#rhava

"I should have guessed you'd still be up," Rhava smiles as he pokes his head just past the pantry door, sounding more pleased than reproachful.

He probably should have knocked, but Lucanis doesn't seem surprised at his appearance. The man is one of the most renowned assassins in the Crows, so Rhava suspects his approach was heard. Or perhaps Spite had sensed him coming.

By way of a greeting, Lucanis tilts his head at Rhava. He is leaned against a wall, cradling an ornate, purple cup in his hands. The first flickers of a smile crease at the edges of his eyes, softening his severe features. Rhava can feel a tingle in his palms at the sight. Just a hint of fondness from Lucanis and he's buzzing with electricity, ready to strike like a storm cloud. He'd feel pathetic if he had feeling left to spare past his yearning.

"Yes, you probably should have," Lucanis says- and there's the smile that Rhava had been hoping for. There for a brilliant flash and then gone as Lucanis' eyebrows furrow. Rhava doesn't try to hide the way his eyes flick from his mouth back up to those concerned brown eyes.

"Why are you still up, Rook? Is something wrong?"

Rhava hums and looks around the pantry, stalling as he searches for an answer he does not want to give. His gaze lingers over the slightly worrying collection of cups Lucanis has amassed. He counts… seven? And the one Lucanis was holding made eight. Eight marks the final kill, his brain not-so-helpfully supplies. That's not what Lucanis had asked him about.

"Nothing wrong. I mean, other than," he shrugs a shoulder, "you know… everything that's happening. My gods rampaging and the blight and invasion and cults and… when I sleep it's either wolf packs stalking me through All-Father sent nightmares, or it's the Dread Wolf himself feeding me lies."

His gaze is fixed on the stone floor now. He can't bring himself to meet the unbearable softness that he knows will be waiting for him if he looks up at Lucanis. It's a comfort that feels unearned, but one desperately yearned for. He hadn't spoken to any of the Veilguard of the how the howling in his dreams had driven him to sleepless nights. He was supposed to support them through their trials, he couldn't show them that he was faltering in his own. What kind of leader would he be?

Yet here he was, driven by that small rebellious part of him that told him if anyone would understand voices in his head, it was Lucanis.

"Ah, I see. No rest even when you sleep," Lucanis says.

It's a simple thing, but Rhava is surprised at how much he does feel seen. When he looks up, gentle brown eyes meet his, filled with a depth of understanding that brings him comfort.

"You know," Lucanis suggests, "Viago might have something that can induce a dreamless slumber."

"Oh, yes, he does," a sly smile spreads across Rhava's lips, "I try not to get too dependent on Nightcap, though. I think I've already started developing a resistance."

Lucanis matches his expression with a small, wry smile of his own, "Nightcap, of course. Who am I to recommend poisons to a de Riva?"

Rhava winks at him, and can't help the way his grin widens as he launches into the worst segue he can think of, "So, now that we've established my familiarity and potential resistance to poisons… would you want to share dessert? There's just one slice left of the torte you made."

Lucanis huffs out a laugh, taking Rhava's words for the joke they are.

"I saved it for you."

He's too sweet, Rhava hardly knows what to do with him. Actually, Rhava had plenty of ideas of what he'd like to do with Lucanis, but he thinks they should probably go on a real date first.

"Well… I think it would taste better if you ate it with me. Joy shared is doubled, after all."

"Hmm, if you insist," Lucanis' words are filled with mirth- he's already pushing himself up from the wall.

"I do insist," Rhava gives an overly dramatic nod, and is gone from the pantry doorway a second later.

Lucanis emerges to find him quickly busying himself in the small kitchen. He places two forks onto the platter holding the final slice of torte and then fixes himself a cup of coffee- two sugars, and just a little cream. The mug he chooses is a sturdy one of Dalish design, made of earth toned clay that match the torte. Rhava's cup goes onto the platter as well, which he balances like a tray on one hand. His free hand he offers to Lucanis- who takes it with no questioning other than the eyebrow he raises.

Rhava only offers a smile in a return, and then pulls Lucanis to follow him over to the red couch nestled in the corner of the dining hall. He sets the platter down on the coffee table, and flops down onto the couch like he owns it.

"Sit," Rhava requests, patting the spot next to him.

