As the sun bathes the forests surrounding Rivington in a warm morning glow, Delphie finds herself immersed in the symphony of nature. The melodic tunes of birds echo through the air, and a gentle breeze rustles the leaves of the countless trees enveloping her. Inhaling deeply, she lets the familiar scents of the woods fill her senses, grounding her in the essence of home.
A serene smile graces Delphie's face, a stark contrast to the previous night's turmoil when the revelation of a mind flayer as her dream visitor had cast a shadow over her spirits. Despite the ongoing quest to uncover the source of the Absolute that had consumed their last two months, Delphie decides that a respite is in order. Ignoring Lae'zel's disapproval, she steers the party off the beaten path and into the heart of the forest.
Taking Astarion's hand, Delphie guides the group to a small clearing adorned with a caved-in tree stump, now serving as a cozy home for a rabbit's nest. Kneeling beside it, she shares the origin of Echo. A dragon egg discovered in an unexpected locale—a memory etched into the very fabric of the forest.
Eager to unveil more of her cherished memories, Delphie seizes both Astarion and Shadowheart, leading them to a colossal tree that stands as a testament to time. With a gentle touch, she reveals an etching on the bark, portraying a young girl forming bonds with a dragon and snakes. Despite her self-deprecating comments about the awful drawings, a nostalgic smile adorns her face as she recounts creating them at the tender age of eight or nine.
The rest of the party, initially bewildered, now shares in Delphie's infectious excitement. Even Lae'zel, begrudgingly, softens at the genuine joy emanating from their companion. Before they realize it, Delphie is effortlessly scaling the ancient tree, navigating its branches with the ease of someone intimately familiar with every nook and cranny. Hanging upside down, she revels in the beauty of her surroundings, a content smile reflecting the tranquility of being back home with her companions by her side. In this suspended moment, the trials of their quest seem momentarily distant, and the camaraderie of the group shines brightly amidst the branches and leaves of the forest sanctuary.
The decision to set up camp in the enchanting clearing becomes a unanimous one, allowing Delphie to bask in the essence of her homelands a little while longer. The pure smile on her face becomes a source of radiant warmth that resonates within the entire group, weaving a sense of camaraderie and shared joy among its members.
With swift efficiency, the wood elf assists Astarion in pitching their tent, a task that's completed with the ease of seasoned adventurers. Before the other companions can fully grasp what's happening, Delphie grabs Astarion's hand, hollering a quick "be right back!" as she leads him away. Amused glances and teasing smirks are exchanged among the remaining group members, assuming the two love birds are sneaking off for a romantic rendezvous. Little do they know, Delphie has something entirely different in mind.
As Delphie and Astarion traverse through the woods, the vampire begins to grow impatient, voicing his discontent with playful whines. Delphie can't help but chuckle at his impatience, assuring him that they are "almost there" with a mischievous glint in her eyes. Their hands remain intertwined, a connection that transcends the physical distance they cover.
Finally, the duo arrives at the edge of a cliff, and below them unfolds a breathtaking sight—a sandy beach bathed in the soft glow of the sun. The rhythmic lull of waves kissing the shore provides a soothing backdrop to the picturesque scene. Delphie's intentions become clear as she unveils this hidden gem, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
With an infectious giggle, Delphie tugs Astarion excitedly toward the beach, a playful energy dancing in the air. In a spontaneous moment, she sheds her attire down to just her bra and underwear, leaving the pale elf to gaze at her in confusion. "Wanna remember what the ocean feels like?"
Delphie's laughter continues to ripple through the air as she dashes into the water, leaving behind a trail of footprints on the sandy shore. For Astarion, it has been over two centuries since he last stepped foot in an ocean. The prospect of immersing himself in one now stirs a mixture of fear and excitement within him. Before he decides to join her, he takes a moment to observe her.
In the familiar embrace of her home woodlands, Delphie undergoes a visible transformation. Confidence radiates from her, and happiness paints her features with a glow that surpasses any other moment he has witnessed. The woodlands seem to conjure her inner child, unleashing a carefree spirit that dances amidst the trees. He watches as she giggles, waiting in the water for him with an unfiltered joy. The realization becomes unmistakable—the wood elf is intimately connected to her surroundings, and the woodlands bring forth a version of her that is wild, carefree, and unabashedly in tune with nature.
"It won't bite, dretri!" she playfully yells, a declaration that shakes him from his contemplation. A mischievous smirk graces his lips as he reciprocates, stripping off his shirt. With cautious steps, he enters the water, the anticipation of reacquainting himself with the ocean mingling with the mischievous glint in his eyes.
The water envelops Astarion in a comforting embrace as the waves gently brush against his skin. Seaweed tickles his feet, but in this moment, he cares not for the minor discomforts. He is fully absorbed in the simple pleasure of experiencing the ocean for the first time in centuries. The sensation is both nostalgic and novel, a reminder of a distant past and an invitation to the present.
