A/N:Just a big old smut fest this chapter. Some drows get to have all the fun.

Warning: violence.

~O~

"Where are you going?" Astarion asked. "The cells are in the other direction, my dear."

"Don't you hear that?" Arabella looked off across the great hall. Tilting her head slightly as the echoes of whipping traveled through the dank air. She followed the sound almost mindlessly.

Finding the sound's source, her breath hitched. A man was kneeling before a small shrine and lost in the throes of self-flagellation.

Between the sound of the man's leather whip hitting the bare skin of his back, and the smell of his blood in the air, Arabella felt breathless. She gasped at the sudden pulsating between her legs. Astarion grabbed her hand, lacing his fingers through hers, and a low moan escaped her lips; the man turned to look at them with a wicked grin.

The man was practically shirtless, with his black robes that flowed from his waist and brushed against the tops of his bare feet. He was tall and slender, with light skin and short black hair that fell into his dark eyes. Arabella could smell the fresh blood leaking from the many lashes across his back. He introduced himself as Abdirak, a priest of the goddess of pain, and offered her the gift of his goddess' blessing.

She licked her lips, her heart pounding in her chest and she let go of Astarion's hand to step forward.

"I would like to accept a blessing, if you would be so kind to give it," she said slyly, the man's grin widening.

"Kneel before the altar of Loviatar and bare your back for her." The priest gestured to the altar, clearly marked by Selune's image, but Arabella obeyed without question. She knelt down, shrugging her loose blouse down around her belly, and feeling the cool stone against her bare knees as she lowered her chest to the altar.

The smell of the blood in the room was overwhelming and she felt dizzy, the wetness between her thighs growing. She heard Astarion inhale sharply and she glanced over at him. He was staring at her, nostrils flared and his eyes were black. He looked like he wanted to devour her.

She licked her lips, smiling at him before she looked forward again, awaiting the pain that would make the pleasure so much better.

Abdirak raised his whip and brought it down on her back. It cut into her flesh, the sharp sting followed by a warm trickle of blood down her back. She moaned, feeling her skin tighten at the wound as it healed, only to be torn open again. Her back felt like it was on fire, and with each new strike of the whip she felt her pleasure growing. She moaned loudly, the sound of her blood splattering on the floor beneath her mixing with Astarion's breathing, which was coming out in sharp gasps. She could hear him groaning in frustration and she wanted more, her moans echoing throughout the room.

Astarion's eyes were wild, his jaw clenched as he watched Arabella receive Loviatar's blessings. His nostrils flared, inhaling the scent of her arousal, and the blood from the priest's lashings. It took every ounce of his control not to walk up behind her, rip off her clothes, and take her right there. He had never seen her like this before. It was intoxicating.

"Enough." His voice was low and dangerous as he took a step toward them. The priest paused, his hand hovering over Arabella's back. Her blood dripped onto the floor beneath her, the wounds healing already.

"She is not yet done with her blessing," Abdirak said, turning his head to look at Astarion.

"You are done," Astarion growled, his hands clenched into fists. The priest smirked and brought his whip down on Arabella's back once more, eliciting another loud moan from her. He stepped back, eyeing Astarion.

"As you wish. I am done. May you reap the benefits of Loviatar's blessing," Abdirak grinned, before walking past Astarion and leaving the room.

Arabella stayed leaning over the altar, her body trembling. She felt Astarion's presence behind her, and then she felt his fingers tracing the wounds on her back. She gasped, her body shuddering at his touch.

"Did you like that?" His voice was husky, his breath hot on her neck.

"Yes..." She moaned, her body aching for him. Astarion gripped her hips, pulling her up so her back was against his chest. His erection pressed against her, and she reached behind her to grab it through his pants. He hissed, grinding against her hand.

"I want you," he growled, his fangs grazing her neck.

"Take me," she whispered.

Astarion didn't hesitate, pulling her blouse up over her head. Arabella gasped, but it quickly turned into a moan as he ran his tongue up her spine. He reached around her to cup her breasts, pinching her nipples, and her head fell back against his shoulder. He ran his fingers down her stomach, stopping just above the spot between her legs. She whined, trying to get him to touch her, but he didn't.

"Astarion..." She breathed, her eyes closed.

"You were so enticing to watch, darling," he whispered, his lips brushing against her ear. "I'm going to give you everything you want."

He turned her around, pushing her up against the wall. Her chest heaved as she looked up at him, her pupils dilated with lust. He pressed his lips against hers, kissing her hungrily. She wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him closer as he deepened the kiss. Her hands slid down his chest and she grabbed his shirt, pulling it over his head. She ran her fingers down his torso, feeling his muscles flex underneath her touch.

