A/N: A lot of dialogue is paraphrased and me playing around instead of keeping it 1 for 1 with the game. I hope it makes the scenes more interesting, and it also gives more room to flash out Moss' personality!
The situation of not finding enough prey to keep Astarion well fed did not improve the further they went into goblin territory. Whatever once lived in the area had either been chased away or outright killed to feed the goblin troops. At most Astation found mice, sometimes not even that.
He could feel his reflexes dwindling, the hunger sapped his strength down to dangerous levels, Astarion could tell his movements were getting sloppy and even walking for as long as they did was proving to be a challenge. It was only a matter of time before he made a fatal mistake that would cost someone's life. Or worse, his own life.
His companions noticed something was amiss, Moss asked once or twice if he was okay, but Astarion had dismissed their worries, he tried to reassure he was just tired and no, he was not turning into a mind flayer, they were protected by that dream guardian after all.
At night, after everyone went to sleep and the silence was only broken by crickets and other night dwelling bugs, it was almost impossible for Astarion to ignore the hunger. Every time he closed his eyes to try falling into a restful trance all he could hear were the half a dozen heartbeats of his companions, calling to him. His hunger demanded attention and it would not allow him to ignore it.
He only needed a taste, one bite. Enough to get some strength back. The others didn't even have to know.
Before he even realized what he was doing, Astarion had moved to the middle of camp. His predator eyes scanned the sleeping forms of his companions one by one. Just a bite, the insidious voice in his head whispered. Not to mention, this would be a test as well, he would know if he truly was free of Cazador's hold.
'You shall not drink from a thinking creature' His master commanded. But what if he could? The idea of disobeying one of Cazador's biggest rules shot a thrill of excitement down Astarion's spine.
He had to know.
With silent steps Astarion stalked along Camp, taking in his companions as he considered his options.
Lae'zel was out of the question. She would run a sword through him before he could even consider getting his fangs near her.
Wyll might be more forgiving if he gave Astarion time to explain himself, but the man was a monster hunter who had sworn to kill anything he considered a threat, and Astarion wasn't willing to test how far that boundary really went.
Karlach would burn him alive whether she wanted to or not. Not an option.
Gale… he could take Gale, he was sure, however the man carried rot in his blood, something sour and poisonous Astarion had smelled the few times the wizard had gotten hurt during their many battles. He did not want to know what that tasted like.
Shadowheart was a good option, if only he knew for certain her goddess wouldn't smite him on sight the moment her blood touched his lips. It was scary enough to get hit by her turn undead spell, it always made him feel queasy if he stood too close, he didn't want to know what that would feel like from the inside out.
And finally Moss. They were a full-blooded elf, which meant they didn't sleep, the chances of Astarion being caught were significantly higher and nobody in their right mind would be fine with a vampire drinking from them, but the thing was, Astarion would never accuse Moss of being in their right mind. He felt he could perhaps talk them down if he did get caught, which was more than he could say for most of the others.
A decision had been made, it was like Astarion blinked and then he was standing over Moss. They had put their bedroll by the campfire again, choosing to meditate under the stars in the most literal sense. Astarion wasn't sure why they hardly ever slept in their tent, but it seemed like they simply preferred it that way. Their breathing was even and their face relaxed as they laid there with the familiar stillness of a deep meditation.
Astarion crouched in front of Moss, he could hear the beat of their heart, strong and steady, he could smell the blood in their veins just under their skin. Astarion felt his mouth water in anticipation. He hungered, he needed the blood, and to his absolute delight he felt no compulsion stopping him as he leaned over Moss and tried to bite.
Moss flinched , an arm shot between them stopping Astarion on his tracks, and he saw startled green eyes staring at him.
"Shit." He backed away as if he'd been burned, half expecting a firebolt to come in his direction. "It's not what it looks like! I swear!" He could immediately tell how weak the platitudes were. Astarion looked both ways, taking in the camp and the best path he could take to run off. If he dived into the bushes maybe he could buy enough time to lose Moss.
