There were birds chirping outside, indicating that the sun had risen, but Orianna wasn't sure of the time because the room was so dark. She opened her eyes and looked at the window, which was covered with a heavy black curtain, blocking out any sunlight from entering. Part of her assumed Astarion would have left in the middle of the night and gone somewhere else during the day, but here he was, eyes closed, resting peacefully. He had stayed there all night with her.
God's, he looked handsome. How did his hair stay so well kept? She examined him quietly and admired his symmetrical features. His nose was straight, well balanced with the rest of his face and he had the smallest furrow between his brows. Her eyes shifted to his lips, the very ones that had kissed her last night. The memory made her take a deep breath and press down any ideas she had. What was with these primal urges? It was something she wasn't used to.
"See something you like~?
Her eyes widened and met with brilliant red. "I thought you were still in a trance..."
"I could feel your eyes on me, darling."
"I was just admiring you. I expected you to leave, maybe to that home Tav mentioned."
"That place isn't my home. It might never be." He sighed. "I thought if I gutted it and removed all memory of Cazador it would be habitable. But his presence has polluted the very air."
Orianna hummed in response, sitting up so she could press her back against the cushions. "Wounds of the heart and mind are difficult to heal. I found time to be the only cure for it." She clasped her hands together and looked up at the ceiling. "From my own experience, one day you wake up and realize you've finally found closure, and peace along with it."
Astarion also sat up, bending one of his legs so that he could rest an arm on it and study her. He was unsure how to proceed in these sorts of conversations. Holding back a witty comment would likely be the best approach.
"And how has time benefited you? I'm sure you're not over the years you spent with a wonderful catch like Dragomir."
"Sadly not. Especially when he's still breathing."
She likely wouldn't be over that man until he no longer existed on the same plane. A smile pulled at her lips though when she thought about someone else in particular.
"For me, time was the best medicine for grief. My mother died a long time ago, when I was caught somewhere between a woman and a child. Her loss left a hole in my heart. My father was never around but she had so much love to give that I didn't feel any emptiness from his absence." Her expression sobered slightly as she continued.
"I also needed time to heal from Anduril, my first love. I was very young and immature, in elf standards, nowhere near adulthood. I think I was around forty when I met him, this charming human, a bard who wanted to travel and be a writer." She trailed off, wondering if Astarion would even want to listen to these sorts of stories.
"Go on." Hearing about her past intrigued him. The picture he currently had of her was still a blank canvas with only a few brushstrokes of color.
"He was the same age as me, practically halfway through his life. I knew our time together would be short and bittersweet, but I loved him anyways. I ventured with him, and he gained the inspiration he was searching for. When he was fifty, he fell ill, so we went back to our home in Cormyr and he passed away a year later."
She shook her head like the whole thing was silly. It was almost comical getting attached to a mortal soul with such a short lifespan. However, she had no control over whom she loved. That was the nature of it.
"Honestly, he was the reason I decided to take up my mother's previous occupation more seriously. I learned as much as I could of the life domain, so that I'd be able to help the ones who needed it the most. Once I became a true cleric of Pelor I realized I had nothing keeping me in Cormyr anymore. So, I took my time moving from different regions every few years. Anduril never did finish his book, so it seemed appropriate that I go and see the things he never got the chance to."
"That's terribly romantic. I shouldn't have expected anything less from you." He tilted his head in thought before asking. "And, how long ago was this?"
Orianna couldn't help but laugh. "I see right through you, Astarion. You're trying to figure out how old I am, aren't you?"
"Tsk." He raised up his palm, grinning. "Guilty as charged."
She shook her head, no way she was going to give it away that easily without putting him on the spot. "Well then, how old do you think I am?"
"A man would never dare guess a woman's age! But if you insist..." He pursed his lips and leaned in, staring at her with a quizzical look. He had this dilemma already when he was around her. On the outside she was youthful but beneath the surface her spirit felt older, wiser than her years, like she'd seen more than most.
She sat there very still, quietly waiting for his answer.
"I got it." He snapped his finger. "Two hundred."
She let him sit there expectantly for a moment longer. "You're two centuries off, my friend."
"No. Four hundred? You look far too young— I'm shocked." He placed a hand over his chest dramatically and noticed her eyes narrow in a sultry way.
"Flattery will get you everywhere."
