A couple of hours after sunrise, Tav woke and sat up. Astarion was asleep beside her, and on her other side was her white fluffy cat, Selune. She was the mother of the three kittens, one of which was still asleep, Ollie, the other two, Jester and Fish, were not present on the bed. She and Astarion brought them over from her old apartment. Finally all their chests and possessions were in the house as well. Either in their main bedroom, or in the house somewhere.
Tav cuddled the mother cat and whispered in her ear, 'You must be hungry.'
'Very hungry. We must eat now. Master said we cannot eat until you are up.'
'Let's go then.' Tav drew the bed drapes aside and despite the curtains in the room covering the windows, she could guess the time. It was after dawn, but not mid-morning. She carefully wiggled off the bed in an attempt not to wake Astarion up. He usually came in late into the night, and he explained he had tasks to carry out, and anything else he was up to. She never questioned him in-depth on his activities, she never felt she had too. As long as he was safe and returned, she could sleep at night. She picked up all three kittens, and just wearing her underwear, went downstairs. It was her time to hunt for food.
On her way downstairs, she spoke to Selune. 'I hope Rascal and Jergal are around somewhere.' The house was so large she wondered if she would ever see those two again. Rascal was a street-smart mottled male, who had decided that Tav was going to be his best friend, and Jergal was an older wise black cat, who she had since he was young.
'Once we arrived here, they disappeared into the house.' Selune dashed ahead down the stairs.
After inspecting the kitchen, Tav threw some food together for herself and the cats. Rascal had shown up and stood on the counter to greet her.
She told him, 'I'm glad to see you are still here.' Jergal was absent but she imagined he was around, finding the best spots to watch the world. 'Any activity for the day?'
Rascal replied, 'I followed the Special one last night. He cannot easily touch me. This he knows. He is aware of the Way of the Cat. My instruction is not needed.'
'Master carried us—' Ollie told her
'Did he?' Tav laughed at the thought of Astarion being patient enough to hold a kitten.
'--In the basket—' Fish meowed, '… up the stairs.'
'—he said we would see you---' Jester gave a tiny long cry. '… that's why we got in.'
Selune explained, 'We are sleeping in our bed basket in your room. Master carried us up in the night.'
'Very kind of him. He must have known you wanted to be up there.' Tav gave them all another pat before leaving them to eat.
With Astarion asleep, she was eager to explore the house. But even more than that she wanted to study the books he had brought over from his former residence, some of which had the look of the Infernal about them.
She neared the upstairs bedroom and heard him crying out. His muted shouts within the draped bed became more fervent. She rushed into the room and swept the curtain away to find him violently thrashing on the bed and yelling, 'No! No! I won't!' Another one of those dreams she suspected.
Tav jumped on the bed, and placed a gentle hand on his forehead, knowing that outright restraint would make it worse. She had tried that previously, and had gotten punched in the face, and kicked on another. Prepared for any lashing out, she called his name calmly, 'Astarion,' she continued, 'Wake-up.'
Startled awake, he bolted up in the bed. Taking in Tav's concern, the fear left his face. 'That was…' he breathed hard and fast, 'agonizing.' His chest expanded as his breath deepened. 'I didn't hurt you, did I?'
She placed her hand on his shoulder to steady him. 'No…'
'Horrifying real. Controlling… Reviling….once more…' He shook his head, anguish evident. 'He is dead isn't he -- Because these visions…'
'Yes,' she exclaimed, 'You killed him. We burned what was left of him, and nothing was left.' Except smoldering ash.
Since Astarion couldn't be in the sun anymore, he was getting pale, as pale as when she first met him, but right then he seemed even paler. He said, 'It's… he's controlling me as if he stood here with us. All over again. The same wretched feelings.'
She hated the thought he was experiencing all that torment again. 'Is it because you are going back to his lair?' But the truth was, it could simply take some time before he could be truly free in his mind.
'No, it's…' He leaned back on the cushioned bed board. 'I don't share your optimism that it would be as simple as that. … he's mocking me… over the cursed ritual.'
