Astarion's POV
The moment he witnessed her hand slamming hard across the human's face, his body became filled with pure bliss…
She knew how to punch and she knew where to do it as her knuckles cracked on the side of his skull right along the jaw.
Not enough to kill him, he was just knocked out cold.
He watched the human fall to the ground with joy and excitement as he witnessed her new wicked temper.
He didn't know why he got punched, but he must have deserved it if it came from her…
Whatever he said, it made her mad…
She hardly gets mad… but now he could see that when she does…
It's almost terrifying…
He could accuse the human for his weakness…
But for once, he would say it was from the strength of her blow. He had never seen her throw a punch before, and he was quite impressed by her control and force…
She knew how to use her entire body for a punch, not just from the strength in her arms and shoulders.
She moved as if her body was trained for years to perfect it…
If he could rate it, he was leaning more towards hers than the giths…
But of course, he shouldn't compare, he didn't watch the gith entirely…
He missed the first half of the punch but was lucky enough to watch the wizard crumble to the ground…
But even then, he still felt that Eliza's was far more superior…
It thrilled him and terrified him that he discovered this temper…
It was the real her, not the darker version of herself. It might have helped a little bit but he could tell it was all Eliza.
He would definitely have to keep a better eye on her.
She might think she's weak…
He thought so too at first…
In truth she has more strength in that small body than she knows what to do with…
Once she discovered her true strength…
Once she found a way to hold on to her sanity while accepting the darkest parts of herself…
If she could keep it under her control and use it to her advantage like she just did…
She could accomplish so many things…
He just had to make sure that if her target changed…
If she ever decided to fight for her life because she saw him as a threat…
She might put up a good fight…
And he could very well lose to her if he let his guard down around her…
She may have looked defenseless and weak before.
But now, after everything he has witnessed. She slowly showed a whole new strength that she had been hiding so well behind her shy demeanor…
She kept coming out with more surprises rather than disappointments…
Her speed, agility, strength, and precision is definitely something her body had been trained to know…
Her brain didn't have to think, her body instantly knew what she needed to do if she wanted something badly enough…
Even her own wounds can't hold her back…
Her determination defies everything that should be impossible…
But… would she…?
Would she hurt him?
Why would that surprise him?
And… why would that… disappoint him?
He shouldn't care what she does, or how she does things…
But he's fascinated now more than ever to know more about her…
If she wants to do something, she will…
If she didn't, she wouldn't…
Nobody could control her, not even her darkness…
She will discover it soon enough if this continues…
He should be wary of her or a little skeptical of his safety around her…
Maybe even slightly more intimidated by her…
But actually, he was… proud of her…
The bard put the man she saved out of commission, she didn't lose control or rip him to threads. He could see the traces of doubt in her expression as she struggled to keep herself from doing just that…
He couldn't help but smile, it was nice to see that it was getting easier for her to keep herself together…
The look on her face was better than the one he can never seem to forget...
Then her face showed worry…
Whatever she was thinking about had her stressed, but then she looked over at him…
She cooled under his gaze…
Like she almost forgot what she was thinking so intensely about…
But then, her look became somber as she reverted back to the way she acted this morning…
He guessed that one interaction was all he was getting for today.
Her boldness was gone, her gaze ripped away from his.
She was back to cold and shy Eliza…
When all he wanted was to see more of bright and wild Eliza…
But… this time instead of getting angry, he tried remaining calm and collected.
He wanted control…
He has been losing a lot of it lately, he needed to remain level-headed.
He couldn't let this person distract his entire existence…
It was almost like he was forgetting who he is…
What he is…
He was becoming something he wasn't…
In that moment, he lost all sense of time as his mind wandered in the short silence between them.
He had to guess that while they will travel together she will continue to protect him and put herself in danger…
Astarion had to face reality, that she would more than likely get herself killed trying to be a damn hero and getting involved in people's business…
He probably was going to be long gone before that happened. He didn't want to stick around and watch her stupidity continue…
It was odd for him, but he found that he didn't want to watch her die…
Besides, he wasn't wanted anyway.
Just by the way she acts around him…
It was obvious…
She may say she trusts him…
But for some unknown reason…
She hated him…
The thought gave a small ache in his chest, enough to be noticed, but not enough to concern himself as to why he felt it…
He really didn't know why she went through the effort if she couldn't stand him…
If she was going to act this way the entire time they traveled together, maybe it was for the best.
The bard made him feel like he wasn't worth a glance or a word, not unless she found it necessary to throw logic and understanding in his face….
She made him think more and gave him more feelings than he ever cared to express…
Perhaps, it was for the best that they part ways now before things got worse…
He was alone for a reason, so he wouldn't get hurt…
Relationships with others shouldn't be this complicated.
But, everything always gets more complicated when people like her involve themselves in things they shouldn't.
So, he better get out soon before it's too late…
He wondered if he might as well indulge in something that has been nagging at him for a while…
Before he left…
He was determined to have a taste of her and at this rate he doesn't know how long she will have to live…
He may never see her again if they parted ways…
He knew he should, she will get herself killed eventually from this lifestyle…
And because of her, he wasn't far from that same path…
A brush of death once was one too many…
And now, he has already experienced it twice in her company, within minutes apart…
Saving people is exhausting!
Mentally, and physically…
He hated the amount of effort he went through this morning…
His throat was still sore, his hand reached to touch it. He felt the tenderness around it as he winced slightly from the pain.
The githyanki didn't take too kindly for his interception with her bow. He moved it just in time to make sure Eliza had a way to dodge it. The warrior wasn't aiming high enough, if the bard hadn't had a warning or someone to intervene…
She couldn't have walked away from that fight…
She would have been placed in a grave if the gith had missed…
For some reason, he wasn't okay with those odds and his body intervened when he didn't have to.
His body moved before his brain told him not to.
The next thing he knew, the wood of the bow was pressed tightly against his throat…
He struggled to explain himself between his desperate attempts to breathe air, but it only made it worse. The githyanki was determined her aim was flawless and that she wouldn't have missed…
He almost passed out, he knew the gith would wait till he stopped breathing…
Luckily, he had just enough strength to punch her off of him successfully…
Once his vision slowly returned to him he didn't think twice on what he needed to do next.
He said only one word…
A cast of the spell that ignites a flame within his palm as he sits up and throws it exactly where it needed to go.
There were things he did today that he never thought were possible.
He never thought he could react so quickly for someone else…
He never felt something so strongly compelling…
The things he did…
Should have been impossible…
He never would have done those things a few days ago…
He was thankful that after all the screams from the goblins, it seemed to calm the warrior.
She almost completely forgot about him…
Her focus was aimed to fire her arrows at the bugbear till it went to the ground. Turns out, it took 2 of her arrows out of 4 from the other archers.
With a few death stares thrown in between, no words, just exchanges of glares even after the fight was over.
The wizard finally woke up when the gnoll's body collapsed to the ground…
When Astarion recovered, it dawned on him how far he went for someone…
That was the most he ever involved himself into saving someone else's life…
He never realized how enamored he has become with her.
That's exactly why leaving the group became more and more desirable…
When she was in danger, nothing else mattered…
He even ignored his hunger…
She was bleeding and it gave a different reaction…
His never-ending thirst, an agonizing feeling of always being hungry…
He has never been able to ignore it in all these years he's lived, it was always there…
But when he smelled her blood today, he didn't want to go after it to devour it…
He didn't want to drink from her…
He had one whiff of her blood and immediately he wanted the bleeding to stop…
He never wanted to do something so badly, to go against every instinct he had that told him otherwise…
When his instinct told him to eat, his body did the opposite…
His mind did the opposite…
He would have done anything to save her…
He even wanted to run to her to keep the blood in her body, to do everything he could to end whomever dared to spill it…
Every drop of her blood lost became a vile hatred in his stomach…
Every spill of it became the worst possible thing…
Every morsel of her life's blood shouldn't have been wasted like that…
He needed to keep it all safe in its host, flowing and untainted, not to be disturbed by those who wish to watch it leave her.
He needed to keep it all in her petite body…
The earth didn't deserve to taste her before he could…
Before he could taste even just a drop…
He had the chance before, but his fears convinced him not to…
It was all her fault…
She made him forget his own nature and he didn't know how…
But now, he was more determined than ever. He realized just how dangerous she was.
She was a danger to other people as much as she was to herself.
She was creating a landslide in his peaceful meadow…
His dark empty space that shouldn't feel anything….
It somehow pounds and makes his breath race when he sees any of her life slipping away…
The thought of her death coming from another person…
Brought him a small form of suffering…
Astarion was feeling things, and he didn't know why he felt them.
She brought him either immense anger, mopey feelings, or small forms of wallowing…
Something about her made him lose control, made him do things he shouldn't have…
Made him say things he shouldn't have…
Make him feel things he shouldn't have…
It must be something…
He was convinced it must have been all for her blood.
That had to be the only explanation as to why he went out of his way to save her…
Maybe he hasn't forgotten his nature after all…
He wanted to keep it all in her vessel so he could have her for himself.
Its smell is beyond comparison to anyone else's he's ever come across, perhaps its taste would be the same…
He even smelt it now, from the remains of her small open gash on her leg…
His hunger is working just like it should be now…
He knew he needed to have a taste of her sooner rather than later…
It won't taste the same from her if she's dead…
She was bound to get herself killed, she would help anyone who asked. If they just look like they are in trouble, she would do anything to help…
He despised people like that, so it must be for her blood then!
