Hello, I'm NegligibleMoose and I am currently hyperfixated on Baldur's Gate 3, which has branched to Veilguard as well. Please enjoy the fruits of my insanity. I'll be posting about my lovely OC's that you can read about over on AO3 because I think they're neat
Elgar'nan is drawn to the front lines when the war between Arlathan and Antiva has grown intenser than he anticipated. He's forced to lead his army in person before he can formalize Aurora as his queen, but he is sure that he will be home soon to finish what he started. However, when news that a handful of Crows are crossing the border into his lands reaches his ears, he grows worried that his plans might start to unravel. Still, he asks that his generals keep the intruders alive when then are captured.
AO3
The war grew more intense each day, and Elgar’nan found that he could spend as much time as he wanted at home anymore. He was needed among his troops where the quick decisions needed to be made, and several of the Evanuris went with him as well.
Aurora had made an argument to go as well, saying that she was also trained in combat. However, he was afraid that he would lose his newest asset and ally, so he instructed her to remain where she was. It would be best for the people to see her holding down the palace as well.
He was surprised at the army size that the Antivan king was able to gather without his knowledge, but it wasn’t anything that was incredibly formidable. It made Elgar’nan wonder if he was going to use the Crows as well, but from what his spies said, the Crows were instructed to remain within the borders of the country. It seemed that the king was on a power trip for reasons unknown at the moment,
His generals were able to keep their enemy at bay at the moment, but Elgar’nan had expected to push the Antivans back into their country by now. He had hoped to gain territory by now, but it seemed that the Antivans were better prepared than he expected.
Still, he was willing to keep the pressure on his enemy in case they slipped it up.
“Elgar’nan,” Andruil greeted, walking over to him.
Andruil was one of the people on the council who had gone with him to the front lines to help with the war effort. The king turned to her, curious to know what was going on.
“Andruil,” he replied, dipping his head. “I’m guessing you have news?”
“Somewhat,” she answered before pulling out a map. “We have seen some movement along the mountains. I’ve had some of our spies follow the movement since it had originated from Antiva.”
“Are we sure it wasn’t an animal?” he sighed.
“Positive.”
Elgar’nan glanced at her. Andruil didn’t exaggerate, and she was generally non-nonsense when it came to her job. Especially when it came to the safety of their home.
He cleared his throat before he looked at the map that she offered. Andruil dragged her finger along the path that the anomalies took, and Elgar’nan did think it was strange that there was someone trying to cross the border at this point in time.
It was clear that it wasn’t anything civilian. They were going over intense terrain for a reason, and it was to hide from their notice. It nearly worked, but Andruil had eyes everywhere. They did their best to keep that a secret to the world, as it was best to let Andruil work in silence and darkness. It worked in their favor most of the time.
“Crows?” Elgar’nan guessed, seeing that the anomalies were coming from deep within Antivan territory.
“Most likely,” Andruil admitted before exhaling.
“Why do you think they are here?” he asked, folding his arms. “Defying the king? Or is the king playing a strange game, trying to fool our spies?”
“The spies are pretty embedded. They aren’t Crows, though, but they do work among the Crows. They know that the Crows aren’t working with the king, but they’ve been sidelined by their leader. They are allowed to leave the country, but they aren’t supposed to assist in the war. He was clear in that.”
“Why? The Crows were his greatest asset of offense and defense for the longest time.”
“I think he wants to be a traditional king now? Our best information says that something changed recently in the last few years, and it was jarring. The Crows were gearing up for a change, but they knew that they weren’t in danger. Not directly, at least. It was strange,” Andruil explained, shaking her head. “No one understands the complete change of character. Something it might be a form of possession, but the doctors around him have confirmed that he is not an abomination.”
“Fine,” the king sighed.
“We are tracking the source of the movement, though. They are quick, but they do seem to be rushing towards the capital city.”
“Do you think that it is something that we need to be concerned about?”
Andruil stared at Elgar’nan as silence surrounded them before she straightened. He watched as she considered different outcomes, different possibilities, and different answers. Eventually, she sighed, coming to her conclusion.
“In all honesty, I am unsure. These Crows are different to the one who attempted to slit your throat, Elgar’nan. These are confident and competent Crows that are skilled in the ways of stealth and shadows. Our soldiers are having a hard time keeping up, if I’m honest.”
“What do you suggest?” the king asked.
“I will keep an eye on it, and I have already sent word back home to the rest of the Evanuris about the potential breach that your palace might experience.”
“I see.”
He worried about Aurora, and he wondered what would happen if the Crows reached her. More than anything, he worried that they would take her away after informing her that she actually was not a traitor to her country.
He had hoped to have had the crowning ceremony to solidify Aurora’s place at his side as queen before he left, but the war grew too quickly. He had to leave before they could make anything official, and everything was postponed until he could return.
Now it seemed that things could grow worse if things were not handled properly. Elgar’nan folded his arms as he thought.
“Capture the Crows alive. I would imagine that these Crows are important to Aurora, and I will not see her heartbroken,” the king stated.
“You are growing soft,” Andruil stated.
Elgar’nan glared at her, but he said nothing.
“Mercy? Since when do you grant mercy?” Andruil added, shaking her head when he didn’t argue. “You would show mercy to those who are our enemy as well? Your reputation will suffer for it.”
“It may,” Elgar’nan replied before narrowing his eyes. “But I find that I want to care for my future queen and her family as well.”
“Her family? Shouldn’t that be you?”
“I will be. However, I am not going to discount that the Antivans are rather family centric. If Aurora’s family was discovered to die by my hand, do you think that she would be content to remain at my side? Do you think that she wouldn’t rethink her contract?”
Andruil pursed her lips as she squinted in thought. It was a good point. Antivans were dramatic and passionate, so it made sense that Aurora would also be. By sparing the Crows who might be a part of her family, it would prove that Elgar’nan isn’t out to kill her family. Even if they were on different sides of a war at the moment.
“Fine. I will make sure that the Crows are captured instead of killed. If they are killed, I will make sure that it is known that it was decreed that you wanted them spared, and the person responsible is held liable to the highest degree,” Andruil answered, folding her arms. “And for the record, I do believe that this is a foolish idea.”
“You do?” Elgar’nan chuckled.
“I do. I think that you are falling for your future queen.”
That made the king pause in surprise. He was certainly intrigued by the Antivan woman, but he was not falling for her. He was stronger than that, and he was long past those feelings. He was ancient, and he didn’t need that connection anymore.
“I’m not sure I know what you mean,” the king answered.
“You do. You are prioritizing her comfort over this war, and you nearly didn’t come lead your troops because you wanted to have the crowning ceremony first.”
“It made more sense to have a monarch at the city-”
“If you never met her or killed her like you should have that first night, you wouldn’t have a monarch there anyway,” Andruil reminded with a sigh. “It doesn’t matter. My point remains. I think you are spending too much thought and time on the mortal.”
Elgar’nan turned away, finding that he didn’t need to defend himself. Andruil rolled up the map, no longer needing it.
“How you spend your time is none of my business, of course. I am glad that you have found yourself something to do with your time that isn’t mindlessly wandering the hallways of that empty palace,” Andruil added with a sigh. “I just don’t want to see you heartbroken when you are reminded that she is mortal.”
“You think I am so weak?”
“Of course not, Elgar’nan. I am simply reminding you that while we are powerful, we are not miracle workers. She will die eventually, and we will live on.”
Andruil bowed and took her leave. Elgar’nan folded his arms, shaking his head. He clenched his teeth, realizing that there was truth in her words. He had been spending a lot of time with Aurora, and he had enjoyed his time with her. He thought that it was because he was enjoying the game he had concocted, but he was starting to wonder if that was really it. Even the game was a weak excuse. While her position in the Crows was useful, it wasn’t infallible.
He took a deep breath and hung his head. He was in too deep already, and Andruil’s words made him wonder if he could become a miracle worker. It was said that the elves’ immortality was locked away with the Fade and the blight. If he could find a way to unlock it for her, would she accept it?
Would he even be able to do it? Could he offer her a place at his side for eternity?
Was that something he wanted to offer her?
“They’ve been following us since we’ve crossed the border,” Lunetta hissed as Isa nodded.
“That’s why we have to keep moving,” Isa replied, weaving around another tree.
“We can’t keep moving forever.”
“We need to try. If we can out pace them, then we have our advantage.”
“They are unnatural.”
“Are they?” Isa asked, glancing back. “I think they are just trained to track people like we are trained to kill.”
“That doesn’t make me feel better,” Lunetta complained.
“Look, I’m just trying to rationalize it. If they are natural, they have a weakness.”
“You are infuriating.”
“Didn’t Viago warn you about that?”
“Must have slipped his mind,” Lunetta growled.
Isa chuckled as an arrow flew past her arm. She looked behind them, and Isa shoved Lunetta forward. Her teasing persona was gone, and Isa went to protection mode immediately.
More arrows soared past them as they rushed through the forest, and Isa noticed that they were vanishing as soon as they were hitting the trees and bushes around them. They were casting magic at them, and Isa wondered what their objective was. It wasn’t exploding or anything around them, so she wondered what the point was.
“What are they doing?” Lunetta hissed.
“They aren’t trying to kill us,” Isa pointed out, ushering her forward, hoping to keep her focused.
“Why not?”
“Why are you questioning it?”
Isa was also questioning it, though. It didn’t make sense. There was no reason to keep them alive. If they were close enough to take shots at them, then they could clearly see that they were Antivan Crows. They were the enemy. That was enough to try and take them out.
She swallowed, wondering if they were looking to take prisoners, instead. That wasn’t going to be much better, though.
“We need to pick up the pace,” Isa hissed.
“Where are we going?” Lunetta growled, wondering if they were just going to get lost in the forest.
“You have to get to the capital city. Both of us aren’t going to make it there at the same time,” Isa informed.
“What?” Lunetta asked before Isa drew her bow.
Lunetta’s eyes widened before Isa shot a warning arrow towards her attackers. She wouldn’t kill those who wouldn’t kill her, but she would draw their attention to her.
“Run west, and I will go to the north. I will meet you in the capital city if I can. I will get word to you and Viago when I can. Stay safe and get Rori out of there,” Isa instructed before jumping off a tree dramatically.
Lunetta ducked out of sight and continued where she was going. Isa drew the attention of their enemy while shooting warning shots. The younger of the two was able to get out of the area, and Isa relaxed slightly.
As long as Lunetta could get to the capital, then there was a high chance they could get Rori out. Isa could meet up with them later, and they could find a better way back home. However, getting out of the capital might be difficult if they figured out that the Crows were in there.
Isa used the trees to gain some height as she jumped from trunk to trunk as her enemies continued to chase. She knew that she wasn’t as nimble this way, and it was just a matter of time before one of the arrows caught her leg.
Magic energy wrapped around her leg, and she felt an electric shock zap through her body. She seized up, losing her footing before she fell to the forest floor. She struggled to keep her eyes open as she heard the people chasing her begin to catch up.
Isa opened her eyes, feeling rope around her wrists and ankles tying her to a chair. She swallowed, shaking her head. She could tell that she was in a large tent that was furnished, and she guessed that she was still in Arlathan judging from the patterns and style of furniture around her.
She stretched out her neck, seeing that she was still wearing her leather armor, but she was sure that they divested her of her daggers already. Although, she doubted that they were able to get every hidden weapon she had.
“What are you doing here?” a deep voice asked from behind her.
“Well, that seems to be complicated. I woke up tied to a chair, so I’m not sure,” Isa answered with a smirk.
The tall elvhen man walked into her line of view as she watched him. She had a guess who this tall man was, but she found that she didn’t regret her words. She wouldn’t be respectful to the man who would kill her.
“Do you think your smart tongue will save you?” Elgar’nan hissed.
“Hm, probably not, but it lightens the mood, yes?”
He frowned in irritation, not giving her an inch. She shrugged before looking to the side.
“Why are you in Arlathan?” he asked again.
“I think you can guess why,” she replied shortly.
“I can speculate. That’s different.”
Isa worked her jaw before glaring at him. She exhaled deciding that she would need to be direct.
“I’m here on behalf of House de Riva to find Aurora de Riva, dead or alive,” Isa answered plainly. “If she is alive, then I would like to bring her home where she belongs. If she is dead, then I would prefer to bring the full fury of the Crows down on the head of the one who killed her.”
“Do you think she’s dead?”
“I do not know. I hope she isn’t. However, you do not take kindly to disrespect. Attempting to take your life would fall under that category. I will try to be realistic.”
Elgar’nan stared at her, seeing the underlying anger that slept beneath the calm demeanor.
“Who is she to you?” the king asked, curiously.
“A fellow Crow. A fellow de Riva. Someone not to be left behind and forgotten,” Isa answered. “I did not know her personally, but I will not let her be a casualty in a man’s crusade for power.”
“Am I the man?”
“You are not who I was speaking of, but you may fit the bill if you killed her.”
He chuckled at that, seeing that the anger was directed at the Antivan king rather than at him. He nodded, understanding her position.
“You will be pleased to know that she is not dead,” Elgar’nan told her.
Isa stared at him blankly, unsure whether she should believe him. He chuckled before shrugging.
“She is not here,” he added.
“I would not think so. She would not allow a fellow Crow to be bound like this, or she would be bound like this as well,” the Crow pointed out. “Is she a prisoner as well.”
“She has stayed with me willingly.”
“Then why has she not answered any letters? Her sister is worried sick, and you have prevented her from coming home somehow.”
Isa’s accusation sat in his chest, but he didn’t argue with it. He simply smiled before he laughed. She frowned, remaining perfectly still.
“It seems that you should be asking her that,” he replied before he shook his head. “Not that you will get a chance to.”
“Is this where you kill me and send my remains back to the Crows?”
“No,” Elgar’nan answered.
The tent ran cold as Isa’s eyes widened in terror and confusion. She didn’t like the answer as she didn’t know what he had planned instead.
“What is your plan then? Keep me here until you win the war? Use me as a bargaining chip? What are you planning?” Isa asked in a softer voice.
She didn’t understand this merciful king of Arlathan, and this scared her more than any plan of violence against her could. She knew that she couldn’t return to Antiva as he hadn’t allowed Aurora to return, so why would he allow her to?
Isa swallowed before he chuckled, lifting his shoulders. She worked her jaw side to side while she thought.
“I haven’t thought far ahead. I know the plan is to keep you alive. However, now we need to decide what to do with you,” the king answered with a smirk.
She grimaced before a horn sounded outside. Elgar’nan sighed as he stared at her. She glanced at the direction where the sound came from before looking back at him.
It was a war horn, she understood that, but she didn’t know what it meant beyond that. Concern entered her features, and he clenched his jaw.
“It seems that the Antivans have grown bold,” Elgar’nan growled.
“They’re advancing?” she whispered.
Elgar’nan didn’t grace her with an answer as he left the tent. He didn’t have time to answer her questions as he needed to turn his attention to the troops coming towards his camp now.
Once he was out of sight, Isa knew that the guards were outside. It was clear that they weren’t used to dealing with Crows, or there would have been Crows inside the tent as well.
Pulling a small blade from inside her sleeve, she severed the rope after several excruciating minutes. Her heart was through the roof as she was sure that the king would return at any moment to see her escape attempt and change his mind about sparing her life.
After a few more minutes, Isa was free and found her weapons in a chest under the table. She wasn’t sure if they had been in a hurry or just didn’t care. Perhaps they were unaccustomed to taking prisoners, and she guessed that was the most likely explanation.
Once she was armed again, she slipped out of the tent and took to the trees. She could hear the battle behind her, and she glanced back for a moment, seeing that the battle was intense. However, it wasn’t her fight, and she ran west towards the capital. She needed to get to Lunetta before Elgar’nan started towards the capital himself.
With the war ramping up, Aurora decides to distract herself with books and walks through the gardens with Arlathan's king, Elgar'nan. He enjoys her company just as much, and with her not returning to back to Antiva anytime soon, he invites her to stay with him indefinitely. After all, Arlathan needs a queen.
However, two Crows are on their way to figure out why Aurora has gone silent in her communications to further complicate the narrative.
AO3
Aurora spent most of her time with Elgar’nan when he wasn’t in the war room or when he was doing his usual duties. He invited her to more meals as well as joining her for walks in the gardens. He asked her about her likes and dislikes, wondering how he could make her stay more comfortable.
She found that he was kind and sweet, and she preferred to spend time with him instead of spending it alone in her room. At first, she preferred to read the novels her maid found or liked to learn about how the war effort was going. Even though she had been branded a traitor by her country, she still wanted to know what was going on.
Now, with her focus switching to the company of Arlathan’s king, she found that she cared less and less about the state of the war. She would learn what she could, but it wasn’t something that was always on her mind all the time.
Today, he asked to take another walk in the gardens as they did most afternoons, and she was eager to join him again. He looked equally excited as well, and she never expected that he would ask for her company so often either.
It had been about a month since she had attempted to assassinate Elgar’nan in his sleep, but it felt like a lifetime ago now. She could barely fathom doing it now, and she felt so free in the palace instead of Antiva.
“Have you read anything else recently? I know you mentioned that you have been going through the novels in our library,” Elgar’nan mentioned as she lifted her shoulders.
“I’ve slowed down a little on my reading. I’ve been enjoying our time together, so I haven’t been reading as often,” Aurora answered.
She didn’t think he could smile wider if he tried. It was like she had said that magic words.
“I’m glad that my presence has been positive,” he replied with relief.
“I’m just surprised that you always want to spend so much time with me,” she remarked with a smile.
“Of course I would. You were difficult to get to know, but more than worth the effort, believe me,” he chuckled.
Elgar’nan plucked a flower before turning to place it in her hair. Aurora paused, grinning shyly up at him as he ran a hand through her hair.
“I’m glad you think so,” she hummed. “I’m very thankful that you let me stay here as well. Your hospitality has been very gracious.”
He didn’t say anything, but he just chuckled under his breath. She had thanked him nearly every day since she had arrived. It was kind of her, but he felt that it was unnecessary. He would have done it again in a heartbeat for her.
Antiva may have found her disposable, but he did not. She was likely his key into Crows at his beck and call, but she didn’t need to know it. She seemed quite content to know that he was happy to be in her presence.
“I have been thinking, though,” Aurora started, glancing away.
That brought his attention back to her as he tilted his head a little. She looked a little nervous, but he just waited for the eventual question. He wasn’t too worried about what she was about to ask.
“With Antiva branding me a traitor,” she continued with a sigh. “I’m not sure I’m not going to be able to go back, even after the war is resolved. I doubt we’ll be at war forever, but I don’t think they are going to forgive me just because the war is finished. I’m not sure I’m going to be able to go home.”
“Are you sure?” he asked gently.
“Antiva hosts a guild of assassins that are renowned for their prowess. No other group of assassins come close. I don’t think Antiva is known for forgiveness,” Aurora pointed before taking a deep breath. “I’m just not sure what I’m going to do when the war ends. I don’t want to wear out my welcome.”
“You can’t wear out your welcome, da’len,” the king reassured her, stepping closer to her.
Aurora dropped her shoulders, feeling like he wasn’t quite listening to her. She felt like he was placating her, and she just wanted to tell him that she wasn’t being ridiculous. This was a real predicament she was in, and she wanted a real plan of action she could count on.
He brushed the lose strands of hair from her face before he smiled.
