I want to live where soul meets body
And let the sun wrap its arms around me
And bathe my skin in water cool and cleansing
And feel, feel what it's like to be new
~Soul Meets Body, Death Cab for Cutie
After some sleuthing and investigative work, it became clear to Wyll and the rest of the group that the elusive 'devil' he had been pursuing was none other than Karlach, a tiefling whose menacing reputation belied her actual demeanor. In fact, Karlach seemed relatively harmless unless provoked, and her true intentions were revealed to be far more complex than initially assumed.
Unraveling the layers of Karlach's story, they discovered her true connection to Zariel, the fallen angel. Karlach, it seemed, served as Zariel's loyal follower, although her loyalty was laced with a desperate desire to break free from the infernal grasp. This revelation stirred conflicting emotions within the group, particularly in Ruby, whose compassionate nature couldn't turn a blind eye to Karlach's plea for freedom.
Despite initial reservations from Wyll, Ruby's empathy and persuasive arguments gradually softened his stance. Through heartfelt discussions and a growing understanding of Karlach's plight, they came to view her not as a threat, but as another soul yearning for redemption and liberation from a dark past.
As if fate were intent on testing the group's capacity for companionship, another unexpected addition soon followed. This time, in the form of a ball of fur named Scratch. Despite the undeniable allure of Scratch's adorable appearance, Astarion and Lae'zel stubbornly refused to acknowledge the creature's cuteness, much to the amusement of the rest of the group.
Ruby promised Karlach they'd take out the fake paladins of Tyr who were hunting her down. So, they set off.
As the dhampir stepped into the crumbling structure, she adopted her usual guise of innocence, her features arranged in an expression of gentle sincerity.
Astarion observed from his concealed vantage point beside the door, his keen eyes tracking every movement as Ruby engaged with Anders, the leader of the fake paladins of Tyr. Despite the tense atmosphere, Ruby's demeanor remained remarkably composed.
As Astarion watched Ruby step into the fray, his gaze was drawn irresistibly to the glint of sunlight dancing off her newly acquired scale mail, which he effortlessly dyed in hues of white and scarlet. The armor seemed to accentuate her figure, enhancing the aura of strength and determination that radiated from her with each step she took. It was a sight to behold, a stark contrast to the innocent facade she often wore, and for a moment, Astarion found himself captivated by her transformation.
As Ruby drew her shortsword and dagger, ready to face off against Anders and his cronies, Astarion felt a surge of admiration mixed with a twinge of envy. There was a raw power in her stance, a primal ferocity that seemed to emanate from her very being. With each clash of blades, she growled with a feral intensity, her sharpened canines gleaming menacingly in the sunlight.
It was a stark reminder of the difference between them. While Astarion spent centuries concealing his vampiric nature, always wary of revealing the truth of what lurked beneath his charming facade, Ruby embraced her true self with a fearless defiance. There was no need for pretense or deception, no fear of judgment or rejection. She fought with the unbridled fury of someone who had nothing to hide, nothing to lose.
Astarion found himself utterly mesmerized by the transformation unfolding before his eyes. The sweet and innocent facade she often wore seemed to evaporate in the heat of battle, replaced by a ferocity that was both awe-inspiring and chilling to behold.
Gone was the timid dhampir who once hesitated to harm even the smallest creature. In her place stood a force of nature, a relentless warrior tearing through her adversary with a ruthless efficiency that belied her gentle demeanor.
As he observed her fighting with a savage grace, Astarion couldn't help but marvel at the way she seemed to draw strength from her pain. With each lethal blow she landed, he could almost see her channeling the anguish of her past, transforming it into a weapon to be wielded against her enemies.
It was a stark reminder of the horrors Ruby had endured, the trauma of discovering her parents' lifeless bodies etched into her very soul. In the heat of battle, she seemed to relive that fateful moment, her every movement fueled by a potent mixture of grief, rage, and determination.
Despite the brutality of the scene unfolding before him, there was a haunting beauty in the way Ruby fought. Her movements were fluid and precise, each strike landing with devastating accuracy. Yet, beneath the surface, Astarion sensed the turmoil raging within her, a storm of emotions that threatened to consume her if left unchecked.
