#kalai

[ask-carmenpondiego]

Chapter 25: Is it cold in here or did Hell freeze over?

A few days later, Lekir and Carmen were packing for their trip to Cador, after much discussion, since Carmen had been accidentally setting things aflame. The trouble was that the Doctor still hadn’t fixed the C5 Doorway to be functional and undetectable. Some components were not compatible then there were some that simply exploded in use. He had to rush off to a place he knew to pick up what he needed to replace and complete the work, and possibly save the world. Lekir was sour that she had missed him as they were about to leave. “Looks like we’ll just need to ask Kalai for a portal. She at least has the authorization to create one. Then we can set your device to return whenever.” She suggested.

Carmen thought for a bit, she knew she may be able to sneak past security as she was at the capital’s portal transit station, but perhaps not since she looked a little different than her passport pictures. Portal travel had been extremely tight to anyone with dimensional portal powers due to the uptick in dangerous activity. Its been restricted to only authorized use and the main portals at each region’s capitals. Lekir knew some folks in her homeworld that were high up the command chain that were able to create portals for them, Carmen has never met them though but she knew they wouldn’t appreciate constant portal requests for her heisting. Portals were rare enough, they were only summoned after months of preparation and consultation at the capitals, and heavily guarded. General teleportation was not as regulated since the amount of magic to be used to travel to different worlds is far too much for an ordinary individual of this particular world, and simple teleports were limited to short distances.

This particular morning, Carmen’s stomach was churning. She couldn’t figure out if she ate something that didnt agree or she was just too nervous. She hasn’t traveled this way before, and she hasn’t been this nervous before. She had everything packed in a single suitcase and ran through a list of things that continued to be done while she was gone. She met up with M and Wally in the foyer for the review. “Alright so we may be gone a few weeks, I don’t know how this training is supposed to go but it’ll help me control this fire thing going on.. Wally, I need you to keep a stock of food, make sure Ninoga doesn’t empty us out, and keep a check on the fresh produce, Blendin may come over and you know he’s a crunchy kid with his veggies. He prefers greens over junk, so make sure theres fresh stuff for him.”

“M, I would like to have Daring introduced to how things work here, she’s my eldest and I would like a family backup if I decide to retire or something. She’s the closest to my body shape and all, gotta keep appearances. Go over the protocols and maybe let her on the field with one of you on one of the lesser priority heists. She may not like it now but she may grow into it.” Her stomach flopped a bit, and she paused. Wally and M looked at eachother, M tilted his head, “You sure you wanna go travel in this condition, Red? You usually don’t have nausea.” Wally gently shuffled her to the foyer sofa, had her sit down, he opened her water bottle for her, “M’s right, are you sure you wanna do this? You do look absolutely green around the gills..” Carmen took a sip and waved them off, “I’m fine, its probably just nerves.. This Cador has much heavier gravity than here and before I was not able to survive, I’m now supposedly able to and I am kinda worried about it not working but I’ll be fine..urp!” She clapped a hand over her mouth as she almost heaved. She got up and dashed to the nearest bathroom, rushing past Lekir. “Whoa.. Is she still sick?? I can let Kalai know to postpone for a day..” M groaned and shook his head, “You know how hard headed she is. She’s determined to leave today as scheduled. We’ve even asked her.”

“Good thing we’re not leaving for a few more hours. Gives her time to settle herself.” Lekir put her hands on her hips, waiting for her wife to be free from the bathroom. “Well, I’m about to go to my physical exam, maybe I’ll bring her along and see if theres anything they can give her to ease it up.” Wally offered. M laughed, “Good luck with that, you know she fuckin hates doctors since she was hauled away after the fuckin fire. Its been years.” Wally shrugs, “All the more reason, its been too long.” Carmen stepped back out to the foyer, looking a little worse for the wear. She had tied her hair up to a tight high-tail, “I’m not going to any doctors. Its just nerves. I’m fine. Go, don’t be late for the appointment. See if they can give something for the pain at least, maybe get them to do a chest scan, we don’t know how far its gotten..” she fussed over him, picking a missed crystal from his shoulder, where the shards shredded a hole. Wally smiles and kissed her nose. “I’ll be fine, just drink some ginger ale or something. I’ll be back soon.”

Blendin rushed through, almost bumping into his father, “Whoop, sorry Pops. Hey Mom, have you seen my backpack? I’m heading to a mission but I need something out of it real quick.” He starts looking behind the cushions of the sofa, M’s tentacle actually held it right above his head in a corner, the two wives snickering, “Look up, sweetie.” Carmen chuckled. Blendin looked around the ceiling for a moment “Hey! I need that! I’m gonna be late!” M cackled as he kept it slightly out of reach. “Uncle M, come on.. please?” The young stallion begged, the brash changeling dropping the backpack into the awaiting arms of the newly eighteen year old. M shook his head with a wicked grin, “That kid cant jump worth a damn..”

While the wives were preparing for their trip, Wally made his way to his appointment in a large city. In a large concrete building that almost looked more like a facility management center like the city’s Water Works, he stepped through the door and flashed his Wander Society coin, “Waldric Wander. I’m here for my physical.” He mentioned to the front desk where he was directed to the waiting room. After a few moments, he was called into an exam room where a new doctor stood to greet him. The tall black and white stallion grinned as he outstretched his hand, “Waldo, Glad you could make it. I’m Dr Ravidel Soltek and I’ll be handling your checkup today…”

Daring walked up to the door right outside Skyggja’s lab, where Sigryn greeted her, “Hello Daring! We weren’t expecting you! Would you like anything to drink?” The young pegasus shook her head, “No, I’m just looking for Mom. Have you seen her?” The dovefox nodded and escorted her towards the workshop area, “Oh yes! Carmen is right over here, getting some adjustments done before her trip.” Daring soon saw Carmen sitting in a shop chair, with a snack-tray in front of her with papers and books, awkwardly trying to sift through things with one arm as Skyggja was just a few feet away, working on the missing arm. Carmen looks up and smiles, “Adora! What brings you here?” Daring huffs a bit in annoyance, "Mom, why do you have a thing in my schedule for VILE training?! You know I don’t want to be a part of this! And with Uncle M for that matter!” Carmen straightens up and takes off her glasses, “Honey, I don’t know what will happen when I’m away and I need you or Blendin to know how things work here just in case there needs to be a leadership shift in the event of emergency. That and if anything should happen to me or your father, you’ll know what to do. I don’t want this to dissolve, too many people have made their home here. So its just a little crash course on how things work. I’m not asking you to become me. I want you to be your own person.” Daring crossed her arms, “You’ve already proven that you are worse at dying than a cockroach. So why me? If you hadn’t noticed, I’m now the only normal person that hasn’t been altered or abnormally strong or have powers..” Her mother beamed, “Sweetheart, I’m talking about your intuition and intellect, your ability to notice details, quick thinking and even quicker reflexes.” Daring glares, “But you don’t see what is wrong here! You have a skewed sense of morals in which I don’t want any part of! You steal from museums and other locations! And its mostly for your own gain! You don’t need any of it! Its all to see if you can while trying to disguise it as a way to punish a more crooked individual!”