He wanted to savor her life force.
To take it from her while she still thinks…
Feels…
Breathes…
Because blood is the best when the host feels the most powerful emotions…
Sadness, fear, and anger…
The most desirable of all ...Happy…
He has never tasted happiness…
All he could taste in anything he caught was stressed, pissed, or terrified…
But none of them will compare to the taste of a person…
His master would never let him drink from a thinking creature…
But now, he was free…
He was breaking a lot of rules that held power over all vampires…
Perhaps he could have just a small taste of her…
At least once before she left this world…
A part of him hoped that if he was ever to drink from her, that things would remain the same after…
He would hate for her to feel fear…
angry…
Or sad…
But not because of the taste…
Maybe… because of her…
He didn't want her to look at him and see a monster…
He couldn't imagine that look but now it haunts him somehow…
He could try to take a bite of her in a time she wouldn't even remember…
She could even be convinced it wasn't real at all if he was caught.
But if he was sneaky enough, she wouldn't even know…
While she remained sound asleep, while she was safe in her dre-...
...
… Would she even be safe in her dreams?...
She usually had nightmares…
He wondered if he could ever taste it when she had a pleasant dream…
Even just a flicker of that one emotion can almost change the flavor entirely…
But, he couldn't be picky…
He doubted he could ever catch a brief feeling of peace in her blood if she was asleep or awake…
Life's blood makes a person who they are. All that flows within each cell, each vein, each artery - has its own unique taste attached to how they feel or think. Their personality alone creates the entire flavor of their life's blood. So, of course, it has the slightest effects even in their dreams. That's where the brain is the most active and creative, either haunting the person or giving them pleasure.
He wondered what haunted her…
…Or what pleasured her…
Blood has more control in the body than most people think. That's why the body can't live without it when the blood has been completely drained…
But then, he wondered what would happen if he got to taste her blood…
No matter what she felt at the time…
He did have a small fear in the back of his mind…
He didn't know what her blood would be like… but…
What if it was as desirable as it smells…?
What if it tastes better than he could ever imagine…?
Could he stop…?
He always drained his prey dry, not a drop would remain in their bodies…
But that's because they were animals…
He realized he never trained himself to stop…
So, could he?
His control was everything that he needed, but he lost it when she was near…
It could be the same with her blood.
He could lose control…
But, in the end, he knew he needed to choose for himself.
He shouldn't protect her anymore…
If he wanted to outlive her, he needed to do something about it…
Maybe… he was better off putting her out of her misery…
He felt uncomfortable with the idea of anyone else taking her life away…
So… maybe… he could do it…
He could end it…
He could just… end her life…
She said it herself, she was ready to die when she was in his arms the moment they met…
She could be longing for the kiss of death…
She was going to get herself killed anyway, at least she could feel peace instead of pain in her final moments…
If he gave her the poison she requested, her blood wouldn't taste very good or be safe to drink.
Not unless he wanted to follow her into the afterlife.…
Which he didn't…
But… his problem wasn't if she wanted to die or not…
It wasn't just if he couldn't or not…
It was the question that wouldn't stop nagging in his brain…
...Would he want to kill her?…
On purpose… on accident….
Would he go through with it?
Would he be alright with it…?
Wouldn't it be better if he did…?
They were big questions with complicated answers
When it should be easy…
She would die by his hands, to be killed by someone familiar rather than by a disgusting beast…
He wouldn't have to hear her beg for mercy, or watch her bleed out in front of him someday, she could just slip away in her sleep.
It could benefit them both…
She could die in his arms, it was her death wish after all…
He could hold her one last time as she took
her last breath…
She would be at peace, she said so herself…
He could know what peace would taste like in her last memory…
Most of all, he would get to drink all of her blood…
And she would be free of all her burdens and fears…
It would be a win-win…
Right?...
It was better this way…
Right?...
He could live, if she died…
…right?...
It makes more sense…
...
Right?
...
He shouldn't trust her…
Right.
He shouldn't…
The questions after that thought raged in his mind anyway, desperate for answers. But finally, he decided to drop it as his mind caught up to the world around him.
He didn't realize how much time he lost while he zoned out.
The group took a short break, they sat down in a circle and started munching on their breakfast in silence. They didn't bother him the entire time, they let him stand where he stood. He hasn't moved since the last conversation.
The man was still passed out on the ground not far from where they gathered…
Apparently they were completely comfortable with leaving him there, as they should.
He looked look a dick…
He must be one if Eliza doesn't feel sorry for him…
Astarion went ahead and looted his pockets when no one was looking. He deserved to wake up with a headache and empty pockets.
He wondered what the guy did to make her so mad, she still looks grumpy…
He'd hate to ever make her mad like that…
but…
He had to admit…
She looked… kind of cute when she's mad…
He watched as she quickly collected herself and prepared the group to head out once more. Only to stop and talk to the same tiefling she did before.
He didn't have to move since they weren't that far away, he heard everything clear as day.
Eliza's POV
(Moments before)
She told the group to rest a moment and eat their breakfast. She was satisfied with her apple this morning, and she thought it was rude not to let them eat too. While they ate she sat down with them and let her mind wander within the silence.
She had more control today. In the times when she wanted something badly enough, her body didn't fail her. She did everything that she set out to do. She saved these people…
She punched that rude man without killing him.
She should be proud…
And yet her body punished her severely for her defiance…
She was too miserable to be proud.
Her body lurching, her stomach twisting, and her head pounding. She knew how much her body craves to spill blood, and yet she ignored it all.
Telling herself that every life is precious, no matter how annoying they can be.
She refused to listen to it the most when it threatened to turn on those very people…
Only when something threatened the safety of the people she cared about, only then did she feel death was necessary.
She was fed up with the visions of death and the morbid fantasies.
She wanted them to stop, but even her wants couldn't stop the urge to maim that human for his arrogance…
She wasn't angry at him anymore, but her urge tried to take it a step further.
A part of her wanted to make him suffer for not giving her the respect she deserved…
For saving his miserable life…
A part of her wanted to watch him bow to her feet…
To crush in the skull of that coward with a good few stomps…
Just to see his brains scattered on the ground as his blood mixed with the dirt…
She could still do it, he laid on there completely defenseless…
She shook the thoughts violently from her head, doing anything she can to distract herself.
The view of a certain elf always seemed to do the trick.
She caught a glimpse of his gaze in her direction, all her worries floated away from his tender look.
The smile he wore made her heart melt…
Then her mind ruined it, she thought of the worst thing that could kill her mood.
The idea of his rotting corpse staring back at her…
She looked away from him… once again…
She couldn't look him in the eye anymore…
Poor Astarion... When she took a small peak at him, he was zoned out…
She hated the way she acted around him, she realized how horrible she's been lately…
She lectures him when he has every right to be angry at her. She could tell it was all built up from this morning, her behavior finally set him off.
But then his behavior ended up sending her off… When she didn't have the right to…
She shouldn't have acted that way towards him to begin with…
She kept treating him so poorly…
He probably felt completely invisible…
He probably thinks she hated him…
She would think the same thing if someone wouldn't look her in the eye or say one word to her….
She was disappointed in herself…
Why couldn't she do better?
But maybe… she was doing better…
She needed to keep her distance, it was probably for the best.
She then looked over to see the rogue touch his neck. Then his face winced in response, the bruises were darkening around his neck.
She then turned her attention to the wizard who looked pained to chew, maneuvering his jaw, and testing to see if it was dislocated.
Her eyes finally landed on the giths eye that began to swell and form a darker color…
Her curiosity is bursting at the seams. She really wanted to know what happened between them, but she doubted she could just ask.
The gith looked pissed, she gave a death glare in the elfs direction every so often.
Eliza guessed he was the one that gave her the black eye…
The wizard glared at the warrior whenever his jaw popped and his voice grumbled irritability from the pain.
She then guessed how the rest of it played out… but didn't know how or why it happened…
The warrior punched the wizard, the rogue got choked by the warrior, and the rogue punched the warrior.
They turned on each other, but she didn't know the order in which it happened or why…
Astarion didn't look very talkative or approachable as he stared off into the distance…
Gale looked just as clueless as she did…
Seems like her best bet was to ask Leazel what happened. She seriously doubted any of them wanted to talk about it right now. It was best to move on and forget about it, save it for a later date.
Right now she had to focus on other things, she knew she needed to figure out something…
She had to figure out why everything was so familiar… She needed to test herself, to pay attention to every new memory that continues to foresee the future. She needed to find out what her purpose was. There was a reason that she was alive, she had to believe that all of this wasn't a mistake.
She wanted to believe that her life wasn't a dream… but it slowly became too good to be true…
She never thought she could be this happy to exist in a world like this…
But at the same time, she was so terrified she might wake up from it…
Or do something to ruin it…
She didn't want to hurt anyone… but she did want to hurt whoever tried to take this away from her…
Including her darkness that continues to threaten her, to take away the only things she cared about.
That imagines their death in the most gruesome and painful ways imaginable.
Each vision breaks her spirit piece by piece.
