#oc: alectris mercar

[rajakaen]

Let me introduce my notRook Veilguard OC Verinius Sabelis Phalban. He goes by many names and is a byproduct of @jukkaricity's recent dive into Thedas and can usually be found alongside her also notRook OC Alectris Mercar. Jukkari gave him a voice, the game gave us the looks while I gave him his personality and so V has ended up as a full-fledged character over time. A & V are Blorbos by Proxy ❤️

TLDR Intro Version

Verinius is a brilliant, socially inept mage who exists in his own world of books, Minrathous fantasies and blood magic experiments. He has the talent of a prodigy and the social instincts of a brick, managing to alienate everyone around him except his cat, Andoralis, whom he insists is the only living creature worthy of his full attention.

He is utterly convinced that Minrathous represents the pinnacle of civilization, despite barely engaging with its people beyond what is strictly necessary. His mind moves too fast for most and when people fail to keep up, he either ignores them entirely or offends them without meaning to.

He has no regard for the legal or ethical concerns of magic, specializing in blood magic (purely for research, of course, tho his own blood is another matter entirely) and storm magic (which builds up when left unused for too long, resulting in frizzed hair and sparks discharging at inconvenient moments).

Alectris is the only person who comes close to truly understanding him, though her return to his life comes with a sharp reminder: she is not going to let him get away with talking to his cat more than actual people.

Background & Introduction (before the Veilguard)

To an unknowing observer, Verinius might appear to be the most Tevinter mage among Tevinter mages—at least slightly snobbish, accustomed to comfort and absolutely in love with Minrathous, or rather, the idea of the city he has cultivated in his imagination for years. The truth, however, is quite different. He comes from a small village near Marothius, deep within the Hundred Pillars, far from the empire’s beating heart. His family has owned an apple orchard for generations and while his magical talent may have elevated their status to Laetans, little has changed for them since he left for the Circle. Not that they mind—his parents and siblings take great pride in their work and are content with their peaceful life.

Veryl’s magic surfaced early—wild, untamed and far beyond what his family could hope to manage. With no other mages among them and little understanding of such power, they had few options when the inevitable summons arrived. A Tevinter child, especially one crackling with barely contained lightning, was never going to stay in a remote village. The decision was out of his parents' hands and by the time he was five, Verinius had already been sent to the Circle at Carastes. There, he trained for several years before being transferred to Minrathous at twelve, where his potential was deemed better suited to the capital. The move, however, came at a cost—Minrathous was far from home and distance meant that visits became rare, his connection to his family reduced to letters and memories.

And so Veryl spent most of his early life within the Circles, his world shaped not just by their walls but by what it meant to be a mage in Tevinter. Yet the structured pace of learning tested his patience; too slow, too rigid, never deep enough and constantly disrupted by the distractions of his peers. Carastes was more than happy to send him to Minrathous, where both his potential and his troublesome nature would become someone else’s concern. Lacking natural social graces, his background was working against him. While others fit in with ease, he often felt like he was speaking a language no one else understood—quite literally, in some cases, as his tendency to over-explain resulted in more than one awkward silence. It never stopped him from trying, much to everyone's dismay.

During his years in the Circles, few things had ever gotten under his skin, but meeting Alectris in his late teens proved to be an exception. Unfazed by his unpolished personality, she quickly became a constant thorn in his side—one he was surprised to find himself growing fond of. Eventually, a Magister recognized Verinius’ potential and claimed him as an apprentice. Verixsus brought him to his estate, pulling him into a far larger world. The rigid life of the Circle gave way to a more demanding, fluid apprenticeship, but with it came a privilege: four visits home each year instead of one. And no matter how much Minrathous holds his heart, it never truly dulled the pull of home—not that he ever spoke of it much.

Like him, Alectris left the Circle, though she chose the army instead. Over the years, their friendship became quieter; distance and duty dulling what had once been constant. He never quite stopped missing her, but life in Minrathous had a way of swallowing time and before he knew it, years had slipped away. He got along well with his master, but a mentor was no substitute for a best friend—Alec had been the only one who could truly keep up with him and he missed her. The void she left was filled by a stray cat he found on his master’s estate. Or rather, the cat found him and decided she would adopt him. From that day on, Andoralis became his ever-present shadow, named after the day she entered his life.

