Tav groaned as he rolled onto his belly and pressed his face into the pillow, head throbbing in time with his heartbeat. Damn Astarion for being right about this hangover. He just needed to drink a lot of water and have a hearty breakfast. That would do the trick. He sat up and rubbed the sleep from his eyes. Appearances felt meaningless right now, so he put on a casual grey tunic and pants. Groggily heading downstairs, he saw last night's acquaintance sipping on some tea. She appeared to be reading a traveler's guide of the Sword Coast.

"Good morning sleeping beauty." Orianna greeted. She waved to the seat across from her.

Tav didn't hesitate to sit down. He groaned, resting his head on the table. "A champion sorcerer... defeated by red wine..."

Orianna reached out and gently stroked the ridges on his head. She cooed in a soothing voice. "Let me get you an herbal blend to help with the headache. I'll ask the kitchen to fix you something to eat."

She heard Tav reply with a quiet grunt before leaving the table. Healing wounds was more in her wheelhouse, but she had started to learn about natural medicine in her spare time. She made a warm concoction of different herbs and brought along his breakfast. She chose to sit at his side. Rubbing his back, she pushed the warm drink towards him.

"Have this first. It will also help with dehydration and any stomach upset."

"Thank you... seriously." He sipped his drink little by little until the mug was empty. He pulled his breakfast towards him and took his time eating.

"Astarion isn't here today?" She inquired even though she already knew the answer.

"He's not much of a morning person." Tav said, slicing his fork into a pork sausage. "Actually... I think he went back to his home last night to overlook a few things." He wasn't really lying. Most of what he said was true.

"I see."

Orianna watched him with interest. She hadn't had the chance to spend much time around dragonborns. Especially not this close. They were as decorative as she had imagined. The base colour of his scales were raspberry red but there were areas on his body that had accents of green. His eyes were even more fascinating to look into. They shone and rippled like flames.

"If you are feeling better after freshening up, would you like to spend some time together?"

That looked like more of a possibility as time went on. Tav's skull no longer felt like it was going to split in half. His rumbling stomach had also been satiated.

"I could show you around the lower city. Is there anything in particular you wanted to do?"

"Mm. I was planning to do some shopping. I wasn't able to bring everything with me when I left. Had to pack light." It would have been too cumbersome to pack certain items with her. She could honestly buy some more clothes too. She was actually wearing the same thing from the night before. "This morning I spoke to Alan about some possible work. He said it wouldn't be a problem for me to perform some songs to help with my rent."

"My my, you're also proficient in music?" His voice sounded intrigued.

Orianna smiled timidly. "I had a lot of free time on my hands for a while. Dragomir permitted me to learn and would listen to me play or sing often..." She hadn't meant to slip up and say his name. Tav was just way too easy to talk to. He made her feel comfortable. "The tavern seems to have a piano, but I was also hoping to purchase a violin or a lute."

Dragomir. It was apparent that she had been living a life that was not her own. Restricted and controlled. Who knows what else he had forced upon her.

"I actually have a lute you are welcome to use as much as you'd like. It was from a late friend of mine."

His heart ached when he thought of Alfira. She was one he would never forget. After killing her in cold blood the guilt would haunt him for the rest of his life. He hadn't removed the lute from his trunk since then. Perhaps he could find a bit of closure hearing that instrument play once more.

"As for clothing, I recommend Facemaker's Boutique. We saved the merchant's life from a Bhaal enthusiast. I'm sure I can convince him to give me a discount." Tav grinned. Who didn't like to save money?

"That would be wonderful." She clapped her hands together happily.

...

Orianna and Tav walked at an easy pace as she took in the sights. Trying to memorize the different streets and shops. She looked over at Tav who was wearing his Potent Robe with a unique cape. His staff strapped to his back. He seemed the type to be ready for anything.

"You're sure I shouldn't have brought anything useful with me?" All she had with her was her coin purse.

"I'm sure. The city is the safest it's been in a long time. Plus, you'd have to be an idiot to pick a fight with me." He pointed ahead to Figaro's shop. "Mind you, if we got into trouble, I could usually talk my way out of it."

They walked up the stairs to the Facemaker's Boutique and were greeted by Figaro upon entry. He had an air of self-importance. At least he didn't come in swinging with insults about her style. Tav had warned her that his opinions of fashion had been overbearing the first time they met.

