velabanchels

[velabanchels]

what's your muse's reaction when viago tells them the ballistae poison he made is called dragon you down

[velabanchels]

so many illario thoughts today.....

[velabanchels]

Grounding techniques don't really work for me especially in public... "five things I can see" I see a bunch of people pissing me off

[velabanchels]

teia's quiet  admission—i  can’t  sleep—is enough to pierce at the cold excuse for an organ inside of viago's chest.  he  knows  the  weight  of  those  words, especially from one so determined. her vulnerability betrays just how much this is affecting her, and it chips away at his cold heart. he wants  to  tell  her  he  understands,  but  the  words  feel  hollow.

instead,  his  hand  twitches  at  his  side.  the  urge  to  pull  her  into  his  arms,  to  let  her  lean  against  him  if  only  for  a  moment,  rises  unbidden.  he  can  almost  feel  the  softness  of  her  hair  beneath  his  fingers,  imagine  the  way  her  shoulders  might  relax  if  he  could  offer  her  that  small  reprieve.  but  he  doesn’t  move.

it  would  be  inappropriate.  reckless.  selfish. this  isn’t  the  time  for  anything  more  than  the  roles  they  now  play—talon  to  talon,  fighting  to  hold  together  a  city  already  fraying  at  the  seams.  whatever  they  once  were,  whatever  they  might  have  been,  must  remain  buried  beneath  the  urgency  of  war.  treviso  is  under  siege,  and  that  matters  more  than  whatever desire viago might have to help teia by providing her with physical touch. yet if she reached for him ...

viago is not too proud—in this instance—to admit that he's unsure as to whether he'd pull away.

"i will see it done," viago answers simply to her request. there aren't many the fifth talon can trust completely in this world, but there are a few that come close. they would be more than capable of ridding treviso of the marketplace invaders, certainly. "i will send no less than my best, andarateia."

viago’s  gaze  lingers  on  teia  for  a  moment  too  long.  he  doesn’t  speak.  words  feel  inadequate,  as  they  so  often  do,  so  instead,  he  reaches  out—slow,  deliberate—and  places  a gloved hand  on  her  shoulder only to gently squeeze in reassurance.  his  touch  is  brief,  intended to be grounding while still maintaining a respectful distance. i'm here. you are not alone. they're words viago might be able to say out loud if his pride didn't get the better of him.

"you said they have inside information," viago says instead. his hand falls slowly away from teia's shoulder, his touch replaced by an intensity in his eyes that speaks of the importance of their next topic. memories of lago di novo rise unbidden; viago wills them away. "i need you to tell me everything—under no circumstances must you leave anything out." viago truly means spare no details, and he's certain teia knows what he wants to hear. most of all, however, he wants to hear what she makes of it all ...

There are things even the severest Crow training does not prepare you for. She feels it more keenly than ever, now. A Talon is supposed to give the orders, but also to be the sharpest blade. Shouldn't she be both, then? Shouldn't she be here, planning, and there, fighting? She cannot fight every battle at once, Viago says, but all the battles are hers to fight. If she falls, at least it would be fighting.

Yet Teia knows it is not as simple as that. She doesn't want to die for nothing. Viago is, infuriatingly, right; she is barely holding herself together, a mess of physical exertion and raw emotion that she knows is too dangerous in their line of work. Perhaps that is why, instead of burning disagreement or begrudging compliance, her reply is quiet and honest. ❝ I can't sleep. ❞

Hadn't allowed herself to try, but she knows her mind and how plagued it is by the circumstances. Teia doesn't elaborate; let Viago fill in the blanks with the why, if he even cares to ( He does, doesn't he? Something in the way he phrases his argument, the idea he would not be focused enough if she was in needless danger, tugs at her heart. Is that what he means or what she wants to hear? ). Only then begrudging acceptance follows after a heavy sigh. ❝ If we're sending others, then I'll just fill you in, but don't tell me to rest. I can't. ❞

An admission she would not have made to anyone else, but it is always different with Viago. Irritating though she may find his penchant for being right, Teia knows he can be trusted; not only with plans and intel, despite how essential she knows he will be on that front, but with herself — the guarded parts she keeps from everyone else. The need to pretend to be more put together than she feels is set aside, armor that he had seen through right away shed more easily than it ought.

