Astarion's POV
Astarion's mind is filled with a peaceful serenity…
He didn't feel the burdens of his dreaming, there were no nightmares to recall…
After the first time he woke up of course...
His first nightmare was not one he would like to recall...
Thankfully, he calmed once he woke up to find his reality was still the same. He then fell asleep once more to be blessed with a peaceful slumber after.
He feels the gentle warmth of the sun on his face, only to open his eyes and feel his entire body jolt on instinct from its brightness. He was ready to feel a burn only to feel nothing but comfort…
It didn't hurt… He was safe…
He kept forgetting…
His body calms and the tension releases as his breath leaves him with relief…
Astarion could feel a smile form on his lips as he soaks in its gentle morning glow…
He wished he could wake up to feel like this everyday…
Only to get distracted from the thought and feels as if eyes were on him…
He turns his face to meet with a shimmering pair of multi-color eyes staring into his…
She wore a smile…
A smile and gaze that didn't hold fear or caution…
She only stares with a gentle look in her eyes…
Before he could get lost in it he heard the clearing of a particular someone's throat.
Instinctively he shoots up from the dirt and meets with the curiously annoyed gaze of the wizard…
What he says only made him want to tear his head off with this newly found strength and energy…
Only to get the urge to taunt him instead, knowing just what to say that will make the wizard jealous…
Telling him something that he doesn't know yet…
He loved the way her full name sounded from his lips…
Especially when the wizard's face turns into a look of loathing and with a hint of confusion…
Only for his words to have more truth in them than he showed…
Astarion did have a great time talking last night.
He still wondered if last night was real or a dream…
If it weren't for the bite mark on her neck and this pure powerful delight in his body he would have thought it was a dream…
It was an incredible experience…
He never felt so comfortable in someone's presence in all his years alive…
What was in her blood?...
Never has he ever felt this strong...
He never felt joy or sincerity from someone to that extent either.
He never knew that just from laying beside her or by sleeping next to her that he could feel so at ease…
He never thought that just from a single glance… no matter what expression she wears or the angle he sees her from…
How mesmerized he could be by it…
Then the words left him as his gaze turned to the very person in his thoughts…
The surprise on her face when he told her his truth was adorable…
Once again… mesmerized…
He couldn't stare, he shouldn't…
So, he turns away and finds himself heading back to his tent to start the day.
He gathered his things and was about to wait patiently for her to tell them to depart…
Only for his eyes to fall on her as she's talking to the entire camp at once…
They are all listening intently to her…
She looked like she was telling a story…
Was she-
…Oh no…
Oh no no no…
She's telling them everything…
Everything…
He knew it the moment everyone's eyes started to stare daggers in his direction…
Just when he thought he wasn't going to have to worry about an angry mob of torches and pitchforks…
They looked halfway to that point…
Especially… Gale… for some odd reason…
The man actually starts marching forward, heading directly for him with that hateful gleam in his eye…
A look he was used to, but he was actually surprised to see it on the wizard of all people…
His voice didn't sound happy either…
Gale: "You killed her!? You ignored my warnings to not only harm her but you actually killed her!"
Astarion got a little nervous, this side of the wizard was kind of intimidating…
The rest of the group showed up to only instigate it further.
The cleric was surprised, but a little on edge. She looked wary of him but still a little angry.
Shadowheart: "How could you do that?! Well… Eliza is the sweetest of us all, so I guess I can see the appeal if her blood tastes just as sweet… But did you really have to drain her? You're lucky she still tolerates you... or that any of us do after what you did… I just better not wake in the night to find fangs at my throat."
Her blood did taste sweet, it was the best blood he ever tasted…
Astarion didn't regret it…
He only regretted her death for whatever reason…
He was lucky she could tolerate him…
He was even struggling to tolerate himself after what happened…
The monster hunter was a bit calm, but he definitely wasn't shy about his threat…
Wyll: "Hunting with a vampire? Never thought I'd see the day. Very well - but I'm keeping my eye on you. If harm comes to her again, I will put you down. And no wise cracks about having us for supper…"
Astarion wanted to do it right now more than anything, the temptation was driving him mad. But he was better off not testing their patients at this very moment.
The gith wasn't fazed, but she definitely was very serious with her words.
Lae'zel: "There is a vampire among us? So be it. But should I ever wake with our leader dead again or so much as a drop of blood on my neck. I will end him…"
His eyes widened at her ferocity, she definitely was serious…
Astarion stares at all the angry glances in his direction, but they begin to cool as time settles in. Everyone else seemed to put it behind them, except for one…
Gale: "Of course, we were traveling with a bloody vampire! I knew you were up to no good since the moment we met! I just should have known that you would have gone that far... That you would do that… to her… Of all the people in this world, she never deserved that! I didn't think you had it in you. I didn't think you were a monster… Obviously, I was very wrong…"
Astarion was starting to get sick and tired of the attitude towards him. He's been called worse things, but it's the one word he didn' want to believe himself to be...
He didn't want to feel like one…
He was already torturing himself more than any of them could ever hope to.
And he couldn't even stop it even if he tried…
Which he has…
All night, and so far this morning…
To no avail…
So, the rogue tried to lighten the mood with details and evidence that was literally standing in front of the wizard moments ago. His words were spoken in an ill tone and with a crooked smile. Pointing to the bard who wore a sour look and was finding her way between the group to stand next to the wizard.
Astarion: "Can't you see? Elizabeth is alive and well… Yes - a little overly drained, but still… very much breathing… Besides, she was only dead for a little while."
The wizard's eyes widened and glared as he stated plainly in his fury.
Gale: "She shouldn't have died in the first place-"
For a moment, the rogue thought he was about to get tackled or strangled by the human, if he dared to attempt. Until someone stepped in between them and put the conversation on hold.
Astarion was shocked to see the bard facing away from him, with her arms spread out to guard him from the wizard's anger.
Her voice sounded angry as well when she spoke…
Elizabeth: "You didn't let me finish, Gale… Do you even know who brought me back?"
...She... She's defending him…
The wizard looked back around him, everyone else looked at each other and shook their heads.
Their eyes then widened and began to stare at the vampire in question.
The bard spoke plainly.
Elizabeth: "Astarion did…"
She took his side…
Both he and the wizard gape at her in disbelief as she continues.
Elizabeth: "Yes - he is a vampire spawn, and I did die from what he does best… But that does not make him a monster! I let him bite me, I even told him to. He was doing what it takes for him to survive. He can control his needs or afflictions no more than any of us can. He just got carried away. I didn't stop him and that's what got me killed, but I wouldn't be here now if it weren't him! So, I'm thankful for what he did, even though I died. Because he's stronger now and I'm thinking clearer than I have been in days. I might be a little physically woozy, but I'm feeling great mentally. He saved me in more ways than one and I trust him wholeheartedly. He won't hurt any of us. So, I want you to apologize to Astarion for the way you spoke to him. Because he is one of us and he's going nowhere… And - If any of you ever have a problem with it… You can leave…"
Everyone stares wide-eyed at the bard, but none of them grow wider than Astarion's…
He couldn't believe it…
She stood up for him…?
She was grateful that it happened…?
She told the wizard to apologize…?
She told them all to leave the camp if they didn't respect her decision…?
But... Elizabeth cares about them all so much...
She would really do that...
just for him?
Was he still asleep?
Was he dreaming right now?
Is she even real?...
…Or was this reality and this woman really is that incredible?...
The rogue decided to put his word in…
Astarion: "I wouldn't recommend it. I won't get you, but the mind flayers might. Besides, I'm here in the spirit of openness and honesty, to work together as a team."
