Disclaimer: I do not own Bioware or Marvel Cinematic Universe.
"She's back?" Wanda asked.
"So I've heard." Marian nodded as they entered the Hanged Man tavern.
"I'm surprised they didn't lock her up, considering she caused all the trouble because of one lousy book." Sam noted.
"I guess they turned a blind eye because she did the right thing at the end." Marian said as they saw Isabela at the bar, with drowning herself. "How you been?" She asked the pirate.
"You don't have to keep checking on me. I'm fine." Isabela assured.
Marian sighed, ever since the Qunari incident, Isabela had spent most of the time in the Hanged Man. It was clear that she was still kicking herself about the Tome that she gave the Qunari.
"Why do you keep coming here? You're better than this." Marian said.
"I'm comfortable here, all right?" Isabela snapped before sighing. "Remember what you said after the mess with the Qunari?"
"I'm proud of you for doing the right thing." Marian said honestly as the Avengers started to see a bit of Tony and Thor, how they were in the beginning, in the pirate. Selfish and irresponsible but ultimately does the right thing.
"It may have been the right thing, but it was also the dumb thing. The relic was mine. I should've kept running." Isabela said.
"And spend the rest of your life watching over your shoulder?" Steve pointed out.
"I couldn't have saved Kirkwall without you." Marian said.
"Bullshit. You could've stormed the Keep and slaughtered all those Qunari if you had to." Isabela smiled. "You and Aveline. I mean, look at her—she's a woman-shaped battering ram."
"Probably best if you don't tell her in person." Wanda said as the Avengers nodded. From what they had seen, Aveline was basically Kirkwall's Okoye.
Isabela then got up from a chair and walked over to Marian. "The fact is… you and I have nothing in common anymore. You're a Champion, and they are heroes…" She turned to the Avengers. "…and I'm just lying, thieving snake."
"You're still our friend." Wanda said.
Marian placed a hand on Isabela's shoulder. "Whatever you think you are, I still care about you. It must have been very hard to give up the relic, and I appreciate it. Whatever comes, you have my support."
"Well, perhaps it's time to stop hiding, and I did miss the trouble we used to get into." Isabela admitted. "Tell you what. I'll be here if you need me." She continued drinking as they left her with her thoughts.
"She's not that bad, from what we've read." Sam said.
"She was worse three years ago." Wanda said. "But I guess things change."
"This place isn't that bad." Sam said as they were back in the estate.
"There's enough room for all of you, if you need a place to sleep in." Marian offered.
"Thank you. You're very kind, Marian." Steve said.
"It's the least I can do for you, Captain Steven." Marian said.
Suddenly, the door burst open as Isabela entered the estate. "Guess what? Castillon's in town, and I'm not waiting for him to stick a knife in my vitals. We're going to get him before he gets me."
"The one that threatened to kill you if you didn't hand him over that book?" Wanda asked as Isabela nodded.
"We're going to surprise Castillon? I love surprises. As long as they aren't lust addled pirates." Marian cracked, managing to give them a good laugh.
Isabela snickered before continuing. "Unfortunately, Castillon's holed up somewhere in Kirkwall. I haven't been able to find him. I do know where Velasco is, however. That's his right hand. We just have to make him tell us where Castillon is. Somehow."
"What a plan! Your scheming ability puts me to shame." Marian joked.
"Well, I haven't worked out all the kinks." Isabela shrugged. "Step one, we go to Velasco. Step two, something exciting happens. Step three, profit! Well, do you have a better idea?"
"Interrogating." Steve said.
Isabela glanced at Marian. "She'll just end up killing him."
"What about using you as bait? Velasco will take you right to him." Steve said.
"And then we're going to follow him." Marian realized, catching up to Steve's thoughts.
"Oooh, that's clever. I was going to suggest challenging Velasco to a riddle game, and making "Where's your boss?" one of the riddles. This is so much better." Isabela smirked.
"Where's this guy?" Sam asked.
"Velasco's been spending his nights at the brothel, enjoying its many splendors. That's where we'll find him." Isabela said.
Moments later, Marian along with Wanda, Aveline, Merrill, Fenris, Steve, Sam, Bobbi, Hunter and Varric joined Isabela at the Blooming Rose. Needless to say, Steve, Sam and Bobbi were… taken aback by what the brothel offered but Hunter seemed amused. They soon start at a door that led to one of the rooms on the first floor.
