Sorry for the delay. My laptop is broken :'( Enjoy!
Hawke woke up the next morning and rolled over to find a tray full of steaming-hot, vegetable soup and a bread roll sitting on her bedside table, complete with a mug of chilled water. She smiled to herself and straightened up, making a mental note to purchase something special for Bodhan as a thanks for taking care of her so well. That dwarf is the best thing that's happened to me in years. She pulled the tray towards her, balancing it on her lap and began to tuck in, savouring every bite after what was undoubtedly the best sleep she'd had in Maker knows how long. The tonic Aveline had given her had done the job thankfully and she felt just about able to take Gamlen up on his visit request.
As much as she hated to admit it, the man was right. They had seen very little of each other in recent years, ever since Leandra's demise. But while the distance between them was both their faults, Lana was surprised her uncle had taken the first step at redemption and reached out to her, rather than the other way around. He was never one to mend fences, not unless there was something in it for him. Maybe he really does want something from me. Knowing Gamlen that's always the case, Lana thought to herself as she spooned the soup into her mouth. Despite her nagging doubts about her uncle's sincerity, she realised she couldn't really be choosy right now. Like it or not, she hadn't much family left. It had fallen to pieces around her, while she desperately tried to hang on to the remains. So if Uncle Gamlen wanted to repair their relationship then how could she deny him that?
Making up her mind, Hawke finished the last of breakfast and placed the tray back on the table before getting to her feet and making her way to the water closet. As she washed at the basin, her thoughts fell on Isabela. Seeing her last night with one of the local whores, seemingly having the time of her life without a care in the world made Lana question whether the separation between them really had done her good. Was she kidding herself? There was no such thing as out of sight-out of mind when it came to Isabela. When they were together, neither of them could hack it. But when they were apart, it was like a slow, agonising torture. Maker's Breath, how did it come to this? Lana thought to herself as she dried off with a towel. We used to be inseparable. Now we're just...separate.
As she made her way back into her bed chamber and began to dress, Lana decided to push Isabela to the back of her mind. She had done a good job at keeping her feelings contained these last few weeks, while the pirate dangled numerous whores in front of her and drank herself sober. There was no point dwelling on her every minute of the day. Isabela would do what she wanted. She always did. And it's not like we're friends anymore anyway...Not really, Hawke thought to herself as she made her way downstairs, fully dressed now. She thanked Bodhan for breakfast and grabbed her weapons from the rack, then walked to the front door. Forget about Isabela, she commanded herself, It's not like I have to see her tod-
"Isabela!"
Lana stopped dead as soon as she opened the door of her Estate. There, pale-faced and seemingly on edge was the very person she had wanted to avoid. Hawke's words stuck in her throat, caught off guard. She hadn't expected to see Isabela today at all, never mind almost walk into her the first step she took outside.
"Hey Hawke," the Rivaini greeted her, a faint, apologetic tone in her voice. Lana could tell she was remembering the company she had caught her in last night. They both cringed a little as the memory consumed them. Without waiting for her to continue, Hawke swiftly closed the door behind her and walked on as quickly as she could, praying to The Maker that Isabela wouldn't follow. To her dismay, quiet footsteps could be heard behind her as the pirate sped after her.
"Look Bela," Hawke said, before she could speak, not looking at her as she turned towards Lowtown, "If this is about last night then just forget-"
"It's not," Isabela interrupted, jogging slightly to keep up, "Though now that you mention it-"
"I said forget it!" Hawke said, cutting across her. She sipped down the steps into Lowtown with Isabela hot on her heels.
"Are you late for something? The Hanged Man is twenty-four-seven you know," the pirate asked, breaking out in a sweat as she tried to keep up with Lana's pace.
"I know," Lana replied, turning a corner.
"Or are you just that desperate to get away from me?" the pirate guessed, noticing Hawke was trying very hard not to look at her. "What's the matter?"
