Archive of Our Own

Teia was the first to find out about them because, of course she was.  It was their fault, really.  Allona and Illario weren’t exactly hiding their relationship, though they weren’t shouting it from the rooftops, either. If people happened to notice that Illario wasn’t taking home new flings on a weekly basis or Allona was walking around with a satisfied smile on her face more often, they didn’t say anything.  Which is perhaps why they felt comfortable spending time at the Diamond.

It was at a Crow party. Allona had asked Viago if he was going to attend.  He had leveled her with a stare and had asked when she started the habit of asking stupid questions she already knew the answers to.  Viago only attended functions when he absolutely had to, so Allona knew they wouldn’t run into him. Esha was on a job, Kal had no desire to come, and Monello decided to stay home and keep his brother company.

This is probably why Allona felt comfortable enough to be on a chaise lounge, half laying against Illario’s chest while one of his hands idly played with her curls in one of the large side rooms at the Diamond reserved for event use.  They had made the social rounds earlier, Allona having to assert her claim to Illario with the occasional public kiss and teasing banter of the promises of later nocturnal activities.  Illario kept his arm around her when he could as if the need to keep her close.

And so they were sitting, totally wrapped up… and around… each other.  Allona had her eyes closed and biting her lip, feeling Illario nuzzle against her neck when a cough drew their attention.

“So,” a soft, accented voice with a hint of amusement started, “how long has this been going on?”

Allona’s eyes snapped open, and she looked at the person speaking. A beautiful, darker-skinned elven woman with curly dark brown hair stood before them, her hands casually on her hips, looking at the couple with raised eyebrows.  Allona scrambled to sit up and scoot away from him, but he had moved his hand and held her firmly in place by her hip.

“Teia… hi,” Allona nervously greeted the older Crow and more than occasional lover of her cousin. “I… it depends on your definition of this, really…”

“Andarateia,” Illario drawled, “and to answer your question, officially? A month. Unofficial? Roughly one month, three weeks, and 2 days.”

Allona blinked and looked at Illario, “you’ve been keeping track of days? I can’t decide if that’s insanely romantic or a bit creepy.”

Teia laughed, “If the Illario Dellamorte is keeping track…”

“Bella ragazza, you had me enthralled and smitten the day we met. How could I not note the date?” Illario said. Allona smiled and turned Illario’s face towards her to give him a quick kiss.  She turned back to Teia, who was looking at them with an expression she couldn’t quite place.

“Please don’t tell Viago,” Allona blurted out.

Teia glanced at Illario before shifting her attention back to Allona, “Why would I? It isn’t my place. Besides, you’re two consenting adults. Plus… maybe you’ll wear down Illario and keep him from making stupid choices.”

“You sound like my cousin,” Illario grumbled.

“I can think of ways I can wear him down, just not in ways you’re inferring, Teia,” Allona said with a wicked grin.  Illario laughed, pulling Allona into his lap.

“Maker, you two are disgustingly perfect together.  Just please tell me you’re on the potion, Allona.”

“Of course I am. You gave me the recipe, Teia.”

Teia sighed and shook her head, “Have fun, be careful, don’t do anything stupid.  And Illario?”

Illario looked up from the neck he was placing a kiss on, “Hmm?”

“I’m fond of this one. Hurt her, and look forward to a knife across your throat.”

“Noted.”

“Teia!” Allona gasped out.

Teia just smiled and bid them good night.

Kal was the next to discover them a month later.  It was usually Allona spending nights at Illario’s. Allona had no desire for her sister Esha to find them. Or even worse… Viago.  But on nights that Illario returned from a particularly tough contract or a job didn’t go exactly as planned, he would sneak in through one of the side entrances Allona had shown him in the dead of night instead of facing the disappointment and lecture he’d get from the First Talon.  So Allona would heal any wounds and give him attention.

This night was one of those nights.  Illario had returned from a particularly stressful job and needed a release.  Allona was there to gladly help him.  Allona and Illario were mostly asleep in her bed.  Illario's arm draped around her waist, holding her back against his chest, her legs wrapped around one of his. After being together for nearly two months, Illario was becoming used to the fact that Allona's sleeping habits included doing an impression of an octopus.

The door creaked open, illuminating the bedroom in dim light.  Illario cracked open an eye to see a figure enter the room, their body backlit from the light.  The figure got closer, and Illario sighed, squeezing Allona gently to rouse her.

“Allona,” he murmured.

“Hmm?”

The white-haired figure sans clothes, grabbed the blanket off the foot of the bed, and crawled onto the bed on the other side of Allona and covered himself with his blanket, and curled up.

“Is there a reason your brother just crawled into bed with us? If you wanted to try a ménage à trois, I could find a partner for us that’s a bit less awkward.”

“Hmm no… Kal just comes into sleep with me sometimes.”  Allona suddenly stiffed as if just realizing what Illario was saying, “Not like that! KALIAS DE RIVA.”  She started shoving her twin.

