#and how rook pulls neve's waist closer to her

[regalpotato]

I'm with you, Trouble. All the way.

[hydrangeapartridge]

Neve's visit (Manfred learns about rings part 2)

As part of my EmmRook post game collection, I wrote a short fic about Manfred learning about rings (their use in magic but also their symbolism) which can be found here.

Here is the sequel. Enjoy! (could contain spoilers for the end of the game)

(Side Note: all my EmmRook fics can be found on AO3)

Emmrich was pacing. It was an unusual behaviour for him, reserved only to his reflexions on the most complex scientific questions he faced as a scholar. However he was not working now, but the fact remained that he was crossing the living room for the umpteenth time under Rook’s half amused, half worried gaze.

She sat on the meridian, waiting for Neve to arrive. It was the first time they would see her since Manfred bought her a gift; a pretty snake-shaped silver hairpin. If Emmrich had always had a very good relationship with Neve amongst the Veilguard, the prospect of the gift giving visibly caused him some distress.

“I never thought I’d get to experience a meeting with the in-laws while being the in-laws” Rook’s usual jest had the benefit of stopping Emmrich in his tracks.

He turned to her, a slight frown creasing the perfect line of his dark brows. “ Darling, this is nothing of the sort” He corrected her “Merely a reunion with an old acquaitance, in which Manfred will happen to gift a significantly costly jewel to a charming woman” Emmrich was talking with his hands, which he did when passionnate, but mostly when nervous. “People exchange gifts all the time. There is no particular stake in this particular exchange”

So he tried to convince himself. Rook shook her head, a fond grin splitting her lips. She got up and slowly stepped up to her husband.

She placed a hand on his elbow in a gesture that became as familiar as breathing. “Then why are you more tensed than before an important watcher’s assembly?” She teased him, caressing up his arm until her hand was on his stiff shoulder. “We’re seeing Neve. It’s going to be nice. Relax. ”

Emmrich sighed. “I can’t” He breathed in defeat, lowering his head until his forehead was resting against Rook’s.

“If we had more time, I’d offer plenty of ways to distract you” Rook whispered, her lips drawing closer to his.

Emmrich was usually a master of self-control. In the Watch, her learned meditation and breathing techniques to ground oneself, and how to be detached and impassible. But his naturally emotional nature still came back when dealing with matters important to him; more often matters of the heart than of the mind. Matters he couldn’t reason with.

Another sigh, but Emmrich didn’t pull back. “Dearest, you always do choose the most interesting times for your advances” He placed a hand on Rook’s waist and brought their faces closer. “I could certainly be tempted to indulge in you. It would make the wait far more pleasant indeed”

Emmrich’s poetic way with words always made Rook melt. She was surprised her flirting went through but needn’t be convinced any further, and pressed her lips against his in a tender kiss.

If their kissing started chaste, slow and comfortable, Emmrich grew bolder as he gladly lost himself in the distraction and comfort his wife offered. His second hand came to craddle the base of Rook’s skull, fingers carefully threading in her hair as he gently but firmly angled her head to deepen the kiss. His bangles sang as he teased her bottom lip with his tongue, and when she parted her lips, wickedly slipped inside, in a move only he held the secret to, that still made Rook’s knees weak even after years of practice.

Rook pressed closer to him, lacing her fingers behind his neck in an embrace that was only known to true kindred spirits. Together they formed a perfect entity, in a pose that could remind one of the romantic tableaux exposed in Orlais, painted to praise the devotion of eternal lovers.

While he thoroughly lost himself in Rook’s mouth, Emmrich moved his legs with intent so that his thigh ended up pressed flush against her center. Rook’s resulting moan was music to his ears, so promising. Too bad the next thing those ears caught was the sharp noise of a knock on the door.

The two lovers barely had time to step away from each other before Manfred came rushing down the stairs. The spirit made a beeline for the door, eager to be the one to welcome their guest. In his hurry, Manfred thankfully didn’t notice how breathy and flustered his caretakers were. They gladly let him open the door while they recovered from their promising but interrupted tryst.

“I’ll get the tea” Emmrich offered, reluctantly moving away from his wife.

Rook nodded, and after running a hand through her hair to make sure it was still in place, she headed to the entrance to greet Neve.

