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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[the_other_dellamorte]

Caterina is not a soft woman. She can't be, and keep her family alive. And whilst James Kirk is not her blood, the boy has always done as she has asked- applied himself to his studies, kept his reputation and not tried to make any claim on his right as Lord of Ostwick yet. The time will come and the Crows will support him.

Now she wonders if he has come to ask for that support. He's a man now, still young, but ambition blooms in youth. If he has, she may have to disappoint him: the time isn't right. Not quite yet- things are playing out in the Marches and especially Kirkwall and she will not send him into that mess. Let it play out and then they can make a plan.

She does stand, makes her way around her desk and in the Antivan style, presses her cheek to his, then against the other.

"You've grown well, bambino." She says, and the fondness slips into her tone. He's tall, looks just like his father, and has brains of his own. University has been good for him.

"Lucanis and Illario are due to be home by nightfall. They will be as pleased to see you as-"

The sound of hooves hitting the courtyard stoneds floats up through the open balcony doors, enough to make the old woman pause. She makes a slight motion, permission for him to go check who has arrived- as if there can be any doubt when the cousin's voices can already be heard.

"Do you think we beat him home?" Illario is saying, sliding off the back of his horse as Lucanis pats his own mount on the neck, his brown eyes lifting to Caterina's balcony.

"No." Lucanis replies, nodding towards the blond man he can spy there already. "I think not."

[smartass_captain]

Jim's had a few stumbles here and there. He looks ever bit his father's son but has his mother's fiery temper to go with it. Yet from the letters his guard have sent back, James has never gotten into more than a couple brawls. Mostly in his teenage years. He'd shaped up before heading off to he Orlesian University. He greets Caterina back. His smile is no longer the shy boyish one he had when he first arrived. Now it is charming and bright enough to rival the dawn.

He turns to go and look from the balcony when he's allowed to and can't help but to turn that selfsame brilliant grin down onto the courtyard as soon as he spies the others. He turns back with a chuckle so he can make for the door.

"Guess they were impatient for a meal at home, madrina~" Jim jokes over his shoulder as he hurries off back for the courtyard. Once he's thrown open the door he can't help but to stop for half a second. Illario has always been taller than Jim and he still is now, despite hjow he's grown. Lithe and handsome with those same sharp eyes he always had. It's a bit more of a shock to see Lucanis. With his long hair and a better beginnings of a beard than Jim can grow. They've certainly grown more than Jim expected.

Wow.

He catches himself staring and shakes himself out of it to keep moving.

"Illario! Lucanis! You've made it back~!"

[the_other_dellamorte]

"We made it back Lucanis, as if two brilliant master Crows can't handle a few blood mages," Illario says teasingly, after passing the reins of his horse to a stablehand and giving some murmured instructions. He crosses the space to Jim, eyes moving over him, but rather than analyse him like a target for aby weaknesses, any favouring of this side or the other, it's in the proud way of an older cousin, before he pulls Jim into a tight embrace.

"You've grown up handsome," he says, low in Jim's ear as his hands caress the blond's back. "As well as smart. Do you have to beat the Orlesians off with a stick?"

Lucanis isn't far behind, waiting for Illario to release Jim before clasping him by the hand.

"It's good to see you again. You should have come back more often. We've missed you."

"Don't get emotional on us Luca." Illario murmurs, and then plats Jim on the shoulder. "Lets make some coffee. We want to hear what has kept our favourite Marcher so far from home."

[smartass_captain]

"I didn't know you were on assignment together, birichino!" Jim teases right back. His arms wind round Illario without a trace of fear. This is the closest thing James has left to family. The Trevelyan line has certainly never once visited him or welcomed him back home under Their care, after all. He laughs for his cousin's joke and tries not to think about how warm Illario's hands feel on him. Illario was always even more charming than Jim if the letters are true.

"I humored them just enough to find my own fun but I wasn't in Orlais to find a spouse cugino. I was completing my degree."

Its what to do now with that degree in cartography that has the man feeling lost. He smiles just as warmly for Lucanis and grips the other's hand in both of his own when its his turn to be greeted.