Skyggja looks over her shoulder, “It may be stealing but your mother has done more to help others than you realize! She’s not exactly a Robin Hood but she isn’t any Sheriff of Nottingham either! As for doing it to see if she can, I’ve seen first hand how easy she can steal things. No wonder she keeps trying to go for more complicated heists. Theres no effort in protection anymore in lots of places. Consider us like WhiteHats, finding holes in security, only we get paid with their loss.” Daring growls in frustration, “You can get hired legally for that! You don’t have to do it illegally!!”

Sigryn comes over with a tray of drinks for everyone, some spiked lemonade. “I think they learn the lesson harder when its done off a legal paycheck. Besides, Don’t you do similar to us, Daring? You steal things from temples and ruins..” Sig smirked, sipping her own drink. “But thats different!! I’m legally allowed to because its covered under anomalous archeology!! Its my job to collect and neutralize the unstable artifacts for the safety of the world!” Carmen puts her glasses back on and goes back to read a paper, “So its not that different, honey, just a different boss to answer to. Where here, that boss may be you someday.” Skyggja turns, holding the arm, and reattaches it with a couple clicks. Carmen flexes her hand, and moves it around to make sure everything is connected and functioning properly. Daring turns to leave, her mother calling after her, “Just talk to M, he’ll help you out!” Skyggja chuckles as Daring leaves, “You sure have a firecracker there. If she comes around, she’s gonna be a spittin image.” Carmen smirks, “I think she’ll warm up to the idea. She just needs time. Ooh I just got a craving for pickled beets and peanut butter, out of now where.. weird.” Sigryn laughs, “That sounds like a pregnancy craving if I ever heard one! Such a weird combo!” Carmen sips her spiked lemonade, “Nah, I’ve been on a strong birth control since having Blendin. I have unusually high levels of hormones during my cycles and I had to cap it somehow. Not even Kiros could get me pregnant with these pills. Besides, its not so weird, folks used to roast whole onions stuffed with peanut butter about a century ago and it was a household favorite! I personally havent tried it but pickled beets cant be too much different!”

Skyggja raised an eyebrow, “You capped your hormones during cycles yet some of us STILL can’t keep up with your stamina during your heats.” The mare shrugged, “I’m a medical marvel apparently between that and my disability to use my natural unicorn magic. Other than that I used to be perfectly normal!” Skyggja’s mechanical eyes whirred a bit, “Right, well ya ain’t normal anymore. Maybe you should cut back on the drinkin till after you get back. You said your stomach wasn’t too happy with the nerves, and who knows what the portal may do, especially since Lekir said the environment is different.” Carmen waved the notion off, downing the rest of the drink. “I’ll be fine. Thats why I’m double checking with you about my augments. If I can get used to the atmosphere quickly, I’ll be right as a rainbow.”

Within a few hours, Wally had returned, and had a small pill bottle in hand. He went to put it in his medicine cabinet after reading the label when Carmen knocked on the doorframe, “Hey, how’d the appointment go?” Wally smiled and shrugged, “Fine I guess. I got prescribed a new medication that may help slow the crystal growth and help with the pain. Still no word on a cure. But its better than nothing.” She smiled and rubbed his arm comfortingly. “We’ll find a way. I promise. Now you have everything you need while I’m gone? Because once I’m on the other side, its hard for me to get back on short notice.”

He nods, “I think we’ll be just fine. I’m already kinda feeling better. And I haven’t even had the new pill yet.” She points to him, “Take the medicine, even if you feel better now. You still need to take it. The doctors say it will help in the long run. I’ll check that bottle when I get back if I have to.” She chuckles.

Soon it was time to depart, Lekir sent word that they were ready and a shimmering portal appeared with a figure of a gracefully lanky black fox with green tipped ears, a green stripe along her back and emerald eyes, she was dressed in a modern version of a greek muse, the pale green shirt was billowy with draping sleeves and matching dress pants. Lekir crossed her arms and glared at the arriving figure, “Hello Kalai, Its about time you showed up..” The newcomer sneered smugly and got close to Lekir, growling, “About time you begged me to send you back, I expected more groveling.” The two growled fiercely at each other before bursting out laughing, giving each other a big hug. Lekir laughed, “Its soo good to see you, is everything ready for our arrival?” Kalai wiped a laughing tear from her eye and nods, “Oh of course! Everything is all set and ready. And you must be Carmen, I’ve heard so much about you. You are absolutely glowing!” Carmen blushed as Kalai looked her over, “Its a pleasure to meet you, and I’m just nervous. I’ve obviously never been to Cador and I’ve heard so many stories about it.” Kalai smirked, “Its a certainly more than that but I’ll explain more when you’re settled and checked out.” Carmen hesitated, “Checked out? Like customs and quarantine right?” Kalai tilted her head, “Its a medical standpoint to see how far along you are and to see how your new blood is effecting you.” Carmen relaxed a bit, “Oh right, haha, to see how far I’ve adapted to this, right. Got it.” Kalai chuckled with a confused look, “Did you forget that I can sense all life and health? Or did Lekir not relay that.” Lekir huffed, “No, I told her everything I knew!”

Carmen reached out in a sudden thought, right before Kalai was about to speak, “Wait! So that means you can heal, right? Like take diseases away? May I ask a favor before we depart? My husband, Waldo, has been inflicted by what we call Vivian’s Burden. Its fatal with no cure. We haven’t had any luck finding anything that helps. Can you help him?” Kalai sighed and had him stand near her since she couldnt stray far from the portal without it closing. She looked him over, “You recently took out all the shards of crystal?” Wally nodded, “We try to take out any that we see.” Kalai turns to Carmen, “I do not do these for charity, I do require payment and the cost will be steep. Are you prepared to pay my fees for such a service, even in your condition?” Carmen gave a confused face and looked herself over, “My condition? Like my limbs? Whatever my condition, yes I will pay whatever the price, I have plenty of money or priceless art, or if I dont have what you want, I can get it with no issues... Just.. we’re running out of time to find him a cure. He has less than a year and a half before it starts getting to his vitals.” Kalai looked her over and proceeded to reach out her hand, touching Wally’s chest and with a soft green glow, she pulled the illness from him absorbing it into herself and destroying it, healing his wounds from the crystals. “We shall discuss payment when you get settled then, and it will not be monetary.”

Wally lifted his shirt and smiled wide, laughing, “Holy moley! I feel amazing! I didn’t realize how much strength I lost!” He did a couple hops and ran over to Carmen, picking her up and twirling her, giving her a deep kiss. “Oh this is wonderful! Thank you Kalai! I have a new lease on life!” He woops out. Carmen smiles and laughs, “Better thank Lekir too! She’s the one who knows Kalai and had her come here!” Wally went right over to Lekir and gave a big bear hug to which Lekir patted his back and felt awkward. “Thank you so much!” Lekir pried him from her with a chuckle, “Yeah, no prob. I didn’t realize this was the answer you all were looking for.. “ Kalai smiled, “Its may not have been the main reason for my being here but if a life can be saved, I’m happy to help. Now, say your farewells for now, I’ll have you back safely within one month of your calendar.” M takes a draw from his cigarette and strides up to Kalai. “You better fuckin keep them safe. Those two are my charges, and I don’t like being fuckin far from them. If anything happens to them, I will have no issue rending your flesh into fuckin paste, myself.” Kalai looked at him and suddenly whipped vines from the ground to twist around him tightly, sapping his strength from full to near completely depleted, his breathing labored as he wriggled. She gets close to him, the vines pulling him lower to his knees, she ripped the cigarette out of his mouth and tossed it, “And You should not be smoking near a mother to be! I have much to discuss about her and her son.”