“What if we were sure that you wouldn’t wear out your welcome then?” he offered.
She turned to him with a concerned look before tilting her head.
“What do you mean?” she asked.
“You said that you enjoy my company, yes?”
“I do. I love our walks and our meals together. I wish we could do it all the time.”
“What if we could?”
Aurora froze as she furrowed her brow. He gathered her hands in his as he looked on at her. There was something in his eyes that she didn’t recognize.
“What do you mean?” she murmured.
“What if you didn’t have to leave? What if you stayed here with me?” Elgar’nan suggested with a smile. “I don’t know if you noticed, but Arlathan has been without a queen for a long time.”
Aurora’s eyes went wide in shock, surprised at the speed at which their relationship had moved. She had only been there for a month, but she supposed that was longer than most nobles or monarchs would get before they were wed. He had the chance to actually court her. He had the chance to do what he liked without oversight other than the Evanuris council.
He waited for her answer before she considered her options.
It was a good option. It would be a huge change, but the other option would likely leave Arlathan altogether. She didn’t think she could stay in the country if she refused. She wouldn’t feel comfortable enough to stay.
She did feel comfortable around the king, and she thought fondly of him. He had treated her with nothing but respect and courtesy. He laughed and smiled with her, and it was more than she ever expected when it came to romance in her life. Truly, this was the best offer she had gotten.
“You can think about it, of course. You have nothing but time, and I will not push you. I want you to be sure of your answer,” Elgar’nan told her when he noticed that she was getting stuck in her head. He didn’t want her to spend their time together thinking about her answer. “You could answer me in a year, if you prefer. I’m in no hurry to-”
“Yes.”
Elgar’nan stopped, shocked by her answer and the concrete certainty in her voice. She smiled but her tone was serious. Aurora was a no-nonsense person most of the time, and he could count on her to be honest with him.
“Yes?” he asked softly.
“Yes,” she repeated with a nod.
He grinned, thrilled that she had agreed.
“Staying here sounds like a wonderful idea,” Aurora replied with a grin.
“I will inform the rest of the Evanuris as well so they are aware, and we will make preparations for there to be a celebration in a few months from now. If you are amenable to that, of course,” he explained, staring at her.
“A few months?” she teased before he chuckled.
“Just to make sure that you are positive in your decision, da’len. Like I said, I want you to be positive in your decision,” he reassured her.
“One month,” Aurora chuckled.
Elgar’nan reached up and cupped her cheek. She nuzzled into his touch, finding his warmth sweet and comforting.
“Alright, one month it is,” he replied with a nod. “One month, and Arlathan gains her queen.”
Aurora smiled, loving the idea more and more. Elgar’nan was relieved that she was taken by the idea. He felt no interest in power inside her, and he was thankful for that. Her interest was purely in him, and that was what he had wanted. He wanted her to be smitten with him and only him.
Isabella flipped the light blue dagger around as Lunetta stared at her. They had been on the road for about a week now, and Lunetta felt like she hadn’t been able to get a good ready on the Crow yet.
The one thing she was able to understand was that Isabella had a specialized dagger at her disposal. It was made of pure lyrium, and it was supposed to be the only thing that could kill the Evanuris. When Lunetta asked about it, Isabella said that she had received it from Il Temuto Lupo.
The Dread Wolf.
The words meant nothing to Lunetta, but Isabella reassured her that it would work. However, it was imperative that the Evanuris did not get their hands on the dagger. While it was the only thing that could kill them, it could also give them access to unimaginable power.
Lunetta squirmed in her seat, feeling uncomfortable sitting across her fellow Crow. She seemed to know too much about the Arlathan leaders, and it frightened her. She didn’t think that Isabella should know that much about the Evanuris when no one else knew what was going on.
“You are much too worried, even for a Crow, Lunita,” Isa teased with a small smile.
“My sister is in danger,” Lunetta reminded her, ignoring the diminutive of her name.
“We will get her out before the war turns worse.”
“You say that like you know how to do that. We don’t even know where she is.”
“She said she was at the palace, yes? We will start there,” Isa answered. “Someone will know who she is, and someone will know where she went if she’s not there. We will find her.”
“You are sure?”
“Are you not?”
“There are too many variables, and we are up against immortals. I don’t know what to think,” Lunetta muttered, looking away. “How do you know that dagger even works?”
“Because there are gods names you do not know.”
Lunetta frowned, turning back to Isa slowly.
“Like Il Temuto Lupo?” Lunetta whispered.
“No, not like him. He did that to hide in plain sight,” Isa answered gently. “No, I am talking about those like Anaris, Geldauran, and Daern’thal. Those who were erased from history because they opposed those who rule.”
“Those who rule? The Evanuris?”
“Precisely. The Evanuris used to share power with the king, but something happened. It’s fuzzy, but something happened with the Evanuris. Now they act like Elgar’nan’s council rather than his partners. He holds the power while they advise him.”
“You act like you know what’s going on,” Lunetta whispered.
Isabella worked her jaw before sighing. She stopped playing with the lyrium dagger before stabbing it into the ground. Lunetta glanced at the blue weapon before meeting Isa’s gaze.
“I know a little. I hunted down Il Temuto Lupo for a contract before this all happened. It went... poorly, but it more or less got done. The Veil is intact, and the dagger is safe.”
“And Il Temuto Lupo?” Lunetta asked.
“Trapped in the Fade. It fit within the contract parameters. However, he warned me that the Evanuris were hunting for something,” Isabella explained before pursing her lips. “I don’t know if Elgar’nan is onboard with what they want.”
“What is it that they want?”
“A monster locked away in the Fade. It destroys everything it touches, and it can be opened with this.”
The Crow held up the lyrium dagger, examining it. Lunetta glanced between the blade and the Crow as if she was insane.
“And you brought it?” Lunetta hissed.
“It’s the only thing that can kill the immortal, remember?”
“This is reckless.”
“Of course it is. It’s why we are going in secret without Caterina knowing about it,” Isabella commented, knowing that Lucanis would shout at her if he knew. “The plan is to get your sister out of the country and back to Antiva, right? That’s the plan. The dagger is our defense if things get dicey.”
“I hate this,” Lunetta hissed, covering her face.
“It’s not ideal, I will admit,” Isa groaned. “But I’m hoping that the king won’t even know that we’re there. I’ve heard that he’s too clever to let assassins to get close, but I’m hoping she’s far away from wherever he’s at.”
“She should be.”
“Good.”
Isabella sheathed the lyrium dagger before resting her wrist on her knee as she sat. It was starting to get dark as she looked across the forest, and she was worried that it was taking them too long to get to the palace.
Lunetta folded her arms, shaking her head.
“Would you give our king the lyrium dagger?” Lunetta asked softly.
Isabella barked out a laugh, and Lunetta let out a breath of relief. That was the reaction she was hoping for.
“Absolutely not. Our king will get to have his war, but if killing another monarch is his goal, then he gets to figure it out himself,” the Crow answered, looking over the forest. “I am not interested in helping our monarchy kill another country’s king. While we may not be thrilled with the idea of an immortal king, it seems to be working out with Arlathan, doesn’t it? This is the first war they’ve seen in centuries, and they didn’t even start in.”
“Good, I’m glad to hear it,” Lunetta exhaled with a nod.
“What about your sister?”
“What about her?”
“What is her opinion on the immortal king?” Isa wondered, thinking out loud. “You said that she wasn’t in any danger, right? Yet, you haven’t heard anything in a month from her, is that right?”
“Almost a month, but yes. She said that she was being taken care of by the king, but that was the last thing we heard from her,” Lunetta sighed, shaking her head. “I’m worried that the king or his government has decided that she wasn’t worth keeping around.”
“Do you think that we’re going to find a corpse?”
“There’s a chance. I’m not sure.”
“Alright,” Isabella whispered, taking a deep breath. “What do you want to do if we find a body instead of your sister alive?”
“What do you mean?” Lunetta asked.
Isabella stared at her for a moment before taking a deep breath. Lunetta raised a brow, wanting her to spell it out.
“If we find Rori dead, do you want to revenge there and then, or do you want to take a contract out on different people when we return home?” Isabella explained, leaning forward to rest her elbows on her knees. “I’m happy to participate in either activity.”
“You would attack the entire palace if we find her body?” Lunetta whispered in surprise.
“I wouldn’t take out the maids or butlers or cooks, but yes. We would take out those who were responsible or who would get in our way. However, if you would prefer, we could return to Antiva and tell Viago that we would need as many contracts taken out as we need to.”
Lunetta took a deep breath before thinking for a moment. She didn’t really want to think about the idea that her sister might be dead, but it was a strong possibility. Isabella watched her fellow Crow for a moment before Lunetta hung her head.
“It would depend on how many there are and the circumstances. If it was a dignified death, then I wouldn’t mind killing them there. If it was horrific, then I would like to make the contracts. If we are also horribly outnumbered, I am not going to throw my life away for revenge. I will also opt for the contract option,” she answered as Isa smirked.
“Good answer,” she replied. “Smart and sensible, truly. We will make sure that we don’t do anything stupid while we’re there, and I will follow you’re lead.”
“Really?” Lunetta asked.
“Of course. We are rescuing your sister. I want to make sure we bring her back alive, so I will listen to what you say.”
“I didn’t expect that from you.”
“Why? Because I’m Viago’s little sister?” Isabella chuckled with a smirk. “Look, Viago and I might be somewhat similar, but I’m much less of a control freak than he is. I know when to let the reigns go to another when I don’t know best. You are going to know where she would be in different situations. If we were looking for Viago in this situation, I would advise you where to look since I know him a little better, right?”
“That makes sense,” Lunetta admitted with a sigh. “I appreciate the thought, though.”
Isabella smirked as Lunetta turned away. However, another thought occurred to her for a moment.
“Why wouldn’t she reach back out, though?” Lunetta asked, looking at Isabella. “In your opinion.”
“Something’s preventing communication,” Isabella answered with a shrug.
“Obviously.”
“If it’s from her end, she might not be getting your correspondence. Maybe she’s more of a prisoner than she believes, and she’s not able to reach out again. It could be that she sent you that letter to let you know that she was alive and well before she was thrown in jail where she wasn’t allowed to contact the outside world again.”
“Do you think Elgar’nan is keeping her captive against her will?” Lunetta wondered before Isabella thought about it.
“Would your sister stand for that? Would she allow that for this long without something happening?” the Crow asked.
“She would have gotten something out to us somehow if she was trapped,” Lunetta replied before frowning. “I think she’s either dead, held so far down against her will she hasn’t seen the daylight in a month, or she isn’t being held against her will.”
“If she hasn’t been held against her will, that begs the question of why she hasn’t reached out then,” Isabella reminded, folding her arms. “I will admit that this is the strangest predicament I’ve seen in a long time. Regardless, we will figure this out and make sure Aurora is safe and sound.”
“Thank you,” Lunetta smiled with a nod, grateful for her fellow Crow.
War has been declared, and Aurora has been decided as a traitor of Antiva. She can no longer return home, and she is stuck in the strange country with it's immortal king. Elgar'nan assures her that she is still safe within his borders and his palace, comforting her when no one else can. Still, he couldn't ask for a better outcome.
AO3
Days passed while Aurora lived in Arlathan's palace, and she found that she could relax. After her attempt on his life, her life was essentially his to do with as he wished in her eyes. She knew that as soon as the contract was signed.
He, however, treated her as a special guest. Elgar'nan showed her the palace grounds as well as the castle layout. It was clear that she was not meant to leave the palace at any point without his permission, but she had nowhere to go without the Crows coming for her throat. At least until she heard from her House or from her sister, Lunetta.
So, Aurora was dressed up as a doll in different dresses in Arlathan's tradition, and she found that the colors matched her complexion well. She would ask for small things, and she would receive them. A few toiletries, a book or two to pass the time, a snack in between meals. All were provided, and she was thankful for that.
She still waited for word from Antiva, her country, though. She expected to hear something by now, but it seemed that they were waiting for something. Perhaps she was wrong, and they wanted the king dead for another reason. Perhaps it was to prove that the king could die.
Today was different, though, as she was summoned to the gardens instead of the usual dining room. Aurora followed her maid to where Elgar'nan waited, and he smiled when their eyes met. She found herself smiling back, and she knew that she was in danger.
She didn't feel like she had anything to fear from the king, and Viago would scold her if he knew. He was a treacherous leader of another country, and a target. Still, Aurora had nothing else to lose. Not anymore.
"Good morning, your highness," Aurora greeted, dipping her head.
"Miss de Riva," Elgar'nan replied before dismissing the maid.
The king returned to admiring the flowers growing around them as Aurora took in the sight, surprised about how serene he felt. She watched, looking around as well.
"We have received word from Antiva," Elgar'nan told her calmly.
Aurora froze as her blood ran cold. She had expected him to reveal the news like this. She swallowed, wondering what his plan was now.
Perhaps he was bringing her out here to see something beautiful before putting her down like a dog. It was kinder than an assassin deserved, and she wasn't sure if she was prepared. Perhaps she could bargain for one more letter to her sister.
"I see," she whispered, her head swimming.
Elgar'nan turned to her, seeing her mind spiraling. He stepped towards her, placing a hand on her upper arm, nearly startling her. Aurora's eyes were wide with confusion and concern. He simply smiled.
"They have declared war, as you predicted," Elgar'nan added.
Aurora stared at him, surprised that it happened so quickly. Perhaps her letter caused too much panic. She swallowed, looking away.
"What now?" she whispered.
He thinned his lips and exhaled through his nose. She watched him for a moment, thinking that his reaction was strange.
"You have been branded a traitor," the king explained.
Aurora's vision swam as she went lightheaded. She swayed a little before he steadied her. Blinking, she thought about what he said.
"It seems that they think that you spared me on purpose. Since both of us were alive, you were a traitor. It was the only explanation that they could come up with," the king continued. "My reputation of showing no mercy seems to have preceded me in this. They don't believe that you could be loyal to the Crows and Antiva while both of us breathe."
She nearly burst into tears, realizing that she couldn't return home. Leaning forward, she gripped his arm in an uncharacteristic move. She couldn't believe that Viago thought that she would abandon their House like that. There was no way he believed that.
Of course, he wasn't the only one who would make that decision. It was likely the First Talon and the Antivan king who made that decision.
Elgar'nan brought an arm around her shoulder and held her close to him. She relished in the comfort, and she would question it later. For now, she needed someone to be close to her.
"You are safe here, I promise," he cooed, closing his eyes.
"Thank you," Aurora muttered, squeezing her eyes shut as tears poured down.
"We will find a way to get you home one day," he reassured her.
It was strange to find his words soothing, but she found that they helped calm her down. Her tears slowed, and she felt warm and safe in his arms. While it wasn't ideal, and she wanted to go home, staying in Arlathan wasn't the worst outcome.
After a little while, Aurora asked for some time alone, and he told her to take as much time as she needed. He watched as she walked back inside. He knew that her maid was close by and would keep a close eye on the Crow.
Once she was safely inside again, Elgar'nan continued down the garden path. He found himself smiling, his trap closing in around the Crow. Aurora had trusted his word, just as he had hoped. It was true that they were now at war with Antiva, but there was nothing said about her or the assassin who had tried to take his life. She hadn't been important enough for that.
However, it was plausible enough of a lie for her to buy it. Now he had her right where he wanted her. If she could rely on him a little longer, he was sure that those feelings of comfort and safety would grow into something more natural. Then he could foster those feelings as well, and his seduction would be complete.
Picking a flower, he thought about the future once he won the war with Antiva. He didn't want the entirety of the country, but he did want some more of the territory than he had before at least. Maybe he could give her a nice summer home in the area known as Western Antiva when this was all said and done.
Arlathan had been missing a queen for a century now, and he was sure that the people would be ecstatic to know that he was courting a woman. Another good reason to play the game he had begun, especially with the news of war beginning to circulate. Of course, he hadn't started anything.
Elgar'nan would make an announcement later that night about the war, but he would reassure his people that the king of Antiva had declared it unprovoked. He would explain that their new enemy was a warmongering monster, but Aurora had come to him as a dove in the night to try and warn him.
He smiled, liking the idea. He wanted to endear the people to her. He would tell his people that she tried to prevent the bloodshed by warning him, even though the Antivan king decided to follow through regardless of Elgar'nan's response.
Yes, he would play up Aurora as the lovely savior, and he would continue to protect her. He called over one of his guards before telling him to gather people so he could make an announcement regarding the new war that was starting. He would reassure the people that they would be fine, and that they were in the right to defend themselves.
"Has Aurora replied to the message?" Viago asked.
He had returned to the de Riva estate, and he searched the place before he found Lunetta. She had been researching the different systems and geographical layout of Arlathan. She needed to know if there was a reason why her letters weren't reaching Aurora. Of course, there was a chance Aurora's letters weren't reaching Antiva.
"No. I sent another one yesterday as well, but there's been nothing," she answered, shaking her head.
It had been a few days since the King of Antiva declared war on Arlathan, and Viago had been working tirelessly to recall his Crow from the immortal king's clutches. However, it seemed that every message that was sent was being blocked or destroyed.
He didn't like it, and he was worried that he was going to have to send a Crow in to retrieve information on Aurora's whereabouts. He didn't leave his Crows behind if he could help it. Lunetta tapped the table's surface as she thought of other solutions as well. They needed to be quick before the border turned into a battlefield and became impassable.
"What are we going to do?" Lunetta hissed, closing her eyes.
"We need to be patient," Viago urged, taking a deep breath.
Lunetta stared at him for a moment before turning away. They both knew that wasn't an option, and the Talon folded his arms. He wasn't going to be able to be patient either. All the rest of the Crows were back in Antiva where they needed to be.
"I'll send a reconnaissance team to Arlathan to see what's going on," he amended before she furrowed her brow.
"Can we do that? Won't the king see that as interference?"
"It's either that, or we sit and wait here. Aurora is alive, we know that."
"But for how long?" she whispered.
"Exactly my point. So, we need to send people into Arlathan to see if they can find Aurora."
Lunetta nodded as Viago folded his arms, thinking about who would be good for this mission. There were few Crows that were out on contract right now since the king declared war.
The king had built an army in the past few years, which meant that Crow recruiting was down. Viago hadn't actually thought that they would see the country attack another, though.
"Why would the king declare war?" Lunetta wondered softly.
"I don't know. Arlathan is rich in magic, but that stems from their leaders more than any natural resources," he answered with a sigh. "There's the forests, but we have our own."
"Then it isn't resource or land based."
Viago turned to her and frowned. Lunetta grimaced, realizing what the king was threatened by.
"You don't think our king wants to kill Elgar'nan, do you?" Lunetta muttered as Viago nodded.
It made the most sense, especially with the chain of events that happened while they were left in the dark. He took a deep breath before he pointed at her, pacing the small area in front of her seat.
"Not only that, but our king wants to do it brutally. Not only does he want to be the one to do it, but he wants to prove that only he can do it," Viago pointed out, shaking his head. "That's why he hired Aurora. He found the least prepared Crow we had to show that we didn't have what it took to take on an immortal ruler. If our king could kill Elgar'nan, then he would be famous and legendary for centuries to come."
"Absolutely ridiculous," Lunetta hissed, closing her eyes. "Well, we can't let Aurora get caught in the middle of this, right? Do you think it's our king intercepting our messages then?"
