A World Without You

by Skylily Romances

Elizabeth Arcana, halfway to her 30s, is sick of her life. Her discovery of a certain game and of a certain vampire brought her joy. Enough to abandon her real life to spend more time with him, get to know him, and even love him. She wakes one day to be IN the game, thinking it a dream, only to find it to be very real! Her fantasy love was about to get a little more personal.

12. Chapter 11: Unexpectedly

I KNOW I SKIPPED A HEAD A LITTLE….

It is intentional.

1: I'm impatient to get to the first bite.

2: I feel like it just fits…

I also will skip a lot of the dialogue we already know…

I am mainly focused on Astarion and Eliza…

If you don't like it, I'm sorry. But the show must go on.

And so it begins…

---

Eliza's POV

(Moments ago)

Once her hands were pruned and wrinkled she finally swam back to the beach.

She looked around to not see the Elf in sight…

But she did see the wizard at the river washing his robe while in his night clothes, his sleeves were rolled up, and his hair was freshly wet.

He must have heard her splashes as she came around the corner because he was looking in her direction squinting in the dark as he shouted -

Gale: "Who's there?! Show yourselves!"

Quickly, she responds with her voice loud enough for him to hear as she keeps the water leveled at her neckline.

Eliza: "It's just me… I'm sorry… I took a longer swim than expected…"

His eyes widened as he heard her familiar voice in the darkness. He saw her clearer as she swam close to shore with her body still covered.

His voice came out nervously as he looked between her, the abandoned clothes, and the other freshly laid out clothes near the shore.

Gale: "O-Oh… it's you… Wait… These are your clothes… Are you -… Oh… Oh my… I do apologize, I didn't realize you were here…. I should have been paying better attention. Do I... Do I need to go?"

She didn't want to make him leave, he has every right to be here…

But she realized that maybe he thought that she saw him get in the water and said nothing about it…

Like someone else she knew…

He that shall not be named, but will be thought fondly of...

She was quick to correct him before he could gather his wet clothes and leave.

Eliza: "No, no, you're fine, Gale. I didn't see anything. I... swam down the river… just to enjoy the nice night… You were by yourself, I promise, I just got back. You don't have to leave, you can finish what you were doing… But… if you don't mind looking away for a moment, I'd really appreciate it…"

It was hard to tell the shade of his skin in the dark, but he looked like he was pretty tense to be having this conversation. But, he quickly blurts his response as he does what she asks.

Gale: "Y-Yes, of course."

His backside faced away from her as she began to pull herself out of the water. She came to shore and looked at her tattered and dirty clothes that were in desperate need of a touch up. She did have some armor she hadn't worn yet.

So, she was set for tomorrow.

She slid into her underwear as she heard the wizard whistling awkwardly while looking up at the stars and bouncing in place.

He was very respectful and didn't peek at all.

But, he didn't seem too comfortable in the silence. So she tried to break the tension as she hopped into her pants.

She asked a question that was rather important for her to know his answer to…

Eliza: "Hey Gale, do you think I'm a good leader?"

He seemed shocked by the question as he froze and almost turned around in his surprise.

Gale: "What? Why would you- Oh!"

His eyes catch a small glimpse but he quickly turns around as his hands raise to his sides in surrender.

She didn't even flinch as she began to put on her shirt.

His voice cracked slightly.

Gale: "Right… Still indecent… Apologies, I didn't see much, truly. I was just rather surprised by the question. It was… unexpected… Why would you ask such a thing, if you don't mind me asking?"

Eliza: "It's alright… I'm really just curious… I want your honest opinion…"

He lowered his hands as he pondered in silence before he spoke.

She then sat down to put on her socks and shoes as she watched him patiently...

His back was still facing her as he lowered his head and spoke softly.

Gale: "I think you're a great leader…"

She froze for a second and gave him her full undivided attention, thinking that maybe she heard him wrong. Only to hear him say even more incredibly nice things…

Gale: "You are kind, patient… and a little scary at times, but you always have your heart in the right place. You know what you want… and you want peace… for everyone…"

He slowly turns around but keeps his eyes on the ground as he speaks more confidently…

Gale: "I may have only been under your leadership for a one day, but anyone with eyes could see the truth… You are tortured more than any of us. Not just by your condition… I can see that you consider yourself a burden... Do take note - that I mean this with the utmost respect, but I don't think you need to be told what should already be clear… However, I can see that I must, otherwise you wouldn't have asked… So, here it goes... You are not a burden… You think for others before yourself, even if it means that you get hurt. You don't care what it takes or what condition you're in. You always try to wear a smile to comfort those around you, even when you're hurt or afraid. You will do anything to protect those who need it, even if they wouldn't do the same… You're considerate, courageous, and passionate for others, but you always forget about yourself… You're kind to everyone, except to you. It's because you don't see your value, and that saddens me to no end…"

He slowly looks up and sees she is fully clothed besides the one foot that remains bare as she stares in her surprise. Then his eyes locked with hers and he spoke with sincerity…

Gale: "You don't see what I see, and that's a shame... Because you're wonderful… I can promise you - you're the best leader we could ever ask for. I don't think anyone else could ever fit the role better. So, don't worry so much, alright? If ever you have need of a friendly reminder, I'll always be happy to help in that regard. I rather like what I see so far. So, don't go getting lost in that muck in your head. None of it is true… You're doing great, and I mean that wholeheartedly…"

Tears started rolling down her cheeks as she stared wide-eyed up at him in awe. The wizard then began to panic as more came streaming down her face…

He slowly approached her as his anxiety began to show in his voice.

Gale: "Woah - hey, I didn't mean to make you cry…"

She frantically wiped the tears as he came over and crouched down in front of her. She tried to give him a response through her sniffles as he tried to comfort her with a gentle pat on her knee while she spoke.

Eliza: "I-It's not you… I just… I don't think… I've been completely honest with you guys… I never told you my plans, when I should have the moment I thought about it…"

The wizard looks up at her, waiting patiently for her to continue as her tears slowly roll down her cheeks from all the guilt she had been harboring up until now. Her voice was soft and shaky as it left her.

Eliza: "After the grove is safe… I plan to wipe out the goblin camp... It will be dangerous and I didn't even ask you guys if that was what you wanted to do. When you went and said all those kind things about me, I just kept thinking that none of it was true, that I'm a terrible leader. I was going to put your lives at risk, all because I didn't want to think that I'm evil… It was selfish of me, and I understand if you don't want to get involved… The last thing I'd want to ask of you is to die for me, that's why I couldn't bring myself to tell any of you. But, truthfully, I'd rather die first than lose any of you… I really don't know if we will survive the journey, so it's okay if you want to walk away… You'd probably be safer without me, anyway…"

She couldn't look him in the eye, she was terrified of his response. But the silence began to worry her, so when she did look at him to meet his gaze. His eyes stare widely at her and his mouth is slightly agape as he takes a moment of silence. He looks at her with more thought than before, only for a small smile to trace his lips as he stated -

Gale: "You only just proved my point… A good leader - would take us into danger without so much as a word, but still fight by our side till very the end. A great leader - protects her own, would sacrifice herself for them, shed tears in fear of their rejection, and still does the right thing by asking what her party wants to choose… Even if it meant that you have to face the danger on your own. You still want to give us the freedom to choose for ourselves rather than just making the choice for us. That seems like the opposite of a terrible leader to me. However, I fear that your tears have gone to waste, because I've already made the decision a long time ago…"

He helped her get to her feet and placed a hand on her shoulder. He looked her in the eyes as he used his other hand to wipe away a single tear to no avail, it was replaced shortly after. Her breath held still as she waited with anticipation…

He spoke plainly and with a smile on his face.

Gale: "Wherever you go, I will follow. You fought for me - accepted me, flaws and all. You're not evil, you are far from it. This team is stronger than you realize, thanks to your guidance. I can't speak for the rest, but I can say this proudly... If it means I get to be by your side, then I'll gladly fight in your honor... Truly, if it weren't for you, I would have perished in that stone long before another soul would even think of approaching that portal. You saved my life, the least I can do is return the favor. Besides, I can't think of a more noble thing. I knew you were trying to help those tieflings. I would love to stick around and fight some goblins with you if you'll have me of course?"

Her eyes still stared widely as tears kept flowing. Before she knew it, she leaned forward, stood on her toes, and wrapped her arms around his neck in a tight embrace as she said in a happy trembling whisper.

Eliza: "Yes - I'd love that… Thank you… Thank you so much… I don't think I can do any of this without you… Trust me - you've already returned the favor… You just saved me and didn't even know it… You have no idea how much your words mean to me..."

His arms were spread out in surprise and she heard his heart race. But slowly over time, his arms wrapped around her to return the hug with a small chuckle that escaped him as he spoke softly.

Gale: "It's my pleasure, Eliza… I'll do what I can. Anything you require, don't hesitate to ask. I'll gladly lend a hand to you, like you did for me…"

It felt warm on his hold, she was comforted by his natural scent as it filled her nose.

She couldn't help but be happy, not only by his kind words.

She was hugging someone without hurting them…

Could it be possible?

She wanted to see how long this would last but then she began to hear his heart pound harder the longer they stood there.

Then suddenly, her mind swam with thoughts of ripping that heart from his chest.

Hearing him choke, watching as the blood pours out of him like a fountain, and gripping the organ in her hand to feel its final heartbeat…

His body fell limp to the ground while she was admiring all the lovely shades of red…

She snapped back into reality...

