Astarion's POV
(Moments ago)
The bard continues to be a mystery to him…
Just when he thinks he could begin to understand her, she does something that makes no sense.
That ends up making him do things that make no sense…
She goes and does things that are so full of the utmost purity, but ends up putting her life in danger.
It should sicken him to his core…
Make him want to walk in the opposite direction and leave her to her own demise…
But he found his core to be very warm instead…
Every time he thought about her or got close to her…
He has been burdened with this maddening feeling.
Just when he thinks he could keep a grip on his emotions and his body…
He found himself running in to save her.
When he saw her on the ground still and unresponsive, it drove him insane.
Astarion was lucky he could pay attention to the battle at hand…
He couldn't help but look in her direction every time a goblin made a sound. He was making sure that nothing could slip by him to harm a single hair on her head.
...When did he start being this protector towards her?...
The other two followed him into battle without question.
The Gith was ready for blood either way.
The wizard looked just as worried as he felt deep inside…
But then, the Elf felt pure relief when he saw her begin to move.
The panic left him momentarily as he killed the last goblin in front of him with glee.
He was glad that he got the chance to take down the leader who dared to try and harm his leader.
… When did he start thinking like this?...
When the fight was over, Astarion watched as the human began to stride in her direction.
The rogue felt the sudden urge to race by him and step in his place.
And he did…
…When did he start acting this way?...
He was first to her side as the wizard glared at the rogue briefly before he turned away with a disappointed look on his face.
Astarion could help but enjoy that look as he helped Eliza to her feet in his silent triumph.
…When did he start being so competitive?...
Within an instant his relief turned into frustration.
The moment he got this close to her he began to regret his decisions.
He smelled the fresh blood and watched as it dripped down from her forehead and across her face.
Mixed with the stale blood still on her leg from the fight at the gate.
He froze for a second…
He should have felt his burning hunger above anything else…
He should have immediately wanted to drink from her wounds and drain her dry
But all he could think about was how she struggled to stand and that she kept looking around like she couldn't see anything.
Something was wrong…
…When did blood start becoming the second most important thing?...
When she got to her feet, she couldn't even stay on them. He had to practically hold her up.
He was ready to talk her ear off but he managed to keep himself calm and classy.
After the words left him he heard the most delightful of sounds…
A sound he didn't expect to make his insides leap like they did...
The small delicate laugh that escapes her.
The sight that made him feel lighter, like he could float away…
Was the smile that found a way to her face in the strangest of times…
Followed by the turn of her body. She still struggled to stand so she faced him and grabbed his shoulders to hold herself steady.
…When did she start affecting him like this?...
He didn't think his body would ever relax and panic at the same time under another person's touch.
Under her touch…
Not this much…
Her touch was always so gentle…
So kind…
She might just be holding on to keep from falling, but he could feel her effort to not put any strain on him.
To not be a burden despite her condition…
Even if she can't stand properly at all, she refuses to be a hassle for anyone…
Even to him…
He couldn't remember the last time he met such curtious person...
On instinct his hands went where they would go if he were holding a woman in his arms…
But…
Eliza is a woman…
A… beautiful woman…
Now that he noticed it…
…When did he start seeing her like this?...
Now that he could stand this close to see all of her soft features…
He can admire how the red ink complimented her fair pink skin.
He could see every detail and curve on her face that somehow created perfection…
She's so different from anyone he's met.
Whether she speaks or is in silence, everything about her was beyond comparison to anyone he has ever met before.
Even when she's angry, he always saw her kindhearted nature behind the expressions she wore.
Even in her actions, where they spoke the loudest.
He could feel her hands gentle touch, how she held onto him with care.
He could smell all of her, not just her blood.
The sweet caress to the senses of a bright summer's day.
…When did she become so alluring?...
The sound of her voice as she spoke ever so softly was pleasant to his pointy ears.
But what she said only made him angry…
She was stupid…
Stupid to think that she needed to be anyone's damn shield.
Stupid enough to think that she should put herself into danger for anyone.
Stupidly naive to believe that people would do the same for her.
Stupid for being so… caring…
So courageous...
So calm about it all…
How could she be okay with this?...
Does she like getting hurt?...
Why would anyone be okay with putting their life on the line for someone else?
Although he never asked those questions directly, she somehow answered every one of them. Even the ones in his head…
The words echo over and over...
The world around him remains still in that single moment as his head swims with thoughts.
"It's better me, rather than you."
She couldn't mean that…
But then…
What else is there?
What other reason could there be?
He could see it in her face, hear the sincerity in her voice…
She didn't look directly at him but he could see that she genuinely didn't feel any differently.
She did mean it…
She was okay with the outcome…
Because the person that got hurt wasn't him…?
She didn't say "you guys" or "them"...
She said…
…"you"...
Why did she insist on protecting him?
He didn't ask for her to, she just…
Does…
Without asking for anything in return…
Nobody just does that out of the kindness of their heart…
But she did…
...Why?...
He didn't have to force her or manipulate her to…
She genuinely wanted to do it so she wouldn't have to see him get hurt…
He couldn't recall the last time someone cared for his safety above their own…
Nobody has done anything like that for him…
Not one…
Somehow… he began to feel guilty for not thinking that same way before…
He recalled the memory, as if he said it out loud.
"-it would be better if it was her rather than him…"
A small pain starts to grow deeper by the second, it burns and spreads from the thought of how it could have been…
A thought he would normally be okay with…
Now he wasn't so sure…
If she didn't get back up…
If she wasn't breathing…
If she didn't have a pulse…
If a thought or sound will never leave her again…
If the life in her eyes were no longer there…
Was it better…?
…When did he start feeling this way?...
What was happening to him?
Why was he like this?
Why did she give him these strange emotions he can't describe?
He feels terrible but wonderful at the same time…
What was this feeling that she gave him?
Why was it there?
He could blame it on her blood that was still streaming in front of him, that must be what's making him lose all his senses.
But then, once he saw the dizziness in her eyes...
Nothing else seemed to matter…
She couldn't hardly see at all, her head injury was serious. She needed to get it taken care of immediately.
So, the next thing he knew…
He grabbed the only healing potion he had and pulled the cork with his teeth as he put the bottle close to her lips.
Once again doing something unexpectedly kind of him to do…
The moment the glass brushes her lips she jumps back in shock.
He was stern with her but got his point across without losing his temper.
Her heart was racing the moment he touched her, he figured it was from her own panic since she couldn't see…
However, he came to recall that her heart always quickened in his presence.
Her heart pounded the most under his gaze...
He could imagine a rabbit would feel the same way under the gaze of a fox…
Was she scared of him?…
She was brave enough to face him and to smile at him regardless of her injuries.
But now he could hear her heart race faster the more her sight came back to her from each gulp of the potion she took….
Did she not want his touch or his help?...
Well, if she didn't...
She had to get over it...
The bard was lucky she was even getting this kind of treatment at all...
He had to feed her the potion.
She wouldn't ask for anything, and from the way she reacted she didn't even want the potion.
It was going to get worse, it was best he had a leader who could see and walk
and so he wouldn't be distracted by her injuries….
obviously...
Now, Eliza looked pretty distracted…
It was hard to read her facial expression after their eyes were locked in a silent stare.
It still couldn't explain why he saw the traces of disappointment on her face…
What did she hope for?
What was she expecting?
But then, unexpectedly…
From the look in her eyes, he began to see what it was…
Because he felt it too…
The traces of his own desires…
With her wounds fully healed and her eyes now locked on him. He couldn't help but get lost in her warm gaze.
Who is she really?
Why did she do these things to him?
What were these feelings he felt when she was near?
He felt safe but that wasn't all there was…
He felt calm…
He felt peace…
He felt... seen…
The fresh scent of her blood still on her face didn't compare to the sight of her standing there in the close embrace of his arm wrapped tightly around her back.
…When did he pull her in like this?...
She was so close…
He could feel her pulse straight through her chest…
He can't remember when he looked at her like this…
He has never thought of her as a woman… until now…
With her body pressed tightly against him,
he could feel all her warmth …
See all of her…
Smell all of her……
He could touch all of her if he wanted …
Perhaps… she would let him…
Maybe… He will even get to taste all of her…
He wondered if he would feel the same way if she wasn't wearing any clothes…
…
And with that thought, he realized he was sinking too far in…
He was crumbling from this woman's presence and he didn't like it.
His eyes finally blink himself out of his trance.
He needed to get his head on straight.
She was trouble with a capital 'T'.
Looking at her and touching her was the problem so he needed to stop.
The rogue pilled away and turned his gaze to catch a glimpse of the wizard staring at him with a gleam of hatred in his eyes…
Astarion could care less if he pissed off the human, he wanted to know what was happening to himself…
No person has ever been able to get under his skin like this…
What is so special about her?
Why is she the way she is?
Is it a bad thing or a good thing?
Then he began to wonder about something else…
One thing he didn't worry about before, but now began to nag at him from the back of his mind.
Would he regret it if he stayed…
Or regret it if he left?...
Would it be better to let her live…
Or take away her silent misery… and end it all?
Would he finally be free…
Or tormented by these strange emotions for the rest of his days?
He couldn't give himself an answer, he was at war…
…with himself…
…When did he start to become so unsure?...
Astarion was convinced he was losing his mind, but he decided to blame it on his nature.
Every time he felt so intensely she was bleeding…
Her blood must have made him like this…
Perhaps it's the scent that's causing him to act like this…
It wasn't her he was obsessed with, it's not her brain or her body.
It's what's in her body.
He became so obsessed over the red liquid flowing in her veins, he just ended up reading more into it than he needed to.
So, his purpose was clear…
She must be the first thinking creature he tastes …
Or else he will go insane…
Tonight… He will strike…
When the moon is at its highest he will bite her neck, drain her dry…
and be done with her forever…
She was a nuisance…
He needed to get rid of her…
...Obviously…
He shouldn't be so attracted to her like this, it was her blood that was driving him mad.
