Rookanis Week - Day 6: Dreams / Growing old
After the gods’ defeat, Magnus and Lucanis are simply enjoying each other and life as it comes their way. As a Crow, Magnus knows what the rank of First Talon means and they are both ready to face the consequences together. Eight months after the battle of Minrathous, Lucanis would propose to his Rook. The subsequent ceremony would make the headlines of Thedas for several weeks.
To assure the survival of House Dellamorte, Lucanis and Magnus would officially become Jacobus’ tutors. Through their wedding, this would mean an alliance between Dellamorte, de Riva and Egrativi. As such, thirty years later, Magnus and Lucanis, now more than 60 years old both, would withdraw from the Crows and let Jacobus take over as the new First Talon.
The two men would then retire in the Antivan countryside. Far from any intrigue or machination, enjoying each other for the rest of their days.
Lucanis would pass away first after turning 80. Free from his bond, Spite would choose to remain in the real world and watch over Magnus. Rook would join his love in the following year, releasing the spirit of Determination for good. Â Â Â
Samples from my Lucanis Romance Expansion Mod:
An Invitation from the First Talon
House Egrativi welcomed two more orphans today. Heir is still training them. Jacobus sends his regards and considers his house owes yours a lot. He hopes they can remain allies with de Riva, or at least be "friendly rivals". Viago's influence no doubt...
Since the situation with Ivenci is finally taken care of, what would you say to a quiet evening while we have a moment to catch our breath?
The Dellamorte Estates have a beautiful pond with several gondolas. I was thinking of a little tour on the water while enjoying the scenery together.
(An additional note, written by Rook later on:)
Well, between the food, the wine and the company, it definitely was a night to remember. Especially the moment when the gondola capsized and sent us both overboard. Soaked and hip deep into the water, that didn't stop us from laughing it off out loud. The embrace and the long kiss that followed made it even more memorable.
Maker... I never thought I would fall so hard for anyone. The feel of my hand in his hair. The taste of his mouth in mine. His smile when we’re together. The softness of his voice and that damn look in his eyes just piercing through my heart like a dagger... I want him whole. More than anything else in the world. Another reason to slain the gods for good. When it’s done, we’ll finally move on. Together.
For you and for us, my Talon.
(While you're adjusting your gear for the final fight, you find a folded note in one of your pockets:)
I am writing this in the expectation that the battle ahead would provide little chance to talk.
During those dreaded days when you were locked away in the Fade, I became restless, but most of all angry, enraged even. A cold fury slowly building up. At first, I thought something was up with Spite but I quickly noticed that he had shut down completely as he was actually mourning you. This rage was all mine. I was angry at myself for failing to protect you and being powerless to get you out. When you emerged from that rift, I felt my heart bursting in a way I never thought possible, confirming what I was just too afraid to fully admit. You are the one I love. My first love, and hopefully my last, for years to come.
I don’t know what the future as First Talon holds for Spite and I, my house or the Crows. But, if the Maker offers us a new tomorrow, there is one thing I am sure and adamant about, you will be part of that future.
The assassination of my parents, my training under Caterina, my life as a Crow, the Ossuary… All my life has been decided for me. You are the first choice I have ever made for myself. Last night, when I came to your room, I let my guard down on your doorstep and opened myself to you completely. To feel vulnerable is something I usually dread. But in the warmth of your arms, your skin against mine as we became one? It felt incredible to finally let go.
You saw and embraced every part of me without ever flinching. Though I did all I could to keep you away (and failing masterfully). You are determined and committed in everything you do. Not only did you help me to get my life back but you also gave me a new lease on it. Today, I am making the promise to do everything in my power so we can share it together.
Tracking down a wyvern in Orlais, restoring the Crows’ good name in Ferelden, sharing a family dinner with Caterina, or simply staying in bed long beyond reason… You name it. Because living truly is living fully, with you. Please, come back to me.
I love you. Now and forever.
Samples from my fic series: The Rook and the Talon.
Lucanis paused a second and propped on an elbow to look and speak directly at Magnus.
“And I said I cared only about the present but… After seeing your place, and this story as a whole? It gave me an idea for the future.”
“What’s on your mind?”
