Already a tenday had passed since the near annihilation of Baldur's Gate and all its citizens turning into illithids. Of course, it would not have stopped there, the other regions could have been next if the Absolutists Cult had succeeded. The Netherbrain was destroyed but the devastation it wrought was immeasurable. Buildings and walls could be fixed eventually, but lives could never be replaced. Almost every person in the Gate had lost someone dear to them or at least someone they knew, such was the magnitude of the loss of life. Whether they were killed or turned into an illithid, both were equally as tragic. That close friends and family could turn into Absolutists, or worse Illithids, and try to kill you, was terrifying. The city had faced wars and crisis' in the past but nothing compared with the Brain's unlimited power over the populace.
In the Upper City it seemed an army of labourers were working non-stop to get Manor estates and structures rebuilt. No official building was spared of some damage. A special landmark of the city, the Swords and Arts College had a corner blown up, with walls and a floor lost. Pain-staking work was still being carried out there, as workers continued salvaging soiled parchments and scrolls. Thank the gods must of it still stood.
Taviala Moonblossum, or better known as just Tav, had been watching the goings on in the Upper City the last few days. Tav, a 30 year old, fair-haired half wood elf, originally from Aglarond, had made Baldur's Gate her home for the last 8 years. Since childhood, Baldur's Gate had been in her dreams, and because of that she had wanted to travel there to see it with her own eyes. It wasn't only the city she wanted to experience, but she believed the mysterious one who frequented her dreams would be found there. Her independent vision was much to her parents' displeasure. She had convinced them it was the College she wanted to attend, despite there being better schools at Waterdeep. Once she arrived in Baldur's Gate, she finally understood her fascination with it, it was the unknown and the adventure she was craving. Plus, above it all, and amid the stories and the broad mix of people, she believed that one day she would meet that one from her dreams.
Still young, in the eyes of elves, although not in her own eyes, she was very self-reliant, and rebellious according to her parents. She could see herself as a younger version of her friend Jaheira, in her freedom and voracity for adventure. Jaheira was like a mentor to her, she had learned much from her over their journey together. Although Tav wasn't a druid, she still loved animals and anything to do with the wilds. Music was her true passion – and sword-craft, and the last few months she had become an expert in the later. She was born with a knowledge of the wilderness, but even that was pushed to the limit of late. It was her charm and studies that had really proved their worth. She just couldn't help it, she made friends wherever she went -- unless, she couldn't, or simply didn't want to. As she would often be telling her companions, or convincing them at worst. 'Living allies are better than angry enemies.' 'Can we not kill everyone we meet?' 'They give us information if we let them live.' But she would be the first to shed blood at anyone threatening her friends.
Tav's long hair was white and gold strands, and on this day was roughly swept into a braid that went to her mid back. She wore a sleeveless low cut black bodice under a navy open jacket with white trim and patterns, and black pants following the curve of her body. The blue was a colour that reflected well with her storm grey eyes that could almost be seen as blue. Unlike most elves, her skin had a golden hue.
Tav knew about all the reconstruction going on, and all the problems that came with it. She was coming from another meeting at the High Hall. Officials from the city were there, along with Counsellor Florrick, even Barcus Wroot was there, although he didn't like having to work alongside the humans. She suspected he only attended because of Tav. She hoped he was being compensated, she even asked that he be. She had never met a more generous gnome.
The Upper City, the richer part of Baldur's Gate, was getting a lot of attention -- was the same being given to the Lower City, she had asked? 'Yes, of course.' A city official had responded.
But so far Tav saw sparse construction on the lower levels, and the activity she did see was from the locals. Her own home wasn't spared from damage, although not as bad as others. It still wasn't livable, with a wall crumbled in. Before the life-changing event of tadpole infection and everything after, she had lived in a modest apartment above the Wild Tempest tavern. Playing music at the tavern gave her the funds she needed to live. She was versatile, and being able to play many types of instruments and craft her own music, made her more popular. Learning stories and making music kept her sane and gave her purpose. It was easy when it was your greatest passion.