"I don't know. It doesn't make sense that she stopped responding."
"We're missing something."
"Then we need to figure out what that something is," he told her before he snapped his fingers. "You and Isa are going to go get Aurora, alright? I need the two of you for this."
"Just us two? I don't think I've worked with your sister before," she pointed out before Viago nodded.
"Yes, just you two. You two can blend in better than a larger group. You can pose as visitors or refugees. I would imagine elves in Antiva are going to have a worse time soon, so you can use that when you're in Arlathan," he offered before giving a sympathetic look.
Lunetta sighed and nodded. While it was unfortunate, Viago wasn't exactly wrong. He was also giving her the chance to get Aurora out of there.
Aurora was told about the announcement about half an hour before Elgar'nan was meant to go on, and she expressed interest in attending. The maid was unsure that a lady should be going to a war announcement, but Aurora had to remind her that she wasn't a lady but a Crow.
The maid couldn't come up with an argument, and she took Aurora to where the announcement was going to take place. It was in the ballroom, and Aurora could see that several of the local people started to pool in. It seemed that the people wanted to know more about what was going on, and Elgar'nan was going to explain what was happening.
That was also the first time that she also saw the rest of the Evanuris near the council seats along the walls. Elgar'nan was in the middle of them, and a few of them were speaking with him as he passed, offering their thoughts before he walked up to the podium.
"We should return to your room," the maid urged before Aurora shook her head.
"No, I need to listen if I am going to live here now. I am a citizen here, right?" Aurora reminded her shortly.
The maid huffed before she sat next to Aurora among a few other nobles. The other rich people didn't give either of them the time of day, much more interested in the topic at hand.
Elgar'nan used magic to project his voice, and Aurora leaned forward. She was interested to listen to how the king talked to his people when she wasn't involved. He didn't know that she was in the crowd. At least, she didn't think he was aware that she was present.
"Thank you, people of Arlathan, for your time and attention," the king began before looking over the room. "I believe word has traveled by now that our neighbor, the country of Antiva, has declared war on us. As of right now, we are unsure of why.
"What we do know is that they have been planning this for a while now. They even made an attempt on my life. However, one of their own even risked her life to try and warn me that war was imminent. Without her, we might have been completely unprepared."
Aurora paused, feeling the color drain from her face. Was he really praising her for warning him that Antiva was going to try to go to war with him? After she tried to kill him? He was also talking as if two different people had done this.
She folded her arms, hugging her torso as she continued to listen. She wasn't sure what he was doing, but she was growing uneasy. It seemed that he had a secondary motivation, but she couldn't figure out what he was doing.
"We aren't going to attack first, but we will defend our interests and our people. We will not allow these people to hurt us or our lands. I will talk to as many as I can to learn why we were attacked so ruthlessly like this, but until then, we will hold the line," Elgar'nan announced before he took a deep breath. "If you are interested in defending our lands and our people, please see our generals and our recruitment centers stationed in our city centers.
"As of right now, I am not sure what is going to happen. I truly hope that our neighbor will rescind their declaration, and we can continue to live in peace as we have for centuries. I thought I had a good relationship with the current king of Antiva, but it is clear that relationship has been damaged somehow, which is something I plan to get to the bottom of.
"If you have any questions, I will answer them to the best of my abilities."
Aurora listened to the questions that the people and the nobles asked. They wanted to know where the generals and the king thought the Antivans would attack first and if there were any evacuations. They had no ideas at the current moment, but there would be notices given out to the towns and villages that would be effected when the time came.
They also wanted to know if there would be any chance of invasions on Arlathan's part. Elgar'nan had no plans for infiltrating Antiva without good reason to, but he wouldn't rule it out. For now, he was focused solely on defense and keeping the enemy out of his country for the safety of his people.
Aurora wondered how much Elgar'nan cared about the people versus his pride. She wanted to believe that this was for the people, like he said. She wanted to believe that everything he said was truthful, because that meant that every promise he made to her was true, too.
She took a deep breath as he watched the people chat among them along with his generals and other leaders.
A few of the Evanuris asked a few questions as well, and she was surprised about how levelheaded they were as well. She had only heard horrid tales of the Evanuris growing up, but they were acting like a ruling council for the king in favor of the people. Aurora would even argue that it worked better than it did in Antiva.
The Crows had to advocate for the people half the time, and most of them were assassins. It was a terrible system, and Aurora found that she wasn't surprised that Antiva was the aggressor in the equation.
After a little while, it was clear that Elgar'nan's announcement was done, and the time had been taken over for questions and concerns. Aurora nudged her maid, and she stood. The maid followed her out of the main area, and they left.
Aurora felt better about her decision to stay in Arlathan, not feeling or seeing Elgar'nan's stare on her back from across the room.
I joining in the fun with this picrew! Are your Rooks gonna join Fight Night?
Isa's joining in! She's usually good in hand to hand combat, but she generally has a dagger or two in those hands. She's not used to non-lethal combat, but she can get behind it.
She's finding that she rather likes the idea, and she finds that the participants are rather amazing at what they do
Cam is here because she was dragged to Fight Night. She's a great hand to hand fighter, but she's easily pissed off. She has a good time by the end of the night, but it's sometimes difficult to get her there
It's better just to play by the rules when you're in the ring with her
Henry loves a good brawl, so he's at every Fight Night! He likes to take on the opponents that are larger than him or better than him, and he always has a great time.
If he has to be carted out on a stretcher sometimes, that's between him and the Maker.
Adelina is knew to Fight Night, but she's getting the hang of it. She's usually a ranged fighter, but she likes the finesse that close fighting requires.
Aurora joins Elgar'nan for breakfast so they can discuss the next steps. She's still confused on why her life was spared, but she finds that she can't complain too much. She's thankful that she's alive at least, and staying in the king's presence has been pleasant so far. Now, she just has to avoid war, and things will continue to go smoothly.
AO3
Aurora sat in the guest room, knowing that while she had the guise of a royal guest, she was a prisoner within the palace walls. She wanted nothing more than to go home back to Antiva, but she knew better than to hold out too much hope.
There was a high chance that Elgar'nan was playing with her and her emotions. She had heard all the stories and tales, and she would not be surprised to learn that her story would become a legend or a fable down the road. There was a high chance she would be known as the foolhardy Crow or something along those lines.
She hadn't slept very well during the night, sure that a guard or someone was going to come finish the job while she was asleep. She wouldn't be surprised if a Crow had followed her to see if she had finished the job. To see her fail completely.
Aurora just hoped that the contract for her head came swiftly and painlessly. Viago would see to it that she did not suffer. Maybe he even would send Lunetta, her sister, so they could speak one final time.
Not long after the dawn's light filtered in through the window, Aurora heard a knock at the door. She stood and answered it, keeping her straight face on. The maid tried to smile before faltering. It seemed like the maid knew that there was nothing good about what was going on here.
"The king wishes for you to join him for breakfast," the maid mentioned as she wrung her hands.
"Does he? Why?" Aurora asked.
"It's not my place to question him."
Of course it wasn't. The Crow took a deep breath through her nose, needing to be patient. It wasn't the maid's fault.
"Surely you can take a guess here," Aurora pressed her.
"He wishes to speak with you, ma'am. About last night," the maid guessed.
Aurora hummed, guessing as much as well. She dipped her head, and instead of guiding to where the king was, the maid entered her room. She stepped aside, realizing that the maid likely was there to get her dressed appropriately for the day. After all, she was a royal guest, and she would likely need to appear as such.
She pulled out an old dress from the wardrobe, and she fitted it to Aurora's figure, which took half an hour. Aurora wished that she could go in her leathers, but she understood why she needed to change. Leather armor wasn't exactly formalwear, and it wasn't going to prove that she could be trusted either.
Afterwards, she was brought down to the dining area where Elgar'nan was present. Aurora was announced, and he smiled pleasantly enough. Aurora was surprised to see that he was alone for breakfast, and she wondered where the rest of the Evanuris were.
"Come sit," he insisted, gesturing towards the seat next to him.
The Crow sighed and sat next to him, feeling over-encumbered by her fancy dress. He placed the paper he was reading to the side and poured her a cup of coffee. She furrowed her brow, surprised that he was serving himself as well as her.
"Don't you usually have people for that?" she asked.
"I am not so old and useless that I need someone to pour my coffee," he chuckled.
Aurora rolled her eyes as she looked away. He smirked, knowing that wasn't what she meant. However, he usually found that when he controlled his own food and drink, he was poisoned less.
"Did you sleep well?" he asked.
"No."
"Ah, apologies. Was something not to your liking?"
"Just... a stressful night, I suppose," Aurora replied with a calm voice.
There wasn't anything wrong with her room. It was comfortable and overall safe, other than the dangerous guards in the hallway. As long as she behaved, she wouldn't be in danger.
"I can't imagine why," he chuckled.
Aurora hummed, not sure what else to say on the matter. He stared at her before smirking.
"I apologize, but I'm not that familiar with Antivan. Does your name have a significant meaning?" he wondered, shifting the conversation.
"Which one?" she asked, tilting her head.
"Your given name. Aurora."
"It means the dawn in old Antivan."
"The dawn," he considered, surprised by the meaning.
He hadn't expected such poetic names from humans. Many elves used nature-based names like that for their children, but he hadn't anticipated that for people outside his kingdom. He wasn't sure what he had expected, but he found that he was pleasantly surprised.
Aurora, on the other hand, was a little confused about why he cared. Most people found her name beautiful, and she agreed that it had a certain elegance to it. She just found that her nickname Rori suited her better for most circumstances. However, she couldn't see the king using the shortened version of her name. He was too grand and eloquent for such things.
"You wanted to talk about what comes next," she reminded him, thinking that they should get back on track.
"Of course," he replied, wishing that he could keep the topic on her for a little longer. It seemed that she had other ideas, though.
Elgar'nan paused, sipping the coffee he poured for himself before taking a deep breath. She watched him for a moment before looking at her own drink and plate.
It seemed that pastries and summer sausage were her breakfast, which was more than she expected.
"I think we should see how the Crows and your country react before we get too far," he explained. "I cannot be seen forgiving such egregious crimes, but I will not start a war so easily. That wouldn't be fair to my people."
"A reasonable response," she admitted. "But you will respond if they declare war."
"There's not really another answer. I won't just lie down and let them take what they wish."
"So, in the event that my country declares war, what will I become?"
That was her biggest concern. She wasn't important in the grand scheme of things. She was a faceless Crow in a crowd. A few people would miss her, of course, but she doubted that the Antivan king cared about her personally. She could be swallowed in the chaos of war, and there was a strong chance that she would vanish completely.
"You would be protected within these walls," he answered.
Aurora had a hard time keeping her face neutral at that response. She didn't understand.
"And why would you do that?"
The Crow tried not to sound demanding with her question.
"Were you the one who came up with the plan of assassination? Were you hoping that your country would go to war with mine?" the king wondered.
"Of course not," she replied honestly.
"That is why. You are not at fault for the actions of others. Besides, you didn't actually kill me, and you haven't tried a second time," he pointed out, pausing. "Why haven't you tried a second time?"
"I'm not... an assassin by trade," she answered, looking away.
Now that was intriguing. The king placed his coffee down on the table as he stared at her. He knew that not every Crow was an assassin, but he never thought that he would meet one that wasn't one.
"What are you, then? Since you are a Crow but not an assassin."
"I specialize in heists and information gathering. Assassination isn't in my forte."
Elgar'nan blinked at her, finding no deception in her words. He hadn't expected that, and he was almost insulted that first assassination attempt in recent history on his life had been done by a data broker.
"So, you really were expecting me to kill you last night."
"Of course I was. I know how to fight and defend myself, but you are Elgar'nan. The Sun God King of Arlathan. I am someone who can break into buildings to steal files and money. It's not exactly a fair match up."
"You really were set up," he mumbled, looking away.
"My House believes so as well, but the First Talon said it was necessary to appease the client. That means the client had a good amount of power to sway the First Talon's opinion," Aurora agreed with a slight nod.
"She doesn't seem like an irrational woman," Elgar'nan mentioned. "And your Talon went with it as well."
"There are protocols. He said that he would try to extract me if I lived. However, things get tricky if it's known that I failed. It depends on how pissed the client is, or if that was a part of the client's plan," she explained, seeing no reason to lie to him.
She wasn't about to break her contract, however. The client would need to reveal themselves, first. She wanted to return to the Crows eventually.
"He seems at least reasonable," the king commented, wondering if he should reach out to her Talon. Something to consider for later.
"He is."
"Then I think it's time to write and say that the contract has failed. We will start there, and we will get a reaction from there."
"Of course," Aurora replied with a nod.
"I suggest you should write to either your Talon or your sister. Perhaps both. It will either get intercepted, or your Talon will spread the word," the king schemed before smiling. "And I would think that your family would appreciate knowing that you are in one piece."
"What would you like me to include in the letter?"
"What do you mean?"
"I would imagine that there is something you wouldn't want me to disclose," she added.
"Like what? Have I not been a kind host to my almost murderer? I see nothing to hide, really, unless you want to hide your suspicions of war," he explained.
Aurora swallowed, looking at her plate she barely touched. She didn't want to speak on the potential war in case she was wrong. She wouldn't include it in the letter, and Elgar'nan knew that. She wouldn't risk the potential embarrassment or the target on her head if she was right.
"I would not worry about what you include in the letter. Just let them know that I live, that you live, and you are welcome within the walls for now. You can give any explanations you wish as long as you tell them that I have treated you fairly," he continued.
"I have no reason to lie to them about the way you have treated me," she reassured him softly.
"Good," he smiled. "I will have parchment sent to your room so you may write a letter after breakfast, and then I can show you around your new temporary home."
"You are going to show me around?"
"Unless you wish to explore yourself. I thought I would be courteous."
"I was more of asking why you would want me to know the layout of the palace," Aurora answered before he chuckled.
"You should relax, my dear Crow. You are not a prisoner, and there are several mages and guards within these walls. Even if you learned every nook and cranny, I am sure that you would not pose more of a threat than they would to you," the king argued.
The Crow took a deep breath, realizing that he had a point. She could learn this entire place, but she likely wouldn't be leaving soon anyway. Even if she did, there wasn't a high likelihood that she would be able to bring more Crows or anyone else to take advantage of the knowledge.
Besides, she grew used to the king's presence. The idea of him showing her around didn't sound terrible, and it would be a better use of her time than sitting on the bed and staring at the wall.
"Alright, then. I would like it if I could accompany you around the palace," she relented, bowing her head.
Elgar'nan grinned and nodded. He was glad to hear it, surprised that she caved so quickly and easily. It wasn't like she had many more options, but her guard was falling down just has he had hoped.
"Then we shall," he replied, raising his cup in a toast.
She gave a small smile, still uneasy about the whole situation.
Sorella,
Please inform our Talon that the assassination attempt has failed, but my life in not in danger before you grow worried. King Elgar'nan caught me in the middle of the attempt, but he has shown rare mercy. He has given me a place to stay as well.
We both know that this is likely for an unknown reason that we don't yet realize, but I am safe at the moment. I have been treated as a guest instead of a prisoner as he has realized that I am no true assassin. I don't have a killer's instinct, just as Viago tried to argue.
I think we all know why I was sent in the end.
I hope to come home soon, but the King of Arlathan wants to know if there's more to the scheme that what has panned out. He knows I do not have all the cards, so he has not disposed of me.
That is the only explanation I can think of why he has spared my life. Otherwise, you would have received my body instead of this letter.
I miss you, Nettie. I hope to see you soon.
Rori
Lunetta swallowed as she read over the letter that she received from her sister. It wasn't the best news, but it was better than what she had expected. It was worlds better than what she had expected.
Viago had been preparing to receive her body or some sort of ominous box for a few days now, but it seemed that he would need to put those worries aside. He would get to worry about something else for a little while.
The Crow tucked the letter away and made her way to the Cantori Diamond, where Talon de Riva usually spent his time. It wasn't a secret that he spent most of his time with his fellow Talon, Andarateia Cantori, and it would be good for this to happen somewhere semi-public. The place would be filled with Crows, and Viago's sister would be there, too, if luck was on their side.
Lunetta stepped into the casino's attic, wandering around, searching for her Talon. No one paid her any mind, which she preferred. It was good to be unknown, even in a place where people would recognize her.
However, Viago found her first.
"Lunetta," he greeted calmly.
His tone was tight, as if he was preparing himself for terrible news. She turned to him, surprised that he had sought her out in this place. She swallowed, grabbing the letter.
"Aurora made contact," she explained.
Viago was rarely surprised, and he only showed it by widening his eyes slightly. Carefully, he took the letter from her hands before opening it. He led her to the side near the wall before he read the message.
Lunetta searched for Teia, running her fingers through her curly hair. It was a rare nervous tick that she was able to remove from her habits. However, having her sister missing didn't help at all.
After a moment, Viago took a deep breath, handing the paper back to her. Lunetta tucked the letter away again, knowing that this wasn't something that could be seen by just anyone.
He looked around, hoping that no one was eavesdropping. Viago wasn't even sure if he wanted Teia to hear this conversation.
"I am relieved that she is alive and well," Viago stated plainly. "I am worried for her, though. Elgar'nan is ancient, and he does not just spare lives like this. He is planning and lying in wait."
"For what reason?" Lunetta asked, confused.
"It has something to do with the client, I'm sure of it," Viago hissed, looking around again. "Caterina wouldn't even tell us who had hired her, but the specifications of the assassin were specific and strange. He wanted an amateur, or at least someone who wasn't a regular assassin."
"Why? What is the point of that?"
"Because the client wanted the Crow to fail, but it wasn't to embarrass the Crows. It was for a different reason, and a more dangerous one."
"Does Aurora know who the client is?" she asked before he nodded.
"She was the only one other than Caterina who was permitted to meet the client personally before being shipped off to Arlathan. She was forbidden to speak with me after receiving her instructions. Aurora was not meant to survive this contract, and Caterina knew that," he hissed, shaking his head. "Caterina doesn't play with her Crows like that, which means that this is high ranking and serious."
"But she's alive."
"Which makes this dangerous. The client expected the Crow to die, and the client has immense power for Caterina to listen to him."
"What do we do?" Lunetta asked, staring at Viago.
If anyone understood the position she was in, it was going to be her Talon. Aurora and Lunetta had joined his House at the same time, and they were practically raised together. While they weren't related by blood, they had no other family. Viago had the same sibling-like relationship with a Crow in their House.
"For now, we need to wait. Like she said, she's safe for now. We need to see how the client reacts, and we can act at that point," Viago replied before shaking his head. "We just have to be patient for a little while. Then we can see if we can extract her from her predicament."
"Understood," Lunetta whispered, growing nervous.
She would listen to her Talon for now, but she wouldn't abide by his law for long. If she thought Aurora was in trouble, she would rush in to help. She knew that he would do the same for his own sister, so she knew that he would eventually understand her reasoning.
The God King of Arlathan wakes to an assassin at his throat. It wasn't what he expected to deal with that night, but he can knows an opportunity in disguise when sees one. With the human countries surrounding his borders, he believes this assassin might be the key to winning more land and more power than what he had access to before.
AO3
The Evanuris ruled over Arlathan as their people regarded them as gods. The blight had been sealed away though a ritual centuries ago, leaving the elvhen gods to rule over the forests and cities of the elves.
