The air was crisp and a little cooler than expected as Orianna saw her breath with each exhale. She sat on a stone bench just outside of Moonrise Towers beside what used to be a garden, now running wild with a few rose bushes and other greenery. It was a curious thing to imagine what this place might have been like before the Shadow Curse, as well as what it had looked like during. The sheer destructive force to the landscape alone was incredible, in a terrifying type of way. Now it was almost peaceful as she watched the sunrise. Rays of sunlight pierced through fresh foliage as she brought the hot mug of tea in her hands up to her nose, breathing deeply to get her favorite hints of citrus and bergamot. The steam swirled into the air from the dark liquid as she took a sip and then placed it back down on her lap.

She sighed deeply, closing her eyes. "Father... Sometimes I wonder if you're even aware of the predicament I'm in..."

"And it's quite the predicament."

She turned to see the tall, sturdy elf approach her. "Halsin, I didn't hear your arrival."

"Even with my stature I can be reasonably quiet." He chuckled. "May I?"

She quickly shuffled over, giving him space to have a seat beside her. Average height that she was, he made her feel short as well as tiny in comparison with that rugged physique. There was also a softness to him though, like a cuddly bear who likely gave great hugs.

They were silent for a minute or so, gazing out onto the horizon before Halsin spoke again.

"Thank you for all your help. Some of the refugees have already mentioned how your presence has lifted their spirits."

"I like to stay busy. Plus, I missed it... providing for others."

"I'm sorry about how the last century has been for you. Tav told me more about you and your circumstances. He seems to have developed some love for you, like that of a big brother."

"That's cute. Considering I'm far older than he is." She rubbed her thumb on the rim of her mug idly. "I thought my luck had run out but meeting him and Astarion has proven that assumption incorrect."

"He is someone who has always exceeded my expectations. I could see why everyone was so drawn to him and put most of their faith in his hands. A born leader with the tenacity to succeed, no matter the odds."

"I wish to put my faith in him also. That's all I can really do right now." She paused a moment. "Where is he anyways?"

Halsin cleared his throat. "Ah, he appeared to still be sleeping. Must be exhausted from the trip."

"Mhm. Yes, of course." She sipped her tea knowingly. "We intended to leave today but I see no harm in extending our trip back a day if he needs to. Tav said he wanted to talk to Gale and Shadowheart himself rather than ask Astarion to do it. Something about being a better candidate."

"Charismatic as Astarion is he hasn't been known to win favor. It took time for him to trust and be trusted. He doesn't wear his heart on his sleeve like Tav, but I'm sure you know this after being acquainted."

Orianna thought about it. Sure, he wasn't an open book and hid behind some sarcasm and joking banter, but she knew he'd talked to her about things he wouldn't normally disclose. She wouldn't be surprised if Tav was the only other person he'd spoken to about his feelings.

"I've noticed my nature can make others feel safe. He's revealed things about himself I don't believe he's had much practice in expressing."

"You are closer than I thought. Forgive me, I assumed you'd have been hesitant to welcome a spawn into your circle. Given all that's happened."

"I was drawn to him for various reasons. Perhaps, I have an affinity for wounded men." She looked up at the sky, watching a bird flying overhead. "Maybe it comes with the occupation but if I have the capacity to help someone I always will. Astarion's wounds aren't visible to see, but they're there..."

The sound of heavy footsteps approached, causing them to turn around to see a disheveled Tav. His robe was haphazardly tossed on with the collar open, his eyes half lidded and sleepy. He hadn't even put on his proper boots and appeared to be wearing a pair of brown sandals that looked borrowed, the color clashing with his preferred black and jade palette.

"I opened my eyes, and you were gone. You should have woken me." He yawned, rubbing the sleep from his eyes.

Halsin chuckled, getting up from the bench and heading towards him. He gave Tav a kiss on the cheek. "I tried a few times, but you wouldn't budge."

"I am a pretty heavy sleeper." He then looked to Orianna and nodded his head. "If you're ready to leave, I only need to get my things together and we can be on our way."

...

"Are you sure you don't want to stay longer? We can if you want to." Orianna said again, Moonrise Towers was already long out of site.