When her and her friends arrived in Baldur's Gate she only told a couple of them about her home. They couldn't all come and live in her apartment, the same way they couldn't all live at Jaheira's house. It made an intimate little hide-away on occasion. Besides, it was too dangerous if Cultists knew where they lived. They had still been living at the inn. But that was about to change, and it was late coming. She grinned to herself as she walked down the busy dusk-tinted streets and to the lower city.
She went over what she could remember of the meeting, she had kept quiet for the most part. Amazing they let her in on the organizing and the undertakings of the city. What could she even add to these discussions? All the talk about infrastructure, positions, funds, and food distribution, and blah, blah, blah – her mind would slowly turn off.
She must be important now, but she assumed that wasn't going to last… but, why did it have to be so boring…. Her mind wandered… back to the forest… the lulling streams… the natural music… the high-adrenaline combat… the comradery
As of today, that was the last meeting she would need to attend. She had accepted the City's reward on behalf of all her friends who had fought against the Netherbrain. Sadly she was the only one present to receive it. Everyone had gone back to their homes, or former way of life, or for most of them, it was new ways of life.
Fingering the scroll in her belt once again, and with a spring in her step, she made her way to the great city wall and that single door at the end of the rampart. She found it astounding that a place that entertained the rich and powerful would have an entrance of such a bland non-descript door. Nothing fancy here. She supposed that's what added to its mystery and allure of the forbidden for the wealthy. She had always referred to this building as the gaudy monstrosity over the city. All those years, she had no idea what horrors were occurring inside.
The door was locked, but she let herself in with a key. She could see well enough in the darkness but she already knew where to go. Up the stairs and through the service area, and into the mansion proper. Pungent scent hit her senses. Rooms that had never experienced fresh air, or any air it would seem. It was the gloom that weighed on her body and soul. Must be her fey senses kicking in – she felt the oppression, and the depression, and the utter despair. Not for the first time she gasped at it.
For some reason she thought it best to sneak, maybe because everything about the place made you think you had to be as quiet as a mouse. It was unnaturally silent. Not a sound. Well, there shouldn't be anyone there, except she thought he should be here… somewhere.
Tav arrived at one of the bedrooms. It was nearly completely in darkness, even her darkvision only allowed her to see outlines. '… such a dark abode…' she muttered to herself and thinking how foolish it was to come without a weapon.
Without any sense of a presence, a man with red eyes stood before her, a dagger pointed towards her face. 'You've come here. Why?'
She scrunched up her brow. 'You, I know you, Petras?'
'And you are Astarion's pet.' He directed the knife at the puncture marks on her neck. 'Where is he, skulking around? All we ask of him is come with us. We would even follow him if he so chose to lead us. Is he so weak? '
'Astarion's far from weak.' Tav felt her temper rising at the abrupt derogatory remark. 'He's the strongest person I've ever come across.'
'That might be a matter of opinion—'
She felt the indignation. The torture and torment of this hellish place hadn't broken him. He had left the first chance he got, despite what punishment he might have faced over it. 'He saved you – '
Without any warning, he spun her around and grabbed her around the shoulders. His blade was now at her throat. 'But did he really?' His mouth was near her ear.
She scoffed at his remark. 'And what do you mean by that? We know what the ritual was going to do?' His one arm was strong against her chest, but she tried to move against the blade. It dragged along her skin, drawing blood. 'You really want to do this?' She couldn't struggle, he meant business.
His mouth moved down her neck.
Gods, was he going to lick her neck. Although she wasn't afraid just shocked he would try such a move. Last resort she would have to yell out – Astarion must be here somewhere.
Suddenly with a rush of movement in the darkness, the one behind her was gripped and slammed hard into the wall. The white haired elf, his red eyes glowing with rage, held the other vampire around the neck with one hand pining him to the wall. Petras' blade now forced into his own neck. 'Petras, you continue to amaze me with your lack of intelligence. You would actually go this far and threaten someone dear to me.' Astarion's voice was deep and cold. 'I should kill you for that alone.' The knife cut into Petras' neck.
Tav thought he was really going to do it this time. It wasn't unusual to see him this angry, and she also knew it was best to not interfere when she saw it.