None of it happened… Thankfully…

She quickly pulled her arms away and took a step back. He was shocked by her sudden act with his arms still outstretched. His face turned to worry as he looked closer at her expression…

Gale: "Is everything all right? You look… terrified…"

She quickly tried to ease his mind as she tried to keep some distance between them…

Eliza: "It's fine… It's just… dark thoughts… They seem so real sometimes… it's horrible…"

Her arms slowly began to hold herself the more she tried to forget what the vision felt like…

Tears still flowing out of her eyes as she recalls all the pain and torture she felt every time the dark thoughts came pouring in…

She told him more than she has told anyone in this camp…

Eliza: "I hate them… Every time I try to be happy and believe that I'm a decent person…

The thoughts come flooding back in, taking that happiness and ripping it to shreds before my very eyes… I see details beyond description… As if it could happen if I dare to close my eyes and think for a moment that someone is safe to be near me… I don't know if I'll open them and everything will be fine… or if it happened and the next thing I know… I'm standing over a corpse…"

She sobs into her hands as the words come out of her mouth in a sad mumble.

Eliza: "I feel like a monster… I'm so afraid that if I let my guard down, I'll wake up from doing something horrible to someone I care deeply about… and everyone will hate me… When I'd hate myself more than anyone could know… I wonder constantly if the world would be a better place if I was dead-"

A pair of hands grip her shoulders lightly but in a reassuring way as she looks up to see a pair of stern eyes staring at her. His voice was clear and direct.

Gale: "You should never think that! It's not true at all…"

His voice became more sympathetic as his eyes furrowed with his own sorrow.

Gale: "I'm so sorry… You tried to tell me before, and I didn't listen. You've been going through this alone and I brushed it off like it was nothing… I didn't know what it was like for you, but that's no excuse for me to ignore your warnings… I appreciate that you felt comfortable enough to share your reality with me… I'm just sorry I didn't see it until now. But, know this - I will never hate you. I can see that whatever this thing is, it's not you. You are not a monster and the world would be a darker place without you in it… You are so much more than I ever expected, and I'm glad you helped me see that. Whatever this is, we will find out its cause, and I will help you to reverse it. You have my word - you are not alone in this anymore…"

A smile finds its way to her lips as his smile gave her everything she needed to know…

He meant his words…

This conversation was new and had no familiarity at all, but she could hear it in his voice and see it in his gaze.

He was glad she was alive and he didn't regret a thing that he said.

And that brought her true joy…

She was told something similar once before, by someone whose words never left her...

She couldn't believe it when she heard them then, but it made her happy too...

She treasured them, even now, she just doubted if they were true before...

She doubted not because he said them, she felt that he meant it...It was because of her actions and thoughts that made his words seem untrue...

But now two people believe in her...

Maybe this darkness could be beaten…

Perhaps there is a way to be free…

She didn't know it now for certain but she had a feeling it was possible.

And she'd be a fool to ignore these feelings...

She took both of their words and held them in her heart. She was glad that she could ask them such things and tell them how she felt. She couldn't be happier that both of them saw her in such high regard and didn't think any less of her.

She only hoped that for the rest...

Eliza: "Thank you, Gale…"

He smiles as he attempts to wipe her tears once again when they finally come to a stop…

Gale: "Anytime…"

She turned to walk away as she waved to him and bid him a good night. He stood there for a moment and waved in return with a dreamy look in his gaze before he returned to ring out his wet clothes.

She walked up the trail with a new determination in her every step.

She wanted to be more than these urges…

They weren't her…

They were her curse…

She just needed to know how to break it, and now she didn't have to look alone…

She heard the soft clearing of someone's throat as she stopped and met with a familiar skeleton.

He looked at her with a puzzled expression before he spoke in his usual old fashioned way of speech.

Withers: "We meet again, as predicted. I shall be here in thy camp, for whenever thou hast need of my services. "

She asked out of curiosity, but she already felt like she knew that answer.

Eliza: "What do you do exactly?"

Withers: "Amending of the threads between life and death. Should thou or any of thy compatriots perish, I will cleave soul to the body once more. It seems thou is already aware of the currency of that exchange, as I recall from our first greeting."

Her eyes widened when he confirmed her suspicion.

How could she ignore this detail?

She knew about this somehow and still thought that death was eternal…

Maybe she knew that it was that way in another life….

But this world has magic and spells that could resurrect any of her fallen comrades…

For once, in her entire time being here, she finally could give a full sigh of relief.

But she still had slight fears that if she ever slipped up and lost herself…

There was no coming back from even death…

Eliza wouldn't want to, she couldn't forgive herself if it ever came to that…

The skeleton waited patiently for her response, but she only asked him a question she has been curious to know for some time now…

Eliza: "That takes great power to just wield it so easily… I read a book in that crypt I found you in, and a name reached out to me… Are you Jergel?..."

The skeleton's eyes widened as a small smile forms on his boney face.

Withers: "My - My… Thou is a curiosity… That is a name I never expected to be called from thy lips… However, I shall answer no further questions in that regard, I'm afraid."

She gives a small nod as she seemed to already understand that he wouldn't say it directly. He didn't need to, she already knew the answer.

So, she gave him a bow, wished him a good night, and thanked him for the offer of his services…

He bowed in return with a smile and a silent nod as she turned to head deeper into the camp.

Her eyes landed on the warlock, so she decided to pay him a visit.

When she felt familiar wiggles from the worms flitting between them.

She asked him things about himself and he didn't tell her everything, but he told her enough. Some secrets he kept to himself.

She already knew pretty much everything about him, but she thought it was courteous to at least ask about his personal life.

Nothing new was added to the conversation between them. She then asked if he didn't mind accompanying her tomorrow on their journey in Lae'zel place.

She heard the Gith grumble from her tent in distaste as the Warlock gave his answer with a smile on his face, agreeing to tag along for tomorrow's adventure.

She leaves him and bids him a goodnight as she makes her way to the open flames only to see a certain elf lounging on a bedroll near his tent.

Eliza's heart skips a beat as she soaks in his appearance.

His hair looked different…

She could see his hair slicked back away from his face as he gazed up at the stars, it's not as fluffy as it usually is…

Before she knew it her feet were walking in his direction…

She steps closer and closer. Before his eyes land on her and her stomach fills with butterflies…

Just from a single look, she is drawn to him and is impossibly nervous…

He looked even more handsome…

She enjoyed the new look way too much as she looked to the ground and felt her face heating up.

His look made her almost completely forget their moment at the river until he said something familiar but it was still just as intense to hear it said to her…

Astarion: "It's quite the sight…"

For a moment their eyes met and when she looked at him she was completely helpless under his gaze…

He was breathtaking…

He corrected himself and said something expected…

But from the way he looked at her, it was almost like he wasn't talking about the stars…

That was unexpected…

But then she began to worry that she approached him at the wrong time…

He was just relaxing and she walked up to him without thinking even about why she was here…

Why was she here?

One look at this new hair style and was in front of him without a reason as to why she wanted to talk to him…

She was still nervous about what he saw earlier…

She made sure she wasn't bothering him, only for him to make sure she didn't leave…

He said the words…

"...You can stay…"

That was completely new…

She then recalled the time she asked about his nails…

Could she ask him anything…?

Would he respond like Gale did?

Would he say what's on his mind?

Like when he saw her before…

She didn't know what he saw or heard before, but she didn't want to overthink it…

She could always ask…

Instead of sticking to the lines she knew by heart…

Maybe she can try something new…

But she was also curious…

If she asked something she wanted to know the answer to, would she hear him say something different…

So far his words were the same…

But his looks were different…

He sounded genuinely enthusiastic about her…

His stares had a deep look in them…

She looked down out of fear…

That look couldn't be for her…

That's impossible…

Eliza: "I-I… I thought you didn't like me…"

His words were once again the same…

Except for some reason…

His all too perfect smile had a hint of a flaw…

She could see his mind wander slightly…

The hesitation in his gaze…

That gave her the courage to try something new…

Something she wanted to know…

But that didn't mean she wasn't scared while doing it…

Eliza: "Is that why you were watching me? Did you… like what you see? Did you... want to see more?"

What he responded with was the same…

But his expression was different…

The way he said it…

was completely new…

He was looking at her…

Really looking at her…

She can't make it up…

He was staring at her like she was worthy of that stare…

The look of someone who wanted to indulge in more than just a look…

A look she didn't feel worthy of all of a sudden…

She took it back…

She wanted to pretend like she didn't say it…

But for some reason…

His face looked like he didn't want to pretend…

Like he was… actually disappointed…

He told her he needed some air…

So, she gave him a bow and tried her best not to look as giddy as she feels…

As soon as she turned away and heard him call out to her a smile found its way to her lips…

She walked to the fire and immediately took out her little book with her little quill wedged in its pages as she sat on the bedroll.

She immediately pulled out her small bottle of ink hidden under the head of her bedroll and began doodling away…

Giggling like a crazy person as she scribbles his features when he stares at her.

The look of his interest, his perfectly flawed smile, and his disappointed look…

All with his new hairstyle…

He probably didn't know his hair looked like that… but he was pulling it off flawlessly…

She was smiling away as she stared for minutes at a time admiring the curves and edges of his face that she got it just right…

Loving the technique of the ink and the fluidity of her hand as it stroked with the quil effortlessly…

How did she know how to draw like this?

She felt like she had drawn his face thousands of times before…

Spending hours in fantasies, wondering if she would ever know what that stare would look like in person…

How it would feel…

If she would ever know what it was like if he was looking at her like he was interested in her...

Now she did…

and she didn't want to forget it…

So, she jotted them down in her book while they were fresh in her mind…

She always kept it on her person, strapped to her side and hidden with her clothes...Just in case she ever forgot everything again somehow, she had something she could always go back to...

When she finished those sketches, she flipped through the book to start a page with all that happened today.

She scribbles away with her adventures and her battles.

She smiled when drew their newest recruit and laughed from the memory of the fight with the goblins when she threw their leader.