It feels raw. For years, they have known the qunari attack was a matter of time, and she had been so certain it could be fought back — that the war was not lost and the Crows would prevail. Reality has a way to prove itself harsher; it is a battle she cannot win alone. It is also one the Seventh Talon has to put her entire being into fighting. How could she give anything less?

Teia misses his touch when it is gone, even something as simple as the familiar grasp on her wrist — a request for her to stay, the gesture known from plenty of previous struggles. Not because he wants her here, this time, but for her own good. Grounding, nonetheless; known and welcomed. Her shoulders relax, quietly acquiescing. Perhaps she is too tired to fight.

❝ Send the ones you think can be trusted. I don't know how compromised our forces are, but they have inside information, Vi, ❞ Another rush of anger, its mark visible in her frown, audible in her voice. It feels like a lifetime ago, that they were at Lago di Novo, betrayed by a fellow Talon in what had been a devastating blow to the Crows. It feels just like that, though; a threat they cannot fight, unsure where it comes from other than within. She hates it.

Teia crosses her arms, no less resolute than before. ❝ I won't see this defense attempt sabotaged. We've lost enough ground as is. ❞

[velabanchels]

&. 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐮𝐢𝐧 (𝐞𝐩𝐬. 𝟓-𝟖) 𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬.

(  dialogue  prompts  taken from episodes 5 - 8  of max's  the  penguin  (2024),  created  by  lauren  lefranc.  feel  free  to  edit  and  change  as  you  seem  fit.. )

❛ you came back. put your ass on the line for me. a hundred maseratis couldn’t replace that. ❜

❛ it’s you and me now, kid. till the end. ❜

❛ you messed with the wrong fuckin' family! my mother, my father, they won’t stand for this... ❜

❛ i want what’s mine. ❜

❛ the cops are looking for you. although i get the sense they’d rather find you dead than alive. ❜

❛ you’re not looking too good. ❜

❛ the fuck is wrong with you? you’re fucking sick. ❜

❛ what kind of person kills their own fuckin’ family? ❜

❛ you think i’m a fuckin’ idiot? the second i do what you want, you fucking kill me. so just fuckin’ do it already. ❜

❛ listen, sweetheart, i know you can’t see it right now, but all this shit goin’ down, it’s a good thing. ❜

❛ nothing’s gonna happen to you. i won’t let it. ❜

❛ all i’m asking is for you to hang tight just a little longer. that’s it. and then it’s you and me on top of the world, baby. ❜

❛ you are a desperate fucking liar. ❜

❛ i got no reason to lie anymore! ❜

❛ god, she was beautiful, your mom. she was so beautiful. she had that laugh. when you got her going, it’d knock you out. ❜

❛ i couldn’t help your mother. let me help you. ❜

❛ i’ll find a place that’s safe. and i’ll call you when i get there, alright? ❜

❛ i’d like to be a part of whatever’s next... if you’ll have me. ❜

❛ if you join me, you will have a new family. and i’ll pay you what you’re worth. more money than you’ve ever seen before. ❜

❛ we had a deal. we look out for each other. we don’t fuck each other over. ❜

❛ you know i’m yours. but right now, i’m just gonna hold you back. ❜

❛ freedom always comes at a cost, doesn’t it? ❜

❛ i’ve come here to end the war between our families. ❜

❛ i am offering you an alliance. we join our families as a show of strength. ❜

❛ bored with me already? ❜

❛ you know, fugitives really shouldn’t leave their rooms. ❜

❛ i wouldn’t have pegged you as a cook. ❜

❛ you want me on your side, right? ❜

❛ if my mind goes before my body’s ready, i need you to help me. you gotta help me die. ❜

❛ i want you to do your fucking job. that’s what i fucking want. ❜

❛ i ain’t talkin’ to you when you’re like this. ❜

❛ you don’t seem surprised to see me. ❜

❛ dressing like this... is this for you or your clients? ❜

❛ i used to lie to men like that. but you don’t have to anymore. you have the power now. ❜

