Chapter Text
"The shadow-cursed lands are apparently aptly named," Gale said, an annoying touch of curiosity to his voice.
Astarion sheepishly clung to his side, nestling himself between him and Karlach, since Karlach's warmth seemed to make the grasping shadows around them weaker. Aside from Gale, the group was extremely tense. Gale, on the other hand, was bizarrely intrigued.
Astarion stood under the light of the cantrip that was casting light above Gale's head. He stuck close to Gale and would never admit that it was because he was terrified. Every time he trailed behind slowly or kept walking when Gale slowed to examine something, the shadows around him began to brush against his skin. They felt cold, even to him.
Gale seemed to be less afraid then he was. Gale was more intrigued by the place than anything. Karlach and Wyll were also staying very quiet, scanning the path as they walked. Laezel was constantly on alert, her hand ready to grab the hilt of her greatsword. Halsin, with all his druidic wisdom, just seemed deeply unsettled by their surroundings and not exactly scared.
Shadowheart, conversely, was in a fairly good mood upon finding that the shadows didn't affect her like they did the others. She was gushing about her Lady Shar and how it must have meant something. Gale gave Astarion a look when she'd said it because he was beginning to see some parallels with his flawed relationship with Mystra and Shadowheart's worship of Shar. Astarion didn't have the heart to convince her like Tara tried to convince Gale. At least Shadowheart probably didn't have a bomb in her chest.
They walked until they heard voices. Astarion and Gale lingered in the shadows while Shadowheart and Karlach stepped out. As soon as Shadowheart had spoken, however, they were thrust into battle with actual, literal shadows.
They appeared from all around, taking one of the strangers before anyone could stop them. Astarion and Gale dodged a shadow, diving into the radiant light that surrounded Shadowheart in a circle.
After they'd fought the shadows, the strangers that he'd been fighting with spoke to them. They were Harpers and they had a safe house nearby. They ran together, dodging the darkness that seemed to try and swallow them as they ran.
They made it to the inn mostly uninjured, though Wyll had taken a rather nasty claw from one of the shadows.
They crossed a bridge, watching as the harpers they'd saved crossed through a glimmering forcefield that surrounded the inn. The nearby shadows hit the forcefield and bounced off.
"Gods above," Gale said quietly. "This is some potent magic."
"Looks like it's keeping the shadows away," Shadowheart said, stepping through the odd barrier.
The others followed her, stopping when a guard at the end of the bridge shouted for them to stop. The harpers they'd saved insisted they were okay and let them in.
Shadowheart led the way, slowing as the harper that had stopped them shouted for someone. Well, not just someone. The others held back as Shadowheart approached the inn. A few feet ahead, an older woman with gray hair and a green robe turned to face them, giving them each a wary glare.
Karlach was practically vibrating with excitement. "Oh my gods."
Astarion glanced at her with a slight frown.
"Is that who I think it is?" Gale whispered to Karlach.
"No way," Wyll said.
Astarion looked at Gale and narrowed his eyes. The woman, Jaheira, held up her hand. A burst of green light filled her eyes just as the ground below Shadowheart turned into twisting, writhing vines. Shadowheart scowled as the vines grabbed at her legs, holding her still.
"At least buy her dinner first," Astarion said quietly.
Karlach turned to Wyll. "Please, please let this go well. I can't fight Jaheira."
"Shadowheart's got this," Gale said.
As Shadowheart began to speak, Jaheira approached her and held up a small jar. Astarion grimaced, watching as a mind flayer tadpole crawled up the glass, straining to reach Shadowheart.
Jaheira said something about them being true souls and raised her hand, a bright white light beginning to spread from her palm. Shadowheart glanced back at them with wide eyes.
"Seduce her!" Astarion offered.
Wyll laughed. Shadowheart glared at them before turning to look ahead again, her attention drawn by a familiar tiefling child's voice.
