The Chains That Bind Us

The Chains that Bind Us

Chapter 4

Tav woke with a start. There was a sharp rapping at her door. She groaned. Had she fallen asleep in this chair? She frowned, pulling the blanket off her chest. Did she get up to get a blanket? She couldn't remember. Another sharp rap at her door summoned her attention.

"TAV. WE ARE HERE."

Tav winced. Perhaps it was a mistake inviting Minsc. She rubbed her head and neck. "Coming."

She opened the door. A large, bald wall of muscle towered over her.

"TAV!" Minsc slapped his hands over her shoulders, buckling her knees. "Oh. You look smaller. Did you shrink?"

"No, Minsc." Tav groaned. She saw a small rustle of blonde hair poke around Minsc's waist. "Morning Fig."

"Morning aunt Tav!"

The trio gathered their supplies and headed to the dining room on the ground floor of the Elfsong tavern. The tavern host brought them a tray of cured meats, bread, and hot beverages.

Minsc heaped a pile onto his plate and subsequently created an equally if not larger pile onto Fig's plate. "Eat Fig. You will need your strength!"

"Uncle Minsc, I can't eat this much."

"Nonsense! EAT!"

"I'll help you Fig." Tav chuckled as she took chunks of bread and cheese from Fig.

"Mind if we join you?"

Tav turned to face a pair of golden yellow eyes and bundled brown luscious hair. The Cormyrian from the party, dressed down in adventurer's clothing.

"Cleo." Tav said, with a hint of surprise in her voice. "And... the master Astarion in tow."

"The other way around, dear." Astarion said with a slow drawl.

"I thought I was clear about additional party members."

"You said not to bring my spawn, but you didn't say anything about supplies." Astarion nuzzled Cleo's neck. "I do need sustenance, you know. And she is just a darling."

Tav pressed her lips together. Cleo giggled as Astarion wrapped his arms around her from behind. Tav turned away from the couple. She cradled the warm mug in her hands, focusing on the lifting steam from the hot tea. She met Minsc's concerned or perhaps confused frown with a quickly reassuring smile. "Seems we will have five party members instead of four."

The group did quick work to finish their morning rations. Cleo ate little. She squirmed from her seat on Astarion's lap and shrieked with delight at his devilish antics. Tav, who quickly turned green at the overt and embarrassing scene of affection, did little to fulfill her prior promises of helping Fig clear the mountain of food her plate. Minsc, delightfully oblivious, patted his stomach with contentment while Boo stuffed his cheeks with cheese.

Tav paid the barkeep for the morning meal and additional rations. The group pulled their packs and headed their way south through the belly of urban streets. By mid-morning they had made their way outside of the city and into the wilderness onto the Coastal Way.

Fig skipped and flitted around the dirt path. She had never been so far from her home. She felt a gentle breeze fill the air in her lungs. She felt freedom on the road, a tinge of danger mixed with excitement. She was slightly wary of the new travelers accompanying them. She brushed her hair around her ear; the elf was quite handsome. His companion-- beautiful.

Astarion caught her stare and smirked. Fig quickly looked away, a light pink filling her cheeks. She ducked behind Minsc.

"What is it, little one?" Minsc patted her head. "What are you hiding from?"

"Nothing." Fig muttered, but Boo gave a small squeek.

Minsc looked behind him at Astarion and Cleo. "Oh, you had best stay away from that one, little Fig."

Fig glanced back at the couple one last time. She looked up at her uncle Minsc and then at her aunt Tav, who walked far ahead of the group. Tav seemed to be moving at an insurmountably fast pace. On numerous occasions she stopped to allow her party to close the distance, but quickly sped off again when they were within earshot.

"What's gotten into her?" Astarion groaned. "Why are we walking so fast?" He shouted after her, but Tav did not turn. She kept walking ahead.

"Let me go ask." Fig sprinted ahead toward Tav. "Aunt Tav! Aunt Tav!"

Tav stopped to allow Fig to run up to her. "Hm?"

"Is everything all right, Aunt Tav? Why are we going so fast?"

Tav stared along the road. She thought for a moment. "I just want to get to the city as quickly as possible."

"But it's just that you're going so fast, we can barely keep up."

