#..actually she and davrin might share first place

[lostiel]

mods edits

[sorcerly]

ok but what if neve and lucanis get together during datv, break up because they're both working through their damage on top of having a fuck ton of new stressful responsibilities, and don't see each other for a year, two, five?

they try to write messages to each other, but - they're both important people. they just don't have time. they might share stories once in a while through the post, sure, but any important things they have to say to each other... it's difficult to write it all down properly, in ink on paper like that. most attempts perish as crumpled parchment thrown into a fireplace.

there's a stretch of many months, maybe even a full year, when they don't hear from each other at all. until SOME twist of intrigue brings them elbow-to-elbow in the shit again.

I think for Lucanis it's a surprise, that he can feel some glimmer of ease again when he's around Neve (she was always the one who could make him feel safe, comfortable). The time since the veilguard has been nothing but the stress of carrying on the Dellamorte name and answering to Caterina's expectations and trying, trying so hard, to be who he needs to be as First Talon - putting his head down and slogging through all the parts of the job that he hates, dreads, never wanted in the first place.

I think for Neve it's a bit of a shock, because she actually does not recognize him immediately. and it's not because he's changed his appearance - he still wears his hair in that neat mullet (though now with some gray in the black), dresses smartly in crow leathers, keeps his beard trimmed. truly the way he carries himself hasn't changed that much either (he's always been guarded, careful). but his face. his eyes.

Neve remembered relishing every unguarded glance she caught from him. those eyes that shone so brightly in the light of the kitchen candles when they were both up at ungodly hours. even though he had seen so much pain and misery and death, Lucanis' eyes showed his heart; still soft. open. welcoming. easy. dark and warm like shadows cast by firelight.

when she sees him for the first time in years, those eyes are cold. hard. closed off. even though he slept so little at the lighthouse, Neve can't help but feel that she has never seen him look so, so, so tired.

and i think it likely doesn't take long for Neve, greatest detective in Thedas, to see the way he interacts with the other Talons, with Teia and Viago, with Caterina - and put together exactly what's been going on. And I think she'd stop at NOTHING to try and fix what she sees as a terrible mistake made by the veilguard, including her. they aren't to blame, of course not, how could they have known? but even so - when the veilguard ended, Lucanis was left to the snakes and the dogs.

so maybe she makes a pact with Teia and Viago, who had almost given up on Lucanis when Neve showed up again. maybe she finds a surprising ally in Illario, who has always known what First Talon would mean for Lucanis. maybe she calls on Davrin, Rook, anyone else from the team who might be able to help. one things for sure tho. Neve and Caterina fucking hate each other.

and then neve and lucanis kiss

[hyperions-light]

Hmmmmmm. For the codex prompts - can we see an entry from Rook's journal, please?

For sure! Thanks for asking! [Codex prompts here] 2, 17, 21 have been asked/answered!

Hello journal,

Emmrich says I should write in you to ‘process my feelings’ or something. Am unsure what he’s talking about and do not understand the function of this. You write things so other people will read them, right? But Emmrich said this was supposed to be private? Told him I would try it, but I am skeptical.

Perhaps he’s lying about it being private? Doesn’t seem like him, but maybe it’s like when Viago leaves paperwork around that he ‘doesn’t want me to see’ so that I’ll go handle whatever he doesn’t want to deal with. If I asked Emmrich about it I wonder if he would be offended?

He said that I should “write out the events of your recent experience in order to reflect upon them.” Suspect this will be very dull, since at least eighty percent of what I do is stab people.

What do the others write in their journals? I’ve seen Taash and Lucanis writing in theirs, and there is no way they’re ‘processing feelings’. We all agree the best way to stop being sad is to grab the nearest dangerous object and kill someone with it. (I also think tackling Viago to the floor and getting him to fight me is a good solution, but no one else is willing to do that. They’re missing out.)

Yesterday we went to Minrathous because Neve had a case to work. I think Lucanis and Emmrich went shopping. I don’t know, I was with Harding and Bellara— we were trying to find something for Bel to mess with. Did find some weird magical artifacts in a back alley in Docktown, but she didn’t even look. Brought one of them home to see if she might work on it later, but it’s just sitting in the Fish Room. Hope it doesn’t explode.

She’s really worried about everything with Anaris and her brother. I told her it would be fine, and I was mostly not lying, even— I’m sure we can just punch him until he calms down and then bring him back here? I know he’s killed people, but I mean... Lucanis and I are Crows. They can’t expect us to care that much about that.