The wizard took in a big sigh before he looked back up at the rogue with a small hint of guilt in his eye. But there was still suspicion in the sour tone of his voice.
Gale: "You say all the right words, but I'm not so sure you mean the right things… Still, I will respect the decision that has been made… I… I am sorry Astarion… It was very wrong of me to be so insensitive before. Thank you for bringing her back… Just don't let it happen again."
Astarion could tell that he didn't like having to say that one bit, but it brought him immeasurable joy because he did. Especially since the wizard didn't like it. Even more so that the bard told him to and he didn't dare to refuse her…
That's probably the reason why he was smiling like a fool…
The wizard doesn't hesitate to put his final word in though.
Gale: "Oh, and a quick word of warning, Astarion: I taste absolutely awful. Keep your distance."
The rest decided to put in their final word on the subject as well.
Lae'zel: "Fine - he stays, 'til he's no longer of use. Besides, my flesh is not so easily tasted. Unless, of course, I have offered it."
Wyll: "I just better not wake with any holes in my neck"
Shadowheart: "Maybe we could get him to wear a bell - dissuade any night time prowling."
None of them despised him or wanted to stake him, not entirely at least…
There was also still plenty of time for that to change…
But for once he finally felt at ease in this entire camp, even with the monster hunter. Who was quicker to drop it than the rest rather than instigate it further.
He couldn't be more grateful, the bard not only managed to let him stay.
But now they accepted him, fangs and all, as long as he doesn't bite any of them.
He didn't care…
He was perfectly content with just her…
His words left him with a gentle tone as his eyes lingered on the back of her pretty head, admiring her lovely hair that descended down her back…
Astarion: "There now. We're all friends again. Shall we go? There's a long day ahead of us."
The group began to spread out to their individual tents to start the day except for the bard, who turned to face him…
His eyes lingered on her sweet smile before she spoke.
Elizabeth: "I'm glad that's resolved. I was worried they wouldn't accept you."
His eyes widened as he stared in awe.
Astarion: "You?… You were worried? I've been worried since I got here. How long have you been worried?"
Her gaze met the ground as her cheeks glowed their gorgeous red. Her voice was soft and shaky.
Elizabeth: "S-Since we met… I-I thought they wouldn't because of me somehow, e-even if I told them. It wasn't my secret to tell though… So I decided I was going to wait until you were comfortable enough to tell me... I thought it was best to tell them about last night, rather than letting them find out what happened later. I wanted to ease them into it, but they wouldn't let me finish after I told them you drained me by accident."
She was worried for him this whole time…
She was watching his back without his knowledge…
She kept his secret and watched over him.
The bard was even willing to protect him from the people in this camp.
He recalled when she told him she holds them all in high regard. He could see her respect and loyalty for them time and time again…
But her respect and loyalty for him seems to even go above the rest of the people in this camp…
He wondered how that could be…
He wasn't that special…
...Was he?...
…
How could she think that someone else's decisions would be her fault?
That is their choice, but she still got them to change their view anyway…
Because she was passionate, considerate… understanding… and unbelievably kind…
He never expected his leader to be so open minded…
But maybe he should have…
She spoke in his favor and said the most wonderful of things…
She doesn't see him as a monster…
She never did…
The bard sees him as one of her people, one of them…
Worthy of her time and sacrifices…
And he tried to destroy it…
The words left him as they made her look back up at him with curiosity in her eyes.
Astarion: "No doubt because they didn't believe for a moment that it was an accident…That I took advantage of your kindness... And… Truthfully… I did…"
He decided to be more open and honest to her the most…
It was the least he could do after all she has done for him…
With all her kind words it was deserving of having them returned with a promise.
Eliza's POV
This morning was something she never expected. Everything she thought she knew became a lie… She was changing things, she could tell…
Her eyes stare wide as his next words steal her mind, body, and soul.
He takes a step closer, he stares deeply into her eyes, and places a hand over his chest as he speaks.
Astarion: "I… I made a mistake… I swear upon the sun and stars that moving forward, you will only be met with the truth. No harm shall come to you in my presence, only gentle hands and words… The very idea of your demise will never again cross my mind - you have my word…"
His worried eyes stare down at her, he is eager to know what she will say.
She couldn't be happier…
Her smile was still there and that must have been what shocked him when she reached for his hand that laid on his chest. She held it and looked up at him with the tears forming in her eyes.
Eliza: "Thank you, I appreciate that you told me. But don't worry, I've already forgiven you. I can understand it's not easy to trust given how others feel about your nature. That's why I did everything in my power to make sure you at least felt safe. I didn't want you to feel like you weren't welcome here… But… I was afraid to approach you or try to convince you that you were. I never wanted to bother you… So, I tried to back away if I ever felt like I was burdening you… And I did feel like a burden… a lot…"
She looked down at his hand to see the glitter of the purple gem from the ring she gave him…
She was glad that he kept it, it was her only proof that he didn't hate her…
She never thought that something so small could compliment his hand so beautifully…
Her vision blurred from the tears filling her eyes. They rained down on their hands as she tried to talk between sniffles…
Eliza: "I realize that my actions must have made you feel a different way... I should have been braver… I should have been stronger… but I just thought so little of myself… I thought I wasn't good enough for any of you… That I didn't deserve any of your company or kindness… Because every time I try to think of something good my mind floods with bloodthirsty thoughts… Every time I wanted to be near you, I feared my presence with yours. Every time I wanted to be sincere with you, I feared that I would only bring you discomfort or harm. Everytime I wanted to touch you, I was terrified not only that you would hate it… But that I would hurt you… or worse…"
She lightly squeezes his hand and gently traces her thumb over it as she tries to talk between her sobs…
Her vision is completely blurry now…
Eliza: "I was so afraid… but never of you… I feared myself… Of what I could do to you if I wasn't strong enough… All I wanted was to keep you safe…"
She took a step back and let go before she could start having urges again… He fears were still present. Even now with all her tears she was still afraid of her weakness with him…
She was afraid she would hurt him still…
She pulled her hands away to wipe her eyes but the tears didn't stop as she told him all her truth…
Eliza: "I was so afraid of losing you because of my darkness… I believed that I wasn't important, that I was a burden to all of you… I thought I was better off dead every single day… That the world would be a better place without me in it… So, I wouldn't have cared if you killed me… I was ready to die by your hand…"
She looked up only to see nothing but a blurry blob, her eyes were so full of tears she couldn't hear his expression. But that didn't stop her from giving him the rest.
Eliza: "It was only after I died that I realized how important I was… I didn't know anyone else that cared enough to help you all, except for me… I would be there for you when times got hard. I would go to the hells and back again for all of you if it meant I could save you from the fate of a mind flayer… Because I don't wish that life for any of you… I want you to be happy… to be free… Because you all deserve to be happy… You deserve to be free…"
Her tearful eyes lowered to the ground she then got to her knees as she held her hand over her heart as she vowed for all to hear…
Eliza: "Now that I've been given another chance at this life, I will be better from now on… I won't rest until I've granted freedom for all of you… I will fight for my life, for yours, and for theirs… I will fight this darkness and face battle with any foe it takes… Because you all see me for who I can be, and I want nothing more than to be that for you… for all of you… This is what I vow… I will be better than what you see in me…"
Eliza was met with silence.