Eight years passed before Alectris finally left the army and returned from her deployment in Seheron. She could hardly believe what she saw. Verinius had grown utterly fixated on his cat, perhaps too much for her liking—holding entire conversations with Andoralis as if expecting her to reply and acting as if her approval was of the utmost importance. Alectris had always known he was eccentric, but this was a new level of absurd. Worse, he had begun experimenting with volatile magic and had become adept at blood magic, making no effort to hide it. His methods, however, are unusual. While others wield blood without hesitation, he could never quite bear the sight of his own. If asked, he’d simply say fresh blood gives him headaches. Instead, he collects samples with eerie calm, studying ways to preserve their potency—never considering how unnerving this might be. To him, spilt blood holds no more weight than splattered ink.

Still, his time with Magister Verixsus had done him some good—his temper had evened out, he no longer openly insulted people for their lack of magical understanding as often and he carried himself with the easy confidence of someone who had long since stopped caring whether or not people found him strange. But beneath the polish, Alectris could still see flashes of her old friend—the insufferable know-it-all, the stubborn streak a mile wide, the way he lit up when talking about something that truly fascinated him. And despite years of silence, their friendship fell back into place with ease. As if no time had passed, Alectris slipped into her old role as a constant bother and Veryl, to her great satisfaction, responded exactly as he always had—overly dramatic, easily excitable and entirely unable to get rid of her.

Veryl can most often be found surrounded by books and vials, either studying magic (the less commonly available, the better—legality is not a concern) or completing his daily tasks as a scribe and Magister’s apprentice. He has an unfortunate talent for saying precisely the wrong thing at the worst possible moment, whether through tactlessness, sheer obliviousness or a total lack of concern for social norms. His magical expertise is undeniable, specializing in practical and constructive applications of blood magic, as well as a highly destructive form of storm magic for those rare moments when force becomes necessary. He can go from zero to vaporization in less than 0.3 seconds. He's eccentric and peculiar in both his interests and his mannerisms, somehow managing to offend whoever he speaks with or embarrass himself—often at the same time. The fact that his main conversation partner is Andoralis certainly does not help his predicament.

Verinius should, by all rights, be quietly buried in books somewhere, bothering no one but his cat. Instead, thanks to Alectris and a dragon with extreme renovation ideas for Minrathous, he’s now neck-deep in the Veilguard’s chaos. Meanwhile, our poor Rook (a dwarven Warden) is left juggling world-ending threats, blighted nightmares and—because the universe clearly hates him—two more walking disasters. At this rate, Wolfram Thorne will have to save Thedas by next Tuesday or risk losing the last shreds of his sanity.

For those interested in the BG, it's a paraphrase of the codex entry art on 'Dock Town Intel: The Place Itself'. It was solely created for practice and to give V and his cat a thematically fitting bg to stand on.

[jukkaricity]

Companion banter with Alectris - Davrin edition

Alectris starts off on a wrong foot with Davrin. Or maybe he just thinks he already knows who he is dealing with.

She's run of the mill arrogant Tevinter mage, he's a self-righteous Grey Warden. Nothing to see here, or is there?

First banter upon having both Alectris and Davrin in party

Davrin: So. You’re a blood mage. 

Alectris: Excuse me?

D: Oh, come on. You’re a Vint. Nobility. And military. No way you’re still alive and never did blood magic. 

A: But of course, every day. Before breakfast too.

A: Watch that overgrown chicken of yours. He might make a great sacrifice. 

D: You wouldn’t dare try. 

A: Tell yourself that. 

***

Follow up banter upon having both Alectris and Davrin in party

Davrin: I knew a blood mage Vint one. 

Alectris: Oh? This better be good. 

D: Yeah, couldn’t get him to stop yapping. Never met anyone so sure they’ll make First Warden. 

A: The charmer Rook met before didn’t look like a mage. Do tell me what happened. 

D: He didn’t live through the joining. 

A: Don’t worry Davrin. If I get blighted you’ll be the first to get a stab at me. 

***

Alectris: So, how did the Wardens resurrect an extinct species? 

Davrin: It’s Warden business. 

A: So blood magic? 

D: That’s not what I said. 

A: Blood magic. I knew it. 

***

Triggered post combat

Davrin: You’re not so bad with the sword. 

Alectris: Tevinter might be all about magic, but the military has its own requirements. 

D: So those wild swings came from your tutors. 