That's what it was…
What it had to be…
Nothing more…
He had to believe it… otherwise…
…What else could it be?...
…
…When did it start getting so complicated to survive?...
…
Eliza managed to draw his thoughts away as she continued to be a curiosity…
Her body was tense and her fists were tightly clenched…
She held a tight expression that seemed like she was holding back, to keep from listening to her inner impulses.
What was it about?
He looked ahead to see a tiefling sitting on the floor looking completely helpless…
When did they get in here?
It seemed like she was fighting herself, but to keep from doing what exactly?
The teifling was all alone in a secluded place with no way to run away.
He wondered if it was like his impulses when he craved blood…
When he desperately wanted to bite into someone and drink all their blood.
Was it like that for her?
A need for carnage that is always there but can never be ignored…
Strange how he seems to ignore that very deire when she is near…
After so many years of suppressing his urges, he became a master at it.
He learned the consequences if he didn't the hard way...
But that didn't explain how he forgot it almost entirely...
Even when she's injured, he wants to heal her..
Perhaps it was because the scent of her blood was positively maddening. If he wasn't too careful he might reveal his nature to everyone…
That could be why he helps her.
He wants to save her for when the time is right.
Maybe…
He was taking care of his meal...
Protecting it.
Keeping it strong, safe, and happy.
Then, when it least expects it, at its ripest moment.
He dines in….
The vampire in him was still thinking ahead it seems…
Maybe he hasn't abandoned his nature after all…
The bard then offers the tiefling her aid.
But when the tiefling offered to pay, Eliza turned it away.
Why would she do that?!
Why tell her to keep it?!
Why tell her it might not work after?!
It was free gold! They could have taken it if it wasn't going to work anyway…
Why help someone without anything in return?
Where is the value in doing it if it isn't profitable or useful?
She was a fool.
People will just take and take from her till there is nothing left of her to take.
Of course, she will still have that silly smile on her face when it happens too...
Her bright smile that somehow makes the whole world disappear.
A violin plays a lovely tune that pulls him out of his thoughts and back into her view.
Her hands always play the instrument as if it were a part of her. She held it with confidence and displayed its power in every part of the song. Its magic always has an array of colors. Its vibrant display gives a sense of something warm and inviting. A feeling like he was being wrapped in the hug of a calming embrace…
Healing his very soul…
Every note is beautifully played as he is swarmed by the melody, it fills his ears and vibrates in his chest.
He somehow felt more at ease.
It may have worked on him somehow.
But not for the person it was for, it seems…
When it's over the tiefling remains completely helpless…
It didn't work. So, it should be done. There should be nothing left to do…
Right?
...
He had a feeling it wasn't over…
Especially since the bard said she wasn't going to leave the cripple in her state.
Wherever Eliza went, they followed her closely as always.
She told no one about her plans or where she was going, as usual.
She ran all around this place with only one thing on her mind. She was driven to find something for some reason. Ever since they left the cripple in the crate barn, she's been on a direct path to wherever she was going.
Nobody was going to stop her.
Nothing scared her.
Not even the druid that turned into a bear, she looked at it like she's already seen it a thousand times…
She walked straight past everyone and everything…
Even the man with the funny hat as he shouted for her attention, she didn't even pay him a glance.
Just to get on a beach, flip over a heavy rock, and "find" an amulet of Silvanus…
Out of all the places she could have looked, how could it be the first rock she picked?
She didn't find it…
She knew where it was…
She knew it was in that exact spot… but how?
How did she know it was there?
Has she been here before?
Did she put it there?
What does she need it for?
Once again, nothing got in the way of her direct path.
Nothing changed her goal, she went right back to the barn and used the amulet on the cripple.
Then went and said that she didn't come in here for anything else.
That's it…?
She went through all of that…
To make the tiefling walk again…?
And still wouldn't ask for gold…
Nothing made sense…
Why would she do that?
The more he thought about all her previous actions and everything she has said up until now…
The more he was beginning to see a pattern…
The bard didn't care what it took, she'd do anything to help someone in physical need…
But she didn't get involved in other people's business, unless it came down to life or death in that exact moment…
If they were a stranger, that person was on their own. They had to keep themselves alive, she only intervened if a life was in immediate danger or if they can't protect themselves.
However, if it involves any of her trusted company...
It didn't matter what it was.
She didn't back down from the challenge.
She would do what it took to keep the people she traveled with safe and satisfied…
If anyone was judgmental or wished to harm anyone within her group...
Her demeanor changes instantly…
She was kind to anyone worth her kindness.
But if they were racist or disrespectful to others at all, especially to the people she knew, she didn't tolerate it for a second.
Life or death didn't matter in those situations…
If her looks could kill…
In the end, Eliza never did anything for profit, but somehow always had coin. She searched everything when she went anywhere, perhaps that's where it all comes from.
But still, why go and do these kind things?
They wouldn't do the same for her…
He originally thought he wouldn't do the same...But then his body acted before he could think otherwise
Astarion didn't know what it was that came over him for him to be acting like that…
Other than the chance, he probably was just protecting his prize rabbit.
Keeping her healthy and lively until her untimely demise.
When she ends up on his dinner menu…
But that doesn't explain why she's always on his mind…
Or why he can't stop watching her every move…
Nor why he hated the idea of her disappearing from his sight…
He couldn't even explain why he had these strangely delightful thoughts of her, and not insulting ones…
Other than that he was becoming too soft…
That's why all of this should come to an end tonight…
But… for some reason, it was hard to even make that decision…
He started to hate this situation and what it was making him feel…
He hated the fact she was so caring to others…
Even towards him…
He somehow hated that she would do anything to never have to see her traveling companions be harmed.
Even for him...
She would do anything... for them... for him...
She protected everyone but herself, and it got her hurt…
He should be happy that she would take an arrow for him…
But for some reason... he couldn't be grateful.
...
He hated the way he began to feel…
This woman was making him feel this way…
...He… hated… her…
He hated that she was so thoughtful and trusting…
Hated that she was so kind and strong…
Hated that she was so honest and loyal to those she trusted…
Hated that she was so… Eliza…
…
Because it became harder and harder for him to hate her at all...
…
The woman he couldn't forget was eager to help once again, this time she approached the tiefling struggling to make a hit with his sword.
His strikes weren't landing as they all stopped to observe his technique.
It was terrible…
Eliza then stepped beside him, began to instruct him on his stance, and how to handle the blade.
Astarion couldn't help but be jealous that the tiefling got to stand so close to her and be touched by her as she moved him into the proper position.
…When did he start to get jealous of others?...
Within a minute the tiefling made his first strike on the target.
He significantly improved from just a moment with her sweet voice and firm instructions.
Astarion kept her tips for safe keeping, since they seemed useful…
But he tried not to let his envy get the better of him…
The tiefling was thankful for the help and gifted her with a pretty good axe.
Maybe there was some value in helping others….
She will accept an axe but not gold...
Why won't she do anything for profit?
That question continues to be a mystery for him…
She offers another tip to not alert his enemy on his next moves before she leaves.
He watched as she looked ahead and wore a happy expression on her face. He turned his attention to what she was smiling about to witness the human warlock teach a tiefling child how to use a sword.
It was funny to watch, the man was foolish enough to think he could teach these children anything.
Pathetic.
Why give the child hope?
No one could possibly teach a child how to protect themselves against the real monsters in this world…
Nothing will save them if these creatures were anything close to the monster he knew.
But the determination was clear on this human's face that he wouldn't give up on them.
What a fool he is… Just like her….They would get along swimmingly...
He discovered he didn't like that thought...
Even the kid thought it was useless.
Umi: "I can't do it. I'm not like you."
Wyll: "Umi. I don't need you to be like me. You just have to buy enough time to run. Come on. I believe in you. You can do this."
The bard spoke up, her smile clear across her face.
Eliza: "It's good advice. It may save your life, kid. But, just in case you didn't know, I believe in you too."
They both look at her and give a small smile.
Astarian normally would roll his eyes at the display but ended up watching her closely instead as the conversation between the other two came to an end. For some reason, he didn't like the way she was looking at him instead of the child...
Wyll: "Now you have two believers. You're on the right path, Umi. Go on, now - practice what you learned."
The warlock walks over to Eliza, the smile still wide on his face.
Wyll: "Well met once again. The Blade of Frontiers at your-"
The man's smile bends downwards, as his thoughts become everyone's within the group…
Astarion could see it as if it were his own memory.
He is the Blade of Frontiers, racing through the wastes of Avernus. Just ahead, a diabolical figure- red skin, single curled horn - blazes with flame, bloodied greataxe held high….
And with that, the vision ended.
He looked to see that Eliza didn't react the way he would have expected, she wore a bright smile on her face.
A genuine happy smile…
But before he could question it, the warlock responds in shock distracting him momentarily from her odd behavior.
Wyll: "Hells' great fires - you were on the ship. Strange how we didn't sense each other before at the gate. It must have not been the right time and place."
Astarion remembered seeing them talk briefly at the gate together. He couldn't overhear the conversation, but the man handed her a potion. For some reason, the smile she wore then disturbed him…
Even now…
Why was she smiling at him like that?
She didn't know him…
Did she?
Eliza spoke once more, seizing his attention from the smile she refused to hide.
Eliza: "That woman… Who is she?"
The man seemed confused by her demeanor but answered her regardless.
Wyll: "You saw her, then. Advocatus Diaboli.
A Devil's associate…
From the way the woman looked from the vision, she definitely fits the description.
The warlock continued with a hateful gleam in his eye as he spoke her name.
