Chapter Text
"My love...look at you..." Vyra looks at her husband, Astarion. His shoulders are drooping, and he stares into the middle distance, barely recognizing her presence. "You're worn ragged. Is it...ah, I remember. It's the 4th, hmm?" He looks at her, anguished eyes unable to put up that mask of bravado. Vyra's heart breaks a little. "Oh darling...it's okay. I'm gonna take care of you. You don't have to do anything, just let me...let me love you."
"I...it's like he's there. Like he's right there, holding that knife...it cried blood that day, love..."
"I know. Shhh. I know. But you aren't there. You're right here in our house. It's been years, darlin'." She gently puts her arm on his shoulder, pulling him close, fingers threading through his white hair. Vyra could never tell if it's white or silver. Her fingers tangle in a knot and she pulls away gently. "You're covered in blood, love. Can I help you get clean?" At his mute nod, Vyra smiles. "Thank you, Star. Wait here."
Vyra goes into the warmly lit washroom and runs hot water into the bathtub. Blisteringly hot. Not that Star would feel it too much, but hot water's always nice, right? She fumbles with some glass vials, dropping in bergamot and rose petals. So what if the water would just end up filled with dried blood? At least it should smell good. So much blood...he had been draining half the county's pigs dry, she guessed. He does that when he's sad. I want to make him happy.
"You ready, Star? I've got a bath ready for us. And after, we can sit and watch the snow fall. You've always liked that. Sound good, love?"
"You're too kind to me, Vyra." His voice is low, quiet.
"None of that. I want to do this. I want to take care of you. Can I help you get undressed?" She pauses, waiting for his permission. He stands, and nods. Vyra gently undoes the laces of his shirt and breeches, then lets him take off his undergarments and slip into the bath. She can see him relax, bent over in the water.
Verity joins him in the bath, in her undergarments, not minding the wet cloth clinging to her skin. The water is still warm, lapping around her waist.
"There you go, my love. Just relax, I'll take care of everything." Vyra takes a cloth and puts some soap on it, gently rubbing circles on his back and shoulders, using her thumbs to massage his tight muscles. He lets out a shuddering breath.
"Gods above, darling..." He's coming back to himself a little, and for that she's grateful. She takes some shampoo, and works it into his curls, her fingers lightly scratching and working at his scalp.
"Just relax. You deserve this. And I'm so happy to give it to you.
The two stay in the bath for a while, until Astarion has melted, relaxed against her chest. Vyra is languidly running her fingers along his shoulders, chest, and neck, feeling his cool skin.
"Is that a little better, darling?"
"Oh, so much better," he purrs into her chest. She kisses his scented hair gently.
"I'm always going to be here to take care of you. Always and forever."