Evie stood watching the last rays of the setting sun slowly dim on the horizon. The last few days had been a whirlwind. Waking up with almost no memory of her past other than her name, surviving the fight through the nautiloid and it's later crash and lastly finding others who the mindflayers had infected. It was all too surreal. They had just returned to The Grove after finding their latest member of their eclectic little band. Karlach was a nice addition to their group, she was kind, quick with a joke and damn did she hit like a tarask. Evie was thankful she had been able to talk Wyll out of trying to kill the tiefling. The fight with the paladins that Zariel had sent after Karlach had been costly on their healing potions. The group had not planned on coming back to The Grove till they had found the druid Halsin, but the fight with the paladins had been tougher than expected. Upon return Evie sent Shadowheart and Gale to get supplies while Lae'zel and Karlach went to find the blacksmith for better weapons. Wyll had opted for checking on the tiefling children before the group headed out again. Astarion had wandered away like he normally did. Evie had needed a moment to herself which she suspected he did too. The last fight had been rough and a few of them had gone down in it. So much has happened and not much time to wrap her head around it. A moment of peace would do her some good.

After the sun had set she made her way back to the main part of The Grove. Most of the druids and tieflings had retired to their evening meals, save a few stragglers here and there. As she walked her ears caught voices talking rather excitedly. Kneeling silently behind some thick underbrush that lined the paths in The Grove, Evie stopped and listened. Alfira, a young tiefling bard was chatting with her friend. Evie had helped her the day before with a song she had been working on to honor her fallen mentor. While doing so she felt a wave of dark thoughts about the girl. She was so sweet and innocent, so weak and easy to kill. She had shaken those thoughts quickly, but she felt uneasy around the young woman.

"I'm going to go to their camp tonight and ask to join them." She heard Alfira say to her friend. "They are heroes and I'm tired of being afraid."

"Do you think they will let you go with them?" From her hiding place behind the bushes Evie cursed. She couldn't let the bard join them. She didn't trust herself around her for one. Secondly the girl was not skilled at all in battle. She'd probably get herself killed and Evie didn't want her death on her hands. The two tieflings walked on and the conversation was lost to the wind. Before Evie could rise to her feet she felt a hand on her shoulder. She stiffened and reached for her dagger before a velvety voice made her relax.

"Skulking in the shadows is my trick darling, do get your own." Astarion, the high elf rogue who she and Shadowheart found along the wreckage just days ago was standing over her. "Glean anything interesting from their little chat?" His hand moved to grasp her arm and help her to her feet. She hoped her didn't feel how her pulse quickened when he was around. She couldn't help, but find him alluring.

"Alfira wants to join us." She saw him frown a little, but it quickly faded when he shook his head.

"She's a lovely songstress, but I don't think she will live long enough to write our praises." She nodded and went to sit on a small boulder near by. She was surprised when he sat next to her. "So what should we do about it?"

"If I try to tell her no, she will most likely just follow us...any suggestions?" Astarion shook his head and sighed. They watched the young woman return and walk up to her perch on the top of the path with her dinner in hand. The path was dark and it sparked an idea in Evie's mind. "Do you think you can knock her out?"

"I could..." Evie turned to face him and gave him a pleading look.

"Please? I will owe you." He smirked and leaned closer.

"Anything?" Her pulse jumped and she let herself get lost in his crimson eyes for a moment. She knew giving him and open card was dangerous, but desperate times called for it.

"Anything." His eyes danced with mirth and she knew she was in for it when he finally does called his favor in. He pulled his cloak's hood over his head hiding his luminous curls.

"Go wait by the gate with the others. I will be along shortly." He went to go, but she grasped his forearm. "What?"

"Don't hurt her please. Just knock her out." He chuckled and patted her hand on his arm.

"Darling, I will be as gentle as a babe with her. She will awake with a headache, nothing more." She smiled and let him go. She watched for a minute and turned to leave when she lost him in the shadows. The long walk back to the gate was quiet. The rest of their merry band was waiting as she rounded the last bend. She felt someone at her side and her eyes slide to the movement. Astarion had fallen into step with her and winked. "Done."

"Thank you." He smiled wickedly.

"It was my pleasure, Darling." When he called her that her stomach did flips. She quickly bit the inside of her cheek to stop her thought train. He was dangerous, she knew it first hand from when they first met. He held a dagger to her throat demanding she tell him what the illithid did to him. She saw him against the goblin troop that attacked the Grove and the paladins they had just faced. She was skilled and had power behind her hammer swings, but he was quick and deadly. She could watch him move all day and not get bored. Her thoughts drifted again and she shook her head. She needed to stop this, he was a companion and they barely know each other. The other problem was she barely knew herself. The dark feelings she sometimes had were worrisome. She was able to shake them off, but for how long. Evie must have been deep in thought because she suddenly felt Astarion's hand on her shoulder. "Careful, you almost walked right into that tree my dear."