"What can I do for you? It's been too long."

"I'm actually not here for me." He stood behind Orianna and placed his hands on her shoulders. "My friend Orianna will be needing a new wardrobe."

"Lovely. Everything will look fantastic on her! If you just come this way, I can show you some of our new arrivals." Figaro turned away and went past the double doors to the back of the store. It was filled with lavish fabrics, dyes, bits and bobbles. Why did this feel sort of overwhelming?

Tav brought her out of her uncertainty. "Too bad Astarion isn't here. He's much better at this sort of thing. But I will try my best to give you a second opinion."

"I assume you prefer trousers?" Figaro interrupted.

"Yes?" She should at least try to sound surer of herself. "Yes, I am. Never know when you might need to hustle."

Figaro gave her a look and shook his head. "I should have suspected. Hanging around this dragonborn who only cares about function. But for you, it would be a crime to waste your good looks on boring and dreary."

Orianna chuckled nervously. "I am in your hands, sir."

During the picking of outfits Figaro was confused by her modesty. He couldn't understand her need to stay covered up. She insisted on pants or long skirts. Long sleeves and high-neck tops. Of course, he was able to accommodate her needs. But he wished to see her try some of his more glamorous items. Everything looked dashing on her. In the end she settled for similar pants and blouses to her original ensemble. At least they were in different colours. That was a start.

She then examined the accessories. Finding a convenient full neck collar with buttons and a few pretty neck scarves. She also picked out a darling pair of emerald stud earrings. She was worried she might have selected a few too many items but Tav bargained with Figaro like it was a professional sport. In fact, her purse had barely been dented.

"Do come again. Fashion can be a fickle mistress."

...

The two of them had lunch around late afternoon to silence their rumbling stomachs.

For the remainder of the day, they shared stories of some of their adventures. Orianna had been so intrigued by Tav and the companions he made along the way. He had such a vibrant mix of struggle and triumph with no shortage of difficult choices. When he regaled a time his silver tongue had saved them a boatload of hassle she mulled over his words.

A comfortable silence had settled between them as they left the establishment and took a path towards Bloomridge Park. The sky looked enchanting. Pigmented colours of orange and pink were painted across the horizon as the sun began to set and disappear behind the towers of the city.

"Have you always had a talent for getting what you want?"

Tav smiled. He had one of Orianna's shopping bags flung over his shoulder. "It just comes naturally. I've always been like this." His eyes looked far away when he spoke next. "When I met Astarion I had no memory of who I was. All I had was my name and this dark urge inside me."

They reached the fountain in the middle of the park where they took a seat. Tav went on. "It turned out that my past was full of bloodshed. I was a true son of Bhaal— his chosen. Somehow I was able to disobey my father's orders and gain my own freewill in the end."

Damn. That was some heavy backstory she hadn't been expecting. "I never would have guessed..."

"Amazing right? Now my mind is quiet, and my body is my own."

She observed the dragonborn closely. Tav's body language and easy manner was the definition of calm and unguarded. He was letting her in. Trying to persuade her indirectly that she could trust him. He was being so honest with her; how could she possibly not do the same? He spoke of his past so nonchalantly that it gave her the push she needed to tell him of her own.

"Tav... I haven't been completely open with you or Astarion... the thing is —." She stopped mid-sentence. On instinct she shoved Tav away, a bolt barely missing him. It sliced her upper arm before digging into the ground. Bright red slowly blossomed on her white blouse.

"Watch where you're shooting! The master will punish us if we damage the goods." A female voice hissed.

Tav was quickly on his feet. Staff drawn at the ready. He growled low in his throat. "Are you alright?"

"I'm okay. It's just a flesh wound." She glared up at two shadowy figures that stood on the small cliffside.

They were located on the northeast corner of the park. She didn't recognize them, but she could tell they were vampire spawn. There was a glint of pointed teeth and their eyes glowed red in the dimness of twilight. It was most unsettling, and her heart pumped with adrenaline. Along with them was a black dire wolf with golden eyes. The beast must have tracked her scent for miles to find her here. They had the high ground but that didn't mean anything.