Carmen raised an eyebrow, “Wait, you mean Blendin? He’s just turning 18…” Kalai never broke eye contact with M, “No, no, your other son.”

“I don’t have another son. I have a daughter.”

“I’m talking about the son you carry in your belly this very moment!”

Carmen’s hands instantly went to her stomach, “Wait, I’m actually pregnant?! How?! I literally just had this conversation.. I was on birth control since having Blendin! Do they not work anymore?!… oh my god they dont work anymore. Why dont they work anymore?!” She starts panicking and Lekir rubs her back soothingly, getting her some ice water. “It could be the demon blood.. your transformation could be enough to override it. Normally non Cadorian females who carry Cadorian Demon babies cant survive the pregnancy, but you can since you have had the blood transfer.” Lekir explained. Kalai smiled over to Carmen, keeping M bound still, “I thought you knew already, I apologize but this way I can assess both your abilities and progress! This has only happened once before with a human but never a unicorn! I’m very eager to learn what I can if you are willing to let me observe while you train your new skills.” She turned back to M and used her power to read his biology and such, smirking, “Oh.. now you are a strange one. Much different from the individuals in this building. Last time I was here on this planet, nothing like you existed yet.. Oh interesting.. Hmmm Lets keep some of that between us, shall we?” She patted his cheek and let him go, releasing his strength back to him. He stumbled back and shook his head, “What the fuck did you just do to me?!” He roared, his claws lengthening sharply. Kalai flicked her fingers and explodes his bones within his arms before flicking them back, instantly healing him as if no harm was ever done. “I am the Harbinger of Life. I can unmake you as easy as you were made to begin with. I am a scientist of biology and magic. I am older than you can comprehend. I have seen wars and seen my people die around me. I have felt their anguish and pain.” M straightened up and adjusted his jacket, “So we have something in common.” Kalai tilted her head, “You are a being who changes shape. Your biology doesnt show this feature you speak of otherwise. Please elaborate.”

M scoffed but went into detail of his kind and his experiences. “I’m a dark balance changeling, I feed off the negative of life. Every Murphy’s law, every bad luck streak, is my dinner. I use my powers to feed off those emotions of despair and hopelessness and chase it down with survivor’s bittersweet love and pain of the lost one. I don’t just kill and witness death. I absorb it, I feast upon it. Well, I used to kill. Red here has a no kill ban and I agreed to it.” The fox came much closer, her lips almost touching his, she breathes cold air onto him, breathing her experiences of those exact emotions and senses him taking it in. He licks his lips as the glow in his eyes shift slightly, “That was a nice appetizer. I never fuckin expected that.” Kalai smirked tracing her finger along his shirt, “I could feed you for a lifetime with all that I am. Take you home like a lost puppy.” He took her hand from his chest, “Don’t mistake me for a fuckin puppy. I can do more than just bark.” Kalai smirked wider, “Suddenly you have gone from just a passing thought to someone I may actually enjoy. Not many fully understand what I feel, but you do. Interesting for such a strange one.”

M growled, “I have a name. I didn’t just spend two fuckin decades fighting with an ai to say my goddamn name instead of Rude one, I ain’t gonna do it again with you.” The vixen crossed her arms, “Oh I know your name, Marehem Skaedfryd. I was hoping you would take my compliment instead since you don’t care for your full name being spoken. So you go by M, as I was saying, you are a strange one.” M grumped and adjusted his jacket, sticking his hands in his pants pocket, “So. You said a month, yeah? I’ll set my calendar. One month. On the dot. Be here, or I will come there and destroy what I can to get them back, gravity or no gravity.” She laughed, “I have seen extinction level events, you do not frighten me.” M lifted his chin before moving his muzzle next to her cheek, speaking low, “I’ve caused extinction level events. I do not intend to harm you if you do not intend to harm them.” She chides softly, “I am as gentle as a flower but certainly not as frail, no harm will befall them, I assure you.” He puts his hand on her arm, keeping his head close, “Even the smallest and weakest flower can be deadly just as a sturdy flower needs care to not wither.” Kalai licks his cheek, “Perhaps someday I will let you tend my garden. There are no gods to judge, we ate them, haven’t we?” He gave a soft groan, almost a low chuckle. “When we ate them, we became gods ourselves, ain’t that right?” Kalai grins bringing up a hand to cup his neck in a soft embrace, “Then perhaps gods shall lay with gods someday.”

Carmen leans over to Lekir, whispering, “What the fuck am I seeing right now?” Lekir shrugs and whispers back, “I dunno.. I wanna say they’re flirting.”

Carmen gives an unsure grimace, “With M though? Oh maybe he’ll do his fake out that he does with Molli. M never flirts seriously. Any minute he will give the middle finger or something.. any minute..” Lekir shakes her head, “I think he’s serious. Even look at his tail, its curled around both their feet. Not swaying like he’s plotting.” Carmen continues her grimace, “But M though?!” Lekir chuckles, “Almost reminds me of a Death and Deadpool type of chemistry.” Carmen shrugs, “A death and what? Whats a deadpool?” Lekir looked at her wife in disbelief, “Do you not keep up with pop and comic culture? Your own son reads them, ask him. It’ll make sense when you do.” Carmen scoffs, “I read comics! I’ve read… Garfield…” The Vesk pats her shoulder, “When we get back, we’re having a comic crash course.” They look back in time to see M kiss her hand gently, then he catches eye contact with the wives, and flips them his middle finger. “There’s the middle finger.. its just towards us instead of her. Great.”

After Lekir and Carmen finished farewelling, Kalai escorted them through the portal, looking back to give M a wink before the portal closes. Once the girls were gone, the two brothers stood, Wally giving a sheepish grin towards M who had crossed his arms in thought, tapping his chin. M gave a side eye to Wally, “What the fuck are you lookin at?” Wally grinned and chuckled, “M has a crush~” M cackles, “Right, and you are the king of Scotland. Bullshit.” Wally singsongy teased him, “You think she’s preeeetty, I think you liiiiike her, you wanna kiiiisssss her..” M grabbed him by the shirt neck and made a fist, “If you dont fuckin quit..”

“Mom hasn’t been gone five minutes and already you’re fighting like children?! This place is in a more sorry state than I thought.” Daring stood in the doorway, hands on her hips. “And what is a little pipsqueak like you gonna do?” M towered over her. She smirks as Kiros comes up behind her. “I’ll ask her next strongest agent to help me keep things under control.” Kiros grinned as he cracked his knuckles, “Daring and I have been getting along quite well. Now whats this I hear about M having a crush?”