'Brother…' Petras pleaded, his mouth trembling with fear. 'I didn't know… I didn't know what I was doing…'
For tense moments, Astarion held Petras immobile. Only after casting a glance at Tav, did he lower his hand. Still enraged, he growled out, 'What are you doing here?'
'I'm…visiting… sometimes I miss it… being here…' he mumbled, his eyes staring at the floor.
'You miss this?' Astarion stood back and nodded at the darkness. 'I find that hard to believe.'
'Astarion, now that you are here, why don't you come with me? You could lead us.'
'I have my reasons for why I won't, which I would rather not share with you.' Astarion brushed him off. 'What about Leon. I would think he a much better candidate for leading the rabble.' The disdain obvious in his tone.
'Leon's gone.' Petras shrugged. 'We don't know where.'
He snorted with derision. 'I suppose that's not a surprise considering what was done to his daughter.' He lowered the knife but did not give it back to him. 'Just go. There will be no more chances for you if you attack us again. You have been warned.'
'If you change your mind, me and Dalyria are by the abandoned village of Karsk, in the Underdark.' Petras slunk away into the gloom.
'A most unpleasant reunion.' Astarion, in a black jacket with grey embossing, and matching open black shirt, came over to Tav. 'My darling, you came out without a weapon, again, and here. Have you even a dagger?'
For appearances, she felt her belt, knowing there was nothing there but the rolled up parchment she received from Florrick. 'Ah…' she grimaced, '…no.' Did she really have to get back into the swing of things so soon.
'Despite the city appearing safe, you still need to be careful. You cannot rely on spells every time.' He tilted her chin. Blood still a trickle. 'I'll kiss it better.'
She felt a superficial nip. 'Should I lay down for this?' she was only half joking.
'Certainly not here.' He stopped and said, 'Why are you here in this vile nest of evil?'
'Looking for you. Anyway, you're in this "nest of evil". Have you found anything interesting?'
'In a way.' He glanced over at the bag of books past the doorway. 'There are centuries of history and lore in dusty tomes sequestered away in all sorts of places. On the whole it's fascinating.'
'Actually I'm intrigued. I would love to dig around these books and tomes myself, especially any diaries. That's where the real stories are.'
'The Szarr family were diabolical enough for some heinous tales, and Cazador was as wicked as all of them.'
She added with some cheer, 'And they are all gone now.'
'Oddly enough, that may not be true. But I will do no more talking on the matter in this place.' He gave the hall a side-eyed glance. 'The walls are listening.'
Tav looked around at the shady portraits of long-gone vampires with a sense he was right. 'Can I assume you don't want to come back here and live?'
'I hope you are joking, my love.' He bent closer with a smile of his own. 'The stink alone brings back a myriad of memories, then there's the rancid corpses, unnatural silence, the moldy secret torture cells. Lovely. Of course, there's also the necro death trap to worry about. Any guests would be beating the door down to escape.'
'The council are concerned because they haven't heard from Cazador.' She paused in thought. 'I haven't told them anything. Fortunately they are occupied with many other things that are probably more important.'
'Despite not liking this place, there's still a disturbing fondness for my home of two hundred years.' He gazed around the halls, the heavy furnishings and ancient decorations were the historical witnesses of tormented souls and ruined lives. 'Strange to comprehend, but I am against anyone else owning it.'
'I think I see.' Tav offered, 'You hate it, but you can't let it go. The trouble is I'm not sure how we can hold onto it long-term. If I do tell them Cazador is dead, I'm afraid the Fists will just march in.'
'That's what I'm worried about myself.' He took her by the hand and picked up the pack of books. 'Sooo, I shall craft some story up and forge a letter from the 'owner' to explain why he hasn't been present at certain meetings. I'll also do some 'meetings' of my own, as Cazador's servant spawn.'
She started down the stair, but he pulled her back, and said, 'First,' He pulled her close and kissed her delicately, and she responded with the same care. After some moments, he said, 'Good evening, my lovely.'
'Good evening to you, my dearest.' She smiled, not able to contain her inner happiness.
They started down the stair together. Tav remembered the reason she was looking for him, but nearly being killed had distracted her. 'Do you think he would have killed me?'
