sunrise, sunset. this is a meme about sunrises and sunsets. no matter where your characters are, they're now watching a sunrise or a sunset together. make it as picturesque as you want.
[ neve isn't the sentimental type. she never has been and probably never will be. but even she has her moments of wanting to do something special for her love.
not that she's put a label on what they are, especially not that four-letter-word, but... it is what it is. and she knows rook deserves something nice every so often. or all the time, but that isn't something neve could ever do.
so here she is, out on the coast of rivain, waiting for rook to find her way over. neve had asked isabela on the sly for some help and the older woman had been glad to give it. rook might know something's up, as neve and isabela had been talking more than once that day, but with luck, she won't know why. neve hopes, at least.
the space she chose is close to the water, where they can smell the salty sea air, but up on one of the old fort walls, away from the dangers the deeper water might pose to her prosthetic. set up on the unbroken ramparts rests two cups filled to the brim with rook's favorite rivaini drink.
and here neve waits, dressed in her casual attire, rather than her usual minrathous "finery," with her arms in front of her, nervously clasping her hands together. isabela is supposed to tell rook she needs to meet someone out here — not who, but knowing isabela, there won't be much question as to that — and it's a bit of a wait before neve finally spots rook making her way up. ]
Hope Isabela didn't give you a hard time. [ a smile graces her features, nervous but warm and loose, unmarred by her usual tension. might be the fact that she's standing here alone at sunset with rook, it might be the fact that neve loves water and she's close to it right now, or it could be both. ] Glad you could make room in your schedule to come down.
[ Isabela was definitely acting weird, but not in a "someone has kidnapped your friend and I'm trying to warn you without doing anything that would get them killed" kind of way. More in a winking, and possibly making a vaguely dirty joke sort of way. Which isn't weird for Isabela in and of itself, just weird that she's being kind of cagey about it.
So Rook is a little leery when she gets to the spot Isabela told her she'd be meeting the contact. But not in the way where she has her dagger out and at the ready - which is good, because - ]
Isabela always gives me a hard time, but - Neve?
[ She glances around, expecting - she doesn't know what. Not this, though. ]
[ picking up one of the cups, neve holds it out as she steps over to meet rook. ]
I'm not good at this. But I thought... after everything recently, uncovering Aelia, all the help you've been giving to all of us in the Veilguard... I thought you could use a nice evening away from it all. With me.
[ she lifts a hand to rook's hairline, gently threading fingers through those delightful curls. ]
[ Rook is immediately overcome with the scent of the spices in the Rivaini mulled wine Neve hands her. ]
Oh.
[ She has always been the one doing things for others. It's just her nature. Isabela once called her a "mom friend". She's had a few affairs, but no one has ever just - done something for her, like this. It leaves her speechless for a moment, even as Neve touches her, brushes fingers through her hair. She leans into it, lets her eyes fall closed. ]
Okay. Yeah. I could - maybe do that.
[ She'd been bold, in expressing her interest. Eager, to let Neve know - to show her, to make sure she understood what she wants, if she's ever ready to go for it. But now that the tables are turned, she feels - a little shy. A flush on her cheeks. ]
This is - wow. Just for me?
[ It's hardly extravagant. It's just - new. Different. Unexpected. Special, because Neve did it. For her. ]
[ neve thinks she could get used to that smile, the flush to rook's cheeks and the way her words have been stolen from her. or the way rook leans into the hand at her cheek. neve might not be the sentimental type, but in this instance? it's worth it for the look on rook's face. ]
Just for you, [ she says softly, her free hand lifting to rook's hip to pull her close. ] Well, a little bit for me, so I could have you to myself... but yeah. Just for you.
[ she leans in to press her lips to rook's in a gentle kiss. chaste... for now. ]
We're away from the scandalous gossipers of Minrathous, so... [ her heart flutters in her chest as she pulls back to smile at rook, her eyes going just a little dark. ] I wanted to watch the sunset with you, but after that... whatever you'd like. I'm yours for the night.
[ she digs the toe of her prosthetic into the sand and dirt beneath them and then indicates her pants with a smirk. ]
Anything at all.
[ she thinks, at this point, that she's ready. her hand gently teases through some of rook's hair again, brushing it aside so she can cup the other woman's cheek. ]
I get my sunset in your arms and then I'm yours. Why? Did you have anything particularly dangerous in mind? Should I be worried about sand?
[ neve leans into the kiss, her lips parting and arms tightening around rook. she does mean it, though; as long as she doesn't have to worry about her prosthetic getting clogged with sand or her pants getting sand all over the inside, then she doesn't really care what happens tonight. she isn't sure if rook technically still has a room here or not, but she's sure isabela would put them up somewhere if they don't want to trek back to the lighthouse. ]
You should know how much you are appreciated. The whole team does.