Wyll: "Her name is Karlach. An archedevil's soldier I swore on my good eye to kill-"
Astarion looked over for a moment to notice as the bard's bright smile twisted into a distasteful frown. The warlock continues as he gets scowled at by the person he is speaking with. While Astarion curiously watches his leader for anything interesting to happen…
Wyll: "I tracked her through the Hells to the mind flayers ship. But the damned illithids infected me before I could get to her. She's out there now, preying on the innocent. I don't kill her, she'll leave behind nothing but a trail of corpses…"
Astarion watches Eliza closely, but she doesn't speak at all. She stays silent as her eyes bore into the warlock's with a menacing atmosphere beginning to form around her.
Everyone begins to feel it as they stare at her in surprise… Even the warlock.
What got her in such a foul mood?...
Only to get sad as time passed, and then she said something completely unexpected...
once again...
Eliza's POV
(Moments ago)
Eliza felt terrible for just walking right by the tiefling and watching him struggle before.
But after she showed him how to properly use it, he took to her instructions quickly and was doing a lot better.
It felt nice to help these people. She wanted to make sure they could fight for another day to live on. To enjoy the good moments in life. Even if it isn't much, she wanted to make sure they could defend themselves if she wasn't enough…
To help them to survive at least…
If she wasn't strong enough...If her plan fails…
She had to at least make sure these people had a fighting chance…
But, Eliza also had to make sure that a war doesn't break out from the inside of the grove, first.
She had to handle all of this carefully…
And she was always careful in everything she did…
She took in every breath in hopes it wouldn't be her last.
She walked every step forward in hopes that the people behind her didn't have to worry.
She spoke every word with sincerity, and with everyone's best interests on her mind.
She wanted every move she made to be for everyone's benefit, not just for herself.
She hoped that her presence could lighten the burdens of the people around her.
She wished for everyone to be safe, happy, and living their best life….
Unfortunately, not everyone felt that way…
That's why she had to put an end to it…
If she didn't do it…
Who will?
Eliza moved forward to see the scene play out before her.
She felt like she's seen this all before, but not to this extent.
Like she had never experienced it being this real.
Somehow, she felt like she was from the outside looking in…
Not standing here in the flesh and witnessing it before her very eyes.
Either way...
She was happy to see Wyll, happy to feel like everything was coming together.
When she saw his memories, it was something entirely new…
She never experienced a vision like that before. Seeing other people's memories through her own eyes was a completely different experience.
She didn't know how to handle it at first.
But the vision of a certain tiefling brought a sense of tranquility to her soul. Despite the terrifying image, the name that came to her mind from that vision brought a wide smile to her face.
That must be who she was missing…
The one person Eliza felt like she needed to find.
She had this deep feeling that Karlach was someone who was a bright light in a dark world…
Someone she felt very dearly for without an explanation as to why.
She felt this way every time she met certain people.
There were only the few she felt strongly for.
But, there is only one who holds her emotions above the rest…
One that made her heart sing and her soul dance.
For him to be happy was all she could ever ask for…
Even if he would be happier without her…
That will always remain as her wish…
But she couldn't focus on that right now. She had to continue the conversation, but all she cared about was to know more about the vision and how to find the person in it. When she asked her question, the warlock answered, but what he said brought her a deep form of sadness and anger…
How could someone kill anyone without giving them a chance to explain themselves!?
What if she was misunderstood!?
What if she was a victim, not a cause!?
What if she was finally free of her demons, and now she's forced to be on the run because of Wyll?
These could be guesses, but Eliza didn't feel like they were too far from the truth.
She may have never met Karlach in the flesh, but her feelings have never been wrong before.
He may not know or understand the situation, but nothing gave him the right to hunt a person down like an animal.
It's sick!
How could anyone live with themselves for murdering someone who could be innocent?
Somehow that question didn't affect her like she thought it would.
She thought it would be a normal question…
But she didn't have the room to talk…
Even if she couldn't remember it…
She could feel the awful dread that loomed over her soul…
Like she was far worse than everyone in this group combined.
Like the souls of innocents still haunt her even now…
All because of something evil deep inside of her…
Maybe Wyll isn't acting on his own, and he is just doing what he is told…
Eliza had a feeling she wasn't wrong about that either.
So, in the end, she thought it was best not to get so worked up about it. Besides, she had a feeling that things would work out somehow. It was best they all traveled together regardless of its reason.
Eliza: "Let's go look for her together."
The warlock's worry disappears as he smiles approvingly, while the gith grumbles in distaste.
Wyll: "An excellent suggestion - but your party is full up. Still -when the time comes, call for the blade. I won't be long to answer."
Eliza brought her smile back as she spoke once more.
Eliza: "You can go to my camp and wait for me there if you wish."
The warlock smiles wide as he gains a little pep in his step.
Wyll: "A splendid plan. We'll talk more there."
And with that the man races off to gather his things and head to her camp…
…but… How does he know where to go?...
He didn't ask…
She didn't tell him where to go...
Eliza decided not to question it as she turned to face the tiefling instructor that stared at her with a smile of his own.
Asharak: "I saw your performance at the gates. You fight We'll. A few words for the kids. Spare a story or two?"
Her smile leaves her as she said her thoughts out loud.
Eliza: "These are children. They deserve to laugh and play like a kid should. Not to bother themselves with this - why teach them to fight?"
The tiefling frowns as he explains in a deep whisper so the children wouldn't hear.
Asharak: "It's that or teach them to beg for their lives. The goblins will chase us to Baldur's Gate, and these kids know it. A warrior like you could lift their spirits."
He smiles back at her, hoping she has something delightful to say. But she said the only words she thought of when she had her plan in mind.
Eliza: "I'll lift their spirits by erasing the goblin camp off the map. I'll do it all by myself if I have to…"
The children pause only to gleam with bright smiles, jump in the air, and cheer.
The tiefling smiles brightly too.
The joy on their faces somehow brought her bliss as a soft smile graced her lips as the tiefling spoke his gratitude towards her.
Asharak: "Thanks. I prefer when they smile."
He turns away and continues to instruct the children.
She had a feeling eyes were watching her every move for a while, but she tried her best to ignore it as she continued forward.
She then hears shouting as it comes from up the hill. Three tieflings among a group are yelling between themselves. Well at least two of them were while one watched the other two wide eyed.
???: "We don't even know these people!"
???: "That doesn't matter."
???: "Of course it does. You would choose strangers over us!"
???: "That's not what I said."
Eliza walks up to them as the one tiefling among them tries to calm the situation between the other two.
???: "Can we stop shouting? No?"
When she get close enough, their argument continues with her presence.
Lia: "Hells, we can't just leave. Their kin."
Rolan: "I'll not gamble our lives, our futures, on people who are as good as dead. We must leave for Baldur's Gate- at once."
Cal: "Can we just take a moment? Please?"
The poor fellow gets completely ignored by the other two.
Lia: "What's the point in blades and spells if we can't bloody use them.? We should stay. These people aren't fighters. We can help."
Cal: "Or yell louder. That's fine, too."
Since the argument was going nowhere between them, the bard decided to intervene.
Eliza: "All of you should stay. It will be safer among your people. You can help if they need it and you could use their help if trouble ever comes. There is safety in numbers after all."
Lia: "Thank you! It's the right thing to do and you know it."
Cal: "She's right, Rolan. We're better than this."
Both of the tieflings stare at their eldest with hope. Finally, he caved into their demands.
Rolan: "Zurgan. Fine. I'll stay too. Lest you both end up with your throats slit by a goblin blade.
Lia: "Thank you, Rolan."
The two leave with a smile on their face as the eldest tries to hide his own as they walk deeper into the grove.
She walked in the other direction, walking past some oxen. When she walked by the smallest one, it eyes her the whole way. This ox was strange…
She then realized she could cast a spell on herself, one that she could use to speak with animals. She plays her violin with hope that it would work. Thankfully, when she approached the ox it had something to say.
Strange Ox: "Ah, you're addressing me. A humble Ox. How… quaint."
Eliza stares wide-eyed at the ox as a small laugh escapes her, she couldn't believe it worked. She then uses her other senses. For some reason this creature had a strange aura about it. it's not at all what it appears to be.
But instead of pestering it, she let this "ox" be..
Eliza: "Whatever your secret is, you can keep it. I don't wish to bother you."
Strange Ox: "I'm glad you think so. Otherwise, things might've gotten very messy."
That's all the ox has left to say, she wasn't bothered by its threats as she leaves the creature to himself.
The bard's eyes landed on a tiefling boy that stood there looking around as if he was left to guard something.
The boy grunts as he stares right through her as if she were invisible… or boring…
Eliza turns around to see nothing behind her, other than the one thing she least expected…
She only met the gaze of a pair of ruby eyes.
Only to look down at his lips unexpectedly.
He had a blank expression, he didn't hold a smile or a frown...
But she never found them this desirable… until now…
…When did she start wanting to kiss his lips?...
…o/ _ /o…
What was she thinking?!
She returned to his eyes only to be intimidated by them…
She felt her face get warm as his intense gaze made her heart race in her chest…
She quickly tears her eyes away before she has a heart attack.
…When did looking at him start feeling like this?...
She turns around to see the boy disappear. She investigates further to distract her mind and calm her heart.
She knew something was there. When she looked for a while, she was able to find the edges of a concealed entrance.
Eliza decided to leave it be for now. As she heads forward, back down a familiar path she walked before. Only to be stopped by another child. But she felt like this one had a trick up his sleeve .
Mattis: "Hold your hand out, lady. Let me show you something."
She did as she was instructed to. He then does a trick that makes a ring appear in his empty hand and speaks once more.
Mattis: "Go on. Take this ring. It's lucky."
She takes the ring and looks at it closely. It looked like an ordinary ring that had a normal energy about it. Nothing magical or special…
Just a plain gold ring…
The little tiefling then takes out a coin and tells her-
Mattis: "Call it. Heads or Tails?"
A small smile forms on her lips…
She knew the game…
And she was ready to play…
Astarion's POV
(Moments ago)
Of course, she'd go and invite the damn warlock to tag along.
