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The wet squelching sound as steel cut through living flesh was like the roar of a waterfall in his ears.
The fighter who's guts he had just cut through stood utterly stunned for a moment, not registering yet that he had been disemboweled. Time slowly, the squelching roar fade, and there was a moment of stillness before said guts tumbled completely out of the clean slice right across the belly, splattering to the sandy grey floor of the dark, cavernous arena the combatants were standing in the middle of. With a small gasp of astonishment, his disemboweled opponent blinked at him confused before his eyes lost all focus, all life, and his emptied body crumbled like a house of cards, falling to the grey ground with a wet thud as the man's life blood spilled out of him and started spreading around him like a nightmarish halo. There was another moment of silence before a different roaring filled the air.
The roar of a bloodthirsty crowd utterly delighted by the bloody, brutal death that had just taken place before their very eyes.
Dark, coffee brown eyes tinged with glowing purple looked around the stands, disgust rising up inside Lucanis Dellamorte as he eyed the cheering faces, laughing and merry above him as he stood in the center of the makeshift arena.
With black hair falling well past his shoulders, a tangled mess and his beard nearly reaching his collarbones, the Antivan Crow cut a frighteningly wild looking figure. Fitting for where he stood now after the blood battles he had just won, lending an even more dangerous quality to him.
Dressed in battered but serviceable silver armor after his own assassin leather's had long since tattered from too many battles, Lucanis still cut a striking figure in the arena stained with blood both fresh and old.
" THEY SICKEN US." Spite growled in disgust within Lucanis, and the assassin could not help but agree.
Four months since he and Spite had been dragged out of the Ossuary where Zara Renata and her lackies had caged them for a whole year, only to be placed in a new dark and dank prison underground in a cavern instead of underwater. Four months of him and Spite being forced to fight for their lives almost every day against new and dreadful opponents both Venatori and fellow prisoner.
Today he had gone up against this cocky Venatori rogue who thought himself proficient to stand against the Demon of Vyrantium himself. For all his time here, Lucanis had been thrown into the pits, made to fight tooth and nail for each and every breath he pulled into his lungs. They wanted him dead or at least defeated, but Lucanis gave his captors none, instead he rose through the ranks, slashing and beheading his way through opponent after opponent, both man and beast with brutish efficiency, never revealing any and all of his knowledge of Antivan Crow fighting techniques. He was now one of the underground fight arena's top attractions, behind this actual dragon, and this giant from the Storm Coats. He relied only on self-preservation and the basic ethos of slash and kill first before they can, or be so fast they can't catch you, or better yet, let them wear themselves out. It kept the crowds occupied and entertained while Lucanis kept his own skills sharp and his real abilities hidden. Spite had also come in handy with his wings and second set of eyes, being able to watch his back despite their less than ideal union.
Now here they were, another day, another battle, another opponent left a bloody mess for the maggots to feast on in the pit where bodies were thrown.
While the body movers dragged away the corpse, mage guards arrived to take him back to his solitary cell. The Venatori scum who ran this inhumane arena learned early on that it was an insanely bad idea to keep Lucanis with their general population of captives when the assassin nearly destroyed their entire stock of combatants. After that, he was placed in solitary confinement with just Spite as company and the constant threat of blood magic since Zara had provided them with the giant phylactery of his blood that she had harvested from him as she had experimented on him and Spite.
Lucanis held his head up high as he was escorted out of the twisted metal enclosed arena that kept the crowd filled with the Venatori and those aligned with them who had come for their own sick amusement safe from the likes of dangerous and powerful combatants like him and others. As the crowd of black and red adorned Venatori and corrupt nobles from nearby Nevarra and other regions all cheered and jeered the Demon of Vyrantium as he exited the arena after another spectacular show of his brutality, one tall, lone figure sat in the VIP box with the best view, his face obscured by a hood but his hazel green eyes laser focused on Lucanis as he made his exit, as a hunter would quarry he had been seeking to set eyes on all night. The hooded figure nodded to himself before he gracefully rose from his seat and made his way over to the Venatori Lanista who was the overseer of this entire operation.
" Ah, Lord Niraklov, I hope you enjoyed tonight's showing, one of our main attraction was in fine form this evening was he not? Three straight battles back to back, three straight victories." The Lanista gloated with glee.
" Indeed, it was a fine showing." Lord Niraklov said with his voice quiet and even.
" I take it you found something to your liking?" The Lanista said with a greedy, eager glint in his beady black eyes.
" Indeed, the perfect body slave to protect me and satisfy my... whims." Lord Niraklov all but purred, while internally his stomach rolled in disgust at these very words.
" Good good! Let's head to my office so we can discuss prices and arrangements." The Lanista said as he eagerly gestured for the Nevarran lord to follow him.
Niraklov did so, doing his best to keep his own nerves steady.
They made their way to the Lanista's grimy office, which was no more than a hold carved in the stone with a table and chairs in it where the Lord took his seat and held himself imperiously, towering even as he sat.
Niraklov made it quite clear that he had taken an interest in The Demon of Vyrantium and was willing to pay good coin for the demonically possessed man. When the Lanista tried to keep sweetening the deal for himself, he suddenly found himself staring into a pair of eyes glowing green and dangerous, letting the Lanista know quite clearly that Lord Niraklov's generosity only went so far. By the end of it they shook hands and agreed that The Demon of Vyrantium would be ready for delivery to his new master by morning, and said new master would be waiting in his palatial estate with two heaping chests of gold that he agreed to as payment for him.
The Lord left the arena, which was located under a dilapidated estate called Flintburg Manor just South of Nevarra city and used the lift to take him up and out of the decrepit yet sprawling building that had once been a glorious noble home. With a sweep of the stately purple and black robes he wore, Lord Niraklov climbed into into the elegant black carriage that was waiting for him with a skeletal driver at the reigns of the ghost blue horses that pulled it. The Lord's carriage took off, but not before a couple more figures clandestinely climbed under the carriage and daringly hung to it's underside.
The Lord waited until he was well and truly far away from the manner before he signaled for the carriage to stop and then lifted his foot and thumped on the floor of carriage twice to signal that the coast was clear. No sooner had he done so, a secret panel in the floor creaked open and the two figures clinging to the underbelly climbed in.
One was a tall and pale male elf with dark blue hair and eyes, and a diamond pattern tattoo over his face, the other was pretty brown haired, green eyed dwarven woman, both wearing dark attired to blend in with the night as they had carried out their own covert actions while the Lord had observed Lucanis in the arena and then negotiated the man's purchase from the Lanista. The pair sat across from the Lord, the elf shutting the trap door while Lord Niraklov signaled for the carriage to resume it's drive back towards Nevarra City, more specifically the Grand Necropolis.
" Is it him?" The elf asked as he and the dwarven woman looked to the Lord eagerly.
" Yes my friends, it's him. We've finally found him, and if all goes well, we shall have him by tomorrow morning." The Lord said with a hopeful but determined smile as he pulled off his hood.
The rest of the carriage ride was spent explaining all of the appalling things the Lord had witnessed, the state Lucanis was in, how much he had needed to control his own emotions and play his part.
They still had much to do, and morning couldn't come fast enough.
Back under the hollowed out halls of Flintburg Manor, Lucanis sat with his back ramrod straight over the edge of the pitiful cot that had been provided from him. The cell was warded with all manner of magic to keep him and Spite contained after numerous escape attempts. Despite ever attempt to intimidate, harass, batter, and bruise, the Venatori guards just could not bring Lucanis to fully yield. Since he was also such a lucrative asset, they couldn't damage him too much either. They couldn't even starve him outright because they needed him in tip top shape. They tried to drug his food only once and never again as Spite had nearly torn right through the early wards and actually managed to snap a few necks in his and Lucanis' shared rage before he and his host were subdued.
Lucanis looked up sharply at the sound of approaching feet, his dark eyes going to the door. He knew by now that it was not his dinner time, having calculated the hours from his sharp observations over the first few days since he was dumped here in this literal pit. The iron door to his cell swung open to reveal the Lanista and his best mage body guards. The portly asshole stepped inside with a sweep of his black and red Venatori robes and buckets of false bravado.
" Good evening Demon of Vyrantium." The man simpered.
" Good evening." Lucanis replied neutrally, no emotion, not even a flicker as he simply stared right through the man.
Even dressed in the drab and dull rags he wore underneath the armor the Venatori provided him, Lucanis was striking, Lucanis was dangerous, his very aura cool and calm, promising pain the likes of which no one could imagine if he were to get his hands on the Lanista.
With his heart already pounding with unease inside his chest, the Lanista drove ahead with why he was here visiting Lucanis.
" You caught the eye of one of Nevarra's nobles tonight with your three victories. I have sold you to Lord E. Niraklov. You are to be his new body slave. We are shipping you to Nevarra City first thing in the morning." The Lanista said bluntly before he turned to his guards.
" Lord Niraklov wants him in pristine condition, so first order of business is the doctors, they are to look him over from every hair on his head to baby toes. They will heal any and all injuries and scars, restore him in full. Then he is to be bathed and fed well, force him if he refuses to comply." The Lanista said before simply turned and walked away, leaving a silently stunned Lucanis in his wake.
" WHAT THE FUCK DID HE JUST SAY?!" Spite shouted, instantly outraged at this turn of events.
Lucanis said eerily silent, the two mage guards left behind sharing an uneasy look before they gathered themselves and raised their hands, summoning their magic in an effort to intimidate. Lucanis stayed completely stone faced as the Lanista' words about his transaction with a lord from Nevarra named Niraklov washed over him.
Sold.
Sold.
Sold as if he were some inanimate thing, a vase or a coffee mug, not a living breathing human being who also had a fucking demon inside him.
Sold.
Lucanis felt a white hot rage rise up inside him at the sheer audacity of the Venatori for every single fucking thing they had done to him both here and in the Ossuary.
" LET'S TEAR THIS WHOLE PLACE APART!" Spite roared in his ears.
For a moment Lucanis' eyes flashed purple, causing the two mage guards to tense further. Then just as quickly, they were back to normal as Lucanis wordlessly rose from his cot. It was unnerving to the two guards, but they managed to stay composed as they placed chains on the assassin's wrists and walked Lucanis out of his cell, escorting him to the medical wing for the examination their boss had ordered. Lucanis was not silent out of compliance, he was busy assuring and explaining to Spite that it would not be the wisest choice to go on a homicidal rampage right now, not when this opportunity had presented itself.
Since he had been sold to a Nevarran Lord, that meant that he would no longer have to stay in this moldy hellhole, he would be out and he could gain the trust of his new "master". The good Lord could always have a tragic accident befall him after enough time had passed.
He was an Antivan Crow after all, the heir to the First Talon herself. If there was one thing Lucanis Dellamorte was, it was patient. He would bide his time and rid himself of the smarmy aristocrat that had the gall to think that he could own another human being, let alone someone like Lucanis.
This Lord E. Niraklov was already a dead man, he just didn't know it yet.
When they got to the medical wing, the doctors there all set upon Lucanis, stripping him of all his clothes completely and making him stand there naked as the day he was born while they hovered around him with cold detachment as they healed the minor injuries he had suffered from the trio of matches he had survived, faded away every singly scar on his body, and even forced restorative potions down his throat that tasted vile and burned, but had him regaining lost muscle mass. No sooner were the doctors done, Lucanis was being dragged off to a nearby bathing chamber where several more guards stood by, all of them watching him as he bathed, again hoping to intimidate but only annoying the seasoned assassin and gladiatorial spectacle of their dingy arena. Tellingly no one got in the water with Lucanis, knowing full well it would be like willingly climbing in with a kraken. Not once did Lucanis truly let his guard down even as he bathed with care and allowed himself to silently enjoy being fully clean for the first time in Maker knew how many months.
Once he was bathed and one of the mages cast a drying spell on him, he was presented with new clothes, just black slacks and a plain white button up shirt, courtesy of Lord Niraklov according to the guard. Lucanis nearly refused and his stomach rolled as he donned the garments, his skin singing at being free of the itchy rags he had been making due with but his heart growling with hate at the source of the clothes. He was then escorted back to his cell, where a small feast awaited him, all laden out on a small table in the center of the space, barely fitting at all.
" Eat all of it." One of the guards ordered as he and his fellow stood watch.
Lucanis still didn't say a word, he just took a seat on the cushion that had been provided, his body soaking up the softness after so long going with out. He picked up his utensils and began to take portions of the dishes in front of him, most looking like familiar items like steak, shrimp, and chicken, while there were other dishes he had never seen before. There was wine and water to wash it all down with but Lucanis stuck to water as he ate with this detached air about himself, giving away nothing, no matter how profoundly he was enjoying his first taste of actual food instead of the slop he had been subjected to for so long. He ate slowly and carefully, never giving away control, and feeling his hatred towards Lord Niraklov growing with each bite he took and swallowed.
If this bastard thought he could earn any kind of gratitude from Lucanis with just clothes, a nice bath and good food, he again had a whole other, far more hateful and final thing coming his way. This meal stoked the cold flames of Lucanis' fury far more than it sustained him. Lucanis ate and together with Spite he plotted all the ways he would end his new master once he laid eyes on the man himself.
Soon the many plates were empty and Lucanis' belly full for the first time in more than a year.
Emaciated servants barely dressed in rags themselves arrived and collected the plates and the table, their eyes hollow and broken, one of them sending Lucanis this silent, envious look that nearly made the assassin regurgitate all that he had eaten. Lucanis wanted to just curl up and die for a moment before he steadied himself and regained control of his emotions. He vowed to come back here and free all who were imprisoned, once he gained his own freedom from his new master. He would be sure to find and rend limb from limb every single oppressor in this hellish place, especially the Lanista who thought himself the lord of this whole arena. He would burn everything to less than fucking cinders, he would raze this whole area from existence. As Lucanis was left to his cot, that now had a thin little bedding that was still heavenly soft, sleep did not come to the assassin, for his vengeful rage burned to bright for him to do anything else but obsess and imagine the blood that he was going to spill. Spite agreed with him whole heartedly as together they planned in the silence before morning.
When the hours passed and morning finally came, Lucanis was once again escorted out of his cell and taken to the bathing chamber. They soaked him in milky waters that smelled of lavender and this fragrant flower that made him feel warm safe, like he was closer to something powerful and unknown. Lucanis allowed himself to come under the influence of the scents only for a moment before he pulled himself together and returned to his stoicism. Once his bathing was done and he was dried by the mages, he returned to his cell where a grizzled old man with a bag filled with the tools of his trade was waiting.
The barber was a skilled veteran who snipped away at Lucanis' black hair that had grown well past his shoulders, leaving it long enough to reach just past his neck before he set about trimming his beard. When the man finally presented Lucanis with a mirror so that he could see himself, the assassin sat frozen at his own reflection. It had been a whole year and then some since the last time he had properly seen his face. Sure, Spite manifested fully at times but it was not the same as seeing himself truly. Now there he was, his hair and beard as it had been that fateful day he had been ambushed and captured in Minrathos. He had dark circles under his eyes from no sleeping, but after the restorative actions of the doctors yesterday, he was whole and himself once more.
Just like his new master wanted.
In an instant Lucanis wanted to hurl the mirror away, unable to look at himself. He had been sold, probably to some dirty old man or a sadist wanting a new play thing after wearing down the one that he had, leaving them dead in a ditch or out with the trash to fall onto the streets or whatever seedy establishment was in the business of taking discarded slaves.
The Venatori was just prettying him up to be a good little whore for Lord Niraklov.
