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A small tug at his hip was all that announced to Illario that his niece had decided to join him on the balcony. Like her mother Rook, she was unnaturally quiet, a skill even more remarkable in an estate full of people renowned for their ability to notice the smallest sounds. It was early evening, and the sun hung over the bay beyond the canals in a soft orange and pink that would soon fade to purples and blues. Looking down, he found big, round, solemn lavender eyes looking back into his own.
"That is a very serious face, my heart," he gave her a smile and tousled her black hair, thick and straight, just like her father's. "What is there today to be so thoughtful about?"
"Tio Spite said I should come find you," she said, slipping a small hand into his own, hers bare against his leather gloves. He supposed she was probably used to that, with the many Crows in her life who wore gloves even at home as a precaution and habit. The bustle of the house below told him her likely errand, but he remembered being six and being trusted to deliver very important information to an adult, and he knew his role.
"Oh, and what did the esteemed spirit want of me? Some recommendations on the purchase of his next cloak? Advice on how to best polish his shoes?"
"No," Viola shook her head, giving his hand a squeeze and pulling him back into the house. "He doesn't get to wear them. Papa is the one who wears them."
"That is true, and Lucanis could still use my assistance, but that is neither here nor there," Illario laughed, and allowed himself to be tugged along towards the hallway. "Then perhaps the First Talon needs me to play a song to help him sleep? He could use some rest, he works very hard."
"Your songs are too exciting to sleep through!" Viola stopped and scrunched her nose at him. "Mama says we're only allowed to ask you before dinner. Because of the bedspread last time."
"Your mother is probably right," Illario gave her a serious nod, and started down the stairs. "I don't think the maids like it when things get burned during exciting stories. Even if we did not mean to, and magic is difficult at your age. That has sadly not changed since I was a boy."
"But that does not answer the question, little flower," Illario smiled as they rounded the corner towards the family apartments, and stopped to face her, crouching down so they were eye level. "What important news do you have for me that could not wait until the sun had set? Did Viago finally decide to stage a coup?"
"Tio Illario!" Viola stomped her little foot, looking every inch like a very tiny Dellamorte matriarch. "You are doing it all wrong! You have to let me tell you!"
"My apologies, my treasure," Illario gave her a smile and a nod as he could hear a bustle of activity in the apartments beyond. "You are correct. I am ruining your very important errand. Come, tell me what you have to share and I promise I will listen most carefully."
"I get to be a sister!" Viola smiled wide, the joy radiating out of her face piercing Illario straight through the heart. His too serious niece, like her too serious father, was just as transformed by this bit of overwhelming happiness. Her face so much like a small Lucanis that for a moment he could feel his own feelings tangle with hers , just as warm and uncomplicated. "Twice!"
"Twice?" Illario squinted theatrically at Viola, and took both of her hands in his as she practically vibrated in excitement. "How does that work? Does that mean I am thrice an uncle? Or Viago is three times as much of a grumpy old man?"
"It means that you will be late to meet the newest members of your family if you spend any more time loitering in the hallway, Dellamorte," Viago drawled from further down the hallway. "You take too much time and I may have to claim them for my House."
"Well we can't have that," Illario stood smoothly and gave Viago a wink he knew would infuriate the man, then looked back down. "Alright, Viola. How about you take me in to introduce me to our new family. We can make sure to tell them all of the best of our stories."