Vilde Aeducan

> "I think Orzammar and Ferelden are not so different after all, both argue amongst themselves while they ignore the darkspawn. It is extremely dangerous *and* extremely predictable."
>
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## Character Overview

### Appearance

Vilde Aeducan is quite small in stature, standing at 4'7", but makes up for it with her intimidating presence. She has very fair skin and a fuller yet muscular frame covered with scars from the many battles she has been in, above and below ground. During her time fighting the Blight she also gained a tattoo; done by her close friend Zevran it is of a Crystal Grace flower in honour of her partner Leliana. Her eyes are slightly down-turned and match her Grey Warden uniform's blue hue. She has a wide and prominent nose that she flares in frustration regularly. Her lips are full and she has a fairly wide jaw. Her voice is deep, soothing and authoritative. Vilde's hair flows in two long braids down her back with inter-woven smaller braids within them, sometimes with two smaller braids framing either side of her face. She twirls her braids into buns at the back of her head for combat and during the fifth blight, this was the only way most people saw it styled. Her preferred clothing includes intricate formal wear in grey, blue and silver hues, matched with elegant yet functional shoes, not forgetting a longsword and her family shield at her back just in case things take a turn for the worst.

### Personality

Ambitious, astute and argumentative. Vilde may not delight in it but she is extremely proficient at diplomacy. She is a natural leader and always prepared for any situation. However, she can also be found to become easily obsessive or angered and has a lot of trouble expressing her emotions. Her dreams are to provide a structure that helps the people who really need it and to be successful in life. While her fears include being powerless, overlooked and vulnerable. She uses words of affirmation to show affection and lets her stone sense guide her to triumph.

## Background

### Pre-Game

Born and raised a dwarven noble in the underground city of Orzammar, Vilde always felt trapped in many ways. Her dislike for the deception in diplomacy, her identity as a lesbian in a natality-obsessed society and her strong desire for adventure fostered a dream of one day leaving her home and venturing to the surface. Sadly, she could see no way of being able to do; if she would leave her home it would have to be for good and she loved her family too much to bid them farewell forever. Being a dwarf, she could not even dream and escape to the surface and the life she so deperately longed for in her mind. So, to satisfy her want for excitement she would ask visiting Grey Wardens for stories of the surface. Soon going on their Calling, the Wardens seemed to enjoy reminiscing on their past experiences and Vilde delighted in hearing these fascinating tales.

## Involvement

### Dragon Age Origins

Vilde's time in Orzammar did not last forever, and her hopes to leave came true in a way she did not wish for it too when her younger brother, Bhelen, convinced her that her older brother, Trian, was going to attempt to kill her to secure his place on the throne when their father dies. Despite the accusations Vilde refused to kill Trian, and so Bhelen took matters into his own hands and hired someone to kill Trian. He then proceeded to pin this on Vilde so he had no competition for the throne, thus making Vilde become exhiled from her birthplace, with her younger brother and father turning on her in the process. However, once on the surface, she found a new family with the Grey Wardens- an organisation she had admired from a young age, and thus began her journey of gathering allies and friends to aid in her fight against the Wardens' greatest foe: the Blight.

During her time working against the Blight, Vilde found herself helping the mages within the Ferelden Circle of Magi, brokering peace between a pack of werewolves and a Dalish clan, electing Bhelen (her younger brother whom she was extremely close with as a child) as king of Orzammar and encouraging Alistair (a fellow Warden and somewhat of a new brotherly figure to her) to take his rightful place as King of Ferelden.

### Post-Game

Since defeating the Blight, Vilde has become the Warden Commander of Ferelden and a Paragon among the Dwarva. She spent her time post-Blight carrying out her Grey Warden duties at Vigil's Keep and meeting with her family and friends all across Thedas when she was able, whether to aid them or just to visit them. Leliana, Vilde's partner, also found herself very busy in the time after the fifth Blight and so the couple saw each other only when their schedules allowed. A few years after becomming the Hero of Ferelden, Vilde began investigating rumours about Corypheus, while Leliana became the left hand of the newly elected Divine Justinia. But after not being able to find anything very significant, she travelled back to Ferelden and stayed in Gwaren, which Alistair had gifted to her for ending the Blight, occasionally getting visits from Leliana who spend a lot of her time as a spy on quests for the divine. After 10 years of performing her new responsibilities (of which there were a lot), Vilde travelled to the far west of Thedas to find a cure for the Calling, while Leliana was once again called to the Divine's side. Since the Breach appeared and her love was named the new Divine, Vilde currently lives with Leliana, her Mabari and their many pet Nugs at the Grand Cathedral in Orlais, more content than ever before.

## Relationships

### Family

**Mother -** Vilde does not remember much about her mother, because she died when she was young. She has heard from other nobles that her mother was a kind and powerful woman, and that she and Vilde's father had a very happy and loving relationship.

