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You both managed to wash up, but not without him first ravishing your body once more in doggy style as you bent over to get in the tub. |
Arriving back to Elfsong Tavern, everyone had returned from drinking at that point. |
Gale motions you both over. |
"So, I saw you both had fun channelling the weave earlier" He laughed. Your cheeks flush, but all you could do was nod. "I’m sure Mystra will be fine with it so long as it’s for good or neutral purposes. Anywho, I didn’t call you over to pry. I wanted to let you know that everything is A-GO for tomorrow morning!" |
Astarion regards the two of you inquisitively. You beam with happiness and relief. "Thank you so much, Gale! You’re the best friend ever!" He does a dramatic bow and winks at the both of you. "I’ll meet you downstairs in the morning." |
You take Astarion’s hand in yours. "Let’s get some rest, we have to leave just before the sun rises!". He gives you a curious nod as you both retire for the night. |
Soon enough, the sky burns with the early crimson of the morning, just before the sun makes an appearance. Birds chirp energetically to greet the day. You, Astarion, and Gale meet up by the entrance of the tavern. |
"Good morning! Hope you two Scalawags slept well. Tara and Tolna are waiting for us at Sorcerous Sundries already, let’s not keep the women waiting" Gale clapped his hands together and rubbed them thoughtfully. You and Astarion followed him through the streets. It wasn’t busy when you left; quite peaceful to your surprise. |
"So, just out of curiosity" Astarion places his hands on his hips presumptuously "Why does the wizard want to surprise me? Is it because of the impending doom that the Absolute poses?" By now the group knows that Astarion doesn’t want to be seen as weak or soft and often uses sarcasm as a front. |
Gales waves his hand dismissively. "Ah, I rather missed your sarcasm this week, Astarion. A couple of months ago, I probably would have said yes. But I do see you as a friend now, you know". Astarion lets out a sassy huff, but with the shimmer in his eye you could tell he was content with the answer. His shoulders slouch back in a relaxed manner. |
You arrive at Sorcerous Sundries and head to the back where Tolna’s desk is. Tara is curled up, purring, as Tolna scratches behind her ear. |
"Ah, my two favourite ladies. Thank you for all of your help with this hunt" Gale beams as you reach your destination. "I take it that Elminster couldn’t stay?" |
"My My- It was a rather risky and pricey find, Gale. I’m expecting a 15% tip on top of the purchase price, and Elminster is expecting a lavished feast for his effort" Tolna chuckles. "Yes, Elminster only dropped in for the delivery. You may find him at your camp tonight for a meal though. You know how he is... The man can’t so much as start a conversation without filling his stomach first" Tara meows in agreement, then moves her paws to reveal 2 stones. She pushes them towards Gale. |
"Your payment will be received in tenday as promised" He smiles, picking up both stones. The first is held between his index and middle finger, the second is held between his middle and ring finger. Gale turns to you and Astarion, holding his hand up to show them to you. A heavy aura surrounds both of them as indication of their great power. |
"Wait a second" You pause with your mouth wide open. "You were able to get TWO OF THEM?!" The stones that sit in front of you are Stones of Spell Storing. Gale winks at you as confirmation that they both contain the same spell. |
"If you and Astarion need both, they are there for you. If you only need one, I will make good use of the second one". Gale urges you to open your hand and places both of them in your care. |
"Sooooo, what’s the story about these rocks?" Astarion folds his arms and cocks an eyebrow. |
"Come, lets go talk about this privately" You smile up at Astarion. Gale nods and turns back to start a conversation with Tara about Waterdeep. |
You take Astarion’s arm in yours and lead him to the park. It’s still so early that no one is there. |
Under a maple sat a large piece of granite. From there you could both watch the sunrise and talk about the stones without disturbance. After taking your seat, you lay a hand on top of Astarion’s as you extend your left palm to him with the stones in it. |
"These two stones contain a very powerful spell called Wish". You stare intently into his eyes. It is apparent that he has heard of the spell before, but isn’t quite sure what it entails. "To put it into perspective, this is the mightiest spell that any Wizard or Sorcerer can cast because it can alter the foundations of reality." Astarion is soaking up every word that you say to him and squeezes your hand. |
"There are a few ways that you can reshape your future with this spell. First of all, you could use it to gain the ability to walk in the sun again when the tadpoles are gone. But it’s capable of something else, something you might find even more appealing" You pause briefly to put both stones into his palm. |