Ghilan’nain was the one that was most affected by the blight being locked up, but she was able to heal through the centuries. However, the seal that kept the blight away sealed the elves’ immortality away as well. They became mortal while their leaders remained forever young. The Evanuris would forever rule over the elves and their lands.
Elgar’nan thought to expand beyond their lands, but the humans were brutal and war mongering. Without his immortal army, Elgar’nan wasn’t sure that he would be able to win a war against them. He wanted for nothing, however. Trade flowed between the countries for the most part, but he knew that unrest was starting to grow again.
Antiva to the east had a human king that was growing too ambitious for his own good, and Elgar’nan relished the challenge. He found Antiva fascinating because of their strange culture that was vastly different from anywhere else on the continent. While the monarchy was in charge, it was clear that the assassin guild known as the Crows were in charge.
While Elgar’nan had assassins in his employ, they weren’t anything like the Crows. They came close, but there was an elegance at the precision and the professionalism that the Crows brought to the table for every contract.
Which was why the King of Arlathan wasn’t angry when he found a Crow with a knife at his neck in the middle of the night. He had woken up to movement on his bed, and he froze the person who had the audacity to attack him while he was asleep.
She was a pretty Crow, he had to admit, with dark brown hair and nearly black eyes. An elvhen Crow as well, which he found interesting. The idea that there were elves that chose to remain outside of Arlathan was strange to him. However, she had decided to not only live outside his realm but become an assassin as well.
“I should kill you,” Elgar’nan muttered as he sat up.
The woman jumped off from her perch above, knowing that she had been caught by the god king. She stayed on her feet, and her eyes were wide with fury. She felt that she could barely move, and she knew that it was because of him.
He sighed and stood from his position so he could walk to the window. He didn’t think that there was ever a time he had woken up to an assassin at his throat. What was the point of having guards if someone could get past them so easily? It was frankly embarrassing.
“You will tell me who sent you,” he commanded, waving his hand.
Magic coursed through her, and she gritted her teeth. She had been trained against this kind of magic, but this was against a powerful, ancient mage. She screwed her eyes shut before she groaned.
“It will be easier if you just say it out loud,” the king sighed. “Less painful as well.”
She groaned, focusing on her duty. Secrecy was paramount, even at the cost of her own life. That was what kept the Crows separate from the rest of the second-rate assassins.
However, it only managed to anger the god king further. He exhaled, shaking his head before turning to her.
“I told you to tell me,” he reiterated.
Another magic wave coursed through her, but pain only made her mouth clamp shut. Her resolve solidified, and her eyes narrowed at him.
“I suppose I can guess,” Elgar’nan groaned, rolling his eyes. “Given that you are dressed as you are and your discipline is irritatingly immaculate, you are a Crow. Antivan, then. Elvhen, but Antivan born, or raised at least. Given the political climate, the Antivan king has likely sent the Crows a contract.”
She gave away nothing, even though Arlathan’s king was correct. The client was indeed Antiva’s monarchy, but she would not confirm it. He sighed, releasing her slightly. She couldn’t move from her spot, but she had more freedom of movement.
“I should return you in pieces,” he commented. “If you are certain that you will not talk.”
“Everyone expects you to,” she replied quietly.
That surprised him. Elgar’nan slowly turned towards her with a raised brow. He didn’t expect her to talk at all, let alone be petulant.
“Explain,” he demanded, keeping his gaze on her.
She stared at him through narrowed eyes before she took a deep breath. This was her own speculation rather than anything about the contract. This wasn’t a part of her nondisclosure clause, which meant that she could talk as much as she wanted about the subject.
“I am a declaration of war, but a silent one. Either I killed you, or you kill me. If I killed you, your country would have retaliated against Antiva. When you kill me, Antiva will declare you a murderer for killing me in a propaganda effort for war,” the Crow answered.
“Why?”
“Because I am an elf. It would show that you are heartless to kill an outsider, even though I am one of your own.”
“How do you know this?” he asked, confused.
“I don’t. I’m speculating. The client said he chose me out of dozens of other assassins. All were elves I was later told. I believe I was chosen for my youth, lack of experience, and my House’s prestigious name. Antiva’s king also famously does not get along with the head of my House,” she explained with a shrug. “Either the client believes I am a miracle worker, or he expected me to fail. Why would he want me to fail if it was not for a publicity stunt?”
“Why tell me this?” Elgar’nan posited, stepping towards her.
“My loyalty is to the Crows, specifically to my House. Not to the monarchy. If telling you gives me a chance to return home, then I will take that chance.”
“You just told me who the client was.”
“Did I? I explained what the client was like,” she smirked. “I did not confirm nor deny who my client is or was. If you make assumptions based on my ramblings, that is on you, signor.”
“You play a dangerous game.”
“I am a Crow. It’s a part of the job.”
Elgar’nan nearly laughed at that as he walked around the room at that. He needed to think about what he was going to do with this strange woman.
While he knew that there was unrest between Arlathan and Antiva, he hadn’t expected this underhanded act. Although he wasn’t surprised. The Antivan king was a bastard. Although he wouldn’t put it past the Crows, either. There were a few there as well that were just as cunning and suspicious.
“What House are you from?” he asked.
The woman stared at him, debating her options in her head. He fought a smile as he waited. He liked that she wasn’t afraid of him even though he had threatened her twice now. Still, she needed to think.
“De Riva. House de Riva,” the woman answered.
“Then you are Crow de Riva,” he repeated with a smirk, watching her stiffen at her partial name. “Well, I now know where to send your... pieces, should I need to. Makes it easier for me.”
“My sister would... well, she wouldn’t appreciate it, but I don’t think she would want to track down my corpse,” the de Riva remarked, making him chuckle. “She would be glad you didn’t dump me in a ditch, at least.”
“You have a way with words, Crow.”
“I’ve been told that I’m mouthy. Most aren’t as entertained as you are.”
“Maybe you aren’t as appreciated where you have been,” the king told her. “And entertained is a stretch.”
The Crow grimaced, not sure how to argue that. She was appreciated in her House. Her sister loved her dearly, and her Talon and fellow de Rivas treated her fairly. It was the rest of the Crows and the politics that were currently playing unfairly. She sighed, unsure how to explain that without giving her life story to the monarch. He wasn’t likely to care.
“Maybe,” she replied diplomatically.
“If I were to let you go, what would you say? What would happen?” the king asked. “Where would you even go?”
“I would return to my House. I would tell my Talon that I failed the contract, which I imagine was expected. Either he would send a more skilled Crow to kill you, or the king would be more direct with his declaration of war,” the Crow answered with a shrug. “I don’t know what else to say. That is what I would do because that it what I was trained to do. Otherwise, I would be hunted down like a fox.”
“Don’t Crows die for incomplete contracts when they return to their Talons?”
“Depends on the situation. There is a chance I might not live upon my return, but I would at least see my home and family again.”
Elgar’nan folded his arms and tilted his head in thought. This was a strange situation. The proud Crow was now talking more freely, as if she was starting to understand the situation. She was not giving away the Crows or her direct client, but it sounded like she did not work directly with the monarchy. It also sounded like she did not like the Antivan king either.
However, he did not know what he wanted to do. War was costly, especially for his soldiers and his people. While he wanted more power, he had been made aware that there was a balance now that his people were mortal. He had pushed them too far once, and he nearly lost his kingdom altogether. Centuries of ruling taught him how to deal with countries and such.
It did not soften or dull him. He was just as ruthless and cunning as ever. He was just more discerning and careful than he was before. Some called it mercy. Others called it him picking his battles.
“Then it stands to reason that Arlathan would be the safest place for you if I promise not to take your life,” Elgar’nan mentioned.
The woman blinked at him in confusion, tilting her head. That wasn’t something she had considered. Mostly because she had come to terms with the idea of the city of Arlathan becoming her tomb.
This was Elgar’nan, the famed tyrant and former conqueror. He did not forgive. He did not show mercy.
This was scarier than if he had ripped her throat out when he had first woken up. She felt like he was plotting something, and she didn’t like it.
“Why?” she wondered.
“Because I would hardly be painted as the bad guy then, right?”
She didn’t buy it.
Although Elgar’nan wasn’t sure what to do with her, to be honest.
“Unless you are holding me hostage.”
“I could reveal that you tried to slit my throat and that I’ve decided to imprison you as a result,” he countered.
“Why?” she pressed.
Elgar’nan laughed before he shook his head. Why indeed.
Part of him did not want to become predictable, even if he didn’t want to show mercy.
“Because why should I fight a war over a human’s need to prove himself? Does he want to prove that he’s a big man? Does he want Arlathan for himself? What’s the point?”
“I don’t know why people start wars. I don’t know why people hire me to kill others half the time.”
“What a strange reaction from a Crow,” he pointed out.
She grimaced before rolling her eyes. People always assumed that Crows were always violent. She could be, but she didn’t want to be at first. She tried to take the contracts that didn’t involve assassinations if she could.
“So, since I am at your mercy, your highness, what are you going to decide? Do I live another day or are you sending my pieces back to my sister?” the Crow asked, growing tired.
“Growing tired already?”
“I’m not accustomed to getting caught, and you have me at a disadvantage.”
Elgar’nan smirked, forgetting that he had frozen her feet in place. Still, he didn’t release her. She inhaled, preparing herself for anything.
“I will not kill you,” he answered firmly. “Only if you tell me your first name.”
Another silence stretched as the Crow paused. It was more dangerous then revealing her client in some respects. She wasn’t skilled enough to be requested for high profile contracts, so her name would only invite trouble. Of course, she was already in an incredible amount of trouble.
“Aurora. Aurora de Riva is my name, signor,” she answered firmly, clearly voicing her displeasure.
“An Antivan name.”
“I was born and raised in Antiva.”
“Your parents didn’t give you a Dalish name?”
“No. They did not. Well, none that they told me. They weren’t around long enough,” she remarked shortly.
“Your sister?”
“You did not ask for her name. Adopted sister, though. We’re not related by blood.”
“I see,” he replied with a hum. “Well, a deal is a deal. I will not kill you.”
“Right,” she frowned. Her feet were still stuck to the floor.
“Until you are asked about, you will remain in the castle with me.”
“As a prisoner?”
“As a guest,” Elgar’nan smiled, dipping his head. “You will be divested from your weapons, of course. We will act as if you were always meant to be a guest until Antiva reveals the real reason why you are here.”
“And if they do not?”
“Then we will reevaluate. Eventually the client will rescind the contract, or they will reassign it, right?”
“I think it’s more likely that we will both become targets,” Aurora pointed out. “Unless we take out the client.”
“Which would likely start a war, my dear. We aren’t looking to do that, remember?” he teased.
“I’m just stating the facts. So, am I going to sleep standing up tonight?”
“I suppose not,” Elgar’nan sighed before waving his hand.
A part of him expected her to lunge at him to finish the contract, but she didn’t. She sheathed her weapon and stretched out her neck.
He held out his hand, glancing at her weapons. Aurora frowned before sighing, unbuckling her belt where her sheaths were held. She placed it in his hand, and he smiled.
“I do eventually want those back, though. They mean a lot to me,” Aurora informed gently.
“I will ensure that they will return with you to Antiva, da’len,” he reassured with a smile.
She stared at him with knitted brows and wide eyes. He walked over to the door and opened it. He spoke to someone in the hallway before handing the belt off.
Turning around, he motioned for her to come over, and Aurora slowly walked over. She felt too vulnerable to be comfortable, but now everything felt like borrowed time. She supposed that she would likely be fine anyway.
“Take her to one of the guest rooms and post four guards outside her room. I want a report on her whereabouts every half hour,” Elgar’nan informed the maid who was in the corridor.
Aurora grimaced at that before giving a sympathetic expression to the woman. She felt like this was a little much, after all. Although, she was the unwelcome assassin in the palace after all.
“I will see it done, milord,” the woman replied before curtsying politely. “If you would follow me, milady.”
“I will collect you in the morning, Aurora. We will discuss what to do next after we have some time to rest and clear our heads,” Elgar’nan expressed with a smile.
Aurora dipped her head before following the maid. She could’ve have been walking to her death for all she knew, but she decided to trust the maid didn’t mean her harm. It was likely that
Elgar’nan watched them both go down the corridor before closing his door, locking it.
He took a deep breath, thinking about his options as he walked back to his bed to return to his rest. He had expressed his interest in acquiring more land to reign over, especially over the richer lands of Antiva. If their king was to declare war first, he could justify the fighting for more land after they won the war. It was a gamble, but it could be worth it.
The rest of the Evanuris wouldn’t argue with him, either. Well, Mythal wouldn’t love the plan, but she wouldn’t argue if it wasn’t their choice.
He just needed to check to see if the Crow’s speculation was correct. If not, then he could spin it where he believed that the monarchy was out to kill him. That would be enough to convince the public to go to war with their neighbors. His public image was generally favorable within his borders. Outside the borders, people were afraid of the immortal leaders.
Another thought occurred to him, and he folded his arms as he paced. Aurora was a Crow rather than a part of any political or royal affiliation, but that didn’t mean that she didn’t have pull within Antiva. If he managed to seduce her, he wouldn’t gather any significant power within the country, but he would have a hand within the Crows themselves.
It would take work gathering her trust, and he would need to learn a great deal more before he would know if it would be worth it. House de Riva was renowned, but that didn’t mean that every Crow within was as good as their best.
Elgar’nan looked out the window, gazing over the city and the vast forest beyond it. It was still in the middle of the night, and he enjoyed the nightly breeze. Still, the woman was mortal even if she was elvhen. Even if he took the gamble and it fell through, it would be a short-lived loss.
The king laughed under his breath as he decided to head to sleep. He had a busy schedule planned for the next day after all.
Viago: My future partner must be brave, strong, intelligent, successful, and organized.
Lia: *steps on a caterpillar and proceeds to drop to her knees and sob while apologizing profusely*
Viago: That one. I want that one.
Viago: Ugh, crushes are so dumb.
Lia: I know. Whenever I’m near the person I like I just start acting stupid.
Viago: But you’re always acting stupid?
Lia: …
Lia: Yeah, don’t think about that too hard.
Illario: That shirt looks great, Lia.
Lia: Thanks.
Illario: But I bet it would look even better on Viago's floor.
Viago: Are you hitting on Lia... for me?
Lia: Did Viago just tell me he loved me for the first time?
Lucanis: Yeah, he did.
Lia: And did I just do finger guns back?
Lucanis: Yeah, you did.
*at 3am*
Isa: *runs into Lia’s room and turns on the light* Wake up sleepyhead!
Lia: *wakes up* Dude!
Isa: *cackles*
Viago: *sits up from where he was sleeping behind Lia* What the fuck, Isa?
Isa: *jaw drops* Wait WHAT-
Viago: Did it hurt when you fell-
Lia: From heaven? Wow, I didn’t think you were such a flirt-
Viago: No, I meant when you fell down the stairs.
Lia: ...
Viago: You just laid there for 15 minutes.
Lia: My hands are cold.
Viago: Here, let me hold them.
Lia: My lips are cold too.
Viago: *covers Lia’s mouth with his hand*
Adelina: Ooh, somebody has a crush
Lia: Pfft, I don’t have a crush on Viago I just think he's cool, it’s not like I stay up at night thinking about him.
*Later that night*
Lia, very much awake: Uh oh.
Lia: So, what’s Viago's type?
Teia: Hazel eyes, kind, oblivious, good sense of humor, animal lover.
Lia: Sounds kind of like me. Too bad we’re just friends.
Teia: Did I mention oblivious?
Lia: Yeah, why?
Teia: Okay, just making sure.
Lia: Talk dirty to me~
Viago: Inflation is a serious problem and lumber prices are at a high.
Lia: Wha-
Viago: The economy is in shambles.
Viago, at Lia: Would you like to stay for dinner?
Isa, from the kitchen: Would you like to stay forever!?!
Adelina: Do you love Lia?
Viago: Yeah, I do.
Adelina: Illario! I told you I knew it! You owe me 100 bucks!
Illario: We all love Lia. You should've asked if he is IN love with her.
Viago: I thought that was implied.
Illario: ...
Adelina: ...
Viago, looking straight at Illario: Congrats Dela, you just won 100 bucks.
Lia: How do I tell Viago that I want him to yell at me like he's Gordon Ramsay, and I'm a poor little chef who just ruined a crème brûlée?
Henry: So… I’ve seen you’ve been spending a lot of time with Viago recently.
Lia: No, Henry, it’s not what it looks like, I swear.
Henry: Oh really? So no reason for me to be jealous?
Lia: No! You’re the only one for me.
Henry: Is that so?
Lia: I promise! Viago and I are just dating, okay? He's my partner.
Henry: So there are no best-friends-feelings involved?
Lia: You are still my one and only best friend! He's just the love of my life, nothing more!
Henry: But I’m still the platonic love of your life, right?
Lia: Of course bro!
Henry: Bro…
Viago: What the-
Lia: Two years ago, I married my best friend.
Lia: Viago is still mad about it, but me and Henry were drunk and thought it was funny.
Lia and Nico are still confused as Captain Isabela seems to recognize the poor castaway. However, things grow more complicated the longer Nico stays in the Hall of Valor. It seems that the Antivan he met earlier that day was a Crow, and she was a Crow with a mission. It seems that she is only willing to settle her issues in the arena of the Hall of Valor. The challenge isn't binding, but the threat the Crow makes highlights the severity of the consequences. Now Nico needs to decide if facing off with a Crow in the arena is a good idea or not.
AO3
“I’m not going to play these games,” the captain warned, glaring at the man with an animosity that Lia hadn’t seen before. “Just what the fuck are you playing at, Viago?”
Nico stared at the leader of the Lords of Fortune in confusion as Lia glanced between Isabela and the man she found on the beach the day before. The Lord took a deep breath while the amnesiac started to shake his head.
“I’m sorry?” he asked.
“I asked what you are you playing at? Why are you pretending to be someone else in front of me?” Isabela hissed angrily, looking around. “A heads up would have been nice if you had a fucking contract here. First your sister, and now you? What the fuck is going on?”
“I don’t know,” he answered firmly, shaking his head frantically.
The captain looked at him incredulously before turning to Lia. She sighed, gesturing towards him.
“Mãe, he’s telling the truth,” Lia reassured. “I found him unconscious yesterday near a shipwreck after the storm. He was nearly dead, but he pulled through.”
“Did you hit your head?” the captain asked before Nico sighed.
“I don’t remember. I’m not lying. I’m sure you would be able to tell if I was. It sounds like you know who I am, at least,” he pointed out.
Isabela rubbed her temple before closing her eyes to think. Lia glanced at him, but he didn’t take his eyes off the captain. Nico was worried that she was going to throw him off the top of the cliff or something.
After a moment, Isabela pinched the bridge of her nose and took a deep breath. Lia tilted her head in confusion.
“Look, fine. As long as you aren’t here on a contract, then fine,” the captain replied.
“I’m not,” Nico answered. He had no idea what that entailed, so he was pretty sure he wasn’t.
“Your sister confirmed that as well. I’m glad you are agreed on that at least,” the captain complained.
“You keep talking about my sister. I don’t know who that is,” Nico insisted.
Captain Isabela stepped forward before grabbing his face. He flinched, but he allowed it. Her eyes went wide as she squeezed his cheeks slightly. She frowned and grimaced, moving his face around for a moment.
