Dearest Father,

I went to see Isabela today. I had been holding on to that ship in a bottle I found in the tunnels under Darktown, and since I've spent the past few days cleaning out the clutter, I figured today was as good a day as any to use it as an excuse to visit with her.

Isabela was in her usual spot at the Hanged Man, corner of the bar downing some foul smelling liquid. She ordered me a glass before I could refuse, and then went on to tell me how she was close to finding the relic she had been searching for. It has been years since I have heard her even mention the thing, so she must be on to something.

I know she's been afraid that Castillon will come after her. I tried to reassure her that she doesn't need this relic anymore, that she has enough friends in Kirkwall who would defend her, take down this Castillon and anyone he may send after her. We already did it once, with Hayder, and that was before most of us even knew Isabela. But for whatever reasons, Isabela has never accepted the offer to go after Castillon, and insists that she will only call upon us for help if she needs it to retrieve the relic. Whatever this thing is, it must be important enough for her to risk walking freely around Kirkwall with Castillon's men lurking in the shadows.

Then again, Isabela's always been able to take care of herself.

After she made it clear that going after Castillon wasn't an option, I decided to drop it. It was clear she made up her mind, and Maker knows once that happens, there's no changing it. So I presented her the bottle, and was quite surprised by her reaction.

I know she isn't good at accepting anything for free, always looking for a catch behind it, or expecting someone wants something in return. But there was no question in her eyes, no refusal. She accepted it, admired it for several minutes, and then was genuinely thankful for the gesture. She then said it was probably the only ship she was going to have for a while, and I felt just horrible.

I hadn't thought of it being a reminder of what she has lost. I wanted it to be more of a reminder of who she is, what she will no doubt have again. A goal, something to strive for, something to spend all the coin she has been saving on. I know she's been in Kirkwall for a while, but I know it hasn't been by choice. She belongs on the open seas, not trapped in the city of chains. No matter how uncomfortable she sometimes makes me feel, I adore Isabela, and she has been a good friend, and though she'll never admit her feelings to anyone, I know she hasn't been happy here.

I wish I could do something for her. Perhaps that's why I allow her to make me so uncomfortable, or tease me, because I know she enjoys it. Not in any malicious way, but in the fun loving way that only Isabela can do and still make you love her all the same. As with every conversation, the serious expression on her face didn't last long, and it also didn't take long before she was doing just that, teasing me, about our last encounter.

"So, you and Sebastian," Isabela said. "Varric and I weren't at all offended at the brush off you gave us last time you were here. Is that the real reason for the gift? Guilt?"

Hawke gave her a shy smile. "I didn't mean anything by it Isabela, you know that. And no, the gift is simply that. A gift."

"Well, at least tell me this then," Isabela prodded. "Was your day together productive? Did he ring your Chantry bell?"

"Isabela!" Hawke laughed uncomfortably.

"Hmm," the pirate winked. "Judging by your flushed cheeks, I'd say either he did, or you have thought about it." She leaned in and whispered into Hawke's ear, "more than once."

Hawke turned away from the warmth of Isabela's breath on her neck. "Thought, yes. Happened, no."

Isabela sighed. "Am I going to have to have a talk with that boy? Maybe all those years among those repressed women has made him forget what it's like to have someone who clearly wants him, day after day, night after hot, sweaty, battle fatigued night..."

"Oh please don't," Hawke begged. "It's complicated enough without you embarrassing him like you seem to enjoy embarrassing me."

Isabela raised a brow. "Complicated is good, at least that means there's something there to be complicated. Well if you need my help, for seduction or fashion advice, you know where to find me."

"A true friend til the end," Hawke said, raising her glass to the rogue.

"Remember that Hawke," Isabela stated, suddenly very serious. "I am your friend, no matter what happens in the future." She clinked her glass with Hawke's, downed its contents, and then walked away before Hawke could say another word.