"Something more appealing than walking in the sun" He trails off. "Just what can we do with it?" |
"On one hand, you can ascend without making a contract with Mephistopheles or sacrificing 7000 lives, and keep your humanity" You begin. Astarion freezes, trying to process what you are saying. "On the other hand, you can become mortal again; completely rid yourself of vampirism". His breath becomes staggered. Never in 200 years would he have imagined that this choice would become possible for him. |
"You get to decide your own future, Astarion. Not me, not Cazador, not the absolute- you... And just so I’m clear, whichever path you decide to take, I will fully support you and stay by your side. You deserve this. You deserve all of it." You lean in and kiss his forehead while wiping the tears streaming from his eyes. |
"What did I do to deserve you?" His voices cracks. "For a while, I thought I was owed more for the pure shit I went through for Cazador. But this?... This is almost unbelievable" |
You lay your head on his shoulder and gaze into his crimson eyes. "I see you. Beyond the pain, beyond the sarcastic front, beyond all defence, I see you... And I love what I see." |
Astarion is at a complete loss for words as he fumbles with the stones in his hand. Anything is possible, he need only make a decision. He looks towards the sun rising and takes a moment to reflect on everything that has happened over the last few months. |
"If you had given me this choice when I first met you, I likely would have chosen Cazador’s death as the first wish and ascension as the second" His eyes drop to you, still on his shoulder. "But now... I only need one wish." You unknowingly hold your breath in anticipation of his response. "I’d love nothing more than to be mortal again... Think about it, love. Not only would I be able to walk in the sun and get rid of this hunger for blood, but I can spend the rest of my 120 some-odd years of life with you. There would be plenty of adventures, we would make the most out of every second we have left. And perhaps... "He timidly ponders as a smile forms on his face. "Perhaps we can start a family. An actual, stable, family. Imagine how full our hands would be. Your arcane ability with my lock picking skills. Gods, I hope they’d get your beauty and silver tongue so they could try and use their charisma to get away with anything." |
Astarion brings you into an intimate embrace. Your heart flutters "Would you like to do this now? The spell doesn’t need any components, so we can get started" You breathe with excitement. Astarion nods, taking one of the stones and holds it in between both of your hands as you recite the incantation. |
Wisps of golden magic swirl in and around Astarion. The spell worked better than either of you could have hoped. Astarion’s scar from Cazador’s bite fades away. Within a couple of blinks, his crimson eyes turn into a beautiful sky blue. You feel warmth return to his hands as a rosy colour takes to his cheeks. His fangs recede into normal canines. The instinctive hunger leaves the core of his stomach. |
As the sun peaked over the mountains, the rays spread light over the two of you. He pulls back for a moment, basking in it and inhaling deeply. "This feels amazing...You have truly given me everything... Thank you" You both hold each other and enjoy a few mundane moments. Out of wonder, you reach your hand under his shirt to rub his back. To your pleasant surprise, the ritual scars are gone too, but you decide to keep this as a secret for later when he can finally see it for himself. |
"Here’s to a new beginning" you hug him closely. |
He stands and looks at you thoughtfully. "After looking back at everything we’ve been through, I think I have a great idea for the second stone.’ |
You look at him curiously. He takes your hand with purpose and starts to lead you back to Sorcerous Sundries. By now the streets were busy; kids were playing in the street and guards were more on patrol. |
He popped in to let Gale know that he will be using both wishes, and thanked him for being a great friend. Gale startles at Astarion’s appearance and gives him a big grin. "I’ll see you back at the Tavern" |
The both of you head back. Everyone was awake when you got there. Including Elminster, who was pestering everyone for food. Astarion departs from your side and makes his way over to Karlach with haste. Your hands fly to your mouth when you realize the selfless thing he’s about to do. |
"Hey, Soldier!" Karlach waves as Astarion approaches her. "Great job yesterday, I am so fucking proud of you. I was going to tell you before now, but I figured you’d want some time to-". She wheezed for a moment and wiped sweat from her brow. "Sorry, don’t mind me. My engine is burning hot this morning from all of the adrenaline yesterday... I’m sure the alcohol didn’t help either". Once Astarion was standing in front of her, she gasps "What in the hells happened? You look great!" |
Without much explanation at first, Astarion held out his hand to Karlach with a stone. Gale entered just behind you. You both watch from a distance and give an approving nod. |
