The wicked grace table was getting tense.
Rubeus's eyes followed Michela's hands as she fussed with her cards only looking away to monitor Fritigern as he loomed over the table.
"You said you wanted something from the inquisition?" Rubeus inquired as the players exchanged cards.
"Yes, but first. Show me what you got seeker." Michela asked and Cassandra revealed her hand.
"Not good enough." Michela pouted and revealed her better hand. Cullen nervously revealing his which was better then Michela's.
"Looks I won this round," Cullen said with a smile. Michela tapping her cards on the table. Rubeus got to watch, as the aces in their hands pulsed with magic. The two of them enchanted and staring off into the distance.
"You know I don't appreciate you casting spells on my companions," Rubeus interjected and tossed his cards at Michela aggressively.
"Too many ears. This man is foolish enough to leave his army behind and trespass into my territory." Michela said gesturing to the commander. "To be fair, inquisitor. I have no reason to trust you or your friends. I heard from my agents that you're meeting with my father. I want to know, what affairs do you plan to discuss with a slave master and murderer?" Michela asked heavily agitated. Fritigern joined the table in Dorian's empty chair and dealt the next hand of cards to play.
"And you're not painting the nicest picture of yourself either by attacking my friends," Rubeus replied. "Commander Cullen has vouched for you as much as Varric. I'm shocked you scorned his trust." Rubeus said and nonchalantly looked at his hand and watched to see if Michela would cheat again.
"If my goal is to kill you, you honestly think I wouldn't have done it by now?" Michela asked venomously. Though the nervous glint in the Inquisitor's glare, eased Michela to soften her tone. "I don't, but many do." She added before going quiet.
"Magister Di'Pasqua wants to discuss his plans to end slavery in Tevinter and payment for assistance in wiping out a slave compound run by the ventori," Rubeus explained as he took another card. "I am partial to seeing slavery end. I would like to hear what he has to say. However, his offer sounds too good to be true."
Dorian had snuck upstairs slowly to not make a sound and now hung back in the corner watching silently. The ring still kept him invisible and hidden from the others on the balcony while Fritigern collected the bet.
"You're right to be wary, he's a liar. Almost everyone from Tevinter is. Your friend Dorian included. I hear he spreads the word of how he left because of how hopeless the country is. The truth is he failed in his own dealings and made many enemies. Some for bullshit reasons, but not all." Michela sounded like she was purposefully being vague.
"Magister Di Pasqua uses outlawed blood magic," Fritigern said bluntly. "Can I bet this round?" He said quickly as Michela gasped at him. Rubeus's interest seemed piqued.
"That's news to me, but I'm in no way a mage so damned if I know what's considered outlawed or not," Rubeus responded and played his hand.
The pirate huffed in her chair like a child at the result of the cards. Rubeus had won and she shoved her stack of coins across the table angrily.
"Oh Captain, surely you can lose gracefully," Fritigern said and stood up. Heading downstairs to check on Dorian.
"What? Not going to knock yourself out for losing the round?" Rubeus asked smugly
"One more round. winner takes all." Michela said.
"That hardly seems fair. But I get the feeling playing fair is not your style." He started shuffling the cards to deal with the final round.
"I can play fair, but not when the cards are already stacked against me," Michela said. "I am an apostate here, and to go back home to Tevinter means throwing myself back to an empire full of traitors and murderers. All vying to be the most powerful sorcerer in history. Those fools can't even unlock the secrets of elvhan and they believe themselves almighty. Self-righteous bastards. I spent my life studying the elves, negotiating for their assistance in historical exploration to uncover the secrets of their past. Now my father wishes to claim their salvation? Ha! He is guilty of sacrificing hundreds of slaves to earn his magisterium seat. Blocked my attempts to teach basic writing skills to brilliant minds who could have changed the course of our history." Michela said with virtue. Rubeus was taken aback.
"I did not expect you to be such an advocate," he voiced. "Would his interest in freeing the slaves be a power play to gain favour or just a ruse?" The inquisitor asked.
"He is a half-blooded excuse of a mage who relies on an imprisoned demon and mind control to harness his legacy. He is no seeker of justice, he is a possessive cunt who wishes to complete his take over and offer your head to buy off his debts." Michela said bitterly.
