Viago received Isabella's letter just before he had decided to head home. Jacobus had been the one to hand it to him, only mentioning that it was for him. Viago recognized Isabella's handwriting, but Jacobus left before he explained why he was hanging around the strange mirror.
He read the note as he walked towards the ziplines, growing more perturbed as he went. Learning that there were Antaam in Rivain working with the factions in Treviso weren't surprising, but it was still concerning. Especially since his Crow was there to learn about it firsthand. To also know that Lucanis was present on that mission irritated him to no end. Isabella was stubborn, as she was altruistic and compassionate, but Lucanis should have known better as soon as they knew the Antaam could've captured her.
He pushed that thought from his mind as he focused on the other part of the note. The delay in the supplies for his project was disappointing, but it wouldn't impede his progress too much. A few days would give him time to work on other things while the chemicals and solutions made their way across the sea.
Viago sighed, realizing that the mission, no matter how dangerous it was, did end successfully. Isabella survived and was free, and she also managed to free their fellow Crows and the supplies. Plus, she probably earned some respect from the Lords of Fortune as well, which was never a bad thing. They worked with the merchant princes as well, so she could probably offer some alliances for trade routes once things calmed down again.
He hoped that time would come soon, at least. It seemed this contract would never end, and Isabella would be gone indefinitely. Honestly, he would just be happy if he could take out the Antaam and the human traitor so she could walk freely in her city once more. He would settle for at least that for now.
With an inward groan, he stored the letter in his pocket and reached for the zipline. Getting ride of the Antaam and the human traitor would take a lot of planning. Assassination of the Butcher wouldn't work if they could just find another puppet to take his place, and until they found the identity of the traitor, they would be in the dark. So, he would continue sending his Crows to search for clues and weaknesses, hoping something would turn up. For now, he would be patient and wait for Isabella and his Crows to make progress.
Isabella changed out of her armor into her casual clothes, opting for a comfortable tunic and leggings. While she was persuading Lucanis to sleep, they hadn't actually decided on a place to meet, so she decided to check the dining hall first. She made sure to bring her novel with her, just as she promised. Lucanis didn't like the idea of her idly waiting while he slept since she could be doing literally anything else.
She walked over to the pantry door, carefully knocking on the door. Isabella waited a moment before she heard Lucanis's permission to enter. She opened the door to see him leaning against the wall with his arms crossed. She paused, only peeking her head in.
"Lucanis?" she whispered, hoping to catch more of his attention. She hadn't expected to see him all broody. He sighed as his shoulders drooped a little.
"Come in, and close the door," he replied, gesturing behind her. She stepped inside, doing what he asked. The door clicked behind her, but he still didn't move from the wall.
"I'm not sure you can sleep standing up, Luca," she teased lightly, trying to ease the tension.
"Why do you want me to sleep so badly?" he asked plainly, still not looking at her. Isabella paused for a moment, surprised by his question.
"Everyone needs sleep. You can't just go without it. Sleep deprivation can weaken you in many different ways, including your immune system," Isabella answered honestly, staring at him. He still didn't look up from the ground. She could see his brows furrowed as he frowned, as if he were upset at the tiles lining the floor. "And I think you're more yourself when you're well rested. You sound and look happier."
"And it isn't because you just want to talk to Spite?" he replied as she huffed. Of course, he would make it about Spite. If she didn't know better, she would've guessed that he sounded almost jealous or envious.
"What I want is for you to feel rested and happy, but if that's too much to ask, then I'm sorry. I only offered to speak with Spite to help. It sounded like Spite wanted to talk, so I thought I could ease the burden. If I'm making it worse, then I'll leave," Isabella replied as calmly as she could. She turned and grabbed the door handle when she felt his hand on her shoulder.
"You're not making it worse," he whispered as she turned to face him. Lucanis's eyes met hers, and they were watery and sharp. His jaw was clenched as he stared at her, and Isabella wished he would just talk to her.
"Then how can I make it better?" she nearly pleaded, letting her hand fall away from the handle. Lucanis exhaled through his nose as the tension left his shoulders.
"Talk with me before I sleep?" he asked as she relaxed a little. She nodded towards the other side of the room before she led him to the bed, and she sat in the chair next to him. He sat down, leaning forward with his elbows on his knees.
"Any topics in mind?" she wondered, crossing one knee over the other. He hummed before sighing, looking at the floor.
"Any news from Treviso?" he wondered before turning to her. She smiled before humming.
"Nothing since that note from your cousin. Still haven't written him back, though. He might be waiting on a response. I did send a message to Viago about Rivain, so I'm sure we'll hear about that shortly," Isabella answered, tapping her knee with her forefinger. She placed her book down on his nightstand, sifting through her thoughts. "Still no word from the Fledgling either."
"Do you think you'll write to him again?"
"I'll see if I can try to talk with him next time I see him, just to see how he's holding up. I don't think another letter will help much."
"You send a lot of letters."
"It's better than running through the eluvians every time I need to update someone on something. Especially if it's Viago. I did not want to let him know about the Rivain mission in person," Isabella reminded, shaking her head. "We have more important things to be doing anway."
"Like Lavendel?"
