Just visited Holden and his daughter Mila in Hossberg and you know what banter I just got?
Holden asks his daughter if they’ve earned a treat that day, she of course agrees and the dad essentially says “Good, cause Rook’s Crow friend brought me some cioccolata calda.”
Lucanis went out of his way to purchase, package and hand deliver luxury coco (you know it’s not cheap, he’s Rockefeller level rich) to a child he met exactly one time in the middle of a battle to thank her for saving their lives. What a sweetheart. What an angel. Pookie bird. Love of Rook’s life.
I can’t not marry this caffeine-addicted bird man.
Antivan men - pathetic, spend half their time yearning, will die if you don’t give them enough attention
Antivan women - literally the most competent people you will ever meet, they could’ve achieved world peace by now if they were in charge, political turmoil? give me five minutes babes don’t worry also I fixed the economy this morning no need to thank me
A Wisp’s Touch || Lucanis Dellamorte x F!Reader (Mage Rook)
The wistful Rook aka (Y/n), has been having a hard time keeping her feelings on the low ever since a certain demon-possessed mage killer joined her troop to fight against evil elven gods. The so-called flirting that seemed to be taking place flew over her head yet the assassin didn’t seem to noticed himself doing it either until that brief moment after Spite took over and she reassured him that he shouldn’t worry about letting her see his ‘messes’, she didn’t mind them, in fact, not at all. The two inexperienced Veilguards seemingly taken aback of their actions. So with the world saved and peace slowly coming back to the world, perhaps with the help of mischievous wisps and friends, these two could finally admit what had been on their hearts.
NOTE: The romance scene did not occur in this little one-shot instead it is replaced with a rook and crow taking their relationship a little slow. This takes place after the world was saved, but everyone still resides in the Lighthouse. Everyone is also alive in my little happy world because I am delusional and do not want to think about losing one of these precious idiots including Varric! Thanks for reading!
“Emmerich, do you know where the tea went? I was sure we had some left before going out to the market.” She had been looking everywhere in the kitchen, with not a single tea bag in sight. (Y/n) began to believe she was going insane.
“I believe Manfred has been doing some inventory and reorganizing for us. Perhaps it’s in the pantry.” That was Lucanis’ room, she wasn’t sure where he was but didn’t want to disturb him if he was in his room. Though she has been in there before, but the last time things got…interesting.
“Oh well, perhaps another time. I’ll just take some water.” Her cheeks felt flared at the memory while Emmerich handed her glass graciously, but he did not let go as she reached for it. Instead he only eyed her with a look of disappointment. The elegantly well kept eyebrow arched high looking down at her.
“Yes?”
“You are quite terrified of disturbing him aren’t you?” His voice monotones.
“Wh-what!? No! I mean-“
“He’s not in his room. He left hours ago to check on Illario.” He let go of her cup this time continuing to prepare the vegetables as Manfred walked in carrying more pots and pans.
“No, no! Manfred, I only needed a small pan, why on earth would you bring all of them!” With Emmerich scampering away to help Manfred, her eyes slowly gazed over at the pantry door that did indeed make her heart leap to her throat. Remembering the countless times she had seen him enter and exit out of that door. His place of solace and privacy. But if he wasn’t here then what was the harm, she did not plan on prying. Setting her cup aside, she took to the room in stride allowing the small respite that settled her for a moment until she was actually in the room itself.
Emmerich wasn’t lying, everything had changed. How did Manfred even organized it? What was where? How did he even reach some places when they were the same height! She continued to scan the shelves until finally gazing upwards she found all the tea bags on the top shelf. Finding the closest stool, she attempted to reach for it only to be just out of reach. All too tired to use magic, she had been completely drained since coming back from their last trip out in helping restore Minrathous. She didn’t even need to attempt too, she was close. Instead she looked around for something to extend her reach when she saw one of Lucanis’ spare knives jutted into a wooden target. Praying he didn’t mind her using it for the sake of her tea.
As the strings of the tea bag slide down on the knife the internal rejoicing began for her continued research without any hinderance. A small wisp emerged to rejoice with her from behind the other tea bags as it floated around her head. Its whispering mingling with her breath as she reached out for it. They had been following her around much more than Neve recently, not that she minded their company. They gave her a pleasant distraction when her mind would be set in chaos. And Neve a bit of rest from her notes being thrown carelessly all over the rooms.
“What are you doing here, little wisp?” It hummed at her now, suddenly dancing through her hairs causing her to become ticklish.
“Hey, wait, that tickles, stop that!”
“What are you doing?” The new voice echoed in the pantry as her body turned to acknowledge it, only to have her balance betray her. For a moment she felt weightless when two arms enveloped her to catch her, but instead, both of them were thrown to the ground. Groans of pain escaped as the wisp flew between their faces, mocking and laughing at their pain until it disappeared into the floor. Thankfully she didn’t feel too bad because the person had cushioned her fall altogether.
“I’m so sorry I-“ A all too familiar chocolate gaze looked up at her, into her even.
“Lucanis!”
“(Y/n). Are you alright?” She fell on him! She fell on him. He was the softer landing!
“Are you?! Why on earth did you try to catch me?”
“Because you were about to fall, why else?” She quickly scrambled off of him and helped him get up himself. Finding the teabag quickly, she returned his knife that scattered with it. Partly now clutching the tea bag as her life line.
“I was just looking for the tea, I wasn’t prying I swear! But Manfred had moved everything around and then the wisp-“
“(Y/n), I’m not upset. I sleep in the pantry, you don’t need my permission to come in here.”
“That’s still reason enough, everyone needs their privacy!”
“You can invade my privacy anytime.” She was calming down now that he reassured her, but was still on edge. She would be thinking about that line all day. But why on earth was she panicking? He was right, he slept in the pantry. His grin all but made her heart race. Thinking back, it was similar to the one he had given her when they almost-
She should leave. Definitely, he needed rest, like Emmerich had said, he was gone for hours.
“I’ll leave then for now, you just got back and probably want to just relax. I’ll make coffee for too. Even if it is against my better judgement and constant warnings of proper rest.” She slide past him with relative ease until smelling Treviso all over him. The smell of the market fruits and canal gardens. It brought memories back to their meeting with Illario on the water in the Cafe Pietra. That was a nice moment for them even if Illario had been throwing a tantrum. After closing his door to leave him, she instead found now everyone at the table outside smirking their ears off.
