Isabella ran through the eluvians and into the Shadow Dragon's hideout. It was sparse with a few taking refuge with a couple injured people. She dashed past them, knowing that she needed to make sure that her team was alright before she could help the other civilians. She wasn't a medic or a doctor, just an alchemist at best.
With Lucanis right behind her, she followed where the crowd was running from. It seemed that the Venatori were rushing to the palace closer to where she had first met Neve in the center of the city. Isabella cursed as she tried to run faster, hoping that she could get there in time. Damn this city for not having more ziplines or rooftop access.
They reached the top of a hill as she saw Dumat Plaza and a dragon beyond. It looks like the team had been able to ground it, which was good. She paused only a moment to get her bearings before she dashed down the streets, weaving through panicked civilians and confused guards. The Venatori were concentrating around the dragon, so if she and Lucanis could just get to the Venatori, then they could try to cut them down.
Isabella flew a few arrows as soon as a few Venatori came into sight, drawing their attention. Prideful as they were, a good chunk of them came towards the two Crows instead of heading towards the Archon's palace. It would at least take some of the pressure off the guards, giving them the advantage they needed to push back.
Soon, the Venatori closed in, forcing Isabella to draw two specific daggers instead. Laced with poison, she did her best to slice and move on, cutting as many as she could as the Venatori started to scream around her. She didn't often use the poisoned ones, but the large crowd of enemies called for a quick solution. The ones affected by the poisoning immediately saw their veins grow black and feel their blood burn. A horrific death, but a quicker one than they deserved.
Once the Venatori had been thinned enough, Isabella broke through and ran towards the dragon fight happening down at the beach. There was no sign of the goddess, which was good. That meant that whatever had called Ghilan'nain away from Treviso wasn't in Minrathous. That also meant that Isabella wasn't sure how to chase the dragon away if they couldn't kill it.
"Rook!" Neve called out once Isabella entered the beach area. The Crow launched an arrow, hoping to help as Davrin avoided being stomped to death beneath it. Harding and Bellara also tried to shoot at it, aiming for the wings and underbelly.
"I'm sorry I'm late," Isabella called out, grabbing another arrow.
"Better late than never," Neve chuckled, throwing an ice spell at the dragon's feet, temporarily grounding it. "Treviso?"
"Not in shambles, about how Minrathous is right now. Ghilan'nain was there with the dragon and then left when I shot the dragon in the eye," Isabella answered, aiming her bow as Lucanis dashed forwards to help Davrin. "Guessing the dagger helped bring the dragon down to the beach?"
"It did, but now I think it's toying with us. My ice magic doesn't do much against a fire dragon," Neve reminded as the dragon broke free again.
"At least it isn't spreading blight across Minrathous. Where are the Shadow Dragons?"
"Helping people in the city, I think. Tarquin was here for a moment, but he went to go help the Viper. So, it's just us."
"Let's see if we can chase it off then."
"Have the Venatori taken over the palace then?" Neve griped as Isabella smirked.
"Not yet. A regiment or two sadly were poisoned before they could get too close," she laughed conspiratorially. "Unless the guard really fucks it up, the palace should stay out of Venatori hands today."
"At least there's some good news," the detective sighed, throwing another ice spell. "Now if we could just put this damn dragon down."
"Who has the dagger?" Isabella asked before Neve gestured with her head.
"Davrin does, which is why the dragon is trying to stop the daylights out of him. It's not working, thankfully."
"Alright, well keep fighting and-" the Crow groaned before there was a cracking sound. Isabella turned to see a huge puddle of blight form in the middle of the beach near the dragon. It glowed an ominous red as a voice poured out of it. Bellara and Harding, the two closest to it, jumped back as the blight swirled impossibly in the ground.
"RETURN," a shrill voice commanded before the blight dried, and the red glow vanished.
Isabella stared at it a moment more before the dragon shrieked, taking to the sky. Davrin and Lucanis retreated while the dragon beat its wings, ascending before flying over the city and vanishing beyond the horizon. Isabella lowered her bow slightly as she stared, waiting for the dragon to circle back. It didn't.