"Hm." Tav looked at her thoughtfully. "I'm sorry. I guess I've been on the road alone for so long now. I've forgotten what it's like to be in a party."

"What did she say?" Astarion shouted from a distance away. "Can we stop moving at breakneck speeds?"

Tav shot him an icy glare. Even from afar, the message was clear.

"I'll take that as a yes." Astarion shouted in response.

The Chains that Bind Us

Chapter 3

Tav bit her thumb. She surveyed the items in her pack, hoping that it would last her the 20 day trek down to Athkala. They'd have to stop at an inn and then again to restock at Beregost. She was deep in thought when her the room door slammed open.

"Tav." Jaheira nudged a young blonde girl into the room.

"Hells, Jaheira. Have you ever heard of knocking?"

"You left the door ajar." Jaheira explained, unapologetically. "You remember my daughter? Fig will be joining you to Athkala."

"It is not exactly a holiday, Jaheira."

"Exactly. That's why you're taking her. She needs some field experience. She's a good fighter. You need good fighters." She pointed a finger at Tav. "I know why you asked me to come, but I am too old to be going on adventures with you, and quite frankly I need some peace and quiet around the house."

Tav stared at Jaheira blankly, knowing better than to argue. "All right, Jaheira."

Jaheira smiled, triumphantly. She turned to Fig. "You would do well to listen to her. Don't disappoint me." She prodded a finger at Fig's chest.

Fig rolled her eyes. "Mum...."

"No objections." Jaheira wagged a finger at her daughter.

"You do know Astarion is coming."

"And Minsc... But, yes. It worries me somewhat that the vampire lord will be on this journey. I know you and Minsch will watch out for her. Plus, Astarion and I have come to an understanding. He doesn't toe too far out of line, and I don't bombard his palace with flaming arrows. He knows better than to harm my kin." Jaheira winked.

Tav smiled. Good old Jaheira. "Did you bring your supplies, Fig?"

Fig sheepishy looked up at Tav. "Yes."

"You can leave them in my room. We leave at first light tomorrow. You and Minsc can meet me here?"

Fig nodded, excitedly, "Yes, aunt Tav. They're just downstairs, I'll go get them." She fled out the room.

"She's grown." Tav said quietly. "I haven't seen her since she was hitting that dummy as a child."

"She still hits that dummy. All day. All night." Jaheira sighed, showing the lines of her age across her face. "You know I would come with you, cub. Even just to keep Fig out of trouble--"

"You don't have to explain to me, Jaheira." Tav placed a hand on her shoulder. "I'll watch over her, and I'll make sure Astarion behaves."

"I knew I could count on you, cub." She pulled Tav into a tight embrace. "It is so good to see you. When you disappeared, I was worried."

"I know. I'm sorry I never wrote."

Jaheira shook her head. "You're just picking up bad habits from an old woman."

A stomping noise came running up the stairs. Fig returned with her pack, panting. Jaheira and Fig said their goodbyes to Tav. Tav watched from her window as the pair meandered down the street toward their home. Fig skipped and cartwheeled as Jaheira gestured wildly in an attempt to control her energetic teenager from running into other people. As they turned the corner, now out of sight, Tav watched the sun set over the rooftops of Baldur's Gate.

Tomorrow. She thought. She sank into a lounging chair and saw the last bit of light slip away from the city. She watched as the flicker of candles began to shine in the windows. She stared at the old Szarr palace in the distance. She was lost in thought. Gale. Astarion. The Crown of Karsus. She was determined not to let it happen again. Never again. Her eye lids grew heavy as her body sank further into her chair.

Tomorrow is a new day.

THE CHAINS THAT BIND US

CHAPTER 5

Astarion stalked through the wilds, near the shoreline with soft steps. It seemed ludicrous to be hunting for animals now that he had been feeding on humans for so long. They set camp, conveniently, where there wasn't another living soul for miles and really it wouldn't do to drain his companions. Or would it? He grinned to himself at the thought. Still-- it was a temporary arrangement.

He sniffed the air and tuned into the sway of the forest night. He focused beyond the symphony of crickets and percussion of the trees. He was listening for the rustling and rooting of a boar not too far from his current position. He moved closer to the shore, toward the location of his prey. Rounding the bend of waters edge, he came upon a figure in the moonlit waters. He narrowed his eyes. A glint of white hair in the shallow light.