Mol quickly explained that the group had saved their lives and were not currently being controlled by the Absolute. Jaheira narrowed her eyes, deciding if she wanted to trust them or not.
"True Souls with their minds still their own? How is this possible?" Jaheira asked.
Shadowheart reluctantly held out the strange artifact that she carried. As Jaheira examined the artifact, Astarion turned to Gale.
"Am I supposed to know who that is?" Astarion asked quietly.
Gale looked shocked. "You don't know who Jaheira is?"
"Famous prostitute?" Astarion guessed.
Karlach grinned. "No! She's only one of the greatest heroes alive."
“You're telling me you've never heard of Jaheira?” Wyll asked, shocked.
Astarion raised a brow.
"Have you really never heard of her?" Gale asked.
Astarion turned to him, narrowing his eyes. "No."
"She was part of a group that saved Baldur's Gate from Sarevok. He was a Bhalaspawn trying to plunge the city into war," Karlach said.
Astarion hummed thoughtfully. "When?"
"I don't know. A while ago. Probably over a century," Karlach answered.
Astarion thought for a minute or two. "I've never heard of her."
"You've lived in Baldur's Gate for your whole undead life and you've never heard of Jaheira?" Wyll asked.
"Careful saying that so loud," Astarion said.
Wyll sighed. "Sorry. It's just… that's insane. She's a legend."
Astarion rolled his eyes, lowering his voice as the harpers walked away, leaving them alone. "Oh, forgive me for not being present enough to hear folk tales whilst I was under the control of my vampiric master."
Gale instantly looked guilty.
"Come on, Astarion," Karlach said. "Wait! How old are you?"
Astarion rolled his eyes again, pausing to watch Jaheira wander toward the inn.
"You've got to be old enough to have lived it. How in the hells didn't you notice a whole evil plot unfolding under you?" Karlach asked.
Astarion crossed his arms defensively. "I'm sorry I didn't pick up a newspaper as I was being forced to drag victims back to my master," he said sarcastically.
Karlach shrank backwards slightly. Astarion realized he'd said too much.
"But let's look at the bright side. I've aged much more gracefully," Astarion said, turning away and heading toward the inn.
Gale hurried after him. "And if we ever tell her you are… what you are… you can hold the fact that you're older than her over her head."
Astarion smirked. "Brilliant idea."
"Sorry we were pestering you," Gale said as they entered the inn.
"I'll get you back for it," Astration answered.
Gale chuckled as they stopped behind Shadowheart, who was leaning against a table across from Jaheira. Jaheira had an odd glint in her eyes as she filled two cups from a bottle of wine. Jaheira held one out to Shadowheart. She paused, her eyes locking onto Astarion. Astarion stiffened as she looked over him thoroughly.
"Have we met before?" Jaheira asked.
It was entirely possible that they had. In fact, it was probably fairly likely. It's not like Astarion would remember. Evidently, she wasn't one of the ones he'd brought back for Cazador to eat, but it was likely that they'd have been in the same taverns at some points. That's one thing that vampiric hunters and adventurers have in common.
Astarion rolled his eyes. "Good gods. I can't deal with this. I'm going to go bother a child or something."
Jaheira narrowed her eyes as Astarion wandered away, stopping when he saw Mol and Raphael, the devil who'd offered them a cure to their tadpole troubles, sitting at a lanceboard. Astarion slowly approached, listening as Raphael yammered on about a deal and the game. Gale appeared at his side, humming.
"Look who it is," Mol said, glancing at Raphael and pointing at Mol. "Our saviors."
"Yes, yes. We're your heros," Gale said.
Mol grinned. "I saved your butts out there, didn't I? Now we're square."
Raphael smiled, telling Mol she should use her Mystra while staring right at Gale. Astarion clenched his jaw, a bubble of a question he didn't really know he had rising into his throat. Gale narrowed his eyes, casting a glare at Raphael. He leaned down, examining the board.