The adrenaline surged through his veins, heightening his senses and sharpening his focus on her until all else faded into the background. It was in this state of rapt fascination that he failed to notice the looming threat charging at him, oblivious to the danger until it was almost upon him.
Suddenly, Ruby's swift reaction snapped him out of his reverie, her keen instincts saving him from a potentially fatal blow. With a grace born of desperation, she flung herself behind him, her blades flashing in the sunlight as she dispatched the would-be assailant with deadly precision.
Their eyes met in a brief moment of shared understanding, and for an instant, Astarion glimpsed something unexpected flickering behind Ruby's intense gaze. Amidst the chaos of battle, a hint of sassiness gleamed in her eyes, the usual playful defiance that spoke volumes of her resilience and spirit.
As Ruby gestured for him to join the fray, Astarion felt a surge of admiration mixed with amusement at her audacity.
Without hesitation, he shook off his momentary lapse and donned his mask once more, his smirk widening into a predatory grin as he prepared to rejoin the fight.
As Astarion fought alongside Ruby, a profound realization washed over him like a wave crashing against the shore. In the heat of battle, amidst the clash of steel and the cries of the fallen, he felt something stir within him, a string of emotions long buried beneath layers of cynicism and self-preservation.
For a fleeting moment, it was as if a fragment of his lost humanity returned to him, igniting a spark of fondness in his cold, undead heart. As he watched Ruby fight with a ferocity tempered by compassion, he couldn't help but marvel at the depth of her character.
From the moment they had met, Astarion had sensed that Ruby was different, her entire being suffused with a warmth and humanity that belied her vampiric nature. Unlike his own siblings, who would betray him without a second thought, Ruby had shown him nothing but kindness and loyalty, risking her own safety to protect him from harm.
It was a stark contrast to the cold, calculating world he had become accustomed to, a world where trust was a rare commodity and betrayal lurked around every corner. Yet, despite his skepticism and wariness, Astarion couldn't deny the genuine bond that had formed between them and he felt a flicker of something akin to gratitude swell within him.
As they faced the remaining 'paladins', an unexpected harmony settled between Ruby and Astarion. Each movement flowed seamlessly into the next, as if they were performing a carefully choreographed dance rather than engaging in a life-or-death struggle. They moved as one, their actions synchronized with a precision that belied their limited time together.
With every strike and parry, they anticipated each other's movements with an instinctual understanding that bordered on the supernatural. It was as if they shared a silent language, communicating not with words but with the fluidity of their combat.
Their adversaries were caught off guard by the effortless coordination between them. Where one faltered, the other was there to provide support. Together, they danced through the chaos of battle, their blades flashing in the sunlight beaming through the doorframe as they fought side by side.
Despite the dangers that surrounded them, there was a sense of exhilaration in their synchronized combat, a thrill that transcended the fear and uncertainty of their situation. In that moment, they were more than just two individuals fighting for survival; they were a force to be reckoned with, a duo bound by a shared purpose and a mutual respect for each other's skills.
As the last of their adversaries fell before them, Ruby and Astarion shared a moment of quiet satisfaction, their breaths coming in unnecessary ragged gasps as they surveyed the aftermath of their victory. When they turned to face the rest of their companions, they were met with jaws dropped to the floor.
"Holy fuck...that was beautiful," Karlach quipped before sending herself into a flaming hot rage to burn the tollhouse to the ground.
As the weary adventurers returned to their camp under the gentle glow of the moon, the air was filled with a sense of tranquility, a welcome respite from the chaos of battle. While the others tended to their gear and prepared for a well-deserved rest, Ruby slipped away into the depths of the grove, drawn by the allure of a secluded pond hidden amidst the tranquility of nature.
She shed her armor and clothing, leaving behind the weight of her responsibilities and the burdens of the world as she immersed herself in the oddly warm embrace of the water. The pond shimmered in the moonlight, its surface rippling with the gentle caress of the evening breeze as Ruby waded in, her laughter echoing through the stillness of the night like the tinkling of wind chimes.