❛ you are good at telling people what they wanna hear. ❜

❛ you were born into opportunity, so you can afford to think in black and white. ❜

❛ but you did come here to kill me, right? ❜

❛ you done the right thing. protected those you care about. ❜

❛ it gets easier. ❜

❛ late to my own party. it’s not a good look, i know. ❜

❛ how about we watch a movie, one of the old ones you like? ❜

❛ it’s a date then. ❜

❛ here, i made your favorite, whiskey and soda. ❜

❛ what i wouldn’t do to get out of here. live in one of them penthouses all the celebrities buy. ❜

❛ that’s just a little taste of what you got comin’. ❜

❛ so, did you bring me here to feed me toast or you gonna kill me? ❜

❛ you hear me? i beat you. i win. ❜

❛ there’s a storm coming. i’m gonna need your help. ❜

❛ is that what you think? that… i would do something… as horrible as that? ❜

❛ you getting any sleep? ❜

❛ it might do you some good to get out of the house. ❜

❛ get dressed. we’re goin’ out. ❜

❛ what do you want? tell me, and i’ll get it. ❜

❛ of course i’m gonna take care of you. i’d do anything for you. ❜

❛ i see you. in ways that other people don’t. ❜

❛ i see the way you smile when you want people to think you’re enjoying something you ain’t. ❜

❛ i see how you smoke more when you’re thinking, and you drink more when you’re sad. ❜

❛ i see how hard you work, how smart you are… and how you wish the people who matter would notice. ❜

❛ no one else believes in you like me. no one else is gonna give you what you deserve. ❜

❛ just don’t give up on me. ❜

❛ you gotta know your place, or you’re gonna catch a bullet. ❜

❛ you’re a disappointment. ❜

❛ you’re the devil. you’re the goddamn devil. ❜

❛ get your shit together and, uh… you know… be you. ❜

❛ all right, you stay put. don’t do anything that might call attention to yourself, all right? ❜

❛ if anybody sees me in here with you, i’m… ❜

❛ what do you say you and me go for a drive? ❜

❛ just like old times, huh? ❜

❛ you got no idea what it feels like, born into nothin’. ❜

❛ you don’t wanna put your gun to my back… make a big show of it? ❜

❛ you have always been a monster. ❜

❛ you’re never gonna find peace, you know that? ❜

❛ you’re going to hell… sweetheart. ❜

❛ i’ll save you a seat. ❜

❛ get some cups. snuck you in a little whiskey to celebrate. ❜

❛ you gotta tell me… just tell me you’re proud of me. ❜

❛ come on. just once. just tell me you’re proud of me. ❜

❛ tell me i did good! ❜

❛ i did it for you! i did it all for you, the whole thing! ❜

❛ you think she forgives me? ❜

❛ you know i couldn’t’ve done any of this shit without you, right? ❜

❛ thanks for taking a chance on me. ❜

❛ you’re family to me. ❜

❛ you and me… it’s all that’s left. ❜

❛ now, i don’t believe in kismet or nothing. but… it’s good that we met. ❜

❛ i can’t bring you with me this time. ❜

❛ that’s the thing about family. it’s your strength. it drives you. but fuck if it don’t make ya weak, too. and i can’t have that no more. ❜

❛ you got a good heart. ❜

❛ it wasn’t for nothin’. ❜

❛ dance with me, sweetheart. ❜

❛ tell me you love me. ❜

❛ tell me you’re proud of me. ❜

❛ i’m so proud of you. ❜

❛ nothing is standing in your way now. ❜

[velabanchels]

every time i doubt my viago portrayal i'm reminded of a piece of canon i forgot about that reassures me i've had him take the right actions/that i'm doing okay

[velabanchels]

Viago 📢 De 📢 Riva 📢

[velabanchels]

My favourite thing is how in Eight Little Talons when Viago is on the floor dying from poison damage and Teia comes in, she says something about how this isn't how she imagined seeing him naked before asking where his damn antivenin is, and this mf takes his last ounce of strength to gurgle "☝️Wearing... trousers...." before passing the fuck out

[velabanchels]

    @aposthates  liked for a starter

the  clinic  is  quiet  for  once,  the  few  remaining  patients  already  sleeping  in  their  cots.  edmund  hawke  leans  casually  against  the  doorway as he watches anders tidy up,  arms  crossed,  his  staff  slung  over  his  back.