When Lucanis hesitates, he pats the couch again, once more with fervor.

"Siiiiit," he insists, "I don't bite."

"We both know that's not true," Lucanis jokes as he settles down next Rhava.

Rhava giggles, smothering the noise and his smitten expression behind a hand. Once he settles himself, he leans forward and takes the cake platter from the coffee table. He glances at the sliver of space between them, and rather than widen that gap, he scoots close enough to press the sides of their thighs together so he can balance the platter between them.

"I've got something to chew on, so you're safe for now," Rhava says, picking up a fork. Lucanis takes the other fork, and sets his own coffee cup on the platter.

"I'll have to keep making you treats, then. To ensure my safety."

That sounds nice. Too nice.

"Be careful making offers like that. While I may be easily bribed, my appetite is ravenous," Rhava warns, and maybe he's talking about more than food.

"I can adjust the grocery list accordingly. Just let me know if you have any special requests."

Lucanis is smiling like they're sharing a secret. Rhava wants to be frustrated with him.

If he requested some hard-to-find, stupidly expensive vintage? If he asked for out of season assan'adhal bark? Or asked him to make the paella recipe he grew up eating with his clan?

He's sure Lucanis would do his best to make it happen.

Rhava knows how much money Lucanis' contracts rake in- he knows the man could easily pay to fill any kind of appetite Rhava presented him with. And judging by the special dessert that had been prepared for him- which Emmrich had subtly informed him was a labor intensive confection- Lucanis was just as rich in devotion and motivation. The sum of it all is enough to make Rhava speechless. He tries to hide his mollified expression behind a sip of coffee, but Lucanis is giving him a curious look that tells him he's not successful in his deception. Whatever he's thinking about the exchange, he keeps it to himself.

A comfortable silence falls between them. The only sounds in the dining hall are the crackling fire, the quiet sipping of coffee, and the scraping of forks as they leisurely snack on the final torte slice. If the conversation had died like that with anyone else, Rhava would be scrambling to save face and fill the dead air. He doesn't feel that urge here, confident that Lucanis either understands the reason for his silence or otherwise is content with his lack of understanding. It leaves space in the quiet that stretches between them for Rhava to gather himself again.

It doesn't take too long for his mind to start wandering to all of the unresolved questions between them- all of the little moments that have led to this casual closeness. So far he's been content to let things unfold at the pace Lucanis was comfortable with. His freedom was fresh, and they were both under so much pressure. It was nice to just enjoy the time they had together. But still… some questions begged to be asked.

Rhava is audacious in the way he breaks anything, especially silences.

"Soooo," a playful grin slowly brightens his face as he teases, "I was the key to your mind prison, huh?"

Lucanis makes a noise halfway between a laugh and groan, "Rook-"

"Lucanis," Rhava cuts him off, sounding half fond and half exasperated, "Call me Rhava. Please."

"Of course, forgive me," he amends, looking genuinely apologetic.

"It's fine," Rhava knocks his knees against Lucanis', making their cups wobble precariously, "I just.. like hearing you say it… is all."

"I see," Lucanis digests that information before continuing, "Rhava, if I trust my thoughts to anyone, it's you."

Rhava isn't sure if it's Lucanis obliging his request or the actual words he's saying that causes warmth to bloom across his face. He wants to crack a joke and say that Lucanis has questionable taste, to break the tension thrumming through him. He can't find the words. The way Lucanis is looking at him is so warm and painfully earnest, it scares Rhava. Lucanis trusts him so much. All of the care Lucanis could give- was he worthy? Could he hold a love that soft without some dreadful consequence? Lucanis deserved better than to be hurt by some stupid mistake he'd inevitably make.

"Rhava?" Lucanis asks, after after the pause in conversation stretches on a few seconds too long.

Rhava's eyes dart to his lips, the way they move as Lucanis speaks his name. He has to ask now- before he can talk himself out of it.

"If I kiss you right now, are you going to pull away again?"

There's an expected expression of surprise, but then he watches as Lucanis' mouth twitches and he realizes quickly that he's being smirked at. When he draws his heavy gaze up, there's a heat in the way Lucanis is looking at him that matches the rapidly sparking fire in his own wide eyes. He's sure he's gone pink all the way to the tips of his pointed ears with how aflame he feels.