'More than likely he would have bitten you.' He squeezed her hand. 'He would not have bitten for long. For that he would be dead. However, his behaviour seems… too aggressive even for him. It's not how I remember him. It was his stupidity that was his most well-known trait.'
As they walked, she considered Petras, who still considered Astarion as his brother. There was much she didn't understand about the spawn siblings. 'Perhaps with his freedom he is learning how to live?' They had all been connected through the controlling power of their master- at least this was the thing they had in common, and what they could all relate too. Maybe Petras really did miss the life. 'You didn't believe him about missing this place?'
'He might miss it,' he replied, 'Perhaps it is like me in that regards. However, I don't believe it.'
But what then, she pondered to herself. 'He's looking for something?'
'Occasionally, you can be quite perceptive. Yes, I would say he wants something.' After some moments, he said under his breath, 'I wonder what exactly…'
They finally neared the stairs at the exit. Tav said, 'Oh, I forgot, there's somewhere we have to go.'
'Yes, and where is that?'
'It's… well, we, or you follow me and we will just get there. And then… we will go in…' She didn't want to give away the whole surprise.
'I see. Is this one of your 'surprises'," his tone, a mix of minor annoyance and mirth, 'Where we arrive somewhere and then all hell breaks loose.'
'Umm…,' She bit her lip, surely he was exaggerating, but hoping it wasn't going to be like that – alright, there were times when that had happened. 'I haven't got my weapons so it can't be that.'
'You don't sound convincing, my dear. But you have piqued my interest.'
'Good.' She laughed nervously. 'I hope it's going to work out.'
He opened the door to a new night sky. 'Are we breaking into this place we are going to?'
'Maybe…' she wanted to keep it a surprise as long as she could.
'It's going to be a fun night then.'
She grinned. But she wasn't smiling for the same reason he was.
They walked out into the lull after the daytime busyness, and before evenings nightlife was underway. The hush would not last, the evening patrons would soon be filling the pubs, restaurants, brothels, or just loitering around. The current state of Baldur's Gate did not deter people from getting out, spending money, having a good time. At least the citizens could get some enjoyment and keep their minds off the troubles that the day brings.
'It's in the Upper City.' She had a rough idea where she was going from the landmarks.
'And we are going straight through the gates,' his brow raised in skeptical surprise, 'in the evening?'
The Upper city housed the Patriar and those wealthy enough to live in luxury. This meant the Upper citizens could afford guards on the gate at night. The gate wasn't locked, but you did need to present tokens as proof of residency or at least a right to pass, failing any of that you could use good old fashioned coin. The sewers were a much better option for those who didn't have money or didn't want to be seen.
This time Tav had a pass. 'I've got a token. We will be fine.' If one was determined to get into the affluent area it wasn't too difficult in that you could steal or buy a pass. Mostly the guards never cared too much. After all, the guards were the Flaming Fist's. Coin could easily sway them, or it just depended on their individual mood.
They passed the gate easily, with the guards just seeing her and waving them through. They passed tree lined streets, and large homes with gardens. She was not accustomed to the affluent area, but eventually they arrived at the street with the Temple of Helm, and once passing the Estate of Heblich, she spied the manor she was aiming for.
Walking up the rise of the street, and instead of stopping at the front of the house, she took Astarion around the back and a narrow lane. At the back of the house was a wall with a door. 'This is it.'
'We are breaking in… to steal something?' He clicked his tongue with exasperation. 'Surely we are not that desperate for coin?'
Tav laughed nervously. They were not desperate at all. They had more than enough for their needs. Sensing his irritation, she hoped her joke wasn't going to backfire.
'Darling, you probably have forgotten, but I can't enter without permission.' He said quite light-heartedly considering his statement. 'One of the many blasted flaws I've been left with.'
She had forgotten that detail. 'Ummm, I think no one lives here…' She pushed the gate door open. 'Oh look, it's not locked.' She walked into a garden yard that probably ran the length of the house and to the front.
'How convenient,' he replied with growing skepticism.
Tav went along the side of the house till she found what she was looking for. A half hidden hatch in the bushes. 'A door.'
'Is it too, open? Or would you like me to assist?'
'I can lockpick too remember?'
'Of course you can, if we are willing to wait an age.'
She grumbled at his laugh, as the door opened and she jumped down.