"Sounds delightful," Rubeus replied sarcastically and dealt the cards. He placed the deck down in front of Michela and watched to see if she'd cheat. Which she did, this time her shaking fingers of anger making it noticeable.
"If you want to bring order to the world, you need to kill him," Michela said darkly.
"If he needs to be apprehended he can be tried for his crimes and then put to what punishment seems most suitable. I don't just kill people… not without provocation anyway," Rubeus clarified and drew another card.
"Rumour says otherwise, dragon slayer," Michela added.
"I saw that, the second time too…" Rubeus shook his head and played his hand.
"Excuse me?" She asked.
"Despite cheating, you still lost, that's actually kind of funny," Rubeus chuckled. "I've played your game. Now tell me what you want from me," Rubeus stood up and looked down at the captain imposingly. His cards on the table were still better than hers and the Captain heaved another heavy breath. From above Rubeus caught a glimpse down her blouse to see a rune stuck between her supple breasts. An amulet of Mastercraft design with a pearl in the centre. The power of which pulsed in the room as soon as he saw it. Michela felt the magic activate and she covered her shirt and stood up.
"It seems someone is spying on us," Michela said as her eyes gazed about the room. Rubeus backed away and looked around the room for anything that appeared off. A shuffle of steps downstairs caught Michela's attention.
"I want one thing from you Inquisitor," Michela said and crossed the room to his side. "I need to trust you." She whispered before spinning round and casting dispel in the corner of the room revealing Dorian. Rubeus genuinely surprised.
"Vishante kaffas," Dorian cursed.
"I thought you were staying downstairs," Rubeus exclaimed.
"And leave you up here with his daughter?" Dorian replied.
"You sneaky bitch!" Michela stormed off to the window.
"Don't put yourself in harm's way. I had it under control," Rubeus argued. He walked over to the corner and put his hand against the wall behind the mage. Dorian did not flinch and instead looked at Rubeus head-on. The inquisitor angry expression causing the mage to shrink.
"You're aware Cullen caused a problem by doing basically the same thing," Rubeus said quietly.
"Yes, but he defied your order. I'm defying her's." Dorian responded. Rubeus's stern expression cracked into a smile.
"We'll talk about this later," he said, turned back to Michela and strode back to where she was standing, leaving a gap between them.
"How can I gain your confidence, Captain?" Rubeus asked. Bold and direct, his expression still softened from his previous conversation and stiff posture relaxed into a more casual stance.
"I want an apology," Michela said as she crossed her arms and huffed into the wind. "From Dorian! Handwritten and stamped. I want chocolate and someone to hug me and not try to kill me." Michela was teary-eyed. Her voice didn't give it away because the command of an angry pirate never wavered. It was the silent tears that glimmered in the setting sunlight Rubeus could see. Her rash behaviour and rough exterior masking her troubles. When Michela caught his eye her shoulders dropped as she cowered away. Rubeus hesitated, taken completely off guard by the woman's requests.
"No one in my company wishes to kill you, I promise!" he said and gingerly put his arm around her shoulder trying to comfort the hurt woman. Michela shrugged him off.
"Come to my ship when your friends wake up. We will talk privately in my quarters for no matter how hard I try it seems someone has to eavesdrop on me." Michela turned away and headed for the stairs. Not interested in empty pity. She stopped and looked at Dorian, her smudged black makeup concealing her moment of weakness.
"You are mistaken, I was not here to eavesdrop. I was here to make sure he remained unharmed," Dorian corrected.
"You fed me to the hyenas you know," Michela said and pulled off her leather glove and flashed him the palm of her hand. Within it was a black spot which stained her vines ichor blue. He looked at the spot with concern and interest.
"And I concede that I owe you an apology for that," he admitted, earnestly. "If there is anything else besides an apology letter that I can do to try and make amends, let me know."
"Ugh. Pathetic." The Captain said simply and walked down the stairs. "Let's go," Michela shouted as Fritigern appeared at the door.
"The Mage snuck off I couldn't find him," Fritigern said.
"He came upstairs to peep. No harm. Take me to the Barnacle. I need a drink." Michela said as she passed by Luke who had a tray full of drinks ready to go.
Luke sighed as they left and looked at the glass with a beautifully made cocktail ready for the Captain. "Looks like I'll get a drink tonight," Luke spoke and picked it up for a swig.