[ but neve especially and as she tilts her head again to recapture rook's lips, she hopes the woman knows that. ]
[ Rook laughs, suddenly and inexplicably a little bashful. ]
Let's - let's sit? And watch the sunset together. I like that idea. We haven't missed it quite yet.
[ Taking Neve's hand, she draws her down carefully. There's a good spot, with a crumbling wall they can tuck themselves up against, and Rook tugs Neve's arm around herself with a little grin. ]
[ she's cute when she's a little nervous like this, neve decides. as rook guides her over to a good place to sit, neve grabs the glasses of mulled wine, passing one over as she settles down next to rook. her arm gladly wraps around the other woman's frame and neve leans their heads together for a moment, smiling as she focuses on the colors of the sunset, rather than the beautiful woman next to her. ]
That's all I wanted out of this. A nice evening of watching the sunset... and of course the look on your face at the surprise.
[ honestly, seeing the way rook's face lit up at the gesture is something neve will treasure for quite some time to come. ]
Isabela told me this is your favorite drink. She better not have lied to me.
[ her voice is soft as she lifts her own cup to her lips for a small sip, enjoying the taste of the spices and the rich flavor. she isn't used to this, exactly, but the wine is nice. even better to know that isabela hadn't steered her wrong. she makes a note to thank the woman later. ]
I could always freeze anyone who gives you a hard time. I'm sure the rest of the Veilguard will start to notice, too.
[ and rana. neither of them will hear the end of it. ]
It's... been a while since I was involved with anyone. Years, in fact. Good time for us both to learn how this will go.
Jealous of the sunsets we see? I'd be jealous, too.
[ she knows what it is, but she's the type of person to have a difficult time with that sort of charm. the fact that rook genuinely means it, believing that neve is more wonderful than she thinks she is.
neve could... say a lot of things in response to 'end of the world' talk... but that opens a door that she isn't quite ready to open. she's been trying to ignore it, to forget that there's a chance they won't live to see past the end of the gods. or that they might not even see that.
she can't think about the future, can't imagine past the end, because that might mean acknowledging that she could lose rook. neve isn't ready to do that. ]
You should be. [ happy, she means. ] If you're not, then I'm not doing my job correctly. I can't promise more surprises like this, but... I'm glad I managed this one.
Defeating the elven gods is my big job and that'll make you happy, so... it counts?
[ neve leans into the kiss, unable to keep her lips from parting and she hums slightly against the embrace. as they part and rook gives her request, neve chuckles lightly, half in a self-deprecating tone. ]
If you insist.
[ she pulls away only long enough to set aside her drink on a spot that's fairly level so it won't turn over and then reaches to cup the back of rook's head with her now free hand, pulling her back into another kiss. this one is soft and sweet, but a little more firm. ]
Did you have something in mind? Because I'm perfectly happy just sitting here with you.
[ later... another time she might be tempted to ask for more, but neve had meant what she'd said earlier: if rook wants more now, all neve asks is that they're away from the sand. back at the hall of valor or the lighthouse, rook's choice. ]
[ The kisses are good. Very good. Rook could do this, just this, all night. But she has to admit, kissing Neve like this also makes her want more. More of Neve under her mouth, her hands. She sets aside her own drink, to kiss Neve more deeply, putting some of her own desire into it, cupping Neve's face between her hands. ]
And if I want to try and make you even happier? Will you come back to the Lighthouse with me?
[ she feels it, the sudden warmth between them, that touch of desire as rook pulls her back in. the hands against her cheeks tear a soft sound from her throat, almost longing. for several long seconds, bordering on half a minute, neve waits, her lips just a breath away from her love.
and then she pulls away. not far, not enough to give rook any indication that she doesn't want this. only enough to duck her head downward, to run a line of kisses across rook's jaw and down her neck. when neve lifts her head from that, her eyes have darkened as they echo the desire of her heart. ]
Gladly.
[ it's a huge step and she knows well what it means, not just for their relationship but also for neve herself. that she's letting anyone into her life like this... but rook's worth it. and neve isn't thinking about the future. ]
[ Rook moans aloud as Neve kisses down her neck - her neck is sensitive, and she almost unconsciously tangles a hand in Neve's hair as she tilts her head back, giving her more access.
By the time she pulls away, Rook is already breathless, her body warm and tingling with desire. She has to resist the urge to pull Neve down right here - she knows from experience that no matter how good an idea it seems at the beginning, having sex on a beach is actually not worth the trouble.
But, oh, does she want Neve. She doesn't think she's ever wanted anyone as much. She stands on already-shaky legs, pulling the other woman up with her. Kisses her soundly, just once more, just because she can. ]
Let's go.
