Of Blood and Ice

by Saoirse Driscoll

Starting in Act 1 of BG3, this follows Astarion and his plan to seduce "Tav", a tiefling sorceress named Meia. Everything goes exactly to plan - or so it seems.

4. Act 2: Last Light in the Darkness

A/N: this one took a bit longer than the others, but there was a lot involved. Hopefully all the work paid off! Reviews feed my soul, considering dropping one!

They took the elevator up out of the Underdark in the morning. As the upper floor came into view, Astarion could see it was abandoned, silence weighing heavily on all sides. Likely this area had been empty for some time, save for the cultists passing through. He dodged around one of the numerous chunks of the smooth stone littering the stairs up to the metal doors. Concerningly, it looked as if those doors had been forced open from the inside. Possibly related to that assault from the Hells Meia had been talking to that duegar historian about? Or maybe not, given the vines... Hopefully whatever had done that damage was long gone and not lurking somewhere out in the shadows.

He did notice there were a stockpile of torches along the stairs up towards the broken doors. One of the supply barrels had a note on it saying to keep to the light, warning about the encroaching shadows. Putting the piece of paper back where he found it, he looked over to see Meia inspecting another barrel nearby. "There's a lot of torches here," she said, a note of worry in her voice as she glanced up at him.

"Probably best to keep one with us," he suggested, grabbing a torch leaning up against the wall. The sorceress lit it for him with a cantrip.
There was a tension in the air, a feeling that only grew stronger when they left the ruins and emerged into what was once a forest. The trees were gnarled; twisted branches reaching for one another like the skeletal hands of an elderly pauper begging for coin. The air was unnaturally still, smelling of must and mildew. Even so, the tall dry grass that lined the uneven stone path rippled as if a ghostly wind blew through it, and Astarion could swear he saw dark shapes moving in the shadows of the trees.

Despite the unease, the first hour of travel into the Shadow Cursed Lands was unremarkable. The thing that bothered him the most was the lack of animal sounds - no birds, no rodents, not even the buzz from insects. Abruptly, Meia pulled them off to the side, pointing to the flickering light of another torch at the fork in the path ahead.

Pressed up against the weathered trunk of a dead tree, Astarion squinted, trying to see who might be traveling through this place. It was unlikely they'd find many, if any, friends in this darkness.

However, when the Harpers demanded they show themselves, Meia stepped forward, assuring the nervous group that they meant no harm. What happened next was... unexpected, and alarming.

One of the Harpers strayed too far from the torchlight and was dragged off into the underbrush. His companions tried to guide him back out, but it wasn't long before his voice was cut off with what could only be a death gurgle. Everyone was horrified to see him reemerge, changed, corrupted - but there was no time to think, the shadows were suddenly all around them.

A lumbering creatures jumped onto the path in front of Astarion, effectively cutting him off from the rest of the group, and he could hear the shadows moving behind him to flank. His eyes darted around, looking for aid, for a means of escape, anything. Past the grotesque creatures, he could see Shadowheart and Meia doing their best to fend off the monsters, but another of the Harpers fell with a horrible gurgle. Was this why they hadn't found any resistance before now? Were these things smart enough to lay a trap for them?

Astarion couldn't hold in the noise of pain from forcing its way through his gritted teeth as one of the shadow creatures swiped across his back with its claws, cutting his train of thought short. Turning, he slashed at it, only to have it shift out of the way with a mocking laugh. Fuck. Less than ideal.

"Gods - it hurts," he groaned, barely managing to dodge the next attack and parry a third, but when the lumbering giant behind him slammed down on his shoulders with both fists, he collapsed to the ground like a rag doll.

Vaguely, he could hear his name being called from some distance away, but he was having a hard time seeing through the darkness swimming through his vision. He tried to push himself up off the ground, and his arms immediately gave out on him. Was that his blood he was smelling?
Karlach's familiar roar reverberated in his ears, and he could hear the muted sound of metal against bone and wood. His vision faded out momentarily, but he could clearly hear the sound of magic shooting over his head.

"Get away from him!"

A fuzzy kind of warmth bubbled up in his stomach at Meia's defiant voice, and then his eyes cleared, the telltale tendrils of the healing spell wrapping around him as Shadowheart picked him up. She spoke another spell, and he could feel the worst of the pain ebb away.

He nodded his thanks, surveying the battlefield. It looked like between them and the remaining Harpers, they had managed to cut down half of their enemies. One of the shadow creatures slunk up towards him and he gave it a vicious grin. "Let's play." This time he was ready for the attack, dodging nimbly back and reposting with a strike of his own that caused it to explode in a cloud of dark energy. One more down.

Meia managed to take down two more with her eldritch blast, but he could see the drain on her face. Between his injuries and her exhaustion, they'd likely need a break soon - but that was something to worry about after they had dispatched the last of the creatures. He shot an arrow over her shoulder, striking the shadow that was sneaking up on the sorceress and making it growl in pain.

Shadowheart's spirit guardians were doing double duty of hurting any monster that came into range, and providing much needed light - the shadows seemed to be following these creatures, strengthening them. Karlach dispatched another, leaving only a handful behind. She turned to swipe at the next nearest shadow, and it immediately struck back, slicing open her cheek. She let out a small laugh as she wiped the blood away with the back of her hand, hefting her sword and driving it home in the creature's side.

The apparent leader of this group of Harpers took down the creature, brandishing her torch at the few remaining shadows. Using her distraction to his advantage, Astarion stabbed the next closest creature - a mixture of grass and wood with strange glowing eyes. It fell apart in front of his eyes, its pieces disappearing back into the underbrush where it had come from. Just a few more.

As the last of the creatures fell, Meia approached the remaining Harpers. Shadowheart was fussing over Karlach's injuries, and Astarion rolled his eyes, grabbing one of the potions the pale tiefling had insisted on shoving into his pack. Looks like she had been right about him needing it.

The Harpers left, and Meia came to stand beside him. "There's a Harper shelter nearby - Last Light Inn. Might be an idea to check it out. Are you alright?"

He winced as he stood up straight, but shrugged. "Nothing a glass of wine wouldn't improve. Staying in an inn sounds like a vast improvement over our last few campsites."

She rolled her eyes at him. "You're well enough to be snide, so that speaks volumes."

"What's that supposed to mean?" he asked, offended.

"Meia has a point Astarion," Shadowheart commented, coming up beside him and inspecting for injuries. "If you have the energy to be your usual sarcastic self, you're not doing that badly."

Astarion scowled, yelping as the cleric poked a particularly sore spot. "Do you mind?"

"Just checking," Shadowheart said, her air of innocence ruined by her mischievous grin. "You should be good until we get to the inn - it's not far, right Meia?"

The tiefling nodded, gesturing to the path where the Harpers had been. "It's just down the road a bit, shouldn't take too long to get there."

"Good. Hopefully they have something to help me forget the horrors we just fought," he groused, heading down the path without waiting to see if the rest of the group was following. Their footsteps weren't far behind him.

True to what Meia said, it hadn't taken long at all to reach the inn, but their welcome was less than ... well, welcoming. He had taken a step forward involuntarily when the elven druid had entangled the sorceress in thorny vines, but the hostile attitude radiating the rest of the Harpers kept him from drawing his weapons. They had the benefit of numbers, this wasn't a fight they would be able to win.

Fortunately it hadn't come to that. One of the tiefling children they had helped in the Emerald Grove had run up, demanding the druid release Meia. Looks like there were some perks to altruism after all. He'd just have to be careful not to admit that around the sorceress, or he'd never hear the end of it.

Astarion followed the pale tiefling into the inn, stopping by the table the druid had set up as a desk. No doubt the elven woman wanted to know more about the damned parasites in their heads, or what happened in the Emerald Grove, or something to that effect. It wasn't until Meia paused before drinking from the proffered cup that he started paying attention to the conversation again.

"Klauthgrass?" the sorceress asked, looking at the druid.

The grey haired elf gave her a knowing smile. "It doesn't ruin the taste, if that's what you're wondering. Consider it a safety measure, while you have that 'guest' in your head."

Meia hesitated, then drank from the glass. Astarion looked skyward. He knew as well as the tiefling seemed to that klauthgrass was used to encourage people to speak the truth. The fact she willing consumed the tampered wine was questionable - he certainly wasn't going to indulge. However, having her in a condition where she was more inclined to tell the truth could become beneficial later, potentially. Perhaps it could even be used to his advantage.

Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed the red tiefling child who had come to their defense over at a table by the stairs, playing a game of lanceboard with a very familiar devil. What was Raphael doing here?

By the time Meia had finished speaking with the druid, they had agreed to go to Moonrise - not that they weren't heading there already, but the fact the sorceress agreed to help the woman who poisoned her so quickly left a sour taste in his mouth. Her people pleasing tendancies were fine enough when they came to him, but not for everyone else to take advantage of. More things to discuss later no doubt.

Astarion gestured with a nod towards the lanceboard table, and he didn't miss the expression of distaste she made when she caught sight of Raphael. He trailed behind her, mentally going over his question for the devil. Wording had to be careful, these were creatures who could find any loophole to wiggle through to suit their desires. He only half paid attention to the conversation between Mol and Meia, snapping back when the demon pointed to him.

"Now, let's talk about you. I sense there's something you want to ask me."

"I do," he agreed, stepping forward slightly. "I have a proposal for you."

The devil scoffed. "A proposal? If you're hoping to taste my blood, little vampling, think again. It burns hotter than Wyvern Whiskey."

Astarion resisted the urge to roll his eyes in frustration. "This is serious business, devil. A long time ago, someone carved infernal runes into my back. They are a fragment of a demonic contract. I'd like to know what the full contract says."

Raphael made a thoughtful noise. "Very interesting indeed. It's something very important to your master. But is it a love letter, a warning, or a deed of ownership? I could give you all the gory details ... but of course, you'll have to do something for me first. Let me think about it and I'll get back to you."

