Char walked away from the corpse to let her party loot it. Usually, Astarion would be first in line, but he knew better than most what that fury felt and looked like. She leaned against the wall with her daggers clutched in her fists. She stared at the vampire as he walked up to her. She said nothing, waiting for the inevitable questions.

How many people have you bedded? Do you have lovers, or just one-night stands? Haven't you heard of protection? How many children do you actually have? Are the tabloids true? Would you bed me if I asked, since I'm adventuring with you now?

Char had heard it all, and more still. She waited for Astarion to ask the questions as well. They all asked eventually. Everyone was so curious about how she got such a reputation, especially for how young she was. Six children were the highest she had heard yet, and she wondered if Minthara was just trying to rile her up. It had worked at any rate.

Astarion stood next to her and leaned against the wall before crossing his arms. He wasn't sure where to start, but he knew he had to say something. He stared at the floor as he felt the anger simmer within the drow. He swallowed, finally finding the words.

"Are you okay?" he whispered.

Char's brain short circuited as she looked at him. He glanced at her, seeing her surprised face. She blinked a few times before she shrugged and brushed it off.

"I'll be fine. She can't hurt me anymore," she admitted, gesturing to the corpse on the floor. Astarion sighed, seeing their companions plotting their next step. "She caught me off guard. Those tabloids came out so long ago, I didn't think anyone would've remembered them."

"Seemed that she was a fanatic."

"On that we agree," Char chuckled before she groaned. "But we didn't even get to learn anything useful from her. I attacked her at the slightest provocation."

"I think that attack was warranted, darling. I don't know many words in your language, but I knew the ones that she used," Astarion sighed with a frown. Char exhaled, shaking her head. "She was a nasty piece of work."

"We'll just have to figure out where the druid is on our own, I guess."

"I'm sure it can't be that hard to find him. I'm sure we'll find a bright trail of flowers leading us right to him," he teased. Char smiled, glancing at her shoes.

"Thank you," the drow whispered, turning to look up at him. He raised an eyebrow.

"For what?"

"For not asking questions about it right away."

"Darling, you don't have to thank me for valuing your privacy. I know you well enough that you will tell me what you want me to know," Astarion reminded, tapping her nose. Char rolled her eyes but grinned all the same. "Besides, I know better than to believe what's in the tabloids. It's good gossip, but it's all fabricated."

"And how would you know?"

"I've been a vampire a long time, darling. One tends to get bored from time to time."

"So, you sell lies to the tabloids?"

"Harmless lies, I promise," he winked. Char chuckled, elbowing him gently in his armored ribs. He snickered before looking away.

Char surprised herself when she felt herself relaxed around him. Usually when her dirty rumors came to light, she was guarded and irritable. Of course, that was generally do to unsavory men and uncouth women thinking they could get an easy lay. In truth, she had ever only bedded one person, and he was the father to her two children.

The drow glanced up at Astarion, and she wondered how he would react if she told him the truth about her daughters. She generally kept them under wraps from new acquaintances because of the terrible rumors and her evil mother. Plus, drow half-elves were a rarity, which presented its own dangers in the wrong circles. Could she fully trust Astarion with this truth of hers? He had been so kind to her, and she would be lying if she hadn't felt something stronger towards him.

Astarion caught Char staring, and he smiled down at her. She had been staring at him a lot lately, and he was glad about it. The more she fell for him, the more she would protect him. When she was focused and enraged enough, she was a formidable foe. With enough allies behind her, Cazador didn't stand a chance. Astarion just needed to solidify her trust with him, and she would be his ticket to freedom.

However, the moment was interrupted when Karlach whistled to get their attention. She threw the drow armor at Char, who frowned. Char hadn't expected them to strip Minthara during their looting. Although, she had to admit the drowcraft was impressive.

"It does look about your size," Astarion mentioned. Char sighed, realizing that it would probably be best if she changed.

"Do you think I could pass as her, and we could infiltrate that way?" Char wondered. Astarion glanced between the drow and the corpse before tilting his head back and forth.

