Dragomir had thoroughly miscalculated Orianna and her godly blood. All this time he had simply viewed her as an above-average woman with a special gift, and not the demi-god she was born to be. How had that tiny flicker of light turned into a blazing fire? She had somehow connected with a dormant part of herself, a deeper part she had historically pushed away. Her divinity could no longer be ignored and in her time of need she had finally found acceptance. She would not hide her heritage any longer and embrace it to save herself and the companions she held dear.

"I'm impressed, Orianna. You truly are Pelor's child."

He murmured, taking slow steps backwards and glancing away, staring off into the distance as he reached out with his mind. He called out to his children, but there was no response, just an empty connection as his signal went out to no one in particular. It turned out the only spawn he had left was Viktor, who had been knocked out by Orianna's intervention, his life spared from the fight and his control.

His expression fell as he started to calculate the odds of his success and the results of the encounter. He was a lonely King on a chessboard, surrounded by dangerous pieces ready to make their move and announce checkmate. If it hadn't been for Orianna, if he hadn't underestimated her, everything would have played out as predicted. Yet here he was.

"Seems the tables have turned, Dragomir. You've already lost." She said knowingly as she saw the vampire's gears turning in his mind.

He was all alone. No more servants or creatures of the night to call on, and nowhere for him to run. All the work he had done had been forfeited. In the end, he wished he had never met Orianna or that she had not said yes to him on that faithful night. Maybe then he would have carried on peacefully, but instead he had relapsed back into his old ways as soon as he tasted her and the power that came with it. When he felt alive once again was when he knew there was no going back. He felt invincible once more, so similar to when he had been born into a true vampire. When he had seen the world with new eyes and a new perspective. Alas, nothing was truly made to last.

He chuckled and shook his head, dumbfounded by his new reality. This would be the end to his story.

"I don't plan to be slain without making you work for it."

He moved his arms in such a way that Tav recognized and immediately threw his hands up to try and counter him. On instinct he knew the spell was going to be a devastating one— but he failed to stop it. A bright green light shot out of Dragomir's hands as the Dethrone spell blasted into Tav's torso. He screamed as his very essence was shredded into pieces; strands of the weave being pulled in a way that felt like his very soul was being ripped from his body. His bones creaked and his heart gave one final thud before his eyes turned cloudy. His body collapsed to the ground. Unmoving.

"Tav!" Astarion felt a surge of panic when he saw the light leave his eyes. "Damnit— I forbid you from dying!"

Even though they could revive him, it was still a horrible burden to witness your dearest friends perish before your eyes. He pulled out a Revivify scroll and rushed towards him, ready to use it.

Dragomir was having none of that as he sped up his casting to throw a chain lightning at them, but someone was a few seconds ahead, casting a wall of stone to protect them from the blue stream of lightening that had been heading their way. The stone cracked as the explosive blue energy blasted against the wall and crumbled into pieces, taking the brunt of the hit.

They looked over to Halsin with surprise who had just arrived with impeccable timing, having rushed into the heat of battle after completing his previous engagement. The grief was clear in his voice as he yelled out to them and ran to Tav with urgency.

"I'll take care of Tav— don't let up!"

Astarion took the opportunity to go invisible and Orianna followed up with a direct hit of the sunbeam spell thanks to Lathander. She ran in and swung the mace, never feeling so elated to hit another with her weapon until now, pleased with the sickening crack that sounded when it made contact.

Dragomir grunted, having tried to block the blow with his staff but still took the brunt of the hit against his ribs, bones breaking under the force. Was she always able to swing with this much strength? She was powerful, far stronger than he could have ever imagined. When she went to swing again he felt an odd emotion that was an unimaginable thing for him to feel. One he hadn't felt in centuries. It was fear.

He wasn't used to bearing the sting of physical pain, nor the throbbing ache that followed. When was the last time he had even been in a fight? Had he become rusty and arrogant with age? As the fight continued, he could feel it, his body giving out as he took increased damage from their persistence. Even if he hurt one of them or killed another, they were a group of companions who were there to support each other. They did not have to fear their mortality when they had friends watching over their backs. He had no one to turn to. No one to help him.