He wasn't going to admit it, but he was rather excited but nervous. He was nervous because he had a monster hunter sleeping a couple of tents or bedrolls over. However, he was excited to finally put a face to the name.
He wasn't too disappointed, he looked...
capable...
Hopefully, there won't be trouble between them…
Once they parted ways, the teacher for the children had something to say.
Astarion silently hoped the bard would tell the children the truth.
They were doomed from the start.
But of course, she went and said something else…
She planned to take on the entire goblin camp?!?
Of course, that was her plan all along!
He could see it in her eyes. She was planning this since the beginning…
He really does need to put her out of her misery...
She will get brutally slaughtered if he didn't….
There won't be a piece left for her to drink from then…
Do they really need to kill an entire goblin camp?
Was it necessary?
She will get them all killed if she took them.So, knowing her, she would go off and do it alone.
... and he'd never see her again...
Rather than getting them killed or watching her never return, he was better off following through with his plans.
It was better safe than sorry.
He wanted to think that, but somehow, the smile she made when she watched the children laugh and cheer made him falter.
The view made him forget everything else, as he admired her fair beauty from where he stood.
She was so lovely in this lighting.
The happiness was beaming off of her…
He enjoyed that look on her…
It was breathtaking…
He didn't realize the breath he was holding until he finally inhaled after a long moment lost in her vision.
He snaps back into reality as the shouting became all he heard. The banter back and forth was obnoxious.
And of course, the bard felt the need to assist.
She approached them and told them to stay, saying they would all be safer together.
No doubt, it was to keep them in here in case she failed to kill off all the goblins...
... Why did she have to be a damn hero?...
She then did something silly.
She went and talked to an odd ox…
Something wasn't normal about it, but she didn't care.
She let it be.
Why talk to it if she wasn't going to figure out what's wrong with it?
She did the strangest things sometimes.
Eliza was stranger than the ox…
Then she walked up to a kid, he didn't say anything to her. He just looked right past her.
Astarion found himself staring at the back of her head, wondering what could possibly be going on in that skull of hers.
Why do these things?
Why is she so kind?
Why do something without profit?
Why do anything at all if it gets her killed?
Did she want to live, or does she have a death wish?
Just when he thinks he is beginning to understand her, she throws him into another loop.
But before his mind could race with his rapid thoughts, the bard turned back and her eyes met with his.
He froze…
He didn't expect it… but for some reason, she suddenly was a vision…
Admiring her features down to the scar across her eye.
His eyes then admire her frame from where she stood, with her body not fully facing him.
He suddenly was swarmed with urges and desires…
Her long, luscious hair flowing down her back looked so soft. He longed to reach out and touch it…
His eyes then trail back up to stop at her puffy lips…
They looked so soft as well…
…He wanted to touch them too…
From where they were slightly parted they left enough room for another pair of lips to connect.
…When did she start looking so kissable?…
...
What was he thinking?!
He had to focus…
His eyes tightened as he regained his control.
Locked back into her colorful eyes as they stared into his, he could hear her heart racing.
She began to crumble under his stare.
He silently enjoyed his effect on her…
But within an instant it was ripped away from him…
She swiftly turns away from him, her fast heartbeat calming by the second.
He then noticed the boy disappeared.
She went searching for him, only to find a door behind the rubble.
Once again, instead of investigating, she leaves it be.
They continue till they are stopped by another child.
He does a little trick, gives her a ring, and pulls out a coin.
This kid was obviously running a scam…
Will she fall for it?
Then he became surprised as he witnessed a playful smile stretch across her face.
What could she have planned?
He watched her closely as she fidgeted the ring in her hand. She called for heads.
The kid tossed the coin, and it was heads.
The little scammer really tried to sell it.
Mattis: "See? That's the kind of luck you get from just one of my lucky rings! I've got more where that came from. Real cheap, too. Interested?"
He could see she still wore the smile on her face as she said-
Eliza: "One coin toss doesn't prove a thing. Do it again."
Mattis: "Okay, fair. Let's go again. Heads or Tails? Call it."
The bard only spoke confidently with her smile still wide.
Eliza: "Heads."
The coin flips, it's heads again.
Mattis: "There. Happy?"
The bard crosses her arms as she stated.
Eliza: "No, do it again."
The tiefling child is confused and slightly annoyed but does as she says.
Mattis: "Really? I mean… fine. Heads or Tails?"
She responded with the same answer, and it landed on heads once again.
Mattis: "There. Happy?'
Eliza's wicked grin still remains as she continues.
Eliza: "No, again."
Astarion began to form a smile of his own. He could see she wasn't going to fall for it, she knew the game and played it well.
The young scam artist started to get frustrated.
Mattis: "Lady, come on.. Okay. Heads or Tails?"
She picked the same answer and got the same result. He asked again, but got the same result. The tiefling child was getting tired of it.
Eliza: "Again."
Mattis: "Heads. Or Talis?..."
She asked for heads once again, and once again heads was what she got…
The kid was hoping it was over every time, keeping on a cheerful demeanor despite his slowly burning rage. Even though it should be plenty of enough proof. But, once again…
She spoke in a taunting voice.
Eliza: "Hmm… I think you need to flip it again."
The kid was fed up, he had enough of this game. Astarion tried to hold back a laugh as the scammer admitted defeat.
Mattis: "You're killing me here, lady. You really are. Just take the ring, huh? Free sample. Now, you wanna take a look at the other stuff I got? Or maybe you just wanna go.
Eliza smiles down at him as she say.
Eliza: "I can go."
The kid takes a sigh if relief, he wasn't quiet about it either.
Mattis: "Thank the gods…"
Before the child could fully turn away, the bard calls out to him.
Eliza: "Wait."
The kid grumbles and responds in an ill tone as he turns to face her once more.
Mattis: "What?! What do you want now?"
She only gave him a smile, it was different from her playful one.
This one was… sweet…
She puts the ring in her hand like a coin as she states.
Eliza: "You forgot this."
She flips the ring over to him, the child tried to catch the unexpected toss. When it lands in his hands he looks back up at her with a curious stare.
She only responds with-
Eliza: "I don't need a lucky ring. I'm lucky enough…"
She pauses for a moment as her smile grows brighter.
A smile that somehow brought a soft smile of his own…
Whatever she thought about made her very happy…
It gave him a feeling he couldn't define…
But a feeling he was better off forgetting…
So he tried to ignore it as he watched the scene before him instead of focusing on her expressions.
The teifling only stares at her with confusion, the bard then continues with a wink at the end.
Eliza: "You keep it. Maybe you'll get lucky and get another chump with it."
She walks away as the child stares at her with wide eyes. They all walk past him as his stare follows her down the hill.
Astarion laughs to himself as he walks down that same hill following closely behind her.
It's been a while since he had a genuine laugh…
He did it a lot lately…
This woman…
She was so clever and yet so strange…
She surprised him time and time again…
He could admit he rather liked traveling with her…
He couldn't help but enjoy watching her…
Her actions…
Her reactions…
Her expressions…
Her every move…
Everything about her became all he wanted to observe recently…
He was left wondering the same questions lately…
How does a person like her come to be?
How can she exist?
Why was she here?
He had a hard time figuring it out…
If it was a good thing or a bad thing…
Out of all the people in the world he could have met, why her?
Would it have been better if they never did?
If she never reached out to him to make him feel safe when he was afraid for his life in the pod on the ship…
Did he need her comfort?
If he never smelt the sweet aroma of her blood the first time it came to the senses…
Did he want that scent in his life?
If she didn't come running up that hill…
Would he have been happier?
If he didn't hold a knife to her throat…
Would he feel regret?
If she didn't promise to protect him and help him to live the life he wished…
Would he still have that chance without her?
If he didn't get to admire her voice in the hours of the night…
Would he ever hear songs like hers?
If she didn't save him…
Would he even be alive right now to think about any of this?
If he didn't meet her at all…
Would he be better off… or would he feel lonely?
He realized he never felt alone in her presence.
She treated him like a person.
She gave him respect and didn't wish him any harm.
She treated him better than any other person he has ever met.
She protected him.
She would go above and beyond to make sure he was safe.
He could admit he missed the glimpses of that woman he first met.
When she was brave enough to talk to him like she did and made him laugh...
He wondered what changed for her…
He didn't know where her charm went...
Or when he would see it again…
If he would ever see the bright smile she wore when she was just happy to talk to him…
...
If they never met, but he had the knowledge he had now…
Would he have want them to meet?
Would he regret it if they didn't?
…Would he miss her?...
He didn't want to answer those questions…
He didn't want to know the truth about any of it…
The truth of how he really felt…
Because it was hard to keep a straight answer when she was involved...
She had to be a complication, apparently...
He was left with one fact...
A fact realized he couldn't ignore…
He actually enjoyed her company…
And he didn't want to know what life would have been like if they never met…
If that was the case….
Then how will he be able to go through with his plans?
… He had to…
If it came down to his life or hers…
He had to choose his…
The kind of person she is would only cause more trouble for everyone…
Especially to him.
She was going to lead them to their deaths…
He was better off cutting the ties before he got in too deep…
His feelings about it be damned…
He had to do what was best for him, even if he didn't think it was for the best…
Once again, he had to drown his thoughts about her in order to focus on the world around him.
Every time he got lost in his head, he ended up confused once he woke up back in reality. Time passed without his knowledge, and he ended up somewhere else with their leader talking to strangers. This time, she was talking to a tiefling couple as they spoke about their child.
Eliza: "You need to be careful. That bear would have made quick work of you."
Komira: "I don't give a mrag about me. It's my daughter I'm worried about."
So that's what a good mother is like…
It's been a while since he has seen love for a child by both devoted parents.
He wondered if his own parents were like that…
It's been so long since Astarion thought about them…
When he looked to the bard, she held her own somber look as the father continued.
Locke: "Arabella tried to steal their idol. Druids lost their damn minds about it- they need it for their precious ritual.