**Endrin (father) -** It was always said that Vilde was the king's favourite childen, no matter if it was true or not. Growing up he taught her not only how to act among the other nobility but also how to raise a sword and fight. She was heartbroken when her father did not believe that she did not killed her brother, and it seemed this heartbreak was mutual as Endrin passed away shortly after she left for the surface after being exiled to the Deep Roads.

**Trian (older brother) -** Vilde and Trian were never very close. There was jealousy on both sides of how the other sibling was treated and this jealous closed off any truly meaningful relationship they might have. When they were older and the other nobles put them against one another with speculation of who would (and more importantly who *should*) claim the throne after their father, the two grew even further apart. Despite never seeing eye to eye, Vilde still felt love for her older brother and was extremely sad when he was killed.

**Bhelen (younger brother) -** Best friends throughout childhood, Vilde and Bhelen spent many years together while their older brother handled responsibilities of being their fathers heir to the throne. This meant that when their mother died, Vilde was the only family member with the ability to spare time to be with Bhelen. She taught him many of the things he knows today, especially in the ways of diplomacy, and this was the reason that while saddened by Bhelen's involvement in having Trian killed, she was not surprised and could even somewhat understand his misguided intentions of wanting to save his sister from death while also making himself next in line to the throne. Post-Blight, the sibling have regained some of the friendship they had as children and Vilde visits him in Orzammar when she can.

### Romance

**Leliana -** Vilde grew very close to one particular companion during her time ending the Blight. This person was Leliana, a former-bard become Chantry sister whom Vilde formed a soft spot for as soon as they met. The two spent many nights guarding camp, watching the stars and telling each over stories about their lives. They especially bonded over their faiths and once Vilde had taken down her walls so Leliana could truly know her, the two soon developed feelings for one another. They wrote letters to each other constantly during the Blight, writing on paper whatever they were hesitant to say face to face, and while apart in the following years they continued this. Through the many years of the couple being together they were often taken away from one another by their own duties, especially as Leliana grew in rank among the Chantry and Vilde doing the same among the Wardens, but they always found their way back to each other and continue to do so.

### Companions

**Shale -** Very good friends, Shale and Vilde are extremely close. They both spent the Blight at each other's sides, learning about Thedas and experiencing many things they had never done before. They bonded a lot over their confusion over birds, and although they both get irritated easily they rarely got on each others nerves.

**Alistair -** Vilde's first true friend on the surface, bonded by extreme circumstances and becoming like siblings, these two are good friends. Although they are very different, they had a lot more similarities then they first thought and became invaluable companions to one another while facing the Blight. Seeing Alistair become King of Ferelden was extremely painful for Vilde; while she was immensely happy for her friend to take his place on the throne it brought up many feelings about how she had to give up on the possibility of herself becoming Queen while in Orzammar. However, she worked through this and was often seen in Denerim palace, giving lots of advice to the newly appointed King.

**Morrigan -** Surprisingly to both, Morrigan and Vilde became like sisters during their time together. Both having a pessimistic view on humans when they first met, the two might not have been the best influence on each other early on in their friendship. However, as they both grew and learned a lot about Ferelden and the people that live there, they quickly became an amazing duo at getting stuff done when it needed to be. While they have not seen each other in many years, they will never forget the times they had together.

**Zevran -** Perhaps the most unlikely friends, these two are very close friends. Zevran was very possibly the person that Vilde relied on most to make her laugh during an extremely stressful time for both her and Ferelden. Zevran was the first person Vilde ever came out to (which he responded to with a chuckle, a joke, and then a long speech about how happy he is for her being able to finally and truly be herself openly) and this was an something she's forever grateful to him for.

**Sten -** While unsure about each other at first, the two warriors became good friends during their travels together and both taught each other a lot and learnt a lot together during the Blight. They would not be extremely open about how much they cherished each others friendship but definitely showed it through their actions, often training together and braiding each others hair while at camp.

**Wynne** - A motherly figure, was something Vilde was not at all used to having around her and this created a rift between the two. Vilde was uncomfortable with Wynne taking this role among Vilde's companions at first and often became upset and aggravated by it. However, after opening up and knowing each other a lot more, including knowing each others boundaries, they grew to respecting one another and eventually becoming friends. While they are still not extremely close, Vilde is very appreciative for the role that Wynne had played in Leliana's life, especially bringing her comfort during the Blight which was a hard time for all involved.

**Oghren -** Vilde would often refer to him as "somewhat like a drunk uncle", who would remind her of home in a both a positive and negative way somehow at the same time. These two often got on each others nerves and Vilde often had to sort out problems that Oghren created for himself and others. But despite their negatives, the two did help each other a lot both during fights and personally during the Blight.

### Pet(s)

* **Barkspawn** - Mabari war-hound dog (named by Alistair)
* **Schmooples** - Nug (named by Leliana)
* **Boulette** - Nug (")
* **Schmooples the 2nd** - Nug (")

## Quotes

### Pre-Games

* "Bhelen, please cover for me. I cannot stand to sit here and be diplomatic to these people that do not truly care about me. They simply wish to use me for their own gain, and then move on."
* "Trian, we may argue but you are my brother. You always will be."
* "Before you go, do you have any stories from the surface?"