“We have the Lighthouse which is nice and cozy but it’s in the Fade and not really ours. We can crash to the Dellamorte’s estate whenever we want but we can bump into my grandmother and my cousin anytime. So, what would you say to look for our place when we get back to Treviso?”
“I say I’d like that,” Rook smiled.
The Talon smiled back and reached out to kiss him. Magnus circled his arms around him and put his hand behind Lucanis’ neck to bring him even closer.
“Any part of town that you fancy more?” Rook asked when they separated.
“As long as we’re together, I don’t care,” he whispered while rubbing a thumb into Magnus’ braids.
“Well, on you, might actually be my favorite part of town,” he smirked.
“Just shut up,” Rook sighed.
And they kissed again as the night was engulfing the Wastes and the oasis.
Just as Magnus and Viago shared a heartful embrace, the First Talon and Jacobus appeared at the entrance of the room.
“Thank the Maker for Teia. I don’t know how she did it but she’s kept Caterina off my back for most of the morning.”
“I thought we were supposed to meet Rook at the Chantry,” Jacobus said, a bit confused.
“There is one small development that we need to take care of in private before the ceremony,” Magnus explained. “Something that the First Talon and the Head of House de Riva must approve of.”
“Which we already have,” Lucanis added.
Magnus then put a knee down to speak to Jacobus face to face.
“Lucanis and I basically took you under our wings since we met during Dareth’s contract. And we’ve kept watching over you and your House from the moment you founded it over a year ago. Since you always call me “your very big brother”, what would you say to make it official?”
“How would that work?”
“Magnus and I would become your tutors. Or whatever you want to call it. As for our Houses, they would remain as they are, but cemented in an alliance between Dellamorte, de Riva and Egrativi.”
“I found a family among the Crows. So why not making it real for you? And I told you that I’d find a way to pay you back after the whole Fargus’ mess.”
Still stunned by the news, Jacobus then jump onto Magnus’ neck. The Spellblade laughed and circled him with his arms.
“We’ll still need to write it down to make it real,” Viago reminded them. “But right now, there is a more pressing De Riva and Dellamorte business to take care of.”
Everyone agreed and they all left the attic room for the Chantry.
Treviso’s Chantry was the epitome of the city’s gothic architecture. Archways, statues, stained glass windows, soaring ceilings… The place was magnificent. With little family they had left, most of the gathering were Crows from different Houses. The first row, however, was filled with the Veilguard members, the last Dellamorte and the factions’ leaders who had helped against the Evanuris.
Magnus and Lucanis had trusted Emmrich to be their master of ceremony. Once everyone seemed to be there, the Mourn Watcher signaled to sit down and the ceremony began:
“Friends, family and acquaintances… We are all gathered here today to celebrate the union of Lucanis Dellamorte and Magnus de Riva. If I have learnt one lesson in my life, it’s that, sometimes, beauty can be born from the darkest and unexpected places. This is exactly what I beheld with Magnus and Lucanis. Amidst the chaos of your encounter, I saw you two becoming a beacon of light and warmth in the cold darkness we were facing. Not only for each other but also for those around you. From a blossoming romance, I saw you maturing and building a strong relationship. I am glad to be the witness of such a beautiful story and to call you both my friends.”
Magnus and Lucanis thanked him with a nod and a teary eye while the audience also clapped in approval.
“Now is the time for you to declare your vows to one another. You first, Lucanis…”
Both men joined hands and looked at each other. Lucanis cleared his throat, clearly overwhelmed:
“Magnus, you met me while I was in the deepest darkness of my life. Not only you never let them keeping you away but you persistently tried to pierce through them. Against all odds and against any notion of rationality. Because that is just what you do best: facing the impossible and winning. You saw and embraced every part of me without ever flinching. You are determined and committed in everything you do. Not only did you help me to get my life back but you also gave me a new lease on it. Today, I am making the promise to do everything in my power so we can share it together. From this day forth, I swear to cherish you and every second spent by your side. Because living truly is living fully, with you. I love you, my Rook.”
Another round of applause concluded Lucanis’ speech.
“Magnus?” Emmrich asked.
“Well, no pressure, after something like that,” he smiled with his eyes glistening. He could feel his hands shaking around his Talon’s.