"You'll 'get back' to me? This is important, devil! When?"

"Don't worry, I am motivated to help you," Raphael reassured him, a sly smile crossing his lips. "Scars often tell such wonderful stories - I think yours might be truly exquisite. I'll see you soon."

Before Astarion could speak another word, Raphael was already gone. He crossed his arms with a scowl. "The absolute nerve."

Meia gently touched his upper arm. "Let's just go rest. We've had a long day."

He sighed in defeat. "Fine, let's see what rooms are available at this wreck."

Meia stopped only a few moments later to speak with another few tieflings he recognized in passing from the party they had before leaving the Emerald Grove. He rolled his eyes skyward, joining the rest of the party as the rest of them acquired rooms - Gale by himself, Wyll likewise alone, Lae'zel opting for one of the beds in the large common room downstairs, Shadowheart and Karlach getting a room together but with two separate beds, and finally Halsin declining a room entirely.

The only party members unaccounted for was Meia, and himself.

He loitered by the bar, and Shadowheart paused to give him a discerning look before she headed upstairs. "It looks like most of the bleeding has already stopped. Do you want me to look you over?'

He shook his head, and the cleric nodded before she followed Karlach up to the landing above. The two were rarely far apart these days. Turning his attention back to the sorceress, Astarion was certain he heard he agreeing to help yet another of the tieflings from the grove with... something or other. He resisted the urge to roll his eyes again as she finally walked over.

"Care to share darling?"

She looked between him and the brass key he was holding up by the key ring. "Huh?"

"Since you were off socializing, all the rooms have been taken - except one," he explained patiently. "I was being courteous enough to offer to share my bed, but if you'd rather sleep outside..."

A bright red flush climbed up her cheeks as she realized what he was saying. Wordlessly, she reached to grab the key from his outstretched hand, only to miss as he pulled it out of her range. "Now, now pet. Use your words."

Her eyes widened and she froze at his instruction. He had made sure he had been speaking quietly enough only she would hear, but he saw her eyes flicker around the room in case anyone had overheard. Precious.

"I..." she faltered, swallowing. "Um, sharing sounds ... nice?"

Astarion took a step towards her, leaning down to speak in her ear. "Is that what you really mean my dear?"

Her breath hitched and he could hear it. She still smelled entirely too enticing - it may only be just past mid-day and much earlier than they usually stopped, but given everything they had gone through today, a bit of rest and recuperation was well in order. Particularly in the form of her underneath him in the privacy of their own room. A welcome change of pace.

The sorceress looked up at him with wide eyes, seemingly unable to answer him. He gave her a toothy smile, displaying his pointed canines. Taking her by her hand, he steered her towards the stairs. "We can discuss in private if you prefer," he suggested.

She quickly nodded, following him up to the second floor. He noticed with no small amount of smugness how she was still holding his hand up until he let go of her to unlock the door to their room. Pushing the door open, he waved for her to enter first before he walked in, closing and locking the door behind him.

Meia looked over at the noise, squeaking and turning back around as he began to undress in front of her.

"Darling, it's not as if you haven't seen it all before," he laughed, putting the armour away in the free standing wardrobe. The room itself was nice - a large comfortable looking bed, the wardrobe beside the door, and a few small dressers with candles on top of them on either side of the bed. There was a screen in the far corner that obscured a washing tub, and a full length mirror by the wardrobe - not much use for him, but nice none the less.

"That's not the point!" she protested, still facing the wall. He didn't need to see her face to know how much she was blushing. For a moment he contemplated getting dressed in the clothing he typically wore around camp, but given what he planned, it seemed like undue effort. Particularly considering how badly his injuries still stung.

Soundlessly, he walked up behind his tiefling, running his hands up her arms and she jumped, looking over her shoulder and up at him. "Then what is the point my dear?"

"Just..." she paused, searching for words. "You deserve privacy and consideration same as anyone else."

Astarion hummed his approval, nuzzling against her neck. She let out a tiny gasp, tilting her head to the side slightly to give him better access. "You are such a thoughtful little lamb," he murmured against her skin, breathing in her intoxicating scent. "But, my dear, I want you to see me like this."

He ran his hands down her sides to where her armour was tied, skilfully unlacing her robe with deft fingers. Meia offered no resistance as he reached down to pull the garment off, raising her arms and shimmying out of the clothing to reveal her undergarments beneath. Stepping back to take a good look at her, he smiled. "Much better."

She turned to face him, and he could see she was trying to avoid looking anywhere other than at him. By now she had to know he could smell her arousal, this pretense of modesty was a lie to both of them. Pulling her out of her shell was proving to be a fun diversion though. Especially when it netted such interesting results.

"You said we could discuss in private?" she asked, drawing his eyes back up from running the length of her legs.

"Mmm, I did indeed," he replied, moving to recline on the bed. He patted the spot beside him, and he caught her glance down his body, lingering on the prominent bulge in his pants. She was absolutely terrible at hiding her desire.

Slowly, she joined him, running her hand along the quilt before she climbed up on the bed. He realized with some amusement that the bed was slightly too tall for her by the ungainly way she moved, and he pulled her over to his side as soon as she was in range. "Much better," he repeated, pressing kisses against her neck. The desire to taste her was almost overwhelming, but he held himself in check. Soon.

Despite her noise of surprise, she made herself comfortable at his side, curling her legs up towards her body. He watched as she skimmed her hand down his chest, running along both the faded scars and the newer bruises and cuts he had received today. He hissed as she touched a particularly tender spot, and she yanked her hand back as if she had been the one who had been hurt. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry!"

He took her hand in his own, rubbing circles on her skin with his thumb. "It's fine darling. Now... you never answered me. Do you mind warming my bed?"

She squeaked and hid her face against his shoulder. "You didn't need to say it like that!"

"No, I didn't," he agreed evenly, running his other hand through her hair. Almost immediately she relaxed, a satisfied hum vibrating against his collarbone. He moved he hand he had been holding to rest on his chest, covering it with his own. "And yet I did. Stop avoiding the question, pet."

Meia made an inarticulate noise, and he felt the heat radiating off of her cheeks as she pressed herself closer to him. "No," she whispered.

"What was that darling? I couldn't hear you."

She looked up at him with a glare. "You are an utter liar-"

Astarion grabbed a fistful of hair and pulled back, causing her to cry out as she followed his movement. "Uh uh Meia," he reprimanded, catching her hands and holding the wrists together. "Such a naughty pet. Whatever should I do with you, hm?"

The tiefling whined, pulling her wrists against his hand uselessly. "Please, Master..."

"Are you going to behave?" he asked, loosening his hold slightly as he noticed the tears in the corners of her eyes.

"Yes, please," she begged, and he let go of her hair, but kept her wrists in his grip.

"Good girl," he murmured, pressing a kiss against her forehead. He felt her shiver, and he moved his free hand to draw gentle circles against her back. The tears were concerning. "Are you still with me darling?"

"Still here," she affirmed, moving closer to him. The confidence in her tone helped allay his fears. The last thing he wanted to do was actually hurt her. Well, aside from ways she enjoyed.

Astarion moved his hand lower, teasing the sensitive skin above her tail, and he felt her arch towards him. "So you like having your hair pulled then, little pet?"

She whined at his words, shifting so one of her legs was draped over top of his, pressing her pelvis towards his hip and cracking her eyes open ever so slightly so she could look at him. Her voice was soft, but he had no difficulties hearing her. "Yes."

"Mmm, I'll keep that in mind then," he said, pulling the sorceress into his lap so she was straddling him. When she rolled her hips against him, he groaned, letting go of her wrists so one hand could grasp her ass, the other tangling into her hair again. She arched back as he pulled the silky strands, and for a moment he simply enjoyed the view of her astride him.

Letting go of her backside to push himself up, he wrapped his arm around her back, hugging her towards him as his lips found their way to her exposed neck. She gasped at the sensation of his tongue running along the vein hidden beneath her pale skin there. "May I?"

"Please," she breathed, and he could all but taste the desire in the word - and then he bit down, and he could taste her need in her blood, a heady rush of lust sweeping through him with every mouthful.

After a moment he pulled back, feeling reinvigorated. "Delicious," he whispered in her ear, pausing to lick the puncture marks he had left on her neck. At this rate that mark would not fade. His mark.

"Astarion, please," she whimpered, her arms wrapping loosely around his shoulders. Though her blood had left him feeling better, even the light pressure hurt the bruised skin. He was going to need to move her to a different position. Releasing her hair, he pulled her bra up over her head, using the opportunity to roll her onto her back. Grinning down at her, he resumed he slow descent down her body, enjoying the whimpers and whines she made as his lips and tongue teased and tasted her skin.

She squirmed beneath him, and he dug his fingers into the curve of her hips in response, making her start with a yelp. "Patience my sweet," he breathed against her hipbone, moving lower along her leg, kissing her inner thigh before switching to the other leg, deliberately skipping the spot he knew she wanted touched most.

"Astarion," came her whine and he looked up at her with a chuckle. She was beautiful; face flushed, panting from desire - a desire he could see in the wet spot growing on her undergarments. He hooked his fingers into the band of her panties, but held still, not pulling them off just yet.

"Please," Meia entreated, her wide eyes meeting his own.

His smile widened, and he drew slow circles on her hips with his thumbs. "Please what my pet?"

She groaned in frustration, and he heard her head hitting the pillow at the top of the bed. "Just... stop teasing, you evil man!"

He tutted, pulling back so he was resting on his heels, fingers still holding her underwear. "Now, where is the fun in that? No my dear, I don't plan to squander this opportunity by rushing things."

The tiefling pushed herself up on her elbows, watching him. He raised an eyebrow, drumming his fingers against her skin before her let go, placing his palms on his legs. "I've had an idea darling," he drawled, and she cocked her head to the side, her hair cascading behind her.

He slowly walked up her leg with two fingers, skipping over her pelvis to continue up her stomach to her chest and push her back into the bed. "I want you to follow my directions pet. Exactly what I say. Can you do that for me?"