“Alloe… I wanna sleeeeep,” Kal grumbled.

“Kal,” Allona hissed, “I am busy.”

“Busy with what? You should be sleeping.”

Illario didn’t know if he should be amused, annoyed, or disturbed by the exchange he was witnessing. He propped himself up on an elbow.  If he was going to have his sleep interrupted, he might as well get some entertainment out of it.

“In case you didn’t know it, I have company.”

The white-haired elf lifted his head to look at Illario as if it was the first time he noticed him.  Which was hard to believe since Illario was almost a foot taller than his sister and far more muscular.  Kal’s eerie, mismatched eyes flicked from Illario to Allona and back to Illario.  He held out his hand, “Hi, I’m Kal, Allona’s twin. You’re hot.”

“Oh, my Maker…” Allona muttered.

“Illario Dellamorte. And that’s not the first time I’ve heard that.”

“Huh… a Dellamorte… so you’re fucking my sister, eh Larry?”

“Well, not actively at the moment. Previously? Yes. Will I do so in the near future? Also yes.”

Allona hid her face in her hands, “I hate you both.”

Kal pouted, “No, you don’t! You love me the most out of the Chaos!”

“And while you don’t love me… yet… I am pretty sure there are parts of me you absolutely adore,” Illario said, pulling her against him and shifting his hips to remind her of one of said parts.

“Kalias de Riva… leave RIGHT now.” Allona hissed.

“Why do you two get to cuddle and I don’t?”

Allona growled and shoved Kal, who fell off the side of Allona’s bed with a yelp, his limbs tangled in the blanket.  Allona sprang from the bed, not caring in the least bit that she was naked, and grabbed her twin’s arm, yanking him up and forcing him to stand.  She forcibly shoved him out the door.

“Trust me… Illario and I won’t be cuddling for a while. Go bug Monello for cuddles!”   And with that, Allona slammed the door.  She turned around with a huff.  Illario looked at her with an amused smile on his face, his hands clasped behind his head, the blanket gathered ridiculously low on his hips, exposing his toned body.

“Don’t forget to lock the door, bella ragazza,” he said with a chuckle.  Allona gave him an annoyed look but flicked the lock on her door and threw up some wards to be safe.  She marched back to her bed, climbed onto it, and then crawled onto Illario.  She grabbed his face between her hands.

“Yes, pet?”

“Shut up and put those parts I adore to work, Illario.”

Two months after their first contract together, Caterina summoned Allona via Teia.

Teia had found Allona in Cafe Pietra, where she was chatting with Sammi about his latest trip to acquire goods for his shop.  Teia spotted her from across the cafe and hurried over.

“Allona, you need to come with me.”

Allona looked up in surprise, “why? I’m supposed to meet Illario here in a bit.”

“Illario is exactly why you need to come with me.” Teia sighed, “The First Talon wants to talk to you.”

Allona had always tried not to swear unless necessary. This seemed like a necessary moment. So she did.

“Fuck.” Allona looked at Sammi and sighed, “Can you let Illario know where I went when he gets here?”

“Shall do, love. I have to let him know of some of my latest finds, anyway.”

Allona followed Teia as she swiftly weaved through the streets and alleyways of the city towards Villa Dellamorte.  It had been two months since Allona had been here, but from what Teia had said at Cafe Pietra, this would be for completely different reasons.  For once, Allona was dressed modestly in a knee-length shift dress with an ornately embossed wide leather belt cinched at the waist.  Teia led her to the First Talon’s office.

Allona was a hell of a lot more nervous than she was the last time she was in this particular room.  The First Toulon regarded her with a steely gaze.  She gestured to the seat across from her desk.  Allona nervously sat down, clasping her shaking hands in her lap.

“Teia,” Caterina Dellamorte said, her eyes never leaving Allona’s face, “make young Miss de Riva a drink.”

“Oh, it’s ok, I’m…” Allona started to say.

“I insist,” Caterina said, her voice giving no room to argument.  Teia gave Allona a cup of tea and a small smile before walking and standing beside the First Talon.  Allona fought against the urge to shrink into her seat.

Caterina looked at Allona expectantly.  Allona raised the glass of tea and took a sniff. All she could smell was the rich scent of the leaves of the brew.  She dipped the clear stone dangling from the bracelet she constantly wore.  It was enchanted to detect a list of poisons and would turn milky if it detected any.  The stone remained clear.

“Do you honestly think I’d poison you, Allona?” The First Talon raised an eyebrow.

“With all due respect, ma’am…” Allona took a breath to calm her nerves before continuing, “I am a de Riva raised by and trained by Viago.  It has basically been instilled in me since I was 5 not to trust any food or drink given to me.  And you are the First Talon for a reason, ma’am.  It would be unwise to underestimate anything you might do.”

Caterina lifted her chin as she studied Allona for a moment.  She reached into the top drawer of her desk and pulled out a folder. She tossed the moderately full File onto the desk and looked at Allona.  She leaned forward and tapped the file.

