Veilguarding - an open post for DAV AU shenanigans

[smartass_captain]

It's a tough job, but someone's got to do it. Masterpost for Dragon Age Veilguard AU overflow + psls

Comments

[the_other_dellamorte]

Reaching for Jim, Illario's fingers stroke through his messy hair, smoothing some of it and making it fall back into the way Jim has it—or at least an approximation of that.

It's good to see him so content. He's still sleepy, but he's warm and safe. The hollow darkness under his eyes is not quite so bad, but it will take a few weeks of good sleep to ease completely. Gods, he wants that for Jim. He wants it more than he knows how to say in words.

He kisses his love gently, a soft brush of lips, and lets his half-lidded eyes rest on the other man. Illario doesn't have his makeup, skin care products, or hairbrush; he is just here, all angles. But he still feels beautiful when Jim looks at him like that.

"They didn't tell me. So I suppose I am here as long as you want me."

[smartass_captain]

It's sweet how well Illario knows Jim's habits by now, despite them having not had the opportunity to share a rest with the other more than a handful of times. He wonders how long he was under observation before that while out in the field. At least in Antiva. Probably Tevinter also. Strangely, he doesn't find the thought disconcerting. He finds it comforting. Illario wouldn't hurt him.

Jim knows that.

This beautiful man who has followed Jim into a hell of the life expectancy of a Warden. Someone Jim cannot bear to lose.

"Well I'd never give you back...if that was th'case. I'll have to check with Evka in a day or so. I want you here helping us. You belong here with me. With Lucanis, if you want to make up with him."

[the_other_dellamorte]

Illario and he have never had much time together- but what they have had mattered. Illario had always tried to make it linger, when at first Jim was visiting him for Lucanis' peace of mind, Illario wanted to learn all he could about the mysterious Rook. Not as a thorn in his side but as a man, a person. Then, when their romance really began, he tried to do his best to provide what Jim was missing- some luxury, some attention, some rest.

Some things don't change, it seems.

"You don't have to give me back. I could stay. I want to stay." He offers softly, although he appreciates that the decision is beyond Jim's control. Evka will have the final say, and while she seems sweet on them, especially Jim, she may have to put their long history aside and do what is best for the Wardens, now that their numbers are so much smaller.

In the end, Illario supposes he will do what seems right at the time - even if that goes against orders. He has never been all that good at obeying commands, after all.

"Come on, dormiglione. You do need to eat something. And have some coffee. What if I make it for you?"

[smartass_captain]

"Mmmh. I know you do. I want that too." Jim clings a bit to Illario for a moment. Maybe if he agrees to send Illario and Davrin (and himself) to the wetlands on mission more often to ease the burden of their patrol schedule. Brings more supplies. Something. Anything. There has to be more Jim can do. "But we owe them and they're....they're friends too. Gotta keep our allies safe."

He knows that. But it doesn't make letting go of Illario any easier. Jim just wants to be selfish. He sighs and sits up when he's urged to.

"That sounds good. I'd crawl outta bed onto broken glass for some coffee right about now."

[the_other_dellamorte]

"I think you would do that for coffee at any time, amore mio." Illario teases, and even as Jim sits up, he doesn't try to move him, doesn't hurry him along any further, just lets the man adjust to wakefulness at his own pace.

"I have an idea of what supplies might be most needed, not just by the Wardens but the people in the village. We can take them there," if I have to go back is unspoken, but perhaps the slight hesitation in Illario's speech makes it clear what he was thinking. "But until then, would you be happier if I got up, found us some breakfast, and brought it back here? With coffee? It would give you a little more time to wake up."

[smartass_captain]

Jim smiles a bit wider. He must still be sleepy yet, to be so easily read. But then, it's also true that Illario knows him better than Jim knows himself some days. He nods to the offer.

"No, I'll get up and come with. If you're heading out then I've got no reason to lounge around. I'll do some stretches and check over my letters while you figure out breakfast." Nothing that would be overdoing it. A small attempt to not jump out of the gate now he's slept and right back into the fray.

"I'd like to take stock of who's here at the lighthouse at the moment. Where everyone is on their tasks. Give you an idea of what life looks like here." See if Illario even wants to do this kind of work.

[the_other_dellamorte]

"I prefer cooking when there's something to look at." He teases when Jim suggests doing his stretches, and with a final firm kiss to Jim's mouth, Illario gets up. He's still in some of his clothes from Lavendel, and while he has brought a small pack woth him, there wasn't much in the way of clothes in it.