"Only one way to find out," Lucanis says, voice now quiet and low- taking on the same breathy quality Rhava has only heard once before. The last time they were this close. He feels like he's going to pass out.

As if he knows Rhava needs the grounding, Lucanis tucks an errant strand of hair behind his ear. Following the motion, he gently tangles his fingers in Rhava's hair, cupping the back of his head. He has that same confidence he'd displayed when he'd backed him up against a wall, and shows no signs of leaving him high and dry this time. Then again, Rhava hadn't expected him to pull away last time.

Just as the first slivers of anxiety start to sink their claws in, Lucanis pulls him in for a kiss.

It's everything Rhava had hoped it would be, and more. It's sweet. He's intrigued. Lucanis' lips brush against his with tentative intention. Rhava is bolder in how he meets the invitation, surging forward with all of the hunger and curiosity he can communicate in the short time he's given. He thinks any amount of time spent pressed against Lucanis would be too short- that this is a taste he could get lost in exploring.

He's only just begun to lose himself in the feeling when Lucanis starts to pull away. That won't do. He wasn't done yet.

Rhava follows Lucanis' retreat, leaning forward to capture his lips in another kiss. Lucanis lets him, curling his fingers to lightly grip Rhava's hair. He can feel the pleased upturn of Lucanis' mouth against his, a smile he's happy to devour. It's all the encouragement he needs to get even closer. Without a second thought, he moves to straddle Lucanis' lap- and is rewarded with the clatter and splash of the forgotten cake platter, forks, and half-empty cups of coffee being unceremoniously dumped onto the floor.

Rhava can't bring himself to care, not when he has Lucanis right where he wants him. If Lucanis has any protests about the mess then he doesn't voice them, just places a steadying open palm on his thigh. The spot of contact fans the flames burning through Rhava, a steady growing fire looking for more to engulf. One of his hands tangles in dark, feathery hair- a mirror of Lucanis' own hand in his hair- while the other finds a grip on the fine fabric of his vest. Both soft sensations under his fingertips, but nothing compared to the silken feel of their kiss.

A crackling, electric magic fills the air around them, and Rhava doesn't have to open his eyes to sense Spite's luminous wings wrapping around him. The demon's presence is smoothed out in the Fade, but he still manifests with a frenetic energy Rhava can feel raising the hairs on the back of his neck. It shouldn't be a surprise when two wingtips ghost against his back, sending a pleasant shock up his spine. He gasps at the sensation, and Lucanis pulls away enough to give him a concerned look. Before he can question what happened, or accuse Spite of any malicious intent, he's taken aback by the sound of Rhava's breathy laughter.

"Sorry," Rhava says, "I got… absorbed in the moment, forgot we have another participant."

"Don't encourage him," Lucanis sighs.

Rhava hums thoughtfully and presses his forehead against Lucanis'. This time when Spite's wings brush against him in an embrace, he doesn't startle. The demon holds him closer as Lucanis slowly loosens his grip and removes his hand from his hair. Rhava can feel the moment ending, like a candle at the end of it's wick, but he's still lingering in the glow.

"That was nice," Rhava murmurs.

"It was nice," Lucanis replies, just as quiet. He brushes his thumb along the line of Rhava's jaw before finally letting his hand fall away.

"It's late," he says, and has to steel himself against the way Rhava's shoulders fall in disappointment to continue, "You should get some rest. I'll clean up here."

"Fenedhis lasa," Rhava swears under his breath, "The mess.. I'm sorry…"

"It's fine," Lucanis pulls away enough to press a kiss to his cheek, "That was worth it."

There's a beat of silence as Rhava revels in the easy affection Lucanis always seems ready to give to him. Love served on a silver platter.

"You should get some rest," Lucanis repeats himself.

"So should you," he shoots back.

"I'll go to sleep if you do."

Rhava manages to hold back a laugh- Lucanis drives a hard bargain.

"Contract accepted."

Between Crows, that's better than a pinky promise.

It's only with that reassurance that Lucanis will also rest that Rhava is able to pull himself away from his paramour. He doesn't want to keep Lucanis up any later than he already has. Well.. he does want to, but he shouldn't. So he lays one final, fleeting kiss on Lucanis' forehead before he fully disentangles himself from his lap.

