#illario appreciation

[lemonina00]

Illario appreciation week day 4 😍

Brought to life by @captastra 💕

Here we go. I chose one of the alternatives for today.

Here's Illario on his day off, enjoy the spa 😂

I originally only meant to redraw the "spa day cat" meme, but then I also added an extra panel😊.

Credit for the original meme to whoever made it.

[turidtorkilsdottir]

Golden Gaze

My fifth entry for Illairo Appreciation Week by @captastra

Day 5: Skinny Dipping/Bathhouse (NSFW if you squint)

Read on AO3 or below (750 words):

Illario stretched his neck with a quiet sigh while he made his way through the bathhouse of the Dellamorte estate. It’s been a long day. Too many faces, too many fake pleasantries, too much wine. Well not for him, but certainly for some of the other guests of his grandmother. Inviting all the Talons and selected nobles usually ended in a disaster of some kind, yet to his surprise everything went well. Now though, he needed a moment of silence.

It was in the middle of the night, most of the guests had withdrawn to their chambers already. Some alone, some with a companion. Illario envied the latter because his bed would remain empty tonight. Not for the lack of opportunity - he certainly had some interesting gazes wandering along his body tonight - but for the lack of interest on his part. The few people he would have actually been interested in were out of reach and if there was one thing he did not need in his life, it was being rejected.

And so he decided to find some warmth another way, in peace, now that he was finally alone. Or not? A sudden splashing sound made him stop, being on guard and interested at the same time. Had someone had the same idea as him maybe? With nothing on but a towel around his waist he slowly walked on, trying to find the source of the noises in the dim light of the candles around the pools. Not long until he spotted her. Realising she had spotted him already as well. Of course she had.

“Andarateia Cantori,” he spoke, his lips curling into his usual lopsided smile. A smile he knew some people called fatal.

“Illario Dellamorte,” she gave back, not even bothering to act surprised, “And now that we’re done calling each other by the name, what comes next?”

Her confident tone caused something in his insides that he could not quite name yet. But he liked it.

“Care if I join?” he asked, feeling his smile growing wider.

“If you must,” Teia gave back drily, yet there was a hint of amusement in her expression as well.

“Oh I certainly do,” Illario said, before he removed the towel with an almost dramatic gesture and kept standing in her view just that one second too long before he stepped down into the pool, sitting down across from her.

Teia huffed, “I certainly didn’t expect to see this today.”

“Oh?”, Illario smirked, “But it’s not too bad, is it?”

Now the seventh Talon laughed. “Fishing for compliments, are you?”

“Not really. I fear the chances for that are rather slim, at least with you.”

“Smart boy,” Teia commented.

Illario tilted his head to the side, searching her eyes and holding her glance when he said. “I am. And skillful, too.”

“Oh, I see,” the cunning woman said, approaching him slowly, “You’re trying to seduce me?”

“Is it working?”, Illario huffed, feeling his heartbeat quicken at the thought.

Teia smiled. Her beautiful, almost black eyes half-lidded and seductive, her full lips slightly parted and so inviting to be kissed, the soft skin around her shoulders perfectly smooth and just a delicious foreshadowing of the rest of her body. Nimble as a cat she came closer and closer, making him shiver in anticipation. He felt her palm on his knee and swallowed as her sweet scent twisted his senses.

And she moved even closer with her face, shifting to the side a little, to whisper one word into his ear: “No.”

With an amused smirk she withdrew, leaving him breathless for a moment, before he cleared his mind and regained his composure. Yet before he could utter a witty retort, she suddenly stood up in front of him. Stark naked, the contours of her body so perfect in the candlelight that it took his breath away once more. All too slowly her own hands followed the droplets of water that ran down along her skin - her breasts, her stomach, between her legs - and Illario almost lost it.

“Such a pity that you can only dream of all this,” she breathed, before she stepped out of the pool and wrapped herself in a towel.

“Rest assured, I will dream of all this tonight,” he said back, glad that his subconsciousness was still able to come up with clever words.

The seventh Talon laughed, “Good night then,” and left him alone with an image he would not be able to forget so soon.