[ The Hall of Valor would be closer, and save them some time, but it would open them up to the teasing of every single Lord of Fortune currently in residence, and Rook would like this to be something just for them. So she'll take the longer route, back to the Lighthouse. To her room - the couch there is much larger and more comfortable than Neve's camp bed. ]
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rook | dragon age
:> post-kiss because i can't be stopped
not that she's put a label on what they are, especially not that four-letter-word, but... it is what it is. and she knows rook deserves something nice every so often. or all the time, but that isn't something neve could ever do.
so here she is, out on the coast of rivain, waiting for rook to find her way over. neve had asked isabela on the sly for some help and the older woman had been glad to give it. rook might know something's up, as neve and isabela had been talking more than once that day, but with luck, she won't know why. neve hopes, at least.
the space she chose is close to the water, where they can smell the salty sea air, but up on one of the old fort walls, away from the dangers the deeper water might pose to her prosthetic. set up on the unbroken ramparts rests two cups filled to the brim with rook's favorite rivaini drink.
and here neve waits, dressed in her casual attire, rather than her usual minrathous "finery," with her arms in front of her, nervously clasping her hands together. isabela is supposed to tell rook she needs to meet someone out here — not who, but knowing isabela, there won't be much question as to that — and it's a bit of a wait before neve finally spots rook making her way up. ]
Hope Isabela didn't give you a hard time. [ a smile graces her features, nervous but warm and loose, unmarred by her usual tension. might be the fact that she's standing here alone at sunset with rook, it might be the fact that neve loves water and she's close to it right now, or it could be both. ] Glad you could make room in your schedule to come down.
eeeeee
So Rook is a little leery when she gets to the spot Isabela told her she'd be meeting the contact. But not in the way where she has her dagger out and at the ready - which is good, because - ]
Isabela always gives me a hard time, but - Neve?
[ She glances around, expecting - she doesn't know what. Not this, though. ]
Is there a new lead, or something?
no subject
[ picking up one of the cups, neve holds it out as she steps over to meet rook. ]
I'm not good at this. But I thought... after everything recently, uncovering Aelia, all the help you've been giving to all of us in the Veilguard... I thought you could use a nice evening away from it all. With me.
[ she lifts a hand to rook's hairline, gently threading fingers through those delightful curls. ]
It's your turn to relax a little, all right?
no subject
Oh.
[ She has always been the one doing things for others. It's just her nature. Isabela once called her a "mom friend". She's had a few affairs, but no one has ever just - done something for her, like this. It leaves her speechless for a moment, even as Neve touches her, brushes fingers through her hair. She leans into it, lets her eyes fall closed. ]
Okay. Yeah. I could - maybe do that.
[ She'd been bold, in expressing her interest. Eager, to let Neve know - to show her, to make sure she understood what she wants, if she's ever ready to go for it. But now that the tables are turned, she feels - a little shy. A flush on her cheeks. ]
This is - wow. Just for me?
[ It's hardly extravagant. It's just - new. Different. Unexpected. Special, because Neve did it. For her. ]
no subject
Just for you, [ she says softly, her free hand lifting to rook's hip to pull her close. ] Well, a little bit for me, so I could have you to myself... but yeah. Just for you.
[ she leans in to press her lips to rook's in a gentle kiss. chaste... for now. ]
We're away from the scandalous gossipers of Minrathous, so... [ her heart flutters in her chest as she pulls back to smile at rook, her eyes going just a little dark. ] I wanted to watch the sunset with you, but after that... whatever you'd like. I'm yours for the night.
no subject
Anything? Anything at all?
[ She brushes her nose against Neve's, letting her smile turn mischievous. ]
That could be dangerous.
no subject
[ she digs the toe of her prosthetic into the sand and dirt beneath them and then indicates her pants with a smirk. ]
Anything at all.
[ she thinks, at this point, that she's ready. her hand gently teases through some of rook's hair again, brushing it aside so she can cup the other woman's cheek. ]
I get my sunset in your arms and then I'm yours. Why? Did you have anything particularly dangerous in mind? Should I be worried about sand?
no subject
[ Rook smiles, sliding her arms around Neve's neck. ]
So, I guess we'll have to think of something else to do.
no subject
Hmm, you'll have to save that one for another day.
[ she leans in like she's going to kiss rook again, stopping just shy of it, her eyes darkening as she watches the other woman's reaction. ]
What shall it be, I wonder?
no subject
She leans in, too, almost, not quite, a breath away - ]
Let's start with this and see where it goes.
[ She finally closes that last bit of distance, catching Neve's lips with hers. ]
no subject
You should know how much you are appreciated. The whole team does.