“Do you know what this is, Allona?” She asked.

“It appears to be a file, First Talon.”  Allona tried hard not to crack a smile at the snort she heard Teia.  Caterina narrowed her eyes slightly.

“You very much are a de Riva… this file contains information I have found. Information about you, Allona de Riva.” The First Talon paused and leveled Allona with a stare, “You aren't drinking your tea.”

Allo dutifully took a drink of the tea. There was a sickly sweet taste that was different than any sweetener Allona had in tea before.  She glanced between Teia and Caterina.

“What is in here?” Allona asked, taking another drink of the tea.  She wasn't experiencing any adverse reactions… Yet.

“Truth serum. In water-soluble form. I needed you to be completely honest with me in this meeting.”

The First Talon didn't have to drug her to get the truth, though Allona doesn't blame her. Especially if it is about what Allona thinks it's about.  Allona chooses to stay quiet and calmly looks at the First Talon and remains silent.  The older Crow had always scared her. One doesn't become the leader of a network of assassins for hire without reason.  Or be as long-lived without an impressive amount of skill.  Allona was sure that with three feet of Caterina, she had at least a dozen means to kill Allona. So… she remained silent.

Caterina clasped her hands on her desk and leaned forward, “Allona de Riva. 21 years old. Full Crow for 2 years, though should have been one for at least twice as long.  Mage, who specializes in healing though, trained as a spellblade.  Widely regarded as a poisons expert even at your young age.  You also have high skills in seduction and gained a reputation for using these skills to complete jobs by any means.  You are trained in both blades and magic, yet you prefer killing with poison.”

The First Talon took a deep breath and continued, “It is widely known that your mother was Isa de Riva. You are Viago de Riva's cousin, as your mothers were sisters.  Your mother died on a contract on one Lord Pietro Vicci. What is less known is that said Teyrn Pietro Vicci was also your father.  You came into Viago's care when you were 5. You are the only one related to him in all of House de Riva, yet you have a special bond with three other members of your house: Eshari, Kalias, and Monello. You are collectively called the Chaos and Kalias and yourself are dubbed the Twins despite not looking alike, let alone not actually being related.”

Caterina leaned back in her chair and kept talking, “Your favorite color is peacock blue. You have a dust allergy. There is a scar on your left elbow that appears to be bite marks.  You are known for your love of fashion and arts. You love petting the various cats around town. You are the only one of your Chaos that knows how to swim.  You speak common trade, Antivan, and Orleaean.”

Allona steadily looked forward, though her head was racing. How long had the First Talon been investigating her? Some of these things, hardly anybody knew. She glanced at Teia, who gave her a reassuring nod.

“Are these accurate, Allona?”

“They are, First Talon.”

“You may be wondering why I decided to learn more about you.”

Allona cleared her throat nervously, “I have an idea on why, ma'am.”

“Tell me.”

It wasn't a request. It was a demand.

Allona took a breath to calm her nerves and spoke, “Your grandson, Illario.”

Caterina nodded, “Indeed… Illario. It had come to my attention that you have been gallivanting about with him. And I would like to know why. Surely someone of your status and age could find somebody more… appropriate. So that makes me wonder… why? Why do you set your eyes upon Illario?”

Allona blinked and knitted her brows in confusion before replying, “Ma'am?”

“Are you seeking to raise your status? Achieve the Dellamorte name? Our status? Our money? Or are you using Illario to get to his cousin? It is well known that he is to be my heir and shall take the title of First Talon eventually. Is that your final goal, Allona de Riva?”

“What? No!” Allona exclaimed, shooting a desperate look at Teia for help. She squeezed her hands tightly, “I'm sorry, First Talon, but if that is what your intelligence findings had led you to think of me, then you need better information seekers.”

“Allona!” Teia hissed in surprise. Caterina raised her hand to silence her.

“No, let the girl speak.”

“My apologies, Nonna…”

Caterina looked expectantly at Allona.

“If your informants were any good, they would have told you I despise having things handed to me. I want to earn what I have. I have lived my life not only having to prove my worth because of how I became an orphan but also proving that I wasn't handed my place in the Crows simply because of my reputation. Your grandson himself could tell you that I will refuse an unearned gift.”  Allona took a shaky breath to calm down, “And I'm sorry but how dare you insinuate that I am using Illario just for mere titles and money. I am a de Riva and we have our own gold, thank you. But the biggest insult is that you assume my feelings for your grandson are not genuine. That I am using him to get to another man… his cousin? A man I know nothing about? Has it occurred to you, First Talon, that I care about Illario? That, for once, somebody is choosing him? Not his money. Not his name. Not what he can give them… but him. Illario. The man.”

They sat there for a moment, looking at each other.  Allona could swear her loudly beating heart could be heard by the other two women.

“Very well,” the First Talon finally said, reaching for the file on her desk. “You’re dismissed, Allona. Teia, a word, if you please.”

