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Astarion kept to the shadows, hiding himself amongst the brush at the outskirts of the Healer's Caravan. It was there that he first saw her, the little healer. A young woman, a rare sight among the traveling caravan of healers, but not altogether unheard of, he supposed. Still, it spoke to the character of the young wo... |
Astarion groaned. He sat at a safe distance, and watched as his companions continued their fruitless efforts of convincing a healer to join them on their journey. Honestly he did not know why they bothered. If the healers remained unswayed while they were drunk and pliable, they would remain staunchly so while they wer... |
As Astarion traveled behind them, he could see the others walking much ahead of the healer. They did not pause for her, nor did they slow their pace to accommodate her. Honestly the lot of them were utter fools, did they not realize what an asset they had chanced upon? That they were gambling away? Suppose some great h... |
He caught her, lest she fall backward and crash her pretty skull on the rocks beneath their feet. "Oh! Thank you!" She uttered breathlessly, as he was finally allowed to hear the sound of her voice. It was a sweet voice. He found he liked it, it rather suited her. Astation gave her his best smile, and his most charming... |
With every second that passed, Astarion watched the little healer fall further and further behind the others. He clucked his tongue in disapproval. It was a dark day when he was the voice of compassion, and yet, here he stood. The others seemed to have either learned nothing of keeping a slower pace to allow for her to... |
Astarion pushed back a branch before it could strike her, and she jumped at his sudden closeness. He chuckled as he watched her compose herself. "I won't bite you unless you ask." he chuckled. "Really?" came her retort. " I'm sure the vast majority of those you've bitten asked politely." Astarion grinned. He appreciate... |
In the fastly approaching darkness, the little healer was finding it increasingly more difficult to keep her footing. Astarion took her by the hand to lead her through the darkness, taking great care to keep his pace at a level speed even she could follow. Her skin was warm, and decidedly delightful. No matter how dist... |
When she woke, her hands flew to her neck, as though she thought that he lacked the restraint to keep his fangs from her neck for the few moments she slept. It would almost have been hurtful if it wasn't true. Astarion chuckled. "Really? We've been over this, not unless you ask." She sputtered and turned red with embar... |
Astarion never had much need for sleep. He slept, that much was true; he only found that he needed significantly less of it than the others seemed to. A fact that he kept to himself, as the less others knew about him, the better. Every fact about himself that he volunteered was carefully crafted. His every action was p... |
Early in the morning, as the last embers of the campfire cooled and before the sun began to peek above the treeline bashfully, Astarion watched as the little healer stirred. He thought nothing of it, initially. Perhaps she was an early riser; nothing particularly amiss there. To a point, he found that he would have bee... |
She did not startle, nor did she turn or acknowledge his presence in the slightest. Astarion cleared his throat and addressed her. "Really now, you could have asked me to join you, you know." She remained sitting in the icy water, her back turned towards him. "If you do not require immediate medical attention, I would ... |
Astarion knew she likely stayed in the water to avoid having the full of her form observed by him, and although he would have greatly enjoyed prolonging the interaction with the delightful little healer, he excused himself. She seemed the determined type, and she would likely have frozen to death if he lingered a momen... |
Astarion approached the camp. Marching with borderline murderous intent to where the others lay yet in their bedrolls, and unceremoniously poured cold water onto them, one by one. "Wake up, you thoughtless, inconsiderate, lazy bastards!" He cried. Halsin and Gale emerged from their bedrolls, cursing him and shaking out... |
Hestra returned to camp as the others were plating up some foul-smelling concoction of eggs and spices. Halson fancied himself a cook, and Astrion had never been so glad to have no need to imbibe such horrific-looking concoctions. He looked to the others pointedly, looking back at Hestra and clearing his throat, waitin... |
In the days that followed, the others, true to their word, took excellent care of the little healer. It was a double-edged sword, that. Astarion was, of course, pleased to see them treat her with such care and consideration, as it was the least they could do. He was pleased to see how often she smiled and laughed at th... |
Hestra seemed to be affixed at the hips to Halsin and Gale. So firmly placed in the middle of them that even their steps were synchronized. Astarion had never felt so laughably invisible in all his long years of life. He watched, growing more jealous and furious with each passing step as he watched the three of them la... |
