Not a whole lot to find in this room, unless I didn't look around closely enough, but there is some creepy growling and snarling sounds coming from that bricked up doorway.
Teeny tiny Huntsmen/Woodsmen figures! <3 (You still can't pick them up...)
Some scenery shots. Hightown's really pretty.
....IS THAT A SLAUGHTERFISH????
Now it really feels like Thief. The crows sound off if you get too close to their cages or do something to startle them, which alerts enemies.
After Lucanis returned to Treviso to oversee the Crows, Cam and Neve work with the Shadow Dragons to help rebuild the city. One day, the Viper called them both in to go over a new job to find and protect a duo of witnesses that could testify against a few Venatori cultists on trial. However, things rarely work out as they should.
AO3
“Non credo te me relinquere, amor meus,” Cam complained dramatically as Lucanis caught her after she fell into his arms.
Neve smirked, but the expression didn’t quite meet her eyes. Lucanis exhaled, wishing there was another way to go about this. He had to return to Treviso to fulfill his new duties as First Talon of the Crows, but that meant leaving his two lovers in Minrathous to help the Shadow Dragons clean up the mess.
He had waited a week after they had defeated Elgar’nan, hoping to possibly convince both of them to follow him instead. However, he didn’t get a chance to make his case as both Neve and Cam were running from place to place wherever they were needed. Rebuilding the city from the ground up was going to take time, and Cam wasn’t going to leave the city high and dry. Neve also felt a newfound responsibility to Dock Town after she took over as leader of the Threads.
So, instead of trying to convince them to leave their lives to move to Treviso with him, he simply explained that he had to return home. He had been ignoring the letters from Viago and Caterina, and there was only so much he could ignore before they started to send Crows after him.
“I am not leaving you, amor,” Lucanis reminded before kissing her forehead. “Treviso is moments away, remember? I’m never more than a short walk away.”
“It’s not going to feel like it,” Cam sighed. “But you’re right.”
“We’ll visit as soon as we get a chance to,” Neve reminded, kissing his temple as she stepped towards him. “And I’ll try to keep her out of trouble.”
“Good luck with that,” Lucanis chuckled before stealing a kiss from both of them. “Just... be safe. I don’t want to learn that something happened while I was away.”
“We’ll be as safe as we can be. With the Threads watching us and the Archon new ban on Venatori ideology, we should be fine,” Cam reassured with a smirk.
“Elek has promised that the area we are going to be working in will be protected as well. Tarquin isn’t thrilled that he’s working with the syndicate, but they can get back to their petty fighting when Minrathous is whole again,” Neve added with a sigh.
“You know he’ll likely count you among the syndicate as well,” Cam pointed out before Neve lifted her shoulders.
“The Threads keep their leader a secret for a reason. I’ve always been good about flying under the radar,” the part time detective informed with a laugh. “Just keep that in mind when you talk to Tarquin next, though. I do still want to work with the Shadow Dragons still.”
“You just want to be close to Cam,” Lucanis accused with a teasing voice.
“What? Can you blame me?” Neve laughed.
Cam rolled her eyes, standing away from the Crow now. Lucanis shook his head, smiling at both of them.
“I wish you could stay,” Neve informed in a more serious tone.
“I do as well,” Lucanis replied, looking to the side. “I am sure that we will see one another again soon, though.”
“Of course, amatus,” the mage smiled.
“You better get going before I write to Caterina that she can’t have you back,” Cam teased, squeezing his hand.
“Now that might cause issues,” Lucanis hummed. “Be safe, mis amores dulces.”
Neve and Cam saw him off as he disappeared through the eluvian. Cam looped her arm around Neve’s feeling like a part of her heart had gone with the newly appointed Talon. They had helped him against his cousin to receive the title, so it only made sense for him to actually do the job he was granted.
It still didn’t feel right to see him leave.
Cam exhaled as they entered the Shadow Dragons’ newest hideout in a discreet bakery near Hightown. The cell of Shadow Dragons in Hightown had dwindled before Elgar’nan, and the god pretty much wiped them out. It meant that the few people from Hightown had to join the Dock Town cell. With a need for a new hideout, they found a bakery that does well to hide their movements from their enemies.