Karlach takes the stone and looks at him inquisitively. "What did this stone do to you?" |
Astarion begins explaining the wish spell to her, and how he came in possession of both. Shortly after, he let her know how he plans on using the second stone. Karlach begins hyperventilating and says "Are you serious?! I don’t need to go back to Avernus in order to fucking live?! I can live a normal life?!?! You’re fucking mortal again?! CAN I HUG YOU?!" Everyone in the room starts cheering at this point. |
Gale leans in and whispers "He has grown so much, hasn’t he. If he told me he didn’t want the second stone, this is ultimately what I had in mind." |
"He sure has... Thanks for everything, Gale... By the way, we haven’t forgotten. We’ll make sure you don’t have to use your Netherese orb. We are all in this together". You reassure him. |
"I know, I know. We will always have each other's backs. Now let’s get over there and help Karlach’s wish come true" Gale chuckles. |
The day passes with great celebration. After Karlach’s transformation she spent a solid hour giving everyone hugs. Especially Wyll. You think they will have a... great night tonight. |
Shadowheart broke out some aged wine that she was originally keeping for the end of the battle with the absolute. Jaheira put on a roast with some vegetables to feed the group, just like she used to at Last Light Inn. Astarion seemed to enjoy himself too- his expression while eating good food was priceless... also the getting tipsy on alcohol for a change instead of bear blood. Everyone made sure to thank Gale and Elminster for the gifts bestowed. |
When everyone started settling down, Astarion joined you over at your bed. |
"So, how was your first day as a mortal again?" You gave him a warm and sincere smile. |
"Love, there was so much to take in. I’ve enjoyed every moment so far... but the best part is yet to come" He places his hands on the wall behind each side of your head and leans in mischievously. You bite your lip, his boldness certainly hasn’t changed. His eyes darken to a deep oceanic blue. |
"How about... we get started on our future tonight. I can think of a few of new uses for that renovated chamber now" He kisses your jaw and mumurs lowly "I may need to put in a few more mirrors" |
Your body ignites instantaneous. "It’ll be your first time seeing your reflection in 200 years. I’ll make sure you see every expression you can make" You tease. |
He hummed, then chuckled "Keep that up and... I might need to get the whip out, darling". A little excited whimper escapes your lips. Astarion wraps his arms around your waist. "Let’s get out of here" |
"You don’t need to ask me twice" You huff. The both of you sneak out and head back to your private paradise on the outskirts of the city. |
He picks you up in his arms and kisses you passionately while kicking in the door to your "dungeon’. |
The word "Ignis" echoes through the building as the door closes behind you. He gasps, then a devilish grin crosses his face as he sees the reflection of him carrying you over to the bed. The blue eyes, the flushed faces, the scar-less skin. Everything. |
"This- I could get used to this... you better prepare yourself for a night you’ll never forget". He whispers intimately as he grabs a whip on the way to the bed. "And don’t worry, I’ll still bite~" |
A pang of discomfort was an ill omen that Aspen had been ferociously trying to ignore the entire day. |
The first one had been that morning, in the pit of her stomach, halfway through her morning meal before they’d begun packing up their camp for the day. It had, mercifully, faded away and had nearly slipped entirely from her mind had the second wave of pain not arrived halfway through a small scuffle with a few goblins. |
Easy enough to manage, in theory. But she had faltered in a moment she normally would not have, and had very nearly earned a jagged knife in the side for it. |
She’d caught herself quickly, managing to parry the attack and set the creature and its companions ablaze. She was just thankful that no one had |
such a blunder, oily fear snaking through her belly at the thought. |
If she was not useful, if she could not hold her own in battle, would they discard her? Move on without her, carrying on with their quest? |
No, certainly not. Most of them were far too kind. Still, she was thankful that no one saw. She really did not need a slip up like this. |
By the time they’d set up camp for the evening the pain had spread from her belly into her abdomen, radiating down her legs all the way to her knees. A dull ache had started behind her eyes, promising something much worse the following day. |
The pain was like a beast that had snuck up on her, cloaked in shadows and mist, descending over her, unrelenting in its attack. The absolute last thing that had been on her mind was |
, was the creeping pain like ivy slowly choking her of life until it had run its course. |
What a fool she had been, for not even thinking of it. Though in her defense her mind had been elsewhere, and her body had yet to betray her since she had begun on this quest. |