Is this what it means to be truly alone?

The thought echoed in his mind, causing him to lose focus and faulter. His eyes widened and looked down to his chest in shock when an intense pain jolted through his body. An intricate looking dagger had suddenly pierced exactly where his heart should be. Astarion's invisibility faded, and his eyes came back up to investigate him.

A mere second of doubt was all a rogue needed to strike true. Astarion's eyes were intense and piercing as he stared at Dragomir, finality clear in his voice when he spoke.

"You'll never hurt her, ever again."

He twisted the dagger out of spite and vengeance, causing Dragomir to wince and grit his teeth in pain. His arms and legs were heavy, no longer able to keep him standing upright any longer. His hand shakily gripped Astarion's wrist, but it was no stronger than that of a child's delicate fingers.

"How fitting... that you should be the one to deal the final blow..." His voice was quiet.

Astarion yanked the blade out of Dragomir's ribs with a scowl, like he had vanquished a lowly worm rather than a powerful vampire. Dragomir coughed up blood onto his chin and began to fall forward. Astarion stepped aside to allow the villain's entire weight to collapse face-first into the ground with a heavy thud.

Orianna could hardly believe it, almost expecting another trick to reveal itself as the silence sat heavily in the room. She took slow paces towards Dragomir as he lay there bloodied and defeated. Something about the imagery did not feel as satisfying as she thought. They had won but she did not feel any joy from the victory, only a strange numbness. She looked to Astarion who remained silent, giving her a moment to process all that had happened. The radiant glow that had incased her body slowly faded away, along with the threat that had tried to lay claim to her life for all these years. She swallowed and knelt on her knees beside his crumpled body and turned him onto his back to see his face for closure.

He was barely alive. His mouth opened to speak until blood caught in his throat, coughing up onto his mouth and jaw.

"Hah..." He sighed, catching his breath before trying again. "I grew complacent with age... A vampire's reign is always short lived..." His eyes were tired as he glanced at his coffin and then back at her. "I suppose healing sleep isn't an option for me..."

She shook her head. "You had this coming to you..."

"I never thought it would be you... If any, it was going to be one of my own... a vampire hunter... or some self-righteous adventurer searching for glory..." His eyes closed but fluttered back open when he felt her fingers brushing the hair from his brow like he always did to her.

He had been many things to her in the time she had known him. From stranger to friend to captor. In a quiet corner of her heart she had loved some part of him, a part that had vanished a long time ago. Now she only knew him as her tormentor and soon to be nothing but a bad memory.

"I was arrogant... like all the vampires before me and all the ones after... You somehow loved me still... I wasn't capable of recognizing it until now— now that there isn't an ounce of it left." He tried to chuckle, but it was more like a gurgle as the blood pooled in his lungs.

"I was nieve."

"You were a lot of things... turns out... you were far more incredible than I gave you credit for..." He wheezed, his immortal body past the point of healing from all the damage he had taken. Even if he somehow got to his coffin to rest, he was finished, hanging on by a thread.

Orianna's brow furrowed, their gaze locked with eachother, a plea in his eyes. He looked so weak and vulnerable, the old and powerful vampire now nothing but a man having his final breaths. It felt like she was seeing a ghost from the past, a glimpse at the real Dragomir, the mortal one that had died centuries ago. She cradled his head gently and kept her other hand resting on his bloodied chest as she felt it rise and fall a few more times.

She searched his eyes a while longer until they stared off into nothing, no longer seeing. He was gone. She sighed and slid her hand down against them, closing them for their eternal rest.