After a second, she released his face and retreated. Isabela glanced at Lia, unsure what to think about this.
“She’s here. I can tell you that,” the captain explained before folding her arms. “But I don’t think I can tell you more than that.”
“What? Why not?” Nico nearly exclaimed.
“Because she’s a Crow. If I blab too much, I end up on the hit list. I’m not about to give away everything in case I’m mistaken,” the captain answered firmly. “Telling you that she’s here was likely already too much.”
“Right,” Nico whispered, furrowing his brow in confusion.
“Hon, you’re welcome to stay as long as you’d like as long as you are here as a friend. If you are here as an assassin, then you can leave. That’s the deal.”
“I’m not here as an assassin.”
“Perfect. Then you can stay,” the captain reiterated. “Lia, love, I’m sure that Mashev has a place for him.”
“I’ll check with him,” Lia replied with a nod.
The captain dismissed them, saying that she would likely see them at the Hilt for the seafood boil later that afternoon. Lia gave a swift nod before gesturing for Nico to follow her again.
Nico bowed his head and thanked the captain before following Lia. He could feel the captain’s gaze stay on him as they left the area, and he breathed a sigh of relief as they walked down the stairs again.
Lia took him down a different path that was a little less used and public, and he was thankful. He wasn’t sure who else would recognize him, and it worried him. Although he did think about the Antivan woman he had run into before seeing the captain.
There was something about her, but she wasn’t human like he was. She was elvhen, and that was a good indication that she wasn’t his sister. Of course, there were other circumstances to create families outside of blood, but he didn’t know all the facts yet.
He was also concerned about his sister being a Crow. Did that mean that he was a Crow as well? He was Antivan, or most likely, anyway, like most Crows. It wasn’t out of the question. Especially when the captain kept talking about contracts.
“Nico!” Lia shouted.
Lia had turned to speak with him when she saw someone behind him in a darkened corner. The woman stepped from the shadows and threw a knife at Lia, pinning her clothing with the blade to the wall behind her. Lia had thrown her arms up to protect her face when she noticed that it hadn’t injured her.
Nico glanced between the women as he noticed it was Maria, the Antivan woman he had spoken to a few minutes before meeting the captain. He opened his mouth when she slashed her dagger at him.
He barely dodged it, and even he was surprised at himself by his dexterity. Maria advanced on him with a dark look, and he furrowed his brow in confusion.
“Difenditi!” Maria shouted.
Her voice sounded desperate, slashing at him again. Lia struggled with the dagger pinning her to the wall while Nico held up his hands, continuing to dodge.
“Chi sei?” Nico demanded, needing an answer of who this woman was.
Maria stepped back as she grimaced. She looked disappointed and distraught.
“Maria Carmella. Conosci quel nome. Questo è il nome che mi ha dato mio fratello,” she hissed, tears gathering in her eyes.
Nico dropped his hands before she shook her head. Maria turned to look at Lia, pointing her weapon at the Lord of Fortune.
“I will wait for him in the arena if he truly does not remember. We will make a spectacle of it,” the woman informed darkly. “I will make the captain aware of my challenge. I’m sure she can make a good bet on it.”
“He doesn’t remember,” Lia informed through her teeth.
Maria leveled her stare as she exhaled.
“I am aware. This exchange has proved that plenty,” she replied. “I will await you in the arena. If you do not accept, then I will speak to the First Talon about placing a contract on your head.”
“The First Talon?” Nico whispered before Lia shook her head.
“That is a grave threat,” Lia whispered with warning in her voice.
“You would not say that if you knew who you were dealing with, pirate,” Maria countered before sheathing her dagger. “However, since neither of you are in immediate danger, I will see you in the arena.”
Maria walked over to Lia, who stared her down. The Lord of Fortune expected the woman to stab her, but Maria just ripped the knife out of the wall, unpinning her. Maria held out a few coins, dropping them into Lia’s hand without breaking eye contact.
“Apologies for the damage to your clothing,” the woman whispered, dipping her head, before she took her leave.
Lia watched Maria walk away before vanishing into the shadows again, but the Lord knew that it wouldn’t be the last time they saw her. Nico walked over to her, glancing over her.
“Are you alright?” Nico asked, checking her for any wounds.
“I’m fine,” Lia huffed before Nico exhaled.
“Good. I was worried that she had nicked you as she left or something,” he commented.
“Why would she do that?”
“Poisoned blades.”
Lia raised a brow immediately before she looked at the hole in her clothing. It was clear of any substance, so she guessed that the knife that pinned her wasn’t more dangerous than usual.
“How would you know?” she asked.
“I...” he started before he faltered. He blinked before sighing. “I don’t know. Intuition?”
“Or you’re starting to remember small things,” Lia pointed out.
“Tiny things. Suggesting that a Crow is using a poisoned blade is like suggesting a chef might own a spoon,” Nico scoffed, folding his arms.
“Oh, so she’s a Crow now?”
“Of course she was. Did you see her?”
“I saw that she was good with knives and spoke Antivan. Does that make her a Crow?” Lia argued.
Nico clenched his jaw, turning away. His head burned with conviction. He knew he was right, but he didn’t know why he was right.
“She mentioned putting a contract on my head,” he offered.
“I could do that, kadan. Does that mean that I’m a Crow?” Lia reminded him.
Nico took a deep breath before Lia rubbed the back of her neck. This was above her pay grade, though. Regardless of how pretty the man was.
“Look, let’s just figure out what’s going on, and-” she suggested before they heard someone coming down the stairs.
“Thalia!” the captain hissed as Lia looked at the stairs. “You have some explaining to do.”
“What did I do now?” Lia asked, confused why Isabela was upset with her.
“Where did you find him?” Isabela demanded.
“Along the beach, like I said, yesterday I-”
“Where?”
Lia paused, surprised that the captain needed to know exactly where. Nico glanced between the two women before Lia bit the inside of her cheek.
“Half a day north from here,” Lia answered firmly.
“I can confirm that,” Nico replied.
Isabela gave him a warning look before she shook his head.
“You are playing a dangerous game, and you don’t even know you’re a player,” the captain hissed under her breath. “Neither of you do.”
“An explanation would be helpful,” Nico suggested.
“Trust me, if I had one that would help, I’d give it to you. When your memories return, you will likely know more than all of us,” the captain answered, shaking her head. She looked over the horizon for a moment before looking back at Lia. “Nico is due at the arena in twenty minutes to face off with the Crow woman who came to speak with me.”
“So that was a Crow,” Nico pointed out to Lia.
“Make sure you are ready,” the captain snapped, looking at him. “She’s a friend of our local dragon hunter, so she’s a friend of the Lords. That doesn’t make her less dangerous.”
“It just means that she’s not a stranger,” Lia nodded with a sigh. If anything, it made her more dangerous.
The captain stormed off, likely in search of a drink. Lia watched her go before Nico turned to her.
“So, how do you know her again?” he wondered.
“She saved me from a Tevinter Magister who enslaved me. I had nowhere to go, so she kept me. I think she was going to put me in an orphanage in Dairsmuid, but I think I won her over,” Lia smirked with a wink. “She practically raised me.”
“How old were you when she found you?”
“I don’t know. Six? Seven? It hardly matters, but it’s why she’s pissed as hell right now. That Crow you seemed to have pissed off has now included me in your bullshit.”
“Really?” Nico complained as Lia started to walk towards the arena’s armory. “You don’t want to be involved?”
“Are you kidding? This is the most fun I’ve had in ages,” she grinned with a laugh. “Although, we should figure out what this Maria wants. What did she say to you in Antivan? After she told you to defend yourself. I got the gist of that word.”
“She said her name was Maria Carmella, and it was a name that I should know. She mentioned that it was a name that her brother gave her.”
“Why would you know? It’s not like you’re her brother... right? I mean, you could be half siblings or something,” Lia mentioned, seeing Nico’s human ears.
“That’s the question, although that was what got her to stop attacking at least.”
“It made her realize that you had no idea who she was.”
“Which seemed to have broken her heart,” Nico pointed out.
Lia hummed as she thinned her lips. Nico raised a brow at that before walking next to her. The Lord glanced at him, grimacing at his rather arrogant expression.
“You seem interested in that part,” he commented.
“I’m not sure what you’re talking about,” she replied with a shrug.
“Maybe she could be a former lover rather than just a family member.”
“Could be.”
“What do you think?”
“I think that you are spending too much time of what ifs,” Lia pointed out, glancing up at him.
“I think you’re bothered that I might not be available,” he argued with a smirk.
“You haven’t even asked if I’m available, good sir. I could have a lover of my own. Or several, even,” she countered, immediately wiping the smirk right off his face.
“Right, you’re right,” he replied soberly.
“Not that I have any of those,” she chuckled with a wink. She could see the brief relief on his face.
“Would you want me to be available?” he asked as she handed him a few daggers and a sheath belt.
Nico put on the belt with near muscle memory before placing the daggers in the sheaths with precision. Lia smirked and looked up at him.
“What answer would you want?” she teased.
“I think I would want you to say yes,” he replied with a grin.
“Then it seems that we are on the same page,” Lia replied, grabbing the front of his leather top. “Because I wouldn’t have to explain this to anyone else.”
She pulled Nico towards her and she kissed him deeply. He wrapped his arms around her waist, and he felt her smile against his lips. She leaned back a little so she could look up at him.
“Now you have something to look forward to, Nico, so don’t die out there, alright?” she whispered.
“You aren’t fighting with me?” he asked, furrowing his brows.
“Definitely not. The Crow challenged you, not us, and I doubt it’s to the death. She wants you to remember, right?”
“I’d feel better if you were there with me.”
“Would you?” she teased before he nodded, surprising her. “Then maybe we’ll have to sign up for another time slot so we can fight together. We can see how well we do after that.”
“I’m amenable to that.”
“Now go kick her ass back to Antiva so we can eat some seafood.”
“Sì, mia salvatrice,” he smirked, cupping her cheek to kiss her once more. “Just another one for luck.”
“You better not need luck,” she teased, a little worry slipping into her voice.
Nico rubbed her cheekbone before she nodded, encouraging him. He took a deep breath, turning towards the entrance to the arena. He didn’t feel ready, but he was thankful that Lia had bought him leather armor rather than regular clothes. It did seem like a pirate thing, though. Or maybe she wasn’t sure how to dress him without putting him in the same Rivaini clothes.
Still, with his hands on the hilts of his daggers, Nico walked into the arena of the Hall of Valor. He spotted Maria across the way, surprised that she was pacing as she flipped her dagger into the air. It was like she was nervous more than anything.
As he approached, she turned and saw him. When he gave no indication that he remembered her still, not that she expected anything else.
“You truly do not remember,” she whispered in surprise.
“I do not,” Nico confirmed.
“You would not come out here with your face bare like this if you remembered who you were.”
“A heads up would have been nice. Am I in danger?”
“Hmm, no, I would not allow that,” she replied, glancing around. “You are fine, but you would not allow any risks. This is a risk, fratello.”
Fratello. Brother.
Nico set his jaw, realizing that this was indeed somehow his mystery sister that the captain had mentioned. He narrowed his eyes as she smirked.
“Adopted by the same Crow House, fratello. We were raised together but now is not the time for reminiscences. We must put one a show. One Crow against another,” Maria remarked with a wide smile.
“I am a Crow?” he whispered in surprise.
Maria faltered at that before she blinked. She worked her jaw before she threw a knife at him.
Almost like he was being controlled by an outside force, he drew his dagger and deflected the knife. The audience cheered, amazed at the sudden attack and skill displayed. Maria scoffed, shaking her head.
“Your body remembers. Your mind does not,” Maria mentioned with a sigh. “You are a Crow, stronzo.”
“Really? Stronzo?”
“Usually, you would respond by calling me pendeja. We’ll get there.”
“There are easier ways to have a conversation,” Nico pointed out before Maria laughed.
“And we have never successfully had a conversation without physically fighting or shouting at each other. Not when it was something like this,” she replied with a wild look in her eyes.
There was a mixture of fear, sorrow, and concern in her expression. She was worried that she would never see her true brother again, and she swallowed. She advanced on him, and he barely parried the blow.
“They tell me you were shipwrecked in the storm,” she informed before she frowned. “I told you not to go with them on the ship.”
“What?” he replied, realizing that she knew more about what happened.
“We went on a contract together at the behest of the First Talon. We found the ship the target was on. Not a Lord of Fortune, but a murderer seeking out ships. You believed that you could surprise them. You had a plan,” she informed as she attacked him.
There were several clangs of steel as he defended himself from the distraught Crow. He realized that this was the reason why she wanted to fight in the arena. The attacks were real, but they were non-lethal. The fights were mainly non-lethal in the arena, but this was to make sure that he remained fine.
It was the cheering that she wanted. She needed to have this conversation while they had the cover of the crowd’s noise. No one could hear what she was saying except for him.
“You gave yourself a poison to block your memories. You had the antidote. You were supposed to take it once they were finished questioning you. There was a note in your boot that they wouldn’t have been able to find. It would have bothered you enough to investigate,” Maria explained before she shook her head. “The storm hit, and I couldn’t find you. I found the Hall of Valor and stayed here. Imagine my surprise when you show up without an understanding of who I am.”
“Do you have the antidote?” he whispered.
“Yes. Why didn’t you take it?”
“My boots were ripped to pieces when I was dragged from the ocean. I didn’t have it.”
Maria continued her assault as she thought about what he said. The horrible risks that they took for it to go so terribly wrong. It was incredibly lucky for him to be alive at all.
“Why didn’t you just tell me?” Nico demanded.
“The target might still be alive. I needed to know what was going on,” Maria hissed before tripping him and gaining the upper hand.
Maria leaned over him with a dagger over his neck. He dropped his weapons as he leveled his gaze at her.
“The entire crew of that ship is dead. I was the only survivor,” Nico answered.
Maria exhaled in relief. She sheathed her knife before helping Nico to his feet. The audience cheered while some begged her to kill him. She ignored them before she shoved him back towards the entrance to the arena.
Lia was waiting, confused by the shift of attitude between the two. Nico returned and kissed her as Maria smiled, waving.
“So, is everything good now?” Lia asked, glancing at both of them.
“Maria explained that she was with me before I boarded the ship that crashed and wrecked,” Nico mentioned before the Crow cleared her throat.
“Yes, I am also the sister I believe the captain mentioned,” the Crow explained as she bowed. She also produced a small vial and gave it to Nico. “Also, I wasn’t completely truthful about my name. My full name is Isabella Maria Carmella de Riva. I think you can understand why I chose a middle name.”
“It did make it less confusing,” Lia commented sarcastically, making Maria smile. “What is in that vial?”
“The antidote to the poison Vi- uh, well, Nico, I suppose, made before he went onto the other ship. It should bring his memories back,” the Crow explained as Lia hummed.
“Tia Vide did mention that there was a natural concoction that caused this,” Lia sighed.
Nico looked over the vial before looking at the two women. He felt strange about having the bottle in his hand, but neither urged him on. Instead, they watched him patiently.
“All my memories?” Nico asked.
“That’s what you told me,” Maria answered with a shrug.
“Regardless of your name, you’re still welcome, you know,” Lia reminded him with a smirk before looking at the other Crow. “And you, too, I guess. The captain said you know Taash. There’s a seafood boil tonight if you want to join.”
“I wouldn’t want to miss that,” Maria smirked.
Nico sighed, shaking his head. He opened the vial and took a drink, closing his eyes.
Memories flooded in, and he felt like he had woken up from a strange dream. He remembered his time with the Crows. He remembered Isa, his sister, and recalled growing up with her in House de Riva. He remembered becoming the Fifth Talon after his best friend Teia became the Seventh Talon. He even remembered when Teia introduced him to her new girlfriend not too long ago. She had been so excited.
Viago opened his eyes, surprised by the sudden surge of memories as both Isa and Lia came to steady him. He fought the urge to jerk away from them, knowing that they were helping him balance after drinking that while standing up. He had intended to sit down while he did it, but his instructions were missing along with the original dosage.
“Are you feeling alright?” Lia asked as he looked at her.
He was grateful that he kept his memories of the last two days as well. He didn’t think that they would be gone, but he was thankful just the same.
“I’m... feeling fine,” he answered with a nod. Lia exhaled in relief.
“More like yourself?” Isa asked with a bit of hope.
“Much more like myself, sorella,” he reassured her with a smirk.
Lia and Isa both smiled at him. Isa nodded and stepped away.
“Then I will tell Luca that the job was done and that I will be returning to Treviso in the next day or two,” Isa explained.
Viago remembered Lucanis as the First Talon now, which was good. Although, he himself was still a Talon unless something had changed.
“Just you?” he questioned as Lia chuckled.
“I figured that you would need a few more days to sort yourself out,” Isa answered, grinning at Lia.
Viago turned to Lia before smiling at his sister. He nodded, understanding that Isa was giving him time.
“I’ll meet you at the Hilt for Mashev’s seafood boil,” Isa smirked as Lia raised a brow. “Taash has been talking about it for years. Did you think I would miss it now?”
Lia chuckled as Viago shook his head, seeing his sister leave. The Lord of Fortune held his arm for a moment before he looked at her.
“So, it sounds like you’re sticking around for a little while?” she asked before he smiled.
“For a little while,” he nodded. “But I will need to return to Treviso. Good call on taking me back to Antiva, by the way.”
“Seemed like the best answer,” she hummed, leaning into him.
“Maybe, depending on your availability, you would like to join me across the bay? For a little while?” Viago offered with a grin.
“You know, that sounds nice. I’d love an adventure for a little while,” Lia smiled before dragging him out of the armory. “But first, let’s get to the Hilt for some seafood. I’m starving.”
Lia brings the man she found on the beach to the Hall of Valor so that he can get the helps he needs. Nico is eager to learn more about the culture surrounding both the Lords of Fortune as well as his guide, Lia. He looks to her as she tries to find him help while things start to unravel around them for reasons neither of them quite understand yet.
AO3
Lia was correct, and she was able to guide Nico back to the Hall of Valor by early afternoon the following day after she found him. It sounded as lively as ever, and Lia was glad that the Lords were going about their business. She would at least introduce Nico to Isabela before she brought the shellfish she gathered down to the Hilt.
Nico looked around the incredible area, noticing that it looked like a hollowed out cliffside as they entered. Lia glanced back at him before noticing that he stuck out like a sore thumb. He was wearing a shredded linen shirt and ripped leather pants with boots that certainly weren’t going to survive the end of the day. Gossip was going to spread before she even had a chance to speak to the captain.
“Come with me,” Lia informed, grabbing his arm.
Nico resisted the want to yank his arm from her grasp since he wasn’t sure where the thought really came from. She meant no harm to him, but it seemed that he didn’t really like to be touched all too much.
“Where else would I go?” he remarked under his breath.
“We need to get you a change of clothes,” she answered.
He glanced down at himself, and he sighed. His clothes were indeed hanging on by a thread, but he wasn’t sure that they were going to have his preferred style where they were at.
Lia let go of his arm and led him towards a merchant near the bottom of the stairs. He followed, noting that the merchant seemed to know Lia rather well. He found that he was jealous.
He wasn’t jealous that she knew other people, though, and he was glad for that. He found that he also wanted to have that kind of relationship with... anyone. He stood behind her, still.