"That's his room over there." Isabela pointed to the door.
"Are you ready?" Marian asked.
"Yes, I think so." Isabela said nervously. "Now, this needs to be convincing. And you'll need to get creative—call me names, even hit me. Stick with it, no matter what I do. Velasco's a clever son of a bitch. If you waver, he'll notice."
"I don't know if I can pull this off." Marian said nervously.
"Come on, how you ever wanted to slap me? Just a little?" Isabela teased.
"Absolutely." Aveline said.
"Yes." Varric, Fenris and Wanda said in unison with a smile on their faces.
"Yes… wait, what are we voting on?" Merrill asked, completely forgetting what just happened as they chuckled.
"I wasn't asking you people!" Isabela glared.
"Face it. You set yourself up for that one." Varric said as they all chuckled.
Isabela shook her head. "Whatever you do, just make sure he takes me to Castillon. I'll leave a trail for you to follow. Let's go."
"We'll handle it from here." Marian said. She kicked the door wide open as they saw the man who they guessed was Velasco and an elven woman, who was enjoying his company.
However, the moment they laid eyes on them, the woman fled the room as Velasco glared. "I hope you have a good reason for interrupting my private time."
"I have a present for Castillon." Marian pointed at Isabela.
"Present for—what?" Isabela demanded, looking shocked.
"You should see the look on your face." Marian smirked. Even though it was an act, Isabela glared. Obviously, Marian was enjoying this a little too much.
"This wasn't the plan! We were going to kill him." Isabela reached for her knives.
"Shut up." Marian said before smacking Isabela in the cheek as the pirate fell back. Marian did not hit her too hard to knock her out but it was hard enough to leave a mark on Isabela's face as she closed her eyes, trying to act knocked out. "I've waited a long time to do that." For some reason, that line was to an extent truth.
Velasco chuckled, amused. "I'd love to finish the job, but Castillon would never forgive me." He turned to Marian. "Castillon will be pleased. He's been looking for Isabela for some time." He handed Marian a handful of gold. "A token of our appreciation. It's more than she's worth." He picked Isabela and left, not noticing Wanda and the Avengers and the rest of the group, who were obviously amused by Isabela being dragged away.
"Can't say she doesn't have it coming." Bucky noted as they all nodded.
"I hope Isabela leaves an obvious trail." Varric said before he, Wanda and those from Kirkwall snickered. "Wait, what am I talking about? Isabela's never subtle." They looked at the floor and saw some marbles.
"Even I'm more discreet than that." Hunter said as Bobbi chuckled.
The trail led them out of Hightown, through Lowtown, and to the Docks.
"Where has she gotten all those marbles?" Sam wondered.
"She's a thieving whore. I wouldn't be surprised if she had stolen a giant gem too." Aveline muttered before seeing that the trail led into a warehouse in the docks. They quickly and stealthily took out the guards before entering.
Inside, Velasco was… well, a generous man might call it flirting. "Why don't we work something out? If you're good, I'll tell Castillon to go easy on you."
Isabela snorted. "Contrary to popular belief, I do have standards."
"You're going to do whatever I want. I own you." Velasco took a step towards Isabela.
Isabela saw them, and smiled. "You sure about that?"
Velasco glared. "You! I knew the bitch was up to something. Kill them."
Isabela rolled out of harm's way as Sam flew in, kicking down some of the pirates, while Bobbi and Hunter knocked some of them out. Anders called up a tempest, forcing Velasco and his mercenaries to choose between being struck by lightning or facing the blade of Aveline. Varric then fired several bolts from the Bianca and Wanda slammed the pirates to the ground, while Steve threw his shield, knocking down the pirates before Marian and Isabela finished them off.
"Velasco sent word to Castillon." Isabela was grinning broadly as she took her daggers back. "He's on his way." She glanced around the warehouse. "Let's look around first. I want to know why he's in Kirkwall."
The answer appeared to be nasty. Isabela glanced over the documents they had found. "So Castillon's looking to expand his slaving business. Why am I not surprised?"
"These documents should go to the Guard. We'll at least arrest his accomplices." Aveline said.