[oddthesungod]

putting them all together just cuz !!!!!!!! Veilguard lads !!!!!

[andre-lai]

Penghantaran 'Laddhu' untuk komuniti setempat

[azadrithaanatheme]

Whatever. Go, my mechanical children!

[glitteringdust]

The first time Davrin realized he was in love was in the heat of battle— covered head to toe in muck and gore as wave after wave of darkspawn poured through the flooded parts of Lavendel. He swings his sword and downs the hurlock throwing spears, turning on his heel just in time to see Rook surrounded by a seething mob.

He stands knee-deep in stagnant water, lightning trailing from his fingertips, dancing up and along his arms as he coats his entire form in glimmering purple sparks. Bending his knees into a crouch, he waits for the exact moment to unleash the storm.

It's brief, the hint of delight that crosses Rook's expression. He had been waiting to try this move out, practiced it at least a dozen times at this point but without the payoff. He'd always let the magic die out.

The darkspawn slashes forward, claws connecting at the same time he jumps up. The lightning forks itself outward, pouncing eagerly upon the dampened darkspawn. Rook fade-steps out of the fray, watching the calamity of his work fry every last darkspawn into ash.

Davrin can't help the words that leave his mouth, "Damn, Rook."

He's panting, but grins all the same, "A bit more lively on the follow through than I expected. My fingers are stinging."

All Davrin can see is explosive strength in a tightly packed form, a force of nature. It was… entirely the wrong time to be thinking of Rook's beauty, but the fact that the elf could take down just about anything in his way was more than attractive.

They push deeper into the overrun fort, the last of the horde contained to the boarded up entryway. This time, Rook replaces lightning with fire, the puddles of blight glistening as the flames ignite the entire area into an inferno. The darkspawn all but melt, and any stragglers are easily put down by Harding's arrows.

The whirlwind of flames releases Rook, "Fire is… that needs a bit of work." He coughs little puffs of smoke, "Mission successful, though."

He never thought Rook could look any hotter than he did already, until he'd seen him coated in flames one moment and completely fine the next.

"That was beyond impressive Rook." He says the words intentionally, hoping the other would blush in response.

He doesn't disappoint, running a hand through his hair as he looks away, cheeks flushed, "Still needs tweaking, but you can watch me any time you'd like."

"Any time I'd like, huh?"

"I'm told I put on quite the show."

"I bet you do—"

Harding clears her throat, "If you guys are done flirting now, we should probably go let Evka and Antoine know the good news."

"What? We weren’t… that’s not…" Rook begins to protest, Davrin doing the same. Harding looks unconvinced, but shrugs her shoulders as she starts to head back, the two wardens following behind.

—

He didn't think about the consequences of doing too much too fast, and it wasn't until he was back at the Lighthouse that he knew what those consequences were.

Every muscle fiber stings, pins and needles in his fingers slowly traveling up his arms. Other parts of him feel as though flames still licked at tender flesh, searing hot and almost numb in some spots.

Almost, but not quite, the pain reminds him.

The bath house is full of steam, but Rook can barely relax enough to remove his clothes. He should just give up, crawl back to bed and hope the worst of it fades by morning.

"Looks like we had the same idea." Davrin says from behind him.

"After Lavendel, you kind of have to," He carefully looks over his shoulder, but ends up wincing anyway.

"Hey, what's wrong? Are you hurt?"

Eyes like an eagle, Davrin never seemed to miss anything he did, "I'm fine. Just… sore."

"Kal, come on. You're a terrible liar."

His name coming from Davrin’s mouth always sent his heart fluttering. It was good, when he said it. It felt right.

"Sometimes, trying new magic comes back to bite you in the ass. I can barely move my arms."

"I see. I guess that explains why you were about to take a bath fully dressed."

"You're funny."

"You know, I think I might have just the thing to help."

"Yeah? Let's hear it."

"Well," Davrin moves closer until he's just behind him, voice like velvet in his ear, "First, we need to get rid of these clothes."

The smooth rustle of fabric behind him, Davrin's shirt tossed to the floor. Rook clumsily fingers the hem of his tunic, attempting to follow suit but Davrin is quicker. Gentle, careful movements as his shirt joins the other.

Hands on his waistband tug downwards, and although he's gotten undressed in front of Davrin more than a few times, he's nervous. This time was different.

This was an intimacy not born of lust, but of intention. This was devotion. Raw and vulnerable.

Davrin takes Rook's hand and steps down into the pool, gesturing for him to sit on the side, "We'll work your way in."

He hisses in pain as he sits on the edge, feet resting on the step and completely submerged in the warm water. Davrin takes one foot in his hand and squeezes, starting near his toes, then along the arch, back to the heel. He massages right where they hurt most, and Rook can't help but groan with pleasure.

When both feet have been tended to, Davrin works his way up Rook's legs. He sucks in a sharp breath when his calf seizes up, but Davrin is there kneading out the knot immediately, murmuring softly to him as he soothes the pain.

Soon, he's being pulled further into the steaming water, humming his approval as both heat and hands reach his thighs. He exhales through his nose, having to consciously calm his thoughts and keep his body from reacting like it usually did when Davrin was naked and this close to him.

"You doing okay, Kal?"

"Mmmm, more than okay."

Davrin sinks himself lower, water just below his pecs as he settles on the last step. Rook sits himself between his legs, and Davrin begins massaging all around his shoulders, then down his back, along his arms. He takes great care to go slowly, leaving no part of him aching. His thumbs run circles along tensed muscles, working them loose inch by inch. The pins and needles retreat from the combination of Davrin's strong hands, and the steady warmth of the bath. He melts into the water around him, closing his eyes briefly as he lets himself fade into nothing.

Nothing but him and Davrin, bodies close.

Davrin, who saw right through the walls he hid behind and saw him for who he was, not what he could be. Who cared deeply for the things he loved, and wanted nothing more but to mean something to this world.

Well, he certainly means the world to me.

"Kal? How do you feel?" The other's breath on his ear sends a shiver down his spine.

He feels completely unwound, the worst of the symptoms fading into the water. He leans back against Davrin's chest, "You have your own set of magic hands. I feel like a new man."

Davrin rests his chin on Rook's shoulder, "As breathtaking as you are when in your element, Kal, I don't enjoy seeing you in pain. So I’ve got you, anytime you need me."

Rook finds the hand resting on his thigh, entwining his fingers with Davrin's, "You know I've got you, too, right? The feeling is mutual."

They stay sitting like that for a while, Davrin's arm around his waist and Rook's hand in his. Neither one wanting to pull away from the other, even if the water was growing cool.

"Stay with me tonight, Kal. We'll both sleep better if you do."

"Trying to get me into bed, are you?" Rook teases.

"Oh, I don't really have to try. I know you'll come."

He shakes his head, stifling a laugh, "And you say my puns are bad."

Later, with Davrin sleeping soundly beneath him, it hits him with total and complete clarity.

He's falling in love.

[shadowcrow]

I have a number of emotions about the shot, the one who inherited the world of the other. The child and the forebear. Child of the Stone, Child of Titans and now visiting one of their resting places.