She wanted to draw the moments she shared with Astarion…

But then realized she didn't know what her face looked like…

She spent so much time on other things she didn't even bother looking in a mirror…

She didn't feel like that was an important thing to find out at this very moment as she skipped it for now.

She smelt the food that Wyll cooked for the camp but she wasn't too hungry…

Before she knew it a yawn escaped her as she was approached by someone. She quickly recovers and slams the book shut.

She took a sigh of relief when she saw the icy glare of the githyanki before she spoke.

Lae'zel: "The Githyanki people have a word for

men like the Blade of Frontiers. She'lak. Roughly translated: 'idealist do-gooder'. Or better yet, 'benevolent burden'. His confidence is an asset. His pursuit of valor? Not so much."

The gith looks between the bard and the book that she was hiding under her hands...

Before curiosity could be drawn to her little book she pulled it away with the things on her mind.

Eliza: "I know it bothered you when I told him to join me in your place. I promise - its not forever. I'll need your strength when I plan to take out the goblin camp."

The warriors eyes widened and a small smirk grew from her lips as the bard continues.

Eliza: "He will be a good ally for the fights to come before then. You're a woman of power and action, sometimes situations require that confidence... and valor. I hope you dont feel like I dont appreciate you, because I do... You have been a great help so far, but tomorrow will require a different approach."

The githyanki crosses her arms as she stares down at her leader for a moment.

But before she could open her mouth, Eliza was stricken with curiosity.

Eliza: "What about me? How do you view me as a leader? Am I a she'lak?"

The scary woman eyes her with a raised eyebrow, and then rolled her eyes before she speaks eoth frustration.

Lae'zel: "At first, you held that title inside my skull."

She looks up in the sky in thought as her voice becomes softer than her usual aggressive tone.

Lae'zel: "But my view changes... and so does your title the more you speak... The more you act... You are strong... but you fear your strength... Despite the threat of everything around us, you fear yourself the most..."

She looks back at the bard with a stern look and tone...

Lae'zel: "I would thrive in battle if you were there to help us fight, instead of taking all the glory! I admire your loyalty to those around you... but this obsessive desire to keep us from harm will get you killed! Stop trying to be a battering ram or shield. Have faith in those around you. If you choose to coddle them, they will never get stronger! Let them take on their own pain, to suffer from their mistakes. So they can learn not to do it again. If you trust us in person, you should trust us in battle! If we can't even protect ourselves, we can't protect you. We shouldn't be worthy to call you a leader if you do all the fighting while we sit on the sidelines... Let us fight together..."

The warrior knelt down on one knee with one arm to her side and the other on her chest. Her eyes didn't leave the ground as she stated plainly...

Lae'zel: "Even if I loathe your chivalry and concern for others... You listen to me, fight for me, and care for my well-being... It would honor me to fight by your side and face any foe you chose. I wish to do for you, what you do for me... my Ra'stil..."

Tears came to Eliza's eyes...

She never could have imagined a lecture or praise from someone like her...

She couldn't be more happy...

Eliza knew it wasn't the best idea to try and give her a hug...

But she was willing to risk her hand getting cut off to express her gratitude...

The bard takes the giths hand by her side and gave it a gentle squeeze with a smile...

Eliza: "I'm honored to have you, Lae'zel. To fight by your side... You are right... I must have faith in all of you, like how you do for me. I will back off... Because I want you all to be strong... even if I'm not here..."

The giths eyes widened and looked at her hand being held by the bard with a strange look...

Eliza let's go of her hand quickly in case she was overstepping but decided to continue.

Eliza: " I must ask one thing of you... I know you won't feel guilt over my death and would take my life if I ever became a threat to you. And - I won't lie to you, that day might come... Whether by the parasite or by my own darkness... But if you have to choose between my life or yours... I want you to choose you... If I ever hurt anyone in this camp, I want you to take my life. I know you won't hesitate..."

The warrior stares at her with a blank expression...

Her silence spoke volumes...

She bowed her head and that was enough.

Eliza smiled as the gith got to her feet and looked back up at the night sky. Avoiding eye contact as she tried to change the subject.

Lae'zel: "A fine evening, don't you think? The moonlight shines warmly on us. The breeze caresses our faces. Hideous… All of it! Would that I were doing battle up there, among the Tears."

Eliza watched as her gaze never left the sky as she spoke with longing…

She already knew a lot about the gith and her culture. She at least wanted to seem interested in her life even if she already knew most of it for some unknown reason..

Eliza: "The Tears?… Up there?"

Lae'zel: "Look above. Watch the moon cross the sky. The Tears follow behind it. Rocky buddies tumbling through the Sea of Night. One of them is my crèche: K'liir."

Eliza: "Are all githyanki from the Tears? Do you miss it?

Lae'zel: "You're curiosity is to be commended.-"

The gith told her how githyanki were hatched in crèches all over the realm and about the first dragon she saw…

Eliza was ecstatic….

She always wanted to see a real life dragon, maybe she will…

She then hears the warrior speak of how she killed her cousins under a command…

What a brutal thing to be told to do…

Even though the gith spoke like she craved her old life, she seemed ready to end the conversation. Telling the bard they were wasting precious resting time…

If that was the case, then why did the githyanki come over and speak to her in the first place…?

She seemed more like the secluded type who didn't care for talking.

Eliza was worried she didn't want to be spoken to...

So, she didn't try to bother her...

Maybe the gith wants to be more involved than she seems...

All Eliza had to do was ask and they spoke what was on their mind...

They were honest, understanding, and straightforward...

She appreciated them all so much...

She still had to tell the rest of her plans...

2 down 4 to go...

The plus one they are picking up tomorrow will me excited to join...

She hoped...

Before Eliza called it a night, she decided to do a quick sketch of the warrior looking glorious in her armor when she held a sword.

She captured the memory as much as she could before her eyes started drooping.

She took one last glance at Astarion's new look, then closed the book, and held it close to her chest as her mind swirled into the darkness…

As she drifted in the silence and the pitch-black empty void…

She heard small traces of a voice calling out to her…

The voice was small at first but the more she listened to it…

And the more it sounded familiar…

It was a voice that filled her with immense joy…

???: '...Eliza-... Eliza…? Where are you?...Where did you go?..."

She calls back to the voice, she suddenly feels the need to find whoever is calling to her…

Eliza: "I'm here! Can you hear me?!"

There was silence for a moment, only for the voice to call back once more in reply.

???: "Eliza?... Where are you, sweetie?..."

She then heard the sweet tune of a small violin… A tune she recognized, it brought her peace and comfort…

But the voice responded differently to the peaceful melody…

???: "You better not be outside with that violin again! I will whip your tail into shape!"

The stern voice was both scary and yet comforting. Before she could ask who it was, the tune stopped, and another smaller voice called out.

???: "Over here, Grammie!"

A small glowing shape of a child runs past her.

She is covered in mud, hiding something behind her back as she approaches a taller glowing figure that appears in the darkness.

Eliza's eyes widened as she saw the graying hair tied in a bun and a green flowing dress that stopped at her knees.

The woman's face was blurred as she turned to face the child, but her caring but stern voice was clear.

???: "Goodness gracious! You're a mess! Wait now - what are you hiding?… Give it here…"

The child didnt dare to retort…

She pulled out the tiny violin and the bow.

Both of them were covered in mud.

The woman took them and looked at them in silence.

The child had her head bowed.

Eliza stepped closer to them.

She felt something close to this child…

As she crouched down and took a closer look.

Her eyes widened in surprise when she could see the child's face clear as day.

Her eyes were a gorgeous bright green, her small lips were shaped in a frown, and scrunched up to her button nose. The worry and fear is clear on her youthful face.

But then her face changes to her own surprise as a gentle hand pats her head after she sets the violin down on a surface.

The woman's voice was sweet and kind.

???: "You're getting much better, dear. Did you get a big audience today?"

The child looks up in shock only to grow the biggest smile.

The joy was clear in her loud little voice.

???: "There was a dog and two cats! Then a few squirrels wanted to join. I got excited so I started marching to the stream and they followed me. There were some frogs and a lizard but they weren't too excited by my dancing… I started jumping and splashing in the stream, that's when I lost them…"

The woman laughed with a small bounce in her shoulders…

Her next question was once again unexpected.

???: "Did you have a good time?"

The child brightened as she spoke enthusiastically.

???: "I had a great time! I loved the music. I loved to dance. I loved the water and the mud. I didn't care if anyone was watching."

The woman then crouches down to the child and wipes the mud off her face as she speaks softly.

???: Then, that's all that matters. As long as you're happy and you do what you love…You do know what love is, right?"

The child ponders a moment to herself, but then nods as she speaks cautiously.

???: "I think so… Isn't it something you really, really like?..."

The woman shrugs her shoulders with a little bob of her head.

Everything she says hits deep in Eliza's heart.

???: "Eh… Almost… It is something you care deeply for, but there's more to it than that. Love can be beautiful, but it can be hard to let go of or hard to keep to yourself. It can practically glow off your skin and its radiance can't be compared to anything else. The more you love something - the brighter you shine, the lighter you feel, and the more colors you see. The happier you'll be. You'll feel like you can do anything… But, it can also make you feel horrible… You can miss the feeling terribly, feel a deeper pain than any wound can inflict when it hurts you, and feel a fear, unlike anything you've ever known if you lose it… You'll feel lost without it… and only feel whole when it's there. Love is powerful and terrifying, but once you have it… You'll know it and you'll do anything to protect it… Anything to keep it… Anything to never lose it… Even if it's bad for you… Even if it costs your life…You'd give it all up in a heartbeat to keep whatever or whoever you love safe…"

The little girl looked up with wonder in her eyes but also a hint of confusion as she said something that swelled in her chest and swirled in her mind…

???: "Love is the most powerful thing in the universe. It can do incredible things, impossible things, and it lives long after you're gone… Real love… can never die…"

But then the woman changed her tune as she began to straggle the child's hair into a mess.