“Lia! It’s been a while since we’ve seen you here,” the merchant practically bellowed with a friendly smile.
“Hey, Matteo! Yeah, I was out near the ruins in the jungle again. Happened to get lost, but I came across a castaway,” Lia explained before gesturing towards Nico.
Nico waved a little awkwardly, not that Matteo seemed to mind as he smiled. Lia walked toward him and smirked.
“The thing is that he doesn’t have anything except the clothes on his back. He doesn’t even remember his name,” she pointed out.
“Well,” he tried to argue, but he faltered. She wasn’t wrong.
“We’ve agreed on the name Nico until he remembers,” Lia added.
“It’s good to meet you, Nico,” Matteo greeted, eagerly shaking Nico’s hand without a second thought. “I’m guessing you need something more presentable.”
“If you have something,” she chuckled.
“You know I do,” Matteo smirked before going through his wares.
It took a little time, but he eventually came back with a pile of textiles that were a little too noisy for Nico’s comfort. He glanced at Lia, and he noticed that she was wearing a lot of gold and metal. To be fair, there was more metal on her outfit than cloth, not that either covered very much.
He turned away, realizing that he was staring too much. Lia looked through the outfits that Matteo had on offer, and she thought about what would work best for the castaway.
“Here we go,” Lia grinned, picking one of the pieces.
Nico turned to her, expecting something more similar to what she and Matteo were wearing. However, it seemed that she had a pretty good idea of what his style was, surprisingly.
The ensemble was a new pair of leather pants with a leather coat. It looked more like armor than it did casual clothes, but he guessed that it was likely more common for the pirates to have.
Once the clothes were in his hands, Lia turned back to Matteo to talk about pricing and other wares. Nico straightened, unsure where he was supposed to change. He waited patiently before Lia laughed loudly at something Matteo said.
“We’ll see you at the Hilt tonight, right?” Lia chuckled with a grin.
“You know I wouldn’t miss a seafood boil,” Matteo replied before waving them off. “For gold and glory!”
Nico bowed his head in thanks as Lia walked towards the stairs off to the left. He noticed that there were less people that way, and he wondered where they were going.
She gestured for him to keep following her, and she guided him towards where the bar is. He started to hear the boisterousness of the Hilt ahead of them, and he grimaced. Then Lia turned to take him around the back instead of going through the main area.
“Where are we...?” he asked as she smirked.
“I can’t go through there with a basket full of mussels and clams. I’ll never hear the end of it,” she chuckled. “We gotta take them back around the chef himself, and then we can get you to the healer.”
“Right,” he hummed.
Lia brought him to the back of the tavern, and she pointed towards an area where he could change. It was a public restroom, but he could certainly change in there.
While she went to speak with the chef, something about the place felt oddly familiar. It wasn’t like he had been to the Hilt before, but there was something about it that felt familiar still. Maybe it was just the atmosphere that felt overly friendly.
Once he was in his new clothes, he was surprised that they fit so well. He walked towards the back exit, preparing to wait for Lia to come back out.
“I can take a look at him,” a gruff voice complained before Nico looked up.
A large qunari man in a cook’s apron walked out of the kitchen, ducking through the doorway as he went. Lia trailed behind him, and Nico couldn’t help but notice the considerable size difference between the two Lords of Fortune. He froze, realizing that he was pretty defenseless against the cook.
“Rethala kada, Evaabansata,” the qunari remarked with a bellow.
Nico swallowed, unsure how to handle this. He didn’t speak Qunlat, but it seemed that Lia did. He was thankful for that.
“Ebasit mar-satataar. Ebasit asalataar, Mashev,” Lia informed with strong conviction.
The qunari stopped and turned to look at her with concern. Her shoulders drooped a little before she nodded.
“Asalataar?” the qunari, Mashev, repeated.
“Taarsaam mar-taarlock,” she explained.
Mashev took a deep breath, rubbing the back of his neck. Then he understood why Lia had tried to stop him from rushing out.
“Mar-taarlock...” Mashev whispered, shaking his head.
“My apologies, but I would like to know what’s going on,” Nico interrupted impatiently. He felt his irritation grow, but he did a good job of keeping his demeanor calm.
“I was talking to Mashev about how I got the shellfish, and I mentioned you. I said that you had gotten hurt, but the translation wasn’t as clean as I would have liked,” Lia explained as she sighed. “We were going to go see the healer after this, right? I mentioned that to Mashev as well.”
“And I assumed you were hurt,” Mashev replied in Trade.
“Well, I suppose I was. I appreciate your kindness in rushing out here to help me,” Nico replied as the qunari held out his hand. Nico slowly shook it, and the chef smiled. “I’m Nico, by the way.”
“Of course! We always want to help the people who wash up on our shores,” the chef mentioned before he glanced at Lia. “You need to get him to the captain before rumor spreads too far.”
“Yes, yes, I know. That’s after we seek out the healer,” Lia reassured. “We’ll swing by later tonight, though, for that boil you make. I made a piss poor version in the wild last night.”
“With what? Water?” Mashev asked before grimacing at her shrug. “Ebra saarasaari, Evaabansata.”
“It was either that or starving. I figured that the bland fish was better than nothing,” she pointed out.
Mashev shuddered as Nico hummed, thinking that it wasn’t bad. Somehow, he could tell that wasn’t the worst thing he had ever eaten.
“I am glad neither of you starved,” the chef replied, rolling his eyes. “But I’ll show you the proper way to prepare them, and you won’t have them any other way.”
“I look forward to that,” Nico replied, bowing his head.
“Ebasit taarra,” Mashev commented, pointing at Lia before walking back into the kitchen. “Nehraa kash eta ataash!”
Lia’s jaw dropped at his words as a light blush covered her cheeks. Nico glanced between the two of them.
“What did he say?” Nico asked, glancing back at where the chef disappeared to.
“Oh, just the classic For gold and glory,” she deflected.
“And that made you blush like that?” he pressed her, raising a brow.
“Let’s forget it, we need to get you to the healer,” Lia reminded, practically shoving him out of the bar.
Nico smirked, wondering if there was someone else he could ask to find out what he actually said before he waved them off. Until then, he went along with Lia as they walked to a different part to the Hall of Valor. Lia was searching for someone in particular, and she finally found her near the bottom of the other set of stairs.
Lia dragged him along, and he saw two women speaking to each other. As they approached, the two Lords of Fortune turned, surprised to see Lia with someone new.
“Thalia. It is good to see you, sister,” Rowan greeted before staring at Nico. “Who is this?”
“A castaway I found along the beach when I was returning from my little expedition,” Lia explained, turning towards him. “Nico, this is Rowan and Tia Vide. Tia Vide is who we’re looking for.”
“And why would you seek me out, child?” the older woman asked with her thick Rivaini accent.
Rowan watched carefully as she looked around them, almost as the spirits were shouting something at her. Lia focused on Vide, hoping to get an answer.
“Nico can’t remember anything about his past before he washed up on the beach yesterday. We think he might have hit his head,” Lia pointed out as Nico nodded.
“Hmm, I understand, criança. Let me take a look,” Vide smiled as Rowan turned back to Nico.
Vide gently grabbed Nico’s head and closed her eyes, channeling her magic through his mind so she could find the issue. Lia waited while Rowan stepped towards her.
“Be careful, sister. The spirits are restless around him,” Rowan whispered as Lia furrowed her brow.
“Why?” Lia asked.
“I am trying to determine why, but there has been a disturbance. I believe that Nico is at the center of it,” the seer explained.
Lia nodded before Vide exclaimed excitedly. Nico stared at her before the older woman stepped back.
“Filho, you are a strange one,” Vide chastised, confusing him. “You did hit your head, but there is something else that is preventing your memories from returning. It’s temporary, though. You shouldn’t see any lasting effects, and you should get your memories back before you know it.”
“What is preventing my memories? Is it magic?” Nico asked before Vide shook her head.
“No, it’s a natural concoction. Someone is very good at herbalism to create that for you, but like I said, it will wear off,” Vide reassured.
“Is there a cure or something?” Nico asked.
Rowan stepped closer to Vide as the older woman raised a brow with curiosity.
“A fascinating question, filho. What makes you think there would be?” Vide asked.
That made Nico stop in his tracks. Why did he think there was a counteraction to what he had taken to erase his memory, even temporarily. Lia listened, wondering if it had something to do with the spirits that Rowan mentioned.
“I’m not sure,” Nico whispered before Vide shrugged.
“Antiva has many good herbalists, but we give them a good run for their money,” Vide remarked, winking at Lia. “And it was your accent that gave you away, dear, before you get worried.”
“That does make me feeling better, somewhat,” Nico admitted with a grimace. At least there was another hint leading to where he was from.
“But I wouldn’t clear you for travel, since I know that’s why Lia brought you to me. I always clear or bar our little sailors from travel if I need to. For you, I think it would be best for you to rest until your memories return,” Vide replied before pointing at Lia. “But you need to get the final clearance from the captain. He isn’t a Lord of Fortune, so I have no real say in what happens.”
“She was our last stop before heading over to the Hilt,” Lia explained as Vide grinned.
“I hear your brought back shellfish on your way back,” she remarked with an excited squeal. “We’ll see you there, docinho. Por ouro e glória!”
Lia smiled and waved while Nico bowed his head in respect. Rowan bowed her head in return while Vide blew them a kiss before waving.
Nico followed Lia up the stairs to their final required destination, and he grew more nervous with who this captain was. He wasn’t sure what to expect from the captain.
As they reached the top, there was a strange elvhen woman in dark leathers standing at the end of the stairs. She had black curly hair and pale green eyes, and she stared at him like she knew him. He stared back for a moment before tilting his head. Lia went on ahead, not noticing the strange stare-down that was happening behind her.
“Do I know you?” Nico asked gently.
The woman’s eyes narrowed slightly before she grinned and shook her head.
“Le mie scuse, I thought I did. You look just like someone I know, though,” she commented before bowing her head. “I didn’t mean to disrupt your day, signor.”
“I see,” he replied, unable to keep the disappointment out of his voice. “Can I get your name, signorina?”
She inhaled as if she was gathering her courage. She nodded and gave a trying smile.
“Maria. Maria Carmella,” she answered calmly before dipping her head again.
“It’s good to meet you,” Nico replied before noticing that Lia was looking around for where he went. “I should go, but I would like to speak with you later, if it’s alright. I would like to know why I look like your friend.”
“I would like that as well,” she replied, pausing for a second.
“Nico. You can call me Nico.”
“Nico. Well, I will see you around, then. Be good for the captain.”
“Ah, well,” Nico grumbled before Maria started down the stairs.
He watched her for a moment, finding it strange that she was leaving at such a quick pace.
With a shrug, he continued on and waved down Lia. The Lord smiled in relief before gesturing for him to follow. He glanced back to see if Maria was still there, but she had vanished.
“What are you doing?” Lia asked before he shook his head.
“Nothing. There was an Antivan woman, and we got caught up in a small conversation,” he answered, waving his hand as if to shoo away the topic. “Where’s the captain?”
“Over here,” she answered, pointing towards the corner of the area.
The platform overlooked the Hall of Valor itself, and the corner had the best view of the fighting. It made sense that the captain who oversaw the fights would get the best seats in the house.
Lia approached with Nico closely behind. The captain smiled at Lia before her brows furrowed at the sight of Nico, but Lia paid no mind. Nico bowed his head in greeting.
“Good to see you both,” Isabela mentioned with a tight-lipped smile. “What’s going on?”
“I found Nico as a castaway yesterday, and he needs a place to stay as he recovers. Tia Vide said that he isn’t clear for travel yet due to his condition,” Lia mentioned.
Captain Isabela placed a hand on her hip as she glanced between her fellow Lord and the strange man standing beside her. Nico remained silent, deciding to let Lia be his advocate here. The captain took a deep breath.
“A castaway?” the captain repeated, almost finding it unbelievable.
Lia nodded, surprised by her leader’s reaction. She had always known her captain to be willing to house anyone who needed it as long as they didn’t start fights or excessive drinking before a sailing excursion.
However, this was out of character. The captain didn’t hesitate when it came to these kinds of decisions, but it was like she hadn’t made up her mind yet.
“Yes, a castaway. His ship was wrecked in the storm two nights ago,” Lia reminded her.
“of course,” the captain murmured, folding her arms.
“Please, I’m only asking for a few days before I get back on my feet. Then I will get out of your hair. You have my word,” Nico reassured the captain.
Captain Isabela glanced around, looking for people to jump out to announce that she had been pranked. However, it seemed that they were being completely candid.
“Nico just needs-” Lia started before Isabela held up her hand.
“Nico?” Isabela asked incredulously.
“He couldn’t tell me his name, so we came up with a name that we could use until he could tell me,” Lia explained with exasperation.
“Excuse me?” Isabela scoffed before pinching her nose, shaking her head. “First your sister comes to ask me a bunch of questions that I don’t have the answers to, and now this?”
“What?” Lia and Nico asked at the same time. The captain just rolled her eyes.
“I’m not going to play these games,” the captain warned, glaring at the man with an animosity that Lia hadn’t seen before. “Just what the fuck are you playing at, Viago?”
Lia finds herself a little too far from Hall of Valor, so she starts to make her way back to the Lords of Fortune when she comes across a shipwreck. To her surprise, she finds a half alive man, and she decides to see if she wake up him and possibly feed him. Maybe then she can figure out what happened to the poor guy.
AO3
Lia walked along the beach as she collected different mussels and clams in a basket. She had spent too long out in the jungle again, and she had lost her direction back to the Hall. However, as long as she found the beach, she could find her way back. She was only a day out, so the Hall was a day in either direction along the cliffs.
She never minded when she got lost, anyway. She was able to survive on her own for a few days, even if she scared Isabela when she was gone for longer than a week. Luckily, Lia always came back with a treasure or two. This time, she found enough shellfish for a seafood boil for a celebration. If she could reach the Hall in the next day or so.
As she walked around a washed-up wreck, Lia didn’t see anything of interest at first. Then she saw a person draped over some driftwood on the sand. It was strange, but she supposed there was a storm the night prior. She had the chance to hide in the ruins from the rain, but it seemed that the man’s ship had been caught in the storm.
Lia walked over and pushed him onto his back with her foot, and she tilted her head, looking down at him. He was breathing at least, so that was something. The man was pretty, though. He had dark curly hair and copper skin, and he hadn’t shaved his face in days from what she could see. She looked around, but she didn’t see anyone else in the area. With a hum, she shook her head. It seemed that the man had somehow stranded himself on the beach.
Placing her basket of shellfish away from the water, Lia walked to the man and dragged him away from the tide. He was lucky that he was mostly unhurt and still alive.
Once he was under a bit of shade near the edge of the jungle, Lia grabbed her shellfish basket to place it next to him. She would try to wake him once she got dinner going. Surely there would be something she could start a fire with or maybe cook with on the wreck of a ship.
After searching for nearly an hour, she found a banged-up pot, but she wasn’t sure it was even from the boat the man was on. Still, she could boil fresh water from the jungle before boiling some of the shellfish that she gathered. It would be bland and not as good as it would be back at the Hilt, but food was food at this point. She would try searching for fruit later, though.
As the pot boiled, she saw the man shift beside her. Lia smirked and looked out over the water, seeing that the sun was sinking in the sky. They would have to sleep for the night on the beach, and then they would travel back to the Hall in the morning. From there, the man could find another ship from there.
“Dove mi trovo?” the man muttered, squinting as he tried to look around.
“Excuse me?” Lia replied with confusion.
“Where... am I?” the man rephrased, focusing on the different language.
“Ah, Rivain coast. Hopefully near the Hall of Valor. We’ll find out tomorrow,” she answered confidently.
The man groaned, furrowing his brow. Lia wondered if he was experiencing a headache, but she turned back to the meager seafood boil she was making.
“La mia fottuta fortuna,” he complained, placing an arm over his eyes.
Lia chuckled, knowing that he wasn’t happy with his predicament. She couldn’t blame him, but it wasn’t like she could change his ordeal.
“I’m Thalia, but most call me Lia,” she introduced herself with a smile. “What’s your name?”
The man froze before he slowly looked at her. She glanced at him, seeing his strange expression.
“I... don’t know.”
“Why not? Surely you can come up with something if you can’t tell me your name. Where are you from?”
“I don’t know.”
Lia paused, realizing that he wasn’t being obtuse. Most people didn’t want to use their real names with strangers all the time, but this was something different. She wasn’t sure if he would tell her his real name, but it sounded like he didn’t even know his own name anymore.
The man slowly sat up, holding his forehead. Lia watched him for a moment before throwing another log on the fire.
“Well, you speak some form of Antivan. That’s a good place to start, right?” she offered.
“You recognize the Antivan language?”
“I’m from Rivain, not from under a rock. I can’t speak the language, but I recognize it.”
“A fair point,” he sighed.
“So, you know nothing?”
“I know... where Rivain is on a map. I know how to speak Antivan and Trade. I don’t know anything personal about me, though.”
“Not ideal, I’ll be frank,” Lia sighed. “I can’t help you get home if you don’t know where home is.”
“How do you know I don’t live here? In Rivain?”
“You were on a shipwreck over there.”
He followed where she pointed, and he frowned at the shattered bow of the boat. He sighed and ran a hand through his hair.
“That does lend to the idea that I’m not from Rivain,” he grumbled with irritation. “So, there’s a good chance I’m from Antiva, then. Still, that’s not much to go on. It’s a big country. What city or town am I from? Do I have friends? Family?”
“Not a clue. I am from Rivain. I ran across you passed out on the beach,” she answered.
He glared at her as she smirked. She hummed, stirring the pot a little. He shook his head and rolled his eyes.
“You’re a fun one,” she chuckled.
“I know you’re joking, but that doesn’t sound true of me at all,” he pointed out with a sigh.
Lia shrugged before looking over the beach again. He followed her gaze again, appreciating the landscape they could see. He wasn’t sure if this was a sight he had seen before.
“I’m sure you’re fun when you are having a good day, my friend,” she reassured him. “I still need a name to use. Do any sound nice?”
“I don’t know,” he groaned, throwing his head back. “What would I even choose?”
“Any name. I don’t care. I can’t just call you that guy all day,” she complained, rolling her eyes.
He scoffed, shaking his head. He thought for a moment, thinking of a common enough Antivan name that he could use until he remembered what his actual name was.
“Nico,” he decided as she nodded.
“Nico. I can work with that,” Lia smirked and nodded. “Alright, Nico, the shellfish boil should be about done.”
“Did you just boil them?”
“It’s not like I have access to spices and vegetables out here. It’s either this or we climb twenty feet to get a coconut. It’s getting too dark to start to climb, and I don’t think you are in any shape to spot me if I fall.”
“You’re right,” Nico muttered, nodding as he pinched his nose. “I didn’t mean to come across as ungrateful. The fact that you thought to feed me at all was very thoughtful.”
“I wasn’t going to let you drown, burn in the sun, or starve,” she replied with a smile. “And you’re welcome. I will be honest, this probably won’t taste very good, but it will be food for our bellies for the night. Tomorrow I will treat you to a Hilt seafood boil, and then you will see what it’s supposed to be like.”
“That sounds nice.”
“It does, doesn’t it? Anyway, I’ll also see what we can do about getting you home as well.”