“Oh….hi. Anyone else want that offer of coffee or tea?” Ignoring their looks, she continued on with her task, she knew exactly where this would go. The teasing would erupt, but she would prefer if it wasn’t right outside of a certain assassin’s room. Perhaps she should magically plug her ears.
“Our poor little mage, so intelligent yet so oblivious that even Assan hides away from that second hand embarrassment.” Assan seconded his elven partner as he buried his head deep into his talons and covered himself with his wings. Despite it being adorable, it made her think.
“Then it sounds like Assan doesn’t want any of those truffles I brought back from the city then.” Assan’s head perked up from the sound of truffles and scrambled to her side in an instant. His tail pounded the stone floor while his wings flapped nearly causing her to drop her cup. But it also got her to giggle as she petted his feathers gently. Assan could always calm her down with his excitement.
“That’s bribery!’ Darwin exclaimed.
“That’s tactics.” She fed Assan one truffle as he scarfed it down in an instant. Squawking immediately for more.
“Protect me from him and the others, and you’ll get more from where that came from.” Assan stood watch now behind her, sitting in a defensivly staring at all who came near. She ruffled his feathers a tad more, his squeaks causing her to awe at his cuteness once more. She wanted to hug him, but for now her hands were full.
“Traitor,” She hear Darvin whisper. She didn’t need to turn to know he was pouting in his chair. Giggling at her clever bribery while getting the water ready. Grabbing her own cup from before and a single purple cup as well. It was routine at this point. Ever since she learned how to make his coffee, she always brewed a cup of coffee for Lucanis whenever she brewed anything for herself. It had become a relaxing retreat in simply making it. From crushing the beans, to getting it just right in aroma and taste where the bitterness did not overpower the natural sweetness.
Bitter and sweet like a kiss goodbye.
The nerves from asking the cafe owner how it was made brought back the memory of harassment she received. They were over the moon to pass on the secrets of coffee making to the savior of Treviso and Tevinter. Advising that a man’s heart was won through his stomach and with a cup of a good coffee. Being dragged to the back as soon as the request left her mouth. It took the team hours to find her, only when it was long after she had steeped too many cups her brain ended up needing one afterwards. It wasn’t until the cafe owner was satisfied with one till they let released her from their exhausting lessons.
“Good luck, mio amica, you may not be able to shake him once you’ve made him this.” She remembered the hushed whisper as her team released her from the owner’s talons, Lucanis had words with the owner only to be met with a mischievous grin. Perhaps she didn’t want him to let go. His grip was always gentle as long as it wasn’t on a Venatori throat. It, even there now, lingered faintly along her sides from where he caught her not minutes ago. When the kettle screamed, it brought her out memory lane and back to the teasing that was being thrown at her.
“You didn’t hear any of that did you.” Bellara had stated.
“Unless you were telling me your tea or coffee order, no.”
“She was lost in thought, as usual.” Harding piped sipping on some ale nudging Varric in the side. He however, was the only one who did not tease her about her little crush, and for that she was thankful. He only ever gave her his gentle genuine smile. Though he never brought it up, she knew he was happy for her finding something of her own. Besides all of her love of knowledge of course.
“Where were those thoughts? Scattering amongst old memories of a certain someone?” Neve seductively teasing.
“Books and research, still want to gather more info on that artifact we got from Aralanthan more. Bellara, when you finish with your preliminaries, leave them on my desk.” The coffee finally finished as she turned with two cups, tea for herself, and one for…someone who had a particular interest in coffee. Though she dared not enter again, her body wouldn’t let her. So instead she left it on the mantle and walked out.
“Nothing for us!” Taash yelled.
“No request, no reward.” The winds of fade cooled her hot skin now as she focused on her research once more. Assan continuing to walk out with her as she threw truffles into the air for him to catch and squawk. Now, however, distracted the rest of the night by the warmth of another she wished had stayed longer. She dared not back to the kitchens either for another cup.
~~~Treviso, Contract for Information Gathering~~~
“What was it that Teia wrote exactly?”
“She wasn’t specific in her letter. She said she’d meet us here about a contract.” Lucanis and herself now stood in front of the eluvian waiting for their friendly crow to enter. She had sounded urgent from the letter, that much was right, but something about it sounded almost...devious.
“Quiet, you.” Lucanis whispered. His gaze was to the empty space next to him.
“Spite?”
“He’s become more erratic, it’s getting tiresome.” Teia then emerged from the eluvian with a smile so devilish you’d think she killed her most hated enemy.
“How are my two favorite lovebirds.”
“Teia!” Both of them had exclaimed only for her to wave them off.
“You two are all business and no fun.”
“Your letter sounded urgent, what was it that you needed.” Lucanis moved right past the comment and went straight to business while she stood reeling. Was she that obvious even to those outside of the guard? It was by Lucanis’ grace they moved past it quickly and she focused on her composure.
“Yes, yes, we can discuss but first I want to try this one’s special coffee!” She wrapped an arm around (Y/n)’s shoulders turning her around to the exit.
“How-“ She caught a glimpse of Lucanis behind them, burying his face in his hand as he stood seemingly exasperated already with Teia’s presence.
“Crows know, amore. Tell me, how long did it take them to find you when you were caught in the talons of Cafe Pietra’s owner.”
As the coffee was being made, the whispers between Teia and Lucanis grew somewhat louder for her to hear. They were fast and heated in their native tongue that it felt uncomfortable being caught between the two. But when she set both of their cups before them, everything faded, smiles graced their lips once more as if they hadn’t been in a heated discussion at all. When Teia took her first sip, she was in heavy anticipation, waiting for Teia’s approval as another local from Treviso. Lucanis had assured her countless times before, her coffee tasted just like Pietra’s, but now she wondered if he was only being nice. When Teia’s eyes shot open to stare hard into her cup she looked over at Lucanis slowly. Then to her. She pushed her chair away in such a dramatic fashion it almost made her want to hide, but Teia had gotten to her in two strides kissing her on each cheek before bringing her into a tight hug.