Astarion felt like he substantially understood Orianna's character in that moment. She wasn't empathetic for the sake of gaining praise or recognition, she was capable of truly caring for another soul and showing compassion even towards her enemy. The scene that played out was not the one he expected. He had almost imagined them having a merry dance around his corpse and spitting spiteful profanities, yet it was a passing filled with somber relief. He would have normally felt ecstatic, a rush of glee as he dealt the final blow. Instead his own emotions were calm and collected. He understood better than anyone what sort of emotions bombarded the mind after completing such a feat that held your life in the balance.

He came up to her and offered his hand which she took and stood beside him, giving a sad smile. "We did it. It's over... I'm free now, aren't I?"

"Indeed, you are, darling."

"I thought I'd be happier, but instead I just feel... exhausted."

Astarion opened his arms and she let herself fall into his embrace, releasing a long shaky breath she hadn't been aware that she'd been holding. She looked over his shoulder to see that Tav was all right, the Revivify scroll and Halsin's healing having worked its magic. Those two were also taking a moment to themselves, hugging each other close with thankfulness that the fight was over.

"You were magnificent, Orianna. I was convinced you were a real goddess." Astarion spoke quietly and breathed in her scent.

"You always know how to flatter me."

"I'm serious. You were as dazzling as the sun itself."

She pulled back at arms length to get a good look at him. They were both a mess of blood and dirt but he was still handsome as ever, and his eyes were sincere. She could see the calmness in his expression, knowing the two of them could live freely and happily from now on.

"Let's leave this place."

Before that she went to Viktor who was laying on his side beside Irina's corpse. He was covered in blood, battered and bruised like the rest of them with dark shadows under his eyes. Her heart ached when she looked at the Half-Drow. If not for the gaping hole in her chest she looked like a sleeping beauty waiting patiently to be woken from her slumber. She had not been able to save her, but at least she had managed to help one lost soul in the end. She gripped the paladin's shoulder and gave a firm shake to wake him. He groaned in pain, eyes fluttering open as golden hair and a familiar face came into focus.

"My lady... what happened?"

"It's over, Viktor. We're free."

His expression went from disbelief to a more solemn look of regret as the events caught up with him. He hadn't been able to prevent Irina's death. If he could turn back time he would have made sure his life had been taken, not hers. They had been different in many ways and had not always agreed completely but she'd still been family to him. He regained his composure and allowed Orianna to help him to his feet, only noticing now how quiet his mind was. His body felt heavy from exhaustion but no longer had the overbearing weight of subservience. After six hundred years his body was finally his own.

"I've belonged to Master Dragomir for so long... I almost don't know what to do with myself."

Orianna smiled and touched his upper arm in consolation. "You should come with us, back to Baldur's Gate."

Viktor hummed softly, considering her proposal but shook his head. "As much as I'd love that, my place is here. The residents of Duskmire were under his dictatorship for so many years. They will need guidance. Who better a candidate than a Paladin wishing to renew his oath?"

"Viktor, the good vampire. It suits you." She continued to smile but could feel her emotions pulling against her, knowing this would be their final goodbye. She pressed on her toes and threw her arms around him. "Thank you for everything, Viktor. I hope you find happiness."

He closed his eyes and hugged her back. Even with the stench of battle he could still smell her fresh scent of sunlight wafting off of her. The last living person he'd felt the warm embrace of had been his wife. The physical contact brought back a core memory to the forefront of his mind. He thought he'd forgotten her but he could see her clearly. Her long auburn hair and sharp emerald eyes, with tiny freckles scattered along her cheeks, and the feeling of her full belly filled with his growing third child pressed against his middle. The son or daughter he never had the chance to meet. A single tear fell down his cheek as he remembered his family, but he wiped it away before Orianna could see.

He placed his hands on her shoulders and pulled away, getting one last look at her as he felt the corners of his lips quirk, smiling wide with pearly whites and handsome creases.

"I wish you all the best, Orianna."

...

"Seems hardly fair that Tav gets to be carried. My back hurts too."

Astarion muttered as they finally made it to the top of the stairs, watching as Halsin carried the dragonborn on his back with ease. They arrived back upstairs into the palace and headed in the direction where Gale and Shadowheart were waiting with the portal, very much ready to leave Duskmire.

