Chapter Text
On the boarder of the Imperium and Lil'Hoss was a little shop called Wyvren's trinkets and things. It was a neutral bar and shop for the various gangs; Except Watchers weren't allowed in anymore. Thank the Maker Rook was on great terms with the owner, Grey. A former member of the Lords before they were absorbed in the Watchers.
When she explained the situation, the former Lord, a tall, stocky build of a man glare at Emmrich soften. In fact, Grey's whole attitude changed towards Emmrich. Striking Emmrich on the back in a friendly manner if a bit heavy handed, nearly knocked the wind out of him.
"So you and Volcarnage, huh?" Grey shook his head in amused bewilderment as he turned. "I would have lost that bet."
"Me too." Rook agreed, dropping herself hard onto an old wooden chair next to a table. Grey's dark eyes flickered from Rook to Emmrich and back as he rounded the counter to the register.
"Well Volcarnage-"
"Please, Emmrich is fine."
"Well, Emmrich, despite the death stares from the other patrons, you are safe here." He grabbed a rag and proceeded to clean his counter. "Well safe as long as Rook is near. Just don't do anything stupid/ or I'll sic Wyvren on you." Grey pointed to the far end of the counter where a pretty tabby cat laid sleeping.
"We'll be good, Grey." Rook laughed out.
Lacing up her boots as she waited for Davrin to show up, Rook's fury wouldn't subside no matter how many breathing exercises Emmrich tired to get her to do. Her mind raced through the various scenarios on how Hezenkoss managed to get close enough to Momma Thorne in the first place. Unless…
Rook shook her head of the stupid idea. There was no way Momma Thorne WANTED to get captured…right? The meeting with her replayed in Rooks mind was there something she missed? Besides Hezenkoss taking Thorne to the very place she wanted to meet, she couldn't rationalize how or why.
"Rook." Emmrich placed a hand on her trembling leg. "Breath. Slow, deep." Even as her mind was a jumbled mess, his voice was calming. She hated it. she wanted to stew in her anger it pushed her and kept her focused. Except it wasn't working as before.
"I'm trying." She snapped back.
Finally, she caught Davrin from the window just before he entered the shop. Jumping from her chair so fast it fell over with a loud crash. She ran to Darvin, throwing her arms around his neck in a hug. He hugged her back for a breath before they broke apart.
"Are you ok?" Rook demanded as she looked him up and down.
"I'm fine. Everyone else is fine. The shop is a mess but…" Davrin's expression was a mix of disconcertment and fury. "Nothing was missing when we checked. Just Momma. It was staged. Nothing was broken, just shit scattered around."
"Staged?"
A faint buzzing interrupted them. Emmrich reached into his pants pocket and retrieved his phone. Whatever he saw darkened his expression as the muscle in his jaw clenched.
"It's Johanna. She hasn't bothered to message me since your capture at the docks. She demands my presence at the square."
"Well it's a good thing we are going there already." The trio began to make there way out when Rook turned back inside. "Grey. Thank you for not…ya know stabbing Emmrich."
Grey nodded. "Hey, he behaved and Wyvren didn't hiss at him. So he's good."
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By the time they reach the square, there was a sizable crowd and a makeshift stage in the center of the of the little borough main street. Bedazzled with gold and green, Watcher colors. Davrin, Emmrich, and Rook were hidden in an alleyway while the rest of the Grey's and Crows blended in with the ever growing crowd. Familiar faces flashed through with some she hadn't seen in years.
"Typical. Ever the seeker of attention. Johanna does nothing grand without an audience." Emmrich sneered.
"I don't see her or her little entourage." Rook noticed as she scanned the stage there were no watchers around at all. Not a single grunt which was strange.
"That is strange indeed. If Johanna did capture Ms. Thorne, there should be more fanfare on Johannas part."