She didn't want to be this looming darkness that would someday destroy the kind people she traveled with. She felt like a wolf in sheep's clothing or a bomb that might explode any second…
She wanted people to be safe around her…
She wanted to be useful…
She wanted to be a better person…
But then suddenly came the idea of a certain someone, that only made her more determined…
Her features tightened as her mind grasped onto the sudden vision that came to her.
Doing her best to concentrate and focus on it, instead.
A thought that overpowered all the murderous ones…
She had a memory of a certain voice that she knew by heart…
His voice and every word as if she knew what he would say…
Something that she could say to make him think about her differently…
All of him was so familiar and yet unpredictable, until now…
She had a strange feeling that she knew what was going to happen next if she talked to the tiefling again.
Of something that hasn't been said yet but might actually be said, all she had to do was give it a shot…
She wanted to hear it and she somehow knew exactly what to do to get it.
She could begin to test her theory on if her mind could see into the future…
With just a simple conversation…
She got to her feet, and waited till the others were ready. Then her body strides over to the leader of the tieflings. With her head held high she stepped closer until his eyes landed on her and he spoke to her as if she never left.
Zevlor: "You acted quickly. I'm just sorry I didn't get there first… Thank you for your help out there. I'm Zevlor."
Eliza: "My name is Eliza, I was glad to help."
Zevlor: "Well met. I should warn you - visitors are no longer welcome in this grove. Whatever your business, I'd see to it quickly - the druids are forcing everyone out. This attack will only strengthen their resolve."
Eliza: "Were there other attacks? I'm assuming these goblins weren't the first."
Zevlor: "You are correct. There have been several attacks by different monsters. The druids blame us 'outsiders' for drawing them here. Nobody's welcome anymore. They've started a ritual to cut the grove off from the world outside. We can't stay, but we'll be slaughtered if we leave - we are no fighters."
She didn't need to ask, she already had a feeling she knew the answers…
But she asked them anyway, she wanted to see this theory through…
She remembered their hunt for a healer, she thought it best she asked that first.
Eliza: "I'm in search of a healer. There is one here, correct?"
Zevlor: "Goblin got you? I do apologize, you came at the worst of times. The druid Halsin's a renowned healer, but he didn't make it back from Aradins's expedition. If it's not too serious, you could try his apprentice, Nettie. She's with the other druids, in the inner grove. They've withdrawn there to prepare this damn ritual of theirs…"
Halsin… Another familiar name…
She could almost picture his face…
She somehow imagined him as someone rather large… but kind…
She pictured him as a teddy bear…
He needed her help soon, she knew she needed to make the journey, but there was still a lot she needed to do here. Hopefully, he can hold out until then.
She continued to ask the tiefling in front of her with familiar questions.
Eliza: "What brought you all here?"
Zevlor: "We're refugees from Elturel - we took shelter here after the gnolls attacked us on the road. We were bound for Baldur's Gate, and it was too late to turn back. Elturel had no place for tieflings after the descent… I must say - you're the first half-tiefling I've ever met though. I didn't think it was possible…"
She knew nothing about the descent, but something else caught her attention that was way more shocking.
She couldn't believe what she just heard… That was completely different and not familiar at all.
That was something she never heard before…
Her mouth barely forms the word from almost dropping her jaw in shock…
Eliza: "W-What?..."
Zevlor: "Your eye, it gives you away. You must be part elf, I'm not sure which though. Interesting - I've never heard of a half-tiefling around these parts. They are extremely rare, so I would have heard about you. You must have traveled far or nobody has paid enough attention to talk about it. But, I'm guessing from the look on your face, you didn't know either."
She gaped up at him in shock…
She didn't know…
She was just as surprised as the rest of her group. She turned to see the same expression on their face, except for one that looked at her like he always did. He eyes her curiously as she tries to return her focus on the conversation.
Eliza: "No, I didn't… But even so… Half or whole, It's hard for tieflings to fit in anywhere…"
Zevlor: "Hah - a fair point. We can only hope the citizens of Baldur's Gate are more open-minded. But we can't get there with those beasts blocking our path."
She didn't hesitate In her response.
Eliza: "I could just kill all the beasts."
He immediately shuts down the thought with a serious tone.
Zevlor: "Don't be ridiculous! There are way too many of them. That is entirely reckless and completely dangerous, you could never win! You're better off trying to convince the druids to stop the ritual…. I tried to. But, Kagha - their new First Druid - won't even see me. You, though… I know it's none of your business, but she owes you for saving this place. Perhaps you could persuade her. For more time to prepare, if nothing else."
She didn't mind sparing her time to save someone's life…
But, she didn't feel the need to involve herself with their business…
She somehow was more confident in a battle than holding a conversation.
She knew that if she did nothing and let the ritual continue, sending the tieflings out would be murder…
But, if she was busy fixing everyone else's problems, she wouldn't have time for her own…
She already knew what she needed to do anyway.
Because… She already has a plan in mind, and she already knew that nobody was going to like it.
Especially him…
But… she already had her mind made up…
After all, she did just get told not to do something…
…It only made her want to do it more…
It's not murder if there will be no ritual…
And if there are no beasts on the road to kill the tieflings…
All the danger will be gone before the weekend…
…she was sure of it…
But, racism….
That stops today either way…
Besides…
She was curious about something else…
Astarion's POV(Moments before)
Her face said it all, she didn't know she was a half-tiefling, but it didn't surprise him.
It did at first, after he put two and two together.
He knew she was half elf, but didn't know which. He has been having the debate for quite some time himself.
High elf or Wood elf?
He could tell the news was a surprise, she didn't even know she was a tiefling…
Now she just found out she was a freak of nature even among other tieflings…
He hoped she didn't feel like a freak…
She was a decent person… half or whole…
At least she wasn't being shunned, she was accepted as she was.
But not everyone will do the same if they find out…
Then she went and said something stupid.
Of course, she would go and say something like that….
She would go and destroy every living thing that posed a threat if she could…
She was a wannabe hero after all…
He knew exactly what she was going to say next…
She would jump at any chance to help someone.
All they had to do was ask-
Eliza: "Nah… My head is a wreck. I've got way too much on my plate as it is. I don't make a good messenger anyway…"
What…
Did…
She…
Just..
Say!?
He couldn't believe what he just heard…
His jaw dropped slightly in shock from her response, it completely caught him off guard.
He never would have expected that from her…
He found himself both amazed and impressed.
He pretended to be offended and shocked at first, only to show how happy he was of her choice.
Astarion: "Turning your back on the needy to save your own skin?... Maybe we'll get along after all."
For a moment her eyes darted back to look at him, suddenly a small smile traces her lips…
It felt like ages in those few seconds, the glimpse of her warmth was blissful. He longed to soak in every second of it before it disappeared again.
But then, there was something else…
He could see the plans churning behind her eyes…
Her brain is hard at work thinking of something…
Something he had a feeling he wouldn't like…
But then the half-tiefling ripped her attention away, and went back to the tiefling in front of him.
Zevlor: "I understand. I can only thank you for the help you've already given. Even still, you must know - half or whole, you will always be welcome among us. We won't forget what you did for us today. Now, if you'll excuse me - I'd best get my people moving."
The tiefling departs, from then on she leads them deeper into the grove.
The bard was in a cheerful mood for some reason…
She talks with the merchant and trades most of her valuable items for food, healing potions, and dyes. She grabbed all of the dyes he had in stock with a smile on her face. She was eager to be given color in a bottle, he could see her mind plotting as she placed them in her bag. Her trading skills were impressive, she didn't spend a single coin.
So that's why she carried all that junk, it must have been heavy…
The bard began dispensing the food and potions between them evenly. He wasn't going to tell her he didn't plan to eat any of the food. So to avoid suspicions, he took it without question.
When her hand lightly touched his, there was a small shiver that raced up his body.
When his eyes locked on hers he felt as if his body froze.
The world remained still as her small smile grew wider…
She wasn't as shy as she was before, she held a newfound confidence as she looked up at him…
But, he could tell… It was forced…
Not her smile, it was her gaze…
She held it longer on purpose, she was trying to tell him that she was grateful for his company without saying the words…
He could see her effort, it made him feel a little better about their relationship.
Maybe she didn't hate him…
Now that she stopped and gave him this brief moment of clarity, he could see it.
Perhaps she was simply intimidated by his presence somehow. She was afraid to express herself because something scared her out of it…
He thought that it wasn't the case before, but now it sort of makes sense.
She was still kind and thoughtful, she wouldn't go through all this effort if she hated him.
Eliza still cared for him in her own way…
That thought alone made his empty space feel all warm inside…
He didn't know how to describe this feeling… but he couldn't think about anything else because of it….
Until her attention leaves him…
She turns in the opposite direction, and leads them forward once more.
Her attitude doesn't seem to change as she marches deeper into the grove.
In fact, the half-tiefling swayed in gleeful way a little as she walked.
She passed by forms of housing and tents, then walked up to a blacksmith.
He thanked her for fighting the goblins before she asked to trade.
They exchanged items back and forth, but then suddenly she turns to face him.
Astarion's eyes widened as she stepped closer to him. All of a sudden he felt a jolt throughout his body as her hand reached towards him.
He felt his chest tighten and his breath hoult still.
He never felt this way when someone approached him before…
He had the sudden urge to bring her closer.
