Orianna was resting her head on Astarion's shoulder, pressed into his side with their legs entangled under the covers. His arms were circled around her protectively as they simply relished the aftermath. They stayed there in comfortable silence with closed eyes and shallow breathing for hours until they could hear the muffled chirping of birds starting to sing their morning songs.
As Astarion stroked her back lazily he noticed the high had dwindled, and he was back to his usual self, becoming more aware of all that had transpired. He could still taste her blood on his tongue and the satisfaction of being fulfilled in so many ways. His body tingled with warmth and his belly felt full, completely satiated. The hunger that always plagued him, like a bottomless pit that could never be filled, had all but vanished. His body felt like his own, no longer driven by needs that he had little control over. Even if this bliss wasn't meant to last forever, the temporary relief was beyond profound. He'd forgotten most of his past before becoming a spawn, but he imagined this was how the days had once been.
"This gift you've given me. It will be impossible to ever repay you... I'm eternally grateful. Thank you."
She shifted in his arms so that she could see his face with her chest pressed to his. Those piercing eyes were full of sincerity which made her smile fondly. Though this ability of hers had given her a world of trouble this was probably the first time she'd actually been thankful for it. To know she'd provided the one she loved with a cure for his vampiric affliction. If it was Astarion she'd give her blood to him willingly, over and over.
She gave him a tender kiss on the forehead and stroked his cheek with her thumb. "It's nearly that time. Let's go enjoy your gift."
...
Astarion followed Orianna out onto the balcony once they got dressed. He tossed on his Raffish metallic shaded outfit, while Orianna pulled on the Anarchic white outfit he'd had in the wardrobe for her. Its lack of sleeves, exposed back and plunging neckline left little to the imagination, causing him to remember her naked body on top and below him mere hours ago. His eyes scanned her body and how perfectly the material clung to her, snug in all the right places. When she turned to look at him, he brought a hand to his mouth, clearing his throat as he glanced away to hide his ogling. He heard her chuckle, proving he'd been caught.
He was honestly surprised she chose to wear it considering how conservative she'd been, and the fact he'd made sure to stock the wardrobe with other clothing that would be more to her taste. However, he was aware that her modesty was related to the scars of her past. Perhaps she'd found enough closure to not be ashamed of them any longer. It made him feel a warm and fuzzy sensation knowing he was part of the cause.
It was still dark out, but the soft glow of the coming morning could be seen beyond the horizon. He stood there quietly with his hand resting on the railing and the other holding Orianna's, knowing exactly the reason she had brought him here.
Why did he feel so nervous?
He remembered that time on the dock with his companions, the day the Netherbrain had fallen into the depths of the bay. The tragic memory of his celebration being cut short after the tadpole had been destroyed, granting the sun power over him once more as it seared his body. When he fled into the shadows with panic and apologies, he'd felt no different than skittering vermin.
The crest of the sun began to peak and Orianna could feel Astarion squeeze her hand tightly.
"Don't be afraid. I'm here with you."
With that, the blazing yellow orb crept further up and made its presence known, bringing forth another day of new beginnings to their mortal plane.
All the talk about Orianna being special hadn't been fabricated. Dragomir had spoken true about all of it. He had expected to feel the sting on his skin as it went from pallid to grey, the burning of flesh as the sun gods threatened to purify the world of every undead creature. There was none of that. All he felt was its rays embracing him with warmth and promise, causing him to feel sentimental.
"It's spectacular..." He sighed happily. "To think I had accepted it— my life in the shadows... Than you came along, an utter miracle..."
Orianna was observing him, appreciating his profile and how his vampirism was less obvious thanks to the golden hues of the sunrise. It reminded her of that dream she'd had of him. His unnaturally pale skin and cool toned lips looked warmer. The faint shadows under his rich crimson eyes had also faded. There were small creases on the corners of his mouth as he smiled brightly with a newfound optimism. It made her wonder if This was a close depiction of the former Astarion Ancunín of Baldur's Gate. The young Elf magistrate who had dreams and ambitions like so many others. A man who had lost his life far too soon.
He turned to look at her, realizing she'd been staring at him. She appeared to be taking in every detail of his face, as if she were seeing it for the first time. That's when he noticed her as well, seeing her and all of the finer details in the daylight. The sun revealed her glowing complexion, the faintest freckles dusted on her cheeks and the way her eyes brightened with colors of spring. The breeze tussled her hair, platinum highlights shimmering. It reminded him of a serene golden field of wheat, swaying in the wind on a hot summer day.