Lucanis calmed himself and thanks the barber, who just nodded mutely before taking his leave. With his fists clenched, Lucanis waited for his morning meal, which was yet another feast. Under the guards he ate without feeling once more, making haste because while he was seething with bloodthirsty wrath, he genuinely was eager to get out from under Flintburg Manor, though he didn't even know that that was the official name of where this arena of torment he had been tossed in was located.
Once he was finished eating, Lucanis and Spite were left to each other for a little while, the both of them growling and pacing on the inside while outwardly, Lucanis sat calm and still on his cot with his hands resting on his knees and his expression completely blank. About half an hour later the guards returned and one of them all but threw a set of new clothes at him.
" Put those on, and be quick about it freak." The guard spat with disdain while his fellow guard sent him a warning look as he unceremonious dropped a pair of boots before Lucanis' feet, wanting to get this whole thing over with and not have to treat a prisoner with basic human dignity anymore.
Calm to the point of looking serene while Spite growled wanting vengeance, Lucanis looked to the clothes in his hands.
There was a deep, eggplant purple poet's shirt, black slacks, and soft grey socks.
His new master wanted him looking like one of those pansies from those popular romance novels it seemed, like the one Lucanis saw a good while back with a maiden and a pirate. Lucanis resisted the urge to role his eyes, but only just barely as he set about getting dressed with the guards watching him. Once he pulled the boots onto his feet, the guards set upon him, chaining his wrists and his feet with enchanted shackles that just barely stopped short of hobbling him before Lucanis' vision was plunged completely into darkness as a black hood was placed over his head.
" WE WILL KILL THEM FOR THIS." Spite growled hatefully.
" Yes we will Spite, but patience for now, we have to get out of this place first." Lucanis agreed, keeping his cool as he was seized by his upper arms none too gently and walked out of his cell with his shackles jangling.
Even though he was basically blinded, Lucanis' muscle memory kicked in as he was dragged through both familiar and unfamiliar corridors until the guards pulled him onto a lift and held him firmly as it creaked and groaned into its ascent.
" I hear this Lord Niraklov is a rather colorful soul, very creative in his methods. Said he wanted you both to protect him and serve his whims." One guard taunted casually.
" Hehe, you're gonna be a fine bitch for this guy. He's Nevarran so he'll probably have you fucking dead bodies or have those bodies fuck you with all the necromancy shit they pull there." The other guard added with a sick chuckle.
Lucanis stood still and silent, letting their words roll over him like water off a duck's back. It didn't strike fear in him, it excited him because sex meant getting close to his new master, it meant that he would be able to physically get his hands on the man, and once he did, he would have all manner and means to end Lord Niraklov's life. He could play the obedient little whore, make this noble think the arena and the Ossuary before that had broken and malleable him with no one the wiser that he was getting out, one way or another.
" BIDING OUR TIME." Spite agreed.
Indeed that was the plan as the lift continued upward and the air grew less dank and cold.
Then the lift ground to a halt and the guards pulled him along off it. Their footfalls and the jangle of the shackles echoed through a cavernous space, Lucanis surmising that he was in the dilapidated manor that stood above the underground arena. As he was escorted none to gentle by the guards, Lucanis was suddenly struck by an idea.
" Spite I need you to manifest and follow along, be my eyes while I have this hood over my face, tell me everything that is going on." Lucanis said firmly within his mind.
" GOOD IDEA." Spite growled before Lucanis felt the constant presence in his mind dim a little as the demon manifested into the glowing purple clone of Lucanis and flowed along with a snarl.
The demon started giving Lucanis a full play by play of what was going on as the guards dragged the assassin through the dilapidated kitchens of the manor then through a servants hallway and up a flight of stairs into the main house above. The manor had once been among the grandest until the family that lived hear had been wiped out during a plague. Now this stately home served as the cover for the Venatori's sick gladiatorial games down below.
Lucanis then felt warmth wash over him as Spite called out to him that the guards had finally taken him outside where there was a black carriage waiting for him.
The guards trundled into the carriage and dragged Lucanis inside, Spite stepping in unseen and informing his host that there were two other guards sitting across from him, both pointing crossbows at him. Lucanis' instincts were such that he knew the two guards that sat on either side of him had their daggers out too.
Then the carriage was moving and finally heading towards Nevarra City.
Spite snarled from where he sat on the roof, giving Lucanis a running commentary on everything he could see. It kept Lucanis' mind occupied because these guards were really starting to irritate him. The ones with the crossbows stayed quiet, but the two that had escorted him just wouldn't stop with the casual barbs and taunts.
Lucanis listened to Spite most of the time and barely twitched, putting on the air of being helplessly trapped in his chains. These chains, heavily warded with magic though they were, were temporary. He had also overheard one of the guards muttering about how they hadn't been allowed to place any other kinds of wards on him because Lord Niraklov was a highly skilled necromancer who could place his own special wards on his new pet to keep him obedient. Another opportunity to strike before any further magic could be placed on him. He just needed to bide his time.
The carriage ride took a good forty-five minutes by Lucanis' silent count, the assassin growing alert as his demonic counterpart informed him when they reached Nevarra City. The demon commented on how the city was sprawling and bustling with people and spirits, and spirits within reanimated skeletons. They denizens were all oblivious to this one black carriage among many that was carrying within it one of the worst atrocities known to man, a slave purchase culminating in delivery right in their midst. Lucanis clenched his fists as Spite gave him the play by play of the Nevarran people just innocently going about their day.
The carriage ride seemed to go on and on forever until it finally came to a slow stop and Spite commented that they were in front of a giant gate with golden skulls all over it.
" Move." One guard ordered as he roughly yanked on Lucanis' chains.
" WE SHOULD GUT THIS ONE, NICE AND SLOW." Spite suggested with quiet rage.
" I concur." Lucanis replied within his head as he was dragged through the gate after he heard the metal groaned open.
Spite dutifully followed, describing the grand mansion they were being dragged into, filled with all manner of Nevarran decor that celebrated both life and death. It probably would have been a fine and stately home were it not for the circumstances and the fate Lucanis Dellamorte would find for himself here. He was roughly escorted across smooth floors with his shackles jangling and echoing through his own ears.
They came to stand before something, a door most likely as Lucanis heard a loud knock, and then wood swinging open before he was dragged across a threshold. Then unyielding hands gripping his upper arms and shoulders, pushing him down, forcing him onto his knees firmly but still careful not to bruise, his knees thankfully coming to rest on soft, plush carpet as Spite quickly dissolved and rejoining him in his body. Lucanis felt his ankles and wrists grow heavy as the manacles around them activated with magic meant to keep him kneeling and immobile.
The demon still whispered softly for only him to hear, describing some kind of study, with the Lord himself sitting behind his desk imperiously, dressed in stately black and green robes and a hood covering his face .
" LORD IS MYSTERIOUS. TOO BAD HE'S EVIL. PROBABLY A NICE FACE UNDER HIS HOOD." Spite whispered, and Lucanis felt fresh revulsion go through him before he straightened his spine as one of the guards spoke.
“ Greetings Lord Niraklov, we come bearing the Demon of Vyrantium, as promised you by Lanista Lootarius per the deal you struck with him last evening.” One of the guards said formally, receiving only a silent nod from what Spite could see and relay.
The other guard reached for the hood obscuring Lucanis’ face. The cloth was pulled away firmly but with some care. Lucanis shut his eyes against the sudden light that flooded his vision before he blinked his eyes back into focus and finally got a good look around the place for himself. He was in an ornate and stately study. There were statues and decor of skulls and snakes everywhere along with taxidermied animals of all sorts, but his eyes zeroed in on the opulent and grandiose desk he was kneeling in front of, more specifically the man garbed in stately black and green robes with a black hood cloaking most of his face while a great orange fire roared behind him in the fireplace that was shaped like a skull with an ornate headdress. Lucanis could just make out a pale chin, thin but supple looking lips, and a stylish thin mustache. Before he could try to discern anything further a hand was roughly seizing him by the scruff of his neck and forcing his head down.
“ Eyes down demon.” The guard ordered in warning.
“ Get your hand off him. Now.” A low and ice cold voice slowly drawled.
All eyes turned to the hooded Lord who had finally broken his silence.
The guard immediately snatched his hand back from Lucanis as if burned, the whole room seem to turn frigid from Lord Niraklov’s words alone.
“ A-Apologies my Lord.” The guard stuttered as he stood up straight and tried not to break into a cold sweat in front of the shrouded noble.
Then said noble slowly stood up from behind the desk and both guards were doing their best not to look intimidated because the man was a veritable tower. The hood and the flowing robes gave him a spectral, reaper-like quality as he slowly walked around the side of the desk and came to loom over Lucanis and all four Venatori guards.
There was a moment of stillness before a pale, ring covered hand emerged from the black and green robes and reached down. Lucanis and Spite both watched that hand, noting the elegantly long fingers and alabaster skin as it came near. The urge to just full on sink his teeth into said hand was great, but Lucanis frowned when the hand stopped short of actually touching him, instead just ghosting under his chin and making Lucanis tilt his head up on his own so that he was looking up at the face of his new master, well half still since the man's hood was up.
" Exquisite." Lord Niraklov said quietly.
Lucanis felt a jolt go through him, revulsion raging with the surprise that the man actually sounded genuine in his compliment, even Spite rumbling in confusion because neither of them could actually sense any ill-will towards them coming off of this man who had bought them.
Then the Lord was withdrawing his hand and standing to full towering height as he turned to the guards.
" The contract and additional items." He said sternly.
" Y-Yes my lord." One of the mage guards said as he made waving motions with glowing hands and summoned forth both a parchment with a red velvet back, and the great phylactery filled with Lucanis' blood.
Lucanis knelt quietly, gritting his teeth as he watched Lord Niraklov spoke with the guards, who fell over themselves to reassure him that all of his requirements had been fulfilled. The assassin and his demon companion watched as the guard hastily handed the contract and phylactery over to the hooded lord, who took both items wordlessly. The contract he sat back on top of the desk while the phylactery filled with dark red blood from many sessions of Calivan bleeding him over several days floated a few inches above the contract. The shrouded Lord then clapped his hands sharply one time. A side door opened a moment later as four skeletal assistants with glowing green gems in their eyes sockets and flames coming out of the tops of their skulls shuffled into the room, carrying two identical large chests between them.
" Two chests of gold, as agreed." Lord Niraklov drawled as the skeletons opened the lids of each chest to reveal the obscene amount of shining gold coin within them.
" Very well my Lord, here I present to you the key to his chains and conclude the transaction." The other mage guard said as he stepped forward and presented the Lord with a twisting silver key that the hooded Lord accepted and placed in his pocket, still without a word.
Lucanis felt his heart pounding inside his chest, nerves and fury as he glanced at the hooded figure who now owned him, already scoping out any and all possible weapons he could use, including the writing quills and bejeweled paper weights on the man's fancy desk. If this fool decided to unchain him, Lucanis would rip his throat out and bash his ugly face in.
He looked up when the Lord clapped his hands sharply again.
The sound of shuffling feet and the chime of glass filled Lucanis' ears as another skeleton appears, this one different from the others, wearing gloves and boots with a pack at his back and crystal goggle eyes. This skeleton carried a tray that had four beautiful crystal wine glasses atop it.
" THAT IS CURIOSITY INSIDE THAT SKELETON, HE'S A SPIRIT LIKE I WAS." Spite said quietly, Lucanis not noticing Lord Niraklov glancing their way for a moment while the boot wearing skeleton made his way over to the four guards and presented his tray.
" For your troubles." Lord Niraklov said lowly, sending fresh shivers through everyone that was alive in that room as he gestured to the wine with an imperious bejeweled hand.
" Th-Thank you my Lord, that is most gracious of you." One of the mages said before picking up a glass and urging his fellows to do the same.
They understandably did not try to savor the wine as most would, downing it all quickly while feeling the unseen eyes of the Lord boring holes into them as they did so. Each man finished their glass and set it back on the tray with care. The crystal eyed skeleton hissed and then turned to his Lord, presenting the empty glasses.
" Thank you Manfred." Lord Niraklov said with a trace of warmth actually coming to his voice before he turned back to the guards.
" Our business is concluded, you may leave." He said with finality.
" At once my Lord." All four guards said before they all bowed deeply and hurried over to the chests of gold, Lord Niraklov's payment for his new body slave. The four of them paired off and grabbed up the handles, lifting the chests and then hurrying away with their ill-gotten riches, eager to get back to Flintburg Manor.
The boss was going to be thrilled with them for a job well done!
Lucanis clenched his fists and mentally prepared himself for the attack he would unleash if his new master decided to be stupid enough to unchain him. He looked up as the Lord turned away from the doors of his study, dismissing his skeletal servants with a wave of his hand save for the one called Manfred.
The assassin watched with dark eyes as the hooded Lord made his way over to his desk and took the phylactery of dark blood into his hands, one pale while the other covered in a stylish brown glove, both ornately adorned with all manner of rings, revealing bangle covered wrists as well.
Lucanis waited with baited breath for that telltale sting of blood magic to take hold, his new master securing himself of his new purchase's servitude by what literally flowed through Lucanis' veins.
So when Lucanis watched as Lord Niraklov's mouth suddenly twisted in quiet disgust before with a snarl, he hurled the phylactery straight into the fire behind his desk seemingly with all his might, the assassin's jaw naturally hit the floor and even Spite was left utterly speechless. They both watched, utterly flabbergasted as the glass shattered and the dark red blood splattered onto the burning logs, sizzling lightly as the flames slowly overtook the liquid and melted the shattered glass fragments. Their shared shock only grew as the Lord then picked up the rolled up red backed parchment, the signed and sealed contract, unfurled it seemingly to read over it's contents before with a scoff, he savagely tore the document not just down the middle, he methodically turned the length document into confetti, even snapping the decorative gold painted wooden finials at either end of the document before tossing it all into the fireplace to burn with Lucanis' stolen blood.
Lucanis watched as Lord Niraklov actually stopped to stare at it all as it burned, almost gleeful at what he had just done if the smirk on his lips that Lucanis could just make out was anything to go by.
Feeling completely thrown off balance, Lucanis finally got his voice to speak, deciding to use his words carefully and see what reaction he would get out of this strange Lord before him.
" M-Master?"
The moment Lucanis said that single word, Lord Niraklov let out a sharp, sharp gasp and whirled around to face him, his mouth just as slack-jawed as Lucanis' had been. Then Lucanis' eyes were widening further as the Lord quickly reached up and pushed away the hood from his face, revealing himself in full to the utterly confused assassin.
Lucanis felt like a lightning bolt had hit him dead center mass as the face that he beheld. He was a distinguished looking older gentleman with salt and pepper hair that was probably a stunning jet black in his youth. He had cheekbones that looked sharp enough to cut through glass, but it was his eyes that arrested Lucanis the most.
Almond shaped, and the most striking hazel green Lucanis had ever seen, but what had Lucanis faltering was not just the color, but the depth of humanity behind a sheen of actual tears, all caused by Lucanis saying that one word, that one title despite seeing the Lord himself destroy the slave contract and the phylactery.
With a choked off sound, Lord Niraklov promptly pulled off his rich black and green robes, revealing light, almost bone colored clothes with a deep green vest and a red sash around his waist, a far more humble attire than the stately vestments he had so casually tossed aside. Lucanis tensed up, but could not move because of the chains that weighed him down. Lucanis let out a startled gasp when Lord Niraklov all but collapsed in front of him, crashing to his knees before Lucanis, looking absolutely stricken.
