Pendeja

I received your letter, and I hope you receive this before you arrive in Treviso. Your banishment has been lifted on the account of the completion your contract with Varric Tethras to find and stop Solas. You are welcome to come home at any time, not just for a visit.

I eagerly await to hear from you about what you are not able to put to paper. It must either be complicated or aggravating, or knowing you, both.

Teia will be waiting for you on the bridge near the trellis not too far from the Cantori Diamond at dusk on the day you mentioned. You know the one I speak of. It's the best I can do as the Antaam have doubled their efforts in the city, and I unfortunately cannot say that it is your fault. They have grown bold in the last few days.

I also am interested in hearing how you managed to be put in charge of a team. Hopefully I can meet your teammates and talk some sense into them. Maybe they'll see reason.

See you soon,

Viago

Isabella read over the letter as she sat in the library of the lighthouse. Bellara was getting close to fixing the eluvian, so Isabella had gone to the Veil Jumper camp to get some supplies to last them a few days just in case something went wrong. When she had gone there, Irelin mentioned that a letter had arrived for her.

They had retrieved the dagger the day before, which had been a grueling day both with fighting and helping Harding with her new magic. Neve luckily took over on the magic subject so Isabella could rest. Harding still wanted to go out and practice, but studying at the lighthouse with Neve would do for now.

"Whatcha reading?" Harding asked as Isabella looked up at her. The Crow had heard the doors open a moment before, but she hadn't expected the dwarf to look over her shoulder. "Pendeja? Is that another nickname?"

"Viago seems to think so," Isabella snorted before handing the note to Harding. "It's Antivan for idiot or dumbass."

"I thought you two had a sibling-like relationship," Harding mentioned as she read through the letter. "This is the most formal letter I've read, aside from him calling you a dumbass."

"We see each other as siblings, at least, I think we do. I see him as an older brother, and the name-calling is pretty common. The formality of the letter is in case a different Crow reads the letter. He has an image to maintain, after all. He can't just berate me on paper," Isabella explained as Harding frowned.

"Has he ever been nice to you?" the scout asked as Isabella nodded.

"I told you about the dagger he gave me after a rival House sent it as a threat," the Crow reminded as Harding pursed her lips. "Viago is a hard ass and rough around the edges, but it's a front most of the time. You have to pay attention to the small details and read between the lines."

"What do you mean?" Harding wondered as Isabella motioned for her to come closer.

"I mentioned in my first letter that I was coming to visit, whether he liked it or not. In this letter, he took care to mention that I should come home to stay. Not just to visit," Isabella explained as she pointed to the line. "He also wants to meet you, Neve, and Bellara. He would never care to meet people outside the Crows that are working alongside them."

"Doesn't that get exhausting? Why isn't he just upfront about his feelings and show affection towards his sister normally?" Harding asked. Isabella fought back a laugh, knowing that the scout was being genuine in her concern.

"Because Viago is a Talon, and he cannot afford to show weakness. While he doesn't have any enemies within the Crows, that doesn't mean it will stay that way. Plus, contracts go sideways all the time, and he wouldn't want them to use me to get to him. Therefore, he banishes me and calls me pendeja on paper," she replied carefully. "It's for my protection as much as his. If I were to enter a position of equal power, then I am sure that he would act differently."

"I don't think I will ever understand Crow culture," Harding sighed, shaking her head. Isabella gave a hearty laugh, taking the letter back.

"I get that a lot. Regardless, it's good to hear that I am welcome back in Treviso," the Crow smiled, tucking the letter into her pocket.

"What were you going to do if Viago said that you weren't?"

"I would've written to the First Talon and gone over Viago's head. In normal circumstances, I would never do such a thing. Not only is it bad manners, but it would put my reputation as a Crow in jeopardy. However, with the two blighted gods running around, I would take my chances. Luckily, we don't have to go that route."

"So, why a trip to Treviso?" Harding wondered. Isabella hummed, realizing that Neve had sent her in here for more information on a plan. Neve was probably also putting together a plan of action on her end as well.

"We know that the two gods are ancient mages, yes? The Crows have a famed mage killer that I think we can hire," Isabella informed, leaning back a little. "The Demon of Vyrantium."

"Did you run that by Neve? Or Bellara?"

"Don't worry, he doesn't kill every mage he comes across. Only those he has contracts on, and Venatori. He nearly brought the entire cult to its knees. If anyone can kill a blighted god mage, it will be him."

"What do you know about him?"

"Other than he's a mage killer Crow? Not much. He kept to himself and stayed out of the limelight. While some Crows fed off the infamy they gained, he kept his identity mostly quiet. Although, there were rumors," Isabella admitted, taking the chance to tease her again. "Some say that he's an actual demon preying on mages that made a deal with a Talon a decade ago."

"What do you think?" she asked, ignoring the attempt.

"He's a talented man that got his name from killing mages very successfully. My guess is that he's from one of the Houses with an old lineage. Where Viago and I were adopted into de Riva, I think the Demon was born into the House he belongs to."