"You're breathtaking."
She chuckled again and traced the shell of her ear with her fingers as she tucked a few loose strands of hair behind it. Her eyes searched his and she smiled, tilting her head slightly.
"So are you. Exactly as you are."
What kind of lottery had he won to meet Orianna? A woman like her was one to be mentioned in the prophesy of a stone tablet, not to simply stumble out of nowhere into a spawn's haphazard life. The events that had happened and the choices he made; it all somehow led to this moment.
He felt something wet trickle down his right cheek, eyes widening in surprise as his fingers reached up to swipe it away. There was the familiar sensation of his eyes watering and a tightness in the back of his throat. Crying from anguish or the intense relief of murdering Cazador was one thing, but tears of happiness? That was entirely new, untouched territory.
"Sorry— I don't know what's come over me." He tilted his head up to prevent another from falling, regaining his composure.
"No need to apologize. All of this can be a lot to take in."
"It's not only that, but also... what you said..."
To have someone see Astarion as enough meant more to him than she could have known. He had told her about the most tragic details of his past but that didn't mean day-to-day hadn't also taken its toll in a deep, repetitive manner. The number of cruel words and gas lighting Cazador bombarded him with on a daily basis had been substantial. Due to his lavish personality and charisma, it was sometimes easy to forget he'd been a slave for two hundred years.
"I meant every word. You are enough, Astarion." Her eyes were tender.
He blinked, then shook his head as he chuckled in disbelief. "Sometimes I wonder what you saw in a bastard like me."
She couldn't help but laugh. "Bastard or not, you're the one I fell for. The one I love."
"Even with all of my shortcomings?"
"All of them. I accept every part of you, even the parts you don't accept yourself."
Orianna leaned into him, and he embraced her, resting his cheek on top of her head and gazing out onto the horizon.
"My love, you're truly not like anyone else." He closed his eyes and nuzzled into her hair. "The future is brighter than ever before, and I get to spend it with you. As a partner. An equal."
"I love the sound of that."
She clasped her hands behind him and pulled back in order to see his face, but also not willing to lose contact with him quite yet.
"We should go find Tav. He plans to leave today, doesn't he?"
Astarion had been so preoccupied with Orianna and their delicious night together that he'd nearly forgotten. Though part of him had also tried not to think about their perfect duo going their separate ways. Of course, he wished for Tav's happiness, but a small selfish part of him didn't want him to leave.
He sighed and nodded with a smile, not allowing the future goodbyes to dampen this perfectly fine morning.
"Very well. Let's go."
...
Tav had dressed in his teal slim fit outfit for the day and finished a hearty breakfast at the Elfsong, feeling refreshed once more as he and his beloved druid walked the cobblestone streets of the lower city. No one would have guessed he'd been the victim of a rather deadly spell the day before, given the newfound energy and optimism that radiated off of him.
"You're in a very good mood this morning." Halsin observed.
"Indeed I am." He tilted his chin up with a large grin. "Everything with Orianna worked out and I have the privilege of travelling with you to Thaniel's land. I just need to finish a few important errands beforehand..."
Tav's eyes shifted, scanning Halsin's body and how perfectly he fit into his casual leather clothes. The brown and green tones complimented his tan skin and eyes perfectly. He gave him a knowing look as they walked, the firmness of his muscles rippling with every step and sway of his arms. He ogled him, battling against his intrusive thoughts. His body practically moved on its own, sweeping his tail up against the back of his thick thigh towards his deliciously rounded—
Tav gasped when he felt Halsin's callused fingers snatch the tip of his tail with lightning-fast reflexes. He felt the grip of his hand squeeze his scaley appendage, their eyes locking. It caused a pleasant shiver when he recognized the hunger in the elf's eyes.
"Careful, or I might have to pull you into the next dark alley we see and have my way with you."
Both of them had stopped walking. There weren't many civilians out and about this early in the morning, although it was certainly enough to know the prospect of a little fun was far too dangerous to explore. The idea was tempting, almost exciting— but Tav was still the conservative type. The naughty sides of himself he preferred to keep private, behind closed doors, for Halsin's eyes alone. He had appearances as a respectable sorcerer and hero of Baldur's Gate to keep up after all.
