Astarion adjusted his ring before he left the safety of the gothic monstrosity that is Cazador's mansion. His master gave him the ring to blend in with the locals in the sun, using Astarion to spy on the political happenings within the council. With his history as magistrate, Cazador used him to find the best way to blackmail and control from the shadows.
However, his newest mission was different. The spawn was tasked with locating a lost book named the Necromancy of Thay, thought to be lost to time. Cazador heard word from his Sharran spy that it did exist and a Bhaalist now had it in their possession. With some research and hard work, Cazador's lackeys found that there was a politician that was high in the Bhaalist temple hierarchy.
That was where Astarion's mission resided. He would use his rank as High Magistrate to learn which politician was the Bhaalist and exploit them. Cazador gave him free reign over the task just as long as the book was retrieved. While it was better than the usual command, Astarion still loathed the control the vampire had over him. There also wasn't a deadline this time. Cazador never was a patient man, but he needed this to go smoothly. That alone sparked Astarion's own interest in the tome.
Today, he was visiting a Council member's home in the Upper City for some party, most likely a fundraiser. Politicians loved begging those around them to fund their rise to power, even if it took the disguise of charity. He paused a moment as he saw the sun begin to set between two of the buildings. Cazador kept him in the dark for nearly a century before trusting him with the ring he wore. It protected him from the sunlight, but that was the extent of the magic. He still couldn't cross running water, nor could he enter a home uninvited. Still, the sun was always a pleasant sight.
He soon arrived at the Ravengard estate along with the other guests flittering around him. The Grand Duke stood at the door, greeting each guest politely and kindly. Astarion wondered why the Duke insisted on seeing everyone inside, but he smiled all the same when it was his turn to enter.
"Ah, Master Ancunin! So good of you to make it," the human greeted as Astarion bowed his head slightly.
"I could hardly refuse an invitation from the Grand Duke," Astarion replied jovially, shaking the Grand Duke's hand.
"All the same, please, come in and make yourself at home," Ravengard chuckled before gesturing inside. Astarion bowed his head again before he ducked into the home.
The mansion's grandness continued inside as some of the most influential people wandered around the halls. Astarion grabbed a glass of wine off a nearby tray and began to make his rounds. He had solidified his place in the structure, gossiping and chatting with the allies he had made already. This wasn't the first excursion to learn info on the Bhaalist cult, so many had grown accustomed to Astarion's interest in religion. He always said he was curious about the different sects within Baldur's Gate, listening as people preached at him.
He would appear the avid listener as he focused on their facial details. He could tell from certain cues whether the person was lying. So far, he had found a couple Selunites, Lathanderians, and a few followers of Ilmater. All were truthful and honest, very excited someone took an interest in their beliefs. Most were passive on religion, but they weren't lying either. No sign of Bhaal or his followers.
He grabbed a second glass of wine to nurse as he branched out, meshing with open conversations to keep him relevant within the circles. He had to make appearances in order to keep the political alliances he had. Most of his allies were only interested in getting on his good side to keep their best interests out of the courts. He would oblige, hardly interested in creating more work for himself. He would be careful not to always sway to every decision, lest those in power see him as a doormat. He still had a reputation to maintain. He often found the balancing act exhausting, but he would do as Cazador commanded.
"Astarion," a harsh whisper broke through the crowd as he meandered. He turned to see one of the aids of the council members beckoning him over. Astarion glanced around before walking up to the half elf man. They had gossiped before, the half elf, Allan, interested in sharing juicy details on different affairs and scandals.
"New drama?" Astarion asked, his eyes bright and smile wide. New drama was always a treat, as most politicians always spread the same old rumors with nasty new twists. The news would grow stale fast, but there wasn't usually something going on. However, for this aid to pull Astarion aside specifically meant something good. Allan nodded eagerly.
"The rumor is that Councilwoman Gallanth is bringing her daughter tonight," the half elf explained in a hushed tone. Astarion raised an eyebrow, unsure on how this was gossip. "Gallanth has never mentioned having a daughter, but from what I've heard, she's never been introduced to the higher society."
"I didn't realize that Gallanth was married," Astarion remarked, his attention peaked. Councilwoman Nosilna Gallanth was the only drow to ever serve on Baldur's Gate High Council, and she had kept her seat for nearly two hundred years. Astarion remembered being present at her swearing-in ceremony.
"That's the kicker, she's not. Now, I don't know much about drow culture, but I'm surprised that she's bringing her daughter here and now," Allan continued. "And it's said that she's at a marriageable age. It could be that Gallanth is seeking a future in-law."
"Now that is new gossip," Astarion grinned. With this newest distraction of a young drow present, people would let their guards down around him. He was old hat compared to new drama. People often spilled the most when they were properly distracted. "Who else have you told?"