A: At least I had tutors and didn’t take my stance lessons from a squirrel. 

D: Well, it has served me well so far. 

***

Davrin: I don’t know of many mages that are so eager to stand on the front line. 

Alectris: Setting your enemies on fire is great. Getting them down with a sword? At least as satisfying. 

D: I could agree with that. 

***

Alectris: Tell me about your monster hunts Davrin. 

Davrin: Why the interest? 

A: Ah, am I not allowed a bit of curiosity? 

D: No, if I don’t know the purpose. 

A: Maybe I want to start a monster killing career after it’s all done. 

***

Lighthouse banter

Davrin: So, you weren’t joking when you said you wanted to kill monsters for coin? 

A: Oh? Where is this coming from? 

D: I saw you reading the guide back in the library. 

A: Since the professional was not willing to share his secrets, I looked elsewhere.

D: Leave that book, it will get you killed. I’ll give you some tips. 

[jukkaricity]

For Alectris this is a complicated story.

She has her parents still, but they have a rather complicated relationship. She comes from a Laetan mage family with long traditions. They might not be connected to the dreamers, but still they've been part of the high society for generations. She also has 4 older siblings, all of them mages, all of them already showing the signs of magic by the time time they were 6 years old.

In the mean time Alectris has only shown signs of magic at 12, which by that time has caused strains in her relationship with her parents that they never really got over afterwards.

It is not that her parents do not love or care about her, however she simply never was what they hoped for and it was somewhat an embarrassment to have a non-mage child. By the time she was nine they family was done waiting for her and it was agreed she'll be given over to the Templars as a second best thing that she can be. This is why she got her swordsmanship lessons in the beginning, leading her to ultimately being a spell blade.

Anyway, when she was nearly 12 and her parents where preparing to have her move to the Order's barracks she was arguing with her eldest brother Laetor and in an emotional outburst set the curtains in her room on fire. She singed off one of his brows too. He has not fully forgiven her for it all these years later. What she was hoping would turn her relationship with her parents however turned into yet another point of contention, as they now expected her to "catch up" to the level of proficiency she "should" have at this age. Most of her extracurricular activities were suspended except for the swordsmanship, which was only allowed after one of her uncles has spoken to her parents about letting her have "this one thing".

There's more but I think I'm oversharing, so all this to say that yes there's a whole load of mutual resentment and unmet needs and expectations between Alectris and her parents.

Are her parents proud of her? To an extent, even if they don't fully approve of her life choices and would probably not say so unless it sounds good in a social situation.

Do they speak regularly? Yes, however one can't say Alectris is thrilled about the monthly dinners.

Will they meet with Lucanis and the rest of the Veilguard? Probably, at least with Lucanis, but it won't be any time soon after they get together and she'll make sure Luc has appropriately low expectations about her parents and any possible "approval" from them.

Heeey Howdy! 🤠 Happy Friday!

How it works: I ask you a question about your Rook(s) and you answer it with as much brevity or verbosity as you desire. You can do this whenever you want, and I’ll reblog it + add some comments! There’s no time limit— if you want to do the older ones, they are collected here! (The post is updated on Fridays!)

1/24/25– I schedule the RIH posts out one per hour between 8:30 am - 10:30 pm MST. I already have posts scheduled out for most of the day today, so your rbs will be a bit delayed! Thank you for your patience !

Today’s Question(s): Does your Rook have parents? If not, surrogate parental figures/mentors? Do they like them? Do they resent them? Are Rook’s parental figures proud of them? Do they talk to them regularly? Have or will they meet your Rook’s LI or the other members of the Veilguard?

Answer as much or as little as you like! Have fun?

[jukkaricity]

Companion banter with Alectris - Neve Gallus edition

There's a lot of professional courtesy and personal curiosity between Neve and Alectris. They've never worked together in their time with Shadow Dragons, but Neve has met just about enough ex-army people in Dock Town to have some preconceptions and Alectris has read enough papers about the Dock Town detective to have some expectations.

First banter triggered when Alectris and Neve are in party. Triggered after the Venatori encounter. 

Alectris: Didn’t expect you to vouch for me to make it on the team, Gallus

Neve: Well, I didn’t. Tarquin did. 

Alectris: Really? Does he really want to get rid of me so badly?

Neve: I think he’s trying to keep you out of Venatori reach.

Alectris: We should tell him he’s doing a terrible job. 