"Sorry, just a lot on my mind. We need to make camp and plan for the goblin camp."

"I would propose moving our camp. Just in case the young bard happens to wake and still has dreams of becoming an adventurer. Might I suggest the toll house? It is on high ground and better vantage point." They heard a distant rumble of thunder and dark clouds were rolling towards them.

"Roof over our heads seems like a very good idea. We need to hurry or we will be soaked to the bone." The band of seven hurried their way back toward the toll house on the Risen Road. All thankful they made it before the storm let lose.

OoO

The wind howled outside of the toll house as the rain battered the walls. Evie was grateful for Astarion's suggestion of staying at the toll house. Their tents were good for most of the time, but a nasty coastal storm like this would have torn them to shreds. After dinner they went over their plan for the deserted village and then the goblin camp. With their path clearly worked out the group all went to their bed rolls to retire for the evening. Since Karlach had burnt a lot of the upper levels, the group save who was on watch slept in the vault down in the basement. Evie volunteered for the first watch. Even with how sore and tired she felt, she didn't want to sleep yet. Her mind would not quiet. She waited till the others went down the hatch to the basement to take her her armor off and throw on a simple tunic and trousers. She groaned as she rolled her shoulders to release the tension she held in them. She sat on the edge of the semi-scorched desk and let out a tired sigh. She couldn't even count how many days it had been since she had a long rest, the loss of memory made sure of that. Now the threat of turning into a mindflayer consumed her sleep. It would have been fine if it was just herself to worry about, but now she had six other souls to help. The consequences of failing were crushing her. Her mind ran scenario after scenario. They had to find a cure, she couldn't let these people down, she couldn't fail.

"Evie?" Her name being called made her jump. She had not heard anyone stirring with being so lost in thought. She turned to find Astarion staring at her. His normally smug visage was softer in the dim candle light. "You look worried."

"Just lost in thought. We have a lot riding on tomorrow." He nodded and came over to sit beside her. His long legs let him plant his feet on the floor while her legs dangled. Astarion chuckled internally at the sight. It made her look more like a child than a woman. For a human she was on the short side from most he has met. Her pale skin was trying to compete with his for who looked more undead. If not for the delightful blush in her cheeks every time he called her darling he would have sworn she was a vampire like him. Her black hair was down and her could see the slight curl to it. He had not noticed it was as long as it was since she always had it up in a sloppy bun. Her eyes were a beautiful gray color, with flecks of greens, blues and a hint of purple. They reminded him of opals. Lastly his eyes ran over her neck. His hunger was getting the better of him and she had told him he could have anything he wanted for knocking out the bard. Over the past few days they had forged a easy liking to each other. He could use it to his advantage, use her attraction to him to gain safety. It's not like he hadn't used his body before to save his own hide. "You're staring." He flinched, but recovered quickly. His rakish smile was back and she let out a weary huff. "What do you want Astarion?"

"I was just checking on our fearless leader. You are the only one keeping this ragtag group of misfits from killing each other you know."

"I'm not fearless..."

"No? Who was it that charged that paladin and stood toe to toe with him? I seem to remember it was a little thing wielding a hammer. Oh, it was you." She snorted and couldn't stop herself from letting out a chuckle. "There it is. Your laughter is much better to hear than your fretting." She gently pushed his shoulder with her own. "Careful darling, I might think you like me." The blush he so loved rushed up the apples of her cheeks.

"You are impossible." She shifted a little so she wasn't as close to him. Her hands wrung together and he gave a predatory smile. It was all too easy.

"I have been meaning to ask, I can tell you are a paladin, but can't pin down who you worship or the oath you took." She relaxed a little with the subject change. The flush of her cheeks lessened much to his dismay, but there would be time for that later.

"I am not very religious. I don't follow any set god." Her expression darkened a little and Astarion felt he pushed his luck "As for my oath, I am a paladin of vengeance. That much I remember."

"A heavy burden." Evie saw understanding and a bit of pity in his eyes. "How old are you?"

"Twenty three, maybe, even that is lost to me..." This would be all too easy, he almost felt guilty in using her for protection. She was kind, naive and so very much a do gooder it wasn't even fair. They sat in silence for a few minutes and she absentmindedly twisted her hair in her fingers.