As he snuck closer, he could tell the figure was a woman bathing, waist deep in the lake. He watched as a graceful hand came over her narrow shoulders, splashing water over a slender neck. Astarion quietly approached, settling on a flat rock near the oblivious figure. He watched for a time as the woman ran fingers through her wet hair, untangling the strands with her fingers. She leaned forward and he could see the sharp creases of her ribs glinting in the moon light. There was an artistry to her every movement. He felt a tugging in the back of his mind, an intrusive longing-- a hunger.

"Doesn't seem very safe to bathe alone without protection."

The woman flinched, startled by the sudden intrusion. She snapped her head around to look at Astarion.

"Gods, you scared the living hell out of me." Tav snarled. She covered her breasts with her arm. "Only you could sneak up on me like that."

Astarion smirked. "No need to cover yourself up. I've already seen all there is to see."

"And that gives you free reign?" Tav shook her head at him. She put a hand on her hip, still covering herself with her other arm. "What do you want?"

"Oh." Astarion licked his lips. "I'm just here for the show."

"I thought you went hunting?"

"Oh, I found much better prey." Astarion leered at her body.

Tav made a rude gesture and began storming for the shoreline to fetch her clothes. He leapt down from his perch and cut her off from her pack. He pressed a hand against her neck and slammed her against the smooth wall of a nearby boulder.

"My, my... where are our manners?" He inhaled her scent in her hair. Intoxicating. He rubbed a thumb over the bottom of her lip as he held her throat. "You smell nice."

Tav shoved him hard and he slipped backwards. "Quit playing games."

"You used to like the rough play." Astarion pouted at her. "Fun over?"

Tav pulled a long dress over her body. "Where's Cleo?"

Astarion smirked. "Back at camp, where I left my other supplies." He reached out and ran Tav's hair through his fingers. He used a single finger to lift her chin, forcing her to meet his gaze. "Jealous?"

"No darling." She smiled mockingly.

" You know." Astarion grinned. "A well-fed vampire is a strong vampire. And you do need me strong. After all, I am to fight a demi-god."

Tav swatted his hand away. "Your point?"

"My point." Astarion's voice sunk to a low purr. He reached and, again, brushed Tav's white hair from her face. He stroked her cheek, addicted to the feel of her skin. His eyes were lost in hers. He seemed contemplative, lost in thought. A breeze seemed to snap him to his senses and a charismatic smile slipped across his face. "My point is ... that ... we have a deal, remember?"

" Say the word. I will honor our agreement."

Astarion leaned forward and whispered in her ear. "I'm counting on it, darling."

Tav glowered at him. She stepped closer to him, pressing her body up against his. She threw her face confidently up at him. Two can play at this game. "And what's stopping you?"

He considered her for a moment, his eyes glittered with amusement. He reached up and cradled her face in his hands. He leaned down and brushed his lips against hers

Astarion stepped back. "I may be a vampire, but I'm not a monster my dear."

Quietly Yours

Tav closed her eyes and breathed in through her nose, taking in the scent of old books from his shirt. She pressed her face in the crux of his arm, nuzzling his shoulder. She peeked her eyes up at him and caught him beaming down at her. He lifted his arm, offering the solace of his embrace, which she took readily.

"What are you reading?" She used one eye to glance at the book he held in his one hand.

"Oh, it's the latest publication from an old professor of mine. You should know, his philosophy on illusory magic is really a unique and totally unappreciated perspective."

Tav yawned and stretched her arms across his torso as she nuzzled deeper in his embrace, "mmmhm."

Gale wrapped his arm around her shoulders. Sometimes he forgot how small and fragile her body seemed. It was easy to forget when he had seen how deadly she could be in a fight. He placed the book at his side for moment and turned to wrap both his arms around Tav. He felt a sinking calm settle in his chest, the same spot where the orb once lived. He never imagined his life would turn this way. First a cheeky prodigy at Blackstaff Academy with grand plans. Then Mystra's student, friend, and eventually both her chosen and lover.

Gale considered this as he stroked Tav's hair. He could hear her gentle snores. She was drooling on his sleeve. Asleep? He chuckled to himself. Never in his lifetime would he imagined his life next to a more perfect being. In the throes of his misery in the year after Mystra ended their relationship, he never imagined-- he couldn't-- his state of mind at the time-- it was inconceivable to think he could restore balance to his life, never mind happiness beyond what he had with the goddess.