"Just you."
"Just me? Oh, Allan, I'm touched," the vampire grinned as he went for a sip of his wine.
"I thought you might be interested to know, seeing she's around your age," Allan added suggestively. Astarion nearly saved himself from choking on his wine when he narrowed his eyes at the aid.
"Meaning?"
"Meaning that if Gallanth is looking for a spouse for her daughter, you might be at the top of the list," Allan answered with a tease. Astarion grimaced, reminding himself that he needed to be civil.
"I'm hardly looking to settle down, I'm happy with where I'm at," Astarion informed as Allan rolled his eyes.
"I hear that she's quite a looker."
"Enjoy the party, Allan."
Astarion wandered back into the crowd, keeping an eye out for Councilwoman Gallanth.
~U~
Luastra pulled at her dress collar as she rode across her mother in their carriage. Her mother reminded her that this was a place to be civilized and polite. No matter what was said or done, Luastra would be on her absolute best behavior. Nosilna even checked her daughter for hidden daggers before they entered the carriage. She could probably keep the urge at bay for one evening. Probably.
Soon, the carriage arrived at the Ravengard estate, and her mother stepped out first, letting the driver help her to the cobblestones. Luastra followed in suite, trying to come across as the privileged child that everyone expected her to be. She was kept out of the limelight for so long, but her mother started to think it would be better for her daughter to mingle among the patriars. Plus, Nosilna thought it was time for her daughter to find a partner. It would be good politically, and Nosilna had started to worry about Luastra. She had stayed in the shadows too long with her father. She was a child of both worlds, and it was time to introduce her to the Upper City.
Nosilna greeted the Duke at the door as Luastra took in the strange architecture. She had seen the Upper City before, but she never had a chance to see the buildings for what they were. Besides, she was much more interested in the walls than talking to an uppity human about their little party. Nosilna introduced her daughter, to which Luastra smiled and bent her knees slightly as her mother taught her. It apparently was a very formal greeting for a woman to bend her knees before straightening back up.
Luastra followed behind her mother as she greeted and introduced, a fake smile plastered across her face. It was only for a few hours at most, and then she would return to her den to continue her father's work. He had tasked her with an assassination, but her mother had negotiated that Luastra at least have a few hours to spend at the party. It was in his best interest that she grows accustomed to the political world as well. The more he had control of the city, the better.
As her mother chatted away, laughing with a coworker, Luastra casually scanned the room. The wine was flowing, encouraging people to act erratically and foolishly. She pushed her urge down, knowing here was not the place to make an offering. She would behave as her mother expected her to, then she would satisfy the urge with a quick assassination. However, a pair of red eyes cut through the crowd and her blood ran cold.
A pale elf with silver hair stared at her behind a wine glass before breaking eye contact. Luastra continued to watch him, surprised that he had singled her out. His eyes made her uneasy, as if he had known exactly who she was. Her mother made a comment, breaking Luastra out of her trance as the patriar laughed. When she looked back, he was gone. Seeing as her mother was occupied, she slipped away into the crowd to a shadowed wall, grabbing her own wine on her way. She leaned against the wall, acting bashful and shy.
The man didn't stay hidden for long as he wandered the hall, greeting and smiling as he went. Luastra narrowed her eyes to him, realizing that he wasn't playing the part of a guest. This man was a bestial predator, and he was hunting for something as he wandered. She wished that they were on the street where she could follow and corner the hunter. Let him know what it was like to be hunted.
Clenching her teeth, she shoved the feeling away. She would be the master of her urge, not killing and maiming as she went. She hated the urge to kill, and she wished that it would go away most days. Sometimes it would consume her, and she would wake up covered in blood and viscera. She blinked away the dark thoughts and watched the hunter stalk his prey, but she noticed that he didn't seem to find what he was looking for.
Moving away from the shadows, she gracefully moved through the crowd, careful not to draw any attention to herself. She would avoid eye contact from the strangers as she hunted the strange elf with red eyes. Her mother was still making the rounds, hardly noticing that Luastra had gone her own way.
Suddenly, the man turned out onto an empty balcony and Luastra's glee sung before a warning flashed in her mind. This was no foolish drunk looking for air. He might have seen her, leading her into a trap. Now that wouldn't do. The urge surfaced again, suggesting that she sneak up and push him off the railing onto the cobblestones far below. Again, she shoved the urge away and found a place to monitor the balcony, staying away from the clear trap. Eventually, he would have to return to the hall, and she would catch him off guard.
~U~
Astarion had noticed the newcomer through the crowd and found that he couldn't take his eyes off her. Sure, Allan was right, she was gorgeous. Exactly the type that Cazador would have him prey on before his master found him a higher purpose. Her white hair was done in an intricate bun that cascaded down her charcoal skin in a beautiful contrast to her black gown. However, it wasn't her beauty that drew him in. It was an instinctual alert that kept tabs on her.