???: "And it can drive you absolutely crazy! Especially when someone you love doesn't listen!"

The woman stands to her feet as the child smiles and laughs. Her voice was still stern but somehow Eliza could hear the smile in her voice.

???: "Which is why you're lucky I love you, Eliza. Otherwise, I'd tear you a new one for getting mud on your violin! You got to take better care of it, child!"

The half-tiefling's eyes were wide…

She just realized…

This woman called this little girl…

Eliza…

Was this…

Was this a memory…?

Why couldn't she recognize herself?

This Eliza didn't have horns or a tail…

She looked like a normal human girl…

How could this be?

Was this another life?

Who was this woman to this Eliza?

Was this her grandmother?

Where are her-

Grammie: "Now, go get yourself cleaned up… I'll clean the violin. Your father is on his way, he's picking you up today…"

The sound of the woman's voice didn't have the sweetness it did before at the mention of her father as she turned to do something.

The child's face didn't have the same glow anymore…

Her head lowered and her demeanor became dark and sorrowful…

Her voice trembled as she mumbled…

Little Eliza: "Where is mom? Or maybe Stephenie…"

The woman looked down at her in silence for a moment before she answered.

She turns away from her to work on the violin and starts gathering things to clean it as she speaks plainly.

Grammie: "Your mom had to work. You know how busy she is trying to run a business. She told me you're getting too old for a babysitter. So, you won't be seeing Stephenie anymore. Now that your father is back, he wants to be in your life more. So, he volunteered to pick you up from now on. Now, go get a shower and into fresh clothes, he'll be here in an hour."

The child looks to the floor with all her energy and passion completely gone.

She mumbles quietly to herself.

But only the bard seemed to hear it clearly…

Little Eliza: "I hope he's not drunk again…"

The child turns to run away without another word and fades from her vision.

All that was left was the glow of the old woman.

Eliza stood up and reached out to the vision of the older woman only for it to fade as a large booming sound started ponding on a wooden surface.

BAM - BAM - BAM!

A voice that sent fear in her heart and grinding chills down her spine shouted loudly…

???: "OPEN THE DAMN DOOR!"

The shape of a door floods her vision. The glow of red peaking around the edges as the pounding vibrates the door, rattles the knob and its hinges.

BAM - BAM - BAM!!!

The voice screams angrily and makes her want to curl into a ball and cry…

???: "NOW, YOU LITTLE SHIT - OR I'M GONNA KICK THE DOOR IN AND TURN YOUR STUPID VIOLIN INTO SPLINTERS!! YOU WON'T EAT OR MOVE FOR A WEEK UNLESS I SAY SO - YOU HEAR ME!?!"

The pounding vibrates in her chest when she covers her ears and closes her eyes.

BAM - BAM - BAM!!!

The voice shouts as the door flies open with one good loud kick.

And a large shadow with claws came flooding in…

???: "THATS IT - COME HERE!!!"

She hears tiny screams of a little Eliza...

---

Her eyes shoot open in her terror.

Only for the sight to take away all the fear in an instant…

Even if his mouth was open and his fangs were ready to bite her.

She wasn't afraid, she was only happy to see a friendly face…

That whatever was in her nightmare couldn't reach her anymore…

The elf's eyes open to meet with hers.

Panic shows on his face, as he backs away from her as a word escapes him…

Astarion: "Shit…"

She sat up and gave him a puzzled look.

He was quick to his feet when she started to get to hers…

His voice was full of worry…

Astarion: "No, no - It's not what it looks like, I swear!"

So, she tried her best to ease his mind as she gave him a soft smile.

While she tried to not get nervous as he still looked flawless with his new style…

Her smile shocked him a little, but his panic was still clear in his voice.

Astarion: "I-I wasn't going to hurt you!… I… I just needed - well, blood…"

There in the dim firelight she could see what she knew all along.

The soft glow of his pale skin that stole her gaze…

The gorgeous shine of his white hair in the moonlight from above…

The dance of the camp flames is glamorous in his worried ruby eyes…

She sees him for what he really is, a beautiful vampire…

His alluring lips twitch up to reveal his teeth and his tongue tracing the tips of his pearly white fangs.

The rogue is a slave to sanguine hunger…

The elf she was madly in love with…

Even if he was bad for her…

Even if she was bad for him…

He was her everything…

The smile never left her as she said something that shocked him to his core.

Eliza: "I know…"

For a moment, he looked frozen in time…

---

Astarion's POV

(Moments before)

She saw…

She couldn't have not seen it…

She saw that he was ready to bite her…

What is she going to do?

Does she hate him?!

Wait…

Why was she smiling?...

Is this some weird tactic to keep his guard down?

She still looked a little uncomfortable…

He couldn't lie out of it…

So he speaks the truth…

He didn't want to hurt her at all…

And for some reason…

Even after admitting the truth…

She looked like she didn't want to hurt him either…

In fact, she had a strange look in her eyes…

Almost… dreamy like…

But then she said something that shocked him beyond his wildest dreams…

Her smile was bright and her voice was warm as she said the words…

"I know…"

She… she does…

Wait - when?…

For how long?...

Why didn't she say anything?!...

Why isn't he saying anything?…

It was just… completely unexpected…

He was still recovering from his shock.

The words finally left him as he eyes her curiously…

His entire body leaning forward to hear whatever she had to say when he asked…

Astarion: "You…You knew… But… How?... When?..."

She chuckled softly at first but then she gave another smile when she spoke…

Eliza: "I always knew, Astarion…"

His eyes widened and his jaw dropped slightly…

He felt something flutter in his stomach when he heard his name through her lips…

He realized she never spoke his name to him like this before…

She did once when she was dreaming…

But it never affected him then

It never affected him like this…

He couldn't believe it…

She didn't fear him…

She didn't ridicule him…

She didn't treat him like a monster…

She didn't say a word about it until he told her…

She did everything she did for him…

And she knew his secret…

All this time…?

Why?

His silence left her open to continue, and he didn't dare to interrupt…

Eliza: "I knew since the moment we met. I may not know much, but I do know that there aren't many elves with red eyes and fangs. There have been many clues too. You got really antsy when there was blood and nervous around the boar. You also weren't exactly secretive with that bite mark on your neck, either."

He instinctively reached for the mark he never forgot…

The permanent reminder that changed his life…

The bite that signed his life away to his master…

Forever…

Incredible, it is still visible after all these years…

He couldn't wrap his mind around it…

She knew all this time…

and she didn't care?

He had to ask her or it was going to drive him mad…

Astarion: "You weren't afraid of me? I'm one of the things many people fear in the hours of the night. You really didn't think of me as a monster?"

Her eyes widened and her stance grew tall as she spoke with a new determination in her voice…

Eliza: "Never!"

He gapes at her in shock as her words swell in his chest.

Eliza: "I never once thought that. You are a person above anything else. You have thoughts and feelings. I know you're just trying to live. You need blood to survive. I have no right to hate what you can control…"

She then proceeded to take her hand and move her hair away from her neck as she said-

Eliza: "If you need my blood… Go ahead…

I'd be glad to help you if it's what you need to get stronger…"

He couldn't believe what he just heard…

He can't believe what he is seeing before his very eyes…

He's never been told anything like that by anyone…

He didn't have to take it from her…

He didn't have to ask…

He didn't have to beg…

She just offered her blood to him…

No one has ever done that before…

No one…

Astarion: "R-Really?"

Was this a trap?…

It didn't feel like one…

When her eyes turned to meet him once more and she gave a smile that looked genuine.

She didn't show a hint of fear or deceit…

Was this a dream?...

This was too good to be true…

He didn't know how to respond…

How could he?

…He never could have imagined this…

Then, suddenly, just when he was starting to doubt if he could trust it…

He could feel her influence…

She let him in her head…

But, when she let him in, he saw more than what he could have ever expected.

She showed him exactly how she sees him…

Exactly what she said…

She saw him as a person, not just a vampire…

She cares about his opinion…

Cares about how he feels…

Cares about what he thinks…

She was thankful to him for all the times he helped her…

Grateful for all the times he saved her…

And felt terrible that she never told him…

…She showed him how she really felt…

…She trusted him…

Completely…

She trusted him with this…

He was flitting between two feelings…

Feelings he never thought he would feel in this moment…

Happy…

and guilty…

Before he knew it, the words left him as his body stepped closer.

All doubts and fear left him…

How could she fake that…?

He couldn't hold back the smile tracing on his face as he spoke softly…

Astarion: "I... I appreciated that… Let's…

Let's make ourselves comfortable, shall we?"

She does as he directed and laid back down on the bedroll…

Her eyes were closed and her smile remained…

He gets back into the same position as he was before.

But this time he stops and stares for a moment at her peaceful look…

Her expression didn't change…

She wasn't afraid at all…

He can just bite her now…

This was the moment he's been waiting for…

So, why was he hesitating?...

He had to make himself move as he leaned in closer.

The fresh smell of her skin became intoxicating…

The thrum of her heartbeat was racing once more…

The pulse from her neck was perfectly bare in the firelight…

Finally, he couldn't resist the temptation anymore.

His fangs pierce her delicate neck and the most incredible taste he has ever tasted flooded into his mouth…

Her warmth, her flavor is beyond comparison to anything he has ever had in his entire life…

Each gulp slides down his throat with the carnal lust for more behind each swallow…

He could feel her breath grow still.

Her pulse quickened under his lips, practically pumping the blood into his mouth…

He felt all her little shivers and shakes…

He never tasted anything this pure…

So sweet…

So lovely…

So inviting…

Is this…

…Is this what happiness tastes like?...