Tav grinned at Astarion and nuzzled into the burly elf's shoulder. "Oh, come on, I did die. I think I deserve to take a loud off."

"Certainly not the first time. Try not to let it happen again— I'm not sure I could bare it."

Tav looked at Astarion closely. He would try to be less reckless from now on. He planned to die of old age but that may be hard to achieve if he continued to be how he was, always getting himself into overly exciting situations or going on life-ending adventures for a person in need. Now that another powerful enemy had been dispatched it was time to take a break. Besides, Halsin was ready and waiting to head back to Thaniel's land with him. It would be slower paced, and his fighting skills would be of less use, but he looked forward to it. To be by his lover's side and take time to smell the flowers and appreciate what he had.

"It's cute that you care about me more than you let on, Astarion."

Astarion shrugged, glancing away with pursed lips. "Not like you're anyone special. You're only the first real friend I've ever had."

"Your first but certainly not your last. I'm glad everything worked out as well as it did."

Astarion couldn't agree more as he walked with Orianna by his side. He'd vowed to save her and they had come out triumphant. Since the first instance they met she'd been a mystery to him. They'd only known each other for a short period but in the time they'd spent together he'd been given the privilege of becoming close with her. Now there was a bright future ahead of them with a blank slate, a new path they could walk on their own.

...

The swirling purple portal welcomed them with magical sparks as they jumped through and were instantaneously spat out the other side, back at the Sorcerers Sundries. At this point Baldur's Gate was now home sweet home to Orianna.

"I think a much needed bath is in order before we even think about celebrating." Shadowheart commented, noticing the obvious stench of death that lingered on them. Their armour was scuffed, fabric soaked with blood and whatever other fluids.

Gale noticed the smallest holes on the bottom of his robe from getting splattered by an acid arrow. "Indeed. We're looking more akin to the role of defeated rather than victorious."

"You can leave that to me."

They looked over to the red Tiefling that entered the office with a confident grin on his face. He moved his hands in an unfamiliar fashion and cast Fastidiousness on the entire group. How he managed to figure out how to stretch a spell beyond ones personal needs even Tav wasn't sure how. It was impressive non the less. With a feeling of warmth their bodies and clothes had been cleansed— sanitized more like it, as anything that had been previously soiled or tarnished went back to its pristine state.

"And where the hells has this spell been all my life?!" Astarion wrapped his arms around himself with glee. "It's magnificent."

"I appreciate your enthusiasm." Rolan smirked, feeling proud of his accomplishments. "That portal was the only thing keeping any doubts out of my mind as I waited for your return. It's good to have you all back."

"Thank you once again for granting me access to the library and researching to my hearts content." Gale said, having found all the knowledge he needed here in order to make the portal and everything else with their travel go smoothly.

"Remember, what's mine is yours. My siblings and I wouldn't be here if it weren't for you."

As his companions talked amongst themselves with Rolan, Astarion glanced to Orianna who was standing close to his side, their arms practically touching. She was smiling but he could tell it did not reach her eyes. Whether a celebration was in order or not, he had plans of his own, plans that involved the two of them and no one else.

He cleared his throat and gave Tav a nudge with his elbow. "As much as I know you're all dying to celebrate our victory with an extravagant party, I propose we postpone it."

Tav got the hint. When he looked at Orianna, even though she was a good sport and kept her head high, the emotional exaustion was clear. He remembered what it had been like when they defeated Cazador, the numbness that followed Astarion after the explosion of emotion that had finally released after two hundred years of torment. No doubt Orianna must have been sharing similar feelings to that. Going their seperate ways for the night was probably the best.

"Of course, there's no rush at all."

Tav nodded and gave Astarion's shoulder a firm squeeze in recognition. He faced Orianna and tapped her chest plate with the back of his knuckle.

"I'm so glad to have you back, my friend."