Only for a hand to reach down to her view… His open palm facing her…
She hesitates at first but she takes it and he begins to pull her up to her feet. Once she was standing, she was still too nervous to look him in the eye…
When he spoke she was shocked by his gentle tone…
Astarion: "That's impossible…"
Her eyes looked up to meet him, she was shocked by the gesture as his hand brushed against her cheek to wipe away a trail of tears…
It sent shivers down her spine as she finally met with his expression…
His eyes were looking at her with peace in them… his smile was small but pure…
His touch was sweet and gentle…
So we're his words…
Astarion: "No one can be better than perfect…"
Is… is he saying-
Before she could finish the thought he takes a step closer and his words vibrate with a hint of passion…
His mischievous smile gave her chills…
Astarion: "But there is a certain allure to the pursuit of perfection, wouldn't you say? The thrill of pushing oneself to the limit. Always striving for the unattainable goal… It's positively intoxicating…"
His voice practically purred as his eyes ogled her…
Her eyes widened in shock, her heart was beating wildly in her chest…
She could die again of happiness if she weren't so hellbent on living now.
All her worries and doubts disappeared in an instant. She felt nothing but warmth. She didn't want this to end…
Astarion didn't say it directly…
But he just said... he thinks she's perfect…
She could hug him…
Or even further…
She could kiss him…
But she shouldn't…
She didn't want him to feel like that's all she wanted from him…
When it was more than that…
So much more…
Her words were small but she meant every one.
Eliza: "Thank you, Astarion… I'm so glad we had this talk…"
His words were just as sincere…
Astarion: "As am I…"
They stare in silence for a moment, until he looks up, and within seconds his demeanor changes…
His face suddenly snaps into a serious one and his touch pulls away…
He clears his throat as he takes a step back and looks away with a hint of pink in his cheeks…
His voice sounded a little disoriented…
Astarion: "I… Umm… A-Are you feeling alright? Do you need anything?"
She was saddened that their little moment was over but she was secretly delighted to at least hear his concern for her health…
Eliza: "A bit light headed is all… a little weaker as well."
He sighs a little before he changes back into his usual self…
Astarion: "It'll pass. Just be glad I'm not a 'true' vampire. A bite from them and you might wake up a vampire spawn, like my good self. All a vampire's hunger, but few of their powers."
She knew the answer but she was happy to show she was interested.
Eliza: "And as for why you're in the sun?"
Astarion: "Oh, I have no idea. For two hundred years, the sun would have turned me to cinders. Until the crash, when I woke up bathed in its light. Someone - or something - wants me alive. They've changed the rules. Standing in the sun, wading through a river, wandering into homes without an invitation - they're all perfectly mundane activities now. A for my other quirks - well, we can figure those out in time."
She loved this… all of it…
She loved the chance to talk with him and to tell him how she felt. She loved hearing something new or something familiar. All of it was perfect…
Eliza: "If I ever can help you besides just giving you my blood, just ask. We are in this together after all."
His eyes linger for a moment before he speaks… his small laugh gave her shivers…
Astarion: "Oh… You're such a sweetheart."
Eliza gives him a smile as she felt the warm glow in her cheeks and a few words before she turns to go gather her things…
Eliza: "I guess… I… I would like to chat some more with you, when we have the time of course. I better start getting ready."
She heard his voice call out one last time as she left.
Astarion: "Yes - as should I... But, definitely later for sure… I'll be looking forward to it."
She was smiling widely and could hardly contain her joy that threatened to scream out from her lips…
Not only did they have faith in her, but now she had faith in herself. Maybe the impossible is possible...
Perhaps she is worthy of more than what she originally thought...
If they see it... She should too...
She then began to gather her things only to start to feel eyes all over her…
The bard tried to ignore them as she grabbed her pack. Soon, everyone that was going was ready to go as she led the way back to the grove.
Astarion's POV
Astarion's mind races with all that just happened as they walk.
He actually enjoyed talking with her...
Some things lingered in his mind but he left those thoughts for another time...
He was positively dumbfounded by his actions and his words for the past day and a half…
So much has changed…
He truly sees her now…
She told him everything that helped him to see her clearly…
She was… incredible… inside and out.
After all this time he was blind to it because he didn't want to see…
He didn't want to believe that someone could ever be like her…
Why not?
It's all he ever wanted and now he got it…
He can't help but wonder if it was all too good to be true...
If it wasn't real at all...
But now it has made it more difficult…
He began to see things like never before…
Say things he never would have…
Do things he never thought he would do…
When he said those words to her they were unexpected, but he meant them…
She truly was perfect…
How could she see herself as anything less…?
He was so happy to hear all she had to say…
The words that stuck with him the most and made his insides swirl with a fluttering feeling…
"I want you to be happy… to be free… Because you all deserve to be happy… You deserve to be free…"
He could tell… those words were truly meant for him…
He wasn't thinking at all when he reached down his hand for her, to help her to her feet, and tell her exactly what he thought.
He wanted to tell her everything now…
He wanted her to know the truth…
But… something else became more powerful…
A desire that overlooked everything else…
Until he felt the burn from the pairs of eyes as they stared holes into him…
When he looked up to see all eyes were on him, at that very moment he realized it then and there…
How close he was…
How much he was admiring the softness of her lively cheeks…
How he was thinking of one thing above all else…
No doubt they heard her during their conversation…
They all stared at the two of them, not with a scornful gaze, but with curiosity or with a smile…
Except for one… the gaze of a wizard had fire and rage…
But Astarion didn't feel shame or regret from their stares…
He only realized then and there how far he was slipping…
Not only did she look so cute with her eyes all puffy from her tears…
It wasn't just her sincere words or her sweet nature…
All of her was desirable…
Her eyes when they look at him…
Her touch when she gives it…
Her voice when she said his name…
Her lips when they smile…
All of it became a craving more powerful than the call of her delicious blood…
He never feared her…
He feared himself…
Of what he was becoming… because of her…
One thing was clear…
He liked her…
He liked her a lot…
But he couldn't…
He shouldn't…
He should try to avoid her, knowing the things she does to him…
But… Can he?
Would she still do all this for him without it going any further?
Would she really protect him without anything in return?
He needed to seal it…
He needed to make sure she wouldn't turn on him no matter what…
He needed to make sure she would truly be there for him…
It's just what it takes to be truly safe…
He has done it thousands of times before, he could do it again…
But… could he really do that to her…
...She didn't deserve to be led on like that…
But then, he began to wonder why he would care…
If he should be concerned about her feelings…
Or his own…
His mind flits back into reality as they make their way through a familiar gate…
She goes through the grove, takes the path deeper in, and back through the cave.
They then approached the nasty woman they met yesterday only for there to be quite the turn of events…
Kahga: "Why are you here? I sent you to Zevlor."
The bard didn't hesitate to bring down her wrath.
Elizabeth: "I know the truth. You're giving over the grove to the Shadow Druids."
…What?...
Kahga: "What?"
Next thing he knew, the three rats that were roaming around gathered to change into humanoids…
They were Shadow Druids…
Ohhh... Things just got interesting...
It was silently awkward for a moment.
Until the older druid began to speak.
???: "Tsk. That damned nose of yours has gone poking in our business."
Oh my… this is delicious…
A playful smirk grows on his face.
Kahga: "Mistress Olodan, I can explain…"
Olodan: "Shh - shh. No need. It couldn't be helped."
Rath: "Kahga! What is the meaning of this?"
Olodan: "You think yourself quite the spy, don't you? Go on then - tell him."
The bard was ready to get the show on the road. As she walks over to the man and hands him a note. The same note she got from the stump.
Elizabeth: "Read this - it has all you need to know."
Rath: "What in the… Cloakwood? Kahga -have you lost your mind?!"
Kahga: "Halsin is weak, Rath. But in the shadows, we are strong, we are safe. There is no other way."
Olodan: "You and Halsin welcome untouchables to your midst. You defile the grove for the sake of 'harmony'."
Kahga: "Olodan speaks the truth. Who among you disagrees? Who would see this grove in ruin?"