Allona stood and gave a half bow to the First Talon and a head nod to Teia before turning and swiftly leaving the office.  She wrapped her arms tightly around herself and walked quickly down the hall. She was so lost in her thoughts about what had just transpired that she didn’t even see the figure in the hallway until she ran full force into its solid form.

Strong hands gripped her arms to steady her.  Allona blinked out of her fog and looked up. Illario’s face peered down at her, his brows knitted in concern.  Allona immediately wrapped her arms tightly around his waist and buried her face against his chest.  She breathed in the spicy scent of his cologne to try and calm her nerves.  She felt his hands on each side of her head, forcing her to look up at him.

“Allona,” Illario said with concern in his voice, “you’re shaking. Look at me… and breathe… there’s a good girl.”  Allona’s small hands came up and gripped Illario’s wrists. She followed his words and looked into his blue eyes, taking a deep breath. “Now… what happened?”

“Your grandmother wanted to meet me. For a bit of interrogation. She recited a bunch of information she found out about me and then asked what my intentions were with you. She had the gall to insinuate that I was using you for money and status. She even accused me of using you to get to your cousin. I would never do that!  Caterina doesn’t seem to comprehend that I’m falling in love with you.  You’re the Dellamorte I want. You’re the Dellamorte I choose.“  Allona blurted out.  Her eyes widened as she slapped her hand over her mouth.

An amused smile spread across Illario’s face, with something else glimmering in his eyes.  He still held Allona’s face in his hands and he started rubbing his thumbs in small circles on her temples.  He asked softly, “What was that last part, bella ragazza?”

Allona just closed her eyes and let out an embarrassed whine.

“Be nice to her, Illario,” a voice behind her chided.  Allona turned her head to see Teia walking down the hall towards them.  She came up as Illario slipped his arm around Allona, pulling her against him.

“I’m always nice to you, aren’t I, Allona?”

“Sometimes wicked, but I like that.” Allona clapped her hand over her mouth, her cheeks turning pink in embarrassment.  Illario looked at Allona then narrowed his eyes at Teia.

“What did my grandmother do, Teia.”

“She was only making sure…”

“Andarateia.”

Teia sighed, “She put truth serum in Allona’s tea to make sure she was telling the truth… about you two.”

Illario snorted and rolled his eyes, “The First Talon surely thought the only use somebody could see with me was as a stepping stone?”

“She was protecting you.”

“She was only worried about the Dellamorte name, Teia… not about me.” Illario shook his head, arguing, “If she honestly thought she was protecting me… why didn’t she come to speak to me? Or does my dear grandmother think I am too stupid to know if somebody is pulling one over on me?”

Allona gasped and looked at Illario, “What if… what if she tells Viago?”

Illario waved his hand in the air as if brushing away the idea, “She won’t.”

Teia tilted her head, “why do you say that?”

“Easy. Currently, she has nothing to gain by giving that information. All that will do now is piss off the Fifth Talon who would most likely want to murder me for being involved with his cousin. And while I am not her favorite grandson, I don’t think she would want me dead.”

Allona tugged on Illario’s sleeve.  When he glanced at her, she quietly asked, “Illario? Can we get out of here?”

With a final glance at Teia, Illario wrapped his arm around Allona’s shoulders and pulled her close against him as he started guiding her down the hall, “Of course, bella ragazza.  I heard your cousin is in Salle, checking on the fledglings there, so how about we head to yours, hmm? Now… what’s this about you falling in love with me?”

“Illario!”

Illario’s laughter echoed down the hall.

Monello was the next to discover them, a couple of weeks later.

Allona was standing with Illario at one of the side entrances of the de Riva villa.  The sky was just beginning to lighten with the rising sun.  Allona was standing on her tiptoes, her hands clutching the front of Illario’s shirt, pressing quick kisses to his lips.  Illario’s hands rested softly on her hips.

“Allona… you do remember we have a date tonight,” Illario said with a chuckle while interrupting her kisses.

Allona pouted and sighed, “I know but that’s hours away.”

Illario laughed and gave her a long kiss.  He tucked a loose curl behind Allona’s ear and said, “My poor, sweet girl. The universe and I are surely plotting against you.  Go get some sleep and the hours will be less. Besides… we both know you didn’t get much sleep last night.”

Allona kissed the smirk away from Illario’s lip and playfully shoved him away.  Illario snatched her hand in his and kissed her knuckles. He turned to walk away from her and gave a wink.  Allona hugged herself and gave a happy sigh before retreating into the side door to the villa.

Neither figure saw the elven teen with a flop of white hair standing in the shadows, slightly stunned by what he had just witnessed.

Allona found herself in the kitchen of the de Riva villa, making a small pot of cioccolata calda to help her sleep.  She was pouring a mug for herself when the lanky figure of her younger brother quietly entered the kitchen.  Allona blew on her drink to cool it down as she watched Monello set his bow and quiver carefully on the table and dropped his travel sack on the floor.