'The ritual…' she gave a long sigh.
He lifted his head, his gaze piercing hers. 'I am beginning to wonder if there is more to this ritual.' He cast a glance at the books piled on the floor. 'There's Infernal books there. I can't read them myself, but I know you can.'
'I wish I was better at reading them.' She paused.
'Well?' His tone was short. 'You being silent is not going to help.'
She grumbled, 'I don't know enough yet. But maybe you are right and there is more to this ritual than we have supposed.' Placing her hand on his bare thigh, she rubbed it in reassurance. 'I promise I shall keep studying it.'
He gripped her hand, and his eyes held her in an unwavering stare. 'You promise to tell me when you know anything about it. No matter what it may be.'
'On my word.'
~><~
It was a bright day on the streets of Baldur's Gate. She wished Astarion could be with her walking in the light of day, like days past when they first met. Her heart ached for him to be able to experience his heart's desire again. She knew there had to be an answer to that somewhere out in the world, and she would look for that answer. But for now, she would take some other small steps that might ease that longing to a certain degree. If it even worked out that is – or it could turn out to be just another one of her crazy plans.
This time she had her favourite rapier with her, Dualist, sometimes she used two. She had a few to choose from, but she always came back to the same one. She headed towards the Nine Fingers Guild, and in particular to pick up a special package.
The guards let her through on sight. She stopped to say hello to Mol, and the other street kids. After some other greetings she made it to Keene's office.
Keene sat at her desk and gave Tav a cursory glance. 'Good to see you.'
'Good to see you too.' Tav noticed all the paperwork. 'Guess you are busy? Fixing the city.'
'Trying to get this city up and running isn't even half of it. We have lost many of our people.'
Tav chuckled, 'You need a recruitment drive.'
Keene dropped her quill and spun on her chair to face her properly. 'Speaking of people. Now that you are here there is something I want to mention.'
Tav's eyes flittered around. Why did it feel she was going to be in trouble for something? 'Oh?'
'Bodies have been found in the sewers, here and there,' she studied Tav's face closely, 'and the cause of death is… well, we aren't sure how they are killed exactly.'
Tav creased in puzzlement.
'Except it's blood loss, but there's no blood around the victim.'
Tav paused in sudden concern, knowing where this was headed. 'No wound?'
'Strangely enough, an open slash to the throat.' Keene considered her. 'If there are puncture wounds it's masked by the great bloody-less slash.'
'I see.' Tav rubbed her head in sombre realization.
'Now, I know who, or I should say what your lover is—'
'It's not him—' her tone was blunt.
Keene sighed and her voice lowered, 'I don't care whether it is or isn't. So far these bodies are no one we know. But I don't want anything to come between us.'
'Alright, you want me to find out who it is?' Tav breathed a little easier.
'Like I said, I don't care about that, as long as my people don't turn up dead.' Keene's eyes gave an intimidating stare. 'I want you to be careful. We notice these things before anyone else notices. I'm giving you a warning. It's the Fists or some Hunters you need to be concerned with. You and he will be the first target.'
'Thanks for the heads-up.' Although Tav wasn't feeling very relieved.
'You're welcome. Now there's your package.' She indicated to a medium sized carriable chest. 'It's come along way.' She tapped a dish on her desk, it already held a pile of gold coins. 'All the way from the Underdark.'
Tav dug around in her purse for the coin. 'Always transactional.'
'I'm trying to run a business here. No freebies.' Her words were gruff but delivered with a smirk.
Tav picked up the chest. It was surprisingly light. She hoped there was actually something inside it.
'Not going to ask although I am curious to know,' Keene watched her walk away.
Tav sang over her shoulder. 'Truly it's just some fancy clothes. Really.'
'So you can enjoy that high life, sitting pretty up there with the Patriars,' Keene's called out to her.
'What the hell, Keene?!' She already knew where Tav was living.
Keene's jovial laughter could be heard through the doorway. 'I need to know where my assets are. You're one of my best.'