"You still smell like whore," Lana retorted before she could stop herself. You're not supposed to be bothered remember? "I'm going to see Gamlen."
"So, dumping one whore-smelling, screw-up for another?" Isabela asked jokingly, following her past The Hanged Man. "Look Hawke, I only need a second. Something big has happened."
"I already know about The Hanged Man's new ale, Bela," Lana replied barely even listening to her, wishing desperately that she had stayed at home. "Varric told me."
"That's not what I mean!" Isabela retorted, chuckling a little.
"Then can it wait?"
"Just stop a minute, will you?" the pirate asked, feeling a little frustrated now.
"I'll see you, Bela," Lana replied, waving her off absent-mindedly.
"Hawke just stop!" the pirate yelled, finally cracking. She reached out and grabbed her arm, pulling her back as Lana tried to rush off. It was almost painful for her being alone in Isabela's company. She spun her around against her will, face to face with the woman who had dominated her thoughts for years. They were both out of breath from the walk (or chase more like). Lana pulled out of Isabela's grip, unable to be that close to her without shivering. She was a little surprised that the pirate had went out of her way to meet like this, considering the time apart had been her idea.
"What?" she asked coldly, glaring at her, "What is so bloody desperate that made you camp on my doorstep then chase me all over Lowtown?"
"Wait, why are you talking to me like that, Hawke?" the pirate replied, even angrier now. "What in Andraste's Ass have I done now?"
"It's not Andraste's ass that you've been doing," Lana joked, though with a voice full of spite. Isabela blanched.
"I thought you said forget it!" she replied, frowning in confusion. Hawke exhaled angrily.
"Well I was lying, alright?" she yelled, "Maker's Breath Isabela, we're supposed to be keeping our distance from each other. Yet somehow I seem to run into you in the middle of the night with a dirty whore wrapped around your arm, and then first thing the next day when you still smell of her. How is that supposed to make me feel? Tell me, please!"
"Last night was a coincidence!" she said, her voice a little high-pitched with surprise," Please don't tell me you think I planned it!"
Lana groaned and ran a hand over her face. "No," she replied weakly, shaking her head. "Sorry, I'm just...not myself...Tell me what you want, Isabela, then leave me alone."
The Rivaini swallowed her anger. Bigger things are at stake now than winning an argument. She stared into Lana's tired, chocolate-brown eyes and exhaled.
"I..." As she stared at the irritated features on Hawke's face, her words failed her. Lana waited impatiently as Isabela shifted uncomfortably under her gaze, having second thoughts. She doesn't care about me anymore. Look at her, she can't wait to get away from me...Maybe this was a bad idea.
"I'm not a mind reader, Bela," Hawke said, when the pirate didn't speak, "Tell me what's up."
Isabela sighed. "I...um...I need your help with...something."
There was genuine fear in the pirate's eyes. It was a fear that Lana had never seen there before. Isabela was normally so cool and collected, but this 'something' had definitely shaken her. Hawke stared at her for a minute, wondering if she should be really concerned. She sighed then.
"Fine, with what?"
"I...Well, I need you, Hawke," Isabela said, anxiously, "I mean...I suppose Varric would do but...No, it has to be you. You're the only one I can really trust."
Hawke's breath caught. After all this time apart and I'm still her first choice? Isabela was looking at her expectantly. There was a desperation about her that Lana had never once witnessed before, as though these were her final days. But as much as she wanted to help her, Lana was torn. She was painfully trying to get her own life back on track. Living in Kirkwall had run her into the ground and she was having to scrape herself up constantly and plough on through the rain, while ignoring the tragedies that plagued her. Only now had she finally allowed herself to grieve for things that had happened years ago. And yet despite this, there was just never anytime for herself. So when Isabela started saying things like 'I need you' and 'trust', Hawke could feel herself regretting she said she would help her, for fear of opening up old wounds when they were only starting to mend.
"I...Bela..." she stammered, swallowing hard, "I don't know if this is a good idea..."