Komira: "It's all my fault. I told her I wished the wretched thing would just disappear - or better yet, explode."
Locke: "Now Arabella is being judged by a bunch of druids who hate us. That's not right."
He couldn't help but be impressed, for a child she had guts.
Astarion: "Breaking into druids chambers to steal a sacred relic? Oh, she sounds like fun."
The wizard decided to put his two sense in as well.
Gale: "This grove is like a cauldron boiling over. I say we check on the child - make sure she comes to no harm."
The gith wanted none of it as she interjected with her own opinion.
Lae'zel: "Tch. She got caught. Foolish child - let them judge her."
The bard only looked at the parents and smiled as she told them plainly.
Eliza: "Don't worry. I'm sure they will free her soon. I was just heading in to have a quick word. I can check on the progress if you'd like."
She didn't say she'd get involved…
But she did offer to check on her…
That's not exactly what he expected out of her, but it's better than offering to put herself in the middle of it like she usually did.
So it was hard to tell if he liked or disliked her decision…
Locke: "Thank you. They won't give us the time of day."
Komira: "Hurry. I'm at the end of my tether as is - I can't take this waiting."
When the conversation ended she headed right past the druids again. This time heading in through a stone entrance within the gove.
They go deeper in, down some steps in the dark cave until they are met with a wide opening with a group of people standing together.
It looked like a trial on the verge of judgement…
He wondered how this all would play out…
Hoping that things won't get too crazy…
But if they do…
Maybe it will be a good show…
He thought to himself with his own wicked smile.
Only to find his attention be on the bard most of the time…
Eliza's POV
A terrifying snake slithers up to the child, hissing at her. Startling her as she attepted to apologize for her wrongdoings.
Arabella: "Please. I'm sorry!"
At least one person already tried to speak up for the child. Unfortunately, the woman was all too unforgiving.
Rath: "This is madness, Kahga. She's just a-"
Kahga: "A what, Rath? A thief? A poison? A threat?"
The druid looks at the child with a gleam of hatred before she speaks once more.
Kahga: "I will imprison the devil. And I will cast out every stranger."
Eliza looks at the snake and somehow already knows what it was.
A death viper. She milked the poison before.
She knew it would kill the child in a heartbeat.
Who would threaten a child?!
She just wanted what was best for her family. These druids were trying to throw them out of the grove and bring the tieflings to their deaths. This woman wasn't understanding at all. She was terrifying the poor kid, only thinking of herself…
Eliza had enough.
Eliza: "A thief? A poison? What did this girl really do to be treated like this?"
The druid leader in charge looks to the bard, eyeing her up and down before she speaks.
Kahga: "Girl? You mean parasite."
The bard's eyes twist into anger and malice as the druid continues.
Kahga: "She eats our food, drinks our water. Then steals our most holy idol in thanks! Rath - lock her up. She remains here until the rite is complete."
The vile woman speaks to the child with a harsh tone.
Kahga: "And keep still, devil. Teela is restless."
The creature was just as vicious as its master as it hisses at the child. Scaring the poor girl.
Pinning this poor girl in a corner and treating her worse than an animal.
They treat other creatures with more kindness than the tieflings.
The bard stares at the scene with her own hatred, with her fists clenched and her anger boiling.
She was able to keep herself together…
Barley…
The other druid didn't look like he wanted any of this. He only gets interrupted with her orders once again after he speaks.
Rath: "Come, Kahga. We took back the idol. Surely-"
Kahga: "Do it."
The snake's hiss of approval reveals its intentions. Should the child struggle, it is poised to strike.
Her dark thoughts come along and found it's way to ruin her mood even more.
The death of a child. A timeless tragedy that never gets old…
A small smile that somehow found a way to creep on her face despite how much she hated the idea of it, made her feel sick.
Her mind wants the snake to kill the child, but her heart doesn't. The child's life matters more than satiating these dark fantasies. Eliza snaps herself out of it immediately, wiping the smile off her face. She focused, and the image was gone. Clearly, this child's life was in danger.
She needed to act.
Her anger must have shown as her voice came out dark and cold.
Eliza: "Release her… or I will feed that snake's venom to you after I cut it in half..."
The druid stares at the bard wide eyed, along with everyone else in the room.
Eliza then takes in a deep sigh as she calms herself and speaks plainly.
Eliza: "Just let her go. Her parents will tear you apart if I don't. The girl has been traumatized enough... I assure you, she won't steal again, I'll see to it myself."
The druid stuttered a little as she spoke nervously.
Kahga: "I… V-Very well. Ssifisv - Teela to me."
The snake slithers away back to the druid's side.
There were many sighs of relief. Including the other druid who was ready to drop the whole thing.
Rath: "Thank you, Kahga. Master Halsin would-"
Once again this woman won't let the man speak at all. Her corruption from all the power is clear in her voice.
Kahga: "Halsin isn't here. Keep his name off your tongue, lest Teela pierce it.
The snake tenses around the woman's ankle as it gives off its threatening demeanor to the other druid.
The woman then turns to face the bard as the child quickly makes her escape out of the cave.
Kahga: "Go on. Say it. You think I'm a monster."
The half-tiefling didn't feel the need to sugarcoat anything. This woman was beyond heartless.
Eliza: "Yes, I do. Only a monster would threaten children. You call yourself a druid when your teachings are to show unconditional love to all of nature's creations. You should know that even tieflings are among them, and yet you treat them with such cruelty. You bring shame among the druids and even to the almighty Silvanus himself."
The wood-elf stares wide-eyed once more at the bard, giving her a look of her appearance before she spoke with distaste.
Kahga: "You dare to think you know of what you speak, devil. You would do well to remember that it is by my grace that the child walks freely. I know your kind. You see only villains and victims. A viper bares her fangs, defending her brood. I call her mother. You call her monster. No matter, I took back the idol of Silvanus, and the rite has resumed. We will seal the grove. Free from harm. Free of intruders."
The bard's eyes bore into the druid's as her words turn harsher.
Eliza: "In my opinion, the only devil here is you. I can see that you would have let her die without even batting an eye. You're lucky that didn't happen. You would do well to remember that I am not like other tieflings. It was by my grace that you live to speak at all.. If it weren't for the fact that other lives were at stake… You would be on the ground desperately trying to pull your guts back into your body as you choke on your own blood… It's taking everything I have in me not to do just that… So I'd watch what you say, and think very carefully about your next words towards me, Kahga…"
The druid's very name was spoken to her with nothing but ice and malice. Every intention was clear in Eliza's voice and in her very gaze. The Wood-elf didn't dare to test if it was true or not.
Kahga: "I-I've taken what you said into consideration. I do not wish to provoke you further. I will forgive previous transgressions on the account of what you have already done for this grove. You showed great mettle at the gate - the mettle of a skilled sword for hire. I want you to provide your services to Zevlor. Offer to guide the outlanders out of the grove. I'm sure they will reward you well. They're to be gone by final prayer. If they are not… the viper must strike…"
Eliza did her best to keep her mind calm, all her visions blur together. She somehow knew every outcome that could have happened. And in each one, this druid never showed remorse for the child. Even if she was the cause of the girl's death. She hated to think about it, but the spilling of this druid's blood was tempting…
But she had to refrain from it.
She would be putting lives at risk if she gave in.
Nothing will satisfy this woman until the grove is sealed by a bed of thorns and all the tieflings are dead. So, Eliza said what she had to end the conversation without the means to follow through.
Eliza: "I'll see what I can do."
Kahga: You will do more than see. This tale ends, but one way, with the outlander rot cleansed and the grove forever shrouded."
With all the might she could muster, the bard managed to walk away from the conversation before it escalated. She stood to the side and gave herself a breather as she was approached by the other druid. He gave his gratitude to her in whisper.
Rath: "You did well to speak up for the child. The snake was fickle. A tragedy prevented."
She used this moment to speak her mind
Eliza: "That woman is dangerous."
Rath: "Well seen. Well spotted. We've let a snake replace our leader."
Eliza: "She is blinded by power. You need your other leader back."
Rath: "Master Halsin. Perhaps goblin-caught, perhaps dead. He'd set... Mistress Kahga back in line. Hold her to task. Stop this damned ritual. More will die if the rite is finished. So many more, sent into a world gone mad."
Eliza knew this to be true, but she also knew another way to bring justice without having to get Halsin involved. But she could at least give some peace of mind in her time here, perhaps get him to buy her some more time.
Eliza: "If Halsin is as great as I've heard, I'm sure he is alright for now. I promise, if he's alive I will do my best to send him this way. I just need more time."
Rath: "Would you? I would give anything to see Halsin come home. I'll do what I can to prolong this ritual if you can do that."
Eliza: "Very well, I'll do my best to bring him home."
The man smiles and bows his head in respect as he speaks.
Rath: "Silvanus' blessing on you. And my gratitude as well. Halsin is an elf with the presence of a bear. He left west, with the adventurers. You won't mistake the first druid for anyone else."
With that, the druid returned to his station as the half-tiefling remained where she stood in silence.
Taking a moment to finally breath and collect herself from all the excitement.
Then suddenly, a hand graces her shoulder, she turns to find a soft and tender gaze coming from the wizard as he spoke sweetly.
Gale: "Tiring business, isn't it? All this traveling and adventuring. Why don't we take a little break? Allow ourselves a few moments of rest. Give me a chance to talk to you about something, well, rather important."
The bard laughed lightly as her words came bitterly.
Eliza: "Not even the wicked will rest. So there is no rest for the likes of us, Gale."
Gale: "What, no rest for the dashing? Pish posh."
He found a way to make her smile in her moments of doubt. When she thought she was a nuisance, the wizard began to give her the opposite of what she felt she deserved.