"you  know,  anders," hawke begins, his voice carrying that typical edge of dry humor,  i  think  you  spend  so  much  time  down  here  because  you’re  secretly  afraid  of  fresh  air.  what  is  it—too  sunny up top?  burn easily, do you? or  are  you  just  dodging  another  one  of  varric’s  stories?"

edmund, of course, knows it's deeper than that, but when can he ever resist some light teasing?

"not  that  i  blame  you,  mind," edmund sighs.  "if  i  have  to  hear  one  more  exaggeration  about  my  own  heroics,  i  might  start  hiding  too."

[velabanchels]

viago  stands  still  for  a  moment,  quiet  as  he  soaks  in  her  irritation—at  him,  at  the  world,  at  the  antaam.  he  could  stay  behind,  let  her  go  out  there  and  prove  herself  again; he’s  seen  teia charging  into  danger  with  no  regard  for  herself before, determination seemingly running in her veins as she does it.  of course, viago could also  go  with  her,  but  neither  staying  nor  going  feels  like  the  right  option  right now.

his  eyes  flicker  over  her—the  exhaustion  in  her  shoulders,  the  tension  in  her  jaw,  the  shortness  she  takes  with  him.  she’s  pushing  herself  too  far,  too  fast.  he  knows  it—perhaps  teia  does, too,  only  she  chooses  to  ignore  it.  viago can understand wanting to fight, but even  though  he  trusts  her  skill  and  her  instincts,  his  paranoia  is  louder  than  any  rational  thought.  what  if  she  doesn’t  come  back  this  time?  what  if  this  is  the  fight  that  breaks  her? what if he isn't there when he needs to be?

teia’s  determination  is  admirable,  but  she’s  still  mortal,  and  even  the  sharpest  blades  dull  when  overworked.  he  can’t  take  the  risk. it’s  not  just  physical  fatigue  anymore:  the  emotional  toll  this is taking on teia is evident.

viago pauses. he  could  send  grier  and  a  few  others.  they  could  clear  out  the  market—take  care  of  things  with  the  precision  only  the  crows  possess.  it  would  buy  them  the  time  they  need  to  figure  out  a  more  significant  plan,  to  assess  the  details  together.

of course, a  small  part  of  him  resents  the  idea  of  staying  behind,  of  being  forced  to  consider  anything  less  than  accompanying  her  into  the  fray.  practicality, however,  wins  out—something he wishes would occur to teia.  he  needs  to  be  here,  planning,  not  getting  caught  up  in  the  chaos.  and  teia? 

teia  is  far  too  caught  up  in  it  already.

without  a  word,  viago  steps  closer  and  takes  her  wrist,  his  grip  firm  but  not  harsh.

"i  cannot  do  my  best  work  here  while  you  rush  into  danger,  teia—not  when  i  am  quite  aware  that  you  have  severely  overworked  yourself  and  are barely  holding  yourself  together."  viago  can't  blame  her;  he'd  be  struggling in a similar way  if  the  roles  were  reversed.  but  this  isn't  just  about  teia;  this  is  about  what's  best  for  the  city.  those  two  things  just  happen  to  go  hand  in  hand.

viago  doesn’t  let  go  of  her  wrist,  blue  meeting  gold  with  a  deep  intensity.  "we  could  dive  right  into  that  marketplace  and eliminate the antaam within it only  for  an  even  more  devastating  attack  to  be  made  elsewhere.  let  us  send  some  crows  equipped  with  the  poison  i  brought;  let  them  serve  their  talons.  you  are  needed  here."

he  holds  her  gaze  for  a  moment  longer  before  he  lets  his  grip  fall  reluctantly  away.  "you  cannot  fight  every  battle  at  once, andarateia—not even someone as skilled with a blade as you."