“Amore mio! I believe you have given Pietra a run for their money!” Her whole body relaxed again as Lucanis sipped his passively, but she saw the tiniest uptick in his mouth.
“Teia, the contract.” Lucanis pushed.
“Yes, yes. The contract. There’s a ball and I need an insider to get information spreading amongst the politicians about a suspicious merchant who’s trying to work himself into the power vacuum the governor left behind and I don’t like the sound of him. I need to know his motives and apparently he is notorious for slipping when introduced to beautiful woman. I need someone who fits his type.” (Y/n) couldn’t help but laugh at the sound of the man, but the mischief on Teia’s face made her stomach drop.
“No.”
“You are perfect!”
“I can kill hundreds of Venatori, take on a whole horde of darkspawn and survive, but heels would be the death of me, Teia. I am not built for it. I am built for books and magic.”
“You need to look in the mirror, signora, and look hard. The crows need this information if we are going to stop this rat from settling in. I want to just kill him, Caterina has ordered otherwise.” Wisps slowly started entering the room beginning to swarm her as she tried to push some away only to phase through them, they stayed by her side regardless with their whispers. Her mind currently elsewhere.
A ball meant dresses while looking a fraud in front of others who did so without effort. She attempted an undercover mission like this before and it didn’t end well. They fought everyone in the party only to barely get what they had sought out to do. How could she guarantee that wouldn’t happen again? How would this go any different?
“Teia, you cannot force her. If she does not feel comfortable doing this, find someone else.” Lucanis spoke up, accent heavy with what seemed concern while something else laced his words. Almost venom-like.
“I would, but Caterina requested (Y/n), specifically. She believes you can do this. I say believe more like knows.” The weight grew heavier on her chest. If Caterina requested her by name, then how could she refuse? Caterina had let her take Lucanis, even when she had been without him for a year when he was imprisoned and thought to be dead. She owed Caterina a debt.
“My grandmother, demanded for (Y/n)?” Lucanis questioned Teia.
“‘Lei è l'unica di cui mi fido. Quel piccolo mago che ha rubato il cuore di un demone.’ Her exact words.” Teia stated. Lucanis froze up, but (Y/n) got lost in their native tongue. Still too soon into her studies to fully grasp the Trevisian tongue. For it to make Lucanis freeze, it must have been something serious.
“What does that mean?”
“She trusts you. Explicitly. And no other.” Teia gripped her shoulders gently and smiled softly. If she gained her trust, then she must follow through.
“Then, I’ll go.”
“(Y/n)-“ Lucanis started.
“Lucanis, if your grandmother trusts me, then I must return the favor. She gave me you, didn’t she? When she had all but thought you were lost to her. I have to return that trust in kind. So if she needs me, I’ll be there.” Teia rejoiced, hugging her and kissing her cheeks once more.
“Then we must not wait. We must get you fitted. Lucanis, report to Caterina, she’ll have something for you. Now, where is Neve? I believe we will also need her assistance in the confidence department.” Teia dragged her away from Lucanis again, but managed to send him a short and nervous smile while he sat seemingly clueless at the table, coffee now long forgotten.
~~~
The event was that same night, so finding a dress under short noticed required Neve’s very special skills and very many favors called in for orders to be brought in through the eluvian from all over. The amount of dresses she tried began to make her dizzy with all the patterns, materials, and styles of each one. The noise of it all attracted Taash, Bellara, Harding, and Emmerich now all of them pitching in with comments on what wasn’t right or what was too much as dresses were passed on. Even Varric at some point walked in and was about to walk right back out until Harding grabbed him by the collar and sat down. If this went on any longer, they would never find something that suited her for the ball. It didn’t exactly help encourage her either or give her the so called confidence needed for the mission.
“Why does she have to be dressed up like some elaborate bird?” Taash asked.
“Balls require poise and grace, so her normal mage robes would not suffice. She needs to demonstrate class, elegance,” Emmerich commented.
“And superiority when she’s getting the attention of some blow-hards.” Neve countered.
“And so far, this merchant is the biggest blow-hard since the governor. Perhaps too beside Illario himself.” Teia returned. (Y/n) laughed at that recalling the conversations Illario had been involved in before he was locked up by the Crows. Teia wasn’t lying, Illario could be…a little much.
“The fact you even got her into a dress is a feat very few can say they’ve accomplished, Teia.” Varric piped.
“Get them to take attention off themselves and onto you, and you’ve already won the game. (Y/n) will be taking everyone’s attention as long as I’ve got a say in it.” Neve smirked as she adjusted the train. This dress hadn’t been bad like some of the others. She felt relatively modest while still showing some skin, but truly elegant. It swept off her shoulders down to a tight corset style bust until the loose but form fitting silk trailed lower covering most of her legs except one, the slit allowing was easy movement for dancing or fighting. Whichever came first.
The onyx black silk deepened with every turn of a shadow until the light caught it at just the right angle to show a glimmer of violet. Subtlety its best feature. After Neve finished tightening the back, she lead her out by pushing away the make-shift curtain. Taking a slow draw of her pipe as a victory smirk grew ever larger. Everyone seemed to be taken aback because so was she, she’s never looked this pretty before. Barely believing it was her in the dress and not someone else when. She could already feel the nerves dancing across her skins as their eyes traveled her body and taking in every detail. Even from them she wasn’t used to that much attention.
“If it isn’t good, please don’t stare.” She muttered.
“Amore, you put all of the houses of the crows to shame!” Teia exclaimed. She started to circle her.
“Where will her dagger be?” Teia questioned.
“Strapped to the thigh not revealed by the slit.” Neve answered.
“What about jewelry! I think I have some she could use!” Bellara jumped up at the excitement.
“Do you have some pearls?” Neve asked, she leaned adjusting the small shoulder strap that hung off then adjusted the train at a different angle.
“Yes! Emmerich, Harding, come help me look for them!” Bellara had all but dragged Harding and Emmerich away leaving Taash, Neve, Teia and Varric to admire her. When Varric stood, she towered over him, but his gaze made her shrink as he took her hands. She was used to Varric’s fatherly nature, he had all but saved her when she was casted out by everyone else, but something different glittered across his eyes when she saw what seemed to be pride.
“Kid, you would be the gold Rivani desire all their lives and the lyrium that dwarves delve into the mountain for. Lucanis is a very lucky man.” That made her blush hard, now every part of her warming up.