"I mean, if you did your hair like hers, you could get by until someone got up close. You don't sound like her either," Astarion admitted. Char shrugged before handing him her daggers and took off her robe. She slid into the drow armor quickly, noting that it did fit almost perfectly.

"I don't feel great taking it, but it's better protection than my robe," Char admitted as she folded up her robe and placed it in her pack.

"You look banging in it, though!" Karlach cheered, causing Char to blush. Char waved her off as she laughed.

"What else did she have?" Char wondered.

"Nothing super interesting. Shadowheart called dibs on her mace, but she didn't have much aside from that. Here's hoping the other leaders have something more interesting," Karlach mentioned as she passed, playfully hitting Char's now armored shoulder. Char smiled and nodded, used to the gruesome talk from her past adventures.

Astarion kept Char toward the back as he promised, keeping her out of close-range combat. Eventually, he would teach her how to use a bow. She had mentioned that she used to use a crossbow when she lived in the forest, but it had been so long since she last used one. Maybe he could give her a one-on-one lesson one night soon. He also favored the side of her scarred eye, making sure that she didn't have any open blind spots.

Wyll and Karlach led the charge into the main chamber where Dror Ragzlin was trying to raise the dead. Wyll tried to get Karlach to attack, but she was rather interested in what the mindflayer had to say. Once it pointed them out as the prism bearers though, all bets were off. Char braced for a fight as Karlach charged, successfully catching the hobgoblin off guard.

Again, another interaction with a leader without any leads to the whereabouts of the archdruid. Char was starting to wonder if the druid was even here still as she sighed. There was one leader left, and Char guessed that the goblin priestess was going to be the least helpful. But she also had guessed that the drow was going to be the most helpful, so she clearly had no idea.

However, as they walked in to the sanctum to talk to Gut, the goblins immediately attacked. Char groaned, realizing that they probably heard the commotion with Dror in the other room. Which meant that once the goblins were dead, they were going to have to search the whole place from top to bottom for the archdruid. That did not sound like an enjoyable time.

As soon as the final goblin fell, Char stretched out her back as she took stock in her magic. It had been depleted from use, but she had just enough for one more fight, if it came to that. She hoped it didn't, but she didn't know what the temple had in store for them. As they regrouped, Wyll mentioned that he had seen a room they hadn't gone into yet, and that was the most promising clue yet.

The party followed Wyll through the corridors to what was probably the embalming suite. Char grimaced, but they treaded on and into the goblins' makeshift prison. The stench was nearly unbearable when they walked in. It was a foul smell of feces and rotten flesh, and Char nearly gagged when she saw the bear being held captive across the room.

"Why do the goblins have a bear captive?" she asked Wyll, who shrugged.

"Goblins aren't the most logical creatures, but they aren't smart enough to catch a bear usually," Wyll admitted.

"Do you think that might be our druid?" Char wondered.

"I bet you're right," Shadowheart agreed with a nod. Char steeled herself as she walked down the cell. There were two goblin children with a guard, and all three of them were tormenting the poor animal.

"What in the hells? Stop that!" Char shouted as she heard the bear roar after a loud thump. A large rock had hit the bear in the head as the goblins cheered. When she got close, the guard turned on her and attacked. Char countered the blow and stepped back, hoping that her companions had backed her up.

Within moments, spells and arrows were launched across the room as the bear broke free of his confines. He swiped at the two goblin children, knocking both of them dead instantly. Char reminded herself not to piss off any bears in the future after seeing the gruesome act. She threw another few spells as Astarion finally sidled next to her, sending the arrows flying through goblin skulls. Once the worgs were put down, the battle waned, and Char breathed a sigh of relief. With the temple cleared, the druids and the refugees were safe. Plus, they would be able to get the archdruid out safely.

The drow turned as she watched the bear, as she expected, start to transform back into a person. What she expected was an older man, wise beyond his years with grey hair and possibly a beard. More of an Elminster character, if you would. Instead, Char watched as the bear turned into the largest elf man she had ever seen, and possibly the most attractive wood elf she had ever known. She swallowed as he shook off the blood and guts with a sigh.