I suppose it’s different because Bellara knew those people. And it’s not his job, or anything, he’s just a murderer.

I’ve known a lot of murderers, though (not assassins. murderers), and they’re mostly fine. It seems like Cyrian already feels bad about it, so he’s a lot more pleasant than some of the ones hanging around the Drowned District. We just have to figure out the right incentive to get him to stop, and then he can stay here until they aren’t trying to capture him, anymore. (I saw a cell in the Veil Jumpers’ camp. Not taking chances.)

Hopefully that’s fine with everyone. Will they be upset? I guess he can have the Fish Room if they don’t want him in the rest of the Lighthouse. I’ve slept in more uncomfortable places than the library.

I wonder if they think that I’ve never killed an innocent person. I heard Lucanis tell Davrin that he doesn’t believe he has, a while ago, and all I could think was that he was lucky. I guess if you’re the grandson of the First Talon, you don’t have to get your hands as dirty as the rest of us. (Or he was lying to appease Davrin. Don’t think he cared about Dav’s opinion at the time, though.)

Varric cares about protecting innocent people SO much. I have no idea why he wanted me to be his second. I don’t think he and I even share the same opinions about most things.

I did save him, but it could have been anyone being taken by the Antaam— he didn’t owe me anything more than anyone else. The rest of them just thanked me and ran off; I guess he maybe felt bad, since he was there when Viago kicked me out? But he didn’t have to leave me in charge.

I don’t like it. I wish he would hurry up and stop being injured. I would like to stop making decisions.

Should burn this. Especially if it’s not actually private. But maybe will ask Emmrich about it first?

Goodbye (forever?), journal

[jukkaricity]

Shocking to absolutely everyone except for Velu, I actually managed to write something! Just a bit of Alectris and Lucanis fluff about cooking, poisons and absolute lack of self-preservation instinct when hungry.

It is also posted on AO3: <here>.

Alectris found her way back to the Lighthouse at what she'd assumed was early evening. She made her way through the library and realized that the place was eerily quiet. Normally there would be some hushed conversations going on or at least some shuffling coming from either Taash or Emmrich’s rooms. With no one in sight, she made her way towards the hidden entrance in the wall leading to a side room. 

Veryl's things were neatly arranged, but the man himself was conspicuously absent - just like everyone else. She emerged in the courtyard, suddenly feeling alien and unwelcoming with not even Assan in sight and wondered if she’d taken the wrong Eluvian and stumbled into an alternate Lighthouse.

A whiff of antivan cooking coming from the far side had suggested however, that maybe she simply arrived late for dinner. Since Lucanis and Bellara announced taking over the reins of the kitchen, nobody seemed to miss the shared meals anymore. 

She peeked into the kitchen only to find it empty if not for Lucanis who appeared to have yet another argument with Spite.

"No." The Crow sounded a lot more tired than annoyed. He was facing away from the door, by the tension in his shoulder she assumed that whatever dish he was working on was giving him more trouble than he expected. 

"Trust me, no. We can't taste the pasta by putting our hand into the pot with boiling water. " Spite learning about the limits of human experience. She guessed it was an improvement from their initial interactions. 

"Now that is some solid advice right here" she agreed walking in, scanning the kitchen in search of the other members of the Veilguard "Have I missed any party invitations? Where is everyone?" Lucanis looked up at her from above the stove, mixing some sort of sauce with more intention than seemed necessary.

"Rook is out in Arlathan with Bellara and Davrin. Something about a Veil Jumper, floating and needing Assan's help." he answered, focusing again on the concoction on the stove. "Neve took Veryl to Minrathous, to help her with case notes. Emmrich and Manfred are attending to some last moment preparations in the Necropolis and Taash took Lace drinking with the Lords testing if Harding's new stone powers make her more resistant to alcohol." He hesitated for a moment like there was something more he wanted to say but stopped himself before continuing.

"Right. Didn't get the memo that you wanted to cook alone. I'll go find myself somewhere else to be" she's made half a step back towards the kitchen door "Unless you need an experimental nug to test that thing you're making"

Lucanis blinked slowly, his eyes still fixed on the simmering sauce, the sharp smell of hot peppers filling the air. It didn’t cross his mind she’d offer to try whatever he was cooking without asking any questions first. 