“H-He’s not my date or anything! He isn’t even going to see me, this is just an info gathering mission!” She exclaimed now gripping Varric’s hands in worry. What if Lucanis did see her!? How would he react? Would he see past the charade of this formal character she would try to put on and see the bookworm? See how she stumbled in the death machine called heels. Know exactly why she was meant for the books and not the fancy balls. She shrunk away from them at every opportunity when she had been learning in the circle. Even while she traveled and did other missions that even mentioned undercover work, she stayed away from sight in fear they would nominate her.
“Oh, he will. He’ll be with me on the rooftops watching from above, making sure nothing to untoward happens.” Teia stated, it was then her legs became jello as the death machines did their job. Taash caught her quickly and sat her down on the nearest seat. She soon buried her face into her hands as footsteps seemed to leave the room until something pulled her out from her hiding. Varric held her hands in one and Neve drew one long breath in with her pipe. A mixture of disappointment with compassion in their gaze.
“You my friend, need to work on your confidence.” Neve poked.
“I can’t do this. Not if he’s there watching.” She knew her crush on the assassin was a well-known secret amongst the Veilguard. It’s amazing Lucanis hadn’t stumbled upon it. It would be the end of her, if he found out.
“You can, you have, and you will. You have fought elven gods and didn’t bat an eye, but you freeze at the concept of the one you love seeing you in a damn good dress.” Neve now lowered to meet her eyes which stared hard into the floor. Varric lifted her head to meet theirs and all he did was smile which broke her clouds of doom and despair. He knew her way too well.
“You, kid, are worth more than all the stars and are as beautiful as the rise and setting sun. You deserve to be happy.” Varric gripped her hands tightly while trying to wipe something that pricked at her eyes, moving down her cheeks until it splashed on their intertwined hands. Neve hugged her tightly then and she return the gesture tenfold. Varric went to move away, but she caught his hand and squeezed it tight as their eyes met. The crinkles along his eyes as he smiled at her and she in return.
“You will be the sexiest woman in that room and you will own it. I’ll see if I can swing coming along to witness it. I want to see my good work put to use.” Neve teased eyeing Teia.
“Can I come too!” Suddenly Bellara and the others came back all smiling softly at her as she tried to hide her tears-stained cheeks.
“More the merrier I say,” Teia proclaimed. They all began to look over the jewelry Bellara had found and even Taash chimed in on what would pair well, but while they bickered, Neve kept close while Varric had a hand on her shoulder as she tried to get back her composure.
“Thank you both.” She whispered. A small squeeze to her shoulder was all she needed.
~~The Ball~~
Standing alone in the Dellamorte villa had been more intimidating than scouring it for Caterina and filled with Venatori. It radiated power and seniority which she did not emit in that moment. The others still hadn’t shown. It caused her to fiddle with everything about herself. The jewelry, the dress, the dagger, anything to keep her mind off of it. When the door opened, it made her leap out of her skin until she heard the tapings of a cane as Caterina strutted into the room. Neither of them spoke as Caterina seemed to examine her, slowly walking around her as if she were a statue in a museum and all she could do was let the former First Talon do so.
“Thank you for trusting me, Caterina. I’ll get the information you need.”
“I have no doubt. Teia under-exaggerated your attire. I believe you could win over all the hearts of the Trevisian men and women should you walk the streets like this. That merchant will have a dagger to his throat and he will put it there willingly.” She pointed with her cane gesturing to all of her, causing her ponder if she was the dagger she meant.
“Come, the carriage awaits.”
“But, Teia and Lucanis still haven’t shown. They should be here any minute.”
“They are already at the location, they are waiting for you, dear. But before we go, I have a gift for you.” With each tap of her cane coming closer, (Y/n) stood straighter until she was rigid. Caterina held out her hand waiting for her to take it. When she obliged, Caterina slipped an opal ring onto her own finger and turned around walking on as if what she did was ordinary. The ring sat, seeming magical as it fitted to her finger with no issue. The sound of receding taps on the tiles forced her to put it aside to catch up with the previous First Talon. She’s fine, she just needed to follow Neve’s advice and act as if that what Caterina did was normal and not significant.
At all…though it was confusing.
The carriage ride gave her more time to calm her nerves when it finally came to a halt. A young servant escorted her out and began to climb the stairs to the ball. When she reached the doors, they opened up to a warmly lit ballroom as footsteps danced across tiles while strings sung to emit musical notes through the air. She entered onto a balcony that split into two staircases, but when she looked over, trying to appear like she belonged, everything seemed to halt. Her entrance caused a sudden silence to come over the room. Internally she was panicking, why did they stop when she came in? Was someone behind her that was powerful? Focusing on each of her steps, keeping her gaze on the room ensuring herself she wouldn’t fall despite the death grip she had on the railing. She had to remember, she owned the room and didn’t need to pay no mind to any one else. She continued to gaze around the room as if nothing had happened making her way to an open table that had her name on it. Seemed like they didn’t have time to give her an alias.
“Drink, madam?” A butler appeared with wine sitting on a silver platter holding it out to take one. She did so with a small smile and took a small sip as she looked around at the architecture. The music slowly came back and the dancing resumed which helped her ease in her small corner of the room. She was looking across all the faces of the room when something shadowed above her. The ceiling was all glass to allow the moonlight to peak through and there she found something lurking above her with a peering purple essence while two orbs of demonic purple made themselves known.
He’s here. You’re safe. She whispered to herself.
“Might I have this dance?” Someone blocked her sight of the dance floor, they who was close to Taash’s height, deliver to her an absolute bow. His description matching that of the merchant they were after. He did appear quite handsome, but something about him gave off alarms bells even if Teia never described the merchant at all. His smile appealing, but it also was dangerous.
“Of course, sir. I must warn you, I am not the most apt dance partner.”
“I don’t mind taking the lead. It’s my speciality.” His hand seemed to grip her tightly, not allowing her to escape. Controlling and unwavering. He wasn’t going to let her out of his sight either. That may have worked in her favor.
“So, when did you arrive in Treviso?” As they swayed, he jumped straight to conversation. But didn’t even ask her name. He was arrogant. And rude.