The druid ponders for a moment, but chooses to fight instead of falling in line.
Olodan: "The choice is made. Kahga, burn the tainted away. Start with the snitch."
His eyes snap down at the old rodent lady…
He suddenly got the raging urge to put rat on the menu…
At least she wasn't a real rat, he was sick of the rodents after being only limited to them for far too long.
The damn elf only follows orders blindly.
Kahga: "As you say, Olodan."
This damn woman would roll over if she was commanded of it… pathetic…
So this is what the bard was planning?
Clever… But...
How did she know that page was hidden within that tree stump?
Did she have this strange gift that could find lost things?
The bard was so odd... but also oddly efficient with certain things...
She definitely knew her way around for someone with memory loss...
He was ready for blood. Now that they know all his tricks. He can use them.
He is then surprised by the bard as she decides to change the playing field…
Elizabeth: "Kahga… This isn't the way… You can see this is wrong… The shadows won't save anyone - it will corrupt everything it touches… These druids don't value life. They are called 'Shadow druids' - obviously they are the opposite of light and good."
Kahga: "No! You… you don't know what you say. In shadow, we are purified."
What is she doing?!
Just kill the druid and get it over with!
But that's not how she is…
Damn goodie two-shoes!
Elizabeth: "I don't need to know them to see their ways. Wherever they go, the shadow will follow… along with decay… Do you really believe that's what's best for the grove?"
Kahga: "When… When the darkest hour fell, it was us that brought light. Silvanus demands we illuminate shadow, not hide within it. How - how was I so blind?"
Damn this woman!!!
Olodan: "Careful, Kahga. The shadows don't forgive."
Kahga: "I belong to the shadows no longer. You've no power over me!"
She just rolled over for the bard!? That druid can be easily dissuaded. Death would be a gift to someone like that!
Ugh…
Oh well…
What the bard says goes…
Olodan: "You would question my power? Mother Earth, hear me. Grant me in your wrath!"
The battle begins and his eyes go for the rat lady.
Eliza's POV
It doesn't take too long. Once the bard pulled out her sword she picked the one closest to her and began slashing. She tried her best to focus on her own foe to face that changed into a wolf, without intervening for the others as much as she did before. That didnt mean she wasn't going to keep an eye on them. The white haired elf raced past her and lunged at the older shadow druid and took a bite. The woman screamed while the rogue pulled away with glee on his face.
The bard was happy to see the smile on his face as she dodged an attack of claws from her foe.
The wizard and the warlock take on one together that turned into a bear, taking turns with the swing of the blade and the zap of a witch bolt.
The shadows druids each make a strike but don't cause much harm to her companions. They were outnumbered, they didn't stand a chance when Kahga and Rath made their attacks.
Eliza had her attacks strike deep and true, causing the Shadow Druid to lose her shape and change back.
The enemy in front of her had no chance after a stab straight through the heart. When the bard rips the blade and watches the blood…
It does pour out like a fountain stream…
Her dark mind wanders but it doesn't leave her head. She was strict to let her dark fantasy only enjoy the deaths of her enemies but never the death of her friends…
But then she began to feel guilty for feeling joy in taking a life…
Was that normal?
She didn't want to kill anyone…
But sometimes that's what it takes to make sure good people will be safe... from people like them…
When they were all dead, the druid stopped the bard for a moment when she was instinctively walking over to check on the white haired elf…
Rath: "You have saved Kahga from herself. I cannot thank you enough."
He walks away as a conversation with the woman he spoke of begins within seconds after she approaches the bard.
Kahga: "You once called me a monster. Your words spoke the truth, and I didn't listen. Seems I have only proven you right."
Eliza: "What were you thinking joining the Shadow Druids? There were other ways to handle this."
Kahga: "I was thinking I could make us safe. A foolish notion, to think we'd find comfort in shadow."
Eliza: "What happens now?"
Kahga: "I endangered a child. I betrayed the Circle's trust. We will stop the rite and I will stand trial. My fate lies with Silvanus, may he have mercy."
In truth there was only one reason why she did any of this…
Eliza: "What about Zevlor and his people?"
Kahga: "We will grant them safe harbour until they depart. Meanwhile, help us contend with the goblins. Perhaps we can dissuade them from attacking."
That's all she needed to know. As long as the tieflings were safe that's all that mattered to her.
Eliza: "Oh, I have plans already. Just stay out of trouble until I return."
She had nothing more to ask her, so she left.
The half-tiefling left the cave and headed out to see they finally stopped the ritual. With a smile on her face she made her way over to see a little blue bird who was fidgeting around its nest.
Eliza casted an animal talking spell, and began to converse with the bird as it says…
Topaz: "Shh, I'm concentrating. Does this look good? Is the coin in the middle?"
Eliza was prepared to tell it exactly what it needed to hear.
Eliza: "Treasures will rust over time, love. The greatest treasure that will shine forever is a song from the heart. Why don't you sing a song instead?"
Topaz: "Ah, ummm…"
The bird let's out a sweet chirp then gains confidence, abandoning its nest building entirely as it sings a song. The bard smiles as it sings. She felt like she had never heard its sweet song before. It was pleasant to hear…
Eliza takes the items within the nest since the bird didn't have use for them anymore.
She then headed over to an elevator, but there was a sleeping bear in the way. As she approached it, it began to grumble in her presence.
Tuffet: "Hmmm…? I'm… sleeping…"
Finally, she had a use for the fish in her bag. She definitely didn't plan on eating it, so at least it wasn't going to waste. The bard grabs the fish out of the bag and tossed it to the side.
Tuffet: "Hmm? What's that?"
The bear gets up and charges after the fish. The creature gobbled the fish before it fell right back to sleep. Eliza then uses the elevator to reach the top. Only to be met with a squirrel.
It was minding its own business until she stepped closer.
It's the most adorable creature she could recall in all her stunted memory.
She looked down at it and stopped only to be met with its gaze and two words…
Timber: "Get out!"
The squirrel lunges at her foot and bites it, Eliza slings it off her foot in instinct. Only to feel the sudden surge of bloodlust. Before she could think twice, her foot swung hard and kicked the squirrel. Blood splattered on her shoe as it flew, slammed into the tree, then hit the ground with a thud, and with one final stretch… it was dead…
Her eyes widened at the scene as she heard a voice that was shocked and accusatory…
Wyll: "Gods! What in the deepest hells is wrong with you?"
Even the wizard was disappointed…
Gale: "Surely you should be reserving your foot for more deserving foes? That poor creature was harmless!"
She felt her insides leap and wake her out of her lost state at the sound of a particular voice.
Astarion: "Do you always take on such terrifying foes?"
She stares at the body before her… She had no idea what just happened…
Astarion's POV
He never expected that out of her, he was actually surprised by it.
Only to suddenly regret his words after her reaction…
She walked up slowly to the little corpse…
She got on her knees…
He began to hear soft sobs and words that came after…
Elizabeth: "I… I don't know what happened… I couldn't control it… Oh gods… It's horrible… I'm horrible!"
He could hear the true sadness in her voice…
He hated the sound…
She began to cry in her hands…
Before he knew it, he was stepping closer to her. He almost laid a hand on her head until she moved suddenly. She started digging in the ground with her bare hands under that tree. He stood there and watched as she dug in the dirt avoiding roots as she made a perfect sized hole for it. He could see her hands shake as she hesitated to reach for the body…
He could hear her sobs…
He could see what she wanted to do, but it was like she was scared to touch it…
Or something stopped her from doing so…
He didn't think twice as he got down to his knees and… picked up the dead rodent…
Cupping it in both of his hands…
Waiting for her to do something…
Because he didn't know what to do next…
He didn't even know how he got into this position…
He just… did…
And somehow it was all worth it…
Especially when he looked over to see her sad expression slowly turn into a small smile…
Tears were still flowing but the curve of her lips made it all the more gratifying…
Her hands didn't shake anymore as she placed her hands on his to direct him to the little grave… They both place it carefully in it, and she gains the courage to arrange the body…
It would look like it was just sleeping if it weren't covered in blood…
What a shame it all went to waste, it would have been a tasty snack...