“Didn’t expect you home so soon and early, big little brother. Guess it’s a good thing I made extra,” Allona said, lifting her cup slightly, “want some?”

“Do you even have to ask?” Monello said with a light laugh.  Allona poured him some of the cioccolata calda and handed him the mug.  Monello took a long sip and gave a content sigh.  He lifted his mug to his sister, “To the best little big sister for preemptively making my favorite drink.”

Allona rolled her eyes, smiling at her younger sibling, “It’s just because I’m horrible with making just one serving.  But let us pretend my magic lets me predict the future.  Speaking of magic… Do you need any healing? I know you just got back from a job.”

“Nah, I’m good, but thanks. Nothing a hot bath and a long nap won't cure. The job went a bit better than expected.”

Allona nodded and reached for the plate of chocolate chip cookies that Kal had made earlier in the day and took one.  She slid the plate to her brother, knowing they were his favorite.  Monello’s face broke out in a grin and grabbed a few off the plate.  Allona glanced up when she noticed her twin shuffle into the kitchen.

“What… is this an impromptu Chaos meeting?” Allona joked.

“Why would we have a meeting at 4 am?” Kal asked in confusion, “Besides, Esha’s still out on a job.”

“She was joking, Kal.”

“Oh.”  Kal flopped into the seat next to Allona and reached for some of the cookies and happily started munching on them.

“So, Ally…” Monello slowly started.  Allona glanced at her younger while nibbling a cookie and raised a questioning brow.   Monello continued, “Was that Illario Dellamorte I saw outside the villa a few moments ago?”

“What? Larry was here fucking you again? And I didn’t get to say hi? I miss all the fun.” Kal pouted.

“Wait… wait… wait.” Monello ran his hands through his hair. He first pointed at Kal, “Illario Dellamorte is the hot guy Larry you’ve been moaning about Allona not letting you cuddle?”

“Yeah,” Kal said in a voice that implied it should have been obvious.

“And you,” Monello said, pointing a finger at Allona, “have been fucking the Demon of Vyrantium’s cousin?”

Allona clenched her jaw, “His name is Illario and he’s his own person, thank you. And we do more than just fucking.”

“Ya sure about that, Alloe?” Kal interrupted, “You’ve been missing from your room at night an awful lot lately.”

“Shut up, Kal,” Allona hissed.

Monello leaned back in his seat and crossed his arms over his chest, and looked at Allona, “So… how much are you going to bribe me not to tell Viago?”

“How do you know he doesn’t already know?” Allona countered.

“For one thing, you wouldn’t be sneaking him out of the villa before sunrise if Viago knew.  Also, you and Viago haven’t had a yelling match ending with the de Riva ‘fine’ in a few months, nor has Viago yelled a threat to poison anybody recently.”

Allona pursed her lips and spat out, “Fine, Nello… name your price.”  She started calculating in her head how much specialized arrows could cost when Monello answered her.

“Take me to one of your parties.”

Allona blinked, “excuse me? A party.”

Monello nodded, “Yeah, and not a Crow party we always get to go to.  I want to go to one of those private parties you go to. You know… to see. Maybe do some stuff without Esha trying to stop me from having any fun. You don’t treat me nearly as much like I’m still a little kid.”

Allona chewed on her lower lip, “Fine. I’m sure Illario has some connections. I’ll let you know the date.”

Monello grinned at his sister, “Do you think his cousin will show up?”

Allona paused, “I don’t think they run in the same social circles, Nello.”

“Oh,” Monello said, his head dropping slightly.  Allona reached over and ruffled his hair.  Monello glared at her as he smoothed his rumpled hair down.

“Don’t worry, Monello. You’ll meet your idol one day.”  Allona stood up with a sigh, “And with that… good night boys.”

“So… you’re still fuckin’ Larry though, right?” Kal asked, his mouth full of cookie crumbs.

Allona chose to ignore him as she left the kitchen.

After three months of being together, Esha confronted Allona.

Allona was sitting at her favorite table in the library of Villa de Riva, scribbling notes on some paper.  She was currently taking notes on the various poisonous plants found in southern Thedas and if they could incorporate any into the Death Garden.  There were a few poisons she and Viago utilized and it would be more cost-efficient to grow them than to pay to import them.

The library door opened.  Allona looked up and saw it was her older sister, Esha, entering.  Allona gave her a quick smile before returning to her notes and pile of books.  She paid no mind to the sound of the chair across from her being moved and Esha sitting down with a soft sigh.

“So,” Esha started, “I just returned from a job with Illario Dellamorte.”

“Hmm?” Allona acknowledged without looking up. “Oh, yeah… he mentioned you two were doing a contract together.”

“Allona.”

Allona froze, realizing what she had just said.  She took a breath and slowly raised her head to look at her sister.  Esha was looking at her intensely, her mouth set in a slight frown.