Halsin saw the wheels turning in his lover's head and how he contemplated the prospect of his comment. Though in actuality it had been nothing more than teasing. He chuckled warmly, breaking Tav from his train of thought, his flaming turquoise eyes glancing towards him with curiosity.
"Is something humorous?"
"The amount of thought you put into my words is charming. I only meant to tease you."
Halsin could almost hear the click in Tav's mind as realization struck, slapping a hand to his muzzle with a grumble and a small shake of his head.
He was joking Tav— pull yourself together!
"You're adorable." He released his tail and placed a hand on his shoulder. "I'm aware you're a fairly private individual when it comes to intimacy. I wouldn't threaten you with a public display. Well, never seriously."
Tav glanced down to his feet and rubbed the back of his neck. "You do know me."
He paused, tracing the vine pattern on Halsin's shirt with the back of his claw idly, forming the words in his mind before saying them out loud.
"I don't mind intimate interactions outdoors if it's tasteful. Or if it's out in the wilderness, guarded by the cover of the forest, like our first time together. Back then it was peaceful with the crisp night air and the soft rustling of trees against the wind. It felt raw and natural to have the earth pressed to my back with the moon above us. Even though I was still chained to Bhaal at the time, you and Sylvanus made me feel free, like his pull had no sway over me."
Halsin's lips parted, touched by his words. "It pleases me to hear you say that."
"Well, nature provided more than I gave it credit for. I look forward to you showing me every facet of it. I've been a city folk for so long I'd forgotten the tranquility, as well as the adventures it could bring." He took a long pause and then proceeded.
"As much as I'd prefer not to admit it, Orin did me a favor when she betrayed me. Had that not happened I'd have never been infected with a tadpole and dumped at the Grove's doorstep. Nor would I have met my companions along the way or found you for that matter. You may have still been imprisoned in that goblin camp if not for me... To think, I could have been your enemy once. It's amazing how the smallest choices have the power to alter the path we walk."
Tav shook his head with a snicker. "Look at me getting all sentimental..."
His hand moved up to cup Tav's face affectionately. The spikes near his jaw looked jagged, almost sharp, but they were still smooth to the touch. His dragonborn lover may have appeared indestructible but after yesterday he knew better than that. When Tav's heart had stopped he could have sworn his had ceased as well. After a scare like that he swore he would give him the long and beautiful life he deserved, one meant for the history books.
"Hmm..." Tav blinked, wondering where the elf's intensity was coming from as he placed his hands over his. "Were my words inspiring?"
"You alone are already an inspiration. A man with no memory of himself was able to fight his destiny and become someone else entirely— someone who is kind and open minded. Willing to listen to the stories of others, no matter who they may be." Halsin's words were clear, and his voice was passionate. "I love you. And I promise to treasure you, Tav."
Tav was pretty sure he hadn't shed a single tear, or at least had no memory of it. Not as Bhaal's son, nor as his new self. He'd received many kind words and praise for his achievements from both friends and acquaintances, so why did this feel different? He had always taken the role of a leader and supported the ones around him, taking on their burdens. His friends were there to support him, yes, but this sort of affection was noteworthy. Halsin made him feel taken care of. Special. Loved. All of the things that still felt new and unfamiliar.
Before he knew what was happening the tears were streaming down his face like a dam had broken. He didn't bother rubbing his eyes, knowing the attempt to stop them would be futile. He made a lame sniffling sound and simply pressed his head against Halsin's chest with his shoulders trembling gently.
"Gods dammit... you got me good." He murmured. "Don't tell the others about this."
Halsin wrapped his arms around him and stoked his back in a soothing motion. "I wouldn't dream of it.
"Good."
After another few minutes Tav's tears had finally ceased and he was able to clean the dampness from his face with the sleeve of his robe. It was a blessing that his race didn't deal with redness and puffy eyes after a session of waterworks. It meant he had a lot less questions coming his way regarding his emotional well-being.
"Now then, shall we go and find—" Tav faltered when he noticed a curly head of hair in the distance. "Astarion?"
He blinked, wondering if he was still blurry eyed and seeing things. But no, there he was walking proudly in the daylight with a new pep in his step. He saw Orianna point in his direction and wave enthusiastically, pulling Astarion along as they made their way over. His legs took their own long strides, shortening the distance until they were face to face.