"Well, she's volatile… I think she might actually be more difficult to talk with than Sera," Rubeus commented as he sat at the table. He looked completely worn out from the interaction. He put his elbow on the table and held his forehead. Dorian pulled out the chair next to him and sat down. He put his arm around Rubeus. Rubeus shuddered and let out a long sigh.
"I'm sorry. I didn't know she'd be like that. I'd have said something if I knew she would be a concern," Dorian expressed. Rubeus nodded.
"I know," he assured. "Why is she so angry with you anyway?"
"She was my fiancée for a time," Dorian said casually as if it were idle gossip and waved his hand unceremoniously, but Rubeus did a double-take.
"You—- you and she were to be wed?!"
"I don't see how that's so shocking. You already knew they wanted to marry me off to a woman in Tevinter." Dorian responded.
"Yes, but she's... not really what I expected?" Rubeus questioned.
"She's much different than I remember too. More leather and dirt then ruffles and gold. You're not jealous are you?" Dorian asked in a playful tone. Rubeus rolled his eyes.
"You know I'm not the sort," he said and kissed Dorian on the cheek. "So that's why she's angry?"
"At me. Makes me wonder what Varric did," Dorian stated.
"Ugh… what happened." Varric groaned as he came to consciousness. Cassandra groaned as well as her head pounded with a headache.
After they awoke, the party regrouped and made a quick trip to the shop for supplies. Rubeus dismissed Cullen to return to Skyhold with his battalion. Cullen agreed to actually leave this time, his skin marked with rope burns from being tied up for so long. Once restocked on potions, chocolate, paper and ink. They all headed for the Hateful Barnacle.
"Is there a reason you bought chocolates? That's unlike you," Cassandra asked. Rubeus looked flustered and did not reply.
"I don't know why you are insistent on trying to be friendly with her," Dorian said, handing him a sealed parchment. Rubeus took the letter and stuck it in his satchel along with the box of chocolates and a bottle of wine.
"A reason I'd rather not discuss till we are behind closed doors," Rubeus replied, giving Varric a sour look.
"I don't know what to tell you, Michela was always a pleasant face when we worked together. Perhaps it was Hawke that knew how to get her friendly. I'm sorry." Varric said
"She has a ship, a powerful one at that. She has also agreed for us to come aboard. Perhaps she is being cautious. I know the look of a frightens mage in hiding, she is desperate. If the Venetori is recruiting magisters I have no doubt they are trying to recruit their families as well." Cassandra said.
The sails that once dotted the horizon drew closer as they reached their destination. It was just after sunset and the orange and red sky were giving way to a hazy purple and navy. A faint impression of the moon hung overhead, hiding behind rolling clouds. The Barnacle was still docked and the crewmen lowered the gangway allowing entrance to the Inquisitor and his party. The ship was filled with a mix of races. Elves, dwarves and qunari all scattered about on the deck enjoying some drinks and watching the visitors climb aboard.
Fritigern was perched on the centre mast boom, eating a turkey leg as he swayed with the mast.
"The Captain is finishing her dinner, she told me to let the inquisitor know to go ahead and enter. Alone." Fritigern said casually.
"What about us?" Varric asked.
"Stay out of trouble," Fritigern said and took another bite of his bird.
"Welcome aboard the Hateful Barnacle. Care for a bite to eat?" The beautiful Dwarven woman said as she approached. She has violet hair currently presenting a tray of turkey legs and pickles to the inquisition. Cassandra politely declined. Dorian took a drumstick and looked it over before taking a bite.
"Not bad," he commented.
Rubeus knocked on the door.
"Captain?" He inquired as he entered warily.
Michela was sitting alone at the war table, her dinner had barely been touched. Too busy preening a cockatiel who was happily whistling while she did. She looked like a completely different person than the one Rubeus has met at the bar. He strode towards the table.
"Captain Di'Pasqua," he said greeting her respectfully and presented her with the chocolates, wine and the letter.
The letter was sealed with a crest of the Pavus household. The black ink on the tea-coloured parchment was as followed:
Duchess Di'Pasqua,
I sincerely apologize for running away and leaving you alone to deal with both of our families. It was a selfish act and I realize that now. I will be returning to Tevinter by this mission's end to try and bring change to our homeland. What you've had to endure should not have been, and I do not wish to see future generations treated in the same manner.