[tarasmom]

Chapters: 1/1 Fandom: Dragon Age (Video Games), Dragon Age: The Veilguard (Video Game) Rating: General Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Characters: Illario Dellamorte, Lucanis Dellamorte, Caterina Dellamorte Additional Tags: Poetry, illario's inner monologue, the wigmaker job references, one for silence, my cousin's keeper, illario appreciation week Series: Part 1 of Illario Appreciation Week Fics Summary:

Caterina taught Lucanis and Illario a little poem. Sometimes Lucanis likes to say it while he works. But Illario has been working on his own version.

Set prior to events of game.

[teyrnacousland]

I think Illario being a companion and getting the little compliments the other companions give when they get a kill would fix him. A couple of times hearing 'wow, nice shot Illario!' every time he does anything and he'd get better

[witsserviceablesubstitute]

Basically canon, but I headcanon Bellara sneaks around hoping to overhear more tidbits of Neve and Lucanis' life to jot down for story inspiration. I should've taken her to 'Blood Bath' where Zara let slip the nature of her and Illario's relationship. She'd have eaten it up.

I can believe Neve didn't disclose the significance of 'amatus' because she didn't want to touch the mess. Bellara, though, an avid reader of pulpy serials, lover of sexy romances, hopeless enemies-to-lovers enjoyer... She'd know what 'amatus' means and she'd gasp in audible scandal and delight.

[viagostalons]

Illario Appreciation Week: Praise Kink

It started on the battlefield.

Great hit, Illario!

Illario, your plan was flawless. 

Thank you, Illario. You were amazing out there. 

Seems the Demon of Vyrantium has some competition!

The words sprinkled over time left Illario embarrassed and red in the face. At first, he didn't believe them. They sounded like a way to placate and keep him in line. He did his best to ignore them and move on. And then the words started to leak into other places. 

“You know, Illario, I meant to thank you for your insights the other night,” Emmrich said during dinner. “Your knowledge of Thedas history is astounding. I don’t mean to embarrass you but I wish I had pupils as dedicated as you in their studies. And you were doing it for fun!” 

Illario felt the telltale of a blush rising up from his stomach to his chest, neck, and face. He only managed to nod and offer a polite smile. He hoped and waited for the conversation to move away from him. Eventually, he was sure it would return to his cousin. The perfect Dellamorte. The golden son. 

“Dedicated to studies and assassinating?” Davrin asked and his grin was a bit light with alcohol. “He sparred with me earlier and I’m still sore. Where have you been hiding your cousin all this time, Lucanis?” 

Lucanis chuckled but didn’t reply. Illario stared at his plate. He was torn between feeling humiliated and proud. It was an add place to be; he wasn’t used to this much praise. The way it made him feel lightheaded and warm all over. Worse, he felt another gaze, heavy, which he tried to ignore. But it was impossible to ignore Rook for long. Eventually, Illario glanced up and his eyes locked with violet. 

“Davrin is right, Lucanis,” Rook said but his eyes didn’t leave Illario’s. “You undersold Illario to us from the gate. He’s been quite the asset, I’d say.” 

Lucanis cleared his throat, seeming uncomfortable. “The Illario I know didn’t like to work, so this is all new for me, too.” 

Illario broke his eyes away from Rook but only so he could shoot daggers at Lucanis. “I work.” 

“Flirting is not work, cousin.” 

“I do far more than that,” he hissed. “You’ve never appreciated anything I do, Lucanis. Your friends are kinder to me than you’ve ever been.” Illario shoved his chair back and stood up. “Excuse me.” 

Enjoy the rest on Ao3

[starsbirdsbabesandsages]

Illario Appreciation Week by @captastra

Day 5: Skinny Dipping

1 day late cause I couldn’t draw fast enough 😞

But does skinny dipping in a pool full of blood and disassociating count���?

[haedia]

Illario Appreciation Week Day 5: Consequences (SFW Prompt)

So, a natural consequence of my previous piece is this one. (Though, this event takes place many years after their alleyway tryst)

Illario has a lot of complicated feelings about family, but he's tentatively hopeful for what it'll be like to have his own.

[ceeface]

Happy Illario appreciation week. Quickly drew up a comic showing how Illario is the only person who is allowed to bully his cousin.

Day 1 - Cousin's Keeper

[amarmeme]

I'm trying to live a normal life, but my thoughts keep boomeranging to Illario after the events of DATV, being on a sort of semi-house arrest with Viago as his warden. Rook's there, as a de Riva crow, just watching him, judging, but then also getting way too invested in seeing this loser get back on his feet again. Because it wasn't that long ago when Rook was on the outs for doing something that was selfish (even if it helped others whereas Illario was helping himself).