Orianna gazed up into those flaming teal eyes and followed the patterns around them, noticing the small creases as he smiled. He was young in age but as a dragonborn he was nearing the halfway point of his life and felt like a man far beyond his years. Though his expression was sometimes hard to read due to his reptilian qualities his expression was loving.

"So am I. Thank you, for everything. If it weren't for each and every one of you I'd still be lost. I can never repay you for your kindness."

"True friends don't deal in currency. You don't owe me anything. All you have to do is promise you'll come and visit me in the future."

"Are you going somewhere?" Astarion asked, slightly confused.

"Ahh, yes, I forgot to tell you. I plan to leave Baldur's Gate and live with Halsin."

Astarion looked to be a strange mix of surprise and happiness, with a hint of sadness all at once. They were the closest of friends but he couldn't expect the dragonborn to stay with him forever. Overall, he was happy for him, that he'd found someone he cherished enough to spend the rest of his days with.

"Well, I'm happy for you. It's about time you two figured that out. I couldn't bear to watch you stare off into the horizon while longing for another second." He teased.

Tav smiled and looked back at Halsin who had come up behind him and wrapped his arms around him, giving an affectionate squeeze. More than ever he felt like this was all meant to be. The former son of Bhaal, dark urge and tadpole free, living the later half of his years in the warm embrace of his nurturing druid. Just as nature intended.

"Me too."

...

The sun had fallen by the time they left the others, only Astarion was leading her in an unfamiliar direction. It was not towards the Elfsong, nor the Szaar Palace. She looked down at their clasped hands, imagining they looked like a legitimate couple as she followed close beside him. As usual, he managed to turn the heads of both men and woman as they walked through the city. His beauty tended to stand out among the rest, especially at night when his ivory skin and white hair practically glowed in the moonlight.

"It's not much further." He said, a hint of mystery about him.

"Where are you taking me?"

"You'll see soon enough, darling."

Orianna looked at him curiously but did not probe him with more questions. Whatever he was about to show her, he seemed excited about it. After walking a while longer, he started to slow down and stopped in front of someone's home. It was average in size, sporting the usual beige and brown tones, like many of the other houses in the neighborhood. The door was Robin's egg blue in color with a brass handle and matching latches. She went to read the plaque placed beside it, but it was blank with no name or residence. Looking at him with slight confusion as to what they were doing at a vacant house, Astarion smiled and spun a keyring around his index finger before catching it in his hand.

"It may not be in the Upper City like I would have preferred, but it will have to do."

He faced her and reached out to hold her hands in his as he continued his explanation.

"After you came with me to the Szaar Palace I later realized that I wanted nothing to do with that confounded place. I wished to wipe the slate clean and move on— to have something I could call my own." His expression was tender, a question in his eyes. "The plaque may be blank now, but I was hopeful that you'd join me in having our names engraved on it— if that's even something you want."

She wasn't usually lost for words but here she was, staring at him with parted lips, unable to make a sound or come up with any words decent enough to express how amazed she felt at the offer. Astarion's new home— their home? Somebody pinch her because she wasn't convinced she was awake.

"I've caught you off guard, haven't I?" He stroked her cheek with the back of his fingers.

His touch managed to snap her out of the daze and regain her focus.

"You want to live together?"

"Yes. I want to have you all to myself. No more Taverns with thin walls or overbearing Vampire Castles. This place will be ours. Whether we stay in Baldur's Gate or travel the world seeking adventure, we will always have a home to come back to."

"You are my home, Astarion."

Gods above. Her adorable phrase could make his heart flutter. If this kept up, he would find himself being fully dependent on her, craving her presence and asking her to speak sweet poetry into his ear at every opportunity.

"You have a charming way with words."

"And you are full of surprises." She smiled. "So, will you invite me in?"

"It would be my pleasure."

As he unlocked the door and pushed it open he insisted she enter first to get the full experience. In his off time he'd been searching for a home and managed to find this little gem with large windows that faced the sea. It was an upgrade from the Tavern but a definite downgrade from any Palace, but it was also easy to assume Orianna was a more modest woman. She didn't need all the material things and grandure, in fact she'd probably had enough of that to last a lifetime.