[sammichiart]

long days of fighting blighted dragons call for rook cuddle piles

[girlwithadragonheart]

Chapter 11 - A Touch of Spite

This story contains major spoilers for Dragon Age the Veilguard. Read at your own discretion!!

Kalais x Lucanis

Summary: Now that Lucanis has finally admitted his feelings, Spite wants a turn with Rook. Rook and Lucanis plan to crash a party

Word Count: 2.6k

Warnings: Swearing, tension

A/N: I have nothing to say about this one. Just enjoy

Chapter 10 DATV Masterlist Chapter 12

After speaking with Solas and then the rest of the team, I sat alone in my room. The Lighthouse was quiet, and for once, my mind mirrored that silence.

The reflections of the aquarium moved across the room, painting it in a blue-green glow. I was sitting on the edge of my bed-slash-sofa, lost in the movements of the fish behind the glass, when a knock came at the door---soft, tentative, yet deliberate.

I frowned slightly. No one usually came to my room this late. Rising cautiously, I padded over and cracked the door open.

“Lucanis?” His silhouette filled the doorway, but something was off. His usual composed demeanor was absent, replaced by a strange energy that seemed to hum in the air between us. His gaze lifted to meet mine, and I froze. 

His eyes were glowing---that deep, eerie purple that sent a shiver down my spine.

Not Lucanis.

“Mischief, what are you---”

Before I could finish my sentence, his lips were on mine. It was sudden, insistent, and unlike anything I’d experienced before. His hands gripped my waist, pulling me flush against him, and though I should have pushed him away, my body hesitated.

“My turn.” Spite growled, his voice rougher and more gravelly than Lucanis’s. His lips moved with open-mouthed kisses up my jaw and down my neck. His kisses turned from lips to teeth, biting and sucking at my skin as his hands roamed, sliding down my back, his touch possessive in a way that left no doubt who was in control.

I tried to pull away, but my back hit the wall, and I was caged. “Spite---” I managed to gasp, my voice trembling with confusion and a flicker of something else I couldn’t quite name.

He pulled back, just enough to meet my gaze, his smirk predatory. “You want this,” he hissed, hand skimming lower, the heat of his touch searing through the thin fabric of my clothes. He tucked his nose into the crook between my neck and shoulder. “I can. Smell you.” He took a deep inhale, and my heart pounded in my chest, anticipation building in me.

I felt a rush of conflicting emotions---fear, anger, compassion, and lust that I couldn’t quite hate myself for. My heart raced as he kissed me again, his mouth demanding in a way that sent a flush of warmth coursing through me.

His hands pried apart the buttons of my shirt without care, the rough calluses on his palms dragging against my sides as he bared me from the waist up.

Before things could spiral further, his body stiffened, and his grip on me faltered. His hands dropped, and he stepped back, a deep gasp escaping him as if he were pulling himself out of deep water.

“Kalais?” Lucanis’s voice was hoarse, his expression twisted with confusion and horror as he blinked down at me. His eyes, now their usual dark brown, darted between my face and his own hands, as if trying to piece together what had happened. “Did he---” he cut himself off, his voice dropping to a pained whisper. “Did Spite hurt you?”

“No, no,” I said quickly, raising my hands to calm him. He was already backing away, his body rigid, his expression stricken. I felt a light draft, causing goosebumps to prickle my chest, and I realized I was still half indecent. I quickly pulled my shirt back together, clasping the buttons.

“I didn’t---” his words were strangled, his hands curling into fists at his sides.

“Lucanis, stop,” I said, stepping forward, my voice trembling. “He didn’t hurt me. He just… he kissed me. And touched me, but… but not like that.”

His brow furrowed, watching as my hands buttoned up my shirt, a storm in his eyes. I hated the pain I saw there.

“I swear, I’m okay,” I continued, forcing the words out even as my cheeks burned with shame. “He shouldn’t have done that without talking to us first,” I said carefully. “I just wish…” I hesitated, my heart pounding in my chest.

“What?” He asked, his voice low, careful, as if bracing for what I might say next.

I swallowed hard, forcing myself to meet his gaze. “I wish you had been the first one to touch me like that,” I said in earnest.

His eyes widened, the words catching him off guard, and for a long moment, neither of us spoke.

“Kalais,” he said finally, his voice raw with a mixture of emotions I couldn’t quite parse. “I… I don’t understand. How could you---” He stopped himself, shaking his head as if trying to clear his thoughts.

I took a breath, lest I break down like this in front of him. One of us had to keep it together at all times. “It’s not a secret I care about both of you. Spite was never even…” I paused, searching for the right words. “Given a chance to be seen as anything other than what that place made him- made you. It hurt both of you, that doesn’t make him inherently evil,” I explained. “But… But he should have talked to us about it first.” My thoughts were racing and my tongue seemed to move with them before I could stop. “I want you… and that means I want him too, but…”

“But what?” Lucanis asked, looking astonished, dragging a hand through his hair.

“I want you to be my first,” I said quietly. “I’m not… experienced.”

I watched Lucanis’s cheeks dust pink, and he glanced away. “Oh.”

Lucanis’s stunned expression lingered as he processed my words. The tension in the room was almost unbearable, a sharp contrast to the earlier intensity with Spite. He opened his mouth to speak, but nothing came out at first, his jaw working silently before he managed a shaky breath.

“I… didn’t realize,” he admitted softly, his voice low and cautious. His gaze flicked back to me, his brown eyes searching mine. “You’ve always seemed so confident. I never would’ve guessed…” He trailed off, running a hand through his hair again, clearly out of his depth.

“That I’m a virgin?” I laughed slightly, my cheeks warming as I wrapped my arms around myself. “I guess I’m good at pretending,” I said with a small, self-conscious shrug. 

Lucanis frowned, his expression clouding with guilt. “Kalais, I… I don’t know what to say. I’m angry at him for not giving us a choice, for doing this to you. But…” His voice softened as his gaze dropped to the floor. “I don’t want him to… mess this up. For us.”

I stepped closer, my hand brushing against his arm, trying to draw his attention back to me. “He won’t,” I said firmly. “I trust you, Lucanis. I wouldn’t have said anything if I didn’t. I’ll talk to him.”

His eyes snapped to mine at that, a flicker of something vulnerable flashing across his face. He swallowed hard, visibly gathering himself. “You trust me,” he repeated, the words almost reverent. He exhaled shakily and reached for my hand, his fingers curling around mine with a gentleness that made my heart ache.

“I do,” I whispered, my voice steady despite the storm of emotions swirling inside me.

For a moment, he said nothing, just holding my hands as if grounding himself in the simple connection. Then, he let out a low, humorless laugh. “You make it sound so easy,” he muttered, his lips quirking in a wry, self-deprecating smile.

“It is,” I said simply, echoing the words I’d spoken to him before. “At least for me.”

Lucanis’s grip on my hand tightened slightly, his thumb brushing over my knuckles. “You deserve better than this,” he murmured, his voice heavy with guilt. “Better than me… better than Spite…”

I shook my head, cutting him off. “Don’t decide what I deserve for me,” I said firmly. “I’m not looking for perfect, Lucanis. I’m looking for you. And I don’t regret anything that’s happened. I just… want us to figure this out together.”