~><~
Tav did not relish the idea of telling Astarion about the bodies. It was evident vampires must have fed on people, but then go to the trouble of masking it. A considerate vampire perhaps? Nor did she like the thought that the Nine Fingers knew where she lived, after only a few days. Was there nothing left secret? How long were they really going to be able to live there – safely?
She was slotted to play at the Wild Tempest that evening, and play with Alfira. Her and Alfira got together regularly. They had hit it off since their first meeting, and they discovered they made great music together. The Wild Tempest was one of the newer establishments in the lower city. The crowd were young and lively, and it was always a happy energetic atmosphere. It would be a fun night that she had been looking forward to. Now this information set her mood back. As well, the tavern was a long way from their new home.
She entered the house by the back door. So far neither of them had entered the house by the front door. It still felt like she was living in someone else's home and the owners would suddenly arrive to reclaim it. The front yard had a large black gate and high stone wall. There was a lovely courtyard with a garden that was fast becoming overgrown, it even had a pleasant fountain and seating area.
Her cat family were waiting for her, most likely for food, even though they had been fed earlier. Even Astarion was getting accustomed to the creatures – well, he had no choice about it – so he told her. She suspected he was just grumbling for the sake of it. The vampire spawn were never allowed pets, and only saw animals as a source of food. It was a huge adjustment for him, one of many.
The cats were very well-mannered around him. Rascal being the most understanding, as he was from the streets. All of them knew how special Astarion was too her. He was the very special person.
'Now my children,' Tav addressed the cats who were present, 'Are you enjoying the house? Anything to report?' She patted Selune who came up for a nudge.
The white mother cat purred. 'We are very happy in the big room. We may need more cushions.'
The kittens added at the same time, 'Sooo much space –'
'Too many steps – up,up, up, up.. then weeee. Down all the way.'
'I sit outside with uncle Jergal. Master is there.'
Tav picked up the fuzzy kitten and nuzzled it with her face. His body reverberated with purring. 'Master held me.'
'Did he now?' She giggled at the vision. 'I promise I won't say a thing. So he found the covered area?'
Rascal, a mottled brown, black, and white cat, spoke. 'Jergal is nearly always on the balcony wall. He surveys the street which is now his dominion.'
'You took over it, didn't you?'
'It is now rightfully ours through intimidation and the sharpness of our wits.' He ended with a fierce little growl. 'Do you disagree?'
She touched his head and he did not drawback as he sometimes did. 'Not at all. You did well. The street belongs to us. Remember you must look after the house when we are not here. It is a big job.'
'We are born for this task.'
'I'm glad you see it like that.' She left a little snack for them. Although Jergal would have to wait. If she put food out for him there was no guarantee the others would control themselves and not eat it, no matter how nicely she asked them. The little ones would certainly eat it. 'Now I shall look for the master.'
There was a balcony area on the 1st and 2nd floor, even the roof had a gazebo, although there was too much light for the day. The 2nd floor had a larger balcony and was in a large L shape that went around to the front of the house. When she asked for a house, it was a particular request to have a fully roofed balcony, and at the least some closed in parts. Barcus said he understood the assignment and he would make it so.
The second floor balcony was accessible through the main bedroom upstairs. You stepped out into a deep balcony that was shaded completely from the sun. A lattice with a perfumed vine was at the end of it, and would protect against morning sun. A table and chairs were nearer the front of the balcony leading to the front of the house. The whole area was roofed with eaves. Depending on the time of day the whole space would be shielded from the sun. Even when the sun set, there was only a narrow line of light towards the front. Barcus had really outdone himself on fixing it up.
She found Astarion out on the balcony. From some room he had dragged out a mattress. It was covered in a blanket, deep red like most of the furnishings in the house. He rested his head on a long tubular pillow, and it seemed a dozen other cushions and pillows were around him. On the floor nearby was an empty gold goblet and some books. In only his underwear he was reading a book that was concealing his face. All of this under a glorious shade.