On a job, he's used to wearing the same clothes a couple of days in a row, going without his beauty regime if he must. As a Warden, he's learnt to go longer, learnt to deal with the fact he's run out of his shampoo. He's hit pan on his highlight. He's running out of kohl. So while he catches a look at himself in the reflection of the aquarium glass, it doesn't make him uncomfortable anymore. He only pauses and puts his hair back up, so no one can play with the long strands but Jim.

"I won't so no. I have a little bit of an idea how you do things but- well. You're no Crow. I'd like to see how it's all organised." He admits, when they're heading out toward the kitchen.

[smartass_captain]

Being here at the Lighthouse will be good for him. A chance for him to interact more closely with the people Rook leads. They need to see the man Illario has become. No longer an enemy, working with Venatori for his own feverish aims. No longer even a Crow with their contracts and shadowy allegiances. Though they aren't his preferred colors Illario wears his warden recruit gear proudly and well. He walks with confidence despite a more modest appearance.

It will do well for Lucanis especially to see him like this. To know what it means to see Illario without his makeup. Sporting even the barest traces of stubble on his handsome jaw. Illario Dellamorte has changed. No one can deny this. And seeing Rook emerge from his room well rested and with the shadows haunting his eyes lessened considerably, can anyone argue it is not for the better?

"Rook. Was beginning to think we'd have to start without you." Neve's commentary isn't as icy as it once was, months back. She seems genuinely relieved to see him up and in good spirits.

"What, and have me miss out on all the fun? I'd bitch at you for weeks if you had." Jim returns, his voice going low for just a moment around a languid roll of his neck and shoulders to pop the joints and relax into the stride of the morning where he follows Illario out.

"Illario and I are going to grab breakfast and then we'll meet up in the main room. Alright? Can you tell the others?"

[the_other_dellamorte]

Illario doesn't entirely feel at home with the others as yet- especially not Neve, as glamorous as she is, make-up perfect, bails painted and beautifully shaped, skin flawless. He feels a little bit self-conscious as Jim speaks to her, keeping a step or two behind his man. It isn't that he doesn't want to work on his relationship with them all, but he isn't washed, he's not dressed.

He's also well aware that Neve will probably still see him as a Venatori blood-magic user.

"Good morning, Ms Gallus." He says softly as they part, giving her a polite nod before letting out a breath and relaxing somewhat as he reaches for Jim's hand, winding their fingers together.

"Doesn't she terrify you?"

[smartass_captain]

"Good morning." Perhaps reacting to his hesitation, Neve chooses not to stick around and chat the sorta-Crow sorta-Warden up for the time being. But she spotted the way he took Jim's hand for comfort. That part seems to be genuine. Interesting.

"Who, Neve?" Jim turns and glances over his shoulder at the mage retreating while they make for the double doors leading to outside. "You get used to her. And ah. If you haven't been outside here yet. Stick close to me. I had vertigo for about a week after we first got here..."

Jim shoves open the doors and brings Illario out into the open Fade where the Lighthouse grounds spill out. The rock feels steady underfoot, but by all appearances they're Very High Up no matter what edge one looks out over.

"I can point out where everyone's staying on the way."

[the_other_dellamorte]

Not having to chat is a relief. He could perhaps have managed it with Taash or Harding, or the professor. They seem more inclined to forgive him, because he's good for Jim, or at least he makes Jim sleep. They probably aren't totally trusting of him yet, and that's good. Sensible. But Neve? Davrin? Lucanis? He dreads having to face them, especially when he doesn't have any of his usual shields to hide behind.

"I don't think she wants to get used to me. And I don't blame her..." He murmurs, as they get closer to the doors. Whatever he's expecting isn't this, the buildings around the ruined courtyard, the giant Fen'harel statue, the crowd of buildings surrounding the ruined cobbled courtyard. The buildings surrounding the courtyard that just... float. As does the little island with a tree on it. And a greenhouse. And-

"We are in the Fade, aren't we?" He murmurs, staying close to Jim despite the urge to go look at the edge, just to see what might be down there.

[smartass_captain]

"Don't be too quick to judge. She's got some...interesting. Allies. Back in Tevinter." Jim claps Illario on the arm and then leaves it there to lead the man off gently. There's a vicious, selfish part of him that says it doesn't matter what the others think. But Jim knows he has to be reasonable. He's got hope that the others will understand that the former Crow has changed.

Just like Lucanis wanted when he asked Jim to look in on Illario's rehabilitation.

He slows when he can feel Illario lagging. Just stands next to him to offer support. Andraste knows he certainly felt unsteady up here the first couple of times he went outside. Until he got used to all of this.

"Yeah. Sure are. A stable section of it though. This is...was? Solas' old safe house."