Astarion broke the kiss, panting as he stared into her eyes.

"Do you trust me?" He asked.

Arabella nodded, biting her lip. He grinned, unbuttoning her pants and pulling them down, exposing her wetness to him. He kneeled in front of her, running his tongue along her slit. She gasped, her head falling back against the wall as he sucked on her clit, flicking it with his tongue.

He gripped her thighs, spreading her legs further apart. He plunged his tongue into her wetness, exploring every inch of her, relishing her taste eagerly. She moaned, her fingers tangling in his soft white curls as she grinded against him. She was so close. He pulled away, looking up at her.

"Tell me what you want," he demanded.

"I want you inside me," she whimpered, her eyes half-lidded. He smirked, standing up and undoing his pants.

He pressed her against the wall, kissing her roughly, his fangs grazing her bottom lip. He grabbed her thigh and lifted it up, wrapping it around his waist and slowly eased into her.

She cried out, arching her back. He groaned, burying his face in her neck and thrusting into her. She wrapped her other leg around his waist and he began pumping in and out of her, his fangs grazing her neck.

"Harder!" She moaned, clawing at his back.

Astarion growled, pumping into her harder. As he pounded into her, he felt her walls tighten around him as she came. He let out a low growl, joining her at her peak and burying his face in her neck. They stayed like that for a few moments before he pulled out of her and set her down on shaky legs.

"Well, that was..." She trailed off, looking up at him.

"Delicious," he finished, smirking.

She smiled, resting her head on his chest. He wrapped his arms around her, holding her close.

Arabella laughed when she saw the state of her clothes, haphazardly strewn about on the floor. Astarion chuckled darkly, his eyes filled lust as he looked at her full breasts, and then back up to her face. He reached down for her blouse, and held it to his nose, breathing deeply with his eyes closed. Her breathing quickened at the sight.

"You smell divine ," he said, opening his eyes and locking them with hers. "Like desire and blood."

"That's partly because I am covered in blood," Arabella pointed out, looking down at her body.

"Yes, you are," he agreed, taking her hand and bringing it up to his mouth. He kissed her palm, his lips stained red with the blood on her hand. "I want to taste you."

"You just did," She said coyly.

He smiled, leaning forward and kissing her, his tongue sweeping across her lips. She tasted copper, the scent of blood and sex surrounding her.

"Your blood," he whispered, pulling away from her. "I want to taste your blood."

Arabella hesitated, looking down at her hand. Her knuckles were red, her fingernails caked with dried blood. She looked back up at Astarion, who was watching her intently. His eyes were black, his fangs poking out from beneath his upper lip. She leaned back against the wall, her leering smile an open invitation.

Astarion grabbed her hand again, bringing it to his lips. He kissed her knuckles, his tongue sweeping across her skin. His eyes darkened at the way she moaned. Pressing his body against hers, he tugged on her braid lightly, and she tilted her head to the side. He ran his nose along the length of her neck, inhaling deeply, before sinking his fangs into her skin.

Arabella gasped, her body shuddering as he drank from her. He groaned, pulling her closer, his other hand trailing down her body, fingers brushing across her hip bone, sliding down until they found what he was looking for. She moaned, grinding against his hand, as he rubbed slow circles against her delicate flesh. He bit down harder, her blood flowing freely into his mouth.

"Astarion..." She whispered, her hands clutching at his back. He pulled away from her neck, licking at the puncture wounds. They healed over almost instantly. He looked down at her, his eyes burning with hunger and lust.

"You taste exquisite, my dear," he said, his voice low and husky.

He pushed two fingers inside her, making her gasp. He curled them, rubbing against that spot inside her that made her see stars. She moaned, rocking her hips against his hand, her body trembling as she got closer and closer to release. He leaned in close, his lips brushing against her ear.

"Come for me, Bella," he whispered, his fingers pumping in and out of her.

She cried out, her walls tightening around his fingers as she came forcefully. She rested her head against his shoulder, her breathing ragged.

"I don't think I can stand up anymore," Arabella mumbled, her legs feeling like jelly.

He chuckled, scooping her up in his arms and carrying her over to the altar. He sat her down gently, his hands resting on her hips as he kissed her.

"Better?" He asked, pulling away from her.

She nodded, her eyes half-lidded. He smirked, kissing her once more before stepping back and grabbing his clothes. She watched as he got dressed, admiring the way his muscles flexed with each movement.

He looked down at her, his eyes dark and filled with desire. "We should get going," he said, buttoning his shirt. "I'm sure the others are wondering where we are."