His gaze softened at that, the storm in his eyes quieting just slightly. “You’re too good to me,” he said quietly, a faint, bittersweet smile tugging at his lips.

“And you’re too hard on yourself,” I countered, stepping closer until we were only a breath apart. “You’re not responsible for Spite’s choices, Lucanis. And you don’t have to carry all of this alone. I’m here. For both of you.”

Lucanis stared at me for a long moment, his expression unreadable. Then, slowly, he raised his free hand to cup my cheek, his touch achingly gentle. “You’re incredible,” he said softly, his thumb brushing over my skin.

I felt my breath catch, my heart pounding in my chest as his gaze bore into mine. “Someone has to be the voice of reason around here,” I whispered.

His lips curved into a small, genuine smile---a rare, unguarded moment that made my chest ache. He leaned in, his forehead resting against mine, and I could feel the warmth of his breath against my lips.

“We’ll figure this out,” I murmured, my voice a low promise. “Together.”

“Together,” he echoed, the word steady and full of hope.

For now, that was enough.

❈❈❈

Lucanis sat on the edge of his bed, elbows braced on his knees, hands raking through his hair as he fought to keep his emotions in check. His heart was still racing, the memory of Kalais’s flushed face, her trembling voice, and the sight of her fumbling to button her shirt playing on a loop in his mind. His fists clenched involuntarily, nails biting into his palms. The tightness in his pants certainly didn’t solve any problems.

“You’re quiet,” Spite’s gravely voice broke through the tension, the tone almost teasing. “Regretting already?”

Lucanis’s jaw tightened, refusing to look at the aspect of himself leaning against the wall. Spite had no right to bring her into this. Not now. Not after what he’d done. “What the hell were you thinking?” Lucanis snapped, his voice low but seething. He pushed himself to his feet and started pacing, the energy humming under his skin demanding release. “You can’t just… take over and do that. You violated her trust, Spite.”

“She. Wanted it,” Spite replied smoothly, his voice echoing in Lucanis’s mind like an unwelcome shadow. “Wanted more.”

Lucanis spun on his heel, eyes narrowing as he glared at Spite. “Wanting something and being ready for it are not the same thing!” Lucanis growled, pointing at him. “Consent, Spite. It’s not just some formality you can skip because you think you know better. You ask. You wait.”

Spite scoffed, his voice rich with disdain. “Ask? Why? Rook. Wanted it. Her body. Sang.”

Lucanis’s fists clenched again, but he forced himself to take a steadying breath. “It’s not just about what you think you can sense, Spite,” he said tightly. “It’s about respect. About giving her the chance to choose for herself. You took that away from her tonight.”

Silence followed his words, heavy and oppressive. For a moment, Lucanis wondered if Spite would retreat, slinking back into the recesses of his mind to avoid this confrontation. But when had he ever done that? It was always harsh words and angry tones flung between the two of them. Never civility. The Ossuary had stolen that from them both. At least with each other.

Instead, his voice came back, quieter this time. “I’m not used to… Asking,” Spite admitted begrudgingly. “This. Is new. For me too.”

Lucanis paused, the raw honesty in Spite’s tone catching him off guard. He folded his arms, his anger dimming just enough to allow a sliver of understanding. He didn’t know how spirits or demons experienced affection or lust besides the obviously lustful kind of spirit or demon. He wondered briefly if his own feelings were starting to bleed into the demon from their time together.

“Well, it matters now,” he said firmly. “Kalais isn’t some toy for you to play with. She’s a person. Someone we both care about.”

“She cares. About us. Both.”

Lucanis exhaled, the weight of the night pressing heavily on his shoulders. “She does,” he admitted softly. “But that doesn’t mean you can ignore her boundaries, Spite. If you want her to trust you---to trust us---then you have to respect her choices.”

Spite’s aspect, the purple glow surrounding him, flickered, dimming slightly. “If I. Don’t?” Spite asked, his voice laced with uncertainty.

Lucanis’s expression hardened. “Then you lose her,” he said simply. “Because I won’t let you hurt her again. I’ll find a way to keep you from taking over if I have to.”

The threat hung in the air like a blade poised to strike. Spite growled softly, but it wasn’t the defiant sound Lucanis expected. It was almost… thoughtful.

“I’ll try,” Spite said at last, the words begrudging. “But. I want. My turn.”

Lucanis’s brow furrowed, and he turned away, pacing again. “Your turn?”

“Yes,” Spite replied. “You’re awake. During the day. You get Rook. I only have. The night.”

Lucanis’s teeth ground together, the idea setting him on edge. But he could feel Spite’s determination, the tenuous thread of compromise dangling between them. He thought of Kalais, her words echoing in his mind: I’m here. For both of you.

“Fine,” Lucanis said finally, his voice sharp as he crossed his arms. “But there are rules. When I’m awake, she’s mine. You stay out of it. And when she’s asleep, you leave her alone. She needs her rest, Spite.”

“And when. You sleep?” Spite pressed, his voice low and coaxing.

Lucanis hesitated, his mind warring with itself. Finally, he nodded reluctantly. “You can… spend time with her. If you respect her boundaries. No more taking over without permission. You want her trust? Earn it.”

His purple glow brightened briefly, then dimmed again. “Deal,” Spite said, his voice carrying a note of satisfaction.

Lucanis sank back onto his cot as Spite disappeared from view. He didn’t fully trust Spite---he doubted he ever would. But for now, it was a start.

“Don’t make me regret this,” Lucanis muttered under his breath, staring at the ceiling.

❈❈❈

I wandered to the kitchen for a bite to eat after blissfully uninterrupted sleep. No god of lies, no spirits, no people, and lots of healing rest.

“Good. You’re here,” Lucanis said.

“What happened?” I asked.

“A note from Viago.”

“Illario’s making his move?” 

Lucanis nodded. “A big one. He’s hosting all the Talons of the Crows at Caterina’s villa.”

“That means the finest wine, and an even finer banquet,” I said.

“You deserve better than anything at Illario’s table,” Lucanis told me seriously.

“I’ll let you re-educate my palate. Once we’re out the other side,” I grinned.

“We have to do this carefully. Illario has to be expecting us,” Lucanis said.

“You think he knows that we know about him and Elgar’nan?” I asked.

Lucanis smirked, “He knows we know about him and Zara. After your gracious display of threatening him. He wouldn’t be avoiding us otherwise. Be ready for a trap.”

“I always am,” I told him. “Are you… Are you and Spite okay?”

“We’ve come to… an agreement,” he said carefully.

I nodded slowly. “Okay… Should I be worried?”He reached up, fingers playing through the ends of my hair. “Do not worry, mi diosa. I can handle Spite.” His fingers brushed under my jaw, tipping my chin up. I shivered. “You should worry about Teia. Viago said she’s inconsolable with preparations for Illario’s banquet. Knowing her, she has a plan to get us in.”

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A/N: I have planssss >:3

As always, let me know if you want to be on the Lucanis tag list or the tag list for this series!!