If it is…

He could drown in it…

He never wanted it to stop…

He lost all sense and reason…

He wanted it…

He craved it…

All of it…

---

Eliza's POV

(Moments before)

She closed her eyes when she lied down.

She couldn't look at him…

It already took everything it had in her not to reveal too much to him…

She didn't want to reveal it in her blood either…

If that was possible…

For a while, nothing happened.

She almost opened her eyes the longer it went on…

Until his bite felt like a shard of ice as it pierced her neck.

It was a quick, sharp pain that fades into a throbbing numbness…

The way his lips feel on her neck gave her a feeling she couldn't describe.

Her heart quickened the more her senses filled with everything he had to offer…

Her body shivers under his touch as his hands begin to securely hold her…

Her breath went still as his scent completely filled her nose…

The shakes her body makes from the delightful sounds that escape him the more blood he drinks…

Did she taste alright?

Was she helping him?

Was he happy?

If he is…

That's all she wanted for him…

A smile escapes her as her body fills with the same peace as before…

She should stop him...

but what if it wasn't enough for him...

She could let go…

She could stay like this...

Even if he doesn't stop...

Even if she dies…

Eliza was just glad she could do this for him…

It was better to die by his hand than lose him down the road…

She didn't fear death when he was near…

She only heard his death...

With him she felt whole… and complete…

She loved him…

So, that's why she let herself be brave enough to do the unthinkable…

If this was to be her end…

The least she could do is comfort him in her final moments…

A song fills her heart, and she gives it to him as a gift…

As her goodbye…

---

Astarion's POV

It's incredible…

He can't give this up.

He didn't want to stop…

She didn't push away…

She didn't struggle at all…

He got lost in his ravenous hunger…

Until, suddenly, his body jolts as a gentle hand finds its way to the back of his head…

Holding him there…

He could feel the small traces of her hand pet through his hair and touch his scalp.

It was a touch unlike anything he has felt before…

It was kind and thoughtful…

It was comforting…

Never once did he know comfort when he fed...

He never thought the first person he'd feed on would be like this…

He never imagined that anyone would ever be kind to someone like him…

That anyone would be happy that he was taking from them…

For his first thinking creature…

He loved this… more than anything…

Then his pointy ears hear a soft hum…

Then came her voice, as a song left her lips…

He opened his eyes and the melody filled in his chest as her pulse began to slow down…

Eliza: "Do you long to be left all alone?

Set apart with a heart made of stone?…

There's a light that you shine…

There's a love, I see it in your eyes…

Every day, Every night…"

His eyes widened as her words entered softly in his ears…

A deep feeling swells inside of him as the last of her words fill the night and her heart begins to grow quieter…

Eliza: "I know time may divide…

But fate is something we refuse to hide…

And it's real, and it's right…"

The feeling grew darker and gripped tighter in his chest as each gulp took her energy little by little…

Her words still leave her, beautifully and sweetly…

Eliza: "Something strange, out of sight…"

He could hear her voice become frail and weak…

He shouldn't care, he should be long past it…

But something stabs him deeper than any stake to the heart as her last words fill the night…

Eliza: "We say… goodnight…"

Nothing stops him as he drinks every last delicious drop from her body…

She goes limp in his hold…

The gentle touch of her hand slides from the back of his head and falls to the ground with a soft thud…

Her breath is still…

Her pulse is gone…

Her heart stopped beating…

And for some reason…

He couldn't look at her…

He didn't want his last memory of her to be the dead look in her eyes…

But when his fangs slip from her cold stiff neck…

His eyes catch a glimpse of a small smile…

His eyes locked on as he saw the traces of peace that were still riddled on her face…

Her eyes were shut…

and she looked free of pain and fear…

...She died with a smile on her face…

But that didn't give him the satisfaction he needed…

He just completely drained her of blood and she isn't suffering anymore…

Astarion should be happy…

He's never felt more alive in all his life…

...But he didn't at the same time…

He didn't feel good at all…

He felt empty inside…

Now that the one thing that made him feel warm and alive, that made him smile and laugh…

was cold… and dead…

He felt a pain in his chest he had never experienced before…

Then something completely unexpected happened…

Her delicate face began to blur in his vision…

He could feel the rolling of tears as they slid down his cheeks and quiet sobs that escaped him uncontrollably…

He couldn't deny their existence as they dripped on her lifeless, colorless cheeks…

He somehow already missed his favorite color red that will never glow on her face ever again thanks to him…

He felt a sorrow unlike anything he's ever known…

A feeling he never thought he would understand so clearly…

As regret settles in…

Astarion: 'Oh Gods… What have I done?...'

His thoughts and emotions were in turmoil and suffering as he stared down at her lifeless body...

---

Eliza's POV

She felt cold at first…

But then she slipped away…

All her pain and misery…

All her fears and terrors…

All of it is gone in an instant…

She feels nothing…

...

As Eliza floats within the darkness, she soaks in its comforting embrace…

She lets herself get numb to it…

Until, suddenly, she realized she didn't feel Astarion's presence anymore…

Immediately, she missed it…

She felt empty without it…

She longed for its sweet return…

Only to hear a voice begin to call within the darkness…

???: "You lasted longer than I thought you would, mortal."

She looked around in the darkness to not see a soul in sight.

She didn't make a sound as the voice continued.

???: "I didn't think you'd give up so easily. After one bite? Curious… Why didn't you push away or tell him to get off of you? I thought this was your wish… Were you not happy enough?"

Instead of letting her mind run in circles about the mention of a wish…

A small smile finds a way to her lips as she responds to the voice without worries or doubts…

Eliza: "Oh, I was happy. Happy beyond reason… I couldn't believe how happy a person can be…But they weren't safe with me around... I just hope that now they will be... that he will be safe... I pray that my sacrifice could at least do that for him… That Astarion is truly happy now and that he won't have to live in fear… from me… I hope that I was able to give him the courage he needed to fight his demons and that someday he will finally be free…"

The voice was silent for a moment before the words that filled the air made Eliza's smile disappear.

???: "But now he's alone… All of them are. He has no one left that understands him or cares about him like you did… Even with the threat of the urge, he at least had love… They all had a leader who cared for them... But now it's gone… and they'll never get it back… Without you… he will never be free… None of them will..."

She didn't think about that….

How could she forget all their kind words?

...

Shadowheart: "- You have never failed us so far. You fight, even now - for our lives. You're the best leader we could ever ask for. If we die, we will fail you. Not the other way around…"

...

Astarion: "You should never think such things… They will never be true… Everyone here praises you and they aren't wrong for it. It doesn't matter what you know or what you have… We-... I couldn't ask for better…You are already the best leader anyone could ever ask for… You've done more for me than anyone I've met… And I've met a lot of people…"

...

Gale: "You don't see what I see, and that's a shame... Because you're wonderful… I can promise you - you're the best leader we could ask for. I don't think anyone else could ever fit the role better. -"

...

Lae'zel: "Even if I loathe your chivalry and concern for others... You listen to me, fight for me, and care for my well-being... it would honor me to fight by your side and face any foe you chose. I wish to do for you, what you do for me... my Ra'stil..."

...

Her eyes well up with tears as she remembered those ruby eyes when they looked at her when he said the most pure and honest thing towards her...

...

Astarion: "But… do avoid getting seriously wounded… or dying if you can… You are truly one of a kind… It would be useless to try to replace you…"

...

How could she not think about that?!

They needed her...

Astarion needed her!

What if the camp thinks he murdered her?!

What if they kill him?!

What if he dies because she wasn't there to save him?!?!

Now he was all alone…

He would have to face his master... alone…

He would have no one there to guide him or watch his back…

The mind flayers, the dark magic, the evil gods, the devils, the monsters, and even vamipres...

They needed her help...

They would have no one to fight for them like she would...

How could she be so selfish!?!?

Her voice was quick and stern as she spoke to the entity without a shred of fear.

Eliza: "Send me back."

The voice was clear and direct as it spoke.

???: "I can't do that. You knew the rules when you made your wish… You gave up, now your soul belongs to me."

She didn't care what this entity was walking about.

Eliza only spoke with more anger.

Eliza: " I don't give a damn about a wish or conditions that I don't remember. I'll make a new wish. Send. me. back!"

The voice laughs before it replies…

???: "I like your fire, but no. It's not what we agreed on."

Eliza didn't care what it took, she spoke loudly and full of rage.

Eliza: "I DON'T CARE! I made a mistake! I should have fought for my life - I see that now! I was just so caught up in the moment, I forgot what I could do for them! For him! I want him to be safe. I want him to be happy! I want him to be free! He deserves so much more than the life he was given! I want to change that! I want to make it better! I don't care how hard I have to fight this darkness inside of me! He is the reason I enjoy my days! He gives me the courage to be myself! He sees me!… He really sees me!… They all do, I can feel it… and I see him… I see that so many people gave up on him and abandoned him when he needed them most! I WON'T ABANDON HIM! Not now or ever again! I love him. I LOVE ASTARION! Even if he never knows the truth - just let me free him, please! Once it's over, you can have whatever you want… My life… my soul… Anything! I don't care. Just send me back - NOW!"

The voice went silent…

Then a warm glow began to swarm around her…

Eliza smiles confidently as the light grows brighter…

The voice calls out with a different tone than before…

It seemed full of surprise….

???: "Hmm? That's strange… This is the one thing I never could have expected… Just when things were getting good… It got better... You must have made quite the impression in your time there…"

She asks curiously as the darkness grew brighter by the second…

Eliza: "Wait… This isn't you? What's happening?"