She sighed, leaning back on the altar. He smiled, reaching out and tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.

"You're right," she said, sliding off the altar and stretching.

Astarion watched her as she slid her blouse over her exposed torso. She pulled her trousers on, wriggling her hips from side to side, earning herself a heated stare from the pale elf. Laughing, she grabbed her boots and pulled them on.

He walked over to her, wrapping his arm around her waist and kissing her. "You are..." he smiled, shaking his head softly. "Different."

Arabella raised an eyebrow at him, a half-smile tugging at her lips. Looking up into his ruby red eyes, she felt a warmth bloom and spread across her chest. His darkness brought her comfort, his presence soothed her aching need to engage her dark urges. She visibly swallowed when she realized that her urges were louder, yet different, when alone with him, and she was finding she didn't mind much at all.

~O~

Arabella and Astarion made their way into the makeshift prison area where Solas, Gale, and Halsin awaited. The area, previously cleared of goblins, now served as their strategic meeting point. Halsin had been stationed here, awaiting the moment Arabella and her companions would eliminate the three goblin leaders.

Upon their entry, Solas immediately sensed a shift in the dynamics between Arabella and Astarion. His eyes narrowed, scrutinizing the pair before he consciously straightened his posture and looked away. Internally, he rebuked the notion of any meaningful romantic involvement with Arabella, reminding himself of the uncertainty of his presence in this realm. Despite his rationalizations, her voice stirred an unbidden flutter in his heart.

Arabella caught the change in Solas' demeanor and momentarily panicked, fearing her appearance might have betrayed her. However, a quick glance reassured her that her attire remained impeccable. Frustrated by Solas' coldness and his refusal to meet her eyes, she felt a mix of irritation and confusion.

She shook her head. "Let's get this over with."

The party prepared to storm the Ragzlin's chambers. Halsin shifted into bear form, his teeth and claws ready to tear through the unsuspecting hobgoblin.

Astarion lingered behind as the others marched out of the prison. He snickered, enjoying the chance to mock Solas. The mage shot him a venomous glare, his eyes glowing with magic and his rage palpable. His expression darkened with fury, but before he could make a move, he composed himself, clenching his jaw and continuing on.

Astarion masked his fear with a veneer of casual grace, but inside he was reeling. The depth of rage in Solas' eyes shocked him. He had no doubt that he'd be dead if the mage had his way. It was a sobering thought, and one that he would not soon forget.

The group moved forward, leaving Astarion in their wake. With a wry smirk, he silently reminded himself to be more careful around the foreign elf from now on. Maybe Gale is onto something, he thought curiously.

~O~

Having defeated the three leaders at the Goblin Camp, the tieflings were ready to celebrate. So were Arabella and her crew, who welcomed the brief respite. The air was filled with music, laughter, and the sound of glasses clinking, as the tieflings thanked them in earnest. Solas, however, remained aloof, still in a sour mood from before. He sought a quiet spot by the water, away from the festive crowd, hoping to find some peace.

The moon cast a silvery glow over the water's surface, illuminating Solas as he stood alone, lost in thought. Arabella, noticing his isolation, excused herself from the revelry and approached him quietly, her steps soft on the grass.

"Solas?" she began, her voice gentle, breaking the silence that enveloped him. "You're missing the celebration. The tieflings are honoring us—honoring you—for everything we've achieved."

Solas turned slightly, acknowledging her presence without meeting her gaze. "I am surprised you've chosen to seek me out," he replied, his voice low, tinged with the remnants of his earlier irritation.

Arabella's patience, worn thin by his constant reticence, flared into frustration. "Why are you so upset?" she demanded, her voice rising slightly with emotion. "It feels like every time I try to get closer, to understand you, you just push me away. What is it that you want from me, Solas?

You know, when I heard they found blood outside your tent, and no one could find you… I just… I was so worried about you." Arabella's gaze dropped to her hands as she swallowed hard, her voice tinged with concern.

"Were you?" Solas' voice carried a frosty edge. "I assumed you were still angry with me after Sceleritas' visit… not to mention you still seemed quite upset with me at the Goblin Camp."

Arabella shook her head, her frustration with his tone simmering beneath the surface. "I was angry. But…" Arabella paused, looking directly at him, "my concern for you outweighed my anger. And, I'm still not pleased about whatever this rivalry is between you and Astarion."

"And what would you have me do, Arabella?" Solas asked, his eyes finally meeting hers, searching for an answer.

"Be honest with me. Tell me how you feel instead of hiding behind your words and your walls. You're not as mysterious as you think you are, Solas. I can see through you." Her gaze held his, her voice steady, yet firm.

