Doom Upon All The World

Chapter 17: Anthony

He has to talk to her about this.

So much has changed since last he saw her and if she feels about leaving the way that he thinks she does, he'll be going back to Val Royeaux with only Nicolynn.

Not that that would be bad, the entire estate to themselves, no prying eyes or whispered rumors floating about.  Just them.  Just their love. 

They approached dangerous territory last night.  He can still feel her lips on his skin.  The marks that she left on him, evidence of her kisses, bruise his neck darkly.  He made no effort to cover them when he dressed this morning.  He is not ashamed of them, of what they almost did.

However, he pulls his collar in close when he approaches his little sister, concerned only for her comfort at this moment.  "Addie,"  He smiles at her as he stands at the side of the table that she and Julien have adorned all morning.  They'd been reading a new book Keiran had woven into their education.  Luckily, he had not had to endure that when he was her age.  She grins at his approach with wide eyes, still getting used to him being around Skyhold.

"Hi!"  She exclaims, jumping into his embrace with glee.  His heart swells as he holds her close.  He's missed her more than he knows how to rightfully express.  He's missed so much of her life and now, look at her.  She's a woman.  Nonetheless, Anthony still holds her like the little girl she used to be, with too big, too curious eyes for her own good.  He releases her reluctantly as Julien observes them with a smile. 

Anthony has to hold himself back, suddenly reminded of what Nicolynn told him about Adelaide and Julien's relationship.  He swallows the lump in his throat and nods to the Antivan.  Julien looks surprised at this.  His chest grows with a deep breath of relief and pride.  He smiles, nodding back kurtly. 

"I was wondering if we could talk for a moment."  He tells her, worry in his voice but the formality gone from his posture.  Adelaide nods and turns from the table to stroll down the hall with her brother.  She looks up to him, looping her arm through his.  "Is something the matter, Anthony?"  She questions, the smile still on her small mouth. 

He grips the hand holding onto his other arm and squeezes, smiling faintly.  "Nothing of consequence."  He mutters, reassuring her gently.  "You know why I'm here, don't you?"  Anthony asks, his sister nodding, trying to hold onto the remains of her grin as the thought of leaving hits her.  "Yes, I thought so."  He states, noting her disappointment.  He stops and stands in front of her.  "I know this is a big deal to you.  I don't expect you to be accepting of a life you've never wanted but I do ask that you weigh your options carefully."  His words confuse her. 

"Options?"  She tilts her blond head to the side, questioning him.  He chuckles and looks out the entrance to the castle, admiring the midday sky.  "Yes, Addie.  Options.  You didn't think I was just going to force you to come with me to Val Royeaux, did you?"  Seeing the downtrodden look on her face, he straightens and attempts to fix that impression. 

"I may be a soldier, Addie.  But I am no brute.  I would never make you do something you didn't want to, especially something like this."  He sighs. 

"As painful as it would be for me to return to Val Royeaux without you,  I will not fight your decision if you wish to stay.  However, you must understand that whether you leave with me or not, I will leave."  He looks down, away from those eyes that are too familiar, too like their mother's. 

"And,"  He pauses, taking a deep breath.  "And, I will be taking Nicolynn with me."  Anthony concludes.  A swift roll of his sister's eyes tells him part of why she will refuse his request.  "I see.  So it's Nicolynn that bothers you."  He lets the words hang between them, waiting on her response.