#lord finally

[Legends and urban myths aren’t just crafted in a day. Figures like The Viper didn’t just establish themselves overnight, nor do I feel Ashur - a person already segregated from the others in real life by birth and station - just came and proclaimed himself to be a founder or a leader. In my mind he feels competent in what he does, but humble enough, which means at the roots of Shadow Dragons, where everything was trial and error, he probably started from the lowest “ranks” so to say. And he was a lot more on par with just ordinary people, despite the magic, than now, where he is, in fact, treated differently as one of the leaders and, simultaneously, as a symbol.]

Luc was doing some anonymous heists independent from Shadow Dragons by that time: he didn’t officially support Lucerni due lots of complications, but he was acquainted with Dorian (rather than Mae). And they coincidentally figured around Luc could be doing some good with more purpose, as part of the team. On the terms of strict anonymity he agreed and that was his first “introduction” to the group. 

Or, more likely, he just waltzed himself into the base, slipping past the security wards; kept everyone on their toes with “Well, there were few skewed sigils. Maybe watch for it next time” agenda - he was 8 years younger and an absolute menace. 

Of course it provoked a verbal reaction of understandably being wary of masked strangers in a secret hideout. Which was rich, coming from another masked stranger in a secret hideout. And that was probably the first line of dialogue exchanged and thought that crossed his mind. For real, he was just “some guy”! One Luc never met before! Then said figure was regarded with more thought - and attention - few things caught Luc’s eyes, sure. But it was more of a casual mental note than a great revelation - and a lot of their later interactions followed the same pattern.

Not to mention the “call me Viper” and “Mongoose, charmed” kind of exchange that was the most hilarious coincidence ever and prompted quite a pause. It was hilarious “don’t worry, I don’t bite” and dramatic sigh in retaliation; both remember that moment with both fondness and a special kind of shame you have when you look back at certain things. But sure.

Two masked guys with animal nicknames just chilling in the opposite corner of the council room because they are not like that.

Strength: Who makes the first move? How is it received? Is this reflective of their relationship dynamic in general?

This is an ACTUAL trick question too, mostly because there was a series of mircromoves and there wasn’t a move-move in a classical sense? So we’re gonna try to answer from the other way around: most of their early relationship dynamic was reliant on Lucius being the one to drive things forward, but mostly because he just had experience in that. He’s better - not by a far margin but it still counts - tuned with his emotions regarding affection, he’s the classic “falls faster” type. Not to mention he had tried things out before and his own desires - or the fact that he’s attracted to a guy - are not a shocker. Yes, it complicates things a lot, yet it’s not something to flagellate himself for. For Ashur it’s far worse in comparison, and it was so blatantly obvious, that Lucius had the decency and the romance in him to just…not press the issue in the way he probably could’ve.

He was doing some…poking around, so to speak, slowly but surely finding the boundaries that he was willingly or unwillingly allowed into, worming his way into personal space, building interaction. Yes it was a show of interest, sure, but in a sense - all complications counted - he was waiting for Ashur to show consent to those careful advances, or, at least reciprocate the interest.

(And the guy in question had a whole personality crisis because of that, believe me. Denial was strong .)

The “Move”, however, was there, sort of, and it wasn’t as grand and as romantic as it could’ve been, probably, with no great confessions. Both Viper and Mongoose often shared food on the rooftops of Minrathous - because nobody watches them which is also a lie - on the specific higher spot Luc once introduced Ashur to. Just their regular way of discussing another operation, reflecting on the previous gist in the city, while munching on some grilled meat: back to back, trusting each other to honor the privacy of being maskless and vulnerable. 

It was never a problem before, but at some point it was blatantly obvious, by the pause in the conversation, that Lucius was looking over his shoulder. He was, for a while already, but never pressing too long and turning back, satisfied with the unmuffled sound of Ashur’s voice - clear, so alike of a chantry brother, with a certain calm lilt that always washed over; it was just never that obvious before.

There was no question asked - just the different, expectant silence - Ashur had to take that leap of faith himself: what’s scarier than allowing yourself to be seen?

And then it must’ve felt right, because he did what felt natural. Turned around.

That was the first time both saw each other maskless; the moment when wonder of imagination, fueling both of their expectations, and reality finally met. The hunger to know and recognise something that was concealed and the freedom to be - in a sense - in your own skin, even for a short while.