Gale: "We've been on the road together for a while now, haven't we? Survived some perils, overcame some obstacles. Ever since you were kind enough to free me from that stone, I've seen you demonstrate remarkable guile and courage. The way you stood in front of a crossbow to prevent a murder. The way you got Kahga to release the girl. The way you your words found a way to touch me and make me think more than I usually do. In short: I've grown to trust you."
Her eyes widened with her own shock, she never expected to hear those words ever be spoken to someone like her… She knew where this conversation would lead but she never could have imagined that he would ever say it to her. She never felt deserving of anyone's trust. She didn't even trust herself, so she didn't think anyone else could.
His words brought her to tears.
Eliza: "I… I couldn't be more grateful to hear those words… It means so much to me… Thank you…"
She tried to hold back her immense joy as they threatened to fall from her eyes. She quickly wiped them away as the wizard smiles down at her with his own joy.
Gale: "The reason I made a point of saying this is that I've grown confident enough to tell you something I've yet to tell another living soul. Except for my cat. You see, I have this… condition. Very different from the parasite we have, but just as deadly."
She already knew what he spoke of somehow, he didn't have to tell her.
But she couldn't tell him that, how could she even explain it? So instead, she asked out of courtesy.
Eliza: "Can it be cured?"
Gale: "No, it cannot be cured. And I assure you I've left no page unturned in reaching that conclusion. I can keep this condition under control, as indeed I've done for a significant amount of time, but that was under different circumstances altogether. Home, in Waterdeep. What it comes down to is this: every so often, I need to get my hands on a powerful magical item and absorb the Weave inside."
The bard asks the only question she thought was appropriate to know without getting too deep into details.
Eliza: "What happens if you don't consume artifacts?"
Gale: "I'll spare you the finer details, but it begins with a simple biological deterioration. Muscle spasms, disorientation, a slight ringing in the ears. And if left for too long… Catastrophe. It's been days since I last consumed an artifact- since before we were abducted. It's only a matter of time before my craving returns. That is why I turn to you. I need you to help me find magical items to consume. It is vital. Dare I say it, crucial."
She can imagine what life must be like for him. She knew he was a bomb. If he didn't consume the Weave out of items he would explode. She understood the danger the moment she met him. Not only did she take a risk, but so did he. He trusted her with this knowledge even if it wasn't the full truth. He trusted her company, when she was just like him. She was also an active bomb waiting to explode…
If she didn't get the blood she craved, her urges got worse and her body began to attack her physically, not just mentally.
Her skull pounds, her blood boils, her stomach churns, and her brain fills with bloodthirsty thoughts that threaten to escape her mind into the world around her on a daily basis.
So of course she had nothing else she wanted to say. Eliza never felt any different about it, she wanted to be the support for him that no one could be for her. At least his condition was reasonable. His body destroyed items that won't be missed and can easily be replaced …
Her body wanted to destroy what couldn't be replaced…
And who she would desperately miss…
She told him what she wished someone could say to her.
Eliza: "I'd be happy to help. I'd love to, in fact. Thank you for trusting me with your secret, Gale. It is safe with me."
He pauses for a moment as he wears a shocked smile on his face before it grows wider by the second. Till it was ear to ear gleaming, his gaze lingered on her before he spoke.
Gale: "You have my thanks. And fear not - your implicit trust is well placed, and will be rewarded with any and all means at my disposal. I'm sure we won't have to look very far to find what I need: Faeûn overflows with magic-infused treasure. As do our packs, as a matter of fact. We've such an item in our possession already, primed for the moment the need arises. I hope I can count on you."
Eliza nods reassuringly, he returns it with a nod and a smile of his own. His stare lingers on her for a moment as she turns to continue onward.
She already felt eyes on her, now she had two of them. She wondered what she was doing to be watched so much.
Astarion's POV
Oh, joy...
Not only was he obnoxious but now he had to take useful items and eat them…
And of course, she would agree to help. She wouldn't turn down anyone within her group if they asked her.
He couldn't explain why, but he hated how close the wizard was getting to her. The man started staring longer, smiling wider. It's obvious that he had taken a fancy to the bard.
The wizard told her a his secret, and entrusted the ones around her with that same knowledge.
She accepted him, flaws and all…
…Would she do the same for him?...
He highly doubted he would be treated the same. Considering he had to ask her if it was alright to consume blood, her blood to be exact.
No one has ever been comfortable with giving that to anyone, especially to a vampire. He wouldn't expect it to be any different with her either.
Asking to feed on magical items was different than asking to feed on a person.
No matter how trusting she may seem. The only person he could fully trust was himself...She will turn on him…
Somehow or someway…
It's inevitable…
No one could possibly be that nice.
So he should just go with his original plan, it was his best option.
Letting her live is a mistake. She needed to be put to sleep for good
Besides, he could see her suffering…
The pain in her eyes, the clenching of her fists to the point they drew blood. She was longing to be set free, he could at least fulfill that wish while fulfilling his own.
But everytime he convinced himself he should, another excuse would arise on why he shouldn't.
Even if they didn't make sense…
Like the fact he would feel bored without her around.
What would he watch all day?
Who would threaten to maim people if she wasn't around?
It wasn't nearly as interesting when he did it anymore…
The gith could take her place… but for some reason it wasn't the same…
There wasn't a gentle soul in that scary creature.
She couldn't smile like her…
Couldn't be genuine or witty…
There was not one person that could compare to the bard….
…But, why?...
Was it because she was one of a kind?
Surely there were plenty of other women or men in this world that could satisfy his thirst…
But none could seem to satisfy his craving for…
her…
His desire to have this person around him at all times.
The need to witness her every move.
The pleasure of watching her in all her glory…
He couldn't fulfill any of that if she was gone…
But was it worth it if he could die from her being a damn hero?
He needed to do what was best for himself, even if it didn't feel like the right thing.
That was the real question he couldn't find an answer to…
Why didn't it feel right at all?
No matter how much he tried to convince himself that it was…
The feeling he got deep in his chest said otherwise…
He decided it was best not to think about it, to move on, and just deal with it when the time comes.
For now, he needed to make sure everything was going to be alright. It seemed like it was peaceful for a while, but he knew this was the calm before the storm.
He had a feeling things were about to get crazy.
They left the cave only to pass by the strangely dressed man again with his obnoxious voice. He was interrogating a bear. This time, the man didn't feel the need to pester her as she walked by. They pass under a stone arch and down a dirt road. They took the lower path that ended at a beach. Something strange began to fill the air. It was irie at first. But it became… irresistible…
A sound that was sweet and harmonious…
The bard takes a moment to ask as they get closer.
Eliza: "Is that… singing?..."
He didn't think anything of it.
It left his mouth before he could think otherwise.
Astarion: "It's beautiful…"
They get closer to hear a child humming along with the angelic voices…
Then suddenly, his mind goes blank…
Eliza's POV
She approached the child only for him to shush her, telling her to listen.
Eliza didn't need to be told that this child was in serious danger. She knew the song was just a temptation of the harpy trying to lure them in with their hypnotic voices.
A thought finds its way in as she tries to focus on the task at hand.
The best drownings all take place in shallow water… it just takes a slice of the ankle tendons…
She shook away the thought as she tried to figure out how to take control of the situation.
She looked back to see that the child wasn't the only one in a trance.
Even Astarion was in a daze as his red eyes glow purple…
He became her motivation, and she gained the courage to do what she needed to do.
She needed to get everyone out of here before the music could start to lure her in.
She knew the trick but her mind was fragile enough as it is.
If she blacked out it wouldn't be in anyone's best interest…
Eliza knew just what to do to drown out the harpies' sweet melody, simply with a melody of her own…
She begins to sing a tune without an instrument
A song that will use her voice loudly and proudly…
She hoped it would be enough...
Astarion's POV
The suffocating yearning floods in and out as another voice begins to settle in.
???: "Everybody's got a thing,
but some don't know how to handle it.
just taking the things not worth having.
But don't you worry bout a thing
Don't you worry 'bout a thing, baby.
'Cause I'll be standing on the side when you check it out. Oh."
The familiar voice slowly pulls him out of his trance as it continues to fill his ears sweetly. Placing him almost in another trance as her voice overpowered the rest.
Eliza: "They say your style of life's a drag, and that you must go to other places.
Just don't you feel too bad
when you get fooled by smiling faces.
Don't you worry 'bout a thing.
Don't you worry 'bout a thing, baby
Cause I'll be standing on the side when you check it out.
When you get off your trip.
Don't you worry 'bout a thing
Don't you worry 'bout a thing, yeah."
He is free from his trance as his eyes land on the bard. She continues to keep her song alive and strong as everyone around her listens. Even the harpies couldn't keep up with her style and range.
Eliza: "Come on! Everybody needs a change
A chance to check out the new.
But you're the only one who sees
The changes you take yourself through.
Oh,oh,oh,oh,oh,oh,oh"
His eyes stare wide, as do all the eyes in the area land on her. The harpies go silent as Eliza dances forward with her song. Splashing in the water to keep all eyes on her with her powerful range. A smile finds its way on his face as he watches her move to her own music. Not a single being moves as she sings her song.
Eliza: "Don't you worry 'bout a thing.
Don't you worry 'bout a thing.
Don't you worry 'bout a thing.
Don't you worry 'bout a thing.
Oh - Pa-pa-p, pa-pa-pa-pa
Pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa
Pa-pa-p, pa-pa-pa-pa
Pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa
Don't you worry 'bout a thing
Don't you worry 'bout a thing, baby
'Cause I'll be standing on the side when you check it out.
When you get off your trip.
Don't you worry 'bout a thing, yeah
Don't you worry 'bout a thing
Don't you worry 'bout a thing, baby
'Cause I'll be standing on the side when you check it out."
He tried to draw his weapon and catch them while they were off guard. But he found himself lost in her voice as she finished the song beautifully.
Eliza: "Oh don't you worry 'bout a thing
Don't you worry 'bout a thing, baby
'Cause I'll be standing, I'll be standing for you.
OHHHHHHHH Don't you worry 'bout a thing!"