Spare. If the idea comforts him, Teia will not question the obvious lie. Viago is calculated in everything — one of his most admirable, and sometimes most irritating, qualities —, especially when a struggle for power is involved. He knows his weapons and knows when to use them. That is never in question.

Teia listens, quiet for once, and allows the opportunity to poke at his authoritative nature to slip by. Exhaustion catching up, perhaps, mental and emotional before physical. Still she bristles at his words; the firm stare she meets unwavering, a hand on her hip.

❝ I have been resting enough, ❞ her turn to blatantly lie; the Seventh Talon hadn't slept more than two or three hours in the last four days. Stubborn defiance tinges her tone, regardless. She can't stay idle. She won't, not while her city suffers. ❝ I will tell you everything and then we can put together a plan. You're not in charge, Viago. ❞

❝ And you know how I love when people underestimate me so I can prove them wrong. As seems to be the case now, if you think I'd fall so easily. ❞ Irritation bubbles quickly, which should not be surprising considering the lack of rest. Teia thinks she could not sleep well even if she tried, bound to toss and turn as her mind replays each defeat, trying desperately to find the piece of the puzzle they miss.

There is a traitor. This much is obvious. How else would they know just where to attack, just when their defenses would be more lax? Reason enough to be careful with what to divulge, but the thought of suspecting Viago is ridiculous. He has her trust, regardless of their relationship. It's more than she can say of anyone else.

❝ I'll be happy to try out your gifts now, ❞ Focus turns to the black case, hands studying its contents carefully. The antaam would know there would be retaliation; they have met Crow opposition at each step and paid a bloody price for their conquest. Still — subtlety was on their side, even if not a complete show of stealth. Enough to conceal a blade; to allow the retreat of those who should not be caught in the crossfire. Poison would admittedly make her life a lot easier when taking down several enemies thrice her size. ❝ You do always have an eye for those. ❞

What better gift could one ask for than weapons to fight her enemies?

Her golden eyes, tired and no less determined, meet his stormy blue again. She wants more. Wants to welcome him better, to show her relief at his presence; say she could fight this without him, yet admit how comforting it is to have him here. She wants to be in his arms, safe, and perhaps find the restful sleep she only ever had by his side.

It's no use to dwell on it. It isn't why Viago is here and, regardless, she has no time to falter. Now, more than ever, Teia needs her edge. Stolen moments of softness would only make her ache more for what could be lost. Her attention cannot be divided.

❝ I'm going. If you want to be in charge so bad, take care of things while I'm away, ❞ Trust should never come this easy, yet trusting him comes as naturally as breathing; she cannot feel any other way when it comes to Viago. And here he would make a better use of his sharp mind, instead of wasting time in a fight she could take on her own. ❝ When I'm back I'll tell you everything — Noa or Neri can give you an overview in the meanwhile. Caterina will have more details, if you do not wish to wait for me. ❞

[velabanchels]

Arms and Armour (1911) Auguste Demmin

[velabanchels]

for  much  of  viago de riva’s  life,  control  has  been  his  shield—his  way  of  protecting  himself  from  feeling  vulnerable.  his  need  for  absolute  power,  whether  within  the  crows  or  the  kingdom  of  antiva,  comes  from  a  place  of  fear  and  insecurity.  if  he  doesn’t  have  control  over  everything,  then  he  is  subject  to  the  whims  of  fate  or  others,  and  in  his  experience,  that’s  a  dangerous  place  to  be.

viago’s  goals  for  power  have,  for  years,  been  this:  become  first  talon,  eliminate  threats,  restore  the  monarchy,  and  consolidate  his  control  over  the  crows  and  antiva.  if i went into exactly how he's going to do this i would be here for hours and i'm tired of thinking about the consequences of him becoming king and antivan economy sorry but rest assured this guy has mapped out everything. it all boils down to this: he desires  to  reshape  the  political  landscape,  to spite his father and his other royal bastards because he can do better,  and  ultimately to  position  himself  as  the one who restores power to the crown. no, he doesn't want to be king, but it's a necessary evil to see his plans brought to fruition.  in  his  eyes,  power  is  a  means  to  secure  control—firstly  over  himself,  and  secondly,  over  antiva.