“But home where?” Nico pointed out with a frown. She turned to him for a moment before checking the pot. “We think I’m from Antiva, but like I said, it’s a big place. We have no idea where I’m from, and I wouldn’t know where to begin.”
“What would you like to do, then? Do you want to join the Lords? Work at the Hilt? Fight in the arena at the Hall?” Lia wondered, genuinely asking.
“Well, what do you do?”
“Oh, I have a specialized job within the Lords. I find strange flora and fauna for them.”
“Why?” Nico asked, confused.
“Well, I liked to explore the jungle as well as the ruins. I would come back with strange plants as often as I did with gold,” she explained with a smile. “It also turns out that I have a knack for befriending the local wildlife.”
“Meaning?”
“If someone needs something from an animal, they ask me to investigate. We have an Antivan Talon reach out every once in a while asking for new poisons, which overlaps my expertise. If I find a new venom or poisonous plant, I send it his way.”
“That’s interesting. So, you just hunt snakes and other creatures?” he asked, taking an interest.
“Hardly. I befriend them, not hunt. The snakes are the sweetest, though,” Lia smiled with a shrug. “They can smell I’m coming, and some come out to say hi. Others hide away, but it’s gotten easier to interact with them since I’ve gotten to know them.”
“That is fascinating. I didn’t know it was possible.”
“It’s dangerous, and a lot of people would caution me against it. However, I don’t listen, and it turns a profit for the Lords. Not to mention that Talon I mentioned sends back antivenoms and antidotes, so if an accident were to happen, I would likely be fine.”
“But you are a Lord of Fortune?”
“In the flesh,” she chuckled. “For gold and glory, as Isabela would say.”
“And do you think that I could join? Even with my head being a mess?”
“I don’t see why not. It’s not an instant thing, and it would be something you would have to work towards, but if it’s something you want, then we can work towards that.”
“Well, it would be a good prospect, given that I don’t know much else,” Nico replied.
“I think we should at least head over to Antiva at one point just to see if it helps you jog your memory before you jump into an entire career,” she suggested. “Once we get back to the Hall, we’ll find a ship, and we can get your head checked out. I’m guessing you hit it in the wreck or something if you don’t remember anything personal.”
“You make a good point. How long would it take to sail to Antiva?”
“Maybe a few days. Three if the wind is against us.”
“Where in Antiva would you take me?” he asked as Lia pursed her lips.
“Well, first, this would only happen if the healer cleared you for travel. We don’t want to make that head of yours worse somehow,” she added before she lifted her shoulders. “And maybe Treviso. That’s where the Talon I sent my supplies to lives. He might be able to help. We can also go wherever calls to you,” she answered with a smile.
“That’s not a bad plan.”
Lia stood after a moment to drain the boiling water into the sand before returning with a pot of hot shellfish. It didn’t smell incredibly appetizing, but Nico had to admit that his stomach was overriding his nose at the moment. He was starving, and he was pretty sure that he would eat the dried kelp along the beach if this hadn’t been an option.
She cautioned him to go slow, both due to his condition and to their heat. She didn’t want to burn his fingers on top of everything. She placed the pot to the side of the fire before leaning back to watch the sun start to sink towards the horizon.
Nico brought up his knees so he could rest his arms on them. He watched the sky as well, and he wondered where in Rivain he was.
“What’s on the other side of the sea?” he asked as she hummed.
“From here? Antiva. If you were to sail straight forward without worrying about waves or wind, you would end up somewhere near Salle, I think. Antiva is that way, though,” she explained, pointing at the horizon with one eye shut. “I’ve always thought about going to Antiva or Ferelden. Rivain is gorgeous, and I love it here, but adventuring sounds like fun.”
“Why haven’t you?”
“Sometimes I think my imagination is better than whatever reality has in store for me. Whatever I conjure up is going to be better than what I find, or I’ll be better off here.”
“That’s a sad way to live,” Nico commented before he could hold his tongue.
Lia chuckled before nodded.
“You aren’t wrong, but there’s a lot wrong with the world. I’m just scared that it just won’t be what I think it is,” she answered before she sighed. “But people have told me that’s part of the fun.”
“Is that why you offered to go with me to Antiva?”
“Partly, I guess. Mostly because I bet you would talk me out of it once you get your memories back.”
“And what about now? It sounds like I need to talk you into coming with me, now,” he argued. “So, you can see the world and see that it’s more wondrous than you think.”
“And you would know, Mr. Amnesia?”
“Maybe,” he shrugged. “It feels like I travel a lot. I don’t know why, but I don’t think that was the first time I was on a ship. I do think it was the first time I got wrecked in a storm, or at least, I hope it was. It would be embarrassing to find out that this was a pattern.”
“True. It was strange to see that you were alone on the ship,” she added.
“Maybe I’m a merchant from the area? That would make me take short trips across the bay, right? I wouldn’t need a crew for that,” Nico reasoned before he frowned. “But that ship was too large for me to manage by myself.”
“I wonder if your crew made it somewhere else?” Lia offered before Nico sighed.
“I wouldn’t even know, which is worse. I wouldn’t be able to recognize them out of a crowd, so they would have to approach me,” he reminded her. He rubbed his face before turning to her instead of the sunset. “So, we eat, sleep, then head to this Hall of Valor?”
“Yep! Hopefully it’ll only take a day.”
“Hopefully?”
“I’m pretty sure I was headed in the right direction. I was on a gathering mission when I found you, and I got a little turned around. It’s either half a day this way,” Lia began, pointing in the direction she had been heading when she found him. “Or a day and a half walk in the other direction.”
“Do you get lost often?”
“Not especially, but sometimes the jungle gets confusing. Once I find the coast, though, then it’s easier. I never walk further than a day out, though. I don’t want to get too lost that no one can find me.”
“That sounds a little delusional,” Nico warned, making her laugh.
“It could be, but it’s worked so far. Besides, I grew up in the jungle and along the beach. I know how to survive here. I’m not a city person who found their way to the Lords,” Lia reassured with a smirk. “I know what I’m doing, even if you don’t think I do.”
“I never said-”
“You heavily implied it, but it’s fine.”
“I’m sorry,” Nico sighed, rubbing the back of his neck.
“Apology accepted. Now, should we eat before these get cold again?” she asked, grabbing the cooled down pot.
“And then sleep out here?”
“As long as we’re not sleeping out on the beach, we should be fine. It’s too open out there, and a predator would pick you off easily.”
“Really?” he groaned as she shrugged.
“I’m quick and a light sleeper. You could sleep like the dead for all I know,” she teased.
Nico huffed in mild irritation, but there wasn’t any real heat behind it. She wasn’t wrong, but he didn’t love that she had no faith in him. He felt like he needed to show that he could pull his weight.
He grabbed one of the mussels before looking at Lia, prying it open. He tipped his head back and ate the insides of the shellfish, and he found the texture chewier than he expected. He hummed, thankful for the fact that the food wasn’t atrocious. Again, he wasn’t going to complain about the food over having none, but it helped that it was at least palatable.
“Hm, it would be so much better with butter and a wine sauce, but they aren’t bad,” Lia admitted with a nod.
“It’s great for a nearly drowned man on the beach,” he argued, making her smile.
“Glad you think so. Glad you made it, as well. I wasn’t sure that you were alive when I came across you. Thought you were dead for sure.”
“That makes two of us. I’m glad I’m alive, even if I don’t remember anything.”
He shifted a little before he grabbed another couple shells. Lia smiled, relieved that his appetite was still there. It meant that he didn’t have a concussion, at least. Not a severe one, anyway.
“I’m inclined to think that my crew is dead, though. If I barely made it, I’m not sure if my crew would have,” Nico mentioned, glancing back at the shipwreck while waves lapped at it.
She watched him for a few moments, then she touched his upper arm. He startled, turning towards her quickly before relaxing.
“They might be alive yet. Don’t give up hope. Besides, if you wouldn’t recognize them anyway, we could just say that your crew survived. Who’s to say otherwise? And if we do find people along the way, then more the merrier,” she offered, and he nearly laughed.
It was an absurd way to think, and he found that he wanted to know more about her. She was fascinating in a way he was sure he hadn’t known before. It was strange to be around her, but she was endearing and sweet.
If he did get his memories back, he hoped that he would have the chance to get to know her first before he had to rush off anywhere. He truly hoped he wasn’t anyone overly important.
The contract that Isabella and Lucanis went on did not go as planned, but neither one got hurt. Instead, they couldn't decide how they should have gone about it, and they ended up bickering the entire time and all the way back to the Diamond. However, it seemed that more than just the Talons were there to witness the event.
AO3
"You just had to sneak in through the back door, didn't you?" Isa hissed against his chest irritably.
"None of the windows you suggested were convenient," Lucanis complained quietly back.
"Convenient? The maid heard the damn door," she pointed out. "The windows would have kept us out of harm's way."
"You don't know that. You shoved us in here before we could investigate. Besides, the windows could have invited other dangers you don't know about."
"The maid was coming down the hallway headed straight for us. No one would have heard us through the fucking window."
"It could've been unrelated," he argued. "Maybe it was a part of her routine. We don't know that we were the reason she came into the room."
"She still came into the room. If we had gone through the window-"
"Maybe there was two maids going about their business outside the window you would have chosen."
Isa shoved him lightly as he huffed in annoyance. He rolled his eyes before they went silent, hearing someone coming near the room the closet they were in was located.
The sound passed, and Lucanis peeked out the closet door. He motioned that the coast was clear. Isa dipped her head, following his lead out of the room.
They were going to get lucky if they even made it through this contract alive.
The contract after that was a struggle, but it was finished. They couldn't decide on anything, and they ended up hiss-arguing the whole time. Isa had to kill the target with a throwing knife to the neck because he had woken up to them bickering.
It even continued back to the Diamond as Viago was the one they had to return the completed contract to. Lucanis and Isa both talked over each other, trying to explain why their way had been better than the other's.
Teia and Viago glanced at each other, concerned about what had happened during the contract for them to return like this. Neither of them knew either of them to argue like this, and it worried them. Teia hoped that neither of them were hurt on top of everything as well, but something told her that this was over something trivial as well.
Viago wished that they would stop while they were in the casino at least. There were too many witnesses for the First Talon to be arguing with a fellow Crow, let alone his fiancee.
However, neither Lucanis or Isa seemed to see the two Talons' concerned demeanor.
"If we had just gone through the window in the first place-" Isa reminded.
"It wouldn't have made a difference," Lucanis immediately countered, cutting her off.
"It would have. We wouldn't have run into the maid, and-"
"We might have tripped over something, or the window could have been locked, or-"
"Are you doubting my skills?" she accused.
"I'm just saying that nothing is as straight forward as-"
"Can you just admit that the door was a bad idea?"
"No, it was a fine idea! We got the job done-"
"In the loudest way possible-"
"Not true. We could have been way louder," Lucanis remarked, adding fuel to the fire.
"Are you kidding me?"
"What? Do you want me to be louder now? I can be-"
"Luca, stop it! I don't need you to be louder. A blind man without hearing in his left ear could hit you with a throwing knife."
"You take that back."
"Prove me wrong. We completed that contract like a couple of-"
"Alright, enough!" Teia interrupted as she walked up to them. "Was the contract completed?"
"It's here," Isa answered, holding out the contract to Teia.
Teia exhaled, taking the paper from the Crow as Lucanis dipped his head in a silent greeting. Viago was holding his head in his hands not too far away, and Isa frowned. They were making a scene in the middle of the Diamond, and Isa found that she didn't really care.
"Glad to see that it's done," Teia muttered. "Now, would you please stop bickering like an old married couple in the middle of the casino? You're going to give Viago an aneurysm."
"We didn't mean to make a scene, Teia," Lucanis replied diplomatically before Isa sighed.
"Viago will be fine if we argue a little loudly once in a while," the Crow snapped, looking at her brother. "You two argue."
"I won't deny that," Teia remarked with a groan.
"We don't need to be bickering in the Diamond. Teia has a point," he replied.
"Then admit that I was right about the window at least," Isa hissed, pointing at him. "Because that would have made our lives easier on the job."
"No, because I don't believe it would have," Lucanis answered, folding his arms. She rolled her eyes.
"You stubborn ass," she complained through her teeth.
"I don't answer ultimatums."
"You are going to kill me, Luca."
"You are being dramatic. You are just frustrated that the door creaked a little, but it didn't call the maid in."
"It did."
"It did not. She was going there anyway. Why would a maid investigate?" he asked, raising a brow. "Besides, that closet wasn't the worst place to be."
"Luca," she warned, glaring at him now.
"Both of you-" Teia warned gently.
"Eh, looks like the First Talon has got himself an old nag," a drunk Crow snickered from the bar.
Isa and Luca froze before Teia sighed. That was what she was trying to avoid, but it seemed that it was inevitable.
The de Riva Crow scowled at the drunkards, but they paid her no mind. They had found their new form of entertainment. Lucanis rolled his eyes, realizing that he had an issue on his hands now.
"Do you think he'll whip her into shape, or will she ride him all over the place?" another Crow cackled, clearly unable to control the volume he spoke at.
Isa worked her jaw before she looked away, Lucanis felt Spite's anger rise in him before he shoved it down. He needed a clear head for this.
He turned towards them to tell them off when he felt someone at his side. Lucanis froze, seeing Isa across from him still while Teia was already on her way back to Viago. However, Viago's shock caused her to look back as well.
A bold Crow, who was not drunk, had walked up next to Lucanis with a smirk. Isa furrowed her brow, concerned.
"An old nag has no place in a casino. Nags should find their way to the stables. Where they belong," the bold Crow informed, shocking Isa.
Isa waited for a moment as Lucanis stared at the Crow in utter disbelief, who looked only proud of himself. Isa hummed, blinking before she scoffed.
"If that's how it is, then I will take my leave. I know how to recognize when I am not wanted," Isa remarked before glancing at Lucanis.
The First Talon dipped his head slightly, and she huffed, turning on her heel to leave quickly. They would discuss what this was later, but he could tell that her emotions were running too high for her to retaliate in a nonlethal manner.
Lucanis slowly removed the bold Crow's hand from his shoulder before swiftly breaking his wrist. The bold Crow cried out in shock and pain.
"I don't remember giving you permission to touch me," Lucanis commented coolly as the Crow whimpered. "I will also not allow anyone to bad mouth my fiancé in front of me. I will have your names. Now."
"C-Crow Patrizio Sanfiel," the bold Crow answered as the First Talon hummed, nodding.
"Yours as well," Lucanis stated, turning to the two drunk Crows.
"Crow Marciano Porches," the first drunk Crow stated, his eyes a little wide in fear and surprise.
"Crow Rocío Porches," the second drunk Crow added, too drunk to understand the trouble he was in.
"I do not control the Diamond. This is Cantori owned. However, if I so much as see your faces again, I will take a finger from each of you," Lucanis threatened lowly. Spite thrummed with anticipation, hoping that the Crows would fight him.
Instead, the three of them rushed out of the casino, and Teia walked back over to him. Lucanis turned to her and thinned his lips.
"I apologize if they were good customers," he mentioned.
"Don't worry about it. They weren't worth their weight in salt," she reassured, patting his back. "And I do appreciate you for not poisoning them or stabbing them."
"It did cross my mind," Lucanis admitted. Teia chuckled and shrugged.
"Understandable. Viago is willing to punish them for calling his sister a nag if you don't have anything planned," she added.
"Oh, there will be strongly, deadly written letters going to the heads of the Houses. If their leaders do nothing, then I will send Viago and Isa after them. I will not stand for that behavior," he informed, rolling his eyes. "It's absolutely unbelievable. Does that happen often?"
"Not often enough to worry about," she admitted. "What do you mean by deadly?"
"Oh, I'm going to mention them by name and how they insulted the name of both House de Riva and House Dellamorte. I think that should catch their attention. I don't think the three of them understand that they insulted one of the de Riva siblings," Lucanis answered with a shrug. "Otherwise, they would have kept their mouth shut to prevent a poisoning incident."
"Very true," she hummed. "You should go find Isa before she gets too stressed out."
"Yes, you're right. I'll make sure she knows that she's not a nag, and she won't see those animals again," he reassured before following after where Isa had gone.
Teia smiled, watching him leave the casino. After a moment, she walked back to Viago, who looked like he was going to explode.
The Talon took a deep breath, wanting to calm himself before having a conversation with his fellow Talon. Teia handed him the contract, and he placed it on the table behind him. That could wait for a moment.
"What's being done?" Viago asked.
"Luca's handling it as a First Talon would. Trust me, House de Riva will get its due as well," she chuckled.
Viago relaxed slightly before shaking his head. He swore Isa was taking years off his life.
Isa retreated to the top of the old clock tower near the Trevisan market. She wanted to be alone for a little while, and she wondered if she really had pushed Lucanis too far this time. She had never been labeled as a nag before, and she found that she hated it. She knew that they were having an argument, but she didn't think she was being overly critical about his side of things.
She sighed, knowing that she was. Perhaps the maid wasn't brought in by the noise the door made when they walked in, but that was beside the point. They were just arguing to argue at that point. It was hard to say, honestly. They had just gotten into a vicious circle, but she only felt frustration and irritation. It would have blown over in a day or two.
Isa sat on the edge of the windowsill that overlooked the canal that led out to sea. She liked to watch the ships come in and out of the docks, and she found it calming. A traitorous part of her wondered if Lucanis was going to call off their wedding over this, but she knew better than that. If they could survive her disappearing into the Fade for a few weeks, then they could survive a few intense arguments.
Besides, she knew that he took her side in the end when he nodded to her. The Crows who were making fun of her were going to get their dues, but they would remain alive. She had half a mind to poison them, but they were Crows. That made them allies, after all. Isa also didn't think it was appropriate to poison someone over drunken words, regardless of whether they died or not.
Laying on her back, she looked up into the scaffolding. The worst part was that she wouldn't do anything differently if given the chance. She might have kept her voice down a little if she knew that she was going to potentially embarrass her love, but she still believed that she was correct. She refused to back down just because there was an audience.
There were footsteps approaching her through the rickety wooden stairs, and she waited. Very few people came up this way, and she could guess who was coming up the tower at this point. Isa didn't really care to look to confirm who it was.
"Did you kill them?" Isa asked instead.
"No."
She didn't think so, but she wanted to ask anyway. She smiled, closing her eyes.
"Their leaders might wish they were dead once they receive my letters," Lucanis hummed thoughtfully.
"Ah, that sounds interesting," she chuckled.
Lucanis walked over to her, staring at her supine position. Isa opened her eyes and smirked. He held out his hand to her, and she accepted the help to her feet.
"I wanted to make sure that Antiva knows that while I value Crow lives, I won't stand for anyone insulting my future wife," Lucanis explained.
"What did you tell them in the letter?"
"I explained that you were insulted by them, who I listed by name, and I said that if they show their faces in Treviso again, I will see that they never leave the city again," he explained with a shrug. "I thought it would be better to leave the threat open ended."
"Viago will likely poison them anyway," she warned with a sigh. "He won't allow someone to embarrass House de Riva so easily."
"Oh, I mentioned that you were of House de Riva and Viago's sister as well," he chuckled.
"I see," Isa grimaced but nodded. "I would be surprised if the House leaders they belong to don't kick them out of the Crows altogether just to save face."