"I'm sure. We will see Halsin again very soon."

He said it simply, but Orianna could hear the satisfaction in his voice. Not to mention the dragonborn was practically glowing. He then pulled out a piece of parchment, waving it with a twinkle in his eye.

"Besides, I picked up a small contract we can take care of before we get back. If you're interested."

"A contract? What of?"

"Ohh, just a pack of Gnolls causing problems. They keep attacking close to the main road where a lot of shipments go in and out from Baldur's Gate." Tav was grinning. "I feel energized and ready for a fight. I should flex my magic, get warmed up for what's to come."

Orianna had to laugh. "You almost sound glad we might be in peril."

"What can I say, the power within me is swirling— practically begging to be released."

"Sorcerers are quite intriguing. The fact that your magic is as natural as breathing."

"It took time and practice to control. Certainty didn't become the man I am today without my fair share of hands-on experience. Casting destructive spells is my specialty. I won't deny my portfolio is much smaller than Gale's, or even yours for that matter— but I like to consider myself versatile." He grinned at Orianna. "So, will you help support me on this little errand? I could use a cleric like you."

She hummed, taking a peek at the position of the sun. It was still early enough to take care of a few Gnolls and make it back to Baldur's Gate with time to spare. "How could I say no to that face?"

Tav clenched his fist and did a pumping motion with his arm. "Excellent."

...

The smell of blood and rot was the first sign they were on the right track. Just off the road there was evidence of an attack with a broken carriage, crates thrown about with vegetables and other goods scattered in the dirt. A few bodies were torn up, still fairly fresh, maybe only a few days old.

As Tav moved to examine the bodies, flies buzzed around from the disturbance of him rummaging through their pockets. He found a few coins and a ring, even a letter from a loved one, but nothing worthwhile. This sort of scene the two of them had seen time and time again, almost numb to the bloodshed as they looked around for clues to find which direction the Gnolls might have gone.

"Tav, over here." Orianna found some tracks and disturbances in the brush of the forest like someone had passed through. The blood trail was also a clear sign.

"As Astarion would say, into the shadows." He did his best impression, crouching down and keeping quiet.

Orianna followed close behind, doing the best she could to be stealthy as she pulled her Morningstar from her back to stop it from clinking against her armor.

They shuffled a while longer until Tav raised his hand up to stop and pointed ahead. There they were, three gnolls and two hyenas nesting around near a shallow cave, unsuspecting of any threats. Tav looked around, trying to figure out the best way to go about this in as little moves as possible. It was always important to surprise the enemy, attacking first with unyielding force so that they didn't even have a chance to regroup or focus an attack.

"There." He whispered and pointed at a cliff-like crevice they would be able to access from the other side. He wasted no time in back tracking a bit before skillfully maneuvering the rocks silently. There they were able to look over the edge, gaining a huge advantage. And look how nicely grouped together they all were for him.

Orianna observed that the grin on his face was borderline villainous as he moved his hands and practically sung as he cast fireball. The blast was explosive, killing the two hyenas in one shot and leaving the other three gnolls burned and in complete surprise. The dragonborn called upon the magic inside of him again, quickening his spell to cast it a second time, hardly breaking a sweat. The second impact scorched the earth and all the bodies caught up in it. Nothing but flames and ash remained, leaving Orianna dumbfounded.

"Remind me why you needed me again?"

As if on cue, two more knolls dashed out from the cave which they hadn't originally noticed. A rusty orange colored one howled, aiming his bow at Tav, firing three arrows in quick succession. One missed but the other two were a direct hit.

Tav cried out, gritting his teeth in pain. "That would be why..."

Orianna speedily cast Hold Person on the other gnoll that was ready to fire its own set of arrows. The spell landed, encasing it in a purple prison. She was also close enough to cast cure wounds on Tav, the bright turquoise light soothing him but not healing completely.

"Let's end this, shall we?" He moved his hands once again, differently this time as he brought the Circle of Death upon them. The green light shone with a flash as the gnolls wailed, bodies turning to dust.

It was impressive to say the least. Tav was more of a short distance runner than one to partake in marathons. Fast and powerful, that was his style. She wondered how he would normally adapt to a longer, drawn-out battle.