" Mast-" Lucanis began to say again only to fall silent as Lord Niraklov reached out and pressed his fingertips to the assassin's lips, vehemently shaking his head.
" I am not that, please, please don't call me that ever again." Niraklov breathed out before he continued.
" I beg of you Mr. Dellamorte, please listen to me. I am not who you have been led to believe I am, nor is any of what has happened today been the inhumane purchase of you into servitude to me."
Lucanis blinked, completely blindsided, Spite stuttering incoherently within him, utterly confused.
Everything about Lord Niraklov had changed in the span of mere seconds. Gone was the shadowy Nevarran nobleman with literally half his face cloaked. Before Lucanis was someone completely unknown, someone so utterly human, even the air around him grew warm, that deep, intimidating voice completely gone with something far more human and softer in it's place.
" W-What do you mean my Lord?" Lucanis asked warily.
Lucanis watched with mounting confusion as Lord Niraklov let out a hysterical sounding little laugh before he shook his head and smiled crookedly at him as he spoke.
" I am no Lord, I am just a professor who has better acting chops than he realized and an entire team backing him up." The man said before he composed himself and straightened his spine.
" My name is Professor Emmrich Volkarin of the Mourn Watch from the Grand Necropolis located here in Nevarra, and I and my fellows have been most ardently searching for you high and low these last few weeks on behalf of those who love you most dearly Mr. Dellamorte." Emmrich said with a tender smile as he reached into one of the inner pockets of his vest and pulled out an item that was sure to help Lucanis believe his words.
Lucanis felt the breath leave his body as Emmrich pulled out a beautifully crafted necklace of a black crow in flight with a stunning amethyst stone in the center of its back. There was some age to the pendant, yet it was still resplendent in the light. This was no ordinary piece of jewelry, this was the first birthday present that Lucanis himself had ever given to his grandmother.
" C-Caterina?" Lucanis croaked out as he looked up at Emmrich, not daring to hope.
Emmrich nodded before he lowered the necklace into Lucanis' still chained hands as he spoke.
" The Crows send their love, and her Ladyship the First Talon desperately awaits the return of her grandson." Emmrich confirmed with a grin that lit up his whole face.
Lucanis let out a shaky breath, utterly astonished even as his hand closed around the pendant and he could feel it warming in his palm. Within him Spite rolled in doubt, though he was definitely curious in this not Lord but professor who was not so terrifying as he had been just a few minutes ago. Honestly, he's turned very handsome and alluring, with this inherent warmth to him that made the demon want to get close and learn more.
" I know this is a great deal to take in my dear, and besides the necklace you really have no reason to trust me, but there is someone here with us who can confirm the truth of my words." Emmrich said before he looked up and eyed Manfred where his ward was dutifully standing with the tray of empty wine glasses still.
" Manfred, please go and fetch the rest of the team while I see to Mr. Dellamorte's bonds." The professor ordered.
Manfred let out an excited hiss and then rattled off as fast as he could without dropping the empty wine glasses he was still carrying while Emmrich reached into his pants pocket and pulled out the twisting silver key to Lucanis' chains.
" Mr. Dellamorte-" Emmrich began only for Lucanis to gentle cut him off.
" Lucanis please Professor Volkarin." He said softly, tightening his hold on the pendant in his hand.
" Very well Lucanis, though I insist you call me Emmrich." Emmrich said, waiting for Lucanis to nod in agreement before he continued.
" While I do have the key to your chains here, will you allow me to check you over for any hidden wards or spells the Venatori may have snuck in as a precaution?" He asked.
" Go ahead Emmrich, I want to be sure too." Lucanis said, allow himself to relax just a fraction even as his heart continued to pound inside his chest and he could scarcely believe any of this was really happening, that it was all just a fever dream after being knocked out in the arena or something.
Lucanis watched as Emmrich set the silver key down on the floor beside him and then he began waving his hands around like a conductor, his fingers glowing pale green. Lucanis felt a wave of warmth pass through him, pleasant and gentle in a way that he had not felt magic be in a very long time. The feeling faded but Lucanis was left tingling pleasantly as Spite spoke.
" EMMRICH'S MAGIC FEELS REALLY GOOD!" He said.
" Well then I am pleased to have you feel at ease dear spirit." Emmrich said, making Lucanis and Spite both jerk in surprise.
" You can hear Spite?" Lucanis asked in fresh shock.
" Yes Lucanis, as a senior necromancer I can see and hear spirits of all sorts. I was aware of your companion's presence but it is nice to have his name. It is a pleasure to meet you Spite." Emmrich said as he seemed to look past Lucanis and see Spite himself within.
" NICE TO MEET YOU TOO EMMRICH. YOU FREED US!" Spite shouted enthusiastically, earning a soft chuckle from Emmrich before the necromancer refocused on the task at hand.
" You are clear of any other Venatori bindings, so let's get these chains off you." Emmrich said as he picked up the silver key.
He was just about to reach for the first manacle when the sound of rapidly approaching feel caught both his and Lucanis' ear.
They both turned to the side door as several people rushed in. The first was this tall and handsome Dalish elf with dark blue hair and eyes and a diamond patter tattoo on his face and a silver winged staff at his back. Then came a pretty dwarven woman with brown hair and green eyes within a sweet freckled face. At her back was a beautiful bow and quiver. Next came an elegant woman with a serpentine prosthetic leg and a unique looking square hat on her head. Behind her was another elf, this one a young woman with a large bun at the back of her head and an inquisitive, excited light in her eye. Then finally, a very familiar face walked through.
" V-Viago?" Lucanis gasped at a tall man dressed in Antivan purple leathers with a pointed beard and stylish wing-like mustache, and calculating dark blue eyes that immediately widened at the sight of him too.
" Lucanis!" Viago cried as he rushed forward and crashed to his knees beside Lucanis.
" Viago please allow me a moment." Emmrich said quietly as he quickly sought out the manacles around Lucanis' wrists and unlocked them as fast as he could with the silver key.
The moment Emmrich got Lucanis' hands free the assassin was throwing his arms around his childhood friend, Viago embracing him back without shame. The two Crows crushed each other tightly, their faces crumbling with all the emotion they were feeling at their reunion while Emmrich silently set to work freeing Lucanis' ankles.
Once he had the shackles off of Lucanis completely, Emmrich sent the damned things straight into the fire to join the other items he had tossed into it, the magic within them sizzling and sparking plaintively as the fires consumed the chains.
When Viago and Lucanis finally drew back from each other, the former helping Lucanis climb to his feet, the rest of the people in the room stepped forward to finally greet the man they had all been working to find and free.
The blue haired elf introduced himself as Rook, with his good name being Raslan Ingellvar, a Mourn Watcher like Emmrich and the leader of this unlikely group. The dwarven woman was Lace Harding, a scout from the Inquisition. The younger elf woman with the bun was Bellara Lutare with the Veil Jumpers while the the lady with the golden snake leg was Neve Gallus, a detective and ice mage from Dock Town in Minrathos, and who had been on hand for some subtle temperature control of the room to make Emmrich more menacing in his performance as Lord Niraklov.
It was then that Lucanis made the connection that Niraklov was actually Emmrich's last name, Volkarin spelled backwards with no one the wiser.
Clever, and it brought up so many more questions.
Lucanis didn't have to wait long to receive some much needed answers though as Rook and the rest of the team began to explain things that happened on their side while Viago explained the happenings in Treviso in the year since Lucanis was captured and sent to the Ossuary.
Lucanis sat stunned as Rook spoke of Solas' failed ritual in Arlathan that led to The Dread Wolf being sucked into his own Fade prison while two of his fellow ancient Elvhen gods by the names of Elgar'nan and Ghilan'nain managed to escape and were already causing all kinds of havoc across Thedas. Rook spoke of slowly gathering a team together, starting with Varric Tethras and Harding, then Neve and Bellara joined, followed by Emmrich who was their Fade expert and an expert dragon hunting Qunari with the Lords of Fortune named Taash who was waiting for them at the Grand Necropolis were they were helping to oversee the surprise attack they were planning to launch on Flintburg Manor and the Venatori fight ring that had taken up residence underneath it. Back to the story at hand, when it had come to finding the best mage killer out there, it was Neve who suggested a visit to the Antivan Crows in Treviso.
Rook had met with Caterina Dellamorte, and it had been revealed to everyone who had thought Lucanis long dead that the body they had brought back was a decoy, someone else manipulated with blood magic to look like Lucanis and stuffed into his clothes. Caterina had tasked Rook and his crew with bringing her grandson back from whatever awful place he was being imprisoned and Rook had accepted the task without hesitation both to see the man free and to ask him to join their team facing uncertain and impossible odds against ancient elvhen gods.
The first place they had looked to was the Ossuary, the Crows having finally located it under the waters in the middle of the Rialto Bay. Lucanis was long gone but Zara Renata's cocky cohort Calivan had been around to gloat about how they had successfully forced Spite into him and then sent him off to toughen up in their arena set up. Rook and his team had seen fit to end Calivan but also wring the name of the place where this arena was out of him before he drowned in his own blood.
" Thank you for fulfilling my contract on Calivan, I owe you." Lucanis said, feeling quite pleased that Zara's lackey had met a fitting end on his behalf as Rook and the others were searching for him.
" We'll be sure to collect." Rook said with a teasing glint in his blue eyes before he picked up the story again.
Calivan had gasped out the name Flintburg and Emmrich was on hand to immediately recognize it as a condemned estate in Nevarra. Viago and Teia were able to get some spies into Nevarra, who reported back on the heavy fortifications and magic surrounding the place, and the fact that they even had a dragon captive to entertain the sick and twisted crowds. It was Neve who suggested a more clandestine approach, which culminated in sweet and gentlemanly Professor Emmrich Volkarin assuming the identity of slave loving, cold and menacing Lord E. Niraklov.
" This was a very clever deception indeed, but where did you get all that money?" Lucanis asked nervously.
" Oh, from dear Viago here!" Emmrich said as he gave Viago's shoulder a squeeze and sent him a warm smile that actually had the poison loving Crow blushing a little. Lucanis and Spite both felt their heckles rise a little at the warm interaction between his childhood friend and one of his saviors from horrid bondage. He just didn't want Emmrich to run afoul of one Teia Cantori who was deadly with double short swords.
Lucanis pushed aside his strange dislike while Spite grumbled as they listened to Viago explain that those chests the Venatori guards were so eager to take were filled with fake coins, nothing more than tin covered in paint, and a very special new slowly acting poison Viago had concocted just for the occasion. The chests were also rigged with hidden explosives that were set on a timer and meant to go off later this very evening. There was enough to level an entire mountain according to Viago.
Lucanis sat in thoughtful silence, everyone understanding that it was a lot to take in on top of unexpectedly regaining his freedom. A soft hiss had Lucanis turning to see Emmrich's assistant Manfred standing before him, presenting him with a wooden gift chest in his gloved hands.
" Ah yes, Manfred picked this out for you when were in Treviso with the Crows. Lady Teia helped him." Emmrich explained with a warm look to his ward.
" Thank you so much Manfred." Lucanis said with a smile as he accepted the gift chest and got a shy hiss from Manfred.
The box was a rich redwood and had the Crow's faction symbol carved into it and painted white. Lucanis set the chest in his lap and pushed open the lid. He was letting out a soft gasp at what was inside.
Assassin leathers, more specifically the striking purple, magenta, and silver of the Mage Killer ensemble that he had been wanting to add to his collection since before his imprisonment.
" I love it Manfred!" Lucanis said with genuine joy, something he had not felt in a really long time, as he reached out and gently took Manfred into a hug, taking care since he didn't want to hurt such a sweet, bony soul.
Manfred hissed happily and hugged the assassin back, everyone else gasping or freezing in awe when Sprite unexpectedly unfurled his fiery purple wings and wrapped them around Manfred too, joining in the hug.
" CURIOSITY IS SWEET, HAS GREAT TASTE!" Spite said sincerely, earning a small chuckle from Emmrich and a happy hiss from Manfred.
At the looks of askance sent his way, Emmrich explained and got smiles from everyone and only mildly uneasy looks at the mention of the demon within Lucanis, although Spite's wings were quite striking and the first time they were seeing him was him hugging Emmrich's lovable little ward, so he couldn't be all that bad. Trouble and chaos maybe, but not the kind of evil they had been dealing with lately.
After that, Lucanis excused himself to go and change into his new assassin's leathers, Manfred leading the way to one of the manor's many rooms on the ground floor while Viago followed a few steps behind, just to be near should Lucanis need anything, Lucanis saw right through Viago's casual air and understood that his friend really didn't want to have him out of his sight after finally getting him back after more than a year, most of that time spent thinking Lucanis was dead.
They had held a nice funeral for him and everything.
Lucanis ducked into the room and shut the door, Viago and Manfred waiting outside for him. Lucanis made his way over to the nice queen sized bed within the room and set his gift chest down on it before he promptly collapsed to his kneed and buried his face into the soft mattress. He didn't start screaming but it was a near thing as tears gushed from his eyes and silent sobs violently wracked his body. Spite rumbled and tried his best to comfort his host but Lucanis had reached his breaking point, he could no longer hold back all of the powerful emotion this whole ordeal and his unexpected rescue had caused to rise up inside him.
How did it end up like this? He was all set to kill Lord Niraklov with prejudice, and now Lucanis knew that he woud gladly lay his life down for Emmrich Volkarin. Rook and the rest of his team were so warm and nice, and all looked so genuinely pleased to see him free. It had been so long since he had interacted with kindhearted people, he just needed a moment to not be stoic and strong, to just fall apart because he was completely overwhelmed. He could just picture Illario if his cousin could see him now, the brat would surely tease him for such a blatantly emotional display. Caterina would probably smack his bottom with her cane and demand that her heir pull himself together immediately. Lucanis let out this teary little laugh before with a shake of his head, he pushed himself up and wiped away his tears. He turned his attentions to the gift box and set to work donning his new gear.
When he stepped in front the standing mirror a few minutes later, Lucanis allowed himself to smile fully. His new armor looked stunning and fit him like a glove. The only thing missing were his weapons, but he was sure he would be able to find something serviceable here. Taking a deep breath and making sure that he was composed, Lucanis then gathered up the clothes he had been wearing and made his way out of the room.
Manfred clapped his hands in delight and Viago allowed himself a half smile and a nod, the both of them fully approving Lucanis' change in attire. Manfred took the old clothes from Lucanis, neatly and skillfully folding it all up and placing it inside his backpack before gesturing the two assassin's to follow him back to the study.
When they reentered, Lucanis' eyes immediately went to Emmrich, the man now dressed in a striking Mourn Watch coat that had metal accents that looked like bone and leather that looked like muscle, especially the spaulders at his shoulders. He looked regal and elegant with a skull headed staff at his back. Lucanis felt his stomach grow warm when he saw the way Emmrich actually paused with his eyes widening and blatantly giving him a once over before his face broke out into a wide grin.
" My dear Lucanis, you look magnificent!" Emmrich said enthusiastically as he and the rest of the team crossed the distance to greet Lucanis, Viago, and Manfred.
" Thank you, this was Manfred's choice though." Lucanis said with a warm smile to Manfred who had everyone chuckling as he bowed playfully.
" It's a great outfit, but a Crow does need his talons." Rook said as he stepped forward, presenting Lucanis with another box, this was longer and flatter.
The elf pulled open the lid and Lucanis felt his jaw drop open again at what was inside.