Until she grabs the bow off his back.
She took the best bow he ever got to own in over 100 years.
He was lucky to come across it and she was taking it!
He aggressively grumbled at her, while silently shocked in his own protest that she was taking something from him and not doing something else…
Astarion: "H-Hey! What are you-"
She gives it to the blacksmith with a good amount of coins as she takes a well crafted longbow from his hands.
The bard then returned to him and proceeded to give it to the rogue with a bright smile on her face before he could finish.
Her voice is soft and sweet.
Eliza: "This is better."
He looked down at the bow in awe, its design and structure was beautiful. It would cause way more damage than the bow he had before.
She was right… it was better…
Far more superior…
He has never had something taken from him and then been given something this nicer in return before…
He couldn't help but be shocked by the action and gesture, as his voice barely formed the words.
Astarion: "I… T-Thank you…"
She gives him a nod of reassurance as she does the same with the others. She grabs a better staff, sword, mace, and one set of light armor.
Trading the older ones with the last of her coin in her pocket for it all.
She gives the wizard the new staff and the gith the new sword.
They admired their new weapons as she packed the last of her things…
She kept the armor for herself, then put it and the mace in her bag.
She then proceeded to converse with every person she could talk to.
She then climbed up a ladder, when she heard voices from a high platform floor.
They were annoyed by her eavesdropping at first, but then they calmed down after she apologized.
When she talked to this tiefling couple, her demeanor changed by the end of the conversation.
They asked her what she would want to do if she ever made it to Baldur's Gate.
Everyone around her didn't expect her answer…
Eliza: "I want a new life, entirely… To be a completely new person than the one I was before."
Her answer… both surprised him…
and pained him…
He didn't want her to change…
He thought she was fine the way she was…
But then he could see her doubt as the conversation ended…
He could see her pain as it flooded back in and took over her cheerful smile…
Was that the version of herself she wanted to change?
The person she is trying to escape from was inside of her…
She just wants to be herself… but something won't let her…
He found that he really hated whatever it was that made her look like that…
But, her curiosity never left her as she continued to chat with the people in the grove.
She was given a bowl of gray bubbling gruel, she only took it with a small glimmer of a smile.
The bard then walked up to an older woman.
There was something off about this lady…
He has never felt more intrigued by an old woman before, but this crone screamed trouble from the minute she opened her mouth.
Not only that, but Eliza's demeanor seemed to change again as well while she spoke with the wrinkled lady…
Eliza's POV
(Moments before)
She tried to not let her morbid mind ruin her cheerful mood…
She was glad that she could predict the future.
Everything was easier if she knew what was going to happen next…
At least that's what she thought at first…
When she heard him say the words she already knew he was going to say, it gave her a small sense of bliss.
When she looked at him she couldn't help but smile. She never thought she'd be so happy to hear that in person. To get the chance to look behind her and see him staring at her with a soft look on his face. A small trace of a smile and the look of approval…
It was different from the usual stern gaze and it brightened her mood regardless of its context.
Eliza didn't know how she knew everything, but it felt good to know things. She was slowly accepting her truth, she was becoming more useful just by knowing what to do next.
She realized that maybe she was important…
Eliza decided to not let anything change her mind about it.
She felt happy and more open to talk to others.
She was getting better at confronting Astarion.
She decided to not let her mixed emotions change how she should be treating him.
From how she wanted to treat him…
If he didn't mind her longing gaze or her awkward company, she would love to do more than just give him a new weapon.
Do more than just get a whisper of a touch or just stare contently at his beautiful face.
She wanted to know if he could make her heart race in other ways…
….
She then tried to focus on her surroundings as her cheeks grew hotter by the second…
Eliza chatted among the people cheerfully as she let herself be more open than she was before. Trying her best to keep the bad thoughts at bay, enjoying the bliss in those brief moments between them while they lasted.
She stumbled upon an interesting conversation. When she heard the happiness in their voices as they talked with each other, she wanted to get closer to listen.
The joy she saw on the couples faces just from talking about a life together, made her smile brighter.
She apologized for disturbing them but her smile wouldn't leave.
She wondered if she would ever know what that feels like…
She was getting better, maybe she has more control than she realized…
Maybe she can start over…
They talked about having a new life in Baldur's Gate…
They asked her what she would do when she got there.
Eliza didn't have to think twice.
She meant what she said…
She wanted to start anew.
To think better of herself…
for herself…
For others…
So they can be safe in her company.
Everything that she treasured was standing by her side…
If they wouldn't mind, she would love to have every day be like this...
With all of them traveling together and with more waiting to come along.
She wanted them to feel safe with her…
She wanted them to be safe with her…
So she could be good enough for the people she cared for…
Maybe… even to someone special…
Could she learn to love?…
Someday, perhaps…
Maybe her purpose could be good for everyone, she thought briefly…
Unfortunately, it didn't last long…
Her mind came with the worst thought after the conversation ended….
A thought she couldn't silence no matter how hard she tried…
A thought that ripped all her hope away…
They were surely destined for the slaughter. What would be more perfect than to die by your love's side, and know love was not enough?...
The thought crushed her very soul…
The cheerful smile leaves her as her mind continues to repeat it over and over again…
Crushing her spirit slowly…
Obviously a form of punishment for getting her hopes up…
Torturing her in its harsh cruelty, making her doubt even her own beliefs…
She couldn't help but wonder if love could ever be enough…
To defy death…
She tried to focus on anything else, taking her mind off of it the best she could.
The best way she knew how, was to keep moving forward.
She gets deeper in the grove, closer to a boiling pot of food.
She takes the food without question when it's offered and attempts to give a smile in her aching sadness.
Then her attention perks over to an older lady, her body faced towards her table of bottles.
The back of her form somehow made her feel familiarity…
The view of an older lady with her white hair tied in a bun, the green dress worn loosely over her frail frame…
A pair of glasses that hang low over her nose…
And a warm smile that made her forget all her worries…
But… it made her feel… safe…
and sad…
Her curiosity convinced her to step closer…
Was this woman who she pictured…?
The woman turned her attention to Eliza as she stepped closer. From getting a closer look, she wasn't so sure…
Until she spoke…
Auntie Ethel: "Ah, if it isn't the talk o' the camp? Thank goodness you came along when you- oh!"
The old woman stares at her as if she was able to see right into her soul, like all her fears and doubts were laid bare in front of her.
But that didn't bother her nearly as much as the immense feeling she got when she saw this old lady…
For some reason, she felt blind when it came to her…
She didn't know how she knew things about other people.
But she didn't know anything about this old lady…
For once she was clueless on who this person was…
But somehow…
She reminded her of someone who she desperately missed…
If only she remembered what they looked like…Then she'd know for sure…
Unfortunately, her face was a blur, but she definitely remembered a pair of glasses…
This woman didn't wear any…
The lady only continued with her query, that wasn't too far off, in fact.
Auntie Ethel: "You're twitching something fierce, love. And your eyes! You look like you don't know the meaning of the word sleep. Auntie Ethel will sort you out. I've lotions and potions galore!"
The woman turns around and begins looking through her table of potions and lotions.
She lets the woman fuss after her as she remains patient and eager to hear more.
She found something that felt familiar but in a different way…
The way this woman spoke, even her face reminded her of that someone who was very special to her…
But who…?
She couldn't describe this feeling.
How does she know this woman and yet know nothing about her at all…?
Why would she feel like this person she thought of was from an entirely different world?
Did she know her in another life?
Was this the person she thought of or not?
And why did she want to hug her and cry if she was?
The woman in question speaks once again in a cheerful tone as she turns around, the bottle in hand with a smile.
Auntie Ethel: "Aha! You take a sup of that and you'll feel right as rain, sweetie.
She looks at it with a puzzling look, it looked like a large bottle of a healing potion.
She had to ask to confirm.
Eliza: "What is it?"
Auntie Ethel: "Oh, 'tis just a healing potion. Nothing fancy. Here."
She smiled from the answer, and thought it was best to save it for later.
When she took it from the old woman, she caught a whiff of her scent.
The lady smells like everything sweet she could ever imagine, but not overbearing, it was pleasant.
She might have looked close to this person she thought of…
But she remembered the distinct scent of sweet and spicy filling the air when she thought of this other person…
Just for the memory alone, it gave her feelings of bliss…
But also sadness…
This woman didn't recognize her, so perhaps it wasn't...
Will she ever find someone that will recognize her?…
Will she find someone to tell her more about herself?…
She wanted to know more…
But she was once again left with many questions unanswered…
The woman continued to dote on her.
Auntie Ethel: "You just look like you might need pick-me-up. I'm sorry to go on about it, but are you all right? You're looking awful peaky."
This woman could see what others chose to ignore, the pain behind her tired eyes. The squirming sensation that went on in her head could almost be forgotten from the usual terrors that take over in her mind. She remembered a reason why she came here was for a healer, for someone who could fix their 'little problem'.
But should she tell this woman…?
Was it safe to tell the truth…?
Eliza: "I-I've been better… I hope... but it might be difficult to explain…"
Auntie Ethel: "Oh, I've seen it all! I once had a fella who'd been caught dabbling with a dryad. The wife was none too pleased and introduced him to a pot of boiling oil."
