The rest of the party passed without incident as Astarion returned to Cazador's mansion. He walked straight to Cazador's office and knocked on the door, as he usually did after a task. He waited before he heard his master's nasally voice bidding him entrance. Astarion opened the door and stepped inside. Cazador was writing something down as he gestured toward the chair. Quickly, he sat in front of his master and was silent.
"Any new leads at the party?" Cazador asked before he turned toward his spawn.
"Yes, master. I have reason to believe that Councilwoman Gallanth is a Bhaalist, as is her daughter. They may know about the book's location."
"Daughter? Gallanth has a daughter?"
"Apparently, this was the first time she has mentioned her and the first time her daughter has been introduced to high society," Astarion explained as Cazador sat back in his chair.
"How close are you to Gallanth?"
"We have had dealings in the past, mostly to keep her shadier dealings out of the courts, as usual. A couple bribes here and there, but nothing out of the ordinary," Astarion answered. Cazador stood from his desk and grabbed a book off the shelf. He flipped through a few pages before finding what he was looking for.
"It seems that Councilwoman Gallanth is one of the ones that we don't have much information on," Cazador sighed. Astarion sat still and waited for his master to continue. The vampire lord tapped his nails on the wooden desk in thought. "We'll need to make sure that she is affiliated with Bhaal before we can act. And you said that her daughter was just introduced to society. That is an important coming of age marker in drow nobility. I assume that means that Gallanth is seeking a marriage alliance with her daughter."
"Yes, Gallanth mentioned as much. It sounds like her daughter is a bit much to handle."
"Sounds like you both have a lot in common," Cazador scoffed as a plan formulated in his head. Astarion frowned but bit his tongue. He had no wish to sour his master's mood with back talk. "I want you to offer yourself to start a courtship."
"What?" Astarion replied, shaking his head as he thought of excuses. "I hardly have anything to offer, master. Everything comes through you. I doubt I'm what Gallanth is looking for."
"I'll purchase a larger home in your name for you to play house in. For now, I need you to find out if they are Bhaalists. If they aren't, then you can withdraw and continue your search. If they are, then you are in a prime position to find that book and use Gallanth's daughter to our advantage. Once we have the book, you can do as you wish with the daughter. If you find the book quickly enough, I'll even let you drain her dry," Cazador explained as he sneered. Astarion grimaced and nodded. He had no say in the matter, regardless of any concerns or issues he could bring up. Cazador had made up his mind. "Draft a letter to Gallanth describing your interest in courtship and give it to me. I'll glance over it and send it off."
Astarion bowed his head before he left the room. He walked down the spawn dormitories, passing the staff and his siblings along the way. He was lucky that Cazador had found him a better purpose than luring the drunk and stupid to their deaths. He could still remember those horrid days, not that he lingered on them. Still, he was reminded of them every time he interacted with his siblings. They were now having to do more work since he had his job as magistrate, but there was no more ill will than before. None of them ever got along anyway.
Cursing Cazador in his mind, he grabbed some parchment and wrote to the councilwoman. His jaw clenched as he wrote about her daughter and how he couldn't stop thinking about her. He lied about thinking about her beauty throughout the night, and he had missed the opportunity to ask properly. He explained that the wine and the party made him more nervous to throw his hat into the ring, so to speak. Astarion worried that the councilwoman and her daughter would be able to see right through the letter, but he did his best to put his charm and wit onto the page. Luastra's beauty and brashness did pique his interest, so at least he wasn't entirely untruthful in his letter.
He handed the letter to the chamberlain, who was on his way to Cazador, and returned to the dormitory. He changed out of his elegant clothing into his sleepwear before laying on his bunk. He stared into the mattress above him and waited for sleep to take him.
A sharp knock at the door woke him again before the chamberlain came in. He had tranced for a good few hours before it was interrupted. He took the note from the servant and read it. Cazador made good on the promise of a house in his name. He had a smaller property in case he needed to retreat, and he was willing to let Astarion use it for the time being. With the new deed, forged with Astarion's name, the plan was set in motion. The letter was sent off, and now Cazador was sending Astarion to clean up his new home.
~U~
The house was modest in comparison, located deeper into the Upper City of Baldur's Gate. It had two floors and a wine cellar, fully furnished and ready to use. He cleared out the dust and grime, hoping to distract himself with his newest task. Seducing a person for one night was one thing. To try and seduce a noble woman into her hand in marriage was something else. He wasn't sure how long he could keep up the charade.
Once he was satisfied with the state of the house, he began to move in his clothes and few belongings. It wasn't much, but he could at least start to pretend that this home was his own. He went to straighten a wall hanging when there was a knock at the door. Astarion froze as he turned toward the front entrance. He stalked closer before calming himself down. It was probably a neighbor being friendly after all.
Astarion opened the door only to be greeted with nothing. He glanced around and saw that no one was even close to the house. Confused, he closed the door as a dagger laid at his throat. He held his hands up and smirked.
"It seems that I should've checked to see if all the doors were locked," he mumbled as the dagger pressed in, not cutting the skin yet.
