Love in the LIbrary

Mangus was nestled into a comfortable chair in the Library, an old book across his lap. He loved reading - but that wasn't really the purpose of this visit.  After all, this place was more a garden than a library in earnest.  No, he was here to visit an old friend... irresistibly drawn to her.  It had been a long time, but the need to be near her had grown nearly unbearable.  He wanted to....he wanted to wrap her in his arms and hold her, to protect her from everything in this world that meant to do her harm...

Of course, none of that was possible.  This was the palace and, in the palace, everything had eyes and ears...especially now that it was crawling with crows.  

So instead he sat quietly, suppressing the urge to look up each time there were footsteps at the door.  She would find him.  She always found him.  More accurately he supposed, they always somehow found each other.

Eularia loved the library; it had remained how her husband had made it—overflowing with plants and books both. She'd loved that about him; and desperately missed his erratic mannerisms. He was out there, somewhere. She wasn't sure where, or how she'd lost him but...

The plan had backfired.

And things were happening.

And he was dead, officially.

And that was, in part, why she was coming to the library. To find a book and settle in amongst the plants. Avoid the Crows and Talons vying for her attention, avoid the angry stares from her children.

She was certain they must hate her. After all, the King's death was attributed as her kill.

She entered the library quietly, hands in her pockets as she paused in the doorway. Someone was there, already. It took her a second, but...

You've not aged a day, Magnus. She breathed the words quietly, staring at him.

Magnus looked up from his book and genuinely smiled.  

[color=#7CD98A]"And yet I still pale in comparison to your grace and beauty."[/color]  He set his book to the side and stood, bowing slightly.  [color=#7CD98A]"Your Highness, I hope you are well.  I apologize for the intrusion..."[/color]  His words trailed off for a second as he let the moment hang in the air.  There were certain formalities that were expected, and he'd already bypassed more than was probably prudent. 

[color=#7CD98A]"...but I was hoping you might have a few minutes for an old friend.  Don't worry - I haven't any requests other than whatever time you could spare.  It's been too long."[/color]

It wasn't just that he wanted to see her, to be near to her...it really had been too long. The world was too rife with unrest and one can never have too many allies with unwavering loyalty...especially ones that have proven themselves in the past.

Eularia leaned in the doorway, studying Magnus, chuckling. Oh, you're kind but the lies are not needed. She reached to brush the leaves of one of the plants, that littered the library. Not at all, you are just as welcome to the library than anyone else.

Though some part of her bristled at the fact he was here. An old lover in the living memorial of her husband. A man, who by all accounts was dead... She smiled pleasantly, though.

No need for formal titles, in such an informal setting. No, Francesco had never enjoyed the titles and neither had she. Though in many settings those titles were forced upon them.

How have you been, Magnus? She entered the library finally, eyes drifting over the many plants that took up the bulk of space within the haven of books. It was most unusual and she loved it.

Magnus watched her tend to the plants, a vision of loveliness amidst a garden of life and knowledge.  He took in the way the dust in the air caught the light and swirled around her, giving her a halo in this sacred place.  But...this place didn't quite feel like her.  There was something about it that was...quiet and still.  He could see that she loved it but...

He pushed the thought away, internally bristling at his unwillingness to follow it any further.  There clearly had been something there...necessity muddled with proximity, companionship that evolved into friendship. He could never fault her for that. 

His eyes danced over her skin.  She really was just as beautiful as ever...more beautiful, really.  But he could see the weight that was bearing down on her, crushing the spirit that had once burned so hot that its brilliance broke through every one of his defenses.  

[color=#7CD98A]"I've been..." [/color] he paused for a moment, searching for the right word, [color=#7CD98A]"busy.  Well enough, I suppose."[/color]  He gave a small shrug and a half smile that didn't quite reach his sad eyes. [color=#7CD98A]"Though, to be honest I've missed having someone to talk to...someone I could trust above everything else."[/color]  He looked away, willing the memories of golden afternoons spent together away.   This was neither the time nor the place to get lost in such thoughts.  