Her eyebrows raise at the image that pops into her head, it must have been excruciating to heal from…
A part of her felt sad she missed it, the darkest parts soaked up the idea of watching the man's skin melt off…
She shook away the image as she tried to focus on the conversation.
Auntie Ethel: "But worry not! I fixed him up and, depending on the lighting, he looks good as new! My point is - whatever ails you… I promise I've seen worse."
The rogue speaks up, the excitement in his voice catches her attention immediately.
Astarion: "Why she sounds positively demented. I love it! Let's tell her everything."
His words inspired her to go ahead and tell her.
What he said sounded familiar, so she must be going on the right path…
Besides, she didn't feel like it was a bad idea…
She had this good feeling when she looked at her…
Maybe just by the fact she reminded her of someone…
But, If he thinks so, maybe she should.
The woman then asks in question…
Auntie Ethel: "What is it, petal? What's wrong?"
She responds without hesitation.
Eliza: "I've got a mind flayer parasite in my head…
She tells her everything, leaving everyone else out. The woman nods along while listening to her story, her eyes wide…
As far as this lady knew, only Eliza had a mind flayer in her skull.
Auntie Ethel: "You poor pet. My heart goes out to you, truly. I see no sign of a tentacle yet, but that could change in an instant. You need help, serious help. I've ne'er a potion or lotion here that could do it, but… yes. I may have something at home!"
Eliza: "Anything that could help?"
Auntie Ethel: "I've collected some… interesting bits 'n bobs over the years. You'll have to stop by my house - just at the edge of the forest! Let me mark it on your map. I'll be heading back soon, so I can meet you there."
The woman took the map when Eliza handed it to her as requested, marking a spot on the farthest edge of the forest. Returning it back with a kind smile before she spoke once more.
Auntie Ethel: "Now, do you need anything? I have a few odds and ends for sale."
Eliza: "I don't have much coin, but I could at least take a peek."
Auntie Ethel: "Nae bother."
Astarion's POV
(Moments before)
Eliza told her…
She listened to him and she told the old crone everything.
She purposely left everyone else out.
No doubt to keep their secret safe in case things go south.
Even now she still thinks for others before herself…
She kept impressing him, doing things he least expected her to do…
He found a small trace of a smile settle on his face…
He kept doing things like that… smiling...
Only because she does it first... apparently it's contagious...
But then, even in the fleeting moments of his oddly sweet thoughts about her… he did it then too...
He was less bothered by them when they came along the more time he's been spending around her, even the demeaning thoughts.
In reality, he should be ashamed of the vampire he was becoming when he was around her…
In fact, if he was caught…
He was better off staking his own heart rather than sticking around to defend himself…
But he found himself thinking that everything about her was far more interesting than anyone else…
Even himself…
Astarion decided it was best to focus on other things, like what was happening in front of him instead…
The old woman marked her house on the map and offered to trade. Eliza took a moment to take a peek at her stock.
Only trading a necklace for some herbs.
Once the bard bid the lady a farewell something was off about her as she said-
Auntie Ethel: Be careful on the road - I'd hate if something happened to you. Take care, petal."
Something about how she said that didn't sound right…
He couldn't quite put his finger on how or why…
The hidden evil in those words that he could pick up anywhere…
He knew it better than anyone, if someone has evil intentions just from the way they talk…
Never judge a book by the cover or by what they say…
You never know what darkness lies within…
Not everything is as it seems…
He could waste his time worrying… or…
He could just stop caring so much.
So… he let it go as Eliza led them away once again.
She walked forward until she heard shouting coming from behind a blocked off section of the cave.
And of course, she headed straight in without a second thought.
Once they step through the door his eyes landed on a goblin in a cage with a crossbow aiming directly at her. A hole through the metal just wide enough for a clear shot.
But a tiefling stood in the way, his face holding fear from the person holding the crossbow.
The goblin didn't hold a shred of worry as she spoke.
Sazza: "Ya ain't gonna shoot me. Yer hands are shakin'."
Memnos: "Put it down. She can't fight back."
Arka: "That's the point. Get out of the way."
She was very serious, the force behind her voice was clear as day. She would fire straight through him if he didn't listen.
Memnos: "She didn't kill your brother, Arka. You're better than this."
The male teifling tried to convince her out of it as he stepped away from the line of fire with his hands up in surrender.
His own pain from the loss on his face, along with the doubt clear in his voice. He was clearly disappointed in her actions…
Astarion on the other hand could only be thrilled by the scene in front of him.
He enjoyed how this was about to play out, if no one intervened, the goblin would get a quick and painless death…
If the tiefling had good aim…
The goblin didn't even bother begging for her life.
Sazza: "Shoot before you lose your nerve, tiefling. If you ever had it to begin with."
He could see the rage in the tieflings eyes, her finger on the trigger ready to fire…
A smile creeped on his face in excitement..
Until someone else stood in the line of fire…
The very someone that made his smile disappear in an instant…
This wasn't fun to watch anymore as his insides stir violently at the sight…
He should have guessed this would happen…
She was completely sane a moment ago...
She was actually starting to become more interesting…
Now she was doing this…
This… cute… idiot…
How can one person be so damn difficult?!
Eliza's POV
She hated the thought she had. It only made her want to intervene more, to counter it
She didn't hesitate. Her body moved right in front of the goblin.
She stared at the crossbow aiming right at her now…
The bard wondered if she would taste the metal before she died, instead of the goblin.
Only making her body protest in response.
Eliza could tell her body hated her and everything she did.
Her acts of heroism instead of blood and violence wasn't appreciated by whatever had its hold over her. It might start putting up more of a fight if she wasn't too careful.
But for now, she was in control and nothing will stop her from doing what she thought was right.
The goblin spoke in triumph behind her.
Sazza: "Looks like the Absolute sent me a protector. You gonna kill 'er too?"
Arka: "You! Move!"
The teifling might be holding the crossbow and have the right to threaten her because of it.
But when Eliza crossed her arms with her face tight, her stance tall, and her eyes locked onto tiefling.
Staring right into her eyes.
The bard must have been intimidating.
She could see a small trace of hesitation on the teifling's face.
Especially after she spoke.
Eliza: "No… This won't avenge Kanon… This won't change anything…. It will only put a stain in your heart that you'll never be able to remove."
The tiefling falters in response, with a deep sigh she drops the crossbow, still holding it firmly in both hands.
Arka: "You're right. I wish you weren't, I really do."
There were many breaths of relief distributed around the goblins' cell. But, the tiefling's fire came back from the pain of her loss.
Arka: "Damn you. Damn it! Why do you care if a goblin lives or dies?"
Eliza: "Because I'm not doing this for her, I'm doing it for you. Whether it's vengeance or revenge, either one will eat away all that you are. Long after she's dead. If you do this, the pain from your loss will still be there. He will still be dead, but your pain will come with guilt, regret, bitterness, or hartrid. All or one can change someone… It will morph and twist into something far worse. Until there's nothing left of who you once were. You'll forget that you ever felt happiness, the emotion will get lost within the sea of darkness that fills your soul… Nothing can calm its raging storms, and no death will satisfy its agonizing hunger. You won't even recognize yourself. It's truly horrible - I'd hate that for you…"
The tiefling wasn't the only one that stared wide-eyed in her direction.
Their silence only left room for her to continue.
Eliza: "I know it wouldn't be the same in her case. This goblin would kill you if she had the chance, but even still, she's a person. She deserves more dignity than to die in a cage like an animal…"
Her voice gets serious as her eyes turn to glare down at the goblin.
Eliza: "At least give her a fighting chance… Let her earn the right to live…"
The goblin showed small traces of worry, the hint of fear in her eyes was visible from Eliza's cold stare.
The little creature grumbled and looked away quickly as she tried to not get intimidated by the bard's gaze.
Sazza: "So, yer not here to protect me after all."
Eliza returns her gaze forward to the wide-eyed stares that somehow got wider…
The tiefling was confused by her intentions.
Arka: "I don't get it… Do I kill the goblin or not?"
Eliza's serious face turns soft as a small friendly smile forms on her face.
Eliza: "I'm just saying - this isn't the way to honor the dead. To pay death with more death will only bring you more hate and suffering down the road. You'd be no better than the goblins. Is that what you would want for yourself, Arka?"
The tiefling in question gapes at her in shock as the bard continues. Gesturing to herself and the other tiefling, with her last question.
Eliza: "I don't… He doesn't… Do you think Kanon would want that life for you?"
She could see tears almost leave the teifling's eyes. She wiped them away quickly and collected herself before she spoke sternly.
Arka: "No… He wouldn't…. But that doesn't mean you can go around saying things like that! How could you possibly know what he would want? What gives you the right?! You didn't even know him!"
Eliza responded without hesitation, her hands clasp together over her chest as her smile grew wider. Her voice was soft as she spoke with deep sincerity straight from the heart.
Eliza: "You're right - I didn't know him… But I'll tell you what I do know. If it was me that died unexpectedly, I wouldn't want for anyone I loved dearly to be torn apart over my death… I'd want them to go live their life to the fullest… I'm sure that wherever I go, I'll be okay, because they got to live from my sacrifice. They will go on to do great things, find more reasons to live, and make me proud. Even if I'm not around to see it. I wouldn't want them to be sad when they think about me. Instead, I'd hope they smile from the memory of who I was. I'd want them to know that I only wish for them to learn to be okay without me… To keep doing the right thing and try to be happy after I'm gone…"
The tiefling couldn't hide her tears, the crossbow completely dropped to her side as her shoulders slump and shake from her sobs. She did her best to regain control over her emotions as she spoke.