Castillon showed up only a few moments later. "And Velasco told me you were all tied up, a lovely present just waiting to be opened." He looked around at the corpses. "I see he's paid for that little mistake. What a pretty smear he makes. Well played, Isabela. Crossed and double-crossed."
"You want to talk? Maybe we should talk about these documents. Slavery in the Free Marches? They're not going to like that." Isabela's smile was cat-like.
"Get to the point." Castillon's eyes narrowed.
"Give me your ship, and your word to leave me alone, and you can take these papers and go." Isabela gestured.
"If you want the ship, can't we just kill him and take it?" Marian asked, confused.
"I thought we were going to take out a slaver." Steve said.
"You don't just kill a man and take his ship." Isabela looked scandalized. "That's crude and amateurish." She gestured. "How will he tell everyone how I bested him if he's dead?"
"Can you trust him? He trades people for money." Marian argued.
"Castillon's a businessman, and this is a business deal. He'll keep his end of the bargain."
"What happened to getting rid of Castillon?" Wanda questioned.
"I am getting rid of him. Through peaceful means." Isabela said.
"Coming from her, that's priceless." Castillon laughed.
"I saw the ship docked in the harbor, Castillon, She is splendid. I want her." Isabela said.
Castillon turned to Isabela. "Give me the documents, and you can have the ship. And you will never hear from me again."
"Swear it."
"I swear it on my mother's grave. Give me the documents."
The Avengers scowled and obviously, Marian and Aveline and the rest weren't happy about this either. Without the documents, Aveline wouldn't be able to arrest Castillon and his accomplices. Which meant there was only one thing to do here, really. "Castillon dies here today, if I have anything to say about it." Marian said.
Castillon actually chuckled. "Enough with the blackmail then. Let's settle this like civilised people."
"Wait…" Isabela started to say.
Castillon almost got his daggers, but before he could blink, Marian reached for her sword and cut him in the chest. Bobbi pulled out her staves and blocked as they attacked with swords and axes before she knocked them back. Archers showed up but Clint fired arrows as Varric fired from Bianca, taking them out. More pirates entered but Steve threw his shield, knocking them down before Hunter, Aveline and Isabela joined the fight.
When it was over, Isabela looked furious as she paced back and forth. "Ugh. Now what am I supposed to do with these useless documents?"
"I hate to state the obvious but…" Aveline held out a hand. "I could use them."
"Fine. Take the blasted things. Go…" Isabela practically threw the documents at Aveline. "Dispense justice or whatever." She turned to glare at Marian. "After all we've been through, together, how could you do that to me?"
"Think about it. You know he didn't deserve to walk." Marian said.
Isabela stared for a few moments before nodding, knowing Marian was right. "No, he didn't." She sighed in frustration. "I really hate it when you're right."
Apparently, according to a letter that had arrived to Marian's estate, an Antivan lord wanted to meet them outside the Blooming Rose. He was fairly sure at least one of Varric's books had started out in just such a manner. Oddly enough, there actually was an Antivan lord outside the Blooming Rose.
"Ah, the Champion of Kirkwall. Your reputation precedes you. Forgive me. I should introduce myself properly. My name is Nuncio Caldera Lanos, I am a noble from the beautiful country of Antiva."
"Is there something I can help you with?" Marian asked.
"I've come to you in search of aid. An elven assassin I have been chasing is loose in the area. Unfortunately, he's hidden himself among the local Dalish, no doubt playing on their shared heritage. He;s a master manipulator who will endanger even his own kind to ensure his survival."
"Hunting assassins? Why?" Steve questioned.
"At first it was merely duty to Antiva, but after losing so many good men to him, it became personal." Nuncio folded his arms. "He's nothing but a murderer, a thief, and a liar."
"Your assassin is no fool." Marian nodded. "I doubt the Dalish would hand a fellow elf over to you, murderer or no."
"Ah, so you see my problem. Where that elf goes death follows. He must be captured quickly. I was hoping you could go where my men could not. Fine out where the assassin is hiding, and apprehend him." Nuncio said.
"I'll see what I can do." Marian promised but it was obvious something was off.
"One of the Dalish, a woman named Variel, is a friend of his. I suggest speaking with her first. We won't be here when you get back. We got a campsite outside the city. Look for us there."
