Chapter Text
“So, do you like Rook?”
At Taash’s blunt question, Lucanis was thoroughly thrown off balance.
It was after they had finished discussing strategies and preparations for fighting dragons in the library hall.
“Ah… that is… why would you think that?”
When he managed to ask in return, Taash folded their arms and leaned against the wall, a corner of their mouth lifting slightly in amusement.
“You’re always watching her. Then you clench your fists or hold your breath. And more than anything, I can tell by the smell.”
He hadn’t realized he was being so obvious. At this rate, there were probably others who had already noticed… Taash might have a particularly keen nose, but somehow even Davrin had figured it out before he knew it.
Taash gave a small shake of their head and looked up at Lucanis from beneath their brows.
“Don’t you give her gifts?”
“She has the coffee cup I chose for her, and I made her a special blend.”
“So you just gave her something you like.”
Lucanis felt as though Taash had struck straight to the heart of the matter, and he was unsettled.
“Then what do you think I should do?”
“Rook told me to give Harding something related to archery, to show respect for her skills. She was… really happy about it.”
Even this fierce Qunari dragon hunter could smile so shyly like that. As Lucanis watched them in surprise, Taash hurriedly returned to their usual scowl.
“I see. Choosing something she will like is a good idea. …I do agree with that, but I still don’t know what she would be happy to receive. Would she like it if I gave her a knife? I’m not used to things like this.”
Taash snorted with laughter, but there was no hint that they were mocking him.
“Rook looks happiest when you make food that smells good. And you’re just as happy about it with her.”
Lucanis was surprised once again. Taash was more perceptive than he had expected. Perhaps, despite their rough appearance, Taash paid close attention to everyone around them. Perhaps the gentle expression they showed toward Harding was their true self.
“Rook probably really does love eating. In Dock town, every time we passed a street vendor, she would stop and smell the food. She seemed disappointed that she didn’t have time to look around properly.”
As Lucanis pictured her reaction, he couldn’t help but let out a small laugh. If he had seen it right in front of him, she must have been incredibly endearing…
“I see. Then perhaps I could have a night where I make a special meal just for her.”
“And Rook likes you too. I think.”
Once again, he was thrown into disarray.
That couldn’t be true. She had called out Illario’s name even in her sleep. And yet, if Taash had some reason to believe it… No, he couldn’t allow himself to hope for that… Lucanis’s thoughts raced.
“Taash, I think that might simply be your misunderstanding.”
“Why? She talks about you even when you’re not there— Harding!”
Harding appeared at the library door, and Taash happily rushed over to her and left before Lucanis could hear the rest.
What did Rook say when he wasn’t there?
Surely, as always, she was just worrying about him.
Taash, that isn’t it. She simply―
“Lucanis?”
Rook’s clear voice echoed down from the upper floor, leaving a gentle reverberation beneath the library’s ceiling.
Lucanis’s heart pounded hard and fast.
How long had it been since Taash left? Surely they hadn’t heard what they had been talking about just now?
Lucanis clenched his fists, forcing himself to hide his agitation as he looked up toward the source of the voice.
Her rose-blonde hair, still damp, slipped over the railing as she leaned over it, revealing her smiling face. She must have just finished bathing. Today, she had been working nonstop since morning.
“Lucanis, you’re in charge of dinner tonight, aren’t you? What are you making for us?”
Had she not heard them?
But the brightness in her eyes… Just as Taash had said, she really must love eating. It was obvious from the way she looked every evening when she sat down at the table. She ate with such enthusiasm, smiling so widely and looking so delighted that it made him want to tell her to slow down a little. Watching her enjoy every bite made both Bellara and Lucanis feel their efforts were worthwhile, and they had started putting even more thought into their cooking.
“I managed to get some good salt cod, so I was thinking of making it roasted with herbs. I’ll also prepare gazpacho, peppered jamón, and dried figs, and we can dip focaccia into garlic oil. And of course, there will be cheese.”
Rook let out an excited cheer and slid down the railing with a burst of energy.
“I can’t wait! Just hearing that is making me hungry, mmm—!”
With the agility she had learned from the Crows, she landed lightly in front of Lucanis and stretched her arms high.
“Rook… about what Taash and I were... discussing earlier, you didn’t happen to hear... any of it, did you?”
He felt heat rushing to his face and panicked. Of all things, he least wanted her to see him blushing.
“Yes, you two were talking about something. I couldn’t hear what it was about, though. Was it something important?”
“No, it was nothing worth worrying about. Don’t concern yourself with it.”
Would she think it strange that he had asked at all?
“That makes me a little curious, but… alright, if you say so. Tomorrow’s dinner is Bellara’s turn, right? I wonder what Bellara will make for us~! That lamb stew she made the other day was so good.”
Despite Lucanis’s worries, she was already talking about tomorrow’s dinner. He couldn’t help but let out a small laugh.
“You really do love eating, don’t you?”
“I love it. Serves you right, Valerius! Compared to the fancy, over-the-top dishes from your house, all piled high with expensive ingredients, tasted first for poison, and left there until they turned cold and hard, I’m eating food that’s so much better. I’m happy!!”
With that declaration, she dropped to her knees on the floor and thrust both fists into the air. Lucanis was taken aback by her exaggerated gesture, but as he savored the fact that he was one of the people giving her that happiness, he smiled with quiet pride.
“Valerius… that sounds like the name of a Tevinter noble.”
“My old master. I told you about him, didn’t I? That bastard fed my mother and me food that was far worse than the poorly trained cat he kept. He’s dead now, and I’m eating warm, heartfelt meals made by you and Bellara. Total victory!”
She said it with a beaming smile and a fierce little huff, then bounced back to her feet and grabbed Lucanis’s shoulders with both hands. A faint scent of soap drifted toward him, and he found himself imagining her bath, forcing himself to take a slow, deep breath just to keep his composure.
I touched you, Lucanis Dellamorte!
The memory of Rook’s face flashed through his mind as she had pressed a finger against his shoulder and laughed so innocently. The surge of affection that followed was dizzying. He almost wanted to tear at his own chest from the intensity of it.
“That is good to hear. So we have become a support for you.”
When he finally managed to force the words out, she shook her head vigorously.
“Not just support. I can keep going because I know I’ll get to eat your food. If I manage to carry out this huge responsibility safely, and if Thedas is saved from destruction, then maybe it’s because Bellara and you kept making such delicious meals. No, definitely because of that.”
She said it with a smile as bright as sunlight, then let go of his shoulders. Humming an unfamiliar tune with an excited little bounce in her step, she left the library.
She seemed unusually energetic. Had something good happened?
So that was it. That was the answer.
The way Lucanis should show his affection for her was nothing like Illario’s smooth words or practiced seduction.
It was because of Taash’s words that Lucanis had finally found his answer.
The quiet, ordinary happiness she had finally managed to obtain.
Amid the relentless waves of hardship and conflict crashing over her, the warmth of human kindness she wished she would never forget, the small gestures of care and consideration. And the meals made with genuine heart.
The one who could offer those things to her sincerely was not Illario.
It was, without question, Lucanis Dellamorte.
He would keep believing until the day she realized it herself.
And when she finally saved Thedas, he would make an enormous feast with Bellara, more than enough to celebrate and reward everyone.
Lucanis made that resolve as he gently touched his own shoulder, as if following the lingering sensation of where she had touched him.