Arka: "I… He… Kanon would do that… That sounds just like him… I… I really hate it that he's gone. It won't be the same without him… But this won't bring him back… He wouldn't be proud of me for things I would have done in his name… I know now - this wouldn't be right…"
The teifling's eyes stare into Eliza's with a glimmer of hope in them…
Arka: "Thank you for this… I might not have appreciated it at first, but I'm grateful to you for setting me straight… You know… You remind me of him, in a way… Maybe he's still looking out for me after all…"
A small smile forms on Arka's face… The memory of her brother gives a faint glint of happiness through the bittersweet pain of her loss.
Eliza was proud of herself for at least bringing some form of peace to her troubled mind.
The other tiefling wipes a tear that escapes from his eye as he gives the bard a smile and a nod in his response. He then gestures for the two of them to leave.
Memnos: "I'm grateful as well, I can't thank you enough…. Alright, Arka. Let's go."
She watched as they walked together side by side, exiting the prison with somber smiles on their faces.
Her actions made her feel good on the inside, but her insides didn't feel very good at all…
Her body was sickened by the display and gesture, trying its best to rip the smile off of her face. It's an attempt with mild discomfort, leading to sharp pains that still can't seem to shake her high.
The only thing that could distract her was a pair of eyes that stared at her from where the group remained.
It wasn't the glare from the Githyanki that seemed sickened by her display of weakness.
Or the wizard that couldn't take his eyes off of her as he gapes at her with awe
It was his stare… His ruby eyes as they give a blank expression. There was no curiosity, disappointment, or surprise. He didn't give away any hint of what he thought as his eyes bore into hers with an empty stare…
She wondered what could be on his mind for him to stare at her like that…
Hopefully it wasn't bad…
But then a voice interrupted her thoughts as he stepped forward to speak to her.
Gale: "Believe it or not, but I witnessed a similar standoff back at the Yawning Portal. Of course, an establishment like that invites all sorts of outlandish entertainment."
She could feel like this was familiar, she didn't know for sure, but she was happy to listen.
Eliza: "What was it about?"
Gale: "Oh, a drow, a dragonborn, and a cleric of Cyric walk into a bar. A standard fate. Maybe someone was cheating at cards, maybe it was some weird lovers' quarrel. In any case, out came the crossbow, and a hush fell over the entire room."
Her eyes stare into his with curiosity.
Eliza: "What did you do?"
His hands gesture as he spoke.
Gale: "I stood up and yelled: 'Shadowdark ale for everyone!' The crowd cheered, the tension drained into five dozen tankards, and soon all was well again. In a place like Yawning Portal, the most powerful magic is calling for a round of drinks. Mind you, all I did was call for ale…"
His eyes stare into hers with a more thoughtful look than before…
Gale: "...but you went and stood in front of that crossbow… and said some pretty inspiring things. In fact, it was beautifully handled… I'd drink to that."
His eyes lingered on her for a while, possibly to see her reaction.
She probably looked more surprised than she intended. Once again she had a feeling there was something new… Something unexpected from a story she somehow heard before… and she was sure it was spoken here with Gale at some point…
Even the conversation with the tieflings was different…
So she was here before…
But when?… how?…
Did she know the future?
Is that why it feels nostalgic or new?
Except, she felt like she could say more this time around. She could reach out to people better with her own voice.
Is that why it changes?
Is what she saying affecting the future?
Is it a good or bad change?
Her thoughts didn't make her feel better…
It made her feel worse..
If she could see the future, would she like what she sees?
Why does she feel like her presence would eventually cause more harm to the people around her?
Was she going to lead them into her dark raging sea?
Was she a siren that promised them safe passage across with her songs, only to end up dragging them down to the deep dark depths?
Will they ever be safe around her?
Will her dark hunger ever be satisfied?
Will they all be happier…. with… or without her?
Sooner or later she hoped she would know those answers, for now she needed to keep going. She gave Gale a late smile, but it still made him give one in return.
They continue onward, as they leave the goblin she shouts angrily… Annoyed that she was forgotten…
Sazza: "You were better off letting her kill me… When I get out - I'll bleed every last one of ya!"
Eliza ignores the goblin as she exits the prison. She then walks down the path up to another tiefling guarding a storage building. The tiefling became nervous from the approach of one of her companions, and spoke out of fear once his eyes landed on the gith.
Zorru: "B-By Mordai's eye, another one."
The warrior stops and crosses her arms, the tiefling begins to panic from her stance.
Zorru: "My f-friend's blood not enough? Come to rip me open, too?"
Her demeanor becomes threatening as she speaks to the tiefling.
Lae'zel: "In Crèche K'liir, a formal greeting begins with a bow."
Zorru: "Is this m-monster with you?"
The tiefling looks at the bard, hoping to be saved…
Only to get more terrified from the look on her face…
Astarion's POV
He didn't want to think about her anymore…
Everytime he did, his brain went into overdrive…
So he left all his previous thoughts to save for later…
Something far more interesting was happening in front of him…
Eliza looked pissed…
It found a way to make him smile
She must have really hated his choice of words…
She sounded super serious…
Eliza: "I'd watch your mouth if I were you… She is with me, and if you're not too careful, l will show you just as much mercy as she does… Do as she says or I will turn a blind eye when things start getting messy… Your screams will just sound like leaves in the wind to me."
He stares at her with deep fascination, she has a completely new attitude from the one she had before…
She went from sweet to scary in a matter of seconds, and he couldn't help but enjoy every second of it.…
The tiefling stares wide-eyed between the both of them, their stance and glares could almost be identical…
Both equally deadly and terrifying…
The tiefling then looks back at the gith and takes a bow with the top half of his body. Looking up at them in hopes this would satisfy them…
The gith then said only one word…
Lae'zel: "Lower."
The tiefling looks back at the bard…
Hoping to receive a sliver of mercy…
Only to be met with another serious tone…
Eliza: "She's not joking and neither am I… To your knees before I let her send you to meet your fallen friends…"
He might have just swooned a little…
Every time he tried to convince himself that she was a problem, things like this kept happening. She can be kind and caring for certain things, then cold and heartless for others. It's as different as night and day.
He wondered where the trigger was.
Why did she keep changing?
It was making things harder for him…
Why can't he just make up his mind about her already?
No being should be this interesting…
It shouldn't be this hard to know what to do with her…
She was an issue, he should get rid of her…
But from the way she got this tiefling on his knees, he couldn't even look up at them, the fear for his life in his eyes as they look to the ground…
The way her tone gave away how serious she was…
The way she didn't hold a shred of compassion in this moment for her own kind…
Was beyond captivating…
He could care less about the gith, this was abnormal for someone he thought he knew well enough…
Turns out he hardly knew her at all…
She kept being… impossibly irresistible…
The githyanki was her usual self… which he liked and all…
But nothing seemed to compare to the bard…
The warrior continues to interigate the tiefling.
Lae'zel: "You saw another gith. Where?"
Zorru: "On the road to Baldur's Gate, near the mountain p-pass. Saw us 'fore we s-saw it. Jammed it's b-b-blade through Yul's belly, straight through the other side."
The tale looked painful to recall, by the end the tiefling held hatred in his gaze. But then the warrior said something that made the tiefling shiver deep in his bones.
Lae'zel: "No twisting? Kin must have been in a hurry."
The tiefling's eyes widened in shock from the statement.
The warrior takes the map from the bard that was already in her hand. Then the gith extends her hand out to the tiefling, demanding him to take it, with her other hand pointing at it with her menacing glare.
Lae'zel: "The map. Show me."
The tiefling takes the map and opens it to skim it over using a quill to mark it.
Eliza and the gith exchange glances for a moment before the warrior rips it away from the teifling's grasp as soon as he marks the spot.
Lea'zel: "Up. You can keep your innards."
The tiefling gets to his feet slowly, but only keeps his gaze lowered to the ground.
The elf was disappointed he didn't get to see more of his ruthless leader.
He at least expected more out of the gith.
Astarion: "You're not going to envisorate him? I was hoping for a show."
The gith turns to face him.
Lae'zel: "Cool your blood - I will indulge you soon enough."
The tiefling runs for his life as soon as he's excused to leave.
The bard then turns to face the gith as she takes the map back from her to place it in her bag.
Lae'zel: "The locals prove compliant. A useful trait."
The half-tiefling wasn't even disturbed by the comment, she only went with it... She even laughed...
Eliza: "It was your interrogating skills, they were so effective. He looked to be on the verge of pissing himself or crying his eyes out. I did not envy him in the slightest."
He could help but smile from her reply, he liked how she embraced the giths cold nature rather than stopping it. But really, it was mostly her. The bard had him quaking in his boots, it was not at all what he expected from her. The warrior forms a sliver of a smirk on her lips with her reply.
Lae'zel: "Chk. A shell so thin requires little to crack it. I must say - you were… impressive… More useful than I originally thought... But, the teeth-ling was clear. If there are githyanki west of here, that must be our objective. Purification cannot wait."