"Do you like to blow your load often?" Orianna asked amused, but also taken back by how reckless he was with his magic.

Tav barked a laugh but winced as he grabbed his side in pain. "I may have been told that once or twice. Like I said, versatile. Nothing like a bit of give and take."

Now that the fighting had stopped Orianna closed her eyes peacefully and said the words for prayer of healing, the same teal light washing over them with newfound health and energy.

"Thank you. I feel good as new."

She shook her head. "Now I understand what Astarion meant when he said to watch out for you. Someone likes their area spells, hm?"

Tav rubbed the back of his neck, a little embarrassed. "Some spells I don't get to use as often because the radius is too large, my allies would get caught in it. I may have gone a little overkill this time from my excitement."

"Hmm. I thought you'd be less energized after that long night with Halsin." she said as she made her way down to the corpses. No point wasting the possibility of some decent loot, even if it was just a few hyena ears.

"Uh... that is..." He stuttered over his words.

"Tav, you don't need to be embarrassed about it. Being in love is a precious gift. Few of us get to experience it wholly. I'm glad to see your spirits be lifted."

He nodded in agreement. He really was a lucky man. "What about you, Orianna?"

"Me? Oh, I haven't loved properly in probably three centuries."

If he'd been eating, he likely would have choked on his food. Someone like Halsin was three hundred and fifty with a large expanse of lovers over the years. Was there that much of a sexual morality difference between a holy person and one with the wilds? Or was it just the difference in personalities?

"We're talking about being in love, but surely you've had a few flings here and there... I mean, you seem interested in Astarion."

"I don't have flings and honestly, he's an anomaly that I never expected to pop up. Usually, I'd never feel the urge to pursue someone so suddenly... And sex without some kind of emotional connection feels empty to me. So yes, technically I haven't engaged in fornication in a long time. I was too focused on the path to diverge off of it." She shrugged as she finished looting the bodies, or at least what remained of them.

"Although..." She looked down at the charred earth, recalling a few painful memories. Their discussion was bringing some to the surface of her conscious mind, ones she had pushed down into a deep dark pit of forgetfulness.

"What's wrong?" He could sense her mood shift, her eyes seeming far away.

"Dragomir. I don't like to consider him a past lover, since I mistook his character... and vampires tend to dominate and take whatever they want." She rubbed her arm, feeling cold all of a sudden. "I can't seem to recall what making love is supposed to feel like— to be safe enough with someone that you surrender yourself completely. Someone you can trust with your life."

Tav should have asked first but he couldn't stop himself as he pulled Orianna into a warm embrace. His arms were strong and protective around her, squeezing her just enough so she could feel how genuine he was being when he spoke. The thought of this precious woman having to endure any suffering at all made him more determined to keep her safe. Whatever happened in the past, he vowed to do whatever he could to make sure it wouldn't happen again.

"Orianna... I'm so sorry."

The hug was welcome. Thankfully physical interactions weren't completely off limits, she hadn't developed an aversion to the friendly touch of another.

"It's okay. I didn't mean to bring it up. I guess I feel pretty secure around you." She smiled; arms encircled around his middle as she held him there a moment longer before breaking their embrace. "Thank you, for hearing me out."

"Come to me anytime you need someone to talk to. I'm a great listener." He smiled, pointing a thumb at himself confidently.

She nodded and the two of them continued their journey back to Baldur's Gate.

...

When they made it back to the city it was already evening, but Tav deemed it an optimal time to visit another ally, a particular wizard to be exact. Even though Gale had hailed from Waterdeep, after everything that transpired, he relinquished the lavish title and lived more humbly as he resided in the same city as his Baldurian companions. His retrieval of the remnants of the crown and possibly reforging it to bring to Mystra were still a work in progress. In regard to where he could be found, commonly he spent a lot of his days at the Sorcerous Sundries now that Rolan was running it.

As they made their way to the building an all-too-familiar figure was standing near the entrance, leaning against one of the stone pillars. He was wearing a beautiful set of navy padded armor with velvety plum and gold embellishments. A hint of red could be seen past the fabric with delicate white lace trim around the collar. Dashing as always.