'Are you forgetting I need an invitation?'
'Come on in, you're welcome.' Although she expected with this place he would be fine to walk in on his own merit. The basement was large and passages branched off from it. 'It's huge.' Tav was getting eager to explore.
'I don't believe it should be this easy for me to enter,' Astarion commented. He dropped the bag of books he had carried and followed Tav to a stair that would lead up into the house.
They came out through the door into the large empty kitchen. The kitchen was cold with no fires lit. It had obviously been abandoned for some time. She led him through the kitchen into a dining room with a table that would sit nearly twelve people. They came to what she assumed was a library. A desk was on one side, and a couch and small table at the other. Bookcases lined the walls and the rich decor was not tacky.
'Oh, heavens, the books…' She stared at the rows and rows of books with hungry wonder.
'Sweetheart, I love books as much as you,' he sighed, 'but are we really here for books?'
'No…' She took a slow breath, 'not this…'
He sighed loud and clear with impatience.
She started out the room. 'There's no one here.' She added, 'I'm pretty sure.'
'That is not what I'm worried about.'
Many rooms were downstairs, but they took the one main staircase up. The mezzanine first floor also had many closed doors leading to more rooms. All the while she was astonished by the size and opulence of the house. 'It's just so… massive…'
Astarion remarked, 'I have been in manors like this before. Wealthy, arrogant, self-serving people who lord it over everyone else, except those higher than themselves, for which they are groveling like placid fools. Unfortunately for them, there will always be someone more powerful than they.'
Tav nodded at his sincere statement. 'If I had this much wealth, I hope I wouldn't become like that.'
'Tavi, my love,' his voice softened, 'Even if you had all the gold you could have, I assure you, you would never become like that.' He paused for some moments, 'However, how close I was to becoming just like that.'
She bit her tongue at the pain behind his words. They had talked about his near Ascension, but not in depth. There was more to know about his inner thoughts on it, but she couldn't delve into it without his willingness, as much as she wanted too. It would come in his own time, when he was ready to share. Currently it was enough he had decided not to do it. She squeezed his hand in reassurance. 'I'm glad you didn't follow in his footsteps.'
'I know.' He stopped her to plant a kiss on her lips. 'Now when are you going to tell me what we are doing in this grand old house?'
At the bottom steps of the second staircase, she said, 'Up here. I think.'
Along the elegantly decorated hall, they came to an alcove and a door that stood out from the others. Inside was a master bedroom that probably took up nearly the whole floor. Tav cast a small Light spell on one of the room's candelabra stands, it shed enough light to see the furnishings. At one end was an overly large four poster bed on a dais, with heavy red drapes and numerous pillows of varying sizes, and a canopy of gold embossed material. Above the upholstered bed board was an alcove shelf with some candles, and even some books were there. Two wardrobes were on either side of the bed, and there was also a couch. The other side of the room had a desk, more bookcases, and even a round table with cushioned chairs. 'Oh, my beloved Withers!' Tav caught her breath, she thought she might faint. 'I had no idea.' She noted the heavy drapes on the windows, and mumbled, '… thank goodness.'
Astarion must have also noticed, and for him to be speechless, the room must be breathtaking indeed. Finally he remarked, 'Absolutely extravagant over-the-top furnishings. I do approve. Have we come to disturb this room?' He asked with merry abandonment.
Tav couldn't stop grinning. 'I'm pleased you like it.' She approached him and put her arms around his neck and came in for a kiss. 'We can mess it up, but I would prefer we didn't. Because it's ours. We'll be living here now.'
'You lead me along all this way… without a word, and without me suspecting a thing,' He held her and kissed her tenderly, finally breaking away to speak. 'You lovely scoundrel.'
'Haven't I learned from the best?'
He continued kissing her with more intensity.
She whispered, 'It's rare to see you have nothing to say…'
'Actually, I'm quite overwhelmed,' he said, 'I should not be shocked though. There were some obvious signs. Anyway, it is the least they can do, after all we have been through, saving this city, and all the rest we have done. This place will do well at tying us over till our next adventure.'