He watched as she shifted off the bed and stood, raising her arms in the air to stretch. A low growl rumbled in her stomach which made her cough to hide the embarrassment.
"You'll have to excuse me. I'm going to get something to eat from downstairs." Her fingers went to the buttons of her collar and did them up before tugging on her boots. "I'd ask if you want anything but..."
Astarion smirked. "Not unless you're on the menu~." He was just teasing her but regretted it when he saw her expression shift.
She laughed it off, but Astarion could tell it was forced. "You'll have to forgive me. I've been bitten enough to last a lifetime."
"No, it was in poor taste. I shouldn't have joked."
"It's alright." Her smile didn't quite reach her eyes as she finished lacing up her boots. "Alan said I can play some music in the tavern this evening with the other musicians. You'll come later, won't you?"
"I wouldn't miss it."
...
After she left, he sighed and let himself fall back on the bed. You idiot. He scolded himself. It was challenging to hold back his facetious mannerisms. He may have learned to be slightly less of a scoundrel thanks to his companions, but old habits die hard, or maybe this is just who he was. He was a complicated man after all, with many different layers.
Layers that took time to peel back and reveal that he was more than some witty character with grey morals. People either liked him or didn't, there tended to be few in between, not until he opened up and showed them there was more. He had the capability to be serious, even genuine when it counted. Orianna was deserving of someone who could express themselves eloquently and treat her fairly. He had no doubt he could provide that with some practice. Nice and caring was like an unexplored path for him, but he wasn't scared to take the steps in that direction.
Simply put, being seductive, sarcastic and a bit mean was easy for him, like second nature. How did someone unlearn something they had refined for centuries? His head was throbbing the more he thought about it. Damn, how he wished to have stabbed Cazador a few hundred more times. His death alone was hardly enough to satisfy him.
In the middle of his grumbling the door knocked, and he felt a familiar presence. "Oh good. I was just thinking of looking for you."
"I must have a sixth sense for these things." Tav welcomed himself in like it was his own room. "You look more tired than yesterday. Do you need..."
"No, no. For once that's not the issue." He waved at the chair, asking Tav to sit down rather than hover around the door. "I haven't a clue how to interact with Orianna."
Tav's suspicion had been correct. Mind you he was good at understanding other people. The things that made them tick, what they wanted or feared. Astarion was especially easy for him to read and understand thanks to their closeness.
"Interact on a closer, perhaps, intimate level? I'd like to say you seem to be doing fine. I can see the way she looks at you. But knowing you, there is a lot more to it than that isn't there?" He tapped his claw on the wood of the desk and crossed his legs. "Must be difficult, emotionally, to differentiate between Orianna and your targets."
"Gods, you do know me, that's exactly it. Innocent mortals like Sébastien— their faces flash in my memory. The way she looks at me is similar but it's deeper than that. I cannot explain." He made a frustrated sigh. "Cazador is dead, his body rotting down to bones, but he still lingers— interfering with my freedom."
When he looked back at Tav he raised a brow in question. The dragonborn was looking at him as if trying to probe his mind for answers, except they no longer had the tadpoles connecting them.
"What is it?"
"I have to say. I'm surprised and almost jealous that she managed to sweep you off your feet so quickly. For me, I tried so hard to gain your approval. We'd been travelling for ages before you finally admitted you were a vampire." His voice was light but there was still seriousness in his words. "Correction, after you tried to bite me."
"Believe me, I'm more shocked than you are. Maybe skipping the whole, I want to suck your blood, has fast tracked our relationship. I didn't need to have the conversation that would normally be a deal breaker for most."
"You haven't told me what you like about her." Tav probed, he had a grin like he wanted all the juicy details. This man was a gossip queen at heart. With no present romance of his own of course he wanted to live vicariously through Astarion.
Tav had been given an ample amount of opportunity for relationships but turned down most of them. He cared for his friends like no other and didn't want to lose them, so he skipped the whole serious relationship thing. Perhaps that's why Halsin had been an easy candidate. He had been taken aback when the druid propositioned him, someone older and wiser who had his pick of anyone— but was interested in him. He still remembered going to Astarion dumbfounded that he hadn't seen the signs.