???: "Looks to me like you got a second chance… By some miracle - you got lucky, but your luck may run out if you're not too careful… Especially, when making deals like that… Don't go messing it up this time… And.. just so you know - I like your spunk, kid… I like it a lot, you continue to surprise me… Keep it up… I haven't been this entertained in a while… I think I'll leave you with a gift… It's just your style…"

Eliza was quick to ask before she disappeared from the empty void…

Eliza: "What is it?"

The voice chuckles as the light blinds Eliza and the voice fades away…

???: "Just some things that you lost and a little bit of something new. But, I'll leave it as a surprise… I'm rooting for you, girly… Ta - Ta, for now... Dear Elizabeth…"

Her eyes shoot open as she gasps in a breath full of air, practically drinking it in as her body begs for more.

Clinging onto the life that began to fill her body…

She could hear her heart pounding in her ears and see her vision slowly return…

She felt a cool wetness on her face when the breeze brushed her cheeks…

The blurry black blob above began to fill with the twinkling of the stars in the sky…

Was it still night time…?

Or did time pass?

How long was she gone for?

A day…

A week…

What felt like minutes also felt like an eternity…

In her panic she sat up and looked around, hoping that this wasn't some strange version of the afterlife…

Only to find that she was surrounded by a familiar camp and had the same people sleeping soundly in their tents and bedrolls…

Except for one…

The elf was still very much awake as he sat not too far away, facing his back in her direction.

His head in his hands, while his elbows rest on his knees…

His breathing was steady but his form looked deep in thought…

Once she took a moment and thought about it…

She realized that everyone was still soundly asleep…

Like she never left…

Was she not gone that long?

She is alive… but not completely...

She felt on the verge of death again...

or at least passing out...

But she was definitely dead before that...

She remembered arguing with a god before she got put back in her body…

At first, Eliza thought she convinced whoever it was to bring her back with her crazy love confession…

But they said it wasn't them…

It couldn't have been Withers. He didn't move from the shore, and she didn't feel his influence…

She had to have been brought back by someone…

But the only person that was awake or close by was…

…

Did Astarion bring her back?!

What!?

When?!

How?!

WHY?!?

Was this a dream?

Was she really here?...

…Did he really save her?...

Did she die and come back just to die again from shock...?

Of all the things that could have happened…

Never once did she think this was possible…

She never could have expected this...

Then her mind floods with a different subject as it comes to her clear as day…

She still didn't remember much…

All she knew was that she was alive, and still very weak and drained…

But, her mind clung to a name with familiarity…

A name that has been long forgotten…

Finally, resurfaced…

And finally…

After all this time…

She knew her purpose…

She felt immense gratitude as tears filled her eyes…

That couldn't have been easy for him to do…

She could only imagine what he was going through…

She wanted to make sure that he knew that everything was fine…

To talk to him like she wanted to, and hear whatever he had to say…

She wanted to hold him, but decided to take it slow…

Eliza vowed on her life, then and there, to only bring him comfort…

She just hoped that her touch wouldn't make him uncomfortable…

She told herself to pull away if she ever saw a trace of it…

---

Astarion's POV

(Moments ago)

He was inconsolable…

Nothing could calm him…

He was filled with rage…

He wanted to scream…

To tear everything apart…

But he was a dead vampire if they woke up...

So he was forced to suffer in silence as he tried to console himself...

He wanted to make this pain go away, but nothing ails him…

He only knows a small comfort when he still smells her sweet scent that faded from her corpse…

He remained over her…

As if time stopped…

As if the world couldn't continue living without her here…

The longer she was dead the more his mind and body became less of his own…

The more something inside him began to do things he never thought he would do…

His body only gets off her to stay close by her side…

He sat by her corpse and pulled her into his arms…

He held onto her cold, stiff body as her smile remained…

All her words that never left him, all the times he could never forget...All of it came flooding back to his head in this single moment…

Making more tears flow through his eyes the more he let them settle in.

Eliza: "We can travel together and keep each other safe. Safe to live how we wish! We can try to find out how to use these worms to our advantage, too."

She knew…

The moment he threatened her life…

She saw his hunger when she was bleeding in front of him, while he held a knife to her throat…

She gave herself to him anyway…

Her life was his to take since the moment they met…

He could have done it then, and she would have let him…

She chose his life above her own…

That shocked him, even then…

She didn't fear him…

She treated him like a person…

Knowing his nature all this time…

She let him stay…

She didn't treat him with cruelty or ridicule...

Eliza: "Are you thinking of adding color to them?"

Astarion: "...What?..."

Eliza: "You're nails-"

She says pointing to his hands.

It wasn't forceful or greedy….

It was kind… and she handled them with care.

Her words leave her softly and tenderly.

Eliza: "You have very nice ones. I think purple or red suits you."

She was always kind…

She didn't care where he came from or what he had to offer…

She still treated him with respect…

She even apologized to him…

Eliza: "I'm sorry. I don't know why I just suddenly grabbed you like that."

He never had someone apologize to him…

Especially over something so simple…

Something he forced himself to get used to when he got touched involuntarily…

And yet he didn't mind it when she did it…

He was even thankful for her apology…

She was protective of his emotions…

Protective in more ways than one…

Eliza: "My cuts mean nothing- if I let my companions die from my weakness. I can and will bleed. I will heal like a normal person, if it will save her life…or your life… Besides, I might get cool scars with a fun story to tell for future camp stories! They hardly bother me anyway."

She discarded her own suffering, all while causing his own…

He was forced to smell her sickeningly sweet blood…

Forced to suffer with the temptation the entire time they were together…

She knew his nature…

And trusted him with her life anyway…

She would rather make sure everyone else could make it if a threat ever arose with their limited supply…

She wanted to be strong for them…

Strong to protect him…

A vampire…

No one ever protected a vampire…

No one ever protected him…

She knew the truth and she still wanted to make sure someone like him would get the chance to live…

Even if she perished…

Once again, she chose his life…

above her own…

When all he wanted to do was drink whatever blood she had left…

But he didn't…

Something in him still held back…

He could blame it on the remaining fears of punishment from his master, should he ever get captured and forced to return to the hellish life he lived before…

But that couldn't explain why he scooped her into his arms when she was bleeding out not long after…

Something in him stopped everything to catch her…

All her blood was escaping her on the ground in front of him, he could have left her to die then…

or drained her dry...

He could have not gone through all the trouble…

All the torture he endured to carry her small frame in his hold.

Every step, more agonizing than the last…

Forced to ignore all the carnal instincts to drink whatever blood she had left…

He could have been rid of her then and there….

Even if the threat of his nature was revealed to the cleric.

But he didn't…

He saved her life…

Even offered his aid…

But he was guilty of trying to steal her bloody bandages as thanks for all the pain he endured to resist…

The cleric wouldn't have it, though…

She didn't trust him…

Not like Eliza did…

The bard was weak and still let him take her…

She even rested in his hold…

When he helped her, the only thing that helped him resist was a single moment…

Her soft whimpers in her sleep….

Her little stirs showed pain and sadness…

He somehow developed sympathy with her over time…

The more he looked at her…

The more he saw himself…

She treated him the way he always longed to be treated by another person…

Like he was worthy of their time…

Worthy of saving…

And she saved him…

More times than he could count…

He didn't do anything to earn it…

Or maybe he did…

Like when he saved her from a little fall…

Eliza: "I'm so glad you caught me! Thank you- you're incredible, Astarion!"

The first time she thanked him…

She said something nice about him…

Knowing what he was…

She still saw him…

She still deemed him a good soul who was worthy of her time and sacrifices…

Astarion: "I find it odd how you always end up being the only one that gets hurt after a fight, so far. The color red is starting to suit you."

Eliza: "I prefer it. I couldn't bear to watch any of you get hurt… I don't want to fail you… If anyone is to get hurt or die… I hope it will only be me… I deserve it more than most…"

Even when her words were not directed to him…

He was still included…

Eliza: "Your lives are precious to me… I may have known you for a short time… However, I can't help but feel like I've known you forever… I trust you all with my life, that's why I can give it away so easily… But - you're right - I can't protect anyone if I'm dead. I'll try to take better care of myself, I promise. As long as you guys promise to keep on living for me."

She meant it even then…

She trusted someone like him…

That would have never done the same for her…

He was thinking of her death the entire time they met...

Until he was suddenly busy saving her life…

Then he couldn't stand the thought of her death at the same time...

When she did anything to protect him, he started to do the same for her…

Without even thinking about it…

She wanted him to live on even if she wasn't around…

That would have never done the same for her…

He was thinking of her death the entire time they met...

She would have died for him, even while knowing what he was since the moment they met...

She would have let him kill her, and he had so many chances to do it...

Why now of all times did he suddenly want to take it back...?

Why now did he feel this guilt and regret?

…

It should have been easy…

He thought he would have wanted this…

He thought that this was what he was meant to do…

That she would die somehow or someway anyway …

At least this way, he would have more control…

He would be happier…

He would feel stronger than ever before…

…

But he didn't…

…

He lost all control…

He wasn't happy…

He felt weak…

…With all this power and energy from her life's blood...

He didn't want any of it anymore...

it became meaningless without her here...

...

He should have known better…

How could he forget..?

...

After all, he said it himself…

….

Eliza: "They're not my thoughts. They want me to harm or kill the people that trust me…

When I never want to. Maybe, I'm a curse…"

Astarion: "A curse can only be bestowed upon you. YOU could never be one! If those violent thoughts really aren't you… Then you're the opposite of a curse."

….

Eliza: "I understand that I can be frustrating… I know so little, I'm practically useless… I'm lucky I'm even alive… I'm not a teacher, a warrior, or rich… If anything… I'm a danger to you all and I'm a terrible excuse for a leader… I'm so sorry… Maybe… Maybe I am better off dead-"

Astarion: "Shut-up! - Don't you ever say that! I am lucky to have a leader like you! We all are!"

