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“Lucanis, I promise, I’m fine. You, however, need a break. You've been on every mission with me back to back for a hot minute,” Rook stated plainly. Lucanis narrowed his eyes at her, if only by a fraction. Rook was absolutely not fine, and he damn well knew it. It was subtle, but he could hear it-the slight wheeze in her breath, as well as the glassy edges of her usually bright eyes.
“In comparison to your leading every damn mission back to back? When you return, you're taking a break,” he replied sternly. Rook merely rolled her eyes at him, and Lucanis crossed his arms in irritation. “I'm serious, Rook. Fine, go help Davrin and the other wardens out, take Emmrich with you, but when you return you need to get some rest.”
“At least I sleep sometimes, Mister ‘let me mainline coffee like an addict’, despite you and Spite getting along now,” came her immediate retort before she could stop it.
“In all fairness, I didn't sleep much before him either. You, on the other hand, have been pushing yourself way too hard. Is it really that difficult to let me worry and take care of you?” Lucanis argued back.
“Okay, okay, alright, fine. You worry too much. I'll be back before you know it, and I'll take a nap or something,” Rook told him, waving over shoulder as she made her way towards the Lighthouse proper to collect her team.
SOMETHING OFF WITH ROOK. NOT WELL. Spite said over Lucanis’ shoulder, his eyes fully narrowed at the woman as she strode through the door. “Fairly certain she is getting sick and trying to ignore it,” he told the spirit quietly.
NOT GOOD. STUBBORN ROOK. BAD AS YOU . Lucanis merely shrugged. Hopefully this little mission wouldn't take very long to complete and he could drag her somewhere quiet and convince her to actually rest once she returned.
~*~*~*
The Hossberg Wetlands certainly lived up to their name Rook thought to herself, grumbling only slightly. The slight drizzle of rain that showed up today didn't seem to be letting up, yet still not enough to impede their tasks certainly didn't help how she was feeling either. Nor did hopping from one climate to another via those damn eluvians. Her body just wasn't built for going from snowy Anderfells, to beaches of Rivain, forests of Arlathan, now wetlands, and now her body was certainly paying the price she grimaced.
Every breath seemed to hurt, but she couldn't let her boys notice that. A Crow got the damn job done, no matter what. She didn't have time to deal with whatever had buried itself into her chest and lungs. Next time she made it back to Treviso, she'd make a note to pick up some of Viago's special cure-all tea and she'd make it through. She just…. Had shit to get done first. The coughing she could handle, but the wetness settling in her lungs and the tightness in her chest was going to make these inevitable fights against the darkspawn downright miserable.
~*~*~*
She was definitely right. Those fights had been absolutely miserable. But, at least that gigantic, mutated blight growth had been taken care of, and the rain had finally stopped. And the Brona's Bloom growing in the Sheltered Glades really, really were beautiful….not that she could resist also heckling Antoine and Evka just a smidge. Really, she couldn’t. Their budding relationship was adorable, plus it was helping distract from her own issues at the moment. For now though, it was time to head back to the Lighthouse.
Traveling through the Crossroads was always a…unique experience. Caretaker tilted their head at Rook as she boarded and was strangely quiet. Sitting on a bench, Emmrich and Davrin eyed her at every light cough, but Rook just waved them off. She was fine, really. She’d stop off at Treviso, get that tea from Viago, and be fine . No one would notice shit. Thanking Caretaker, the three stepped off the boat and right into Harding.
“Hey Rook, got time for that trip real quick?” she asked brightly. Both men turned to give Rook a slightly incredulous look behind Lace’s back. Rook shook her head at the two men and pointed back towards Caretaker.
“Yeah, let’s head out,” she said, knowing how important this particular trip was to the other dwarven woman. “Meet you guys back at the Lighthouse in a bit!”
Rook was only slightly beginning to regret this decision as the freezing cold wind whipped her damp hair past her face bringing a few snowflakes with it. At least her leathers were nice and warm, and Harding hadn’t said anything about wanting to go down into the deep roads. Looking out at the mountainscape, were those….no, those mountains surely weren’t shaped like…..yuuuup, those were hands, oh good, and a face too if one looked closely. A blindingly stark reminder of the Titan they were here to essentially say goodbye to.
Silently Rook hoped they wouldn’t be here long. It was cold, and her chest was starting to hurt more. She desperately wanted to get warm….and hope Lucanis wasn’t too mad when she got back.
~*~*~*~*
Spite perked up beside Lucanis, his head whipping towards the Lighthouse proper. FELT THE POWER. ELUVIAN. SOMEONE IS BACK. Lucanis sighed, grabbing his coffee and making his way to greet the group and hopefully corral the younger Crow into getting some bloody rest. Pushing his way through the front door, Lucanis stilled as he saw both Davrin and Emmrich emerging from the floor below, a distinct lack of Rook with them. Catching his gaze, Lucanis raised an eyebrow at Davrin, the obvious question silent, but still demanding an answer.
“Harding caught her in the Crossroads. I think they were off to Isana Negat,” Davrin supplied.
“With no backup?” Lucanis asked in a sigh. To his side, Spite raged, kicking his spectral foot through a chair, followed by a growl that the offending furniture did nothing to acknowledge their anger. A full blown tantrum was sure to erupt from the spirit if their Rook didn't return soon, and safely.
“No fighting this time around I believe. Harding mentioned to me earlier wanting to say goodbye or something to that effect,” he said on a shrug.
“I’m quite certain those two can handle themselves, and will return shortly,” Emmrich said sympathetically before making his way up the stairs to the library room.
“Of course,” the Crow replied, holding back a growl of frustration. Davrin clapped him on the shoulder on the way out towards the room he’d claimed as his own.
“If it makes you feel better, she’ll be coming back without a scratch on her from fighting with us,” the warden praised. Lucanis only grinned back, hardly bothering to keep the pride off his face. Of course she’d come back uninjured. She was a Crow afterall, and a damn good one at that.
The three men parted ways and once out of sight, Lucanis finally gave in, running a hand through his hair in frustration. That bloody woman was going to be the end of him. A walk. He'd take a walk around the Lighthouse and give her an hour. If they weren't back by then, he'd armor up and go get her himself.