"So, he grew up around the Crows?"

"No, I grew up around the Crows. Anyone born in Antiva grew up around the Crows. I'm saying that he was raised by the Crows. He grew upinthe Crows," Isabella explained, trying to make herself clear.

"Would he join us?"

"Maybe. Killing a pair of blighted god mages would do wonders for your reputation. It would also make your contracts much more expensive."

"You think he would join us for that?"

"Not a lot of Crows are in the business for altruism. Weareassassins," Isabella reminded as Harding sighed.

"After we hire a mage killer, who else?"

"Haven't gotten that far. I think Neve is thinking up a plan as well, so once we've followed up the leads on the Demon, we can see what Neve has planned."

"If the eluvian works," Harding reminded as Isabella nodded.

"If the eluvian works. Otherwise, I'll be sending another letter to Viago explaining why I won't be on time for our meeting."

"If he's anything like you say he is, I have a feeling he would find a way here just to yell at you," Harding laughed as Isabella smiled.

"Now you're getting it," the Crow chuckled, patting the scout's shoulder.

~C~

Viago stood in the attic of the Cantori Diamond with his arms crossed and his finger tapping his elbow. Teia was rarely late, but she generally had a good reason to be when she was. He nearly had started pacing when he heard her familiar footsteps behind him. When he turned, he saw that she wasn't alone either.

"First Talon," Viago greeted with a small bow. Caterina bowed her head in return in greeting as Teia stood next to him. Illario followed his grandmother, clearly not thrilled by having to be in this meeting as well. "What do we owe the pleasure?"

"Andarateia said that she had news from one of your Crows," Caterina explained, placing both of her hands on her cane in front of her. Viago glanced at Teia, who only nodded at the First Talon. It did not take a genius to guess what Teia had told Caterina about.

"Yes, my Crow, Isabella de Riva, has been in Minrathous and Arlathan tracking a mage trying to tear down the Veil. She has succeeded in her contract, but there were unforeseen consequences. She will be here in the next few days to go over more options and explanations on what can be done next, if anything," Viago explained as Caterina stared at him, deep in thought. He also didn't miss the way that Illario perked up at the mention of Isabella.

"When is this meeting?" the First Talon asked as Viago took a deep breath.

"In four days' time. She will be meeting here at dusk," the Fifth Talon answered.

"Very well, I will be in attendance as well. There is something that I would like to discuss with her. And before you worry, Talon, I promise that she is in no danger. I simply wish to exchange information. Something has aligned in a way I hadn't expected," Caterina informed as Viago relaxed slightly.

"I didn't realize that Isabella was still out on a contract," Illario mentioned as Viago glared at him. Before Viago could make a retort, Caterina continued.

"Tell no one else of this meeting. I will see you in four days' time," Caterina said and took her leave. Viago and Teia bowed as she left, but Illario stood in place. Once she was gone, he turned back to Viago.

"I thought you said that she had been banished," Illario mentioned. "If she were out on a contract, I would have reached out."

"She was banished, but Caterina was not the one that decreed it," Teia informed as Viago closed his eyes briefly. Illario scoffed, shaking his head.

"You sent her away? It's been nearly a year since she's been gone," Illario reminded. "And now she's just showing up for a meeting? It doesn't sound like she's coming back home."

"I don't know if she's coming back home," Viago admitted lowly, holding his hands behind his back. Teia turned to him at that remark.

"Viago, you better be lying right now. What do you mean you don't know if she's coming back home? She set up this meeting, yes, but I believed that it was also to figure out how to get her to come home permanently," Teia nearly exploded, her eyes wide. Viago pursed his lips.

"The contract went sideways, and she is fine. It seems that there are consequences that she must see to. That is the only subject of the meeting. I was hoping to keep it between you and me, Teia," Viago replied before he calmed himself. "However, it seems that the First Talon knows more than we do at the moment, and I don't know what that means."

"Could we persuade her to come home?" Teia wondered, tapping her chin.

"She's nearly as stubborn as you, Teia. She takes after you that way," Illario teased as she waved him off.

"Mi hermanita can be stubborn, but I bet she's homesick at least," Teia sighed before turning to Viago. "I can't believe you sent her away."

"I thought the other Talons were going to kill her after the stunt she pulled. You remember how angry they were at that meeting. I'm lucky they didn't take my head instead," Viago grumbled. "I didn't want to send her away, but I didn't have a choice."

"Caterina wouldn't have let her be killed," Illario argued as Viago shook his head pointedly.

"While I know you are fond of Isabella, I don't think the First Talon remembers her quite so well. That job was a long time ago," Viago reminded. Illario sighed almost fondly.

"A very memorable job, though. It was the job that landed her a spot among your Crows, if I remember right," Illario countered. Viago pressed two fingers to the bridge of his nose, feeling a headache coming one.