***

Triggered if party is in Treviso 

Neve: So I’ve heard you’ve been to Seheron. 

Alectris: I wouldn’t put it this casually but yes. 

Neve: Then you must know some tricks about dealing with the Antaam. 

Alectris: Aim for the knees first. When they’re your height it’s easier to hit the head. 

***

Random trigger

Alectris: I’ve heard from Bellara that you’ve made it into papers a few times.

Neve: You know how it is. Gossip sells well in Minrathous. 

Alectris: Must have helped you with your work? Get you more desperate and unlucky clients? 

Neve: We both know there’s no shortage of those in Dock Town. But it did help with getting jobs from Magisters. 

Alectris: I hope you don’t do charity work for them. 

Neve: No, they get triple the rate. If they’re nice. 

***

Random trigger

Alectris: It’s been a while since I worked with a team. Good to have another Shadow Dragon. 

Neve: Don’t tell me you’re sentimental. 

Alectris: snorts Forget I said anything.

***

Triggered in Minrathous

Neve: Since we’re here we should stop by Halos. Best fried fish in Minrathous. 

Alectris: Fried fish? I think I’ll pass. 

Neve: On Halos? You don’t know what you’re missing. 

Alectris: I ate more fish pockets than should be possible. Never gonna look at them the same anyway.

***

Follow up banter

Neve: I’ve been wondering what turned you off from the fish pockets? 

Alectris: A… food safety incident. 

Neve: Bad evening after some rotten portion? 

Alectris: Asphyxiation. Turns out Fog Warriors like adding poisonous fish into food stands. 

***

Alectris: I got you that invitation.

Neve: Thanks. 

N: Not gonna ask why I would need it? 

A: Can’t imagine anyone in their right mind wanting to participate. Which means it’s a job, so the less I know the better. 

N: Keeps her word and doesn’t ask questions? Where have you been my whole life? 

***

Neve: Do you know anyone named Cornel? 

Alectris: I used to, but it was a long time ago. 

N: Tall, dark hair? A scar behind his ear. 

A: It depends who’s asking. 

***

Neve: About Cornel. He’s got a sister, Clara. She’s looking for him. 

Alectris: Clara? But he said… Listen, I make no promises but I’ll ask around. We haven’t spoken in years. 

N: You can just point me in the right direction. 

A: I’m sorry Neve, but it’s best if I keep these contacts to myself. 

***

Alectris: Any word from Clara? 

Neve: She sent her thanks. From Rivain. 

N: But I think you already knew that. 

[jukkaricity]

Companion banter with Alectris - Lace Harding edition

Alectris and Harding get along like a house on fire, despite their backgrounds and upbringing being as different as they could get.

Alectris: Did I get it right? You worked for the Inquisition? 

Harding: Yes! I’ve done a lot of scouting for them, seen most of Southern Thedas. 

A: You have to tell me all about it. 

*depending on Inquisitor’s race*

(qunari) A: Is it true that the Inquisitor was a Qunari spy? 

(elf) A: I heard that the Inquisitor was Dalish and could shape shift!

(human) A: Someone said that the Inquisitor was actually a Tevene Dreamer? 

(dwarf) A: The Ambassadoria said that the Inquisitor came from a forgotten Thaig!

H: What!? No!

***

Harding: You’re with the Shadow Dragons, right? Like Neve? 

Alectris: Somewhat, yes.  Have you met Lorelei, the front? My shop does something similar. 

H: Your shop? 

A: My family has owned the place for a few generations. Don’t get hung up on that. 

***

Alectris: Lace? Is it true that you only have surface dwarves in Ferelden? 

Harding: What do you mean? If a dwarf sees the sky it makes them lose their caste, so they come up and live on the surface. How else could it be in Ferelden? 

A: Well, the dwarven embassy is carved deep into the ground beneath Minrathous, some of the emissaries never leave the deepest chambers. 

H: You’re kidding? I thought that Tevinter only respects humans? 

A: I guess the desperate need of lyrium puts things into perspective. 

***

Harding: Do you ever get tangled up between your sword and the magic? 

Alectris: I’m sorry? 

H: I mean, do you sometimes mix your moves up? Throw your sword instead of a fireball? 

A: *laughs* Doesn’t really happen anymore. But you should have seen me flailing when I started. 

A: You’re dealing with this new magic thing way better than I did. 

