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Rest does not come easy when you have a self-righteous elven god occupying your head, but after a full day and night fighting darkspawns and trekking through blighted terrains, your eyelids came crashing down the moment you stepped foot into your room last night. It must have been a good while because when the sounds of metals clanking against each other from downstairs wake you up, you feel refreshed.
The temperature feels pleasant today, so you put on your favorite Antivan outfit. Simple open-chest leather jacket with feathers for lapels, leaving just enough room to show off the Crow tattoo on your chest, but not enough to look shirtless. You also grab a fashionable pair of leather pants to match the whole look.
When you step out of your room and do a big stretch on the balcony, you notice Bellara at the library below, fully occupied with getting her gadgets organized on the sofa.
Bellara is tinkering with the mechanical gears on her arm, as soon as she sees you walking down the stairs, she waves enthusiastically. “Rook! Hey!”
“Good morning, Bellara. Looks like you are off to a busy day?” You wave back.
“Oh yes, Strife and Irelin asked me to take care of a couple more artifacts in Arlathan Forest. I was just doing a final inventory check here because I thought I forgot something, but it looks like I have everything I need.” Bellara taps on her clunky metal case. Despite the small frame, she is carrying a terribly big backpack, much bigger than her usual one.
You are about to offer some assistance, but Bellara interrupts, “Don't worry I can handle this myself.” Her bright, cheerful smile is full of confidence. “Oh actually! I was in a hurry I almost forgot!" Bellara jolts at the realization. She immediately reaches into the satchel and pulls out a leather-bound journal that looks similar to the ones Neve likes to carry around, but with a cover you haven't seen before, a carving of a wreath of gladiolus flowers right at the center. “This is Neve's. I found it in my bag when I was shuffling around my stuff earlier. The wisps must have been on with their typical mischiefs again. I need to head out, so can you return it to her?”
“I'll bring this back to Neve. I'm on my way to see her anyway.” You didn't have a reason to visit Neve’s quarter before, but now you do, perfect timing. The journal has a decent weight to it like all of Neve's journals are, though this one has a gentle scent of gladiolus to it instead of the typical mix of smell from old newspapers, burned parchment, smudge scribbles, to spilled coffee that usually come with most of the clues Neve collects.
“Thanks, Rook.” Bellara picks up her feet and heads to the eluvian, but then stops abruptly halfway through. “Oh and um…” Bellara hesitates, her body swings gently while her eyes look down on the ground. “Make sure you deliver it to her first thing. Neve likely needs it back as soon as possible.”
“Of course, our detective needs all the clues she can get for her case.” You hold up the journal, the sweet scent is incredibly pleasant when it is this close to your nose.
“Yes…right. Right. Okay, see you later.” And just like that Bellara flies off like a hummingbird on her way to a new adventure.
“Safe travels, Bellara.” You wave farewell to the busy elven historian.
“You too.” Bellara's voice echoes as she speeds down the hallway.
May as well head over to Neve's quarter. After all, Bellara did say this journal is important.
“Come in, Rook.” Neve answers the door after just one knock and you haven't even announced yourself yet. The distant tone in her voice definitely means the detective is in the middle of solving a case.
As expected, the first thing you see when you open the door is Neve standing in front of her case board, which is overflowing with notes, documents, and drawings connected by interwoven red threads. Even with her back facing you, you can tell those brows are furrowed trying to crack the most frustrating puzzle block.
You walk over and place the journal on the edge of the already crowded desk. “Sorry for interrupting. Bellara says this is yours. The wisps must have misplaced it again.” You give the wisps in the room a side eye look, but in an appreciative way. You find them adorable and after all, they give you the best excuses to visit Neve more often. Seeing that Neve is busy with her deductions, you make a silent thank you gesture with your mouth at the wisps. Not sure if they can understand, but you like to express your appreciation all the same. “Hi wisps!” You smile at them to quickly cover your tracks from Neve.
The wisps start to beam brighter at a faster frequency, then in droves they all rush towards the case board, effectively blocking Neve's view. Perhaps you should ask Emmrich about how to bribe wisps.
“Thank–” Neve shakes her head in defeat and turns around. When her eyes set on the binder cover, she suddenly stops in her tracks–“you...” There is a subtle panic in her voice, which is odd because usually Neve feels relieved when her notes are recovered after they have gone missing.
“Sorry, should I move it elsewhere? I didn't mess up your desk layout, did I?” You immediately pick the journal back up to check if you may have shuffled anything by accident. Fortunately, nothing seems amiss.