~*~*~*
45 minutes later found Lucanis on the balcony outside of the Lighthouse, a cup of coffee in hand, and Spite behind him in a seemingly uncivilized rock, paper, scissors battle with Manfred. Both spirits refused to lose to the other and had spent the last 20 minutes shrieking at each other in indignation at every draw or outright loss.
Spite spun on his heel suddenly, his head perking up. SOMEONE RETURNS. Lucanis nodded his head, taking another sip of his coffee. GO FIND ROOK NOW.
“I'm waiting to see if she comes out. If she doesn't, I'll let her sleep,” he told the spirit who stomped his foot. “I'll give her a minute to get up the stairs and then we can check on her.” Spite grumbled to himself and turned back to Manfred with renewed vigor.
Minutes later, predictable as ever, Rook made her way across the courtyard, Harding in tow. The two women parted ways with a hug, Harding returning to her room, and Rook turning to speak with Caretaker. Lucanis narrowed his eyes as the two spoke over weapons, the larger spirit waving his hand over Rook's blade, re-enchanting the runes, and handing it back. Lucanis watched Rook thank Caretaker with a smile before stepping back… And… stumbling as she reached the top of the short set of stairs.
Freezing in place, Lucanis watched her in utter shock. From what he’d seen so far of her, Rook never stumbled, never faltered. Now though, he watched as she braced herself against the wall, rubbing her chest while a cough overtook her whole body. Lucanis scanned the area, but no one save him was anywhere near the courtyard to see her. Why, why wasn’t she heading back inside and getting some damn rest like she was supposed to. Stubborn woman. His eyes narrowed in frustration as he watched her stumble towards the kitchen. Like hell was she about to be like him and try to fix this with coffee.
WE GO GET HER. NOW. Lucanis downed the rest of his own drink and nodded at Spite in agreement. “Yes, now we go get her,” he growled, the two for once in complete agreement as the Crow dropped over the railing and stalked across the courtyard as Rook slipped into the kitchen.
~*~*~*~*
Tea. Cocoa. Coffee even. Anything hot, she silently pleaded to the Maker as she made her way to the kitchenette in the corner close to Lucanis’ door. And let the man either actually be asleep himself or off somewhere else. She’d still need to make a trip to Treviso and speak with the head of her house, but that could wait til she wasn’t frozen to the bone after soaking herself in the wetlands and then climbing up a snowy mountain. The things I do for my friends, Rook thought to herself with a grumble as she reached up for a tin, not bothering to look at what it was she would be grabbing down.
“I know good and well you were absolutely not about to make yourself coffee of all things, dolcezza,” a low, firm voice said at her ear as a warm hand wrapped itself around her wrist, stopping it before she could, in fact, grab what appeared to be the coffee tin. Rook froze, not expecting the sudden heat from his body at her back. How in the world had he snuck up on her. Demon of Vyrantium or not, she was a Crow too, she shouldn’t have been that out of it, was she?
“In fairness, I just wanted something warm more than the caffeine,” she whispered, heart thundering in her chest she was all too happy to blame on the creeping illness, rather than the man at her back. “That mountain is bloody well cold.” Lucanis hummed behind her, clearly disbelieving, but let her hand go and stepped back enough to let her turn around and see his disapproval written all over his face.
“ You were supposed to be back with Davrin and Emmrich almost an hour ago, and then resting, ” he said, looking down at her with his arms crossed. At least she had the grace to look sheepish at the admonishment.
“I know, I know. Harding caught us, and I almost forgot that she’d asked me about visiting the titan a little while back and I knew it wouldn’t take long. I really was actually aiming either for the tea or cocoa, I’m honestly freezing right now after that trip,” Rook argued. She rubbed her arms and moved to stand slightly closer to the blazing fire in the hearth.
“Then you will sit and I will make you some tea, ” Lucanis told her, turning to do so.
“Really, I can do it myself, I promise,” she argued.
“Absolutely not. You’re barely on your feet as is. This is part of that letting me take care of you bit we discussed earlier. Sit down before you fall down,” he admonished, nodding at the chair beside her. Rook sputtered, but Lucanis merely stared her down until she complied with a small huff before settling in to wait for the water to boil. Keeping his back to her, Lucanis set to getting a cup down, adding a small amount of honey to the cup, and adding the currently stocked herbal blend to a strainer, glad for the tasks at hand so he wouldn’t have to let her see how worried he felt now that she was back and he could get a look at her. Spite stood over her, his arms crossed and a worried glare plastered over his face, frustrated more than ever that their Rook wasn’t able to see him.
ROOK SMELLS WRONG. NOT LAVENDER AND HONEY. SOMETHING ROTTEN. MOLDY? Lucanis froze in place and slowly looked over his shoulder. Rook had her head back against the large chair, her breathing slightly labored but clearly trying to hide it. Spite got closer and sniffed closer to her skin, making Lucanis glare at the spirit. NOT BLIGHT ROTTEN. DIFFERENT. DEEPER. He breathed a sigh of relief he didn’t realize he’d been holding at that pronouncement. The spirit was probably smelling whatever sickness Rook was trying to hide if he wasn't smelling any blight. Spite ran a hand over Rook’s head, worry still etched onto the lines of his face.
Soon enough, the water had started to boil slightly, so Lucanis quickly took it off the small flame, pouring Rook a generous amount into a cup perfect for warming her hands. The ceramic was thicker on this mug, the handle wide so even he could fit his whole hand in the space. Turning around, Lucanis froze in place. Their poor Rook was completely asleep. Mere minutes of stopping moving, that’s all it had taken the stubborn woman. Kneeling beside her chair, he could hear the slight rattle to her breathing and frowned. She desperately needed to rest and let her body heal, but if he left her here…..well, it was only a matter of time before someone came looking for her, nor would it be anywhere near comfortable.
“Rook, Rook come on. You need to lie down,” he said softly, shaking her shoulder gently. She jolted slightly, not realizing she’d fallen asleep.
“No, no, it’s fine. I need to make a trip to Treviso, I’ll rest in a bit,” she told him in a yawn. Lucanis sighed and stood up, holding out a hand to her.