"You're late. I was beginning to think you wouldn't show."

"Late start to the morning— and Orianna helped me take care of a contract for some Gnolls."

Astarion rose a brow, smirking. "Knowing you, she probably took care of you more than the Gnolls."

Tav cleared his throat and shrugged. "I may have been a tad reckless."

"Newfound vigor I see~?" Astarion needn't feel inclined to say more as he saw the wheels in Tav's head turning. Besides, he could smell remnants of the druid all over that scaley body of his.

That teasing smirk and suggestive tone were enough to make Tav want to dig his head in the sand from the embarrassment. He was fairly private when it came to sharing flesh with others and didn't go into the details. Any time temptation would come knocking; be it his companions or a few Drow twins, even Mizora or the Emperor, he had politely declined. Never had he expected all these people to be so thirsty for him. Halsin was the only exception he had happily said yes to.

"Why are you skulking about instead of waiting inside?"

"I wasn't skulking. I simply wanted to enjoy this fine evening and avoid a conversation of Gale-splaining." His eyes shifted to Orianna with a glimmer.

Even clad in armor she looked heavenly; a beauty who could also crack a skull open with that hefty Morningstar of hers. There was something he always loved about beautiful things that could also be deadly and powerful, enough to put him in his place. He would never need a reason to fight her, but he wondered how they would compare in a one on one. He was sneaky and fast, always primed to attack with critical precision, but she was tough and sturdy, with a vast collection of cantrips and spells prepared for anything. If he didn't finish her quickly, she would likely win the long game. A reliable ally indeed.

The thought of their adrenaline pumping, panting breaths and glistening muscles as weapons clashed with enemies was a joyous image. It was no mystery that Astarion liked a good fight, especially when bloodshed and killing was involved. He almost felt jealous that Tav had a chance to fight by her side twice now, though he supposed his last second arrival the other night did technically count.

"I'd also like to steal the fair maiden away. I'm sure you'll have no problem convincing Gale on your own."

Orianna looked at Tav who had his arms crossed and shrugged. He then grabbed the supply pack from her shoulders, taking it out of her hands as he flung it on his back. "You'd probably grow bored once Gale and I start talking shop anyways."

"Are you sure?"

"I insist." Tav smiled, nodding his goodbyes to them before heading inside.

...

Orianna wasn't sure why, but she was hyper aware of Astarion's presence, though that may have had something to do with what she had been up to the night before. She hadn't seen him until now with her and Tav having left yesterday morning to go visit Halsin. A day away from each other gave her time to think about their relationship and what she wanted, but she still didn't have any clear answers. It was difficult to stop and smell the roses when you were on the run from a vampire.

Constantly looking over her shoulder was destined to damper forming new relationships. She felt responsible for the ones around her, be it her friends or the general public. Should anything happen to them due to Dragomir, she felt that she couldn't forgive herself. She also wasn't accustomed to depending on others. Asking for help had been hard enough already, but the realization that she was asking them to put their lives on the line for her...

"What's going on in that pretty head of yours, darling?"

He stopped walking and turned to her, noticing how quiet she was being as they strolled down the cobblestone streets with no particular destination in mind.

"Overthinking. Bad habit of mine."

He tilted his head, looking at her expectantly, waiting for further explanation. "Something you don't want to talk about?"

"Not necessarily—"

The sound of a group of passer byers laughing made her pause. Baldur's Gate was a lively city indeed.

"Let's go somewhere private."

Astarion pointed towards a staircase that led up to an area that seemed like it would have normally been guarded, but it wasn't. As they walked up to the Central Wall of the Lower City, he guided her north a bit further until they were in front of a rust-colored door with a geometric stone pattern over the entrance. It looked kind of like a bat.

"Is this what I think it is?"

"The Szarr Palace."

Astarion pulled out a key to unlock the door which made him smirk. The number of times he'd lockpicked something when he'd already had the key on his ring had been countless.

"Come in."

Orianna stepped inside and swallowed as she felt the atmosphere. It was dimly lit and foreboding, similar to the Scarlet Palace in many ways but also darker, more sinister. It felt odd to have such a large space be completely vacant, not a single sound except for their footsteps on the hardwood floors. They made their way forward and Astarion stopped in front of the banquet hall.

