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Neve was staring at her board. Aelia decided to throw her hat into the ring of all this. They were fighting gods, Varric was murdered, but sure, Aelia could benefit from all this too. She should’ve known the blood mage wouldn’t let this lie, that she would find a way to turn this to her advantage. She always did. A knock at the door startled her out of her thoughts, and she looked over.
“Hey, just checking in,” Rook said with a smile, sauntering in with that same old swagger. “Figured I’d find you in here staring at your theories.”
“Something like that. How’s our new demon settling in? I saw him head straight for the pantry,” Neve connected a few strings to some old leads that could help.
“Lucanis is good, he settled in in the cooks quarters in the back. Or it might just be pantry,” Rook hummed. “Either way he likes it. Said it’s small and easily defensible. I say it smells like onions, but that’s my opinion.”
“It does smell like onions. I went in there looking for candles and the candles smell like onions.” Neve laughed. “Is everything okay?”
“Yeah, I just came in here to check in, that whole conversation with the spirit was a little weird.”
“Spirits are new to me, demons aren’t.” Neve shrugged.
Rook was quiet for a moment, moving to sit in one of the chairs when the door opened again. “Neve, I apologize, but what is that on the stove?”
“The stove-” she tried to remember. “Oh, I made some coffee, help yourself.”
“Coffee?” Lucanis repeated slowly. “It is… coffee?”
“Yes.”
“Did you boil it? If so, why?” She could see him restraining the exasperation, his eye nearly twitching.
“Because that’s how you make it?” She looked at him curiously.
“Neve-” Rook laughed. “Do you think coffee is just boiling grounds?”
Neve turned around, fully looking at both of them. “...is it not?”
“No,” Lucanis replied. “I am going to make new coffee. Non-abomination coffee. Do you drink it like that? Regularly?”
“Coffee’s coffee,” she shrugged. “If it keeps me awake it gets the job done.”
“That is…” Lucanis inhaled, shaking his head. “You’re going to be interesting. But I’ll make the coffee from now on, just tell me if you want a cup.”
Rook looked over, her eyes narrowing. “Or me. I can also make coffee. And I know how to make it Dock Town style. Since I’m from there.”
“I feel like this isn’t the kind of cultural exchanges they talk about in the books,” Neve laughed. “And the only thing I know how to make is blacked fish and fried calamari, so, take that as you will.”
“I’m going to the market, we need supplies,” Lucanis commented.
“I’ll go with you. We can go and I’ll help get some stuff,” Rook said immediately.
“Alright, you two have fun,” Neve chuckled. “Bellara and I are going to keep doing research on what we know about the gods and I’ll see who she’s getting in touch with to help us.”
“I’ll make sure to get you something good,” Rook promised with a wink. She gave Lucanis another suspicious look. “Ready to go?”
“Yes, I suppose so. This will work out, we have a meeting in Treviso,” Lucanis nodded. “Let me at know if you need anything, Neve. I’ll put the coffee on before I leave.”
“Handsome and considerate,” Neve winked at him. Rook’s frown deepened. She puffed up, as much as someone who was roughly five foot even could puff up, stepping between Lucanis and Neve slightly to give Neve another handsome smile.
“See you later, Neve,” Rook told her. Neve waved watching them both leave. She heard a clatter and saw some of the wisps coming around.
“By the gods,” she huffed, going to clean up what they knocked over.
❄️
Neve knocked on Lucanis’ door.
“It's open,” his tired voice echoed.
She cracked it open, sticking her head in. “I have an odd favor to ask.”
“Of course. What is it?” He asked, looking up at her from where he was sitting reading a book.
“I have to meet with some informants but I’m not particularly trusting of them. I need someone there to watch my back and help if things go south… and they probably will.”
“I can definitely assist you with this, no issue. Though I’m surprised you asked me instead of Rook,” he smiled. He set his book down, rising to his feet and stretching.
“Rook has skills in other areas. This will require a very subtle hand. She’s great for distractions but not for nuance and espionage,” Neve chuckled. “Meet me by the Eluvian in 15?”
“I will get ready and be there,” he agreed. “Let me just get my armor and blades.”