He kissed Tav's head. But, by some stroke of divine intervention, he did find it. Now, he wanted nothing more. He closed his own eyes, pressing her closer to him as she slept soundly.

Contentment, at last.

The Chains that Bind Us

Chapter 2

"I'm here for you." Rhiannon's gaze met Astarion's eyes.

For Master Astarion? Stefan was perplexed.

"For me?" Astarion shifted his weight, a deadly and lazy smile creeped across his face. "Are you here to kill me?"

"Not today."

Astarion gave a cold laugh. "Well now you've piqued my curiosity. So, tell me then. What can I do for you?" His eyes were littered with malice.

"Did you get my letter?"

"I try not to read too much trash, darling. It ruins a perfectly good mind, you know."

Rhiannon studied Astarion's face, her face unmoved. Unsurprised. Stonefaced. "Can we talk in private?"

"And why would I do that?" Astarion gestured to his spawn around him. "You're powerless here, darling. I could have your throat ripped out in a heartbeat and I wouldn't even have to lift a finger."

"Astarion." Rhiannon stepped closer to him. Astarion's body tensed. She held his gaze. "You and I both know that you don't need your spawn to kill me. I'd be dead if you wanted me dead."

"Fine." Astarion said, after a pregnant pause. "Everyone, out."

"Is... it safe for you Master Astarion?" Vanara probed gently.

"I am the vampire ascendant. I don't need protection from the likes of you. I TOLD YOU TO GET EVERYONE OUT." Astarion snarled.

A stiffness came across all the spawn as they firmly grabbed their guests and started to usher them out of the banquet hall.

"Not her, you idiot." Astarion flung Stefan across the room.

"Come." Astarion beckoned Rhiannon. She followed, obligingly to the grand master's room at the top of the stair.

"I thought you would have razed this palace to the ground." Rhiannon sat into a large cushioned seat.

"I thought about it." Astarion handed her a glass of wine. "But it's built into the city. It's hard to become a notable politician if you become a known arsonist."

"I suppose that's fair." Rhiannon undid her braided hair, allowing the fine silk of her white strands fall across her shoulders.

"So... when did you start going by Rhiannon?"

Rhiannon smiled at him. "It's just a cover I use. Although, it's been a while since anyone called me Tav."

"You know... Jaheira came here a few years ago looking for you. She was so sure I had you locked away one of those prison cells in the basement. That, or I had hand in your death."

"I'm sure you told her otherwise."

"Not that she was ever convinced, mind you. I'm sure she's... still in her little hovel plotting your prison break."

"It's only natural. Citizens do have a tendency of disappearing when they enter your doors." Tav took a deep drink from her goblet.

"True." Astarion admitted. "But that really begs the question. Where have you been?"

"Here and there." Tav didn't quite meet Astarion's eye. "I spent some time wandering with Arabella. Other times, I walked the world on my own as Rhiannon."

"And Waterdeep?"

Tav studied his face for a moment. "That's why I'm here. I need your help."

Astarion leaned back into a chair. "How interesting. And what is it you're asking from me?"

"It's Gale." Tav folded her arms across her chest. "You remember the Crown of Karsus?"

"You mean the reason we spent all that time getting eaten alive by insects with a tadpole in our brains fighting Illithids and the Absolute?" Astarion snorted, "How could I forget?"

"Mystra promised Gale that she would remove the orb if he gave her the Crown of Karsus."

"Well that seems like a bargain for Mystra at least."

"Gale found me at the end of the world. I don't know how how he managed he tracked me down. He told me had been trying to reforge the crown on his own, but that his orb was starting to grow out of control again." Tav ran her hands through her hair, intently at her boots. "He needed help. He begged me. The crown was at the bottom of the Chionthar."

"You helped him find the crown?"

Tav's gaze finally met Astarion's. "Yes."

She frowned at herself. Was there a touch of guilt in her eyes? "You should have seen him, Astarion. He was... gaunt." She paused, as if lost in the memory. "We got the crown, but the netherstones had been scattered by the waters."

"And you want me to help you find these netherstones for him, is that it?"