“No no no.” Neve quickly presses her hand on the journal and places it back down on the desk. “Right here is perfect.” She clears her throat and darts her eyes at the window.
“Neve, are you alright?” You tilt your head.
“Yes!” Neve replies, though almost too quickly. “Sorry, Trouble. I just have a lot going on with this case at the moment. More people have gone missing, and I still haven’t found a single lead on Aelia.” She pinches the bridge of her nose and gestures at the massive board.
“You know–” Walking around the desk to stand next to Neve, you recall her offer–“I could use some more stone skipping and pretend that it clears my mind.”
Neve lets out a laugh, the impeccable wrinkles in the corner of her eyes become more noticeable. “I am glad you remember my offer.” her lips draw a perfect crescent as she looks at you.
Sunlight from the window starts to dance in Neve's eyes and suddenly you find yourself staring at the now faded scar on her forehead, staring at the beautiful sunspots on her face from the years chasing clues all across Minrathous, staring at the irresistible curve of her nose arch, and staring at the flawless silky hair cascading down her small back.
What a woman. You may have let out a dreamy sigh as you try to ground yourself, though admittedly failing spectacularly at it. Hold on, aren't you supposed to answer something?
“What?” Neve raises her eyebrow. Her question pulls you out of the trance.
“Your eyes. They are beautiful in the most mesmerizing ways.” You blurt out. “When the sunlight shines on them like it does now, they gleam with the most breathtaking amber to ever exist. All the warmest and softest passion contained inside here.” Brushing your fingers through Neve's immaculate hair, you tuck it behind her ear, exposing the left eye that otherwise would always stay hidden. Her skin looks as warm as ever under the sun. Neve closes her eyes for a moment but when she opens them, the intensity when she looks at you is all too overwhelming, yet you cannot help but be drawn in. Instinctively you lick your lips, because of course now is the perfect time for your mouth to get dry. “And yet, these ambers are full of ice-cold determination. Whenever Minrathous is in danger, regardless of how many times the job goes sideways, you persevere, every single time.”
You can hear Neve gasp, but what makes your heart truly flutter is the way her eyes widen, pupils quickly start dilating. You already forget what to say next, or whether you should wait for an answer first. Not that the wait bothers you in any way, because Neve's eyes are incredibly hypnotic. You can easily lose yourself in them countless times over, as you often find yourself inadvertently doing so every time she is in front of you.
Suddenly Neve turns around, her back now facing you, and takes a deep breath before letting it all out, small shoulders going up and down with every breath. “How could you say such sweet things to a girl, Trouble?”
You walk around to face Neve, but her head is still pointing down to the ground. “Why not?” You ask in the most genuine tone. It hasn't been long since you start this gods-slaying job together, but you know very early on that nothing can get past the keen eyes of Minrathous’ best detective. Naturally, the best course of action is saying precisely what's on your mind. You do mean everything you say anyway.
“Because then…” Neve steps in closer, the tip of her boot almost touches yours. She slowly brings her eyes up to you as her fingers wrap around your necklace, pulling you downward and closer. You know this look. You know this burning passion. It is the same one you saw in her eyes when she ran towards you and crashed her lips against yours on that day you went stone skipping together. Neve's face is barely an inch away from you and the proximity is sending your heart into a wild outburst. The growing blush underneath is charming you into caressing her cheeks with both thumbs, oh what you would give to lean down and capture those voluptuous lips between yours again.
Neve closes her eyes and takes another deep breath. Elegant finger twirling around one of your braids. “Because then I have to kiss you, instead of solving this damn case.” Neve whispers ever so gently, as if these words are meant for your ears only.
Oh.
With one arm snake around Neve's waist, you bring her wrist up to your lips and place a gentle kiss right above her quickened pulse. “I got that impression when your pupils started to dilate earlier, detective.” Another fleeting kiss planted on the same spot and to your delight, Neve's pulse races on further. It is reassuring to know Neve's heart is beating faster than the drum in your heart right now. “I am with you either way. Solving crimes or kissing, or both.” You want to be supportive, but being so close with Neve in your arms like this is dangerous. Every fiber of your being is desperate to feel her lips on yours again ever since the first kiss. You would be lying to yourself if you deny having thoughts about kissing Neve every time you two are alone together.
Neve wets her lips as she stands on her tiptoes, trying to shorten the height gap in between. Those gorgeous brown eyes are now fixated on your lips. The detective opens her mouth as if she wants to say something, but then you feel a yank on the neck and the next thing you taste is her sweet lips against yours.
