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

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[smartass_captain]

"If it comes down to that being the best option? I'll gladly let you take that job." Jim offers. it is not easy to delegate murder. Feels like Jim's allowing himself to become desensitized to the lives on his hands. But at the end of the day he is One Man and there are so many throats that need to be cut to stop the gods from gaining even more power than they already have.

His arrows are pointed to the Evanuris first and foremost.

"Illario Dellamorte's reputation might be ruined, but the Crows taught you how to sneak and lie and spy, didn't they? You're no longer a Crow, so you're not bound by their rules. I'm sure they won't let you do unsupervised in some respect, but maybe all you need is a disguise. You are Antivan. You can pose as any walk of life with some time and effort. A lot easier than I could. See what you can find."

[the_other_dellamorte]

Illario's eyes flick uncertainly from Rook to the guard in the shadows behind the couches, wondering exactly what Viago and Teia will make of this. Will they approve of Rook's suggestion? He is being kept under lock and key, he has at least two pairs of eyes on him every waking moment, and he doubts that will change.

But if Rook and Lucanis demand he earn his keep, then he will serve. If they send him out, he is no loss to them if he dies. In fact, that is probably a boon.

"Very well. I will sneak and spy, on whatever target you and the First Talon decree."

He is no longer a Crow. It is true. It hurts, but this is the bed he made. And if he can still work like a Crow maybe his life does still have some purpose. It is entertaining, in its way, how he is a man woth no purpose at all, sat opposite a man with a most incredible and terrifying one.

[smartass_captain]

"I'll see Teia and Viago on my way out then. And speak with Lucanis as soon as he's back from his mission, if he hasn't beaten me back to our base already." Jim has kept his explanation of their means of getting around brief. Enough to discourage random people from trying to use the eluvians without one of their party present, or try to destroy them. But little more lest any knives find their ways into the team's backs.

The Lighthouse is meant to be--needs to be a safe space for them to rest. Gather their strength. If the gods or their lackeys find their way there? Jim might as well jump off and save the gods the trouble of killing him.

Though he's not even certain it Would kill him if he did. But it is his last resort plan. Either escape into the fade or die rather than be taken prisoner.

"Expect a missive before tonight." Rook drags his hand through his hair, further messing it from its styling. He wishes he had more coffee but truth be told he doesn't need it the way he jitters. He's been running on it as bad as Lucanis has for the last week.

[the_other_dellamorte]

Illario is used to working at pace. He can travel fast, on foot or on horseback, or sail if he must, although that hardly gets you anywhere quickly. In Rook, he can see a man who shares that: who has had to move very fast to try and handle everything thrown at him, who has not one contract on the go but several dozen, and it is taking its toll. It isn't hard to see that, if you are used to looking at people. It worries him that while Rook is capable, intelligent, and reflective, he is also working himself to death. Should that catch up with him before the job is done, who will take over in his stead? Lucanis? The other Warden? The Tevinter detective?

Whatever hide-out their saviour returns to, Illario hopes someone else will be on watch. He hopes Lucanis will spot all the signs Illario has, that despite all the things Lucanis must also contend with, he allows Rook to rest, at least for a few hours. That might not stave off the long-term effects, but perhaps it might make the man feel a little better in his own skin.

"I will await your orders," Illario says, as he puts his cup back on the tray, careful not to let concern into his voice. He dare not ask for Rook to rest, to wait till dawn to send out the missive, because he knows that time is of the essence. He knows too, that their relationship is not that sort: they are not friends, he is merely an agent for Rook and Lucanis' will, and even then, not trusted with anything sensitive. Even so, as Rook looks like he is ready to depart, words jump to Illario's lips unbidden.

"Be careful. Not just of the dangers you face, but what you put yourself through."