"I didn't intend to come back so soon, but I thought having you here would help me realize this place is merely walls and empty rooms now. Nothing more."

She observed the dusty outlines of the walls where paintings used to be, obviously having been taken away and disposed of. Any hint of character was removed except for the colors and carpet runners. Rather than continue towards the large room she decided to veer to the right, following the path of the hallway and going down a flight of stairs. Astarion followed her silently until they came to a door on the left.

"This was where I'd entertain guests before Cazador would come and take them away..."

She wondered to herself if this could be labeled as exposure therapy. It didn't feel like a bad idea, so she opened the door and walked in. The room was spacious and luxurious accommodation for a guest. Rather than think too hard about it she walked towards the bed and sat on the edge, looking at Astarion carefully as she did so.

"Is it strange for you? My being here like this?"

He gazed at her, sitting in the very spot so many before her had sat. The bed where he would further seduce, go through the motions and do the deed until they were satisfied. It seemed playing the role of a perfect lover and giving them the night of their lives was the least he could do for their final moments on this plane. It still shook him to the core that they never met their end, and that he had been completely ignorant of Cazador's plans from the very beginning.

"There is almost an expectation that he'll come sauntering through that door any minute."

He felt pathetic. All he wanted was the ghosts of his past to stop tormenting him. To stop replaying those moments in his mind over and over again— but he had been a victim for so long and as hard as he tried to shake it off, the things he had to bear had left their scars. The damage had been done.

He suddenly laughed in a maniacal way and shook his head at the stupidity of it all.

"But he won't! He's dead— I won!"

There was silence between them. Astarion breathed a heavy exhale and regained his composure as he noticed a softness in Orianna's gaze. He could have been hysterical or went on a tangent and she likely wouldn't have judged him for it. There was no awkwardness or pity in her eyes. It was simply one of understanding, of empathy.

He decided to sit down beside her and lace his fingers together as his elbows rested on his thighs.

"In the beginning I tried to run away, tried to escape like you did. I soon realized my fate was inevitable and my body was no longer my own..."

"A spawn can never disobey their master..." She murmured, remembering the same words spoken by one of Dragomir's spawn. "What happened?"

His brow furrowed, thumb stroking his fingers in clasped hands that tightened.

"Once, in the first decade of my slavery, I found a darling boy who I couldn't dare to bring back to him. So, I ran instead of hurting that sweet man. After Cazador caught me, the bastard sealed me, starving, inside a dusty tomb, all on my own for an entire year." He let out a shaky breath. "A year of silence. Months of scratching my hands raw trying to carve my way out— more months of not moving at all. Months wishing only for death..."

The title of tormentor had been an accurate description of what Cazador had been to Astarion, she could see that now. A life of severe mental and physical suffering inflicted upon him for nearly two hundred years, until all hope was lost.

"I have no words. I'm so sorry."

"Nothing could make up for that. Not even Cazador's death." He sighed. "I was so close to stealing his life's work..."

"What do you mean?"

"Cazador made a deal with Mephistopheles. Involving a ritual so dastardly and foul, no one had attempted it— one that would create the Vampire Ascendant. All of those victims I hunted for him, I thought they were just food, but he was turning them. Me, my six brothers and sisters, along with seven thousand spawn were to be sacrificed for this ritual."

Orianna's eyes widened as the weight of that truth settled in. Vampire Lords were already powerful enough as is. To have one ascend into something greater, with all of the benefits already bestowed upon them and more... It was a terrifying thought to imagine that much sacrifice for a singular evil.

"When we defeated Cazador I was determined to take his place—I carved the very same sigils into his back as he'd done to me, and with every cut I savored his screams of anguish..."

"What stopped you?"

Astarion sat up straight and looked into her eyes. His expression was one she hadn't seen before.

"I came so close to losing everything. To losing myself. Back at the ritual all I could see was the power on offer and the safety it promised. I was so blinded by it, just as Cazador was... But Tav saw something in me, someone else I could be. Someone who could break the cycle of power and terror that started centuries ago. He saved me."