***

Harding: Have I heard some lute from the armory? 

Alectris: I… No, surely not. Maybe someone playing in the kitchen? 

H: I might have believed you if I wasn’t there at the time. 

H: Sounded really good too! 

***

Alectris: So… is It true that magister Dorian Pavus was part of the Inquisiton? 

Harding: Yes! He was part of Inquisitor's inner circle! Traveled with the team nearly everywhere!

A: *laughs* I cannot believe this. Dorian Pavus, his fancy clothes and even fancier mustache in the Ferelden wilderness. 

A: What would I pay to have seen it. 

***

Harding: Alectris! When did you learn inquisition songs? 

A: Some of them I knew before, just had no idea where they came from. 

A: A few others I had to ask around for. 

H: That’s amazing! Oh, we could have a singing evening instead of the book club!

H: Do you have a favourite song?

A: Oh, yes. I like that song about a certain Inquisition scout. 

H: What? No!

***

A: Scout Lace Harding…

H: Yes? 

A: Swift and cunning…

H: Stop it! It’s embarrassing! A: Her arrows cut you down to size H: If you don’t stop I might as well! 

***

H: Do you know how to dance? 

A: Yes. And whatever your next question is, no. 

H: I didn’t even say anything!

A: I know. But no, I’d give my leg to a dracolisk before I agree to anything. 

[rajakaen]

Spellblade, Soldier, Shadow Dragon - Alectris Mercar

She's @jukkariart's standalone companion for Rook and is coming with a lot of backstory and lore, fitting seamlessly into the game itself.

Sketch concept based on provided screenshots :>

[rajakaen]

Spellblade, Soldier, Shadow Dragon - Alectris Mercar

I really enjoyed getting back to traditional media, tho it seems I don't bring the skills to tackle human portraits with ink, pencils and markers. I fucked up hard and wasn't fully able to salvage this drawing. Alec belongs to @jukkariart and she's her standalone companion for Rook. This Lady comes with a ton of story revolving around her and the Veilguard crew. Go check out Jukkari's blog to get more content :)

[jukkaricity]

Companion banter with Alectris - Taash edition

Vint and a survivor of Seheron Alectris has... strongly rooted preconceptions about Qunari and their trustworthiness. While she can appreciate Taash' skillset, she'd prefer to chew her arm off than try to make friends.

Taash luckily is not the type to be bothered by somebody else being an idiot, so they figure it out after some time.

Taash: Hey.

Alectris: Hey. T: … T: Stop staring. 

A: Old habits.

***

Taash: Hey mage. 

Alectris: Hey, warrior. 

T: You need to stop throwing magic from behind my back. Or at least stand somewhere where I can see you.  

A: Good advice. One I’m not willing to take. 

***

Taash: You’re a mage. 

Alectris: Yes. 

T: But you’re also a soldier. 

A: Indeed. 

T: I thought mages in Tevinter rule, not go to war. 

A: What can I say? I like subverting expectations. 

***

Alectris: Hey. You’re the one staring now. 

Taash: I’ve been thinking. 

A: Gods preserve me. About what? 

T: There are some metals I can’t melt. 

T: Do you think if you’d add your fire we could get through? A: I suppose… No. Forget it. 

***

Taash: I’m Rivaini. You know that. 

Alectris: You have not failed to mention as such. No need for a reminder. 

T: Kay. 

T: Just making sure you see a distinction from the Antaam on Seheron. 

A: Why would I? 

***

Alectris: So, Taash, what was the best loot you ever found. 

T: A dragon statuette. She was all made of gold, rubies for eyes. Heavy too. 

A: Did you keep it? 

T: Nah, had to melt it to split the shares. It was the only thing we found. 

A: Shame. 

***

Taash: Mage. 

Alectris: What is it? 

T: Why do you use a sword? Mages don’t use swords. 

A: Well, I do. And at least a few others that I know. 

T: That’s crap. Mages use staffs. 

A: Well, I’m sorry to make your life more complicated. 

***

Taash: Hey. 

T: Why don’t you wear snakes? 

A: Not my thing. 

T: But you’re from Tevinter. Everyone wears snakes. 

A: I do have a dragon tattoo or two. No snakes tho.

[jukkaricity]

Writing prompts from Codex Prompt list. Continuing this little exercise with prompt 22, a guide entry about Seheron, annotated by Alectris, who has spent about 2 years there as Tevinter soldier.

