aboxofcereales

[aboxofcereales]

I’m Anas Basil, a recent high school graduate with dreams of a brighter future through studying e-business management and building a career. But the war has shattered everything. After graduating with a 93% average, I enrolled at Khan Younis Training College (UNRWA), only to find that it’s now a shelter for displaced families instead of a place for education.

My younger brother, Ahmad, 14, is known as the "Doctor of the Future" because of his extraordinary talent in mathematics. However, the war has kept him out of school for two consecutive years. Ahmad is also a gifted football player who used to win tournaments, but the war has taken that away from him too.

The war forced our family to flee to Rafah, where we lived in a tent for several months. Every day is a struggle for survival—fetching water, gathering wood, and making a fire.

🎯 We are seeking €29,000 to:

- Secure safe passage out of Gaza and cover education fees to help us pursue our dreams.

- Provide Basic Essentials—food, clean water, and medical supplies—to support our family’s day-to-day survival in Gaza.

🔗 Donation link: 👇

✅ GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/32e5e95e

☑️ Via PayPal

Every donation, no matter the amount, brings us one step closer to our goal.

With gratitude,

Anas & Ahmad

✅ Our Fundraiser Vetted by ✅ 🔍 @gazavetters, on the list is (#83) 🔍 @90-ghost here 🔍 by association in this post

[aboxofcereales]

Happy New Year, From GAZA 🌨️ ❄️

Hello 👋, My name is Momen Al Madhoun / I am a digital artist / a devoted husband / a father of two children " Ezzdeen & Amir " I live in Gaza City in the heart of the Genocide, working tirelessly to amplify my voice to the world through my artwork. I walk long distances to access electricity and internet, creating under harsh conditions to ensure my voice reaches the Tumblr community through my art. I hope you support me to continue surviving and ensure the safety of my family. Thank you for your time. Stay safe 🙏

Gofundme Campaign Link

[aboxofcereales]

🌟 A Journey of Hope: An Update from Mosab 🌟

Hello dear friends,

I am writing to you with a heart full of gratitude and hope. Over the past few weeks, your support has been overwhelming. Together, we’ve raised an incredible €3031 towards our goal of €20,000, and I cannot express how much this means to my family and me. ❤️🌍

Life here in Gaza has always been filled with challenges, but the current circumstances have made it unimaginably difficult. As some of you know, my family has endured unimaginable losses – 25 of my loved ones were taken by the violence. 💔 Their memory is my driving force to keep moving forward, to survive, and to share our story with the world.

Your generosity – through donations, reblogs, and kind words – has shown me that even in the darkest times, there is light. ✨ Every euro donated, every reblog shared, every message of encouragement has made an impact. You’ve helped us cover basic necessities, keep our spirits alive, and dream of a safer future.

🛠️ How You Can Help:

💶 Donate – No matter how small, every euro helps. 👉 https://gofund.me/5ac9124f

🔄 Reblog – Share this post with your followers. Every reblog increases the chance of reaching someone who can help.

📢 Spread the Word – Talk about our story with your friends and family. Awareness is a powerful tool.

To everyone who has already supported us: Thank you from the depths of my heart. ❤️ Your kindness gives me hope and strength to face each day. You are not just helping my family survive; you are reminding us that we are not alone in this fight.

Together, we can reach the goal of €20,000, and with your help, we will. Please keep sharing, keep donating, and keep believing in the power of compassion. 🌈💖

Thank you for being part of this journey with us.

With love and gratitude, Mosab 🕊️

✅️ Vetted by ✅️

@gazavetters, my number verified on the list is ( #309 )✅️

[aboxofcereales]

lucanis when he has unnatural fade-sensing abilities even before getting possessed that are never explained and also people keep asking him why he’s possessed in a way that normally only happens to mages:

[aboxofcereales]

Woe! Rook ask game be upon ye!