He smiled with gratitude in a way that made her understand his relationship with Tav so much more. Why they were so close. Tav had been his first real friend and they had both been there for each other in their greatest time of need.

"I may not have appreciated it at the time, but I do now. He believed in me— believed I was enough just the way I am. When I look at my future, anything and everything feels possible now. He saved me from myself and let me walk a new path where I can be free. Truly, honestly free."

He shifted his sitting position so that he could face her better. She mirrored his movements as she felt his hands reach out and hold onto hers. He squeezed them as best as he could with her armored gloves.

"When I look at you, I'm reminded of how grateful I am that I never went through with it."

Orianna searched his eyes for any embellishments to those words, but he spoke the truth. She swallowed and looked down, feeling shy suddenly which was hardly like her, but it was something she hadn't expected to hear after listening to his dark tragedy.

"I don't know if I've done anything to receive such compliments..."

She felt his cold fingers under her chin, inclining her to look at him. She didn't fight it.

"You're far too modest. I see pieces of myself in you, and yet you are different in every possible way." He smiled at her, a small pause of silence between them before he clicked his tongue. "Now, enough about me. What were you thinking of earlier?"

She should have known she'd not get the opportunity to avoid this discussion. However, he had shared so much and she wanted to reciprocate.

"I was thinking how long it's been since I've allowed anyone to get close to me."

"That can't be the only thing."

"Well... I don't seem it, but I carry a lot of fear. I'm scared of all of the uncertainty the future brings."

"Tell me about them, your uncertainties."

His voice was soft, welcoming the burdens of her mind to be told. When had she last spoken this much about herself? Centuries ago, when she wandered the land with no destination in mind, she would always make sure to keep her distance from others. As soon as she felt she was growing too attached she would move onto the next town. In reality it hadn't been since her younger years that she'd come to anyone with her own needs and wishes. Dragomir had been the last person she'd demolished her walls for, the last to be let in.

"In all of my years I've never been afraid of my own death... but I feared the death of those around me, the ones I cared for from my past— and if I ever let my heart wander, the ones I would care for in the future." She sighed. "Given my situation with Dragomir, I'm worried I'm on the path to making my fears come true. I feel responsible for you and Tav, and anyone else that is involved with me. Part of me wishes I hadn't said hello to you that day— but the other part is so grateful that I did."

Astarion could understand living a life ruled by fear better than anyone. The type of fear compared to hers was different of course, but it was still related to pain and loneliness and regret.

"I've learned that we can't let our lives be ruled by fear or else we never truly live."

She frowned, realizing how right he was. Was there really any point to life if chances weren't taken? Fear of losing something and the grief that followed when you did... it meant you had something worth living for.

"Why do you have to be right?"

He chuckled and pressed a finger to the furrow between her brows. "Because, I'm just that perceptive."

Sitting here with her he realized the palace didn't feel as ominous as he remembered. He would continue to recall his past, but being able to forget it, even for a moment, was a start. It seemed like creating other memories to try and blur the ones from before wasn't impossible.

"Thank you for coming here with me. For trusting me."

"You're welcome." She then looked at him curiously, like only now did the question pop into her mind. "What did happen, to all of those spawn?"

He smiled awkwardly. "We sort of freed them. Let them all go to the underdark, to be more precise."

"Oh my..."

What on earth would the correct choice have been? Let them go, kill them or leave them in cages? Every option had its own consequences that she was glad she wasn't there to make the decision, but if it had been her there was no way killing them was an option, nor leaving them there to be forgotten.

"You gave them the same chance your companions gave you. I think it was the right choice, and I would have done the same."

That was true. Tav could have easily stabbed a stake through his ribs, but he didn't. Instead, he accepted him, gave him a chance— even agreed to offer his blood.

"There are so few that have a heart like yours, Orianna." He played with a lock of her hair, twirling it around his forefinger. "To still be true to who you are after all you've been through, it's a rare thing indeed. I won't let Dragomir extinguish your light."

When she smiled at him it was radiant and comforting as usual, giving him that sense of safety, like a warm duvet wrapped around his shoulders on a cold night. For the first time in a long time his mind was quiet, silent and free of Cazador, the tadpole, as well as his own self sabotage. His progress towards healing was subtle but it took small victories to win a war.