22. An entry from an encyclopedia/travel guide about an aspect of Rook’s background (Bonus: followed by a note from Rook supporting or refuting its accuracy)

A page from “Illustrated Guide to Thedas”: 

No man of sound body and mind would travel to the Island of Seheron. Not only has it seen more devastation and war than any land in known Thedas, it is still a harshly contested battlefield between the Tevinter armies and the Qunari. The land is covered in thick vegetation of unknown origins, much different in size and color from what a civilized visitor might expect. This jungle is never silent and filled with creatures of most contorted shapes. The unnatural fog covers every inch of this place, it is commonly believed that the Maker has placed it upon the land to prevent humans from entering this forsaken place and we continue to defy His wishes bringing only more curses upon the island. 

Among all these it is also the land of the Fog People and their mysterious spirit warriors. Little is known of these natives, for they are wild and savage, knowing not of the Chant nor written language. They live among the trees and bushes with no homes or cattle and feed on what they gather from the land. They are cursed by the Maker for defying His will and it is believed that they can control the island's fog against any trespassers. 

*there’s an ink splotch on the page as if someone hesitated for far too long before making the annotation* 

Load of bullshit. Might as well say that trees walk, dogs are blue and ships escape on land to frolic in the moonlight. Seheron is weird and dangerous but this is ridiculous. 

And the locals deserve better than this. Maybe we should tell Davrin to start on a Guide to Thedas when he’s done with his bestiary. - A

[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” 

[jukkaricity]

2 and/or 10 for the rook and their partner asks? If you havent done them already :0?

Thank you for asking <3

(Answered 1, 2, 5, 6, 10, 13, 14, 17, ask list -> here)

2.When does the partner realize that they're in love with Rook?

I think some time between killing Zara and the Inner Demons the reality of his feelings has settled in. It’s not that Lucanis never had a crush before, but with the whole possession, imprisonment and end of the world events he didn’t really have the time to overthink the type of feelings he might have caught for Alectris.  By the time that he actually did think about it, it was too late and the sneaky mage was already firmly established as part of his routine.

Never trust Vints, man, you blink and you can’t live without them.

10. Do they have any nicknames for each other? Who uses terms of endearment more?

Alectris is not exactly someone who likes cute nicknames or terms of endearment, she usually just goes with “Luc” or “Muffin”. The second one mostly because she thinks it’s funny and seems to catch him off-guard every time.

As she picks up some Antivan later on she adds Pastelito as the ultimate term of endearment to use to get his attention or get him to agree to whatever she wants.

On the other side Alectris would swear that Lucanis simply has a new cute nickname for her each time they speak and even as time goes on she seems to never really fully get used to it.

[jukkaricity]

Hi!! If you're still answering questions for the Rook & their partner ask game, 14 and/or 17? <3

Thank you so much for asking! I may have gotten carried a way a bit. It is also a bit late, so I hope I'm making sense. 14. Does your Rook get their partner any other gifts (besides the one already in-game)? Does the partner get Rook any? Any gifts that are particularly special?

Alectris is more of an action type of a person, so her first instinct is to do things for Lucanis. Grabbing all 15 empty coffee mugs to wash them, making sure his knives are sharpened, that the shopping list is checked and completed whenever she has the time. When it comes to gifts specifically she’s a rather practical gift giver and Lucanis gives her an endless headache. She knows yet another set of knives is impersonal and unnecessary, but she struggles to convince herself to buy a silly wyvern figurine she saw at the Lords of Fortune shop. (She did buy it in the end. Still not over the fact someone might appreciate a dust-catcher, but if he’s happy she’s happy) Other than this she tends to get him books or new yarn, before he has an opportunity to notice he’s running out of it. 

Out of the two of them I think Lucanis is a lot more of a gift giver, and a bit of a magpie at that.  A blown glass lamp she mentioned off-hand once, check. A new dagger to keep close after the old one sank in a river after a fight with Darkspawn? She didn’t even have the time to worry about it. A new hand made scarf made out of deep purple yarn? No, Tris, don’t mention it, he wanted to make something out of it anyway.

17. What is your Rook's favorite thing about their partner? What is the partner's favorite thing about Rook?

I think she would find it hard to pick one thing, but I believe Alectris really appreciates his resilience, the amount of shitty things that happened to Lucanis since the time he was a child would turn pretty much anyone into a cynic and an asshole, and yet here he is knitting and cooking for his friends. How could she not love him? 

