**A/N**: I do not own Dragon Age, its universe, nor its characters. I only own the members of the Megalos family. All other credit goes to the wonderful creators of Dragon Age and Bioware. I hope you enjoy and look forward to reading your review!

Sweet Vengeance

Chapter 3:

The water pooled about her body as she climbed into the washtub situated at the hearth. Slowly, Isla leaned back, wincing for a moment as the water touched the marks on her backside. Finally, she found a comfortable position and rested the back of her head on the tub's rim. The warmth of the water and blaze of the fire soon began to soothe the aches and pains of her body, and after a short time, lulled Isla to sleep.

She woke with a start at the sudden knock on her chamber door. "Who is it," she called, wrapping the towel around her as she stepped from the tub. "It's me, Mistress," the familiar voice of Mhira sounded. "Come in, Mhira," Isla said opening the door.

"Sorry to disturb you Mistress, but your father requires your presence as soon as you can manage." What does he want now, Isla thought. "Your brother, Master Cassius, has returned with Master Dorian and that mentor of theirs," Mhira spoke as if reading her mind. Isla screamed with delight as the elf shied away and covered her pointed ears seeking to block the shrill noise. "I'll be down momentarily," she said with building excitement in her voice. "I have to look perfect," she mumbled as she began hastily digging through her wardrobe.

The thought of reuniting with her betrothed and the only kin she genuinely loved had her absolutely beaming. She rouged her lips and cheeks, dabbed perfume on her wrists and neck, and all other things that ladies do that she normally scoffed at; then she stepped into her favorite pale blue dress that accentuated both her eyes and breasts perfectly.

My darling Dorian, Isla thought as she donned her sapphire circlet and matching amulet-the set Dorian gifted to her at their betrothal celebration three years past. She let her mind drift to the memory as she examined herself in the mirror; she thought of how charming and handsome he was even then, and their quick but passionate embrace at his departure that next morning. "Three years," she mumbled. "If he's come to be any more handsome, I might just die from excessive swooning," she giggled as she took one more look into the mirror before scurrying down the stairs.

Isla stopped just short of the entryway to smooth her dress and calm her nerves. With head held high, she then entered the room as prim and proper as befitted a lady; however, when her brother turned to face her, all such graces were forgotten. "Cassius!" She exclaimed running towards him. "Sister," he replied, lifting her up and twirling her round and round as she laughed.

"My, have you-grown," he grinned as he placed her back on the floor. "As have you, brother," she retorted, lightly jabbing his midsection. "Are you insinuating that I am getting bigger," he jested in his best hurt voice. "I would never!" Isla quipped in an innocent yet mocking way; they laughed in unison.

"My lady, Isla," Dorian bowed dramatically as she turned from her brother to face him. He cast a sideways glance at Cassius while bringing her hand to his lips; she stifled a giggle and blushed pink at the gesture. "Dorian-," she broke off as her father strode into the parlor.

"Alexeus," her father boomed, clasping the fellow magister's hand. "Megalos," Alexeus returned the greeting. "I must apologize for my wife's absence; she's had-a rather trying day," Magister Megalos spoke. "Ah, yes, it was very unfortunate to hear of what became of Danarius," Alexeus replied. "Indeed," was all her father answered before changing the subject and leading his guest into the dining hall where a quite spectacular layout awaited the mages.

"Oh, Dorian, you must sit beside me," Isla exclaimed. "It has been three years, after all; surely, we have much to catch up on," she continued as she excitedly went to take his arm. Silently, he allowed her to take his arm and tug him in the direction of the hall; had she been less ecstatic, she would have undoubtedly noticed his reluctance, as well as the quizzical, tortured look Dorian shot her brother standing behind them. Cassius simply shrugged and sent him back an innocent, awkward smile before following the pair inside.

To Isla's great disappointment, after Dorian politely escorted her to her seat, it was her twin brothers who sat at either side of her-not her betrothed. Perfect, she thought dismally as the feast began and the other occupants of the room became engulfed within their own conversations. This left Isla fixed on her plate in front of her, completely submerged in her own thoughts.

She glanced up only once to take in her twin brothers silently. The twins were indeed identical in appearance: light brown hair inherited from their father, emerald green eyes inherited from their mother, and rather tall stature inherited from some ancestor long dead and forgotten. However as much as they matched in physicality, they equally differed in demeanor, she noted. She observed Calpurnius as he occasionally contributed to the older magisters' conversation: rigid, cold, and gravely serious. She turned to eye her other brother, Cassius, as he shared whispers and stifled laughs with Dorian: smooth, warm, and casual.

It was then that Dorian's eyes met her own. Is it possible that he has grown even more handsome over the years, she pondered followed by a sudden blush as he held her gaze? Entranced by his eyes, she was unable to look away until her father jolted her back to reality.

"Isla!" her father scolded. "Magister Alexeus asked you a question," he continued in irritation. "I apologize, Magister," she answered quickly, doing her best to hide both her embarrassment and annoyance. "You were saying," she asked.

"I was simply wondering how your magical training is coming along," he replied casually. Isla froze as the memories flooded her mind regarding the events that transpired only a few hours earlier. "I-," she broke off as she met the ice blue eyes that were identical to her own. She then turned to meet the menacing stare of Calpurnius. "Fine," she replied curtly as she looked into her father's cold glare once more, then returned her attention to her barely touched plate.

After what seemed like hours, dinner was finally over. She watched the two magisters disappear down the hall to her father's study, then longingly eyed the courtyard outside the window. "Dorian, would you care to join me for a stroll in the courtyard," Isla asked sweetly as she made her way up to him. "I do wish I could, but it seems your brother and I have some business to attend. Another time, perhaps," he replied eyeing Cassius briefly before turning his attention to her.

"Oh-alright then," Isla said, disappointment evident in her voice. She sadly watched the pair disappear out of the entryway. Well, at least I could still go out into the courtyard, she thought as she began staring out of the window again; however, she spotted Calpurnius walking about outside and quickly changed her mind. There's still the kitchens, she continued thinking, a smile coming to her lips as she started in the familiar direction.

"Mhira…Mhiirraa," Isla called for the elf upon entering the kitchens. Where could she have disappeared to, she thought after receiving no answer. "Ah, well, might as well help myself while I'm here," she shrugged, picking up the unopened bottle of wine on the counter. She then made her way to the small table across the room, plopped down in the rickety chair with a humph, and uncorked the bottle. Why do I get the feeling he's avoiding me, she thought as she turned the bottle up and took a long gulp?