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]

[Jim has tasks to preform, as does Illario. There are people he must see, things to prepare, and some messages to send back to Skyhold, and to the north. He won't use the same channels as Jim, too much to risk. But he works with efficiency, as he always has, and once it comes to the evening, he's already back in their shared room, fastening the last few buttons on a dark blue-grey shirt, the same colour as distant mountains, when Jim appears at the door.

He looks to the space the second bed had been before, raising an eyebrow at the other man before he moves to put his hair into a long tail, out of the way of his face. His expression is faintly amused but professional, as he shrugs on a worn cloak, mud-splattered and frayed at the edges. Once it settles on his shoulders, the Antivan poise all but disappears, and he relaxes into a far more labourer-like stance. ]

Am I not allowed to stay? That seems a very stern "no".

[smartass_captain]

[Jim snorts. He has to laugh about it else he's apt to reply through grit teeth and that would just make things all the more awkward. So he shrugs like it's no big deal. And it's not. They've certainly shared a bed plenty of times before this.]

You are, we're just bunking together for a few days. I didn't realize she had filled up all the beds already before I'd asked. Once one of the guests leaves we'll get the bed back.

[Jim moves aside a loose floorboard to pull out a second hidden pack. He takes up a few items from it. Illario will spy his Inquisition's scouting cloak tucked in amongst the things there.]

Now come and let's get a meal. I'm starving.

[the_other_dellamorte]

I believe you, but thousands wouldn't, Jim Kirk.

[But it's a gentle tease as he waits for Jim to collect what things he needs, and a moment later they are out in the streets of the capital, still alive and vibrant even in this latter part of the day. They fall into step together, even after all these years; there's not much difference in their gait. Or perhaps Illario is simply matching his to Jim's.

The Flower Market is empty at this time, its stalls packed up, with only a few broken petals on the cobbles to hint at how vibrant it is during the day. A vibrancy they might have blended in to, those years ago, but now in his greys and deep blues, Illario could melt into the shadows if only he changed his stance. But that is the entire point. ]

Are you going to tell me about the adventures you've been having? Not in detail, of course. But I'd like to hear about what you're enjoying about this work.

[smartass_captain]

Then it's a good thing you know me, isn't it?

[A sardonic quirk of his brows and then they are putting on their roles once more. Walking the streets in the guises they were given. A pair of working class men slogging off to a meal after a long day of labor.

The empty stalls of the Flower Market carry scents on the breeze that make Jim's nose itch but only briefly. The scent itself is far more lovely than the scent of dead fish wafting in from behind it off the water not too far past.]

I think You're the one who gets to go on adventures. I've been afforded to head out on locations with Lace Harding before though. She could find a needle in the entire Dales if you gave her long enough. My skills in cartography have helped map out some potential routes for the Inquisitor's party to take, so the two of us make a good team. They like to send her to every corner of the South though it feels like. I'm kept much closer to Val Royeaux. So it's a lot of keeping my head down and taking notes of what I hear.

[He shrugs lightly. Meets Illario's gaze with a sideways glance of his own.]

I prefer being out in the wilds with Harding if I'm honest. But so long as I'm being Useful it all needs doing.

[the_other_dellamorte]

I have always believed I have been a better man for having met you, yes.

[Said so easily, without any hesitation or pause for consideration. Illario doesn't even change his gait. The words are, it seems, simple fact he came to the conclusion of long ago, and feels able to share. At least with this man.

They walk and Jim says he thinks Illario is the one off having adventures, and perhaps there's some truth to that. But they aren't like this. They aren't saving the world sort of adventures. They're doing the dirty work of rich bastards sort of adventures. And while sometimes that is just fine, there are occasions where it leaves a bitter taste in his mouth.]

I'm glad that those map-making skills are being put to use. And if one of the senior scouts favours your work, that's high praise.

As for being stuck in Val Royeaux... It is early days, Jim. You might yet get called to the wilds before all this is over.

[smartass_captain]

Still with the flattery, even after all these years.

[Jim doesn't sound annoyed or disgusted by it though. The comment is a touch nostalgic though he'd been trying for casually friendly. Something in him aches to reach out and take Illario's hand. He doesn't, of course.]

Lace and I are about the same age you know. She's from a farm in Ferelden. I think from all my questions she clocked I wasn't a farmhand myself. I felt guilty not sharing much about my home. But I like being just 'Jim the Marcher'.

[He doesn't mind Josephine knowing his full name and title. It's allowing him to fill a niche the Inquisition needs. But around the other scouts? It's. Nice. To feel like he belongs for a change.]

Ah. I've heard some wild stories already. I feel like I've got the cushier gig here for the time being. But I take it seriously.

GASP- DESSERT!

[the_other_dellamorte]

Would you rather I start lying again?

[He says, soft amusement in his voice, not at Jim, but for the strange situation that has them working together again, back in Orlais of all places. But needs must- and they have a collection of skills the Inquisition needs.]

Senior as in rank, bello. Not age. I would never presume a lady's age. [He grins, and pats Jim on the shoulder.] You have always been Jim the Marcher. This is just a side of you that was not at the fore until it had the opportunity. Frankly? It suits you.

I know you take it seriously. I don't think anyone involved in all of this can help but take it all... well. Perhaps not The Iron Bull. He seems not to take all that much seriously. But you truly want a story?

[smartass_captain]

[It suits you. Jim doesn't realize just how much taller he stands to hear those words. How obvious his pride is to be doing work here. Work that matters.]

I haven't spent much time around The Bull or his people. He sees a whole lot more than I think people realize. I didn't want him to get too good a look at me.

[Sigh.]

Sure. What's your story??