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Illario noticed his wife’s sad eyes whenever her brother’s little Murder visited them at the governor’s mansion. Though they never planned on a family, let alone under the circumstances in which they did, both he and Allona took to being parents like a duck to water. Sure, they had the usual troubles of new parents. Luckily, they had Zia Nona’s help. She had insisted that she move in and help with getting him, Allona and little Antonella settled for the first few months, especially under the circumstances. Illario had almost lost Allona during their daughter’s birth. They think it was the combination of Allona’s dosing regime and whatever time spent in the Fade and the Lighthouse during her pregnancy had caused Allona to bleed heavily during Antonella’s birth. The healers had told them that it would be best if they stopped at the one. So they did.
But Illario knew that Allona was always a bit sad about not having more children. One day, after their niece and nephews had left after a play date in the gardens of the governor’s mansion. Illario was leaning against the doorframe of their daughter's room, his arms casually crossed, watching his wife tuck little Nella into her small bed for an afternoon nap. Nella, much like both her parents, was being stubborn and refusing to shut her eyes to sleep.
“Mamma, no sleep,” Nella whined before letting out a big yawn.
“Really?” Allona smiled, smoothing the dark curls from her face. “Nella, you need to sleep. Your cousins wore you out.”
“Your Mamma is correct, Principessa,” Illario said, walking into the room to crouch down next to the low bed. He kissed his daughter's forehead before continuing, “You sounded like a pack of demons racing around the gardens. I could hear you all the way in my office!”
Nella giggled, “Babbo, we no dee-munds, we kids!” Nella gave another big yawn as her eyes drifted shut. “Momma?”
“Yes, sweetness?”
“Sparkle light?”
Allona's hand started glowing with a soft purple light. Sparkles of magic seemed to float out of her hand and started to collect in an orb that hovered over her palm. The sparkles condensed and started to swirl and emit its own glow, filling the room with a soft, purple light. The orb floated several feet above Nella, who was already drifting off into sleep. Allona pressed a kiss to her cheek before accepting Illario's hand to help her off the bed.
Illario watched as Allona gave one last look at their daughter before partially closing the door, letting some of the light from the hall. Allona rested her hand against his chest. Illario took her hand in his and brought it to his lips, kissing the palm of her hand.
“I hope our little Murder of Demons didn't disturb you?”
“No, it was a nice distraction. Meren's battle cry was quite amusing to hear while being presented with a budget proposal for new zip lines and bids from various suppliers.” Illario let out a dramatic sigh, “The exciting life one leads as the governor of Treviso, I suppose.”
Illario held Allona's hand as they crossed the halls to their private chambers. They entered the sitting room and Illario fell onto the soft sofa with a sigh, his long legs sprawled out in front of him. He opened his eyes to see Allona looking at him with a soft smile.
“How can you make sprawling out on the davenport in such a haphazard way so damn attractive,” she asked, her voice light.
“ Allona… I'm almost 40. As you frequently delight in telling me, it comes from years of experience.” Illario sat up and held out his hand to his wife. Allona put her hand in his and Illario gave a gentle tug, guiding her towards his lap. He wrapped his arms around her waist and gave her a kiss in greeting. “So… how were the demons?”
“Your niece and nephews,” Allona playfully corrected, “were fine. It was a hell of a time trying to convince them that the apples from the trees were NOT for them to eat.”
“Mmm… Kal decided he wanted a spicy snack while they were over, didn't he?”
Allona huffed, “Yes. Honestly, I don't know how many times I must tell him… do not eat the mildly poisonous fruit in front of the children! You think your cousin would talk some sense into him by now.”
“Pet, I don't think anybody can really talk sense into him. Even with Lucanis working off your 14 years of effort.”