Tav must have thought the same thing. He was more than ready to take the initiative and ask questions later. He swiftly spoke the incantation for misty step. Having foresight, he teleported to a spot that was at the same elevation as the enemy but far enough away to avoid a melee attack. Immediately he cast scorching ray on the female spawn. Tav had no intention of holding back, it was obvious he wanted to take them out in as few moves as possible. His power glowed amber as the rays shot from his hands, blasting her with five direct shots. The spawn's scream vanished with the wind as her charred body crumbled to pieces. The cloak on his back kicked in after his target perished, making him completely invisible.

"What the— you'll pay dearly for that!"

Rather than waste time with the sorcerer the male vampire looked to Orianna. He cast feather fall and jumped down to go after her instead. It was a man with dark hair, wearing black armor and brandished a large double-handed sword. The wolf didn't seem to like its odds and decided to flee. It sprinted away from the scene with great haste.

Orianna was at the ready, but she felt naked without her armor. Not even a Morningstar on her back to block or retaliate. She spoke her next words with clarity, conjuring a Guardian of Faith before her. Its radiance was dazzling as it readied its blade to protect her. She followed up by casting Shield of Faith on herself.

"I don't care about the master's wrath. I'll take you back to him with missing limbs if I have to!"

He charged recklessly. As soon as he entered the circle her guardian's sword slashed heavily across his torso. He yelped in pain, but his sheer will prevent him from succumbing to it. The hefty blade in his hands swung back in preparation to cut down Orianna. Fuck!

She closed her eyes tightly, throwing her arms up to brace for the full impact of the blade. But nothing happened. What the hell was the delay? She opened her eyes hesitantly and saw the spawn's shocked expression. He couldn't say a word. All that came out was a gurgle as blood pooled in his throat. The pointed end of a blade protruding from his chest. It made a shing sound when it was removed, blood spurt and his body collapsed to the ground in a heap.

Orianna swallowed the lump in her throat. Kneeling there was a hooded figure dressed in black and furnace red leather. His face was covered and concealed by shadow. The intricate dagger was swiftly cleaned of blood before being sheathed at his side. When he stood and pulled back his hood, she was greeted with a familiar smirk and wispy white hair.

"Astarion!" She cried out with relief. "You have impeccable timing you know that?"

"I do try to arrive precisely when I mean to~." His voice was silky but then his brow furrowed in realization. "You're hurt."

He gripped her arm gently and got a strong whiff of her scent. It was torture. The way it permeated the air he could almost taste it, causing his mouth to water.

"Oh— it's nothing."

Teal glowed bright as she used a healing spell to close the wound. Her mind felt like it was still processing all that happened. How long had those vampires been following her?

She looked to her left when she heard Tav jogging over to them. The sound of gravel crunched under his boots and the worry was obvious in his features.

"The wolf got away. I'm sorry."

"It's okay. We're alright. That's all that matters right now..." She calculated some things in her mind a moment before saying her next words. "That wolf will take two to three weeks to return to Duskmire on foot. Dragomir will know of my whereabouts. When he does, he will send someone more capable and... I think I have some explaining."

"Indeed, you do." Astarion commented which made Tav give him a look. "What? If we're helping her, we have a right to know what we are up against. I was expecting, oh you know, mercenaries? Not vampire spawn!"

"You're right. I should have told you sooner, but I didn't know if I could trust you." She looked down, rubbing her arm. "I mean... you're also a vampire spawn."

Astarion waved his arms in astonishment. "I knew it! You were aware of what I was this entire time!" Astarion saw no point in playing dumb any longer. Cat was out of the bag. "So then, if these vampire thugs are after you, care to explain why you would even bother to be acquainted with me? You'd think you'd want to avoid more of us, not—."

"Because I was drawn to you!" She blurted. Her expression mirrored Astarion's. Both looking surprised and confused. What the hell did she just admit to?

Tav stood there awkwardly, rubbing the back of his neck. "Uh..." He cleared his throat. "Maybe we should find someplace more private?"

There were already some bystanders wondering what all the commotion had been about. Soon the city officers would be here cleaning up the mess and asking too many questions.

"Yes, of course. Let's go back to the Tavern." Orianna grabbed her things and quickly went walking. Her fast pace left a gap between her and the other two who followed behind.

Astarion was quiet. Quieter than Tav was used to. They walked in silence for a little while until the dragonborn broke it.

"She was about to tell me you know? About her situation. Thankfully those two were easy prey."

Astarion nodded curtly. "She's lucky you were there."

"You as well."

...