You waste no time embracing Neve with both arms as her chest is already flushed against yours. The second kiss feels different this time. A lot more passion and a lot less hesitation. Even when you pause briefly for air, your lips immediately lock together again. She feels so soft and warm like the sun rays at dawn on your skin.
Neve purrs in approval as soon as you put your thigh between hers. Both of her hands are now exploring the bare skin under your Antivan leather jacket. The coldness of her fingertips send the most pleasant shivers across your body when Neve caresses your upper torso. And just when you think this can't get any hotter, Neve starts nibbling on your lower lip and neck.
In return, you trace your tongue along Neve's lower lip before sliding it inside her mouth. The sultry way Neve hums when she welcomes you in earns her another playful bite on the lower lip from you. When her nails rake on your heated skin, you tug on her hair and suck hard on the exposed spot right above her clavicle.
“Venhedis.” Neve gasps and grabs your horn for support when you almost lift her off the ground by the waist. Her feverish skin feels so hot and sweet against your mouth.
You take that as a compliment and proceed to adorn her soft skin with a few more love marks, including the spot with a tiny mole on her exposed chest.
It is barely the start of the day, and you are already intoxicated. You need more. You want more. And with the way Neve plunges her tongue in your mouth and rubs her thighs against yours, you know she wants the same.
With haste, you press your thigh forward against Neve, but the unanticipated force pushes her backward against the desk, knocking the journal you just brought over. The binder fastener clicks open and in an instant, dozens of loose pages fly across the floor.
“Shit, I'm sorry. Let me get that for you.” You know how much it bothers Neve when her workspace is messed up. Given how much information Neve has to sift through for a possibility of a lead, proper organization is crucial.
“Don't worry about it, Trouble.” Neve quickly tightens her arms around your neck, leaving a trail of kisses on your cheeks and lips. Not that you want to complain, but normally Neve would rush to the floor to get her notes back into position by now. Is Neve just being polite because you are in the middle of a thing? Or are these notes not important? But Bellara did emphasize that they are, it was the whole reason you rushed over here first thing in the morning.
“It's my fault. I don't mind.” You unhook Neve's reluctant arms and squat down to gather the notes. The first page shows some weapons: an Antivan reinforced longbow, Arainai's Talon, a dark shard sword, and a couple small knives. You did not expect Neve to doodle weaponry in her free time, though all of these happen to look like the weapons you always use. At first you brush it off as coincidence, but then the next three pages bring you to a complete halt, because it's an assortment of sketches depicting a female Qunari with two different eye colors and ivory horns curling downward that looks a lot like you in various poses and compositions. Some are relaxed, others are intense with combative facial expressions. Suddenly one of the wisps swooshes another page on your lap. This one features a full-size portrait of the same Qunari woman from the knee up. The subject tosses her head backward, eyes closed shut, sweat droplets running down the neck, it looks as though she is…
“Neve?” You turn over to Neve, who is now on the other side of the room picking up the scattered pages and shoving them back in the journal. Not even the most elusive clue gets her to move at this record speed. “Isn't this…me?” you don't want to assume, but the similarities are too specific and precise, it's uncanny.
“It's not.” Neve doesn't even look in your general direction when she responds. Nor does she bother straightening out the pages, which are being frantically grabbed at all sorts of odd angles to maximize pickup speed.
“But this Qunari woman has the same tanzanite gem on her right horn as me. All the horn jewelry on both sides is identical.” You grab a few more pages off the ground, then hold up a sketch page with the same Qunari woman in question pulling an Antivan longbow, her naked back was drawn in great details. “Not to mention the crow scars on her face and the eye makeup. Look, she has my body tattoo.” You pull down your leather jacket, revealing a naked back with the same crow tattoo. “Even the color matches up.”
Neve almost drops the journal back onto the ground. Fortunately, this is what time slow spell is for, and a disaster has been successfully prevented. Neve lets out a sigh of relief when she secures the journal back in her hand.
When the realization that you practically strip half naked in front of Neve unprompted hits your head like a thousand bricks, you rush to put the jacket back on. “I am so sorry.” You awkwardly clear your throat. “So, the Qunari in these drawings isn't me?”
“No.” Neve's answer is barely audible, because she has hurried to the furthest spot in the room to collect the last few stranglers.