[the_other_dellamorte]

Illario seems about to make some comment about allies being entirely different to obvious enemies, but he doesn't get a chance with the courtyard revealled to him and the revelation of where they actually are.

There's a soft curse in Antivan, and while he stays close to Jim, he isn't overly frightened. He does turn, looking back up at the main Lighthouse building, the gold glittering in the light, the spinning, turning tower absolutely incredible- and he is well used to Minrathous' floating buildings.

"Its incredible." He says, looking back to Jim and then glancing towards the nearest edge, the one by the path towards what looks like a greenhouse. He steps towards the edge, sure-footed as a cat, and peers over the edge.

"Cavolo sacro di Andraste- there is nothing down there, is there?"

[smartass_captain]

"Right? You're handling this better than I did." Jim says with a slow grin. His vertigo had been so bad he'd had to sit down on the steps with his head between his legs for a little while there. It took weeks before he stopped getting dizzy every time he came out. And now that it's passed? Jim loves strolling out here. There's such a sense of majesty and peace he can't get anywhere back in Thedas.

As if they'd jumped out into the stars themselves and found a little home just for themselves. Not that time ever appears to move much in there.

"Neve theorizes there might be something down there. Emmerich says that Down may be subjective...but the collective opinion is to not throw anything to test it lest we end up raining a stone on some unsuspecting sod halfway across Thedas by accident. Or ourselves. Bellara mentioned that might be possible if the space was cyclical."

[the_other_dellamorte]

Illario might, at that moment, have been considering dropping something just to see how far it went, where it got to, but at Jim's words he sighs and straightens up. He's got no fear of heights- in fact, heights can't hurt you. Nor can falling. It's the ground that does all the damage, but people walk on it all the time. He will have to explore it. Perhaps with some rope, and a strong anchor, he can get over the side and see what is below the Lighthouse itself... maybe Lucanis might be willing to help with that.

"Rather than drop a rock- maybe a handkerchief? A note?" He asks, as he goes back to Jim and links their hands together again. "If it falls from the sky, it's not about to kill someone. Although I suppose the wind might take it somewhere." A shrug, but then another thought dawns. "Maybe it won't go anywhere- is time even passing here?"

Might be a question to ask the more scholarly ones, but if the light doesn't change... well. He doesn't know. This is very much outside of his remit.

[smartass_captain]

"Now that's a good idea." Jim claps Illario on the upper arm with an enthusiastic grin. He leans over next to the other to peer down into the swirling abyss of the Fade with an inquisitive sort of nod then backs back up again, "Make sure you let the others know when you try it. I"m sure at Least all the mages are going to want to take notes."

"Me...? Well I reckon Taash and Harding are going to want to take bets instead. I just want to see how it all works out."

With a tap at Illario's arm, Jim gestures further back to the furthest building from the lighthouse on their little isle.

"This is where the dining room and food stores are. Lucanis spends most of his time here. He never admitted to it, but it's the furthest place in the Lighthouse away from the Eluvian, so if Spite acts out...we've got time to stop him. Less of a problem these days, but old habits die hard."

[the_other_dellamorte]

"I might simply give them the idea to try- I don't know if they wpuld feel comfortable-" he begins then drops the matter, and instead offers a little bit of a smile. "I was thinking of taking a rope and going over the edge myself. Just to have a little look. We call it discesa in corda doppia- I've never found out what the Common translation would be."

He doesn't know if that idea will excite or worry Jim. Perhaps both. But as his love taps his shoulder, Illario takes his hand again and heads with him toward the building opposite.

"It looks defensible. Only one- ah no, two doors. It is very much the nest he would pick even before... everything." Illario murmurs, trying not to let the idea of before Spite choke him. He has ruined so much. But he tries to put a brave face on it. Jim has so much to worry about he doesn't need to shoulder Illario's too.

"Lets get you some coffee amore. You deserve it."

A good place to wrap? Make room for new threads perhaps *eyes emoji intensifies*

[smartass_captain]

"Abseiling perhaps? Tempting fate, if not." Jim doesn't seem aghast by the suggestion at least. If Anything he seems almost too curious. Probably unwise to put the idea in his head when Illario is going back to the Wardens again. Who knows what kind of trouble Jim could get into without Illario there to help ensure his safety?

"Two doors, but I'm not really certain how anyone would make use of the side door. He stays in the pantry besides. Only one access to that room." Jim hums thoughtfully to the explanation. It makes sense now Illario spells it out. Jim was always more concerned with Spite being the motivator, but it seems like that might not be the case.

"We'll fuel up nice and good and then see what's there to tackle."