…

He should have known a long time ago…

but he didn't want to see it…

Astarion didn't want to see that he was changing…

because of her…

…

Astarion: "But… do avoid getting seriously wounded… or dying if you can… You are truly one of a kind… It would be useless to try to replace you…"...

He knew…

He knew she was different…

He knew how special she was…

But he was too afraid to admit that he was changing…

Just from accepting who he was…

…

From the very beginning…

She was always there for him…

And this was how he repaid her…

…

The bard was finding a way into his dead heart…

It throbs painfully in her absence…

His eyes never shedded tears to this degree for another living thing…

From the memory of her colorful eyes when they look his way…

From the lovely flush of red when the blood rushed to his cheeks just from his gaze…

The way her smile would rush to her face when he was near…

Now he is haunted by the pain of this smile…

Frozen in time from her last moments alive…

Cursed to wonder for eternity how she could smile after everything he did to her…

After not appreciating her presence when she was here…

After forgetting how wonderful it felt when she was alive…

After abandoning his faith in her…

After accepting his fear…

Rather than accepting the truth…

…

He didn't know what he had…

Until she was gone…

…

His body rocked back and forth slightly as the last tune she sang to him began to slip from his lips in a soft hum…

His fingers grace her pale cheeks…

They were still soft as he wiped away the tears that still dripped on her cold face…

Until his eyes catch a glimmer of his purple ring sparkling in the light..

He froze as he watched the colors dance off of it and glitter on her face…

The small gift on his finger…

A gift he treasured…

A gift she gave him…

Because she cared…

She wanted him to be safe…

She would do anything to protect him…

Fangs and all…

He will never know anyone like her…

He will never meet someone who will offer their blood to him…

No one will ever fill the space she made…

...

If… if he brought her back…

Would she hate him?

Would she forgive him?

Would she still consider offering her blood?

Now that he's tasted it, he didn't know if he could live without it…

But now that he knows her…

Now that he truly sees her devotion and her loyalty to him…

There were some things that were just worth the sacrifice…

Even if she despised him for a little while…

Even if he never tasted her blood again…

If he didn't have her in his life…

He will never know what true kindness feels like if she wasn't here to show him…

He will never know how far she would have gone for him…

He will never feel safe again like he did when she was here…...

That's it…

He made up his mind…

Nothing else made sense…

Even if she hated him…

It was better than feeling this…

He will never feel safe again like he did when she was here…...

For killing her, he shouldn't ask for forgiveness...

but this is a start...

…

Without another thought, he sets her back down carefully, and wipes a stray hair away from her face…

Hopefully she won't be too angry…

He will even let her punch him if she wants to…

He deserved it…

He just hoped she wouldn't hit the face…

Not hard anyway…

He collected himself as he made his way to his tent…

He grabs a scroll of revivify from his bag.

He was lucky to come across this…

He hoped that if he ever perished on the road that someone would come along and use it on him…

He doubted it would have gone that way if he was traveling alone…

But, he felt like Eliza would have…

She would have used every last scroll to bring him back…

So, he should do the same…

Besides…

Having someone around who was completely devoted to him would be useful…

It still surprised him that he didn't have to manipulate her to earn it in the first place…

She just would… no matter the cost…

He couldn't ask for a better leader than her…

…Even If she hates him for what he did…

He had to bring her back…

He went right back to her beautiful corpse, sat down next to her, opened the scroll, and casted the spell.

The moment she drew breath…

The horrible feelings went away…

Except for one…

Guilt…

He turned away the moment she sat up…

He was so glad to hear her breath and her pulse…

But he couldn't look her in the eye…

He was afraid of her reaction…

He was terrified that her feelings wouldn't be the same as before…

That she was angry…

That she didn't trust him anymore…

…That she hated him…

He held his head in his hands as his mind raged with thoughts…

Wiping his face to make sure there was no evidence of his emotions straying from his control...

What came over him?

Why was he so weak?

Tears?

Regret?

Fear?

How is she doing this to him?

Since when does he go around saving lives?

Is it really for her?

Or was it for him?

All he knew…

Is that he never wanted to feel that way…

Ever again…

For a while, he wondered if she would stay silent forever.

But then, suddenly, he practically jumped out of his skin as a hand gripped onto the fabric of his shirt.

Small sniffles could be heard as her voice came in a small whimper…

Eliza: "Thank you…"

His eyes widened…

He couldn't have heard that right…

There's no way she just thanked him…

He must have heard her wrong

Her hand lets go of his shirt as his body swiftly turns to face her…

Only to be met with a tearful face…

But with a smile…

He gaped at her as he fumbled with his words…

Astarion: "W-What?... A-Aren't you angry?"

Her smile was still there as she shook her head,

He flinched when he felt her hand rest lightly on his knee…

With a soft and graceful pat…

She didn't dare overstep her boundaries further than that…

But he somehow liked that touch more than anything…

The tears were flowing from her eyes as she spoke…

Eliza: "No… I could never be mad…You saved me... You made me realize what is truly important… I remembered something precious to me…"

Her hand left his knee as she turned her full body to face him…

Sitting on her knees with her hands in her lap…

Instinctively he turns his full body around to face her in the same position…

He eyes her curiously, wondering what she was going to say…

He jumps slightly from her movements as her hand moves to his hand…

She takes it gently, lifts it between them, gives it a light grip with her full hand, and gave it a small shake as she said-

Eliza: "Hi - my real name… is Elizabeth…"

He felt shivers run down his spine as he heard that name fill his ears…

It was way more beautiful than the name he knew her by…

The way her hand felt in his made him feel differently than he usually did when someone touched him…

It was soothing and pleasant…

A smile escapes him as the name vibrates in his chest and he returns the shake with a gentle grip of his own

Astarion: "Elizabeth… It suits you…"

He couldn't believe that she wasn't upset…

He murdered her…

Drained her of her blood…

And yet, she was only grateful that he brought her back…

Was this woman real?

Astarion: "I… I don't understand you… You're crying tears of joy?… I… I killed you… How could you not hate me?"

His body jolts slightly as her thumb begins to slide over the back of his hand ever so sweetly for a moment.

Her smile was wide as she used her other hand to wipe away her tears…

Eliza: "I could never hate you…"

His eyes have been held in permanent shock this entire conversation.

Her touch was becoming addictive…

This woman is driving him crazy…

Her shoulders shrug slightly before she speaks…

He was soaking in all her joy as she spoke to him with sincerity…

Eliza: "Yeah… You did go a little too far… But… You just got caught in the moment, like I did, and that's okay. When I died - I found my passion and my reason for living. I was just about to torment a powerful entity for all eternity, but you brought me back… You have no idea how grateful I am to you, Astarion… I remembered my name... I now know what my purpose is, because of you…"

Her other hand moves to rest over his hand that was still in her hold. Her touch was delicate.

He knew somehow that she would pull away the second he looked uncomfortable…

But he wasn't in the slightest…

She looked him deep in the eyes as her smile continued to fill him with warmth.

Eliza: "I will do whatever I can to return the favor. If you need anything, just ask… But… do be careful when you drink from me… I wanna stick around for a long time. So, try not to drain me dry again, okay?"

Her head tilts slightly as she gives him the brightest smile she has ever shown him…

A small baffled laugh escapes him that makes her smile falter as she stares up at him with wide eyes…

This woman…

She couldn't be real…

It's impossible…

He was completely blown away by her demeanor and generosity…

He couldn't keep his smile when it shocked him, he had to ask for reassurance.

Astarion: "Really?... You're serious?… You would continue to let me feed off of you? After all of this - you still trust me?"

His flinches were no longer there as she moved once more.

She grabs both of his hands this time and holds one in each of hers. Giving them a gentle, reassuring squeeze.

Eliza: "I'm alive, aren't I? All thanks to you… Why wouldn't I trust you? I really don't mind giving you my blood, it makes you strong. I want you to be able to protect herself."

He couldn't take this…

This was too much…

It has to be an act…

He shouldn't have her forgiveness…

He didn't deserve it…

He should be seeing her rage…

He should be getting screamed at…

He should be banished…

He shouldn't be given these sweet looks…

He shouldn't be getting that caring smile…

He shouldn't want to giggle from her cheerful demeanor…

He was surprised to hear it all and even more when she continued…

Eliza: "And - I also changed my mind on how I go out. If I'm turning into a mind flayer, you have my permission to drain me dry… It's actually a rather peaceful way to go, way better than poison in my opinion…"

By the gods…

Was she an angel?

A gift from the gods?

Was this real?

She can't be real…

What force or powerful entity brought her into his life?

Why was she here?

Who is she?

She is so…

…Perfect...

…

…Elizabeth…

…What a lovely name…

His usual charms kick in with his response…

He loved the way it sounded when it left his mouth…

Astarion: "Well - Well Elizabeth…You're full of surprises… Tormenting a powerful entity for all eternity… What was so important for you to go so far? It must be for some purpose, for someone like you to pester a god."

Her cheeks flush red…

The same glorious red he missed so dearly…

Whatever blood she had left in her body was rushing to give them color…

His charming smile grows wider at the sight…

Her cheerful demeanor began to get all nervous as she attempted to answer with her voice all tense at first, but it smoothed out the more she spoke…

Eliza: "I-It's… J-Just that… I… I couldn't leave you all behind… T-There's so much left to do… I had no right to be at peace, if all of you were still facing this alone…"

The more she spoke, the more alluring she became…

He stares down at her and gets lost in her eyes as her words bring him joy…

Eliza: "I could help you - all of you… I could do good for this group before my bitter end… Even with these dark urges or the threat of the mind flayers. I'll fight the darkness for as long as I can, not just for myself, but for all of you... And if I ever lose myself, you have every right to kill me again… But while I'm here… While I still breathe, I won't stop fighting for all of you…"

Her hands still hold his hands tenderly, she gives them a gentle squeeze as she continues.