They had settled in Tav's room. It was the biggest one between the three of them. It had a queen size bed. A chair and table in the corner along with a desk and stool. Orianna sat near the head of the bed with her legs crossed. Astarion rested in the armchair and Tav stood by the window.

She felt anxious sitting there in silence. Where should she begin?

"Orianna." Astarion's voice was low, less flamboyant than usual. "You can trust us. Whatever situation you're in is a dangerous one."

He moved from the chair and sat on the side of the bed to get a better look at her. She didn't shy away which was a strange relief for him. A mortal not reaching for a stake was a victory in his books. Seeing him as just Astarion. But right now, he could barely recognize himself. This soft side he didn't show often but she was bringing it out of him, bit by bit.

"Being acquainted with vampires is never a good thing. But I happen to be an exception to that fact."

Tav nodded his head in agreement.

They gave her the push she needed. She could depend on these two. She took a deep breath and released it slowly.

"The lord that's after me is no regular mortal. He is a vampire named Dragomir Vethrel. He lives in the Scarlet Palace in the town of Duskmire."

There. She said it. The heavy weight was lifted off her shoulders. She could breathe again.

"Where on earth is Duskmire?" Tav had never heard of such a place.

"It is not well known and Dragomir wants to keep it that way. I couldn't say the exact location. It's hidden deep in the forest, somewhere within the Dalelands or Cormanther. The town is concealed by a mysterious fog and the land is barren. I don't know what kind of spell he cast upon it..." She leaned her back on the headboard. "If you end up there it's by accident. I stumbled upon it when I was traveling to help the needy. Heal the sick and bless the crops, that sort of thing. The townsfolk who live there are under Dragomir's dictatorship. They are active doners to him and his spawn. In return he provides them resources and protection."

"What a clever way to keep your pantry stocked." Astarion almost admired the idea.

"Dragomir is a man of comfort and opulence. More than power he wants full control over every facet of his existence. For him, the very thought of work or inconvenience detests him." She shook her head. "So, he made himself his own vampire paradise with beasts and mortals at his disposal. Him, the master of his own domain. Anyone who tries to leave either die trying or returns to their fate."

"How did you manage to escape that place?"

"By being his obedient pet." She felt humiliated saying it. "I was a prisoner in his home. I tried to escape a few times, but the odds were against me. All my attempts were thwarted, and he punished me for it... At some point I gave up and tried a new approach. I let him think he broke my resolve. A decent act of Stockholm syndrome. I listened to his every whim without question... It took a century for him to finally drop his guard. I was properly prepared this time and seized the opportunity immediately."

Astarion sympathized with her. Her plight sounded all too similar to his or Tav's past. A superior power controlling every part of your life. He remembered his own failed attempts at escape and the misery brought down upon him by Cazador.

"Why would he go to all this trouble though?" Tav asked. "This man has a whole village of mortals. What's one escapee?"

"I'm his favorite." Orianna said simply.

She was telling the truth. But Astarion felt there was more to it than that. A delicious morsel that Dragomir favored. Was that truly the only reason?

"At face value he treated me well. So long as I obeyed. He gave me room and board. Left me to my own devices. I just had to be compliant. Willing." There was disgust in her voice. "Dragomir believes that stress or fear causes the blood to taste different. Similar to livestock fighting before slaughter. That bastard views himself as a gourmet connoisseur. Supposedly the food you eat, the environment you live in, even the time of year changes the flavor. I couldn't tell you if that's factual or not... mind you, he's seven hundred years old."

Seven hundred was practically ancient when compared to the illustrious predecessors of Baldur's Gate. The succession of master vampires related to the Szaar family were all short lived, barely making it to two centuries before their reckoning.

"You said Duskmire is almost three weeks out. That gives us a lot of time to rest and prepare."

Orianna nodded. "He has the means to make teleportation easy once he knows the location. He will probably send some of his older, more experienced spawn next time. I didn't recognize the two from today. They were probably turned recently."

Making new spawn haphazardly and sending them to test the waters with no consequence, seemed like the appropriate behavior of a vampire. It made Astarion wonder how those 7,000 spawns were doing in the underdark. Such a ridiculously large number was sure to bite them in the ass later. He'd been shocked Tav had even suggested it at the time. That man had a forgiving heart. He had seen Astarion in them and offered up a chance. The same chance he had been given.