“That’s it, I’m pulling rank, whatever Viago wants, he can wait,” he frowned and set the cup on the table. Rook just looked up at him incredulously.
“Excuse me? Pulling rank? How do you figure that,” a small smirk gracing her lips. With a sigh, she took his hand, letting him gently pull her to her feet, the tea quickly forgotten.
“I am First Talon, no? You may be the leader on this contract little Crow, but you, Rook de Riva, are still under the house of the Fifth Talon, and therefore are outranked. You’re going to go lie down whether you like it or not,” Lucanis said, a note of finality in his voice. Spite nodded his agreement, glad that he didn’t have to yell at either of them to make their Rook sleep as he watched Lucanis begin to drag the woman towards the front door. She dug her heels in for a moment and when he turned to give her a piece of his mind, she looked up at him with a sigh.
“I don’t…..I don’t think I can go to sleep, not in my room. If I go to bed up there, I’m worried I’m going to end up with Solas in my head and I’m not….I’m not up for his mental games right now,” she confessed softly. Lucanis paused, understanding clearly written on his face, and hesitated only a moment before he began pulling her in the opposite direction. “Wait, Lucanis, what are you-”
“Then you will sleep here. We will shut the door. No one will come looking for you, and I will make sure they stay out of the pantry regardless,” he told her, the words tumbling out before he could stop them. Rook looked around them wide eyed, hoping no one else was nearby to hear. Thankfully some kind of luck was on her side, and soon enough they were in the small pantry that Lucanis had claimed for himself, the door shut solidly behind them.
As soon as she stopped moving and Lucanis dropped her hand, the world seemed to tip sideways and Rook reached out to the wall to catch her balance. Hands faster than her own caught her, gently setting her upright. Lucanis held her close and watched her intently as she worked to regain her balance and once he was sure of her, stepped away.
“Jacket, boots, both off,” he told her quietly. Rook raised an eyebrow at him, a hand perched on her hip as she stared at his outstretched hand. “Don’t give me that, it certainly won’t be comfortable to sleep in all that. Hand it over, I will set it here for you, and you can lie down on the cot uninterrupted. Please don’t make me pull rank twice just to get you of all people to take a damned nap.”
Rook snorted at him, but finally acquiesced and began to unbutton her long coat and vest, grumbling only slightly about getting out of her armor if she was just going to get bullied into taking things back off again. Lucanis kept his eyes firmly on her face, despite his fervent desire to look further as pale skin was revealed beneath the deep navy silk of her shirt. She set both in his outstretched hand before moving to sit at the edge of the cot and leaning down to strip her boots and hidden knives. Turning quickly, Lucanis carefully hung both up on an empty hook usually meant for hanging herbs to dry
PRETTY ROOK. VERY SLEEPY. STILL PRETTY. Spite knelt beside the cot, an utterly besotted look on his usually grumpy face. Lucanis choked back a laugh, drawing Rook’s attention. Lucanis cleared his throat before clarifying, “Sorry, something Spite said.”
“Oh? Is he being as much of a mother hen as you are?” she asked snarkily.
“Probably more so,” he replied with a shrug. “Now, you, dear Rook, are going to listen to us for once.” Rook gave him a wary look as Lucanis strode over and towered over her.
“You will lie down.” a soft, persistent push back on her shoulder til she followed through and let her head rest against his pillow.
“You will close your eyes.” He gently grabbed her legs and pulled them up onto the cot, earning him a soft huff of indignation.
“And you will sleep.” He sat on the edge of the bed and pulled the blanket over her before gently running his fingers through her hair. “I will keep everyone off your trail, and I will make you something to eat for when you wake up. I’ll check on you in an hour or two if you’re that worried about it. If you’re awake, I’ll let you out, if not, I’ll leave you to sleep, si?”
Rook could only nod as his soft words and gentle touch lulled her mind. She really did need some sleep or Viago would kill her for coming back as sick as she knew she was. Lucanis nodded out the door, she assumed to Spite, before adjusting the blanket to cover her a little better. Her breathing finally evened out and Lucanis quietly slipped out the door, ingredients for a hearty soup in hand.
~*~*~*~*
ROOK IS NOT OKAY. Lucanis rolled his eyes as he continued to chop several vegetables before adding them to the finally simmering stock pot.
“So you’ve said, and I’ve agreed with you. Hence both making sure she’s resting and making something healthy for her for when she wakes,” he told the spirit quietly. The sound of steps approaching made him look up in time to see Bellara step through the kitchen, looking around.
“Oh, Lucanis! You haven’t seen Rook around have you?” she asked brightly.
“Last I saw her, I’d sent her off to bed to sleep,” he replied honestly. No need to mention that it was his bed of course. The best lies and manipulations were based in truth after all.
“Oh…..that’s fair. I’ll look for her in a little bit then,” Bellara said dejectedly. “Need any help in here?”
“I’ve got it handled, thank you though,” Lucanis told her, a gentle smile on his face. The elven woman really did like to help him with the cooking, and usually he appreciated it...just…not today when he was trying to keep everyone else out. Nodding in understanding, Bellara eventually left and Lucanis sighed in relief. Now to finish this up, and let it simmer until it was time to wake her.
Spite glared at him, and passed back through the wall to watch over Rook. He might not be able to comfort her, but he would still keep watch. He just wished he had the words to make his stupid, stubborn Lucanis understand that sleep was not what she needed.
~*~*~*~*
BEEN TIME. TIME TO CHECK ON ROOK. LISTEN TO SPITE OR SPITE WILL MAKE YOU. The spirit absolutely raged at Lucanis, each time he’d come back through the wall had been more fraught. This time though Lucanis frowned, Spite was being insistent. And threatening to make him? He narrowed his eyes at the spirit and checked his pocket watch. It had been at least an hour and a half, fine, he would check on her at least.