“Ah, thank you, but you might want to skip this one, Tris.” He shook his head finally, putting all the effort he could into sounding casual “I’m testing some suggestions Bellara gave me, this might turn out really poorly.” “Well, what else are nugs for, if not sacrifice in the name of cooking?” Alectris laughed, shrugging her arms as she took a spot at the table “Come on, it smells great and I’m starving, you can’t just leave me hanging, can you?” He had to admit, despite the liberties taken in the recipe it did pass the initial sniff test. Which only made it harder to let her down gently without admitting what he was working on. And Alectris never showed herself to be easy to shake off. 

“The suggestions were about masking flavors. In this case masking the taste of deathroot extract to be specific.” Lucanis clarified hesitantly, his voice slightly clipped as if he was unhappy about letting her in on the secret. He had hoped to avoid any questions about poisons even existing in the vicinity of the kitchen. “Poison? Really?” She tilted her head, her eyes narrowing slightly and the crow felt his stomach turn. 

“You alway struck me as an honest type.” a small smile formed on her lips as she continued  “You know, knives and swords and garrotes, not poisons in a glass of wine.”

“Don’t let Viago hear that.” he chuckled, letting out a breath he didn't realize he was holding. “Oh? Would he try to poison me?” Alectris straightened out in the chair with amusement painted on her face. She was surely going to try ribbing Viago about poisons the next time she got a chance, Lucanis realized. 

“No, but he might give you a long winded speech and at least 17 reasons why the use of poison is just as honest and professional as knives. He’s very… sensitive on this topic” It may have happened that such a comment slipped out of his mouth once or twice in the past. The first one was entirely accidental, the other… Well, as bets lost to Illario went, that was not the worst outcome. 

“Sounds like he just hopes you poison yourself while he talks.“ 

“I wouldn’t put it past him” He nodded, stirring the mixture again, still not entirely happy about the texture. The kitchen felt silent, the fire crackling softly and the metallic clanking of a spoon on the pan. Alectris sloped down in the chair crossing her arms and watching Lucanis with a slightly furrowed brow. 

“So, how will you know if you masked the flavor if no one's gonna eat it?” Alectris asked him finally when the silence stretched out too long. There was a glint in her eye and the tone of her voice only suggested curiosity “Are you trying to poison Davrin?” 

“I’m gonna eat it” the assassin corrected. He would not entertain a thought of actually hurting the Warden. Teasing him about it however, that would be a different topic entirely. “No!” she sat up straight immediately “Don’t worry I have antivenom, things are not looking that bleak.” he joked, but realized it may not land as well as he hoped with someone who was not raised a Crow “ “Wouldn’t be able to write down the outcomes either” 

“Ah, so I can eat it.” she grinned happily, which was not the reaction Lucanis was anticipating. “It’s poisoned” he repeated slowly, somewhat unsure if she was teasing him or was serious or if it was something else entirely. “You just said you have antivenin!” Mage protested with a nonchalance appropriate only to someone who rarely hears no. Whether it was by her birthright or her insistent nature he wasn’t sure. Clearly, it worked like a charm and was used often. “If it’s good enough for you, it’ll be good enough for me” 

“Alectris, this is a really bad idea” he knew her well enough by now to know that arguing would only make her dig her heels in and insist further. “Come on, I could eat a dracolisk.” she laughed, waving her hands “And you’ll get a second opinion. Everybody wins!”

He allowed himself a defeated sigh, taking the pan off the heat and placing it aside. He caught her stare for a moment looking for any signs of hesitation or discomfort on her part but the mage appeared perfectly content with the situation. He looked away as he made way to the back of the kitchen to retrieve the antidotes, glad he had stocked up recently. He certainly didn’t expect to share this particular experience. 

“Last moment to change your mind” Lucanis returned from the pantry carrying two small vials with murky, brownish liquid inside. In the fireplace light she could see the sediment swirl inside making her wonder if he was about to make her drink old swamp water. 

“There really are easier ways to kill me Luc” she insisted again, rising up for her chair to reach for one of them without hesitation. “There’s no need for theatrics”

Their hands brushed as she snatched the bottle from his grasp. Lucanis froze for a split second and Alectris hoped that he hadn’t noticed her face turning at least a shade redder. She’d blame it on the fire if he did. 

“I know.” the words escaped him before he could really think them through. “It is also not what I’m trying to do.” he added fast realizing how this must have sounded, but was met only with a wide grin and not a hint of worry. 