🌻 How old is your Rook? How do they feel about celebrating their birthday? What gift has meant the most to them? 🪻 What is the most painful injury your Rook has received? How has it affected them once it healed/scarred? 🌹 What’s the first genuine fight Rook got in with their love interest about? How was it resolved? 🌸 Does your Rook have any siblings or close friends they see as such? Where are they during the events of Veilguard? 🌾 If there was a demon trying to trap/take over Rook, what kind would be the most successful? What would break their hold? 🌱 Was Rook involved romantically with anyone before Veilguard? What was their partner like? How did the relationship end? 🌼 If someone was to ask Spite what Rook smells like, what would he say? 🌷If Rook needed to get away from their responsibilities for a moment, where would they go? Where is their safe space outside the Lighthouse? 🥀 What figure from Rook’s personal past would be added to the regret prison? 🪷 Does your Rook have an irrational phobia? (ie spiders or large man-made objects submerged underwater) 🍀 Has Rook had any near-death experiences? What went through their mind during what they thought was going to be their final moments? 💐 What is the relationship Rook has with their faction mentor? What was the moment they sent Rook away like? 🌺 Is there an object from Rook’s childhood they look back on fondly? (ie a favorite stuffed animal, book, or food) 🌿 Does your Rook have any tattoos? What was the moment when they got them like? If they’re a Crow where is their de Riva brand located? What vallaslin do they have/how did they earn it if they’re Dalish? 🍂 What was it like the first time Rook killed someone? How did they react afterwards?

[aboxofcereales]

Illario was certain that Neve Gallus knew something.

By the time she, Rook, and Lucanis—whole and freshly back from the dead and with a beard—arrived at the Crow's nest of the Cantori Diamond, Illario was exhausted. He had spent the last several hours dealing with the aftermath of Caterina's immaculately staged murder, including making a show of standing frozen before breaking down to weep over the body with its face cut up and burned well enough that no one would be able to identify it, until Teia and Viago dispatched Crows to take her remains to Villa Dellamorte. He allowed Teia to comfort him, allowed her to fetch him water and then something stronger, allowed her to rub her hands up and down his arms as if trying to warm him. He grew silent and somber, gathering himself as she and Viago discussed next steps in low voices.

"Maker—" Teia gasped, and he heard Rook's footsteps, the detective's, and then the voice of his cousin.

"What happened here?"

He pounded a fist against the table once and recited a carefully rehearsed line with just the right amount of frustration and grief turning his voice ragged. Then he turned around.

The raw confusion on Lucanis' face was almost too much. A well of emotion took him by surprise, startling in its intensity and variety. Guilt, anger, relief, contempt, and the deadly certainty that he was going to make Zara pay.

Rook was beside Lucanis, and Illario could see the way they glanced at each other, already in sync. And behind them was Neve Gallus, the detective that had gone with Rook to the Ossuary, looking straight at Illario with dark eyes shadowed by her ridiculous hat. It felt like she could see into his soul.

Like she knew that two days ago he had been in bed with Zara Renata, unaware that Lucanis was rotting in a Venatori prison. Like she could smell the blood on him. Like she could look into his memory and see the way Zara ran her pointed, painted fingernails down his back with vicious intent, like she could see through his clothes to the raised welts left on his skin.

Illario fought down a strange surge of panic. That was ridiculous. She knew none of those things. He positioned himself so that she couldn't see his face.

Neve was quiet as they talked, as Illario learned that Lucanis planned to leave Treviso immediately. Planned to leave him to clean up the mess while he buried himself in his new contract. From Caterina's lapdog to Rook's, how predictable, how boring.

That thought was uncharitable, but it gave him a dull satisfaction that cut through the sting of abandonment.

Neve's stare was like a brand he could feel on his skin even as he avoided looking at her. When Lucanis and Teia left to gather supplies for him and Rook followed like a little terrier at their heels, Illario finally turned to her.

The detective had a hand resting on her hip, which was cocked to one side so that her weight was off of her metal leg. Her one boot was damp and crusted with sand, and her robes were a fashionable Tevinter style that wouldn't look out of place in Minrathous' upper city. She was curved and sharp all at once, beautiful in a striking way rather than the vacuous prettiness that he was usually drawn to in women. Under the weight of her hawklike gaze, his palms felt suddenly clammy.

"I'm sorry about your grandmother," she offered, and it sounded genuine and more gentle than he expected.

"Thank you," he returned, injecting it with what warmth he could. He sounded tired, and it wasn't an act.

"Did they leave anything behind?"

"What?"

"The Venatori." She looked him up and down carefully, eyes cataloging.

"Blood. And my grandmother's body," he snapped, then reined himself in. "My apologies, it's been... a long evening."

"I'll just take a look around before we leave if you don't mind?" Though it was inflected with a question, she was already doing it, metal leg tapping against the wood floor as she circled the large table to the seat at one end, where Caterina had been sitting. How did she know?

"Of course," he bit out, watching her with wary eyes.