"I missed you both every day Luca. But be honest with me, how often would either of you been at home even if I had come back for the holidays?" Coffee sounds heavenly though, so Jim turns with Lucanis and begrudgingly lets the man's hand go so he can follow them both inside. "I already greeted Caterina, so I'll meet you in the parlor once you've finished." He doesn't want their eagerness to get them in trouble because of Jim.

There are protocols for Crows like them, after all.

[the_other_dellamorte]

"So you say, fusto." Illario laughs, with a squeeze. "Can't hurt to have a little fun - I hear that those Orlesian girls don't-"

Lucanis clicks his tongue like a sharp whip and Illario laughs again, not bothering to reveal what Orlesian girls do or don't do. Instead he enjoys watching Jim relax against into the place he fits so well, between him and Lucanis, a spark of golden sunlight between two dark shadows.

"Lucanis gets sent out more than me. He's got himself a fancy moniker now." Illario teases, as they all go up the steps, "They're calling him The Mage Killer."

"I woukd rather they didn't." The older of them says, and then the three split- Illario and Lucanis heading up to Caterina's study, and Jim going to the parlour.

The debrief is much as it always is, but Illario's mind wanders back to Jim throughout and in a rare example of kindness, Caterina dismisses them without asking a ridiculous number of questions. So they head to the parlour, making a brief stop to ask one of the servants to bring coffee, and something harder- specifically something Jim can drink.

They enter the parlour moments later, Illario sliding up against Jim on the couch and Lucanis sinking into the armchair on the other side.

"Here he is, il mio raggio di sole." Illario purrs. "Are you staying all summer? If you say no we'll tie you up and keep you anyway, so think carefully."

[smartass_captain]

"Ohhhh, Illario's in Trouble with Luca." Jim teases with his blue eyes wide and faux innocent. It's as Illario laughs again that Jim's expression grows mischievous and he adds, "Besides, the Orlesian boys are more fun than the Orlesian girls by and large." He gives Lucanis the widest eyed innocent face that cracks into a smirk the second Illario looks at him. A guilty laugh later and Jim raises both his hands in apology and to part with them so they can go and greet Caterina properly.

He's quietly glad as he makes his way into the Parlor to settle into what has always been his favorite spot on the couch beneath one of the large windows. Glad that falling back in with Lucanis and his cousin Illario has been as easy as if he'd never left. They have for so long been his only real friends. Who knew the Truth and still cared after the orphaned lordling rather than trying to use him for their own gain.

He doesn't envy their work as Crows but Jim is a little jealous that the two have been able to see each other much more often than Jim has been able to in the years since. Especially with how handsome they've both grown. Tch. Jim's broken out of his reverie by the pair letting themselves in. His smile softens into one of comfort. He chuckles.

"No need to threaten me. I don't have any new prospects lined up just yet. I'm home on holiday. So I'll be here all summer at least."

[the_other_dellamorte]

"I'd only threaten you with a good time." Illario says brightly, "Lucanis is the only one allowed to give you a proper telling off. Caterina's orders."

Or it had been when they had been small boys and Lucanis had been put in charge of them both when they went on their little adventures. Illario still brings it up, never quite over the fact he wasn't trusted- but of course, considering some of his silly schemes, that's probably for the best.

As it is now he slings an arm around Jim's shoulders and keeps him close. It's the usual intimacy they have always had, and despite being separated by years and distance, Illario isn't letting that stop him.

"If we get you all summer, we'll have to plan something. There's going to be balls Caterina wants us to go to, but we can go to the Funalis parades. Go to Antiva City for a week-"

"If work allows," Lucanis says as drinks arrive.

"We can reschedule things. Or turn down some contracts and let the other Houses deal with them. We have Jim back. That is more important than work."

[smartass_captain]

"And what hobbies have the two of you picked up while I've been gone with what little free time you've got? You'll be pleased to know I kept up with fencing lessons and I've become a deft hand with a bow, too. With all the sitting hunched over tomes and scrolls I do all day a man's got to stay in shape somehow."

It's easy to tease back with Illario like they always have. But it feels less innocent now than it did when they were boys. Jim will have to watch himself lest he accidentally cross a line into impropriety. He shifts subtly to relax into Illario's touch but is grateful for the coffee when it arrives.

The noise he makes to finally have a taste of home is almost obscene.

