Manically wrote...

Then again I FF Taliesen and let Zevran destroy him with extreme prejudice when the rest of the crows are dead.

Really?  I generally try to keep him occupied with other things so he doesn't have to put down his own friend.

Ha, just realized... In my DC playthrough, I had Taliesen on the ropes when he stealthed out.  He popped back in halfway up the stairs and I went after him again... but then Zevran aggro'ed him, too.  I don't know if he was just closer, but maybe it was those darn protective tactics again!  I was too hyped up to remember to hit the pause button and was terribly worried Zevran was going to have to be the one kill Talisen - when Alistair, apparently en route to some pesky archers at the top of the stairs, rushed by, pausing just long enough to shield bash the Crow to his death.

Nice guy, Alistair. Very considerate.  He took down Leske for my DC, too, which she appreciated not having to do. 

[ejoslin]

payroo wrote...

You know, I sometimes wonder if Zevran was to Taliesin and Rinna was to Zevran. I've always felt that Tal felt more strongly about Zev that Zev for Tal (poor guy did follow him in a suicide mission across a country!) I believe it's been said before in this thread (or the previous incarnation of it) that "love" doesn't really have a chance at actually existing within the Crows, but Tal -> Zev was something analogous at least.

I agree that love really couldn't exist in the crows.  I do think Zevran had a crush on Rinna, where what was between Zevran and Taliesen was something deeper.  When Taliesen said that Rinna had betrayed them, there was just no question for Zevran -- Rinna must die.  If Rinna had said that about Taliesen, for some reason I think Zevran would have needed proof, and may still not have believed it.  Not that I think Taliesen set up Rinna -- I think that was the merchant trying to break up the assassination team.

However, I think Taliesen may have been more possessive of Zevran rather than enamored.  He wanted Zev back with him; he didn't want Zevran to be free, and when Zevran didn't want to go back with him, he attacked.  But there definitely was a bond there. 

Giggles_Manically wrote...

Is it wrong that I cheered when Zevran said:
And I am not about to let that happen?

I mean I almost jumped from my seat and yelled at how awesome he sounded when he said that.
No doubts in my Warden's mind as to where he stands.

I love that response.  

My favorite one, though, is the one you get if he adores the warden when you tell Taliesen that Zevran belongs with you and Taliesen scoffs at you, and Zevran is so clear that he has changed.

Warden: Zevran belongs with me now.
Taliesen: *Laughs* You don't even know who you're talking about, do you?
Zevran: And neither do you, Taliesen.

It's not as BAMF as his response, "I'm not about to let that happen," but i really do like it.

EccentricSage wrote...

That's what I think... hell, I think Taliesen feels more strongly for Zevran than Zevran did for Rinna.  I got the impression Zevran didn't really know Rinna that intimately... When he speeks about her he speeks symbolicly... she represented everything he wanted, he does not speek of her as a person with likes and dislikes.  I think she merely made him realise that he WANTS more than what the Crows will let him have, and that both led to an intense infatuation with her as well as sheer terror at the thought of it. 

Taliesen, on the other hand, had to have truly loved Zevran, even if it was a love that could not be named, or even looked at.  He not only follows Zevran across a barbarian nation during a Blight out of concern for him, he will try to avenge Zevran if you killed him.  He had to have known that's suicidal.  It was a mission he himself would not take, yet he risks everything to finish what Zevran started.  I don't doubt that Taliesen would have been in denial of the depth of his feelings, and perhaps that's why Zevran never felt as strongly... the Crows corupted Taliesen's worldview more than Zevran's.  Zevran began to realise that he was wrong about the Crows, and wrong about himself.  Taliesen never has that moment as far as we know.  If he had, he could have backed down and gone on the run with Zevran and your Warden.  But instead, I imagine he just felt betrayed when Zevran chooses the Warden, and fights to the death.  Doesn't Zevran have a line afterward under certain conditions... something to the effect of Taliesen having the wrong priorities?  I think that's the disfunction that makes Taliesen so tragic.

That is EXACTLY how i think Zevran feels about Rinna.  I'm not sure that Taliesen loved Zevran (Taliesen does attack him after all), but there is definitely a bond there.

Unfortunately, though the dialog is in the toolset, the Taliesen encounter doesn't happen unless Zevran is alive and recruited.  I should fix the script so that it will trigger if he were killed or set free as well -- but no one using my mod would ever see it, so I never bothered.