"I would recommend better locks. It was child's play to get into your home," a familiar voice informed. Astarion chuckled, recognizing her.
"And to what do I owe the pleasure, Luastra? I didn't know you had a habit of breaking into houses," he mentioned as she growled in his ear. It was a bestial sound, more similar to a wolf's than a woman's voice.
"And I didn't know you had a habit of lying," she snarled, pushing Astarion towards the door. She sheathed her dagger and folded her arms. "My mother received your lovely letter today."
"Oh, so you did receive it," he said as he tried to grin.
"I have to say that I was surprised to find that my first suitor is you, especially after we spoke so long about how marriage wasn't for us."
"That's exactly what got me thinking," Astarion started to explain, hoping that his reasoning would deceive her. "What's better than a marriage between two people who aren't marriage material? If anything, both of us would be very understanding in not being tied down."
"Are you suggesting an open marriage?"
"If that's what you want. What I am saying is that us being married would stop the queries and suitors. You aren't the only one that's been pushed towards an alliance. It would satisfy your mother's wants, and you wouldn't be stuck in a marriage with some stuck-up idiot," he continued as Luastra leaned against the wall.
"You do make some good points, plus you don't seem to care that I threatened you with a knife. I have to say, it's nice to see someone that isn't completely afraid of me," she pondered as she started to look around. "So, you live here?"
"Yes, this is my home," he nodded. Luastra hummed in response as she glanced around the rooms.
"Very spacious, and it's location is good," she whispered, not realizing that Astarion could hear. He followed her through the house as she remarked on the safety and convenience of the location under her breath. Once she had seen the second floor, she turned on her heel to face the vampire. "Very well, I accept."
"You- what?" Astarion replied, panic threading in his words.
"I said that I accept. I will tell my mother that I have accepted your offer. I think a courtship of a few weeks should help solidify our foundation, don't you think? Besides, I need to make sure that you still want me around during that time," Luastra explained as she leaned against the doorway. Astarion slowly nodded, surprised that she was so quick to answer and accept. "The sooner this works, the sooner I can get my mother off my back about high society. She doesn't really enjoy my line of work."
"What, breaking into houses?" Astarion asked, earning a hearty laugh from the drow.
"I've done worse, but yeah, let's just say she doesn't like what I've been up to," she smiled before she walked into the second room again. "I'll claim this room as my own if that works for you. We can keep up the marriage room act if we need to, but I do like having my own space."
"I understand, you can do with this room as you please."
"Perfect, I'll start moving my stuff in."
"I thought you wanted a courtship for a few weeks?"
"That's just to keep up appearances. Otherwise, people would start talking about how you knocked me up at the party or some shit. Now that would really piss my mom off, but I'm not looking to make her any more upset," Luastra answered plainly as she surveyed the room. Astarion laughed at her cussing, glad that she felt at least normal around him.
"Then by all means. Are you living with your mother now?"
"Hells no, I'm living with, well, a few friends of my father. They won't even notice that I'm gone, I'm sure."
"Sounds less than ideal," Astarion commented. Luastra shrugged as she opened the cabinetry.
"It worked for a while, but things are getting tense there. I made the mistake of mentioning that to my mom, which sent me on the path here. It'll be nice to live away from it all," she smiled before she turned to him.
"I can imagine."
"Anyway, I'll leave you to it. I'll come back later to drop off some stuff, and make sure you don't mention anything to my mom. You never saw or talked to me, got it? I'll tell my mom that I accepted your offer when I saw the letter, and she'll reach out to you about the details."
"I'll pretend that you were never here," Astarion promised with a smirk.
"I appreciate it," she smiled before she made her way downstairs. "Oh, and we're changing these locks. They were way too easy to pick."
Astarion chuckled as he heard the door close. She was a strange woman to be sure, but she was endearing in her own way. He knew that she was dangerous, but she would have to do worse than place a dagger at his throat. Although, the thought of her slitting his throat just to watch him bleed without the panic or concern made him wonder what reaction she would have to him being a vampire. Regardless, it amused him to think that she would be surprised.
~U~
Luastra returned to her father's temple after seeing Astarion's house. She had been angry to see the letter he had sent, basically disregarding their entire conversation, or so she thought. To trust him would be foolish, but she admired that he hardly flinched at the weapon around his neck. He had been taken by surprise, but there was no panic or concern in his voice. It was the only thing that kept her from severing his head, and she was glad that she was able to reel in her urge.
Now, she had a plan and a way out. She could step away from her father's temple and away from her mother's political sphere. Of course, Astarion would have to take her to certain gatherings and meetings, but she would be able to continue her assassinations in peace and have a place to go to when everything got too much. Especially since Orin had taken up a prominent position in the temple. Orin embodied the madness Luastra tried to keep at bay. Her sister grew more unhinged and insane every day, which delighted Bhaal. However, Luastra was still the favored child from her frequent and elegant murders.