Something was off about the situation. Eventually someone walked on the stage, a grunt whose expression could only be described as terror. The young watcher cleared her throat and in a trembling voice clumsily introduced the mayor. Stiffly the watcher walked off stage and to everyone's shock, Johanna trudged on, Momma Thorne followed behind but not as her prisoner.
Johanna didn't look…right. Standing rigged in front of the microphone as if fighting an invisible entity that forced her to act against character. Fingers twitched by her side, curled unnaturally in itself. As she began to speak, the tremor in her voice, Rook was unsure if it was fear, rage or maybe both.
"Good afternoon, citizens of Necropolis city." Hezenkoss spoke through gritted teeth. "I. Johanna Hezenkoss…" Pausing, Hezenkoss head twitched. Unbridled fury evident as her face turned a bright shade of red.
Momma Thorne leaned in, covering the mic. Hezenkoss face remained unchanged as the color returned to her strained face. Rook and Emmrich exchanged bewildered looks.
"I, Johanna Hezenkoss, herby…relinquish…mayoral duties to…to…" Hezenkoss face flashed bright red again then purple. She started vibrating like a soda bottle under extreme pressure. "Luuuucaaaaanis….Delllllllaaaammmmmorte." She finally pushed out, the purple drained from her face but the rage on her visage could melt glass with its intensity.
The large crowd was a mix of gasps and low mummers. Confused, outrage, cheers all filled the warm afternoon air after a moment. Rook, Davrin, and Emmrich stood stunned. There was no way Hezenkoss quit willingly.
"What the fuck was that?" Was all Davrin said. Lucanis walked up the stage in a dazzling purple three piece suit. A smug grin on his face as he grabbed and adjusted the mic.
"Thank you, Johanna for making this transition easy and without fuss." Lucanis spoke cracking a grin before it gave way to somber look. "It saddens me that as Necropolis city new mayor I must place former mayor Johanna Hezenkoss under arrest." More gasps and murmurs.
Folks were pissed while most applauded with glee. It wasn't the royal beat down Rook wanted but it brought a smile to her face nonetheless. That smile gave way shock with Lucanis' next words.
"There is also an arrest warrant issued for Emmrich Volkarin." Lucanis shouted over the unruly crowd. Rooks heart sank.
"Perhaps it's simply a formality?" Emmrich snaked an arm around Rook shoulder and drew her close. "Your mother gave her word that I would be safe. If you trust her, then there is nothing to fear." Rooks eyes darted from Lucanis to Davrin, uncertainty etched in his face.
As much as she wanted to believe her mother, her gut was telling her to run. To take hold of his hand and whisk him away.
Momma Thorne put Hezenkoss in cuff and leaned in, whispering something in her ear. The color drained from Hezenkoss face. Thorne then led her off the stage. Rook rubbed her eyes in disbelief. She swore it appeared that Hezenkoss' mouth was gone.
A loud blast followed by thick grey smoke blanketed the large crowd and blinding the stage. A flicker of orange light through the fog were the first signs of that things were about to get a whole lot worst. The orange light soon grew, into a blazing inferno. Engulfing the stage in black smoke and vibrant flames.
Screams were heard and flashes of green and blue magic were seen through the smoke. Rook was already moving towards the stage before Emmrichs voice registered in her ears. Davrin was right on her tail as they weaved through the panicked crowd and smoke. She reached the barricade blocking the stage, the flames licked her cheeks as she got closer. The metal barricade was hot to the touch.
Davrin's hand fell on her shoulder as they coughed out from the thick smoke.
Just as quickly as the flames grew, they were gone with a flash. An unnatural wind blew away the remaining smoke reveling the charred stage still standing. Neve stood over Lucanis protectively, staff in hand. Lucanis was on the ground holding his arm as blood dripped down his fingers. Momma Thorne stood in front, the hand of glory floating by her head.
Hezenkoss visage was pure fury while she was surrounded by watcher grunts.
"Did you really believe you would shame and humiliate me, Thorne?" Hezenkoss hissed. Rook was stunned staring up at the a scene she could only describe as something from a movie. "You think because you have the hand you can overpower me and mine? HA" Hezenkoss pushed passed her makeshift guards. Her eyes locked on to Rook and the most vial grin appeared on her face.