Astarion had always been handsome, beautiful in fact. Tav had admired him fondly from afar, especially near the beginning when they'd first met. He'd been a charming addition, but also cunning and full of secrets. When he thought back on how the vampire used to be around him, to who he was now, there was a striking difference. He was smiling in a way he'd only seen glances of over the span of their time together.
"It's surreal to see you out in the sun again..." Tav gazed at Astarion with wonder in his eyes. "You look radiant."
"Thank you, but you better not fall for me. You had your chance." Astarion joked, giving his textbook smirk.
Tav snorted. "If you couldn't tell, you're not really my type. But I can still admire beautiful things."
"Aha. Glad my beauty is universal." Astarion laughed. "However, don't get too used to it. It's only temporary."
"You can get used to it." Orianna's voice was soft and dripping with affection.
Astarion blinked and turned to look at her with obvious surprise. "Pardon? I must have misheard you."
"You heard correct. Given my physicality as a demi-god I'm quite resilient. Granting a portion of my blood once a day is really no different than being bitten by a mosquito." She grinned. "Not to compare you to a bloodsucking insect..."
He turned his body to hers and gripped her upper arms gently, searching her eyes. "You're serious? Truly, honestly serious?"
"Undoubtedly so." She tilted her head slightly. "I'm beginning to think I should have made my intentions clearer."
She took a breath and relaxed her shoulders.
"To me, you and I are more than lovers. We've forged a bond. One built on trust and respect. I believe in us and this relationship. To see you smile and not be held back by what you are, to bask in your happiness gives me immeasurable joy. Knowing I have the ability to let us spend every day together freely— not just every night... It seemed obvious that I wanted you to drink my blood more than once."
Astarion was taken back by her honesty. Sure, he'd assumed her blood offering had not been a onetime deal. However, he never expected it to be given as frequently as every day. He licked his lips before speaking next.
"I didn't want you to think I had expectations of you in that regard. Because to be honest... even if you weren't a demi-god, I'd still love you. I fell for you before I knew what you were. Before I knew what you were capable of."
He placed a hand over his chest, trying to further express his sincerity. It seemed he'd gained a lot more practice with it.
"I'd accepted my fate among the shadows after I ended Cazador. I want you to know that this happiness stems from so much more than simply being in the sun again. Being with you is what makes me happy."
"What you said is exactly why I give it to you willingly."
"You're full of surprises, aren't you?" Astarion sighed happily and gazed up towards the cloudless blue sky. "I guess I can start getting used to this..."
Tav made a small noise that wasn't quite coherent but must have been one of excitement. "You two are so damn cute I can hardly stand it." He was grinning from ear to ear. "I'm elated that you two found each other."
Astarion cleared his throat, surprised by how bashful he was feeling about the whole situation.
"Things may have turned out differently if you hadn't offered your services to me." Orianna said brightly. "I thought I'd have to face Dragomir alone, but you lent a stranger your aid. I won't ever forget that."
"He certainly has a way with playing the protector." Halsin agreed.
"I think you all give me too much credit."
"Or not enough." Astarion said simply.
"Hmm." Tav hummed and then glanced towards Bloomridge Park. "Do you mind, Astarion? I'd like to share a few words with you."
Orianna got the hint that he was probably wanting a bit of heart to heart with his best friend before he said his farewells, so she moved to Halsin's side and hooked her arm with his, pointing in the opposite direction.
"Do you mind accompanying me to the Chromatic Scale, Halsin? I'd love to hear more about you and Thaniel."
"Certainly." He smiled back at Tav before allowing Orianna to lead the way back towards the merchant shops, giving the rogue and sorcerer their privacy.
...
Tav and Astarion strolled through the park in silence, making their third lap around the fountain until one of them decided to break the quiet.
"So? You spend the night with Orianna?"
"I spend nearly every night with her." He smirked, playing coy.
"I take that as a yes. You two are practically glowing, in more ways than one."
Astarion noticed Tav smiling to himself, stopping and turning to him with his hands on his hips, looking spirited as ever. His bright coloring and choice of clothing always seemed to match his high level of confidence. The dragonborn was the type to stand out among the crowd, in contrast to the way he did. He was simply magnetic.
"I couldn't be happier for you. Knowing you're not alone gives me the affirmation I need that you'll be okay when I'm gone."