“Not too long ago. I’m traveling and a friend invited me here.”
“Where is your friend?”
“Around.” She kept answers short, she needed to get him alone if she wanted him to talk about business. And to keep him trailing after her, as Neve suggested.
“What were you looking at earlier?”
“What do you mean?”
“You were staring at the glass above us, what captured that glorious attention of yours?” He swirled her away then abruptly pulled her back until her back met his chest. She looked up at him, sheepishly, hoping to lure him in as his smile grew. It was working.
“Oh, the moon is just so full, I was admiring it. A shame, the light here seems to diminish its beauty.” They continued to sway like that while his hands that held hers seemed to move along her body. It was different from Lucanis, where she wanted to move closer to Lucanis, she all but wanted to jump out of her skin with this man.
“There is a balcony outside, perhaps we can admire it further together.”
“That sounds lovely.” His eyes bored into her, scrutinizing yet all devouring in a way that told her instincts to run. Forcing her body to move with his as he led them away from the crowd to a moonlit balcony. When the doors shut, the music muffled leaving only their breathes on the cold air in the night. She managed to pull herself away naturally as if drawn to the moon while her weight pressed stone on her chilled skin. Neve suggested to appear elusive, noting that men like him all but relished the chase even if he was the bait.
“Have you explored Treviso while you’ve been here?” He purred behind her, not yet coming into her view. She needed him thinking she was trapped, what better way than to have your back to your enemy.
“A local cafe, its famous here for one of their drinks. ‘Bitter and sweet like a kiss goodbye.’ It has been a favorite spot since arriving. And you?”
“Matters of commerce, the world has left quite the opening for resources of connivence than that of the local variety which can be slow and time-consuming.” Something shifted in the air, she sensed a change in magic, one that wasn’t there before. Was he a mage? Was he trying to put a spell on her? She didn’t feel a tug on her mind or body.
“How is that? Do you wish to drive off Treviso’s charm and replace it with something soulless?” She turned on him in an instant, hiding her contempt behind her best seductive smile. Though taking him by surprise as she caught his hand reaching out her, grabbing the back of the neck, locking her against the ledge. It hurt as his fingers dug into her skin forcing her still. The fingers clutched at her so she could not run away, but in a way he had control over her. She hated it, every inch it reached for made her sick to her stomach. His smile grew more malicious seeing her body tremble beneath his hand.
“It would be slow, but it would make me a very rich man to support someone of…excellent taste.” She couldn’t keep this charade up as something shifted again, but she saw it, instead in his eyes, turning a dark pink as the demonic presence grew. He was possessed.
“Your-“
“Possessed, yes. But, we’ve reached…” He took a long intake of breath along her neck, trapping her further against him, “An understanding.” The low purr in his voice cause her magic to surge on her fingers, pulsating against him as it pushed him off. His body collided with a pillar behind him leaving a massive crater on impact. Her magic trailed up her arms now as she readied herself for another attack as one held her hidden dagger. The demon presence finally took over as fangs grew in his mouth and pink smoke rose out of his eyes. He leapt toward her, but was brought down swiftly, pinned to the ground. Covering them both with dark violet wings and daggers in each of his shoulders.
“Touch her again and your blood will stain this balcony.” The voice a mixed with Trevisian and a guttural growl.
“Lucanis!” Her magic wrapped chains around the man keeping him place and strapping a muzzle to his mouth. With another spell his thrashing was silenced as she moved for Lucanis. Yet Lucanis stayed further digging the daggers in to cause more damage than necessary. Spite's bloodlust growing in his eyes.
“We got what we needed.” She pulled him off the man though he seemed to resist, Spite no less wanting to end the man’s life. He pulled his daggers free before fully allowing her to pry him off, cleaning them on his leather and putting them away before reaching toward her. Spite all but leaving and Lucanis to remain.
“Are you hurt?” His wings closed the distance between them. They covered her from the man’s sight forcing her to only look at him. His hand found hers, but the magic caused him to flinch. She immediately extinguished it as she clutched his faltering hand now herself, not wanting to hurt him. Berating herself even, knowing he still had some fears of magic since the ossuary.
“I’m fine!” She tried to smile to settle his nerves, but his face was still marked with worry. His eyes flittered to her neck when anger morphed onto his features again. His hand grazing over her neck where now she felt a slight pain from where the merchant had clutched at her. He fought to keep calm, but the twitching of his head told her Spite was antagonizing him, pushing him over the edge.
“KILL HIM, HE DESERVES TO DIE!” Spite exclaimed.
“Mierda! He did this, we don’t need him alive no more!” Lucanis’ eyes lit up once more turning towards the strapped man, before she reached for his face. Pulling him to focus on her. He stopped as soon as she held him despite his body twitching to finish the contract. His body was pulsating with rage as Spite’s presence grew stronger.
“Lucanis, I’m okay! I'm here,” She placed a hand on her own neck, magic healing what would have been bruises, “See, nothing.”
His features softened only slightly seeing no apparent pain in her face, but not completely. The rage was coming down, but not gone completely. Thankfully, Spite was managed as the presence lessened.
“You can make them go away, amore, but they are still there underneath.”
“Good work, amica!’ Teia congratulated dropping from the balcony roof, she watched the merchant squirm in a silent rage. “Remind me to bring you along more often.”
“I agree, he got what he deserved.” Neve appeared from her hiding place the pipe lit up brighter as she inhaled more smoke from it, blowing it in the man’s face further enraging him. Had the chains or muzzle not been there, Neve would’ve had a bite mark in her cheek. When they saw Lucanis’ wings encasing her, protectively and almost territorially close to him, she could see their smirks grow by the second. He still had her wrapped even from them. Before she could even begin to protest at them, the balcony door opened, allowing Caterina to enter and prod the prisoner with her cane. A slow smile gracing her lips.
“We’ll take care of the rest, Lucanis, take her home. And (Y/n),” She held her hand out for her to take it, when she did, Lucanis’ wing moved aside to let her but kept her hidden from the prisoner’s sight. She examined the ring she had given to her before before looking back up to her.