Neve examined a tiny scrap of red fabric on the floorboards. She followed the trajectory of bloody footprints, gears working behind her gaze. Her hand traced a long scorch mark on the table.

"You think they were working for Zara?" The detective's tone was neutral.

"Who else?" In truth, they answered to him. A handful of agents whose loyalty he had secured as Zara had become more unhinged, more prone to sacrificing on a whim the cultists who worked for her.

Neve made a noncommittal noise, peering at broken window panes leading onto the roof.

Illario's heart rate ratcheted up, and he gritted his teeth. There was nothing for her to find, he reassured himself. But he still stepped forward, compelled to distract her from her careful inspection of the scene. He moved close enough that he could faintly smell her warm perfume oil and the hint of sulfur clinging to her clothes. Close enough that she had to tilt her head back to look up at him curiously.

"Before you go... thank you for bringing Lucanis home to me," Illario said fervently, holding a deferential hand in front of his chest. He knew his expression was warm and intent because it was one he had practiced.

"Sorry to be taking him away again so soon," she said, rueful. "He's not one to take any downtime, is he?"

"No. He never has been," he rolled his eyes affectionately.

Neve's gaze was already drifting back to the windows like she was thinking about venturing onto the rooftop.

Illario gently clasped her hand where it was resting on the tabletop. Friendly, not too much pressure or contact, but with a lingering swipe of his thumb against her skin that should raise goosebumps on her arms. Her eyes snapped to his, and he found that he liked the intensity of her attention in that moment.

"Truly, I am in your debt," he murmured, voice husky and catching with feeling.

He could see her discomfort the instant it bled into her eyes and stiffened her posture. Not at his closeness, he was certain, but at the emotion in his voice and the weight of his gratitude. He felt a little thrill of satisfaction.

She cleared her throat and drew her hand away from his to straighten the front of her robes. Neve didn't, to his pleasure, step away or become shy despite her sudden awkwardness. She held his gaze coolly and deflected. "Rook's the one you should thank."

"And I will," he assured her. Unable to resist, a heady urge infecting him, he leaned closer to her, eyes half-lidded and his voice low and deep. "But if there's some way I can repay you, personally..."

Neve tensed, and her face went from neutral to stony, baleful. She looked at him like one might look at a large, very repellant insect.

That sent a surprising, giddy thrill through Illario, along with the way her pupils dilated just slightly.

"Let us know if you find any intel on Zara's whereabouts. I'll let Teia know how to contact us," she told him stiffly and ducked around him to leave.

Illario smiled to himself as he listened to her footsteps fade steadily, and drummed his fingertips on the tabletop. That one was going to be trouble.

[aboxofcereales]

URGENT: HELP SAVE THE LIFE OF MY CHILD

I'm Amal, a mother of three children, living under the weight of the genocide taking place in Gaza. 🍉

The Israeli occupation forces launched drone strikes on my husband, Fayez, and my son, Mohammad.

my husband was hit in the head, while my son Mohammad was wounded in his legs.

Although my husband's condition has stabilized, my son is still suffering immensely and urgently needs medical treatment outside Gaza.

So I started a fundraising campaign to save my son before he dies.

Ddonate Via Paypal 👇

I lost most of my family. I'm afraid to lose my son too 🥺 .

I need your help please donate and share, evry contribution, no matter how small, brings us hope in these dark times.

Mohammed deserves to live a happy and healthy life, just like every other child on this earth.

So I humbly ask you to donate even a little or at least reblog this appeal.

—————————————————————————

[aboxofcereales]

Please help me rebulid my Bakery

Vetted here by @90-ghost

I'm Ismail Almughanni an entrepreneur from devastated Gaza trying his best to rebuild his Bakery 🍞🥐🥖

On a quiet morning, the aroma of freshly baked bread filled the street, signaling the start of a new day at your small bakery, a place you took immense pride in. For years, this bakery had been a haven where people from all around would gather to enjoy the warm, delicious pastries and bread that you carefully crafted. It was a symbol of hard work, a beacon of hope, and a destination for anyone seeking a taste of comfort amidst life's challenges.

But one day, in the blink of an eye, everything changed. The sounds of bombing began to shake the city, and it wasn’t long before the fires of war reached your neighborhood. There was no warning, no chance to escape or save what you could. Shells rained down on the district that housed your beloved bakery. You watched helplessly from a distance, unable to do anything.