She swallowed nervously, nodding as she said, "yes master."

"Mmm, that's a good girl," Astarion praised, retreating back the way he came, settling at the based of the bed. He gestured to her underwear. "Now, take those off."

The blush grew in her cheeks, but she reached down and removed her panties, throwing them off the side of the bed.

"Very good," he said, taking a moment to appreciate her nude form. "Spread your legs. I want to see everything."

She squeaked, covering her eyes with her right arm as she did as he asked, her feet resting on either side of his knees. He reached down and held her by her ankles, laughing as the tiefling jumped at his touch and then relaxed again. "This is embarrassing," she whispered, a hand fidgeting with the quilt beneath her.

"And yet you are doing so well Meia," he purred, causing her to cover her face with both hands. "Darling, do you remember a few days back when I told you that I could tell you had pleasured yourself before I came to drink your blood?"

She made a strangled noise in the back of her throat, and he caught her peaking out from under her fingers. As soon as she realized he could see her looking at him, she hid her eyes again. "Yes. I remember."

"Good," he said, taking a moment to remove his own undergarments before settling back down at the end of the bed. "I want to see you pleasure yourself Meia. And I want you to tell me what you were thinking of when you did so that night."

There was a moment where she didn't move. Then, she shifted her left arm up over her eyes, her right hand sliding down her body. He watched as she descended between her legs, her middle finger stroking along her dripping slit before going back up to her clit, rubbing tight circles as she did. He slowly ran his hand along his length, waiting for her to speak.

"I..." she said, voice stuttering to a halt. She swallowed and started again. "I had first been thinking about... how you felt against me when you pushed me up against the wall."

Astarion smirked. Nice to hear that had had the intended effect. "And then what?"

Another pause. "Um," she breathed, her finger still moving against her clit. "Before we were... interrupted. By the tree. I... I thought about what might have happened."

He groaned, moving his hand faster. "What did you want to have happened?"

Meia gasped, dipping her finger down to gather more of the slick wetness from her folds before continuing. "I... wanted you to turn me around, and, um, pull down my pants and..." her voice trailed off, the tiefling turning her head to the side.

"And then...?" he prompted, slowing his movements again. He hadn't expected this to effect him this much. Fuck he wanted her.

She let out a quiet moan, her hand resting by her face clenching in a fist. "And... fuck me bent over against the tree."

"Mmm, what a naughty little lamb," he said, running his hands up her legs, making his tiefling groan, rolling her hips as she continued pleasuring herself. "Tell me more."

Her breath was coming in short pants, and he saw her bite her lip as she muffled her cries. She had moved her arm over her head, hand twisting to grip the pillow. "Master, please..."

"Please what, my pet? Use your words."

"P-please, master," Meia stuttered, pushing her legs against his hands as she sped up her movements. "Please, please fuck me."

He bit back his groan - Gods, it was taking all his self restraint to hold himself back from ravishing her. "You sound so pretty when you beg Meia."

"Please, I'm so close," she gasped, her free hand dropping to her side and clenching the quilt. "Fuck, Astarion."

"Go ahead darling," he urged, pulling his hands back, stroking his cock and watching as she tensed. "I want to see you come for me."

Her body trembled from the intensity of her climax, her mouth open in a silent cry. The tiefling fell back against the bed, gasping for air.

"I didn't say you could stop pet," he warned, and she looked up at him in confusion, chest heaving. He gave her a smug smile, noting how her eyes widened at the sight of his hand wrapped around his dick. "Don't make me take over my dear."

She whined in protest, her head falling back, but her hand crept back down between her legs. Meia wasn't able to stifle her groan as she continued her movements, far slower than before. He matched her pace, and for a moment the only sound was her tiny whimpers and moans as she squirmed beneath her own touch. "Such a good, obedient girl," he crooned, and he received a full-throated groan in response.

A thought occurred to him, and he used the parasite to brush against her thoughts, gently probing. She let him in with no resistance, and he was drowning in a tidal wave of pure pleasure. Between the waves of euphoria, he caught a few clear thoughts - a memory of their first tryst, the feeling of his teeth on her neck, which was strange to feel from the receiving end but oddly pleasurable... His cock twitched in response to her recollections before the deluge continued; the feeling of him moving inside her, flitting to looking up at himself with his cock securely down her throat, swallowing his cum, and he nearly lost it there.

"Fuck darling," he breathed, his previous plans forgotten as he pressed the head of his cock against her wet entrance.

She bucked her hips in response, trying to entice him, her free hand reaching for him. He caught it with his own, interlacing their fingers and pressing it down over her head. "Astarion, please... I need more, please," she gasped, and she arched up with a loud moan as he pressed inside.

Taking her hand from her clit, he brought it up with the other hand over her head, again lacing his fingers through hers and holding her down. Astarion took a moment just looking down at his tiefling, giving her time to adjust. "Fuck Meia, you're so tight."

She didn't seem to have the ability to speak, but he could still hear her thoughts - so big, so thick, so full, so good. He slowly pulled back half way, savouring the way she felt wrapped around him, groaning as he sheathed himself fully inside her again. The fact she was begging for more in her own mind when she wasn't able to say so out loud...

Once he was sure he wasn't about to hurt her - she was so fucking tight - he set a steady, slow pace. She was straining against his hands, but couldn't accomplish much with his full weight bearing down on her. The whimpers falling from her lips turned to full blown moans as he sped up, chasing the pleasure he craved. He'd be damned if he didn't get her there first though.

Astarion felt her hook her feet over his legs, shifting her pelvis down slightly lower and making him change his angle. "Are you wanting me deeper pet?"

"Gods, yes," she gasped, and he gathered his wrists in one hand, using the other to adjust her hips so he could fold her legs up. Convincing her to move her feet took a tiny bit of persuasion, but once she realized what he was after, she was quick to accommodate him.

"That's my good girl," he whispered in her ear, and she groaned as he took her hands in his own again, her legs resting against his shoulders. He set an easy rhythm, first focusing on driving into her to his base, pulling out slowly before thrusting back in hard. He gradually increased his pace, using Meia's cries of pleasure as his cues to speed up or slow down, keeping her from going over the edge.

The tiefling whined as she was denied her climax again, barely able to move in his grasp at all. "Please, master..."

"Tell me what you want Meia," he ordered, holding in his groan.

She let out a gasp as he hit a sweet spot, and he repeated the movement, making her eyes roll back. He was so focused he almost missed her breathy reply. "Fill me."

The implication hit him and he did groan, dropping his head against her shoulder, effectively folding her in half. "Oh you wicked, naughty thing. You want me to cum in you pet?"

"Please..." she moaned in his ear, gasping for breath. "Please, fill me master. I want your cum."

"Mmm, well how can I say no when you ask so sweetly?" he murmured, increasing his pace. There would be plenty of time for more rounds, more experimentation, more opportunities to make her fantasies - and his own - a reality.

Astarion shifted his grip from her hands down to her wrists, the sound of skin on skin punctuated by the tiefling's moans and screams, and his own groans and growls of pleasure. As he got closer to his peak, he closed his eyes, his mouth falling open. He wanted to taste her again.

He pressed his lips to her neck, breathing deeply. "May I?" This time when he asked the question, his voice was strained, but he didn't care if she knew how close he was to unraveling.

"Yes!" she cried out, and he felt her climax hit as she shuddered around his length. "Astarion!"

He bit down, drinking in flavour that was so indescribably her, and she let out a keening wail. It wasn't much longer before he fufilled her request, emptying himself in her. For a moment, he lay on top of her, his cock twitching as the last of his seed was pumped into her. Releasing his hold, he pulled out and watched as his cum dripped out of her pussy. Definitely a repeat performance he would be reprising as often as possible.

"Looks like I've left you quite a mess my dear," he drawled, moving to lounge beside her on the bed, propping up a leg and resting his arm on his knee. He watched as she stretched out her legs, wincing slightly. She was still shaking.

Meia's response was a groan, then she opened an eye to look at him. Her gaze traveled down his chest, stopping at his groin. "How... how is it you're still hard?"

"Well that would be thanks to you, my tasty little treat," he said, smirking. "Or at least, your blood."

She blinked, clearly confused. "You're saying drinking my blood turns you on?"

He laughed. "No, though it certainly seems to do the trick for you. Drinking your blood gives me... more blood flowing through my system, more to work with, so to speak. Which means I can keep going where other men simply... cannot."

He did so love the way her eyes widened when the comprehension dawned on her, a deep red blush staining her pale skin.

"I need a moment."

Astarion let out another laugh. "I wasn't suggesting immediately - though I would be happy to provide evidence for my claim."

The sorceress groaned again, this time more exasperated than aroused as she stared up at the ceiling. "You are insatiable."

"Naturally. Vampire."

"Vampire spawn," she corrected tartly, but turned her head so she was effectively facing him while still laying on her back.

"It makes very little difference in that regard, but don't think I missed how you're now able to make the distinction when it benefits you my dear," he teased.

"I can make the distinction now that I have additional information," she retorted, fixing him with a look.

He simply raised an eyebrow, shifting his position to avoid his arm from falling asleep underneath his chin. "So what you're saying is I should be better at keeping secrets?"

"Don't tell me you're planning on taking tips from Shadowheart now," Meia grumbled, and he couldn't help but laugh at her disgruntled tone.

"Have you been having difficulties with talking to our favourite cleric?"

The tiefling rolling her eyes, staring back up at the roof. "She's nearly impossible to talk to. You try to ask her anything and she gets all... spikey and defensive! I don't know what I did!"

"If I may make a suggestion darling?" he offered, skimming his hand across her stomach and pulling her closer. He had come to enjoy how warm she felt when she was pressed up against his cool skin. "Try wine."

He felt more than saw her look at him, and he could hear the confusion in her voice. "You mean... get her drunk?"