Neve lowered her staff, glancing around. The remaining Venatori retreated from the palace beyond the beach, disappearing into the city streets as the guards pushed them back. Isabella took a few deep breaths, realizing that she could calm herself. The dragon was gone, as was the Venatori's advantage. She didn't even need to be there to chase it off. It seemed that Ghilan'nain had recalled both her dragons from the cities.
"Welcome to the team," Isabella mentioned as Davrin approached. She clapped a gloved hand on his shoulder, patting it twice with a sigh.
"You didn't mention fighting dragons," Davrin retorted with a raised brow.
"That was the first time I've had to fight dragons," Isabella informed, shaking her head. "And something tells me it won't be the last time."
"I don't have any experience with that," the warden added.
"That's why I think we should find a dragon expert. If Ghilan'nain can command blighted dragons, then we need to be able to combat that efficiently," the Crow reassured with a deep breath. "We'll put the feelers out for that, too. See what we can turn up. Not sure where to start with that."
"I'll ask around and see if my old Inquisition contacts know of anyone," Harding suggested as she walked up. "There has to be a dragon hunter out there that can help us."
"I'll take anyone who can help at this point. We barely scratched either of those dragons, and if we are going to put them down, we need help," Isabella nodded. "Those who can, see if you can help the Shadow Dragons with the aftermath. I have to do the same in Treviso. I left quickly to help here, but I need to make sure that my House is okay."
"Rook, there's actually something I would like to talk about with you, if I can tag along," Bellara mentioned, stepping forward. Isabella glanced up and smiled.
"Of course, Bel. Maybe we can squeeze that vintage out of Viago while we're there," Isabella chuckled dryly. "If the Shadows need anything, Neve, let me know."
"Will do. Same with the Crows," Neve smiled before Isabella jogged back towards the eluvian. The adrenaline in her system kept her going.
Lucanis followed her and Bellara, as Isabella expected. She wouldn't have argued if Lucanis wanted to help Minrathous, but she had a feeling that he wanted to help Treviso first and foremost before returning to the capitol of Tevinter. Besides, she only knew that Teia and Viago were alright. She still needed to check in on Illario and Jacobus.
As they made it back to the safe house and through the eluvian, Bellara walked next to Isabella. The Crow watched and waited, seeing the Veil Jumper's thoughts in her mind come together before she opened her mouth.
"You mentioned you wanted to build the team out, right?" Bellara said abruptly as Isabella nodded, turning to her friend.
"That's right. I think we would benefit from a dragon expert. Did you have someone in mind?"
"Well, no, I don't know any dragon experts, but I do have a suggestion for someone else we can bring aboard. He's a fade expert."
"A fade expert? We have you and Neve on the team," Isabella reminded.
"Right, but I only know artifacts and Neve knows Tevinter magic. We know parts of the Fade, but we aren't experts in the Fade. If we are living in the Fade and working from within it, I thought we might benefit from having an expert here. Not to mention he might be able to help find more eluvians and work with other spirits," Bellara rambled as Isabella patiently listened, nodding along. "There are just so many unanswered questions, and with Neve working so much with the Shadow Dragons, I thought it might be helpful to bring on an expert. In the Fade."
"We have been taking a lot at face value in the Crossroads. Having someone explain the mechanics of it could be beneficial. Especially since the Venatori and Antaam have found ways inside," Isabella agreed, tapping her chin. "You have someone in mind, then?"
"I've been chatting with a professor in Nevarra. Well, we've been exchanging letters. I had some questions about the oscillation rates between eluvians and if it changes depending on location. I have a theory that we might be able to change the eluvian in the lighthouse base on the frequency so we can go from the lighthouse straight to Treviso or Arlathan without the use of the Crossroads. I believe we still need to activate the eluvian from within the Crossroads to make it work so we know the frequency, but it would be nice to have a short cut," Bellara explained. Isabella smiled, listening to the mechanics of magic she didn't fully understand. Although, it would be nice not to have to take a magical boat to get to Treviso every time.