"I haven't had a good cup of coffee in so long!" James exclaims after a moment. "Every time I get a care package from home it's always the first to go." Lucanis had startled a little for the sound, but offers a rare smile after. Somehow, he can believe James both spoiled himself by using up his proper coffee first and was too humble to ask for more before he got another package.

"We will have to ensure you get sent more then. Unless you are developing an unhealthy addiction. We would not want you to take ill."

Jim has the decency to flush for the teasing but quiets up so he can pay attention to the other two while he sips at his beverage.

"I'll enjoy whatever time we've got together, don't worry." Jim offers quietly. "We haven't seen each other in so long--anything is going to feel like a treat. I didn't come home to insist you two Join me in taking a holiday..." But he would like to see them. He looks hopeful no matter how polite he tries to sound.

[the_other_dellamorte]

"You kept up with both of them? Did you get much of a challenge from the southerners?" Illario asks, delighted that Jim has continued something that they used to do together- even if Jim was a little less practised than the cousins when he first came to live with them. But one thing that has always been true of Jim- he does what he sets his mind to. Illario has always admired that, and frankly, so has Lucanis.

"Looks like it did keep you in shape," Illario says as he pinches Jim's side, which is all lean muscle. "But don't worry, we'll spar with you later."

Lucanis shakes his head fondly, pouring the coffee and handing Illario a cup too, fingers brushing and Lucanis' dark eyes shyly glance away.

"Lucanis has been studying every ancient fighting technique you can name-"
"-And Illario has been studying this season's high fashion."

Illario shrugs, not denying it.

"One of us has to represent House Dellamorte at all the parties, balls and dinners we get invited to. But I think the three of us should go to at least one or two. We can show off Jim, come home so handsome and so smart."

He nudges a knee against Jim's own, smiling at him with immense fondness.

"Don't worry. We will make time for you. We missed you more than you can know."

[smartass_captain]

James waits for the three of them to be alone (he has never quite realized they are Never truly alone) before he relaxes visibly. His posture sags a little, leaning more weight onto Illario now he doesn't have to sit ramrod straight in his seat. He crosses one leg over the other whilst sipping his coffee. Almost inhales it for a second when Illario pinches at his waist but gets back at the other by pressing More of his weight into Illario in a boyish little retaliation.

"Mm. I was eventually told I wouldn't get a more serious sparring partner unless I made friends with a chevalier, though admittedly they have me easier in a duel with swords than if I'm challenged to a shooting competition."

He almost puts his boots up on the edge of the table but a sharp glance from Lucanis has Jim deciding not to push his luck with the other the way he is with Illario. He offers an apologetic bob of his head before he returns to sipping his coffee.

"I'm interested in both, believe it or not. Though am I wrong for hoping Luca has kept up with his passion for cooking...?" Jim's turning big hopeful blue eyes the eldest's way. He really has learned mischief from Illario despite how polite and innocent he seems.

"But! If this season has decent fashion it has been an Age since I've been able to get something nice and fitted and Trim to wear. The Southerners want to wear their entire Draperies on their bodies at all times, I swear."

[the_other_dellamorte]

Illario laughs loud and unguardedly when Jim almost drowns himself with his coffee, not expecting the pinch, and the blond leaning his weight against him isn't unpleasant in the slightest. Its affection, pure and simple, and Illario wraps an arm around Jim's middle to keep him pressed in close. Antivans are a tactile people, of course this is utterly familial. The way his fingers gently caress at Jim's waist is entirely innocent.

"Ah, a knight, hm? As long as you find one from a good house to sparr with you..." Illario teases. But Lucanis quickly cuts in:

"Be careful. Even in friendly sparring accidents happen. The Orlesians are as a rule more about show than substance, but some of them can be deceptively capable. Perhaps leave the serious sparring to when you are home with us."

His dark eyes are full of honest concern and fondness, and he glances away before Jim can look into them too deeply.

"I still cook, yes. Better than before I hope. Perhaps we can make you something to celebrate your return? I think the kitchen is already busy but we could always make a midnight snack..."

"Or a light lunch tomorrow before we drag Jim to a tailor. He must have decent clothes for the summer session."