"Something like that," he said, drawing nonsensical patterns against her hip. She really was incredibly sheltered. "I've found our resident cleric is far more open to conversation over a glass of wine or two."

Meia made a thoughtful noise. "She did ask me to have a glass of wine with her at the party... I thought it was just because it was a party."

He let out an amused exhalation. "See? She was asking you to talk with her, on her terms."

"If you say so..." the tiefling didn't sound convinced. "I guess I could give it a try."

Astarion pressed a kiss against the top of her forehead. He really did love her.

Wait.

What?

No. No no no. This was not part of the plan!

No, this would go away in a box to look at later, because he was not dealing with this right now. She was supposed to fall for him, not the other way around!

He was so distracted by his own thoughts he almost missed her question.

"Astarion?"

"Hm?" he shook his head. "What is it darling?"

"Um..." she fidgeted with some of her hair, looking at the ends and rubbing the strands through her fingers. "What are we? To you?"

He froze. Oh Gods. What could he say? Shifting, he made a bit of space between the two of them so he could look at her face. The tiefling still wasn't looking at him, staring off towards the unadorned wall. It would do better if there was even a solitary painting instead of the crack running through the paint.

He couldn't tell her the truth. There was no way she could bear it. And there was no way he could bear seeing her cry. Before... well, before, he didn't know her. Convenient to hand. Easy to convince. She had been a means to an end. And now?

Fuck, he didn't know.

What he did know was she was so worried he could almost taste it. And every second he delayed in replying, the stronger it got.

"I... don't know," he said at last. She stiffened, slightly, subtly, and he quickly continued. "I don't know, but isn't it nice? Not to know?"

The tiefling shifted in his arms, changing her angle so she could look him in the eye, confusion visible on her face.

"You're not a victim. Not a target," Astarion elaborated, and he saw the understanding dawn in her eyes. They had spoken of Cazador, at lengths he would honestly have preferred to have avoided, but what was done was done. She knew more of his past than he had told anyone in a long time. "Not just one night it's better to forget."

"Oh." The word was so soft it was almost indistinguishable from a breath.

"But then..." he paused, considering, "whatever in the world could you be?"

Meia shifted closer, laying her hand on his chest. "What do you want me to be?"

Mine. The thought came unbidden, and he pushed it back away again. "I hadn't really thought of it," he said at last, and it wasn't entirely a lie.

She pressed her forehead against his side, nestled under his arm.

"Darling?"

There was a moment of silence where she didn't acknowledge him at all. When she spoke, her voice sounded strained. "Yes?"

He let out a sigh. Fuck. "Meia, I... I wasn't planning for this."

The tiefling pushed herself up, sitting beside him with her hand still resting gently on his skin. Her eyes were watery. "What do you mean?"

Astarion wrapped his arm around her waist, loosely holding her hip. "I wasn't planning... Gods, where do I even begin."

She waited, patiently, body bowstring taut, and he didn't need the tadpole in his head to know what she was thinking. It was written across her face. He gathered the whirling thoughts and tried to create some semblance of order out of them.

"Aside from the obvious of never even expecting to be in this kind of situation to start with," he paused, licking his lips before he dove into the truth of the confession. "I... I wasn't prepared for you. You... you impossible, ridiculous woman. The way you care about everyone and everything you come across. Including myself, when you truly have no cause to - I threatened you, I held you at knife point when first we met! And still you helped me anyway."

"You do keep saying I'm a bit of an idiot," she joked weakly, and he was pleased to see her expression was a little less sad than it had been moments before.

"No, I say you're a fool, which you are. You are far from an idiot my dear," he corrected, and she giggled. He ran his fingers up and down the ridges along her hip, enjoying the texture beneath his fingertips.

"The fact you are bound and determined to help, even if it inconveniences you - and the rest of us," he continued, catching her eye and giving her a small smile to reassure her despite his disgruntled tone. "And sometimes that leads you to do things that are frankly quite stupid. But you do them anyway. And I cannot understand why."

"Because it's the right thing to do," she defended, sounding confused.

"People don't do the right thing Meia," he said, pulling himself upright so he could recline against the headboard and pillows that were still somehow in their proper place from their previous activities. "People will overwhelmingly pick the self-serving option. People aren't like you."

He gestured for her to come sit next to him, and after a brief moment of hesitation, she crawled up beside him, dropping her head on his shoulder. Making a satisfied noise, he began to run his fingers through her hair, feeling her relax further against him.

"I think you're just a cynic," she muttered, sleepiness tinging the edges of her voice.

"I am, but can you blame me?"

The tiefling sighed. "Given what you've told me, no I can't blame you."

They fell into a companionable silence, and the sounds from the bar below filtered in. He absently wondered if the sounds of their activities had reached the patrons below. Wouldn't be the first time he had sparked some gossip.

The Last Light Inn wasn't too different from the Flophouse where he'd typically prowl, seeking out poor unfortunates in Baldur's Gate. Lambs, taken in by a few sweet words and sent to the slaughter. The art of seduction was almost second nature to him now - a job he had routinely been told he was the perfect tool for. Even the few compliments on his methods he received from Cazador were steeped in disgust and disappointment. With a face like that, surely you could do better.

Insolent whelp.

Such a disappointment.

You are nothing boy.

The words swirled through his mind, the familiar voice that haunted his every nightmare dragging him back down in to the black, gaping hungry maw - no! He would not be devoured again. Not again. Never again.

"A-Astarion?"

The question jolted him back into the present, and he was suddenly aware of his hand clenched around a fistfull of Meia's hair, her face screwed up into a wince with one hand on his wrist, the other trying to unclasp his fingers. He immediately released his hold. "Shit, I'm sorry darling."

She gently rubbed her head, and gave him a small smile. "What were you worrying over?"

For a moment he considered deflecting, but what use would that do? "Cazador."

The sorceress made a sympathic sound. "He seems to be on your mind often."

"How could he not?" Astarion snapped, pulling away from her. The expression she gave in response reminded him of a kicked puppy, and a pang of... something unpleasant hit him. He brushed it aside, but continued in a far less harsh tone. "Sorry, I... Cazador Szarr was my master, my tormentor, for two hundred years. Something he would lord over me every opportunity he had. I'll save you the grim repeat of the sorry details; just know that I plan on staying conveniently lost."

"He can't get you out here," she murmured, pressing a kiss against his bare shoulder.

"Can't he? He sent the Gur after all."

Meia looked up at him with an unimpressed expression. "Yes, the Gur hunter you stabbed in the eye on my first day having met you. You were doing an excellent job at hiding your secrets."

He pouted at her sarcasm. "You certainly didn't let any suspicions show - and don't tell me it's because you're suddenly good at lying, because you're not."

"I was too damn tired to think about it, if I'm being honest," she said, having the decency to look embarrassed at the admission. "Between being blown out of the sky, stopping goblins fom staging an all out assault on the Emerald Grove, and then getting lost in the forest and ending up in the swamp, I did more walking than I usually did in a tenday."

"I'm surprised you woke up at all then," he commented, idly drawing patterns on her upper arm with a finger. "I'm still surprised you let me drink your blood in the first place."

The sorceress shrugged. "Probably helped that I thought I was dreaming."

He laughed. "I'm sorry, you thought you were dreaming?"

"I - yes, I thought I was dreaming," she repeated, her cheeks bright red as she looked down at her knees. "Look, I wasn't kidding when I said you were distractingly handsome."

"Mm, tell me more darling."

"Astarion!" she squeaked, covering her face with her hands as he laughed. "Do you have to... always... do that?"

"Do what?"

"Be so... you," she said, gesturing to him with a hand. He promptly caught it, pulling her in against him and eliciting another squeak from the tiefling as he did.

"Why yes, I believe I do," he responded, kissing the top of her head and breathing in her scent as he did so. "Mmm, you smell positively delectible my sweet."

She made another embarrassed noise, trying to cover her face with a hand as she pressed in closer towards him. The flush of her cheeks were still easily visible despite her attempts, and he absently wondered if there was a children's fable about lambs trusting wolves. He was sure that damned demon would know.

Enough of that. He wasn't about to let Raphael ruin his day. Especially not when it held such potential.

Grabbing one of Meia's legs, he coaxed her to straddle him, the pale tiefling hiding her face against his shoulder. He didn't miss the quiet moan she tried to muffle against his skin as she settled in his lap, her pussy slick against his hardening cock. He rocked his hips slightly, making her throw her head back as the quiet sound became much louder.

Astarion kissed along her newly exposed neck and chuckled slightly. "If I'm going to keep snacking on you, you're going to need to get yourself something to restore your energy my dear."

The groan she made was more of annoyance than pleasure, her eyes refocusing on him. "I do not want to go back downstairs today."

"Worried what people might say?" he guessed, hands skimming across her hips and coming to rest on her ass.

She froze, abject shock painted across her face. "Oh no. I didn't realize they would be able to hear us."

"Well naturally darling," he replied, gesturing to the barren walls with a hand. "It's not as if there's a silencing or muffling spell on the walls. Looking past the fact that this was likely an abandoned building until the Harpers showed up, it's simply not that high class."

The sorceress dropped her head back against his shoulder. She muttered something, but he couldn't make out what it was. He ran his hand down her spine, and he felt her gasp against his skin. "What was that my dear?"

"I said, I cannot believe you are more focused on the state of the building than the fact that the entire inn could hear us!"

He laughed. "Darling, it's just sex."

Meia made a choked noise, not unlike some of the sounds she made the evening prior while he had been fucking her face. That might be something to try again here - perhaps up against the wall, that would be fun.

She lifted her head to look at him in disbelief. "Yes, sex, which is supposed to be private! Not for everyone around to know about."

"Mmm, now where's the fun in that?" he asked, tilting his head slightly as he gave her a mischievous grin. "Don't pretend to be so innocent little lamb. I saw all those dirty fantasies that went through your mind courtesy of the tadpole. You crave someone to push your boundaries and take you outside your comfort zone."