"Who's the professor?" the Crow asked, refocusing the Veil Jumper.
"Oh, right. His name is Professor Emmrich Volkarin. I can reach out to him and see if he's available to help us."
"I think that's a wonderful idea," Isabella answered, placing her hands behind her back. "Having someone, especially a professor, to explain what the Fade does and why could be helpful in the grand scheme of things. Do you think he would be willing to?"
"He's mentioned that things are getting strange in the Fade, so I think he would be at least interested in a meeting to explain why. I'm not sure he would be interested in joining the team, but I would be worth a try."
"Absolutely worth a try."
Isabella walked through the Trevisan eluvian with Bellara and Lucanis behind her, and she had expected the Diamond to be nearly abandoned as she had found it when she came through a few hours before. However, it seemed that the Crows were able to regroup back at the casino. The buzz was much louder than she had anticipated as people strategized and planned.
She glanced back at Bellara and Lucanis, who also looked equally surprised. She straightened her jacket before walking towards Teia's makeshift office. It wasn't much more than a desk with a few chairs tucked away in a corner, but she seemed to prefer it that way. In the open was how she preferred to do business most of the time. Depending on the business, of course.
To Isabella's relief, Viago and Teia stood where they usually did, chatting over a few papers, likely contracts that were about to go out. They were likely over Antaam leaders within the structure, hoping to weaken the hold over Treviso. As she approached, she caught both Talon's attention, and Viago nearly dropped what he was holding to see her standing there.
"Sorella," he whispered before narrowing his gaze. "You're lucky Teia was here to tell me you didn't die."
"Vi, I came back as quick as I could. Don't you want to hear about the dragon in Minrathous?" Isabella countered, opening her arms wide with a smirk. It was mostly to show him that she was uninjured, but it also gave a bit of theatrics to annoy him further.
"I don't give a damn about Minrathous," Viago hissed before Teia chuckled, placing the papers on the desk.
"It went well, then?" Teia asked as Isabella nodded once.
"The dragon did some damage, but Ghilan'nain did call it away before it was killed. Minrathous fared about the same as Treviso did. No better, but no worse," the Crow explained with a sigh. "And the Venatori don't have control over the throne. We were able to turn the fight in our favor at the last moment."
"That's my girl," Teia smiled as Isabella thinned her lips.
"I don't think we're out of the woods on the dragons yet, but I have my team looking for a dragon expert. I want these dragons out of the gods' hands as soon as possible. For now, though, the people of Treviso and Minrathous can at least sleep soundly," she answered as Viago folded his arms.
"The Antaam are calling for your head," Viago informed, producing a wanted poster. Isabella frowned, grabbing it from him. It was a terrible likeness, as they got her nose and vallaslin wrong. Luckily, the saving grace was that they were calling for the arrest of Rook, not Isabella de Riva. Only Lucanis called her Rook in Treviso, so she would be safe on that front, at least.
"I'm flattered that they want my alive at least," Isabella sighed, handing the poster back to Viago, who snatched it out of her hands. "And I'm not going to apologize for antagonizing Ghilan'nain. It was the only way to get the dragon to stop terrorizing the city."
"They are putting these all over Treviso," Viago informed as she shrugged.
"I don't know if you noticed, they got the vallaslin wrong. They drew flowers on my face in the poster. I don't have flowers on my face," Isabella countered, pointing at the paper in his hand. Viago glowered, his anger clear. "Also, my full name isn't on there. Just Rook. They are searching for a ghost."
"People know you around the city. People can point you out," Viago reminded as Isabella stared at him.
"I don't know what you want from me. Burn all the posters, then. Take out the Antaam. What's done is done. Do you want me to leave for a few weeks? Because I can-" she started, her words tumbling out before Viago held him his hands.
"I wanted you to be more careful," he answered, interrupting her. "And I don't want you to leave. That's the last thing I want, especially now with the gods chasing you."
"What Vi is saying is that you might need to cover your face when you're traveling in Treviso. None of the Crows will turn you in, but the reward money for your capture can look alluring to those who have just lost their homes," Teia translated as Isabella sighed. She was safe in the Diamond, but she would need to be a shadow in the streets less she be taken by the Antaam.