Halsin's speech about their hearts roaming freely like nature intended had won him over. It felt like a free and simplistic way to love someone. In general, Tav found both the male and female body attractive. Beauty was beauty no matter the form and who was he to truly judge? He was a dragonborn! Tall and muscled with smooth scaley skin and sharp teeth to boot. A humanoid in form he may have been but dragon-like he still was. Halsin's words about him being perfect, just as nature intended, had given him that warm and fuzzy feeling. That bear of an elf had certainly been the manliest person he had been with. His first time on the receiving end had been more invigorating and wilder than he would have ever imagined. They loved one another casually with no titles or ties, just two hearts flowing like a river.
Astarion was different. Tav could see that his desire for Orianna went beyond skin ship. Far more than a quick romance to enjoy for now and recall fond memories of later. His hesitation might have been a good thing, taking things slowly with care was a worthy way to show how serious he was. It was also a good way to separate her from all the others that had no meaning, no love.
"She feels forbidden. Like, me having her is a sin in itself. That makes it all the more tempting though! Wanting something that was never meant to be mine. I feel like a moth drawn to her flame and Gods; her scent is delectable. The allure of it is similar to how a starving mortal might feel when surrounded by a feast." He licked his lips.
"But then, it's not just that. If she was merely a tasty treat, I wouldn't be having these complicated, guilty feelings about her. It would be easier if all I wanted was a tiny bite— but I want more than that. I want something real."
Well, now that he said it out loud to a second party, he felt a lot surer of himself. He could hear the surprise in his own voice when he continued, as if he barely recognized himself.
"And not just what I want. Shockingly, I actually care about what she wants too. It would mean the world to me if she would let me bask in her happiness with her."
Tav nodded, liking the intensity in Astarion's voice since he didn't sound this way often. "My my. I'd say you've expressed your feelings very transparently. Did you say any of this to her?"
"Not as passionately... In fact, no, not at all. I said yes to being friends and getting to know each other better, that being with her is very nice." Astarion frowned. "And I definitely kept out the part about finding her mouthwatering. But she is likely smart enough to know that without me telling her... I probably made it too obvious when I spent so much attention around her neck."
"Eh? You got closer to her than I thought."
"We got caught up in the moment... But I froze as soon as she was laying there vulnerable. Tav... the poor woman is covered in fang marks. Dragomir treated her like a pin cushion to suckle on, and I have an inkling he's done more than just feed from her..."
Tav sobered. "I'm sorry to hear that. It makes me want to protect her even more, not just for her but for you as well. Her arrival may have been random, but I believe she will have a positive influence on your well-being."
Astarion nodded. Indeed, it was random. The tadpole had been random too, but it was the disguised blessing he had needed. Had he never been plucked from Baldur's Gate and placed on a Nautiloid everything would have been different. Or more accurately, nothing would have changed. He had a lot to be thankful for with how decent everything had turned out. He had his moment in the sun and lovely as that had been, being here in this moment was all he could ever hope for.
...
Astarion wasted the day idly in his room with his nose in a book, having received more than enough rest having stayed with Orianna. Usually, he would have used that time to find himself a worthy morsel. He still felt satiated for now, but he'd need to feed tonight since being in a position of weak desperation was better avoided. He simply couldn't bring himself to scurry away last night when she had been so lovely and warm beside him. Had he ever even cuddled before? Such physical intimacy in the past for him had always been carnal with no affection, and more often than not it was all just an act with no bliss at all. All in all, her tenderness had satisfied some dark dusty place in his heart.
He closed the book with a satisfying snap. The sun had finally set, meaning he could move around with a lot more ease. Being a man of good deeds, having helped save the city didn't give him a free pass, he was still a vampire, still a dangerous predator in the scrolls of history. He opened up the wardrobe and hummed as he contemplated what he should wear. What would Orianna like? Perhaps something simpler and less ornate was more to her liking given her style. He decided on the comfortable ash meadow outfit instead of the City of Brass ensemble he favored. Honestly, he could make rags look good. Too bad he couldn't see it for himself.
In unison he stepped out of his room just as Tav was doing the same from his. "Didn't you have something better to do than being holed up in your room?" Astarion asked and looked his friend over.
He was wearing a sleeveless high collar shirt which showed off his arm muscles. It was that teal color he favored which matched his markings. The opposite colors always looked striking on him with his cherry skin tone.