"You're the only person who can do this, Hawke," Isabela said. She grabbed the front of Lana's robe with both hands, "Please," she begged, shaking her a little.
"Look," Lana said, covering the pirate's tightly clenched fists with her hands, "I want to help you Isabela...but..."
"But what?" the pirate asked, gazing into her eyes.
"You haven't even told me what you want help with," Lana replied. "You talk about trust, but you're still playing games!"
"Look, it's complicated," Isabela said, evasive. If Hawke wasn't definitely going to help then she didn't want her to know her business. I have to get her to agree first...to see if she will. "Just say you'll help."
"I can't go in blind, Bela!" Hawke countered, backtracking. She wondered why the pirate was so on edge. "Why are you being so secretive about this?"
"Why are you being so reluctant?" Isabela asked, frowning at her, "Can't you just have my back like you normally would?"
She could see the pain in Lana's eyes, see the conflicting thoughts as the woman tried to figure out what to do. A few years back and there wouldn't have been any question. Hawke would have been the first one to cut any bastard's head off if they threatened her friends. But things had changed between the two women, twisted and distorted so much that it was difficult to see what they were actually trying to hold on to anymore. And Hawke had already given so much of herself away. Surely she was entitled to keep a little for her own?
"I can't," she finally whispered, unable to ever imagine she could turn Isabela down for anything, "...I just can't, Bela...I'm sorry...If you don't tell me what this is about then that's my answer."
The pirate couldn't believe it. She simply stared at her, her heart sinking as fast as her last ship had. Her hands fell away from the front of Hawke's robes and dangled limply by her side.
"You know," she said bitterly, shaking her head and staring into Lana's chocolate-brown eyes, "There was a time when it wouldn't have mattered what I needed you for, Hawke...You were there for me, no questions asked. You always had my back."
"That was before you stabbed me in mine," Hawke replied, equally as bitter.
"And you forgave me for it!" The pirate spat back.
"That doesn't mean it never happened!" Hawke argued, "Ever since that day I make it my business to know what I'm getting myself into, to make sure it doesn't happen to me again...But for some reason you won't tell me what you want!"
"I shouldn't have to!"
Hawke snorted, "Is this a test, Isabela? A test to see if I will blindly jump through your hoops again like before?"
"Hawke..." Isabela breathed, a little ashamed at herself. But she had to be sure. She had to know if Hawke could still be counted on. This probably wasn't the best time to try though, not with Castillon hunting me. Her head dropped. Lana bit her lip. A raging battle was going on inside her head. But she had to put her foot down this time. She had problems of her own, lest everyone forget. There were currently no less than twenty-three families in Kirkwall right now who wanted her head on a spike for putting their mage sons and daughters into the Gallows, not to mention Meredith and her Templars and the fact that she was responsible for her sister and Ander's well-being. And now Gamlen was clawing his way back in too. There was only so much of her to go around. She couldn't take it anymore. Her little brother Carver had always wanted to be the hero his entire life. He envied her so much. But if he was alive now to see his older sister crumble he would realise that there was no glory in this, that what she had been telling him from the start was the truth. You either gave all of yourself to the cause, or you failed. So I guess I've failed then, Hawke thought as she stared at the look of defeat on the face of the women she excruciatingly loved. I'm done.
"I won't help you anymore, Isabela," she said hoarsely, realising the pirate was indeed testing her. "I'm sorry."
"But...You're all I've got..." Isabela replied, in a whisper. Lana bit her lip again and glanced up at the sky, wondering what she had done so wrong in her past life to warrant the pain she had received in this one. She couldn't be someone else's lapdog anymore though. This was as far as it would go. There would be no more fumbles in the dark, no more reckless charges against unknown enemies. If Isabela didn't trust her enough to tell her what was really going on then she wasn't going to be used. She turned back to her.
"Well, you just lost that..."
