Work Text:
Cloudreach, 9:33 Dragon
"I need a favor."
That piqued his interest. Whatever their relationship - blissful bickering, fruitless pining, hapless romance, or disdainful cooperation depending on the stage of their cyclical trysts - favors were not something ever asked of each other.
And yet, she's standing there, half out of breath at the center of Viago's office. Raindrops from the ongoing storm clung to her ringlets, shimmering like starlight as they caught the glow from the candle at his desk; her clothes were smattered with the remnants of what Viago suspected was Teia's most recent contract. He shifted in his chair, resting his chin on the back of his hands whilst mentally pushing away the contracts he'd been reviewing and assigning in favor of considering the offer in front of him.
"Mutual benefit" had always been the crux of their partnership. And favors add cards to the other player's hand. They require payment - perhaps not right away but they still tip the scales. "Favors" were dangerous. Especially in their line of work. But Teia didn't ask - she offered. Teia isn't foolish nor bold enough to assume Viago won't play the hand he's given. She needs something... bad enough that she's giving him the cards - an IOU to cash in whenever he wishes. And whatever it is, it's urgent.
Viago sighs to himself. Their involvement makes a mess of things, regardless. A fact Teia was certainly banking on. He drops his eyes back to the documents on his desk; this was business.
"And what sort of "favor" are you requesting?"
"One that'll pay for itself - in time." Teia replied matter-of-factly.
The scoff that escapes Viago's lips is nearly automatic. Always mutually beneficial. "That isn't a favor."
"An investment, then, Vi."
There's a twinge of desperation at the end of her sentence. Easily covered by the hardened eyes Viago searches, but obvious to someone familiar with the lilts and flourishes of her timbre. But Viago holds off on his discernment, instead gesturing for her to elaborate.
Teia shifts uncomfortably as she explains, "A caravan of Dalish were recently murdered outside Arlathan Forest. Your usual pillage and grab by Tevinter slave traders. Your "investment" involves a young Dalish I've "acquired" from said traders."
Viago understands enough to get where this is going. "You want me to take them in? Make them a fledgling in my house? Why not take them under your own wing? Into your own house?"
"I-" She turns away from him. "I can't."
Viago stands, making his way to her. "You're not making much sense, Teia." he offers, coolly. There was no judgment edged into his voice, merely concern - the one thing more dangerous than favors. Involvement makes a mess of business.
Her voice shrinks as the distance between them does, whether out of precaution or emotion, Viago doesn't need to discern. This was business. She was standing in the office of the Fifth Talon. "The contract I took... the client specifically requested no survivors from the traders. Whoever they were, they didn't want ANYONE coming out of Arlathan Forest. They were MY people, Viago. I saw the caravan before I went after the slavers. My mother-"
"I thought you never knew your parents?" Viago interjected.
Teia shakes her head, "I didn't. But having your own house comes with privileges. I'd found them not 3 years ago." She takes a moment to breathe before continuing. "I have a little sister. She was with the slavers. I didn't... I couldn't complete my contract."
Viago pinches the furrow of his brow. "You damned fool."
"That's why I need you to take her. Return empty-handed and no one's the wiser. Return with a fledgling and-"
"-and people get suspicious." Viago finishes. "Meanwhile I gain a fledgling of dubious origin like every other de Riva."
They meet eyes, which is confirmation enough for Viago. He ponders blankly for a moment before heaving a weighted sigh, "Where is she?"
"She's resting in a box outside the Diamond. I threw wings at the end of the alleyway."
"In the rain?"
"I did what I could."
Viago returns to his desk, reaching for the cloak draped over his chair. "I'll take care of it from here."
Teia smiles freely at him, "Thank you, Vi."
"Mutually beneficial." Viago reminds her before throwing the cloak over his shoulders and walking out the door.