Tav smiled at him, reclining and facing into the diminishing light, without a care in the world. 'You look like you are enjoying yourself?' Every part of her tingled to life at the sight of his perfect muscular frame, and smooth hairless Elven skin. Elves were blessed with bodies that could not grow body hair of any type, and it made their skin sleek to the touch. She was breathless with the need to lay her hands on his body.
'I will be once you are here, next to me.' He threw the book down and his red eyes devoured her.
Not wanting to be overdressed, she shed her pants. 'You must be confident to have removed your clothes…but not everything…'
'I didn't want to appear too eager.'
Leaving her panties on, she got down on hands and knees, and crawled up to him. As she went, she spent time mouthing his bulge through the material, and listening to his chest thrum. With a building ache to bring him pleasure, she kissed and licked up his abdomen. Taking her time, she reached his flawlessly formed chest with her lips. He seemed to be purring beneath her. She straddled his hips and kissed him passionately, savoring his lips suppleness. He responded with a similar velvety care, before their tongues met with a hungry need.
She lowered herself over his restrained erection, and rubbed her covered crotch over him. Alternating pressure and speed, enough to make him moan. She was instantly moist deep inside. 'Is this what you want?'
'Are you trying to tease me?' He smiled under her kiss.
She continued grinding against him, feeling her panties dampening. With one hand she caressed his chest, moving down towards his bulge. She cupped him in her hand, but there was no way she could remove his underwear.
He beat her to it, and slid them down and off. The ties of her bodice were next, and he set her breasts free. Their kissing became deeper, more intense as he pulled her hips down, to press harder onto him. Her kisses turned to teasing nips on his lips, she was so desperate to have him.
'That's not a bite.' He bit on her lip and his teeth grazed her tongue in his mouth.
She could taste her blood, but then it was gone, all flowing into him.
Not hesitating a moment from kissing and absorbing her blood, he removed her panties. 'You aren't moving an inch,' he commanded.
She could only guess he cut them away with the dagger that was close by.
His hands moved over both her breasts, kneading her nipples, making them hard, making her moan helplessly.
He bit again into her lips. In the moment, she didn't even care if it left a mark, she desired everything he could do with her. Holding her hips, he put the tip of his shaft into her wetness. Her body was more than ready, she needed all of him inside her.
'Slow…' he breathed, his eyes glowing with desire. He tantalized her opening while pressing down on her most sensitive spot with an insight to her body she wasn't even aware of. 'I know what you need…' he soothed as he eased himself into her.
'…you…' her moans were unrelenting as she shuddered with pleasure, and tried to keep balance with her knees on either side.
'Only I can give it to you.' He lifted her up and down on himself, until she was helpless.
She couldn't hold back the trembling, and the mewling whimpers kept coming. He continued at a rhythm that suited them both, until his groans were as uncontrollable as hers. She had already reached climax and then he pushed her over into ecstasy.
Once he gave a final moan of satisfaction and filled her with his essence, she was sated. He kept kissing her bruised lips, with a loving gentleness.
Contently exhausted, she slide down to lay by his side. She gazed at her underwear hanging on her leg. A small sacrifice for a time for passion. She nuzzled into his neck not caring in the least. 'I came so quickly… am I really that easy…' she took a long breath, letting go of a lot of tensions.
He chuckled at her. '… we were not making love enough. You are starved for it, my darling.'
'If you put it like that….' Her hand drew circles on his chest.
'I'll have to remedy that.'
The sun was near descent, and would soon go down behind some buildings not far off. A strip of light hit the outer perimeter of the balcony, but did not come near them. They both watched the beautiful apricot sunset, as the last rays of sun disappeared.
'I never thought I would get to do this again once we lost those tadpoles.' His voice was melancholic. Sadness was never usually present in his speech. 'To be outside in the day.'
'This –' she gestured around the balcony, ' seems such a small thing.' She desired to do so much more for him, but so far it was out of her reach.
'As you know at my former abode heavy drapes blocked out every window, never pulled back even at night.'