Isabela winced, stunned. Hawke saw the effects of her words register on her face. She felt like shit for even saying them. Then something happened that she would have never have foreseen. For the first time ever, Lana watched a single tear fall down the pirate's face. Isabela took a few steps back, shaking her head. She couldn't believe it. She couldn't believe that Hawke had finally given up on her. Castillon would no doubt get his wish now. A whole Armada against one pirate meant she was screwed. Broken, Isabela sniffed, trying to pull herself together. She hated herself for crying.
"You know what, Hawke?" she asked harshly, her bitterness coming to the surface to protect her now, "I wish I'd never met you..."
She turned away and stormed towards The Hanged Man, trying to hold herself from falling apart at the seams. Hawke wanted desperately to shout after her, to tell her she didn't mean a word of it. But her decision was made. No matter how many times they tried to repair this relationship it was just going to unravel again. They were torturing and taunting each other. And it just wasn't fair on either of them. As she stared after the pirate, Hawke silently wished that she had never met her either. Life would have been so much simpler for both of them. Bracing herself, she turned around and made her way towards Gamlen's run-down shack for their visit.
Isabela pushed open the door to her bedroom in The Hanged Man and slammed it shut behind her, almost sending it flying off the hinges. She grabbed her head in both hands, feeling like she was ready to explode. Then she did. Flinging her arms wildly she flipped over her table in a fit of rage, sending the empty bottles smashing to the floor before burying her right fist in the door of her wooden cupboard, causing it to break with the force. A searing pain soared through her hand and she looked down, seeing her splinter-covered knuckles pouring with blood.
Cursing loudly she opened the broken cupboard and lifted out a bottle of whiskey. Taking more than a few swigs from the bottle, she walked over and sat down on the end of her bed, breathing heavily. How could she do this to me? She asked, beside herself with rage. Why does it hurt this much? She was used to people abandoning her by now. Her mother had done the same thing. When things didn't go her way she sold her only daughter off to a greasy, Antivan for a handful of gold coins. But Hawke? Never in an age did Isabela think there would come a day when Lana Hawke would refuse to help her. Balls, maybe I shouldn't have tested her like that. Maybe I should have just told her about Castillon. After her, Hawke's loyalty has never been in question before, only mine...And she saw right through me there...But I had to see if she still cared enough. And clearly she doesn't. Things really were about as bad for them now as they could be.
Isabela drained the last of the whiskey and threw the bottle at the wall, hearing it smash. She then searched in the drawers, finding some gauze to place over her bleeding knuckles. They were stinging painfully now and she would need them soon to break Castillon's face. She pulled a few of the bigger wood-splinters out before placing the gauze on top and holding it there. As she put pressure on the wound, the pirate glanced around at her now demolished room, feeling as though she would love to do it again. But there was no time for tantrums. Castillon was coming, she was sure of it. And if Hawke wasn't going to help her then she would have to help it herself. There's no way I'm just going to roll over and been his bitch!
Isabela jumped to her feet and tossed the gauze to the ground. She kicked aside the over-turned stool in her path and grabbed her golden daggers from the weapons rack at the door. I don't need Hawke. I survived perfectly well before I met her. You don't become Queen of The Eastern Seas for nothing. She swung the dagger in her right hand a few times, feeling the pain as she did so. But it would have to do. This was going to end now. She was tired of running. Isabela is no coward! Taking one last breath, she sheathed her daggers on her back and pulled open the bedroom door.
Varric was hovering outside his room with a contact when he saw the pirate pass, blood pouring from her hand and rage in her eyes.
"Rivaini!" he called, sidestepping his acquaintance and following her down the stairs. He had heard the news Castillon was in town and was looking for her everywhere, but by the look on Isabela's face she already knew.
"Leave me alone, Varric," she called over her shoulder. The dwarf raced after her.
"Don't do something stupid, Isabela," he warned her, seeing her scan the tavern as though looking for someone. The dwarf finally caught up with her. "Rivaini," he said, eyeing her warily, "You're starting to freak me out. Why don't you get Hawke to help-"
"Screw Hawke!" Isabela spat angrily, "That bitch can go blow Aveline for all I care."