but  from  the  moment  viago  and  teia  become  romantically involved,  this  plan  becomes  even more  complicated.  viago does not see a situation where he becomes king and gets to keep teia in his life, and choosing teia  over his plans represents  a  life  where he relinquishes control.  loving  her  means  acknowledging  that  he  might  have  to  let  go  of  certain  aspects  of  himself  to  be  with  her, parts  of  him  he’s  spent  years of his life  meticulously  crafting  and  defending.  being with  her—choosing her over his plans—requires  vulnerability,  something  he’s  terrified  of  because  it  threatens  his  very identity.  if  he  allows  himself  to  give himself to her fully,  what  will  it  cost  him?  will  he  be  able  to  surrender  the  need  to  control  every  aspect  of  his  life  and  still  remain  himself? will he even come out of the other end of it alive?

survival,  for  viago,  has  always  meant  holding  the  reins  tightly  in  his  hands and  ensuring  that  no  one  could  harm  him.  the  idea  of  letting  go  of  that  control  is  an  existential  threat  to  him—it’s  not  just  about  the loss of his plans,  but  about  losing  his  ability  to  survive.  if  he  chooses  teia,  he  risks  his  safety.  can  he  even  survive  the  emotional  fallout  of  loving  someone  without  control?

i  think  eventually  viago  will  come  to  the  realization  that  in  staying  with  teia,  in choosing to return back to her every time, he is admitting that he isn't certain that becoming king and putting his plans into place is worth the sacrifices it would take. that's a hard pill to swallow for someone so hellbent on taking control of the system he was rued by. but by returning back to teia each time, he  is choosing  her  over  his  grand  plans  for  power. and whether he's aware of it or not, by  choosing  to  be  with  teia,  viago will be  acknowledging  that  true  emotional  connection  and  love  are  more  important  to  him  than  absolute  control  over  antiva  or  the  crows. he'll put off thinking about it, of course, and i don't think he's realised it just yet, but it doesn't make it any less true. viago is proud and he'll barely admit it to himself, never mind voice this internal struggle seriously to anyone out loud.

i think the events of  veilguard, with treviso, with a crow rook, and with the dellamortes  steer him on a clear course for this conclusion. and  i  do  think  a crow  rookanis  romance  enhances  this path for vi, given their involvement with the literal current first talon—however you see that turning out.  i  think  facing  off  against  gods  and  potentially  losing  those  he  (regretfully)  cares  about  has  left  more  of  an  impact  on  viago  than  he  realises.  that's not to say he won't muse over plans for power within the crows anymore/once he comes to the realization i detailed above, because viago still wants more power and i don't see that changing. how that pans out, however, will be different to how viago expected given the wider understanding of what teia's presence in his life means and the newfound power dynamics within the crows. without the events of veilguard, it's far more likely that viago  would  have  continued  on  his  path  towards  becoming  first  talon  and  therefore  king.  however, i do not think he would be satisfied in the long run; he hates the idea of being king and what he'd have to do to continue his line and ensure his efforts weren't all for nothing, but again, necessary evil. luckily, i don't see that panning out for his future no matter how long he may have been intent on it!

[velabanchels]

the fifth talon's  eyes  settle  on  teia  as  soon  as  he  enters, the familiarity of her presence already a reluctant comfort.  immediately, viago notes the typical signs of exhaustion on teia's form, and the state of the room only confirms his theory:  cluttered  maps,  scattered  notes,  half-empty  glasses. she's been at this for hours, likely days. teia never did know when to retreat and regroup.

"of  course," comes viago's smooth, nonchalant reply.

he steps forward with care, maintaining a respectful distance as he places  a  leatherbound container  on  the  table.  the  faint  clink  of  glass  inside  betrays  its  contents, and  without  waiting  for  acknowledgment,  he  opens  the  lid  to  reveal  an  array  of  carefully  labeled  bottles—each with their own creative name.  inside are poisons,  antidotes,  and  potions  designed  to  counter  the  antaam’s  brute  force.  among  them,  a  compact  black  case  holds  smoke  bombs  and  choke  powder—tools  for  evening  the  odds  in  a  fight  where  strength  is  matched  with  cunning.