Despite knowing they both need sleep sooner rather than later, he pauses in the doorway, lingering in the dregs of the moment. He's sure he looks as besotted as he feels; he's not trying to hide it.

"Good night, Lucanis," he says, "Thank you."

"Sleep well, Rhava."

Rhava takes the fond look that Lucanis gives him and the way he says his name, and holds it fresh in his memory as he makes his way back to his room. He hopes that maybe- if he turns the kiss they'd shared over in his mind enough- he will have better dreams tonight.

~*~

"Tastes like. Dessert," Spite says, after the door swings shut behind Rhava.

Lucanis nods slowly, ignoring the mess at his feet and sinking further down into the couch. He closes his eyes and sinks into the new memory of a kiss- his first with Rhava- hoping to etch every detail of the experience into the back of his eyelids. He's used to using his trained mind to commit bloody plans to memory, trying to relish in the afterglow of a kiss is a welcome change. The taste is still fresh on his lips. Coffee and chocolate and hazelnut and cream and apricot and sugar and something else distinctly Rhava.

"Let me go!" Rhava yelps, trying to yank his arm back. It's no use- he's weak from exhaustion and hunger, and the man towers over him.

"I'm surprised you let the kid get this close, Vi," the woman standing next to his mark speaks as she turns, and it's only then that Rhava realizes the gravity of his mistake. Where the man was swathed in rich, indigo silks that gave very little away, his companion was wearing a coat adorned with feathered details. His mark didn't appear armed, carrying only the ornate walking stick that first caught Rhava's eye, but the longer he looked at this woman, the more knives he saw. Knives decorated with wings and crow's heads.

The man- Vi? uses the grip he has on Rhava to pull him into the air, dragging him to stand on his toes.

"Who are you? Who sent you?"

"What? I don't-" Rhava shakes his head in confusion, "Let me go!"

He tries to pull away again, even less successful now that he's been pulled off balance.

"I'll only ask once more. Who sent you?" the man pulls him off his feet, holding him up by his wrist. It hurts, making Rhava struggle even harder, squirming in the air like a fish caught on a line. The two assassins are inspecting him, fishmongers taking in the size of him to put a price on it all.

"I don't know what you're talking about!"

Rhava flails, thrashing his legs out to try and kick at the man holding him up. As a reward for his struggle, he's tossed back into the alleyway he'd slunk out of. The man throws him like it takes no more effort than throwing a bag of rice. The two Antivan Crows stand between him and the street, casting him in shadows.

"I'm not sure I believe you."

The man wraps two hands around his walking stick, starting to pull it open. Rhava expects him to pull out a hidden blade, and falls over himself scrambling backwards. The man pauses the motion when his companion places a placating hand on his arm. The cane clicks shut, and the sharp man shoots an even sharper look at woman.

"Viago, no need to go to such extremes," she says, giving him a look Rhava can't read, "I don't think this one is anything more than a street kid."

"And what does a street urchin," Viago spits the words like they leave a bad taste in his mouth, making both Rhava and the woman flinch, "think they're doing trying to steal from the Crows?"

"I didn't- I didn't know," Rhava's shaking his head again, babbling as he pushes himself to his hands and knees, "Ir abelas, I'm sorry, I just- I'm hungry."

They're both just watching him now. Viago's sharp blue eyes have softened to a duller edge. His companion's expression has shifted to something sad, and her eyes glint with recognition. He feels pathetic, driven into the gutter by the gnawing pain in his stomach. No different from a rat, trying to steal scraps.

"Maker, he's Dalish," she says, elbowing Viago. The way she says it makes Rhava's blood boil, words filled with pity like being Dalish makes him helpless here in the city. He wishes it didn't feel true.

"I noticed," Viago says coolly, "It's likely how he got the jump on us. No boots."

"We should bring him to lunch with us."

"I am not bringing a muddy stray that tried to steal from me to our reservation."

"Then we'll get something we can eat while walking."

"Teia," Viago protests, "We need to discuss what happened at the-"

He cuts himself off, turning his narrowed eyes from Teia's soft expression back to Rhava. Whatever he was about to say was clearly not meant for his ears. He gives Rhava a long look, assessing and judging.

"Get up."

They watch Rhava shakily get to his feet, neither offering a hand.

"You're hungry," Viago says, half confirmation, half question.