Varric gave her a strange look. That was a lot of animosity even for Isabela. She had definitely lost it. Something must have happened between the two women again. Varric had never heard her speak about Hawke with such disrespect. Just as the thought entered the dwarf's head, Isabela lunged across a nearby table and pulled a rather disgusting-looking man over it, pinning him there. She bent over, holding him by the throat.
"Tell me, Lucky," she said through gritted teeth, "Tell me where he is and I'll just break your nose."
"What the-Get your effing hands off me you crazy bitch!" Lucky yelped, trying to pry Isabela's bloody hand from around his neck. The entire tavern was watching the exchange.
"Wrong answer," Isabela replied, before smacking him around the face with her free hand. There was a sickening crunch as Lucky's nose snapped. "Want to try again?"
"AH, Maker's Breath!" Lucky spat, his nose now dripping with blood, "All right! All right!...Bleeding heck!...Pull me up!"
Isabela squeezed his jaw and leaned down until she was an inch away from his face. "Where is he?" she demanded furiously. Lucky's face was turning blue from lack of oxygen. He struggled under the pirate's tight grip.
"Arghh...Look, I dunno alright? I swear," he croaked, his eyes wide with fear. "But his main man...Some Antivan bloke...Velasco I think his name is...he's...Blooming Rose, arghhh!"
Isabela released him roughly then and straightened up, dusting herself down and finishing off Lucky's ale.
"Always nice doing business with you, Lucky," she said sarcastically, giving him a cheeky few pats on the face and a smirk. "I'll be seeing you later."
She walked towards the door of The Hanged Man, ready to go and find Velasco, trying to think of the best way to play this. Velasco was a smart son of a bitch. This wouldn't be easy by herself. As she reached out to open the door she was intercepted by Varric.
"Rivaini this is crazy!" he said, holding his hands over the entrance, "Come on! Castillon's got a whole fleet behind him. Just sit down and we'll get a jigger of whiskey and play a game of Diamondback. What do you say? I'll even let you win!"
The pirate chuckled. "Sorry Varric, this has to end. And if Hawke's not going to help me then I have to do it my way."
"You'll get yourself killed Rivaini," Varric said seriously. Isabela looked down at him.
"I'd rather die on my feet with a dagger in my hand than cowering like a bitch with a dagger in my back, Varric. I'm just going to challenge Castillon to a duel and have it done. It's the only way to settle this."
At those words the dwarf's hands reluctantly dropped to his sides. He looked up at the pirate and exhaled.
"Let me come. We can play this a different way."
.Isabela shook her head. "There's no point in us both getting killed, Varric, but thanks for the offer," she walked past him and pushed open the door, exiting the tavern and rushing off towards Hightown. "Hawke was the only one who could help me...and she's turned her back on me instead."
"Let me talk to her!" Varric called after her, "Stop!"
Isabela reluctantly turned back. "No!" she replied angrily, "I can do this without her."
The dwarf raced after her, knowing that she couldn't. Hawke was the only one capable of bringing that bastard Castillon down and Isabela knew it. It was her pride getting in the way.
"Bianca would be heartbroken if you died, Rivaini. You can't do that to her," he joked, catching up finally. Isabela chuckled a little.
"Fine!" she yelled, glancing back over her shoulder at the trusty dwarf, "Come on then. There's pirate's to kill and revenge to be had. And we wouldn't want to deny Bianca the chance to get her trigger fingered."
The two of them chuckled and made their way through Lowtown as quick as they could. Isabela had no idea what was going to happen when she ran into Velasco. But she wasn't going to flee any longer. If Hawke had taught her one thing over the years, it was that running away from your problems never solved them. It was time to face the music.