"Pardon the viscera. One should cherish all of nature, but I'm afraid goblins are far down the list," he joked with a hearty laugh. Char laughed with him as her companions gathered around her. Astarion didn't laugh. "I owe you my thanks. Not many would save a bear, let alone let it loose. I am Halsin."

"You're Master Halsin?" Char replied, a little taken aback. She had assumed that she had found another druid from the grove. She did not expect the elf before her to be the archdruid they had been searching for. Halsin laughed.

"Yes, but just Halsin, please. I won't demand honorifics from someone who rescued me," the druid smiled.

"Well, my name is Char. This is Astarion, Gale, Shadowheart, Laezel, Karlach, and Wyll," Char introduced, pointing to each of her companions. "We came as soon as we could. As much as I would like to say we came to save you out of the kindness of our hearts, we need your help."

"My help? I hope the battle hasn't left you in too much peril," he teased before he raised his hand. Earthly magic poured from his palm as he investigated Char's claim. She closed her eyes, letting the magic flow over her. Halsin jerked his hand away before placing his right hand over his heart. "You're infected, aren't you? With the mindflayers parasite?"

"Nettie from the grove said that you might be able to help," Char mentioned, trying not to sound too desperate. Halsin hummed.

"I have studied them up close, but I'm sorry to say I can't cure you," Halsin replied. Char's heart sank to her stomach as her face fell. They were back to square one. Halsin held up his hand placatingly. "But that doesn't mean I can't help."

"What do you mean?"

"I over heard the cultists. They're the ones who have been infecting people with the parasites, calling the infected True Souls. Then they send these people to a place called Moonrise Towers. I believe that's the source of the magic," Halsin continued as Char nodded. It wasn't what she wanted to hear, but a lead was better than nothing. She still needed to get to Baldur's Gate as soon as possible, but she hoped that maybe the towers were on the way to the city.

"You seem to know a lot about our condition," Char mentioned as she stared up at the elf. "Would you come with us? To Moonrise and help us with these tadpoles?"

"I would be glad to, but I must check on the grove first. I've left it alone for too long, and I need to make sure that everything is righted," Halsin answered as Char exhaled a sigh of relief. Although she could feel Astarion's anxiety spike, and she couldn't understand why. Help was good in a situation such as this. "Meet me at the grove, and we'll take care of your parasite problem."

"Thank you," Char replied before Halsin turned into an eagle and flew out. Char watched in awe, forgetting how majestic druids could be. She hadn't traveled with a druid since her first adventuring group, and she was glad to soon be traveling with another.

As she turned back towards her party, she noticed that they all looked a bit haggard. With the goblins taken care of, the temple would work as a temporary camp for the night. She urged them to find a spot to sleep and they could head to the grove in the morning, or wherever else they needed to go. Laezel piped up and reminded them about the creche, to which Char appeased saying that she hadn't forgotten. They would go after they collected the druid, to which Astarion scoffed. Char glanced at him, surprised by his outburst. The rest of the group found their spots and got ready to bed down for the night.

When Char had finished her evening preparations, she glanced around for Astarion. She was going to offer her blood again, but he wasn't in the room with the rest of them. Most everyone else had started to fall asleep, so she had ventured out to see if Astarion was in the temple still.

As she walked into the room where the dead mindflayer was, she could see the vampire high in the rafters. She sighed before she climbed the tall ladder, hoping that she didn't fall. She was going to be really annoyed if she had to get Shadowheart to fix a broken back after everything.

Once she was up, she walked over and sat next to the vampire, who hardly noticed that she was there. Char waited for him to acknowledge her, but he said nothing as he stared ahead as if she were merely a ghost. Eventually, she caved, nudging his shoulder with hers.

"What's wrong?" she asked quietly, knowing that her voice was going to carry here.

"Just wanted to be alone after being with our little band all day," he sneered, side eyeing her. Char did her best to keep a straight face. He was brooding, but she just didn't know why. She hoped that he would maybe say something else or maybe explain, but he kept silent. With a sigh, she went to stand, careful not to fall off the rafters. "I saw Halsin caught your eye today."

"Hmm?" Char replied, a little surprised by the comment. She sat back down fully, turning towards him. He didn't meet her gaze. "Well, I suppose he did. I was expecting a frail old man to be the archdruid. Not, well, Halsin."

