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Illario Dellamorte @illarioftreviso.bsky.social · 6h

*[Envy calms, no longer on guard, now just holding Illario close, rubbing his shoulder]*

<WASN’T EASY! AT FIRST! BUT! ONLY HAD EACH OTHER! HAD TO LEARN! HOW TO GET ALONG!>

Illario Dellamorte @illarioftreviso.bsky.social · 6h

*[So, it had been a spirit all along. Disappointing, sure, but Illario couldn’t help but feel sorry for it. For Desire.]*

It…*[sighs, searching for words]* it’s complicated. This was not something either of us wanted. We were… forced together.
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Illario Dellamorte @illarioftreviso.bsky.social · 11h

*[takes a breath]* But, I’m not eight years old, anymore. It’s not just myself and Lucanis.

I have friends. And loves.

It’s incredible, isn’t it?

Illario Dellamorte @illarioftreviso.bsky.social · 11h

*[Illario thinks of his future, with all the people who care for him]*

You’re right, El. I… forget how big my support system is now. I haven’t had this high a number of people who want me to be happy since before… Well, in a very long time.
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Illario Dellamorte @illarioftreviso.bsky.social · 11h

And thank you, El. *[eyes downcast, fidgeting with his glove]* I know I’ve hurt people, but… I’m trying to be better.

Illario Dellamorte @illarioftreviso.bsky.social · 11h

“They’re becoming less frequent, so I’m relieved. In fact, you’ll be happy to know that I’ve banned grappa from my residence. It does me little good to have easy access to it.” *[a bashful but hopeful smile]*

<YES! ALWAYS REMIND OSO! TAKE CARE! OF HIM! SHOW HE’S NOT ALONE!>
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Illario Dellamorte @illarioftreviso.bsky.social · 11h

Noted. Though, you know… I wouldn’t pass up an opportunity to enjoy a drink. Especially with one as… handsome as you.

Solas @oneirologist.bsky.social · 11h

"Yes. The offer still stands. I am always looking for a reasonable excuse to enjoy some drinks."

Illario Dellamorte @illarioftreviso.bsky.social · 2d

*[chuckles]* I will make sure to do so. *[tries to recall the man’s opinion on tomatoes but comes up empty, before remembering, realizing]*

I believe you’ve already met this man once before. Him and his love - my cousin.

Illario Dellamorte @illarioftreviso.bsky.social · 11h

*[He wouldn’t hurt the spirit, as doing so would hurt Santiago, but that wasn’t the only way to fix this]*

*[gently, he cradled the other’s jaw, head tilted slightly, with a gentle smile]*

I would love to hear the story, querido espíritu. You don’t have to hide from me.

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Illario Dellamorte @illarioftreviso.bsky.social · 11h

*[Spirits were clever, crafty. Like a Crow, they used every weapon at their disposal. But, Illario couldn’t be possessed again. Perhaps it was why he was so… foolhardy. Even moreso than usual.]*
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Illario Dellamorte @illarioftreviso.bsky.social · 1d

“Could you tell me of the Veil. Of Fen’harel. It’s been a long, rough day, and your voice is comforting.”

*[Envy starts to calm, still watching, but less on edge]*

He sighs, letting himself give the illusion of relaxation.

“You would’ve made a fine Crow.”

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Illario Dellamorte @illarioftreviso.bsky.social · 1d

“I…” *[his tone gentles, and he offers a soft smile to him. Them.]*

I want to learn from you, Santiago. And do not worry. You don’t have to call me “amor”. I know you do not know me. More than that, I know how difficult it is to let people in when they could be taken away from you.”
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Illario Dellamorte @illarioftreviso.bsky.social · 1d

Come on, Hawen. *[Rio begged, squeezing his hands in return]* Tell me about the Dread Wolf. Fen’harel. I know you know about him. Show me this is still you!

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Illario Dellamorte @illarioftreviso.bsky.social · 1d

*[Rio felt like he was so close, but so far away. And then it dawned on him. He would’ve known the dread wolf. Fen’harel. Rio knew that much about the Dalish…]*

*[The Dalish! That was it! Elven names.]*
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Illario Dellamorte @illarioftreviso.bsky.social · 1d

*[When a thought crossed his mind. He’d remembered that Santiago had been studying to become a First.]*

*[Dalish history. Of course! Something that spirits and Dalish would have vastly different accounts of]*

“Santiago, what can you tell me about the Evanuris? About Solas?”

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Illario Dellamorte @illarioftreviso.bsky.social · 1d

*[Taking a breath, he searches his mind, trying to come up with some sort of fact about the Fade. Something Santi wouldn’t be able to get right]*

*[If he got it wrong, which he hoped he would, then he’d know it was him. That, or the demon was lying. Lying enough to sound like a convincing mortal]*

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Illario Dellamorte @illarioftreviso.bsky.social · 1d

*[his eyes narrowed as “Santiago” took both of his hands. Clever. Too clever.]*

“Santiago, I want to help you, but I need you to stay calm, and answer my questions, ok? No matter how bizarre they sound, they’re important.”
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Illario Dellamorte @illarioftreviso.bsky.social · 1d

*[There had to be some sort of knowledge that spirits couldn’t gleam - even while in a possessed body. Some hidden aspect that they couldn’t access]*

*[Ohhh, or perhaps the opposite - something a normal mortal wouldn’t know of the Fade]*
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Illario Dellamorte @illarioftreviso.bsky.social · 1d

*[He knew it. This hadn’t been Santiago. At least, not his Santiago. This was either the demon, or an alternate version of the person Santiago once had been. But, a demon would know anything that this Santiago knew.]*
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Illario Dellamorte @illarioftreviso.bsky.social · 1d

*[chuckles to himself]* Alright, that’s fair. Thank you, Feyran.

Illario Dellamorte @illarioftreviso.bsky.social · 1d

*[taking a deep breath, he put in his best distraught face]*

You have. You threw out my father‘a portrait. The last thing I had of him. I… I don’t know who you’re becoming, mi luz… I’m so scared.

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Illario Dellamorte @illarioftreviso.bsky.social · 1d

*[Corazón. An even lesser-used nickname… What he would give to hear “cerezito” from his lips… Something to show that it truly was him, and not a demon’s tricks]*

*[But, whoever this was… they were vulnerable. He could twist this.]*
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Illario Dellamorte @illarioftreviso.bsky.social · 1d

Sometimes, I feel I’d be a prime target for a spirit of Regret.

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Illario Dellamorte @illarioftreviso.bsky.social · 1d

“It’s ok, we can figure this out.” He led Santiago to his bed, kicking the empty bottle of grappa further under it, loud enough for him to hear. “Forgive the mess, I’ve been… No, it doesn’t matter.”

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Illario Dellamorte @illarioftreviso.bsky.social · 1d

*[His breath quickens as… whoever it is steps closer to him. No, no this was a trick. This was a trick! Think, Illario! Think!]*

“Yes, I’ll help you.“ He reached out, grabbing Santiago’s hand with his right one.
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Illario Dellamorte @illarioftreviso.bsky.social · 1d

*[smiles at that]*

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