From Lucanis I think he just loves that she’s unapologetically herself. It took her a long time to get here, a lot of disappointed people and broken expectations, but here she is now and people can take it or leave it. And she treats him and Spite the same way. Things might not be ideal or how they could have hoped for, but it doesn’t mean they can’t do the best they can with what they have.

[jukkaricity]

Hey! 6 and 13 for the Rook and partner ask game, please! 6) What is their favorite thing to do together? Do they share any hobbies? Does your Rook teach their partner their own hobbies? Does the partner teach Rook theirs? 13) What song(s) do you associate with them?

Hello! :D Thank you for asking! <3

6) Alectris picks up some cooking skills from Lucanis, she's not a completely lost cause, but she very much prefers to simply hang around him cooking and helping with simple things rather than taking on more complicated dishes.

She does teach him how to play the lute however and he's a lot better than he gives himself credit for.

They often spar together ("Let's see if I measure up to the mage-killer standards" Alectris tends to say) or they each just do their own thing with the other being around.

13) I'm really terrible at picking songs, but I'd say 'Stay a little while' by Amaranthe suits them really well.

[jukkaricity]

Hi! 1 and 5 for the Rook + partner asks!

Does your Rook fall for their partner at first sight? If not, what moment made your Rook realize they're in love with them?

Alectris: It was definitely not a love at the first sight, more he's suspiciously nice for an assassin. Alectris has had a couple flings in the past but she's not a romantic nor does she really believe in happily ever afters. It was creeping up on her with passing days that she simply never felt so comfortable with another person.

Hugo: He definitely develops a crush on Davrin in under 5 seconds seeing him in that canyon. I mean, have you seen that guy. At the same time Hugo has had a few crushes and short-lived relationships before so he would rather not think that it's some sort of "love at the first sight" experience. The "aha" moment was definitely during the siege of Weisshaupt and seeing Davrin about to make the sacrifice to kill the archdemon.

5. Do they have different cultural backgrounds (e.g. a Rook who was raised in Antiva with Harding who was raised in Ferelden)? If so, do they ever share parts of their culture with each other? If they're similar, how do they celebrate their culture together?

Alectris: She comes from Tevinter so it's not so different from Antiva, but Alectris would say that Antiva seems a lot more relaxed and friendly than Minrathous could ever hope to be. She tends to default to whatever holiday traditions are most common in Antiva, but she always makes a point of visiting her family for Wintersend.

Hugo: Hugo is a city born elf and while he's never had much interest in the Dalish and their customs, he's more than happy to learn what Davrin has to say. Especially about halla, they are the greatest thing right after pocket knives if you'd ask Hugo. At the same time he makes sure to bring Davrin to any major holidays in Antiva, especially the Satinalia, because if nothing else antivans know how to throw a good party.

[jukkaricity]

Yay! Rook storytime! 7. Rook being taught an important skill.

Sorry Anon for taking this long, I didn't ignore you just failed miserably to write anything good enough. ;_;

Rook story time prompts: [here]

Here's a short story about Alectris reflecting on her learning experience in less then perfect circumstances. Thank you for asking! <3

They chased desperately through the thick foliage. Leaves, branches and bending roots slowed them down, threatening to catch in their clothes and drag them to the ground. The twisted creations of Ghilan’nain were closing in. Alectris sensed it more than saw or heard it, the ominous rustling of the leaves just above her head. Her heart was pounding and the midday heat clung to her skin. Despite the danger a memory flashed in her mind, image clear as if it happened yesterday. 

—

“You won’t need it until you will.” Sylas was pacing lazily waiting for her to stand up again. The sun hung high upon the sky, a stark reminder of time passing. He was maybe twice her size and always looked to be halfway between bored and amused. She hated him with every fiber of her 14 year old self. She had waited each week for their lessons. 

“This is useless!” she spat out frustrated. She was supposed to be good at this. 

“You’ll be useless if you get yourself skewered like a Wintersend roast pig, little mage” he must have enjoyed it a lot she thought dusting off her knees. A Soporati like him could never speak to a mage this way. Unless of course they were teaching them. And it was a secret. 

“Stop calling me that.” Alectris grumbled, but she put up her stance as usual. It was Sylas or nothing and she was not about to lose the only lessons she was actually interested in taking. And he knew it. Smug bastard. 