"I've been doing some writing in my spare time. Our story is one for the history books, wouldn't you agree?" He flashed his teeth happily in accomplishment. "Besides... I won't be around forever. I don't want you being the only one who remembers me a few hundred years from now."
Astarion frowned, reminded of what Orianna had told him that morning. When life was lived in the moment, one day at a time, it was easy to forget about the future and his friend's inevitable mortality. Dragonborns didn't live long at all, facing death before an elf even reached adulthood.
"Don't look at me like that, Astarion. You're still stuck with me for many more decades." He smacked him on the back, trying to cheer him up. "Forget I said anything. Let's go enjoy ourselves."
The night was young. Meaning the Tavern's patrons were still calm and sober. It usually didn't reach full capacity and maximum rowdiness till late evening. Tav lead Astarion to a table that wasn't front and center but still very close to the elevated platform used for performers. The bards and musicians would usually start with slow- and easy-going ballads before upping the energy. Bouncing between pure instrumental, a mix of vocals and sometimes
A cappella. With varying genres like romance, loss, adventure and battles. If a performance was captivating enough the entire room would go quiet. In fact, it seemed very quiet already. Astarion's eyes shifted, and he could probably guess the reason why.
Orianna looked mesmerizing. She was wearing a dark hunter green shirt with bell sleeves. It had intricate gold embellishments and the buttons on her collar were tightly fastened. She had the lovely illusion of exposed skin due to the translucent chiffon material. Depending on the way the light hit he could see the hint of a black bra pressing against the front of her shirt. It was modest in comparison to other ladies, but the air of mystery made her look that much sultrier. Her golden hair was partially tied back in a loose braid with a whimsical floral comb holding it all together, and charming long whisps of hair framing her face. The style looked rustic, but every strand had been immaculately placed. Astarion's gaze must have been noticed as their eyes locked. She smiled and it truly felt like it had been for him alone.
"Play for us pretty lady!" A gravely male voice cheered from the back, followed by a few whistles from the other side of the room.
Guess he couldn't be annoyed by the thirsty males in the establishment. Blindness would be the only way not to notice someone of her pedigree and angelic quality. He surprisingly felt humbled by the fact the one she was interested in was him.
Orianna took slow, calculated steps to the tall stool on the platform. The lute she was borrowing from Tav lay there in wait. She picked it up with the utmost care before half sitting on the stool, plucking one of the strings she tuned the instrument. She checked the sound again before one final adjustment and crossed her left foot behind her leg, visibly relaxing. Her fingers danced along the strings, creating a noticeable tune that made a few patrons turn to look at her. Slow and gentle, a calm opening act to start the night.
"These scars long have yearned for your tender caress
To bind our fortunes, damn what the stars own
Rend my heart open, then your love profess
A winding, weaving fate to which we both atone"
"You flee my dream come the morning
Your scent - berries tart, lilac sweet
To dream of raven locks entwisted, stormy
Of violet eyes, glistening as you weep."
Astarion wasn't sure what he was expecting, but when she sang it felt like she was playing his own heart strings and not the lute. Her voice was heavenly and her emotions behind them felt like her own, believable and genuine. Her performance coaxed you, beckoning you closer like a siren's song.
"The wolf I will follow into the storm
To find your heart, its passion displaced
By ire ever growing, hardening into stone
Amidst the cold to hold you in a heated embrace"
You flee my dream come the morning
Your scent - berries tart, lilac sweet
To dream of raven locks entwisted, stormy
Of violet eyes, glistening as you weep."
Tav was just as enthralled. However, it was hitting different emotions inside him. Hearing Orianna's singing paired with the lute Alfira had gifted him made him sentimental. He swallowed down the burning sensation in the back of his throat. Crying was something he never did but he could feel a tear brimming at the edge of his waterline. He tilted his head up with a sigh to keep it from falling, thankful Astarion was far too focused on Orianna to notice.
"I know not if fate would have us live as one
Or if by love's blind chance we've been bound
The wish I whispered, when it all began,
Did it forge a love you might never have found?"
"You flee my dream come the morning
Your scent - berries tart, lilac sweet
To dream of raven locks entwisted, stormy
Of violet eyes, glistening as you weep."