Rook was on their knees and kicked out for a good year. They've been called idiot by one of the few people they care about more times than they'd care to admit too. Maybe if Rook had been part of the plan against the Antaam, they could have helped in a way that didn't wreck everything. Maybe if Illario could have convinced Lucanis to do something about Caterina's blind favoritism ...

Anyways, I just think de Riva Rook might be a bit sympathetic to Illario. They both try hard and fail, while Rook might just fail upwards a bit more than Illario.

[lemonina00]

Illario appreciation week Day 2 😍

Here we go....😏

I chose the NSFW prompt "lingerie" for today and did another meme redraw😅🩲.

@captastra I hope you like this one😊

The original meme of "lingerie man" dates back more than 5 years ago, according to imgflip. Credit to whoever came up with the hilarious original! 😅💯

[turidtorkilsdottir]

Golden Thread

My sixth entry for Illario Appreciation Week by @captastra

Day 6: Sharing Clothes - can't decide who wears it better 😄

Mods by @lemonina00 / VP and edits by me

[murderspice]

Day I. Cousin's Keeper | Praise Kink

PHEW I MADE IT shout out to @captastra for putting this together (you can find the prompts here!) and to @highend-fade for enabling me and my fresh cadllario rot <3

▪──── ⚔ ────▪

"So."

"So?"

"You and my cousin."

That was the very start of the conversation, so blunt it nearly made Cadfael laugh aloud. Lucanis was precise with everything he did, exceedingly so. Even in a relaxed setting like this one, within the lighthouse library, he arrived armed with only his silver coffee cup and a schooled expression.

Rook didn't say anything in response, but he did turn from his sorting of the bookshelf to lean against it and prompt Lucanis to continue.

"You two seemed…very close, last night."

Ah, right. They did say their goodbyes right outside the Cantori Diamond, after Illario had given him a personal tour of Treviso. Goodbyes that were…charged.

(They hadn't kissed, but it was a very near thing. Cadfael still didn't know if the ache in his chest could be called mistrust or longing.)

Still, something about the way Lucanis said it made Cadfael want to bristle on instinct. He crossed his arms in front of his chest. "Alright, sure. Let's run with that. Am I about to get a shovel-talk? 'Break his heart and I'll kill you, Rook'?

"Rook." Pin-point precision, yet again, giving Cadfael pause. "You are my friend. And I have trusted my cousin with my life more times than I can count."

"…But?"

"And," the Crow corrected gently, eyes focused on a knot in the grain of the wooden table in front of him. "He is very good at what he does. And, I don't want to see you hurt."

That was the last thing Cadfael wanted to think about. He wasn't naive to it, not at all— from the very beginning, he knew that Illario was an assassin who used his charm to lure his marks. Illario wasn't shy about his work, and Cad was pragmatic enough to brace for the inevitable asking of a favor that may follow one day.

It didn't stop him from wishing, foolishly, that he could have something nice for himself, just this once.

The lighthouse continued its low humming symphony of magic in motion around them, even as the conversation went silent. Neither of them looked at each other for some time, Cadfael eyeing the bookshelves restlessly as Lucanis nursed his cooling coffee mug with a mirroring tension in his shoulders.

They had come a long way from that horrific extraction from the Ossuary. Had this conversation happened a month ago, they would've been throwing knives, literally and figuratively. Now…

"Alright." Cadfael started, forcing his hands to relax where they clung to his own arms. "I trust you, Lucanis." He cracked a grin for the other, even if it didn't completely reach his eyes. "Thanks. For the warning."

Lucanis quietly studied his face, before leaning forward in his seat with a sigh. "There could be a chance. I could be concerned for nothing, and you won't need that warning. A small chance, but…it is there. It's been…I don't know how long it's been, since he took a real interest in someone else. My memory's still…rusty. Muddy? Mierde."

Cadfael snorted, which earned him the assassin's rueful smile.

"If it does turn out that way, somehow, then…" He swirled the last dregs of his drink, putting on the gravest tone of voice he could muster. "Break his heart, and I'll kill you, Rook."

This time, Cadfael did laugh aloud.

