It was already dark, and the fog was dense, too dense to be natural. She could have sworn she had turned back but it seemed like she was just walking further and further into the thick of it. Her feet carried on, squishing through soft moss and mud until the tune changed to the crunching sound of gravel. A path had been found but should she follow it?
"Seems a little mouse lost its way."
She twirled around to face the voice, an obscured shadowy figure coming into view as he took closer steps towards her. Her hand went to the hilt of her Morningstar, ready to defend herself if need be. The man pulled back his hood, revealing the most dazzling half-elf man she had probably laid eyes on. He was pale, almost glowing, with hair the color of rich red wine and eyes that sparkled like rubies.
"I may have been turned around." She said, not letting her guard down.
"Hm. It's rare for an outsider to stumble into my abode. Especially at night." He chuckled.
She wondered what private joke he found so amusing as her hand loosened on her weapon and returned to her side.
"So, will you be so kind as to point me in the right direction? Preferably to the nearest town."
"Even better, I'll lead you there." He waved his hand in a come-hither gesture. "I was taking a stroll but never expected to bump into anyone."
"You make a habit of walking in the forest alone at night?"
He smirked. "My dear, I could ask you the same question, but I suppose you getting lost was unintentional." His steps were slow and graceful, almost like he was floating along the ground.
She frowned, following him but not too closely. Something about him made her adrenaline pump even though on the surface there didn't appear to be any impending danger. Soon she could see the warm light of braziers at a town gate with houses and buildings made of brick and wood. It was hard to tell the actual state of the place due to the fog and darkness, but it seemed well kept.
"Welcome to Duskmire."
He led her to a building that looked to be a tavern and walked in like he damn well owned the place. Which it seemed like he might have, given the reaction of the people within. All the noise practically disappeared into an eerie silence.
"My Lord, welcome. Is there anything wrong? You don't often visit..." The human sounded worried. He was a young man and must have been the barkeep judging by his apron and small towel flung over his shoulder.
"Everything is perfectly fine; you need not worry. You know I'd never come here on business."
"Yes, of course. What can I do for you, my Lord."
"Any spare rooms available for this lovely lady?"
The barkeep took a moment to look at him, a silent communication going on between them. "Terribly sorry, but we have no vacancy."
"How unfortunate~."
Orianna observed that he sounded far too pleased at the fact and looked at him carefully when he turned around to give her his undivided attention. He placed a finger to his lips as if he were trying to keep the hint of a smile concealed.
"You're more than welcome to stay at my home... miss?"
"Orianna." She replied.
"It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance. My name is Dragomir Vethrel." His eyes seemed to shine as he stared at her. "So, will you take me up on my offer? After all, the night is dark, and you never know what might be lurking in the shadows."
He had a point but so far, the only thing she stumbled upon was him. "I suppose I should accept and thank you graciously."
"Then it's settled." He placed a hand on her back, pressing her towards the door. "Carry on." He said to the crowd of townsfolk who, as if ordered, went back to their merriment as if nothing had happened.
Odd. This town had an odd vibe indeed. It was apparent that this man held a lot of sway over this town, likely more than any regular Lord would possess.
In a matter of minutes, the tall silhouette of a large building was starting to show through the fog, when they got closer, she quietly gasped at the masterful piece of architecture before them.
"Wow." Blame the exhaustion of her travels but she couldn't come up with a more colorful word to express her reaction.
"Impressive, isn't it? This residence was built five hundred years ago and still looks as it did back then... or so I've been told." He smirked.
"Calling this your home feels like an understatement. What sort of nobility are you exactly?"
"The usual type. Rich, powerful and influential with a lot of time on my hands."
As they approached the doors opened, a blue skinned male Tiefling with a sturdy build and dark horns bowed respectfully. "Master Dragomir, welcome home."
"Devereux. Do inform Irina to prepare a room for my guest, Orianna. Perhaps something to eat as well?" He turned to her in question as he removed his long cloak and handed it to the servant, revealing a charming black and crimson suit that looked dashing, and likely terribly expensive.