Minutes passed like hours. When the noise finally subsided, and the thick smoke that blocked out the sun began to clear, you looked towards your cherished place. It was destroyed.

The walls that once protected you and brought you closer to your customers had collapsed, and the oven where you had kindled the flames of hope had turned to ash. Everything was shattered, broken, as if that place had never been a sanctuary of peace and comfort.

But the destruction wasn’t just physical. The pain in your heart was far greater than any material loss, a place filled with beautiful memories now reduced to rubble. The moments when you saw smiles on people’s faces as they savored your bread, the laughter that echoed through the bakery—those were now just memories, dissolving in the ashes of devastation.

As days went by, you tried to piece together the fragments, not just of the bakery but of yourself as well. You knew rebuilding wouldn’t be easy, and the wounds left by the war wouldn’t heal quickly. But you also knew that the hope you had infused into your bread would remain alive in your heart, even if the tables and chairs were destroyed, even if the bakery itself was gone.

The bakery may have been destroyed by war, but its spirit lives on in you, in everyone who tasted your bread, and in everyone who walked into that small place and found a slice of happiness.

Vetted here by @90-ghost

[aboxofcereales]

🚨 We Need Your Kindness to Survive 🚨

Hello, My name is Mosab Elderawi, and I live in Gaza with my family. Life here has become harder than I ever imagined, and I’m writing this with hope in my heart that you might hear our story.

The ongoing war has devastated my family. We’ve lost 25 family members—each one a beloved part of our lives, taken too soon. I miss them deeply—their laughter, their presence, their love. Every day is a reminder of this unimaginable loss.

64.media.tumblr.com

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We are now facing daily challenges to survive—things that most people take for granted, like food, clean water, and a safe place to sleep. The harsh realities of life here have replaced our dreams with the constant fight for survival.

Our Current Situation:

💔 Lost Stability: The war has left us without work or a stable source of income. 🍞 Basic Needs: Food and water are becoming harder to afford with rising prices and scarce resources. 📚 Dreams on Hold: Like so many here, my family’s dreams have been replaced by the need to simply survive. 😢 Unimaginable Loss: Losing 25 loved ones has left a void that can never be filled.

How You Can Help:

I’m sharing our story with the hope that someone out there might care. Even $5 can make a big difference for us, and if you’re unable to donate, just reblogging this post can help spread the word.

Your kindness, no matter how small, is something we’ll never forget.

What This Means to Us:

Your support is not about changing our entire situation—it’s about giving us a little relief, a little hope, and a way to keep going. We are not asking for much, and we understand if you can’t donate. Sharing our story is just as valuable to us as a donation.

Thank you for reading this far. It means the world to us to know that someone is listening. Your kindness gives us strength and helps us believe in a better tomorrow.

With all our gratitude, Mosab Elderawi and Family ❤️

✅️ Vetted by ✅️

@gazavetters, my number verified on the list is ( #309 )✅️

@fancysmudges @brokenbackmountain @just-browsing1222-deactivated20 @mothblossoms @aleciosun @fluoresensitive @khizuo @lesbiandardevil @transmutationisms @schoolhater @timogsilangan @appsa @buttercuparry @sayruq @malcriada @palestinegenocide @sar-soor @akajustmerry @annoyingloudmicrowavecultist @feluka @tortiefrancis @flower-tea-fairies @tsaricides @riding-with-the-wild-hunt @visenyasdragon @belleandsaintsebastian @ear-motif @kordeliiius @brutaliakhoa @raelyn-dreams @troythecatfish @theropoda @tamarrud @4ft10tvlandfangirl @queerstudiesnatural @northgazaupdates2 @skatezophrenic @awetistic-things @camgirlpanopticon @baby-girl-aaron-dessner @nabulsi @sygol @junglejim4322 @heritageposts @chososhairbuns @palistani @dlxxv-vetted-donations @illuminated-runas @imjustheretotrytohelp

[aboxofcereales]

🚨 We Need Your Kindness to Survive 🚨

Hello, My name is Mosab Elderawi, and I live in Gaza with my family. Life here has become harder than I ever imagined, and I’m writing this with hope in my heart that you might hear our story.

The ongoing war has devastated my family. We’ve lost 25 family members—each one a beloved part of our lives, taken too soon. I miss them deeply—their laughter, their presence, their love. Every day is a reminder of this unimaginable loss.