Allona laughed. Illario smiled to himself. A decade ago, he would have never imagined he’d be the governor of Treviso… let alone married and with a child. He had been the playboy Crow. His priority was a good wine and a good lay. Honestly, he would have been content to live that life. It was all he knew and all that was expected of him. But Fate, or the Maker… whichever you had more faith in… had different plans and sent Allona into his life. They had faced bigger trials than most couples would, mostly due to his own stupid, misguided choices. But in the end, despite everything, Allona had chosen to forgive and stay with him. And Illario was eternally grateful and vowed to spend the rest of his life showing Allona how much he loved and valued her.
Which was why he was going to bring up this subject… again.
“Allona?”
“Hmm?”
“How are you feeling? Really?” Illario asked. “I know the little funks you get in after visits with your brother’s family.”
“They’re your cousin’s family too, you know.”
Illario raised an eyebrow, “Are we really arguing semantics right now, bella ragazza?”
Allona sighed, “I… just know where this conversation is going, Ari. And I have told you before that I don’t want to adopt.”
“Why?” Illario gently prodded. “You’ve never told me why. I’ve seen the look on your face when Antonella is playing with her cousins. You look sad like you want something you can’t have. We have options.” Illario cupped Allona’s cheek with one of his hands, “I just want to know why.”
Allona looked away from him.
“Allona… please!” Illario pleaded with her.
“I don’t want them to end up like… us,” Allona whispered. Illario felt a tight grip in his chest when he heard her words. Not like… them. Did she mean… not like him?
“And what do you mean by that?”
Allona snapped her head to look at him at the sudden tenseness in his voice.
“Illario… don’t you give me little scoldings for jumping to conclusions?”
“What else am I supposed to think when you say you don’t want our child to end up like me?”
“Us, Illario. I said I didn’t want our children to end up like us.” Allona corrected him with a sigh before briefly resting her forehead against the side of his head.
“Then what do you mean?” Illario muttered.
“Love… we’re both orphans. And we became that way because of who our parents were and what they were. My mother died as a Crow… your parents died to send a message to Caterina.” Allona took a shaky breath before continuing, “I love you with every fiber of my being, but you know what you did… the Talons have forgiven you enough for what you did, enough to put you in the position of governor, but you would be a fool to think there isn’t somebody out there not wanting some sort of revenge on you. And I may have married a sometimes idiot, but I did not marry a fool.”
“Allona…”
“One day, they may try to hurt you, or me, or Maker forbid… even our daughter. I live in fear every day that… will this be the day something happens, and our baby will live life knowing the pain we felt? Of not having her parents there for her? To not know the comforting hug of her mother? Of hearing her father sing her lullabies until she falls asleep? I can barely handle the thought of this happening to one child… but more?”
Illario looked at his wife, whose eyes were wet with tears. He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her into a crushing hug. Allona nuzzled his neck, the sound of her sniffling filling his ears. He ran his fingers through her dark, cherry-red curls, whispering in her ear, “I’m so, so sorry, Allona.”
“Please don’t ask me again,” she begged in a whisper.
And Illario never did.
Illario was walking through the streets of Treviso, Antonella in his arms, her head resting against his shoulder. Allona walked beside them, her small hand tucked in the crook of his elbow. Several feet behind them walked Turihan, their qunari bodyguard. She had been trained by House Cantori and was vetted by Viago, Teia, and Lucanis. Illario would admit that he was intimidated by the imposing woman upon meeting her, but she had proved to be a loyal asset. Once, during one of their meetings to discuss improving security matters, she had told him she understood part of why he did what he did in the past. As a qunari, she hated what the Antaam did to the city she considered her home. Turi, as she proffered being called by the family, considered taking the job as a way to thank Allona for what she and her siblings did to help Treviso. Turi had become especially fond of little Nella and Illario knew she would die before letting anything happen to his daughter.
The sight of the group of four was not an uncommon one on the streets of Treviso. Allona had convinced Illario it would be a good idea to spend time amongst the people of Treviso, and not just the Crows and elite he had spent most of his life around. Recalling part of their shopping trip from when they were still dancing around together, Illario couldn’t help but agree.