"If it's not too much trouble." She'd been surviving off generic rations during her trip, how could she say no to a real meal?
He smiled and held his hands behind his back as he proceeded to walk away from the main entrance down another hall. She followed behind him in silence, the sound of her shifting chainmail the only noise passing between them until he went into a room that must have been his study or a library of some kind. He took a seat in a large armchair by the fireplace, crossing his legs and presenting the matching one to her. She placed her bag and weapon beside her within reach, feeling the craftsmanship of the chair as it cushioned her in comfort yet still offered ample back support.
"You look as if you're prepared for a heated battle. What does the lady do in her spare time?"
"I'm a cleric. I've been moving around to different towns or settlements to offer my services."
"The town of Duskmire is in luck. The townsfolk do well here but things like disease and sickness, one does not seem to have control over. Mortals are so fragile, aren't they?"
"I suppose in some ways— but perseverance is what can set us apart."
"And yet it is a foretold conclusion that they will die. It's but a question of time. Some days I wonder why they try so very hard. To die at twenty years, eighty, even three hundred. What's the difference? They're all but the blink of an eye."
"Depends on your point of view. A man who has thousands of coins to spend can't possibly understand a man who only has twenty."
"True. One's outlook can indeed change."
The way this man spoke made Orianna realize she may have walked into something she likely didn't want any part of. His youthful appearance didn't match his persona, like he was far beyond his years.
"What are you, really?"
Dragomir's eyes widened in surprise before he barked a laugh. "You are blunter than I expected. Normally people would be too scared to ask, less their fears become reality." He chuckled one more time, regaining his composure and switching his crossed leg to the other. "I was going to ask you the same question. Not so plain though."
Her eyes narrowed, reaching for her Morningstar.
"There's no need for that. I've been held up here for a while now and it's been so long since I've met someone new. Someone who has perked my curiosity." His tongue slid over his teeth like he was imagining something delicious, a flash of a fang poking out.
A vampire.
She jumped out of her seat, at the ready. She had only read about them or heard stories, never having crossed one herself.
"You're already deep in my vampire den, my dear. You can't possibly kill me yourself and I also have many spawn at my disposal. You may as well have a seat. I won't bite~."
Her hands felt clammy from the adrenaline, a bead of sweat trailing down her brow as the instinctual fight or flight kicked in, but in this case, she froze. "You're daft if you think I'll trust a word you say."
"Trust me or don't trust me. I have no intention of fighting you. Now please. Sit."
She swallowed, thinking more rationally as she listened to his request and sat back down. They were a few meters apart, but it was honestly still too close for her liking.
"I'm sure you've heard all the horror stories about vampires as you grew up. I can assure you, those times for me have come and gone. For the last five hundred years I've lived a simple life of leisure with minimal bloodshed. All I ask is for a simple transaction of give and take. The townsfolk donate blood and I provide for them. Housing, food, protection— whatever they need. It's a symbiotic relationship we share. You can ask any of them and they will all say the same."
"Why are you telling me all of this?"
"Because I have nothing to hide. I'd also like you to stay a while."
Her eyes narrowed suspiciously. "I won't become one of your doners, if that's what you're thinking."
"Do you believe blood is all I think about?" He smiled and rested his chin against the back of his hand.
"Is that not what all vampires think about? Blood and power?"
"Blood is necessary for my survival, like water is to you. And power, well that depends on what you consider power to be. For some it means they're the strongest, the smartest, the richest, or the king of a country."
"And what is power to you?"
"To have control over my own destiny."
She looked at him, almost confused by his reply. Weren't most vampires supposed to be filled with bloodlust and power-hungry desires, with the goal of spreading their darkness and staining the land with tainted ideals?
"You don't like my answer."
"You're not like the stories I've heard. I expected snapping teeth and the vow to make a world of everlasting night."
He chuckled, shaking his head. "I do love these stereotypes. But enough about me. You're the first outsider to stumble upon this place all on your own. I worked very hard to keep it a secret and yet you found it by accident."
"It's just a coincidence."
"I don't believe in coincidence. A mortal would have fallen for the illusions in the fog. It was created to keep strangers out and residents in. Of course, my spawn and I are an exception to that rule."