[smartass_captain]

Tanned skin and long fingers curled against him. James has spent Years seeking out attention and affections from people who never made him feel like he Belonged even half as well as Illario and Lucanis do. It doesn't feel like he's been gone for so long when they fall right back in with each other the moment they're back together. His gaze flits to Lucanis for his concern and it makes his chest squeeze in a way he isn't quite sure how to handle.

"I didn't go hunting down chevaliers for training. It seemed more trouble than it was worth especially for how tense politics in Orlais have been. I took up their sport fencing instead--almost entirely show and no substance--but it was good exercise. Allowed me to hold any kind of a blade in my hand lest I forget how entirely. It's been easier to keep up with archery. I earned a modest reputation for myself in shooting competitions."

James is certain both men will absolutely trip him up with swords despite his practice. But he hopes that with a bow to hand he can show off to them for once. Show them that James is capable with more than just a quill and charcoal sticks.

"We have all summer." Jim reassures them both but his laugh is sunshine breaking through the clouds. "But I am looking forward to it already~"

[the_other_dellamorte]

"Good, you can do better than those pompous blowhards." Illario murmurs, voice low and possessive, his hand still warm and familiar against Jim's side. "They don't deserve you. But I know you like their libraries..." He lets out a little huff, but if Jim wanted to study, Orlais was the best place for that. And far away from the messy politics of the Marches and Antiva.

"You would not forget," Lucanis is saying, rolling his eyes at Illario's complaints, such as they are. "You are a good swordsman, and we will train with you while you are home. That way, you will not fall out of practise."

"What he means is that he wants someone else to spar with. He thinks he knows all my tricks." Illario grins. "A little three-way sparr should convince him he only knows about half of them."

Jim's laugh is wonderful, though, as intoxicating as the best wine, and Illario's fingers pluck at the fancy-tailored shirt, sliding those elegant digits beneath the fabric and against skin, going for one of those sensitive spots. Teasing, tickling, fingers dancing over skin.

[smartass_captain]

"I mean what I say. Something you would do well to adopt." Lucanis sniffs but he isn't Actually taking any offense to his cousin. It is a familiar pattern of socialization with James back home. He has grown well. They will ensure he learns well too. The better to keep him safe.

"Well, I certainly won't say no t--ack!" James almost drops his empty coffee cup but manages to set it down on the nearby table while his other hand swats at Illario petulantly around a startled laugh. "Back not half an hour and you're resorting to tickling already?!"

Lucanis fights back a smile but says nothing. Yes, this is indeed a return to old times. Good times. Save for James losing his family, of course. Such is their shared lots in life. Eventually, his brows arch just slightly.

"You leave yourself too open to my cousin's tricks, James. It is why he takes such advantage."

[the_other_dellamorte]

"Yes yes yes," Illario retorts, "I could. But my truths are saved for you two. No one else is worthy of them." The rest of the world gets poised and preened Illario Dellamorte. Luca and Jim are the ones who get him raw, unabashed in his enthusiasm, mischievous and yet dedicated wholly to them.

Like in this moment, letting out a shout of triumph as he gets Jim squirming and wriggling, swatting at him. Such a reaction only makes him join in with the second hand, going in for both sensitive sides at once.

"I only take advantage because he likes it so much." He adds, grinning as he continues his attack. "But Jim- a truce? We both go after Luca?"

"No! Do not dare!" Lucanis says, but it is too late, Illario is already springing from his seat.

[smartass_captain]

Jim's peals of laughter fill the room. He squirms to try and get out of Illario's reach but never actually flees or puts up THAT much of a fight. Illario is right after all. He does like the attention. From both of them if he's being honest. He calls Illario all sorts of breathless names unbefitting of his station before Illario finally caves and offers him a truce.

It leaves him flushed and panting a little. Watching as Illario pounces instead on Lucanis. A smile curls across his lips and he gets up to go join in. The cousins are squabbling already and looking entirely too attractive with their hands all over each other. Jim ought to feel ashamed for thinking so.

His own hands slide up Lucanis' sides gently and brush under the man's arms. He blows a cheeky little puff of air into Lucanis' ear as he slides up behind the other man. When they were boys, Jim was easily the shortest of them. Now, Lucanis is the one who has to look up to the others.