After the whole world around them catches up from what they just witnessed. The child next to him finally says something.
Mirkon: "What a beautiful voice… Wait- why am I wet?"
The feathered creature that was trying to lure the boy in began hissing in distaste.
Harpy: "No! How dare you?! He's ours. Kill! We'll KILL you!"
He watches as the creature boils with rage. It flaps its wings, hops off the ledge, and charges at the bard, who was waiting in the water with her sword now at the ready.
Asterion was quick to draw his bow and release an arrow straight at the harpy.
The arrow flies fast and true as it goes right into the creature's shoulder, sending it crashing into the water in front of his leader.
The bard was quick to use her next attack with her sword as the creature got to its feet. The other harpies become enraged as they fly down and land in front of them.
Each member of the group somehow got spread out in the laps of time that went blank in his mind.
One was stupid enough to land in front of the gith on a rock ledge.
Another got close to the wizard high on the dirt path.
The last one landed in front of Astarion at the edge of the river….
The tiefling boy standing right next to him begins to panic.
On instinct the elf steps in front of the child as he reaches for his dagger.
He didn't know why his first move was defending a child…
He should be protecting himself…
But, if he didn't protect the kid…
Eliza would be sad…
The thought caught him off guard.
The creature swings its claws managing to graze him as he tries to block the attack too late.
He cursed himself for letting himself get distracted by such small things when the claws gashed the flesh of his arm and his blood began dripping to the ground.
The gith makes her strike as the wizard launches a thunderwave at the Harpy in front of him, successfully knocking it back.
The kid makes a run for it, and he can't blame the child...
He would be doing the same thing in his shoes.
But that didn't mean he appreciated how casually he gets abandoned to face this creature alone.
Regardless if it was a child or not.
He should have pushed the kid in front of him instead...
The harpy didn't seem too happy about it either. It then began to sing.
The kid stops in his tracks as the melody turns him around.
Astarion started to slip away until the harpy cries a sharp yell instead of a note.
The creature turns to growl at its attacker. He then sees the small arrow sticking out of its back.
His eyes then land on quite the sight.
Eliza facing away from her own fight, giving the brightest smile to him…
The relief was clear on her face, she was glad she didn't miss.
Did she have doubt in her abilities?…
No…
Something else was seriously wrong with her…
She had to be out of her mind to help him when she had her own foe to face.
She had to have known that turning her back to help him would leave her open for an attack…
But no, this idiot was smiling like a fool once she saw that he's safe…
Out of all the things she could be smiling about...
She didn't care about anything else…
She only hoped she wouldn't miss…
She didn't even care that the harpy behind her was taking the opportunity to strike.
His eyes widened as her smile was still warm and bright when the claws of the harpy tore into her flesh.
Her eyes leave him as she wobbles from the critical hit, looking to the water as she slowly turns to face her foe.
The gore on her back dripped profusely…
His hand began to reach out to her without reason and his anger boiled as the scent of her blood began to fill the air.
Instead of acting like a rabid hungry vampire…
He became something else…
The harpy in front of him turned to face a different aura than the one he had moments ago…
The smile on his face was sinister as his dagger twitched in his hand...
Eliza's POV
(Moments ago)
She couldn't be more thankful that her song worked. The harpy couldn't sing when Eliza's voice outshone theirs. They all looked at her like they had never heard music like that before.
She didn't even know she could sing like that.
When the harpy began to dive towards her she already had her sword ready for anything.
Only to be surprised as an arrow strikes its shoulder and it splashes into the water in front of her.
She looked down at the harpy then glanced back to see the elf holding his bow in her direction.
A smile finds a way to her face as she faces the creature getting back to its feet.
It growls as she makes her attack with a harsh swing of her sword, slashing its chest and along one of its arms.
She heard the other harpies flap their wings as they soar above her and land behind her.
She quickly glanced back to see they all had a foe to face, once her eyes returned to the creature it looked at her with malice.
Harpy: "Ugly girl. Ugly voice. Just die already!"
Eliza: "I could say the same thing, featherbrain."
The creature hisses in retort.
Then suddenly a harpy song fills the air once again, she turns to see the Astarion and the tiefling boy in serious danger.
Eliza didn't even think twice on what she wanted to do. She reached for her crossbow in hopes she could fire it before the harpy behind her could make a move.
The arrow launches and the song stops as it cries and looks in her direction.
Her eyes lock on to a ruby gaze and his white hair glitters in the sun.
She was so glad that they were both alright…
She felt no regret as the surge of intense pain flowed through her when claws tear her back open.
When her eyes looked to the water, the blue vision turned red…
Her body was now facing the harpy, as she lifted her arms to point the tip of her sword at the creature in front of her.
The harpy stares wide-eyed at her, looking as if it regretted its decisions.
She needed to protect them, and at this rate, she was becoming useless. She could feel herself getting weaker already. But something else remains strong... The other part of her volunteered to take on the battle for her…
But at what cost?
Unfortunately, she didn't have time to think before it took control.
Her entire vision goes dark red.
She felt her body move, and she heard the harpy scream.
Once the creature was dead, she heard the cries of a harpy behind her. Her sight returns to her as she turns to see the pale elf on the creature's back, stabbing it over and over again. It flaps its wings to no avail and fought to get him off with no luck. its body then falls limp into the water, and Astarion catches himself on his feet. His shoulders heaving as the gaze in his eyes look vile and cold. Sounding like a hungry rabid animal as he breathed over the creature's corpse. Watching the blood drain out of its body.
He didn't look okay…
Before she knew it her steps began to hasten in his direction…
When she wanted so desperately to stop…
and a part of her didn't...
She feared herself more than anything. In this state, she couldn't guarantee that he would be safe.But she wanted to make sure he was okay...
She noticed he wasn't covered in just harpy blood. He was losing his own.
The long cut on his arm dripping profusely made her both shiver and sting...
She both hated and loved the sight of his blood dripping on the ground…
Each step was a constant battle.
The darkness threatens to watch more blood leave him or cause more blood to spill…
The other half of her wanted to help him, to heal him, and to make sure he was okay…
She wanted him to be safe…
But the closer she got, the less she felt he was safe...Then, before she knew it, her vision went dark…
Astarion's POV
He didn't know what happened…
He blacked out and suddenly he was over the harpy's body. He could see he was covered in blood as he looked at the dagger in his hand,
He could feel the soreness of his arms and shoulders and could guess from the wounds on the creature.
He stabbed it to death…
He should be feeling fantastic…
But for some reason, he wasn't…
He was driven by rage, and the blood covered all over him didn't make it any better.
What got him so riled up?
It started when he saw the bard get hurt…
That must be what it was…
When her blood filled the air, he was suddenly blood driven…
But now he needed to get a grip...
He was seconds away from feeding on the nearest living creature.
Nearly on the verge of draining the life out of anything, thinking or not…
Because the only thing that could calm him in this state…
was blood….
It just so happened that the sweetest smelling blood in the air was getting stronger. He looked in her direction to see the bard stumbling closer to him.
Instead of getting drawn in by her scent or feeling the desire to drink from the fountain streaming down her back…
He suddenly needed her to get away from him...
He was dangerous…
He wanted to keep her safe…
...
…What was wrong with him?!...
…When did he start being so… courteous?...
Especially during a time like this…
He could just drain her here and now.
She could be on the verge of death already…
However, that wasn't a good enough reason…
For some unknown reason…
He could care less about the others discovering his secret…
But, he found that the only person's opinion he feared the most…
was hers…
…When did he start putting her in such high regard?...
Was her opinion really that important?
…Was she important... ?
Why else would he care?
Then suddenly, nothing else mattered within the next few seconds…
Once the bard got close enough she lost her footing and started to fall.
He should have let her…
But of course, his body moved before he could think not too.
She fell, he stepped forward, and reached out to catch her.
The moment she was in his arms, he felt…
different…
It didn't feel nice like before…
Suddenly she was fragile to him…
He felt like she would break in his arms…
If she didn't get away, there would be nothing left of her to save.
She had to get away from him…
But his arms were locked tightly around her…
He was the only thing keeping her on her feet…
She became nearly impossible to resist...
Her blood was very sanguine and lustful to him…
It became all he wanted and more…
And yet something was stopping him…
But not fully…
The smell of her blood was slowly drawing him in closer to her as he stared down at her weak form. She could barely keep her eyes open. Her breathing was becoming shallower. She was close to passing out.
That somehow gave him a feeling of worry…
She should push him away with what little strength she had left...
But, even still, he could tell she wasn't afraid of him…
She trusted him and never feared him…
When he should be what she fears the most…
His lips twitch upwards, his fangs flash in the light, and his hands pull her in tighter…
He needed her to get away but he couldn't bring himself to stop…
His face was inches from hers with his mouth agape as he breaths in her intoxicating aroma.
He was close to ripping her apart but something inside him was holding back…
…Why…?
…When did he start to be so torn with himself over her?...
He didn't know what changed in him to be so conflicted like this…
But then, within an instant, her demeanor changes enough to distract him…
Her eyes opened wide to stare into his, but this wasn't her usual stare…
Her gaze was cold and her hands began to grip tightly onto his clothes. She started to use her own strength to stand on her feet.
Her usual soft expression was hard and twisted with a dark gleam in her eye…
This wasn't Eliza…
It made him pause…
Astarion winced as her hand grabbed onto his wounded arm, but it wouldn't grip hard..
It was as if she was struggling to.
He could see it when he looked into her eyes, she was fighting too…
He only got confirmation as her voice strains to leave her…
Her cold eyes slowly began to form tears…
Eliza:
"G-Get… Get away… please…"
His eyes widened as he heard the terror in her voice...
but it wasn't because of him...
He could see it in her tears that stream down her face and the strain in her body as it fought against itself…
She didn't fear him…
She feared herself…
Were they the same?
Were they both afraid of themselves in this very moment?