Quietly as he could, Lucanis slipped into the room only to stop dead in his tracks. In sleep, agony graced Rook’s face as she breathed heavily, a wheeze caught in her throat on the exhale. SEE. TOLD YOU. ROOK NOT OKAY. He barely managed a glower at Spite as he rushed to her side. Despite shivering, Rook had managed to kick off the blanket to the side and he noted the sweat making the silk of her shirt cling to her body. Lucanis frowned, pressing a gentle hand to her forehead and hesitating only a moment before checking it against the temperature of her chest. Rook felt on fire. This was bad, really bad.
“Sorry Rook,” he whispered before leaning his head against her chest, his ear pressed in tight to her body listening. Worry for her health trumping any potential embarrassment at the placement of his face should she awaken. Her lungs, the rattling sound deep in her chest. Something was definitely wrong. Had this been why she’d mentioned going to Treviso? Didn’t Viago keep something around for his crew that helped with these kinds of illnesses. Damn it, they had to go get it. Standing quickly, he grabbed a nearby small towel and walked back out to get some cool water to drench it in.
WHAT ARE YOU DOING? WHY LEAVE HER SIDE. MUST FIX. Spite screamed at him. “What do you think I’m trying to do? That fever needs to come down and then I need to get to Treviso and speak with Viago,” Lucanis attempted to placate him. LEAVE?! NO.
It had been quite some time since Spite had forcibly taken control of his body, but at the idea of leaving Rook, the spirit violently shoved him to the back of his own mind, taking the rag in hand and rushed back to Rook, patting it gently on her forehead. How had it gotten this bad this quickly? Was she worse off than they realized when she came in and had just done a better job of hiding how sick she was than they thought?
Lucanis let out a sigh of frustration. Of all times for Spite to pull a stunt like this, but it was obvious that he cared in some capacity. Rook was his favorite after all, the spirit had said so himself on many occasions. Look Spite, if we go, we can get medicine to help her get better, you need to give me my damn body back, he tried to reason.
“OTHERS GO. SPITE NOT LEAVING ROOK. STUPID LUCANIS, ” Spite growled out, his frustrations fully evident. Lucanis ran a weary hand across his face. Fine, but someone has to go, which means you need to give me my damn body back so I can tell someone who to talk to and what they need to get. Spite grumbled, his hands wrapped around one of Rooks in her sleep, oblivious to everything around them when they heard clattering footsteps in the kitchen.
Shoving Spite out at the distraction, Lucanis grabbed the towel to refresh the cooler water, and caught sight of Manfred clearly grabbing food for Emmrich. Perfect, he could send the elder mage. Rook had dragged the professor with them enough times to Treviso that he wouldn’t be immediately held on suspicion walking into the compound alone and Teia or Viago would both recognize him.
“Manfred!” he called out, getting the skeleton’s immediate attention. “Go get Emmrich. Now. Bring him down here to me immediately, don’t let him get distracted.” He could only assume the hiss and nod meant he understood as he turned back to his small room, a basin of cool water in hand this time rather than just the rag alone. Lucanis had a feeling it was about to be a long day.
The ten minutes or so he waited felt like hours as he sat with Rook who coughed and winced even in her sleep. Lucanis gently swiped the cool rag across her forehead, neck, and what little exposed chest he could, hoping to help in some way. He spoke softly to her in Antivan, falling back on his home language in his distress.
“Lucanis? Manfred came upstairs quite distressed and mentioned you needed–oh, oh my. What happened?” Emmrich’s voice pitched in distress before rushing to his side and kneeling down next to Rook. “She had a slight cough on the way back from the wetlands, but nothing this serious. What do you need from me?”
“Apparently she’s been hiding how sick she’s been. I…need a favor. Can you go to Treviso and speak to Viago? I’d go myself, however,” purple energy flashed through his eyes as Spite violently shoved through to speak. “ NOT LEAVING ROOK. END OF DISCUSSION.” Wrestling back control, Lucanis ran a hand over his face and gave a weary look at the professor who nodded in understanding.
“Of course. What am I speaking to him about? I’m quite certain that I’ve built up enough of a rapport that I can get a quick audience with the man,” the professor immediately volunteered.
“Viago’s crew makes a special herb blend tea that’s a damn near cure-all for respiratory illnesses like this. Let him know it's for Rook, should expedite any negotiations on getting a batch,” Lucanis told him, fully willing to exploit the Fifth Talon’s fondness for the woman before them. “If we can get that, and manage to get her to drink it, hopefully between that and more rest she’ll be okay.”
“Right then,” Emmrich clasped his hand on the Crow’s shoulder as he stood back up. “I’ll return as quickly as possible. Should I send anyone down here to give you a hand on the way out?”
“I’ve got her,” Lucanis replied softly, shaking his head and running the cool rag back across her forehead. Emmrich merely nodded and strode out from the kitchen, pausing only to deliver a whispered set of instructions to Manfred who saluted him before tottling back to the kitchen then out from the building as well, making a sharp turn to the right and heading towards the resident ice mage.
~*~*~*~*~*
Manfred clacked his way up to Neve's room, a basin of water in his bony hands. His mission was simple. Convince the mage to almost freeze him the liquid, but not quite, so he could bring it back to the Crow and help Rook. Solid ice wouldn't do, but just cold might not be enough.
Knocking once with his foot, he pushed open the door, stuck his head inside and let out a soft hiss. The pretty ice mage looked up at him and gave the skeleton a smile.
“Manfred, welcome. Did the professor need something?” she asked. He nodded and held out the basin, setting it on a small table to the side before miming being cold. “Need something frozen?” He paused, then raised his hand-mimicking a see-saw motion. Neve raised an eyebrow at him, but set a single finger inside the water, her magic swirling around it and bringing the temperature to the brink of freezing completely.
Manfred picked the bowl up, staring intently as he carefully sloshed it around, seeing the water briefly move under the surface. He let out a happy trill, nodding enthusiastically. Neve smiled at him, leaning back against the desk.
“Glad I could help?” she said, the hint of a question in her tone. Manfred nodded again before turning to face outside and taking off the path. Neve shook her head, debating following the silly skeleton, before closing the door and turning back to her whiteboard.
Having what he needed, Manfred quickly returned to the pantry. He needed to help friend Rook. He would give the grumpy one the cold to help friend Rook. His master would be so pleased.