“Do see to my grand-child, he seems more riled than when I left him.” Caterina pulled her close and proceeded to silence the entire balcony. Receiving not one, but two kisses, one for each check from the previous First Talon. She seized in herself until Lucanis grabbed her arm. He pulled her away from the balcony and back in the ballroom. He extinguished his wings as he escorted her out from everyone’s sight and out a back entrance. His appearance blended in perfectly as with his clothes. Now realizing he had formal wear but was ruined with two blood spatters across his inner forearms. They kept walking in silence until they were further away from the building. His eyes trailed over the landscape for anyone following, keeping an arm around her waist so he would not lose her in the crowds. Though Caterina had been right before, it was difficult to go unnoticed as everyone seemed to look their way regardless of all the rapid shortcuts and streets Lucanis lead them down.
He pulled them into a small alcove just off the nearest docks. Only lit with the light from the moon and the sounds of the water cascading between the streets and down the canals.
“Are you sure, you’re alright.”
“Lucanis, if I wasn’t I would tell you. I would tell you before anyone else.” His shoulders drooped at her voice only to cover his face with one hand squeezing the bridge of his nose in frustration.
“Is it Spite, is he giving you a hard time letting that guy live?”
“No, but he is telling me things I already am berating myself over.”
“Lucanis-“
“-He should have never touched you. Not to dance, not to twirl, or to grasp at you like a piece of meat. I should have intervened before that pezzo di merda ever touched you.”
“We were there for information and we got it.”
“At the expense of you, amore. We could have gotten some other way.” He was spiraling, she could see that. It was similar to when he first missed at Ghilan’nain. When he felt as if he failed his contract. His hands moved so sporadically as he spoke that she practically had to push them aside and take a hold of his face forcibly to get him to actually look at her. His words lost on his lips though she could listen to him speak for an eternity with his thick accent. She could only smile seeing his concern for her, electrifying her all over that the contract was the last thing she wished to think about. Pulling his head to hers they rested on each other until their breathing began to sync.
“I am here, safe with the Demon of Vyrantium, First Talon of the Antivan Crows, and the most feared mage killer across Thedas. No one can touch me as long as you are around.” When the words left her mouth she could feel her embarrassment rising, but she didn’t want to move away from him. It felt as if she was finally confessing which made her want to scream at her declaration, but it was beaten over by her desire to stay there in his warmth as long as he allowed her to. He didn’t push her hands away, but held them with his own. She could barely breath when he slowly nuzzled into them, kissing the inside each of her palms soon after. His arms found her waist again pulling her flush against him. Their breath now only mingling centimeters away. Every trace of his hands sent sparks up her spine. When he squeezed her closer she thought she would die, but she would die happy in those arms.
“(Y/n)-“
“There you are!” Both of them jumped away from each other in an instant, backs hitting the cold stone of the alcove as Viago stepped further in. An innocent smile gracing his lips.
“Oh, was I interrupting?” His smile then faltered.
“No!” Both of them exclaimed.
“Then you two should be heading back to the Diamond. Caterina beat you there and is worried sick even if she’s not showing it. And I did not like Teia’s smile when she requested she go looking for you. So I volunteered instead.”
“Go on ahead, we’ll meet you there.” Lucanis answered. When Viago dipped his head and left them alone once more in the alcove, she couldn’t even begin to meet his eyes anymore. All her confidence faded now with the sudden adrenaline of being caught by someone who they knew closely. What had just happened?!
“H-He’s right, we should go. Don’t want them to worry.” She stepped out first into the moonlight looking at where they were. They weren’t far from the cafe, so that meant they weren’t far from the casino either.
“The shortcut back to the diamond should be around this corner.”
“I know.”
“Yes! Of course you know! Silly me, sorry.” She waved at him frantically as she began to head back, Lucanis caught up quickly as they walked back.
“I am sorry for getting blood on your dress. Seems I ruined it.” She waved her hand quickly around allowing the magic to fade the blood from both of them.
“What blood?” His chuckle caused her to laugh with him.
"Wait, what is that?" He held her hand which bore the opal ring Caterina had given her.
"Oh, Caterina gave it too me. It was a gift." His lips grew into a smile that she would rarely see on him. Once that was genuine and lovely.
"She has good taste." He let go of her hand then and continued leading the way. Now it was she who caught up to him, drawing subconsciously close. Her fingers grazing his own, but neither drawing away.
“Ti darei il mondo per vederti sorridere, cara mia.” He whispered. His native tongue taking over once more, but she dared not ask him what he said even when it elicited goosebumps along her body.
~~Library Wisps~~
The next few weeks had been strange…the wisps acted more mischievous, hiding her papers, stealing things from her, and even ruining her drinks causing her to remake them. She would find papers in the most bizarre places in the kitchen or in the pantry. When she dug another one of her papers out from a lower cabinet she felt triumphant when a voice invaded her celebrations.
“(Y/n), what are you doing?” She banged her head against the top of the cabinet she was bent over in, quickly crawling out clutching it. She really needed to pay more attention when someone walked in on her. And yet it had felt eerily familiar.
“Ow, ow, ow, ow! Stupid wisp, hiding my stupid papers and banging my head on this stupid cabinet!” Slowly a wisp emerged from the cabinet she was in, actually laughing at her as it flew to her surprise visitor who was in need of his coffee cup to being refilled.
“I am glad I am not the only one suffering from their pranks. They’ve been stealing my knives and hiding them in strange places.
“Oh, I think I found one in one of Emmerich’s books I was using.”
“Ah, that is the one unaccounted for.”
“I’ll grab it for you when I find the rest of these papers.”
“Research?”
“Yes. The Veil Jumpers found something relating to the fade, but since Emmerich is out on personal business, it’s been left to me to figure it out until he gets back. You are a very quiet walker by the way.” He helped her off the floor as she counted the pages she found so far. She was only missing two more.
“That would explain this hidden amongst the cheese. And sorry, its a force of habit.” He presented one paper to her that did indeed smell of cheese. Thankfully, nothing harmed the paper itself.
“Thank you! I just have to find one more and I can send out my initial findings back. I’ve looked everywhere for it, the last place I haven’t checked is the library itself, that’s where your knife is too by the way.”
“Would you like some help?”
“It would be much appreciated, but first,” She took his cup from him and traded him for it with her papers.