He whispered something into Mol's ear. She made a few moves, glancing up at Gale. Gale nodded once or twice, until Mol had beaten Raphael. Mol grinned, howling with laughter as she ran away. As Raphael cast a disapproving stare at both of them, Gale picked up the Mystra from the chess board and flicked it onto the ground.
"We meet again, my tadpole-ridden friends," Raphael said, looking at Gale. "That Theskan move was inspired. I had no idea you played."
"What were you doing with her?" Gale asked.
"I was trying to make a deal, which you so rudely interrupted," Raphael answered.
"Leave her alone. She's just a child," Gale said.
"I know you think that, but she has far more potential than just being a child," Raphael said. "Now, enough about the tiefling. Let's talk about you."
Raphael turned on Astarion, pointing at him. Gale glanced over.
"I sense there's something you want to ask me," Raphael said.
Shadowheart approached, watching them curiously. Gale looked momentarily blindsided as he fully turned to Astarion. Astarion swallowed deeply.
"I do. I have a proposal for you," Astarion said guiltily.
Raphael tilted his head. "A proposal? If you're hoping to taste my blood, little vampling, think again. It burns hotter than Wyvern Whiskey."
Astarion clenched his fist. "This is serious business, devil."
Raphael watched him with an expectant stare. Gale stared at him with wide eyes. Shadowheart looked equally surprised.
"My old– well, a long time ago, someone carved infernal rumes into my back. I was told it was a poem. I'd quite like to know what it says," Astarion said.
Raphael crossed his arms thoughtfully and hummed.
"No lanceboard," Gale said. "Help him out."
"Oh, you're all so impatient," Raphael said smoothly. "It's obviously something important to your master, but is it a love letter? A warning? A deed of ownership?"
Gale tensed, his brows furrowing. Astarion watched Raphael warily.
Shadowheart was confused. "What?"
Raphael glanced at Shadowheart. Raphael turned to Astarion. "You haven't told her? And you've kept your clothes on this whole time? How unlike you."
Astarion crossed his arms defensively.
"Why not let them see? Don't be shy." Raphael asked.
Astariom felt a cold chill of fear as Raphael snapped. He felt cold for a moment. Colder than normal. He heard Shadowheart suck in a quick breath.
"Gods damn it," Astarion said, wrapping the fear up behind disinterest.
Suddenly, everything was dark. Gale was right next to him, pulling him into a shirt. Gale handed him trousers as well. Astarion felt a wave of relief as he slid them on. He grabbed Gale's arm and squeezed it slightly. The darkness around them vanished. Raphael looked amused. He looked between Astarion and Gale with a brow raised.
"Touching. I could give you all the gory details," Raphael said. "But of course, you'll have to do something for me first. Let me think about it and get back to you."
"You'll get back to me?" Astarion snapped. "This is important, devil…. When?"
Raphael smiled. "Don't worry! I'm motivated to help you. Scars often tell such wonderful stories– I think yours might be truly exquisite. I'll see you soon."
Raphael vanished, leaving behind the smell of sulfur and a bit of soot. Astarion crossed his arms. Gale stood next to him quietly, eventually taking a step closer. He picked up Astarion's discarded clothes, which Raphael had left on his chair.
"You okay?" Gale asked.
Astarion hummed, staring at the Mystra piece lying on the floor. "Sure."
"I'm so sorry, Astarion. I didn't realize he'd–" Shadowheart began.
"It's fine," Astarion snapped.
Shadowheart nodded, glancing back as Wyll and the others returned. "I'll go see what happened with them."
Gale put a gentle hand on his back. Astarion turned to him, frowning.
"Let's go find a spot to camp," Astarion said. "I don't want to…."
"Of course," Gale said.
Astarion returned to the main section of the Last Light Inn. Out of the corner of his eye, he caught Jaheira watching him.
"Pale one," Jaheira said. "Come here."