He pulled his bloody hands away…
He didn't dare touch the dirt to taint it or to dirty himself further…
But he did watch as she placed the dirt over the little creature, patting it down nice and neatly. He didn't move from his spot as she got up to gather flowers, returned next to him, and placed them over the grave. A pile of flowers bigger than the grave itself…
He was shocked by the act…
His eyes end up staring at her sad face, her eyes closed, with tears still rolling down her cheeks…
She sat there and mourned over the tiny creature…
She felt the guilt of its death regardless of its size or nature…
Even though it bit her foot, she didn't want it to die….
She didn't kill it on purpose…
That's what probably made her feel worse…
She probably hated a bit of herself for committing the act without having any control…
She was torturing herself for a decision that was never hers and over the fact her body was quicker to decide for her then her own mind…
She feared it would be something larger next time…
Terrified that she won't have control…
He could see her fears resurfacing…
But he could also see the determination in her eyes as she slowly got to her feet.
She wiped her hands off before she offered a hand to him with a bright smile…
The tears were still there but she did her best to show her gratitude for him…
Elizabeth: "Thank you, Astarion."
He was shocked by that act as well…
She thanked him over something so small…
How could something so small deserve such gratitude?
He didn't think at all when he reached for her dirty hand…
He felt an electric jolt throughout his body from her touch…
The bard wasn't thrown off at all by his bloody hands as she helped him to his feet before she let go…
He licked his fingers clean as he eyed the bard curiously when she led them onward…
The half-tiefling didn't wipe her hand, she only stared at it as she walked… Once she passed the gates she made her way down the similar path. The more they travel down the road, he begins to smell blood in the air…
A lot of it…
Then they see a familiar face as they get closer.
One Astarion would like to get to punch in the face if he ever got the chance to…
Aradin: "Thought you was busy with the foulbloods in Halsin's grove. Sucker-punching strangers - that's your bit, right?"
The bard was ready with a retort, her voice came with a icy sting...
Elizabeth: "You deserved it… still do… Those 'foulbloods' saved your life and deserved your respect. I put you in your place, and I don't regret it one bit. After the way you acted, you're lucky you could get up and walk away, honestly. They almost had to dig you a grave…"
The elf smiles at the human's visible discomfort before he speaks…
Aradin: "Wasn't any of your business, though, was it?... Didn't think this contract could go any worse. Then you showed up."
The elf rolls his eyes to this human. He has a really punchable face the more he opens his mouth…
The bard asked curiously… or at least seemed curious…
Elizabeth: "Contract? What kind of contract?"
Aradin: "The kind that leaves half your crew dead. There's a wizard in Baldur's Gate that'll pay gobloads for a relic supposedly buried in these parts. But gold ain't any use of your too cold to spend it."
Elizabeth: "Well if you're giving up. I'm more than willing to take on the task. What is it?"
Aradin: "It's called the Nightsong. Supposed to be hidden under the temple where the goblins jumped us. I'd give you the map of the temple and wish you a happy funeral, but my mate Brian kept hold of it like his own todger. Goblins made sort of his fat old chunk. All I've got's the contract. Can show you where we turned back, if you feel like dying."
Elizabeth: "Thanks - but you can just hand over the contract."
The man handed over the contract with a smile as he spoke.
Aradin: "Heh, don't thank me. I'll be well on my way to Baldur's Gate when you die. I'm just glad to be rid of the bloody thing. Happy hunting."
The man walks away with a smile on his face.
A smile was not on Astarion's face as he went…
He gave the human a glare before he left his view…
Only for his eyes to return to the bard as she loots their bodies without batting an eye…
He smiles as she leaves in the opposite direction she went from yesterday.
They walk down the bath only for a different kind of blood to fill the air…
He looks ahead to see something white glimmering in the sun…
The bard approaches it without hesitation and a bright smile on her face as the dog speaks to her.
???: "Keep moving, stranger. Quietly."
Her voice only gets brighter as she says one word.
Elizabeth: "Scratch!"
What was that?
Scratch?
The dog pauses for a moment, then his tail wags as it speaks with less caution than before.
Scratch: "You know my name? Interesting - a predator wouldn't care to learn it. Still, you should go. My friend is injured. He needs rest."
Ah… the dog's name…
Did she read its collar?
That poor thing…
It thinks his owner is still alive, the pulse left the body ages ago…
The bard doesn't pay that any mind.
Elizabeth: "What happened to your friend?"
Scratch: "We were attacked. Cackling, furry things on two legs. And their smell… It was strange. Rotten. Evil."
Gnolls… disgusting creatures…
They don't waste their food… and leave quite the mess behind…
The body is surprisingly well intact…
They must have been in a rush…
The bard tells the dog to join them instead.
Scratch: "No. I won't leave him."
She doesn't hesitate in giving a solution…
Elizabeth: "If he doesnt wake up, you can follow my scent. I have a camp. It's a safe place for you if you need it."
The dog sadly wags its tail in its response.
Scratch: "If it comes to that… I may. Thank you."
She takes her leave and heads through a gap in the rocks, hopping over a river.
The poor creature...
The loyalty for the dog's master goes even beyond even death...
The same can never be said about Astarion's old master...
He practically wished for his own death everyday...
The elf looked over at the monster hunter before the man hopped on the rock to follow her and decided to see if he had use of the Blade's services.
Astarion: "Ever heard of a vampire called Cazador, Wyll."
The warlock hops onto the rock and looks back at him with a curious gaze.
Wyll: "I don't think so. Why? Friend of yours?"
Astarion hops onto the rock with caution but before he could speak the wizard decided to as he got on the rock next to them...
Gale: "He's patriarch of the Szarr family. Nasty fellow, if the histories are accurate."
They make it the rest of the way across the river as the elf recalls the last 2 centuries with the very 'Nasty fellow' they speak of…
Astarion: "I imagine they are…"
He grumbles to himself for even bringing it up. It just made him feel more trapped…
They make their way down the path before he smells more blood…
Oh… great… What is it now?
Eliza's POV
Her body fills with excitement as they approach someone crouched and lit aflame.
She groans to herself as her flames burn hot.
The warlock steps forward and is ready to charge at her with killer intentions.
Wyll: "One horn. The stink of Avernus. Advocatus diaboli."
The tieflings' flames dim down as she turns to face the warlock undisturbed.
Eliza's joy cannot be contained; she wants to squeal out her name louder than she did with Scratch. But she had enough slip ups for one day… She was lucky Scratch had a tag…
The bard needed to remain calm as the tiefling spoke.
Karlach: "Well I'll be godsdamned - the Blade of Frontiers. Thought I'd shaken you for good. That'll teach me to underestimate you."
Eliza wanted to respond rationally but it was hard to hide her awe at the actual size of her…
The barbarian was huge in comparison to all of them…
Eliza: "You… You're Karlach… You're so tall… and so cool…"
The tiefling smiles with her response.
Karlach: "Aww… Aren't you the sweetest little thing? I would scoop you up and keep you if I could."
The warlock didn't seem too entertained by the idea as he stepped more in between them.
Karlach: "Bloody right, though. An honor to be chased by the Blade of Frontiers. But - agh!"
Visions flooded between their skulls as she witnessed a great heat that roared within her.