"i  had  these  spare,"  he  lies,  his  tone  neutral  as  he  pushes  the  case  toward  her.  "the  antaam  are  strong,  but  they  aren’t  immune  to  poison—or  to  a  well-placed  blade."

viago's  gaze lingers on teia, memories rising to the forefront of his mind before he forces his thoughts away. it never feels good to let her go, and seeing her again is just as unpleasant an endeavor—not for seeing her, but for the mere fact that he is forced to feel emotion. of course, he  has  his  plans  and  talon  business  to  attend  to each time they part,  but teia  had  been  a  welcome  distraction  from  the  stress  of  it  all. more than that, in fact. so many times more.

"you will  take  these,"  he  commands,  his  voice  quieter  but  no  less  firm,  "and together we will  find  the  best  way  to  use  them  against  the  antaam." yet he knows it won't be as simple as that to win the fight. the invasion of treviso was too quick, too perfect, too suspicious. there is much more to be done, and teia knows this—hence her exhaustion.

viago takes the time to weigh up his next words in his head.

"at some point you must rest," he states. it's a fact. the talon fixes teia with a firm look and a furrow of his brow as he folds his arms across his chest. "you will tell me everything you know, and while you rest, i will put together a plan. we can discuss it when you wake." his head tilts upward slightly. "if  you  fall  before  this  is  over, andarateia, then  i will  have  to  pick  up  the  pieces—and you know  how i  despise  inefficiency."

@velabanchels ♡

Teia hasn't properly slept in days when Viago arrives.

Somehow, she finds herself surprised by his presence, even as part of her insists she shouldn't be. Viago would not face a threat such as the qunari with casual disregard; he wouldn't trust anyone else to act on his stead and be done with it. No — he would want to assess the situation himself, meticulous and cautious, before deciding for the best course.

The Seventh Talon had wasted no time with thorough planning; there were fires to put out everywhere, literally and figuratively, with how fast the invaders installed themselves in the city. As many of their number as she has felled, the warriors seem to simply be replaced. The Antaam gains ground, too close to establishing a proper foothold. It makes her blood boil. It keeps her awake, determined to fight back with everything she has, even as her body aches and protests the lack of care.

The fire subdues in something soft as golden eyes meet the Fifth Talon's gaze. ❝ You came. ❞ Almost gentle — but it's not for her Viago is here, and she knows better than to read too much into his decision to help. It hadn't even been her personal request. A letter, all too formal, to let him know of the qunari sighted as they moved to Treviso. Written at Caterina's behest, no less; the First Talon was summoning all the others. She just thought Viago would be more amenable to offer aid if Teia was the one to ask.

Foolish, she would have argued, when they are split again. But it was her city threatened, and she knows most of the other Talons won't care until the threat is at their doorstep, and she's not too proud to ask for his help. Viago is too clever to wait for the Antaam to reach Salle to be rid of them. He wouldn't let them get that far. There is solace in that; Teia is glad to have him here.

Her mind goes back to Ventus, the contracts they had taken together, the brutality they witnessed. It's all happening here now. Even Viago's arrival can't make her less restless. ❝ You're welcome to stay at the Diamond or at my place, Vi — whichever you prefer, ❞ There's no underlying provocation, this time. He's familiar with both, perhaps more comfortable in her home, despite everything, and she hasn't been home in days, regardless. ❝ Just tell someone to get your rooms ready. ❞

❝ I would do it myself, but there are Antaam causing trouble in the markets. I need to get rid of them. ❞

[velabanchels]

me when i do a deep dive into viago's ambitions and get so far in that i have to think about the antivan economy

[velabanchels]

Illario pls...

[velabanchels]

"old friends" is an underrated relationship dynamic because it's such an innocent boring sounding term for what is usually some of the wildest shit imaginable. it's always like 'oh yeah we go way back, we have history' and then you find out that history includes sex, drugs, murder, divorce, war crimes and The Incident