64.media.tumblr.com

64.media.tumblr.com

64.media.tumblr.com

64.media.tumblr.com

64.media.tumblr.com

We are now facing daily challenges to survive—things that most people take for granted, like food, clean water, and a safe place to sleep. The harsh realities of life here have replaced our dreams with the constant fight for survival.

Our Current Situation:

💔 Lost Stability: The war has left us without work or a stable source of income. 🍞 Basic Needs: Food and water are becoming harder to afford with rising prices and scarce resources. 📚 Dreams on Hold: Like so many here, my family’s dreams have been replaced by the need to simply survive. 😢 Unimaginable Loss: Losing 25 loved ones has left a void that can never be filled.

How You Can Help:

I’m sharing our story with the hope that someone out there might care. Even $5 can make a big difference for us, and if you’re unable to donate, just reblogging this post can help spread the word.

Your kindness, no matter how small, is something we’ll never forget.

What This Means to Us:

Your support is not about changing our entire situation—it’s about giving us a little relief, a little hope, and a way to keep going. We are not asking for much, and we understand if you can’t donate. Sharing our story is just as valuable to us as a donation.

Thank you for reading this far. It means the world to us to know that someone is listening. Your kindness gives us strength and helps us believe in a better tomorrow.

With all our gratitude, Mosab Elderawi and Family ❤️

✅️ Vetted by ✅️

@gazavetters, my number verified on the list is ( #309 )✅️

@fancysmudges @brokenbackmountain @just-browsing1222-deactivated20 @mothblossoms @aleciosun @fluoresensitive @khizuo @lesbiandardevil @transmutationisms @schoolhater @timogsilangan @appsa @buttercuparry @sayruq @malcriada @palestinegenocide @sar-soor @akajustmerry @annoyingloudmicrowavecultist @feluka @tortiefrancis @flower-tea-fairies @tsaricides @riding-with-the-wild-hunt @visenyasdragon @belleandsaintsebastian @ear-motif @kordeliiius @brutaliakhoa @raelyn-dreams @troythecatfish @theropoda @tamarrud @4ft10tvlandfangirl @queerstudiesnatural @northgazaupdates2 @skatezophrenic @awetistic-things @camgirlpanopticon @baby-girl-aaron-dessner @nabulsi @sygol @junglejim4322 @heritageposts @chososhairbuns @palistani @dlxxv-vetted-donations @illuminated-runas @imjustheretotrytohelp

[aboxofcereales]

so my friend @missbeccabloo and i accidentally invented Neve/Illario the other day, and now we're inflicting it on the rest of you, thank you and you're welcome.

If Illario ever truly pursued someone romantically, sincerely, only Lucanis would be able to tell he means it. He knows Illario's fuckboy ways. He'd look at Illario's face, his eyes, and know that oh yeah, he's down bad.

It would have to be someone who doesn't immediately fall for his lines, and he's so shocked and offended that he's determined to find out what they like, and in this pursuit he genuinely falls for them

(much to his chagrin).

What if it's Neve. She wouldn't take any of his shit.

Lucanis pawning his cousin off to Neve to help her during her work. Free Crow labour for his crimes. Community service

Illario has to help people who pay him in pies they baked as thanks. Neve is eating the pie out of the pan with a spoon while he's complaining about lack of coin. Some old Minrathous ladies pinching his cheek because he flirts shamelessly to get extra.

Illario hates it here

Neve isn't happy about it either. she's worked with other people before of course, but Illario is an annoying peacock of a man. At least he's nice to look at, when he's quiet.

Does he live in a hotel, or a random derelict house they found for him. Maybe near the drowned district. He's made to change clothes because he's so flashy. He grumbles because he dresses good to be successful in his work!!

The fish in Minrathous also sucks. He's complaining to Lucanis and anyone else immediately. He hasn't had a home-cooked meal in days. He is dying. Even when on home arrest he still got home cooked meals. Meanwhile in Dock Town he thinks any food would set off his poison kit.

Neve finds him a nice little room to rent, which is literally. A Room. with a cot. He has had to live in uncomfortable conditions on jobs before, but nothing like this. it's torment

He grumbles and tried to urge Neve to take jobs in Minrathous, or to take him with her. That way he'd be able to seduce his way into a bed with an actual mattress. Maybe find a bathtub. And eat the little canapes. Because he is wasting away.

Because of the whole siding with the Venatori he probably isn't allowed near high profile stuff. It's mostly cheating cases, lost pets etc. He's an assassin so he has the requisite skills, you just don't usually kill anyone at the end of the job with Neve.