- - -

Neve Gallus was as always delightful company. Under her strict and cool appearance was a heart of gold. Ever thoughtful, she brought an offering of Carastian candy, chocolate coated treats from Tevinter, that she knew Rook enjoyed (Emmrich didn’t have as much of a sweet tooth as his wife, but he was known to indulge in them sometimes while grading papers).

She came alone, Lucanis being busy on a contract; which was probably better given Manfred’s generosity was reserved to her.

Neve got them up to date with the situation in Minrathous in more detail than she did in letters, and once it was done, they discussed more casual matters: recent activites and funny or scandalous anecdotes. Emmrich, ever the social butterfly, was absorbed in the conversation, but his never ending stirring of his tea told Rook that part of him was still slightly nervous.

At one point, Neve asked about Manfred’s learnings. The skeleton had been quietly sitting beside her, but he perked up when prompted with questions about his training at the Necropolis. While Manfred told Neve a few stories in his own imperfect way with words, Rook wondered if maybe he could be nervous about giving Neve her gift. Wisps were drawn to Neve, and Manfred was no exception. He always enjoyed her best amongst all their friends. But could he have learned reserve after spending so much time with humans?

It turned out Rook was completely wrong about that part, for two mere seconds after the skeleton finished explaining the most recent spell he learned, he announced. “Present for you” And promptly stood up to retrieve the pretty gift-bag he previously hid behind the couch.

Manfred proudly handed Neve the bag, and her usually hooded gaze widened. “For me? Really?” She asked incredulous as she took the package.

“Yeay!” Manfred confirmed and Neve chuckled.

“I’d say you shouldn’t have, but that wouldn’t be elegant of me” She opened the bag and peeked inside before she retrieved a squarred black velvet box from it. “Wow, this looks fancy. What’s the occasion Fred?” She asked, incredulous.

Rook heard Emmrich gulp beside her. She was hanging onto Manfred’s every word, eagerly awaiting his answer.

“To thank you for the coat!” Manfred replied casually.

A beat of silence. Rook felt stupid.

Given the circumstances of Manfred’s purchase for Neve, Emmrich and her automatically connected it to the rings they bought and their meaning. They didn’t even think to ask why Manfred wanted to get Neve a gift, probably too afraid of the answer. It didn’t occur to them either that Manfred could feel obliged to Neve for gifting him a new coat as a reward when he graduated from his first cycle of apprenticeship. That day Emmrich had given Manfred a gift too, Rook remembered; his first ever magic staff. It had been a wonderful day of celebrations.

A muffled chuckle beside her made Rook turn to her husband. Emmrich’s laugh then turned light and airy, relieved and joyful. It wasn’t often that Emmrich was caught laughing freely, and if the delightful sound of it surprised Neve, it sent butterflies in Rook’s stomach. She was grinning impossibly wide as her lover tried to cover his reciding laughter with the back of his hand in front of his mouth.

Neve looked to the couple with a frown but was unable to hide her own smile. “What’s so funny?”

“Nothing. Just that Emmrich was so afraid Manfred wanted to elope with you he almost gave himself an ulcer” Rook offered, voice singing with mischief.

“Rook!” Emmrich protested. The pink slightly dusting his cheeks was adorable.

“We were worried about the intentions Manfred put behind that gift and obviously made a too big deal out of it” Rook continued explaining more seriously, not minding the glare Emmrich sent her.

Neve raised one thick and pretty eyebrow, visibly judging Manfred’s caretakers.

“Well, can I open it now?” She asked, admiteddly a little amused.

Rook nodded and Neve opened the velvet box under Manfred’s undivided attention. He had observed their exchange but didn’t comment on it. Maybe he didn’t understand everything and was more eager to see what Neve thought of his gift than to understand what all this was about.

A little gasp of surprise escaped the ice mage when her eyes landed on the refined piece of jewelry.

“I understand your worries now” She lowly whispered before she turned to Manfred. “You truly shouldn’t have... but I appreciate it. This is beautiful Fred. I love it”

Manfred let out a victorious hiss, visibly happy with himself. Neve undid her coiffure, letting her long dark locks cascade on her shoulders. She took the hairpin and skillfully twisted her hair around it in a pretty updo. She turned her head both sides and asked. “How is it Fred? Suits me?”

Manfred clapped and cheared, making Neve chuckle fondly at his antics.

Emmrich watched the exchange, arms crossed over his chest, but a smile on his lips. Rook let her hand travel to his thigh and inched closer. “Relieved my love ?” She whispered in his ear.