Currently, they were on their way to Zia Nonna and Sammi’s little shop. Allona had declared Sammi the First Family’s personal stylist and paid him handsomely for his skills, but he still maintained his little boutique. Allona also wanted to make sure that Antonella didn’t become too spoiled, so she insisted on frequent visits to Zia Nonna where Allona spent the early parts of her life. Illario even began to appreciate the calm and simplicity of the visits. Especially Zia Nonna’s cooking.
“Oh my goodness,” Illario heard Allona breathe out next to him. He felt her hand withdraw from his, rm. Shifting Antonella in his arms, he followed his wife with his eyes. With her her flowing mane of curls bouncing, Illario watched as Allona approached two young children, about 10 or 11 years old. Illario then walking up behind them.
“Lady Dellamorte! Governor!” One of the kids, a boy with a sandy mop of hair, greeted in surprise. The other, an elven girl with straight, black hair, held a puppy in her arms. Allona smiled at the pair.
“Well, it appears you know our names. It would be only fair to know yours.” Allona chirped.
“My name is Antony, ma’am. And this is m’friend, Steffy.” The boy said. The little elven girl, Steffy, waved her fingers as she held the puppy close to her chest. Allona reached her hand out and scratched the pup’s head. She looked at the girl.
“May I?” Allona asked. The girl nodded shyly and passed the puppy to Allona. Illario watched as his wife’s face lit up as she held the puppy. She started making cooing noises as she lavished more attention on the little thing. The puppy stretched up and started licking her chin. Illario thought his wife may keel over from too much exposure to happiness.
Allona handed the puppy back to the girl, saying, “promise me you’ll take good care of that little cutie, ok?”
“Yes ma’am. I will. Promise,” the little girl said.
Satisfied, Allona bid them a good day and the family made their way to Sammi and Zia Nonna’s. All the while, Illario was thinking. For now… he had a plan.
Illario had gotten into contact with a local breeder of small, puffy dogs of Orlesean origin. They had corresponded for weeks. They were quite delighted in providing the First Family of Treviso with a dog from their stock. So Illario made an excuse of having to attend a rather dull meeting, kissed Allona on the cheek, and slipped out of the mansion.
Illario heard footsteps and he glanced to his right to see Turi walking beside him. She glanced at him out of the corner of her eye, “Don’t even try and argue with me. I have my best people back at the mansion with your wife and daughter. If you didn’t think I wouldn’t find out your scheme…”
“You’re almost as stubborn as my wife.”
“Mmhmm. I shall take that as a compliment, Anybody who can wear you down has my respect.” Turi paused, “she’s going to love it, by the way. Your little plan. Not sure how the gardener and housekeepers are going to feel.”
“Hmm I’ll give them a bump in pay for the hassle.”
The walked along the streets lined with fine homes, pausing some for Illario to stop and chat with some of the people they passed. Turi stayed vigilant, her eyes darting around to assess any threats. Soon, they came to a grand home. Illario knocked on the door. An elven servant opened the door.
“Oh, Governor Dellamorte! Señor Alvarez was expecting you. Come in.” the elf said, opening the door wider. She swept her arm wide in a welcoming manner. She lead them through the house to a small courtyard. She brought them to an outdoor table and chairs, bidding them to sit. Illario sat while Turi stood behind him, her arms crossed over her chest.
“Señor Alvarez will be out shortly. Would you like any refreshments? Tea, coffee?”
“No, but thank you. I have a tight timeframe and need to return to my duties soon,” The elf lady nodded and hurried out.
“I’m curious… have either of you actually owned a pet before?” Turi asked. Illario shrugged.
“Allona had to deal with Kalias most of her life, that’s pretty close to it,” Illario replied.
Turi smirked, saying, “don’t worry… I won’t tell the First Talon you equated his husband to a domesticated pet.”
“Well… she also has her terrarium of dart frogs. And we do watch the Murder once and a while.”