Her fingers plucked a few more strings, bringing the song to a close she bowed her head and smiled. Her gaze had moved around the crowd, but she had kept Astarion within her view, a little too shy to stare at him for too long when she sang. Now that it was finished, she smiled at him fully and waved. She beckoned up the other musicians and they joined together in playing another song. This time, purely instrumental.
"She's quite the catch." Tav grinned as he waved down a server and asked her to bring over a pint of beer with the special of the day. "Beautiful, talented and capable. With enough danger surrounding her to certainly keep me entertained." He joked. "Though on a more serious note, I never thought I would be faced against another vampire lord in my lifetime..."
Astarion watched Orianna as she laughed with her acquaintances like she didn't have a care in the world. She had switched from the lute to a violin, which she played with just as much expertise. On the outside he would have never guessed she was ensnared in the clutches of a formidable creature.
"Cazador was already a challenge, and we knew the bastard's character. This Dragomir, I have no clue what to expect from him."
"We still have some time. Our allies have dwindled but I'm sure we could reach out to convince Gale, Halsin or even Shadowheart for their aid."
They were the only companions still within reach, all it took was a knock at a door or a short journey. Sadly, Karlack and Wyll had gone to Avernus until the unforeseeable future. Lea'zel he would probably never see again, unable to convince her to stay. After allowing Orpheas to turn into a mindflayer she couldn't forgive him for that.
"Yes, it would certainly be in our best interest." Astarion finally pulled his gaze away from Orianna and looked at Tav with a suggestive smirk. "Halsin, hm~?"
If Tav could blush he likely would have. When his food and drink arrived, he took an immediate swig and wiped his mouth. "What about him? He is a strong and reliable man. I know he didn't prefer staying in the city— but I'd be a fool not to ask for his aid."
"I'm sure he'd be more than happy to aid you in other matters as well." Astarion got a kick out of teasing Tav. His composure was difficult to break but when it came to the druid it would fall apart easily.
"Fine, you got me, it would be nice to see him again. Kill two birds with one stone. We get his help regarding Orianna and I will also get my own satisfaction in seeing him again."
There, he admitted it. Seeing this blossoming relationship between Astarion and Orianna was making him long for some of his own intimacy. Sure, he could go to Sharess' Caress if he wanted but it was more than just a romp he was longing for. The bond of a physical and emotional connection was much more fulfilling.
It was awkward for him to admit he missed Halsin more than he let on, he just didn't want to come across as needy. After everything that happened, he should have known better, of course Halsin would not have stayed in Baldur's Gate, but he also never gave Tav the choice to go with him.
...
As the night continued so did the music, drinking, and overall merriment of the tavern. But it was getting quite late, some patrons having either left for the evening or passed out at their tables. Only a few were still sipping their beverages or caught in deep conversation. A table of men in particular were still giving Orianna's undivided attention.
"Sing us one more to end the night, my lady! If you do, I'm guaranteed to have pleasant dreams tonight." There was a half-elf ranger sitting with his friends at the table closest to the stage. His flirting was rough around the edges, less refined than Astarion's.
Orianna had intended to take her leave like the rest of her musical acquaintances, but she had enjoyed her time up here. Another song wouldn't be a problem.
"I suppose I could humor you."
The man looked pleased with himself, thinking he had been the reason for her compliance. As if. Astarion knew where her desires were. She was just too kind and maybe even a tad oblivious to this man's intentions. She placed the violin back in its case, fastening the clasps before picking up Tav's lute once more. She took a moment and hummed quietly, wondering what to play. Since the music had stopped all together the remaining guests looked over with intrigue once they heard the strumming of a lute once more.
Her song felt like it echoed throughout the room in a haunting way. So piercing and divine that Astarion couldn't help but wonder what that same voice would sound like behind closed doors. The types of notes he could create with every touch. Apparently, he wasn't the only one thinking this. When the song ended the man from before stood from his seat and approached Orianna with as much swagger as he could muster. He was above average in looks but average enough in Astarion's book, he wouldn't have approached him as prey for Cazador. He ran a hand through his mid length brunette hair, pushing it back from his face. Orianna stood from the stool and raised a brow, waiting for whatever drivel he was going to say.
"If I didn't know any better, I'd have thought you were a siren. You know I'd love to hear you sing to me in private. Why not join me for the remainder of the evening? I can promise you; it would be worth your while."