Eventually, he is desperately grateful when someone offers to feed him in payment because at least it's not fried fish

Lucanis or someone from the Crows visits him as like a check up and he's just a mess. Maybe Neve does eventually eat better after being spoiled by Lucanis' cooking, but Illario's upset is just so freakin funny, she barely keeps her straight face when she presents more skewers

Raccoon diet, honestly. Modern Neve eating hot pockets that are still cold in the middle because she's too impatient to put them back in for another minute, eating chef boyardee straight from the can, drinking horrible instant coffee, hasn't seen a vegetable in six months. She's still a private investigator who doesn't sleep.

Maybe she decides to take Illario to bed and she's like "it's fine, he's just my boy-toy" but she doesn't have the heart to really use people like that, no matter how deep in denial she is

(Marley. Marley what have we done. I'm actually invested in the idea of the two of them)

(we've created a monster)

After they sleep together Illario feels like he should be satisfied, this was what he wanted, but for some reason it's not enough. he wants more, but not just physically. And he's stupid and inept at actual relationships so he can't figure out what this feeling is (it's yearning, Illario).

For once Illario would need to ask Lucanis for advice, since he is the professional yearner. “Help me, cousin. I am not well." Lucanis is like, you're in love, idiot. Illario: shocked pikachu face

Dellamorte men are the same deep deep down when they fall in love

Eventually the day comes when Illario gets a letter (maybe through Neve) that his probation of sorts is almost over and he can return home. He's. Not as enthused at the thought as he thought he'd be. He loves Treviso, misses it like a missing limb, but Treviso is also missing someone. Plus it's been... Pleasant, having people know his name, and not immediately ask about his cousin

Neve would never leave Minrathous, either. They can obviously visit Treviso, and as Illario is thinking about this he realizes he's picturing a future with the 2 of them together, almost like he's already made up his mind

He goes to Neve to tell her how he feels and she's like "you're insane" but maybe she is too, because she doesn't want him to leave

I know in the rook romance with Neve she nicknames them "trouble", maybe she has something similar for Illario. She'd initially be all stiff upper lip about him leaving, because that's all he's wanted. But when he is actually sincere in telling her his feelings, she can't help but crack just a bit

I don't think they would get married, they're both acting like it's casual but nobody who sees the way they look at each other would believe that. They're in love.

Maybe many years down the line, they'd put the dotted line down for tax benefits or some other bureaucratic thing, get divorced, but then continue to act like a married couple back and forth. They work well together emotionally like of too, if not just similar. Neve won't delve into Illario's issues, and he hers, got that mutual understanding

Caterina can't believe that both of her grandsons married people from questionable backgrounds with no money

Why bother when they have enough money themselves honestly. That is if Caterina leaves anything for Illario. Lucanis would definitely try to split off some for him, which Illario would want but also not feeling like it was out of pity. Maybe he has some major bank but it's all been frozen whilst he was under probation. Takes Neve out to the fanciest restaurant in Minrathous where he definitely did a job in the past, killed someone in the kitchen or bathroom, and also probably had sex with someone else. But he remembers the food being delicious.

I bet Illario is the type to blow through all the money he gets from a job, because he has the family money to fall back on. And once he's broke and Caterina is tired of giving him allowance, he'll go on another job and start the cycle again

Man is broke as shit and was only allowed to take one suitcase with him to Tevinter. Neve took him on as a favour to Lucanis. Rook would be judging her the moment they learned she was sleeping with him. (But also forewarn her to be careful, and not necessarily just due to his past but eh)

Neve: You owe me Lucanis. Lucanis: si, si. And then later. Neve: About that favour you owe me

She'll find an excuse to keep him around a while after he's meant to, or has returned to Treviso.

Neve: Illario is mine now. Finders keepers. Lucanis: Wait... what

((It's too silly a thought but the idea of a younger Illario Writing Neve Dellamorte, and it not sitting quite as nicely as Illario Gallus lol)) Eventually Illario will introduce more to her diet. Maybe he can also cook but has always preferred someone else doing it. But now he's forced to do manual labour. Utterly barbaric.

His first or second check in with a Crow/Lucanis he's just like "Cousin, she's trying to kill me. Slowly. With malnutrition."