"Halsin is more your type?" Astarion asked plainly. Char faltered at that, not sure if that was true. Her husband had been of average build and height, but he once had a kind face. Honestly, Char wasn't sure she had a type.

"I wouldn't say so, no," Char admitted. That got Astarion to turn to her. "I wouldn't say I had a type, really."

"I see," Astarion hummed.

"Who's your type, Mr. Mysterious?" Char teased. Astarion scoffed, slightly annoyed by her. She nudged him again, getting him to roll his eyes.

"I'm not sure I have a type either," he grumbled, glaring at her through a side glance. Char smiled at that, still a little confused on why he was so irritated.

"Types are overrated, anyway. People can be attracted to so many different traits, why categorize it? Anyway, why the sudden questions? I didn't think you would care if we added another to our group," Char remarked. Astarion bit his tongue, hoping to not say something he'd regret later. "He seems knowledgeable enough, and he could be helpful to get these things out of our heads."

"He's fine," Astarion relented, wanting her to go back to the group so he could sulk in peace. Char raised an eyebrow at him.

"Uh huh," she replied. Another moment of silence enveloped them as she kicked her feet a little as she sat on the edge of the rafter. "I was going to let you have a little bit more of my blood if you were interested-"

"I'm not hungry."

"What? My resident vampire isn't hungry for blood?"

"Your vampire? That's rich after making goo-goo eyes at the druid," Astarion snapped, glaring at her. Char blinked twice before it clicked.

"That's what this is about? Are you jealous of Halsin?" Char asked as Astarion started to retreat. He definitely did not want to have this conversation. Char stood to follow. "Hold on, Astarion, wait."

"We're not talking about this," he informed sternly, walking towards the far ladder.

"I think we should talk about this," Char countered as she stayed on his heels. He flexed his jaw, trying to at least get on the ground before he argued with her. The last thing he needed was one of them falling from the ceiling.

"There's nothing to talk about."

"I disagree. I think there's a lot we should talk about."

"And I am not interested in that conversation," Astarion countered as he started down the ladder. Char huffed, following him down. Gods above, he was infuriating.

"And yet, the conversation should be had. Good communication is key to any kind of relationship, from friendship to coworkers," Char reminded as Astarion touched the ground. He didn't even wait for her to get to the ground before he started to walk away.

"And I think we already have great communication. We're talking right now," Astarion deflected as he walked out the room. Char chased after him, jogging to catch up. She grabbed his hand, which he yanked away, but it did get him to stop on the bridge between the main halls and turn towards her.

"I want to know why you're jealous of Halsin," she stated plainly. Astarion gritted his teeth and pursed his lips before shaking his head.

"And I don't want to have this conversation."

"I know, but I think if we talk about it, you'll feel better."

"There's a good chance that I'll feel worse," Astarion countered bitterly. Char crossed her arms, matching his energy.

"Then I guess you'll never know unless you find out. Because I'm betting you'll feel better."

"Ah, another bet?"

"If you think you're up to the challenge," Char smirked, tilting her head to the side. Astarion stared at her and cursed her in his mind. Damn her wiles, he was always taking his guard down around her. She held out her hand as if to shake on it. He stared at it, but then decided against it.

"No deal, darling," he chuckled darkly, gently slapping the hand away.

Char frowned and took a step back, irritated that he wouldn't play her game. She did enjoy antagonizing him, but she didn't like when he ran away. Besides, a game or a bet always distracted her enough to cheer her up. However, the step she took found a rotten board and a rusted nail, and her foot fell through. Her eyes widened as she tried reaching for Astarion, but he had backed up as well. Confusion and disbelief kept her quiet as he faced away from her.

When Astarion looked up, she was gone.

"Darling?"

Astarion glanced around, confused. She was a stubborn woman, she wouldn't just leave, and she wasn't that quick either. That's when he heard a soft thump beneath him and then a familiar chittering. He looked down to see Char on the ground below him with two more gigantic spiders. He cursed as he ran his hands through his hair. What was it with this place and the fucking spiders?