Tav was also looking forward to that. She missed roaming the lands, and wanted to travel without murderous lunatics chasing them down. She unrolled the parchment she had carried from the High Hall. 'Of course, it's not just us who own it.' She gave it to him to read. 'But we are going to be the best stewards for everyone, and the only ones to make real use of it.'
Astarion read the deed quietly. Then said, "The deed of the Silverhelm Estate belongs to the Saviours of Baldur's Gate.'' He paused, 'Hence, a list of names—
Taviala Moonblossum Bard Extraordinaire
Astarion Master of the Shadows
Shadowheart Cleric of the Moon
Gale Dekarios Wizard of Waterdeep
Wyll Ravengard Blade of Avernus
Karlach Soldier of Avernus
Halsin Archdruid
Jaheira Leader of the Harpers
Mincs (and Boo) of Rashemen
Minthara General of the Drow Exiles
Lae'zel the Githyanki Revolutionary
'Let me see, you gave them all these names.'
'I know there were many who helped on the journey, but it was us who traveled together, who had to work together, and live together. There were good times, but also a lot of hellish ones. We didn't kill each other and that's pretty good in my book.'
'I'm relieved you didn't include my full name.'
Relief crossed her face too, she had considered it. 'I had wondered about it...'
'Nothing wrong with being thorough, but,' he pecked her forehead, 'it's best this all remains as hush-hush as possible.'
'I asked Florrick to keep this a secret, and she agreed with me.' Tav did not relish the thought of being hunted by any cultist, or any enemy they had made on their journey.
'Considering the enemies we have made it is significant.' He threw the document onto the desk and held her arms and drew her close. 'Aside from those types of problems, this is an exhilarating step-up in the world. One less thing to be concerned with, our living arrangements.'
'I suppose it's nearer to how you were living in your former residence, the opulent Crimson palace.'
'This is nothing like it. It is a hundred times better. Although I understand what you are trying to say. This –' He twirled his hand, indicating the room, 'is freedom, knowing you have a safe place of your own.'
'It's also a place our friends can come if they plan on visiting the city.' Tav thought on how likely that would be. A couple of them already lived in the city. 'Maybe Shadowheart can come and stay. Sometimes.' She missed her friend, who was currently traveling the lands, with Scratch and Oby. That gave Tav some comfort. 'I keep hopeful that Wyll and Karlach might be able to portal back in somehow, even if it's a short time.'
'Oh, yes, isn't it nice to know you have friends in hell.' He chuckled. 'Well, I can't see Gale leaving his Ivory tower. Nor Minthara leaving the Underdark for some sort of vacation. She would rather die than relax in some fashion.'
'Perhaps if she had need of something,' Tav laughed, 'something to do with someone's grisly death.'
'And we shan't be asking that Bear man, Halsin,' Astarion looked at her sternly, 'I would rather he not ever be left alone with you. I can't believe the amount of times I had to make my presence known. Gods, is there a hornier man in Faerun.'
She giggled, but still felt her face redden. 'Sometimes I just didn't know what to say. It was so obvious – he could leave me speechless.'
'I know, my love.' He went on, 'There were a couple of times, I feared he was going to take you by force.'
'God, no.' She breathed wide-eyed and mumbled, 'no wonder I was always running off from him. Let's not talk of it though… Anyway, what about Mincs, he's still in the city I think.'
'… that whimsical clown, I thought he would be off, 'scouring the world of "eval"' he mimicked.
Tav continued giggling, 'I miss that, and his precious hamster.'
'That hamster,' Astarion pouted, 'No matter how much I wanted to pet him, he would never come near me.'
'Mmm, hope there's no reason for that.'
'Excuse me, my dear. There's no way he should have known anything that I was doing away from everyone.' He turned his gaze away from her to the floor. 'Unless….'
She went on, 'I'm still amazed that someone can be as wise as a sage and yet as dumb as a post at the same time. Even in the same sentence sometimes.'
'He's definitely an enigma that man. I discovered early on it is best to play along with him than try to fight it. Save a lot of mind fatigue.' He chuckled, 'you even included Lae'zel. Now that's surprising.'
'I wasn't sure if I should-- but,' she considered her thoughts on the matter again, 'I feared she might find out if I didn't do it, and come and burn the house down with one of her dragons.' Lae'zel was as frightening as Minthara at times.