She remained still, longing for him to speak more on his time there.
'We were ordered to never leave until nightfall… and always back at daybreak.'
A vision struck her of events when the nautiloid took her and so many others in the early hours. 'But, the illithid ship… it came up just before dawn…'
'That's right. I was within sheer moments of entering the castle.' He held her closer. 'Just like that everything changed.'
She had already considered what would have happened to him if he hadn't been infected and they hadn't met. It was too horrifying to dwell on. She imagined it was a hundred times worse for him. He would have died and she would never have known.
'I met you,' his eyes glowed, 'and I met a lot of other strange people, who despite their flaws and oddities, I can consider them friends.'
Tav suddenly remembered, 'Wait, if you said you weren't allowed out in the day, why were Petras and Dalyria at the Flophouse that time?'
'Mmm, that was highly unusual. I could assume Cazador was in an utter panic because his "special" spawn had absconded and he had no idea how it had happened. Also there were rumours I was even walking in daylight. How scandalous of a spawn.'
'Must have driven him mad!'
'Oh, to see his face when I didn't return from that night.'
Tav nodded against his neck. She also would have loved seeing that arrogant man squirming.
'Nevermind, I have no wish to see that man, unless I get to kill him all over again.'
She didn't want to bring that man up again and they rested in each other's arms in silence.
Finally he asked, 'Are you planning on carousing at that noisy tavern tonight?'
'Uhuh.' She glanced over at him, knowing full well he wasn't really happy with it. 'Do you think my lips look bad?'
He gazed down at her, his eyes still brimming with desire. 'They are the most beautiful red I have ever seen.'
She shook her head and gave his chest a playful slap.
'You are ravishing.' He ran his fingers over her face and caressed her lips. 'You are more than that though. Generous, mischievous, and clever – at times.' He kissed her forehead. 'And mine, of course.'
'hmpf, so sure of yourself…' Didn't matter, he was right, and he knew it. 'That reminds me, I have something for you.'
'A gift? Whatever could it be?'
'I'm too content to move…'
'Sweetheart, you can't mention a gift and then refuse to give it.' He stood and took her hand. 'Considering you are not dressed, you will get chilly in this night air.'
She stood alongside him with a heavy sigh.
'Where is this gift from? Or perhaps, who is this gift from?'
'Come,' they walked inside to the bedroom.
She opened the chest she had brought. Inside was a black armour set, everything included, gloves, headgear, even boots. It shimmered in the candlelight, hints of gold and silver. She had seen similar designs before, but nothing like this material. The opaque gossamer material had a dense substance but it was lightweight, and silky to the touch. But what drew her attention was the magic in its material. Every strand and piece of paneling seemed infused with the Weave.
Astarion pulled on the slender gloves and admired them. 'This is Drow magic…'
'This…' Tav pulled out the black cowl. Despite appearing like a hood, it was inflexible, yet still supple to the touch. A face mask connected to the cowl, or could be removed altogether. It covered the whole face, leaving only the eyes visible.
'We are not unfamiliar with the design.' He also observed the cowl, feeling the subtle flection of the hood's edge. 'But this, I've never seen this. It is exceptional workmanship.'
'It's from Minthara.' She studied the breast armour with the shoulder plates. Platinum coloring with hints of gold leaf-like panels were around the front, and an insignia was near the top. It was one she recognized. 'It's House Baerne. I think the emblem has magic enthused as well.'
'Of course, it had to be her own House,' he went through the box and found a letter. "To My Allies forged in blood-soaked combat. I have granted your request," Astarion gave Tav an admonishing glance at the words. "The armor is the finest in Menzoberranzan, possibly the whole of Faerun."
"Astarion," He raised a brow at Tav, and continued, "this material is crafted from the spawn of Lolth. It is worn only by the first male of the House Baerne. You will never see its like among the races, nor would you ever live to tell the tale of it. It is designed for Assassins to walk unseen in the shadows and unimpeded in the light of day.'