Astarion walked at the rear of the party. La'zel led, walking so far off into the distance that she was no more than a dark spot in the corner of his vision. Shadowheart knew of an innkeeper who would allow the party to spend the night, and that was where they were headed. She led the way while Gale and Halsin kept Hes... |
When the party arrived at the inn, the innkeeper welcomed them with open arms, embracing Shadowheart as though she were his own child. The innkeeper and his wife ushered them inside and fed the party steaming bowls of something that looked like a deep red soup. Astarion abstained, indulging in a feast for the eyes inst... |
Astarion retired to his own private room within the inn. He needed to be alone for a moment. Far more, than a mere moment. He needed time to...think. To formulate some sort of plan. Some sort of guideline for himself as to how he would behave. As it was, he was drawing near to insanity, being drawn to the bright and sh... |
Astarion paced the floor of his room, attempting desperately to wish he's feelings away. He wished that she would look at him, almost as intensely as much as he wished she did not. He was driving himself insane. His thoughts swirled into a Halestorm within himself, a cacophony of yearning and self-censorship, pausing o... |
" I need you to disrobe, please, for further examination." |
Lae’zel gently tugged on the reins to bring her steed to a slow walk as the path slopped down, the view of the valley breathtaking. Waterfalls flowed down sheer cliffs off the snow-capped mountains, rivers winding around the thick trunks of towering trees, some turning hues of red and golds with the changing of the sea... |
"Welcome to Ny’nahil, the Silver Sanctuary." Hestra announces dramatically as she brings her horse in alignment with Lae’zel’s. |
"It is beautiful." the warrior murmurs with awe. |
"I knew you’d like it." the tiefling grins, flicking her reins and starting forward again. "The view is better once we’re inside." |
The path leads them to a silvered gateway flanked by statues made of a combination of marble, wood and metal. Lae’zel notes the statues depict a man and a woman in heavy armor; the woman with a sword and shield while the man wielded a trident. The githyanki opened her mouth to ask a question about the gate’s guardians ... |
Elven warriors suddenly surround them as they pour out of the entry gate, Hestra shouting in Elvish as she dismounts hastily and runs to Lae’zel’s side, shield arm over her to ward off any more arrows. They hold back but they are formed in a phalanx, shields forward. A woman that looks startlingly like the female statu... |
" You bring Tiamat’s filth to my doorstep?! " The elven woman snarls angrily, her grey eyes flashing with barely contained rage. |
" Yorilneth, please! She’s not one of Tiamat’s! " Hestra shouts, refusing to move herself from over Lae’zel. |
" She stinks of chromatic! " the elven woman snarls as she storms towards them. " Move! " |
" No!! " Hestra snarls defiantly, glaring up at the elven woman. |
Lae’zel grimaces, pain radiating from the arrow in her leg. She recognized the tiefling and the elf were shouting at each other in Elvish but she did not understand the words. The elven woman’s fury cooled after some discussion but the githyanki had a sinking feeling whatever was going on had to do with her. The elven ... |
"W-what is happening?" Lae’zel growls through gritted teeth, even the slightest twitch sending pain radiating from the arrow wound. |
"I’m taking care of it, I think." The tiefling says, her tone stressed and body trembling with tension, neither of which was assuring. |
Lae’zel’s eyes darted back and forth as the two women argued some more in Elvish but, eventually, the elven woman’s anger seemed to cool and she sheathed her sword. Hestra took a moment longer to relax before turning her attention to the wound in Lae’zel’s leg. After removing the arrowhead, healing magic stitched the w... |
"You don’t return when you say and when you do, you drag a gith stinking of chromatic..." The elven woman hisses, switching to Common so Lae’zel could understand her as well. |
"If you don’t want us here, then we’ll leave." Hestra huffed, a pang of hurt in her tone. "I just wanted to show my girlfriend my home... the nicer one anyway but you have to be a colossal bitch when we just arrived!" |
That catches the elven woman off-guard, as she stops mid-sentence and snaps her mouth shut. Lae’zel tenses, expecting that sword to come for her throat. She looks between the two with a look of disbelief. A myriad of expressions play across the elven woman's features for a moment before settling on a soften tone of wha... |
"You’ve bonded with this githyanki?" Yoriln says, seemingly fascinated now. |
"Yes." The tiefling replies her body language is guarded as she keeps herself positioned between the two. |
"You have quite the story to tell, then." The elven woman wrinkles her nose. "A bath, especially for her." |
"Lae'zel." Hestra snaps in correction, helping the githyanki to get feet. "Her name is Lae'zel, Yoriln." |