"Yeah, like Lavendel. I want to know what Antione and Evka discovered since we last saw them. They said that they were looking into more blight anomalies around the area, as well as differences in the darkspawn. I'll invite Davrin to come along as well."
"Right. Davrin," Lucanis repeated evenly.
"He hasn't mentioned returning to the Anderfels at all, so I thought this might be a good time. Besides, I haven't really gotten to take with him since we recruited him. Between the blighted dragons and recruitments, we haven't had a chance to," Isabella reminded with a shrug. "I'm sure he'll want to find those two griffon trainers he was working with while we're there anyway. We can catch up with Antione and Evka while he works with Assan."
"And then what's the plan after that? You mentioned that you wanted a team of eight."
"Then we need to start tracking the gods. Find the weakness in the blight, so I hope that Antione and Evka have a lead on that. If they do, then we exploit it to weaken the gods. Then once we get within range, you kill them."
"You don't want a shot?"
"We hired the best mage killer of the crows for a reason. I'm all for a better plan as well. If you have a better idea to trap and kill the gods, then I am all ears. I am happy to listen," she informed honestly. She may have been nominated as the leader, but that didn't mean that she would lead unconditionally. She hired experts for a reason, and this was the reason.
"It would help if we knew the gods better. What do we know about Ghilan'nain and Elgar'nan?"
"I don't know much, but from what Bellara told me, Ghilan'nain is the Goddess of Guides and Navigation, but she's also known as the Mother of the Halla. Elgar'nan is the God of the Sun and Vengeance. However, from what I know of ancient elven tradition, Ghilan'nain was not depicted as that tentacled monstrosity we saw at Treviso," Isabella answered, shaking her head. "She's the Goddess of Monsters, as far as I'm concerned. I've only seen a glimpse of Elgar'nan from when I hit my head."
"You hit your head?"
"Yeah, the ritual went out of control, and when I tried to reach Varric, a surge of energy threw me back against a stone wall. My vision was a little fuzzy, but I did see Ghilan'nain and Elgar'nan emerge from the Fade for Solas to get sucked in."
"Your vision went fuzzy?"
"I told you I got hurt, didn't I? I kept flashing in and out of consciousness. Harding basically had to carry me back to the eluvian. Eventually I passed out," Isabella informed, hoping to jog his memory. Apparently, this was the first time he heard this.
"It sounds like you got a concussion, Rook. Did you at least see a healer?"
"There weren't any available. Harding said I was out for a day or two afterwards. I woke up with a headache, but the bleeding had stopped."
"You need to stop being so reckless, Rook," Lucanis insisted, running a hand down his face. "Have you always been this way?"
"I did everything within my power to do what I needed to do to finish my contract. I didn't think it would include two more gods, who would give me a concussion."
"When we get to Lavendel, you are seeing a healer. I don't care if the Mortalitasi is one, I want you to see a real healer. One that can make sure that you are okay and not still injured."
"Alright, if you insist, I will see a healer once we get there. I'm sure it's fine now, though. I've been fine since I've met you, and Viago hasn't sensed anything different."
"Head injuries aren't something to take lightly. I just want to make sure that you're okay," Lucanis insisted as Isabella nodded with a slight smile. "Any other insane injuries you've been hiding from me?"
"None from what I can think of, other than the usual scrapes and bruises we get from our adventures. I do try not to get hurt while I'm on a contract."
"I'm glad to hear that at least. Does Viago know about your injury?"
"He does not, and as far as I'm concerned, he does not need to know. I'm fine and breathing with no complications, so there's no need to worry him further. He'll just yell at me for being careless anyway. Plus, he'll get mad that I didn't tell him sooner."
"Then I promise not to tell Viago," Lucanis reassured before sighing. He kicked up his legs, lying down on his cot as Isabella smiled.
"Feeling tired I take it?"
"I'm generally tired, but your presence is soothing. I relax easier when you're around."
"I'm glad to hear that. Most people are off put by my poison and Crow chatter," she chuckled, grabbing her book.
"What's the novel you're reading?"
"Something I found in the lighthouse library. I flipped through a few of the books, but this one caught my attention. I think it's a romance."
"A romance?" he teased a little.
"I'm not very far into it, but it's pretty good so far," she continued, ignoring his comment. He smiled at her, resting his hands on his chest.
"How would you feel about reading it aloud for a little bit?"
"I thought we were trying to get you to sleep?"
"You don't have to, but I thought it might be nice instead of just sitting in this room in silence," Lucanis countered as Isabella shrugged.
"Alright, I'll read a chapter and see how you feel," she answered, grabbing the book off the nightstand. He rested his head on his pillow, closing his eyes.
Isabella read aloud for a little while, her eyes flickering up each time she needed to turn the page. Lucanis kept his eyes closed and his hands on his chest, doing his best to drift off. Eventually, near the end of the chapter she was reading, her gaze was met with Spite's purple eyes. She bookmarked her book and turned to him.
"Hey, Spite. I need Lucanis to sleep, alright? We're heading to Lavendel where the darkspawn are, so I need him well-rested," Isabella informed quickly, hoping that the demon would continue to listen to her. It was a long shot, but she would try at least.