"I'm sorry that I've dragged you into this mess..."

"Nonsense. We've faced our share of unimaginable foes. Even have the slaying of a vampire and a devil under our belt."

Tav made it sound like it had been easy. Certainly not that easy. But that very sentence probably didn't leave the mouth of any other soul alive.

"I am eternally thankful to both of you." She adjusted, so that she was sitting on her calves. Placing her hands down in front of her she bowed. Expressing her gratitude. After a moment she made a small smile and fiddled with the hole in her sleeve. "Good thing we went shopping."

"If you come to my room, I have the means to mend it." Astarion offered.

"Oh, that would be great." She was rather fond of this shirt. It would have been a waste to toss it for a simple tatter.

...

Since the serious discussion had come to a close Orianna got up off the bed and followed Astarion out. Tav gave her a reassuring pat on the back and bid them goodnight before closing his door to rest. Unlike those two he actually needed real sleep.

It turned out that Astarion's room was right beside hers. His was a little bigger with more floor space and a double bed. The furnishings were different though. It was apparent that the rogue had put his flair into the room. The bedding was plush with numerous throw pillows, which ranged from royal blue to burgundy and deep purple. His desk was tidy with a few books and a hand mirror, the wardrobe was partially open, revealing his high-end taste in fashion.

"Have a seat."

He offered her the bed when he sat at the desk. His back was to her as he pulled out a delicate wooden box from the desk drawer. It opened to reveal an organized array of needles, buttons and different colored thread.

As she sat down on the bed with a creak, she undid the ribbon around her neck. Next were the buttons of her blouse which made her pause. Was there any need to bother with modesty anymore? They both knew her situation. She was wearing a white camisole layer under her clothes anyways. It's not like she was showing him her scandalous underwear. It was just a bit of skin...

She slipped her shirt off just before Astarion turned towards her. He looked bothered. His brow was furrowed and Orianna's heart sank. She covered what she could with her hands.

"I'm sorry, I—"

"Don't apologize. I didn't know what to expect. But it certainly wasn't this..."

Astarion spoke quickly as to not give her the wrong impression. He tried to make his point by brushing soft fingers against the puncture marks on her forearm. Her breath hitched from the action. Not just there, she had them decorated all over her body. They were like branded reminders of her past. It seemed she'd told the truth about being a vampire's pet. More like a chew toy with how he marked her skin, trying to place claim on her.

"Sometimes Dragomir wouldn't let me heal... they wouldn't leave scars if I did..." She spoke quietly. Relinquishing her guard, she let her palms rest open on her thighs.

His eyes studied her. Her complexion was so fair that the transparency of her skin revealed the lovely blue patterns of her veins. He also mapped out every bite along her arms and neck, even the flesh near her breasts. He wondered if her entire body was like this. Even the more intimate parts...

He caught himself staring at her thighs and curtly grabbed her shirt. Turning back to the desk he got to work with his sewing needle.

He was unable to keep his nature in check as he licked his fangs without her knowing. She must have been used to it. The familiar pain of canines puncturing tender flesh, her blood pooling to the surface, tongue lapping and lips sucking. Her racing pulse would only make the blood flow that much easier.

Stop it. You're better than this... Needle and thread... needle and thread... He chanted in his mind to distract himself.

"Does Tav let you feed from him?" Her voice was soft. Not a hint of judgment.

"He does. But I try not to take it too often." Had he ever talked to anyone about this before? Tav was the only one who willingly offered his blood. Except for that Drow woman at Moonrise Towers. She didn't count.

A comfortable silence settled between them as he worked. The stitching didn't stand out in a negative way since the white ivy pattern he embroidered looked intentional. He grinned at his handy work and swiveled back to her. As he handed it over, he spoke honestly.

"Even with the scars you are beautiful to look upon."

Orianna's eyes shimmered as she stared into his. She couldn't find a single lie in them. His eyes looked darker in the dimness of the room, more maroon than red. They were mesmerizing.

"You're not so bad yourself~."

"I'll have to take your word for it. I haven't seen this face in two centuries."

His smile was warmer and less smirky than usual. Being able to look at her in quiet privacy felt like a privilege. He wasn't able to see the same details when they had been in the noisy tavern surrounded by strangers. Right now, it was just them and he didn't want to send her away.

"No need to worry. It's a very handsome face."