They need to get away from each other, but for some reason, they couldn't bring themselves to harm one another... or even move.
When both of their curses were trying to tear the other apart…
Something was stopping them from harming each other…
What could it be?
What was making them do this?
Why couldn't they bring themselves to do what they were made to do?
Was something bringing them closer?
What made her want to protect him?
What made him want to protect her?
Why were they acting so strange?
It was so out of character for him...He could believe it if someone told him he was insane at this point…
What else could explain why he would try to stop his own nature for one person?
For her...
…Was she insane too?...
He kind of liked that they were both crazy…
It was crazy enough that a world existed where they both were the same and yet so different…
Despite that difference there was a force that drew them closer together…
Something inside them that made them change…
That made him forget 200 years of his torturous existence and bloodthirsty nature…
And that made her fight the force within herself that also craved blood and violence…
…When did something like this start?...
When will end?
…Did he want it to?...
...
He was left to wonder as a voice somehow pulled him out of his trance. He immediately closed his mouth and tried to suppress his bloodlust as the wizard approached with a stern look on his face.
Unfortunately, instead of calming down, his bloodlust increases the moment she gets pulled out of his grasp. The wizard holds her protectively as she shivers in his grasp...
But somehow, it wasn't aimed towards her…
His anger began to rise as the man began to spew his nonsense…
Gale: "You heard her - she said 'get away.' What were you about to do? Why is she shaking?"
Before he could even think about ripping this man to shreads, the bard shoves Gale away from her.
Both of their eyes widened as they stared at her in shock.
Her expression was blank as she tried to stand on her own.
She was quick to speak before she stumbles away…
Eliza: "Eveything is fine… I need some space, go ahead and take a short rest."
That's all he needed to hear. Nothing more was said as he went in his own direction.
He needed an excuse to get away, and he just got it.
The eyes of the wizard glared at him as he went.
He tried not to think too much of anything. It was for the best in the end.
He knew that if she didn't get pulled away, things would have gotten messy.The real question was who was going to strike first between them...
Either way, he should be glad it's over.
However, he couldn't help but be slightly disappointed that nothing happened...
But that didn't bother him nearly as much as the intervention of a certain bafoon...
For some reason, what happened really pissed him off….
If he was close to anyone, they were still at risk.
So he needed to take a step back before things got crazy.
He convinced himself that it was what he needed as he tried to ignore his hunger that increased the more blood he lost.
He dug around in his bag and found a spare healing potion…
When did that get there?
Instead of questioning it, he used it…
His wound healed significantly and the bloodlust calmed down a little…
When he sat down and took a breath, he evaluated his surroundings to catch up with what happened to the world around him while he got distracted.
It helped to keep his mind occupied and calm his powerful lust for murder…
All the harpies were dead.
The githyanki didn't give a shit what was going on as she took her rest from where she stood over the creature's corpse. Seeming to admire her work in her spare time.
The wizard took an interest in him for some reason. He remained where Astarion was originally standing. The man was deep in thought as he eyed the rogue curiously.
What got into him?
Was he suspicious?
Astarion wasn't exactly hiding his vampirism very well when he went around with his fangs out, ready to bite his bloody leader out in the open and in broad daylight…
... Did she notice?...
She didn't seem wary of him at all...
The thought of her made him wonder if she was handling her break as well as he was.
He looked in her direction to see her crouched down, comforting the child as she patted him on the head. Her scent wasn't as strong as before. She must have healed herself. Her wounds were closed up just enough to keep her from bleeding all over the place like before. But traces of it still lingered, the scent of fresh blood filling in the air with the stale blood on her clothes.
He was surprised that nothing had happened. He managed to keep himself in control long enough for the wizard to intervene. But the real question that bothered him was...What happened?
He could have fed on her, but he didn't.
He could have walked away, but he didn't.
Somehow, in that moment of bloodlust and cravings of murder, there was a form of peace…
There was something between them that was holding them back…
But what was it?
Why were they so strange towards one another?
What was happening between them?
He was closer to biting the wizard than the bard after he intervened…
But why?...
Did he want her pulled away from him or not?
For some reason, he felt it was deeper than that.
He didn't want anyone to take her away from him…
Why was he so protective over her?
It was almost proprietorial…
As if he took claim over her without even realizing he wanted to…
But for what purpose?
It had to be for her blood…
It just wasn't the right time and place...That's what stopped him…
It had to be…
…What else could it be?...
Nothing else made sense…
For once he was able to calm his bloodlust without blood… which was different…
But it wasn't completely gone, he needed to feast by tonight…
And if things go as planned he will be better by morning…
Now only one question remained…
…Will he follow through?...
He found himself lost by her view, his eyes watch her every move.
The child ran off and Eliza was left alone with her thoughts. He could see she was also trapped within her own head. Whatever was in her mind was tormenting her.
He somehow got lost in her view…
She decided to walk back to the water and went deeper until her legs were submerged. She then dipped the rest of her body in as she watched the water around her turn red.
His eyes lingered to notice the red still compliments her fair pink skin…
She didn't bother taking her clothes off as she bathed herself.
A smile traced his lips as he remembered one of the things he told her when they first met…
Eliza: "OH, trust me - I saved someone from losing their vision by keeping them on."
The moment she told him that he couldn't believe it to be true…
He couldn't imagine that the sight would be as she described…
Even with her clothes on…
She was a vision…
As she cleans herself in the crystal blue waters, the red spreads around her the more she wipes her skin or rinses her clothes.
The way the fabric clung to her skin the wetter she became, it was all he could think about…
The blood left her hair as she dipped her head and lifted her face towards the sky.
She floated for a while as the red began to dissipate.
When she sat back up, she used her hands to move her wet hair away from her face...She became the most stunning sight…
Every view or angle of her was as if it was the first time he saw her...
Her form was more visible as she stood from the water. He could see her bare skin from the opening on the back of her shirt. The wound is still visible, and somehow, he has never been more attracted to a fleshy wound than in this moment…
He watched with wide eyes as she rung out her hair and turned her body around to face him. He could see the firmness of her body from the way her clothes clung to her. He noticed how her nipples were visible as she flipped her hair over her shoulder.
Her words found a way to his thoughts as he stared at her…
Eliza: "Nope. The day someone sees me naked is the day their eyes fall out of their head."
Maybe she was right…
Even with her clothes on he couldn't look at anything else…
The day he would see her naked would probably be the day he lost his sight…
Which would be horrible…
He'd hate to never see this again…
…When did he start seeing her like this?...
…And when did he start craving more of it?...
He found that he didn't want it to end…
But unfortunately…
He is drawn back into reality as the wizard clears his throat next to him.
... When did he get there?...
He looks at the man who had his arms crossed and an eyebrow raised…
His voice was riddled with suspension...
Gale: "Enjoying the view? You must like what you see... Why else would you look at her like you want to have her for dinner?"
The elf didn't panic in the slightest as he played it off coolly. After 200 years of trickery and deceit, it came naturally under pressure.
Astarion: "Oh please, you can't tell me you haven't looked at her like that. You do have eyes don't you? With mine - I can see your petty jealousy from a mile away. You could make it less obvious, you know."
The man scoffs as he looks away with half a smile in his reply.
Gale: "I do not know what you're insinuating… Eliza is a marvelous leader with a caring heart and fragile mind. I merely respect her, nothing more."
His eyes return to glare at the rogue as he continues with his threatening demeanor.
Gale: "I look at her like a person, not like meat, unlike you… You might think you got me fooled like everyone else… I know better, Astarion… I see the wolf in sheep's clothing, if you get what I mean. I don't know why she doesn't see it, and I won't force her to… I will only put my faith in her, that she put her trust in the right person… I may be wrong about all of this and not know what I speak of. It's not polite for me to accuse without evidence, but from what I have witnessed - I do know this… I don't care who or what you are… if you hurt her… you will be sorry…"
Astarion didn't fear this man in the slightest or his little threats. His eyes glare back at the wizard as a sinful chuckle escapes him before he speaks in a menacing tone…
Astarion: "I do not know what you are insinuating… but do be careful who you make threats with, Gale. You might not like how it ends for you…"
The man raises his hands up to calm the atmosphere as he states.
Gale: "I am simply making a point. As long as she doesn't come to harm, you have nothing to worry about. That is all I care to say - good day to you."
Even the formalities couldn't hide his distaste to even speak them. The frown and the intense stare didn't give a friendly manner about it…
As much as the pale elf would love to rip the head off that arrogant snob….
He kept himself together as the man walked away from the situation before it could get worse…
After a while, they were on the move once more, but for whatever reason the bard didn't dare look in his direction. While the wizard did the exact opposite.
Astarion did his best to ignore his boiling rage in the back of his mind… But he couldn't help it...
Who did the wizard think he is?!
He was deluding himself…
Why lie - when he knows the truth?
Why even bother denying the fact he likes the bard?
It was obvious how much he likes her!
The way he stares and approaches her. Even his smile gives him away.
How dare he pretend otherwise?!
Why not just admit that there was more than what it is?!
Why hide how he feels?!
It was PATHETIC!
He didn't know why it made him so angry, but he did know one thing…
She will never be with the wizard…
Not if he had anything to say about it…
Tonight - this will end, all of it.
He was tired of these emotional turmoils he's been put through.
He had enough.
Even if it meant two deaths tonight…
He would love to rid the world of that… tool!
But for some reason he couldn't say the same about her…
…When did he start to... care?..
The closer noon came, and the less time he had of the day...
As time passed and the night grew closer...
The more he began to wonder if he was the one in denial…
Phew! This was a long one. This app crashes a lot if it gets past 17,000 words. It's more than that , for sure. So, it's been a struggle. I can't wait to dive into the next chapter. Let me know if changes need to be made. Sometimes, things just blur together.
The song is 'Don't you worry 'bout a thing' by Tori Kelly
Until next time, my Lovelies!