"Let's hear you laugh, Luca~"

[the_other_dellamorte]

There's a shameful secret Jim does not know. Illario's hands all over him are not unfamiliar to Lucanis, the way Illario presses up into his space is not as innocent as the youngest adopted Dellamorte thinks. And while it isn't written over them in bold letters, Lucanis feels it must be so obvious when Illario touches him that it goes straight through him as a bolt of pleasure.

"Illario!" He tries to protest, although it's halfhearted, it's not a no because he can never say no to Illario. In the tangle of their limbs there's a brief press of Illario's thigh between his own and he gasps, just as Jim presses up behind him.

The breath in his ear and the close proximity of both his lover and Jim makes his face burn hot, and he tries to keep Illario's hands from sneaking up beneath his shirt.

Why does this feel so good, to be between them?

"Behave! Both of you!"

[smartass_captain]

"I'm easy to dissuade. We could take revenge on Illario you know..." Jim offers and his smirk is wicked though Lucanis cannot see it. James doesn't realize how things have changed between Illario and Lucanis since they were boys. All he knows is that these are the games they used to play.

Lucanis feels Jim rock back half a step to give him space to move and he takes that opportunity to hook his ankle around Illario's to tug the taller man off balance. Jim shoots a wrist out to snag at the back of Illario's collar to keep pulling him toward tumbling down onto the ground with a self satisfied air. He's all too willing to drop down to straddling Illario's stomach with his weight so he can tickle the other in turn.

"Got him Luca~" Jim crows. He doesn't notice how it takes Lucanis half a second longer than it ordinarily would to react. How Lucanis stares.

"You are both impossible." Lucanis huffs but he tilts his chin in just such the right way that he knows Illario will be weak for as he stares down at his cousin.

[the_other_dellamorte]

Lucanis isn't the only one aroused. Far from it, Illario's blood has been ooling in his stomach since Jim cuddled up against him and teasing Lucanis makes it worse. He did do this to himself he realisss, but that's as Lucanis trips him and Jim settles down on top of him.

Thankfully, straddling his torso and not his hips, or there would be nothing he could do to distract from his condition. But like this? He can at least pretend.

But not to Luca, who has posed himself so gorgeously that he might have to excuse them both from Jim's company so he can put his hands all over Lucanis again, minus the clothes.

"Alright I yield!" He laughs, hands held up in the air in surrender before he puts them on Jim's thighs. Strong from fencing strong from riding. A pleasure to caress even if he pretends its innocent.

"Are you to planning to punish me?"

[smartass_captain]

"You get to tend to our gear after sparring. We all only just got back, it makes sense for the punishments for forfeit are light~" Jim says with all the self satisfaction of a man who's gotten his way. His chin pulls very slightly to one side in scrutiny. Something about the look Illario had given him or the way he purred out that question at the last danced electric up his spine. But no. Illario is as Illario has always been. It is James who has grown to enjoy certain aspects of a man far more than a noble lordling should if he's expected to sire heirs.

No matter. He'll find someone to befriend once he's free to visit Treviso proper tomorrow or soon after. And everything will be as it always has been. Jim foolishly thinks he's the only one taken by the others. Lucanis doesn't notice it straight away, but Illario might. Illario whose entire training was meant to capitalize on the predilections of men not unlike James.

"James is far kinder to you than I would be after such indignities." Lucanis teases mildly.

[the_other_dellamorte]

"Just your gear?" Illario laughs, hands sliding up and down Jim's thighs- it might be considered a game of chicken or a reminder that Jim is still sitting on him, but it is neither of those things- it is simply an excuse to touch, to tease. "I could see to your horse. Or be your valet for a week, Jim."

Or bend that fine, strapping blond over a desk and fuck him until his legs were jelly.

But he doubts Jim could ever request such a thing. He's too proper. Even Lucanis has difficulty saying things like that, even whispering them when they're alone at night.

Speaking of, Illario shoots a look at Lucanis, gebtly slapping at his leg too.

"You are one to speak of indignities, cugino."

[smartass_captain]

"No no. This was your scheme. And she went astray." Lucanis murmurs back, his dark eyes taking in Illario's state. Better to help Jim to his feet before he discovers the dalliances Illario and he have fallen into. Some aspects of their relationship have changed quite a lot since they were but boys.