A green flash and Hezenkoss was gone; suddenly appearing behind Rook. Emmrich was sprinting towards her when bony arms wrapped around her neck and chest. Hezenkoss was a very small woman compared to Rook and thus her feet wrapped around Rook waist tight as she brandished a dagger and held it to Rooks neck.
"Not another step, Volkarin or shes dead before her body hits the ground." Emmrich stopped dead in his tracks. Heavy breathing as his eyes darted from Rook to her capture.
Rooks stomach rolled and she took in a shaky breath. She knew this feeling well, it was happening everyday for last three months. Hezenkoss' irritating voice was loud in her ear.
"You fools think you've won? Think you've cornered Johanna Henzenkoss?" The humorless cackle that escaped her stung against Rooks eardrum. Rooks mouth began to water and instinctively moved forward, only for Hezenkoss' knife to press deeper into her flesh. The soft trickles of blood began to flow down. "Don't be stupid, girl. I know Volkarin has questionable taste in partners-"
Hezenkoss' words were cut off as Rook hurled what little was in her stomach out. The act disgusted her enough to allow Davrin the opening to shoulder check the bitch off of Rooks back. Grateful to no longer have the tiny woman on her as the smell of bile burned her nose.
Hezenkoss barely hit the ground when she was piled on by remaining Grey, Crow and every sensible citizen of Necropolis city. A proper fight broke out, the Watchers were out numbered. Still, they tried to protect Hezenkoss all the same. The fight barely lasted five minutes,if one could call it a fight at all. The watcher grunts stood no chance as they were pinned to the ground. Cheers and rants once more filled the air.
Davrin had emerged from the crowd with a fist full of Hezenkoss' hair, hands held behind her back by Ayla. When did she get here?
The absolute glee on Ayla face as she wrung Hezenkoss' wrist, observing the vile former mayor grimace. Her mouth twisted to spew out her usual vitriol only for Emmrich to slap a muzzle over her mouth. The smirk on his face as he, not so gently tugged it tight, made Rook want to kiss him right then and there. If her mouth wasn't already preoccupied hurling her already empty stomach.
Momma Thorne made her way off the stage, the hand of glory floating near her head. She stopped directly in front of the shamed mayor. The crowd roared with anger and chats of 'justice.' Spectral cuffs bound itself to Hezenkoss' wrist in front with a connected chain around her neck. Momma Thorne yanked on the leash causing the former mayor to fall to her knees.
Watching it all unfold was a kin to observing someone trying to train a disobedient dog. Thorne locked eye with disgraced mayor.
"Davrin, I'm leaving the shop to you." Momma declared, her gaze unbroken. "Johanna and I have a lot of catching up to do." Her words were laced with a venom Neither Rook or Davrin had ever heard. Thornes gaze fell to Rook; finally finished expelling her guts, and flickered to Emmrich as he was making his way towards Rook. "Volkarin." Emmrich stiffened slightly.
"Yes?"
"You take care of Rook and my grand baby. I may have one good eye but that eye sees everything." Emmrich grabbed Rooks hand and squeezed.
"Madam, on my life, Rook and our children will want for naught." At that his focus fell to Rook. She squeezed his hand in return. Momma Thorne said nothing more before turning her focus back to Hezenkoss.
Yanking the chain upward, forced Hezenkoss back to her feet. She along with the last of the watchers, bound in cuffs, were lead to several black SUVs. The last Rook ever saw of Hezenkoss was her muzzled face staring out the window, her face finally showed defeat.
"I think a new announcement is in order." Lucanis' voice broke through what was left of the crowd. Forcing everyone to pay attention. "The arrest warrant for Emmrich Volkarin…" Lucanis stared directly at Emmrich, brows farrowed for a moment. Then they softened and a gently smile caressed his face. "Has been lifted. He is pardoned."