▪──── ⚔ ────▪

[the-font-bandit]

Illario Appreciation Week: Day 3

Night on The Town

"So, you come here often?"

(thank you @captastra for organizing the event!)

[nyx-de-riva]

Illario Appreciation Week, Day 2: On a Contract

So I might've turned this prompt a little spicy, can't help myself. Also violence and blood in this.

He could physically feel the muscle in his jaw twitch as he gave the couple next to him the side eye. The only one that gave any indication that they felt his stare was Nyx, who leaned back towards him subtly, a silent reassurance that this would be over soon. Illario gnashed his teeth together, hailing the bartender so he could get another drink. Something not too strong, but enough to try and drown out the jealousy.

A contract they were given together, mandatory from Viago and Caterina both. They were dead set on breaking Illario and Nyx up and this was just another attempt to do so by forcing Illario to watch the target flirt and spew indecent innuendos towards his boyfriend.

The man wouldn’t have much longer though, no. Illario would have his due, and he would take great pleasure in sinking a dagger directly into the man’s throat. Or maybe he’ll be more brutal, use his hands and snap his neck like he’s nothing. The possibilities were endless. One thing was for sure though, this man was already dead.

The only saving grace was the fact he got to watch Nyx in action. He was a completely different person in the field, especially when it came to how he tricked others to let down their guard. Nyx complained about having to seduce the target, citing that he was terrible at it; but Illario begged to differ. There was a mesmerizing air about Nyx when he put on an innocent, clueless facade to draw even the most hardened noble in. Most humans couldn’t bear the thought of such a naive elf not warming their bed. It was almost amusing in a way, to watch his lover twist a man around his little finger with an ease that even Illario felt a little envious of.

But the only bed Nyx would be warming tonight was his. Illario did not share, and he intended to show it. Illario nursed his drink silently, lifting the glass and swirling the liquid around, examining it. Anything to keep his attention off what was happening next to him. His hand clenched around the glass so hard he felt it creak under the pressure. Nyx’s laugh was far too saccharine sweet, tinkling like a bell in this drab crowd around them. Everyone turned towards the sound, like moths to a flame, and it was beyond entertaining. Nobles were predictable, as always. Put a small, cute elf in their vicinity and they become like rabid animals around a fresh piece of meat. Tripping over themselves to earn favor and take him home.

“Don’t suppose you’d like to slip away for the night?” The target’s voice was low, deep in a way that screamed fraudulence. An act to woo Nyx in a terrible attempt to take him home. Illario couldn’t help but snort into his drink before he tossed it back. As soon as they were up and out of the room, Illario would soon follow. Nyx knew exactly where to take the man, how to do it. Usually Illario had no issue allowing his lover to take care of the target as well, but he wanted the kill this time.

“I have a room already waiting. Though if you can’t wait that long-” Nyx’s whisper was excited, eager. Illario could hear the impatience underneath all the bluster, having spent years and years learning the elf’s tells. He wanted this contract done just as much as Illario did at this point. “I know a spot where no one will find us.”

Nyx’s breath hitched and Illario knew for a fact that the bastard was touching him in some way. A hand on his thigh, fingers grazing along where they shouldn’t. Illario would relish in the way the target's blood splattered on the cobblestone in a few measly minutes. Illario bowed his head slightly, pushing his glass away a little more forceful than what was necessary. The bartender sent a nasty look his way but he paid them little mind.

Nyx and the target stood up together and Illario could see hands larger than his settle snugly on Nyx’s waist and it looked fucking wrong. He only glanced their way for a few fleeting moments, as though surprised by their sudden movement before he went back to staring down at the bar. He had to be patient, he couldn’t make a scene. Not now. They were so close. Even though the target was kissing his way down Nyx’s cheek to his neck. Nyx’s neck was sensitive, but the man didn’t know that. Would never know that, not after tonight.

It took everything in him to remain sitting as the minutes ticked by. He would definitely be talking with Viago about this once they got back to Treviso. He would be getting more than an earful. It would be uneventful if a dagger wasn’t pulled. If he had the option, he would kill Viago for the many times he decided his and Nyx’s relationship meant nothing. But he knew Nyx would never forgive him for such a thing.