“Wait-“
“I got this, you go on to the library, I’ll be up once I finish this. Shew!” She waved him off quickly starting the process of the coffee making as his steps receded out. Finally giving her a moment to calm her heart a bit. The process of making the coffee gave her mind a bit of \ mindless working allowing her body to just do rather than think. Ever since that contract in Treviso she’s been…worried and she knows it. Her and Lucanis was so close, so close to…something that now she doesn’t know how to approach him directly anymore. Its become a new pantry scenario, but much more. She’s stuck to her normal routine, saying hello, helping him in fights, bringing him coffee and having normal chats at the dinner table. Chatting with him one on one had been hard the past few weeks, the wisps not making it much easier. When she finished with both of their cups, she noticed the opal ring she still wore. She couldn't seem to take it off, it was a gift after all and it was pretty. She should clean it at some point though, it had been awhile since she did it last.
She made her way to the library. Thanking Solas for having such an extensive collection. She barely had to leave for a book that wasn’t there or in Emmerich’s personal collection.
Lucanis was already searching around for the lost page, but looked rather confused. When he’d seen her step in a wisp flew around his head causing his attention to go to it rather than to her. It started to fiddle with his hair trying to tie in a knot until he moved away only for it to follow.
“I’m not exactly sure what I am looking for, but this wisp is one of many not exactly making it any easy.”
“Tell me about it.” She handed him the cup as she leaned against her desk scanning the room from her point of view. It would be difficult finding something like that amongst all the books, but thankfully she knew what was on it, so she conjured an illusion of the paper for Lucanis.
“It’s just a sketch of the artifact that thing the Veil Jumpers found. Similar in size and shape to the archive Bellara found, but not as extensive or as valuable.”
“But requires Fade knowledge.”
“Can open a doorway to the fade in a sense, but also broken. So they’re not entirely sure.”
“Ah.” Both took a long sip from their cups before beginning their search scanning through the shelves until they looked over the entire room. Lucanis was rubbing his temples and she could feel pain from searching in her shoulders.
“If I could kill this wisps I would.”
“I would lend you my daggers to help.” He held his coffee cup in one hand, but when he moved it is when she saw a wisp float up behind him as he leaned against the desk, holding the paper they'd been searching for.
“Lucanis!’ She pointed behind him, but the wisp caught wind of her and started to fly off, but her body reacted first. Rushing over to grab ahold of the paper before it could get away and grasping hold of it before it could hide it once more from her.
“Aha! Take that you pesky wisp!” She held the paper in triumph, shaking it at the wisp until it flew past her and out the door. When she watched it go, she realized she felt off-balance but something kept her in place. When her eyes tracked down she found Lucanis buried in her chest trying to keep her steady with one arm holding her and the other trying not to spill coffee on the rest of her papers.
“Cara mia, you will kill me.”
“Sorry!” But he didn’t let her go far as she pushed off of him. His arm still draped around her torso keeping her between his legs as he leaned their weight on the desk. The awkward silence that fell over them didn’t help the heat rushing to her face close to him again. Believing she had gotten over what happened in Treviso was a lie she told herself when she dreamed about it at nights.
“What does that mean?”
“What does what mean?” He’d set his mug down now allowing his other arm to cross around her.
“Cara mia.” His mouth fell open a bit as panic crossed the assassin’s eyes. His grip freezing in place around her along with the rest of his body. Her hands found his shoulders and she could feel just how tense he was. He seemed scared and she had caused it with a stupid question.
“Y-you don’t have to tell me, though! I was just curious cause this is the second time I’ve heard it, coming from you….pointed at me….” She felt herself panic now, believing she had crossed a line. But her curiosity seemed to got the best of her.
“You heard me by the canal?”
“Yes…you were right next to me. But I couldn’t keep up with the rest of what you said in your language. I am definitely having a time trying to learn it.”
“You…you are trying to learn Trevisan?”
“Yes?” She hoped her sheepish grin put him at ease. Seemingly working as he started to laugh. She couldn’t help but join him as they sat there laughing together. Tangled together against her desk and other papers scattered around them.
“I am terrible at it though. The grammar is killing me and I can’t seem to pronounce anything right.” He’d pulled her closer now, causing her to look down at him.
“If you need a teacher, you could have asked.”
“You were already too busy, besides it’s just something I wanted to pick up. Not that big of a deal, you know.”
“But it is important to you. And if it is to you, it is to me.” Suddenly she was back at the alcove with him, back in the pantry. Their breathing mixed when her fingers found the hair on the back of his neck. Slowly pulling him closer to her. Lightly tugging on him.
“Only…if you don’t mind…” She wasn’t sure she was asking about a language teacher anymore when her eyes flickered to his lips. His eyes were intense as they scanned her face and more closely to her lips. He smelled of coffee and old books now, intoxicating her, drawing her closer to him.
“From you…never.” She could practically taste the coffee on his lips, his grip tightened on her waist in anticipation while she gripped his shoulders and neck, neither wanting to let go. When they heard rumblings from behind a bookshelf they quickly drew apart, Lucanis tightened his grip now protectively around her. As they both looked toward the sudden disturbance, Manfred came stumbling out with a stack of books blocking his view. He started to stumble under their weight and she could see he was about to fall. But with Lucanis’ holding her in place all she could do was wave her hand before the books fell now floating around Manfred as he fell on his face. Both her and Lucanis winced at the poor skeleton’s pain, whether or not he could feel it was another matter entirely.
“Manfred,” Regardless of whether he felt pain or not her instincts kicked in to him to help him. Lucanis’ warmth now leaving her body as she helped Manfred collect his books. Lucanis’ reluctantly helping out as well. Once all of them were gathered she had taken half of them so Manfred would not be so burdened.
“I’m going to help Manfred with these…uhm…can we start my Trevisan lessons another time?” He smiled at her taking the worry off her shoulders
"You know where to find me." She and Manfred began to leave before she remembered Lucanis' dilemma.
“Your knife is on the desk by the way Lucanis, you may need to keep them locked away from the wisps!” She shouted back towards him. Both she and Manfred leaving him in the library.
~~Midnight Redevous~~
“Assan? Manfred? What on earth are you doing?” She looked up from her work to see both the two unlikely pair bringing her a tray with a drink and snacks. When Manfred set it down, Assan squawked in delight setting truffles down on her paper work.