She was frozen again, and he took advantage of the opportunity to pull her in for a kiss - gentle at first, but quickly becoming more passionate as she responded to his movements. He swallowed her moan when he twisted his fingers through her hair, pulling her head back as he bucked his hips against hers just to hear the sound she would make.

"So much for keeping things private," he purred, kissing her neck. "Do you think you could even manage to keep quiet darling?"

"Huh?" she looked at him with a dazed expression, her eyes clouded by lust.

Astarion ran his hands down to her breasts, one hand staying there to tease a nipple, the other sliding further down across her stomach, his thumb gently flicking her clit. "Do you think you would be able to stay quiet with my cock inside you again my pet?"

The pale tiefling whined, rubbing herself along his dick and he groaned in response. "As enticing as that is darling, that isn't an answer. Use your words Meia."

"P-please," she gasped, steadying herself by leaning her forearms against his shoulders. "Please, fuck me."

"So you're not worried about the noise carrying after all?" he asked, reaching up and grabbing her arms. While she looked at him in confusion, he slid his hands down to her wrists, and quickly pinned her arms together behind her back. "Mmm, yes that's much better."

Meia made a sound of complaint as she tried to pull against his hold to no avail. "That's not fair."

"Who said anything about fair?" Using his free hand, he again traced along her hip and down to where their bodies met, his thumb dipping to collect enough of her cum so he could rub slow circles against her clit again. He wished he had some rope he could use, but that would be for another occasion. "Will you be able to stay quiet pet?"

She nodded vigorously, gasping back a cry as he pinched a nipple in warning. "Use. Your words."

"Y-yes, I'll stay quiet master," the sorceress moaned, grinding herself against him. "Please, please..."

He smirked, moving her back so he could align himself with her entrance, and then he let her impale herself on his shaft. Her mouth fell open into a silent o, and he could feel her walls already shuddering around him. "You take me so well darling," he murmured into her ear, kissing and nipping at her neck. While he shouldn't drink from her like he might want to right now, a taste wouldn't hurt her. Just a few drops of blood.

Astarion ran his pointed canines down to her collarbone, carefully nicking the pale skin to cause a bloom of red blood. She groaned softly, slowly moving her hips as he licked away the few beads of crimson. "Go on, ride me."

She didn't need any further encouragement, though she did pull against his hold on her wrists. He didn't release her, his free hand settling on her hip as he guided her movements. "Next time I'll get the rope," he whispered in her ear, chuckling in satisfaction when he heard her moan in response. "You'd like that, wouldn't you pet?"

"Y-yes," she gasped. To the tiefling's credit, she was doing a fairly good job at keeping her voice down, with only an occasional noise slipping out of her lips. "Astarion..."

"Yes darling?"

She was picking up her pace, her head falling forward against his shoulder as tiny groans puffed against his skin. "I'm so close."

"Keep going my sweet," he encouraged, adjusting his grip on her. "Fuck, you're so tight Meia. You feel so good."

He felt more than heard her moan; her pointed teeth, only slightly less sharp than his own, biting down on his skin hard enough he was sure there would be a mark there later. Normally he would be opposed to receiving pain, but ... he didn't mind this. Not with her.

A few more words of encouragement in her ear, and it wasn't long before Meia was crying out his name, her muscles clenching around him as she hit her climax. As she slowed, he released his hold on her wrists, both hands going to her hips. He wasn't quite finished yet.

"Such a good girl," he purred into her ear, feeling the tiefling shiver. "Now, I need you to do one more thing for me."

She made a sound of confusion, but climbed off of him as he shifted, sitting on the edge of the bed as he stood up. He held out his hand, drawing her eyes away from his still hard cock. "Come pet."

There was no hesitation as she took his hand, and he led her to the wall across from the bed. "On your knees darling, facing me."

She sank to the floor, looking up at him with her back to the wall. Astarion ran a hand down her head, stopping beneath her chin. Her eyes were still half-lidded, her cheeks a beautiful flush against her pale skin.

"You know what I want, don't you pet?"

The sorceress nodded, licking her lips as her eyes darted back down to the cock in front of her, then back up to his face. "Can I...? Please?"

"Go on." As soon as he gave her permission, she leant forward, tongue swirling around the head before she took his dick into her mouth, making him groan. He willed himself to be patient, even if he wanted to take her by her horns and thrust mercilessly into her mouth. He placed a hand against the wall and let out a shuddering breath as she took him deeper, his cock hitting the back of her throat.

He opened his eyes to see her staring up at him as she bobbed up and down, and he could tell her lust was building by her faint whines and how she was pressing her legs together, squirming where she sat.

"Oh, poor dear," he breathed, a teasing smile on his lips as he reached down to rest his other hand on the top of her head. "Have you not had enough yet?"

Meia groaned around his cock, pressing forward until her nose was pressing against his pelvis. He felt the flutter of the mental link she extended to him at the edges of his perception, accepting it without a second thought. "Found a way to talk with your mouth full? What a clever little lamb you are."

He could feel her flash of pleasure at the praise, the warmth pooling between her legs and making her groan. That was a... new sensation. What else could this mental link do? Definitely something to explore - later, after he gave his poor tiefling a break. There was an undercurrent of exhaustion at the edges of of her lust.

"Let me take over," he persuaded, knowing it wouldn't take much to convince her. She nodded, her hands bracing against his hips as he took ahold of her horns. "Tap if it gets too much."

She made a sound of acknowledgement, and he started moving. It was almost surreal to feel what she felt as he fucked her face, and he wouldn't have believed she enjoyed this as much as he did if he couldn't feel it for himself. The intensity of the mingling sensations had him let go of one of her horns so he could lean his arm and head against the wall, pressing closer to her as he did.

Meia whined, the sound vibrating pleasurably around his dick and he groaned, thrusting his hips faster as he approached his climax. He could feel her aching need - he was tempted to pick her up and bury himself in her cunt again. "Touch yourself," he instructed, trying to keep his voice from shaking.

One of the hands on his hips disappeared as she obeyed, her moan smothered against his skin as his movements grew more erratic. The muffled choked noises that accompanied the wet sound of his thrusts were only serving to make him harder.

"Take a breath," Astarion ordered, waiting until he was sure she had heard him. Letting go of her horn, he placed his hand on top of her head, weaving his fingers through her hair and pulling her head back as he fucked down her throat. He could see her eyes were rolled back, feeling her sharp fingernails digging into his hip as the pleasure mounted.

"Fuck, Meia," he gasped out, breathing heavily. He was so close. "You're taking me so well, such a good, mm, such a fucking good girl."

He felt her orgasm, the sudden wave of pleasure sending him over the edge and he buried himself as deep as he could, shooting his cum down her throat as she obediently swallowed as quickly as she could. Pulling back, he felt her suck in air, gasping and coughing.

"You alright darling?" he asked, kneeling beside her.

She nodded. "I'm fine," the sorceress said between coughs.

"Uh huh," Astarion scoffed, making her yelp as he scooped her up in his arms. He carefully deposited her on the bed, giving her a pointed look. "Stay put. I'm going to get you somthing to drink before you collapse."

Meia pouted, sliding back and leaning back against the pillows. "It's your fault I'm in this state."

He made an amused sound of acknowledgement, digging through his pack to find a clean pair of pants. "You're welcome darling. Now sit tight, I'll be back soon."

Pulling his pants on and tightening his belt, he spared only a moment to pull a shirt over his head and put on his shoes before unlocking the door to head out into the inn. There was bound to be a kitchen even at this dismal establishment - he could find her some food and water, and a bottle or two of wine for them to share while they enjoyed each other's company for the remainder of the day.

~)*(~

Today was already shaping up to be a nightmare.

When they woke, Jaheria had instructed they speak with the cleric upstairs to receive a blessing from Selune that would allow them to traverse the shadows and reach Moonrise Tower. It was as they were talking with Isobel that a minion of Ketheric Thorm appeared intent on stealing the woman away, a former Flaming Fist named Marcus.

The battle was bloody, and Meia was glad they had the Harpers there to assist or it might have ended poorly. When the dust settled, most everyone was okay, though the fact the imps had flown off with Mol was concerning to say the least. Between Matis and herself, the other children had been encouraged not to assault the tower on their own but only with the promise that she would look for their leader. As if she wasn't going to do that anyway.

The remains of Reithwin Town weren't far from the inn, buildings crumbling around the massive vines that seemed to be trying to choke what little remaining life was left in the area. After what felt like a nervewracking eternity, they finally made it to the bridge that led Moonrise Tower, stopping for a moment to prepare themselves by another of the ancient sigils that dotted the land. They were lucky the magic was still working in this cursed place, it would make traveling a lot easier.

"Are we ready?" she asked her companions. They all nodded in response, faces set. Steeling herself, she led the way across the bridge.

As they approached the stairs at the base of the tower, two zealots came into view, both standing at attention with wicked looking glaives.

"That's far enough," the man said, holding his hand up as the party approached. Meia could feel the brush of his parasite against her own, and tried to hide her distate. "Ah, welcome True Soul - what news?"

"Nothing from the field," she replied, thinking quickly. "What news inside?"

"General Ketheric's advisor when off on a field trip - Z'rell's in charge 'til he gets back."

The woman spoke up. "You'll find Z'rell in the audience chamber True Soul. She'll be wanting to hear from you."

"That's what I call an invitation," Karlach muttered from over Meia's left shoulder. "Let's find Z'rell and get this caravan moving."

"In Her name," Meia said to the two zealots with a nod.

"Praise the Absolute," the man replied, letting them pass with no further incident.

As they climbed the steps, Astarion came up beside her, speaking quietly in her ear. "You're getting better at that darling. I nearly believed you myself."

"I can't believe that worked," she whispered back, feeling the slight glow of pride from his praise.

