It was midafternoon when they came across the first signs of goblin activity. A few adventurers had perished during the fight, as did a few goblins as well. Char reached down to check their pulse before rummaging through their pockets.

"What are you doing?" Gale hissed, scandalized by her. Char shrugged.

"Weren't you just lamenting that we didn't have any money for proper bedding or supplies?" Char questioned as she pulled out a small bag of coins as well as a few potions. "And they don't seem to be using it any time soon."

"But looting the dead seems a little dark," he pushed as she walked to the next corpse.

"How would you make money then? There doesn't seem to be any job offerings or postings. The druids want us gone, and those refugees can barely afford to feed themselves. Looting, at the moment, is the only way we're going to make any coin," She informed, pulling out a few more coins and a spell scroll. She even found some apples in their pack. They were a little bruised but very edible. She threw an apple towards Gale before grabbing the pack itself.

"That's very pragmatic of you," Astarion observed, looting one of the goblins. Char hummed her response as she finished her search.

"I learned early on not to waste good fortune when it comes your way," she replied before crossing the bridge ahead of them. The group followed her, looking around for another possible ambush.

An old village appeared through the trees, giving the group some hope before wrenching it away again. They had hoped for some decent food and an inn, but instead they found the decaying husk of a town that had been pillaged long ago. Inside was another goblin ambush, but Char was able to convince them to stand down on the account that she was a drow standing in the sun. Not exactly the treatment she expected from a goblin, but she accepted the truce anyway and they made their way inside the crumbling walls.

Eager to find some semblance of supplies, they split up and searched inside different houses. Wyll and Gale took the west side while Shadowheart and Laezel took the east. Char and Astarion searched the center of town, leaving them with the apothecary and the inn to check first. She was reluctant to have one on one time with the elf, but she figured it was for the best. Out of the rest of them, Astarion seemed to tolerate her the more than the others.

"I do hope they have a wine cellar," he grinned as they walked into the inn. The stench of mildew and rot assaulted her nose as they walked towards the bar.

"I'm sure we'll find something in here. You take the basement, and I'll check upstairs for some usable bedding," Char suggested as she took the place in.

"Why would you make me take the basement? It's probably disgusting down there."

"Because you just said you wanted to see if they had a wine cellar. If there were any left-over bottles from the pillaging, they would be down there. Unless you want to switch and look for camping supplies."

"Fine, I'll look for wine I guess," he sighed dramatically. "Why don't we just sleep here and use this as camp?"

"Because I'm not sure how much longer this roof is going to stay up where it is. One bad windstorm, and the tadpoles would be the least of our worries. If we can find a better house with better structure, then we can stay there."

"Alright, fine."

"Don't get all sulky on me now, there might be wine down there," Char teased. Astarion rolled his eyes but said nothing as he descended the stairs.

Char wondered if she should have told him to holler for help if he needed it, but she guessed that wouldn't put him in a better mood. She carefully navigated the rotting steps towards the rooms, careful not to fall through the floorboards.

The floors were more stable than she expected as she hugged the walls. Most of the items here were decayed, dusty, and unusable. Luckily, some of the blankets and canvas underneath the mess were in better shape. Char even found a few old packs that had mendable holes. With a little bit of thread and heat, they would be good as new.

As she stuffed a blanket into one of the packs, she heard a loud crash with some cursing coming from downstairs. Char stood and followed the sounds, treading the floorboards carefully. While descending, she could see a large hole in the floor with a pale elf gasping for breath on the edge. She stopped at the bottom of the stairs to stare at him.

"What happened?" she asked.

"This place is a godsdamned hell hole!" Astarion shouted, glaring up at her. "I was walking back to show you that I found a lovely bottle of vintage when the bloody floor gave out."

Char raised an eyebrow at his shouting before she turned to the hole. The edges crumbled a little as the dust settled. While she couldn't see all the way down the hole, she did see webs about halfway down what was visible. She inhaled and clenched her jaw. Astarion stood and brushed himself off with a huff.

"I'm lucky to be alive," he grumbled, ignoring her.

"We need to leave," she whispered. Astarion rolled his eyes.

"No, I thought this would be a lovely place to settle down," he griped, gesturing towards the inn around them. Char shook her head as she took a step back.

"We can't stay here," she insisted, unwilling to look away from the chasm. Astarion glanced between her and it, oblivious to whatever made her nervous.

"I may have been a bit dramatic when I said I was lucky to be alive," he admitted with a low grumble. "Don't tell me you're afraid of a pit."

