Illario Dellamorte

I don’t doubt it. Perhaps, one day, I shall be so lucky as to get past it myself.

Oh, do go on… I must hear of this handsome Antivan man 😉

Ah, the Crow-Killer! He… may have been a childhood hero of mine *[blush]*

“Did that work for them?” An idea popped into his head, and he grinned. “You and Bellara should track down one of those temples. See what you two can find! I’d be interested in what you learned, especially if wyverns were involved. And I’ve no doubt that Lucanis would, as well.”

Looking at the books, he nodded in approval. “I’m sure they will, yes.”

He blinked at the concept of burning magic forever in one’s body, dragon or no.
+

Illario smiled sympathetically at Cole. Wanting to fix everyone’s problems, feeling as if it was his responsibility… he reminded Illario of Lucanis.

“I’ll tell you the same thing I told Lucanis: You don’t have to deal with everyone’s problems alone.”
+

Envy hissed excitedly as he found the picture books, and rolled toward them, opening open. It had an array of sea creatures on the cover.

Blinking in interest at the description, he looked at Cole’s book again. “What were they to be for? The temples, I mean.”

Illario wonders how Compassion was, long ago, before coming to Thedas. He imagined that it wasn’t too different from this; among books, of all sorts, ready and waiting to help anyone who needed assistance.

“I think it shall, yes. You look right at home here, Cole.”
+

Donkeys, no. Cute asses, yes.

And don’t try to switch that around, little book.

“Thank you, El.” He returns his smile, still a little wobbly from unshed tears. “Honestly, I’m not sure what comes next, or how this is supposed to go, but I’m feeling… a little lighter every day. That has to mean I’m doing something right.”

Illario swallows, to keep from tearing up. He hadn’t ever anticipated his past inspiring anybody, but here El was, telling him that exact thing. He’d be working on everything he’d gone through for the rest of his life, but… he was still alive to do so. That counted for something, he supposed.
+

“Well then, what are you doing over there, dear Warden?”

Rio nodded along, chuckling amusedly as Cole noticed who they were. “Hello! Envy and I thought we would stop by.” He motioned to Envy, who was exploring with more opening eyes, and then turned back to the book. “What did they ask the dwarves to build?”

Illario walks up to Cole, curious what he is reading. Envy is by his side, looking around at the office, and taking in all the pleasant smells.

“So, what sort of fascinating tome has your attention this time?” He grins, lighthearted, as he sits in a nearby chair.

*[puts on a necklace with the crest of a certain Merchant family, grinning softly to himself]*

That’s not a no… 😏

“Oh, well, thank you. I wasn’t aware that you were so fond of us. Though, I’m more surprised that I amuse you so.”

*[thinks of the cookies her and Envy made]*

Wait, did you…? Am I immune, too?

Oh, I can give you something to choke on, if you so desire, ma vhenas 😉

Ah, such a shame. Though, this discussion does raise questions. With Wardens already blighted, would that make them immune to… *[gestures to Bellara in general]* everything you have going on?

*[chuckles]* Are you sure? Warden stamina is… quite fun.

<YES! HAPPY! TO BE! FRIENDS! WITH LION MAN!> *[rolls around El’s feet, hissing happily]*

I’m not sure what I did to deserve half of what I have now, but I will not look a gift horse in the mouth, so to speak. *[returns El’s smile, thinking about how they started, compared to where they are now]* I am grateful for your friendship, El. Envy and both.
+

I’m not blighted, despite my… previous affiliations, but I will gladly do so.

*[stiffens, almost imperceptibly]* Oh, goody.

Oh, ma vhenas… *[gently hugs him, whispering in his ear]* I will never leave you, nor will I knowingly cause you any pain. You’re more important to me than you know.

Thank you, my love. *[grins into the kiss]* It’s even better with you at my side.

Giggling to himself, he stepped out from behind a bush. “You called, cousin?” Eyeing the wyvern, he looked back to his cousin. “Surely, you can tell what sort of creature that is, tall as the box may be.”

The look of surprise on Lucanis’s face adds years onto his life. This was how his cousin deserved to feel, and Illario would do whatever he had to in order to keep him smiling and excited. Believing in something again, it was good for them both.
+

You are so kind *[takes a deep, steadying breath]* I suppose he just needs a name.

*[Thinks for a moment]* How about… Darío. It fits him, I think.

*[kisses Dario’s forehead, and the Alistair’s]*

I am so lucky, to have such wonderful loves.

*[he didn’t doubt that Luca would know it was him, but he stayed hidden, this was about Lucanis, and as long as he could see his face, that was all that mattered]*

*[It would make all the effort worth it]*