Before they had become lovers they had been friends.  There had been nothing between them as they worked to control their magic while hiding it away from the rest of the world.  There had been a time when they spent every free moment together, clinging to each other as they faced the perils around them and charted their course in the world.

It was that friendship that he fell back on now...an excuse to serve to the rest of the world about why, after all this time, he had suddenly reappeared in her library, in her life.

Besides...it was true.  They both needed to have someone whose devotion was beyond question.  There were too many daggers pointed at Eularia...too many people ready to see her fall.  He hadn't let her get hurt that night when everything seemed to spiral out of control and he would be damned if he could sit by and watch her face this situation alone.

Eularia claimed a watering can from one of the tables, leaning to inhale the scent of one of the plants as she watered it. She remembered when this room had first become overflowing with plants. It'd been a stormy evening, and her husband had been... pacing, restless. Before either she or his servants knew what was happening, he'd ordered plants moved into the library.

It had eased his restless nature, this room. And so, in his absence no-one else was allowed to care for the plants. That's good, she answered, as she rounded a bookshelf. Just in time to notice the smile didn't reach his eyes.

It'd been years since she'd interacted with him; old flame, protector, teacher. Your smile does not meet your eyes, no me mientas. He looked away from her, as he spoke about missing her, and she sighed softly.

Yo también te extrañé. That's why I want to know, how are you? What have you done all these years? Her doings were not a private affair; all of Antiva knew what she and hers had been doing.

Eularia moved to set the watering can down, finding a seat atop the same table, by his chair. Her husband had never been one for propriety, and it'd rubbed off on her, as much as she tried to pretend it hadn't.

Tell me about Magnus. Not... what you think I want to hear. Do you know how boring that is? She sighed at him, shaking her head. No, I imagine no-one but myself understands. In positions of great power, or even just positions with a title, as this one is... People want you to be agreeable. So they'll agree with you, even when they should not. She tilted her head back, studying the ceiling. She was hopeful that she might hear from Alfred; she'd sent the manservant into the rest of Thedas in search of their Francesco.

Frankie'd fix everything. Even if it was her mess to fix.

He could see that she was somewhere else for a moment, but he let it go.  He knew all too well what it felt like to be haunted by visions of the past, to long for things to be different than they truly were.  He'd been there more often than he would ever dare to admit.  

But those thoughts didn't matter now. It had been so long since they had been this close to each other with nothing but time hanging between them.  

His expression softened as he dropped the formalities, sliding into the comfortable honesty they had cherished so long ago.   [color=#7CD98A]"I've been here...tutoring students.  It seemed a good fit, considering.  Sometimes it's nice...most times it is painfully frustrating.  A few of them have the potential to be more than they could ever imagine...if only they'd get out of their own damn way."  [/color]

He exhaled a silent breath and when he continued, his voice was laced with affection and concern - though it would have only been discernable to those who knew him as well as Eularia.

[color=#7CD98A]"I've also been listening, watching.  Information can be hard to come by, even harder if you want it to be accurate...but I've been doing my best.  Estoy preocupado por ti, mi llave.  You carry too much weight on your shoulders and too many people are waiting with hungry looks in their eyes.  I know there is little I can do to help......pero ahora soy y siempre seré un amigo devote."[/color]

He paused, still debating with himself about how much more he would say.  Finally, he just took the leap. 

[color=#7CD98A]"I would sooner have you away from all of this than see you in danger...but that isn't something that would happen, even if it could.  So instead, I just want to be near enough that I can help buoy you in this storm."
[/color]

Eularia listened as he told her what he'd been doing with his life. She grinned, Sounds like they're similar to us, when we were younger. She teased, leaning forward to study him. Her dark eyes were bright with curiosity; she wanted to know everything about her friend.

It was nice, having someone who wasn't upset about something she had caused to talk to. She sat up when he spoke again, that familiar tone she remembered all too well; from their childhood. Him, telling her to be careful after she was assigned her task to kill the prince...

Him whispering that people were noticing; she was taking too long. She was in danger. She chuckled quietly, I am aware of the weight across my shoulders, Mags. Her gaze swept over the room they resided in. Un movimiento en falso y todo el palacio de naipes se derrumbará sobre mí.