"Of course. I have been an embarrassing host. Welcome to Ny’nahil. I am Yoriln, it's warden." |
"I apologize for intruding. I just wished to see one of my mate's homelands." Lae'zel retorts stiffly, wary of the woman. |
"And I have made a poor impression." Yorlin tips her head modestly. "I ask for an opportunity to amend my mistake, Lae'zel." |
"I welcome the opportunity." The githyanki replies, chest swelling with pride when she glances at her tiefling and sees her smiling with approval. |
"Excellent. You two have had a long journey. Keryx, I trust you remember where the bathhouse is?" |
"Yes, I still recall my way around." The tiefling replies, slipping her hand in Lae'zel's. |
"Refresh yourselves and then we'll have tea." Yorlin turned, flourishing her battle robe. "Oh, and please do remember the baths are not a whorehouse. Vesstan is scandalous enough." |
"No promises but I'll do my best. It's been a long journey." Hestra grinned, tugging Lae'zel's arm lightly. |
Lae'zel found her attention occupied by the ethereal grace of the settlement; folks giving her curious looks or greeting the tiefling with a surprised but welcoming smile or wave. The trees were massive but perfectly manicured and cared for so that they were part of the buildings. Bridges crossed natural creeks and fau... |
The baths were within a series of caverns; natural springs heated from under the earth and stone. It was rejuvenating and Lae'zel found it fascinating that her lover was not shy about her body here, though she did wear a sarong around her waist while bathing. It was tempting to fool around, as it had been days since th... |
Yorlin is lounging on a long chaise made of a gold-gilded wood frame and a plush velvet cushion dyed a deep green, a glass and silver goblet of a dark liquid in her hand. Her lips curl in a smile as she sniffs the air, which Lae’zel quietly notes as odd as though her knowledge of elves is limited, she was certain their... |
"Better. I cannot stand the stench of chromatics, especially red dragons." The elven woman sighs, her temper much lighter than earlier. "And Tiamat’s pact with your kind permeates all of you it seems." |
"I was not aware elves had such a keen sense of smell. I do not mean to offend but I live apart from my people for the time being." Lae’zel says as she joins Hestra on the opposing loveseat, scooting close so they were touching hip to hip. "However, I doubt I could help whatever it is you smell." |
"No and it was deplorable of me to lose my temper upon your arrival. I am relieved you were not hurt more seriously." Yorlin says, tilting her head before she takes a drink. "We’re waiting for Razsamerujr to return from their patrol and then you can regale." |
"Raz hasn’t flown the coop yet? It will be good to see them." Hestra says, the excitedly dreamy tone of her voice catching Lae’zel’s attention. |
The conversation pauses when the entire building shakes, something heavy landing somewhere above them but neither Yorlin nor Hestra react to it. Minutes dragged on but Lae’zel eventually heard armored footfalls coming down a set of stairs, then approaching the door. A fair-skinned, silver-haired androgynous-looking kni... |
"Raz!!" She exclaims with pure joy. |
"Keryx?! You ARE alive!" |
Lae’zel observes, with surprise and jealous concern, as the two greet each other with an intensity she had not witnessed from the outside before. There was a passion between them as the elf held the tiefling in their arms, grey eyes staring lovingly deep into infernal ones that were mirroring the affection unashamedly.... |
"Razsamerujr, you are upsetting her girlfriend." She says sternly, Hestra quickly shoving herself out of Raz’s arms, the spell between them shattered. |
"Girlfriend?" they say, finally becoming aware of the githyanki sitting on the loveseat as Hestra returns to her side, looking quite embarrassed and nervous. "Keryx, introduce us!!" He exclaims excitedly. |
"Raz, this is Lae’zel, of Creche K’liir." The tiefling says, her tone stilted. "Lae’zel, this is Razsa- Raz, Child of Yondril and a Paladin of Bahamut." |
"Never met a gith before but-" Raz starts to say as he approaches her. |
"Githyanki." Lae’zel corrects them, her tone icy. |
"Githyanki, my apologies. It is a pleasure to have you visit us, Lae’zel." Raz finishes, holding his arm out to her. |
They clasp forearms in a warrior greeting, Lae’zel surprised by the strength of their grip, as the pressure exerted on her muscles is hard enough to bruise and she notes they have rather sharp nails. Lae’zel glares at them, refusing to relent as those grey eyes stare back at her. Something about Raz and Yondril, Lae’ze... |
"A wondrous match! I cannot wait to hear the stories you two have to tell us." They say joyfully though Lae’zel notes a flicker of sadness for a brief moment in those brilliant grey eyes. |
"Sit down then, Raz." Yondril sighs, rubbing her temple. "Keryx, if you please." |
"Why do you two keep calling her that? Is it some title?" Lae’zel interrupts, this being the third time today she’s heard the word. Esilith had said it too, when she ambushed them in Raphael’s House of Hope months ago. |