~*~*~*~*
Emmrich sighed as he strode through the Eluvian leading into the Diamond, passing Crows giving him glowering looks, knowing he was not one of them in an instant. No matter, as long as one particular Crow actually listened to what he had to say, that’s all that mattered. Pausing to ask a more familiar face, the younger gentleman pointed off in a direction, hopefully the correct one to where their house leader could be found.
Rounding a corner, sure enough in a dark alcove, sat Viago and Teia, speaking together in soft voices, looking over a map of the city. Emmrich quickly approached them, clearing his throat. The two looked up, irritation at the interruption, then worry crossing Viago’s face as he scanned to either side of Emmrich and noting a distinct lack of either Crow that generally accompanied this man.
“What has happened?” Viago demanded, standing up quickly. Emmrich sighed, glad that he apparently wouldn’t have to do much convincing after all.
“Young Rook appears to have caught herself something, and isn’t handling it well. I’ve been requested by Lucanis to fetch some apparent blend of tea you possess? He mentioned it being a ‘cure all for respiratory issues’ for instances such as this,” he explained. Muttered Antivan curses and a hand running across Viago’s face greeted this news, and he strode off, waving a hand for Emmrich to follow him further into the compound.
Once they reached a dark storeroom, Viago immediately started reaching for various jars, pulling down easily half a dozen to start. Working quickly, he set two empty containers in front of him, scales, and measuring spoons. As he began to measure out each item, most he put in equal measure to both, however pausing with an ingredient in hand, he glanced over his shoulder back at the professor.
“Just a simple illness, or is it worse?” he asked.
“Worse, I do believe,” Emmrich replied with a frown, and strode to look out the window, wishing he could do more. Viago nodded and grabbed two more jars, setting them to the side.
“Fever or no?”
“Lucanis had been keeping a rag to her forehead when he sent me, so I can only assume fever. Her breathing was labored as well when I left. It came on quite suddenly, or at least got this bad rather suddenly. We had been in the Hossberg Wetlands and on our return trip I noticed an occasional cough, but then she took a trip with another member to the mountainside and was only gone an hour or so I believe,” Emmrich informed him. Viago let out a few more muttered curses under his breath.
“Stubborn woman. Years of training in this house and I still could never convince her to actually manage to take care of herself when she damn well needed to,” he grumbled as he pulled down a different jar and began to sift ingredients into two empty jars in front of him. “Apologies, normally I’d have this ready to go, but weather has been good here these past weeks, so no rainy stakeouts or sick fledglings to corral.”
“It’s quite alright. We sincerely appreciate your help regardless. You said she's always been stubborn over her health?” Emmrich inquired politely.
“Si, even when she was younger. Usually only takes care of herself when she's not on an assignment, but it figures that running across the damn world has her out of sorts and I should have seen this coming. Swift weather changes were always her downfall,” Viago told him, finally turning around and handing two neatly labeled jars to Emmrich. “Lucanis will know how much to give her. The one will help her breathe easier, the other will do the same plus help battle the fever. Only give her the latter while she’s fighting it”
Emmrich nodded in understanding, placing the jars in the bag at his side. “I’ll be sure to relay that to Lucanis upon my return. Thank you again, I apologize for intruding on your meeting earlier,” he said as they walked briskly back through the corridor.
“Think nothing of it, especially not for one of ours,” Viago said, waving him off. “Go, get that stubborn pain in my ass well again, and tell her I’m going to kick hers later for worrying all of us.” The two shared a wry grin before Emmrich strode through the concealed Eluvian, hoping the return trip wouldn’t pose any disturbances.
~*~*~*~*
It had been close to an hour since Emmrich left, and Lucanis was starting to worry. The near ice water Manfred had brought him had definitely helped, but it shouldn’t have taken that long to travel with the crossroads at hand. If Viago was being difficult, Lucanis vowed to wring his neck. Quickly approaching footsteps had him looking up though, in time to see the mage finally return through the door, a dark glass jar in hand.
“Apologies for the delay, had to dodge some aantam in the crossroads on the return trip. Fever still bad?” Emmrich asked quietly as he approached. Lucanis shrugged, as he re-wet the rag in his hand.
“The ice was a good idea, I should have thought of it myself. It’s not quite breaking, but she’s not getting worse either, so for now I’ll take the win,” he replied softly. “Occasional moments of lucidity, but I’ve been urging her back to sleep.”
“I’ll sit with her for a moment, maybe see in a few minutes if I can rouse her enough to sit up and have some of that brew. Viago said you would know how best to make this for her,” equally soft in tone, Emmrich held the jar out for Lucanis to take. He nodded, pausing only a moment to push a few wayward strands of hair back from Rook’s face before standing and eyeing the older man. “He also said she’s always been this stubborn, so I can only assume that means she’ll be alright Lucanis”
Lucanis gave a small huff of a laugh at the admission. “Now that I can believe. Meirda, she is going to be the end of my sanity if she keeps pulling stunts like this,” he sighed, running a hand over his face before handing the older man the rag in his hand.. “Alright, thank you, Emmrich…Fair warning, since you regularly speak with him…Spite has been quite…vocal about his displeasure at all of this”
“Well of course he’s not pleased, Rook is his favorite after all,” a small laugh escapes Emmrich before sitting down on the edge of the cot, gently holding Rook’s hand and whispering something just out of Lucanis’ hearing. Shrugging, Lucanis restarted the water for the tea from earlier, and selected a new cup. Lifting the lid, he breathed in deep, identifying hints of elf root, licorice root, eucalyptus, ginger, peppermint, thyme, and several other smells he wasn’t quite sure of.
Minutes passing like agony, Lucanis could hear Emmrich speaking softly to Rook, probably urging her to sit up. Her voice, smaller than he’d ever heard replied, though the words muffled by distance made it impossible to discern her exact words. A harsh coughing spell came through, lasting for far longer than he was comfortable hearing and made him determined to help fix this.