“Lucanis, all my life I had this void in me and I was looking for the one thing to fill it. A place, a person, a purpose… I didn’t know what I was searching. Until I met you. Then, it all clicked. I had met a man who needed my help. I had found a new purpose. As I grew to know you more, I slowly discovered, under these layers of gloom, a caring and kind-hearted man. More than a purpose, that’s when I began to fall for you: the person I had been looking for all this time. It was definitely a twisted road to get there but I don’t regret it. Because I know that whatever life throws at us, we’ll have each other to face it. Not even gods managed to keep us apart. I will always find my way back home, back to you. Now and forever, I am yours, my Talon.”
An applause also concluded his vows.
“Now, my friends, the time has come to exchange your rings.”
Manfred then appeared with a cushion where were displayed two wedding rings. The skeleton was wearing a classier version of his usual coat, tailored this time in a burgundy velvet. Someone had managed to make him sport a bow tie.
“Friendly hiss. Shiny!”
“Lucanis Dellamorte, do you take Magnus de Riva to be your husband?”
“And you, Magnus de Riva, do you take Lucanis Dellamorte to be your husband?”
They helped each other to adjust their rings before looking back at Emmrich.
“Then, by the power you entrusted me with, you, my dear friends, are now united by the bonds of marriage.”
With a smile on both of their faces, the two men leaned toward one another. Magnus put a hand behind Lucanis’ neck as their lips touched. The feeling of Lucanis’ hands on his back and his chest sent shivers through his spine. And, judging by the shudders running through his Talon, the feeling was mutual.
Their kiss dragged them down into a haze. Only when they broke out, that the applause from the gathering brought them back to reality. Magnus then dropped his forehead to Lucanis’.
“I love you…” he whispered.
As much as they didn’t want to end this blissful moment, they still had a ceremony to wrap up. They addressed the ongoing applause with some smiles. Their guests soon got up to leave the Chantry and celebrate the two husbands as they were stepping outside.
“I hope you’re ready for the next part,” Lucanis whispered.
“That’s going to be quite the festivities after that, yeah…”
“Oh, that part comes after. We are talking about THIS!”
Magnus then felt Lucanis lifting him up in a show of superhuman strength. With no time to react to Spite’s possession, the Spellblade circled an arm around his Talon’s neck and they took off when he secured Magnus by placing an arm under his knees to carry him.
Magnus couldn’t tell clearly if that was Spite or Lucanis talking, probably both at the same time. In an instant, they were soaring above the roofs of Treviso. The warm midday sun and air brushing their skin with a soft caress. Lucanis kept gaining altitude in a smoother ascension. They soon reached the height of the most imposing spires in the city. It’s toward one of them that Lucanis and Spite were taking Magnus. A minute later they landed softly on a balcony circling the base of its bulbous summit.
“You’re crazy,” Magnus said with an exhilarated smile.
“Taash actually gave me that idea a while back…”
“You do know that they’re going to look everywhere for us, right?”
“By the time they decide to go to the Dellamorte estate, we’ll already have enjoyed a few dances in the ballroom just by ourselves,” Lucanis smirked.
“And I’m pretty sure we just gave Bellara enough material for a full serial…”
“It hasn’t stopped her before. And, as long as I have you all for myself, she can write all the fantasies she wants.”
Lucanis then dragged him into another ardent kiss. And this time, no ceremony would stop them from enjoying one another. When they separated, Magnus put his arms around his waist and Lucanis simply nestled against his strong torso.
“The first time we met, did you think we’d be there a year and a half later?”
“Did I think that I would fall in love and marry the complete stranger that rampaged a Venatori secret underwater prison only to ask me to kill a pair of elven gods?” Lucanis smirked.
“Point taken,” Magnus laughed.
“I didn’t know what the future held then and I still don’t today. But, whether it’s for tracking down a wyvern in Orlais, restoring the Crows’ good name in Ferelden, sharing a simple family dinner with Caterina, or just staying in bed way too long… I know we’ll be together. And that’s the only certitude I need.”
“So do I,” Rook whispered softly.
Entwined with one another, they let the sun of Treviso blessing them with its warmth. Just the two of them, together, on top of their city, their home. All would be fine.
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