Hawke sat at the table in Gamlen's home, waiting for him to finish making them lunch. She tipped back the last of the mug of ale he had given her, thinking back to her encounter with Isabela. The pirate was definitely in some kind of trouble. Even though she was trying to hide what that trouble was, she couldn't hide her fear, not from Hawke. But it was the pirate's actions which had angered Lana more than anything. Testing her loyalty like that was just uncalled for, and the secretiveness made Hawke suspicious, causing her to change her mind about helping her. I'm not running into another Qunari fiasco like last time.
Even though Lana knew it was for the best, she couldn't help but feel as though she had made the wrong choice by breaking her ties with Isabela. And she cried...she actually cried in front of me? Lana had never seen Isabela look as vulnerable as that. It broke her heart. The woman always seemed to be in control of her emotions. She was always shut down, always kept feelings locked away so she wouldn't get hurt. But it appeared Lana's harsh words had been the key to unlocking them. And now I feel terrible. Hawke ran a hand over her face, trying to wrestle with her guilt. Isabela's departing words had torn her apart. Did she really wish she'd never met me? Feeling her eyes burn with tears, Hawke leaned her head back against the hard wooden chair and exhaled, staring up at the numerous objects on the wall behind her.
Suddenly her eye caught something. Tucked in a tiny nook, behind what appeared to be a very large mallet was a piece of paper. Curious, Lana straightened up and got to her feet. She approached the ornament on the wall and stuck her hand in behind it, feeling the cool, dryness of the paper grace her finger tips. She pulled the rolled up paper out and unfolded it, beginning to read.
Bill of Laning
Smetty's Fish Guttery
Crate 1023
Confused, Lana read again, feeling as though she had missed something. She turned the page over, expecting there to be writing on the other side but there was nothing. Gamlen returned to the living area then with cheese sandwiches and two more mugs of ale. Lana held up the note.
"Uncle, what's this?" she asked, her eyes narrowing.
"Oy!" he said, trying to snatch it from her grasp. Lana was too quick for him though. "That's nothing to do with you!"
Hawke slapped his hand away. "What's this about Gamlen? And why was it stashed behind that giant hammer thing on the wall?"
"That's not a hammer! It's a wallop mallet...I used to play. About the only thing I was ever any good at."
"The note, Uncle! What is it?"
Gamlen sighed and began pacing. "I dunno," he said, scratching his head, "Someone gave it to me when I was searching for...well this gem I've been pursuing for years."
"What gem?" Hawke asked, interested.
"Oh, nothing!" Gamlen snapped, angry, "I've given up on it now so I never followed up on the note. I lost enough searching for that precious gem...Now can we sit down and talk about something else?"
"The rabbit stew's burning," Lana said, gesturing to the stove in the other room. Gamlen jumped to his feet at once.
"Maker's Breath, I'd forgotten about that!" he yelped, running to check on it. He began to stir the pot. "So, you've done well for yourself," he called, sparking up conversation from the other room. "I had my doubts the first time I saw you but...Well, I guess there was something to that Hawke fellow Leandra ran off with after all. He certainly produced an amazing daughter. For what it's worth I'm proud of-Lana?"
Gamlen heard the front door close and rushed into the living area to find it deserted. He cursed to himself, hoping and praying that his niece hadn't just abandoned her visit and ran off in search of the gem he had given up all the Amell family's riches and everything important to him looking for.
Isabela had never felt this nervous entering a brothel before. Normally her heart was light and her head cloudy (from all that she had drunk). This time though, even with Varric at her side, her hands were clammy and there was a cool sweat breaking out across her forehead. She really regretted not being straight with Hawke before. It would have felt much safer with her around. But she doesn't care anymore...and I can do this on my own.
"The usual, Serah?" Madame Lusine greeted her, gesturing to a line of Isabela's usual choices of whores. Or as they were now known: "Something-to-take-my-mind-off-Hawke."
"Not today, Lusine. I'm here for someone," she replied, seeing the look of disappointment on the whore's faces. They loved the enthusiastic, adventurous types like Isabela. And she always had the coin to back up her 'ideas'.