Once they were inside, Meia was taken aback by the size of the tower. She hadn't doubted it would be formidable, but the unnatural darkness of the lands had hidden it from view. Vaulted ceilings with narrow rafter walkways stretched above them, another set of stairs leading down. The floor might have been covered in plush carpeting at one point, but now it was a faded, muddy red that let out puffs of dust beneath her feet.

They had scarely time to make it to the bottom of the stairs before another zealot addressed them. "Audience chamber is straight ahead True Soul. Z'rell will want to speak with you."

Keenly aware of the eyes on their little party, Meia again nodded and walked to the massive wood doors that the zealot had gestured to. Taking a deep breath to calm the anxiety that was growing in the pit of her stomach, she pushed open the double door and walked into the audience chamber.

The first thing she noticed was the drow they had seen at the Goblin Camp - she had been sure that woman had been killed during their assault! It had been Meia's strike that had knocked the woman to the ground... but she had been wielding a quarterstaff. It was entirely possible that instead of killing the drow, she had instead knocked the woman out cold. That could pose a problem, especially if Minthara revealed that detail.

"I will not be slandered!" The drow shouted. "General, you saw my reports - you know it's not my fault."

"The facts suggest otherwise," spoke an imposing orc that stood to the side of the man Meia could only assume was General Ketheric Thorm. "You were ordered to retrieve the artefact - you failed to do so."

"If I had been given drow warriors instead of goblin trash-" Minthara started, but was quickly interrupted by shrill complaints from the gaggle of goblins to her side.

"Enough!" the orc shouted, sending a blast of mental energy out across the room and Meia flinched. "Let me make sure I understand this - you're claiming that General Thorm gave you the wrong soldiers?"

The tone was deadily; even and devoid of any emotion.

"Yes - no!" The drow immediately seemed to rethink what she had said.

"You blame the Absolute's Chosen for your failure?"

"Of course it is not the General's fault-"

"Whose then?" the orc demanded, and Meia wished she could simply leave the audience chamber - but doing so would undoubtedly draw the wrong type of attention. She shifted slightly closer to Astarion. If he noticed her movement, he didn't react.

"The goblins!" Minthara finally said, drawing another outraged noise from the trio of goblins to her side. "They failed me. They failed us all."

"And what would you do to those that have failed you?" the orc woman continued, effectively stifling the complaints.

"They are put to death, obviously."

The General finally spoke, drawing the attention of everyone in the room. "True, ultimate failure must earn ultimate punishment."

He seemed measured, thoughtful even. Thorm looked directly at Minthara. "Nightwarden Minthara, your crime is incompetence and your sentence is death."

"No!" she screamed, struggling against the guards who came to take her by each arm.

"Make her passing slow, Disciple Z'rell," he instructed the orc woman to his right arm. "Be creative."

The way he was so casually cold in ordering the drow's execution shook Meia to her core, and she couldn't help but speak up. "She served the Absolute faithfully."

The General's eyes landed on her, assessing her and Meia tried not to squirm under the intensity of it. "A pity, then, that her faith was so inadequate. Take her below."

Minthara's cries for mercy fell on deaf ears as she was dragged from the room.

"Kill the goblins too."

"What?" exclaimed one.

"You creaking old bag of shit!" shouted another, hefting an axe and throwing it at the gnarled elf. The weapon flew true, striking the General with enough force it sounded like it had pierced the chair behind him.

The goblins' cheering was quickly cut short when Thorm wrenched the axe free, ignoring Z'rell's babbling apologies to drop the weapon at the feet of the goblin that had thrown it. "Try again."

His voice was devoid of anger, devoid of any emotion. What kind of creature was he?

Obediently, albeit with an expression of abject terror, the goblin picked up the axe and struck the General's neck, turning his head to an odd angle. Again, Thorm simply removed the weapon from where it had landed, and adjusted his head. The goblin screamed as the General moved closer, but couldn't move fast enough to avoid his gauntleted fists as he crushed her skull.

"Dispose of the rest as you see fit," he instructed, before his eyes landed on Meia again. "Or better yet - let us take advantage of the True Soul who has just arrived."

"Of course my lord," Z'rell said as the General left the room. "You heard the General. The goblins are yours - deal with them however you wish. Report to me when you are done."

Meia inclined her head, watching as the orc woman left the same way that the General had gone. She had no doubt that this was some kind of test to see where her allegiances lay.

The remaining two goblins eyed her warily. "You ain't gonna do anything drastic, are you?" asked one. "We've been nothing but loyal!"

She pushed down the sickening guilt before she spoke. "Not another word. In fact, not another breath."

They looked at her in horror, clawing at their throats as they asphyxiated in front of her. Astarion made a sound of approval. "Creative."

"Given the chance, they would not have hesitated to kill us," she said, nudging one of the bodies with a toe. "I don't intend to jeopardize what we're here to do on their account."

"And what of Minthara?" demanded Karlach, crossing her arms across her chest. "Are we just leaving her here to die? It's our fault-"

"Karlach, not right now!" Meia interrupted, casting a worried look towards the guards at the sides of the room. She leaned in towards the fiery barbarian, speaking quietly. "Look, it sounds like they keep all their prisoners down below - we can break out Minthara at the same time we save the tieflings and the gnomes."

"Hmph," was the only response from Karlach, but hopefully that would be enough to convince her for the time being.

Meia rubbed her eyes. She could feel the start of an awful headache.

She led the way to the staircase at the back of the room, heading up to the floor above where Z'rell and Thorm had disappeared. Rounding the corner, she spotted the orc in conversation with another cultist, but no sign of the General.

"Excellent timing True Soul," Z'rell said, her eyes raking over Meia in a concerningly hungry fashion. Once again she resisted squirming. "The goblins - tell me how they suffered. No, better yet, show me."

The orc invaded her mind, with no consideration or care as she looked for the memories of what had been done to the goblins.

"Oh, I like you," Z'rell said as she pulled back, giving Meia a toothy smile as she shook her head to clear away the lingering feeling of the orc's consciousness. "That was inventive, and efficient."

Meia gave a small nod, trying to appear calm and collected. "They weren't particularly worth my time."

The orc let out a snort that might have been a laugh. "Your confidence is delicious. I can see why the Absolute might be hungry to dig deeper into that mind of yours. I certainly am."

Meia didn't have the time to process the almost overt lust in the woman's voice before Z'rell had invaded her mind again, digging through it in search of something - all at once Meia realized that dealing with the goblins had only been part of the test. The disciple was looking for proof of her faith in the Absolute.

She just needed to distract the woman long enough to avoid her seeing the truth.

Thinking quickly, she settled on her memories of Astarion - their time together, things they had done, the things she wished they could do... It wasn't long before the orc severed the connection with a satisfied sound.

"My, my. Your lust for the neck-pricker is succulent - I'd like to take a bite out of him myself."

Meia blushed bright red, looking down at the floor. She pushed aside the flare of possessive anger that flashed through her at the orc's words. That could have gone much worse if the woman had discovered anything about her real intentions here.

"With the Absolute, your fantasies can become more than flesh," Z'rell continued, a smug grin on her face. "The pleasure of the mind can suprass those of the body. I have already been blessed to stand in Her presence. It was bliss. She gave me everything I wanted."

"How do I get what I want?" Meia asked, eager to change the topic.

"By serving General Thorm - I have a mission for you."

Meia listened intently as Z'rell outlined the task - locating the relic and tracking down Disciple Balthazar beneath the Thorm family mausoleum to the north of Reithwin. She dutifully nodded as she was instructed to retrieve a moon lantern, making a note to show it to Jaheira before they set out to the mausoleum.

As soon as she was able, she excused herself, heading to the area Z'rell indicated Balthazar's study was located to retrieve the moonlantern. The sooner she was out of this tower, the happier she would be. She felt like she needed a bath.

Opening the door to the study, she scrunched up her nose as the smell of stale and rotting blood assaulted her nose. The sheer amount of gore and viscera in the room was staggering. "Oh Gods above and below, what was he doing in here?"

"Something horrific from the looks of things," Shadowheart commented, her expression matching Meia's.

Karlach shut the door behind them. "Let's just get the lantern and get out of here."

"Agreed," Meia said with a nod. "Let's look around - but don't touch anything if you can avoid it. I wouldn't be surprised if Balthazar left traps for anyone looking around where they shouldn't."

Shadowheart and Karlach moved towards the desk area, and Meia checked along the bookcase near the door, Astarion trailing behind her.

"So..." the vampire spawn murmured, his quiet voice suddenly in her ear making her jump slightly. "You lust for me darling?"

The blush returned to her cheeks. "It's not like you didn't know!" she hissed, turning her attention back to the shelves.

He chuckled. "It doesn't hurt to be reminded."

She was spared having to reply by Shadowheart calling out, pointing at what could only be the moonlantern they had been looking to retrieve."Good eyes! Let's grab it and go."

She didn't miss the pointed smile Astarion sent her way as she headed toward the door, and she very intentionally ignored it. Worst time, worst place...

They passed Z'rell on their way back down the stairs, and Meia kept her eyes on the floor as she passed, not wanting to see if the orc was watching her. As they stood at the top of the stairs, she looked back at her companions. "Let's check the main floor before we head below. I'd rather make sure I'm correct before we stage a jail-break."

"Generally a sound idea," Shadowheart agreed. "Lead the way."

At the back of the group, Karlach was grumbling again, but Meia ignored the sound, leading them to the door on the right, opposite the one Minthara had been taken through earlier. A wandering eye passed through the room and out the far door, reminding Meia that this was very much enemy territory.

In the corner of the room, there was a drow woman standing over an alchemy set on a table, muttering to herself as she inspected her red vials and bottles. As they approached, she turned to greet them, a sly smile on her face.

"Araj Oblodra, trader in blood and the sanguineous arts. It is a pleasure to stand before a True Soul." The drow gave a tiny bow, her deep red eyes flickering over the party, stopping on Astarion with undisguised interest. "And your pale companion. I'd like to offer my services, if you're willing?"