"It's perfect, Astarion." There was deep appreciation in her voice as she walked through the rest of the house.

The interior was cozy with an open concept where the kitchen, seating area and dining room were all nestled in the same space. The design was rustic with the usual tones of natural wood furnishings, but Orianna could already feel a sense of Astarion's style incorporated into it, with the luscious sofa covered in velvet throw pillows, and a tasteful maroon area rug to separate the space. There was also a smaller room where the study would be, with a desk and shelving units to keep the space tidy and organized. The bedroom was larger than expected with the usual wash tub set up in the corner, furnished with a queen-sized bed, matching nightstands, and a classic wardrobe.

She stared at the bed with an obvious tingle of anticipation in her lower stomach, but she ignored it. It was just a bed—their bed, no less. She'd already shared Astarion's on multiple occasions so why did it feel different now? Perhaps it was because this was the first time they felt at peace in such a relaxed, homey atmosphere. It was causing her to think about what other uses a bed could provide other than sleeping. That certainly was not the only thing on her mind though, as the scene from Duskmire played in her head once again without her consent. Even with Dragomir gone she could still feel his presence lingering next to her, able to recall his scent when he was close and the tickle of his breath against her ear when he leaned in to speak, the sound of his voice still vivid. It was like being marked with an iron brand. The scars and bumps would fade with time but never completely disappear.

Astarion could sense her shifting moods as her mind struggled to settle on one particular thought. Remembering his own similar position in the past, he came up behind her to rest his hands on her shoulders and kiss the back of her head, taking a nice long whiff of her in the process. He knew throwing this new development on her plate might not have been the most appropriate timing, but he did not doubt it would still be beneficial for her. He wanted them to have time alone where she could feel safe enough to talk about all that had happened, or not talk at all. Whatever she desired he would provide.

"It's been a long day." She murmured and felt Astarion work on removing her armor.

"Indeed. You must be exhausted."

He silently went to work on stripping her attire and then offered her some comfortable clothes from the wardrobe. He turned away to give her privacy as she moved behind the screen to change into the white cotton shirt and loose fitting pants he'd given her. In the meantime he removed his own padded armor, down to his favorite white shirt and black pants. He moved onto the bed, waiting patiently on his side with his head propped against the back of his hand. He traced his index finger along the grooves of the vine pattern on the blue duvet absently, listening to her quiet shuffling.

Orianna took her time. Though she was clean she washed her face with cool water from the basin and dabbed away the moisture with a soft fluffy towel. She stared at her reflection in the small mirror mounted on the wall, still wondering how she'd managed to awaken her godly potential. The way she looked now was the same as she always remembered, only her eyes appeared brighter, more shimmery like sparkles swirling in golden coloured liquid. The shadows under her eyes had faded, just like the shadows had faded in her actual life. She didn't rush as she brushed the tangles out of her hair and finished her bedtime ritual with a goblet of water, drinking the entire glass in a long steady sip.

Once she felt settled, she joined Astarion on the bed, laying on top of the covers as he did. She reached over and pulled the small ivory throw blanket up to her waist, sighing heavily as her body sank into the comfortable mattress, only noticing now how tired she was. They laid there together on the bed, face to face and comfortably supported by throw pillows. She played with the tassel on one, twirling it between her fingers.

"What's on your mind?"

"Today has been a lot to process..."

He closed his eyes and nodded, enjoying the sound of her voice and the way it made him feel at ease to hear it again. To think he'd been close to losing this, to never having her by his side. How glad he was to have eradicated the threat that had haunted her. He opened his eyes and stared into her topaz hues.

"I'm here to listen, Orianna. Tell me everything, even the things you're not sure you should share. I want to hear it all."

