The Tale of an Antivan Canary
Series Metadata
- Creator:
- SerialsforBellara
- Series Begun:
- 2025-10-08
- Series Updated:
- 2026-02-26
- Description:
Introducing Gemma de Riva, known in Treviso as Viago's Canary, now known as Rook. She's a Crow elf who knew the Dellamortes in the past and can hear the whispers of the spirits in the Fade all the time.
This is a long-fic, following the plot of the game, focusing on character interactions between quests. I love a main character with a supporting cast in all things.
There are also parts that are just vignettes or short pieces within the Gemmaverse that were originally posted to Tumblr and are now here for organizational purposes.
This is a finished work being posted on an irregular schedule because of constant and never-ending editing.
- Notes:
Notes for Lucanis POV:
SENTENCES IN ALL CAPS represent Spite speaking in Lucanis's head. (Which Rook can also hear - don't tell Lucanis yet.)
SENTENCES IN ALL CAPS AND ITALICS represent when Spite learns how to whisper out of Rook's hearing (maybe it's just HIS mind?)
Sentences in italics represent Lucanis's thoughts. (Rook cannot hear these - she is not a mindreader!)- Stats:
-
- Words:
- 177,340
- Works:
- 8
- Complete:
- No
- Bookmarks:
- 2
Listing Series
-
The Origins of Gemma de Riva by SerialsforBellara
Fandoms: Dragon Age: The Veilguard (Video Game)
14 Oct 2025
Tags
Summary
The backstory of my Rook, Gemma de Riva, using the "through the ages" format and adding vignettes from the point of view of Viago and Teia, and later, from Lucanis and Illario.
Series
- Part 1 of The Tale of an Antivan Canary
-
Part 1: Cacophony of Whispers by SerialsforBellara
Fandoms: Dragon Age: The Veilguard (Video Game)
24 Dec 2025
Tags
Summary
Introducing Gemma de Riva, known in Treviso as Viago's Canary, now known as Rook. She's a Crow elf who knew the Dellamortes in the past and can hear the whispers of the spirits in the Fade all the time.
If you haven't finished the game and you're reading this, there's an immediate spoiler.
Series
- Part 2 of The Tale of an Antivan Canary
-
Part 2: Act Without Thoughts Holding You Back by SerialsforBellara
Fandoms: Dragon Age: The Veilguard (Video Game)
24 Jan 2026
Tags
Summary
With Treviso saved and Minrathous struggling, Rook and Lucanis have finally admitted there is something between them, but there is so much work to do. Part 2 starts after the double-city dragons and will include watching the team and relationships grow through Bidding Farwell; The Siege of Weisshaupt (and what Lucanis does in the face of failure); and Bloodbath (Oh, Illario!)
Series
- Part 3 of The Tale of an Antivan Canary
-
Part 3: The Persuasiveness of Despair by SerialsforBellara
Fandoms: Dragon Age: The Veilguard (Video Game)
20 Feb 2026
Tags
Summary
The third part of The Tale of an Antivan Canary.
While love remains unspoken between Rook, Lucanis, and Spite at the start of Part 3, it's still there as they head towards Inner Demons. Brooding about Illario becomes a part-time job for them both of them. Part 3 is for the Crows and ends with a party for the First Talon.
Series
- Part 4 of The Tale of an Antivan Canary
-
Tags
Summary
Stories within the Tale of an Antivan Canary
This is the first "week" I have participated in! I'm glad it was Spite!
This takes place as part of my long-fic Tale of an Antivan Canary in chapters that are drafted but not posted yet. This is post-Murder of Crows, where Illario is hiding in the Lighthouse while the Veilguard team makes their way towards the end game.
My Spite has grown from a Spite Demon, returning to a Spirit of Determination, in part due to Rook. Spite fell first and will never let Lucanis forget it.
Series
- Part 5 of The Tale of an Antivan Canary
-
Gemma de Riva Storytime by SerialsforBellara
Fandoms: Dragon Age: The Veilguard (Video Game)
31 Dec 2025
Tags
Summary
This is a collection of stories told by Gemma to the Veilguard and others during the later chapters of The Tale of An Antivan Canary.
There should not be spoilers, and they should not require reading The Tale of An Antivan Canary.
Storytime official doodle is by @blackwall-my-tiny-husband on Tumblr.
Series
- Part 6 of The Tale of an Antivan Canary
-
Gemma de Riva Vignettes by SerialsforBellara
Fandoms: Dragon Age: The Veilguard (Video Game)
08 Feb 2026
Tags
Summary
This is a collection of random short pieces in the Gemmaverse originally posted to Tumblr. Timelines vary.
Series
- Part 7 of The Tale of an Antivan Canary
-
Tags
Summary
Gemma + Illario. A friendship retrospective.
Series
- Part 8 of The Tale of an Antivan Canary