Glancing to the side at the kitchen, Lucanis nodded to himself and also grabbed a small bowl of the soup while the tea steeped. Hopefully between the two of them, they could convince the stubborn woman to eat and drink something. Respiratory problems were better than stabbings,blight infections, or the damnable gods being stuck in her head, he told himself silently. Those he could help fix and take care of her at least. Once she got better, she would probably throw something at his head for the pulling rank comment, that would be something to look forward to, he thought with a small smile.
Rook looked up at him and gave a small smile as Lucanis strode through the door, tray in hand, and he couldn’t help but return the affection. “Sorry,” she whispered hoarsely. Sitting behind her as a brace, Emmrich shook his head at her.
“You and I have been over this now Rook, you have nothing to apologize for,” he told her gently.
“Oh, she can apologize,” Lucanis interrupted with a smirk, holding out the teacup to start with. “Certainly not for us taking care of her, which is what she’s trying to say, but she can certainly apologize for trying to hide it and not take care of herself like she knows better than to do.” Rook took the cup from his hands with a sullen glare, breathing in deep and trying not to cough.
“Must you call me out like that?” she asked with a mock glare up at him.
“Sí, always,” Lucanis replied fondly. “It often appears to be the only way to get you to listen to reason” Rook muttered a few choice grumbles under her breath both he and Emmrich chose to ignore before taking a few more long drinks and sighing in apparent relief. She reached out a hand to him, which he gladly took and gently ran his thumb over her knuckles as she leaned her head against Emmrich’s shoulder. A brief flash of purple overtook his eyes as Spite brought her hand to his lips and pressed a gentle kiss there.
“ ROOK GET BETTER NOW. WE TAKE CARE OF ROOK,” Spite snarled out quietly, his frustration slipping free. Rook just smiled weakly at him, and squeezed his hand tightly.
“Yes Spite, I’ll be better soon, and you’ve done a good job helping to take care of me,” she said softly. Spite preened at the acknowledgement then gave her a pointed look at the cup in her hand.
“It’s about time you let us,” Emmrich admonished from behind her, earning a small snort. “I'm serious, Rook. You take care of all of us so much, not that we are ungrateful, but you forget to take care of yourself. Even Viago is worried about you now”
Rook visibly winced at that information. Her boys being worried was one thing. The man who damn near raised her? She wasn't sure if she was more dreading the disappointment or the ass kicking she was likely to receive the next time she was home. Rook took another slow sip and tried not to cough her way through it while Lucanis and Emmrich watched her warily.
“Here, trade you a moment,” Lucanis told her softly, holding out the bowl of soup he'd made her. “Your body cannot fight this off without fuel.”
She nodded and brought a small bite to her lips, still feeling weak and lethargic. Damn the man really could cook if he could make even a pot of chicken noodle soup taste this bloody good. A few more bites and she sighed.
“My head is spinning like a top,” she admitted quietly. The arm around her shoulder squeezed slightly, and she felt the soft, icy cool touch of the towel on her forehead.
“Finish the cup, eat a few more bites, and then we will get you lying back down to sleep and heal,” Lucanis whispered. Rook nodded and forced herself to finish half of the bowl before reaching out to him for the mug. She took a little bit of time finishing that, the aroma helping almost as much as the actual brew.
Minutes passed, and the wheezing quality of each breath lessened. As her eyes started to droop, Emmrich looked over to Lucanis who watched Rook intently, and gently tapped his foot against the assassin to snag his attention. Lucanis' gaze snapping to meet the elder mage, Emmrich looked pointedly to Rook then out the door, a silent request for Lucanis to take his place. Nodding, Lucanis took the mug from Rook's hand, and held hers while Emmrich stood.
“Sleep well Rook. I do hope you feel better soon,” he said quietly. Rook gave him a sleepy smile and a half wave. Lucanis mouthed a silent ‘thank you’ that Emmrich acknowledged with a bow of his head before shutting the pantry door and bestowing a one way locking spell to the door, ensuring that Rook would not be disturbed.
The two assassins continued to sit in companionable silence with sparse, wheezing coughs the only thing that could be heard. Lucanis hesitated, his thumb rubbing over her knuckles, and considered kissing her hand as Spite had done as well.
“Will…. Will you please stay with me,” a very tired, tiny voice asked him. Lucanis immediately looked up at her, but she refused to meet his gaze and continued to stare at her hands. Was she scared of his rejection? Well, he couldn't have that.
Lucanis gave her hand a quick squeeze before standing and reaching to undo the clasp around his vest. Rook looked at him in slight shock as he stripped his vest off and hung it next to hers and toed his boots off.
“Scoot forward will you?” he asked softly. Rook nodded in confusion, only to gasp quietly as Lucanis crawled in behind her, legs to either side, and gently pulled her back into his chest. Getting over her shock, Rook settled back against him with a sigh, enjoying his warmth.
Reaching around, Lucanis set his hand against her forehead a moment, before checking it against her chest and quickly taking his hand away, only to wrap it around her waist.
“Well, good news is that between Emmrich getting us ice for you, and the elf root in the tea from Viago, I believe your fever is finally starting to break,” Lucanis whispered, holding her close to him. Rook nodded with a sleepy yawn. “Was it really so difficult to let me take care of you?” he teased quietly.
Rook sighed dramatically as she wrapped her hand around the arm holding her. Sleeping sitting up would be better for her ability to breathe anyway, and she was so, so tired. He made a wonderful pillow she decided and froze as she felt his rumbling chuckle and realized she must have said that aloud. Lucanis merely held her tighter and pressed a gentle kiss to her head, and she felt a cool breeze as glowing purple and black raven wings wrapped around both of them.
“ WE TAKE GOOD CARE OF ROOK. KEEP ROOK SAFE,” Spite spoke through Lucanis and ran a hand over her cheek making her smile. “ CAN FEEL ROOK SMILE. WE DID GOOD, YES?”
Rook nodded, her grin widening. “Of course, you both are the best,” she whispered as she struggled to keep her eyes open. The dark of Spite's wings blocked out most of the light, making her even more sleepy and within minutes, Lucanis felt Rook's breathing even out in to sleep. Holding her close, Lucanis felt his eyes start to get heavy as well as the minutes passed, and soon both Crows slumbered peacefully.