As he approaches Delphie, their heads press together in an intimate connection. With a soft incantation, "Okraz sosalir," she utters a spell, and Astarion can feel gills forming on his neck. Panic flares within him, threatening to overshadow the enchantment of the moment. Delphie, however, forces a chuckle, dispelling his concerns. "It's not permanent, Astarion. It'll last just long enough for me to show you something amazing."
With a raised eyebrow, he follows her further out to sea. Surprisingly, as they reach a depth where their feet can no longer touch the ocean floor, Astarion realizes he remembers how to swim. The skills buried deep within the recesses of his memory resurface, a testament to the enduring nature of some experiences.
Delphie, leading the way, finally pulls him underwater with her. "Open your eyes," she urges, and Astarion obeys without realizing his eyes were closed. What unfolds beneath the surface is a breathtaking tableau—an underwater ecosystem of vibrant coral, schools of fish darting around, and the majestic presence of many sea creatures.
As two large green sea turtles approach, they create a moment of silent reverence, greeting Delphie as if she were an old friend. Undeterred by the vastness of the ocean, Delphie, with a graceful ease, clambers onto the shell of one of the turtles, her fingers curling around the edges. Her connection with these ancient beings is palpable, a manifestation of an affinity that transcends the boundaries of land and sea.
With a smile that holds the weight of countless underwater adventures, Delphie introduces the turtles to Astarion. "This is Gertrude, and that's Vendi," she says, her voice carrying a tone of deep respect for the creatures that have outlived her by decades. The turtles, with eyes that have witnessed ages come and go, seem to nod in acknowledgment of the introduction.
Intrigued and somewhat tentative, Astarion follows suit. Cautiously, he climbs onto Vendi's shell, his pale hands finding a surprisingly natural grip along the edge. The shock of this tactile connection reverberates through him.
As the turtles begin to move, their slow and deliberate motions carry the elves through the vast expanse of the sea. Schools of vibrant fish dance around them, creating a kaleidoscopic display of colors. Dolphins weave gracefully through the water, their playful antics adding to the enchantment of the underwater journey. The majestic presence of orcas becomes evident, their powerful forms gliding through the depths, their calls echoing through the water like ancient songs.
Despite the mesmerizing spectacle surrounding them, Astarion's attention continually drifts back to Delphie. As she holds onto the turtle's shell, her hair floats around her like a cascade of liquid sunlight. The underwater currents mold her appearance into that of a mermaid, her beauty ethereal and captivating. Astarion can't help but be entranced by her, the admiration in his gaze reflecting the profound connection they share.
Caught in the dance of the sea, Delphie notices Astarion's eyes on her, and a blush creeps onto her face. In this underwater symphony, where the wonders of the ocean unfold around them, the connection between the two deepens, echoing the timeless rhythm of the sea itself.
As the turtles gracefully return them close to the shore, the underwater journey comes to a close. Delphie wraps her arms around the sea turtles, bidding them a silent farewell, a gesture of gratitude for the enchanting experience they shared beneath the waves. The turtles, with a gentle nod of their heads, swim away into the expansive sea.
Returning to the shore, Delphie releases the water-breathing spell, and Astarion breathes a sigh of relief as the gills disappear. With a playful smirk, he remarks, "Darling, I didn't need those, to be honest. I don't have to breathe, remember?" The sassy yet light-hearted comment evokes a chuckle from the wood elf.
Once they've donned their clothes and started making their way back to the camp, the twilight casts its magical hues across the sky. Clouds begin to obscure the rising moon, creating an atmosphere of mystery and anticipation. A large smile blossoms on Delphie's face, her eyes reflecting a gleam of excitement. "I've got one more thing to show you when we get back to camp!"
As they tread the familiar path back through the woodlands, the air is charged with the residual magic of their underwater adventure. Delphie leads Astarion with an air of anticipation, her every step echoing the thrill of unveiling one final surprise in their woodland haven. The camp comes into view, nestled in the embrace of the trees.
Still wearing that infectious smile, Delphie guides Astarion to the large tree she had shown him earlier that day. With a playful glint in her eyes, she begins to ascend, climbing the familiar branches with the grace of one intimately acquainted with the woodland terrain. Looking down, she sees the vampire spawn gazing up at her with arms crossed, a silent challenge in his stance.
"Come on!" she calls down to him, her voice a mixture of encouragement and amusement.
An exasperated sigh escapes Astarion's lips, accompanied by an amused chuckle. He begins his ascent, grappling with the branches under Delphie's watchful gaze. Though he loses his grip a few times, Delphie patiently guides him upward. Eventually, they both reach the top, settling on a thick branch that supports their combined weight. A branch behind them acts as a comfortable backrest, creating a makeshift perch amidst the treetops.
As Astarion raises a brow in confusion at the outline of trees in front of them, Delphie senses his unspoken inquiry. "Just wait for it," she says eagerly, her anticipation palpable.