Daggers and rapiers, his weapons of choice.
Lucanis raked his eyes over Rook's offerings, eying the familiar craftsmanship of his personal blacksmith.
" Thank you so much, all of you." Lucanis said quietly before he reached for the weapons and started arming himself with practiced efficiency as everyone else watched on in silent admiration.
Once Lucanis sheathed the last dagger, he stood before them the resplendent Antivan Crow in full.
Emmrich and the rest of the team could not admire for very long though, they needed to move with haste and get back to the Grand Necropolis.
With everyone pitching in to give the study a final tidying up with Lucanis allowing himself a moment to gaze at the marks of his imprisonment turning to ash in the fireplace, they all made a hasty exit from the palatial manor that actually belonged to one of Emmrich's students, a Dorian Pavus who was a magister in Minrathos but wisely kept properties of all sorts nearly everywhere.
Emmrich led the way out of the manor through a side exit where two black carriages being driven my skeletons and pulled by ghostly blue spirit horses were waiting for them. They piled into the carriages with Rook, Emmrich, Lucanis, Bellara, and Viago in the lead carriage with Manfred insisting on riding up front with the driver while Neve and Harding got a carriage all to themselves.
On the drive through Nevarra, Lucanis could finally see the city for himself and gaze at everything with a fresh perspective. The place was vibrant and warm, paying homage to death yet being so full of life around every corner and as far as the eye could see. Before Spite's rather spiteful commentary had left Lucanis feeling bitter resentment towards this place, now though, with the high of being truly free, Lucanis could appreciate that this city was very beautiful. As his eyes kept subtly glancing at Emmrich who was deep in conversation with Rook, Lucanis appreciated that Nevarra's people were quite beautiful as well.
A soft clearing of a throat had Lucanis turned to see Bellara eying him nervously.
" Yes Ms. Bellara?" He asked.
" Oh, just Bellara please!" The young Veil Jumper insisted before she continued.
" I hope you don't mind me asking but, what's it like being... you know... possessed?" Bellara asked tentatively.
Lucanis nodded, not at all surprised by the question. He pondered it over for a bit before he spoke.
" It's a bit like having an annoying roommate that never leaves." He said honestly.
In the next moment Lucanis' eyes flared purple as Spite stepped to the forefront.
" DO NOT LISTEN TO HIM PRETTY BELLARA! I AM AN EXCEPTIONALLY GOOD ROOMMATE! I SAVED YOUR UNGRATEFUL ASS DOZENS OF TIMES SINCE ZARA PUT US TOGETHER LUCANIS!" Spite yelled.
Then Spite was retreating and Lucanis was in control again with a roll of his eyes.
" See what I have to deal with? Although he does come in handy in battles, I'll give him that." Lucanis said begrudgingly while Spite rumbled.
" Oh does he fly with those awesome wings? How high can he go?" Bellara asked with eagerness and curiosity while Viago shook of his own wariness at seeing Spite manifest for the first time and listened with interest.
Lucanis smiled and started regaling Bellara and the others with tales of some of the battles he and Spite had fought together since their unwilling joining.
As he talked with Spite piping up now and then, Lucanis could see Bellara relaxing and growing less wary and realized himself that maybe just maybe, fate had sent him just the right people to understand his unique situation and help him cope too.
Soon the carriages were pulling up in front of a massive black spire with skulls and green veil fire everywhere. They piled out of the carriages and made their way across a great stone bridge that looked like it was a giant and long ribcage.
They made their way to the central chambers where they were greeted by Emmrich's Mourn Watch colleagues Myrna and Vorgoth. Lucanis immediately knew where Emmrich got his inspiration for shadowy Lord Niraklov from as he eyed Vorgoth, who literally looked and sounded like the Grim Reaper, yet was actually quite pleasant and pulled Viago into a deep conversation about art after mentioning a new painting he had just acquired to Emmrich.
Rook introduced Lucanis to Taash, the team's resident Dragon Expert who literally growled as they sensed Spite but was still moderately warm to Lucanis. The tall and striking Qunari immediately started peppering both Lucanis and Viago with all sorts of questions about the Crows, trying to be causal about it but both Lucanis and Viago could see that they were a huge fan of the assassin order.
After introductions, Emmrich whisked everyone upstairs to the upper mortuary were his personal apartments were located.
Emmrich's apartments were far more humble than Dorian Pavus' manor, but no less grand, filled with all manner of Nevarran decor with a few surprising nick nacks in the mix. Lucanis nearly leapt across the room when he spotted the actual taxidermied wyvern Emmrich had in his living room, earning a chuckle from the necromancer as he explained that the snarling wyvern was a gift from one of his colleagues who was an avid adventurer. Last he heard the good man was off exploring recently discovered crystal caves in Ferelden.
They all gathered around Emmrich's living room, Lucanis complimenting him of his homey living space, and then suddenly Emmrich was there presenting him with a fresh, steaming cup of something Lucanis had been deprived of for more than a year.
" C-Coffee?" Lucanis asked with wide eyes as he took Emmrich's offering with hands that he was barely keeping from shaking as he gazed down at the rich dark liquid he had been utterly bereft of for so long.
" Indeed, and not just any brew, but Andoral's Breath from Cafe Pietra." Emmrich said warmly, looking quite pleased with himself as Manfed hissed happily.
" My favorite." Lucanis said softly.
Emmrich explained that after their initial meeting with Caterina, Teia and Illario had shown Rook and his team around Treviso, and their last stop had been Cafe Pietra. A quietly saddened Illario explained Lucanis' deep love for coffee and that this cafe had his favorite brew. It had helped Rook, Emmrich, and Neve get to know the man they were set to rescue, and with a successful outcome in mind, Emmrich had gone ahead and bought a bag of Lucanis' favorite brew, which he had been carrying around with him all this time.
" Thank you Emmrich, thank you everyone." Lucanis said steadily even as his throat was closing up a little.
To occupy himself, Lucanis took a deep wiff of his coffee, letting the aroma wash over him before he finally took his first sip. Lucanis' entire body seemed to sigh as the bitter sweet liquid filled his mouth and flowed smoothing down his throat, warming his insides immediately.
" Bitter and sweet like a kiss goodbye." Lucanis said when he opened his eyes and gazed up at Emmrich like the man had hung the moon itself.
" Enjoy it all my dear, we have much to discuss regarding the events we have planned for the evening." Emmrich said, feeling a warm flutter in his own chest at the way Lucanis' was looking at him, but dismissing it all quickly as just ongoing gratitude to one of his saviors.
Lucanis did as Emmrich said, deeply enjoying his first cup of coffee as a free man before he settled in to eagerly listen to the plan that had formed to lay waste to the awful fight ring he had been freed from, and to rid Nevarra of this Venatori infestation that unfortunately, just one among many happening throughtout the whole region.
While every single person there wanted to see the Venatori burned for all the pain and misery they caused not only Lucanis but countless others, the main priority was to free any and all prisoners, especially the dragon and any other animinals being used for arena entertainment. Taash growled low at the barbarism and Lucanis could even see some tendrils of smoke coming out of their nostrils, much like a seething dragon.
There had been the option of having Emmrich go undercover again as Lord Niraklov with Lucanis masquerading as his new slave, but Emmrich had immediately shot the idea down even before they had gotten Lucanis back. He absolutely hated the persona and would hear no talk of ever making Lucanis a slave ever again, even just a pretend one. Lucanis felt this warmth wrap around his very soul at the mere thought of Emmrich Volkarin even as he sipped his coffee and watched the man himself working alongside the rest of the team as they went through the last details of the clandestine assault they were planning on Flintburg Manor.
Lucanis was tickled with savage glee when Emmrich and Viago revealed that the wine that Lord Niraklov had served so graciously to those four Venatori guards that had transported Lucanis to him, had been laced with a slow acting poison that would leave them paralyzed and helpless by sunset. Harding and Rook had broken in and scouted the place the previous night while Emmrich had put on his act and negotiated Lucanis' purchase.
The pair had left behind several grenades in the vents and various other spaces of the predominently Venatori held areas while also securing the prison cells. All they needed to do was have Rook flick his wrist with his magic and set everything off at the right moment.
Taash was naturally going to see to freeing the dragon while Harding and Bellara would look to setting the rest of the prisoners free. This meant that Rook, Lucanis, Emmrich, and Viago would be fitting to lead the main assault with the Mourn Watch forces both living and dead backing them up.
Now came the hard part of just waiting until after sunsent before they could fully mobilize
Thankfully, Emmrich was fully prepared to host his many guest with Vorgoth as his right hand reaper as when lunch time rolled around, they presented Lucanis and the others with a veritable feast. Lucanis hung on Emmrich's every word and clandestinely observed the man and the rest of the team. He learned that the man was a vegetarian like many Mourn Watchers while Rook was not. Taash needed their food to be extra spicy to taste anything because they could breathe fire, as the Qunari demonstrated by sending a quick blast of molten hot fire into the already roaring fireplace in the dining room. Lucanis and Spite were both absolutely thrilled by the sight and had many questions for Taash now. Harding absolutely adored apple butter noodles while Bellara and Neve both loved fish, just prepared different ways. Bellara loved her salmon grilled and slathered in herb butter while Neve preferred her trout fried golden and crispy. Rook on the other hand was a full omnivor who didn't discriminate and tried a bit of everything from salad to roast to soup and even this buttery snail dish that looked... interesting.
Lucanis himself tried a bit of everything familiar, quietly reveling in the fact that he could eat freely without any prison guards or insults. If he eagerly tried some of the same dishes that Emmrich himself was having, no one really noticed. He was in Nevarra for the first time, with the Mourn Watch hosting him, so why not try some of their customary dishes? It was only proper.
After lunch, Lucanis made it a point to casually speak with each member of the team to get to know them better and maybe gain insight as to why they tried to hard to help him, a complete stranger out, rather that just go directly to Emmrich first. It also set his mind at ease and helped him pass the time. Rook shared that he knew what it was like to not be able to go home, but it wasn't because of abduction like Lucanis, but banishment because even though he had saved the day by ending a viscious war between actually risen dead nobles, the families of said nobles did not appreciate their ancestors being desecrated. Spite piped up about the unfairness and Lucanis was gladdened to see that Rook could hear him as well and they were able to have a humorous banter between the three of them.
Bellara was just so pure and empathetic she just had to do all she could to help and she wanted to be curious instead of just flat out judging Lucanis just because he had a demon forced into him. Harding hated slavery with a passion and would free anyone suffering such a fate, while Neve too absolutely abhored slavery, they also needed the best in the business to help them fight against actual, risen gods, and if there was even the smallest chance that Lucanis was alive, you bet your ass she and her team would move heaven and earth to free him, as much for him as for their need of him. Taash deflected of course and simply said that they were in it to free the slaves and wanted to meet him because Crows are freaking cool. Lucanis understood though, that beneath all the armor and issues, Taash was a good soul who wanted to do the right thing.
Finally Lucanis came to stand with Emmrich out on the balcony that overlooked the Grand Necropolis and Nevarra City in the distance.
" Reaching the end of your rounds my dear Lucanis?" Emmrich asked with a knowing look before Lucanis could start up the conversation.
" Was I that obvious?" Lucanis asked with a small bow and a shy smile.
" Oh I only caught on while you were speaking with Neve that you were making your way down the team line." Emmrich assured before they both turned to the beautiful view of the early evening with the sun just starting to sink.
" It'll be time to mobilize soon." Emmrich said with his eyes growing deterimined as he turned to Lucanis.
" I am not really the vengeful sort but your situation is rather uniquely terrible. I would see the both of you get justice tonight." He finished.
" Why so much caring for me and Spite? We are basically strangers to you? If the Venatori had found out that you were faking being a Lord, they would have killed you or thrown you into the arena with me." Lucanis said as he met those hazel green eyes in askance.
Emmrich gave Lucanis a sad little smile as his eyes grew distant.
" I might not have actually been thrown into servitude, but I was taunted with it nearly all my life. I am an orphan you see, my parents were lost in a building collapse when I was eight." Emmrich began, watching as Lucanis' eyes widened and a familiar pain shined in them.
" I lost my parents too, when I was ten, House Velardo murdered them in a bid to try and take the position of First Talon from my grandmother." Lucanis blurted out.
" I am so sorry to hear that my dear." Emmrich said a he insitinctingly reached out and cupped the side of Lucanis' neck, making Lucanis and Spite both sigh before the assassin reached out and placed his own gloved hand on Emmrich's chest, right over the necromancer's heart.
" Thank you and I am so sorry for how you lost your mother and father too Emmrich." Lucanis said sincerely.
" Thank you." Emmrich said quietly.
They withdrew from each other than and both keenly felt the loss of the other's touch before Emmrich carried on.
" As an orphan I was raised here in the Grand Necropolis and stayed in the dormitories, but there were some apprentices, especially those from the noble families who were keen to remind me constantly that I had no family to what my back. There was this one particular son of high birth who would constantly threaten me with slavery, that he would simply make me disappear one day. He wasn't at all serious but sadistic in the joy he found at terrorizing me for years before I finally... put an end to it." Emmrich said with his cheeks coloring in slight embarrassment.
" WHAT DID YOU DO EMMRICH? YOU KICKED HIS ASS RIGHT?" Spite asked eagerly, earning a soft chuckle from Emmrich as he heard the demon.
" Oh I did, academically at first, topping every class and leaving my bully in the dust, but I knew it was inevitable that my tormentor and his lackies would get physical, more physical than they already were, so I decided to show him what a simple butcher's son could do." Emmrich explained.
Lucanis and Spite listened on with glee as Emmrich recounted how he had literally asked the spirits of the Necropolis for assistance and "borrowed" rusted armor from the armory and a giant meat cleaver from the kitchens before he caused a massive incident in the dorm rooms where his bully and his cronies all stayed, appearing like a spectral butcher who threatened them with dismemberment and actually made his big tough bully faint in fright. Long story short, Emmrich's bully was so traumatized he left the Mourn Watch completely and Emmrich got away scott free since the spirits he had called for aid refused to rat him out in any way shape or form.
" You're the first person I have told in thirty-nine years." Emmrich revealed, making a chuckling Lucanis' jaw drop in astonishment.
" I am honored." Lucanis quipped, earning a bright chuckle from Emmrich before they both grew sober and he spoke.
" What happened to me helped shape who I am and who I am is someone who doesn't hesitate to fight for others, be they living or spirit. Hearing of your imprisonment and then learning from Calivan that you had been sold, I vowed that I was going to move mountains and do whatever it took to free the both of you, even if it meant I had to personify one of the things I find most abhorent, a slave master." Emmrich said with conviction.
" It worked out well since we stand here together, free and ready for retribution." He asked with a smile.
Then Emmrich was letting out a startled cry as he was suddenly all but tackled into a crushing hug with fiery purple wings wrapping around him.
" YOU'RE REALLY NICE EMMRICH. WHOLE TEAM IS REALLY NICE. WE APPRECIATE IT. WANT TO BE GOOD ENOUGH." Spite growled.
" Oh Spite, you are, you and Lucanis are good enough already. Don't ever think you weren't worth the lengths we went to get you out. We'd do it again in a heartbeat." Emmrich said as he hugged Spite and by extension Lucanis back tightly.
Then the fiery wings were disappearing and the body in Emmrich's arms was tensing as Lucanis looked up at his with clear dark coffee eyes and his cheeks flaming in embarrassment.