Jim smiles proudly up to Lucanis as the elder man offers him a hand up. Is strong in supporting his weight even as he climbs up. He's so busy basking in Lucanis' mild amusement that he misses any seeing to himself Illario has to do.

"Illario and I must see to some reports post-mission before we can be free to spar with you James. Forgive us for making you wait for just a bit longer." Of course, actually getting Illario to do those reports may have to wait until he has sufficiently 'calms down' his handsome cousin. It is not proper for Illario to be so insatiable in front of other company. He'll have to ask illario what set him off so thoroughly once they're in private.

Away from where James can overhear them.

"Not a worry. I haven't had a chance to see the library in a decade damn near. I'll not be wanting for things to do until duty releases the pair of you." Jim shoots a wink Lucanis' way that is more charming than he means to try to be though for Lucanis the intention sails right over his head. And so the man simply nods softly and waits for James to see himself off for the time being.

It's not until they are alone that he tips his chin toward Illario.

"....You are impossible."

[the_other_dellamorte]

Jim is utterly adorable, smiling so proudly at Lucanis. It makes Illario long to cup his face and kiss him, before bidding Luca do the same. Oh, the pair would be such a pretty sight, he is certain, praising both of them for their good behaviour and pretty mouths...

He forces his attention away from the fantasy and sighs at the mention of reports. Of course, Lucanis probably does intend to do them, but even as their eyes meet for a brief second, Illario knows he will also get his own way. Probably before any report is even started, because his cousin knows he won't focus otherwise.

"Ah, and Jim can reach the forbidden shelves now. The ones where Zio Antonio kept his private collection. Be careful with those, Jim! They will make a courtesan blush!" He calls put, before Jim leaves the room, and the doors swing closed.

"I am a healthy young man with healthy urges," Illario says when they are alone, "I don't need any other reason than that to see how attractive he's grown. Don't you see it?" He asks Lucanis, clearing the distance between them and tipping Lucanis' chin up for a hungry kiss. "He would look so pretty in our bed."

[smartass_captain]

Lucanis purses his lips while Illario brings a hand up to his heart in his dramatic flourish whilst grasping for any straw of innocence he can yet try to claim. Dark eyes narrow with a flicker of emotion he can't name, but Illario will know it all too well. Is Luca jealous from such a remark?

"Is that so...?" Am I not enough for you now, cugino? The question lingers unsaid rather than Lucanis actually thinking on what Illario is asking. He does have some ego after all, despite all attempts at killing it within himself. The selfish part of Lucanis that wants Illario all to himself bristles at the thought of being replaced, even by someone as wonderful as James.

Illario gets close but when his fingers brush Lucanis' beard to urge him for a kiss, the elder man nips Illario's bottom lip hard. Nearly enough to draw blood but not quite. Before he actually fights for dominance in the kiss. A rare thing. His hands at Illario's waist are hard as steel in their grip.

[the_other_dellamorte]

Oh, Illario sees it, and recognises that green-eyed monsters as easily as he would recognise his own face in the looking glass. He woukd be jealous himself if Lucanis was the one suggesting this. But he knows that outright calling Lucanis out will make him back further into his corner. Instead, Illario intends to play this differently.

"It is so," he purrs, continuing as if he'd never noticed Lucanis' mood. "I could watch you kiss him for hours. You would look so pretty together."

Not a replacement. An addition. Adding something into the mix that it lacks, that both would enjoy. That Illario can get off watching Lucanis with someone else will be something his beloved cugino needs to work through, but he will put the idea in his head.

He expects Lucanis to be the lamb right now, to allow Illario to take what he likes but it seems that Lucanis has some fire in him today, eager to take control. The bite is sharp and strong and has Illario gasp, but he doesn't pull away. He pushes in, blue eyes bright with enjoyment as Lucanis grips him hard.

Illario doesn't give in though, if Lucanis wants to be dominant, he needs to fight for it. Illario's tongue teases across his, pressing the advantages he gets, his fingers grasping at Lucanis' hair, holding tight. He only pulls back when his lungs start to burn.

"Are you putting me in my place, cugino?"