"In a sense." Tav took another sip from her glass. "We found two."

Astarion twirled his curled white hair in a single finger. He watched her face carefully, noting the tired lines in Tav's face, the faint dark circles under her eyes. Had they always been there? "And where exactly is the third netherstone?"

"I tracked it down to Athkala. There's a human noble I believe in possession of it."

"Well, there you have it. You just need coin. You don't need me."

"I'm not sure if it's for sale, if you catch my meaning. Getting the stone is... not the problem. How he is now... Gale would have no issue wresting the netherstone from their grasp. Or mine, for that matter."

"So you want to obtain the netherstone to keep it from Gale?" Astarion raised an eyebrow.

"It just seemed... As we got closer to our goal, he just wasn't himself. He grew much, much stronger. He became obsessive. I'm just worried he's ... not seeing clearly." Tav rubbed her forehead with her hands.

"He started talking about godhood!" Tav laughed bitterly. "If we can just get the third netherstone, maybe we can keep him from.... Maybe he'd just listen. Maybe we could talk some sense into him."

"Have you considered just beating him?" Astarion mimicked a swing of a club through the air.

"It has crossed my mind." Tav laughed. A real laugh. Astarion felt the hint of a smile creep across his lips. Tav shook her head sadly. "He's grown quite powerful with two Netherstones in his possession. I can't even get near him."

"Hmm. Yes." Astarion frowned. "Even, still I don't see what this has to do with me. If Gale wants to seek god-like power, who am I to stop him? He seems like a useful ally to have."

"Well for one... You have a demi-god in your back yard. " Tav looked at Astarion pointedly. "And two, you owe him this."

"Owe him?" Astarion sounded insulted, "What for?"

"I wasn't the only person to help you gain your freedom, Astarion." Tav said, sounding exasperated. "We were all there to help you. Even Jaheira."

Astarion clenched his jaw. She had a point. "What, so I'm indebted to each and every one of you? I'll never see the end of it."

"I leave you to decide what is fair payment for your freedom and newfound powers. But this is for Gale."

"I'm not sure he would see it that way."

"He may not." Tav knocked back her glass of wine and set it on the table in front of her.

"Fine. I suppose I can spare some of my spawn." Astarion sighed.

"No."

"No?"

"No, Astarion. I need you. I cannot face Gale with spawns who don't even know him. He has grown powerful, Astarion. I need... I need you."

"Well, I do love the sound of being needed." Astarion licked his lips. "The desperation is... delicious." He hesitated for a second. "You almost sound like... you care for Gale as something more." He cocked his head with an insincere curiosity.

Tav considered his mischievous smile for a second. "You need not be jealous of Gale, Astarion."

Astarion glowered at her, baring his fangs. "I am the vampire ascendant. I have no need to be jealous of that walking encyclopedia. Just to be clear, you and I are not bound to each other, and never will be again."

A silence fell between them. Astarion's red eyes fumed at Tav's silent, cold expression. After a while, it was Astarion who broke the silence.

"Who else is coming?"

The Chains that Bind Us

Chapter 1

Stefan's smile could not be wider. He found a good one. He couldn't believe his luck. Just in the nick of time too! It was the 10th anniversary of Master Astarion's ascension. The spawn were bringing him a morsel for him to choose from. Master Astarion promised a reward. Damned Olivia had been showing off her prized stallion all month-- a beautiful dark skinned high elf from the upper city. Stefan briefly considered killing her choice, but no. He wanted to beat her in all fairness.

Luckily, he found his meal ticket just last week.

He had been roaming the taverns and happened to stumble into the Elfsong. It was a last ditch effort. Rarely did ever find beautiful people roaming through Elfsong. It was a tavern that catered to peasants or working class citizens of Baldur's Gate.

But, he was desperate.

He found her sitting at the bar. Alone. His prey was a high elf. Flowing white hair down to her shoulders and lovely pale skin. She had the most enticing aroma. She smelled like a comfortable spring evening. He casually leaned against the bar next to her. "You've convinced me."

She gazed up at him, a slightly inquisitive look strewn across her face. High cheekbones. Symmetrical face. A deep shade of red across her lips. Perfection. "Of what?" She tilted her head.

"Love at first sight."

She chuckled. "That's terrible. Did you come up with that on your own?"