"Darling about that favor..." Her bright eyes turned and he saw her breath catch in her throat. Was she thinking he was going to demand sex as his prize? Oh no, that would come later, when he knew she was more under his spell. "Do you remember the boar we found this morning?"

"The one that was drained of blood? You said it was killed by a vampire." He shifted a bit uncomfortably. "Astarion?"

"It was...I...I killed it." Her eyes widened and she took a better look. Red eyes, pale skin and in the dim light she saw the flash of his sharp fangs. Before he could react she moved and was off the desk and on her feet. Her hammer in hand ready to strike. "Hold on...I'm not a monster. I would never hurt you." Her eyes softened just a bit, but her hammer still was poised if he made a move. "I'm just too slow, too weak, if I had a little blood I could be stronger, fight better... Please?"

"Why didn't you tell me before?" Her voice was soft, the hard stance she had lessened.

"At best I thought you'd send me away, at worst I was afraid you drive a stake through my ribs. Every single one of us seems to have a secret. This one is mine." She moved closer to him which was a surprise.

"I guess if you wanted to you could have taken the blood you needed and none of us would have been the wiser."

"We are in this together. I wouldn't jeopardize our mission by harming our allies." She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Her hammer gently hit the floor and she opened her eyes.

"Okay." He opened his mouth to argue then it registered what she had said.

"You are willing?"

"Better me than try to ask one of the others. Just only what you need alright? I don't want to be passing out mid fight tomorrow." He gave her a genuine smile.

"Not a drop more than what I need. I promise." He picked up her hammer and was surprised by the weight of it. It was far heavier than he expected. How could she wield it being as small as she was? He placed it back near the desk. "Let's get more comfortable shall we?" She sat back down on the desk and tried not to let the shiver that ran down her spine show. He sat next to her much closer than last time. His hand ran up her back to her neck and gently moved her so he had access to her vein. Evie felt his breath on her neck right before his fangs sank into her. It felt like ice, then faded to a low throbbing pain. If she was truthful with herself it almost felt good. The lightheaded feeling was almost euphoric. To feel something other than worry or confusion was blissful. If she wasn't careful she would give into the dark and just let him drain her dry. Opening her eyes she looked over his shoulder and it took a moment to realize Wyll was standing near the trap door. The look of horror on his face was clear and his hand rose up as he called forth a spell.

"Shit." Evie pushed Astarion and rolled them both off the desk bare seconds before a eldritch blast flew from the warlock's hand. Evie though lightheaded rose to her feet and held up her hands. "Wyll it's not what you think."

"He's a vampire!" Her eyes shifted to Astarion who was still on the floor and she motioned for him to stay put.

"Yes he is, but he wasn't hurting me. I offered him my blood." Wyll looked completely confused.

"Why? You do know that he could turn you?" From behind the desk Astarion chuckled.

"If I was a true vampire maybe, but alas I am just a lowly spawn." Evie groaned and shot him a look.

"Not helping." Her attention turned back to Wyll. "All of us need to be at our strongest to deal with the goblins. It was my choice. I trust him and he has promised not to try biting any one else in our little group. Right Astarion?" The elf rose slowly from behind the desk, his hands held up in peace. Wyll shook his head and sighed.

"As long as he keeps his fangs to himself."

"Cross my heart my friend. My fangs will be reserved for our foes only." The warlock nodded and gave Evie one last look before heading back down to the basement. Astarion scrubbed his hands over his face and groaned.

"I guess the others will be looking at me like I am the spawn of evil from now on."

"Then their opinion of you won't have changed." He gasped and looked wounded. His hand went to his unbeating heart.

"Hush you, I'm a delight." She gave him a cheeky grin before swaying on her feet. His arm wrapped around her waist and guided her to sit. "I think maybe you need to go rest."

"Just a little lightheaded." She tried to stand up, but her legs felt boneless. A sudden wave of fatigue hit her. The adrenaline from the bite and then the confrontation with Wyll had worn off. "Okay, yeah need to stay seated."

"Sorry, Darling." Evie leaned into his shoulder and her eyes began to slip closed. He felt a little guilty, but the rush of her blood through his body chased that away. He cursed his master for denying him the pleasure of blood from thinking creatures. He felt happy, euphoric and gods did he want more. His eyes shifted to her now sleeping form. His fang marks had stopped bleeding and a wave of pride ran through him seeing his marks on her perfect skin. Gently he shifted her to lay her head down on his thigh. She looked so young laying there. Before he realized it his hand brushed her hair away from her face. He chided himself for the show of affection. "Remember she is a means to an end. I need her protection and her help to control this damned parasite. Don't get attached!"