" Apologies Emmrich, Spite really wanted to hug you so he took over." Lucanis explained. He left out the part where he himself fully allowed his demonic counterpart to do so because he too wanted to hug Emmrich Volkarin after his sweet and passionate words.
" Think nothing of my dear assassin." Emmrich said warmly with a smile before he let go of Lucanis, the assassin and the demon immediately feeling cold and lonely without him.
They had to shake it all off quickly through as Rook stepped out onto the balcony to inform them that the Mourn Watch was mobilizing and they needed to head downstairs. Above them the Nevarran skies were painted a brilliant array of colors as the sun set further, marking the eve of the assault planned on Flintburg Manor.
Rook led them onto the lift and down and down all the way to one of the lower base levels of the Grand Necropolis where a small army of mages, rogues, and warriors of the Mourn Watch were waiting for them along with the small ships that would carry them up the river to Flintburg Manor.
Rook, Emmrich, Lucanis, and Viago all piled into the lead ship while Harding, Bellara, Neve, and Taash all chose a ship each with a variety of warriors, rogues, and mages to back them up for their set tasks in this endeavor.
Myrna and Vorgoth saw them off, wishing them luck and vengeance while Manfred hugged everyone and shared some words of encouragement with Spite before the boats headed off up the river towards their intended target.
By the time the small fleet caught sight of the decrepit rooftops of Flintburg Manor, the skies were dark and overcast, providing them with plenty of cover.
What followed that night was one of the most perfectly executed acts of private war Lucanis had ever experienced. Rook, Emmrich, Lucanis, and Viago took out the guards stationed at the back docks before clearing out the lower basement level entirely to allow Taash, Neve, Bellars, and Harding to sneak in quietly and get to their tasks of freeing all the prisoners. Rook and Emmrich broke off with the rest of the Mourn Watch forces to deal with the bulk of the Venatori while Lucanis and Viago snuck off together on their own so that Lucanis could hunt down his tormentors personally.
Lucanis and Viago found two of the guards that had transported him already in the infirmary along with several others who were all sporting the noxious effects of Viago's fake poisoned coins, where Lucanis slit one's throat and plunged a dagger into the heart of the other while Viago distracted the medical staff by causing a ruckus elsewhere and finishing off some of his poisoned victims. Then Lucanis hunted down the mage guards who had tormented him so, finding them standing guard outside of Lanista Lootarius' office, already hunching over from Viago's paralyzing poison taking effect. Lucanis and Spite gutted them both as they had vowed to with quick and merciless efficiency, their bodies falling almost silently as Viago them dragged them away and left Lucanis to step in by himself and confront his slaver.
Lootarious looked up with a frown and then his whole face dropped in pure terror as he saw none other than Lucanis Dellamortes, dressed in striking new leathers, staring at him with cold, detached dark eyes and the promise of death.
" Y-You? H-How? How? You've murdered Lord Niraklov then?" Lootarius stuttered just as an almighty jolt rocked the office.
" He is not Lord Niraklov, he is Emmrich Volkarin of the Mourn Watch, and he played you like the fucking fool you are." Lucanis said coldly, watching as stark realization dawned on Lootarius before the entire office shook again as everything descended into chaos for the Venatori. Then with a roar, Lucanis and Spite worked together as one, Lucanis unsheading his dagger and rapier while Spite unfurled his wings and hurtled Lucanis into the air and across the cavern room.
Lootarius had enough time to let out a high pitched shriek before his cry was sharply cut off. The was the sound of metal singing through the air, and then a dull thud as a head was cleanly severed from the rest of it's body, followed by a louder thud as said body followed its head to the floor.
" The Crows send their regards." Lucanis said coldly before he simply turned and walked away, his conscious clear but his desire to do some more damage still burning strong as he and Viago rushed off to rejoin Rook and Emmrich.
Lucanis and Viago found Rook and Emmrich already battling hard in the arena while everything was shaking around them. Lucanis rushed to Emmrich side and watched his back while Viago did the same for Rook, the four of them dispatching enemies left and right until an almight roar sounded and the arena seemed to explode from below as the captive dragon the Venatori had been keeping in torment for their sick amusement was finally free of its bonds thanks to Taash and her team.
Lucanis led the way as he, Rook, Emmrich, and Viago all beat a hasty exit as the irrate dragon made its anger know with full fiery savagry as it burned and devoured any Venatori it spotted.
Taash, Neve, Bellara, and Harding all met up with them with the prisoners they had freed, Rook ordering everyone to get to the boats immediately while he stayed behind to finally set off the magic grenades.
Once he was sure that the team and their Mourn Watch allies were clear, Neve stood beside him and kept up an ice barrier to hold the enemy Venatori back while Rook summoned his magic and flicked his wrists. Then he and Neve were hightailing it out of their and jumping onto the last, slightly over filled boat as all of Flintburg Manor exploded in spectacular fashion just a few seconds later.
Through the flames, the freed dragon emerged and flew off home with a triumphant roar, Rook and his forces all joining in, even Emmrich roaring with victory while Lucanis and Spite eyed him with that warm flutter inside them. With this high of victory they returned to the Grand Necropolis where the sick and wounded were whisked off and a few captured Venatori were carted off to the dungeons.
Lucanis thanked Myrna and Vorgoth for all their help, while Vorgoth actually handed Viago a small painting of a beautiful skull adorned teacup that had Lucanis' childhood friend almost glowing with quiet joy. After that, Rook led the way into the eluvian that stood on the other side of the stone rib bridge and Lucanis and Spite got their first glimpse of the bustling Cross Roads. Lucanis definitely wanted to check out the little market place that had been set up and run by spirits, but his heart was set on finally getting home to his family first.
He had Caterina's amethyst pendant around his neck, resting against his heart under his leathers. He would see her soon, he would see Illario, and he had the high of his vengeance against his captors and his saviors at his side.
Rook sent most of the team off on the boat to take them to the eluvian that led to the Lighthouse, their base of operations that floated within the Fade itself, while he, Emmrich, Manfred, and Neve all stayed by Lucanis and Viago's side as they made their way through the market and across to the eluvian that led to Treviso.
The moment Lucanis stepped through the enchanted mirror, he immediately stopped as he was greeted by the breathtaking sight of Treviso's perpetual sunset skies over the city that was his home.
" Welcome home Luca." Viago said with a smile as he clapped Lucanis in the shoulder and didn't make a fuss about how overbright Lucanis' eyes were as he hungrily drank in the side of the city he was born and raised in, and had been bereft of for more than a year.
" Come Lucanis, let's not keep the First Talon waiting." Viago said as he led the way into the Cantori Diamond through the broken window, Lucanis, Rook, Emmrich, Manfred, and Neve all following after him.
The high of victory and the excitement of pending reunion was completely obliterated when they found the Diamond in total disarray and a devastated Teia and Illario informed them that the Venatori had attacked, a message from Zara Renata, and that in the confusion... Caterina Dellamorte had been killed.
Lucanis nearly collapsed to the floor, but Emmrich and Manfred were both there to hold him up. Lucanis allowed himself only a few minutes of utter devastation before he stood up straight and said that he needed to work. His cousin Illario looked quietly hurt that Lucanis wanted to leave so soon after returning, but Lucanis reminded him that Caterina had given him a contract that still needed to be fulfilled and he would carry out the last deal she ever made. He didn't need time, he needed a target and he owed Rook and the rest of the team. Teia and Viago assured Lucanis that they would hold down the fort against the Venatori which was a new problem and the Antaam which were ongoing. Illario urged Lucanis to let him be there when they finally tracked Zara Renata down while Lucanis held onto his stoicism as he headed upstairs to back his things while Emmrich and Rook helped the Crows with their wounded and dead.
Once Lucanis returned with a meager chest and a travel pack that Manfred insisted on carrying for him, Lucanis bid farewell to what remained of his family and headed back through the eluvian with his heart grieving silently but his resolve hardened like cold steel.
He had contracts to uphold, and Crows didn't break contracts.
A few days later at the Lighthouse...
" You seem to be settling in well, though I still wonder why you chose to stay in the pantry of all places." Emmrich said casually as he and Lucanis walked along the upper cobblestone courtyard.
It was early afternoon and everyone had enjoyed a wonderful breakfast created by the assassin just a few hours earlier.
Once Lucanis had arrived to the Lighthouse, he had stayed composed, eerily calm as he had greeted the team and accepted their sympathies when he shared the unimaginable tragedy of losing his grandmother so close to reuniting with her. The team had given him the grand tour of the Lighthouse and the surrounding buildings in the courtyard before he had promptly taken up residence in the pantry and literally shut himself away from everyone until it had been time for dinner, where he had taken over cooking duties and revealed himself to be quite the accomplished chef.
" It's nothing really, I just didn't want any fuss and there are no windows or ledges for Spite to try and climb out of. I can stay up late and keep an eye on him, plus there's plenty of coffee." Lucanis said with a small, tired smile as Emmrich gave him a flat, unimpressed look.
It had been a bit jarring when Lucanis had stood by the fire in the Dining Hall and explained his situation in full to them, and then Spite had thrown a full blown tantrum because he wanted to speak to Rook. Said tantrum had left Lucanis with a bloody nose and Spite receiving a stern lecture from both Emmrich and Rook until he had genuinely apologized to Lucanis for his outburst.
Everyone was still adjusting to things, and to each other but they were making progress.
Lucanis' cooking skills curried him much favor, especially when he was all for teaching Bellara in the hopes of curbing her over sweetening habit.
" Oh yes of course, the one true love of your life, the java as they say." Emmrich said with a good-natured chuckle.
" COFFEE THIS COFFEE THAT, HIS BED IS NEXT TO BASKETS OF COFFEE BEANS!" Spite commented, making Emmrich chuckle and Lucanis roll his eyes.
" It's a great love for sure, but I wouldn't go so far." Lucanis said lightly.
" Assassining then?" Emmrich asked with a quirk of a dark eyebrow.
" It's my profession and I love it, just like you love being a Mortalitasi and professor." Lucanis replied, trying his best not to stare at the sheer elegance of the man beside him against the Fade light.
" Fair enough. I am most pleased to see you doing well Lucanis, considering the tragedy that befell you just days ago. I want you to know that you are never alone, and that my door is always open to you if you ever need to talk or just want company. Manfred would love to play marbles with Spite that's for certain." Emmrich said with a fond smile at the mention of his ward and Lucanis' companions antics together.
Lucanis found himself smiling at the mention of the surprisingly pleasant interactions between his and Emmrich's spirit companions. Manfred was just that sweet a curios soul and Spite was still determination despite his twisting into a demon by the Venatori, and he was determined to be the best friend Manfred deserved.
" Thank you Emmrich, I know you'll be there for us. You've done so much already, I don't know how I can even start to repay you." Lucanis said honestly
" I will hear no such talk Lucanis Dellamorte, you own me nothing, you honestly don't owe Rook anything, just be your wonderful self and count on us, that's all." Emmrich said gently.
" WE ARE THANKFUL!" Spite growled, earning a smile from Emmrich.
Lucanis sighed and nodded as the pair continued their walk, the both of them smiling as they caught sight of Rook and Manfred playing rock paper scissors together.
Emmrich and Lucanis parted ways after that, the professor heading back to his quarters with Manfred to look over some new books he had brought back from Minrathos while the assassin headed back to the Dining Hall to start prepping for lunch.
The days passed with Lucanis reaching an equillibrium with the team and going out on missions with Rook and the others all over. He got to see the hustling and bustling streets of Dock Town in Minrathos, the sandy shores and pristine waters of the Rivain Coast, the ancient and deadly beauty of Arlathan Forest, and also got to explore more of the hallowed halls of the Grand Necopolis and Nevarra City.
He cemented his friendships with the team, especially enjoying the time he spent with Emmrich while Taash would send them knowing looks when they weren't looking and staying mum about what their inhanced sense of smell picked up.
Then came a meeting with Grey Wardens Antione and Evka up in the Anderfel Mountains, which in turn led to them meeting Davrin, Grey Warde and a monster hunter and surprisingly enough, his young griffon named Assan. Griffons had long been thought to be extinct, but there in the Anderfells were a secret batch of pups all hidden away.
Assan's siblings unfortunately ended up being kidnapped by a rancid looking entity called the Gloom Howler while Davrin and Assan joined the team to help get them back.
It was as they were all heading back to the Lighthouse that disaster struck. Neve, Bellara, and Harding all came running and informed them that both Minrathos and Treviso under attack by a pair of blighted dragons. Neve and Lucanis were both terrified for their homes and had rushed off to defend them, leaving Rook to make the next to impossible choice of where to help first.
Rook ended up choosing Treviso but sent Taash to help in Minrathos, and while the city was battered by the grotesque ice dragon called Corius the Ice Talon, and Lucanis got his first look at Ghilan'nain, Treviso was still left standing. Minrathos on the other hand burned and got infested with both the Blight and the Venatori despite everyone's best efforts.
Neve was understandably devastated and would remain in Minrathos to try and help with the destruction. Lucanis was left feeling sick with guilt, and he could only imagine how Rook felt. A pall fell over the Lighthouse in the days that followed, Lucanis lamenting as he fried fish that Neve wouldn't get to eat and gave it to Assan as a treat while he and everyone else missed Neve keenly.
Emmrich gently reassured Rook that he made as good a call as he could, that someone was bound to lose regardless, and that what happened should motivate them all even further to bring down the elvhen gods.
Late one night, when all was still, but sleep stayed far away from Lucanis even without the aid of the coffee he loved, Lucanis sat on his cot and felt like he had a lump of lead in his heart, an unknown pain lancing through him with each beat. He sat with his jaw and fists clenched tight, his mind assaulting him with memories of the Ossuary and the arena, and the aftermath of the dragon attacks on both Treviso and Mintrathos.
" TOO MUCH! IT IS ALL TOO MUCH! HURTS US! GUILTY! WE FEEL SO GUILT AND ALONE!" Spite groaned as Lucanis let out a soft hiss through gritted teeth.
" LET'S NOT STAY HERE LUCANIS. LET'S GO, HIS DOOR WILL BE OPEN LIKE HE SAID." Spite urged.
" Do you even know how late it is Spite. He's fast asleep by now." Lucanis said flatly even as his heart yearned for him to get up and get out of his pantry, go across the courtyard into the Lighthouse and up the stairs to the quarters with the Nevarran decor.
" WHAT IF HE'S NOT? I CAN GO AND ASK CURIOSITY!" Spite countered, then before Lucanis could stop him Spite manifested and took off.
" Damn it Spite get back here!" Lucanis yelled before he took off after his wayward demon.
Lucanis had to open the doors quietly so as not to disturb his sleeping teammates, his eyes lingering on Neve's empty quarters for a moment before he sprinted across the upper and lover courtyards and barreled into the main Lighthouse. He caught sight of Spite hurrying up the curved stairs to the second floor where Taash, Rook, and Emmrich's quarters were located.
" Mierda!" Lucanis swore softly before he ran up the staired and ducked into the hallway adorned with Nevarran decor, just as Spite disappeared through the closed door, much to Lucanis' mortification.
He had just reached the door when said door sung open sharply to reveal a concerned looking Emmrich, still dressed in his casual bone white attire.
" Emmrich you're awake?" Lucanis asked as he skidded to a halt before the necromancer.
" O-Oh Lucanis, yes, yes I am burning the midnight oil as it were, trying to catch up on the missives piling up on my desk. Spite just rushed in here, if everything alright?" Emmrich asked as he stepped aside and gestured for Lucanis to come right in without hesitation.