Astarion sighed deeply, hesitantly approaching. Gale followed him, his eyes narrowed. Astarion approached the table Jaheira stood by, crossing his arms.
"Mol told me what you all have done for her and the others. Have a drink on the house," Jaheira said, pouring a glass of wine and holding it out.
Astarion noticed that odd glint in her eyes again. Gale seemed to stiffen as Astarion reached out and took the glass. He felt Gale put a hand on his back, tapping it twice. Astarion swirled the cup, bringing it to his nose and smelling it. It smelled slightly bitter.
"Smells wrong," Astarion said, scrunching up his nose and holding the glass to Gale.
Gale took it and smelled it as well. "Perhaps it's tainted, my dear friend."
Jaheira sighed. "It was worth a try."
Astarion took the glass from Gale and set it down on the table.
"I have realized where I recognize you from," Jaheira said.
"Where's that?" Astarion asked.
"The Elfsong Tavern in the city," Jaheira said.
Astarion narrowed his eyes.
"More than a hundred years ago," Jaheira said.
"Elves age much slower than humans," Gale offered.
"Not as gracefully as he has," Jaheira replied.
Astarion dramatically fanned his face. "The noble Jaheira just said I aged gracefully."
"What is your secret, pale one?" Jaheira asked, a knowing look in her eyes.
Astarion sighed, putting his hands on his hips. He sneered, revealing his fangs. "Vampire spawn. Go ahead and sharpen your stake."
Jaheira frowned. "Spawn? You have a master, no? Or had, considering your independence."
"Tadpole," Astarion said.
"Impossible," Jaheira said.
Astarion hummed, disinterested.
"Your master, then. Who is he?"
Astarion stiffened. He looked away for a moment. "Cazador Szarr."
Jaheira looked intrigued. "I suppose I should be surprised. I'm not, however. That palace reeked of the undead."
Astarion crossed his arms.
"And your master is hardly a beacon of good faith. He fosters the corruption that runs rampant through the city. The corruption that ran rampant when we met."
"You're not at all upset that he's a vampire?" Gale asked.
"Do you want her to put a stake in my heart, darling?" Astarion asked.
Gale scowled, looking from Astarion to Jaheira. "Of course not. But… why?"
"Because a familiar face is rare in these lands," Jaheira said. "Even if that face has fangs."
Gale hummed, glancing over as Shadowheart and the others approached. Shadowheart explained quite a few complicated things regarding a resurrected veteran and a girl who could help protect them from the shadows.
The group decided to split up, with Karlach, Wyll, Shadowheart, and Lae'zel heading upstairs to talk to the cleric as Gale, Astarion, and Halsin set out to find a safe spot to camp. They found a spot near the edge of the water where they were safe from the shadows and yet a decent distance from the inn.
Halsin proved to be a decent workhorse, and since the others had dropped off their tents for Halsin to carry, they set up camp fairly quickly. Astarion helped more than he would've normally mostly because he didn't want to leave poor Gale alone with that much work.
By the time they'd finished setting up, the rest of the party found them looking fairly worn out. There had been an ambush at the Inn and some of the tieflings had been taken to the fabled Moonrise towers that everybody was always talking about.
Astarion, even though he'd never admit it, was thoroughly grateful that the others were back. Halsin had chatted a bit about himself and Gale, to his credit, had tried to act like he didn't hate the man. But something about Astarion inquiring about Halsin's size and then joking about how Halsin was the only one in camp older than him caused Gale to be silently seething. Luckily, Halsin didn't notice.
Astarion watched the others settling in from a fallen log at the edge of the camp, every so often glancing at Gale, who seemed to be pretending to read. Halsin approached.
"You know, it does make me feel better to have someone slightly older here," Halsin said. "I always feel like I'm teaching children how to read whenever I talk to them."
Astarion grinned, his eyes locking onto Gale. He was pleasantly enjoying the way Gale found it harder and harder to pretend like he was just reading and not at all watching them.