“Thank you, I owe you one,” she smiled at him before going back to her room to grab her hat before going to the Eluvian. Rook was in the library when Neve walked in, staring at the table covered in papers with a pensive look. She looked up at the sound of Neve’s steps, smiling.
“Hey, Neve. Heading somewhere?” She asked.
“Something like that. I won’t be long, but try not to attract trouble, you have a knack for it.”
“Who, me?” Rook laughed, tilting her head coyly. “It’s only trouble if you’re not having fun. Until then, it’s just excitement.”
“Of course you would call it that,” Neve laughed as she started to make her way downstairs. “See you soon.”
“I certainly hope so!” Rook called back. Neve smiled to herself, rolling her eyes. It wasn’t very long until Lucanis came down the steps as well, nodding at her.
“Ready when you are.”
“When we get there, I’ll show you where I’ll need your eyes from. Be careful with your demon, there’s mages who could spot you in a second. I need you to keep an eye out for a man with blonde hair and red robes,” Neve explained.
“Should I signal you somehow to let you know if I spot him?” Lucanis asked.
“Can we call it a freebie?” Neve asked, half joking.
“It’s free to keep watch, but we’ll have to negotiate if you want me to kill him,” Lucanis joked back.
Neve hummed, looking at him appraisingly. “How about a very nice bottle of 8:92 scotch from Nevarra?”
“What makes you think I’m a scotch man?” He asked curiously. The temperature change between the Lighthouse and the Dragon’s hideout was still a little jarring, going from the always chilly Fade to the warm interior of one of the gathering rooms.
“I think you’re a person who appreciates the rarities this world has to offer alongside its history.”
“And I think you’re the type of person who is far too observant for your own good, or mine,” he snorted. “Throw in a bottle of good Antivan mezcal and you’ve got a deal.”
Neve stuck out her hand. “Deal.”
Lucanis shook it, chuckling quietly. “So, tell me more about my target.”
“Alvin Batarus, I’ve been trying to track him for years, but his family is too rich for me to do a trying.” Neve quickly gave Lucanis the rundown and why he would be eavesdropping on her and Rana. Neve lead him to a vantage point she wanted him to be on. There was plenty of coverage and it was an unused route. “We’ll be meeting just there, I can see south, but nowhere else.”
“I’ll watch the other directions. When I see him, I will make my move,” Lucanis replied. “Touch your hat if you need me to come down and back you up.”
“I will. Thank you for this. I’ll be quick,” she touched his shoulder before she started making her way down. Rana was easy to spot, the woman was casually looking around as she was taking notes. “Rana, hey,” Neve got into position.
“Neve,” she nodded back. “The Threads have updates.”
“Good and I need updates on some contacts.”
The two of them spent about fifteen minutes catching up. Neve got the information for her next contacts. The team was going to need all the help they could get, and if they were facing Venatori along every step then they were definitely using this as an opportunity to create a ‘Tevinter Reborn’. As the two parted ways, Neve put her staff on her right hip, the signal for Lucanis to meet her. Lucanis appeared silently at her side, nothing but a flicker of blue giving him away.
“A friend of yours?” He asked.
“Former. I don’t have friends. If you have friends you have a weakness.”
“Friendship is just a way for someone to stab you with a shorter knife as we say in the Crows,” Lucanis hummed. “Last time I was in Minrathous, I was betrayed and abducted. I never actually got to see much of the city.”
“I heard. There’s lots to see around here, but I also understand if you want to avoid it a while longer.” It was easy for Neve to scan the alleys as they moved back to the hideout.
“But if you ever want to see the sights, it’s safer at night. Also more beautiful.”
“Most places are,” he agreed. “Maybe someday you can give me the tour, but for now we are being watched. Split up and meet back at the Eluvian?”
“Go the way we came, but when you reach the bridge, go under it and follow the dragons on the wall.” Neve instructed carefully. “Don’t wait for me, just get back to the Lighthouse.”
“You better be right behind me. Rook will kill me if I come back without you,” he warned before swiftly taking off into the crowds. Neve also split off taking a detour down to the docks to lose the tail.
Rook was waiting by the Eluvian in her full gear when Neve made it back, leaning casually against one of the pillars. Lucanis was next to her, giving Neve a nod.
“Lucanis said you had a tail,” Rook mentioned. “We were waiting to see if you needed back up.”