Lucanis starts sending them baskets of fruit. Neve is like wtf are these

Just barely a month of leaving the Veilguard Neve has already gone back to bad habits. (Neve may not get to open Monsters and Mysteries in Minrathous with Davrin anymore, but I'm sure her agency will still do well with Illario's consultancy lol) Illario like Lucanis is just "??? You got paid How Much???" They’re more alike than he thought

He's trying to negotiate jobs with more money and Neve meanwhile is just helping get kittens down out of trees and solving murders all in the same afternoon, and taking however much the client can afford (the little girl with the kitten gives her a small wooden duck with all the gravitas of a six year old, and Neve keeps it on her desk forever)

Illario: You accepted a wooden duck as payment??? Neve: She was six, you dolt. Illario:... Well where's my duck, I helped.

Imagine if one afternoon they just run into so many of Illario's past temporary 'lovers' (he used to get info). It's hilarious until he's literally hiding in a closet. Neve is amused like "wow i didn't realize we ran in so many of the same circles, Illario. introduce me to your friends"

Neve gets an invitation to a ball or party which is majorly suspicious, but unfortunately for Illario, no plus one is offered so he needs to sneak in as the help. Neve is well aware of what a snakes' den she's in and she can take care of herself, but Illario is there thinking he's her gallant defender

He also just really misses being in a refined place with food that's not grey. Like the guests aren't refined being who they are, but the music and food he misses. The last time Neve didn't even bring him back the doggy bag she jokingly promised to.

He stuffs himself on hors deuvers (however the heck it's spelled) gets yelled at by his "boss"

He's in the middle of being propositioned when Neve starts heading to some suspicious place and he's a little regretful because that could have been a soft mattress waiting for him, but he follows along anyway.

Maaaaybe they get caught in an area guests aren't supposed to be in, so Illario grabs Neve's waist and pushes her against the wall like they're about to smooch, so they just get told off for being there instead of kicked out or arrested. Neve would normally shove her knee into his crotch but she's totally caught off guard

She also tells herself she'll punish him later or something, but for the situation it was for the best and got less questions. Otherwise she'd have to figure out an excuse which would lead to more questions. Illario has such a Playboy look, the guard or butler or whoever would just be like "Ugh you're not being paid for this.” Illario, grumbling to himself: I'm not being paid at all

Neve gets herself a Dellamorte in the end as well. And Illario has a terrible time. It's the best.

Illario, complaining to Lucanis about her diet she inflicts on him, her awful this, awful that, her lack of contract negotiations!! And Lucanis just had this very Knowing Look

Maybe after some time away, and time with Neve, Illario can finally come to terms with the fact he still does love Lucanis as a brother. He doesn't need Caterina's acknowledgement or to be First Talon, but damn if it still irks him. What he needs is a life of his own where he doesn't feel like he's in Lucanis' shadow. Where people don't expect Lucanis next to him, or to immediately ask how his cousin is doing before him. He's someone's "favourite" now. Even if it's the Nonna down the street. She gave Lucanis a weird stare before, but gives Illario a free pastry. Illario will remember that old lady forever

He gets to be Illario instead of Lucanis' cousin, or Caterina's second favorite grandson.

When he doesn't have jobs/community service to do, he plays cards with the old lady and flirts it up, because they just chuckle at him and give him an extra pie. "Such a handsome boy" they say pinching his cheek. He's not had that since he was a child shamelessly pleading for treats. All the old ladies in the neighborhood are like "you should come to dinner, my granddaughter will be there" and he always has some charming excuse, but then that changes to "my apologies, but i am taken, you see"

Perhaps if he was only here a little while he'd go along with it, but (unfortunately), he must stick around and he would so regret no longer getting free meals from them. (The liar) Neve comes by to pick him up once, or he's seen with her in the market, and suddenly everyone knows in Dock Town that Neve has an Antivan man

After Illario has to return to Treviso; Neve: I find myself requiring the consultancy of a Crow. Illario, grin growing: I'm sure we can negotiate

The contract terms are of course, ludicrous. Especially since payment isn't exactly static. But they come to an agreement anyway. Including terms like "Fish only once twice a week”. It's basically a marriage proposal. Not that they’d admit to it.

The dowry discussions lmao. Neve is like, I have my own apartment? Illario can live there. Yes, unfortunately the old place he lived in is unsuitable for a business partner, especially with the renowned Crows

Neve's apartment is small but it's nice. And she has a real bed. Indeed, one of the few luxuries she ever purchased besides her clothing. Illario ships his bedding from Treviso over though of course. they must have silk sheets. otherwise what's the point. The highest thread count. Soft feathery pillows (unless it turns out Illario is allergic which is a little funny)

Neve thinks he's being dramatic. she will not admit that the new bedding is much more comfortable than her old stuff

Illario: So, you finally show your true colours señorita, you desired me and my services only for my Orlesian silk sheets

Neve: I've no idea what you mean. You're the hedonist here, not me.