He read further, quietly. 'Now this is where it gets interesting. I think you should read it, since it was your request.' He handed her the letter and put the fitted the cowl on his head.
Tav's eyes lowered to the letter with sudden trepidation. "This treasure, worthy of a kingdom, has cost us in valuable blood sacrifice. The token is a blood-price to confirm our ongoing alliance. The time is coming when I shall call on you to take up arms against our mutual foe and repay with the shedding of blood, our enemies and our own."
'Well, I would prefer it's not our blood that's shed,' He gestured to himself and her, 'I much prefer the enemies blood pay for this.'
Tav continued reading, "I look forward to fighting alongside you again soon. Your comrade in blood and glory." She finished with a sinking feeling in her stomach. 'It's Minthara's signature.' She examined it closer, 'gods, I wonder if it's in blood…'
'I suppose it's too late to return it.' Astarion wore the cowl and face mask, his red eyes grilling her within the dark.
Tav squirmed under his stern gaze. 'Why is she always so intense? Just from this letter I can hear her voice and feel her eyes stabbing into me.'
'Better to be her friend than an enemy. I never want to get on her bad side.' He picked up the armour to view it himself. 'It's a wonderful gesture. However there's a price, there's always a price with her. Such are Drow when they are fanatics.'
'You don't think it will be useful?' She couldn't hide her disappointment.
'Darling, I think it is the most wondrous gift you have given me, but I think you need to stop giving gifts.' He spread his arms out. 'We might not be able to repay this.'
'It wasn't this hard before. I've given gifts to others… ' She wracked her mind for the other instances, 'Armor for Karlach, weapon for Shadowheart… oh all that magical stuff that Gale took. That dagger…' Then she remembered that particular dagger, that cast Silence, had gone to Astarion. That dazzling blue-white dagger made from Sussur.
'Yes that dagger. One of my favourites.' He ran his hand over the front piece of the armour, examining it closely. 'But this…'
'Do you think it would work as she says?'
'It might be possible. I've certainly never seen this material before.'
She considered the suit and said carefully, 'If it was possible that such an item could protect against the sun, wouldn't Cazador have used it?'
'He was able to move around in the day at times, because he went to certain locations where he knew he would be in a protected environment.' He replied, 'On saying that, it is extremely difficult for a vampire to move around among people of the day-light hours on the streets. To have such attire that allowed it… I am dubious to be frank.'
'Probably you are right.' After giving it more deliberation, she remarked, 'But if it is something….'
'Even Cazador was unable to do that. To add to that, he never had allies that might have helped in some way,' he told her, 'His family might have been the closest allies he had. Even so they ended up killing each other.'
'Regardless if the suit protects from daylight or not, it will still prove useful.' She felt better about it especially after seeing it.
'Thank you my love.' He took up Minthara's letter and waved it at her. 'Now we have to worry about this. What exactly is she doing down there in the Underdark? And how did she manage to rob a prized treasure from a Drow Noble House?'
Tav shook her head in wonder. 'She's either really brave or insane.'
'She's Drow. It's something in between.' He was still wearing the cowl and mask, along with the gloves. 'Unlike other cowls, this is light, as if I'm barely wearing anything.'
The hood and mask appeared to blur in colour and reflection, blending with the shadows in the dim room. She told him, 'It has the properties of Blur and even Chameleon.'
'Very useful indeed.'
She was mesmerized by its magical effect, and much more by the beauty of Astarion's nakedness. Her heart was racing at the sight of his toned stomach and smooth-skin groin. His shaft was on the edge of being hard again, she only need touch him. Her mouth open, desire spilled over her face, and her glazed eyes were eating him alive. She breathed out… 'You look magnificent.'
'Hmm…?' He threw the cowl back into the chest and stepped closer to her. 'No… it is you…In this moonlit shine, your supple skin is like gold, and your hair, fine wisps of starlight. Your perfect shape is ravishing.'