Rhava nods.

"When was the last time you ate?" Teia asks.

"Day before yesterday," he says honestly, and then embellishes with, "In the morning."

"You're a poor liar," Viago says, and then sighs, "Come along, then."

"Good instinct, though," Teia winks at him, and turns away in unison with Viago.

The two of them don't wait for Rhava to acquiesce to them taking him out to lunch, they start walking with the confident expectation that their orders will be followed. Rhava's starting to get the impression that in addition to being Crows, these two might be important Crows. It would make sense why they were dressed so well, and accessorized with tasteful but expensive pieces. Potentially powerful benefactors. Rhava follows.

Viago gives them the grace of a peaceful meal before he starts his questioning.

Of course, he spends the entire duration of the meal watching Rhava, who sits on the dock pilings with Teia. She has to remind him to slow down a few times as he scarfs down fried fish, lest he make himself sick, and to drink water. Each reminder seems to furrow Viago's brow further, and if Rhava wasn't so hungry, he'd lose his appetite under the scrutiny. Viago looks like a king judging a subject from his throne of shipping crates, and he looks like he's finding Rhava wanting.

Rhava tosses the wooden stick his fish had been served on into the bay, and then meets Viago's piercing look. A confirmation of his readiness for whatever questions were brewing behind those stormy eyes.

"Rhava," Viago says his name, which had been pried out of him by Teia as they'd walked.

Rhava nods. He hadn't given his clan name, and they hadn't offered him any more of their names than he'd already heard.

"How old are you?" Viago asks.

"Seventeen," Rhava says. It's an easy truth.

"He's bit older than we usually begin training…" Teia starts.

"I was close to his age when I started," Viago says, eyes not leaving Rhava.

"Where is your family?" Teia asks.

"I… am an orphan," the words are true but unfamiliar to Rhava, and come slowly from his mouth.

Teia catches his eye to give him a comforting smile, "Hey, me too."

"It's clean, at least. No loose end there to worry about," Viago says, earning him a cool look from Teia.

"Have you ever killed before?" he asks after a beat, and then clarifies, "A person. Animals don't count here."

Rhava looks down, swallowing thickly, and nods.

"Look at me when you answer."

Rhava lifts his head, expression grave, "I have, yes."

"Who?"

He's not sure if Viago just doesn't believe him, or if the details are actually important to the Crow. He hesitates.

"I will know if you lie," Viago adds.

"It was my parents," Rhava resists the urge to avert his gaze again, letting Viago see the tears that start to well up in his hazel eyes.

It's been just under a year since it happened, a fresh wound in his heart, still leaking. He can hear Teia make a sad noise beside him, but he doesn't dare look, still clinging onto to what little composure he has left. Viago sighs, and Rhava can't tell if it's a noise of pity or disappointment.

"On purpose?" Viago asks, the question sounding strained.

Rhava shakes his head emphatically, welled up tears scattering at the motion. The last of his composure starts to crumble. He's never said it out loud before, and has tried to avoid any questions about it in the time he's spent on his own. He left home so he wouldn't have to talk about it. He left home because he couldn't talk about, couldn't bear to stay long enough to see their bodies get cold.

"I didn't-" he gasps, "It was an accident, I didn't want- I couldn't-" More tears are flung from his face as he shakes his head harder.

Teia stands to wrap a comforting arm around his shoulders, and a small pull from her is all it takes for Rhava to gratefully collapse into her and let sobs overtake him. Sorrow rattles through his body, clawing it's way out his throat in quiet, strangled noises. He wants to go home- a place he drenched in his family's blood. He doesn't think he will ever be able to go home again.

"I think that's enough questions for now," she says, rubbing her hand back and forth over his back. The gesture is as soothing as she intends it to be, Rhava's breathing starting to even out.

"I've heard all I need," Viago confirms, and Rhava can hear the wry smile in his voice when he repeat's Teia's, "For now."

Rhava looks up at him over Teia's shoulder, eyes still wet with recently stopped tears. There's a half smile pulling at Viago's mouth, and a look in his eyes that Rhava has yet to see from him. Curiosity, approval, interest, or some mix, he's not sure, but it's a look that feels good to get.

"Now, Teia, if you don't mind releasing my fledgling.. I need to take him to buy a pair of boots."