Solas remained silent, contemplating her words. After a long moment, he exhaled a weary sigh.

"I care for you, Arabella... deeply," he admitted, his voice softening. "But I am uncertain of the wisdom in pursuing any further intimacy between us, given the nature of my presence here. My situation is precarious."

She huffed a sigh, stepping closer to him. "You can't make my decisions for me."

He stepped forward as well, closing the distance between them. "It seems neither of us is capable of making good ones when it comes to this," he replied, his voice low and eyes darkening.

Her eyes met his, a spark igniting deep within her. "Oh, really?" she taunted, taking another step towards him. "Then why are we fighting this so much?"

His gaze locked onto hers, his breath catching in his throat at her nearness. "I do not know."

Their bodies were so close that they could feel each other's warmth. She looked up at him, her heart racing in anticipation. His hand came to rest on her cheek, caressing it gently.

"Solas..." she breathed.

The sound of her voice saying his name like that sent a jolt through him. Without thinking, he leaned down, capturing her lips in a hungry kiss. She moaned softly against his mouth, wrapping her arms around his neck, pulling him closer.

"Ma'arlath," he murmured, his voice thick with emotion. He kissed her again, more deeply this time, losing himself in the sensation of her body pressed against his.

Arabella's eyes fluttered open, meeting Solas' gaze with a curious look. "What does that mean?" she asked softly.

Solas smiled back, his expression full of adoration. "Let me show you,'" he replied, brushing a strand of hair from her face. Leaning down, he kissed her again, slowly and tenderly, savoring the feel of her lips against his.

Her hands moved to the laces of his shirt, fumbling with them, desperate to feel his bare skin beneath her fingers. He helped her undo them, pulling his shirt off and tossing it aside. Her hands roamed over his chest, exploring the plains and valleys of his body.

He groaned, his hands tangling in her hair as he kissed her, his tongue slipping into her mouth. She tasted sweet and warm, like summer fruit, and he couldn't get enough of her.

His hand slid beneath her shirt, caressing the soft skin of her back, causing her to shiver. She pulled away from him, her eyes dark with lust, and began to remove her clothes. He watched in rapt attention as she stripped before him, revealing the perfect curves of her naked body in the moonlight.

She was a goddess, and he would worship at her altar for the rest of his life, if she would let him. He reached out, pulling her close and kissing her fiercely.

"You are a dangerous woman," he whispered against her lips, his voice hoarse with need.

"You like that about me," she replied, a playful smirk gracing her lips.

"Indeed," he chuckled, leaning back a moment to look into her eyes. He thought he saw a hint of recollection in her gaze, but it was gone just as quickly as it had come. He smiled, running his hands down the curve of her back, reveling in the feeling of her soft skin beneath his fingertips.

Arabella leaned forward, capturing his lips in another passionate kiss. He returned her kiss eagerly, the heat between them building. Her fingers tangled in his hair, pulling him closer, desperate to feel the warmth of his body against hers.

His hand found its way between her thighs, sliding up until it reached her aching core. She moaned softly, arching against him as his fingers teased her sensitive flesh. "Solas," she gasped, her breath coming in short gasps as he continued to pleasure her.

He growled softly in response, his arousal growing with each stroke of his fingers against her. "Tell me what you want, vhenan."

"I want you inside me," she pleaded, her body trembling with need. She reached down and tugged at his trousers, desperate to free his clear sign of arousal.

She walked backwards, her eyes on his, a leering smile on her lips. She stopped when she felt the soft cloth of his tent's entrance. She turned around, her heart pounding, her body aching for him. She stepped inside the tent and turned back to him.

Solas followed her, his movements deliberate and sure, his eyes filled with desire. She lay back on the bedroll and spread her legs for him, inviting him to take her.

He knelt between her legs, his hands running down the insides of her thighs. She gasped when his fingers brushed against her wetness, her body trembling in anticipation.

He leaned down and kissed her passionately, his tongue meeting hers in a slow dance. Slowly, he pulled away, his eyes dark with lust.

"Tell me again what you want, vhenan," he breathed, his voice husky.

"You," Arabella whimpered, arching against his touch, aching for more.

His fingers slipped inside her, eliciting a moan from her lips. She writhed beneath him, her body burning with desire.

"Please..." she begged, her voice barely more than a whisper.

He groaned, his fingers moving faster, bringing her closer and closer to the edge. He pulled his fingers from slowly, teasingly, his eyes locked on hers.

She whimpered, arching against him, desperate for more. He smirked and kissed his way up her body, his dangling braids tickling her smooth skin as they brushed against her.