Emmrich's knees almost gave out, the relief on his face as the stress left his body nearly made him cry. He wrapped his arms around Rook so tight, she had difficulty breathing.
"Emm..rich…crushing…me." He released her with an apology on his lips.
"Forgive me. I'm just overjoyed. I feel renewed, as if my lungs are tasting clean, fresh, air for the first time." He hugged her again softly whispering, "My dearest, Rook."
Rook pulled back, staring into his glistening hazel eyes.
"Zea." She had never in all her years, allowed anyone to call her by that name. Davrin and Momma Thorne were the only ones allowed to. Ever. And here she was giving it out to a man she once wanted called an enemy. "Seems weird to have the father of my child call me by a nickname." He smiled softly at her.
"My darling, Zea." Her name on his lips lit her core on fire. Each syllable hit her ear like it was meant to be heard from his voice and only his. Gripping his coat, she pulled him, her lips brushed against his ear.
"I think it's time we did some early celebrating." Emmrich squeezed her waist.
"I quite agree."
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Rook was getting out of the shower. It was much nicer and bigger than the one she used in her old apartment in Lil'Hoss. Plus with her growing bump, she was grateful to not have to step in and out of a tube to shower as it was a stand alone.
Three moths passed since the event in Antiva square. Clean up afterwards progressed smoothly. The Watchers dissolved and the Dellamortes, Crows and Greys have been doing their best to make Necropolis city, the grand city it was meant to be. Momma Thorne sent one post card from some vague place in Thedas, noting that Hezenkoss was still very much alive. However, mentioned that she may or may not be in one piece. Emmrich grimaced at the little smiley face Thorne drew next to those words.
After many back and forth conversation and Emmrich downright pleading on his knees for her to move in, she relented. He wanted his new family under one roof. Though his penthouse was not suitable for a small child, let alone a new born, they would have to make due.
When she finally met young Manfred, the boy had the brightest green eyes she had ever seen. An innocent and curious little boy that latched on to Rook quickly. A surprise for both as Manfred only allowed Emmrich to touch him.
Once dried, she wrapped herself in the large robe Emmrich insisted on getting her. He told her it would be big enough for her to grow in and it was comfortable. She hated when he was right. As she exited the connecting bathroom to his master suit, she stopped, surprised to see him sitting in the bed.
"Oh, you're back. Fuck, was I in the shower that long?" Emmrich laughed standing up as he made his way towards her.
"No. I finished my errands." When he reached her, he placed both hands on the sides of her belly and slid them back until he held her in his embrace. "I was so excited to share the news that I raced back as fast as I could…legally." At that Rook let out a cackle.
"What is this great news you were excited to share?" She returned his embrace, wrapping her arms around his neck the best her belly would allow as it pushed against his torso. Her voliet-blue eyes locked to his hazel.
"We got the house." Rooks jaw went slack as her eye widened.
"Are you serious? The one in Starkheaven?" He nodded vigorously. "It will take some time. But the place should be ready before the little one arrives."
"I…I can't believe we are actually doing it." Rook lowered her eyes. "We're leaving Necropolis city" Sensing her distress, he cupped her face, forcing her to look at him.
"It is what we both want. Yes the city is in good hand with the Lucanis and Neve. Johanna is dealt with, Davrin is running the Greys and the Crows are allowed back." He did circles on her cheeks with thumb gently. "There is nothing left for us here. We can start fresh and raise our children in peace."
He was right, as usual.
"I know and I'm excited for this next chapter. It's just all new to me. I never imagined a quiet life with children."
"It was all I dreamt about for decades. I had lost hope as the years passed. But now…" His hand slid back to the swell of her belly. "I have that life in palms of my hand." Theirs eye locked and it was in that moment that she knew she could no longer keep lying to herself.
"I love you, Emmrich Volkarin." For a beat, he was speechless;but quickly recovered. A big bright smile stretched ear to ear.
"I love you, my darling Zea."