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Wyll doesn't really think about what he is saying. Normally, as the Blade of Frontiers, he often finds himself repeating a familiar script about how there’s no need to thank him and how he is just doing his job . He doesn't lie, but he can't let go of his persona in front of people.
The only person he has had a connection with over the years is sadly Mizora. He obviously can't be himself when he's with her. She is a monster, both inside and out. A cruel bully with a stuck up attitude. The one time Wyll snapped back at her, soon after his exile from Baldur's Gate, she had just laughed in his face. He never wants to show her how much she riles him up, but she knows. She knows him too much.
In a small way, Astarion reminds Wyll of Mizora. There are differences, of course. Astarion is nowhere near as unpleasant as Mizora. The man is, in fact, extremely charming, but that just means Wyll has to be more cautious.
He tries not to judge, because he had been wrong when he thought Karlach was a monster. But when Astarion was exposed as a vampire, Wyll felt himself judging again. He has to know. What are Astarions true colors?
The group is wandering near the Emerald Grove, leaving to look for Halsin. Astarion is in the front while Karlach, Wyll and Shadowheart trail behind. It is then that Wyll’s thoughts burst out.
“Astarion… How is the rat diet going?” Wyll tries to ask casually, but the question comes out more slowly than he had in mind. Neither sarcastic wit nor genuine curiosity and concern. He immediately feels embarrassed after he says it.
The group keeps walking forward slowly, but Wyll feels the tension change as Shadowheart looks between him and Astarion. Karlach is staring fixedly at Wyll, her eyes wide.
The elf looks back at the warlock and starts slowing down to let Wyll catch up. When he is close to the human, he smiles widely, displaying his teeth.
“It may soon come to an end... If you don't shut your mouth.” The way he emphasizes those last words lets Wyll know that he's not completely joking. Astarion gives a tiny smile and tilts his head before walking normally at the front again.
Wyll doesn't feel any wiser after hearing the elf's response. It's a pattern that Wyll has noticed every time he hears Astarion speak. While the vampire often responds to most conversations with wit, he will use it while speaking in a frank manner. Whether it's talking about using the tadpole’s powers or Cazador's abuse.
Wyll does not think Astarion is lying about Cazador’s horrible behavior, but he wonders if the glimpses are Astarion asking for help. Pleading for somebody to notice his suffering, look behind his lighthearted facade, or if it is a challenge for Astarion if he can keep hiding while flying close to the sun.
“Hey, no need for that, ok?” Karlach interrupts Wyll’s thoughts and gives him a miffed look. “We’re all friends, like you said, Astarion?” she says.
“Yes, Darling. Our Blade was just making some attempts at humor, “ Astarion drawls, ”Probably trying to improve his Vicious Mockery. He could really use the practice.”
Wyll smirks. He has become weaker after the tadpole’s influence and found himself needing an outlet for everything that has happened since the crash. He thought he had seen Astarion chuckle once at one of his insults, so maybe he indulged more in using the spell.
“I thought you two promised not to bicker with each other. “ Shadowheart sighs.
“Ha! Now that's rich coming from you!” Astarion teases, “Are you and Lae’zel besties all of a sudden?”
“Don't be absurd,” she chuckles,” I just don't want anything stupid to fester into resentment. We have enough trouble as it is.” Shadowheart gives Karlach a tiny, reassuring smile and the Tiefling glances over at Wyll for a moment.
“Apologizes for my comment, Astarion,” Wyll starts before the vampire suddenly turns around and stops everybody in their tracks.
“Gods, stop making such a big fuss!“ Astarion rolls his eyes at the group, “Trust me, it takes a lot more than that to get under my skin. I wouldn't have given you a warning if I truly had considered it.”
“Strike them when they least expect it, eh?” Wyll responds with an easy smile.
Astarion studies Wyll for a second, cocking his eyebrow. Then he smiles.
“Exactly. I'm glad we're on the same page.” Astarion’s voice slightly lowers, and Wyll can feel the heat creeping up on his face. Gods damn it, why did Astarion have to be such a beautiful man with coiffed hair?
Karlach grins while Shadowheart takes a coy glance at the Tieflings expression. At least Wyll wasn’t the only one charmed by a fellow companion.
He feels relief as the moment passes. No doubt he'll remember this moment while he is trying to fall asleep in the future, but he feels like he gained something.
Later in the evening, a hare wrapped in parchment and twine appears outside of Astarion's tent.