Astarion's expression was dry and direct. 'She would absolutely do that.'
Tav flicked another Light spell, this one on the candles above the bed-board. In the lit room she went to one of the two large wardrobes on each side of the bed. Full of women's clothes. She shuffled through them. Some of them catching her eye, enough that she wondered if they would fit her. All of them intricately designed. She started pulling off her jacket.
'Even clothes. The generosity is beyond normal.' Astarion commented, 'You are the most wonderful of charmers, because you did charm them I am sure of it.'
'I might have said some things….' She smiled, sheepishly, 'I did tell them how I am still in the city, and could be called on if difficult circumstances arose… but I also had needs of my own…like somewhere to live…'
'I can't believe you did that! I hope you were spinning them a tall tale.'
'I hope so too.' She chewed her lip. 'I say things and then think about them later.'
He gave a resigned sigh. 'Who are the unfortunate souls to leave us with such a stupendous inheritance?'
'The family's name is Rattansburg. Do you know them? Apparently they were murdered at Wym's Fortress when the steel Watch collapsed. The Absolute went on a rampage.' She and Astarion and all of them saw the aftermath of that, bodies everywhere, it was a bloody and gruesome sight. 'Many were killed, as you know.'
'Mmm, I think I can recall them.' He kicked off his boots and also took off his jacket. 'An older couple - they had one son. If my recollection is correct, he died before all of this.'
'That's right, there are no heirs, that's why we could receive this house.'
'The story goes, he desired a particular woman who spurned his affections. A tale as old as time. She loved a man far below her family's rank.' He unhooked the crimson drapes on one side of the bed, and proceeded to do the same with the ones at the end. He climbed onto the bed through the side still open.
'And - what happened?' Tav stopped searching through the clothes to stare at him.
'Ever the curious one aren't you.'
She tilted her head in anticipation. She would never let the opportunity of hearing a good story pass her by.
'As it goes, he couldn't control his rage. He confronted the other man and was killed for his trouble, presumably.' He lay on his side facing her. 'A story as old as the hills, and boring.' With a hungry glint in his eyes, he watched her approach, 'Considering this abode is now ours, let me lay down some bed rules.'
'Oh, lay down…' a coy grin played on her face, 'Rules… I see. It's like that.'
'Before coming to bed all the drapes must be loosed,' he pointed to the remaining tied curtain.
She smiled, thinking that was quite reasonable. 'The other rules…?'
'You must always take your pants off,' his heated gaze was undressing her as he spoke. 'Then, you may enter, my sweet.' He patted the bed beside him.
'These rules are agreeable.' She pulled off her shoes, followed by a slow removal of her pants. Only wearing her bodice and she put her hands on her brief black panties, and gave him a quizzical glance.
'You are delectable, come to me.'
'Hold on, is that rule only for me?' She creased her brow at him, still mostly clothed.
'Yes, that one is.' He gave her a saucy grin.
'Mmm, not sure that is fair…' She muttered. Shivering in the cooling air, she knelt on the bed, and untied the curtain and let it fall. In the mellow glow of the candlelight, it was a cozy cocoon of ardor and intimate ambience, shutting out the whole world. 'It's become a type of…' she searched her mind for a description, 'love-nest…'
He chuckled. 'Hmmm, a most amorous term…and quite fitting,' he reached for her, 'It's our love-nest…Now come you are cold. Let me warm you.'
She crawled into his waiting arms and turning on her side, she lay her head on his resting arm. He brushed away her fair blond strands from her face and he touched the healing cut on her skin. 'How easy it is for us to do this,' he whispered into her neck.
'Because I let you.' She pressed her body into him for warmth, and arched her neck in trusting submission.
He cradled her around her back and bit into her skin where he always did. The initial prick pained her for a moment. If it wasn't him it would be terrifying. As it was she had trusted him from the start. He drank her life source, and that peculiar euphoria came over her, she gave a delicate moan in his arms. He stroked her face as he fed, and she would gradually become light-headed, and sleep would overtake her. Sometimes she wondered if she would wake again, but she always did, and she fell asleep in his arms as she always did.