There was a look of confusion between Yondril and Raz, then they both looked pointedly at Hestra, who blushed an even deeper shade of violet and seemed to be trying to make herself smaller on the loveseat. Lae’zel was unsure if she should leave her be or try to comfort her, learning and witnessing too much today as it ... |
"Your girlfriend doesn’t even know your name?" Yondril retorts with mild admonishment. |
"Hestra is my name. Keryx has been... dead since I left Phlegethos." the tiefling says, her tone strained. "I only tolerate the two of you uttering that name. Let’s just get on with this story." |
"Explain." Lae’zel interrupts her, reptilious eyes holding Hestra’s infernal ones. |
"Alright." She relents easily, knowing Lae’zel was going to interrogate her, regardless, once they retire to more private chambers. "Keryx is my daemonic birth name. I hate it because it reminds me of the monster I was before I clawed my way back to Toril. I only permit these two to call me by that name." |
"I see. I wish you had trusted me with this knowledge." Lae’zel nods, not pressing any further. |
Hestra winced, as the githyanki’s tone was biting; a clear sign she was upset. With that settled, she began regaling the whole ordeal with the tadpoles and Absolute, Yondril and Raz intently listening. Lae’zel filled in gaps and context that pertained to the involvement of the githyanki in the grand scheme of things. T... |
"Fascinating. You had quite the detour." Yondril comments, her expression strangely impassive. |
"A detour is one way to put it." Hestra nods. "Lae’zel and I need some space, I think." |
"Of course. I’ll have dinner sent to your room." Yondril nods, noticing Raz stand up immediately. "Your suite has been kept for you... and Razsamerujr, stay." |
Lae’zel can’t help the feeling of pride in her chest as Raz obeys his mother, a slight expression of dejection crossing their face as they leave. They walk in utter silence, the githyanki warrior following behind the tiefling bard. They reach a small little house with two trees woven around it’s architecture, a natural... |
The bedroom, which was on the second floor, was breath-taking. It had a clear view into the rest of the valley, able to see all the stars in the night sky as well as the moon, with the Tears trailing behind it. The sound of waterfalls and running water provided a calm energy to the ambience of the cool night air as the... |
"Out with it." Hestra says, pouring wine from a crystal decanter. |
"You lied to me." Lae’zel accused her. "You told me there were no others and yet that elf, Raz, would have taken you on the floor if Yondril had not been in the room!" |
"Raz is a... persistent complication in my life." Hestra scowls. "We’re not lovers." |
"The way you looked at each other; such joy you have only afford me until now." Lae’zel said, her voice thick with emotion suddenly. |
"It’s complicated." |
"Uncomplicate it." Lae’zel hissed angrily, feeling an unfamiliar sting at her eyes. |
Hestra tried to take Lae’zel’s hand but the githyanki snatched it away, refusing to let the tiefling touch her as she glared angrily at the woman. Hestra at least had the grace to look admonished by the rejection, chewing her bottom lip nervously. Her tail hung limp behind her. She chugged the cup of wine and set it as... |
"I've known Raz all my life. He was an older brother to me when I got dumped here, my father wanting nothing to do with raising his daemonic bastard, at least not until I showed a talent for music and speech anyway." Hestra starts to say, Lae'zel tilting her head as she listens, leaned against the threshold of the door... |
A deep breath, a tongue flick to wet the lips, a swallowing of pain as it threatens to clog the tieflng's throat. |
"When I escaped Phlegethos, Raz was there. They didn't judge or hate me, even when I tried to do terrible things to them. Just... damn idiot complicated everything." Hestra grumbles, pinching the bridge of her nose. |
"I didn't recognize him for a long time. He, They , was just prey, a devout soul to toy with until it broke, near limitless essence to gorge on until I puked. Yet... their patience, their... love is what stitched what little of my soul was left back together and the consequences were, well..." Hestra makes a vague ges... |
"Continue." Lae'zel calmly demanded, leaned against the wall opposite of where the tiefling was standing, a wide distance between them. |
"We became, enamoured. I want them and they want me so at one point, we tried to "work it out." " |
"We tried to have sex, emphasis on "tried'." Hestra throws her hands up in the air. " I couldn't do it, there was too much involved and so I ran and never looked back. I thought being away, not thinking of Raz, that this obsession would just wither and die but clearly I was wrong." |
Lae'zel scowled, working this story over in her mind. She was certain the tiefling was being honest but she had not considered she'd ever have to contend with another paramour. Until now, it had just been them. Sure, others have flirted and tried to entice either of them but nothing ever came of it. None were ever wort... |
Raz was a threat. |
"Do you prefer this elf?" |
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