Teia does release him, and turns on her heels to face Viago, hands on her hips.

"Your fledgling?"

Viago's mildly pleased expression is replaced with a mask of innocence as he shrugs one shoulder.

"He tried to steal from me. I found him. That makes him mine to recruit into house de Riva."

Rhava makes a surprised noise, that either the Crows don't hear to choose to ignore as they continue talking about him as if he isn't standing right there.

"You wanted to leave him in the alley we found him in, or worse-" Teia protests.

Viago cuts her off, "I changed my mind. You're not the only one who can take in strays."

Teia looks like she's about to start in on Viago again, who's expression softens as he jumps in again before she can get the words out of her mouth.

"I will get our reservation changed to dinner tonight," he offers, "And make it up to you."

"You're going to have an awful lot of making up to do."

"I'm sure."

Rhava's eyes dart between the two as they talk, trying to decipher the nature of the tension between them. It was something more than professional, that much he was sure of.

"Very well. Will you be bringing your new fledgling to dinner, tonight?," Teia puts on an air of bitterness when she says the words, but her stance has relaxed enough that Rhava can tell she is just having fun with bantering at this point.

Viago sighs, genuinely beleaguered by her question, "Is that what you want?"

"Hmm. Yes."

"Then we should take our leave. He's going to need better clothes to go with those boots if he's coming with us tonight," Viago says, finally rising from his seat among the crates, "Rhava, come along."

He turns to leave, but this time he waits until Rhava is at his left heel to start walking. Though Rhava has the feeling there will be more discussion and formality to it later, he senses this as his first chance to say no to Viago's invitation, and promise of care.

Favorites

Color: Purple and black lol, a perfect little crow

Entertainment: Rhava's down for almost anything as long he's not doing it alone. Big on things like hikes and picnics, playing cards (cardshark rook is real and he'll steal your money <3), going to see local musicians.

Pastime: Swimming, singing, sparring, hanging out with halla. Talking shit lol. Also really enjoys just lowkey quality time, parallel play and just being in each other's spaces.

Food: Paella! I hc his clan has their own recipe that he and Imeric eventually teach to Lucanis.

Drink: Wine, closely followed by rum spiced coffee.

Books: Mysteries and thrillers! Also enjoys romances but doesn't like to admit they make him yearn and cry.

Have They…

Passed University: nah he never had any formal education. modern au rhava is a high school drop out to me

Had Sex: yeah babey

Had Sex in Public: he's got very little shame and an exhibitionist streak, so almost certainly. is this risky for a crow? yes. does he care? no.

Gotten Tattoos: his face tattoo is his own version of crow vallaslin that he got after he passed his initation and became a fully fledged assassin- a gift paid for by teia. he's also got a set of wings over his arms- paid for by viago. i think there's smth to represent house de riva in the wings somewhere but i havent fully decide what form that takes lol

Gotten Piercings: nope!

Gotten Scars: plenty, both during training and on contracts.

Had a Broken Heart: does breaking his own heart when he left home count? i think viago sending him away to work with varric was a huge rupture between them, too. things were never the same between them after that.

Been in Love: yes, he's usually the last one to realize it, and has a hard time ever letting go of such strong feelings. he's been in love with imeric probably their whole lives, and only realized it in his early 20s. there were power dynamics complicating things with viago, but the love is there. and lucanis…. god that one hit rhava so hard he couldn't ignore it for once.

Are They…

A cuddler: dear god he is so clingy. wants to be attached to his beloveds in some way at all times. this is not practical.

Scared easily: not really. unless it's viago getting really mad at him. or imeric sometimes post game, buts thats a fun kind of scared

Jealous easily: yessss, mostly because he's insecure lol. he gets reaaaaaal bitchy about imeric and illario hooking up before he's able to admit his feelings for imeric, but mostly he'll keep his jealousy to himself

Trustworthy: yes! as long as you're not an ancient elven god or someone he has a contract out on, he takes his word and promises very seriously.

Family

Siblings: only child </3 i hc my inquisitor is his cousin though

Parents: dead! and he killed them! ope!

Children: three ;w; baby lace and set of yet unnamed twins

Pets: lucanis' snake. feel like he might just start taking in random animals once they settle in orlais with the kids tbh

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