Orianna realized there had been details about her relationship with Dragomir she hadn't been willing to share when they'd first met. It was likely because she'd made some poor choices along the way that had put her into that terrible situation in the first place. She worried the devil was in the details, that even though she'd been the victim the whole scenario had been her own fault. After learning of Astarion and his own past, she knew he'd be the last to ever shame her for it. Choices were made and sometimes the consequences were not revealed until it was too late.

"Everything that's happened keeps replaying over and over in my mind... I never imagined a world without him, where I could be who I was before all of this."

"Is there anything you regret?" He was curious. The scene that had played out in those last moments between Orianna and Dragomir had felt complex.

"No. I feel relieved, but also numb... So much was riding on this and it's strange for it to be over." She moved her hand closer to him and he placed his on top.

"Was what he said true? That you loved him once?"

She furrowed her brow and nodded, feeling ashamed but Astarion stroked her hand with his thumb in a caring manner.

"You'd assume as a daughter of Pelor that I would have loathed the very existence of the undead. But I didn't. He was the first vampire I'd ever seen. His nature intrigued me and against my better judgement I delved deeper into the darkness. I remember my instincts were telling me to run but he was temptation wrapped up in a beautiful package I couldn't resist... On the night we met he revealed what he was and showed me what he had built for himself, living in symbiosis with mortals. I ended up staying to help the townsfolk who needed care because that was something I had been on the path to do. In the meantime, I stayed in his palace, and we grew close. Nieve as I was, I had no idea how perfectly calculated vampires could be. He was very skilled at pretending he wasn't evil. Almost like he'd convinced himself that he wasn't."

She sighed with a furrowed brow and told him the rest.

"I had stayed there for nearly a year and in that time his fawning over me felt genuine. He respected me as someone who was just passing through and I believed him to be decent in his own way. The townfolk may have been under a dictatorship but they were still content. Happy."

She paused for a second, wondering if she was talking too much but Astarion nodded for her to keep going.

"One day, I admitted he was the reason I hadn't left. He took my invitation— neither of us knowing what my blood was capable of until that night. After that miracle was discovered, everything changed. He changed. When I tried to leave, he forbids it... The thing is, deep down I knew he was dangerous, I even knew he was untrustworthy— but I was lonely. Being caught between divinity and mortality I never felt like I had a place I truly belonged. There were mortals I loved like my mother and Anduril, but their passing made me realize that death is an inevitable conclusion for mortals. I would always be the one left behind to grieve and remember them."

Her eyes were downcast, recalling the memories and the loneliness.

"I didn't become aware of it until recently, but after experiencing loss I subconsciously avoided forming new relationships. Friendship or love— I didn't want to feel that pain again once it was lost."

Loneliness was something he understood on the deepest level. He didn't remember his former life and once he was Cazador's he'd been alone ever since. Not having made a real friend until Tav, and not feeling real love until Orianna.

"You know the saying, 'tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all?"

She nodded and Astarion brought her hand to his mouth, kissing her knuckles like he had the first time they met.

"You don't have to be alone anymore. Centuries, even millenniums— I will be here with you until the end of days."

Her eyes flitted back up to his, understanding the weight behind his words. He was offering her forever with him, something she never thought she could have. Perhaps her subconscious had been drawn to vampire kind for this very reason, their immortality. Astarion was more than just a vampire spawn though. Sure, he teetered the line of evil and questionable morality but he was also contradictory of that statement. There were things that had been hidden inside him, obscured by a veil he had allowed her to peel back inch by inch in the time they had known each other. And within that time, she had fallen in love with him.

"Say it more plainly for me... please?"

"Oh, you darling demigod." He chuckled and then looked at her very seriously, trying to sound as genuine as he possibly could.

"I love you."

Astarion surpised himself with how natural those words felt. He had said those three little words many times before but they never sounded real until now.

"I feel the same. I love you, Astarion."

He observed the sparkle in her eye and the way the mood shifted. There was no need for them to be apart any longer and he wanted her just as much as she wanted him. He had put his past behind him, today was a brand-new day where he could start anew, right here, with her.

"Can I kiss you, my love?"

"I thought you'd never ask."