Lucanis hurriedly stepped through and immediately zeroed in on Spite where he was already in deep conversation with Manfred, who was all but bouncing with excitement as he hissed and clapped his hands.
" Any idea what they are talking about?" Lucanis asked as he turned to Emmrich.
" Haven't got a clue." Emmrich said flatly with a shrug.
Then Lucanis and Emmrich were sharing a chuckle. Emmrich's face turned into a small frown, that only grew as within a few minutes Lucanis' chuckle stopped being a chuckle, it was a hitched breath, and then Emmrich's eyes widened in alarm as he watched Lucanis' bow his head as his face completely crumbled and he could no longer hold back the bitter salt that had been stinging his eyes all night after everyone had retired for the evening.
" Lucanis?" Emmrich asked as he stepped forward.
Lucanis just looked up at him with a broken expression that went straight to Emmrich's heart and shattered it.
" Oh Lucanis." Emmrich breathed before he rushed forward and took the assassin into his arms.
Lucanis didn't try to be stoic, didn't try to compose himself or get out of Emmrich's arms, he just crumbled, allowed himself to finally feel the full brunt of everything that had happened.
" My grandma died and that dragon almost blighted Treviso and the other one smashed Minrathos." Lucanis groaned into Emmrich's chest as he wrapped his arms around the necromancer and returned his hug with crushing force.
" I know, I know Lucanis, I am so sorry my dear, so sorry." Emmrich said as he reached up and cupped the back of Lucanis' head in tenderness.
Emmrich didn't try to quiet Lucanis' tears, he just let the poor man cry and cry until he had nothing left to shed. Lucanis was all for just leaving once he had composed himself, just go back to his dark and windowless pantry and make himself some coffee to stay up the rest of the night to make sure Spite didn't run off again, but Emmrich was quite vehemently opposed to that as instead, he simply pulled Lucanis with him towards the fireplace where he pressed a side button to reveal that the shelves next to it were in fact a door to his hidden bedroom. Emmrich provided Lucanis with a set of comfy, billowing linen pajamas and directed him to his en suite bathroom to change while he headed outside to tell Spite in no uncertain terms that he was to remain in Emmrich's quarters and keep Manfred company or repossess Lucanis and talk with Emmrich directly. Spite agreed and then he and Manfred went back to their marble tournament. When Emmrich returned to his bed chambers he found Lucanis waiting for him, dressed in the pajamas, looking utterly exhausted. Emmrich wasted no time ushering Lucanis into his canopy bed, sternly ordering the man to stay under the soft covers and not move a muscle while he himself when into his bathroom to change for bed. He returned wearing his favortie green and white pinstripe pajamas. He was about to conjur a cot for himself beside his bed but Lucanis sternly told him to cut off such nonsense and join him. Emmrich climbed into bed and immediately took Lucanis into his arms before flicking his wrists and releasing the curtains around his canopy bed, plunging them into near complete darkness.
" Sleep Lucanis, you're safe with me." Emmrich assured softly as he stroked a soothing hand up and down the emtionally drained assassin's back.
Lucanis was drifting off within seconds, feeling warm and safe in a way he had not felt in a very long time. Emmrich stayed awake for a while longer, truly a little stunned by his own actions and his situation. He didn't think he'd ever have Lucanis in his arms like this except in his dreams, now here the man was, but it was not a happy occassion, it was an emotional breakdown and Emmrich would be damned if he even thought of anything untoward the man who was now sleeping in his arms.
Emmrich drifted off finally, tightening his arms around Lucanis, silently vowing to guard the man who could easily guard himself.
Just before dawn, Lucanis came awake with a soft groan and found himself with Spite firmly back with him, but Emmrich gone from his bed. Lucanis said up and was about to call out for the necromancer when a small sigh from the other side of the canoy bed curtains caught his attention. Lucanis stealthily pulled back the curtains a sliver while Spite grumbled at the early hour. The sight that greeted Lucanis had his breath hitching inside his chest.
There just a few feet away from the foot of the bed was Emmrich, elegantly stretching with only his pajama bottoms on, his upper body almost glowing in the dim light. Lucanis followed Emmrich's every move, his dark eyes raking over the long and almost endless lines of pale and smooth alabaster skin with surprisingly powerful and wirey muscles coiling and shifted underneath. Spite wisely stayed silent as he and Lucanis just sat and admired the man who had risked so much personally to help them.
Lucanis admired for a little bit longer before he finally forced himself to draw back and leave Emmrich to finish his stretching. Lucanis knew he needed to leave soon himself but he really, really didn't want to leave the sanctuary Emmrich's bed was providing him. After a few minutes, Lucanis heard the shuffling of feet and decided to climb out of Emmrich's bed.
" Ah, good morning Lucanis." Emmrich said as he finished buttoning up his pajama top and stepped over to greet his overnight guest.
" Good morning Emmrich." Lucanis greeted back.
" MORNING." Spite added, earning a fresh smile from the necromancer.
" What time is it?" Lucanis asked as he scratched at his beard while Emmrich flicked his wrist and had the bed curtains tying themselves back up again.
" Oh it's nearly dawn. I always get up around this time to do my morning stretches. I hope you slept well?" Emmrich asked.
" I did, best sleep I've gotten in a long while. Thank you." Lucanis said with a warm smile to his friend.
" I trust that you want to make a quick exit to avoid having to explain things to any of our curious teammates." Emmrich said knowingly, and maybe even looking a little sad at having to see Lucanis go so quickly.
" You are correct, I should also get back quickly so I can start preparing breakfast. Is there anything you are craving?" Lucanis asked with a smile as Emmrich handed him his neatly folded clothes from last night.
" I would absolutely love one of your spinach and feta cheese omelettes." Emmrich said with a warm smile.
" Done." Lucanis said with a warm smile of his own before he got up and headed into Emmrich's stylish, skull themed bathroom to change.
When he emerged again, Emmrich was dressed in his usual casual wear and was donning his grave gold, his many gold bracelets and rings shimmering in the dim light.
Lucanis was all for a simple handshake to part ways, but Emmrich was having none of that as he pulled Lucanis into a warm and tight hug.
" I'll always be here for you Lucanis." Emmrich said earnestly.
" Th-Thank you Emmrich." Lucanis said with his throat closing up on him a little.
They parted ways warmly and Lucanis beat a hasty retreat back to the Dining Hall after sharing a sweet hug with Manfred. Once he was inside his pantry, Lucanis needed a moment to calm his heart, center himself because the feelings Emmrich Volkarin stirred in him were just so powerful. Spite chastised him for even leaving the other man, but Lucanis ignored him and focused instead of getting himself ready for the new day that was dawning.
Lucanis grabbed up fresh clothes and ducked into the small bathroom that was attached to the kitchen where he bathed and brushed his teeth. He emerged refreshed and refocused on the task at hand, which was preparing everything for the morning meal.
Emmrich, Manfred and Rook were the first to arrive, followed by a chipper Bellara. Davrin dragged himself into the hall with Assan bouncing in behind him. Taash and Harding shuffled in a little while after, rounding out their eclectic group since Neve was still away.
Emmrich got his omelette and sent Lucanis a winning smile, while Rook enjoyed corned beef hash and eggs sunny side up. Davrin enjoyed a nice breakfast steak while Bellara gobbled up her fruit crepe. Harding enjoyed a ham and jam slam while Taash wolfed down a breakfast burrito that was almost exploding with all the peppers Lucanis put in it for them. Lucanis himself enjoyed a harty breakfast of eggs Benedict and of course, a cup of fresh coffee.
All eyes would go to the chair that stood empty, everyone hoping Neve was alright and taking care of herself amid the chaos her home had fallen into. Lucanis felt that familiar stab of guilt, but a look across the table had him meeting the hazel green eyes of Emmrich wordlessly telling him not to blame himself.
After breakfast Rook asked Lucanis to join him and Taash on a mission to the Rivain Coast to help out the Lords of Fortune. They understandably steered clear of the Hall of Valor, knowing it was too soon for Lucanis to look at any arena with ease. He might have insisted that he would be alright, but Rook and the others would not budge whenever he was with them on missions to Rivain.
The mission went well, they shared a drink with Isabela and the other Lords and Taash even used their fire to roast meat skewers. Lucanis had a wonderful time and allowed himself to relax just a little, but hazel green eyes and gold adorned hands were never too far from his mind.
Days passed with both successful missions pulled off and startling revelations discovered. Emmrich discovered that the Hand of Glory the Venatori had been using to infiltrate the Grand Necropolis actually belonged to his former colleague Johanna Hezenkoss, who was harvesting and trapping unwilling souls with her Gloaming Lantern. Emmrich had been quietly devastated at how far his former friend had fallen and further horrified when she revealed that she had failed at achieving Lichdom, leaving her a half immortal who though powerful, could no longer learn new magic.
Late one night, Lucanis poked his head out of his pantry to find Emmrich indulging in some of the harder liquor they kept in the cabinet and decided to join him. They didn't get drunk, but Emmrich was buzzed enough to reveal his regrets at not saving his friend from herself. It was Lucanis' turn to offer comfort as Emmrich worked through this painful, the two of them actually falling asleep together in each other's arms on the plush sofa in the little lounge area in the corner of the Dining Hall, Spite's wings even sprouting out and wrapping around them both. Emmrich was still able to wake up just before dawn, only mildly hung over. Before he hurried off back to his quarters, Emmrich thanked Lucanis for his sweet company and understanding. Then without thinking, Emmrich leaned in and kissed Lucanis sweetly on his forehead before rushing out of the Dining Hall. He left Lucanis standing their completely stunned as he reached up and touched the spot on his forhead where Emmrich's lips had been.
With a slight tremble to his hands and a giddy smile to himself, Lucanis did his best to focus on preparing breakfast again, and going on like everything was normal when the team trickled in later for the morning meal.
Neve finally returned a week later, coldly furious and hurting, she was closed off to Rook but understood that he was thrust into an impossible position. It was just going to take some time to rebuild trust.
Lucanis and Emmrich both felt their unadressed love for each other continue to grow. When the two of them accompanied Rook to Treviso to check in on things, Lucanis felt his hackles rise a little at the way both Illario and Teia chatted up Emmrich so easily. Teia was harmless and on again with Viago, but Illario was not to be trusted, especially around sweet gentlemanly necromancers. Lucanis only felt his jealousy continue to fester when on a mission to Arlathan, he saw Emmrich actually make Strife, that crusty leader of the Veil Jumpers, actually smile warmly at him over whatever it was they were talking about.
What Lucanis didn't notice was the flat looks Emmrich would send his way whenever he bantered with Davrin or Viago. He knew of the fleeting romantic overture Lucanis had with Viago that the latter mistook for a threat but he still wanted Lucanis' attentions, much to his own embarrassment. He wasn't some schoolboy anymore, and it was childish to get jealous over someone who wasn't even his.
When Weisshaupt fell and Lucanis failed to kill Ghilan'nain, Emmrich had been the one to visit Lucanis in his pantry to make sure he wasn't beating himself up too badly since tensions were so high. That tentacled asshole was just ridiculously difficult to end and not distracted enough. They were able to kill her arch demon and render her mortal at least. Emmrich assured Lucanis that next time, Lucanis wouldn't miss. They stayed together, and Emmrich even enjoyed a cup of coffee that was a bid milder than Lucanis' usual, actually liking the rich taste.
The tension continued to build between them, going unresolved and pulsating even as the roots of their friendship and care for each other continued to solidify too.
The true turning point in Emmrich and Lucanis' relationship started out as any other day, everyone enjoying one of Lucanis' five stare lunches together before the assassin headed off to Minrathos with Rook and Neve to help the battered city.
Hours later Harding and Taash were just talking in the library lounge when a harried looking Neve came rushing up the stair.
" Lucanis is hurt! We need help now!" The ice mage yelled as a few moments later a bruised Rook came shuffling up the stairs supporting Lucanis, who was clutching his side with dark red blood oozing past his fingers.
" Oh shit! Lucanis!" Taash shouted as they hurried to Rook and Lucanis and full on picked up the assassin as Harding raced up the stairs to get Emmrich who was the defacto medic for their team.
Emmrich was horrified by the sight of Lucanis bleeding profusely as Taash carried him up the stairs, but he quickly composed himself and set to work and they all rushed into his quarters. Emmrich instructed Taash to lay Lucanis down on his marble examination table and to get his armor off of him while he and Manfred scrambled to get the medical kit he kept in his bathroom.
Emmrich strode back out with purpose to see Lucanis's eyes starting to roll dangerously from blood loss. The first thing he did was press a restorative potion to Lucanis' lips. The assassin had barely swallowed the liquid before he was letting out a loud, gutteral yell as Emmrich then promptly poured another postion directly onto the jagged wound to his side from a Venatori's blade, a lucky shot while Lucanis had been saving Neve from an oncoming attack by one of the Veatori mages.
The potion Emmrich had poured was this thin, pale orange concoction that immediately started to burn harshly the moment it touched Lucanis' wound.
" Please bear with me Lucanis, it shall start working in a few moments. Just breath and try to relax as much as you can. This potion is meant to regenerated the damage." Emmrich said as he reached out and cupped Lucanis' cheek tenderly and got him to focus on the necromancer.
Lucanis gritted his teeth and nodded, taking in deep breaths and calming himself as he focused on Emmrich. A few moments lated Lucanis was letting out another cry and Spite's wings flared as the potion indeed started working, almost sizzling as it staunched the profuse bleeding and began knitting together torn sinews, muscles, and flesh.
" I must hold the edges of the wound together so that it may close properly." Emmrich said with an apologetic to Lucanis before he reached for the wound and pressed his hands flat on either side of it.
Lucanis hissed and tried not to writhe in agony at the motion, the potion feeling like acid eating him up inside rather than mending him. Harding took hold of one of Lucanis' hands and Taash placed their large hand on top of Lucanis' sweaty brow while Rook and Neve watched on grimply. Lucanis sent grateful looks to Harding and Taash and did his best to breathe through the pain. They all watched as his wound slowly but surely knitted together until all that was left was a sightly raised and tender looking line over Lucanis' skin.
When the potion stopped burning, Lucanis promptly passed out.
A couple of hours later...
Dark coffee eyes slowly fluttered open with a soft groan as Lucanis finally returned to consciousness.
He blinked his eyes clear and found himself staring up at a familiar canopy bed ceiling before an even more welcome face came into his line of sight.
" Welcome back my dear, you had us all quite worried." Emmrich said with a relieved smile as he loomed over Lucanis.
" Emmrich." Lucanis said quietly before he looked up and around and saw that Rook, with his face no longer bruised was standing at the foot of the bed with the rest of the team surround it.
" Assan no!" Davrin yelled as Assan promptly hopped onto the bed and made his way over to Lucanis, showering the wounded assassin in griffon kisses that had Lucanis and Spite both chuckling since it tickled.
Once Lucanis was thoroughly niddled on, Assan returned to Davrin while Manfred ran a soothing gloved hand over Lucanis' head, hissing in relief that his friend was alright.
" Thanks Manfred." Lucanis said with a smile before he mingled with the rest of the team and assured them that besides a small ache in his side, he felt fine now.
The team slowly left Lucanis to his rest with Emmrich assuring them that he wouldn't let the man take a single unnecessary step out of bed.
Emmrich assured Lucanis that he would be able to fade the mark left by the wound the very next day, for which Lucanis was grateful. Manfred was on hand to keep Spite occupied while Emmrich and Lucanis talked quietly with each other, catching each other up on the happenings of their factions.