“Then stop acting like you are.” he chuckled, pointing his training sword at her.

She shook her arms and started again. Uppercut, lower cut then feigning another low to turn and try from the other side. Like all wealthy kids with more ego than practice she was painfully predictable. He stepped aside and smacked her under the knee with a wooden blade sending her face first into the dirt. 

“You gotta start using your head if you want to stop eating dirt.” Sylas poked at her with the tip of his training sword. She looked up to him with a mix of anger, frustration and disbelief. 

“You’re not supposed to do it like this!” she growled and spat, in a vain hope she’d get the sand out of her mouth. She sounded offended somehow. “Ah, yes, if someone is about to stab you with a sword they will certainly care a lot about the decorum and whatever rulebook your teachers made you read this week.” he shook his head. “No, if you are taking this at all seriously then forget about the books.” He couldn’t make out the words she mumbled in response but he was sure none of them would be something her parents would have been proud of. 

She glared at him from under her fringe now wet from sweat. She spun the sword in her hand and started again, a different combination this time, keeping her moving for quite a while longer. This time when he managed to sidestep her, she managed to catch his sword before it hit her leg. She tripped over her own feet while trying to pull that off. 

“Ah, snail’s pace. But an improvement” He chuckled watching her regain her balance. At least she managed to keep standing this time. 

Another series of tries. Each becoming more desperate than the next, as if she was trying to throw everything she knew at him to see what would stick. Admittedly, not much did. Sylas found her growing frustration amusing. 

New strategy, uppercut, lower cut, side step, feign to the right, uppercut from the side and this time when he saw an opening to stab her in the back she was turning around already. A gleaming shield took form to catch his sword but it was half-baked and sent a shockwave through both of them on contact. Sylas stumbled a few steps back as she landed on the ground once more. 

“Thank. The. Maker. I was getting tired of repeating the same thing over and over.” he smiled watching her straighten up. “A couple more rounds and maybe you’ll stop flailing like a noble.” “Didn’t do me much good” she grumbled back, but the spark in her eyes gave her away. 

The sun was low on the horizon casting long shadows on the courtyard, as his swing finally got properly blocked by a magical barrier. They would have to get back to this lesson again, but for now he was satisfied. She got the hang of it pretty fast. At least when she finally pulled her head out of her spoiled ass and thought about it. Perhaps this was a better lesson than anything else they achieved that day. 

—

She didn't have the time to take her eyes off the trail before her. The growling was close. Sharp claws piercing the bark just above. The magic coiled, then stretched, as she threw the spell right behind her back, without thinking twice. The shield lit up the air in sparkling red and orange tones. What was possibly once a Shriek plunged head first into the unexpected obstacle. Its gigantic claws dug into the spell releasing the tightly wound up magic into a minor explosion tossing the creature back. Alectris never had a chance to give it a closer look and she had a hunch she didn’t want to. 

As she made it to the edge of the jungle, the sun was low on the horizon, painting the sky in shades of red, long shadows sprawled on the sandy beach. She flexed her fingers trying to catch her breath. 

“Maybe it did me some good in the end” she murmured before joining the rest of the team quickly hauling themselves into the boat waiting just off the shore. 

[jukkaricity]

Hey! 37 for Alectris on the Rook Story Time prompts!

Hello, thank you for asking!

It took long and things got out of hand and I'm still working on it, but in the mean time here's Alectris being totally and completely innocent and she's never been involved in such outrageous activities, pinky swear and Thedas scout's honor.

“Oh, disorder and disruptions? No, no, I don’t believe I would have ever gotten myself into such an… unsavory situation. What would someone like me even do at a riot?”

“Kill? A Templar? Maker’s word, why would I do such a thing, you poor bastards have enough on your hands as it is.”

“Have I ever heard of Shadow Dragons? What, do you think I’m illiterate? The Shadow Dragons and the infamous Viper, pick a paper at any corner and you’ll read all about them. I do not believe I can tell you more than what you’ve already read.”

“No, Knight-Lieutenant, I don’t think I’m being evasive or dismissive, but I do have a lot of work to do. The shop will not run itself and there is always so much more to be done. If you’re here to accuse me of anything, do tell, otherwise I am afraid I cannot help you much further. Unless you’re looking for a better enchantment for that sword?”