"Lucanis sleeps. Rook talks to us," Spite answered as she smirked.
"Alright, I can talk. What did you want to talk about? Did you want to elaborate on what you needed help with?"
"No, can't. Already tried, but Rook and Lucanis. Don't know. Can't know. Not yet, but soon. Maybe. I will. Think of a way," Spite replied before grumbling. "Rook soothes. Relaxes. Different from others."
"I'm glad I have such an impact on you."
"No. Not just me. Lucanis too."
"Then I'm glad that I can bring you both some peace. Now go ahead and relax. I'll watch over you both while I read," Isabella urged as Spite grabbed her knee. She tilted her head to the side, surprised by his touch.
"Read out loud? I enjoyed. You reading."
"Alright, if you insist," she smiled, opening the book to where she marked it.
Isabella read through more of the novel, losing track of time. She gave a little more of a theatrical reading as Spite was a more active participant. She did more character voices with dramatic tensions and silly tones. Spite was enthralled, and she found that she was enjoying herself around the demon just as much as she was with Lucanis.
Lucanis slowly woke, surprised that no one had shaken him awake. Not even Spite had woken him, which was strange since he always insisted on chatting with Rook. Generally, their voices combined were enough for him to be pulled out of his sleep state. He sat up a little, turning towards Rook sat. He saw her leaning back in the chair with her head hanging off the back. Her hands hung beside her with the novel on the floor. She must have fallen asleep reading.
"Rook," he whispered, trying to wake her gently. She frowned in her sleep at her name, turning away before her face went neutral.
Rook sleeps. Don't wake her.
She'll wake up with her body aching if we don't wake her up now.
Too peaceful. Let her sleep. She let you sleep.
Then what do you suggest? We can't leave her here like this.
Take her where. She likes to sleep.
Lucanis groaned inwardly, trying to stay quiet. It would be the best way without further irritating the demon. He didn't want a headache so soon after getting a decent amount of sleep. So, he gingerly picked Rook up by her shoulders and knees, making sure that she was properly supported. He glanced down at the novel for a moment before leaving it behind. She could come retrieve it later.
Hoping that he wouldn't cross path with any of their cohorts, Lucanis left the dining hall and walked to Rook's quarters. He pushed the door open with his back before stepping inside. It was a small space, but it suited Rook well. It was cozy, and it had a traditional Antivan flair that he hadn't seen in years. Most redecorated, hoping for the newest trends to cover their old décor.
He walked over to the bed and gently placed her on top of the covers. If she got cold, she could figure it out herself. At least she wouldn't wake up with a sore neck or back. Spite hummed in approval as Rook sank into the covers with a pleased hum. Lucanis watched her for just a moment before he left, closing the door behind him.
Why don't. We stay?
We don't need to stay to watch her sleep.
She watches. You sleep.
Because she's making sure that you don't run off with the body.
Maybe. She wants. Company.
Then she'll ask for it. We can't assume that's what she wants.
Then ask. What she wants.
Lucanis didn't have a good reply for the demon. He certainly could ask if he wanted to look like a creep. However, explaining social interactions like this to Spite often ended up with the demon getting frustrated and not understanding. Not to mention, Lucanis still wasn't sure what his feelings were towards Rook.
Rook was special, of course. She was a great Crow with exceptional skills who also happened to be compassionate and understanding. She seemed to have good leadership skills, and she had a good tactical mind when it came to planning attacks against the Antaam and Venatori.
His main concern was Spite. How much of his feelings towards Rook were his own, and how much were Spite's? Was Spite's obsession influencing his opinion of her? And if it was, what did that mean? Did he only like her because Spite did? Or did they both like her? She obviously thought very highly of him since she was adamant about him sleeping and taking time out of her day to make sure he did so.
He walked back to the pantry and sat down on his cot, crossing his arms. Spite tried to argue with him to go back to Rook, but he ignored him. He really didn't want to freak Rook out more, as she probably would be startled when she realized where she was as she woke. He rubbed his temples, wondering if moving her to her room was the right plan.
Although, it was strange that she had let her guard down so easily around him and Spite. He had never known another Crow to let their guard down so easily around another Crow, especially one from a different House. It unnerved him from a Crow standpoint, but he was also flattered at the same time. To show so much trust in him was telling. He had willingly let his guard down with her, and they had discussed it several times beforehand. She simply fell asleep, most likely by accident.
Lucanis crossed his arms tightly against his torso as he dwelled on this thought. If she felt this much trust towards him, then there was a chance that she felt more deeply for him than simply a coworker bond. Maybe even deeper than friendship. He had been in a relationship before, especially with a demon riding along. He wouldn't know where to begin if he decided to pursue this idea. Illario was always better with this kind of thing. And there was the issue of Rook being the client of the contract. She had hired him. Although, if she had started flirting with him, would it make it unprofessional to flirt back?
His mind spiraled with questions and probable scenarios before he shook his head. He couldn't think about this right now, he still needed to think about killing the gods. Although, once the gods were dead, he could possibly court her. No more contract meant that there was no power dynamic. He just needed to figure out if these feelings for Rook were truly his feelings, or Spite's.