The young elf seemed to casually glance around the room, but Astarion could feel danger radiating off her. If they had been on the street, he would have turned around and left the area. Every instinct he had told him to leave and stay clear of her. As he took a sip, her amethyst eyes reached his and she stared. He held her gaze for a moment, frozen in place. Her mother distracted her for a moment, and Astarion used the break to disappear further away from her.
Once he had taken a step back, he wondered if she was related to his Bhaalist quest. Maybe Nosilna was the connection between him and the tome his master wanted so badly. Steeling himself, he continued to wander the hall, doing his rounds. He caught her in the corner of his eye as she stood in the shadows, acting innocent. He ignored her and kept wandering.
He could feel his hair stand up on his neck when she began to follow him. Keeping his composure, he calmly walked to the balcony, hoping that she would follow, and they could have an actual conversation. He might be able to discern why his instincts were to run rather than to bite. He leaned against the balcony as sultrily as he could, waiting for her to appear.
She never did.
He waited for a few minutes more before he frowned. He knew that she had been following him through the crowd, but maybe she could see that he was leading her to a dead end. It seemed that she was smarter than his usual prey.
He straightened his doublet before scanning the room from the doorway. He had laid a trap, albeit a harmless one, and he was sure that she was lying in wait somewhere nearby. Astarion could see Councilwoman Gallanth across the hall, but her daughter was nowhere to be seen. If he had been mortal, he would have assumed he had imagined it and would've gone on his way. However, his heightened senses told him otherwise.
The moment he carefully stepped back inside, something grabbed his hand and dragged him past the curtains to a more secluded part of the room. The strange woman with amethyst eyes stared into him as he regained his balance. He was surprised to find his huntress more curious than bestial. His instincts were still on high alert, but she seemed perfectly harmless as she stared at him. He cleared his throat, shaking his head slightly.
"Can I help you?" he asked, trying to put annoyance in his voice. The woman's lip flicked upward for a split second before it laid flat.
"Possibly," she sighed as she sized him up. Generally, he would be flattered when someone gave him the once over. However, she seemed to be judging him on whether he was a threat. He stuck out his hand to her, making her jump slightly.
"My name's Astarion," he introduced as the woman stared at his hand. Awkwardly, she slowly shook it as if she had never given a handshake before.
"Luastra."
"I see you came with Councilwoman Gallanth," he mentioned, trying to spark conversation.
"Yes, that would be my mother. Do you work with her?" she wondered. Her eyes didn't meet his as she continued her survey.
"On occasion," Astarion grumbled, starting to feel too exposed by her staring. Then, abruptly she froze before she straightened, almost as if she remembered something. "What?"
"I'm being rude, aren't I?" she sighed as she shook her head. Astarion blinked in response, confused by her. "My apologies, I'm not used to the fancy customs yet."
"I think that not staring is just a common courtesy," he remarked. "Do they stare like that as a greeting in the Underdark?"
"Dunno, never been," Luastra shrugged as she met his eyes again. "Have you?"
"Can't say I have. I must say that I didn't know Gallanth had a daughter."
"Not surprised, I'm sure the uppers wouldn't be thrilled with a powerful figure having a bastard daughter," she chuckled, dropping her mask for a moment. He smiled at her uncouth words. "She wants to introduce me to this part of society, and I'm not exactly in a position to say no."
"I understand."
"I think it's just a political ploy, but who knows? Maybe she thinks I'll fit right in."
"You've already caught a few thirsty eyes, so I'm sure they can look past a few awkward interactions," he jested as she tilted her head in confusion. "Darling, you are a vision. You're already turning heads. I would be shocked if you left without any courtship offers."
Luastra frowned at that, and her eyes flashed with anger before cooler fires filled them in. Astarion watched for a moment as she seemed to wrestle with her emotions before she exhaled. Shaking her head, she stared at the ceiling.
"Sorry, I'm not used to being seen through those kind of eyes. I'm not exactly marriage material," Luastra explained with a shrug.
"The rumor is that your mother is taking marriage offers," Astarion mentioned, reveling in her squirming.
"You offering?" Luastra countered, sizing him up again. He chuckled and shook his head.
"I'm not marriage material either," he replied. Luastra smiled, this time it reached up to her eyes. "So, any particular occasion or reason for the sudden debutante ball?"
"I doubt this was thrown for me, I don't know the host. But, no, nothing really that I can think of. Just over due, in my mother's eyes."
"Really? No religious affiliations? Gallanth seems to be one entrenched in tradition."