He then closed his eyes and breathed in deeply, lips parting when he finally exhaled. When his eyes opened again, they seemed to flash with hunger, like a feral beast who caught a whiff of a delectable scent.
"What are you, Orianna?"
...
Orianna's eyes fluttered open.
It took her a moment to remember where she was, that she'd simply had a dream. A memory more like it. She stared up at the ceiling and rubbed the goosebumps from her arms.
"Are you cold?"
Astarion was there, laid on his side with his elbow bent, head propped against his palm. Had he been watching her as she slept? The fact she was able to let her guard down this much around a vampire spawn was proof enough that she trusted him.
"No, I'm fine... I just had a dream of when I first met Dragomir..." She sat up and pressed her fingers to her temples, rubbing out the tension. "He was so unlike the stories I'd heard and the books I'd read... After listening to your history and gaining a better understanding of what Cazador was like, it only solidifies how different they are."
"Hmm... I find it hard to believe your vampire didn't thrive off of suffering and strive for more power like every other."
"He likely does in his own way, but he thrives off having control over everything. That is what power means to him. He makes you think you have freewill when you don't. No matter what, he will make sure he holds all of the pieces on the chest board, including your own. A true master of deception and manipulation that you can't differentiate between lies and truth."
Astarion stared at her a while longer before he too sat up into a crossed leg position, facing her. He had fought unspeakable foes in the past with Tav, but he could tell by her expression that even with their outstanding resume it wasn't enough to ease her mind.
"You're not confident we'll succeed, are you?"
She shook her head. "I'm sorry to be so pessimistic."
"I understand better than anyone why you feel that way. I still remember when Tav was trying to convince me that we could take on Cazador. I thought he was a complete lunatic— which he is but imagine my surprise when we actually defeated him."
"How did you go about it?"
Astarion's eyes glanced up, trying to recollect what they had done during that battle.
"Since the sun didn't affect me at the time, daylight was cast to give us an advantage. Karlach took the brunt of the hits, taking what she could from the small fry while Shadowheart focused on keeping us alive. Tav did what he does best, raining fire down upon our enemies. I was just trying to stay alive and attack whenever I could, since Cazador was solely focused on me."
She nodded, envisioning what the scene might have looked like. An arena filled with werewolves and other night creatures; with a powerful foe everyone would focus their attacks on. Once the main threat was diminished it usually made the rest of the fight more manageable. She wondered if Dragomir's spawn would lose motivation to fight should he fall, they would no longer be under his control, they could make the choice for themselves for the first time in centuries.
"You make it sound possible."
...
He smirked. "We're stronger than we look. Also, I never thought I'd say this to a cleric, but— have a little faith."
Orianna smiled softly and nodded in agreement. She should save her worries for when the time came.
"So, this is the one we are sticking our necks out for? I hope she's worth the trouble."
Orianna smiled awkwardly as she looked over the half elf female. She was beautiful with snow white hair, tied up into a tall braid with a swept fringe. Her eyes were an enchanting green with dark eyeshadow framing them. The outfit she wore was black and grey leather with no sleeves, very similar to what Tav liked to wear.
If she remembered correctly, Astarion had said she was a former Shar worshipper whose past had been erased, her family and former life taken from her without her knowing. After the truth had been revealed she abandoned Shar and turned to Selune, not without consequence as she was forced to make the painful choice of sending her parents to the afterlife.
Tav sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. "Pay no mind to Shadowheart. She may not seem it, but she means well— not exactly the type to warm up to you quickly. Believe me, I would know."
"I on the other hand am more than happy to make your acquaintance. I'm Gale, wizard extraordinaire of this intriguing group of misfits."
"Speak for yourself." Astarion muttered.
Gale, more than the rest of them, was quite talkative. He was handsome and charming, reminding her of the same good-hearted nature of her first love Anduril. His hair was rich brown, mid length and smoothed back. Purple also seemed to be his favorite color and complimented him well. To think this man had connected with a goddess like Mystra in ways other mortals could only dream about. The story about his ambitions and the Netherese Orb was almost unfathomable.