"Don't forget the skeleton man," Astarion said. "I'm sure he's much older than us."
Halsin turned slightly to look at Withers, who was doing some kind of odd magic and watching as Scratch tried to fetch the strange bursts of light.
"I've seen many odd things throughout my travels," Halsin said. "And he is one of the strangest by far."
Astarion grinned. "How does the whole tadpole thing rank?"
Halsin hummed thoughtfully. "Probably the highest. I did hear a story about a druid making love while still in the shape of a horse. I don't think much will top that."
"Keep me updated on that list," Astarion said, standing up from the log.
"I will," Halsin answered, heading over to Shadowheart and Lae'zel.
Astarion slowly wandered to Gale, pretending like he didn't notice that Gale had been eavesdropping. Gale closed his book, putting on a forced smile.
"Halsin is funny, don't you think?" Astarion asked.
Gale narrowed his eyes, putting on a look of confusion. "That's one way to put it."
Astarion stepped closer, until they were barely a foot away from each other. Gale looked down at the book in his hands, frowning. Astarion reached out and grabbed Gale's jaw, tilting his head up. Gale hesitantly stood.
"I'm teasing you, my sweet," Astarion said.
Gale seemed to relax a little. And then his brows furrowed again. "Were you teasing me that whole time?"
"I was," Astarion said. "Because I like how you were squirming."
Gale blushed, scowling. "That is not funny."
Astarion stepped closer, moving his hands to Gale's hips. Astarion caught Gale's eyes drifting toward the rest of the party and pressed his hips forward until they were against each other. Gale's breath hitched in his throat and his eyes flicked back to Astarion.
Astarion leaned closer and caught Gale's lips in a kiss. As he pulled away, he said, "You don't have to be jealous."
Gale let out a shaky breath. "Astarion."
Astarion pulled Gale into a hug. "I have never trusted anyone like I trust you. I wouldn't give that away for anything."
Gale relaxed into his arms, pressing a light kiss on Astarion's cheek. "That means a lot to me."
Tara landed next to them. "Good heavens. Get a tent."
Astarion chuckled, looking at Gale. "Thank you."
"For what?" Gale asked.
"For the clothes," Astarion said. "With that devil."
"I want you to know that I really, really wanted to kill him," Gale said. "If you'd made a move, I would've been at your side."
"I need him to help me, unfortunately," Astarion replied. "I need to know."
"I'm really sorry he did that," Gale said.
"You were quick to protect me,"Astarion said. "I do applaud you for that."
"Wish I'd been quicker," Gale said.
Astarion chuckled gruffly.
"Shadowheart instantly started taking off her cloak," Gale said.
"She was going to give it to me?" Astarion asked quietly.
Gale nodded. "She was. I think she felt extremely guilty."
"Why?" Astarion asked.
Why would she want to give him her cloak? His body had been exposed unwillingly more times than he could count. What's one more going to do?
Gale raised a brow. "Because Raphael did something horrific to you."
Astarion shrugged. "It's hardly the first time something like that has happened."
Gale stared at him. "Gods, Astarion, I'm sorry."
Astarion stepped backwards slightly, shrugging again. "I don't want your pity."
"I know," Gale said quickly, taking his hands. "I just… I'm sorry."
Astarion scoffed to hide his confusion. He crossed his arms, fully pulling away.
"You shouldn't have to put up with something like that," Gale said quickly. "With… your body being used without your consent. It's unfair."
Astarion watched him warily. He shrugged slightly.
"What do you want from me?" Gale asked softly. "A hug? Some space? We could sit quietly?"
Astarion felt the defensiveness melting away. He shrugged slightly, looking away. "I don't really know."
Gale sat back down. He patted the rug next to him. Astarion sat next to him, thinking quietly.
Another time where his body had been taken from him. But Gale had helped him. He'd hidden him. Astarion had no idea what it meant. He'd figure it out eventually.