[ but neve especially and as she tilts her head again to recapture rook's lips, she hopes the woman knows that. ]
no subject
I know. But it's you I want, Neve. Tell me you feel the same.
no subject
I wouldn't be here if I didn't. I wouldn't have tried for something so entirely out of my normal suit. But I have to say—
[ she tilts back just enough to gently tuck some hair behind rook's ear, her eyes dark, brow slightly furrowed. ]
—it was worth it for the look on your face.
no subject
Let's - let's sit? And watch the sunset together. I like that idea. We haven't missed it quite yet.
[ Taking Neve's hand, she draws her down carefully. There's a good spot, with a crumbling wall they can tuck themselves up against, and Rook tugs Neve's arm around herself with a little grin. ]
no subject
That's all I wanted out of this. A nice evening of watching the sunset... and of course the look on your face at the surprise.
[ honestly, seeing the way rook's face lit up at the gesture is something neve will treasure for quite some time to come. ]
Isabela told me this is your favorite drink. She better not have lied to me.
no subject
[ Rook laughs. ]
Though I probably won't hear the end of it now. I've never, uh, been in a serious relationship. Or - any relationship, really.
[ She takes a sip of the wine, smiling fondly as she leans against Neve. ]
no subject
[ her voice is soft as she lifts her own cup to her lips for a small sip, enjoying the taste of the spices and the rich flavor. she isn't used to this, exactly, but the wine is nice. even better to know that isabela hadn't steered her wrong. she makes a note to thank the woman later. ]
I could always freeze anyone who gives you a hard time. I'm sure the rest of the Veilguard will start to notice, too.
[ and rana. neither of them will hear the end of it. ]
It's... been a while since I was involved with anyone. Years, in fact. Good time for us both to learn how this will go.
no subject
[ She rests her hand over Neve's, and smiles at her. ]
I don't think I've ever been this happy. Which - probably a little weird, given how close the world is to ending, but - it's true.
no subject
[ she knows what it is, but she's the type of person to have a difficult time with that sort of charm. the fact that rook genuinely means it, believing that neve is more wonderful than she thinks she is.
neve could... say a lot of things in response to 'end of the world' talk... but that opens a door that she isn't quite ready to open. she's been trying to ignore it, to forget that there's a chance they won't live to see past the end of the gods. or that they might not even see that.
she can't think about the future, can't imagine past the end, because that might mean acknowledging that she could lose rook. neve isn't ready to do that. ]
You should be. [ happy, she means. ] If you're not, then I'm not doing my job correctly. I can't promise more surprises like this, but... I'm glad I managed this one.
no subject
[ Rook smiles, turns to pull Neve into a kiss. ]
I like you, surprises or no. And - I want to make you happy. Will you show me how?
no subject
[ neve leans into the kiss, unable to keep her lips from parting and she hums slightly against the embrace. as they part and rook gives her request, neve chuckles lightly, half in a self-deprecating tone. ]
If you insist.
[ she pulls away only long enough to set aside her drink on a spot that's fairly level so it won't turn over and then reaches to cup the back of rook's head with her now free hand, pulling her back into another kiss. this one is soft and sweet, but a little more firm. ]
Did you have something in mind? Because I'm perfectly happy just sitting here with you.
[ later... another time she might be tempted to ask for more, but neve had meant what she'd said earlier: if rook wants more now, all neve asks is that they're away from the sand. back at the hall of valor or the lighthouse, rook's choice. ]
no subject
[ The kisses are good. Very good. Rook could do this, just this, all night. But she has to admit, kissing Neve like this also makes her want more. More of Neve under her mouth, her hands. She sets aside her own drink, to kiss Neve more deeply, putting some of her own desire into it, cupping Neve's face between her hands. ]
And if I want to try and make you even happier? Will you come back to the Lighthouse with me?
no subject
and then she pulls away. not far, not enough to give rook any indication that she doesn't want this. only enough to duck her head downward, to run a line of kisses across rook's jaw and down her neck. when neve lifts her head from that, her eyes have darkened as they echo the desire of her heart. ]
Gladly.
[ it's a huge step and she knows well what it means, not just for their relationship but also for neve herself. that she's letting anyone into her life like this... but rook's worth it. and neve isn't thinking about the future. ]
no subject
By the time she pulls away, Rook is already breathless, her body warm and tingling with desire. She has to resist the urge to pull Neve down right here - she knows from experience that no matter how good an idea it seems at the beginning, having sex on a beach is actually not worth the trouble.
But, oh, does she want Neve. She doesn't think she's ever wanted anyone as much. She stands on already-shaky legs, pulling the other woman up with her. Kisses her soundly, just once more, just because she can. ]
Let's go.
[ The Hall of Valor would be closer, and save them some time, but it would open them up to the teasing of every single Lord of Fortune currently in residence, and Rook would like this to be something just for them. So she'll take the longer route, back to the Lighthouse. To her room - the couch there is much larger and more comfortable than Neve's camp bed. ]