Astarion didn't like the tone he was using, as if he were speaking about the long term, not just the short. The topic was one they tended to avoid. His immortality versus Tav's mortal life that was destined to expire too soon for his liking.
"You should stop worrying about the future so much. And about me. You've done more than enough already. It's time for you to start thinking about yourself."
He didn't mean to sound so serious, but the thought of Tav being gone was a sure way to shatter his heart. A tragedy he would deal with when the time came.
"It can be difficult not to, given my race. If I'm lucky I have another fifty good years in me, and I don't want to waste them by being idle."
He gazed up at the sky, watching as a few birds soared overhead and disappeared past the foliage of trees. His eyes then shifted back to Astarion.
"I will always show concern for you. When you love someone, you can't help but worry."
Love?
Astarion wondered what sort of expression he was wearing when he looked at him, processing what he was saying. Love was a word they hadn't yet used to express their bond. Although those turquoise eyes were unlike his own, he was able to read so much emotion within them. Their love was platonic, yet still indubitably intimate.
Looking back, the dragonborn had merely been a means of protection when they'd first met, one he'd planned to manipulate and take advantage of. So, imagine his surprise when none of it worked. Even when he'd put the seduction on full power, Tav still hadn't budged. It was like he'd seen right through him and his lies— that it was all an act. Like he already knew all the pain and torment that plagued him, and what he truly needed had been a friend.
"What's wrong?" Tav asked, noticing the odd mix of heart-felt emotion and grief in Astarion's expression, but he wasn't able to pinpoint it exactly.
"This is really goodbye, isn't it?"
"I prefer to call it, see you later, rather than goodbye." He clicked his tongue. "Although, this will be the first time you and I have been apart since that day you pulled me to the ground and held a dagger to my throat—"
"Never going to let that one go, are you?"
"Not a chance." He chuckled.
Astarion huffed, shaking his head with one hand on his hip and the other at his brow in disbelief. But there was a smile in his eyes and a quirk to his lips that gave away his amusement.
"To think I didn't like you at first."
"And now?" Tav pried, grinning as he waited for the answer he already knew.
"Tsk. You don't need me to spell it out for you." He glanced away.
"I want you to. How about we call it a parting gift?"
"Fine. Obviously, you're of great importance to me— you're the first person I ever cared for..." His lips pursed after he muttered.
"You were also my first. But I suppose a life of lost memories can do that for you. Though, I know Bhaal's chosen had no such emotion towards others. Other than killing." He sighed, recalling the time when the dark urge inside of him had been its most potent.
"After I murdered Alfira in cold blood I was terrified it would happen again. That night when the butler came to me, telling me my favorite person would be brutalized the moment I closed my eyes, all because I hadn't disposed of Isobel. If you hadn't woken up, I would have— "
Astarion reached out and gripped Tav's upper arm. "But I did wake up. And you thwarted Bhaal's influence. I promised not to leave your side after that. Truly, that was when I knew how much I cared for you. It was the first time I'd been more worried about someone other than myself."
"You understood me better than anyone else. No one really knew what it meant to feel helpless— to be controlled. To have your body be used without your consent." He also reached out to place a hand on his shoulder. "Somehow it all worked out and the things we wished for came true. I'm not sure when I'll see you again, but you will always hold a very special place in my heart."
"Darling, I'd be dissatisfied if I didn't."
He tugged Tav towards him and wrapped his arms around his middle, pulling him close. He could feel his firm chest pressed to him and the way his strong arms held him securely in return. As he closed his eyes, he could smell that distinct aroma that was Tav. The notes were a tantalizing mix of warm spices like cinnamon, cloves and pepper. It matched his vibrant red skin and dangerous fire breath quite well.
Tav nuzzled against his shoulder and pet the back of his curly locks. He wished he could have stayed like that a while longer but knew better than to drag it out any longer. He pushed away gently and offered his best smile.
"I'm going to miss you, Astarion."
"I'll miss you too..."
Tav nodded in finality and beckoned him to follow, taking the path back to the city streets.
Astarion took the rear, a few paces behind and smiled fondly as he whispered to himself.
"More than you'll ever know."
...
...
...
This chapter was pretty chill and lovey-dovey, definitely the "calm after the storm."
This FanFic's main story may be complete but it's certainly not the end of these characters!
The next chapter is an Extra, and pretty much all NSFW, but due to the website's rules I will only post a snippet of it.
Again, thank you for reading! Until next time, Darling~