“Allona,” Esha began, her voice sickly sweet, “is there a reason Illario would tell you that? Let alone be near you enough to tell you that?”

“Um…”

Esha slammed her hand on the table, exclaiming, “Allona! I told you both to stay away from each other!”

Allona crossed her arms and scoffed, “Well, that was your first mistake. Did you honestly think either Illario or myself would listen to you? You practically forced us together!”

“Ok, you have a point there,” Esha conceded. “But still… of all people, Illario?”

“It just… happened,” Allona said with a shrug.  She glanced across the table at her older sister, “You didn’t come in here with that opening statement without fully expecting what my answer would be. Which begs the question… how long have you known?”

“I didn’t… until you confirmed my suspicions.”   Allona looked at her with a confused expression on her face, so Esha continued, “It was little things with Illario that were adding up. He stopped trying to flirt with me or mentioning explicit activity with a random partner, which, I suppose I should thank you for, I suppose.”

“You’re welcome,” Allona said dryly.

“He would talk about an opera he was going to see, and a few days later you were gushing about that same opera.  A comment here about appreciating pretty things, a comment there about enjoying an exclusive little bistro, and you later saying what amazing paninis that same bistro had. He mentioning a growing fondness for a very specific shade of blue.”

Allona knew she should be upset, but hearing Esha speak, she couldn’t keep the goofy, lovestruck look off her face.  She knew that they risked letting certain people find out about them with the trip to the opera, but Illario said if Allona wasn’t going to let him spoil her with gifts, then he would spoil her with experiences.

Esha sighed, “Why, Allona?”

“Why what?”

“Why him? Why Illario?”

That got her attention. She shot a look at her sister.

“Why not Illario?” Allona demanded.

“He’s older than you by… a lot.”

Allon scoffed, crossing her arms over her chest, “Please… Illario isn’t even the oldest man I’ve been with.”

Esha made a face, “I… don’t think I want to know.”

“Not all of us are gifted prodigies, Esha.” Allona snapped. “Some of us had to seek out extra training to get where we are. I will say, though… Master Pascal was very… thorough in his teachings.”

“Master Pascal? Pedro? You got private instruction from the Master Pedro Pascal?”

“To be the best, one must learn from the best. But this conversation isn’t about my training.”

“Allona…” Esha said, reaching across the table to rest her hand on her sister’s hand, “he’s a higher status than you and there’s a lot associated with that, and he’s a known womanizer.”

Allona pulled her hand away and looked at Esha, asking her, “Tell me… in the last roughly… 3 months, give or take a week or so, have you seen him talking about any clandestine meetings or about town with a random woman hanging off him?”

“No,” Esha reluctantly admitted. “But on contracts…”

“I know,” Allona interrupted her sister. “We have an agreement. And we’ve had it for the past three months.  We don’t judge what happens on contracts. Outside that, I am his…” 

Allona paused to stop her sister, who opened her mouth to argue when she heard that particular turn of phrase.  Esha snapped her mouth shut as Allona continued, “And he is mine. We are exclusive.”

“Allona,” Esha sighed, “I just don’t want my little sister to get hurt.”

“I know,” Allona said softly, “but you can’t protect me from everything, Esha. This is my choice. And I choose Illario.”

Esha stood and gave Allona a pensive smile, “ok just… be careful… ok?”

Allona replied with a roll of her eyes and a, “Yes, Esha.”

Some of Esha’s apprehension about the couple were squashed a few weeks later.  Allona was in her room when a soft knock came on her door.  Allona didn’t respond, hoping whoever it was would just go away. Alas, the Maker and the universe had other plans, and she watched as the door creaked open and Esha started walking in.

“Hey, are you coming to… oh,” Esha stopped abruptly, seeing what was in front of her. There, laying in the bed, using her little sister as a sort of pillow, was one Illario Dellamorte.  He was partially on top of Allona, his head resting against her chest, his exposed back covered in bruises.  The sound of his rhythmic breathing that only comes from a deep sleep filled the room.  Allona was combing her fingers through the short hairs of his undercut.  When she saw Esha, Allona brought her free hand up and pressed a finger to her lips in the shhhhh motion.

Esha softly closed the door behind her and walked quietly over to the side of Allona’s bed.  Allona moved her hand not in Illario’s hair to gently rub his back as he shifted with a soft groan in his sleep.  Esha watched her as Allona bent her head down to place a soft kiss on the top of Illario’s.

“Shhh,” Allona said in a low, soothing voice, momentarily ignoring her sister, “you’re ok. Rest, love.”

Allona noticed her sister’s questioning look, apparent in the morning light filtering in through the windows.

“He just came back from a job that… didn’t go so well.”  Allona gestured towards the fading bruises on Illario’s back, “he comes here instead of having to deal with the lectures of a disappointed First Talon.”

If she heard the tinge of ire in her voice, Esha ignored it as she looked at her sister.

“You really do care about him, don’t you?”

Allona paused, before softly replying, “more than I ever thought I could for another person.”