"I'm afraid of what's in the pit, arsehole," Char hissed, glaring up at him for a moment. He went to open his mouth to retort when a loud chittering came from the darkness. The drow froze as ice settled in her veins.

"What… what's in the pit?" he asked, his voice several volumes lower.

"Spiders. Big ones. We have to leave," she answered while the chittering grew louder, echoing against the walls.

Char didn't wait for a reply when a high-pitched roar shook the building. She turned on her heel and dashed for the door, barely remembering not to drop what she had collected. Astarion called after her as she barreled through the door. The chittering grew louder as the spider grew closer as she crashed onto the street. Scrambling to her feet, Astarion caught up to her and turned around.

"Hey you two, did you find-" Gale called out as he and Wyll turned the corner. He was rudely interrupted when a spider roughly the size of a dairy cow crawled out of the inn. There was a moment of silence before Char cast several cantrips and spells towards the creature as Astarion tried to pull her away from it.

"Where the hells did that thing come from?" Wyll asked as Char continued casting.

"There's a huge tunnel underneath the floor that I fell through. I think we woke it up or something," Astarion answered, trying to shout over Char's words.

The spider reared up as a firebolt hit its face, shrieking at an ungodly level. Char stopped her casting as she threw her hands over her ears. Gale pulled out his own book and started casting as well, trying to find the few spell scrolls he had found while on their expedition.

Char let Astarion lead her away as she held her head, panic starting to set in again. She pushed it down, reminding herself that she had dealt with worse in the wilderness. She had taken down an owlbear in her youth, for gods' sake. Surely a large spider would be fine. Gathering her courage, she glanced behind her and nearly screamed as it chased after them.

"Ignis," Char shouted, almost chanting the spell as she threw firebolt after firebolt. It only managed to make the spider more aggressive.

"Would you stop?" Astarion shouted before pulling her into another building.

"What would you like to do? Run forever?" Char growled before using thunderwave to try and knock it off course. It worked, but it only slowed it down for a moment.

As they ran back to the street, Char watched as two arrows hit the rampaging creature, drawing its attention away from them. Laezel and Shadowheart must have heard the commotion as they were perched on a roof above them. Astarion took advantage of the distraction as he practically threw the sorceress into a building and quickly following her.

Char stumbled into the building as Astarion hid near the doorway. She calmed her breathing, glad to be out of the open area. Once she had caught her breath, she went to leave the building to help the others when Astarion held out his arm to stop her.

"What-"

He held a finger to his lips before nodding towards the doorway. The spider was still in the street, spitting acid and poison at their companions. Char stepped forward to help before he held her captive, wrapping his hand around her mouth.

"Calm down," he hissed when she tried to break free. "I'm no magic user, but I understand the limits of one. That thunderwave was your last spell today, and you can't argue. You nearly collapsed after it. You'd only be a hinderance right now."

"Why do you care?" Char grumbled after she ripped her head to the side.

"Because if you run out there, it will give away both our positions, and that spider seems particularly angry at you and me right now," he explained. "Although, I think it might turn its ire on Laezel."

Char wanted to fight him on it, but she knew that he was right. She had spent most of her magic when it first appeared out of panic. Even with her cantrips, she wouldn't help turn the tide of battle more than the other four would on their own. Instead, she stayed with the elf and waited as the battle raged on.

Soon, the spider fell in the street as it leaked its toxic blood. Char stepped out of the building with Astarion behind her as they met away from the carcass. Shadowheart examined everyone for injuries as Gale speculated the origin of the spider. With the coloring, he suggested it came up from the Underdark. Char did her best to ignore the dead creature as Wyll walked up to her.

"Are you okay?" he asked, resting his hand on her shoulder.

"I'm fine, I have a few scrapes, but I'll live," Char reassured.

"That's not what I mean. I don't think I've seen that level of terror in a while," Wyll mentioned, guiding her away from the group a little. Char shrugged before she sighed.

"I don't do well with spiders," she chuckled, shaking her head. "You're welcome to laugh as well, I might be the only drow in the world with arachnophobia."

"Phobias aren't something to laugh at."

"Ironies are," she countered before she smiled. "I appreciate your concern. Let's just steer clear of anymore giant spiders, and I'll be right as rain."

"Why don't we make camp? It's already pretty late in the day," Gale suggested as Char glanced at the sky briefly.

"Agreed, we can continue in the morning," Wyll nodded before he went with Gale to find a suitable area. Char clenched her jaw as she gave the spider a wide berth, following her party. Astarion followed close behind her, giving the spider a kick for good measure.