Illario sucked in a deep breath and wiped his hands on his pants before he stood. He wasted no time trailing after the couple, his gait growing more predatory the closer he got to his intended destination. The dagger in his boot felt like it was burning him and he ached to pull it out before he even reached them, but he refrained for now.

His restraint wouldn’t last much longer though if what he surmised was happening was actually taking place. As he reached the double doors to the veranda they planned to take the target to, he could already tell before he even opened the door that his suspicions were correct. An exhilarating rush of possessiveness shot through him like lightning as he threw open the doors and took in the scene.

Nyx, pressed against the railing of the veranda, shirt haphazardly billowing in the gusty wind. There were those hands again, now against his lover’s bare skin. His nostrils flared and he noted the man hadn’t heard him enter, too busy sucking marks into Nyx’s neck. His Nyx.

Illario lunged forward, all caution thrown to the wind as he grabbed the back of the man’s neck with one hand and hauled him off the elf. He let out an undignified squeal and Illario savored it. It was almost child’s play at this point. Illario lifted his leg, unsheathing his dagger from his boot before flipping it with ease and burying it into the man’s side.

His scream fell on deaf ears as Illario pulled the dagger out then plunged it back in with a soft hum. He then let the man fall to the ground and pointedly stepped over his body towards Nyx. The elf’s eyes only darted down to the man for a few seconds before he was planting both hands on the railing and staring up at Illario with half-lidded eyes and a sly smile. How had he become so lucky as to fall in love with someone like this? Illario didn’t deserve Nyx sometimes. He plucked his bloody gloves from his hands and discarded them on top of the target’s writhing body.

“I’m sorry I took so long,” Illario murmured as he crowded Nyx back against the railing and slotted their bodies together snugly. “Hope I didn’t miss much.”

Those purple eyes met his and it felt like the whole world was there, sitting directly in front of him. Nyx was everything, staring up at him with such devotion, such hunger.

“Just me thinking about how badly I want you against me rather than that bastard,” Nyx replied as he clamped a hand on the back of Illario’s neck and yanked him down so their lips could meet in a heated kiss. Illario wrapped an arm around Nyx’s waist, fingers trailing up and down his side tantalizingly. He shoved his tongue into the elf’s mouth and reveled in how he let out a small whimper. The kind only reserved for him.

“P-please,” the familiar sound of groveling brought Illario back to the present and he broke away from Nyx, a thin trail of saliva following his mouth. He smirked down at Nyx. “Please, I’ll do anything. Pay you anything, just please… please! Don’t kill me!”

Illario clenched his teeth, his annoyance flaring with each word from the target’s mouth. He turned to look down at the man in disdain, watching as he futilely pressed a trembling hand to the wound in his side that was steadily leaking out blood onto the stone below. It wouldn’t be too long and he would succumb to the blood loss alone.

“We don’t take bribes,” Illario replied flippantly, taking a step closer to the prone man. He crouched down into a squat and his face morphed into a snarl, all teeth and contempt. If he really didn’t mind blood on his clothes, Illario might’ve grabbed a fistful of his hair just to remind him who held the cards right now.

“You touched what’s mine,” he growled out, voice deadly low, “and I don’t take kindly to that.”

“I-I didn’t know-” the man sobbed out pathetically, voice hoarse from screaming.

“Nyx,” Illario called softly and the elf joined him at his side. He looked up at Illario questioningly. Without a drop of hesitation, Illario locked lips with Nyx once more, making a show of how easily he could unravel his lover with a few well-placed touches and a practiced tongue. By the time they were finished, Nyx was practically a puddle in his grasp, panting with flushed cheeks and his erection pressed against Illario’s inner thigh.

Illario tossed a smirk towards the barely conscious man on the floor, his blood lapping at Illario’s boots from their close proximity. He lifted his leg once more, quietly aiming his boot right above the target’s head.

“By the way, the Crows send their regards.”

The last thing the man would ever see was the bottom of Illario’s boot.

Give me kudos on AO3!

Thank you @captastra for hosting this!

[zwitter-iconic]

Illario Appreciation week prompt 2: On the job

This one is much shorter than my prior so I'll just post it here and is mostly just a contract. It was fun to write Illario embracing his sly nature. Roughly 935 words. This is an assassination contract although Illario kind of glosses over the man's death so it's not super explicit.

Thanks for @captastra for the prompts for the week.