“I… I’ll tell Viago you’re feeling sick and won’t be down for breakfast,” Esha said, turning to leave.

“Esha?”

“Hmm?”

“Thank you.”

“You’re my sister, Allona. It’s what we do.”

Viago was the last to find out about Illario and Allona because of course he was.

It was at a Crow function Viago was obligated to go to. When the First Talon hosted a gala at her own estate, all Talons were expected to show, no matter how much they hated these sorts of social nuisances.  At least Teia promised him a reward if he survived the night without threatening to poison somebody.  

Viago took a sip of his wine as he looked across the ballroom. All of his Chaos were in attendance tonight.  Viago inwardly sighed. He better check on his Chaos to make sure they weren’t up to their usual… chaos.

He located the youngest of the group first. Monello was in a corner with a group of his friends.  He spotted Esha dancing with a young man, laughing.   Kal was at the refreshment table, stuffing his face with various foods.  Viago frowned. He couldn’t locate Allona. Who knows what his little cousin could be up to, given her reputation as a bit of a heartbreaker?  Viago sighed. He supposed he better make sure she wasn’t getting into trouble. But to do that, he had to find her.

Viago walked over to where Monello was talking animatedly with his friend Emilia.  He saw Viago approach and excused himself from his friends.

“Monello? Have you seen Allona? I’m just making sure you lot aren’t getting into you’re usual shenanigans.” Viago asked.

“Most of my shenanigans involve Kal, and he’s been sampling the buffet all night,” Monello chuckled. “Last time I saw Ally, she was talking with Esha.”

“Hmmm. All right.” Viago rested a hand on Monello’s shoulder, “I know I don’t have to give you the typical warnings. Keep an eye out for your siblings, though.”  Monello gave him a nod of understanding before he turned and rejoined his friends.

Viago checked in with Esha. She hadn’t seen her since she left to go get a drink some time ago.  Viago refused to admit he was starting to get worried.  Allona could take care of herself, but still… she was his cousin and a Crow from House de Riva. He had to make sure that she wasn’t embarrassing them.

Viago walked with purpose to the tables laden with food and drink. Kalias hadn’t wandered far from it all evening. Currently, he was snacking on a plate of cured meats and cheeses.

“Kalias,” Viago barked.

“Mrph?” Kal blinked, turning towards where his name was yelled, a slice of pepperoni hanging from his mouse. Viago let out a long sigh.

“Have you seen your sister?”

“Which one?”

“The one usually keeping you out of trouble.”

“Oh, Allie. Yeah, no… she told me to stay here and keep out of trouble.”

“Hmm,” Viago rubbed his temple, wishing he had his flask on his hip currently. “Do you know where she went?”

Kal shrugged and popped a small ball of fresh mozzarella in his mouth, “I dunno. She’s probably off with her boyfriend, Larry.”

“Boyfriend?” Viago narrowed his eyes, “since when does Allona have a boyfriend?”

“I dunno… at least three months.” Kalias paused and thought a moment, “Though is he really a boyfriend if what they mostly do is fuck.”

“Kalias… just… stop. I do not need to have any mental images of what your sister… my cousin… is doing with a boy.”

Kalias chuckled, “Oh… he ain’t a boy… trust me. And he’s hot.”

Viago held up a hand to stop him from continuing.  “Just… stop. Stay here and don’t do anything stupid.”  Viago turned and walked out of the ballroom, leaving Kalias eyes a charcuterie board.

Viago took to stalking the halls of the villa, looking for his cousin.  Every so often, he came across a couple, but none of them had the signature red curls he was looking for.  He passed by a door that was barely cracked open.

“Ari…” a voice moaned from the closet.

“Shh… not so loud, somebody may hear,” a vaguely familiar Viagio couldn’t quite place said.

“You were the one that said your chambers were too far. Now shut up and fuck me… please.”  A voice the Viago definitely knew said.  

His fist clenched and he took a breath.  He shouldn’t be surprised, really. He knew his cousin’s reputation, but still…. Viago wracked his brain, trying to figure out if House Dellamorte had any Crows named “Larry.”

“There we are… I love when you come undone for me in such a fashion, bella ragazza.”  

Viago thanked the Maker himself he wasn’t paying too much attention to the… noises… coming from the closet.  Viago closed his eyes and took a breath before reaching for the handle of the door.  He yanked the door open and was greeted by the sight of his younger cousin looking at him over the shoulder of whom Viago could only assume was this “Larry” person.  Her legs were wrapped tightly around the mystery man’s middle.

“Allona.” Viago dryly greeted.

“Viago,” Allona squeaked out, lowering her legs. The man with her adjusted himself and turned around.

“Fifth Talon.” Illario Dellamorte greeted.

Viago froze.  He looked at Allona, then to Illario, and back to Allona.  Allona was gripping Illario’s arm and trying to look anywhere but at Viago.