“So you do have some experience with uncontrollable beasts.”
It was Illario’s turn to smirk, “don’t worry… I won’t tell the First Talon you compared his children to uncontrollable beasts.”
Turi eyed Illario, “ok… we’re even.”
“Ah…. Governor!” A voice interrupted them. Illario glanced up. An older man entered the courtyard. He was short, with a friendly face and a shock of white hair.
“Señor Alvarez, I presume?” Illario said, starting to stand. Señor Alvarez waved him off with a laugh.
“No, no, no Governor Dellamorte. You are an honored guest in my home! Would you like some refreshments? I can send my servant. I wouldn’t want it to be known I wasn’t a good host for the governor of Treviso.”
Illario chuckled, “No need, but thank you for offering. I had to sneak out as it is, so we have limited time.”
“Ah… I see” Señor Alvarez said, “then we must commence with which puppy you shall take home for your lovely family. If you come with me, I believe they are enjoying the gardens.”
They were let to the gardens. In the well manicured grass, there was a fluffy dog surrounded by puffballs of various colors. White, black, cinnamon, combinations of the three. Off to the side lay a sad looking mabari pup.
One of the puppies, a fluffball of pure white fur, trotted over to Illario, gave a little bark, and lay down on his foot, starting to chew on his pant leg. Illario bent down to pick the pup up. It easily fit in his cupped hands. Holding it in his arms, the puppy immediately set its chin on his arm with a happy sigh.
“Congratulations, I think the puppy just chose you, boss.” Turi said.
“It appears as such, doesn’t it.” Illario’s eyes drifted to the mabari puppy on the grass. It looked so… sad. It's large, blocky head was laying across its paws as it gave a sad sigh. Illario looked at Señor Alvarez.
“What can you tell me about that one?” he asked, nodding his head towards the pup.
“Ah… that one, “ Señor Alvarez said with a sigh. “I thought i may get into the mabari breeding business but they are a bit tougher to breed and sell up here. Honestly, it's been hard to get rid of this one. Maker knows I tried. Been to two other homes but just… didn't connect. Mabaris need somebody to bond with. Honestly, you can take him if you want. Just don't bring it back here, please.”
Illario looked at Turi with a grin. “Are you up to learning how to train a Mabari?” The qunari bodyguard raised an eyebrow.
“Sure you thought this through, boss?”
Illario waved her words off. “No, it's brilliant. Allona will have an adorable little puff ball to take care of and I can have a ln intimidating guard dog at my side. What can go wrong?”
“Maybe it isn't wise for you to ask that question given… everything.”
Illario gave his bodyguard a scowl before turning back to Señor Alvarez. He gave a charming smile and said, “my family and I would be delight to take in the pup. Thank you so much. We must be off, duty calls and all that such and such.”
Illario made his way into the gardens of the Governor’s Mansion. He paused to watch his wife and daughter from a distance. Allona was sitting on a blanket spread across the green grass, the skirt of her dress spread out around her, her deep red curls shining brightly in the sudaughe watched as Allona set the crown of flowers she had braided on their daughter’s head. Illario smiled as he saw Antonella giggle, run around her mother, and jump on her while pressing a messy kiss on Allona's cheek. Allona wrapped her daughter into a hug with a laugh.
Illario felt warmth spread through his chest. He knows he doesn't deserve Allona, let alone their daughter after all the shit he pulled with Lucanis, and the Crows, and Venatori. He thanks his lucky stars every night that she gave him another chance. He honestly didn't know if she would have if it weren't because of Nella. If 7 years ago, you would have told him that he would be standing in a garden as the governor of Treviso, watching his wife and daughter, Illario would have asked you which of Viago's party poisons you had indulged in. But now? He wouldn't change it for anything.
At that moment, Allona looked up and saw him and flashed him a living smile. She gently turned Nella and pointed at him. Nella let out a loud squeal and started running towards him on her tiny legs, her brown, curly hair bouncing.
