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A fine night set onto the mountains, a party of travelers settled themselves onto a summit, made from sandstone and golden grass. Trees were far and few between, but one snarled oak bent from the flat stone peak.
By the time the moon reached its crest in the sky, most were already asleep- Most, that is, except for Thorn and Lord Pancake.
The vampire sauntered over to the fire, unable to keep his thoughts to himself lately.
The Dragonborn sat on a log, passing over his bloodied sword with a dirty cloth.
Concentrating on the task before him, Lord Pancake simply nodded and motioned for Astarion to sit.
Their love was wordless as the wind- or perhaps it was just not wanting to wake Karlach, who was sleeping right next to the fire.
Astarion smiled, sitting besides Lord.
“My sword-swoon lover.. What troubles you?”
Barely a whisper, but sweet nonetheless, as he pressed up against the larger man.
Lord paused, taking a deep breath as he reached for his whetstone.
“Bhaal’s gaze comes and goes.. But the urge remains.”
He lifts the sword, the shadow of the blade cutting across his eyes.
“It bends to my biddings. Gives me unspeakable power. Most days. But today, I felt.. not in control.”
Lord sighs, resting the sword besides him, before cupping Astarion’s cheek. Astarion, in turn, raised his hand to meet the other’s.
“Oh. Darling..”
Lord felt.. utterly defeated as he recounted the experience he had. A group of gnolls cornered them at a valley pass. He was able to keep the urge under control for the first couple rounds of combat, but his resolve weakened.
“Normally my urges are an advantage- but I felt like I was changing into another person. and now.. I can’t help but wonder if I already have.”
His tone was steady, soft, but his expression was a canvas of sadness and yearning.
It took Astarion a moment to formulate his thoughts, before speaking in a matching tone.
“I’ve had points in my life where I felt like I was changing for the worse. Alone, in the dark, Mostly.”
He thought once more, tracing Lord’s face.
“But I think what I’m trying to say is, these actions don’t define us for a lifetime. Merely moments. There is always time to change.”
Astarion gave a half-smile.
“Thank you. You’ve.. given me a lot to think about- and not that I’ll fight the urge, just.. suppress it. Slightly. But, I can do that later. I want to spend this night with you.”
Lord chuckled to lighten the mood, resting a hand on Astarion’s back. In turn, Astarion gave his best signature smirk.
“I am quite thirsty, If you wouldn’t mind,”
Lord nodded, slowly rising to his feet.
“I’d be my pleasure. Though, I need a moment. Meet me in my tent when I call for you.”
He turned off to his tent, a soft smile on his face.
-The end-