Anders and Fenris weren't difficult to find. And Variel wasn't particularly protective of her information. "This criminal of yours is set up in a cave away from our camp. He said there would be people looking for him, and to tell anyone who asked where he was."
"It's like if he wanted us to find him." Clint said.
"Is it a trap?" Steve wondered.
"He said he didn't want to endanger our people by asking us to lie for him." Variel gave them a pointed look. "Not something you'd expect from a cruel and evil murderer, is it?" She gestured. "He'll be waiting for you at the cave. Good luck trying to reach him, however."
As they entered the cavern, Steve and the Avengers were surprised to see giant spiders and small dragon-like creatures.
"What the hell is that?" Steve demanded.
"Less talking, more fighting!" Wanda snapped. Marian and Fenris cut through the drakes as Clint, Varric, Hunter and Bobbi shot down the spiders and Steve threw his shield, slicing through them, while Anders burned them alive.
The "dangerous assassin" smiled when he saw them. "Now you I wasn't expecting."
Isabela laughed. "I thought I smelled Antivan leather."
"Isabela! If it isn't my favorite pirate wench!" The elf laughed back.
"Shouldn't you be dead by now?" Isabela chuckled as she folded her arms.
"I could say the same, my dear. It seems we were both fortunate to find powerful friends, no?" He bowed. "How do you do? My name is Zevran Arainai, adventurer and occasional assassin."
"I've heard of you." Anders said. "You helped the Wardens to stop the Blight."
"At your service, my friend!" Zevran bowed.
The rest widened their eyes, realizing who it was. The elf assassin, who had been hired to assassinate the Wardens within that book written by Theron Mahariel, the Hero of Ferelden himself. But they took pity on him and recruited him to help in the Blight. Supposedly, Zevran fell in love with Kallian, the city elf.
Zevran shrugged. "I must admit, I was waiting for an assault by the Crows, not the mighty Champion of Kirkwall and the Scarlet Witch!"
"How do you know who we are?" Wanda asked.
"Slayer of Qunari, Deep Roads explorer, and a beauty to make the gods jealous? You underestimate your fame!" Zevran's smile was flirtatious.
"How do you two know each other?" Steve asked as he turned to Isabela.
Zevran laughed. "How does anyone know Isabela?" He asked with a smirk on his face and lustful look in his eyes as he looked at the pirate, who smirked back as they all groaned at the mental image but Isabela just chuckled.
"Yes, well, you'll never know Isabela again if you keep that up." Isabela glared before smiling. "I thought you were sharing your bed with that pretty little elf Kallian, isn't she a noble now?"
"Indeed, but events drove us apart." Zevran said, looking sad. "However, she did say that I would be welcomed back in her bed if I ever come back to Ferelden."
"When you say "Crows", you don't mean birds, do you?" Clint asked.
"Oh, please do not tell me you know nothing of the Antivan Crows." Zevran gestured in disbelief. "We are the finest guild of assassins, an object of fear throughout the lands for any man with wealthy enemies. Or, I should say, they are. I am no longer a Crow, a fact they find unacceptable."
"That's it? They're after you for leaving the group?" Sam asked.
"That is offense enough to the Crows, believe me." Zevran chuckled. "I may have also killed the last four assassins they sent after me. And all their men. Oh. And the Guildmaster. In fact, if you were a Crow you might make a fortune bringing me in. You should consider a career change." Zevran laughed. "No. Really."
"We've been hired to take you in." Steve said.
"Ah, let me guess: a man named Nuncio has asked you to capture a dangerous killer, yes?" Zevran paced, gesturing. "What did he say this time? That I killed his wife? Butchered his parents? Sold his children into slavery? Or did he tell you he was a lawman from Antiva, charged with apprehending a ridiculously handsome fugitive?"
"He also said you were a wanted murderer." Marian said.
Zevran nodded. "Oh, indeed I am. But technically I imagine everyone here can rightfully claim that title. Bring me to Nuncio if you wish, but I warn you: he surely intends to kill you. The Crows do not like loose ends, unlike myself." He gave them an appreciative look. "But you are a man who can clearly handle himself, yes? Why worry?" Zevran gestured enthusiastically. "So you can either tie me up, gag me, and then manhandle me… or you can take me to Nuncio. Which will it be, I wonder?"
Hunter chuckled. Zevran reminded him a bit of himself as Bobbi rolled her eyes.