“Dock Town is easy to lose someone if you know where you’re going. I’m just glad that Lucanis was able to navigate back here alright,” she shrugged.
“It was easy, I have a good memory,” Lucanis replied. “Glad to see you okay.”
“So am I,” Rook added, pushing herself up.
“Please. The Venatori couldn’t touch me,” she scoffed.
“I’ve seen what you can do to them,” Rook chuckled. “You can take care of yourself, but I’d hate to lose my favorite detective. I’m actually about to head to Dock Town myself, swing by Hal’s and get some gossip. You two get anything?”
“If you’re going to Hal’s without me you better pick me up something,” Neve looked at her with disbelief. “I have notes and people to connect on my board.”
“You’re free to join me,” Rook smiled. “Those notes aren’t going anywhere, but I can’t guarantee the fish will make the trip. I worked up an appetite training.”
“Actually I was hoping I could get your input on a dish I was researching?” Lucanis looked to Neve. “A Minrathous classic: khachapuri.”
Neve looked at him with disbelief. “Khachapuri, real khachapuri?”
“Yes, I acquired the cheeses and the bread I made for it should be done proofing, just needs to bake,” Lucanis smiled handsomely.
“Khachapuri?” Rook asked, humming with a narrow-eyed stare. “Man that makes me want some. Maybe after Hal’s I’ll swing by the Ibis bakery and get some egg khachapuri with fried calamari and clams.”
“You two are going to have to ‘rock, paper, scissors’,” Neve snorted.
“I’m great at that last one,” Rook smirked. “It’s up to you, Neve. We’re not gonna force you.”
“You can choose whichever you wish,” Lucanis agreed. “I’m also going to be making gooseberry pie, I’ve heard it’s popular in Minrathous, yes?”
Neve looked between the two of them, suspiciously. “I’m a big girl, you know, if you’re both trying to bribe me to spend time with either of you, you can just tell me.”
“I’m absolutely trying to bribe you. Actively and usually constantly,” Rook shrugged shamelessly. Lucanis shuffled.
“I will not pretend you are not someone who is enjoyable to have around, but I also truly would like your input on the recipes,” he answered.
“Rock, paper, scissors.” She gestured between them. The two of them exchanged a confused look. “I’m serious, you both keep saying my favorite words. I’m split and it’s a game of skill.”
“Alright.” Rook held her hand out to Lucanis to shake. When he reached out as well, she quickly changed it to scissors. “Scissors beats paper, I win.”
“What? That-“ Lucanis sputtered, looking wildly confused.
Neve laughed. “Alright, give me a few minutes to change. Lucanis, can I rain check for tomorrow?”
“Yes absolutely,” he answered quickly, if still looking bewildered.
“Better luck next time, Lucanis. And never expect someone from Dock Town to play fair in games,” Rook winked. “Neve, meet you in the Dragons hideout? I need to check in with Tarquin before we eat. He owes me gold from a Wicked Grace tourney.”
“Did you cheat in that, too?” Lucanis asked, looking unimpressed.
“Yes, and if Tarquin wanted to win he should’ve cheated better. Bastard had three aces up his sleeve and he still lost,” Rook scoffed.
“Sounds like an average day back home. I’ll meet you,” Neve started to make her way to her room. She could hear Lucanis turn heel to follow her. The Eluvian activated behind them, and Lucanis let out a quiet snort.
“There will still be pie when you get back,” he told her in his usual soft, measured voice. “Save room for a slice? I need feedback on my filling.”
“Of course. Thank you for making that, really. I love gooseberry pie, and the coffee you’ve been making has tasted better than what I make,” Neve admitted.
“That is because I don’t boil it in a pot,” he teased. “If you ever want to learn to use the press, let me know. I will teach you.”
“That’s what I have you for. If you teach me how to make coffee then why do I need to keep you around,” she joked.
“You’re right, I suppose I’ll just have to keep the secrets to myself,” he smiled. “I will see you later, Neve. Let me know if you need my help again.”
“Thank you for keeping watch, we make quite the two-man team,” she bumped into him gently.
“We certainly do, and I hope this isn’t our last adventure together,” Lucanis agreed, bumping her back gently.
“I’ll make sure it won’t be.” The two parted ways and Neve started to put off the choice she felt like she was going to have to make.