~*~*~*~*
Emmrich made himself a cup of tea as he waited for Lucanis to follow him out, and as the minutes passed he realized that perhaps the other gentleman was not in fact going to join him. While sipping his tea, Davrin walked into the kitchen, making his way to the stove and sniffing at the soup before shrugging and grabbing himself a bowl.
“Rook ever make it back?” he asked as he leaned into the chair, turning to Emmrich, who nodded.
“Poor dear, that cough we heard got worse and spiked a fever after her trip with Harding. She’s been taken care of now though,” Emmrich supplied with a pointed nod to the closed door. Davrin gave him a rakish grin and Emmrich shook his head. “None of that I believe. Rook was barely keeping her eyes open when I left.”
“Do we need to play interference, you think?” Davrin asked, worry now etched on his face.
“Possibly. I put a one way lock on the door, but if someone wants in there, I worry about them waking either of them if Lucanis is sleeping as well,” the mage admitted.
“Well, time to get comfortable then. I can take first watch then if you have anything you need to do. Keep everyone else out,” Davrin offered. Emmrich nodded and gave his thanks as Davrin settled in. This would be a long afternoon he surmised.
~*~*~*~*
Hours later Rook finally stirred, and froze as she realized the cage of tangled limbs she was stuck within. She assumed at some point in the afternoon they must have shifted positions as Lucanis’ warmth surrounded her, and there was a pair of strong arms encircling her, one beneath her head as a pillow and the other tight around her waist, and a leg pressed between hers. As she moved to stretch slightly, Lucanis groaned behind her softly and pulled her closer, nuzzling into her hair and breathing deeply before seemingly falling deeper into sleep.
Rook smiled to herself, enjoying the embrace. She was glad to know Lucanis had gotten some sleep with her, however long it had been. Taking inventory of her body, she gave a few deep breaths, checking to see how bad her body was currently hating her. Lungs still felt tight, but breathing didn’t want to send her into another coughing spell, nor was it quite as bad as it was the last time she knew she was awake. She didn’t feel feverish, just the comforting warmth from a second body so close to her own, so that was a nice bonus. All in all, could definitely be worse.
Rook carefully rolled over and wrapped her arm around his waist, burying her head into his chest with a soft sigh. A gentle kiss was pressed to the top of her head in greeting, letting her know he wasn't quite as asleep as she assumed. Heat seared her skin as his hand traced a comforting path up her spine and back down, settling into lazy circles that would certainly be her undoing if she wasn't careful.
“How are you feeling,” Lucanis whispered, drawing her attention. Rook tilted her head up to look at him and gasped softly as their noses brushed, his mouth so close to her own their breath mingled.
“Better. Not a hundred percent, but definitely better,” came her breathy answer. Lucanis nodded, his eyes still closed as if he was fighting to remain as close to sleep as possible, yet his hand continued to trace light circles on her lower back. “Lu-Lucanis?”
The arm around her waist tightened, pulling her closer to him, and Lucanis placed a lazy, sleepy kiss against her lips. Almost no pressure, just a simple comforting gesture, and one she returned gladly. Both sighed, and Lucanis pressed his forehead to Rooks.
“We should get you more sleep,” he said, disappointment lacing his tone.
“That bad, huh,” Rook snorted. Lucanis immediately shook his head with a groan.
“Too good, sweet, as you are. I'm reminding myself that you have been sick and need rest, and for me to take care of you,” he told her quietly before pressing another gentle kiss to her lips. “Not for me to wear you out in other ways.”
Rook unconsciously rubbed her thighs together at the implications of his words. “Well aren't you a spoil sport,” she pouted.
“One of us has to be,” he admonished, giving her a third gentle kiss. “Believe me, I'm hating myself a bit, but you are still sick, and I have no idea how long it's been, but I'm amazed no one has come in here scrounging for a snack and woke us up yet.”
“True, you're definitely right about that,” Rook sighed dramatically and stretched against him. “We could probably move this to my room. Both of us could use the rest…and my bed is far more comfortable” she suggested. The hand at her back paused, before Lucanis nodded.
“Alright. Want me to make you another cup of Viago's brew and meet you up there?” he asked softly. Rook thought for a moment and nodded.
“Take your time if you want,” she said with a shrug. “After sweating through this shirt earlier, I'd like to get cleaned up I think.”
“Of course.” His hand trailed from her lower back to rest on her hip, giving her one final squeeze before letting her go completely. Rook pressed her hand to his face, earning her a soft kiss to her palm and she smiled softly at him, earning one in return. “Go, I'll get that started for you.”
Sitting up as Rook rolled off the bed, Lucanis smiled, unabashedly admiring her form as she walked across the room to grab her vest and jacket before remembering to slip her boots on. Giving him one last smile, Rook turned and walked out the door, only to stop in place.
“Oh you bunch of mothering hens!” she exclaimed as the door shut behind her. Lucanis frowned, and immediately started searching for his own boots.
~*~*~*~*
“You're ridiculous, have you been in here all day,” Rook scolded the two men in front of her, a chess board set between them.
“Well, it was stay here and run interference or run the risk of letting Taash beat down the door when they realized Emmrich put a locking spell on it and they got hungry,” Davrin said, not bothering to look up.
“You appear to be a bit better than when I left dear Rook,” Emmrich said brightly.
“Still sleepy though,” Rook admitted with a nod. Lucanis emerged behind her, and gave a subtle squeeze to her hip before moving to make her the offered mug of brew. Davrin grinned at Lucanis and Rook rolled her eyes at him.
“Gunna go crash again in my room. I…thank you, all of you,” she admitted with a sigh. A chorus of “of course” was immediately returned by all three men in unison, making her groan. “Ugh, nevermind, you're all the worst.”
A round of chuckles was her only reply as Rook made her way towards the door, pausing to plant grateful kisses to the tops of both Davrin and Emmrich's heads, chuckling at their bemused expressions. As she exited the door, both men turned to Lucanis, one gaze questioning, the other full of mischief.
“She says she's still not back to her best,” Lucanis informed them quickly before either could either question or tease him. Their gazes sobered slightly. “I'm going to take her another brew, and ger her to sleep more, so Davrin get that look off your face”
Lucanis internally swore, the water could not boil any slower.