You have no other option but to crawl across the floor towards Neve to get her attention and kneel on the floor to get to her eye level. “I beg to differ, detective. Unless there's a twin Rook out there that I am not aware about, I am certain this is me. What is that you often say?” With her chin held between your fingers to keep her gaze on you, you recite what Neve likes to use when she's deducing, “Once you eliminate the impossible, whatever remains, no matter how improbable, must be the truth.”
“And the truth is– mere coincidence.” Neve retorts, both cheeks completely blushed with the most gorgeous shade of red. You expect her to look away, to use her hair to shield her facial expressions like usual, but to your surprise, those stunning brown eyes look directly at you, piercing through every question you may have and severing them. Under the sunlight as the pupils have already eclipsed the irises, the amber ring of fire emits pure warmth that engulfs all around you.
You hold your breath and swallow. As much as you do not want to admit it, Neve may have discovered your new weakness. How does she do this? Making you forget what to think and say with just a look. You always have to scramble for the simplest words around Neve. The silly jokes are your backup, but they don't seem to be effective half the time.
Oh how you wish to be the sun rays right now— to gently caress that silky raven hair as it drapes over her shoulders and cascades down her back; to quietly admire the detective when she furrows her brows, getting lost in one intriguing puzzle after another; and to embrace and adorn her with kisses the way they get to every day...
Neve clears her throat when she notices your eyes wandering down to her parted lips. “I…I need to get back to this case. It's urgent. I must locate Aelia before more innocent lives are lost.” She takes the sketch pages off your hand and heads towards the case board.
“Of course.” Your voice comes out more hoarse than usual when you walk away. Standing at the entrance, you hesitate because you don't want to leave, not just yet. “You were right, Neve.” you tap your fingers on the door.
“About what, Trouble?” Neve's attention is already glued back to the case board, hands busy with pinning up additional clues.
“That Qunari isn't me. Though she has the same scars as the ones on my abdomen and arms, she's missing quite a few on her upper thighs.” Not giving Neve a chance to respond, you quickly close the door behind you.
Leaning against the cold metal door, you take a deep breath to process what literally just happened. So not only did you just kiss the Neve Gallus again, but you also learned that she keeps a journal full of sketches of you.
What a morning, huh?
Squawks! Assan catches you by surprise. Even from a distance, his head is bobbing up and down asking for treats. The good news is that you always carry treats in your pocket so you start jogging towards the griffon, but the sweet taste of Neve’s warm lips still lingers on your tongue and then images of her sketches reappear in front of your eyes. Suddenly, you feel no rock supporting your foot from under as you walk down the floating stairs.
Shit.
You fall straight down to the endless heights of the Lighthouse for a few seconds, but then your entire body drops on the rocks besides Assan under the sun, a loud thud and a groan immediately follow. You should be grateful that you are still breathing, but this involuntary full body plank will certainly leave some bruises. Assan squawks again, tapping his claws on your shoulder to make sure you are indeed alive.
“I just kissed a girl, Assan. And she makes sketches of me, lots.” You mumble but remain unmoved on the ground, because you are still in disbelief at what just happened.
Assan jumps in excitement and zooms in circles around you, squawking in such high pitch that you assume he is congratulating you. Or maybe he smells the treats in your pocket and is just eager to get some.
“Need a hand?” Darvin approaches and reaches his hand down to your level.
With your cheek still hugging the ground, you grab Darvin's hand and he pulls you up in one swift maneuver. “Thank you, Darvin.” You pull out a piece of dried gingerwort truffle and give it to Assan.
“You got quite the bounce in your steps back there. More stone skipping with the detective?” Darvin chuckles, eyes zoning into the little bruise on your neck.
“Oh, erm… something like that…yeah.” You quickly cover your neck with your palm, pretending to scratch the spot like you just got a bug bite. The thought of those sketches still makes you blush. Good thing you're standing under the sun right now, so you can blame the heat for getting your cheeks burning red.
“Ah, I see.” Darvin squints his eyes, but lets go of the subject. “Assan needs to stretch his wings a bit, would you like to come with us to Arlathan Forest?”
“Sure thing! Bellara should be there by now, we can catch up and surprise her.” Hopefully this little adventure gets your mind off those sketches for a bit.
Assan squawks rapidly in excitement, head rubbing against your pocket where all the delicious gingerwort truffle treats are.
“Don't give him too much.” Darvin catches you feeding Assan extra treats behind his back.
The griffon whimpers in protest.
“Yes, Grey Warden.” You wink at Assan, which gets him running along happily again.