"Well, hello there!" Moss sat up on their bedroll, looking confused more than anything "It looks like you were trying to… bite me? But I'm willing to listen to a different theory."
"Well, maybe it is what it looks like. But no matter, I wasn't going to hurt you!" He held his hands up in surrender, panic gripping his words as he realized the magnitude of his mistake. It had seemed so easy, such a reasonable plan. Astarion let his hunger blind him and now he was about to be kicked out or worse. "I- well, I just needed some blood. A little bit."
"Blood."
"Blood. Just a taste. You'll hardly feel it."
To Astarion's surprise, Moss laughed. "You know, you're not as secretive as you'd like to think about this" Moss placed their face on their hand casually, an amused smile playing on their lips, completely nonchalant, far from the anger and outrage Astarion expected from someone who was almost bitten. He relaxed somewhat. Maybe not all was lost.
"So you knew." It would explain the non reaction, and why Asatarion didn't have a stake in his heart right now.
"I had an educated guess. The boar?" Moss giggled before he spoke in a mocking imitation of Astarion's own voice "Killed by a vampire. They are ferocious creatures, darling. We're so strong, handsome and impressive."
"I do not sound like that." He huffed, but he was relieved. Moss knew, or they suspected, that was one less surprise for them to get over. Still, this didn't mean Astarion was forgiven. "Can't help but notice that despite your suspicion, you haven't done much about it." He asked tentatively, his tone hopeful.
Moss shrugged "Why would I?"
"Most people would not want a vampire in their midst. Not that I am not grateful, of course, but you have to admit it is unusual."
"Until now you haven't tried killing any of us. I assume you've been feeding from other sources, so it was fine. But again, until now." Moss tilted their head, their face one of curiosity, Astarion couldn't see one hint of judgment, disgust or anything of the sort."Were you going to kill me?"
"No!" He responded quickly "I was only going to take a sip. Just enough to get some strength. I've been feeding only on animals, but It's not enough. I'm starving, weak, you noticed it, didn't you? You asked me if I was okay. Well, I'm not. But If you let me drink a little bit I could be faster, stronger. I could be more useful! Please?" He did want to say he was begging, but he was dangerously close to it. He was so, so hungry Maybe, just maybe Moss could be convinced to let him drink.
Moss seemed to think it over for a few moments, Astarion waited, not daring to breathe. Surely they wouldn't- would they?
"Sure. Fine. I always wondered what I taste like." With a small laugh they lifted their head, as if presenting their neck to Astarion.
"Really?" He couldn't hide his surprise, but he quickly shook it off, better not question too much, lest they change their mind. "Let's get comfortable then!"
Moss laid down on their bedroll at Astarion's urging with a look of mild curiosity. As close as he was though, he could hear their heartbeat speeding up as he leaned over, more or less trapping them under him. Was Moss afraid after all? But if they changed their mind they did not say, though Astarion decided to be as careful as he could as he bit down.
Fangs pierced skin, the first taste of blood hit Astarion's tongue and it was like having actual food for the first time in forever. There was so much life, it tasted impossibly good, rich, with a warmness that spread through his whole body, and a sting of something wild and uncontrollable that seemed to wrap around him. He couldn't stop himself from biting harder, letting the blood flow more as he gulped it down as much as he could.
The world outside blurred into nothing, Astarion half forgot who he was and where he was. There was only his hunger, the blood and how strong he felt the more he drank. Idly he felt a hand at the back of his head, long delicate fingers tangling through his curls in a gentle caress, Moss' pulse quickened and he felt when they breathed in deeply, as if to ground themself.
Astarion could not tell you how long this wonderful moment lasted, time seemed meaningless when he had everything he wanted. But eventually he felt a tug on his hair, Astarion made a displeased sound, refusing to let go, which only served for the tugging to get more insistent.
"That's quite enough." Moss' voice was what did it, piercing through the fog of his frantic feeding, and all at once Astarion remembered where he was.