Illario is not convinced

Especially when for once Neve is the one who struggles to get out of bed

There needs to be a scene. Where they are running (maybe Illario hauled up Neve to sprint faster), yelling how she's crazy as they escape pursuers. But once they're safe he can't help but laugh. it reminds him of older, better memories. and they're still holding hands. The rush of adrenaline makes it almost a perfect time to smooch~ but Neve pulls herself together

They're both having the "Oh no" realisation, as opposed to the soft "oh” 😆

[aboxofcereales]

I talk a lot about the similarities between Hawke and Rook but you know who else Rook reminds me of? Alistair. Both Rook and Alistair are two clearly intelligent people - even if they do have their blind spots - and use humor to hide their more positive qualities because they don’t want to be important/in charge. Rook is what happens when you put a silly guy in charge rather than letting them comfortably remain second in command. Rook became important at work and it’s ruining their life. Alistair almost became important at work, dodged it by passing it onto the Warden and then either continues to dodge it and live a simple life with the wardens or you can force him to be king which he really doesn’t want to do when there are more qualified options. Alistair and Rook both just want vibe and would happily downplay their competence and intelligence all day long just so people don’t start putting responsibilities and expectations on them.

[aboxofcereales]

Everything Known about Shadow Dragon Rook

A collection of canon information about Rook, when choosing the Shadow Dragon faction/background.

(I will add more if more comes up.)

Rook was adopted by a military commander, who found them as a baby on a battlefield near Ventus, after a skirmish. If Rook is non-human, they were kept home a lot growing up.

Varric asked the Shadow Dragons for help freeing an old friend - a dignitary who was captured by Venatori - in the city of Nessus. Rook believed the safe plan created by the Shadow Dragons would not work, and decided to go off the book and stage a rescue attempt themself, with the help of Varric. Rook successfully led an armed rebellion of freed slaves and rescued the dignitary too. However, the magisters cracked down hard in retaliation, and the Shadow Dragons decided it was best for Rook to stay underground for a while.

About six months prior to the game, The Viper reached out to Rook via letter, suggesting that an alliance with Varric would be beneficial to the Shadow Dragons.

Rook has worked with Tarquin and the Viper before. Additionally, Neve knew of Rook's work in Nessus, though prior to the game they never formally met.

Rook watched Maevaris Tilani argue against slavery in the Magisterium prior to Mae's removal.

Rook is wanted by the authorities for numerous offences, including theft, murder, and destruction of property.

Rook's father is likely Legatus Charon Mercar. [X]

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SOURCES:

Character creation faction description

Dialogue with Rook unpacking their belongings

Dialogue with Varric about why he recruited Rook

Dialogue with Solas about why he should work with Rook

Dialogue with Maevaris about her past as a Magister

Dialogue with the First Warden about Rook's reputation

Codex entry: A Letter Dated Six Months Ago

Codex entry: The Soporati

[aboxofcereales]

I think there should be some magnificent writing done of the looming moral dilemma of Elspeth Rook Mercar, the Breaker of Bonds, the firm believer in heroic nonsense, falling for a Lucanis Dellamorte, whose calling is death, the First Talon of the Crows. Because no matter how big and soft his heart is, he’s still unavoidably will lead the organization who helped to save Thedas, yes, but also is intertwined with many of the horrors that the Shadow Dragons oppose. And yet, still she will always choose Treviso, instead of Minrathous.

[aboxofcereales]

Hero of Ferelden and The Inquisitor: I have been dealt a cruel hand. Fate has me twisted into an Order to fight ancient Evil that threatens the whole of humanity.

Rook and Hawke: So, it's started with a dwarf hiring me to do a job....

[aboxofcereales]

I am Mahmoud Helles, the owner of the donation campaign. The campaign aims to get my family out of Gaza and take my wife out, due to his serious condition, with a kidney injury, to Egypt. Please share 🌹🇵🇸🇵🇸🇵🇸🇵🇸🌹😭😭https://gofund.me/53fa2830

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[aboxofcereales]

Phoebe Dynevor as Emily Meyers Fair Play (2023) dir. Chloe Domont