“Then I’ve nothing to worry about, do I?” Mage uncorked the mixture and raised a little toast with it. He returned the gesture suppressing the urge to reach over and stop her. Of course, she wouldn’t listen. Alectris never backed down from anything, even when she probably should. He sighed, wondering—not for the first time—how much trouble she would’ve been as a Crow. They both drank the liquid like it was a shot of the worst spirit in a shady tavern. It left a sandy feeling in the mouth and burned in the back of the throat. Lucanis coughed to cover his reaction, but couldn’t hide a smirk when he watched Alectris scrunch her nose and shake making a disgusted face. She clicked her tongue a few times like she was trying to get rid of the taste but failed. 

“Tastes like a morning in Minrathous” she finally managed to grumble, her face still sour and voice slightly raspy. Lucanis raised an eyebrow, his lips twitching.

“What could you mean by that?” He took the bottle from the table and tossed it into a small bucket filled with soapy water standing in the corner of the room. “Somewhat dump and muddy, surely fishy and vaguely depressing” she clarified, sounding a bit more sure than before. He kept an eye on her as she grunted and shifted in the chair while he was splitting the pasta and poisoned arrabbiata on two plates. 

“Didn’t think you’re a poetic type” Lucanis admitted, placing the plates on the table with a soft clink. 

“I’m not” Alectris shook her head looking slightly offended. She stabbed the dish with a fork a few times, as if she was trying to make sure it wouldn't attempt biting her back. 

“Maybe that’s why it’s weirdly accurate” Crow murmured looking judgingly at his own plate, a cloud of steam rising from it. It still smelled alright and looked completely ordinary. He only hoped it tasted as 

“Best neither V nor Neve ever hear this one” mage laughed while studying the pasta carefully, neither of them were fully eager to eat now that it came to it.  “Do I want to know what one makes an antidote for deathroot from?” she asked finally as if she wanted to delay the inevitable. Lucanis had to fight a reflex to remind her, she didn’t actually have to try it. 

“Not before eating” he said instead taking a deep breath wondering if the whole endeavour will pay out. 

“Great. A mystery for later then.” she nodded and bit down on the pasta before she could change her mind. For a moment nothing happened and then she burst out in a coughing fit, her eyes watering. Lucanis nearly jumped out of his chair, but she waved him away with an uncoordinated gesture as she fought to get through the bite while both laughing and crying.  

“I think it might be spiced up for Taash” she managed to get out after a few minutes and a glass of cold water that Lucanis offered “Might want to calm down with the peppers next time” 

[teyrnacousland]

2, 4, 9, and 15 for Cassia and/or Asha 👀

Thank you! ♥ Also seeing other people say my OCs names is always wild to me, wow, I forget sometimes they exist outside of my head asghjkl;lhk

Rook & Companion Questions

2. Do they like Harding's cooking?

Cassia will absolutely tell you that she does. She will say it with a bit too much enthusiasm. She is lying. But she absolutely refuses to be seen as difficult or picky, especially when someone did something as thoughtful and caring as cooking for her. Cassia hasn’t had a real friend in so long that she’ll eat whatever weird garbage Harding could throw together, honestly. 

Asha has successfully managed to separate food for sustenance from food for taste in her mind. (Read: sweets are for enjoying, dinner is for nutrition.) If she was asked her opinion, she’d shrug and say it’s alright. It’s healthy enough, usually, and pretty filling. And almost definitely not poisoned, she trusts Harding that much, at least. Isn’t that what food is for? (Lucanis' cooking being so good changes this opinion later.)

4. Does your Rook like the walks in Arlathan with Davrin?

Cassia loves them! She hasn’t spent a lot of time in nature as a kid, growing up in Tevinter and all. Or as an adult, honestly. She was always more for bookstores and libraries than dirt and trees. But it's so good for getting out of one’s head and just existing, which my little ball of anxiety here could definitely use. I think she struggles with it at first, just relaxing and focusing on being part of the world, but Davrin had to learn to enjoy and connect with nature when he was younger too, so he knows how to teach her.

------------------

(And for Asha, I wrote this by accident instead of just writing an answer, oops.)

Asha’s eyes drifted over the sweeping archways of Arlathan. Or, what was left of them, anyways. She tried to imagine what it was like, when this place was new. When it belonged to the elves. Their people. Her people. 

“Does this make you feel anything?” she asked Davrin quietly, sweeping her hand over some engraved text she couldn’t read.