Meia tamped down on the possessive flare that shot through her again, keeping her voice as level as possible. "What does a 'trader in blood' do exactly?"

"I trade in blood and the potions that can be wrung from it," the woman explained. "I'm more than happy to make you one, if you'd honour me with your blood. With one drop, I can brew a rather potent potion for you. The rest, I keep for myself."

She frowned at the prospect. "What will you do with the rest?"

The drow shrugged. "Research, naturally. A little experimentation, perhaps - I have an innate curiosity for all things sanguine."

"I will have to decline," Meia said, her stomach churning at the idea. There was something not quite right about this woman.

"I'm here should you change your mind - although perhaps there's one more thing we could discuss: your friend."

The drow gestured to Astarion with a hand, and Meia felt her hackles rising.

"He's a vampire, no? Or one of their spawn, at least." If Araj was aware of the effect she was having, she didn't seem to care.

"Don't worry," Astarion interjected smoothly. "We're all friends under the Absolute. I won't bite."

"Oh, I'd prefer if you did," Araj said, giving him a hungry look before returning her attention to Meia. "I assume he belongs to you?"

Meia gawped at the drow. "Excuse me? He's his own person."

The drow laughed. "I'm sure he really believes that. How utterly adorable. Do you have a name, spawn?"

Astarion leant back, his hands up. "Astarion, but hold on-"

"Good," the blood trader interjected, cutting off any further protests. "Now, Astarion, I've dreamt of being bitten by a vampire since I was a young girl."

"I'm sorry? You want to be bitten?"

"To feel your life's blood slipping away? To dance on the edge between life and death?" The drow's voice had taken on an almost fervent tone, her eyes shining. "Yes, I want it. I'll even compensate you - a potion of legendary power that forever increases the strength of the one who consumes it. It's not for sale, but it's yours - if you bite me."

"I... will have to decline," Astarion said, feigning disinterest. Meia knew him well enough to see his discomfort as easily as if he was shouting it to the woman - the way he was standing as far from the drow as possible, eye looking around the room for an avenue of escape, his usual loose stance wound like an overtight bowstring.

"Excuse me?" Araj demanded, an incredulous expression on her face. "This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and you're squandering it."

"I gave you my answer!" he snapped, the facade crumbling in a second.

"Can't you talk some sense into your obstinate charge?" the blood trader spat towards Meia, and she simply crossed her arms.

"He said no. There's nothing more to discuss."

Araj looked Meia up and down, her lips turning down into a sneer. "How very disappointing."

"If you'll excuse us," Meia said, turning to pass through the door in the wall near her. The sooner they could leave Moonrise Tower, the better.

This next room was a kitchen. A cultist was twisting the minds of gnolls, having them act as serving staff. While she had no love for gnolls given her recent brush with near death at the hands of the group on the Risen Road, no creature deserved this. When the gnome tried to force Barnabus to speak, Meia broke the connection without a second thought. She felt no guilt as the woman lay in a pool of her own blood, and it didn't take much to convince the gnolls that they were friends, not enemies.

After a quick and unpleasant conversation with the bugbear merchant and Karlach in the main room, they finally found the bloodstained stairs down to the basement. Meia looked back over her shoulder at her companions. "Ready?"

"As I'll ever be," Karlach confirmed grimly, and Shadowheart nodded her agreement.

Squaring her shoulders and taking a deep breath, Meia headed downstairs.

The room was much larger than she expected. Past the initial cell block, there was a massive tower sitting at the heart of the basement that seemed to support the weight of the tower above. Further investigation would have to wait, because despite the closed door Meia could clearly make out Minthara's voice crying out in agony. With a quick look over at the guards framing the double doors she could only assume led outside and another glance back at the guard at the base of the stairs, she pushed open the cell door.

The two gnomes who stood over the drow looked up as she walked in. One paused to speak. "Greetings True Soul. Will you be joining us?"

Minthara seemed befuddled and in extreme duress, breathing heavily as she held out her hands in a feeble attempt to combat the physic energy coursing towards her.

"What are you doing to her?" Meia tried to keep her voice even, but an edge of disgust still managed to seep into the words despite her best attempts.

"Why, we're erasing her," explained the other. "Removing what is not useful, and reshaping her in the image of perfection for the Absolute."

"Absolutely fucking not," she said, hearing both Karlach and Astarion readying their weapons beside her as Shadowheart discreetly shut the door.

The fight was short, the gnomes laying dead before either of them could reach the door to call for aid from outside. Minthara looked from the corpse up to the party in shock.

"I remember you..."

"We can discuss later, we need to leave, now!" Astarion hissed.

"We can't just take her outside," Meia said with a shake of her head. "Better idea - Minthara waits here and recovers, we find where the tieflings and gnomes are being held, and then we all leave, together."

Astarion frowned. "Your plan for a discreet jail break will have been well and truly fucked if someone walks in to check on the prisoner here."

"So we clear the way then?" she suggested, looking at Karlach and Shadowheart for suggestions. "There's three more guards by this end of the floor-"

"We don't know if there are any patrols though," Karlach pointed out, wiping the blood off her sword and sheathing it on her back. "Let's do a quick walk about, see what we're up against, then put this plan in motion."

"Okay," Meia agreed, then looked back over at Minthara. "Just stay quiet, we'll come back and get you as soon as it's safe."

"Be quick," the drow instructed, worry clear in her eyes as they darted towards the door. "There is no telling when Z'rell will be coming down."
Waiting for Minthara to get out of sight, they left the cell, shutting the door as they went. Fortunately there was no blood pooling by the door, but Minthara was right - they needed to get everyone out before Z'rell came to make good on the General's orders.

Walking to the central chamber, Meia took a moment to take in the full scope of the room. Massive cells ringed the outer wall, and a chasm deep underground stretched out on the left, the tower structure standing between the two. She could easily make out the shapes of the tieflings in one of the near cells, as well as a guard patrolling along the outside of the wall of cells, accompanied by another of the floating sentry eyes. Hopefully that wouldn't complicate things.

"I count two here, the eye, and three behind us," Astarion muttered.

"What about the tower?" she asked, gesturing to it with a hand. "Looks like there's a sentry point at the top."

"She's right," Karlach confirmed, pointing to the open windows midway up the structure. "See there? Perfect vantage point."

The vampire made a thoughtful noise. "Right you are. Let's take a look."

Trying to act the part of a True Soul of the Absolute, Meia approached the tieflings - only to be immediately interrupted by one of the guards.

"Hey! Those prisoners are for Disciple Balthazar's attention only!"

"It's not like they can do very much to me while they're locked up," she protested. "What are they going to do, talk me to death?"

The guard frowned, but seemed swayed by Meia's pleading. "Well... I can't argue with that. But watch yourself."

Lia was the first to speak when the guard left, keeping her voice low. "Who are you - speaking as if you have the authority of their god?"

"I'm the crazy adventurer here to get you and the gnomes out," Meia hissed through the bars. "What do you know?"

"Talk to the gnomes, a few cells down," the tiefling responded. "They're planning something, and we want in on whatever it is."

With a nod, Meia continued along, stopping in front of a cell where a handle of gnomes very poorly hid their attempt to break the back wall on their cell.

"I saw how you talked to that guard," said the gnome who was acting as lookout asked, eyeing her warily. "What do you want?"

"Wulbren Bongle?" she guessed, and was pleased to note the gnome's eyes widened in surprise. "Barcus sent me."

"Barcus? What the devil is he doing here?"

"Trying to rescue you, apparently," Meia said.

"Didn't think he had the stones," Wulbren said, and there was no mistaking the note of astonishment in his voice.

"We want to get you and the tieflings out," Karlach whispered, leaning in. "What's the plan?"

"Efficient. I like it," Wulbren nodded. "The tieflings would be useful in the event of a fight... Look, us Ironhand Gnomes can make due with most anything, but the cultist took our gear and locked it away in the tower there. The back wall is weak - get us any sort of tool and we'll handle the rest."

Stepping back from the cell, Meia stopped the guard as she made her round again. "Sorry to bother you, what's in the tower?"

"The tower? Oh, that's the warden's office and evidence storage. Strictly off limits."

"Oh, that's unfortunate," Meia said, discreetly gesturing to Astarion to get in position behind the guard. "You see, we're going to need to get in there."

The woman didn't have a moment to scream as the vampire's blade sunk into her back. There was a sickening squelch, and she fell to the floor. The guard at the far into the room called out, but was quickly bowled over by Karlach tackling him, her thick fists pummelling the man's face.

The crucial part was silencing the wandering eye before it spotted the carnage - and it was just turning back around the corner to the cells now. Cursing under her breath in Infernal, Meia darted into range, shooting it with a quick volley of eldritch blasts. Shadowheart's well aimed arrow caused it to explode in a puff of smoke.

Astarion was already working on unlocking the door to the tower, crouching by the door handle. Karlach came up behind them, shaking her hands. "That wasn't too bad."

"We're not out yet," Meia replied, nervously looking towards the entrance to the cell block.

"All we need to do is eliminate the witnesses and get out," Shadowheart said, placing a hand on Meia's shoulder and giving her a reassuring smile.

The door clicked open, and Astarion turned the handle only to end up face first with an alarmed looked cultist. "What - who are you? Where are the guards?"

"Oh bugger this," Karlach grumbled, stepping around the three of them to shoulder check the woman back onto the floor of her office. Astarion neatly followed up with his knife plunging through the cultist's unprotected throat. There was a sharp gurgle, her hands clawing at Astarion's arm, but it wasn't long before she fell still.

The room held a desk, a few bookshelves, and a singluar chest, but the most notable features were the tall ladder that could only lead up to the sentry point, and the wall covered in switches. Curious, Meia stepped past Astarion looting the corpse of the warden to examine the levers more closely. They were meticulously labeled, each corresponding to one of the locked cells, with one additional switch that would open all the doors at once.

"Looks like evidence storage is up above," Shadowheart said, gesturing up at the ladder from where she stood over the empty chest.