"Being wanted isn't a death sentence, Viago," Lucanis added, hoping to help. "Venatori still come after me."
"You were captured and put in an underwater prison for a year," Viago reminded.
"It was an inside job," Lucanis countered. The Talon put a hand on his brow before taking a deep breath.
"My point is, you need to be more careful now. Cover your face at the very least now. I have some coverings if you don't have any," Viago explained.
He turned and gave her a bag from the table. Isabella pulled one out, looking it over. It was designed to cover her lower face and cheekbones, likely covering her vallaslin, while she wore her hood. Most of the time, these were used for high stealth missions for hiding in shadows. It seemed that this would be her life in Treviso now. At least, until the Antaam were removed from Antiva.
"Thank you, Vi," Isabella sighed, tucking them into her belt. "I'll wear them when we're in the streets."
"I would recommend you wear them whenever your in large crowds or fighting enemies. I don't want to hear that you're wanted in Tevinter or Rivain," Viago informed as Teia folded her arms.
"As much as I think Viago is being a little overprotective, I have to agree with him on this one. I want to make sure that you are safe while you're out fighting," she added. Isabella pressed her lips together, unable to disagree.
"I would like to argue that this does seem a little much. Surely, Rook can take care of herself, she doesn't need to hide behind a mask," Lucanis countered, surprised by them.
"Lucanis, you are a Crow that has earned a fearsome reputation and a title that is renowned throughout Thedas. Plus, you were backed by the First Talon. Targeting you would mean a death sentence. Targeting my Crow means nothing other than a nuisance gone in their eyes. Maybe a retaliation against the Crows," Viago countered before shaking his head, turning to Isabella. "Do not mistake this as doubt in your abilities. I have seen your work, and you are more than capable of taking care of yourself. I just want to make sure that you aren't sold out by a bystander."
"Unfortunately, you are right, Viago. I would prefer to be able to walk around my home without a target on my back, but alas, the Antaam are here to make our lives hard. I will cover my identity in the streets at least. I'll be careful, at least around the Antaam," Isabella informed before running a hand through her hair. "But I also won't live in fear around them. I will fight until my last dying breath."
"As long as you take some with you," Viago laughed darkly, his smile not reaching his eyes. "Just be careful. The gods won't take you standing up to both their dragons lightly, especially since you denied the Venatori their political power."
"Agreed. I have a feeling that they're building up to something, and we're not going to like it," Isabella groaned. "But we have to be prepared. We'll recruit a dragon expert, and Bellara mentioned having a Fade expert on the team, as well. Someone who can explain the Crossroads and the like while we're navigating all of this."
"Adding to your team will only benefit you," Teia added as Viago clenched his jaw. "At least in this respect. Just make sure that you can trust them before you invite them to your lighthouse."
"We will do what we can," Isabella sighed. "How is Treviso faring, by the way? I did come to see if you two were alright, but I also wanted to see if there was anything we could do to help the city."
"The dragon destroyed a lot of residential buildings, but the city officials are handling that for the most part. Our Crows are overseeing the process, making sure that no one is taking financial advantage of the citizens," Teia added before gesturing towards her desk. "Vi and I were going over a few contracts when you came in. A few might be reserved for you in the weeks to come, depending on your availability."
"I would be happy to help. Especially if it's against the Antaam," Isabella grinned.
"Oh, a few are definitely involving them. Go worry about your experts and recruits. We'll send word if we need you," Viago dismissed as Isabella rolled her eyes.
"Don't overwork yourself, Fratello," she retorted, shaking her head. "And don't forget the wine you owe Bellara, still!"
"It's going to be from my personal collection if you don't get going," Viago warned as Isabella pointed at him while she turned.
"It better not be," she glared before waving at Teia. "Take care of him, Soré."
"No promises, Hermanita," Teia laughed, blowing her a kiss. Isabella smiled, guiding the other two back through the eluvian to the Crossroads.