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Everyone was exhausted.
Cazador was dead, all of his spawn released and running to the Underdark - away from the sun. This battle was done, and everyone was exhausted.
It started with Karlach - the poor barbarian collapsed the moment she saw her bedroll, not fully landing on it as she instantly fell asleep. Renathyr watched from afar, wanting nothing more than to apologize to his friend for the beating she took during the fight. But he didn’t. The timing wasn’t right, and his friend needed sleep more than anything.
Next was Shadowheart - having used all of her magic for the battle and healing Karlach. She stumbled her way to her tent, and promptly passed out the moment her head hit the make-shift pillow.
Finally, Astarion.
He had been so brave when facing Cazador, but now?
He barely spoke a word, his eyes vacant of emotion beyond exhaustion and a bit of sadness. He grabbed Renathyr’s wrist, forcefully tugging his lover into his tent.
Once inside, the vampire shoved his tiefling lover onto the bedroll, being quick to lay beside him and nestle into his arms.
Like a cat , Renathyr thought.
The tiefling curled around his lover, gently raking his claw-like nails over his scalp, and wrapping his tail around his lover’s waist. “How are you feeling?” Renathyr asked, though he already knew the answer. Astarion didn’t answer for a moment, his hands gripping the tiefling’s shirt - as if he would vanish if he weren’t held. “Exhausted.” Astarion drawled, his voice hoarse from the crying and screaming and spell casting he had to endure.
Renathyr hummed, gently kissing Astarion’s head. “It’s over.” He murmured, gently scratching at his lover’s scalp. “We’ve won. You’re free , starlight.” Renathyr said softly, gently kissing and scratching where he could on his lover’s head - desperate to show him any amount of comfort he could.
Astarion didn’t answer for a moment, his body perfectly still against Renathyr’s - save for his breathing.
“Free…” He echoed, voice tight with emotion. “I’m… I’m free… oh gods, I-I never thought…” A sob escaped the vampire’s lips, his body beginning to tremble. It was always heartbreaking to see Astarion cry, whether it was tears of joy or sadness.
Renathyr gently cupped his lover’s cheeks, kissing him all over his face - his cheeks, his forehead, beneath his eyes, his jaw. “You’re safe now, my love. You’re safe at last.” The tiefling murmured, wanting nothing more than to affirm what his beloved already knew.
He was safe.
He was free.
What a glorious thing to be after so long.
Free.
Astarion didn’t say much through his tears, whimpering things like “thank gods” and “thank you ” on occasion. It could’ve been an hour before Astarion calmed, but once he finally did - Renathyr was there.
The tiefling cupped Astarion’s cheek, wiping tears away with his thumb. “Better?” He asked, smiling as sweetly as he could. Astarion visibly shuddered, leaning deeper into Renathyr’s hand. “Much… thank you…” He murmured, his red eyes full of emotion - sadness, hope, love.
“Ah, don’t thank me for that.” Renathyr smiled wide, “it was your moment, your battle, and you did great.” He said gently, smiling wider as he spoke. “You were so brave, Star. I’m so proud of you.” Renathyr murmured, kissing his head.
Astarion huffed, looking up at the tiefling with tired eyes. “As sweet as that is, I wouldn’t have been able to do that without you.” Astarion grumbled, earning an eye roll from the tiefling. “Yeah, sure love.” Renathyr mused, wrapping his arms around the vampire’s smaller frame.
“Rest now, won’t you? You’ve done enough today, you deserve some rest.” The taller mused, smiling wide. Astarion huffed, nestling deeper into his lover’s arms. “Fine… but just for a little while…” The vampire grumbled, allowing his eyes to close.
Renathyr watched his lover sleep for a while, occasionally tightening his hold upon hearing noises from outside the tent, only to relax again.
Astarion was safe now, and Renathyr would do whatever it takes to make sure he knew that.
Whatever it takes.