~*~*~*~*
One of Rook's favorite things about the Lighthouse was its Caretaker. Probably an ability brought on by being in the Fade, but after a quick conversation with him, by the time Rook returned to her room, the door leading to her bathroom was open and a fully drawn, steaming bath filled with bubbles and scented oils awaited her.
“Caretaker, you are the best,” Rook whispered to the room as she stripped her sweat soaked clothes and sank into the perfectly steaming water, her eyes closing in bliss as the water reached just below her shoulders and she stretched her legs out as far as she could.
Rook loved the stone tub inset into her bathroom. There was a low seat for her to rest on if she wanted, or she could stretch out, and Caretaker always left a small pillow for her to rest her head against. Reaching beside her, Rook quickly scrubbed down, glad to be rid of the feel on her skin from being sick and was soon merely relaxing in the heat. She should probably wash her hair, but right now she was just so sleepy still….
~*~*~*
Mug in hand, Lucanis silently closed the door behind him as he slipped into Rook's room. Setting the brew down on the set of drawers, he looked around for Rook, stilling immediately when he saw her in the tub. As he quietly approached, Lucanis was simultaneously grateful and disappointed at the bubbles covering her form from view.
He watched her sigh, then duck her head under the water for a moment and he sat down on the edge of the stones as she emerged, reaching blindly to the side for her shampoo. Pulling her back by her shoulder, he planted a gentle kiss to the top of her head.
“Let me, mi vida,” he whispered. Rook sighed and tilted her head back, giving him a look of pure adoration. He smiled softly in return and poured some of the shampoo into her hair, his gentle hands working it into her scalp, and down to the ends.
Rook let out an involuntary moan as he massaged the back of her neck and head, sending a wave of heat through him that he studiously ignored. Now wasn't time for…those thoughts. Tapping her on the shoulder, Rook pouted slightly, and ducked beneath the water, rinsing quickly. Lucanis grabbed the oils he knew she favored and rubbed a small amount between his hands, preparing to run them back through her hair as she rose. The soft sigh she let out, let him know he made the right choice, as did the sleepy, content smile on her face.
“You should probably get out before you fall asleep in there, you know,” he whispered, playing with a wayward strand of her hair. She nodded with a grumble, and Lucanis stood, grabbing her towel in one hand and holding his other out for her, his gaze out the door for her privacy.
“Really?” she chuckled.
“Yes. You have been unsteady on your feet, I'd rather you not slip,” Lucanis argued. “ We will not look.” A pointed glare told her that he was directing that entirely to Spite and she smiled before taking his hand, allowing him to steady her before taking the towel and wrapping it around herself.
“Pfft, if anyone has a right to sneak a look it'd be you,” she teased. A quick flicker of his eyes to her and back away had her laughing, a sweet sound in the otherwise quiet room. Lucanis ran a hand down his face and reached for a second, smaller towel and moved to help dry her hair.
“You should get something warmer on,” he told her, changing the subject. She merely chuckled at him as she walked out into her main bedroom, pulling some clothes from her drawers, smiling and taking a drink of the brew with a sigh. Rook winked at him, her hand reaching for the towel and Lucanis spun, searching the room for a brush.
“You can come out now, I'm decent,” she teased. Lucanis mock glared at her as she sat on the chaise, mug pulled close to her chest, her hair tumbling from the towel wrapped around it. His gaze softened as he approached and admired the soft satin matching top and pants she'd chosen. She eyed the brush in his hand and turned, letting him sit behind her, and she sighed as he gently combed through her hair. “Why are you doing all this?” she asked him quietly.
Lucanis sat in silence as he finished with the brush and moved to separate her hair and plait it. “Because, in spite of your stubborn nature,” a snort from Rook interrupting his answer, earning her a gentle tug on her half finished braid. Lucanis rolled his eyes and continued, “I happen to enjoy taking care of you, if you hadn't noticed. No, you aren't some simpering, helpless maid who isn't capable of doing for themselves, and that's part of why I enjoy doing so. You are absolutely fierce and capable, I happen to admire that greatly about you. Still, you deserve to have someone to take care of you.”
He tied the end off and pulled her back into his chest and wrapped his arms around her in a warm hug, resting his head on her shoulder. Rook reached her hand back to run her fingers through his hair, a soft sigh escaping both of them.
“Fine, I suppose I've been bribed enough to let you,” she teased, setting her now empty mug behind them. Lucanis groaned, flopping back, his head landing on the pillow.
“Finally, she relents,” he replied-drama thickly coating his words. Rook turned to face him, pausing as he gently cupped her face, his thumb absentmindedly stroking her cheek with a small smile. Turning slightly, Rook returned his earlier gesture and gently kissed the palm of his hand. His smile widened and he gently pulled her to him.
Rook shifted slightly, allowing a leg to be thrown over his as she rested her head against his chest. Lucanis pulled her blanket around them before wrapping his arm around her and traced lazy circles along her shoulder.
“How long do you think we have before someone comes looking for me?” she whispered sleepily. Rook could feel his steady heartbeat beneath her, lulling her closer to sleep with every beat.
“No idea, but they might find themselves regretting it if it hasn't been a sufficient time,” he grumbled.
Rook paused before asking, “Does the aquarium in here bother you?”
Lucanis snorted. “Because of the Ossuary? No. My mind is clear enough to know the differences. Glass barrier, not magic. Contained, not ever expansive around us. And most of all, no giant fish the size of this room floating by.”
Rook nodded, half asleep already and snuggled closer to him. Wings wrapped around both of them, drawing a small smile. Minutes passed and he felt her breathing even out, sleep claiming her quickly. He paused his gentle ministrations as a sigh escaped her, carrying three words that made his heart clench.
“Love you, Lucanis,” came her barely audible, mostly asleep confession. He pulled her close, pressing a kiss to her head.
“And I you, mi amor, always,” he whispered. When no reply came, Lucanis let himself fall into slumber, trusting Spite would stay put with Rook, and praying everyone else would just leave them the hell alone.
Somehow, someone out there heard his silent plea, and the two remained blissfully asleep and undisturbed.