I'm in. Stefan thought, "Well, I'm still working on it. I'm Stefan. And you are?"

The elf paused for a second as she studied Stefan's face. "Rhiannon." She extended a hand.

After a brief chat, he learned she was recently traveled into the city. She had been to Baldur's gate in the past and was thinking of moving back into the city. No family. No employment.

"You are so brave." Stefan tried not to leer at her long, pale neck as he said these words. "To move to the city, without knowing a single soul. Baldur's Gate would swallow you whole."

Rhiannon nodded in agreement. "The Elfsong was an old hang out of mine. I was hoping to recognize some of the patrons."

"And?"

Rhiannon shrugged. "And, it seems they have moved on." She downed her wine. She stared with great interest at the back of the bar, avoiding eye contact.

"Well. Their loss. My gain." Stefan nudged Rhiannon's shoulder playfully. "It just so happens I've got a spare ticket to the party of the year. It's next week. You could come meet some of my friends. If, of course, you can tolerate an evening with my horrid pick up lines."

She glanced up at him. He gave his award winning pout. A sly smile crept across her face. "It's a date."

She is my winning trophy.

A week had passed since he first found her. He was ready to cash in on his prize.

Once Master Astarion smells her blood... He will certainly choose her. I will be favored spawn of the year for sure. Stefan grinned to himself. Maybe Master Astarion will let me help him drink her dry. Stefan's mouth watered at the thought.

Stefan smoothed his shirt as he opened the Elfsong tavern doors. "There you are Rhiannon. Are you ready to depart?"

The high elf turned to face him. In his mortal life, she might have caught his breath. A sapphire decorated lacy navy mask, complete with an off shoulder matching dress. Her long white hair pulled into an intricate braid, exposing her bared neck and shoulders. And oh those collar bones. Stefan dug his fingers into the palm of his hand.

Rhiannon tilted her head, "Are you all right?"

Stefan caught himself, "Oh... I'm sorry, yes. You just ... look good enough to eat." He winked.

Rhiannon laughed, "Well aren't you just a charmer. Keep working on that one too."

Stefan grinned back and held up his arm. "M'lady?" Rhiannon took his arm in hers, staring up into his red eyes. "Lead the way, my lord."

It was a short walk to the old Szarr palace. Stefan ushered her through the atrium into the banquet hall.

Most of the guests had already arrived. The patriarchs of the upper city with their spouses were twirling in the dance floor. A buffet of delicious wines and gourmet foods for the mortals laid out on an long table. Cigar smoke wafting from a smaller room in the far back. At one end of the hall, sitting in a grand throne was Master Astarion presiding over his banquet. Next to him an elegant Drow elf, Vanara. His current favored spawn.

As Stefan gleaned over the banquet hall, he watched with irritation as Olivia and her stallion stepped up to pay their respects to Master Astarion.

I will not be outdone. Stefan thought bitterly.

"Come. Let's me introduce you to the master of the house." Stefan placed his hand along the small of Rhiannon's back.

She arched her eyebrows at him. "Of course."

He guided her through the twirl of masked dancers to the feet of master Astarion's throne.

"Master Astarion." Stefan bowed deeply at his sire's feet. "I would like to introduce you to Rhiannon. She is new to the city."

Astarion gave small smirk and nod as the couple bowed before him. "Charmed, Rhiannon. Tell me, where do you hail from?"

"I'm born Baldurian, but in the most recent years I've been traveling the world. I just returned from Waterdeep." She gave a small curtsy.

"Is that so?" Astarion leaned back with a careful interest in his eyes. "I have never had the pleasure myself, but I'm told it's just a delightful city."

"The sunset overlying the port at sea is a sight to behold, my lord."

"I'll just have to take your word for it. What brings you back to Baldur's Gate?"

Rhiannon paused for a moment. "I came looking for something I lost long ago."

"Oh? Pray tell. Was it an item of power?" Astarion gave a dramatic fist pump into the air.

Rhiannon smiled, amused. "No, I wouldn't consider it that. It matters not. I did not find it."

"Aw. How... mysterious." Astarion gave her a look of mock pity and intent curiosity. "One last thing before you go. You must tell me name of your perfumer. You smell absolutely divine."

"It's... something of my own creation."