"I'm glad you think so highly of it. My point is, Caterina doesn't play favorites outside her House, and I wasn't going to take any chances," the Fifth Talon reiterated. "Now, you know when she'll be here and where. You might as well come to the meeting."

"Oh, I thought I was already invited," Illario smiled.

"Illario," Viago warned.

"Illario, stop torturing Viago, he's beaten himself up about it enough already. You should have seen him when the report about the smashed statue came in," Teia reminded. Viago wondered if he had any poison on his person for an easy way out.

"What statue?" Illario asked, turning to the Seventh Talon.

"The one that crumbled moments after Isabella was seen going inside. Viago was lucky she had enough sense to send a letter a few days afterwards, otherwise I was sure that he was going to sift through the rubble himself," Teia teased as Viago rolled her eyes at her.

"Would you not have done the same?" he demanded as she shrugged.

"I would have, but it's so fun to tease you about it," Teia answered.

"Why was she in a crumbling statue?" Illario asked before Teia brought him up to speed about Varric Tethras and his contract. "And you just let her live in Tevinter for the better part of a year?"

"That was what the contract that she drew up and signed said. I had no choice in the matter. She is a full-fledged Crow, and she can make her own decisions on what contracts she can make," Viago answered as Illario rolled his eyes.

"Every contract needs to be approved by their Talon," Illario retorted.

"I think me denying a contract that would take her out of Antiva after telling her to leave Antiva would have been counterproductive, don't you think?" Viago argued.

"She would have been better off in Rivain or Orlais."

"Undoubtedly, but she chose Tevinter. She has free will to choose where she wants to go, Illario. Do you believe that if I denied that contract that she would have denied Varric's offer of a job? After being told to leave Antiva?"

"She wouldn't have had to if you didn't banish her," Illario argued before Teia stepped in.

"Alright, that's enough. What's done is done, and I'm tired of hearing you two argue. Isabella will be home before the week's out, and we can talk to her about her adventures before she tells us why she set up the meeting. Although, she might be surprised to see Caterina and you, Illario," Teia mentioned.

"Which is why I don't know why you told them about her meeting with us," Viago added.

"The timing of the letter you showed me matched up with the timing of a report that came in for Caterina. I thought they were related, and I also thought that this would be a good chance for Isabella to get back in the First Talon's good graces," Teia explained, turning to Illario. "Maybe even make a more memorable impression."

"It couldn't hurt," Illario shrugged. Viago sighed, hanging his head. He wondered if he would have a chance to get Isabella alone to give her a genuine apology before she disappeared after her visit.

"Do you think we should send a letter letting her know?" Viago wondered before Teia shrugged.

"I'll warn her when I meet up with her. How is she getting here?" Teia wondered.

"She didn't say, but I'm guessing something through magical means. The reports said that she was seen in Minrathous one day and then her letter was sent from Arlathan three days later. Unless our sources are inaccurate, she has a way of getting around quickly," Viago mentioned as Illario put his hands on his hips.

"Do you think she found a mage that knows teleportation magic?" he wondered as Viago shook his head.

"I don't know. Why are you still here?" Viago asked, his headache mounting.

"I just heard an old friend is in trouble and is using magic to travel to different places. Where else would I be?" Illario countered as Teia hummed.

"When was the last time you saw Isabella?" she wondered as Illario shrugged, taking a deep breath.

"It was just before Lucanis died," Illario whispered before pursing his lips. "After he started dedicating his life to his contracts, I helped Isabella with hers. Once she became a Crow, she went off on her own. I didn't see her very often after that, though. Why does that matter?"

"Calling her an old friend just seemed a little much," Teia answered as Illario rolled his eyes.

"At least she was more fun to be around than you two. She always found a joke somewhere to lighten the mood," he complained, crossing his arms.

"I think she tried to get this one to smile more. I think it worked from time to time," Teia added, gesturing towards Viago. With a sigh, Viago turned away and started to walk out.

"I'm going home. I'll see you two later," he informed, waving halfheartedly.

"Get some rest, Viago dear," Teia called out before she went back to talking with Illario.

~C~

Viago walked down the stairs outside of the Cantori Diamond towards the ziplines. Generally, he would stay a few days at the Diamond, leaning into the Cantori hospitality, but Illario had made him long for the peace and quiet of his own home. Even if it was quieter than it was supposed to be.

Slipping in through his bedroom window, he took off his cape and walked down the hallway. The estate was always bigger than he was comfortable with, but there was little he could do. It was at least easier when it was shared with his fellow Crow. Isabella also found the large House almost suffocating in a way, but her laughter and teasing made it feel lighter somehow.

He paused by her room, the door still closed, even all those months after her departure. Only one of the cleaning staff was allowed to be in there, as he was afraid that something would be knocked out of place. Isabella would hardly care, but Viago felt that it needed to feel untouched. It needed to feel like when she did come home, it was as if she had never left.

With a sigh, he wandered down the stairs to the kitchen in search of a drink.