“BABBO!” She yelled. Illario bent and picked her up, spinning her around in his arms, Nella giggling like a maniac until he stopped and pressed a kiss to her cheek.
“Babbo ! Mamma made flowuh cwowns.” Nella said excitedly, taking the flower crown off her head and trying to put it on Illario's. Illario smiled and helped her situate the flower crown on top of his head.
“Ah, thank you, Principessa. Though I think it looks better on you.”
“Babbo, you pwetty.” Nella said while patting his cheek with her little hand. Illario burst out laughing.
“Yes, I know. Your Mamma has been telling me how pretty I am since the day we met.” Illario said, walking over to where Allona sat. Nella reached out to her mother and Illario set her down.
“Hello, dear. Are you finished for the day?” Allona asked while setting Nella in her lap. “I heard you slipped from your office a few hours ago…”
Illario looked at her in surprise. Had his cover been blown?
“I…,” he started. “How did you even know that?”
Allona laughed, “dearest, I know everything that goes on in these walls. I fear the staff is more loyal to me.”
“Ah… they know who holds the real power here, hmm?”
“Of course,” Allona said smugly. “Now… Are you going to tell me where you slipped off to? My loyal spies weren't able to inform me.”
“Actually,” Illario turned and motioned behind him. A few of the mansion servents began pushing out a large, rectangular object covered with a cloth. “I got you a present and picked me up a… little something as well.” Allona raised an eyebrow as she watched Illario walk towards the object.
“And what, pray tell, did you get that is that big, illario?” Allona asked, raising an eyebrow.
The object came up to roughly his hip. Illario grinned at Allona as he pulled off the cloth to reveal a metal crate. He reached over and unlatTheyd the door, opening it. Immediately, the mabari puppy bounded out of the crate and made a beeline for Allona. Squealing, Nella scampereddddd out of the way and to the safty of her father. The watched as the large puppy crawled into Allona's lap and immediately started attacking her face with doggy kisses.
Allona's face was beaming with happiness.
Nella squated down and looked at the little white puppy that came and started pawing at Illario's foot. Illario bent over and picked up the puppy and his daughter. Holding Nella on his hip, and the puppy in one hand, with Nella gently petting the soft fur, he walked them over to where Allona sat.
Allona had her arms wrapped around the puppy's neck. The pup was already big and she didn't even need to bend over to do so. For its part, the mabari pup was making happy whining noises as it tried to get as close to Allona as possible. It was a far cry from the sad pup Illario witnessed not one hour ago.
“Oh, what a sweet angel baby!” Allona looked up at Illario, “I can't believe you got me a dog! A mabari, no less!” She noticed the small puffball Nella was petting in her father's arms. “Oh… And you got yourself one, too?”
Illario looked at his wife, who was busy making kissy faces at the mabari and telling it what a big, handsome boy he was. he didn't have the heart to correct her. Like some of his plans, this one didn't plan out as he envisioned, but at least three outcome was something he could more easily accept.
“Yeah… Yeah, got me this little puffball here. Thought it would be nice and small for Nella to play with without getting hurt.”
Allona stood up and walked towards them, the mabari pup jumping excitedly around her legs. She reached out and scratched the head of the little white puppy.
“Do they have names?” She asked.
“I figured you would do the honors.”
Allona looked between the two puppies.
“I think… She,” Allona pointed to the white fluffball, “shall be Duchess. And my handsome boy here shall be Duke.” Allona knelt down and started scratching behind the mabari's ears.
“What do you think boy? Do you like the name Duke?” Allona asked.
The answer was a happy bark from the now named Duke.
Illario looked at his daughter. “What say you, Principessa? Do you like Duke and Duchess?”
Antonella nodded vigorously. “Duke n Duches… puppieeeeeees!”
Illario laughed before pressing a kiss to the side of his daughter’s head.
“That's right, our puppies.” Illario said softly. “Now our family's complete.”