~C~

Char sat near the campfire as she brought her knees under chin. Gale idly talked as he cooked, mostly asking questions about her sorcery and her life. He gave glimpses of his own answers as well, keeping up the exchange of idle information. He learned that she was from the Underdark but was raised on the surface in a cabin in the woods by her father. She learned that he was born and raised in Waterdeep where he went to the best schools to become a wizard. He seemed a little perturbed by magic coming so easily to her, but he never held it against her.

The more they chatted, the more Char was able to relax. She leaned back on her arms as she crossed her legs in front of her. Gale was telling her a story about summoning a tressym in his youth and how she had changed his life. Char listened intently as she wondered how much of her life she wanted to give away.

"Do you have any family waiting for you?" Gale asked plainly. Char shrugged as she leaned forward again. She went over her options in her mind before she shook her head.

"Not anymore," Char lied as she shrugged. She realized that she might regret that later, but she didn't know Gale that well, and admitting that she had people close to her didn't seem to be in her best interest. "I had a small group once upon a time, but they're not around anymore."

"Not around anymore?"

"Being gifted with a long life sometimes feels like a curse. They passed several years ago, two on a job and the other surrounded by family. But what about you? Any family or friends waiting for you?"

"My mother is in Waterdeep, but she rarely hears from me. Although even she has her limits before she gets worried. Hopefully we'll find somewhere I can send a letter."

"I think she would like that," Char smiled, her heart sinking. If only she had gotten word that Korinn was okay. She hoped she was going to be okay. "We'll find a way to get home."

"I'm sure we will. Especially with that pragmatism of yours," Gale teased.

"Just trying to survive," Char chuckled before she stood. She wanted to get some fresh air before Gale asked more personal questions. "I'm going to wash up before dinner. Holler when it's ready?"

"I'll let you know," Gale agreed.

~C~

The drow made her way down to the river away from camp and took off her boots. After rolling up her pant legs, she waded into the water, feeling the rocks and sand beneath her toes. She took a few soothing breaths before she heard soft footsteps with a familiar scent.

"What brings you out here?" She asked as she turned toward the bank. Astarion had stepped out of the tree line when she caught him. He cleared his throat.

"I wanted to make sure that you aren't going to drown out here by yourself," he quipped, gathering his composure. She rolled her eyes with a sigh.

"So, you're stalking me now?"

"Partly. Not many are able to notice me when I'm trying to be quiet."

"Hmm," she replied, unimpressed. "Maybe try a different cologne, or step lightly?"

"You don't like my cologne?"

"I could smell you before I heard you," Char continued, crossing her arms. "That technique might work in the city, but not in the wilderness."

"And what would you know?" he scoffed. Char huffed a laugh, a smirk splaying across her face.

"Look, pretty boy, I lived in the forest probably longer than you've been alive," she spat. He rolled his eyes as she stepped out of the river. "Alright, how about a little wager? If I can steal your dagger without you noticing, I win. If you steal my dagger without me noticing, you win."

"Finally, something fun. What's the prize?"

"Bragging rights?"

"Darling, I need something I little more substantial than that."

"Don't have much else on me, unless you want ten gold. Bragging rights seem more worthwhile, especially out here."

"Fine, then if I win, then I get one request, no strings attached," he suggested.

"You want a favor?"

"Yes, a favor."

"Alright, and if I win, then you owe me a favor," Char added. Astarion's jaw clenched for a second before he smirked.

"Deal," he agreed as Char rummaged through her bag. "How would you like to start?"

Char smiled before she threw down a bottle, sending up a fog cloud. Once it was thick enough, she silently dashed into the woods. She jumped onto a branch, quickly climbing up as she grabbed the sap and pine needles on her way up. She could hear Astarion cough briefly before noticing that she was gone.

She used the sap and needles to cover her scent before she moved on to the next tree, carefully jumping onto the next branch. There was a small shake that rustled the leaves, but Astarion ran beneath her unaware of her position. Once he was far enough away, she descended back onto the forest floor, finding light footprints in the dirt. He was probably used to sneaking around on cobblestone roads instead of the deep forest.

Carefully, she followed him, blending in with the shadows as she caught up to him. Char kept her distance as she observed him. She expected to see him exhibit tracker techniques or something. Instead, he almost took on an animalistic quality. He sniffed the air and the dirt alike, still careful not to get his clothes dirty. Astarion looked more like a tracking dog than a ranger.

Eventually, they made it back to camp when Astarion cursed, realizing that he had followed her scent back to camp. He had found the old trail, not the new one. Char ascended the tree near her when Astarion started to back track. His eyes had a wild quality. They were wider than she usually saw him as they darted around. He listened for a moment before walking beneath her again.