"Oh, um," Luastra started before she cleared her throat. Astarion watched as he saw the cues. A glance to the left. Her jaw clenched. Her features switch from surprised to stoic. "Not really, but I think my mom follows one of the drow gods. I don't really follow the traditions."
Astarion hid his excitement well as the crack behind the mask disappeared. The first lie of the night, and it was a newcomer. Pieces started to fall into place. A Bhaalist would certainly set his instincts aflame, especially one who seemed to be raised under a rock. He had no proof, but maybe if he got closer. Maybe he would find the answers his master was looking for.
"What about you?" Luastra countered, breaking him out of his thoughts.
"Hm?"
"Why the sudden religious question?" she pushed as he raised his shoulders.
"Mostly curiosity. I find so many different religions interesting, so I tend to ask everyone where they stand."
"Do you follow any god or goddess?"
"Oh, no, it's not for me. I tried it in my youth, but it seemed my prayers fell on deaf ears," he replied before waving his hand as if shooing away the thought. "But no hopes of dowries or weddings?"
"Gods, no thank you," she laughed as she shook her head. Her eyes glanced down, revealing another lie. "I'm afraid I'm much too high maintenance to be considered a catch."
"If you're worried about that," Astarion whispered before turning to the side to reveal the room behind him. A few people glanced away, surely sparking new gossip circles. He hated being at the center of it, it meant people would keep details away from him in fear of him hearing something unsavory. "It seems that you have peaked many an interest. I doubt people would care if you were high maintenance."
"That doesn't fill me with ease," she grumbled as she hugged herself loosely. "Look, I just came out to appease my mother. She hopes that I'll follow in her footsteps, I'm sure. I doubt she's offering my hand in marriage."
"What if she was?" Astarion pressed. He wasn't sure why he pressed this subject, but he felt like he needed to know her intentions. Her jaw clenched again as her eyes widened slightly. His instincts told him to run at that moment before she exhaled, her shoulders relaxing as her arms fell to her sides again.
"I'd rather not talk about that," she insisted with a false smile. "But if we were, would you be aiming to be the first to try their luck? You seem very interested in pushing the topic for you to claim that marriage isn't on your mind."
"Marriage is never on my mind, too restrictive. I'd much rather be able to come and go as I please," he deflected with a chuckle. Luastra grinned as she nodded.
"Easier, too," she agreed, glancing over him again. "A finite end is usually simplest for me."
"Ah, Master Ancunin!" A womanly voice called out, cutting through the crowd. Luastra straightened immediately as Astarion turned his head towards his name. Councilwoman Gallanth approached them as Luastra's jaw tightened, unsure if she had overstepped in her mother's eyes. "I see you have met my daughter, Luastra."
"I have, we were discussing the choices of wine. It seems we have similar taste," Astarion smiled, gesturing with his glass. Luastra offered a placating smile as she nodded.
"I'm glad to see her mingling, I was hoping that she would fit in," Nosilna grinned as she turned to her daughter. "I do believe that they are setting up the dance floor."
"Oh, Mother, I really don't think-" Luastra started to argue before her mother waved her comments away.
"Nonsense, I've been told that you have been practicing, and improving even! I hear that Duke Portyr's son is a great teacher as well. Why don't you ask him to dance?" Nosilna pressed. Luastra bit the inside of her cheek as she glanced over at Portyr's son. "Go on, then. I have some things to discuss with Master Ancunin."
"Oh?" Astarion replied with a surprised smile. Nosilna pushed her daughter towards the dance floor, urging her to speak with the duke's son. Once she had walked away, Nosilna exhaled, almost deflating herself. She grabbed the abandoned glass of wine on the table and took a long sip.
"She's going to be the death of me," Nosilna groaned before she shook her head.
"Rumor is you're seeking to marry her off," Astarion mentioned, causing the councilwoman to chuckle.
"Am I really that transparent?" she whispered before taking another drink. "I'm worried about her. Her living conditions are subpar for a woman of her stature. Her father's idea, you see. I think she needs to leave his shadow and enter this part of society. It's safer."
"I didn't realize her father was still in the picture. Anyone I know?" Astarion wondered with a smirk.
"No one you would recognize, magistrate. We'll see how tonight goes, and if it goes smoothly, then maybe I'll start to take courting offers," Nosilna sighed as she placed a hand on her cheek. Astarion glanced back at Luastra, who had indeed asked the duke's son to dance, as she was gliding across the floor. She wasn't as graceful as her counterparts, but her dance partner guided her through with ease. "You know, you're about the same age as my daughter."
"Goodnight, Councilwoman, I hope you enjoy your evening," Astarion answered, bowing in respect before promptly leaving. Nosilna brought the wine to her lips with a smile.
"That's not a no," she whispered to herself before watching her daughter again.