The heat, Karlach's heat, as fiery as the Hells
Her body surges and writhes instinctively as she is engulfed with terrible images of demonic armies as she tears through a landscape of fire and blood.
The Blood War.
Eliza remembered how she watched from above on the nautiloid when they passed through Avernus. Karlach was down on the front line.
The tiefling was shocked by the connection.
Karlach: "What was that?!"
Wyll: "Evidence. Proof that you are a devil, a gladiator in the archdevil Zariel's army."
Karlach raised up her arms in her defense.
Karlach: "I can explain. But it's a whole situation. If you'd just hear me out."
Their minds intertwine and another vision returns. Karlach's blade raised, slicing through devils - Zariel's servants - as her eyes darted around, seeking escape.
Her rage and desperation seeped into the bard and everyone else. She is a victim of the Blood War, not an agent of it.
Wyll: "She is trying to trick us. Don't believe her lies."
Karlach: "You saw the truth. I never wanted to serve Zariel. I was enlisted in her army against my will. Forced to fight, and fight I did. When I saw an opportunity to get away, I took it. I'm finally home - or near it, anyway."
Wyll: "You served her. That's enough to damn you."
Eliza turns to face the warlock, her mind was clear and so were her words as she spoke calmly.
Eliza: "Wyll… We all saw it and I can see she is speaking the truth."
The man's breath caught and his lips straightened. Dread twists on his face as he turns to face her with surprise in his voice.
Wyll:"You don't know what you're saying. You're asking me to trust a devil."
Her smile didn't falter as she placed a hand on the warlock's shoulder.
Eliza:"I do know what I'm saying. I don't need eyes to see she isn't a devil. You know this to be true, you saw her thoughts. I see she is terrified of returning to Avernus… I see her… don't you?"
The barbarians' fear changes into a smile with her response. Trying to convince the warlock to see her too…
Karlach:"Listen to sense, now. I don't want this to end badly for either of us. You know monsters, right? Better than anyone. Look into my eyes. Can't you see I'm not what you think?"
The warlock looks deeply for a moment, then curses to himself, and puts his blade on his back as he speaks.
Wyll:"You really are no devil are you? I've… I've been deceived."
The tiefling takes a breath of relief.
Karlach: "Thank the gods. Thoughts I was going to have to take your head."
The man laughs with his response.
Wyll: "You would've died in the attempt. But - there have been enough threats today."
Karlach: "Truce then, hey?"
Wyll: "Aye. Truce."
Eliza smiles at the scene. They are best friends and don't even know it yet. It filled her with joy as the tiefling continued.
Karlach: "I'm Karlach - but you already knew that. And you are?"
The bard gives a wide smile to her.
Eliza: "I just learned recently that my name is Elizabeth, but you can call me Eliza. I've gotten quite used to the name."
Karlach: "Well met, soldier. Nice to meet a friendly around here - it's been tough going so far. I may not be a devil, but I can put the Blade's reputation to work. How would you feel about helping me kill some evil bastards? A little background, of your moral compass need something to point at-"
The half-tiefling doesn't hesitate to interrupt; she didn't need to know anything more.
Eliza: "I don't care who they are, if they are evil to you - they are evil to me. I'm in. Lets send those fuckers back where they came from."
The barbarian's eyes widened and her face was stricken with glee.
Karlach: "Fuck yes! You're awesome! They cornered me outside the tollhouse, just up the hill. Doubt they've gone far after the scorching I gave 'em. After we've mopped them up, then we can work on evicting this parasite and take Faerûn by the short hairs. Sound good?"
The wizard spoke with a charming smile...
Gale: "She's, erm, perhaps a little rough around the edges… but I suppose I can be smooth enough for two…"
So did the rogue after he pretended like he was offended...
Astarion: "You want us to just team up with a blood- stained killer?... Because I'm fine with that."
Eliza smiles as she answers.
Eliza: "Of course. It sounds like a great plan."
Karlach: "I'd hug you if it wouldn't scorch your skin off. Hang on though - looks like you've got enough backup at your side. Not sure there's room for me."
The bard doesn't hesitate as she turns to the wizard.
Eliza: "Gale, can she take your place?"
He looked disappointed but he responded respectfully.
Gale: "I suppose that works - as you wish. I can catch up on some rest and my reading. I will see you later."
He glared at the elf for a moment and whispered something before he left. But the tiefling spoke and tore her attention away.
Karlach: "How about that - you're such a sweetheart. Alright, let's go bash in some skulls, shall we?"
Eliza: "I wouldn't have it any other way."
The barbarian stops for a moment to ask the warlock one thing before they go.
Karlach: "So. Wyll. Now that we've made peace, how about we get to know each other properly. What's your story?"
The look on the warlock's face didn't seem all too promising…
Wyll: "Not so much a story as a pantomime. And I've played my part all too poorly."
The bard thought it best to lighten the mood instead…
Eliza: "This pantomime could have ended poorly, Wyll. It's amazing Karlach didn't toast you to ashes where you stood."
Karlach: "Haha! Yes, I would have toasted him for sure. He could have gone for my throat. The fact that we're both still standing here unscathed means he's a friend. Or something close to it."
The worry leaves the monster hunter as it's replaced with a smile…
Wyll: "Thank you, Karlach. But if it brings our ally here any comfort, a reckoning's coming - and I'll be the one to pay up."
Karlach: "You make it sound like a harvester devil's coming for you, Wyll."
Wyll: "You're closer than you know. One night soon when we make camp, the veil will be lifted and I'll face my penance."
She knew what it was but she wasn't worried.
The bard only smiles brightly as she tries to give peace to the warlocks' mind…
Eliza: "Well whatever it is… we will face it together."
The man smiles down at the bard and gives her a small bow in response.
Wyll: "That is awfully kind of you, thank you. I must face this on my own, but I certainly don't mind the company."
With that, they are silent once more as the bard leads the way.
Astarion's POV
He was excited to have their newest recruit. This one seemed way more interesting the more he learned about this firey tiefling.
The whispers of the wizard still leave a sour taste in his mouth…
"Don't let her get killed under your watch again… or don't bother coming back, alright?…"
Astarion didn't give a reply, he didn't even act like he heard it…
But it played over and over again in his mind anyway…
The rogue didn't plan on ever experiencing that again…
So the wizard's words were in vain…
But that didn't mean it wasn't affecting him…
If only the wizard knew how much he was already torturing himself over it…
A loud laughter pulls him from his thoughts and he asks plainly…
Astarion: "What's so funny? You haven't got some laughing curse, have you?"
Karlach: "I really made it out of Avernus. It's incredible."
If he didn't witness her memories he would have probably called her deranged…
From getting so ridiculously excited over something he found obnoxious…
The sounds, the bugs, the beasts, the people…
...The dirt…
But after seeing everything she went through…
It is much more peaceful in comparison to a never-ending war…
He can understand...
Any form of freedom can be blissful after so long without it...
Astarion: "All right, just keep it down. We're conspicuous enough without your hyena call."
That only stirs the conversation.
It seems the tieflings are getting along swimmingly…
Were they all like that or was it just these two?
From the moment they walked up, he could practically see the glow beaming off of the bard.
Her smile told him everything before she even said a word.
She didn't fear the barbarian in the slightest, instead there was admiration…
They haven't even properly met and the bard already looks up to her.
They even talk the whole way like they have been best friend's all along.
The joy on the bard's face was clear as day as her voice beams with excitement…
Elizabeth: "It's great to finally meet you, Karlach. I'm so happy to have you with us."
The barbarian looks down at the small bard with a bright smile as well..
Karlach: "Awww… you are so cute… I could gobble you up."
