Chapter Text
An afternoon at the Hanged Man was full of rowdy drunks and bad smell, and Isabela entered the tavern fully expecting it to be that way. She sauntered over to a suite on the upper floor, gesturing to Nora along the way to bring her the usual drink.
After dodging a few unwanted hands, and giving one of the men a decent kick, Isabela arrived at Varric's suite, where three of her friends were gathered and playing cards.
As Isabela approached and took a seat next to Fenris, Varric declared a reshuffle for a new game that included "their wonderful pirate lady." Anders, who was sitting across from Fenris, heaved a heavy sigh of relief. Isabela suspected he was losing again. Poor thing.
As the new game began, Nora showed up with Isabela's drink. Isabela gave her a decent tip, aware of the nonsense Nora had to deal with when it came to the Hanged Man's other patrons.
Nora smiled in gratitude. As she was leaving, Varric had an idea.
"So, ever thought about how to get Aveline to join us? It would to be nice if she loosened up a bit."
The rest of the table didn't have any ideas. Aveline only ever visited to watch them play, or discuss their activites, or request someone do something about a problem she or her guardsmen couldn’t handle.
Isabela suspected Aveline didn't want to play cards because she didn't like the thought of losing coin, especially to those she suspected didn't play fair. A shame.
As for why Varric was so concerned, Isabela suspected it had less to do with Aveline and more to do with Hawke.
"Are you still salty that Aveline wouldn't give Dalia a chance to play with us?"
Varric grunted. "Yeah." He tossed a silver on the table. "She's been dragging Dalia out to do all sorts of work, which mostly consists of taking her on patrols. I can't see how that's necessary."
"She seems intent on making Dalia do the guards's work." Fenris said.
"Even though this all started when Dalia said the guardsmen weren't doing their work." Anders grumbled.
Everyone at the table took a moment to acknowledge how counterproductive that was.
"Anyway, I guess without Dalia, we'll have fewer people to play cards with for a while." Varric said.
"You could always bring Kitten, Sebastian, or the mabari." Isabela snickered at that last one.
Varric smiled good-naturedly. "Yeah. Though speaking of Daisy, I haven't seen her in a few days. Last I checked, she said she was busy studying something."
Anders made a face. "It's that mirror again, isn't it? Why did Dalia even bother assisting her with it?"
"She should have kept that tool, or handed it back to the Keeper." Fenris added. "It should not be in a blood mage's hands."
Isabela glared at both of them. "Oh, shut it, you two. How long are you going to go on about how much you don't trust her. Besides, that tool is Dalish. Are you Dalish? Do either of you know how to use it?"
Anders and Fenris looked positively chastised and with no comeback to offer. It didn’t seem like her words would put an end to their complaining forever, judging by their dissatisfied expressions, but Isabela thought it was nice not to hear any more complaints for the time being.
Varric snorted and failed to cover it with his fingers.
"Anyway, you guys still ready to finish this game? I think I got a good hand."
Isabela had an idea.
Merrill didn't deserve all the harsh words she got from Fenris and Anders, and if, by any chance, Kitten didn't like visiting the Hanged Man nearly as much as before because of these two, then Isabela was eager to get some payback.
"Oh, I think I have glorious hand." She eyed Fenris and Anders wickedly. "Do you boys think you have enough coin to lose?"
Ten years would be far too soon for Isabela to forget the way both men paled considerably. Varric chose not to hide his snicker. Isabela let out a laugh when both men nodded in acceptance of their fate.