Varric grunted beside her. "So," he began, scanning The Blooming Rose, "How are we going to find this son of a bitch? I assume you know what he looks like?"
"Of course," Isabela replied, throwing him a grin, "I bet the prick's upstairs, sampling the many splendours of The Blooming Rose with, well, his other prick."
The dwarf chuckled. "Let's go pay him a visit then. Though I'm not sure how much use I'm going to be to you. Even if this plan works, how am I supposed to find you? I know squat about tracking people. You really should have just asked Hawke."
Isabela groaned as they made their way up the staircase to the private bedrooms.
"I did. She doesn't care Varric," she replied, avoiding his eye.
"And you told her it was Castillon? You told her he was in town for a visit?" Varric asked sceptically. The Hawke he knew would never leave her friends in that kind of danger, no matter how much history there was between them. Isabela shifted uncomfortably. Suddenly the realisation hit Varric. "You didn't tell her did you?"
"I told her enough," Isabela said defensively, "She refused to help either way so it makes no difference whether she knew about Castillon on not."
"Oh, Rivaini," Varric groaned, "If she'd have known it was Castillon there wouldn't be any question."
Isabela's jaw tightened. She silently disagreed, not wanting to face the truth. Hawke had abandoned her. That was the real truth. And I don't need her anymore.
"Just be quiet, Varric...and make this believable."
"Do you remember who you're talking to?" he asked, amused. Isabela chuckled.
"Oh right, the best liar in all of Thedas. You know, I always wondered why we got along so well."
The two of them giggled before they finally reached Velasco's bedroom door.
"How do you know it's this one?" Varric asked, looking up at Isabela. She smirked down at him.
"Because it's the best room in this place, and Velasco thinks of himself as pirate royalty," she replied. Varric looked impressed. He tied her hands together and dragged her down onto her knees.
"Then let's knock and see if he's home," he said, rapping loudly on the door.
"Remember, don't be afraid to hit me," Isabela whispered, hearing loud footsteps approach the door. It swung open. Isabela glared up at the greasy man standing over her.
"Well, well, well," Velasco said in his Antivan accent, glancing from Isabela to Varric with a satisfied grin. "Look's like someone's been a bad girl. Get caught with your fingers in someone's treasure again Isabela?"
"Get caught with you fingers up your ass again?" she countered, smirking at him fearlessly. Velasco raised an arm and back-handed her across the face. She groaned and toppled over onto her side, tasting blood in her mouth. Oh, he'll regret that! Varric started to laugh.
"Well, saved me having to do it," he said, looking down at her, "But just for good luck." The dwarf swung a boot and kicked Isabela hard in the side then. She cursed under her breath and glared up at them both.
"Bastards!"
Velasco snorted.
"Castillon will be pleased," he said, gesturing for his men. "He's been looking for Isabela for some time."
"How about a token of his appreciation then?" Varric said, holding out his hand. "One business man to another." Velasco laughed.
"Of course," he reached into his pocket a produced a few sovereigns, "Three gold ones...It's more than she's worth, believe me."
"Pleasure doing business," Varric said, pocketing the coin happily. "That bitch will think twice before she steals again."
"She won't get the chance," Velasco answered with a deadly finality to his tone. Varric tried to hide his shudder of fear.
"Take good care of her," he joked, leaning against the door frame casually.
"Oh, we will," Velasco answered, chuckling evilly. "Don't you worry."
Varric watched him follow after his men, who were dragging Isabela behind them by the legs. He could see her grimace as the staircase dug into her spine, one by one. The entire Rose looked on, confused. Isabela winked back at the dwarf before the Felicisima Armada pulled her out of sight and the front door to The Blooming Rose closed behind them. Muttering broke out at once amongst the whores and their clients, surprised by what they had just seen. Varric cursed under his breath and leaned over the balcony. He hoped desperately the trail Isabela left to find her and Castillon would be easy to follow. If it wasn't, there was no hope. She was as good as dead.