The bard gasps as the tiefling stepped a little closer.
Elizabeth: "Oh my gods - you're so hot! I'm not even standing that close to you and I can feel your heat."
Her choice of words was appropriate since the barbarian was indeed… very hot…
But he couldn't help but be envious of the tieflings' attention… and bothered by the reply…
Karlach: "Be thankful for this heat, or I'd be squeezing your cute little cheeks. You just went from cute to absolutely adorable, little soldier!"
Astarion suddenly felt the urge to roll his eyes and gag at the cuteness between them…
They were acting so sweet with each other, they must be kindred spirits…
Once they reach the top of the hill, he is met with the scent of more blood. Except this blood smelt more foul and dirty…
They found more bodies of gnolls as they got closer.
They walk in the tollhouse to be met with a so-called Paladin of Tyr…
That pretended to be the victim as soon as he spotted the barbarian.
???: "Please - no more! Leave us in peace, and we shall leave you in kind."
Karlach: "Cut the crap, Anders. I know what you are."
The paladin turns to plead for the bard's mercy only to be met with the same grimace.
Anders: "Don't let her hurt us - please, we just want to go home."
Elizabeth: "Oh?… I can help you with that. I'll kill you all and send you right back to Zariel. What do you think - sound like a deal?"
I don't think anyone mentioned they were sent from Zariel…
Either way… he liked this side of her…
Her confidence and intimidating stare was heating up his insides…
He started to feel… hot…
The rogue then notices it wasn't just him…
The heat started to get hotter the more the paladin spoke. Especially, when his words turn to the bard.
Anders: "Enough - enough. I'll not play pretend anymore. Karlach, you're going home in pieces if needs must. And you - you'll soon learn what it means to ally yourself with the likes of this garbage."
A sudden burst of anger exploded unexpectedly, but it came from the one person he least expected but also expected to the most. He smiles at her fit of unbridled rage.
Eliza: "I know what garbage is and it's not her - I'm looking at it! You're going home in pieces, bitch!"
The rage only piled on as the tieflings fire burned brighter.
Karlach: "Avernus was never my home. It was my prison. I'm free now. AND I'M NEVER GOING BACK."
With a burst of rage she grips her battle ax, races around the desk, and slashes it at the paladin. He quickly draws his sword in time and barely blocks the blow.
The bard draws her sword and charges for the dwarf with a bow in the corner of the room…
The elf watches her back as he hears the screams of Karlach and Zariel's lacky.
While the warlock makes his way into the other room without so much as a word.
Until his ears perk up at the sound of the monster hunter actually struggling. Astarion feels the bard is capable of handling herself knowing how she fights.
So he left her to her own foe as he went into the other room.
He walks in to find the warlock with a knife held to his throat. She was about to make her demands but the rogue wouldn't let her. The rogue groans as he launches an arrow right at the woman's head. She fell to the ground in a dead limp as it went right through her eye.
He didn't hesitate to let the warlock have it.
Astarion: "Damn it, Wyll. How did you manage to get yourself in that situation? Your reputation as the Blade of Frontiers is failing on my end."
Wyll: "I admit… I was a little distracted. I didn't see her hiding and she got the drop on me..."
The elf laughs as he gives the warlock a sly look…
Astarion: "Well, now you owe me one. I must say, I rather like having people in my debt."
The monster hunter sighs with a hint of irritation in his voice…
Wyll: "I hate the thought of being in your debt. Hopefully your life will become endangered soon."
Before the vampire could retort he heard the shout of the barbarian…
Making his breath still and his body freeze.
Karlach: "No, little soldier! You're not dying. Not on my watch."
Without a second thought he charges into the other room to see the bard on the ground groaning in agony. She can hardly move and she clung onto life as the blood escaped her. He lost all senses as her the smell of her blood flooded the air and he watched as so much blood escaped her...
Next thing he knew…
He suddenly snapped…
His eyes then bore into the 'paladin' who was standing over her body…
And everything went dark...
Karlach's POV
She was full of rage, she couldn't think straight. Ready for blood, she didn't think that she had to protect herself. She swung violently but left herself open…
The sword was about to run her through until the bard swung her blade at his back.
The fake paladin groaned and his eyes darted behind him.
Before Karlach knew it, Anders changed the direction of his blade. She didn't have time to react before the sword ran the bard through…
The barbarian watched as the bard fell to the ground…
No!
The cute little half-tiefling…
Karlach just got to know the sweetest creature she has ever met and this monster hurt her…
This piece of garbage hurt her friend!!!
After her words left her the rest of the group raced into the room.
Her eyes lock onto the red eyed, white-haired pretty boy…
The look on his face went from horrified…
to horrifying within seconds…
She never saw so much anger in someone's eyes…
So much hatred…
Her eyes then turn back to the enemy that faced her.
Just when she was about to make her move and bring her ax down on Zariel's servant…
She watched as the elf came up from behind, bears his fangs, and bites into his neck.
A vampire?!
Karlach knew he had more to him than just looks.
But how was he walking in the sun?
She's never seen a vampire spawn bite someone… not with so much rage either…
What made him so angry?
He should have stopped by now…
But he didn't…
Karlach could hear more than screams and sounds from the pressure of his bite. She hears the tear of his flesh and the near crack of the bones under his deadly grip. The rogue has his hands gripped on the wrists of his victim. Forcing Anders to drop his sword as he screams in pain from the cracking of his bones.
The barbarian watches as her foe's eyes are slowly deprived of life. Before his eyes shut forever, the vampire rips the flesh from his neck and spits it to the ground. The elf then grips his victims arms, with a rip of flesh, and the snap of the bone both arms get torn from the shoulders.
He tossed the limbs aside and gripped onto the head with his bloody hands as body fell to its knees. The elf takes his foot, and slams it into the back of the 'paladin' with a good twist of the neck at the same time.
The body slams to the ground after the sound of flesh tearing and a bone crack…
Hardly any blood leaves the neck of the head that was still in the vampire's hands as he holds it out in front of him…
Karlach stares into the dead eyes of her enemy with glee… but with slight fear at the veracity she just witnessed of the rogue…
She then heard cracking…
…Crack…
The skull begins to redden and the eyes bulge from the sockets…
…Crack…
The jaw is unhinged and traces of blood leaks from every hole. The face becomes unrecognizable.
…Crack - Splat!…
The skull explodes in the vampire's hands…
Pieces of brains and bones fly everywhere…
And now she is met with a view of a feral look coming from him…
But he wasn't staring at her…
it was through her…
As if he wasn't himself…
His red eyes are large and menacing…
His bloody mouth agape with his white fangs still gleaming, his breathing was quick and deep.
Karlach has never seen someone so angry before...
His shoulders heaved with his heavy breath, the remains of blood and brains dripped from his clawed hands…
He finally started blinking and his eyes then looked at the tiefling with confusion…
His mouth began to close and his breathing calmed…
Then he looked at his hands that were still held out in front of him curiously…
Until suddenly, he snaps out of it as a small groan escapes the bard…
He looked down instantly and ignored the body.
His attention only landed on the little half-tiefling.
Within a flash he was quick to be by her side.
He immediately invested his energy to get her to her feet and feed her a healing potion.
Hmm…
Looks like she found her answer to the cause of the vampire's sudden burst of violence…
How… sweet…
Bloody and gruesome… but sweet…
She caught a glimpse of the horrified Blade of Frontiers…
But she wasn't in the mood to laugh…
Once the bard's energy returned, the barbarian was eager to engulf in her durning rage that refused to die despite the joy she felt that her little friend was alive and well…
Eliza's POV
(Moments ago)
She didn't think twice; she was just trying to help Karlach. Before she could breath in a gasp, the ice cold burn of the blade ran right through her chest.