Whether you believe me or not, is up to you.
Sincerely,
Dorian Pavus
Rubeus was not aware of what Dorian had written and nervously gauged the Captain's reaction. After giving her a moment to look it over. She didn't. She took the letter and ignited it into flames. He tried not to act surprised.
"You wanted to talk in private?" He asked, "Then let's talk."
"Talk? Talk means nothing, it's actions I'm interested in. Thank you." Michela said simply and pulled the chocolates into her lap and opened them. Popping the biggest one into her mouth as she placed the bird upon the perch next to her.
"I will help you, the seas are infested with warships and you want to head into hostile territory. You won't find anyone wishing to sail for Tevinter from this side of Theda's. The only chance I have at Emilio being unseated from the Magisterium is you. I owed Hawke one last favour, and she died protecting you. So I count this as my debt repaid No charge to the inquisition So I stay off the records." Michela was solemn, and barely made eye contact with anything aside from her little bird.
"I thank you for that. But it begs the question of what else you'll be asking for "off-record"."
"Nothing I cannot find myself," Michela whispered.
"As I said before, I will stop Magster Di Pasqua if I need to, but I want to hear what he has to say," Rubeus explained. "The matter of slavery and the treatment of elves is something that hits a little too personal. I want to hear from anyone I can on the matter."
"Does Dorian make you happy?" Michela suddenly asked. Rubeus paused and a slight blush peaked out from under his vallaslin.
"Yes, he does," Rubeus admitted. He had not spoken openly to many about his relationship with the mage and instead let people say whatever they assumed, letting rumours run wild. "Surprisingly, he's been a small blessing in the mess of this entire thing. I don't think I would have made it through without him."
"Is he safe with the inquisition?" She asked again.
"At the moment, he plans to return to Tevinter to try and change things for the better. Fix the system from the inside instead of shouting at it from the outside. He'll have the Inquisition's support for this or at very least mine whether he calls upon it or not," Rubeus explained.
"He's lucky to have found you," Michela said still sombre in her tone as she stood up to return the bird to its cage. When she lifted the blanket off the cage Rubeus caught a glimpse of many colourful birds all napping in the late evening. The flurry of colour and feathers vanished under the sheet as quickly as it appeared. Rubeus wished he had gotten a better look at those who slumbered beneath the cover.
"I'm lucky he didn't dismiss me for being an elf," Rubeus laughed.
Michela chuckled, yet her smirk was something wicked. Taking the napkin from the table she wiped her lips clean of the red wax which stained her skin. Cleaning her hands thoroughly with it as well before washing her hands in the basin near the cage.
"Emilio is meeting you where?" Michela asked and sat back down, this time at the head of the table where her paperwork was laid out.
"Cumberland," Rubeus said. "A hotel just off the coast of the waking sea."
"We leave in the morning, you can make yourself comfortable in the navigator quarters. Your crew can join Fritigern on the officers' deck. No one gets an easy ride, all hands will be required to sail. So get some sleep." Michela said and started filling out the ship manifest.
"Thank you. We will be ready to work. Just let us know what needs to be done," Rubeus bid her farewell and turned to leave.
"Rubeus," Michela said before he left the room. "I once knew a slave named Freya Vallal. Are you familiar?" Rubeus
"Well, my Templar friend met her while she was reading in the library. A funny thing to see an elf doing in Tevinter. So I asked where I could find her. Turns out she belonged to house Pavus for a while. You see Dorian's dear old daddy bought her because she could sing and cook. Turns out she knew magic and Dorian got her to share some of her spells with him. Even taught him the basics of elvhan. You know what they did to her?" Michela asked with a smile. Rubeus shook his head.
"Sacrifice her for a blood magic ritual?" He asked bitingly.
"They sold her to my Father because no one wants a slave who's dalish and literate. Magister Di'Pasqua bought her to give to me. To teach me elvhan, to teach him elvhan. Once Daddy learned how to translate ancient texts. He located an elvhan ruin and found a red Lyrium vein. Who knew right!? Score big on an expedition for ancient knowledge only to be bought out by Corpypheous." Michela stated smugly.
"Humans have always pulled from the Elvhan though. It's just been stricken from history, even those remaining don't know. So this doesn't surprise me in the least. It's not the first time something like this has happened." Rubeus was unphased and just as smug.