She forgot she was standing there with no panties on, and her curvaceous body was glowing in the half light. Her breasts were hanging out of her bodice, and her nipples were erect from the cooling air. What he couldn't see, her inner passage clenching in anticipation of his touch, and her pleasure region already throbbing.
He maneuvered her onto the desk. On his knees, he spread her legs and kissed her folds. His tongue ran along her opening and inside, deeper. She clenched inside, and rolled her hips under his touch. Her mewling whimpers didn't abate but only increased in volume as he mouthed his way up to her clit. She was nearly reaching a climax, but instead he came away and started kissing her.
Still wearing the gloves, he cupped her hairless crotch in his hand. Firmly pressing her, his fingers now moved to finish what his tongue and mouth started. His fingers found her inside pleasure spot, and moved with determined speed and pressure to bring her more ecstasy.
His tongue searched out hers and she gasped in his mouth, gripping his waist in need. He held her with one arm around her back and his fingers probed deep into her wetness, while his palm massaged her clit. Her legs went limp and arching her back, her whimpers heightened with the sudden delight. It wasn't long before she came again on his fingers inside of her.
'I can't resist you…' he said as he kissed her.
Breathless, she whispered, 'Does this mean you like it?'
'I always like this.' He gave her pulsing vulva a caress.
'The suit…' she cooed.
'I will wear it and think of you.' His voice was still heady with his desire, 'but not before….' By the mischievous look in his eyes, he was not finished with her yet. He knew exactly what he was doing to her.
While she was still perched on the edge of the desk, he gripped her buttocks and tilted her enough his cock slid into her wet opening. He moved inside her slowly, making sure she felt every part of him. Moaning with abandon, she arched her neck at the sudden delight, and her hands landed behind her in support. His whole length pushed into her at a leisurely speed, over again, until he could not control his need. Thrusting into her at a faster pace, the sight of him entering her, made her passage clench with lust. Her breasts were jilted with the force. Her groans could not be contained.
'I want to touch you…' his voice lowered with desire. With his erection still inside her, he scooped her up, and she sat on his hips. His hands still clasping her bottom, he carried her to the bed, and he bit and mouthed her lips as he went. Her breasts pressed into his chest and her hand went around his neck, and the other hand, drove through his hair, tangling it in her fingers.
Behind the curtain, he sat on his knees, and she was still on his cock. His hands were hot on her body, grasping her bottom, and gripping her neck. His teeth grazed along the delicate skin around her neck and under her chin. In this position she was at his mercy, she could only arch her neck as he ravished it with his mouth. Lifting her up and down, his rhythmic speed increased with ferocity, and his breathing was heavy against her skin. He was gripping and guiding her body, as he thrust into her, over and over. His mouth and teeth moved up to her face. She found his lips and her tongue dived into him, wanting to taste him. She moaned into him with the need for release as her passage contracted around him.
'I'm coming…' his eyes shining with longing, he groaned into her mouth, '… my love…' his shaft pulsed for some time as he released his seed inside her.
She continued kissing him as he came inside her, not wishing him to leave her body. While still inside her, he lay her down on the bed covers. Gradually his erection subsided and the essence of their love-making spilled down her leg. He relaxed against her, and drew her close.
After some moments of lying together in coital bliss, Tav finally whispered, 'You know I love you… but…' she didn't want him to think that he had too do this…. she blushed under his inquisitive stare.
He got up on one elbow, and put a finger to her lips. 'I want you, and I want this. No one will tell me what to do ever again.'
Tav, riding on a cloud of joy, was overjoyed. 'That's good, I'm pleased.' Her grin was palpable in the soft glow of the candles. 'Sometimes I might resist, to make sure.'
'Then I shall have to persuade you otherwise, my love.' His smile was beguiling. 'I have my ways.'
Did he ever, how would she ever be able to resist. After some moments of enjoying each other's company, she realized her whole body was aching, especially her thighs. She also discerned he had sated her utterly. That was most likely because she was going out that night. His shrewd ways never ceased to amaze and surprise her. She sighed, forgetting he had centuries of experience in this department. 'You—' Despite their love for each other, he still had many skills he used for his advantage, not that he even needed to use anything to win her affections. She expected it came from all the habits ingrained in him over the years, and also his insecurities. She had to be on her guard with him. '—will come get me this evening?'