"Promises, promises." She purred. Orianna was lightly amused and could see Astarion in the corner of her eye. "But I actually have plans with someone else." Her hand went to her hip as she shifted her weight and nodded.
The man turned to look, eyes locking with Astarion who wore a condescending look on his face that was practically asking to be punched. He made a huffy mocking laugh and shook his head.
"You like the pretty ones, eh?"
Orianna pressed her fingers to her mouth, stifling a chuckle. "He is quite lovely, isn't he?"
"Hah... What a shame." He sighed in defeat. "I enjoyed you. A lot. If you ever change your mind, you can find me at the Rivington Gur Camp."
Well, that explained why Astarion had a bad taste in his mouth. At least the Gur left quietly with the rest of his posse.
"Someone's popular~." Astarion walked up to Orianna, hands on his hips. "You were absolutely fantastic, my dear. Tav also passes along his compliments."
The dragonborn had already tucked himself into bed given how late it was. That man loved to make sure he got his full eight hours of beauty sleep.
"Thank you. I enjoyed myself immensely." She played with the hem of her sleeve. "Sorry for using you as an excuse to get out of that situation."
"Oh, I actually welcome it. Though I'm sure you had a few tasty, back-handed comments in your arsenal, should he persist."
"Maybe." She chuckled, nodding in agreement before taking a single step closer to Astarion. "Although, the best excuses tend to be factual."
So, she did want to spend more time with him, even after their awkward parting this morning. "As much as I'd love to, I'm feeling a little peckish." He let the word hover between them, allowing her to process its meaning.
Orianna nodded in understanding. She almost forgot he hadn't fed last night and wasn't sure how often or how much he usually consumed. The vampires she knew were indulgent, a bunch of gluttons that would drink till they bordered on drunk.
"What exactly do you partake in?"
"When I was a slave, I was forced to feed off rats and other vermin. As I gained my freedom, I thankfully switched to more appetizing animals like boar and such."
"And~?" She had a feeling that wasn't all.
"And a few low lives." There was no point in hiding simple facts. "Tav was actually my first sentient creature. Since then, I was able to use my nature more freely and have a bite or two during our encounters. They were good as dead anyways, so no need for them to go to waste."
This knowledge intrigued Orianna. His amazing self-control might have been thanks to his upbringing, although it was a most unfortunate one. The things he had to survive on made her nose scrunch up at the thought.
"Oh, it's as nauseating as you think."
"I'm sorry you were subjected to that."
"It's all in the past now."
That's right, there was no longer a reason to deny himself the simple pleasures a vampire had the right to enjoy. Now, if only this little tart would let him have a taste... eventually.
"The vampires you've come to know seem to live very differently than I did."
"Based off some of the things you've told me, yes, definitely. Dragomir sees them as an extension of himself. The doners of the village provide for both him and his children. To my knowledge, minus the ones you've killed, he has about twenty-five spawns." Orianna's brow furrowed, thinking about each of them, a few in particular.
"There are five that he meticulously handpicked himself. They are his first creations and deeply favored. They helped him manifest his little haven in Duskmire."
"That's a smaller number than I expected."
Well, compared to his thousands of brothers and sisters. Mind you, they were all meant to be sacrificed, never once seen as anything other than ingredients for a ritual.
"His original spawn were all talented and successful mortals before they were turned. Two of them attended to me on a regular basis. I could honestly say they were easy to get along with due to their temperament. The other three are insufferable and malicious— immortality only made them more villainous than they already were."
Her eyes glared at the floorboards. "They loved to play with their food... I dare say it was a blessing in disguise that I belonged exclusively to Dragomir. The others wouldn't dare lay a finger on me, less they wished his wrath upon them. Better the devil you know, I guess?"
"Perhaps."
Astarion placed a finger under her chin, inclining her to look at him. Her skin was soft and feverishly warm compared to his. She did seem to run a little hotter than others. Nowhere near blazing like Karlach but sometimes her skin would radiate a warmth that resembled the rising sun. It made him miss that sensation he would never feel again, when he would stand and wait for the dawn to kiss his skin, greeting a new day.
"Is something wrong?"
"When Tav and I were infected with those tadpoles I truly understood what freedom was meant to feel like. I thought I was forever bound to a life of suffering and darkness— but it gave me the chance to break away from Cazador. I got to feel the sun on my skin. All these things I had never dreamt of experiencing again."
