Isabella had meant to walk back through the eluvian immediately when she saw the Viper wave her down. Surprisingly, there were two others in addition to him and Tarquin in a conversation. The strangers were a man and a woman dressed very fancily, much more than what Rook would expect in the center of Docktown. After sighing inwardly, she changed her trajectory and joined the Shadow Dragons.

"Rook, this is Maevaris Tilani and Dorian Pavus," the Viper introduced as Isabella folded her arms, glaring at the woman.

"You sent the letter," the Crow remarked as Maevaris grimaced.

"I did," she answered.

"I had meant to get there sooner as well, but it seemed that the Venatori in the city are persistent," Dorian explained as he stepped forward. Isabella raised and eyebrow at him. "We heard rumors of a warrant for your arrest, but we weren't sure how valid the claims were."

"Why not warn me of the arrest?" Isabella countered as Maevaris sighed.

"Dorian told me after I had sent the letter," she added.

"The First Warden kicked me out as soon as I said your name. I had hoped that I had arrived in time, but alas. I am glad to see you all right," Dorian replied. Isabella relaxed a little, realizing that it was unlikely that she had been set up by the Shadows. Neve and Lucanis came in, equally surprised as Isabella had been.

"My saviors: Neve Gallus and Lucanis Dellamorte," Isabella introduced, gesturing towards them. "They are the reason I'm not seabound for a Warden prison."

"Nice to see you both again," Neve smiled, greeting each of them. Isabella took a step back, realizing that she should've known that Neve knew the two strangers. Neve had contacts everywhere. "Sounds like a lots been happening if you two are out and about."

"With the gods wreaking havoc, it's good to be active in the community," Mae smiled. "Especially with the high Venatori concentration. It seems the cult attracts more members everyday."

"A good reason to remain vigilant. There have been whispers among the magisters. Some are gearing up for something big, but I don't know what it is. Bataris is one among them."

"Then it might lean towards the Venatori planning something. We caught his son trying to snuggle a red lyrium artifact, and the magister came in insisting his son wasn't Venatori," Isabella recounted, tapping her chin in thought. "Do you think the magisters are up to something with the Venatori?"

"If the gods are offering them power, then the Venatori would be happy to sign the deed in blood," Tarquin added into the conversation. Isabella nodded, knotting her eyebrows together.

"The gods offered the Antaam power as well in Treviso. It seems like the gods are finding allies of their own," she surmised with a frown. "We need to be able to fight back against them."

"So far we have two assassins, me, a scout, and a Veil Jumper," Neve reminded as Isabella rubbed her cheek.

"If it's against the Venatori, I think it's fair to count the Shadow Dragons amongst your allies," the Viper mentioned.

"I agree, and I would think of the same of the Trevisan Crows," Mae added as Lucanis nodded.

"It's a good start," Isabella sighed, nodding. "Let us know if you hear anything else. I think I need to get out of the city in case the First Warden tries to track me down."

"You'll be the first to know if the Venatori make any moves," Dorian reassured, bowing his head slightly.

Isabella bade her farewells before she left with Lucanis. Neve still had a few things she wanted to discuss and tie up with the Shadow Dragons, but she said she'd be back before long. She had missed the camaraderie of the others hanging about in the Fade.

Isabella took a deep breath when she stepped through the eluvian. It was strange to think of the Fade as home, but I had started to feel like it. At least, like a home away from home. She wasn't sure anything could replace the de Riva estate in her heart fully.

Lucanis followed closely behind her as they walked back to the light house. As they walked through the spirit market, she noticed that he seemed to be keeping a closer eye on her. Isabella clenched her jaw, realizing that she had become a liability rather than an asset in his eyes. The worst part, she wasn't even sure how to switch back.

"There aren't any Wardens in the Crossroads, and the spirits wouldn't be here if the Venatori returned," Isabella reminded over her shoulder. Lucanis frowned before he walked to her side.

"You're right," he answered, confirming her suspicions.

"I'm not going to be stupid enough to get caught twice. Especially so soon after being arrested. You can relax," she informed sternly. Lucanis sighed, hanging his head.

"I know that, but I have a demon in my head that is on high alert. Part of me is convinced something's here," he complained, rubbing his temples. Isabella pressed her lips together, realizing just how serious Spite was about protecting her.

"Spite, I'm not going to get taken off guard again," Isabella said, glancing around. "Plus, we're in the Fade. Less people here."

"He admits that he feels safer when we're in the Fade," Lucanis sighed as they continued. Isabella nodded, folding her arms.

"He grows very attached," she mentioned as Lucanis grimaced.

"You noticed?"

"Hard not to. Sometimes I wish I could see or hear him just so you didn't have to act like his handler."

"Trust me, it's better that you don't hear him," he reassured before wincing.

"And now he's yelling, isn't he? You wince every time he raises his voice," Isabella pointed out as Lucanis shook his head out.

"You've noticed that, too?"

"I'm a de Riva. It's my job to be observant. At least, most of the time. Most of my contacts involved a lot of reconnaissance so the skilled assassins, like yourself, can get the job done," she explained, gesturing towards him.