The queen leaned forward, like a lover whispering in her partner's ear, lips inches from touching him. The wolves have always waited at my door, darling. The vipers are always poised to strike. My late husband knew this. Her breath was gentle against the side of his face.

She straightened, laughing softly. My responsibilities to my people and my children matter more than my life, Magnus. I made promises to Francesco, that I plan to keep. But... I could use the help. Any help you wish to give.

A rush of intensity raced down his spine as the gentle caress of her breath against his skin threatened to bring all the memories of their time together cascading into the forefront of his mind.  He longed to grab her, to pull her against him and kiss her as he had so long ago.  He closed his eyes for half a second as he savored the vision before letting it slip away.  Control over such fantasies was how he had stayed alive, how he had kept their secret for so long.  When he opened them again, she was still there, still, so close he could smell the aroma of the flowers she had just touched clinging to her skin the way he wished he could.  He could sense her hesitation to pull away as she invariably fought the same battles against the past as he.

Outwardly, the only indication of his spiraling thoughts was the purposeful blink which, as the result of intense practice, looked much like a modest aversion of the eyes that often is the result of the proximity of such a beautiful woman.  The corners of his eyes crinkled a little as the hint of an understanding smile passed over his lips.  

The wolves may have always been at her door, but he'd always been there, in the shadows, fighting to fend them off.  That she didn't know this meant he had done his job perfectly.  Magnus knew that true power wasn't in showy demonstrations or boisterous talk...true power was exerting your will over others in such a way that they never knew it was anything other than their own desires.  True power was pulling the strings so that you, and the people you love, were safe against all odds.  

[color=#7CD98A]"I would expect nothing less.  You have never been one to shy away from the hard choices or the difficult paths.  I know you won't back down, Lara.  I just want to be there to help fend off any daggers aimed at your back, to crush any threats to the ones you hold dear.  In that endeavor, I will be relentless."  [/color]

He'd been watching her children, too.  Moving unseen and often across many lands to check on them, to keep them safe from threats they didn't know existed.  Promises to companions were secondary, her concern and devotion existed by virtue of who she was at her very core.  The children were hers...and she was his.  He'd always protect his family.

Eularia hummed softly, You are much too kind when it comes to my safety, Magnus. I believe you're blinding yourself to the inevitable fact that, sooner or later, I will fall. Her words were carefully chosen. No-one can stop the inevitability that is death. She explained, easily.

Oh, how she wished she were dressed in simple clothes, dancing in taverns to entertain the sleaze and earn her keep. It'd been such a simpler time. She leaned back, studying the ceiling with a sigh. When the time comes, I think I will welcome it. To be free again, is my most crushing wish. She had never blamed her husband for the chains that bound her upon their marriage; she knew he had felt the same.

Francesco was out there somewhere, and she desperately hoped he was living freely. Though, the crushing reality that something had gone wrong (and that was why he did not come for her) or he had taken his freedom and fled with it (leaving her and the children, this choice was most improbable, as he'd loved his family above all else) broke her heart.

She closed her eyes, letting her mind dance through the memories of her life, before royalty. Royal titles are... a new kind of chain. You'd think I'd be used to it after so long in power. She joked, quietly. The truth was, and since he was always watching he might know, the king and his wife had often left the palace dressed as commonfolk, to dance and perform for them.

It'd brought them both great joy, to know the other felt just as trapped in the rigid lifestyle. Misery certainly breeds misery, and needs company to survive.

Blinking, she opened her eyes to study her old friend, offering a hand out to him. I would prefer that you look after my children, than look after me. The targets painted on my person are large, and bright. But my children... She smiled gently, They have done no wrong. And do not deserve the sins of their parents.

The warm look on his face didn't fade.  

[color=#7CD98A]"I am not blind to the inevitable, Lara.  I just hope to delay it as much as is possible."  He paused, taking just a second to etch this moment into his mind. "I just hope to make sure you don't face this peril alone.  I know you want to protect everyone, that you are strong enough to face adversity on your own...but you don't have to."[/color]

He reached into some hidden pocket concealed against his chest and withdrew a single flower, its three azure petals delicately open to reveal the brilliant purple stigma inside.  In all of Thedas he had only seen this flower in one place...the fields outside of Denerim.  Even then, it was rare and difficult to find...and it never lasted very long once cut.  