Edit: I don't think Zevran has a problem with killing Taliesen.  He is over him, and trying to protect the warden at that point.  

ooooh, message is too long.  time to read prompts!

I like that, Hidle!

Modifié par ejoslin, 14 janvier 2011 - 12:44 .

[Creature 1]

Here's my non-entry for this week.  It's kind of long so I'm linking.  It's a non-entry because I have no idea how long it took since much of it was lifted from my prequel fic, and then I spent a couple hours editing.  It has protective!Zevran and Taliesen, so has relevance to this week and last week. 

I guess my take on Taliesen is different from a lot of people's, he and Zevran are equals and Taliesen's kind of a thug.  No, really, is a thug. 

Modifié par Creature 1, 14 janvier 2011 - 01:22 .

[Shadow of Light Dragon]

ejoslin wrote...

Edit: I don't think Zevran has a problem with killing Taliesen.  He is over him, and trying to protect the warden at that point. 

I...am not sure I completely agree. While I think Zevran will have no problem doing the actual deed (he *is* an assassin, and well-schooled at making his heart cold in favour of the kill), it's pretty clear in his post-Taliesen dialogue that he regrets his friend's death.

Does he regret it more if he is the one who killed Taliesen? Would he *prefer* to be the one who killed Taliesen? We're not told...but I'm not convinced Zevran is so over Taliesen that he feels nothing when the man dies.

Edit: And now I have prompt plotbunnies.

Modifié par Shadow of Light Dragon, 14 janvier 2011 - 02:39 .

[ejoslin]

Shadow of Light Dragon wrote...

ejoslin wrote...

Edit: I don't think Zevran has a problem with killing Taliesen.  He is over him, and trying to protect the warden at that point. 

I...am not sure I completely agree. While I think Zevran will have no problem doing the actual deed (he *is* an assassin, and well-schooled at making his heart cold in favour of the kill), it's pretty clear in his post-Taliesen dialogue that he regrets his friend's death.

Does he regret it more if he is the one who killed Taliesen? Would he *prefer* to be the one who killed Taliesen? We're not told...but I'm not convinced Zevran is so over Taliesen that he feels nothing when the man dies.

Edit: And now I have prompt plotbunnies.

I didn't mean he feels nothing -- he's saddened over Taliesen's death.  But if he's fighting Taliesen, especially if the warden is at adore, what is important to him is protecting the warden and gaining his freedom.

Edit: I guess what i'm saying is that Zevran doesn't need to be protected from killing Taliesen, at least not in my head.

Second edit: If Zevran doesn't fight, he is conflicted over the situation (obviously).  It's only if he doesn't fight that he may tell you that he was sorry he had to kill Taliesen. But if he's fighting, while he regrets that Taliesen had to die, he will not say that.  In either case, though, if you ask him if it was a good thing, he'll say it was a very good thing.  He's tired, Taliesen was a friend, but he's now free.

Modifié par ejoslin, 14 janvier 2011 - 03:19 .

[Sarah1281]

Warden: Zevran belongs with me now.

Taliesen: *Laughs* You don't even know who you're talking about, do you?

Zevran: And neither do you, Taliesen.

Is it just me or is Zevran basically confirming what Taliesin said about you not knowing him?

[Corker]

Sarah1281 wrote...

Warden: Zevran belongs with me now.
Taliesen: *Laughs* You don't even know who you're talking about, do you?
Zevran: And neither do you, Taliesen.

Is it just me or is Zevran basically confirming what Taliesin said about you not knowing him?

*squints* He neither confirms nor denies it.  He just asserts that Taliesen doesn't know who he's talking about, either.

Zevran is a mystery to everyone, apparently!

[ICevoL]

@ejoslin and Corker -- thanks for reading!  So glad that you liked it 

@Hilde -- Oh my... that was so heartbreaking! Poor Zevran. It's a good thing he has Torin to help him through the aftermath.  Excellent story!

@Creature1 -- Man, those two have a really messed up dynamic. You generated a fascinating atmosphere with the description of their escape.  Thanks for sharing!


The Zevran-Taliesin conversations in the thread are making me think a lot about my own perceptions of what they were to each other.  Great stuff! *thumbs up*