Tags: @encrytpta

[stitchcasual]

DA Kiss Week

day 1 - morning

Rook/Tarquin

454 words, pre-datv

Kalais woke slowly, a consequence of circumstance and a clear sign he was losing his edge. The body beside him was warm and soft and had an arm draped over his stomach, but that shouldn’t have been enough to keep him from alertness. He didn’t open his eyes, waiting first for his ears to parse the sounds coming through the apartment wall. People returning from night shifts, perhaps, or early risers beginning their days. Bumps and clatters from kitchens, low voices in conversation. He couldn’t make out any of the words, not for lack of trying; the walls were thick enough for that little piece of privacy, at least.

He would have to get up eventually, Tarquin too, and make their respective ways to their gainful daytime employment. But not yet. The sun was barely touching the sky outside; Kalais confirmed his suspicion with one squinted eye before closing it again. When the sun began to light the room, Tarquin would rise. Some military man he was, not awake with the dawn, but both of them had been out of the service for years now. Kalais wouldn’t begrudge Tarquin any rest he could find. Especially after tiring him out so thoroughly the night before.

Kalais shifted carefully onto his side so he could look at Tarquin’s face. There wasn’t much to see with it that dark, but Kalais knew the sloping geography of his lover’s brow, the valley of his cheeks. He’d spent enough time staring at Tarquin, both when Tarquin knew he was and when he was blissfully ignorant of it, that he could recall his features with perfect clarity. He conjured them now, as his eyes roamed across the peaceful slack of sleep. Tarquin’s lips were too wide, his cheekbones too high, his brow too ridged. He was beautiful.

Tarquin stirred as Kalais placed a gentle finger against the hollow of his cheek, dark eyes unfathomably deep in the pre-dawn gloom.

“Kal?”

His sleep-roughened voice fluttered into the top of Kalais’s stomach, warming his heart. He heard his name on Tarquin’s lips often enough, shouted in frustration or laughed out on a breath. But he’d never heard it like this before: the first word of Tarquin’s day, hushed and sweet, like they were more than just occasional—frequent—lovers.

“Shut up,” Kalais said, his hand drifting from Tarquin’s cheek to grip his shoulder and pull them closer together. His lips found Tarquin’s without sun or stars to guide them, like they were magnetically paired to orient toward each other. Tarquin rolled on top, squeezing Kalais’s hip without breaking the kiss, and Kalais fell into rhythms that were much easier and simpler to think about than a single utterance of his own name.

[emryx]

“I could be sipping wine and watching the sunset with my amatus. Oh, for simpler times…”

[oddthesungod]

DA Kiss Week day 2 - Tavern!

Or well, aaaalmost a kiss! They're sloppy drunk they'll get there dw lol

My Rook's favoured terrain are the seediest, grimiest taverns and bars in Minrathous, and you can bet your ass he drags Davrin to ALL of his favorites <333

[curiousstrawberryarts]

im feeling so normal about them

[rookerychannel]

RRAU - Nightmare Comes True

Weisshaupt.

Featuring Beck Adaar and Vena Nuvenis @wickedadaar and Liselath Cordova @antivan-sprig and brief appearance of Tira Laidir @tiravi

tw: violence, blood, non-graphic mentions of death, ptsd-like symptoms

A never ending stream of darkspawn. That’s what met them at Weisshaupt. They all knew as much going in. One of the Wardens, Fisara, had left a note when nearly the whole faction disappeared from the Lighthouse. What they didn’t expect was Ghilan’nain herself, a masked face in the clouds over the fortress. Kalais froze when they saw it, hardly able to breathe, staring up at the sky. Their goddess. The one whose markings were etched on their face, before the elves knew what they were. The Mother of Halla no longer, and hadn’t been for a long while. Corrupted now as Mother of Monsters.

Beck grabbed their arm, pulling them out of their terrified stupor. Kalais stuck with Beck, not wanting to lose her in the sea of monsters, needing to be near to keep an eye on her, to keep her safe. The two of them, along with others, headed through the Outer Wall courtyard, fighting off what they could. They left when there were enough others present to hold the courtyard, running to help at the wall above the front gate. Among the chaos there, Kalais spied Vena and fought their way toward her, the instinct to protect her kicking in, even as Vena let loose streams of fire at the horde of darkspawn. From their spot on the wall they watched the dragon, the Archdemon, strike the bell tower, sending stone tumbling into the streets below. They made the decision to move down to try and help or defend anyone there. In the chaos, Kalais lost sight of Vena. They would lose precious time trying to find her. Vena was capable, they had to remind themself. They had to trust that she would be alright.

The streets they ended up in were choked with blight, tendrils crawling up the walls and winding through the streets. Fighting through it all became more and more tiring. Even despite knowing it would not be effective against the darkspawn crawling the streets, Kalais no longer had the strength to pull any magic but necrotic bolts from the Fade. But they kept at it, throwing as much force behind each bolt that they threw at the darkspawn. 

Any chance they got, Kalais glanced around them, trying to see where Beck was and who else might be around them. There were so many people and even more darkspawn, it was hard to keep track. People shouted and screamed from every direction, it was impossible to tell who or where needed the most help at any given moment. They refocused, dodging a hurlock’s spear and firing off a volley of bolts at it. It staggered and someone else (a warden? One they didn't recognize) finished it off. They spun around again. Beck fought another hurlock a little ways from them, pinned near the wall of a building. Kalais began making their way over, dispatching more darkspawn ghouls along the way. Off to their side, yet another hurlock, one of the large ones with an axe (Kalais didn’t care what they were called), cut down yet another warden. Then it turned towards Beck and charged. Kalais sprinted towards her. Beck had her back to the charging darkspawn, finishing off the one she was already engaged with. Kalais sped up, as fast as their legs could carry them, dodging ghouls and hurtling tendrils. They braced themself and collided with Beck, pushing her away with all their strength. The charging hurlock swung, catching Kalais instead, the force of the swing throwing them against the wall. They crumpled in a pile at the base of it. 

They come to again moments later, their vision swimming and their hearing drowned by the sound of their own heartbeat and pounding headache. Someone fought the hurlock, screaming as they dispatched it. There was a pain in their side, and they reached down, feeling a tear in their armor and something wet, their hand coming away red. Their hearing started to return slightly, though still muffled, but they couldn’t focus their eyes. Another person appears. A voice reaches them through the haze.

“I’ll cover! Get them to help!”

Vena. She glanced back at them, before turning back around, reigning fire on the surrounding darkspawn. Protect Vena. Kalais tried to stand, flinging out their hand to cast, a weak bolt fizzling out before reaching its target. They collapsed back to the ground. 

“Kalais!” They looked up to see Beck kneeling by them. For the first time ever since Kalais met her, she looked scared. “Let’s go, the library isn’t far.” She reached out toward them.

They weakly tried to scramble away. “No, don’t touch me! I’ll be fine!” They tried to stand again, using the wall as support. Their legs shook and they fell again. Their vision started to tunnel. They were becoming too lightheaded. They were in trouble if they couldn’t walk.

Beck scowled at their actions. “Kalais, don’t be an idiot! You’re hurt! Let me carry you!” She reached out toward them again. They shook their head, once again trying to move away, but the pain now was becoming too much to bear.