He couldn’t believe it. His little cousin with this… man.  Allona… the girl he had raised for the last 17 years… in a closet with one of the biggest man whores in all of the Crows.  Didn’t Allona have any standards?

Viago lashed out and grabbed Allona’s arm.  He looked at her and spoke through clenched teeth, “You. Come with me. Now.”

“Viago, I…”

“This is not a request, Allona,” Viago growled, yanking her arm and pulling her out of the closet and down a hall.  He ignored the presence of Illario behind them.  He marched down the hall with a firm grasp on Allona’s arm.  He came to another door and opened it with a loud bang.  A couple sitting on a couch in the small sitting room jumped at the noise.

“Get out,” Viago growled.  The couple scrambled out giving apologies and a murmur of “Yes, Fifth Talon” as they scurried past.  Viago led Allona in with Illario following behind them.

“You can leave, Dellamorte,” Viago said, firmly.

“Are you seriously kicking me out of a room in my own home?”

“Last I checked, this was your grandmother’s villa. And now, I am dealing with House de Riva business with one of my Crows. So yes, I am kicking you out.”

“Illario,” Allona pleaded softly.

Illario looked at Allona and sighed before addressing Viago, “I’m only leaving because of Allona… not because you told me to, Viago.”  Viago closed the door harder than necessary after Illario exited before slowly turning towards Allona.

“Allona…” Viago started.  Allon kept her head down.  Viago sighed and said more quietly, “Rompina.”

Allona slowly looked up at her much taller cousin.  She was nervously biting her lip.

“Explain.”

“Aren’t you a little old for the sex talk, Viago?”

Viago wiped his hand slowly down his face while letting out a slow, exasperated sigh.  He had to remind himself that he loved his cousin, cared for her deeply, and would be frowned upon poisoning her at the First Talon’s gala.

“I meant… explain what you were doing with that man, Allona.”

Allona finally looked at him. Unfortunately, it wasn’t a look of recourse or shame.  Alonna was giving him a look that explicitly said are you a fucking idiot.

“The same thing you and Teia do quite frequently. But in a coat closet.”

Viago closed his eyes to steady himself and said, “This isn’t about Teia and me… this is about you and whom you’ve been gallivanting about with.”

“So is it what I was doing that bothers you so much, or whom I was doing it with?” Allona asked.

“Allona… your seduction skills are starting to get the same reputation that your healing skills and poisons mastery. I would be an idiot to pretend that you’re a delicate, virginal angel.”

“So it’s Illario you have an issue with.”

“Why him, Allona?”

Allona pursed her lips, “you sound like Esha.”

“I sound like… so, Esha knows?”

“And Kal and Monello and…”

Viago closed his eyes and pressed his hands together like a person praying and raised his hands to his mouth. Maker knows he was praying for patience.  Viago continued slowly, “Allona… I may regret asking this… but how long has this been going on?”

“The fucking or Illario in general?”

“Allona…”

“We have had intimate relations for four months.”

Viago frowned, thinking. Four months ago was when Allona and Illario had done the contract together per the First Talons orders.  Viago looked at his cousin.  Allona looked a lot more calm than a few minutes ago.

“That was when you worked the contract together.  Allona, if he’s coercing you in any way…”

Allona looked offended. “How dare you imply that Illario is taking advantage of me!”

“Allona, he is a grown man!”

“And I am no longer a child!”

“You may not be a child, but you’re still my little cousin, Allona!”

The two de Rivas stood in a sitting room of Villa Dellamorte, glaring at each other.  Both of their fists were clenched at their sides.  Viago may tower over his cousin, but Allona was not afraid to go toe to toe with him.  Allona was one of the few in House de Riva to talk back to the Fifth Talon in the way she did.

“We are in a relationship with each other, Viago. As Teia said, Illario and I are consenting adults. We are choosing this.”

“And if he breaks your heart?”

Allona gave a small shrug, “Then it gets broken.  You can’t protect me forever, Viago.”

“I can very well try.”

“Viago…”

“Fine, do what you want, Allona. You generally do.  One of you will get bored eventually.”

“Thanks for the vote of confidence, cousin,” Allona sarcastically said.

“If you’re looking for approval on this Allona, you will be searching for a very long time. You know my opinion of Illario even without… whatever it is you two are doing. But you have my acknowledgment that the relationship exists.”

Allona smiled, “I didn’t expect anything less from you. Just… please don’t poison him.”

“Hmm… so stabbing and torture are still on the table? Good to know.”

Allona gasped, “Viago!”

“Go to your rake of a man, Allona. I’ll attempt to be… civil with him in the future.”

Allona rolled her eyes and muttered, “Fine.”

Viago sighed as he watched her leave the room and enter the embrace of Illario, who was waiting outside the door for her.  The men locked eyes as Illario bent his head down to kiss the top of Allona’s head.  Viago narrowed his eyes as a warning.

When they left, Viago just stared at the door. He was in dire need of a stiff drink and a needed conversation with Teia.