Marian turned to Isabela. "You know him best. What do you think?"
"I've had better." Isabela shrugged. Zevran actually looked affronted at her words as they groaned again.
Marian sighed and wiped her face, trying to resist the urge to vomit at the mental image. "I meant about letting him go or not."
"Oh. Right." Isabela shrugged. "I'd let him go."
"We're not gonna work with someone, who lied to us, are we?" Wanda asked as Marian shook her head as they relaxed. Plus, if half the rumors they had heard about Kallian, Zevran's lover, were true, well, Natasha herself would probably be curious about Kallian's skills when she would hunt them down.
"As a suggestion, you might wish to deal with Nuncio." Zevran shrugged casually. "If you don't, he will only come after you." He bowed. "It's been more than a pleasure, my dear Champion. Fare you well."
They walked into Nuncio's camp. "You didn't tell us the assassin you wanted captured was one of your own."
Nuncio looked disappointed. "Ah, so Zevran told you, did he? It really doesn't matter. This time his precious Warden isn't here to protect him." The man reached for his knives. "I am thoroughly disappointed. No one fails the Crows and lives."
"Ah, poor, stupid Nuncio." Zevran emerged from the trees. "The Crows do like that saying, but I am living proof it's a lie." He shrugged at them. "Why they insist on thinking they can kill people like you and the Wardens, I will never guess."
"Why didn't you go when you had the chance?" Marian asked.
"To see the Champion of Kirkwall, the Scarlet Witch and the Avengers in action? You couldn't keep me away!" Zevran smirked as they felt flattered.
"You are nothing but a traitor and a coward, Zevran. You'll die here!" Nuncio said.
Zevran drew a knife and threw it behind him, pegging the man trying to sneak up on him in the eye. "Yes, well. Let's see how that works out for you."
The fight was over quickly. Zevran, despite his behavior, was actually a highly skilled combatant. He grinned when the last of the Crows was dispatched. "Excellent. Killing my former brothers-in-arms is oddly satisfying." He bowed. "I've little reward to offer you, Champion, but perhaps this will serve as a token of my thanks." He offered an amulet, and Marian accepted. "My dear Isabela, it has been a delight to see you again. You travel in fine company."
"That's it?" Isabela shook her head. "You're leaving? What about sex?"
"Ah, Isabela." Zevran laid a hand over his heart. "I did so miss you."
"That's because you have piss-poor aim. Thankfully, you've other uses." The two of them began walking off back into the trees.
"Ha." Anders shook his head laughing, while Fenris and Varric were perplexed. The rest had varieties of disgusted faces.
"Ew." Wanda wrinkled her nose.
"I think I just threw up a little in my mouth." Aveline groaned.
"That makes more of us." Sam said.
"That girl has curious standards." Varric said.
"Are we sure he was part of a guild of assassins?" Fenris asked.
They walked away, trying to ignore the noises coming from a little farther down the beach. As Isabela returned, putting on her clothes, she started to say something about wishing their time had been more enjoyable but they tried to block out any Isabela's comments.
It took them a few days, and they had to deal with Seneschal Bran. But in the end, the "confiscated" ship was Isabela's. Now for the tricky part.
They also decided to make it up to Isabela by betting the ship on a game of Wicked Grace. The ship change so many hands it was hard to keep up, first it was Varric, then Fenris, then surprisingly Merrill, then Anders. However, the game concluded with Isabela's victory, much to her delight.
However, they were now going to make sure that the bedroom doors were now locked for now on.
Present
"Zevran Arainai."
"It certainly sounds like him." Leliana acknowledged.
"Did you know about this?" Cassandra asked.
"Actually, yes." Leliana shrugged. "Part of it, anyway. Zevran is the one that told Theron his clan was near Kirkwall. He didn't mention meeting the Champion and the Avengers, however."
"And Isabela did get a ship." Cassandra folded her arms. "An avenue for escape."
"My information on Isabela puts her back with the Felicia Armada. Another excellent place for someone to hide."
"Clearly, we need to have a few more words with Kallian."
Leliana shook her head. "I doubt she knows anything, she's more preoccupied for helping elven refugees and the Dalish at Ostagar."
So, what do you guys think about it?
Please review and let me know if you are enjoying this so far and want for me to continue.