"Nice to finally meet you."
Usually, she was skilled at introductions and first impressions, but these two new faces already knew a lot about her and her circumstances. The fact Tav was able to convince them to help a complete stranger was either impressive or she'd just figured out he was the leader. His opinion seemed to matter to them no matter the situation, more than anyone else. They were also friends who had been to hell and back together, strong bonds were guaranteed to be formed.
Now that the introductions were out of the way they got down to some detailed discussions regarding what to expect within a week. Orianna did her best to explain every detail she deemed useful, including what the enemy was capable of and what sort of spells they could prepare to be the most useful. Dragomir was a Sorcerer like Tav who specialized in necromancy spells, while his five favored spawn were a variety of skilled classes. Similar to the group they currently had their enemy was also balanced. There was a Bard, Paladin, Rogue, Warlock and Fighter at Dragomir's disposal. Not to mention the other twenty spawn and possibly other beasts who were certainly not as skilled or dangerous, but their sheer numbers could be a problem. Even if they didn't do very much damage, enough focus from that many enemies would be an issue for anyone. Area spells to get rid of the grunts quickly would be a good strategy, but focusing on Dragomir was preferred considering he was the heart of everything.
All in all, she didn't know what to expect, whether Dragomir would send a few spawn or many, or simply send servants of the night to pester them. The unknown wouldn't be revealed until then.
"When the time comes, casting Daylight is necessary." Astarion said plainly. "I'll be at a slight disadvantage, but I'd say that's the only drawback, considering how many it will affect. I can also take an elixir of radiant resistance to help negate the additional damage."
"He's right. It's too great of an advantage to pass on." Orianna agreed. "If I focus on keeping everyone buffed and healed, Shadowheart will be able to help with our damage output."
"Well, this will be a novel change of pace." Shadowheart commented, sounding pleased.
"Just don't miss." Astarion smirked, obviously teasing her for her accuracy.
Shadowheart scoffed and looked away in annoyance, unable to counter him.
Orianna smiled. She felt more hopeful as she got to know her new companions a little better. If anything, one of the benefits they had was how well they all knew each other, it made for good synchronization with spells and other strategies in the heat of battle.
They were ready. Or at least she hoped they were.
...
On a separate night a few days later was when Halsin arrived at the Elfsong, making their little group of six all accounted for. Due to the deadline being a few more days away, Tav insisted that they all get better acquainted with one another. And what better way than to share a few pints with some drinking games?
The object of the game was to sit at a table where everyone could see all of the other players, so the round table they sat at worked nicely. Each of them would put their head down and on the count of three, everyone would raise their head and stare directly at someone else. If they locked eyes with someone, they would yell Medusa and the person who said it last took a drink. Of course, Tav would have been in the clear had he not locked eyes with someone almost every time. And lost.
"Medusa!" Orianna chimed.
"Damnit all! Remind me whose brilliant idea it was to partake in drinking games?" Tav slurred, the contents of his mug nearly spilling from the rim as he took another deep swig. He was losing terribly.
Halsin steadied him with a sturdy hand and laughed, still the most sober of the lot. "Wasn't it yours, my heart? Good for bonding! Or so you've been told."
"Leave it to the lightweight to initiate such a competition." Shadowheart commented, her cheeks slightly flushed from the wine. "You'd think given his size he'd be drinking us under the table."
Gale pointed up his finger, prepared to give everyone a thorough explanation judging by the glimmer of purpose in his eyes. A scholar of a man he was thanks to his studious nature. It had been a life saver in many scenarios they had faced together but goodness, he loved to talk in a way that could make any person feel like a simpleton.
"In actuality, one's size is not always the determining factor for sobriety. There is a list of possibilities for one's reaction to alcohol compared to another. Afterall, alcohol metabolism is a multi-step process. Much of the alcohol processed in the body is initially metabolized by the enzyme 'alcohol dehydrogenase' to a compound called 'acetaldehyde.' Which is further metabolized by the enzyme 'aldehyde dehydrogenase.' Some people are deficient in this, which can lead to a buildup of acetaldehyde in the blood. In turn, it can lead to flushing of the skin and worsening, or increased symptoms commonly associated with hangovers–"
"Gods. To think I can't even enjoy this swill, yet I'm subjected to your drunken banter..." Astarion pressed a hand to his face and turned away from the drunkards to look at Orianna, who he was sitting next to.