There was a softness in his gaze as his hand moved down to press against her chest, feeling her beating heart. "For some reason your body reminded me of that. Something about you is simply radiant, and I can't figure out why..."
Oh gods. Her heart started racing and she was sure Astarion could feel the tempo change against his palm. It was apparent that the gesture wasn't sexual in any way but that, combined with his voice and the way he was looking at her, it really got her blood pumping.
"Y-You should really get going on your venture!"
"I suppose you're right." He sighed, sounding a little annoyed that he had to waste time feeding in the first place.
He took his hand back and gave an extravagant wave. "Rest well, Orianna. Do make sure Tav gets to work on convincing our allies to join our little escapade."
With a final farewell Astarion took his leave and Orianna was left there with her thoughts. She wasn't yet ready to rest so she helped clear off some of the tables and bring the dishes to the back where the kitchen was. There were only two of Alan's employees left in the Tavern, taking care of odds and ends so that they would be ready to open tomorrow and start all over again. They thanked her for her efforts as she bid them goodnight.
When she went to the second floor the stairs creaked louder than normal with how quiet the Inn was. It made her curious how thin the walls might be as the lock on her door clicked. She sat on the stool and looked at her reflection within the table mirror, hands slowly working the braid out of her hair. She softly brushed out any tangles with her fingers and hummed a tune quietly. It was a lullaby she remembered her mother would sing whenever she needed to be comforted.
Orianna continued to hum as she removed all her clothing and accessories, down to her black lace bralette and panties. Her thoughts drifted to Astarion when she crawled under the covers of her bed and stared at the ceiling. The way he managed to stir up her emotions made her wonder if he was aware of it or not. His past made him no stranger to skin ship, but the poor man had indeed been robbed of enjoying real affection or love, the things that came naturally to her. Love and lust were close friends and interchangeable in many relationships but for him the pleasures of the flesh were tainted. How could she make it better for him? She was a healer but curing the mind was complicated, something that differed between individuals.
Why couldn't her mind and body come to an agreement then? She had the resolve to wait forever but that didn't stop Orianna's body from heating up with sexual longing. She sighed heavily and closed her eyes. If she thought about fluffy sheep bouncing over fences maybe it would get her mind off of him.
Until those white wool coats reminded her of that curly head of hair and how much she wanted to run her fingers through it.
"Shit..."
Laying there she noticed the comfortable feeling of her weight pressed on the bed and the way the pillow cradled her head. She became aware of her body and all the sensations that came with it, like the fluttering in her lower belly that made her thighs press together to try and relieve the tension. She rubbed her legs back and forth, fighting the battle between desire and virtue.
Oh, what the hell...
(Explicit Content Removed. Please visit "Moth to a Flame by Ringo101 on Archive of Our Own" for full version)
She lay there for a minute, covering her face with her forearm. The guilt starting to settle in at the fact she had used Astarion as her fapping material.
...
Astarion didn't feel like playing around this evening, wanting a meal that wouldn't put up a fight and talk far less. He ended up settling on a sleeping ox, confined to its own private stable. It made his job a lot easier when there weren't other animals or bystanders to make a ruckus. A quick snap of his teeth, a steady guzzle, limited suffering and done! He was full and brimming with happiness.
The ordeal took no time at all, so he decided on a leisurely stroll back to the Tavern. He begrudgingly passed by the Szarr Palace, not even remotely tempted to take a peek inside and see if his feelings about it had changed. Going back and finishing the book he was currently reading felt more appealing than opening up more old wounds.
When he returned to the Tavern and unlocked the door to his room he paused a moment, looking at Orianna's door, wondering if she was resting by now. Of course, she was. He'd been gone for nearly an hour; the night was late and before he knew it the sun would be up. He went in and closed his door behind him, flicking on a candle he sat at the desk and flipped the book open to the page he had marked. He was reading the words along the page, except nothing was being retained. It could have been gibberish at this point with how fumbled his focus was.
Then he heard something. The sound was so quiet he had nearly missed it completely, but the familiar tone was unmistakable.
A moan, and his name on her lips.
...
...
...
If you played The Witcher 3 like I did, you may have recognized the song, The Wolven Storm
The other song she sung at the end was The Willow Maid