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It was over.
The Gods have fallen. Solas tied himself to the Veil, and Eir’lana vanished with him.
Lenan clings to his brothers, celebrating the victory, but mourning the loss of their sister. She may not be dead, but they’d feel the impossible distance from her every day.
At least this time, Lenan still has two of his siblings left to rely on.
“Rook…” A hoarse voice calls above all the cheering. Lenan pulls away from his brothers to meet the eyes of his fellow Crow. A hesitant smile rests on the man's face, Lenan meeting it with his own. Their last conversation before Lenan was trapped weighs heavily on both their minds, it seems.
Sal’ladin’s hand on his shoulder tightens at Lucanis’ arrival, his eyes narrowed and locked on the assassin. It seems his brother still hasn’t forgotten the other man's rank in the organization that, in his mind, is responsible for Lenan’s kidnapping. Lenan rests his hand over his brothers’, drawing his attention away from Lucanis.
“Lethal’lin, it is okay.” Lenan soothes. Although he still hasn’t fully decided his opinion on the Crows and, by proxy, Lucanis, he can’t deny the rush of joy that floods him at the sight of the man, alive and relatively unharmed.
I’ve’ani meets Lenan’s eyes over their older brother's shoulder, nodding slightly with a small smile. With one last, pointed look to Sal’ladin, Lenan walks the short distance over to Lucanis. He stops a short distance away, leaving just enough space between them to be noticeable if the look on the other man's face was anything to go by.
“Lenan… I-” Lenan shakes his head, cutting off Lucanis. Instead of speaking, he moves the final few steps forward to pull the other Crow into a tight hug. He hopes his meaning transfers better through the touch than it would through words, words he isn’t even sure he even has. The few he does have slips past his lips.
“I don’t know if I’m ready yet, Lucanis. So much has changed so quickly, I haven’t had time to think about anything but this final fight.” He can feel Lucanis tense under him. “But… I hope you can wait for me.” The hands around his back tighten, almost desperate in their grip.
“Of course. After all of this, I’d be loath to see you go.” With a jolt, Lucanis pulls back and holds Lenan’s shoulders tightly, eyes wide. “I would let you go if you wished! Holding you against your will is the single thing worse than seeing you go.” He rushes to explain. Lenan stares back, confusion on his face before a smile breaks through, leading to a laughing fit he hasn’t allowed himself to have in so long. He can hear Lucanis awkwardly laugh as well, obviously not understanding Lenan’s sudden break.
Taking a deep breath, Lenan brings his hands up to cup Lucanis’ cheeks.
“You silly man. I know you wouldn’t keep me chained, but you’re sweet to confirm that.” He teases. His eyes linger on Lucanis’ face, taking in all the details he’s come to love. “I do love you, I hope you know that. Even if I’m asking for time.”
“I know, amor. And I will be here, always.” Lucanis replies, finally stepping back.
“Now, I do believe your brother is plotting my death and will act on it if I keep you any longer.” Lucanis jokes, although Lenan senses his nerves. Turning to face his brothers, he sees just what he expected: Sal’ladin glaring at them with his arms crossed and I’ve’ani standing just beside him, a gentle hand holding the eldest in place.
“You know, the both of you are going to have to learn to get along.” Lenan huffs.
“I have no problem with your brother. I understand his issue with me, extensively,” Lucanis shudders, and Lenan is sure he is thinking of their first official meeting, as well as the black eye he nursed for days after. “I just wish I could get a chance to prove I’m not the man he thinks I am.”
Lenan thinks for a moment, glancing back and forth between Lucanis and Sal’ladin. A smirk grows on his face as his thoughts focus on one plan. He quickly grabs Lucanis’ arm, pulling the man off balance and dragging him towards Sal’ladin and I’ve’ani. Lenan can hear Sal’ladin’s confused grunt, followed by I’ve’ani’s light chuckle, as he approaches, a reluctant Lucanis trailing behind him.
“Lethal’lin. Crow.” Sal’ladin greets, confusion and disdain evident in his tone. I’ve’ani smacks the arm he’s holding, his smile never faltering.
“Lucanis, it’s good to finally meet you. Lenan’s vague letters of you did not do your skills justice. I can see why he was attracted to you.” Lenan sputters, glaring at his brother and regretting his choice to drag Lucanis over immediately.
“I’ve’ani.” He warns, met only by more of his brother's laughter, joined now by Sal’ladin’s own amused snicker.
“I know, I know,” I’ve’ani waved him off. “You’ll excuse me for being excited to meet my younger brother's crush. I’ve missed so much of this.” The air chills at the reminder. I’ve’ani let the moment linger, seemingly not noticing the damper he put on the mood.
“But, you are here now, and you have so many stories I am interested in hearing. I’m sure your Crow has his own tales as well, including the Spirit within him.” I’ve’ani meets Lucanis’ eyes, ones now shaded with the familiar purple of Spite. Spite, for once, remains silent as he took control, only keeping eye contact with I’ve’ani as the mage examined his presence.
“Truly fascinating.” I’ve’ani whispers, leaning closer. “I do hope you hold the same respect for my brother as Lucanis does. I’d hate for something to happen to such an interesting being.” He warns, drawing shocked looks from his brothers. Spite blinks, stepping back from I’ve’ani and tossing a quick glance towards Lenan.
“I… yes.” Spite says simply, quickly giving back control to Lucanis, ending the sudden shovel talk.
“What was that? How did you know about Spite?” Lenan questions.
“You meet the most interesting people, lethal’lin. I simply want to make sure they have your best interests in mind.” I’ve’ani chuckles.
“Eir’lana would’ve challenged you to a duel, little Crow. You should be happy you and your demon are only getting a shovel talk. For now.” Sal’ladin threatens, his lips tightening when he mentions their sister. Lenan watches his brother push back his emotions, reaching out to grab his hand in support.
“I’m sure, with his connection with Spite, Eir’lana can still find a way to pull him into a fight.” I’ve’ani… jokes? Lenan’s not sure if his brother is serious, and if he is, he worries for Lucanis and Spite.
“I’d be honored if she went through that effort to meet me, even if it’s to beat my ass.” Lucanis replies, honesty in his eyes even if the words are said in an attempt to jest. Lenan startles when he feels Sal’ladin’s hand tighten, glancing up to find his brother's face flat as he stares at Lucanis. He’s about to ask what’s wrong when his brother speaks up.
“She would have liked you, Crow.” Sal’ladin admits. Lenan stares up at his brother, shocked, knowing Lucanis’ own expression was probably similar. The eldest looks around their small group, a misty gleam to his eyes.
“I know she’s not dead. But, as the eldest member present, I welcome you to our family, Lucanis.” The mood lifts in the group, a tinge of surprise also coloring the air. “Just… remember I’ve’ani’s warning. Lenan still has two siblings on the physical plane.” And just like that, the hopeful mood shatters, although not completely. A future exists for them now, despite the work it took to get here and the work it’ll still take to maintain it.