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

The party was thrumming with life, no one was aware of the death hiding in their midst. Illario moved amongst the rest, his smile warm and friendly even as he scanned for his target. It was late enough in the night that the merchant ought to be deep in his cups. A few appreciative gazes followed him as he moved through the crowd. A few assessed the cost of his costume, no doubt they would find it suitable. He’d asked Vignola for her best, and as always she provided. Resplendent in silks colored white and red, with a gold filigreed columbina mask glittering with rubies. 

When he spotted the young woman for whom the ball was being held he approached. Idalia Pesci, daughter of Isacco Pesci. Her dress was almost garishly adorned with emeralds. The heavy brocade had to be weighing her down and she had a sheen of sweat on her brow even as she smiled at her guests. Her father was his target, and the best way to get his attention and get him alone was through her. Approaching her he bowed low to her,

“Might I have this dance?” His eyes glittered behind his mask. She smiled with delight at the handsome stranger choosing her to dance with and readily took his hand. Her chaperone looked uncomfortable but before they could voice a complaint he was pulling her away to the dance floor.

“Now cara mia who do I have the pleasure of dancing with?” He purred, letting his hand drift scandalously low on her back. The girl giggled, smiling up at him.

“My name is Idalia Pesci, although if you are here I suspect you knew that.” She smiled, “What can I call you?” 

“Matteo,” He purred, spinning her on the dance floor and feeling that they were gaining attention. A sly glance out of the corner of his eye proved Isacco had set down his brandy. Red-faced and furious as he watched a man paw at his daughter on the dance floor. Got you. 

“Matteo?” She trailed off, asking for his last name as he pulled her in close, 

“Why ruin a nice dance with such formalities?” He teased and she laughed, seeming to enjoy his attention.

“Very well then Matteo. I fear it shall just be one dance unless you give my father your name. He is seeking a good match for me.” Idalia admitted and Illario smiled, 

“As one would for a lovely woman of your age, but do you want what your father deems a good match?” he teased, “Or would you rather have some enjoyment?” Her breathing picked up as he drew her close to his body. She was attracted to him, no doubt, and as they danced she seemed more and more entranced.

So Illario released her at the end of the dance, bowling low and respectful,

“Perhaps we shall dance again, Idalia.” He chanced being personal enough to use her name and she seemed to preen.

“Of course, Matteo. Perhaps you shall tell me your family name, the next time we meet.” If you are lucky we will never meet again. Instead of saying as much he caught her hand and drew it to his lips to kiss her knuckles. It was brazen, to do so in front of so many without being formally introduced. As such Isacco leaned over to the man at his side and whispered something. Illario released Idalia and retreated, giving the girl one final wave as he moved to the more secluded part of the party.

“Master Pesci would have a word with you.” The gruff voice had him turning, feigning a slightly afraid demeanor. 

“I-I meant no offense. I did not realize it was Master Pesci’s daughter.” He lied and the man took his arm in a bruising grasp,

“We shall see.” Tilting his face down, Illario hid his smile of triumph as Isacco’s man led him to a solo meeting with the very man he was here to kill.

Isacco was a strong man in his mid-50s, hair greying and beard full. If he hadn’t swayed on his feet Illario might have said he was in control of the situation. As it was, he did. His weakness was shown through his drunkenness. Illario kept up the fearful act even as he was made to kneel before Isacco. Bowing his head in mock shame the man holding him retreated.

“You may leave.” Isacco drew a blade and Illario fought down a grin at the thought he truly believed himself Illario’s equal. 

“Of course Master Isacco.” The man retreated and only once he had did Illario feel the cold kiss of steel on the back of his neck.

“Any last words, pig?” The man growled and Illario glanced up,

“Only that the crows send their regards.” He didn’t give Isacco a chance to respond as he buried a knife into the femoral artery. Upon withdrawing it the man collapsed, bleeding out within a few heartbeats. Illario managed to avoid the worst of the spurts as he rose back to his feet. Looking down his nose at Isacco he sneered at the man.

Dropping the blade, marked with a crow sigil, he moved to the wall of the pavilion and began to climb up. He’d go home, get his payment, and be back to a new job in the morning. For a moment he mourned that the outfit Vignola made for him couldn't be used again, not without the chance of being recognized, but such was the way of things. She would make him others. He would kill in those, too.