Aspen all but collapsed onto her bedroll that night, debating whether or not to even bother eating. The pain in her head was growing worse, the ache in her belly rolling over her like a sharp-edged tide. |
how she would give anything to be held. Whenever she had been ill before she would crave affection, to be gently held, to hold someone's hand until the pain subsided. To have someone to talk to her, to hold her close and stroke her hair, to bring her water and small treats and press a cool cloth to her forehead when even the smallest sliver of light pierced like daggers. |
Not that she was about to voice |
desire. She could not be weak, not right now. |
The smell of something savoury began to suffuse the air, the crackle of kindling beneath flame chased by a heavy veil of smoke. Aspen considered the ramifications of lying still, hoping the lack of movement would somehow chase away the pain. But she knew it would be better to set up her tent, to have a quiet place to escape to so she could be in relative peace. |
She did not need to burden anyone with the knowledge of this pain. She’d gotten through it well enough on her own for years now, and she could continue to do so now. |
It did, however, mean she would have to drag herself to her feet and put her tent up. |
Biting back a groan of pain, Aspen pulled herself to her feet, taking short breaths as her stomach began roiling like angry ocean waves in a storm. The ache behind her eyes was blooming into something so much worse, like hammers were crashing against the delicate bone of her skull. |
The timing for this was truly, unbelievably horrible. |
Aspen was halfway through setting up her tent, already dreaming of the quiet shadows once she pulled the flaps shut. She would quickly grab some food, make an excuse about feeling particularly tired, or under the weather, and then retire for some peace. |
Her plans were quickly dashed, her shaking hands gripping the fabric of her tent so tight it would surely tear, when a cool hand settled on her shoulder. |
"So this is where you’ve been." Astarion’s lazy drawl was normally enough to make her shiver and her heart flutter, but now there was the addition of anxiety plummeting into her belly like a stone. |
"Just feeling a bit tired today, that’s all," she muttered, keeping her eyes cast down, the waning sunlight piercing like jagged knives. |
"You’ve hardly spoken at all since that little skirmish earlier," he continued, heedless of her current turmoil. Aspen supposed that was categorically |
, considering she didn’t actually want anyone to know. But Astarion’s presence right now was like a second omen, the universe conspiring against her in an attempt to tear her willpower apart. |
It was, after all, his arms that she spent so much time in, that she preferred to spend her time in, and the inclination to ask to be held was nearly as powerful as the skull-shattering pounding that was spreading from temple to temple. |
that she so dearly wanted to be held by, until the pain subsided. |
But she was worried he would not take well to such a request, and she did not want to overstep, did not to make him feel like all she wanted was his body for comfort. Much had happened between them, but she feared destroying their delicate relationship. Asking for comfort, to be cared for, was out of the question, no matter how needy she was right now. |
"Just tired," she repeated, turning her head away when he tried to step into her line of sight. |
"If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you were avoiding me." He moved again, faster this time, and a wave of dizziness came over her as she turned her head away again. |
He was too clever sometimes. Normally she adored it, but in this moment she despised it. He could see through her, he could tell that something was wrong. |
how she needed to just |
. She thought she might collapse if she did not get this tent up soon. |
Aspen pressed a hand to her face, digging the heel of her hand against one eye. "What reason would I have to avoid you, love?" |
"Well that’s what |
was thinking. But you’ve been so quiet, it’s beginning to worry me." |
Something in his voice gave her pause. There was a hitch, a slight raise in his tone, almost a crack. |
"Astarion, I promise I-" |
She didn’t get the chance to finish, her words cut off in surprise as his hand snapped out, fingers encircling her wrist. |
"Why won’t you look at me?" There was a note of annoyance in his voice. But more than that, there was a neediness, a despair. He pried her hand away, taking her chin in his free hand and tilting her face towards him. "Why won’t you tell me what’s going on?" |
Patience was not a virtue Aspen came by naturally, and it wavered by a fraying thread when she fell ill. She had only wanted to rest, had only wanted to hide away so he did not have to see her like this. She did not want to be a burden to him, and yet here she was being a burden anyways, upsetting him with how she was acting. |
His brow drew together, still entirely unaware of the emotions festering beneath her skin. "You look wretched, my darling. What’s going on? What aren’t you telling me?" |
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