The next sound he heard made a smile creep on his face…
A small joyful laugh came from the bard as she spoke.
Eliza: "It's actually pronounced 'tiefling'."
The gith rolls her eyes with her response.
Lae'zel: "I am unfamiliar with the - well, I shall not say 'culture'. 'Custom', perhaps. You will educate me on matters of this Fay-run."
Another laugh escapes her as she corrected the gith once more.
Eliza: "Faerûn."
Lae'zel: "Tch."
The bard eyes her curiously for a moment before she speaks once more.
Eliza: "What does the purification do?"
Lae'zel: "The crèche holds the zaith'isk. It will cleanse us of the parasite. By covenant, I can say no more."
The bard only spoke confidently.
Eliza: "I know you think we are no longer normal, but just because we have these mind flayers in our heads doesn't mean we aren't in control. Something is keeping us from changing, there may still be enough time to figure something else out."
The gith stares wide-eyed for a moment before she speaks.
Lae'zel: "A crèche is our only chance at being 'normal' once again. If we do not make it, fear not. Should you turn, I will simply put you out of your misery."
The bard doesn't protest, she only nods in confirmation to give her permission to do so.
The conversation ended and left a sour feeling in the pit of his stomach.
He didn't want things to come to that.
Hopefully it will all work out.
If not for them…
At least for himself…
But that thought didn't seem to settle his sickly feeling.
A part of him hoped they would all make it…
He was growing rather fond of this group…
Despite their differences...
Especially with their chosen leader…
The more this day dragged out, the harder it was becoming for him to want to leave willingly.
At this rate, he was going to have to force himself to.
He didn't know which would be worse…
If this group would get him killed while traveling with them or if he'd die on his own when he left.
But then, he recalled the moments of weakness he displayed from things he cared less about before.
Things he wouldn't normally think, say, or do…
He did them all…
The worst part was that it wasn't for himself, but for someone else…
His only concerns should be for himself, it was the best way to survive.
The only way to keep his immortal life and outlive even his own master…
Is to be selfish and cruel…
That's how Cazador has lived as long as he has.
It was best he did the same.
To do anything he can to make sure he would never have to bow to anyone ever again…
No matter the cost…
The bard held her gaze on the building the teifling was guarding. Before long she was on the move, but this time going backwards instead of forwards. She heading back through the prison. The goblins eyes them as she walks by the cage. The half-tiefling pays her no mind as the little creature grumbles with annoyance.
Sazza: "Wha- Where ya goin'?"
He wondered that too, she led them around the back, jumping from the ledge to the next.
Only to stop and stare at a stone wall…
As she walked up to it, she got the wall to open, it was actually a door.
She rushed in and they were inside a large opening of a cave.
As they walked deeper they could hear voices on the other side, only for her to stop the group with her hands out wide on each side to halt them. She turns to face them, her eyes already speaking trouble before she opens her mouth.
He didn't like that look…
Eliza: "Stay here."
She didn't say anything more, he didn't like this one bit…
Before he could think not to, his hand reaches out to hers. The moment he grabs her hand she freezes. Eliza hesitates before she slowly turns her gaze to meet his. Before he could say a word to protest, she spoke softly as her cheeks flush red.
Eliza: "I-It will be okay. I will trun off the trap so it will be safe to cross. Once It's off, I… I will need your help…"
He didn't expect that
That was the first time she asked for his help…
Her voice was nervous and he could tell it was hard for her to ask him…
But her eyes held certainty…
She was confident she could make it…
He looked behind her and around to see nothing that looked like a trap…
Just a giant statue of a bear. Its eyes give an ominous glow…
If she was wrong, nothing would happen…
But - if she was right…
He didn't want to find out what would happen if he didn't listen to her.
Eliza was doing what she knew how to. To make sure no one else would get hurt, like she always did.
He shouldn't care if she puts herself in danger, it would be better if it was her rather than him…
Right?
Instead of telling her no or convincing her out of it like he wanted to for an unknown reason…
Astarion: "I'll do what I can."
Without a second to react, she turned away from him, her hand left his and she charged ahead.
He almost enjoyed the warmth of her hand in his, but now it was gone.
His hand started to feel empty afterwards…
For some reason…
She ran with all her might. Once she got close enough the statue launched a fireball in her direction. He felt his insides stir from the sight, fear settled in his gut.
Luckily, she dodged it... barely
She races for a stone button, before she could press it the statue launches another right at her.
He felt something in his chest drop to his feet…
Immediately after her hand presses the button she jumps out of the way, but not fast enough. The blast blows her a few feet away.
He watches as she rolls on the ground till she gets stopped from hitting her head hard on a rock…
Her body is now flat on her back…
She laid there unresponsive…
He could smell the hint of her sweet blood as it found its way to his nose…
It didn't give the reaction he would normally have…
For some reason…
He felt the irresistible need to run to her…
And make sure she was still breathing…
Suddenly, Astarian realized she wasn't going to breathing for much longer if he just stood there…
A group of goblins eye her down as they slowly approach her with their weapons at the ready…
Their leader spoke, the malice clear in his voice.
Warrior Gresh: "Did some bleeding heart show up to save the druid? I'll cut 'er to pieces before she wakes up. Kill anyone else who tries!"
He could hear their thirst for blood in their laughter…
His voice growls with irritation from the predicament she put herself in.
Astarion: "Shit…That idiot!"
Once again his body moved before his mind could convince him it was a bad idea…
Eliza's POV
She opened her eyes to feel her head aching and her vision blurry. She could hear the sounds of struggle in familiar voices, the cast of a spell, and blades clashing as she tried to get to her feet. She could feel the warm wetness streaming down her face from where her head hurt the most. She couldn't even stand from the wave of dizziness that flooded over her.
A battle was going on around her as she tries to remember what happened…
The last thing she remembered was running…
A blast...
Then she was rolling…
Then nothing…
Her hand touched the spot on her head to find a gash across the left side. Still struggling to even stand, she looked around to not see much. Everything was a blur at the moment...
She could see traces of red on a rock in front of her, it being the only evidence of what transpired during her blank space in memory.
She didn't notice when the fighting stopped. Only until a hand graced her back and another hand grabs one of hers, trying to help her to her feet.
She attempts to figure out who it was, but her vision was too blurry to even make out their face.
Only the gleam of white in her vision gave her heart a sense of peace...
Their gentle touch and the sweet smell of a familiar scent gave her a picture of who it could be. She could feel the warm glow in her cheeks as his sweet voice hummed close to her ear.
Even though he tried to be clever, she could hear the irritability in his hushed tone.
Astarion: "We have to stop meeting like this… Do you like punishing yourself? There is a fine line between kinky and stupid, you know."
A small laugh escapes her as she turns to face him. Her hands grip to hold onto his shoulders for support and steady herself on her feet. His hands were still there, but they moved down to hold her by the hips.
Even though it was helping to keep her upright, she couldn't help but feel the shivers run up her spine from the feeling of his hands pressed firmly on her body.
Her voice was small as she managed to mumble in reply…
Eliza: "I know - I... I can be pretty stupid."
His hands gripped tighter on her hips, the action made her gasp lightly.
She could feel the warmth of her cheeks as he began a lecture. His voice was a little louder and sounded more annoyed this time.
Astarion: "Yes - you can. You keep throwing yourself into danger without thinking about your own safety. Do you even care what will be left of you after? Why even risk your life for people you hardly know? They might not do the same for you or even be grateful that you did. So, why keep doing this to yourself? Especially this - this was beyond idiotic. You are aware that it's pretty difficult to bring someone back from being blown to bits, right? There could have been nothing left of you if you were any slower. What were you thinking?!"
She only had one answer for all those questions.
She didn't even have to think of it. It already left her mouth the moment she thought it.
Eliza: "It's better me, rather than you…"
She couldn't see the look on his face but the silence spoke volumes…
It stayed like that for a moment, a hand then leaves her hip and she was left with more silence.
Until, suddenly, something cold brushes against her lips and it startles her nearly to death. Her entire body jolts back and her voice lets out a small panicked shout. His one arm reaches around to her back and clasps at her waist, keeping her from falling backwards. Her heart is racing as her mind swirled violently with the same thought. Her voice barely gets the words out.
Eliza: "W-W-What are you-"
His voice interrupted hers, it was calm and yet demanding… His arm holding her firmly in his grasp caused her head to spin wildly with indecent thoughts…
Astarion: "Just drink the damn potion… You might have a serious concussion, the longer you wait the worse it will get. So, take it or I'll force it down your throat."
Her mind slowly calmed as her breath released in relief, a breath she didn't know she was holding. However, his choice of words kept her face red hot and her heart to continue beating rapidly.
Eliza got what she wanted, she was close to him, but she couldn't even see his face…
She had no idea he was feeding her a potion…
She thought it was something else…
...For some reason…
...She was slightly disappointed…
Eliza hesitates to open her mouth as the bottle touches her lips once again. This time it's cool glass making her flinch as a shiver rushes up her spine once more. Her insides flutter from his closeness and the embarrassment rushes to her cheeks at the idea of being fed a potion...
Her other senses were on high alert since her sight was hindered.
She could feel his breath on her face and the firm hold of his arm around her body. His hand clasping gently on her waistline, keeping her safe and making her feel weightless...