Luastra had mastered the art of murder, through her precise cuts and deliberate displays. She killed in a way that placed the body in an artful pose as the muscles and tendons tightened. She could feel her father's approval through each kill, and it fed the urge that he had cursed her with. Orin could only hope to attain a fraction of the skill Luastra possessed, and it would enrage her every time. She had even attempted to kill Luastra a few times, which sent Orin to the infirmary each attempt. It wasn't mercy that stayed Luastra's hand, but it was her father's command that they do not kill each other. Neither of them had served their purpose, but that never kept Orin at bay for long.
As Luastra descended into the deep bowels of the city, she could see Orin in an abandoned house outside the temple. Luastra rolled her eyes as she continued down. Her sister was merely observing this time as she hardly moved from her spot. Luastra had returned home without the common scent of blood on her, which wasn't unusual. Although, Orin would question why anyone would go to the surface other than to commit a murder.
She continued to the temple as she summoned a faithful follower in the name of sacrifice. She would need to talk to her father, and that was the only thing he would listen to. She guided the volunteer to the altar before she said her prayer. She raised the dagger before plunging it straight through the heart, silencing the loyal servant. Blood filled the crevices, and soon it glowed with acceptance. Bhaal approved of the sacrifice. The new corpse floated above the altar as it almost stood in the air. Luastra fell to one knee in reverence as she waited for her father's words.
"Why have you summoned me, my child?" the deep gravelly voice bellowed from the dead woman's mouth.
"I have an update on the assassination mission that you have sent me on. I have a new plan in place that will also keep Nosilna at bay," Luastra explained before she went into detail about her potential marriage. With it, her mother would stop meddling in Bhaal's affairs with their daughter, leaving her free to continue the work. "It will also grant me the benefit of the doubt if anything were led back to me."
"A clever solution, child. Who is your betrothed?"
"My soon to be betrothed is a magistrate that works closely with the council. From what I can gather, he is no stranger to bribes and corruption. He may be an unwilling ally in the future," Luastra continued as she bowed her head deeper. Her father's voice chuckled darkly, sending shivers up her spine.
"Very good, child. Maybe your mother was right, you might be suited for politics as well. For now, finish the assassination and then return to me. Keep up whatever appearances you need, but Lord Gortash must die before the year is out. Once that has been completed, then we can turn to greater machinations," he informed before the blood dimmed and the corpse landed on the altar with a sickening crunch.
Luastra stood from her place and walked to her room as the offering was properly cleaned and the corpse disposed. She closed the door and flopped on the bed, exhausted from the day. She was sure that she would get a summons from her mother soon, as she passed the letter from Astarion onto her as intended. When she saw his name in the letter, her curiosity had gotten the better of her and she read it in its entirety.
She wondered what her life would be like on the surface. She would imagine it would be similar, but the smells would be more pleasant. The sunlight would be something she had to get used to. She turned her nose up at that, wondering if Astarion would oppose dark curtains to block out most of the light. Luastra would guess that he would be accommodating, but she hardly knew the man.
If the deal hadn't been as good as it was, she would have called herself foolish for agreeing to marry a man she had known for less than a week. Her mother knew of him, but neither of them knew him personally. From the way her mother talked about him, it seemed that he never got close to anyone. He was a loner who enjoyed occasional bribes and gossip. Her mother had made a point to stay clear of him due to her religious beliefs.
Nosilna had been raised in the worship of Lloth, but once she found her way to the Bhaal cult, she had switched deities rather quickly. She wasn't the most skilled killer, but she would kill her competition to gain power. She rose until she attained the highest position of power in Baldur's Gate, the home of the Bhaal cult. No one suspected her of anything other than being ambitious and authoritative, which drew the gaze of Bhaal himself. He had chosen her to carry and give birth to his Chosen, and she raised their daughter in the cult.
Luastra knew that her mother had grown distant from the cult in her time in power, but she knew that it was just to keep up appearances. Nosilna would rather die than be used to expose the cult to the public eye. She raised Luastra until she came of age, and then she resided in the temple where her father sculpted her to be the perfect predator. When she grew stubborn and compassionate, Bhaal instilled what he called the Urge into her blood. She needed to kill frequently to satiate the curse, otherwise she would kill the people closest to her. She had made one friend outside of the temple who tried to rehabilitate her. That friend had been the first true victim of the Urge, and Luastra took steps to make sure that it never happened again.
Now, she was going to taste freedom again, and she found herself nervous. She knew that she would continue her father's work, and she would keep the Urge at bay, but things weren't always guaranteed. Her Urge could surface if she wasn't careful, and she wouldn't be at the temple where it would be fine. She would be out in the world, where prying righteous eyes would see her killed for her crimes.
Luastra shook her head and exhaled, shaking her anxiety. She was a Chosen of Bhaal, not some common serial killer. She killed with purpose and poise, she would take control, and she would be fine. She would not kill her future husband, at least not through the Urge. She could control herself to keep her cover.
Soon, she packed her essentials, and she snuck out of the temple away from Orin's eyes. Orin didn't need to know where she was going or what she was doing. Luastra climbed through the sewers and through a manhole.