The blade got ripped from her, she fell to the ground and fought for consciousness as the blood escaped her…
She didn't even have time to react…
She cursed herself for not acting quick enough…
Most of it was a blur as she sucked in every breath she could. Trying to breathe without choking on her own blood was actually a difficult task that requires most of her focus...
Eliza heard the scuffle of feet after a shout from the barbarian…
Then the screams of the man that ran a sword through her…
Then sounds she knew well enough: the tearing of flesh, the cracks of bones, and the light splatters of blood when they hit the ground…
Then silence…
Suddenly a pair of hands lightly touches her and a small surge of energy fills her enough to get to her feet. The hands still held her steady, one on her back while the other held her hand. The concerned whispers escape the person aiding her, their voice sending chills down her spine...
Astarion: "Come on, darling… Let's not die yet. Not again… No more wasted blood. Here - drink up…"
She is met with a worried expression from a pair of ruby eyes as she gets handed a healing potion from her bag.
She takes it and feels better instantly. He gave her the last of the potion from Auntie Ethel and she was healed in no time.
For a moment she almost got lost in his hold and his closeness. Until her eyes fell on a different color red...
She looked to the ground to see Zariel's servant in actual pieces. She was unphased by the sight, only for a wicked grin to find its way to her lips…
The display was almost like a form of art, her words became a quick reality...
The man got torn to pieces just like she said...
She didn't know whether to be proud or disturbed...
The whoever he was, deserved it. But, she didn't know why she would be so pleased by such a horrible sight...
Then the voice of the barbarian steals her attention before she could get lost in the rogue's gentle touches. Only for them to disappear when she doesn't need help to stand anymore. He doesn't stand too far away from her as the fiery tiefling burned hot...
Karlach: "Fuck them. Fuck Zariel. I won't go back. I'm never going back. And if any of mummy's little friends want to pick up where the others left off… they'll find nothing but a pile of ash.
Eliza gave her a smile and spoke calmly.
Eliza: "It's okay, Karlach. You won't be going back. You're safe now, I won't let Zariel touch you."
Her calming voice wasn't enough, but she didn't mind watching the rage spill from her.
Karlach: "That's right, she won't. She can't. She couldn't even lay a finger. AHAHAHAHA!"
She runs around the tollhouse spreading flame wherever her feet went, her rage burning hotter as she goes around destroying things.
The bard decided to take a step outside for some fish air as the rampage exploded for a little while. She grabbed the sword off the ground and headed for the exit. It was best to let Karlach blow off some steam. the bard was followed by two sets of footsteps out the door.
She felt eyes on her as the sun hit her face, she looked over to see the elf staring at her with a complex look…
He does stare at her a lot... It makes her face feel warm...
Instead of keeping quiet, she decided to speak.
Eliza: "Are you alright, Astarion? Is something the matter?"
He looked surprised by the questions before he looked away and confessed his thoughts...
Astarion: "Oh… I… I was just thinking. I don't know what happened back there... I walked away for a second and I came back to see you on the ground… the rest is a blur… Now I'm covered in brain matter."
She looked him over, finally noticed the blood around his mouth, on his clothes, and covered all over his hands… She only shrugs her shoulders, giving an answer and a bit of her own thoughts.
Eliza: "Unfortunately, I can't tell you. I was fighting for my life. So, I couldn't see anything. I didn't realize how quickly someone could get that close to death though… I will definitely be wiser in battle from now on… I am a little curious myself, I wonder what happened to that guy..."
The bard's eyes landed on the warlock who cleared his throat, his eyes were very wide as if he just witnessed something unholy…
Wyll: "Unfortunately, I can tell you… I saw everything…"
Loud bangs, guttural grunts, crashes, fits of laughter, and the shattering of wood can be heard from inside the tollhouse as they all stand there awkwardly in silence.
They both stare at the warlock with curiosity, but he never met their gaze; he only stared off into the distance…
Wyll: "I refuse to repeat it… It was very unpleasant…"
He then turned his gaze to meet the elf's, his eyes were distant and cold… Shocking the rogue.
Wyll: "I don't like being in your debt, Astarion… Because if I ever see you do what I just witnessed to a civilian... I will be forced to hesitate, to boil with rage as you walk away covered with the blood of the innocents. Bound by our debt until it's paid... I think it's even worse that you don't remember what happened…"
The rogue shakes his head before he looks himself over again.
Astarion: "No innocents, I have plenty from our enemies. Are you saying that I did that in there?... That explains the mess… How strange. I honestly don't remember. Everything is blank. I was just standing in front of the tiefling and a mangled body was on the floor. All I know is I feel stronger and more energized… And the bard is safe... So, I guess that's all that matters. The battle is over."
Her eyes widened and her face got warm at the mention of her safety…
The rogue tried to give a reassuring smile but the warlock still looked away in shocked daze…
Wyll: "I've seen things… terrible things… but that… That will haunt me… I never knew how terrifying you could be, Astarion."
Astarion laughs before he stares deeply at the warlock with his reply.
Astarion: "Oh my… It must have been quite something to frighten the Blade of Frontiers. Now, I'm more than curious to know what happened."
The warlock only shakes his head before he states plainly.
Wyll: "I will not indulge you any further… You will have to ask Karlach for the details… She had front row seats after all."
A large fit of laughter stops their conversation.
As if she was summoned, they back up as the door bursts open with flames pouring out from the inside. The tiefling staring at them with her breath heavy and her smile wide.
She exits and follows them as they all take their leave to stand away from the burning building.
The barbarian takes a moment to recover and speaks to the bard.
Karlach: "Phew. Had to let off a little steam after facing off with those ingots. Granted the fire's lasting a little longer than it should. How do I look?"
She is a little too truthful but also concerned for her well-being…
Eliza: "Hot… and a little bothered… You still look upset. Are you okay?"
The tiefling smiles at her in response.
Karlach: "Who, me? I'm great, cutie. This is the best day I've had in years. I'm just glad you're alright."
The barbarian takes a moment to herself in her calm space. Then looked back up to the bard with a newly brought smile.
Karlach: "Hear that?"
She pounds on her chest making mechanical sounds and the glow burns bright from her chest…
The half-tiefling stared in awe….
Impressed by its sound and power from right in front of her…
Karlach: "Infernal engine for a heart. Lets me burn as hot as the Hells. Seems to be running on overdrive since I left Avernus. Won't be seeing my mechanic anytime soon, so I'll just make the most of the extra heat. Just don't get too close 'til I've found a way to calm it down."
The fiery barbarian warned the bard, who realized she was standing too close when she got lost in watching the mechanical heart beating...
The idea struck her so she didn't think that it was too soon to ask.
Eliza: "There might be a mechanic back at the grove. I met a tiefling blacksmith, could he help you?"
The barbarian's eyes widened at her bluntness, but soon she smiled wider.
Karlach: "The first time I faced down those 'paladins,' they let slip there was an infernal mechanic in the area. A tiefling. That must be him! Sounds like a good lead. Hopefully he can help. A tune up would do this old tub a world of good. Lead on, little soldier."
She leads the way once again.
Something… or someone in particular is still on her mind…
Ever notice that Astarion watches you more than the rest? Everytime I play or watch other people's playthrough, everyone else stares ahead... While Astarion is busy staring at you... It's like he's busy trying to read you or understand you. So it made me wonder what he's really thinking when he's watching you. That was most of my inspiration to add his perspective. But we will just blame it on this obsession I have over him instead...
He's so frickin... ugh... darn...
There are so many words I wanna use, I can't chose one.
I'll just go with adorable for now...
Until next time my Lovelies!