What was happening right now? Orianna hadn't had this feeling in a very long time. The butterflies in her stomach and the tension in the air. She looked down and touched his cool hand. He was wearing an eccentric shirt with frills and the sleeves rolled up to his elbows. She slid her fingers along the vein of his forearm. He didn't move a muscle as she continued up his arm until she touched the punctures on his neck. The ridges were small, but the bite looked like it had been deep and violent.

"Cazador." Astarion spoke with pain and venom. "He was the vampire that turned me. I was a magistrate in my past life and was attacked by some Gur one evening. While I laid there bleeding to death in the street, Cazador showed up and offered me eternal life. I never knew how long eternity truly was until I was gifted a life of slavery and torment."

Orianna's eyes flickered back to his. He seemed to welcome her touch, so she kept her hand on his shoulder in a comforting manner. She replied with her sympathies.

"I'm sorry. I couldn't begin to imagine or understand what you've been through."

This Cazador might have been the type of power-hungry vampire that scared her more than Dragomir. Astarion spoke of him in past tense. Which meant he must have been the one Tav said they defeated.

"You might have a better understanding than you think."

He solidified his words by brushing the spot on her neck that matched his own. It made her shiver. Oh, how he wanted to see what other reactions she would show him. He tucked her hair behind her right ear and a small green gem sparkled.

"This is new~." He rubbed the lobe of her ear.

"I bought them with Tav."

"Hmm... you and him are getting pretty chummy."

"Not as chummy as I am with you."

Her counter made him laugh. It was light and airy. "Oh, yes. You did mention something earlier." His voice was suggestive. "Something about being drawn to me."

She had forgotten about that. Astarion seemed almost smug with the knowledge.

"So, what if I am? Are you going to do something about it?"

Was that a challenge? His expression was sly as he leaned in. "Would you like me to do something about it~?"

Orianna felt like she got caught in her own trap. She didn't know what to do about any of it. How did she feel? What did she want? She didn't have the answers. She also barely knew anything about Astarion or what he wanted. All she knew was that she desired to be close to him. They had only known each other for a few days but the connection she felt was instinctual. Her brain didn't know what was happening, but her body did.

"I honestly don't know, Astarion. I worry I'm making the same mistakes all over again."

"Because I'm a vampire. You're correct to feel that way."

He didn't judge her for it. She'd probably had her fill of that company. His eyes dropped but Orianna cupped his face, bringing his gaze back to hers.

"That may be part of it, but it is not the only reason. Yes, I'm scared to walk a similar path but there is something different about you. I can't deny that this feeling I have is sudden and unexpected. However, the first time our eyes locked— it felt like I found something I didn't know I was searching for."

Astarion's lip twitched up in a lop-sided grin. "And I thought my lines were captivating."

"I'm being serious!"

She smacked his arm playfully, a laugh bubbling up to the surface. This relationship felt absurd. Yet here she was confessing some sort of feelings she couldn't even find a word for. Her giggles died down when she noticed Astarion's face became more serious. With little warning he leaned in and pressed his lips to hers.

He tried not to act on impulse. Calculated was a good word to describe him in most scenarios. But right now, wasn't the time to be calculated, he wanted to do what felt right in that moment. Consequences be damned. The kiss was soft, no more than a slow peck on the mouth. He moved back a few inches and whispered,

"I can smell the sunlight on your skin."

Normally she wouldn't allow such things to transpire with a man she hardly knew but the remnants of his lips against hers could still be felt. She realized she wanted more, and Curiosity got the better of her.

"What else?"

He smirked and leaned in again. This time he nudged his nose into her hair and trailed it down her ear, breathing in deeply like he'd wanted to the first time he'd smelled her.

"Springtime and lavender..."

She let out a trembling breath. Judging by her reactions he had the revelation that she was inexperienced, and it only encouraged him. He knew exactly what to do, paying extra attention to her erogenous zones.

"A crisp mountain river and citrus..."

He nuzzled her neck. Her arms had wrapped around him, hands in his hair. He didn't want to deny her, so he shifted off the chair and pressed forward. She followed with ease, allowing him to lay her back on the bed. Her scent only intensified as her body warmed with arousal. He savored it as he placed featherlight kisses down her neck and along her collar bone. Her anticipation was obvious, he'd seen it thousands of times before, playing his partner's body like an instrument he had mastered after years of practice. But he felt different. There was a strange desire in himself he barely recognized.