"Does Viago not give you assassin jobs?"

"I finished two before my banishment with that dart gun you like so much. You're lucky I switched out the poison."

"Switched out- why?"

"Viago isn't the only one that likes to create knew things. I thought it might be good to have something that knocks someone out rather than kills them. There were a lot of weird situations with Varric and Harding that made it easier to put people to sleep. They were targets or Venatori, just people who got in the way," Isabella answered before smirking. "Worked out, didn't it? Those wardens will live. They'll wake up with a nasty hangover, but they won't die."

"Not very assassin-like of you," Lucanis teased as she shrugged.

"Not every person that gets in the way needs to be a corpse or a witness. It's easier if they take a little unscheduled nap," she laughed, shaking her head. "Viago supported my research, even if he didn't participate. Thought that I was being too sentimental for a Crow."

"I can see the wisdom in it," Lucanis admitted, earning a laugh from her.

"But you think I'm being too sentimental as well. Most Crows dispose of obstacles, as we were taught to, even if we try to avoid collateral damage. Once I perfect the sedative further, I can present it to Viago to see if it can be used by more de Riva Crows," she smiled, shaking her head.

"What do you need to do still? It knocked them out still, and it seemed like they were just asleep."

"More testing with controlled variables in a controlled environment. Testing in the field means nothing if I can't monitor the results. I need to make sure that their vitals are stable, and they wake up in a consistent timeframe. If it is going to be used, then it needs to be predictable and reliable," Isabella explained, holding her hands behind her back. "Poisons are easy, as you just need them to stop the heart and brain function. Mine needs to keep them going while keeping them unconscious. It's a difficult balance that can be hard to maintain."

"If it works, would you let other Houses use it?"

"Interested in a combat sedative, Dellamorte? I suppose we can make some exceptions. If you want to help me test it, not as test subject, I would be very grateful."

"Why not as a test subject?"

"You don't sleep now. Why would you let me put you unconscious for an undetermined amount of time? I have no idea how it would even react with Spite, and I would rather have you test a standardized dose than an experimental one."

"Then where will you get your test subjects?" Lucanis wondered.

"Before, Viago found me volunteers. They were imprisoned Venatori cultists and criminals that had done heinous acts. Not my ideal form of experimentation, but I always made sure that tests were painless and harmless. Some experienced heart palpitations and minor health issues, but none died or suffered. I left that for our prisons to deal with when Viago returned them," Isabella answered with a glower. "Now, I would take real volunteers, people who would be willing to participate freely. I would offer payment in exchange for their help."

"You are more sentimental than most Crows," Lucanis admitted as she rolled her eyes.

"And I am sure that you will benefit from that, as you already have, Dellamorte," she reminded, shaking her head. "But don't mistake my sentimentality for pacifism."

"I am well aware of your killing capabilities," he chuckled as they reached the Caretaker's gondola. "Viago let you experiment of prisoners?"

"When I wasn't able to experiment of myself, yes."

"You used the sedative on yourself?"

"Of course," Isabella answered before telling the Caretaker their destination. As the gondola pulled away, she sat down to see a stricken Lucanis. "What?"

"That's insane. You know that's insane, right?"

"I knew what I was doing. I started out with different sleeping powders and draughts. I merely tinkered with them and added new substances. It was perfectly safe until Viago found me in the lab unconscious," she groaned. "He panicked and scolded me for three days. I wasn't allowed in the lab unsupervised for six months afterwards, and that's when he would bring in the prisoners when it would be time to test it."

"How old were you?"

"I was late teens, maybe early twenties. I was trying to prove myself as a Crow while I was still a Fledgling. I was old for a Fledgling, mind you," Isabella chuckled. "Anyway, old enough to make the decision for myself."

"Clearly," Lucanis sighed as she folded her arms.

"I had a lot to prove," she shrugged. "Besides, the sedative works as intended, even if it isn't perfect,stronzo. Those wardens will wake up fine, and they won't remember you were even there. Unless they saw you."

"You think I would let them see me?"

"I don't know, Dellamorte, I wasn't there."

"They didn't see me. I wouldn't risk that," he remarked with a glare.

"Don't get mad at me. I'm just making sure that they can't track you and Neve. They know who I am, unfortunately."

"Spite is upset by that, but the way," Lucanis mentioned as Isabella smirked.

"I'm not happy about it either, believe me. I'm going to have to stay out of Tevinter for a while now," she sighed. "And just when we got the help of the Shadow Dragons. Just my luck."

"Spite prefers you stay in the Fade."

"Spite might be right for now, at least. Until I know just how far the First Warden is willing to go with the arrest warrant, I should lay low."

"Treviso should be fine. I doubt that Viago would allow you to be arrested by the wardens, no matter the circumstances," Lucanis mentioned as she smirked.

"You're probably right," she replied. "I hope Spite isn't the only one worried about me, though."

"I doubt it. The rest of our team watch out for you two," Lucanis reminded. Isabella stared at him before she nodded.