“Depends what you mean by that,” Davrin said, raising a brow at her. 

She looked at the decaying stonework in front of her.

“I feel like-” The words cut off, her mouth pressing shut. She took a deep breath through her nose, then out through her mouth, and then tried again. “I feel like I should feel… something. More. Like this should feel like a part of me, or something.”

“Because you’re an elf?” Davrin asked. 

“Well, I am, aren’t I?” She looked back at him. Davrin, with his pointed ears, and the lines marking his face. And his Grey Warden themed armour. 

Davrin nodded slowly at her. “You are. As much as I am.”

She kept his gaze for a second more before she turned away, her eyes fixing on the broken stone once more. “I don’t feel like it.”

“Ancient history isn’t what makes us who we are, you know,” Davrin said softly, coming to stand beside her. “We share a lot more than some old buildings and a cursed forest.”

She didn’t say anything. Just sighed and let herself lean into him, just slightly, just enough that she could convince herself he might not notice. 

“But, if you’re interested,” Davrin continued. “I could teach you some Dalish. Then you, me, and Bellara could talk about the others behind their backs.” He bumped her shoulder playfully with his own.

Asha shook her head at him, but she couldn’t hide the smile tugging at her lips. “Yeah. I think I’d like that.”

9. What is your Rook's favorite dish that Lucanis cooks?

Cassia would be fine with anything Lucanis cooks. But if she had to pick a favourite? Arancini. Rice and cheese are always good (maybe Harding’s love of cheese has rubbed off on her), but it’s also one of the first times she got to actually help him out in the kitchen. Rice is something she’s actually made before, so she knows how to do it. 

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Asha will not tell Lucanis her favourite food. He’s asked her several times. They’ve gone grocery shopping together. But she won't give anything away, just shrugs and insists she has no preference and is fine with anything. Observing her isn't helping either; she seems to eat everything and anything indiscriminately. It’s become a matter of pride for him as an assassin, to gather intel from his evasive new mark. 

He gets the first hint when they meet with Illario at Cafe Pietra. Asha offers to take their orders to the counter, using the excuse that she wants to keep an eye on things, make sure no one slips anything into their drinks. She doesn’t say anything about the drinks when she comes back. But both Lucanis and Spite can smell the chocolatey scent of cioccolata calda coming from her cup.

The second hint comes when they’re at the market. He’s busy going through the whole bin trying to find an avocado that’s perfectly ripe, so he almost doesn’t notice Asha pocket a single strawberry off a nearby table when the clerk isn't looking. Interesting...

The next time she comes through the kitchen to check on him, he presents her with a chocolate tart, topped with a layer of sliced strawberries.

She stares at him. He stares back. 

“I hate you,” she says, though her voice is flat and completely devoid of any bite, and he can see the tips of her ears flush red. She snatches the tart, and grabs a second one off the tray behind him. She retreats back to her room, leaving him smiling with smug satisfaction.

15. Bonus: What is one thing a companion does to cheer up your Rook if they're feeling down?

Lucanis lets Cassia sit in the kitchen while he cooks. She’s not allowed to help, not after last time. But she likes watching. At first he writes it off as just a sheltered girl being fascinated by a skill she’s never seen in action before, but eventually he realizes she’s watching him more than his technique with a kitchen knife. Either way, it seems to do wonders for distracting her and lifting her mood. And she’s always so touched whenever he makes something specially for her. Spending an hour or two working away in a kitchen under her watchful gaze is more than worth it if it makes her smile and thank him in that soft, unguarded tone she gets when he presents her with homemade treats. 

------------

Lucanis has a similar method for cheering up Asha. One night, when he’s sitting in his room not sleeping, he hears Asha come in and sneaks out to see her with a bag of ingredients she must have stolen from the pantry earlier. He recognizes them as the ingredients from the dinner he made earlier that night. He watches her for a few more beats before clearing his throat. He dodges the knife she throws his way on instinct, and leans against the door frame with his arms crossed waiting for an explanation. 

“I watched you. When you made it,” she grumbles finally, when it’s clear a staring contest isn’t going to make him go away. “I wanted to try.”

Lucanis ends up mostly watching her, piping in with an occasional tip or correction. From then on, he offers to teach her something new whenever he notices her looking upset. It’s comforting to her, it reminds her of when Viago would teach her to mix poisons. Only, if Viago had tact and was capable of kindness on occasion.