Chapter Text
Bloodweave fanfic :3
Magic had always seemed so very easy. You say some words and wave your hands, simple correct? Not for Astarion, no, not even a simple illumination spell worked. He tried and tried, he was supposed to have learned this spell days ago, maybe he should have picked a different subclasses. Tav expected him to have it mastered soon, that and the many other spells he was told to learn as well. Maybe he should just… give up. Unfortunately that was not an option. He glanced around at the rest of the weary camp it was getting late and people were about ready to pass out on their bed rolls from the looks of it. The last few days had been particularly tough, trying to get into the underdark was no small feat. Gale’s tent catches his eye, the wizard sat just outside the tent door reading a dusty leather bound book. Around him were small orb-like lights that illuminated the air above him, not too bright but perfect for reading. And as Astarion focused on the purple tinted lights he realized they were the same light he had previously been trying to cast. How did gale do it, it looked so effortless, just floating around him. He knew it stupid going over there, but, maybe he could get some tips? But not ask for help, directly at least. That would be, embarrassing, him need help? Ridiculous.
Astarion cleared his throat and the wizard looks up from his book closing it carefully and setting it on the ground beside him gently.
ah Astarion, can I help you with anything?”
He said smiling softly.
“ I was just curious, how do those magical orbs of yours work?” he waved towards lights floating around. They casted an eerie pal light over the other man yet it was somehow beautiful.
“The dancing light cantrip? It’s simple really the hard part is staying focused enough to keep them there” he explained the hand motion and incantation something Astarion already knew how to do.
“I can teach you if you wish” gale adds enthusiastically
“ kind offer but I’m fully capable of casting it myself” the pale elf said, that was lie, but gale would never know right? He could help, damn his stupid pride.
“ well then, let’s see what you got!” Gale grins and Astarion swears the wizard did it on purpose, full well knowing he wouldn’t be able to do it.
“ I’d prefer not to waste my energy on unnecessary spells in this difficult time” he grits out it was a weak excuse and would crumble under a thread of thought.
“Hmm perhaps I was wrong about your capabilities, maybe you can’t cast the spell” the cloaked man said in a challenging tone, trying to push Astarion’s buttons clearly.
“I-“ astarion scoffed before quietly muttering the incantation casting a vague flickering orb of light. It lasted only moments before fading away in his hands. It was weak and disappointing. Astarion wanted to disappear into earth from embarrassment, such a simple spell and yet he still failed at it. And yet somehow, Gale clapped.
“That’s good, it could use some work but I’ve seen far, far worse results. One time a friend of mine was casting it and it blew up in her hands, it was filthy trust me.” He said casually.
“ what… it didn’t even last for a few seconds how is that good?” Astarion said confused by the other man’s approval?
“ I can help you perfect it it not difficult. I could help you with other spells too if you’d like” He says simply despite Astarions previous denial.
The vampire goes quiet, he had already embarrassed himself now, there was nothing left to lose… it’s the wise choice and Astarion knew that.
“ fine, on one condition” he said. No going back now.
“ what’s the condition oh mighty Astarion” the human jokes playfully.
“ as much as it pains me to say this I don’t want my pride hurt anymore than it already has, I like to keep theses lessons… secret. Purely for my own sake, the others don’t need to know I’m incapable of casting simple spells on my own” he said regretting it afterwards it came out wrong and sounded too personal for Astarions liking, but too late now he supposed.
“ first of all, your not incapable! Everyone needs help sometimes. Second, it’s a deal, magic is my passion and I’d be glad to assist you with your own” Gale smiles kindly striking out his hand presumably for a hand shake.
Hesitantly Astarion shakes back.
And that is how Gale and Astarion learn to friends… well sort of.