Once again, like the time they had been alone together, he reacted on instinct. He came closer and moved to wrap his arms around her in a tender embrace, feeling her hands press against his back in response. As their chests pressed together, he could feel the jagged metal breastplate but ignored it as he closed his eyes and breathed in her delicious scent. In contrast to the armor her hair was soft, tickling his cheek as he nuzzled into her shoulder.

"Your armor is uncomfortable... How about removing it?"

Orianna blinked and turned her face to him, not breaking their embrace.

"Are you sure you want to stay here tonight?"

"I think if you're here, I'll be fine."

She shifted her body away from him and stood up, about to start the tedious removal until Astarion placed a hand on hers.

"Allow me."

He unfastened the buckles on her gloves first, followed by her boots and cloak, removing each item with care. His hands moved to the metal shoulder guard next and then onto the belt around her waist, doing everything in a methodical order. It was amazing how much faster it was to have a helping hand in the removal of such an intricate ensemble.

When the final piece was removed, he looked at her up and down, examining the plain blue trousers and simple matching shirt with long sleeves.

The outfit was purely meant for function under the heavy chainmail, but she still looked adorable.

"Don't you need to feed tonight?"

"I got that out of the way before meeting you."

Her head tilted as she looked him over, a question on the tip of her tongue she wasn't sure she should ask.

"You have something to ask me?"

Damn. How could this man read her facial expressions so well. Maybe it had something to do with his previous prospects, being accustomed to reading the mood and their responses to him after years of practice. Then again, she didn't have much of a poker face to begin with.

"Is your hunger difficult to manage?

"I'd be lying if I said it wasn't. In the beginning there were moments when I would feel ravenous and disconnected from my body. It didn't take too much time for me to control and cope with that constant nagging in my stomach. We were forbidden from feeding off thinking creatures after all, and I never developed a taste for rats."

Orianna compared it to an itch that could never be scratched. She tried to imagine what it would be like to always feel hungry no matter what you ate, only gaining temporary relief after a meal only to feel the craving all over again. That would explain why the vampires of Duskmire didn't hold themselves back. Of course, they wouldn't if they could feed endlessly off a constant supply with no consequences.

"You know, if I hadn't already met my fair share of vampires, you might have fooled me."

Astarion perked. "Really?"

"Well, for one, the whiff of undeath is unnoticeable on you."

"My whiff is very faint. Nothing a little bergamot, rosemary and a hint of aged brandy can't hide. It's the perfect old factory disguise for a corpse. Honestly, I missed my calling as a perfumer."

"So that's the lovely scent wafting from you? You've clearly thought this through a great deal."

"Of course, I have." His lips quirked into a smirk. "You on the other hand... it would be a sin to mask that scent of yours with perfume."

"Do I really smell that different from everyone else?"

"Absolutely. Everyone has their own particular aroma that sets them apart, but I start to notice similarities among them depending on their race and age. You're complex. Unique." He looked at her a tad more seriously. "What I mean is... I can understand now why Dragomir is so obsessed with you."

Orianna stared, unblinking as she searched those scarlet pools. "You'd never bite me... would you?"

Astarion's lips parted and then closed. His former self might have lied or covered the truth with flirtatious jokes. He knew Orianna appreciated honesty more than anything, and above all else she trusted him. He didn't want to tarnish what they had built between them.

"No. Not unless you asked me to. If I wanted, I could have done it so many times already— every instant you let your guard down was another opportunity. But... I don't want to be a monster. A vampire is what I am, but it is not all I must be."

"Indeed, you are far more than that." She opened her hand to him. "Thank you, for your honesty."

His cool fingers touched her palm, fascinated by how platonic their interactions could be. He was getting used to it, her gentle ways of showing affection without pushing past his boundaries. For him to be able to set a boundary at all, to not grin and endure the things he didn't want to do was a novel concept. He lusted for her like any man would, as she did for him, but this type of intimacy went beyond sexual attraction.

A long time ago in his former life he had dreamt of something like this... companionship.

A soulmate.