When did he want someone this badly, on his own terms?

He pressed up onto his hands and looked down at her. Starlight hair was splayed on the bed with flushed cheeks, her chest rising with each breath. She looked so vulnerable. Was this the sort of position Dragomir forced upon her time and again? The thought made him freeze up. All the confidence he had fled in an instant.

Similar encounters from the past flooded his mind. The countless times on his back and all the mortals he had seduced and deceived. The lives he had damned.

"Astarion?"

She reached up and touched his cheek. It was apparent something was wrong given his furrowed brow and sudden change in demeanor. As he hovered over her she moved to sit up. He complied and adjusted himself to sit beside her on the bed.

"My apologies."

"Please. I should be apologizing." She put her hand on his. "I don't usually do these sorts of things— especially so soon. I shouldn't have prodded you with my whims. I didn't ask how you felt or what you wanted."

This situation had felt similar to memory, but the outcome was completely different. Why was she apologizing? No one ever stopped and asked what he wanted or how he felt. He was the one who fell into old habits, going with the flow, turning on the seduction and following the script he thought she would like. Yet here she was, longing to know what he desired.

Of course, he fancied her. She was beautiful and enchanting but sleeping with her wasn't the end goal he had in mind. What did he have in mind then? His thoughts and emotions were confused and contradicted each other. There was something in her he couldn't recognize that was irresistible to him. It didn't help he was a novice at expressing these sorts of emotions, but he knew it was something he hadn't felt before.

"May you lend me your ear?" Astarion finally spoke. She had been like an open book. It made him want to open a few pages of his own.

"Of course." She gave him her full attention.

"The thing is... being close to someone, any type of intimacy was something I performed. To lure people back to Cazador. Even though I know the feelings between us are different— being with someone still feels... tainted. Still brings up those feelings of disgust and loathing." His voice sounded more strained than he would have liked. "I don't know how else to be with someone... No matter how much I'd like to."

That was more than she had expected from him. She felt a surge of empathy and compassion. Anyone could tell he was usually guarded, a man who conducted himself with utmost propriety. Someone who never let people too close until he was sure he could trust them. The life he had before was all he knew. He was trying to heal, and she could see that now.

"You know... we could try and learn together?" Her smile was warm and inviting. "I want to get to know you. The person you are and the things you like." She held her blouse up to admire the design on the sleeve before pulling it back on, leaving the buttons undone. It seemed that relinquishing her secrets had made it easier for her to be herself. "I want to see where our friendship takes us."

As if he would say no to her. He wanted to keep her close too. He didn't really have any friends until Tav, no one except him had really tried to get to know him. His other companions warmed up to him eventually, but it wasn't quite the same. He would be a fool not to welcome this blossoming relationship into his life.

"Honestly, I have no idea what we're doing. Or what comes next. But I know that this... this is nice."

Orianna was delighted. Having these little moments made the foreboding in her subconscious feel less dire. Of course, she was worried about Dragomir. But what was life if you didn't stop to enjoy some of it?

Astarion offered his open palm to her which she gladly took. "Today must have been tiring for you."

"Mm... it was more than I'd bargained for. I guess I should probably go get some rest."

"You can stay here if you'd like. It would put me at ease. You know, watching over you. In case there were more of them."

Astarion wanted to roll his eyes at himself. What a lame excuse to keep her here. He knew himself that the danger had ended. For now.

Orianna raised her brow and smirked. She didn't plan on giving in that easily. "If you want me to I will."

This little minx. "Alright, yes. I want you to stay. Happy?"

He slipped off his shoes and took his spot on the bed. Laying on his back seemed like the most appropriate position. Orianna removed her laced boots and crawled up to him. The way she moved reminded him of a cat and she fit perfectly into his side like one. Her face nuzzled into the crook of his shoulder as she rested a hand on his chest. He put his arm around her as well, holding her close. Cuddling without sex was refreshing and so contrasting to the usual order of things. He could get used to this.

She closed her eyes, and her breathing began to slow. Now that her thoughts had come to rest, she hadn't known how tired her body really was. The adrenaline from earlier must have taken its toll. She felt safe here. When was the last time she had someone to depend on? She had been surrounded by others but alone for so long.

"Astarion... thank you..."