As if she were floating…
The smell of his scent was intoxicating as she swallowed the substance being given to her.
It's weird taste somehow tasted even better when it's being given to her rather than when she takes it on her own.
She could hear it as her heart pounded in her ears, hoping that he didn't care enough to notice…
Her vision slowly returned and the bottle was now empty. But the glass still lingered against her lips...
Her eyes could finally see the ruby red that stared deeply into her soul. Looking as if he was trying his best to figure out what resided within it. To see if all of her could be seen if he looked hard enough. She didn't know how long they stood there like that... but it felt like forever…
She could stay in his hold for the rest of her days and be content admiring his beauty…
She didn't want it to end…
But it did…
Suddenly his unblinking eyes rapidly blinked a few times and looked away quickly. His body pulled away from hers as the traces of his touch remained in small vibrations from where his hand rested. Her heart still throbbing in her chest as her headache clears and all that's left was a bitter feeling.
The awful sensation of never knowing if it could ever be more than that…
The terrible loneliness that rushed through her at the thought of forgetting what it feels like to be held by him like that…
Because for all she knew… that was as far as they will ever get…
He may never hold her like that again or feel even a fraction of what she just felt…
It may only ever feel like an obligation to him or something he felt forced into doing.
He may never feel the rush she just felt when he held her in his arms…
It will always be just like this…
The boundaries between the wall that she built to keep him from ever knowing the truth, to keep him from meeting the monster that resided within her.
Her tadpole hasn't been feeling the other's influence either. She locked up her emotions so tightly, even her tadpole started to get the hint. Invading in their head was wrong and there was now way she would ever want to let them in hers...
They would see the evil things her head creates. She would never wish that upon even the worst of her enemies...
To see darkest and foulest things a person could ever imagine, all trapped within her head...
That wanted to take him away from her, even now…
He seemed to understand that boundary and ended up creating one for himself…
There may come a point where they will be so far apart…
He may just leave…
She hated the thought, every bit of it…
He was her weakness… and her strength…
She didn't want to imagine a life without him in it anymore…
So, she held onto a wish that remained in her heart for no one else to see…
The dream of a someday that may never come to be…
And that's what hurt the most…
That her dreams may never get to be her reality…
Her gaze looks down to her feet as she tries to pull her head out of the depression she sunk herself into.
Then her eyes fell on a druid that lies on the ground not too far from them, bleeding from his wounds, and barely clasping onto life.
Immediately taking her attention as the perfect distraction. She was thankful for it, but also hating herself at the same time for feeling such a thing.
She takes her violin and plays it with a soft sweet tune, the same song she played for Shadowheart. His wounds healed just enough for him to get to his feet and use his own magic to heal the rest of himself.
His voice held immense gratitude.
Findal: "Oh, thank you, thank you. I thought I was going to die down here."
Eliza: "How did the goblins get into the grove?"
Findal: "It's my fault. I thought I'd given them the slip, but they followed me through the tunnel back there. I must tell the others what happened. Step careful - There are traps in these tunnels. And thank you again."
She gives the druid a nod as he rushes out the way they came.
She turns to see the group standing together waiting for her next move.
She takes her time throughout the cave. Collecting valuables off of corpses. Disarming traps before anyone could intervene, luckily she didn't get hurt this time. Letting the rogue put his lockpicking skills to use as he disarms the trap on a chest before he opens it. Using all her skill to find a hidden chest that was buried on a separate ledge. Disarming the last of the traps before getting burned to ashes.
They leave the cave from where they started. She heads down the path, warning them to avoid the exploding mushrooms as she treaded up a small hill. Climbing herself through a hole in the roof as she descends down a couple boxes only to be stopped by a stern voice.
Pandirna: "Stop! This place is off-limits. Leave."
Her mind was already filled with sickly thoughts as she looked around at the scene before her.
In a secluded place all by herself, making it all too easy.
Far beneath Eliza's own talents…
But Eliza shook it off, doing her best to place it in the back of her mind as she stared down at the tiefling. Trying to read her emotions, noticing the pain in her eyes, knowing that she can't move her legs.
The tiefling noticed her stare and looked away ashamed while her voice held annoyance and then defeat.
Pandirna: "Damn it. Don't… Don't look at me like that. You can stay just keep your hands to yourself, all right?"
Eliza: "Do you need a hand up?"
Pandirna: "I'd just fall back down - legs are as steady as a foals. Bloody potion!"
She was completely helpless…
Eliza's body then fills with a sudden urge to break her legs into splinters and cut off every one of her toes.
It took all it had in her to resist it…
Thankfully, she was able to push it away…
Once she calmed down she managed to ask the tiefling about the potion.
Pandirna: "From the old lady in the cave - the one with the 'lotions and potions'."
Eliza's eyes widened at the statement… She wondered if the potion she was given was safe to drink now…
Pandirna: "To her credit, it worked. I'm as strong as a bugbear. And fearless. Course she also warned of side effects. Should have listened. Now I'm stuck guarding crates."
Eliza had a feeling that she didn't have what it took to get her back to her feet, but she at least offered to give it a shot.
Eliza: "I don't know if I can help, but I don't want to leave you like this. Would you like me to try?"
Pandirna: "All right… I guess being fearless won't help if an arrow comes flying right at me. Here."
The teifling offers her coin, but the bard only shook her head as she closed the hand with the offering and pushed it away gently.
Eliza: "That won't be necessary, I don't know if it will work. Hold still, and I'll try my best."
The teifling stares up at her in surprise as a small smile forms on her lips.
Eliza then pulls out her violin and played the song that heals wounds… But nothing happens.
Pandirna: "Did that…? No, damn it. Still nothing. Maybe - maybe it just needs time to wear off. Fingers crossed the goblins don't return any time soon."
The half-tiefling kneels down and places a hand on the woman's shoulder as she speaks softly.
Eliza: "I won't leave you like this. I promise, I'll be right back when I figure it out."
The teifling smiles in response, she must have heard the sincerity in her voice. Nothing more was said between them as Eliza left the storage building back through the hole in the roof.
She had an idea of where to go, somehow knowing the solution that could help is somewhere within the grove. And of course…
She knew where…
Passing by the goblins cage once more, this time the creature sat on the ground looking bored out of her mind. She watched them go by but this time remains silent.
They exit out of the prison and walks past the cottage once more, hearing as a tiefling struggles to swing his blade.
Guex: "Swing and swing and parry and- Aaaaghh!"
She rushes past him keeping her goal in mind as she heads down the path. Passing by a few tiefling children as she walks deeper into the grove. Then she hears shouting up ahead as a group of tieflings surrounded a group of 3 druids.
A tiefling sounded on the verge of mauling someone.
Komira: "You let my daughter go - right now."
Jeorna: "She's a theif, hellspawn. And you will wait for Kagha's judgment. Now get back."
Komira: "Argh. Let me through, margreshem, or I'll rip your damned throat out."
Maggran: "RAWR!"
A druid turns himself into a bear, and growls at the group of teiflings. The group leaves, heading back up the stairs. The bard walks past them, down to the end of the steps. Until she is stopped by the druids.
The bear rawrs at her, but she doesn't even flinch.
Then the druid next to him spoke in her defense.
Jeorna: "Calm, Maggran. Give her a chance.
She then turns to the bard and demands.
Jeorna: "You - get back."
Eliza: "I'm not looking for trouble. Just let me through."
She steps forward in an attempt to walk by her.
The druid rasies her hand to keep the bard from moving forward.
Jeorna: "No. And you'll find trouble all the same, unless you get out of my sight."
Mino: "A moment, Jeorna."
The druid leans down for a moment as she listened to the other whispering in her hear.
Jeorna: "What…? Oh. I understand."
She then turns back to her as she spoke.
Jeorna: "You- apparently Kahga wants to see you. Go ahead."
They let her pass through as she continued to the destination in mind. She walked down to a beach where a lonely bear stood close to the shore. She paid him no mind, as did he. She then grabbed a heavy rock that was loose from the sand, tossing it over to find an amulet underneath it…
How did she know this was here?...
Instead of getting trapped in her head from all the raging questions that would remain unanswered. She walked all the way back to the storage barn, passing by the cage once again.
Sazza: "What is even back there?"
She ignored the goblin once more.
She hops down through the roof and stands in front of the tiefling once again.
She takes the necklace and casted the spell.
The tiefling replies excitedly.
Pandrina: "My foot, it moved! Thank you! Thank you so much!"
The tiefling hops up to her feet as she stretches out her legs and arms. Looking like she was full with a whole new life.
Pandrina: "Any goblin comes near me now, and they'll regret it. I feel amazing. Look, you're not really supposed to be here, but I'll turn a blind eye. Just don't touch anything, all right?"
Eliza smiled wide and spoke with sincerity.
Eliza: "I didn't come in here for anything else."
She didn't say anything else. The tiefling stares at her in shock for a moment until a small smile forms on her lips.
With her mission completed and her mind clear, she knew exactly where she needed to be next…
For some reason…
This is my favorite Fanfic by far. I am obsessed with Astarion, when I shouldn't be. He's too damn amazing the way he is. I feel like I am Asterion on a daily basis. I hope I got him just right. Not gonna lie, I'll be working on the next chapter in my free time ASAP.
Until next time my lovelies!