"Ah--. Strange. It seems familiar to me." He narrowed his eyes at Rhiannon suspiciously. Stefan felt a cold chill trace down his spine. "Well. No matter." Astarion leaned back in his seat, quickly resuming his charming facade. "Enjoy your evening."

Astarion dismissed them with a wave of his hand. But just for a moment, a mere moment... Stefan thought he caught the glimpse of a curious twinkle in his master's eyes, and the darkened jealous look of Vanara sitting next to him.

I'm in.

The night passed quickly and before Stefan knew it the chimes for the final dance were singing through the ballroom. A polite clap erupted through the banquet hall and slowly, the mortals trickled from the ball room.

The final dance was a private event. Special guests only. In other words, the spawn and their invited prey. Stefan was overjoyed. Master Astarion was pleased with his pick. He was sure of it.

"What's going on?" Rhiannon shot Stefan a concerned look.

"Oh, I forgot to mention." Intentionally. Stefan mused. "The final dance is between a special guest and Master Astarion."

"Special guest?" Rhiannon cocked her head with a slight frown. "Can you elaborate?"

"He personally chooses a partner at the end, and you do a final dance with him. You get some private time with one of the most powerful politicians in the city." Stefan shrugged. And then he drinks you dry. "It's... an honor."

"Hm." Rhiannon considered his words, but if she had any further doubts she did not express them.

"All right. Line up!" Astarion jumped to his feet, a show of pure joy and excitement on his face. "Let's get this show on the road."

The spawn and their party guests lined at the center of the banquet hall.

"What have you brought me this year Vanara?" Astarion rubbed his hands gleefully.

"Master Astarion. This is Cleo. She is a visiting silk trader from Cormyr. She is eager to meet you Master Astarion." Vanara triumphantly removed Cleo's mask to reveal a comely young woman with bright yellow eyes.

"Is that so?" Astarion licked his lips.

"It is." Cleo giggled. She held out her hand. "It is so lovely to meet you m'lord. I represent some of the most fashionable new upcoming fashion artists in Cormyr. I would love the chance to talk to you about starting a business relationship."

Astarion took her hand in his. He kissed the back of it gently, moaning slightly. "I look forward to it. Well done, Vanara."

He moved onto the next guest. A tiefling with long braided purple hair with the voice of an angel, who was eager to a famous bard. Next to her was a handsome albeit perplexed drow. Rhiannon noted a sense of increasing excitement as Astarion made his way down the line of guests.

Not all of his "presents" were met with such enthusiasm. There was a gnome, to which Astarion gave an irritated look to the accompanying spawn.

"Master Astarion, I'm sorry. It was--"

"Shush." Astarion held out a single finger. "Get this thing out of my sight."

The spawn's lip quivered and quickly hurried his guest away.

"Tell me you have something better Olivia. Ah, yes. The chocolate dream."

"Chocolate dream?" The high elf removed his mask, frowning.

"It's what I call you, Sendaris." Olivia interjected quickly, sensing her prey's anger. "When you're ... not around. My chocolate dream. My stallion."

The high elf's shoulders relaxed slightly, his face slightly embarrassed. "My dear, I wish you wouldn't."

"Nonsense." She winked at Astarion. "Master Astarion and I share a fondness for beauty." She stroked his braided hair gently with a hand, almost possessively. She nuzzled her cheek against his shoulder as she stared ominously at Stefan.

"I win." She mouthed to him.

Stefan bristled. "We'll see." He mouthed back.

"All right you love birds." Astarion held his hand out. "It is a delight to meet you good sir."

Sendaris gave a suspicious look, but eventually took Astarion's hand returned a firm handshake.

Astarion then turned his attention to Rhiannon and Stefan.

"Ah yes. Our mystery flavor." Astarion giggled. "Go on then, show me that beautiful face."

Stefan swelled at these words. Master Astarion is happy. Rhiannon reached and released the clasp holding her mask. Stefan watched his master's cheerful smile fall as Rhiannon pulled the mask from her face. Dread filled Stefan.

"Are... are you not pleased Master?" Stefan twisted his tunic nervously. "I thought her quite to your taste."

Astarion's face was cold. Unreadable. Hardened. Silent. The mood shifted. There was a cold anger that seeped into the room.

"What are you doing here?"