Eliza: "Because of you, I realized how much I want to live… It's here with you - with these people… That I finally see what I have… I'd be a fool to not fight for this… Not fight for the place I finally feel safe in… or for the people who see me as more than just a monster…"

That's it…

This woman was out of her mind…

She would fight to come back for these weirdos?...

To him?...

Well…

He brought her back…

Which was extremely out of character for him...

Completely unexpected...

But - despite the conditions, how they met, and all of their differences…

They all make a pretty great team so far…

Maybe she wasn't wrong to put her faith and trust in them…

In him…

She definitely trusted him now…

Looks like saving her wasn't a bad idea after all…

If she really meant what she said…

He wouldn't have to worry about a thing…

He would still keep a watchful eye for any lies or deceit…

But from what he could see he couldn't find even a hint of it…

His silence left her open to talk some more, and he listened to every word.

Eliza: "I think I sold my soul to a devil or something in another life… They said my soul belonged to them because I gave up on my life here… It was the condition of some kind of wish I made. I was going to face the consequences anyway, even if I didn't remember making that wish… Until, whoever it was, said something that stuck with me. They made me realize I had to get out of there. I'm very glad you pulled me out when you did. I almost made a new deal to come back, but thankfully you 'sucked' me out of there before I did something stupid."

He chuckled and rolled his eyes at her choice of words as she joined him with a small laugh of her own…

This was nice…

He felt so comfortable in her presence…

She made it seem like it was just the two of them…

She could make all the bad feelings disappear…

And replaced them with something warmer…

Sweeter…

It was too good to be true…

She can't mean a word she says…

It's exactly everything he wanted to hear…

Everything he wished that someone would have always said to him…

She may have felt obligated to since he saved her life…

She won't be fully committed…

Fully dedicated…

She won't be completely devoted to him…

Unless she cared for him beyond a mere alliance…

He didn't have to manipulate her to convince her to get this far ahead…

So, it should be easy…

She will crumble under him…

She will do anything for him…

More than just her words…

...He could just ask…

She said he could…

But what good would asking do…

He couldn't ask her to face a beast far worse than any goblin, bugbear, or harpy they could ever face.

More evil than any mind flayer…

More vile than any creature that lurks in the darkness…

She wouldn't…

She couldn't…

But…

If she cares for him…

If she falls for him…

She will never turn on him…

She already showed incredible strength and seemed pretty capable with the proper motivation…

…Now he knew just the motivation she required…

If he could capture more than her gaze, her red cheeks, and her smile…

But the flame in her heart…

Suddenly a flash of energy flooded within him…

He felt stronger and wiser…

With more knowledge than he had before…

Eliza looked like she went through the same experience. He then peeked over her when he saw a soft blue glow come from her things…

Her sword was another mystery he has yet to pester her about…

But before he could look at her and ask…

Her body slumps forward all of a sudden…

His hands pull out of her grasp to catch her by her shoulders.

Her head falls and hits his lap with a light thud…

The rest of her body goes limp…

He almost panicked thinking she somehow died again…

Until he heard a tiny snore and a soft hum come from her…

She was breathing just fine…

She was just sound asleep…

She must still be drained after what he put her through…

A smile creeped on his lips as she slept in his lap.

Her cute little snore was adorable…

He would stay there…

If sitting on his knees weren't so damn uncomfortable…

He moved out from under her without disturbing her too much, and slowly got her over to the bedroll.

He ended up sitting on the ground with his legs out in the dirt next to her…

He got lost in the sight and soaked in the feeling he got just from her peaceful slumber…

He began to trace his fingers along her horns…

He liked the feel of their curves, the points, and their edges…

Their colors look lovely in the light…

The sound of her breath was a pleasant sound between her snoring and hums…

He didn't know why…

But, he enjoyed this…

He didn't get the chance to tell her when she was awake…

And something possessed him to say it anyway…

So, he leans down to meet her ear.

Her sweet scent fills his nose…

Her little hums are calming in his ears…

He hoped that his voice was calming to hers as he whispers in her pointy ear…

Astarion: "This was a gift, you know…You… are a gift… I won't forget it…"

His eyes widened as a small grin came to her lips…

And a soft mumble escapes her…

Eliza: "Hmmm… of course… Anything… for you…"

Her smile fades as sleep steals her remaining thoughts away…

A small smile found its way to his lips as he pulled away…

His eyes lingered on her sleeping form…

Finding peace on every breath she took…

This woman was something else…

He let his mind wander and replay all the things she said for a while…

He was completely full so he didn't need to go anywhere…

He could just stay here like this for a little while longer…

His eyes land on a book not far from her head…

He thought about reaching for it and going through it…

But something stopped him from his curiosity…

As much as he desperately wanted to, he decided to leave it alone…

She didn't pester him on his secrets after all this time…

She didn't go through his things or invade his privacy…

He should do her the same courtesy, no matter how much he'd like to flip through those pages she was always so glued to…

His eyes went back to her to see that she didn't even stir in her sleep…

For once she was sleeping without pain or discomfort…

It was nice to see…

He was lost to time as he watched over her, making sure there was still a breath after the next…

He didn't know when he became so obsessed over her…

But he enjoyed watching every little moment, waking or sleeping…

He found tranquility in it…

And before he knew it, he got too comfortable and the world went dark…

Eliza's POV

She first felt the sunlight on her face as she woke up from a dream she couldn't recall…

But for once, her eyes didn't open all night.

After she passed out, she was gone for the rest of the night…

She couldn't remember the last time she slept that good…

Wasn't she in the middle of a conversation?

She hoped she wasn't rude in his eyes…

She didn't even say goodnight….

She remembered her final moments before there was nothing…

She remembered her eyes getting lost in his vision…

She thought of the way her hands felt in his…

She enjoyed every moment with him…

Her mind danced of the sweet melodies that have been swarming in her soul from his presence…

She was swimming in a musical number inside her mind…

Drowning in his crimson gaze and wonderful musk…

She could still smell his scent as if he was right next to her…

Her eyes peek open to see the sun shine through the trees…

She then realized she could hear soft breathing not too far from her ear…

Her head turns to be blinded by a radiance unlike anything…

She could feel her face grow warm by a beauty unmatched under the glow of the sun…

His usual fluffy white hair back and is sparkling, and his pale skin is practically glowing…

With his sleeping face turned towards her, it held the utmost purity…

And in that moment, she realized that he slept like a damsel in distress…

With one hand resting over his forehead, while another over his chest…

She had to cover her mouth to keep from laughing out loud and disturbing this perfect moment…

Eliza quickly took this moment to carefully and quietly gather her book and quill, barely moving from her position.

She swiftly drew his pose from her view as quickly as she could before he began to stir in his sleep.

Just when she got his sleeping face sketched out, she quickly had to shut the book as his eyes fluttered open.

She couldn't hide her smile from how cute he looked when he was waking up…

His head turned away before he could fully open his eyes and see her presence…

At first he flinches when he sees the sun, but then he calms down after he realizes he isn't burning…

She could see that it must be hard getting used to that feeling…

He spent most of his life avoiding the sun, now he has it…

She could see from the look on his face he was happy to see the sun despite its brightness…

Obviously a vampire doesn't hate the sun, they just fear it because it burns them and it could kill them if exposed for too long…

But that doesn't mean they want to live without it…

They can miss even the simple things, like the first fresh warmth of the morning sunlight on their face…

Something they couldn't have…

But thanks to the parasite, he can.

She loved seeing that pleasant look on his face while enjoying the feeling…

She must have been staring for too long because the next thing she knew…

Her eyes met with ruby red…

They were still for a moment…

Until he quickly shoots up at the sound of someone clearing their throat.

She turns to look at the sound and sees the wizard staring down at them with his arms crossed…

One eyebrow rose as he eyed them curiously before he spoke directly to the Elf.

Gale: "I never thought I'd catch you sleeping in the dirt, Astarion… I took you for someone who would find that below your stature…"

He was sleeping in the dirt…

She was so distracted by his cuteness, she didn't even bother to notice that he fell asleep right next to her after she passed out…

What in the world would make him do that?

But then he said something even more unexpected…

He chuckled as he got to his feet, dusted himself off, and said everything with a charming smile…

His voice was taunting a little cold at first…

Astarion: "Oh, trust me, I have slept in worse places than the dirt… Me and Elizabeth had such a great time talking last night - I didn't even notice when I fell asleep…"

Her cheeks flush hot as his words turn warm…

Her eyes widened at the mention of her full name…

She loved the sound of it in his voice when it came from his lips…

So she didn't bother telling him to keep calling her Eliza…

The bard could tell by the look on the wizards face she would have to explain to him who that was…

But then, the elf's gaze turned down to her laying in her bedroll.

Catching her attention as his voice turned tender…

Astarion: "But, it was nice… I actually slept better than I have in a long time…"

Eliza stares up at him until he turns away and heads for his tent.

She watches his frame as he goes…

Until the wizard grabs her attention with a question…

Gale: "So… Elizabeth?"

Eliza takes a moment to sigh, gets to her feet, and looks up at him.

She places a hand on his shoulder as she says-

Eliza: "It's actually quite the story…"

The rest get curious and gather together as they wake from the morning sunlight as well...

She catches them up only to make the morning a lot more interesting…

---

The song is 'Strange Sight Reprise' by KT Tunstall.

I LOVE THIS CHAPTER! Oooooo I'm melting, this is so cute! I hope you love it as much as I do. I can't wait to get deeper into this. I swear I shouldn't be this obsessed over a fictional character. But here we are…

Until next time my Lovelies!