"All for the best, if you ask me," Lucanis shrugged with a smirk.
"Did you at least get the contract to Teia and Viago?"
"Yes, they have it, and we can put it behind us if you'd like. Unless you would like to argue some more."
"I would like a break from arguing," she muttered, leaning her forehead on his shoulder.
"I would be happy to put our argument on hold," he teased as she sighed. "I'm sorry you had to deal with that, though, amor. You shouldn't have to put up with those fools."
"I appreciate that," Isa smiled, looking up at him.
He brushed the hair from her face before leaning forward, tilting her head so he could kiss her lips sweetly. She melted into him a little before resting her hands on his hips.
She opened her eyes after a moment, and she grinned, seeing him watching her as well. While he knew how to push her to an argument, she knew how to press his buttons just right as well. She generally placed her arms around his neck for a more chaste kiss. Placing her hands on his torso like this, in his words, invited danger.
His eyes were on fire.
"We're in public, amor," he murmured with a growl in his voice.
"Are we? I thought this was the old clock tower. It's always seemed better days," Isa replied cheekily, keeping close to him. "No one comes up this way, and you are the only other person I've ever seen up here."
"You are playing a dangerous game."
"Am I? I think I'm playing a entertaining game."
"Isa," he hissed.
"Say it again," she encouraged with a wide grin.
"Isa," he repeated in a low tone, making her eyes flutter. "Isabella."
"Now you're playing dirty," she chuckled.
"I never said that I was going to play fair," Lucanis reminded her, leaning towards her.
She met his lips with hers again, kissing him eagerly. She squeezed her grip slightly over his waist, and she luxuriated in his groan. She hummed before he broke away from the kiss.
"We are heading back to the villa," he told her, surprising her.
"What?" she asked, her brain still a little scrambled. "I thought-"
"Isa, I love you too much to fuck you in a dilapidated building," he whispered in her ear.
The Crow blinked before she turned to the Talon, who looked a little too proud of himself. Still, she was a little too far gone to care about the arrogance he sported.
"As long as you get me back there soon, amore," she breathed out with a huff. "Otherwise, I might steal a moment in an alleyway."
"Don't threaten me with a good time," Lucanis laughed before dragging her into a kiss.
Isa laughed against his lips before his arm snaked around her waist, leading her down the stairs so they could leave the tower. They practically flew down the steps, and Isa grinned, sticking close to him. They would likely get to the villa in record time after all.
The day is rainy and stormy, almost as if all of Treviso is crying over the death of Isabella de Riva. Lucanis is preparing the funeral of his fiancée, and he can feel the tension in the air. Some Crows are preparing to pounce on his weakened state while others are waiting to see what happens. Viago is returning to with the body of his sister, and Teia is coming with a strange gift. She says it's meant to make him feel better. He's not sure anything will make him feel better.
CW: Rook Death
AO3
It was a dark day over Treviso, and the Crows as a whole grew nervous. Contracts were put on hold and guildmasters cautioned both their clients and bosses to wait before taking any jobs. Any Antivan could feel the tension growing in the streets, and those who could decided to leave the country for the time being.
Word traveled to the Crow’s First Talon that his fiancée had been killed in action, and her brother had gone to confirm the body. Lucanis had wanted to go himself, but the Talons agreed that it was too dangerous. Several Crows had gone with Viago to retrieve what remained of her body as well as finish the contract she had died on.
Viago was due to return that day for the funeral, and it was raining. She was going to be prepared, and they were going to gather at the same chantry they had for Caterina’s funeral from when Illario had kidnapped her. Lucanis wanted to see her before then, but because she had wanted to be interred in the Grand Necropolis, the funeral had to be quick so the Mourn Watch could collect her.
Lucanis nearly argued with Emmrich when he appeared, showing the paperwork that Isa had filled out a few months ago. He wanted to point out that she was Antivan and a Crow, not Nevarran, but he held his tongue. It was her choice. Her final choice, really. He wouldn’t take that from her.
Spite was uncharacteristically quiet during everything, occasionally growing angry within his mind. Other than that, he was silent.
Illario and Caterina tried to offer words of kindness and comfort, but he ignored them. He didn’t want either kindness or comfort at the moment. He wanted vengeance and retribution, but both would wait until Isa’s body was in its final resting place. Then he would go on his mission.
“Ah, Luca, there you are,” Teia grinned as she walked into his suite.
Lucanis exhaled, turning towards her. He did leave the door open, but that was mostly because he was about to leave. He had intended it to be an open invitation for her to enter.
“Teia,” he greeted. He tried to keep his tone neutral, but even he could hear the anger and grief in his voice.
“My condolences, mi amigo,” she whispered, amending her tone. She hadn’t meant to come in too cheery. “I had come in to help to do up your face.”
“Excuse me?”
“Caterina’s suggestion. We know that you have been distraught, and a little makeup will make yourself more presentable.”
“For you? Who am I supposed to impress?” he asked, his anger showing a little more.
“We still need strong leadership, Luca. I promise, it’s just a little sprucing. A little powder and something for your dry lips.”
“My dry lips?”
“When was the last time you even put anything on your lips to moisturize, anyway?” Teia asked gently.
Lucanis sighed before he relented, allowing her to enter. He was too tired to argue, and he knew that she wasn’t going to do anything to him. Teia would at least kill him upfront.
He sat in the chair near his closet as she walked over to him. She had a few makeup supplies but not many. She applied the powder to his face first before holding his chin to start putting on the lip ointment.
“I want you to reapply this as often as you can, alright, Luca?” Teia asked.
“Alright,” he replied softly. The ointment was strange, but it felt nice at least.
“Good. I think you’ll find it’ll make you feel better before the day is out,” she mentioned, taking a step back.
“Is it a creation of Viago’s? It’s not mild poison to intoxicate me, is it?”
“It was made by Viago, but it isn’t going to make you high, I promise.”
“I’ll take your word for it,” he muttered, closing his eyes.
He didn’t think anything could make him feel better right now. He felt like he had his heart ripped out of his chest, and he wasn’t sure what to do once he found his vengeance. He figured he would throw himself into his work, even if Illario tried to drag him out to do something.
The pain would dull eventually. It usually did. It did with his family, and his friends that died in the line of work as well. He would figure out how to deal with it eventually.
Eventually, Teia finished her work, and she placed the ointment in his hand. He stared at her, and she took a deep breath. It looked like she was going to say something, but she smiled instead, deciding to say something else.
“I’ll meet you with Viago at the chantry, alright?” she said before taking her leave.
Lucanis sighed, shaking his head once she was out of the room. He stared at the tin she gave him before he stowed it in his pocket. It would at least help him when he had to give his eulogy later that day. He didn’t remember the last time he ever gave a speech of any kind. That was much more of Illario’s speed, and he never thought he would be doing something like this. He always thought he would be the one to go first. He also thought they would be married for a long while before anything happened.
Regret filled his heart, wondering if he should have pushed the date of their wedding closer. He should have fought for their love even a little more. It was just a piece of paper for her, but it was a declaration of his love for him. He just hoped she died knowing how much she knew that she was completely and utterly loved entirely with his entire being.
Trying not to dwell, he stood and walked out of the room. Lucanis noticed that the staff cleared the way for him, Usually, he would dissuade their fears and anxieties, but he couldn’t care at the moment. He would apologize later when he was in a clearer state of mind, and he would offer what he could.
Lucanis found Illario outside with a carriage. It seemed that Caterina had gone on ahead to make sure that the chantry was up to Dellamorte standards. Lucanis doubted that Viago would let anything slide, but the de Riva was likely grieving heavily without his sister with him as well.
“Should we head over?” Illario asked softly, holding the door open for him.
“There’s no sense in waiting,” Lucanis answered.
The Dellamorte cousins sat across from each other in utter silence as they rode across the stormy city. It was like the city wept with them, and Lucanis just looked out the window, barely keeping it together. Deciding to keep his hands busy, he reapplied the lip ointment. He wished the effects that Teia mentioned would actually take effect already.
Illario swallowed, unable to speak. The lump in his throat threatened to trigger his emotions if he opened his mouth.
So, they sat in silence before they arrived at the chantry. Lucanis exhaled through his nose before stepping out of the carriage with Illario close behind. There was a small crowd gathered outside, and Lucanis guessed it was people who were either curious or who were wanting to pay their own respects. He ignored them, but he was surprised with Illario ignored them in equal measure. This was not meant to be a social outing, after all.
Lucanis entered the chantry from a side entrance like he discussed with Caterina. He didn’t want to bring in too much attention when he walked in the main area. It would be easier if he greeted everyone after the main ceremony was over during the reception, anyway.
Illario went with him, and he guided Lucanis towards the pulpit where the open casket was. Lucanis covered his eyes and turned away, not realizing that it was going to an open casket funeral. He swallowed as Illario squeezed his shoulder. They had heard of the practice before, but all the funerals they had attended were post cremation. This felt wrong and horrific.
“You should go see her one more time,” Illario suggested gently.
Lucanis stared at his cousin in shock, partly wanting to ask if he was insane.
“Illario is right,” another mentioned as Lucanis turned.
Viago, who was dressed in his finest clothes, stood in the doorway between Lucanis and where Isa was laying. Lucanis stared at him for a moment before his fellow Talon dipped his head.
“I think she would appreciate it if you saw her again before she was interred. Don’t you agree?” Viago asked, tilting his head.
“I think she would,” Lucanis relented softly.
He walked by Viago, but the Fifth Talon caught his arm as he walked by. Lucanis turned to see him, shocked by the touch and the snare.
“She asked for a kiss in her dying breath, Dellamorte,” Viago muttered, swallowing.
Lucanis furrowed his brow, concerned by Viago’s words. The Talon clenched his jaw before he turned to his leader slightly.
“Please consider her final wish,” Viago asked gently.
There was a strange tone that portrayed an odd emotion in his voice. Lucanis gave a slight nod before Viago let go of his arm. There was a desperation in his voice, but it was a plead. As if Isa was watching from beyond the grave itself, ready to curse Viago if he didn’t do as Viago asked.
Lucanis straightened his suit jacket as he walked over to the casket. It hadn’t been wheeled out to be displayed for the funeral, and Lucanis wondered if they would. So many of the Crows and their fellow Antivans would take issue with the odd custom.
He approached the coffin, and he let out a quiet sob as he saw the statuesque figure of his lover. Isa was pale and so still. Her hair was dull, and he wondered if her eyes were still the pale green they usually were. Lucanis swallowed as he stood over her.
He could barely hold in his emotions as he bit his lip. Spite hissed and wailed in the back of his mind, dealing with grief for the first time in his life.
Carefully, Lucanis leaned over, brushing the stray hair out of her face. It was strange, though. She felt warmer than he expected, but he guessed that the chantry had warmed her body. Closing his eyes, he gently kissed her lips before straightening.
Lucanis furrowed his brow, wondering if he was going insane. He took a deep breath, grabbing her hand that was placed on her chest. He would expect it to be stiff and rigid with the amount of time she was dead.
It was not.
She was flexible, just as her lips were pliable.
His hand went to her throat, feeling for a pulse, and he felt nothing for a moment. Then there was a beat. It was faint. It was dangerously faint, but it was there. It existed. He could feel it.
Lucanis took a deep breath, moving his hand to her nose, feeling a slight breath as well. That was when he felt Viago at his back.
“Was this your idea?” Lucanis hissed.
“Yes.”
“I should kill you.”
“Maybe. You won’t.”
“What. Happened.”
“Isa was dead when we found her. Almost,” Viago whispered, guiding the furious Talon out of the room by his shoulders.
Illario went to ask what was going on, but Lucanis shook his head. He waved his hand, signaling that he would explain later. Illario frowned, but he would stay and watch over Isa in the meantime.
Viago found an empty room, and he locked the door. Lucanis immediately began to pace, knowing that he couldn’t start screaming at the de Riva Talon.
“You have a lot of nerve, de Riva,” Lucanis sneered with a growl.
“Do you want an explanation?” Viago asked.
“Will she live?”
“Did you kiss her?”
“Why should that matter?” he exploded while Viago gave him a look. Lucanis huffed, looking away. “Yes.”
“Then the answer is yes.”
“Fine, tell me what happened.”
Isa tracked the target down to his house, and she could tell that there was something strange going on. It had been too easy. Everyone knew who he was, but no one seemed to like him. Everyone was happy to talk about him, and when she said something along the lines of why people would want to hurt him, they would all have a laundry list of what he did wrong.
If it was true, then this man was a piece of work. Otherwise, it was likely a set up. She called for a crow to write a message. She sent a message to Viago, stating that if she didn’t send another message in an hour then she was in deep trouble.
When she went to unlock the door, she found it unlocked already. Once the door was pushed open, Isa went in with her daggers drawn, and that was when the trap was triggered.
About seven men jumped out of the crevices of the house, surrounding her immediately. She managed to kill three before being subdued.
“There you are, cara mia,” the target, a man named Mateo Alamilla. “We were almost worried that you wouldn’t come.”
Isa stared at him, not wanting to give him the courtesy of speech. Mateo laughed, shrugging.
“You aren’t going to wonder how we knew you were coming? How we knew how to catch you? We knew that you would come alone, and we knew that they would send you. We asked for you specifically, you know,” Mateo mentioned with a wide smile. “You are the key to what I actually want.”
Isa tried to wiggle free at those words, making him laugh.
“You are the key to getting close to the First Talon. I know that you are engaged to him, and he would do anything for you, wouldn’t he?” he chuckled. “Do you know how many Venatori he killed over the time he was in Tevinter? During the war against the gods? How many people we lost during that time because of the Demon of Vyrantium?”
“Not enough if you’re still around,” Isa hissed, earning her a punch to the gut.
“There’s no need for that,” Mateo instructed her attacker before turning back to her. “Not yet. I don’t want you to suffer, but I don’t intend to let you leave here alive, cara. I want to see his face when he looks upon your dead body.”
“How’s that?” she scoffed.
“You think I didn’t do my research? I’ve seen the paperwork to keep your body intact to be buried in the Necropolis in Nevarra. Truly barbarous, if you ask me. Gives me a chance to give me what I want though,” he hummed before tilting his head.
One of the men holding her reached and grabbed her chin to force her mouth open. She furrowed her brow, seeing them bringing a bottle to force something down her throat. It was likely poison, but if they knew about her burial plans, she didn’t feel confident she had an immunity to this one.
“You are right to be worried, signorina. Regardless, we’ll leave your body here for your Crows to find. I will await word on your funeral. It should be quite the event,” he laughed.
She tried to cough up the liquid after they pulled the bottle away. They dropped her body, and she realized that she couldn’t move her limbs. They quickly left the house, leaving her to her demise. She was glad that she had the forethought to reach out to Viago as a Crow ran over as soon as the coast was clear.
She told the story to him before her vision started to swim. Isa told the Crow she didn’t know what poison was used, but Viago needed to look at it before it killed her.
“Then you arrived with the antidote then?” Lucanis guessed, listening to Viago relay Isa’s story to him.
“No, I didn’t,” Viago answered with a sigh. “The Crow knew that I wasn’t going to get there in time, and he was able to magically put her into a stasis.”
“What? How?”
“Do I look like a mage?”
Lucanis and Viago exchanged a glare before Viago continued.
“It took a while to formulate an antidote, and Teia brought up a good point while I was working on it,” he continued. “If Isa suddenly was fine, then we would lose the target completely, and you would have a dangerous enemy to you and Isa out in the wilderness.”
“So, you kept her in stasis and made me believe she was dead so you could catch this bastard?” Lucanis hissed, his fury building.
“It was to keep both of you safe.”
“Who else knew? Is Isa even aware?”
“I haven’t seen her awake, no. She isn’t aware. She’s asleep essentially. Only the Crow who found her, Teia, and I know,” Viago answered gently.
Lucanis took a deep breath, pinching the bridge of his nose. This was going to scare the life out of everyone, and the worst part was that Lucanis wasn’t even sure that he could be angry with Viago. His reasoning was sound, and it had both him and Isa’s wellbeing at the heart of it.
“Do we know if he’s here?” Lucanis asked.
“The Crow who was there said yes, he is. The target is here. Teia is already on it.”
“And what about Isa?”
“You had the ointment on your lips, correct?”
Lucanis froze before closing his eyes, hanging his head. Teia was too clever for her own good.
I think you’ll find it’ll make you feel better before the day is out.
“I hate you both,” Lucanis hissed before he nodded. “The ointment is your fucking antidote, isn’t it?”
“It breaks the stasis and is the antidote, yes,” Viago answered.
“Then she’s waking up?”
“Yes.”
“And we left her in the fucking casket?” Lucanis nearly shouted.
Viago stared at him before they both stood and rushed towards the room where Isa was lying. Lucanis wanted to shout profanities at the de Riva, but he held his tongue as they ran through the chantry.
As they entered the casket viewing room, they found Illario pointing a shaky dagger at an awake, unbearably pale Isa. Both looked equally confused and frightened. They glanced at Lucanis and Viago who entered, not expecting this outcome.
“Ah, good,” Isa muttered, her voice weak and soft. “Maybe you can help clear this up for us, fratello. Am I vampire now?”
Lucanis wasn’t sure if it was the absurdity of the question or the fact that his dead fiancee was now completely confirmed to be alive after all, but the First Talon burst into laughter. Isa furrowed her brow as Illario glanced between Lucanis and Viago now, more concerned than before.
“Vi?” Isa asked, staring at Lucanis.
“Sorellina,” Viago whispered, walking over to her after taking the weapon from the younger Dellamorte. “You are not a vampire.”
“Ah, fantastic news. Didn’t think I was,” Isa replied before gesturing at the casket. “Waking up in a coffin with Illario asking why I wasn’t dead made me wonder. I have a few follow up questions, though.”
“That can wait,” Viago informed as Lucanis collected himself.
“Can it? Because I would love to know why I’m in a chantry and why I was being held in a casket,” she pressed.
“You’re at your funeral, cariño,” Lucanis informed, walking over to her.
Isa frowned, looking over at Viago for confirmation. Illario shrugged and nodded.
“The idea was to avoid that, fratello. I don’t want to go tell out there and show that I’m alive. I didn’t want people to think I was dead,” Isa answered as Lucanis grabbed her hand to squeeze it.
She turned to him slowly, realization dawning on her. He tried to smile at her, but the grief mingled with relief, causing tears to start falling down his face. She reached up and wiped them away, horrified by the ordeal that he had gone through. She didn’t even know.
“I will take care of it, sorella. I will send your Veilguard back here for an explanation, but everyone else should understand what happened well enough,” Viago replied as Isa nodded.
Illario frowned, but he followed Viago out of the room, willing to help explain and corral as best he could. As long as Teia caught the target, they should be in the clear.
Isa pulled Lucanis closer to her. He nearly sobbed, feeling how weak she was, and he leaned towards her, wrapping his arms around her back and waist. She kissed him deeply, reassuring him that she was alive after everything.
Tears fell down her cheek as well, and he pulled away to make sure that she was feeling alright. She reached for him before he helped her out of the casket. He thought about letting her stand, but he decided against it. She still looked shaky, and she didn’t complain about being in his arms.
“Should we have everyone meet us at the villa instead?” he asked softly before she nodded, keeping her arms around his neck.
“Yes, I think that sounds wonderful,” Isa replied with a small smile. “Please take me home, Luca.”
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