When dinner time rolled around, Taash dropped off a tray laden with some of Emmrich and Lucanis' favorites.
They ate together and chuckled at Manfred and Spite's shared antics. Once the tray was cleared away, Emmrich moved to change Lucanis' dressing. It was a long patch of gauze fastened to his skin, the wound puckered and tender but no longer grievous.
Lucanis felt his skin buzz at Emmrich's gentle touch, his heart pounding against his sternum as he pondered what to do. Then as Emmrich was smoothing out the new gauze patch over his side, Lucanis reached out and covered the pale, elegant hand. Emmrich froze and slowly looked up at Lucanis is silent askance. Without saying a word. Lucanis reached out with his other hand hooked the back of Emmrich's neck, pulling the other man to him firmly.
" Lucanis wha-mmph." Whatever else Emmrich was about to ask was cut off by Lucanis' lips sealing themselves firmly over his own as the assassin kissed the necromancery hungrily like a man starved for far too long.
Manfred and Spite both froze at this new development before the former tilted his head in confusion while the latter clapped his hands and grinned with glee. Then Spite was all but pushing Manfred out of the room to afford Emmrich and Lucanis some much needed privacy.
Emmrich lay frozen against Lucanis, too stunned to do anything but feel his kiss. Then in the next moment his hazel green eyes were fluttering shut and his whole body just seemed to sigh as he began to kiss Lucanis back just as hungrily. Lucanis wrapped his arms around Emmrich and then slowly rolled them so that the necromancer was under him. He grumbled a little at his side being jostled but the high of finally kissing the man he had been pining over for months now made the pain feel small and far away. When the need for air became too much to ignore, Lucanis and Emmrich broke apart with a soft gasp, their pupils blown wide and their faces flushed.
Lucanis wasted no time dipping his head down and seeking out Emmrich's long and pale neck, undoing the buttons of his high collar and the skull chain he wore, making the older man gasp and groan as his teeth and tongue found the supple skin beneath. Emmrich and Lucanis both felt the fire ignight inside them, denied for far too long and now finally coming free. Emmrich kissed Lucanis everywhere he could reach while his ring covered hands found the assassin's bare back and left trails of fresh fire over his skin. More buttons and buckles were undone, Emmrich arched up as Lucanis took one of the little pink buds that adorned the necromancer's chest into his mouth while one of his hands dipped under the waist band of his pale trousers and small clothes to touch one of the most intimate parts of him.
Emmrich and Lucanis' clothes soon littered the former's bedroom floor as the physical barriers they provided fades away, leaving noth but skin against skin. Lucanis growled and groaned as Emmrich touched him back just as intimately a sureness in his movements that came from experience. Emmrich left the assassin shuddering with fresh want.
They kissed and kissed, touched each other and sent fresh bolts of lightening across each other's skin and through to their very souls. Then Emmrich rolled them over and flicked his wrist with his magic, opening the beside table. A small vial of clear liquid floated up and into Emmrich's hand, a fragrant oil of some kind. Lucanis nearly lost it then as he watched Emmrich prepare himself. Them Lucanis and Emmrich were both crying out as the necromancer promptly but carefully impaled himself on the assassin.
" E-Emmrich... m-mierda... Emmrich te amo!" Lucanis breathed as his eyes fluttered hands went to Emmrich's sharp hips as the necromancer began to move above him.
" Oh Lucanis! Lucanis, I love you too!" Emmrich moaned as he felt Lucanis to the deepest parts of his very soul along with his body.
They made love for what seemed like the whole night, hands and lips seeking each other out. Lucanis drank in the sight of Emmrich with his hair falling onto his face and his expression twisted into one of pained ecstacy. They committed each cry and moan to memory, savory the sounds they elicited from each other. Emmrich stared down at Lucanis, taking in the awe on the assassin's face, as if the man were seeing paradise itself in him.
The pressure slowly built between them, their movements growing more irratic, their kisses more desperate and biting. Then Lucanis canted his hips and hit that special sweet spot inside Emmrich that had the necromancer falling right over the edge.
" LUCANIS!" Emmrich roared with his head falling back and his back arching magnificently as white hot release washed over him. He tensed around Lucanis and that was all that was needed for the assassin to fall over the edge right after his new lover.
" E-Emmrich." Lucanis whispered, his vocal cords unable to do more than that as his vision went white and his body lost all control.
Days later or maybe mere moments, Emmrich slumped forward into Lucanis' waiting arms. They lay together sweaty and spent, enervated yet feeling completely alive together.
" I fell in love with you the moment I saw you in the arena when I watched your three matches and saw how high you held your head." Emmrich said softly as he gazed into Lucanis' dark eyes.
" I fell in love with you the moment you told that Venatori bastard to get his fucking hand off my neck. I was still plotting to kill you, I didn't know you weren't even a Lord and that you were there to free me, but you took part of my heart in that one moment, and you've been taking the rest since then with how kind and wonderful you are, by being my friend, by always being there when I need to lean on someone." Lucanis replied with his eyes growing bright.
" My darling." Emmrich said reverently before he leaned in and pressed his lips to Lucanis' in a deep kiss.
When the afterglow finally faded, Emmrich used his magic to clean them and the bed up, but Lucanis still wanted to take a bath to get fully clean and Emmrich was more than happy to indulge his new lover.
They surprisingly did not get into any more naughty schenanigans in Emmrich's bathing pool, just shared sweet kisses and washed each other in the lightly lavender scented waters.
They climbed back into bed warm and sated, Emmrich tending to Lucanis' wound with a fresh gauze patch before taking the assassin into his arms. They were asleep within seconds, wrapped around each other.
Emmrich woke before dawn and found himself staring into the glowing purple eyes of Spite instead of Lucanis. He and the demon shared a very indepth conversation, Emmrich confessing that he had wished that Spite was there with him and Lucanis when they had shared their first time together, but Spite just growled that he wanted to play marbles with Spite and maybe give Lucanis his time first. Emmrich could see that the demon was being considerate and assured Spite that he adored him too, just as he did Lucanis. Spite just grumbled and rolled his eyes but he did plant a quick, deep kiss to Emmrich's lips before withdrawing, leaving a smiling Lucanis in his place. Lucanis was pleased that Emmrich was so accepting of his demonic roommate and was sure to show his necromancer lover just how grateful as he ducked under the sheets and sought out a rather delicate part of the older man already standing at half-mast.
After a bit of fun, Emmrich went about fully healing Lucanis' side as promised, fading the jagged pink scar to nothing with the use of various potions and his own magical skills.
When they emerged from Emmrich's quarters hours later with Manfred and headed to the Dining Hall for breakfast, Taash took just one sniff before they pointed right at them.
" You guys totally did it!" Taash said with glee while the rest of the team groaned and started reaching for their coin purses, forking over gold not to Taash but to Harding of all people while Emmrich and Lucanis both blushed furiously and looked confused.
" There's been a betting pool for when you two would finally hook up, and Harding bet that you guys would take the plunge last night after Lucanis got hurt, so the rest of us have to pay up." Rook said with a put upon sigh.
" Mierda." Lucanis said succintly before promptly turning and burying his face into Emmrich's chest as the necromancer laughed heartily and kissed the top of his raven black head, his own cheeks growing even redder.
Things stayed pretty normal after that since they still had elvhen gods running around causing chaos. About a week after they officially got together, Lucanis quietly moved out of the pantry and into Emmrich's quarters, while Emmrich took him to the Memorial Gardens in the Grand Necropolis to carry out some Mourn Watch rituals together. Lucanis absolutely fell in love with the gardens, lighting candles for the dead, meeting Emmrich's parents and even sharing a kiss before the statue of the eternal lovers and finally putting a name to the scent that had been used to bathe him back in the arena.
Shroud's Kiss, one of Emmrich's favorite flowers, the same scent that had actually put Lucanis a bit at ease as he was preparing to meet his new 'master'.
Emmrich and Lucanis leaned on each other and lived through plenty more chaos, including taking down both of Ghilan'nain's blighted dragons in Lavendel with the help of Viago's timely arrival with the Crows and their poisoned balista bolts and seeing Elgar'nan for the first time. Even as they loved and learned from each other, Lucanis noticed that he was always the one on top as it were, Emmrich never asking of him. It raised Lucanis' suspicions that perhaps Emmrich was still afraid of hurting him or making him submit after his time in captivity, but the assassin just never felt the right time to bring the matter up with his lover.
They couldn't really focus on it because Johanna Hezenkoss raised her failed Lich head, holding a soiree in Blackthorn Manor under the guise of mingling when in fact she was looking to harvest souls for her lantern. They snuck in and headed downstairs where they discovered Hezenkoss' horrifying workshop, and the gigantic golem she was creating with the intentions of actually merging with it. In the battle that ensued, Lucanis had watched as Emmrich tried desperately to free the trapped souls only for it to be to much for him. Then Manfred, who revealed that he could actually talk now, had selflessly rushed off to pull the lantern free himself.
The image of Manfred tossing them the lantern before Hezenkoss' golem had swatted him like a fly would haunt Lucanis as long as he lived. Emmrich was strong enough to free the spirits and Hezenkoss was torn apart in their anger, but there wasn't anything they could do for Manfred, he was already lost. They took his body back to the Grand Necropolis and went before the Lich Lords themselves, where they presented Emmrich with an ultimatum. Give up Manfred and get to become a Lich like he had dreamed all his life, or bring Manfred back and let Lichdom fall from his grasp.
Emmrich chose Manfred over immortality in the end. Emmrich's ward came back to them not only happy and whole, but able to speak and cast magic after passing through the Fade. Rook had teased them that they were the proud parents to a fire flinging skeletal son now, and despite their denials, Emmrich and Lucanis rather liked the idea.
Then Lucanis finally received word regarding one Zara Renata, the Venatori which who had captured and experimented on him. Emmrich and Rook were on hand as Lucanis tracked the Venatori witch to the fallen Chantry, all three of them surprised and suspicious when Illario was there to greet them. After Lucanis firmly told his cousin to back off and leave Zara to them, Illario slunk off.
The three of them navigated their way through the fallen Chantry, fighting through Zara's zealots and bodyguards, descending deeper and deeper into the very bowels of Hell itself before they finally found the pale eyed bitch quite literally bathing in blood.
The fight that ensued was brutal and Lucanis and Spite were both thrilled at the way Emmrich savagely attacked Zara with his magic, fueled by both love and anger on said lover's behalf. They literally beat the youth right out of the vile woman, but just as she was about to give up valuable intel regarding traitors among the Crow's ranks and who had betrayed Lucanis to the Ossuary in the first place, Illario swooped in and snapped Zara's neck, denying Lucanis his vengeance and enraging Spite enough to attack.
Emmrich was stunned as Illario used blood magic to neutralize Lucanis and then asked them to keep him away from Treviso because he was a danger to the family.
Lucanis had been left quietly devastated when he had woken up back in the Lighthouse, but the team and especially Emmrich had been there to support him and his new suspicions regarding his cousin and his sudden magical abilities.
The hour was late at the Lighthouse, with everyone having retired.
Emmrich sighed and finally shut the book he was reading through. He said goodnight to Hezenkoss' skull where it rested heavily warded against the wall behind him, earning a loud scoff from the still sentient earthly remains of his once friend, who's failed attempt at Lichdom now left her unable to pass on, but still a spitfire.
Emmrich smiled warmly as he left Manfred to his late night studying as a new apprentice mage of the Mourn Watch and headed into his bedroom through the shelf door.
The moment the door closed behind him, Emmrich froze midstep, the breath leaving his body completely at the sight that greeted him.
There kneeling at the foot of their bed was Lucanis, wearing nothing but a hopeful yet serious look on his face.
" L-Lucanis?" Emmrich asked when his voice returned to him and he rushed across the room, coming to kneel before Lucanis in turn.
" What is the meaning of this my love? Why are you kneeling? Dellamorte's don't kneel." Emmrich asked gently.
" This one does for the man he loves, this one does when he wants to give up control to the one he trusts and loves so he can get out of his own head for a little while." Lucanis said steadily, all the while with his heart pounding inside his chest, hoping that he wouldn't get rejected.
Then Lucanis' eyes glowed bright purple as Spite came to teh forefront.
" WE WANT YOU TO TAKE CONTROL. DOMINATE. BE OUR SIR BUT NOT MASTER! YOU HATE MASTER! WE HATE MASTER! MAKE UPS FEEL BETTER AFTER EVERYTHING!" Spite said succinctly before he receeded and Lucanis came back.
Lucanis watched as Emmrich's eyes widened in astonishment, clearly not expecting the night to take such a turn.
" Please Emmrich, please sir." Lucanis said softly.
In the next moment something in Emmrich's eyes shifted and hardened, the stunned look on his face morphing into a carefully neutral expression.
" On your feet." Emmrich said sternly, in a tone much like that of Lord Niraklov, but no where near as glacial.
In an instant Lucanis was up on his feet and standing up straight with his eyes forward and heat pooling low in his belly.
With that same serious tone, Emmrich asked Lucanis what he was willing to do and what he absolutely would not, then had him swearing up and down to alert Emmrich if anything became too much, and also set a safe word between them.
Decaf.
Decaf meant to stop everything and had Lucanis and Emmrich both sharing a quick chuckle before they grew serious once more.
After that, Emmrich ordered Lucanis to lay face down on their bed and dare not move a muscle. Lucanis obeyed and urged Spite to stay silent as Emmrich divested himself of everything before joining Lucanis in their bed.
At first Emmrich did nothing, and Lucanis had to use all his will not to even twitch. Then he was gasping softly as he felt a feather gently caressing the lenth of his spine, the small of his back, and across his glutes. He shuddered at this simple act. Then the feather was gone and again there was nothing, nothing but the buzz of anticipation between them. Then Lucanis cried out as a long fingers hand plunged into his hair and pulled him, gently but firmly up onto his knees, a solid, familiar chest pressing up against his back.
Lucanis groaned and his body shivered as Emmrich let go of his hair and reached around to cup his pecs, holding them firmly as he spoke into the assassin's ear.
" You have no master, but who do you both belong to?" Emmrich asked slowly, a drawl much like his Lord personal, sending fresh lightning bolts though Lucanis' entire body.
" You." Lucanis whispered, moaning as Emmrich started playing with his chest.
" YOU." Spite moaned within Lucanis' mind.
" Who do you belong to?" Emmrich asked again, this time seeking out the little dark buds on Lucanis' chest.
" You Sir!" Lucanis said, louder this time.
" WE BELONG TO YOU SIR!" Spite shouted alongside Lucanis.
Both man and demon cried out when Emmrich took hold of the buds and twisted them firmly, making Lucanis' vision white out for a second and leaving the assassin panting harshly.
On this went, Emmrich asking Lucanis question after question, making Lucanis answer and teasing the man blatantly.
Then in one felt swoop he had Lucanis pressed face down on the bed, Lucanis shuddering at the strength he felt radiating off of Emmrich, the raw power the man possessed. Lucanis cried out as oiled fingers breached him and went in deep, preparing him slowly, torturously while he and Spite groaned at the sensation, Emmrich holding Lucanis' wrists behind his back. Lucanis could easily break free, but he had given control to Emmrich because he trusted the man he loved, the man who helped save him in so many ways.
When Emmrich's fingers withdrew, Lucanis' eyes filled with salt and his breath hitched at the loss, Emmrich running a soothing hand down his lover's back before he grew serious again, seizing Lucanis' wrists and pressing them up on either side of Lucanis' head against their bed as he loomed over the assassin.