"Are you sure you want this?" he murmured, his breath hot against her ear.

"Yes," she breathed, her body aching for him.

He positioned himself at her entrance, his eyes never leaving hers. "Say it again," he commanded.

"I want you," she gasped, her body trembling with need.

With a groan, he thrust into her, filling her completely. She cried out, her body shuddering with pleasure as he began to move.

Her hands gripped his shoulders, her nails digging into his skin as he took her, claiming her as his own. Their bodies moved together in a primal rhythm, lost in the heat of the moment.

Arabella's head fell back as she arched against him, her body quivering in ecstasy. He buried his face in her neck, his lips trailing kisses along her skin as he drove her towards the edge.

She moaned his name, her voice breaking with desire, her body trembling with release. Words in a language foreign to her filled her ear as he brushed his lips against her neck. His mouth met hers once again, while he plunged into her over and over, his thrusts deepening and becoming faster.

The sounds of her moans and sighs were drowned out by the music and laughter drifting from the party. As he came inside her, she felt herself fall apart in his arms, her body shuddering as her orgasm claimed her.

They collapsed against each other, their breathing ragged, their bodies slick with sweat. He held her close, his heartbeat thundering against her chest. He stroked her hair, whispering words of endearment and adoration in her ear, soothing her.

She smiled, her heart swelling with joy and contentment. This was where she was meant to be. With him, she was whole.

She placed her hand on his chest and traced small circles on his smooth skin. He caught her hand and brought it to his lips, kissing it gently.

"That was amazing," she murmured, snuggling closer to him.

He chuckled softly. "It certainly was."

She gazed up at him, her eyes full of adoration. "I wish this night never had to end."

He brushed a stray lock of hair from her face, tucking it behind her pointed ear. "As do I, vhenan," he replied affectionately.

She rested her head on his shoulder, content to simply lie in his embrace. After a long moment, she broke the silence.

"What are you thinking?" she asked, her voice gentle, inquisitive.

Solas let out a sigh, his eyes distant. "I fear you have feelings for Astarion," he admitted, his voice tinged with sadness. "I do not wish to lose you to him."

She looked up at him, a small frown eclipsing her features. Looking away, she bit her lip, unsure of how to respond.

"I..." She hesitated, searching for the right words. "I do care for him," she said finally.

He nodded, his eyes downcast. "I see," he replied, his voice quiet.

"But I also care for you, Solas," she continued, her voice soft, earnest. "Are you upset?"

"Upset? Certainly, it troubles me, but my feelings are complex. I am intrigued by what he offers you," Solas admitted, his expression unreadable.

She tilted her head, regarding him curiously. "Intrigued?"

"He is... different," Solas mused, his gaze fixed on hers, intense. "He offers you the unknown, the chance to explore new possibilities, to take risks."

Arabella laughed, a light, musical sound that echoed in the stillness of the tent. "And you don't?" she teased.

Solas smirked, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "I suppose I do, as well," he conceded. "However, there is something to be said for the familiar."

"Well, if you want the short version... he helps me. My darker urges can be overwhelming at times," Arabella explained, her voice soft yet firm.

Solas paused, his silence thick with contemplation. Arabella felt the intensity of his focus, as if he were parsing each word she had spoken.

"And how does he help you?" Solas finally asked, his voice even.

"He lets me indulge without making me feel guilty, and he gets off on it, too. I find it... satisfying," she responded.

Solas nodded, his brow furrowing slightly. "I see," he murmured, his tone thoughtful.

"What's wrong?" she inquired, sensing his concern.

"I cannot help but be concerned for you, vhenan," Solas admitted, his gaze meeting hers once more. "I worry that he will use your needs against you, that he may push you to act recklessly."

Arabella frowned, her expression troubled. "You think I would allow that?"

Solas sighed, his shoulders sagging slightly. "I do not know," he confessed. "I simply want you to be safe and happy."

She smiled softly, reaching up to stroke his cheek. "I appreciate the sentiment, but I'm capable of taking care of myself, Solas."

He returned her smile, his hand coming to rest on top of hers on his chest. "Of that I have no doubt," he replied. "I merely wish to be certain that you are aware of the potential consequences of such a relationship."

She nodded, her expression solemn. "I understand," she said quietly.

A comfortable silence enveloped them, their bodies pressed close together, their breathing in sync. As they lay there, gazing into each other's eyes, the outside world seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of them in their own little bubble of contentment.

As the sounds of the party died down and the tieflings embraced the call of sleep, the two of them drifted off, as well, their bodies wrapped around each other.