She appeared to still be levelheaded on the outside, barely showing any signs of intoxication. Perhaps she had a good metabolism. The only thing that gave her away was the slightest change in her scent, which he was likely the only one to notice. It smelled sweeter, more robust from the full-bodied red wine that she favored. The subtle notes of dark fruit like blackberry and plum, along with smokey hints of oak. As she finished her goblet, he grabbed the bottle of wine and refilled her glass.
"Trying to get me drunk, Astarion?" Her voice was light with amusement.
"We both know that wouldn't be necessary." He purred, causing the softest blush to form on her cheeks.
"Rather sure of yourself, aren't you? Do you believe you're irresistible?"
"Oh, I'm far beyond sure. I'm positive." He gave her a mischievous look, leaning in close to whisper in her ear. "Keep in mind for next time, the walls here are thin."
Orianna felt a shiver tickle up her spine at the way Astarion's voice sounded, practically sinful with how pleasant it was on her senses. Maybe it was the buzz that made her feel the giddiness as they interacted. When he backed away from his former position, she looked at him with confusion until her slightly hazy brain finally caught up and processed the meaning to his words. She could see it in his eyes, that knowing expression. Oh hells.
She could feel her face heat up in embarrassment, the flush deepening in her cheeks and down her neck. Completely lost for words, all she could do was cover her face with her hands, hiding from reality. He'd heard her the other night and he hadn't said a word about it until now!
Astarion hadn't intended to bring it up originally but given the mood and how easy she was to tease in these situations he couldn't help himself. Plus, he loved seeing these different sides to her. Every new expression felt like another page of her book being opened to him.
"Orianna, you're almost as red as me!" Tav exclaimed, not having the faintest clue that her color change had less to do with the alcohol and more to do with a certain vampire.
"Uhm, please ignore me..." She peeked past her fingers to see that devilish grin was still plastered on Astarion's face.
He looked so pleased with himself that she couldn't even be upset about it. Getting caught doing naughty things had been her own fault. How could she not think about the details and get distracted by her fantasies? The fact she'd even found it in her to fantasize about someone at all was already rare enough. She cleared her throat and removed her hands from her face once the heat in her cheeks had calmed.
"Now that this is out in the open... I don't know how else to respond other than I'm sorry for being disrespectful..."
"Oh, Darling. I'm quite the opposite of offended— flattered more like it." He touched her hand that was resting on the table. "You've also been exceedingly respectful of me and my... limitations."
Of course he was flattered. There was no mystery that they had a connection, a romantic air between them, otherwise that first hint of intimacy wouldn't have happened to begin with. There was sexual tension for certain, but the more delicate details of their relationship were simply in limbo until he could get a better grasp of his trauma. How he wished he could snap his fingers and make the horrible memories of his past disappear completely. He undoubtedly cared for her; he'd already admitted that to himself but perhaps it was time to make it clear to her as well.
"Exceedingly?" She smiled. "Being able to respect you and your boundaries is natural. Shouldn't it always be like that?"
"For you, but you'd be surprised how many don't. Which is why being around someone like you, who carries nothing but good intentions has been a breath of fresh air. I feel heard when I'm with you."
"So, I'm forgiven for this momentary awkwardness?"
"There's nothing to forgive. I'm the one who was eavesdropping. Besides..." He looked at her a tad more seriously. "I don't want you to be awkward around me. Whatever it is you feel towards me, I feel it too."
Orianna's heart fluttered. Was that a confession? It sure sounded like one, or damn well close. They had talked about being friends and getting to know each other better, but he hadn't exactly expressed more than that. This was a lovely development she wouldn't squander.
"Hearing you say that makes me immensely happy... Thank you, Astarion."