"Hm? Ah Yes, of course." It took all of Astarion's careful self-control for him to back away. He stumbled back, breathing hard. He could hardly believe this had really happened. He felt so strong, he felt like he could take on the entire world, and most importantly, for the first time in almost 200 years, he felt full. Satisfied. Happy.
Moss gently swiped the blood left on their neck, and Astarion was struck by the irrational desire to lick it off their fingers. Moss looked paler than usual, their eyes maybe a little glassy, but they were still smiling, so they must be fine.
"That was… amazing" His voice sounded wrecked, and it was not a deliberate front he put on to seduce some fool this time. He truly felt dazed, completely amazed by this chance. He shook his head, trying and failing to regain his composure.
Moss bowed, it looked awkward with them still sitting, but they made it work. "Of course! Of course. That's what they all say. glad to be of service!" They shot Astarion a wink "Can't wait to see how you fare in a fight after this."
"Shouldn't take long. A lot out there beg at our feet to be killed, it seems, and who am I to deny them?" He smirked, turning his head high, pleased beyond words. He felt like he could dance, or jump up and down all over mountains for hours. This was the closest thing to alive he had felt in a long, long time. "Now, if you'll excuse me. I'll leave you to rest. Seems like you need it."
"Goodbyee! Do take care. Don't spend all that blood in one place, etc." Moss waved, cheerly. They really seemed way too enthused by the whole situation. Astarion smiled, amused despite himself. He wished everyone else was as happy to be bitten as Moss was.
This gave him hope that maybe it didn't have to be a one time thing.
Astarion paused after a few steps and looked back, Moss was watching him go, laying down in their bedroll again "Thank you. This is a gift, you know? I won't forget."
If his words sounded far too earnest, well, only he and Moss would know.
_
Next morning came quickly. Astarion was still feeling the effects from Moss' blood coursing through him. Wasn't that a wonder? A thinking creature's blood. He broke yet another one of Cazador's rules, it was confirmation that Astarion was truly free.
He only had to find a way to keep this freedom. But that would come later, he hoped. And if he played his cards right, perhaps Moss would be willing and ready to do the heavy work for him.
Speaking of, the sorcerer had roused later than usual, Astarion noticed. For one crazy moment he thought he had managed to kill them somehow. Thankfully that turned out to not be true, but as Moss got ready for the day, even from a distance it was clear to see they were not exactly at top condition. There was a slowness to their movements, they seemed lethargic in a way that, had Moss been anything but an elf, would suggest they had slept poorly.
Despite that, Moss still found the energy to get up, get ready for the road and still find time to check on him.
"Hello darling. Fine morning, isn't it" Astarion asked casually, flippantly even. He was hit with a wave of uncertainty as he wondered if Moss changed their mind about what had happened. Maybe a good night of rest had given their wits back and made them realize what a terrible deal it was to feed a vampire spawn.
"Oh, it's wonderful. Can't wait to see where it takes us. Hopefully a cure to our tadpole problem. Most likely something trying to kill us again. How are you doing?"
"I should be the one asking that, don't you think? I feel great! Now you." He poked Moss, just once. "How are you doing?"
"Aw, you care!" They laughed. "I feel fine! A little woozy, kind of tired, maybe I'll fall over from dizziness yet. But I've felt worse. I will say, next time ask first, will you? I don't think the others will be so forgiving if they wake up hovering over them like they are an oversized snack."
All things considered, it was not an unreasonable request, and it was far from regret, thankfully. Astarion raised his hands in surrender. "I promise. I will only bite you or any of our companions with express permission. Though…" He leaned closer to Moss with clear interest "Next time, you say?"
Moss' response was to waggle their eyebrows "Get ready, you're coming with me. I wanna see what a well fed vampire looks like in battle."
"We're fearsome creatures, I've told you. And now I don't have to hide. I can use all my weapons. Teeth included."
"Ooo. I do like when they use their teeth."
With that giggling response, Moss walked away. Astarion watched them go with the sense that wrapping them around his finger would be much easier than anticipated, considering how eager Moss seemed to be already.
_
A/N: I think Wild Magic would tast good for a vampire.