“Thank you both, but Assan you can have these yourself, I’m not a fan.” He didn’t need to be told twice as he scarfed the truffles down.
“Try!” Manfred hissed. She looked at the weirdly colored tea and part of her was hesitant, but with Manfred pleading her with his green jeweled eyes, how could she refuse. So when she took a sip and it tasted bitterness beyond her reasoning, she forced a smile and forced herself to swallow it.
“Ah, mhmm. That’s…interesting. Thank you Manfred, but uh, maybe not let it steep too long, right?” He nodded, but he and Assan bounced away as happy as they could be. Grabbing the tea tray, she decided to just make her own. Heading towards the kitchen she heard a pot already screaming as a figure already was at work in the kitchen.
“Let me guess. Manfred ruined the tea, and it was beyond drinkable.” Lucanis chuckled at her seeing her carrying Manfred’s tray sheepishly eyeing him.
“Yes, he meant well though.”
“I believe he was trying to apologize for what he did in the library.” He took the tray from her and began to clean up the utensils Manfred had used before. But realizing Manfred’s reasons made her suddenly aware she and Lucanis were alone in the kitchen and by her time, it was early morning and she lost track of time.
“Ah, I see. Well…he certainly has his…spirit in the right place.”
“Your tea is over there.” He had already pointed out a fresh cup to her sitting by the fire, steam rising from the mug.
“Thank you, how long have you been up?”
“All night, mostly, of course.”
“Right, and what night in a row is this?”
“Third day.”
“Lucanis…”
“Yet I am not alone tonight. Someone lost track of time and is here with me tonight.”
“Touché.” She sat with her freshly made tea, watching as he continued to clean up. He ditched the vest this time, normally he was always semi-put together, but she saw him in a more casual wear. She couldn’t help but examine him in this new attire, shirt partially spread open revealing his chest-hair, sleeves rolls up to his biceps that tightened as he moved. Perhaps she was sitting too close to the fireplace in that moment.
“What was it this time?”
“What?” His accent brought her out of her trance as he sat leaned against the counter waiting for his coffee.
“What were you reading that kept you up this late?”
“Oh…well uh, it was about wyverns actually. And other dragonic species. Their magical properties and all that. Along with the history and what we know of them. Taash brought it back from a recent Lords of Fortune raid. Thought I’d find it fascinating.”
“And she was right. It has kept you up all night.” She gave a nervous chuckle now having been caught red-handed.
“Tell me what you’ve learned so far.”
“What? You want to know?”
“You remember I loved wyverns as a boy. And I believe I will need help staying awake, so listening to you go on about one of my favorite topics, will certainly help.” He sat in a chair opposite her now as the fire crackled against his features, making him more mysterious to her than he already was. It even caused his eyes to darken as he waited for her reply.
“W-well. Where should I start…” She set her mug down as magic ran through her veins, beginning to show illusions that she had learned about. Providing a storyteller essence to the nonfictional. Many of the illusions danced in the fire and around them causing them to become more immersed in the her retelling. Lucanis never looked away from her, yet only occasionally to see her illusions dancing around his head as she pointed out different facts and side tangents from previous learnings. It had caused her to completely forget she was alone with him, but she was comfortable. Despite her nerves because of her crush, she was always comfortable with him. He brought out her child-like nature and a sense of safety she rarely felt with anyone besides Varric.
“That’s all I got to so far. I’ll let you know how the rest of it goes unless you want to read it for yourself.”
“I believe the version I just received is far better than actually reading it.”
“Thanks, I try.” The fire filled their silence once again as wisps starting to fill into the room. Attracted from her previous use of magic. One began to bury itself in the crook of her neck why the another attempted to take Lucanis’ coffee. Cursing at them did not work in his favor as they swarmed him anyways. When they finally left him alone, all she could do was laugh at his exasperation. He seemed to age with all the mischief going around him, but it didn’t make him any less alluring. More like fine wine that aged better with time. When she was finished she caught him staring at her, making her suddenly sheepish.
“My beloved.”
“What?”
“Cara Mia…that’s what it means. ‘My Beloved’.” Her heart stopped in her chest. He had said that to her…twice…
“A-and the other bit you said?” She had to set her cup down before she spilt in on herself, wanting to avoid his eyes now. But she watched him like a hawk as he stood approaching her instead. Kneeling in front of her chair, taking her fiddling hands away from themselves, only to kiss them gently.
“Ti darei il mondo per vederti sorridere, cara mia. It means, ‘I would give you the world to see you smile, my beloved.’” His voice was low as he whispered those words to her, so slow and careful and sincere. She hung to every one as his accent caught the letters pounding in her ears, telling her what to do next. Something she had been practicing in the mirror, but could never seem to get right until now.
“E viaggerei per l'universo per…metterti al mio fianco se ciò…significasse poter trascorrere l'eternità con te…” She whispered. When the last word left her mouth his eyes sparkled in a way she had never seen before tonight. Now it seemed to be his turn to become speechless, so before she lost her nerve she finally caved into what she had always wanted to do. Escaping his hold, she held his face and brought it to hers before anything else could stop them again. Closing the distance quickly not allowing herself to second-guess herself.
When her lips finally melted against his, it felt right. Everything molded together as if it had always meant to. He did not hesitate either, lifting up to meant her passion. She pulled at him until he was flushed between her legs and molded in her body, she didn’t want his warmth to leave. Never again, she was not going to let him go. The memories of the pantry, the memory of the ball, the alcove, the library, all of it came flooding back to her, igniting every fiber of her being to want him. To desire him fully and wholeheartedly. And just like in the library, when his hands traveled up her thighs to squeeze where he could, she sparked to life under his touch. She did not want this to end.
That was until her chair was tipped forward, putting a pause on their activity and causing her to fall onto Lucanis. Wisp laughter filled the room as their own did mixed with them. Seeing they end up on the floor in front of the fireplace.
“They never stop do they.” He whispered.
“No. Neither should we.” She didn’t get off of him that time. Not like in the pantry before.
“Ti amo, cara mia.” He hugged her close, not allowing her to escape his talons any longer, nor did she want to. No she needed to stay there with him for as long as she could.
“I love you too, Lucanis.” She captured his lips again, more gently this time, but still filled with so much passion.
