Alexander De Riva

(( Alex & Ren by the incredible @yuko27.bsky.social - I adore them sm ))
@cioccolatocaldo.bsky.social #darp

"The Fade could never have made anything as beautiful as you look today," he said softly, picking up her hand to place a kiss on the back. "Thank you for coming with me."

He was tense in the Fade, he always was, but he tried not to let it show. He was here for Cole and Bellara, and he wouldn't have missed it for anything. He looked over when Ren squeezed his hand, smiling.

On your knees…

#DragonAge #IllarioDellamorte

He shot a look to Ren, confused and a bit concerned. Was this part of the show?

"Sounds good," he agreed with a nod and a gentle squeeze of her hand. "Should I go straight to your room after? Or...?" Alex trailed off as a different voice began singing, dragging his attention unwillingly back to the stage. Another woman stood there now, front and center.

Alex's ears went pink at the name, twitching in happiness despite the news. He remembered what Vanya and Ian had told him - that he needed to talk to Ren.

He knew they were right, but was it a good time? Ren had her father to worry about now - and the thought of him sobered his mood in an instant.

If you think of anything at all, will you let me know? I-" he took a deep, shuddering breath, interlocking her fingers with his. "I just don't want anything to happen to you. Please."

"I'm the last person who's going to say something about withholding information," he teased, not wanting her to think he'd been upset. He'd wished he'd known, of course, but he understood.

"I'm just... glad you told me. I... You said I'm helping, but please- after we get home.

"I have no doubt you can handle anything you set your mind to. But asking for help is okay too. At least, that's what you and Beth keep trying to tell me," he said, squeezing her hand again, lips pulled up into a half smile.

Alex's eyes narrowed at the mention of another letter, his unease growing.

"You go more than one?" He kept the anger out of his tone - but just barely. Not at Ren, but at her family. Holding a deep breath, he pushed the emotion back. It wouldn't do him any good here.

"Just- they might be able to help. He has to be leaving a trail *somewhere*, right?"

He nodded when she mentioned keeping an eye out, thumb beginning to trace idle patterns on the back of her hand. "I will. Does Beth know? After what happened..." he thought back to when she'd gone missing and his grip on her hand tightened involuntarily before he came back to himself.

He forced his muscles to relax, even if everything in him screamed to be on high alert. He was here. He had to be. He blew out another breath, squeezing her hand gently. "Thank you," he said quietly. "For telling me."

"How can I help?" This was Ren's family, and she was an accomplished Crow. He knew she could handle herself. But he wanted to be able to help however he could.

Alex had to take a moment to reign in his magic, hands going cold as he did. Her father had tried to kidnap Ren, and while he might not know anything else about the man, he had already decided he was a dead man walking. He took several deep breaths before leaning back toward Ren.

"Ren?" he spoke quietly, leaning close. "Are you alright? I know I asked at the house but... Please, you'd tell me if something was bothering you, right?"

Alex walked hand in hand with Ren to their seats, making it just in time. He could tell she was on edge - had been since they'd left the Manor - but it was worse now. As they sat and the lights dimmed, he looked over to see her not watching the stage, but scanning the crowd.

Alex's ears went from pink to red at Ren's comment. "There’s nowhere we'd rather be," he assured Ivy. "We saw plenty of other Crows on our way in, and even Ian and some Shadow Dragons from Minrathous. We're all here for you."

Alex smiled and let Ren pass first before entering. "We're happy to be here. I'm sure you'll be wonderful." He held out the bouquet of yellow roses, ears pink. "We wanted to get you something - for your show."

Alex and Ren mad their way down the narrow back corridors of the Opera House, passing actors and actresses in various state of costume, all preparing for the night. He got to the door he'd been directed to, knocking on the frame. "Ivy? It's Alex and Ren, can we come in?"

"Because that's worked out so well for him these past few months," he replied dryly.

"Was there ever a chance you wouldn't?" He asked with a raised eyebrow and half a smile to let Atreus know he was joking. "It would certainly explain why Viago gives you all the tedious missions if so."

Alex chuckled. "It kept us on our toes. It's been quiet since the Divine's wedding, however, so you should be free to relax without worrying about talking fish or cannon balls falling on your head," he joked.

"The market is as alive as ever, I'm sure you'll find what you're looking for." He tilted his head and thought about the recent events in Treviso.

"You might have missed a bit. A blighted nug broodmother. A pirate attacking the city. Blighted blood mage fish..." he listed off.

"Have any plans for the break? Or are you just taking the time to relax?"

Alex sipped his coco and nodded. "It has. After we found the remaining gaatlok the Antaam and Venatori here have been... too quiet. Or I'm just paranoid," he shrugged.

Alex tilted his head. "Do you often ask for contracts away from home? Things here have been... quiet. I don't trust it."

Alex gives a half smile in sympathy. "That wouldn't surprise me in the slightest. But you're back in Treviso for now, and that's a good start to any day."

"Paperwork is always annoying," he agreed. "Everything went well? No surprises?"