How he loved the way his name sounded on her lips. He felt he wouldn't grow tired of hearing her speak to him, she could probably read an encyclopedia and he'd still be entranced.
"Are the two of you done flirting over there?"
Shadowheart's voice woke him from his trance, realizing the question had been directed at them. They had been far too immersed in their own private conversation to notice the others had been watching them discreetly. He clicked his tongue and shifted his attention to the others.
"Why? Do you need something?"
"The next game!" Tav announced. "Two truths and a lie."
Well, this should be fun.
...
After a couple more rounds of silly games and drinking Halsin had to carry Tav up to their room. The poor dragonborn had nearly passed out at the table as the world around him spun and his mind clocked out for the evening.
Shadowheart also started to say her goodbyes, fairly drunk as well but nowhere near Tav's level as she held herself to a high standard, keeping her intoxication well hidden. She kept her head high and back straight as she got up to leave but took the slightest stumble, which Gale reacted quickly and caught her arm to steady her. Since they both had places to go back to outside of the tavern, Gale insisted on walking her home. She didn't bother putting up a fight and left with him.
Now that it was just her and Astarion she let out a heavy sigh of relief she didnt know she was holding. First impressions were important to her, so she'd been trying her best to win the favor of Gale and Shadowheart. She believed it went well but maybe the confidence was thanks to her little friend named wine. Still, the night had felt successful.
"Is it really true you never saw the sea until coming to Baldur's Gate?" Astarion asked, referring to one of her truths during the little drinking game they had played.
"Yes. I hadn't ventured this far west until recently." She smiled and rested her chin in her palm. "It was as beautiful and vast as I'd imagined. The way the sunlight reflects off the waves as it hides behind the horizon is breathtaking."
Astarion smiled, but there was a hint of sadness in it. His moment in the sun had been short but the memory of those times he would never forget. The way he would stand there and wait for it to rise, to feel its warmth without turning to ash. He would say a silent good morning and goodnight to it each day.
"If you're not tired I have something I'd like to show you, if that's alright. Something out in the city."
"Of course, lead on."
"This way. It's not far."
...
The graveyard was appropriately silent, not a single proverbial soul around.
Orianna stood there with Astarion silently as they stood before a grave, which he hesitantly took a few more steps towards and then bent a knee. He pulled back the ivy that had grown on the stone surface and swept away the dirt. As he stood, he brushed his hands together and backed away.
"Nearly two hundred years and I never came back. Not since the night I woke up down there. I had to punch a hole in the coffin and claw my way through six feet of dirt. Then when I finally broke the surface, retching up dirt and congealed blood, Cazador was waiting. From that day on I was his."
Orianna gazed at him, realizing he was letting his walls down around him even further. This moment was something private, something he hadn't even shown Tav before.
"You were never his. Whatever he had, he took by force."
"Maybe, but he did take it. There's almost nothing left of the person I was, just a name on a rock. For nearly two centuries I stalked the streets like a ghost while the person I was lay here, dead and buried." He glanced up at the stars. "Now I need to figure out who I am. What I want."
"And what do you want?"
He turned to her with a smile on his face. It felt like he could express it now, that this relationship between them was something special that he wanted to hold onto. Their bond was more than a simple friendship and far more than lust. It was like an invisible string had been connected to their hearts all this time.
"You... I want you. I feel safe with you. Seen. And whatever the future holds for me I don't want to lose that."
She stared at him in awe, his profound words reflecting her own feelings which ran wild in her heart. He looked so beautiful standing there in the moonlight, his hair sparkled, and his ivory skin looked lustrous against the darkness of night around them. Those piercing ruby eyes of his watched her expectantly, waiting for a response.
"You won't. Whatever comes next, I've got you."
"Thank you." He let out a breath and looked back at the tombstone. "Well, I should probably fix this."
He pulled out a dagger from his back and kneeled before the stone once more, carving out a few lines to adjust the date. Once he was satisfied he knelt there for a while longer and Orianna joined him, having a short moment of silence. He was saying goodbye to his past self, the one before Cazador and the one after. Now was the time to start a new.
"I've been dead in the ground for long enough. It's time to try living again."