Once he had gone ahead, she followed him again, but this time she grew closer to him. Char monitored his movements as she carefully reached for his dagger. Just as it left the sheath, Astarion felt the slight movement and rounded on her. Fear coursed through her as he hissed at her, pushing her down to the ground. She held the dagger close, but he held her arms down at her sides, keeping them from attacking him. Before she could comprehend what had happened, she felt teeth at her neck.

Char could hear her heartbeat in her ears as time started to move again. Astarion was rigid above her as he bit her neck. It wasn't enough to draw blood, but it was strong enough where she was concerned that he might rip out her jugular. They both froze as both tried to relax.

"Astarion?" Char murmured, barely audible to her own ears. After a moment, Astarion released her neck as he started to get off her. He kept his grip on her arms as she tried to wave the dagger. "I win?"

"What?" he whispered as he breathed heavily. His eyes didn't have the same crazed look, but instead he seemed scared.

"Our game? I win?" Char tried again with a forced smile. She was trying to break the tension, even if it didn't seem to work. Astarion just stared at her, waiting for her to do something. "I got your dagger."

"I pinned you to the ground," he informed as if she didn't know what was going on.

"That wasn't the terms of our agreement. I said if I grabbed your dagger, I won."

"But I pinned you to the ground. With my teeth."

"Yes, you did. Not my favorite retaliation, but I'm not bleeding," Char countered, starting to relax. He wasn't going to kill her. He would have done it already if he had any intention.

"That's all you're going to say after I nearly ripped out your throat?"

"What do you want me to say? 'Oh please, mister vampire, please don't kill me'?" Char begged dramatically, making herself smile. Astarion was not amused. "You would have killed me if you wanted to. I'm breathing, so obviously, you don't want to kill me. Although, if I had known that this was your reaction, I wouldn't have offered that wager."

"You… you knew I was a vampire?" he asked.

"More of guessed, but yeah. You have fangs, dear. Paired with the red eyes and the fact you won't consume anything but wine in our presences didn't help either."

"Did you plan to expose me like this?" he growled, growing angry.

"Expose you? Astarion, no one but us is around. Who would I expose you to? Seems like a poor way to do it. Honestly, I thought I was jumping to conclusions. You do walk in the sun, or is that a myth?" Char rambled before she started to shift. "I am losing circulation in my arms, so if you would get off, I would appreciate it."

Astarion scanned her face for a moment before removing himself to sit on his heels beside her. Char sat up slowly, rubbing her arms after returning his dagger.

"I'm not supposed to be able to be in the sun," he answered as Char nodded.

"Is that related to the tadpole then?"

"I think so."

"Alright. Still need to drink blood?" She wondered before he nodded slightly. "When was the last time you've eaten? I'm guessing from your sudden attack that it's been a minute."

"Would you stop being so calm about this?" Astarion nearly shouted, surprising Char. "I just tried to kill you! I almost bled you dry!"

"But you didn't. You had control enough to stop and not kill me. I'm alive with a few bruises probably, but nothing permanent," Char tried to reassure as he shook his head. "Unless you did want to kill me and decided not to at the last minute."

"No, I didn't want to kill you."

"Then from what I'm hearing, I surprised you and you defended yourself. I don't see any issues. Just don't try to kill me in the future."

"You trust me not to kill you?" he asked. Char stared at him and shrugged.

"I'll be honest. I don't know you, but I also don't know anyone in our group. Not well enough to trust any of you more than necessary. You just proved to me that you are willing to defend yourself but not kill me. So, I trust you enough that you won't kill me senselessly."

"And if I have a reason to kill you? What then?"

"I guess we'll cross that bridge when we get there. For now, let's get back to camp, I bet dinner's almost done," Char added as she stood. As she turned, Astarion grabbed her arm, gentler than when he had her pinned.

"Are you going to tell them that I'm a vampire?"

"No, that's not my secret to tell. If you want me to, then I can. Otherwise, I'll leave it to you."

"So, since you won, what favor do you want to ask for?" Astarion wondered as he let her arm go. Char started walking next to him as she thought.

"I don't know. It'll probably be something like you have to take the first watch one night or something. Why, what was your favor?"

"I was going to wait for a moment to use it, I suppose. Make you do something embarrassing, most likely."

"That's very you," Char chuckled. "The idea was to keep it very low stakes. I was hoping it would be more of a game."

"I suppose I ruined the game."

"Then we'll just have to think of a new one," she reassured with a wink before they walked the rest of the way to camp.