“Get them out of here!” Vena called back, shielding as best she could between unleashing bouts of fire at the horde.

“I’m trying!” Beck shouted back. She turned back to Kalais. “There is no time! Let me help you!” Beck all but growled at them. She moved toward them, arms reaching to pick them up.

Kalais attempted one final time to weakly scramble back. “No! You can’t!” They collapsed with a pained cry, a hand pressing to the wound at their side. Beck ignored their insistence, too concerned with their injury, and moved quickly to scoop them into her arms. “Don’t!” Kalais panicked and held out their hand in a last ditch effort to get her to stop. 

Kalais’ hand made contact with the exposed skin of Beck’s midriff, just below where her armor stopped. Their fingers dug in, unintentionally. Beck gasped in pain, collapsing to her side in front of them. They wrenched their hand back but the damage had been done. A black mark stood out against Beck’s skin where their hand had been, veiny tendrils slowly creeping outwards. “No! I'm sorry! I didn't -” They stood, with an ease they didn’t have moments ago, and backed away, keeping their hands clutched to their chest. Their heart and thoughts raced as they desperately looked around for someone to help. Anyone who glanced towards them, they saw fear and judgement. Even Vena, when she could spare the glance, glared at them. “Please,” they begged weakly to anyone who might listen. 

Someone ran over, reaching out to help Beck up. Kalais recognized her, belatedly, as Tira. One of the Lords. One of Beck’s friends. Creators, she saw the whole thing. She saw me hurt her friend. Tira grabbed her arm to help pull her to her feet. Beck waved her away, standing with a groan. “I'm fine.” Her tone was short and clipped. Without saying anything else, she stalked over to Kalais, picking them up and leaving no room for argument. She hurried through the streets, dodging blight tendrils and darkspawn, making for the library. 

In Beck’s arms, Kalais's hands gripped the fabric of their own armor like it was a lifeline. They were careful to make sure no other spots of exposed skin touched her. Beck was angry with them. It was clear from her voice and expression. Evident in how she refused to look at them. And she had every right to be. Kalais closed their eyes. They always knew this would happen one day. They were a fool to believe they could have something good in their life.

Suddenly, they impacted stone stairs, tossed from Beck's hold, as she collapsed with a pained grunt. Kalais crawled toward her, instinctually reaching toward her, before quickly pulling their hand back. Even without moving her, they could see the black mark had spread further. For a second time, they desperately looked around for anyone who could help. On the stairs below them, wardens and members of the Veilguard kept the darkspawn occupied, giving them a momentary reprieve. Among the chaos, Kalais saw someone they knew could help. “Liselath!” The blonde elven crow turned to them. “We need help here! Please!”

Lisel nodded and pointed towards the library gate. “Move! Over there! Be there as soon as I can!” She yelled back, moving to try and give them more cover as she blasted fire at the advancing darkspawn. 

Kalais shook their head. “I can't! I can't move her myself!” 

Liselath sprinted over, taking in their own condition. “Kalais, you're hurt too!” She reached toward them.

Again they backed away, shaking their head. “Not me, I'm fine for now.” They grimaced admitting that. The only reason for their current strength is because of what they did to Beck. “She’s the one that needs help, please.” 

Lisel nodded once and turned her attention to Beck, who tried once again to wave help away. Lisel went to work, inspecting Beck for injuries. Kalais took up a position further down the stairs, once more joining the fight with what energy they had remaining. They could at least put what they took to good use protecting the other two. They struggled to call fire to their hands, but didn’t dare reach for anything else, no matter how much easier it would be. Behind them, they heard Lisel’s bewildered whisper, “Necrosis?” Kalais tried to keep their face neutral. Internally, it felt like their already torn heart was being crushed. Lisel was smart and she had seen their past in the fire. She would be able to piece it together. Another friend gone. 

Moments later, Lisel helped Beck to her feet, moving toward the library gate. Kalais moved with them. They focused on shielding the three of them, as more Veilguard members arrived, adding their strength to the defense of this part of the fortress. Even as they retreated toward the library, the darkspawn grew too numerous and climbed over the walls to swarm the small courtyard before the library gate. Lisel and Beck were able to open the gate and step inside. Kalais hesitated a split second, making a decision. Might as well put the strength to good use. They began closing the door behind the two. Lisel looked back. “Kalais?” 

Beck glanced back a moment later, eyes wide, shaking her head. 

Kalais responded to Liselath. “Take care of her please. Get her to the Lighthouse.” 

“Kalais, no! KALAIS!” Beck shouted, trying to extricate herself from Lisel’s hold. Kalais pushed the door closed. 

They turned to the scene before them. The courtyard was already overrun by darkspawn of every variety, even as more of the Veilguard arrived. In one moment, they had already cost themself their partner, sister, and some of the few friends they had. In for a copper, in for a gold. They ran back into the fray, slamming bolts into the closest ghoul before grabbing it and pressing their hand to its head, draining the life from it, and letting it drop lifeless to ground before moving on to the next. They couldn't help heal, but they could help defend and take down as many of the monsters as they could with them.

-----------------

They sat a little ways from the infirmary door, knees drawn up and head hanging. People hurried around them, in and out of the infirmary and presumably to other rooms. They didn't mind. Others needed help. Comparatively, physically they were not an emergency. They had returned in a daze, half their mind focused elsewhere, the other half just cognizant enough to keep others at a distance to prevent any other incidents. They had sunk down against the wall here, when they could no longer force themself any further. 

The screams kept ringing in their ears. Screams of those at Weisshaupt; the gasps of pain from Beck; the cry of pain and fear from Vanaya, as she tried to escape their grip on her arm. The shouts from adults, demanding they be sent away. The looks of mistrust they saw in clan members faces; in their friends faces; and in faces of the Veilguard. 

“Kalais?” A gentle voice called to them. Kalais lifted their head, dull eyes see Lisel kneeling in front of them a short distance away. “May I heal you now?” They paused in their response, taking stock of how their body felt. Numb. They nodded. Lisel helped them move their legs and remove armor to see the wound at their side. Dried blood crusted a majority of the area. It looked as if it had been half healed already. Lisel stopped someone passing by to ask for warm water. Her hands glowed with her magic as she began coaxing flesh and skin to mend. “Beck is stable. She is resting now. Took a lot of us to drag her back to the Lighthouse. She didn't want to leave without you.” 

Kalais glanced away from her. “It's my fault. I'm the reason for the necrosis.” They admitted quietly. Lisel would have figured it out on her own, if she hadn't already. “I hurt her.” 

“And she'll be okay.” A bowl of water and a rag were handed to Lisel and she started cleaning the wound and wiping away the dried blood. “I'll still need to bandage this. You'll be good to go afterwards as long as you have no other wounds?” They shook their head. They had gotten off lightly, compared to others. She disappeared for a moment, returning with bandages to wrap the wound. “It was chaotic. No one will blame you for an accident.” Kalais didn't answer. The first time had been an accident too and their whole clan wanted them gone, sent away somewhere else, in response. Even when the Keeper insisted they stay, everyone kept their distance. The same would happen here.

[glitteringdust]

wherever you are, there I am