For a moment, she seemed to have allowed herself to forget the dangers that lurked beyond the safety of their camp, to revel in the simple joys of being alive. As the water enveloped her, it appeared as if the cares of the world melted away with each stroke and kick as she swam with the abandon of a child at play.
Emerging from the water with a playful chuckle, Ruby's eyes sparkled. Settling herself against a nearby rock, she let out a contented sigh, her skin tingling with the residual warmth of the water and the soft caress of the evening breeze.
Beneath the surface of the tranquil pond, unseen by the playful dhampir frolicking above, a pair of crimson eyes gleamed with amusement. Astarion had been silently observing Ruby's antics from the depths below, waiting for the perfect moment to make his presence known.
With a mischievous grin, he rose from the water like a specter, his form materializing before Ruby with a suddenness that elicited a startled scream from her lips. Before she could fully recover from her surprise, Astarion found himself on the receiving end of a playful swat from Ruby's hand.
"Asshole," she chided, though the hint of a smirk betrayed the genuine amusement she felt at his sudden appearance.
Undeterred by her playful reproach, Astarion couldn't help but revel in the thrill of catching her off guard. "So, my dear," he began, "may I inquire as to why you find yourself in this pond when we have a perfectly serviceable stream right beside our camp?"
Ruby shot him a mock glare, her lips twitching with suppressed laughter as she considered his question. With a casual shrug of her shoulders, she offered a playful retort. "Maybe a girl wanted her privacy."
Astarion arched an eyebrow, a knowing smirk playing at the corners of his lips. "Maybe I beat you to it," he countered, his eyes twinkling with mischief.
"Maybe," Ruby conceded, her laughter bubbling forth in a soft chuckle.
Astarion couldn't resist teasing Ruby, and he watched with amusement as her eyes widened and a blush crept across her cheeks at the sight of him shirtless.
"Like what you see, darling?" he quipped with a sly grin.
Ruby's cheeks flushed even deeper at his comment, but she quickly regained her composure, a hint of irritation coloring her response. "Friends, Astarion," she reminded him firmly, though her attempt to mask her embarrassment only seemed to amuse him further. "But I don't disapprove, if that's what you're wondering."
Astarion chuckled at her response, his smirk widening as he basked in the attention. "How can you not?" he retorted. "I am the most handsome elf in the camp, after all."
The dhampir couldn't help but release a small chuckle at his shameless self-assurance, her irritation melting away in the face of his undeniable charm.
"You're not denying it. Even if you would, we both know you'd be lying," Astarion purred.
He watched as Ruby froze, betraying a hint of uncertainty that briefly flickered across her features. For a moment, he wondered if he had pushed too far, if his teasing had struck a nerve that threatened to fracture the fragile camaraderie they had built.
Yet, to his surprise, instead of recoiling or retreating, a mischievous smirk blossomed on Ruby's lips, her eyes sparkling with their usual playful defiance. Without a word, she disappeared beneath the surface of the water, leaving Astarion momentarily bewildered by her sudden disappearance.
"What are you doing?" he muttered under his breath, a playful smile tugging at the corners of his lips as he awaited her next move with eager anticipation.
Moments later, Ruby resurfaced before him with all the grace of a nymph emerging from the depths of a mystical spring. But instead of words, she unleashed a playful assault, spitting water at him with all the precision of a mischievous sprite.
Astarion blinked in surprise as the cool droplets cascaded over him, momentarily catching him off guard before he responded with a devilish grin of his own. "Oh, very mature," he remarked as he wiped the water from his face with a flourish of his hand.
As the vampire spawn watched Ruby's eyes widen in anticipation, he couldn't help but admire her quick thinking. It was as if she had anticipated his retaliation, her instincts kicking in as she darted away from him through the water like a fish evading a predator. And retaliate he did, moving with a slow, deliberate pace that mirrored the patient approach of a seasoned hunter closing in on its prey.
Despite the playful chase, Ruby didn't accelerate, maintaining a teasingly leisurely speed as if inviting him to catch her. And catch her he did, his arms wrapping around her waist as they both plunged beneath the surface of the water. For a moment, the world above disappeared, replaced by the tranquil embrace of the underwater realm.
