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Lucanis could not help but smile on seeing the looping note added to the bottom of the shopping list.
"If it is not too much trouble, please could we possibly get more of that crusty bread we had with the soup the other night? Thank you either way! Mara Rook"
Her actual name crossed out as though uncertain anyone would know who was meant. As though he did not sigh her name into his pillows night after night.
The sweetness of it touched something in him, that she would write please and thank you on a shopping list. It struck him that she was the team leader but apparently worried about overstepping by asking for the bread she liked.
There was something vulnerable about her. She was 21, no age at all really. A hard life from what he could tell. His life had had its hardships to be sure but there was also comfort and luxury. Nothing off limit to him. Caterina was strict to be sure but she did love him.
Lucanis so wished that he could have spoken to his Grandmother at least one more time. To thank her for taking him in. For not giving up on him. He wanted to ask her what she thought of Mara. She must have seen some of that specialness to trust her to rescue him.
---
"Does anyone know if the Market in Treviso has halla butter? I miss the taste and the Veil Jumper camp didn't have any for trade. Thank you! Mara."
Lucanis pulled several strings to get a steady supply. Neve had teased him, saying that he was utterly smitten. He denied it. It was just polite. After all, almost a third of their team were Dalish after all.
"I am sure you would have made a deal for a free assassination in exchange for a steady supply of halla butter if Davrin had batted his eyes at you."
"I might. He has very nice eyes."
"But not green and full of mischief?"
"Her eyes have a hint of mischief, they are more full of kindness and curiosity."
"I have clearly not made nearly so through a study."
"Your loss."
---
"Potentially a long shot but does anyone know how to make honey cakes? I've not had them since I was little and want to see if they are how I remember. Never mind, it was just a passing thought. Mara."
She hugged Bellara when she saw the plate of honey cakes, still warm. Lucanis didn't begrudge the error, it was a Dalish recipe he used after all. Bellara had offered to make them herself but he was insistent on learning. That way he could make them whenever there was a need to.
"Like say when a certain elf has a hankering for them? Mara I mean."
"I know who you meant."
"You like her!"
"Everyone here likes her."
"But you really like her. It's adorable."
Lucanis did his very best scowl.
---
When Mara saw the small mountain of Dalish style honey cakes she hugged Bellara gratefully only for Bell to correct her.
"Actually it was Lucanis who made them! I just provided the recipe!"
She kissed his cheek and for the rest of the day he would find himself touching the place her lips had pressed.
When Mara turned her back Bellara mouthed to him, "Adorable!"
This crush was going to ruin his reputation but when he saw the pure unguarded pleasure on Mara's face as she bit into her cake? He could not find it within himself to care.