"Right, of course. I'm sure the rest of the team is very concerned for my wellbeing."

"You remember how Harding and Bellara came searching for you at the Diamond. And Neve watches out for you as well," he added.

"No, I got it. Those girls are very sweet, and I think of them very fondly. I would do anything to keep them safe as well," she amended quickly. "They have had my back since day one, I should've spoken more clearly."

"You just seemed very focused on Spite's interest in you," Lucanis remarked as Isabella thinned her lips. She couldn't tell if he was uninterested or just dense.

"I suppose I'm just curious on how deep that interest goes. Is it just protection? Is it more?" she wondered as Lucanis clenched his jaw. "Is it only Spite?"

"Only Spite?" he repeated, almost confused by the question.

"Never mind, a silly question," she sighed, waving her hand around as she turned to look at the Fade.

"You think that Spite's the only one who is interested in your protection?" he asked as she deflated. "Viago would have my head if anything happened. Not to mention Teia."

"Right, right," she sighed. "Just forget I said anything. I'm sure Viago will reward you handsomely for my wellbeing."

"My head is reward enough."

"Whatever you say."

"I don't understand why you're upset now," Lucanis scoffed.

"I'm not upset. Just exhausted and ready to return back to the lighthouse," Isabella snapped, crossing her leg over her knee.

"Spite says-"

"I'm not upset with Spite," she added, side-eyeing him. "Spite doesn't need to worry."

"You think he worries?"

"I know he worries. He might not think he does either, but he worries when he watches over me for my protection. And if he believes that I am upset, then he is worried that I am upset. Spite worries."

"He does not like worrying."

"Then I will do what I can, at least for the next few days, to give him less to worry about," Isabella retorted as the gondola slowed. She jumped from her seat and stepped onto the dock. Lucanis followed close behind.

"You are upset."

"Lucanis, when I tell you that I am not upset, I am not upset. When you insist that I'm upset when I am not, then I will get upset," she hissed, trying to walk faster. "And we're back to our place of safety. No reason to be upset."

"Then why are you running away from me?"

"Because you are irritating me, Dellamorte. Maybe you can go reassure Viago that you did your duty to keep me safe, since his approval matters so much."

"Is that what this is about?"

"This isn't about anything," Isabella informed before Lucanis used Spite's wings to stand in front of her. She rolled her eyes but stopped and folded her arms.

"Are you still upset that you were captured?" he wondered before she bit the inside of her cheek.

"Fine. Yes. You see me know as a liability rather than an ally, and maybe that stings," she answered as he tilted his head.

"I don't see you as a liability."

"Could've convinced me. You were acting like I was going to get taken the whole way to the damned boat. As if I couldn't handle myself," Isabella reminded as he sighed. "And that damn First Warden probably sent the letter about my capture to Viago already, which will do wonders to my reputation as well."

"One, Spite is the one on edge. He wants to rip out the throat of whoever tries to take you away again. You aren't a liability. Two, we should send our own letter to Viago, if you are worried about it. Or better yet, pay him a visit to show you haven't been arrested," Lucanis informed before taking a deep breath. "And three, that's not why you're upset."

"If you can't figure out why I'mnotupset, then there's nothing more to talk about," Isabella informed shortly, walking around him. "And I'll pay a visit to Viago later when I've cleared my head. I'd rather have my head on straight."

"Rook," Lucanis sighed, following her through the eluvian.

"Who's turn is it to cook tonight? I'm starving."

"Bellara, I think, but-"

"I just need some time alone, Lucanis. I'm exhausted, and I really do need to get my head on straight," Isabella pleaded, letting him walk beside her. "I think I misunderstood what was going on, and I just want some quiet."

"Right," Lucanis sighed as she hung her head. She had thought that Lucanis was using Spite as an excuse to tell her that he cared, but now she realized that it really was just the demon that cared.

"I'll be ready for dinner, and I'll check on Harding's leads later. I need to lay down," Isabella sighed, running a hand through her hair.

"I'll check to see if Bellara needs any help in the kitchen," Lucanis relented as they walked outside.

As Lucanis walked towards the dining hall, Isabella stepped towards her new space. She had asked the Caretaker to make her a new room, and she had expected the meditation room to change. Instead, the Caretaker created a new space similar to Bellara's workshop. It was a one room cottage that nestled between Harding's greenhouse and the floating empty building. Isabella also thought it strange that the Caretaker didn't just give them access to the empty building.

Regardless, Isabella climbed the floating steps to her new space and opened the door. It was a calming space with large windows and a hearth by the door. There was a couch in front of the fireplace and a bed in the corner. It even had an alchemy lab set up in a corner for her to experiment with when she had the time. It had a familiar sense to the place, but she could never place the memory.

With a sigh of relief, she closed the door, shucked off her boots, and landed face first on her bed. It wasn't as comfortable as the one back at the de Riva estate, but it was close. She hummed into the blankets, glad to be in a place that could be seen as safe. It was infinitely better than a Warden prison at least.