'If you are still going.' He ran his hand over her breast, circling her nipple. 'I think it might be safer for you to stop playing at a tavern, and especially one so far from here.'
This had also been a concern of hers. 'You are probably right… I'll make it my last night.' The Wild Tempest was a warm friendly place, the people weren't just patrons of the tavern, but many were her friends. It would be difficult to leave them all. She sat up and attempted moving off the bed. 'Gods, my legs…'
'You would like me to carry you there?' He chortled.
'Hmph,' she sighed. 'Don't tempt me. As it is you might need to carry a strength potion just in case.' She stood on shaky legs and used the bed to support herself.
'You are breathtaking.' He was charming her with his eyes as well as his words.
Tav sat up, naked and gazing down at him, with a broad grin. 'And you are a gorgeous charming devil.' She turned to leave the bed, and said, 'oh right, I don't like bringing this up now, but I will forget it if I don't, and you might be interested.' She went on to inform him of Keene's news regarding the bodies in the sewer.
Remaining silent, he received the information with a fierce frown.
She finished with, 'Why would this person try to cover it up?'
'I wonder that you do not ask if it was me?' Astarion cocked his chin to one side.
Tav looked away pondering his words. 'Oh… ' She eyed him with curiosity. 'If it is, then I don't think I have a problem with it, but…'
'Yes?'
'I don't want you to end up in trouble over this.'
He gave a loud chuckle. 'You are always such a surprise.'
She pressed her lips in annoyance. 'I didn't think it would be your style.'
'My style… I wonder what that is exactly…'
She frowned at him suspiciously. 'I would think something more subtle…'
He caressed her arm. 'That is very sweet of you,' his eyes darkened, 'But, if you knew how I had been existing and feeding for centuries, you would think something entirely different.'
'It bothers me to think you might still be eating rats.' Her face scrunched up with displeasure.
'It would bother me as well.' His lips puckered with distaste. 'Don't worry it won't ever come to that again.'
Tav nodded. 'I know we have talked about this when we first met. I trusted you back then and still trust you.' The agreement was, he could feed on anyone they considered a foe, but to avoid any innocent life. But ultimately, he could do what he felt was right for him, and she would not interfere. 'You will do what you need to do.'
'Thank you for your trust,' He gave a half grin and nodded. 'But I want to clarify, it wasn't me.'
'I knew it!'
'I would be much more discrete.' His hand swung out in demonstration. 'You certainly would not see bodies lying about randomly.' He hesitated while he contemplated the situation. 'Anyone who knows anything about vampires would see the scene and know what has occurred.' He sat up and said, 'It would seem this vampire is dumping bodies down there.'
'I see, they're bitten somewhere else.' Tav continued, 'Keene said they are no one she knows, and she knows an awful lot of people.'
'A vampire must be sequestered somewhere in the city, or in the sewers.'
'I wonder…' she thought of Petras, 'If you go looking I might be worried,' she said a little too breathlessly.
'I have spent centuries crawling around in the dark, sewers included.' A hungry glint came over his eyes. 'I am more than capable, and eager to investigate.'
She shouldn't be surprised by his wild gaze, she rather thought he was excited by the possibility of the hunt. It had been a while since they had seen any type of combat, they could probably do with the practice.
'There's no need for you to worry.' He added, 'The true worry is you at a tavern crammed with drunken young fools and horny miscreants, and every other wretch,' he finished with a sharp tone.
She scoffed, 'Surely I can handle myself? I always did before.'
'Mmm,' Unconvinced, he said, 'that remains to be seen. Nevertheless, I shall be there to escort you home.'
'I'll hold you to that,' she leaned over to give him a kiss.
He raised his hand to his chest with some flair. 'I never break my word. To you anyway. If I did then you know something is seriously wrong.'