As they swam around each other in a playful aquatic dance, their laughter mingling with the gentle rush of water, Astarion found himself once again mesmerized by Ruby's presence. There was a genuine joy in her smile, a warmth that radiated from her like sunlight filtering through the depths of the ocean. And in that moment, as they twirled and spun through the water, Astarion couldn't help but feel a sense of peace settle over him.
As they emerged from the water, the vampire spawn found himself instinctively pinning Ruby against the very rock she had leaned on moments before. It was a subtle shift in their dynamic, a moment of intimacy that left him feeling strangely vulnerable. For a brief second, he allowed his mask to slip, revealing the raw vulnerability that lurked beneath his carefully constructed facade.
As he gazed into Ruby's eyes, he couldn't help but be struck by the contradiction she embodied. Despite the hardships she had endured, the pain and loss that had shadowed her past, she exuded an undeniable vibrancy, a zest for life that seemed to defy logic. It was a mystery that had long intrigued him, a puzzle he had yet to solve.
"How do you manage to be like this all the time?" he murmured. Crimson met violet as he searched her gaze for answers.
"What? Happy?" Ruby whispered, her gaze unwavering as she met his stare with a quiet intensity that belied her youthful appearance. Astarion sensed a depth to her words, a wisdom beyond her years that left him feeling oddly humbled.
It was then that he noticed the way her hands rested lightly against his chest, the lukewarmth of her touch stirring something within him. Despite the gravity of their conversation, it seemed as though Ruby remained oblivious to the subtle intimacy of their proximity, her attention focused solely on their exchange.
Nevertheless, Astarion couldn't help but cock his head in genuine curiosity. "Why would I want to feel shittier than life has already been to me?" she continued, her words ringing with a quiet resolve. "That's why I always look for the sun on a rainy day."
As Astarion leaned in closer, he couldn't help but notice the subtle shift in Ruby's demeanor. Her breath hitched in anticipation, her eyes fluttering closed, and her scarlet lips pursed ever so slightly in anticipation of his touch. It was a moment charged with a heavy tension in the air.
But just as he was about to close the distance between them, Ruby tensed up, her body stiffening beneath his touch. In an instant, her hands ripped away from him as if burned, the suddenness of her movement jolting him back to reality.
"Friends," she panicked, the word falling from her lips with a sense of urgency that bordered on desperation. It was as if she was trying to remind herself as much as him of the boundaries she had set. "We're just...friends," she whispered the last word, her voice barely above a breath as she gazed sadly into Astarion's eyes.
In that moment, he saw the pain etched into her features, the conflict raging within her like a tempest in the night.
As Astarion watched Ruby climb out of the water, a sense of frustration and confusion gnawed at him from within. Why wasn't his usual charm and seduction working on her? It had always been so effortless before, a dance of wits and desires that left his conquests spellbound and eager for more. But with Ruby, it seemed as if his usual tricks were falling flat, leaving him feeling disarmed and vulnerable in a way he hadn't experienced in a while.
It wasn't as if she wasn't attracted to him; the lingering glances and subtle flirtations between them had made that abundantly clear. And as he took in the sight of her dripping wet form, her hair cascading in golden waves around her shoulders and her skin glistening in the moonlight, he couldn't deny that she was a vision of beauty.
Yet, despite the undeniable chemistry that simmered between them, Ruby seemed determined to keep their relationship strictly platonic. It was a baffling contradiction, one that left Astarion grappling for answers in the depths of his own uncertainty.
Perhaps she truly did just want to be friends, he reasoned, but the thought left a bitter taste in his mouth. Would friendship be enough to keep her by his side when she discovered the truth about him, about the cowardice and fear that lurked beneath his charming facade? Would she abandon him, leaving him to fend for himself in a world that had shown him nothing but cruelty and betrayal?
The prospect of losing Ruby's companionship filled Astarion with a sense of dread unlike anything he had ever known. For in her, he had found not only a confidante and ally but also a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness that had consumed him for so long.