#rookoc

I think I’ve finally got an idea for an Illario prompt👀

What if he sends Rook a message after the game’s end, complaining a ton about still being carefully supervised and having to do boring, repetitive tasks even after helping in the final fight. Super dramatic about Viago being overbearing like “Ah, but you know Viago so well, don’t you? Can you imagine what he did yesterday? Of COURSE you can, he…” and then dramatically asking Rook to save/kill him (or to at least sneak him some fancy snacks he likes during work hours, he’ll provide the business’ details). Maybe he even sent the message via crow (bird).

Ding Dong! Antivan Postal Service special delivery on this fine Sunday. Funny coincidence that two requests in a row asked for a letter from Illario. This one's to Rook and I allowed myself to take my very own Cara de Riva (I hope @antivanlights does not mind) So without further ado: Have more miserable Illario trying to put up a nice face but simply... can't.

Transcript:

Dearest Cara,

I know, many still go by Rook even now everything is done and started going back to normal (whatever that may be) - but you and me, we know each other for so long, I just dare to use the nickname I got to know you under, back then (especially because it’s such an endearing one.)

Of course, only if you don’t mind (just let me know if so). Maybe it would even be appropriate to address you as sister-in-law by now? Though I did not hear any of this being whispered across the Diamond, which probably would be the first place in Treviso where this great news would start making rounds. (Again, let me know!) I’m literally dying for any news, if it was the heartbreak of you actually closing the deal by putting a ring on my cousin’s finger, when it could have been us right from the start…

Yes, I’m still stuck in the Cantori Diamond day in, day out. Doing paperwork for the 5th and 7th Talon. And it bores me to death (if only so, but miraculously, I keep on surviving).

Everey level-headed person would have thought, showing up at the final battle and giving my all, would have bought me back at least a little sympathy, dignity and (gasp!) trust. But neither Caterina nor Viago seem to be willing to move an inch towards me. To make me a little less miserable. (You know, as a treat?)

When I dared to voice that - after all I did to show my willingness to redeem - your brother just scoffed and muttered something about me being a Crow and that it just was what was expected of me.

And here I am, having always assumed it couldn’t get any worse after being raised by Caterina… But Cara, dear, how do you just put up with this man? I guess there’s a reason after all that you’re getting along so well with my cousin… Lucanis and Viago, sometimes they seem to be the sae person to me, just with different faces.

Maybe I just haven’t figured ou the right code of communication with our dear Viago. If you can be of any help here, I’d really appreciate it. Like, are there things to say and do that he reacts to in a positive manner? You surely must have had your tricks around him, while growing up under his stern eyes. And still managing to get out of it with all your wits together.

Do I sound pathetic and desperate? Well, if so: Good! I’m so tired of copying inventory lists and not being allowed at least going out into the markets on my own. Oh, the markets… I miss the colors and the scents. All the beautiful wares up for sale and the even more beautiful people that one even can get for free if just charming enough… I miss the candied almonds from the market. You know which ones. That little stall with the green and purple canopy. We used to get them every time when we got out from Villa Dellamorte back then. I think it’s the granddaughter of the original vendor from almost 20 years ago, but the treat has never disappointed ever in all that time. Oh, how I miss this sweet taste!

If you are not able to change anything about the miserable state I’m still existing in (I refuse to write living at this point) - please, Cara, I beg you, at least get me a batch of those candied almonds.

We may not be family by blood, but still we share a bond that you can’t deny. Always yours

-Illario