He sighed through his nose before he gave her a warm smile that lit up his rich brown eyes. “Impossibly so dearest”

[multi-fandom-hoebag]

Regret (Neve x M! Rook)

Summary: Solas is defeated, and the Blight ended. But the choices made to get there were anything but easy, and Rook must carry the weight of those decisions long after the battle ended.

Warning: Contains some MAJOR spoilers

I trusted you.

Neve's voice resonated in Rook's thoughts, an unrelenting echo that refused to be silenced, no matter how hard he tried to shut it out.

I trusted you.

The words hit him hard, sending a wave of pain through his entire body. What used to be a comforting sound now felt like a burning brand, piercing through his thoughts and twisting his heart into a painful knot.

I trusted you, and it got me KILLED!

Rook jolted awake, stifling a scream as he sat up in bed, his skin slick with cold sweat and his body trembling. He shut his eyes tightly, inhaling deeply and clutching the sheets as he fought to steady himself.

Gradually, he opened his eyes to the dimly lit space of Neve’s apartment, a place he had come to know well during the nights following his confrontation with Solas.

Glancing over at Neve, who lay peacefully asleep in the shadows, he ensured she was undisturbed before quietly getting out of bed. He made his way across the room and stepped out onto the balcony that offered a view of Dock Town.

With his eyes closed, he let the gentle breeze brush against his face, tousling his unruly hair. He gazed out at the city, or what was left of it, as his thoughts drifted back to the unsettling dream he had just experienced.

It was the same dream that plagued him almost every night since his team had pulled him from Solas’s prison. The guilt from the events of Tearstone island has haunted him as bad as any spirit, plaguing his thoughts and stabbing his heart each time he remembered.

He looked up at the sky, half hoping to see Assan soaring through the clouds, Davrin shouting from the ground below. But reality was a cruel mistress and reminded him that they were gone, a result from a choice he had made.

They were gone, and no amount of wishing or self loathing would bring them back.

And then there was Neve, the woman he loved, the woman he had inadvertently allowed to be captured and plagued by the Blight by a decision he had made. A decision that was now tormenting him whenever he tried to have a moment’s peace.

He swept his hand down his face, attempting to dispel the haunting image of her being yanked into the abyss, even as her scream echoed in his mind. He had been forced to make heart-rending choices, and even now he still found himself contemplating what he could have done differently to alter the outcome.

He felt Neve inching closer from behind, her arms enveloping him as she pressed her body against his bare back, her chin resting softly on his shoulder.

“You’re brooding again,” she said quietly, her voice soothing and tinged with sleep.

He placed his hands over her arms that were wrapped around his waist and turned his head slightly to press a kiss to her temple.

“Sorry,” he murmured softly, “I didn’t mean to wake you.”

“You didn’t,” she replied, gently unwinding herself from him and stepping beside him. “You had that dream again.” Her words weren’t phrased as a question or a reproach; instead, her tone was tender as she leaned against the railing, locking him in with one of her penetrating gazes.

He nodded, fully aware that there was no use in lying to her. He had long since abandoned any attempt to conceal his feelings from her.

She hummed in understanding, gazing out at the city for a moment before turning to him. “I don’t know what dream me has told you,” she said softly. “But the real me will tell you the same thing she’s been telling you since that day: it was my choice to disable the wards. I knew the risks, and I would do it again without hesitation.” She stepped closer to him, reaching out and cupping his face in her hands. “Besides, you found me. You brought me back, you saved me. You found a way to bring me back to you, even when the odds were stacked against us. We’re both here, and that has to count for something.”

He nodded slightly, offering a tired smile as he met her eyes, his hands coming up to gently grip her wrists as she cradled his face. “You’re right,” he said softly. “We’re still here.”

“I’m always right,” she said, kissing him gently before pulling away. “Now come back to bed, Trouble. You’re brooding so loudly you’ll wake what remains of the city.”

He turned to follow her but paused when something caught his eye. There, tucked in a crevice of the balcony was a solitary gray feather, gently swaying in the wind. He reached out, carefully extracting it from the surface and holding it delicately in his palms.

He glanced up at the sky, a small smile forming on his lips as he watched the clouds.

“Good boy,” he said softly, turning to follow Neve back into the apartment, his heart feeling lighter as he began the journey into the future.