"Guess I'll go take a look," Meia said, glancing over at the vampire. "Would you mind coming up with me?"

Astarion looked at the ladder and sighed. "If I must. You are rather hopeless without me there to help with the locks."

She gave him an unimpressed look, climbing up the first few rungs. "I'm sure I could manage on my own-"

"And yet you had to come get me from camp the last time there was a locked chest precisely because you couldn't manage without me," he retorted from below her.

"That was a week ago!" It suddenly occurred to her that this angle afforded him the opportunity to look up her robes and she was thankful for the chill in the air making her wear pants. She quickly scrambled up the rest of the ladder as fast as she reasonably could, holding onto the railing at the top to steady herself.

"Mm, and I doubt much has changed from then," he said as he joined her, stepping between her and the rest of the upper floor, leaving her stuck between him and the railing.

"Astarion..."

"Yes darling?" he asked, the innocent tone not convincing her in the least given the mischievous glint in his eyes. He leaned in, kissing along her neck.

"Is this really the time?" she hissed, her hands pressing against his chest. She couldn't deny the effect he was having on her, a sudden rush of heat pooling between her legs. "We don't have the time-"

"Oh, I know that well my sweet sorceress," he interrupted, kissing her unexpectedly and taking her breath away. He pressed closer, swallowing her groan as his tongue explored her mouth, a hand griping her hip tightly, the other cradling her neck. When Astarion finally broke away, he gave her a smirk. "Consider it foreplay."

Then he was gone, leaving her leaning against the railing as he inspected one of the heavy chests that lined the wall. Meia dug her fingernails into the wood of the railing, trying to catch her breath. Absolute bastard of a man.

Letting the vampire spawn work his magic on the locks, Meia investigated the tables nearby, quickly spotting a hammer that had the letters W and B etched into the haft. "I think I found the confiscated tools," she said, drawing Astarion's attention.

"Excellent, because I've just finished collecting our fee," he replied, holding up a bulging sack of what she could only assume was coin. "Let's recover the drow and get out of here."

The rest of the rescue was a blur - as soon as they handed the tools off to the gnomes, Meia had sprinted back to the entrance of the cellblock, efficiently dispatching the guard at the bottom of the stairs while Karlach and Astarion took care of the other two by the double door before they had the chance to raise the alarm. Minthara did not need much urging to follow along when Shadowheart opened the door to her cell.

With a flick of the lever inside the warden's office, the cells were open, the broken back wall leading to concealed tunnels that seemed to run the length of the cell block. Meia spotted the tieflings and gnomes working on readying a skiff that was moored at a dock - probably was once a hidden smuggling route that fell out of use when the shadow curse took over the land.

"Ah, there you are," Wulbren said, turning to face them. "My plan was to hide out on the water till we could get our bearings and head towards the city."

"I've got a better idea - there's a safe house not far from here, Last Light Inn," Meia explained. She looked over at the tieflings. "It's where the survivors from the Grove have been staying. I can guide us there - we'll stand a better chance of getting to the city together."

"Certainly sound better than waiting for daylight and hoping to head out alone," Cal said, and Lia nodded.

"Alright, lead the way," Wulbren agreed.

Navigating the incessant shadows was no easy task on the water, and more than once Meia could see the shape of even darker, larger shadows beneath its still, glassy surface. Fortunately the protective dome shimmered like a beacon through the darkness, and it was not long before they reached Last Light Inn.

"What is this?" demanded the shocked Harper as the boat bobbed up to the edge of docks below the inn.

"Refugees," Meia explained. "We broke them out of Moonrise Tower."

"You can't just bring people in here! There are protocols," he protested, watching as the ragtag group climbed out of the skiff. "Alright, look, everyone line up, we need to check you over."

There were sounds of objection from the gnomes and tieflings both. "These people need rest, not protocols," Meia said.

"No one gets in without being checked over, High Harper's orders. It'll just be moment," the man insisted, again gesturing for the group to form a line.

Given the situation with Marcus the day before, she couldn't blame the Harpers for their precautions. "Do as he says, you'll be free to go before long."

The grumbles faded behind her as headed up to speak with Jaheria. She would probably be waiting for a report - news traveled fast amongst the Harpers, and if nothing else, the old elf should at least be informed of what all they had found at Moonrise.

It had been a long and involved conversation, again over a glass of adulterated wine. Meia was helping to set up for the evening meal in the kitchen when Astarion came over to her. She looked up, and was taken aback by the serious, almost nervous expression on his face.

"Can we talk? Some place... more private?"

She nodded, swallowing past the worry clutching at her throat. "Of course, lead the way."

He led the way outside of the inn, taking the cobblestone path between the stable where Dammon had set up a forge and down the stairs towards a large tree that overlooked the water. Seeming satisfied they wouldn't be overheard, he turned to look at her.

"I... wanted to thank you."

Meia looked at him with confusion. That wasn't at all what she had been expecting given his initial expression. "What for?"

"For what you said when I was in front of that vile drow," he clarified, his lips turning down into a sneer at the mention of the blood trader. "I spent two hundred years using my body to lure pretty things back for my Master. What I wanted, how I felt about what I was doing... it never mattered."

She looked at him, taking in the pain in his expression, the lump in her throat quickly returning as soon as it had gone. Suddenly, she vividly recalled an earlier conversation they had had shortly after they first met - he had explained how a vampire spawn was less than a slave, they were a puppet for their master to direct any which way they pleased. It sounded like a life worse than any hell she could imagine.

Astarion continued. "You could have easily asked me to do the same - throw myself at her, what I wanted be damned. But you didn't. And I'm grateful."

"I don't want you to do anything you don't want to do," she insisted, hoping her words would be enough to convey her sincerity.

The vampire spawn let out a slight laugh. "It's a novel concept, I admit. And a little intimidating. It would have been so easy to bite her - to just go along with what I was being told to do. A moment of disgust to force myself through. And then I could have carried on, just like before."

She shook her head. "That would have been wrong."

"The entire reason for my existence was to seduce anything with a pulse," he retorted with a roll of his eyes. "And every instinct I have tells me that nothing's changed. That I'm still just a means to an end."

Meia started fidgeting with one of the rings on her right hand, unable to hold his gaze. She had no idea what to say to that. He never liked when she expressed her sympathies for the pieces of his history he had shared to her before - he didn't want her pity, he had made that abundantly clear.

His crooked finger tilting her chin up cut through her swirling thoughts, and there was something about the look in his eyes that made her stand still, even as his hand pulled away again. "You made me see I never stopped thinking like I was still his slave, even in freedom. But I'm more than that. More than a thing to be used."

"If..." she paused, trying to figure out how to best word the question. "If that was what you were used to, why did you sleep with me? Did you think you'd... get something from it?"

"Of course," he said, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. She felt her stomach lurch uncomfortably, ending up somewhere below her knees. "I needed protection. People don't trust vampires - perhaps understandably, so I needed to get someone on my side. And seducing you was easy, frankly."

Her heart hurt. She couldn't breathe, she felt like she was going to be sick, and her heart felt like it had been ripped out of her chest. Oh Gods, what a fool she was. She was not going to cry. No matter how much she wanted to, she wasn't going to cry in front of him again.

"So imagine how stupid I felt when I started to genuinely feel something for you," he said, his voice soft, the words wrapping around her like a warm blanket.

Meia looked up, hope and surprise shooting through her in equal measure. She searched his face for any sign of deception - she would like to think she had learned at least some of his tells in the past few weeks they had been traveling together.

He gave her a wistful smile and reached out, taking her left hand in his own, stilling her fidgeting. "Trust me, I was not happy about it."

She couldn't help but let out a laugh at that. Perhaps that was the reason he had been so upset with her in the Grymforge. It wouldn't be surprising - he wasn't exactly the best with dealing with his emotions from what she'd seen.

"You were a complication I didn't see coming. And yet..."

"Is that why sometimes you... don't seem like you're entirely there when we...?" she let the question hang, and he nodded. A pang of guilt shot through her. "Oh, Astarion. If... if you're not comfortable with the sex-"

"I wouldn't say I'm uncomfortable-" he cut himself off, letting go of her to run a hand through his silver curls. "I'm... When it comes to having sex with you, there hasn't been an instance where I'm forcing myself through the motions. But at the same time, it's a piece of my past I can't escape, and it has a habit of showing up at the worst possible opportunity and takes me out of the moment."

"Astarion, we don't have to have sex if you don't want to," Meia said, reaching out to touch him, but she stopped herself - what if he didn't want her to touch him right now? "That isn't why I - I mean, it's just that you're worth more than just that."

"Darling, I just told you I literally hatched a plot to seduce you," he retorted, crossing his arms across his chest. "I spent nearly the entirety of my undead existence perfecting my ability to bed almost anyone and have them begging for more - so much so they willingly follow me to their demise. I'd like to think it's something I'm rather good at."

"Don't get me wrong, the sex is-" her mind blanked out for a moment as she remembered their most recent activities, but quickly refocused before she could go too far down that road. "Great, the sex is great, but above all I want to make sure you're okay. That you're happy."

She looked up and he was staring at her with an unreadable expression, so she kept going, staring down at his shoes. "I don't care this started out as a plan to seduce me - no, that's a lie-"

"Meia?" his voice cut through her nervous floundering and she looked up again to realize he was standing much closer than when she last looked, a small soft smile touching his lips.

"Y-yes?"

"You're rambling darling," he said, and he leant down to kiss her.

She stepped into his arms, holding him as tightly as she could. She never wanted to let him go. Never wanted to let anyone hurt him ever again. "I care about you."

"Really?"

Without thought, she opened her mind to him with the tadpole - it was the easiest way to show him she was telling the truth. To show him how she truly felt.

"You... you are full of surprises, aren't you?" He shook his head, looking down at her in wonder. "Honestly, I have no idea what we're doing. Or what comes next. But I know that this... this is nice."