Although, with the Archon also being a member of the Shadow Dragons, their enemies were lessening by the day. The Venatori had nearly been run out of the country or imprisoned, waiting for their trials. There wasn’t a high chance for any of the cultists going free, especially since the magisters who were in the gods’ pocket during the war died to fuel Elgar’nan’s power. It gave the people the chance to put new leaders in place, at least.
Of course, that didn’t mean that their job was about to get any easier. The remaining Venatori were going to be scattered, and it was going to be hard to find them. Which was why the Viper called for Cam and Neve to give them a new assignment.
“There you are,” Ashur remarked, watching the two women enter the back area of the bakery.
Next to him, there was a staircase that went down to the basement. Within the basement, there was a small tunnel that led to the new hideout. The Shadows would still lead people to safety, as there were other places where they could receive help and to sneak them through the city still.
“Just seeing Luca off,” Cam explained as the Viper dipped his head.
“I was wondering when the Crow was going to return,” Ashur whispered, a hint of implied condolences in his tone. “I will make sure that this task is quick so you may go visit him at your discretion.”
“Don’t worry about it,” the Shadow smirked with a shrug. “He’ll understand if we’re held up.”
“I’m glad to hear that you are as focused as ever,” the Viper chuckled. “Then I will make sure that we get this done fast so that you can return to your work, Neve.”
“Tarquin isn’t aware, is he?” Neve muttered, realizing that the Viper knew about her involvement with the Threads.
“Only I know. I’m hoping that we can work with your people soon. As long as we can have some guidelines,” Ashur replied, surprising both of the women.
“I promise, I want to look over the Threads in a different manner than how their last leader did,” Neve mentioned.
The Viper nodded, understanding what she meant. Although, he knew that she wasn’t going to abandon her detective job either. It worked greatly as a cover for her position in the Threads without changing her lifestyle very much.
“What’s the job?” Cam asked, bringing the conversation back to the reason why they were summoned in the first place.
“I need you to find a couple of people that were missing from Hightown. We think that they might be hiding in the lower parts of the city now,” the Viper explained practically immediately.
“Are we talking Venatori cultists or victims?” Cam questioned as Neve grimaced.
“Victims. They think that they are being hunted by the Venatori. The idea is to find them and get them to safety before the remaining cultists get to them. We don’t want any examples to be made by the cultists,” Ashur continued.
“So, we’re going to find these people and bring them here?” Neve asked.
“I will have someone work with you. We will need to create a chain, so we will be using several safe houses throughout the city,” he answered.
“Who are these people?” Cam asked, growing concerned.
The Viper paused before sighing. She felt uneasy about this job, realizing that they were just starting the chain of safety that they were hoping to start. However, Cam didn’t realize that there were people this important that needed hiding.
“Witnesses who came forward to testify against a few of the imprisoned Venatori. Their trials are coming up, and these two were working inside one of the Venatori’s house. With the imprisonment and seizure of assets, these people were able to get their freedom from their enslaver,” Ashur started to explain as he sighed. “If these two aren’t found, then the trial will either be stalled or dismissed depending on how the prosecution works their case.”
“So, we need to grab these people and get them to where?” Neve asked as the Viper nodded.
“There are two places in Dock Town that are safe enough for you to bring them for extraction. One is the area underneath the Chantry, and the other is the Anvallenim next to the old hideout,” Ashur told her. “We were hesitant to use the Anvallenim, but the leaders and I came to the conclusion that it’s likely safer than we think.”
“But someone will be waiting there for these people? To take them to the next safe place?” Cam wondered as Ashur nodded.
“Each place will have a Shadow waiting for you,” he answered. “You simply need to ask if they need any water. They will answer that the rain is more than enough for them.”
The codewords were simple, but it would be effective. Unless you knew what to say, it sounded like a normal conversation starter. At least, she hoped that would be how it came across the wrong people.
“Then when should we get moving. Where should we look?” Neve asked.
“I would start by the Cobbled Swan. We know that the catacombs have an entrance around there, so it’s the first place I would search. The two are known for being resourceful, but our agents have said that they are waiting for you two as they keep moving. It’s too dangerous for them to stay in one spot for too long,” Ashur explained.