Astarion lets out a huff of breath, and moments later, the spectacle begins to unfold. The ocean below them starts to glow with an ethereal blue hue. Astarion gasps in awe, the radiant glow casting an enchanting spell over the nocturnal seascape. Delphie, placing her head against his shoulder, shares in the breathtaking moment.
"I've never seen anything like this in my entire life," Astarion whispers in genuine amazement.
"You can't see it in the city," Delphie explains fondly. "There are too many lights. It only happens a few times a year, when clouds cover the moon. It's beautiful, right?" Her smile deepens as Astarion wraps an arm around her, his thumb gently tracing patterns on her arm. "People seem to miss out on the beauty of nature," she muses, her voice a gentle reflection. "They're too busy focused on their futures to see what lies in front of them."
As the ethereal glow of the ocean continues to captivate their senses, Delphie notices Astarion's silent contemplation. Turning to him, she sees a gentle gaze in his eyes that she hadn't expected. Was he captivated by the mesmerizing display of the phenomenon below them, or had his gaze been fixed on her this entire time? The innocent smile that graces her lips seems to unlock a realization within him, a flicker of life that resonates within the depths of his unbeating heart.
"What?" she inquires with genuine curiosity, her innocent smile transforming into a beacon of warmth that has the power to rekindle the dormant embers within him.
His response is laden with a quiet observation that speaks volumes, "I've never seen you this happy before."
Delphie, caught in a moment of bittersweet nostalgia, offers him a smile that holds the weight of memories. "For a long time, this was all I knew. The woodlands, the ocean, the reptiles… all of it. It brings me comfort to return." Unbeknownst to her, the admission draws her closer to him. Her gaze flickers between his eyes and his lips, and before she consciously realizes it, she's leaning into him, her face stopping barely an inch from his.
"Can I?" she breathes, the air between them charged with a question that lingers on the precipice of something more.
Astarion responds with a lighthearted chuckle, dispelling any hesitation. "You don't have to ask, darling."
With that, their surroundings blur into a soft symphony of rustling leaves and the ambient sounds of the woodlands. Both of them surrender to the magnetic pull drawing them closer, their eyes fluttering shut in sync. Wide smiles adorn their faces as their lips meet in a tender kiss, a fusion of shared moments and the enchantment of the woodlands.
As Astarion cups her cheek with his hand, the touch conveys a profound sense of intimacy and affection. The warmth of his touch mirrors the genuine affection that has grown between them, a connection that defies the shadows of their pasts. In that suspended moment, perched high in the embrace of the tree, their kiss becomes a silent affirmation—a shared understanding that the journey they embark upon together is filled with both wonder and challenges, and yet, in each other, they find solace and strength.
As the kiss deepens, a realization dawns upon Astarion—an acknowledgment that he needs her. Delphie is the light that pierces through the darkness that engulfs him. Her strength is apparent, but it shines even brighter when she defies the lingering anxiety that has been a constant demon within her mind. Beneath her exterior, he discovers a curiosity and fascination that were once hidden behind the walls she erected. More than ever, she's opening the gates, inviting him into the sanctuary of her heart.
She has proven her undying loyalty to him and their companions, navigating the complexities of her own lineage—a heart of gold fighting the battle of darkness with the genetics of Bhaal coursing through her veins. In this profound moment, he recognizes that she means everything to him. For the first time, he allows himself to admit that he would willingly lay down his life to protect her, even though the prospect is one he finds disconcerting. He yearns to live, but the desire to keep her safe propels him forward.
As the kiss lingers, a silent affirmation echoes in his heart. He loves her, a sentiment that, until now, he hadn't allowed himself to fully acknowledge. In this sacred connection amidst the woodlands, surrounded by the rustling leaves and the whispers of the ancient trees, Astarion begins to unravel the depths of his own emotions, realizing that love, like the forest around them, is a force both powerful and eternal.
As they finally pull apart, Astarion feels the weight of unspoken words on his tongue. Three simple words hang in the air, waiting to be spoken. Yet, despite the profound connection they share, he finds himself grappling with a hesitation he never anticipated. Astarion, who has effortlessly seduced thousands with honeyed words, realizes he lacks the courage to utter the words that have the power to reshape the very foundation of his being.
He reflects on his past, where those three words had been spoken as empty promises, devoid of genuine emotion. Astarion had used them like a masterful puppeteer, manipulating the hearts of others to Cazador's whims. However, now, when faced with the authenticity of his emotions, he finds himself standing on the precipice of vulnerability. Love, in its raw and unfiltered form, becomes a challenge that tests the boundaries of his own understanding.
Why is it so difficult to say these words when he means them? The weight of his history, marked by deception and a lack of love, forms a barrier that seems insurmountable. In the quiet aftermath of their kiss, Astarion grapples with the complexity of his emotions, caught between the desire to express his love and the fear of exposing a part of himself that has long been shielded.