### Origins

* "Alistair…I know I am going to regret this but I am letting you decide what we call the dog. Any ideas?"
* "I may not be tall, but you should not overlook me!"
* "I never thought I would really be able to have this Leliana…In Orzammar I couldn't…"
* "Sten, shall we braid each other's hair? It will take save time. It seems more logical."
* "When I was in Orzammar I would be in formal-wear regularly. Don't look at me like that…You have simply only seen me in my armour as that is what the situation calls for."
* "Leliana would have us stop to help every poor soul we meet. Even those who do not want it, or do not deserve it…I must think on this."
* "Only a fool does not question people's intentions."
* "There are so many things I have yet to discover on the surface…but I want to do it with you at my side!"
* "Alistair I could tell you about your father some more if you like. I met him a few times, and my father would tell me stories about him when I was a child."
* "Alistair, I know that I complain about being a royal a lot but you would make a magnificent king. I truly believe you could make a significant positive impact in Thedas!"
* "It is enjoyable to be able to have a decent debate with someone. Alistair is nice enough but I do not think he always comprehends what I am talking about."
* "I am only accepting your assistance because we are in dire need of any help we can get. So welcome to the group Zevran, I have my eye on you."
* "I agree with Shale, birds are strange. I am not sure how I feel about them yet."
* "Wynne, you are not my mother, nor are you Leliana's mother. We can handle this ourselves."
* "I…apologise. It was unworthy of me. I am not used to having a matronly presence around me and I over-reacted."
* "My father told me stories of you Loghain. You can imagine how dissapointed I was once I properly met you."
* "Oghren, you remind me of those drunkards down at the tavern in Orzammar…it would be comforting in a strange way if you would shut your mouth every now and then."
* "Morrigan, I have seen magic before. I would ask the Grey Wardens to show me it before they went on their Calling. But yours is different."
* "Leliana, I could talk with you for an eternity and still have hundreds of things I would wish to ask you."
* "By the Stone, Zevran, no, never."
* "The stars are beautiful. Maybe I would not mind falling off the Earth and into them. We could live among the stars together forever my love."

### Awakening

* "Big changes need to be made to Thedas, above and below ground"
* "Leliana keeps sending me things from Orlais, it is all beautiful but I am running out of space."
* "Oghren, I see you really are following in my footsteps. I never realised you admired me so much."
* "You know Justice, I was in your position once. Being new to Thedas, not being a spirit from the Fade…"
* "Anders, I know what it feels like to need to escape somewhere because you can not stand to be there anymore. If you're willing to take the risk, the Wardens would love to have you."
* "I do wish I met you when I first became a Grey Warden, Sigrun."
* "By the stone, am I glad to have another dwarf around. Another dwarf that is not Ohgren that is."

### Witch Hunt

* "I know you must go, but I need you to know that if you ever find yourself in need of anything you can come and find me and Leliana. You are part of our unconventional family Morrigan, whether you like it or not."
* "I am not angry or confused. You said you would leave and you did. I was simply worried about you, Morrigan. I'm so glad you are well"
* "I have seen talking stone before, I am friends with one...but not like this."

### Dragon Age 2

* "I wish I could join you at Chateau Haine, but I know I would simply distract you from your duties and I wish for you to succeed as much as you yourself do."
* "My love, you know I dislike lying to friends but you can not tell Cassandra where I am."

### Dragon Age Inquisition

* "I am glad to hear that Cullen is doing better, and that he is no longer taking lyrium. As much as he irritates me, he deserves better than what happened to him in Ferelden, and in Kirkwall."
* "My love, my brother writes to me of riots within Orzammar from food shortages caused by the war on the surface. Please, if there is any aid you can supply him, please do so. I am worried for him and for my people."

## Extra Facts, Trivia and Headcanons

* Vilde had a neutral good alignment.
* She would play with Cailan when they were younger and their fathers, the Kings, would see each other.
* She has eaten Nugs her whole life and makes jokes about it to Leliana with her pet Nugs, much to Leliana's dismay.
* Vilde gets very cold during the winter because she's used to warm orzammar temperatures so Leliana buys and makes her lots of hats and scarfs.
* Vilde once got Wynne to enchant an Andrastes Grace flower to give to Leliana so it would be forever preserved.
* When Vilde was younger she would ask for stories of the surface from the grey wardens that went to Orzammar to have a feast in their honour before they went on their calling. She would write the stories down later and keep them all in a book and re-read them constantly.
* When she revisited Orzammar, her and Leliana went to Vilde's old room and chiselled a tiny piece of stone so Vilde can keep a bid of home with her always and never lose her connection to the stone.
* She begins to make her own Mosswine when exiled from Orzammar.
* Her favourite food is Nug pancakes, her and her brothers used to have it for breakfast a lot when they were younger.
* She thinks of Leliana everytime she sees an Andraste statue on her travels
* Before she left to find a cure for the Calling, Leliana commissioned an artist to paint Vilde's portrait so she could see her everyday.