" I ask you again, who do you belong to?" Emmrich growled low.
Lucanis trembled and shut his eyes before he took a shaky breath and spoke.
" I-I belong to you, Professor Emmrich Volkarin of the Mourn Watch." Lucanis shakily answered.
Then Lucanis and Spite were both screaming together as Emmrich entered him in one fell motion. Lucanis shuddered and saw literal stars dance across his vision before he was crying out again as Emmrich rose up and pulled him up with him. Lucanis moaned wantonly as he sank down further, Emmrich wrapping his arms around the assassin's chest like a vice as he spoke into Lucanis' ear.
" You're doing so well my darling, so so well, and you feel so good. Now answer me this. Who do I belong to?" Emmrich asked.
Lucanis froze and blinked, looking over his shoulder into Emmrich's hazel green eyes, not comprehending the question at first, but once his mind clear a little, he understood.
" M-Me and Spite." He said simply.
Then Lucanis was groaning loudly as Emmrich moved, thrusting up into him and tightening his hold.
" Again." Emmrich ordered.
" Me and Spite." Lucanis answered, more firmly, more sure this time.
" Again, the whole thing!" Emmrich ordered loudly.
" You belong to... oh.... Lucanis Dellamorte of the Antivan Crows, heir to the First Talon, and Spite, Spirit of Determination."
" YES, ME AND LUCANIS. EMMRICH BELONGS TO ME AND LUCANIS!" Spite shouted.
" Exactly." Emmrich growled before he shoved Lucanis back down onto the bed and proceeded to basically pound him into it, all control, all coherent thought leaving them both, there was only them, their love and trust, their chasing of that white hot high they could only ever reach with each other.
The shouts and screams from the bed grew steadily louder and louder until finally it reached the fated crescendo.
" EMMRICH!" Lucanis and Spite both shouted as the latter's fiery wings burst out of Lucanis back and bracketed Emmrich within them as they fell over the edge.
" LUCANIS! SPITE!" Emmrich roared as his lovers pulled him down into white hot bliss with them.
Emmrich and Lucanis collapsed together onto their bed, a sweatly, boneless heap. When some semblance of sense returned, Emmrich groaned and carefully withdrew himself from Lucanis, rolling off of the other man and falling onto his side beside him. When he noticed how quiet his lover was being, Emmrich turned concerned eyes onto Lucanis only to freeze.
Lucanis' eyes were shut and his breathing was even, but he hadn't suddenly fallen asleep, he had lost consciousness all together.
" Oh my." Emmrich whispered stunned by both Lucanis' state and also the fact that he had been the one to render him so.
Emmrich blinked, gazed at his unconscious lover's face, and then broke out into a breathless, delighted laugh at the sheer astonishing feats they had reached together intimately. Emmrich shuffled closer and pulled a boneless Lucanis into his arms, kissing his face all over before he rasied his hand and flicked his wrist to open the drawer of the other side table he kept by his bed. A small vial of white crystals floated out and into his hand.
Emmrich smiled down tenderly at Lucanis before he popped the cork on the vial and gently waved the smelling salts under the assassin's nose. At first there was no reaction, then slowly Lucanis' brow knitted together in a frown and then with a jerk his dark eyes were flying open as he flinched back from the powerful smell.
" Mierda!" Lucanis cried softly, Emmrich corking the vial and sending it floating back into the drawer before he gathered Lucanis to him.
" Hello my darling." Emmrich said with a smile.
Lucanis blinked up at Emmrich, a slowl smile spreading across his face as his eyes flashed purple.
" Hi Emmrich... Holy shit." Lucanis said breathlessly.
" THAT'S RIGHT, HOLY FUCKING SHIT." Spite chimed in, earning a deep chuckle from Emmrich before he leaned down and proceeded to kiss the very breath from his enervated lovers. Emmrich stayed attentive and slowly brought Lucanis back to himself with soft caressed and gentle words of love and praise for being so good for him during their first session such as this. Lucanis was left feeling warm and high off the contact and praise, looking forward to exploring giving up control to Emmrich every now and then.
After they dragged themselves to the bathroom and clensed themselves, Emmrich took care of the the sheets and then pulled his sleepy lover in with him.
" I love you so much Lucanis, Spite, thank you for honoring me with your trust." Emmrich said sincerely as he and Lucanis lay facing each other in the near darkness once the canopy bed curtains had been freed.
" We love you too Emmrich, we knew you would take care of us." Lucanis said softly.
" EMMRICH NEVER HURTS US, EMMRICH DID EVERYTHING RIGHT. EMMRICH IS GOOD SIR. BEST SIR EVER." Spite added, sounding sleeping himself.
" You honor me greatly my dear Spite." Emmrich said thickly, powerful emotions rising up inside him at Spite's sweet words.
Knowing how much Emmrich loved and respected spirits, Lucanis knew that Spite's words meant the world to him.
Emmrich, Spite, and Lucanis came together and shared lingering kisses and soft caresses until the pull of sleep could no longer be ignored. They drifted off together warm and sated, wrapped in each others' love.
Life carried on, and Emmrich and Lucanis fought battles and had each others' backs. Lucanis helped Davrin get Assan's siblings back from the Gloom Howler with Rook appealing to her better nature as someone who loved griffons and regretted blighting them. The griffons returned to the wardens to work towards a better future. Emmrich and Lucanis both helped Taash kill a few more dragons and helped them grieve the loss of their mother at the hands of the dumbass Dragon King who they personally burned after killing yet another dragon. Emmrich helped Bellara with the Nadas Drathalan and also deal with the sudden return of her brother whom she had thought dead only to find him in league with another, lesser elvhen god named Anaris. Lucanis actually helped Harding finally calm the rage of an actual titan while Rook and Neve patched things up between them taking out her old enemy Aelia. They even took out corrupt Govorner Ivenci and destroyed the Antaam's stronghold over Treviso. In between all that, Lucanis and Emmrich still managed to find time for romantic jaunts of all sorts. Besides walks in the Memorial Gardens and visits to Trevio's markets and romantic gondola rides in defiance of Illario, Emmrich took Lucanis to one of Nevarra City's best museums and Lucanis suggested a nice dinner on the beach on the Rivain Coats that culminated in him finally setting foot in the Hall of Valor and kicking all kinds of enemy ass with his lover, althought it did peeve him that Emmrich and Spite got way more creative and enthusiastic announcements from Isabela then the footnote he got.
Then Emmrich managed to get his hands on Zara Renata's shriveled up corpse and put his talents at corpse whispering to use. Her revelations about Illario being the one to betray him sent Lucanis into an emotional tailspin that had him wanting Emmrich to actually hurt him, punish him for not seeing how desperate his cousin was to get rid of him so he could become First Talon. Emmrich however, allowed no such thing to happen as he instead comforted Lucanis along with Manfred and assured him that he was not less for trusting family, that it was Illario's choice to betray his brother.
Lucanis moped for days while everyone else did what they could to cheer him up, including Harding bringing him coffee and ham and jam slams. The melancoly did lessen eventually and just in time as a missive arrived from Teia and Viago asking to meet in Minrathos rather than Treviso, away from spying eyes and ears.
Lucanis' world was rocked again as Teia and Viago revealed evidence that Caterina Dellamorte was not in fact dead, but being held hostage in Villa Dellamorte, all thanks to a ring that was discovered thrown out with the trash, her opal ring that Caterina had given to Lucanis' mother before her murder at the hands of House Velardo.
The stress of it all was too much, and Lucanis retreated into his own mind where the Ossuary and the arena still stood, keeping him trapped. Spite had beckoned for Rook and Emmrich to come with him into Lucanis' mind to find and free him. It was a task, reliving some of Lucanis' worse memories and his own self loathing taking on the form of loved ones, but they eventually found him in the arena and coaxed him back into the real world, he and Spite making full peace and agreeing to saving Caterina together as true partners and lovers.
It took everything in Lucanis not to erupt in full rage when he found out that Illario was audaciously holding a party at Villa Dellamorte, gathering all of the Crow Houses to declare himself the First Talon, his life long ambition for which he had burned those closest to him.
Later that evening with Rook and Emmrich at his side, Lucanis led the way into Villa Dellamorte through a secret passage he had discovered as a child. The Venatori keeping guard were dispatched and Lucanis found his grandmother safe and well in her room, sharing air kisses and so happy to see her as she was him.
Then came time to crash Illario's party. The idiot tried to use blood magic on Lucanis again only for him to be no match for Lucanis and Spite's combined strength. The fight that had ensued was tedious and devious with Illario using the same blades as the Venatori lover he had murdered in cold blood to silence her regarding his involvement in Lucanis' capture.
Lucanis and Illario brawled while Rook and Emmrich kept Illario's Venatori lackies away. Then Emmrich was suddenly behind Illario, startling the trecherous Crow and then stunning him completely when instead of some magical attack, Emmrich full on slapped him across the face so hard the smacking sound actually carried over the din of both the battle and the massive crowd that was gathered. Everything went still, even Illario standing there with his cheek stinging and his eyes wide, but Emmrich didn't stop as he switched hands and landed another smack to Illario's other cheek, then slapped his first cheek again, and finished with one more smack to his other. Four smacks in total before Emmrich gracefully whirled away to do battle with another Venatori mage while Lucanis and Spite advanced on Illario to land the final devastating blow. Illario was sent flying one way, his blades another as his Venatori allies were quickly dispatched.
Illario found himself on his knees, defeated and humiliated before all the Crow Houses with Caterina making her triumphant return. Lucanis found it in himself to actually forgive Illario, while a seething Viago dragged him away, the second grandson of the First Talon effectively in the dog house. Caterina moved to name Lucanis First Talon, but he gently declined, explaining that he simply was not ready to take up the mantle and she was honestly no where near ready to give it up. Caterina begrudingly agreed and then wanted to meet the man who had literally slapped the stuffing out of her youngest grandson.
Lucanis didn't hesitate a moment to introduce Emmrich Volkarin to his grandmother as his beloved, earning a raised eyebrow from the formidable woman. As the party turned from naming a new First Talon to celebrating the return of the current one, Caterina was quite interested to learn just how her grandson and heir ended up with the distinguished professor from Nevarra.
Caterina's mouth actually hung open in horror when Lucanis revealed how he had been sent into gladiatorial hell after being experimented on in the Ossuary. That was where Rook and his team came in, with Emmrich playing the most integral part in getting him out by masquerading as a rich Nevarran nobleman wanting a slave, with the Venatori too dumb to realize that Nevarra actually abhored slavery with a passion and looked down on anyone that sought to own people. Lucanis explained that while gratitude would always be there, the love that he and Emmrich shared came from friendship first with desire and passion slowly setting in as they got to know each other. They were it for each other.
Caterina was satisfied, and when Manfred showed up to serve her some wine, the First Talon lost her frostiness and welcomed Emmrich and Manfred to the family. The party got into full swing after that, and Rook was able to get the rest of the team there to celebrate too.
A few days later, Rook received word from the Veil Jumpers of heightened Venatori activity in the area. Defeating the invaders led to an even more gruesom discovery, that they had kidnapped dalish elves and taken them to the Arlathan Crater so that Elgar'nan could sacrifice them in some ritual for his archdemon. The rescue party was gathered by the Veil Jumpers and it was all hands on deck for Rook and his team.
It took everything Lucanis had in him not to just start slaughtering the Venatori scum that were gathered, and he hated wearing their grey attire to blend in, but he looked to Emmrich, so calm and collected even after witnessing a poor Halla deer being literally torn apart for entertainment. Emmrich was outwardly calm, but Lucanis knew his lover well enough to know that the necromancer wanted Venatori blood to flow just as much as he did. They managed to sneak through the horrid crowds and shake Elgar'nan's influence from their minds when he started his sweet talking and not be cowed by his gigantic archdemon. They fought through of scores Venatori and even got an assist from Solas who started a petty argument with Elgar'nan like old times while the Veil Jumpers backed them up. Rook and his team managed to free the dalish elves who had been captured. They escaped with their lives and the innocent people, leaving an enraged Elgar'nan to sacrifice his faithful Venatori instead, poetic justice but still bad news since it powered up that big ugly demon further.
Now a few nights later was a much needed quiet reprieve on the Rivain Coast.
Rook and the team had come at sunset and enjoyed a treasure hunt with the Lords of Fortune and some good hard battling in the Hall of Valor. Now as the sun started to set, they were enjoying a nice barbeque out of the beach by this impressive old shipwreck. Emmrich smiled as he watched Lucanis bicker with Taash and Davrin over grilling techniques while Manfred happily served people drinks and appetizers and hit it off with the ladies by showing off his constantly improving magic skills.
When the food was ready, Emmrich thoroughly enjoyed his grilled vegetables and cheese melt that had considerately been made for him on a separate grill with Lucanis faithfully beside him. Once dinner was over and everyone was settling in to enjoy a performance by the local theater company, Lucanis noticed that Emmrich had somehow disappeared right from beside him.
A smiling Isabela approached him.
" Don't fret my dear Mr. Dellamorte, your man's not far, just follow the glowing stones down that way." The Lord of Fortune said with a giggle before she trotted off to keep Manfred and Bellara company.
Frowning, Lucanis did as Isabela suggested, following the glowing blue stones across the beach with Spite grumbling alongside him to this little patch of thick brush that had a small gap in between them. He stepped through and immediately stopped at the sight that greeted him. It was a natural stone tide pool connected to the beach, filled with blue waters that seemed to almost glow in the dimming light.
There standing in the pool with the waters up to his waist was Emmrich, wearing nothing at all save the hungry smile on his face.
" Hello my love." Emmrich called warmly.
" GET IN THERE NOW! CAN'T KEEP EMMRICH WAITING!" Spite ordered eagerly, earning a chuckle from the assassin as he nodded.
" Hi mi amor." Lucanis called back before he slowly started stripping himself out of his armor and under clothes.
The water was warm and pleasant against his bare skin as Lucanis stepped into it and made his way to Emmrich.
" How do you like my little surprise?" Emmrich asked cheekily.
Instead of answering, Lucanis decided to show Emmrich his appreciation as he grabbed the good professor and proceeded to kiss him breathless. Things quickly devolved after that with the waters rippling in tune with their shared passion.
A good while later found Emmrich and Lucanis walking hand in hand along the beach with the last tendrils of daylight slowly disappearing beneath the horizon and the waters of the Venefication Sea lazily laping at the white sands. Their feet were bare and they had on only their pants and under shirts with the buttons left undone. The light sea breeze tousled both their hair and smelled pleasantly of salt and a hint of smoke from the earlier barbeque.
They walked together and said nothing, they didn't need to. The gods were still loose and they had the fight of their lives looming on the not too distant horizon along with some lingering personal issues some team members still had to deal with, but they all had each other. As Rook would say, they were crazy enough and lucky enough to get this far, they may as well go all the way, and do whatever it takes.
Calls of their names had Emmrich and Lucanis looking ahead and grinning when they caught side of Rook and the rest of their eclective team setting up bone fires on the beach. Without letting go of each other, the lovers trotted hand in hand to go and join their family in their enjoyment, Spite even spreading his wings mischievously as they made their way. Lucanis especially picked up the pace when Bellara yelled that Manfred was already starting to brew coffee and hot chocolate. Emmrich just chuckled and picked up his own pace to keep up with his beloveds.
The moon and the stars came out to smile down on them all, and maybe even wish them luck for the trials ahead.
They'd make it, they'd save this precious world they lived in, whatever it took, they'd win.
The End.