“Which is why the catacombs would be perfect. It’s a maze down there on a good day,” Cam remarked. “It shouldn’t be too bad.”
“I think we’ve entered the part of the job where it’s gotten bad,” Neve groaned as Cam rolled her eyes.
“You are so negative, amatus,” Cam replied, trying to move.
They went to go check the catacombs first in Dock Town, and they had gotten lost for no longer than twenty minutes. However, by the time Cam had figured out where they were, the Venatori searching for the witnesses had caught them instead. Luckily, though, there were no signs of the witnesses being near the area.
So now Cam and Neve found themselves locked up with their hands tied behind their backs. Neve was waiting for a good opportunity to strike back, but a part of her just wanted to let another pair of Shadow Dragons handle finding the witnesses. It had been at least an hour to an hour and a half since they were captured.
Cam was of a different mind, however. She needed to get them both out so they could help the people who were being hunted.
The only thing that didn’t make sense was that they were still alive. The Venatori didn’t usually take prisoners, with the exception of what happened in Arlathan with the Dalish. They generally killed and then strung up the corpses to show what happened when you crossed them.
“What do you think they want?” Cam wondered in a quiet voice.
“Who knows? My mind is on ransom,” Neve answered.
“Ransom does align with our treatment,” the Shadow Dragon sighed. “Who are they ransoming us to, though?”
“Could be an exchange for the witnesses. Could be for the money. The cultists aren’t swimming in magister cash now,” the detective theorized. “However, if it is for money, I think they’re going to have a terrible time with that.”
“I’m not sure I follow.”
“Do you think that these cultists wouldn’t recognize either of us? After spending years fighting them and their gods? And our relationships aren’t exactly secret.”
“Oh, fuck me,” Cam complained, closing her eyes.
If it was for money, then the First Talon was going to get a very concerning letter in the next day or two. Neve hummed in humor.
“Maybe later, if you’re lucky.”
“Not funny, Neve. I’m serious. Luca isn’t going to be thrilled about this.”
“True, but the Demon of Vyrantium is formidable. I’m not sure that these assholes understand who they are dealing with,” Neve reminded. “And we aren’t helpless, either. How long have you been free of your binds now?”
“Hush,” Cam hissed in surprise.
She always kept a discreet knife within reach for this exact reason. There was still the issue of the cage itself, but she wasn’t restrained anymore. She had been free for a few minutes now, and she had meant to free Neve. She just got caught up in the argument instead of removing Neve’s binds.
The other issue was that while the room itself was free from cultists, there was still the one on guard by the door.
“Don’t give away our escape,” Cam remarked, shaking her head.
“Then free me already,” Neve urged as the Shadow huffed.
“That was the plan,” she reassured, making sure that their noise level hadn’t attracted any attention.
Once the coast was clear, Cam turned to Neve’s hands, cutting the ropes that held her in place. They both turned to the door to see that no one had made a noise outside either.
“Do you think you can pick a lock?” Neve asked as Cam smiled cleverly.
“Should be easy. Can you watch my back with your magic if someone comes in?”
“I don’t have my scepter, but I should be able to do a spell or two for you.”
“All I need,” Cam replied, kissing Neve’s cheek before she went over to the cage door.
While Cam didn’t have a lockpick kit, she did have a hidden pin in her hair as well as a small knife. It would be difficult, but the lock looked big enough for her to meddle with.
As the Shadow Dragon worked on the lock, Neve stood at her back with her eyes glued to the door. She had her magic at the ready, hoping to freeze the door shut if someone tried to open it.
She would do it as a precaution, but the noise would alert the cultists that they weren’t being the golden prisoners that they needed them to be.
Within a few moments, Cam clicked open the lock and the door swung open. They waited for a horrible rusty squeaky sound, but the cage door was silent. Cam exhaled in relief before nodding.
“Should we get out of here? Reach out to the Viper,” Cam suggested as Neve hummed. “We can see if there’s been any update since we entered the damn catacombs.”
“Yes, that might be best,” Neve nodded.
They slowly stepped out of the cage before walking towards the room’s exit. They remained quiet as they heard a commotion outside the door. Neve sighed as Cam grimaced.
“We need to hurry,” Cam whispered as Neve nodded. “Where do you think they put our things?”