He carefully held it out to her, a gift from Ferelden.  He knew she'd understand the message.

[color=#7CD98A]"Tengo toda la intención de mantenerlos a todos a salvo."[/color]

Eularia smiled at the flower as he presented it to her, leaning to inhale its scent. Her daughter was in Denerim, with the king. Had she enlisted Magnus to deliver a message? Too many ears to ask.

It's beautiful. Thank you. She murmured, holding it in her palms. She'd hold it there for a moment longer, before carefully placing it into the nearest pot. It'd not survive; they never did. But she could watch it as its life-cycle cycled through phases.

You are too kind to me, Magnus.

Magnus's ability to hide his emotions was almost perfect - even from her.  That being said, he let the delight at her words flash in his eyes for just a moment...long enough for her to know how much he appreciated them.   Internally, he imagined he could feel the warm embrace of her words, his heart swelling with a mix of pride and elation.  But his training kept his body in check.  Secrets.  He had always been an expert at keeping secrets.  

[color=#7CD98A]"I have always been and will always be your devoted friend.  There is nothing you could ask of me that would be too great."  [/color]

His attention was momentarily diverted as he heard footsteps echo outside of the Library, and he waited until they receded before continuing.  

[color=#7CD98A]"Unfortunately, I fear my time for this visit is nearly gone."[/color]  He glanced at the book he had been reading, drawing her eyes to the slip of paper tucked between the pages and barely visible.  The note didn't have any dangerous information on it...just a way to contact him without much context.  At the bottom, scrawled in his impeccable penmanship, was the note "or Raine."  He knew she'd understand - they'd employed such a tactic before, though it had been a long time.  Raine, whoever they were, could serve as a trusted messenger if he was away. 

[color=#7CD98A]"I hope you'll permit me to visit again soon."[/color]  The idea of being near her again filled him with a rush of desire.  Perhaps, someday soon, they could manage to slip away together.  She had done it before...though without knowing how close he was, she had never made the escape to see him.  Now it would be tricky to find the perfect opportunity.  They would, though, as soon as it could be accomplished safely, discretely.  He knew she needed to be near him, to hold him, just as much as he did her.

The queen's gaze wandered to the book as he glanced down to it, and she reached to pull the book from his hand. Note slipped effortlessly into her own palm. Once a thief, always a thief, after all. Please, perhaps our next meeting will be... somewhere with fewer eavesdroppers. She smiled pleasantly, as she returned the book to its place on the shelf.

Thank you for coming to see me. It is quite rare that I enjoy visits from people these days.

Somewhere with fewer eavesdroppers.  He longed for that....the moment when they could truly be alone again.  There were too many eyes and ears on her...but there wouldn't always be.  He just needed to be patient.  After all these years, patience was one of his greatest skills.  

Of course, so was planning.  He had long ago determined that in order to truly get what you wanted, one must be cunning.  It was the premise on which he had built his life.  
[color=#7CD98A]
"We'll see each other again soon.  I promise."[/color]  He wanted to touch her before departing.  He wanted to embrace her, to kiss her so deeply that her knees went weak and she was unsteady on her feet.  He wanted to sweep her into his arms, to press his body against hers and tangle his fingers in her hair as he tasted her lips, her neck.  He wanted to run his hands over her bare skin and remind her of what it meant to be truly loved.  

He wanted all of those things but, instead, he just dipped his head slightly.  His piercing blue eyes met hers for a moment of complete intimacy, the sort that only happens when two souls fit together so perfectly it only makes sense that they intertwine.  But the moment passed, leaving the unspoken words and emotions dangling between them.  Soon they would have their opportunity.  Soon they would be alone.  Soon.

He gave a quick nod as if to confirm that he still felt the same way as she, even after all these years.  It was something that would never change.  He would always love her.  Always.  

And then he turned, disappearing from the library and the palace with such silent grace that was unnoticed and undisturbed along his journey.  In a palace full of crows, that act was quite a feat.