“Likely in the next room,” the detective offered. “They were probably going to sell them off as soon as they could.”
“Then we better stop giving them time.”
“Agreed.”
Cam pushed open the room door, and they found that they weren’t being guarded anymore. There was a stool, likely where the cultist was sitting, but that was the only evidence that there was even a guard there.
Neve quickly went into the next room as Cam looked for anything that looked like a weapon. While she had her small knife, she was pretty sure that if she had to defend herself, the knife would surely break. It was meant to cut ropes and take people by surprise. It wasn’t designed to fend off any attackers.
Still, it was better than nothing, she supposed. She just hoped that Neve would find their things before the cultists came back from whatever they were doing. It sounded like a big commotion, but Cam wasn’t interested in finding out. They needed to get word out to the Viper to let him know that the remaining Venatori were hiding in the catacombs.
She glanced in the room where Neve went in, seeing that she was still searching for their belongings. Cam exhaled, thinking that the cultists were far enough away right now.
After a moment, Cam turned to go into the room as well, thinking two pairs of eyes would be better than one. As she took a step, she felt someone touch her shoulder.
Panic filled her veins as she turned on her hell, swiping her knife in an arc with a snarl. Then her eyes widened and dropped her weapon all together.
“Hacedor, Camellia, casi me arrancas la cabeza,” Lucanis complained as he rubbed his woundless neck.
“Quid diaboli hic agis?” Cam hissed before running into his arms.
“I was in the villa when the missive came through the eluvian. The Viper explained that you two were captured and needed help,” he answered. “Doesn’t look like you needed much help. Where’s Neve?”
“Over here, amatus,” Neve grinned, walking over to kiss his cheek. “The Viper might have been premature with his reporting. We’ve only been in the catacombs for two hours. How’d he even know?”
“Another Shadow Dragon was near the catacombs when he went to see if you needed help. Instead, he saw you two get ambushed and went to report what happened instead,” Lucanis answered with a shrug.
“I’m thankful for that Shadow, then. We should get going before the cultists get clever,” Cam suggested before Neve handed over her belongings.
“No need. Spite needed an outlet,” Lucanis coughed, a little embarrassed. “There’s no more cultists to worry about.”
“None escaped?” Cam asked as Neve blinked at the Talon.
“So they could reach you two to try to hold you hostage again?” Lucanis scoffed, rolling his eyes. “That was not going to happen, trust me. Spite would also know if any got away. He was having too much fun to let them slip away.”
“Well, we still need to find those witnesses,” Cam griped as Neve wrapped her arms around her shoulders from behind.
“I think we should stick with the original plan. Let’s check with the Viper to let him know that we’re alright, and then we can see if we can figure out where those witnesses went,” Neve offered.
“That’s the best course of action, I think. What was the Viper thinking about sending you two? Aren’t you two a little too high profile for something like this? At least right now?” Lucanis mentioned, shaking his head.
Cam sighed, pinching her nose. Now that she thought about it, Lucanis had a point. While both she and Neve were eager to get back into the field, this job wasn’t suited for them at the moment. Maybe in a few weeks or months, but the battles were still too fresh in the cultists’ minds for it to have been safe.
“Let’s just go chat with him,” Cam nodded, glancing between the two of them.
“Are you going to head back to Antiva again?” Neve wondered, reaching out for him over Cam’s shoulder.
Lucanis grabbed her hand and smirked. Cam leaned against Neve, glad that both her lovers were here.
“I’m going to discuss payment with the Viper first, but I think so. Caterina is looking over the Crows for now, but I don’t think that’s something I want to be indebted to her for,” Lucanis mentioned with a sigh. “Although, I bet you two could use a break for a little while.”
“You aren’t wrong,” Cam grumbled.
The city was still recovering, but if they were just going to become targets for the Venatori, Cam wasn’t sure she wanted to stay in the city for a while. Even though it worked out this time, it didn’t mean that it would be next time.
“Maybe a trip to Treviso is what we need,” Neve remarked, earning a wide smile from the Talon.
Cam chuckled, glad that he was eager to have them in his home. She nodded before Lucanis offered to show them the way out. He didn’t want to risk getting them lost in the catacombs in case there were other pockets of Venatori as well.
