Astarion, Nyx and Tav PoVs

An epilogue of sorts.

Astarion awoke to his heavy body as though it were made of stone. Even his eyelid felt weighted down. He struggled to open his eyes, but his growing unease was soothed away with familiar scents and noises. Nyx's scent being the most prominent, the greenery of the forest, overlaid with the scent of the earth after fresh rain. A whiff of campfire smoke drew his attention to the muffled sounds of its crackling fire.

An involuntary groan escaped his throat when he attempted to move.

Gods! I feel like I've been run through with Lae'zel's sword... Too many times.

"Astarion?", her inquiry seemed incredulous, and she added quickly, "Don't try to get up too soon, you'll need to give yourself a bit of time to adjust."

Alarm rose in him, Adjust? Adjust to what?

As though she read his thoughts she provided, "To the pain. Shadowheart said it may linger for a while." He heard her shuffle to sit next to him.

He attempted to speak, but his mouth was so dry that his tongue didn't comply and remained stuck to the roof of his mouth.

His eyes fluttered open and her blurry face hovered over him. At least his lips pulled into a lopsided grin. "Hello you." It was barely a whispered rasp.

Her return smile made him temporarily forget about his body's complaints. Relief shone in her eyes. "Hello back at you. I was very worried you know."

He wanted to say, 'About little ol’ me?', but it came out in rasped pieces, yet she snorted in understanding.

"Yes, about little old you." Her expression became serious. "Is there anything you need?"

Something to drink would be a good start.

"Water."

The cool relief it brought already made him feel leagues stronger and he took a tentative look around, flexing his fingers. Their stiffness slowly abating.

"Your tent?", he observed, and his mind lurched with the memories. "Did we win? Ah, gods!" He gasped when pain lanced through his shoulder at his reflex to sit up.

"Easy." She gently helped him to lay back down. "You were wounded by one of Myrkul's 'life leaching' bone shards. It got lodged in your shoulder and," her voice quivered for a moment, "It scared the hell out of me."

He searched her eyes for a moment. "I,", he didn't know what to say. Tav's words came to him, '"Our feelings overwhelm us, especially when it comes to those we care for dearly."'

"I managed to heal you.", Nyx said in a small voice.

"Thank you, my sweet."

Her expression softened again, and she smiled warmly. She patted his chest. "I'm just grateful that you're alright."

"Ah, my love. I won't let you be rid of me that easily."

Her laugh quelled the rest of his own worries. Then his hunger grew, it coursed belligerently through his body, gnawing at his nerves.

Now? Ugh, how am I supposed to hunt right now?

Nyx noticed the change in his demeanour. She had become disconcertingly attuned to his... 'habits'. And stubbornly refused to relent her offer to bring him something.

He sighed as dramatically as he dared, lest his shoulder complain again. "Fine"

Had she not saved his life, he would have been annoyed at her triumphant expression, but adoration blossomed in his chest instead. He grinned back, never expecting his 'needs' to be the source of some light-hearted domestic dispute.

He watched her go and turned his attentions on how to move the rest of his body without inciting the wrath of his injury. He failed and it descended upon him like hell hornets.

He huffed staring at the roof of the tent. This was an all too familiar feeling, being so - vulnerable, exposed. He tried to ignore the rising unease it brought. Slowly, deliberately he inched his way to a seated position.

---

Astarion found it oddly attractive; the way Nyx handled such a large unconscious animal with such grace and ease. She left him alone with the deer and he found himself feeling utterly ridiculous - sitting in her tent fighting off his ravenous hunger in some vain display of self-control. He considered going elsewhere to feed, but by the sounds coming from outside the tent, he'll likely be spotted. He wondered for a moment what the others thought of Nyx carrying a deer into her tent.

The deer's slow beating heart became louder the more he pretended not to be affected by it, the smell of its blood intoxicating. Astarion eventually gave in and focused on not making a mess all over their bedrolls.

The deer tasted of life's nectar. He marvelled Nyx's hunting expertise to bring it to him fully blooded.

There was no judgement from Nyx when she returned to collect the carcass. She maneuverer the animal onto her shoulders so that the bite marks weren't visible and gave him a wink.

He flashed his fangs and lulled, "Cheeky little huntress." Her parting smoulder let him entertain various notions of them hunting together again. Blood streaking down her moonlit skin after the kill. He licked his lips.

The pain in his shoulder had dulled to an aching throb, he tested it and concluded that he'll be fit for another hunt himself. Hunger gnashed at him still. He slipped silently from the tent and managed to catch Nyx's eye on the way out of Moonrise's assembly hall. She waved him off and signalled, Good. Hunting.

A foolish smile joined him on his hunt.

--- --- ---

Nyx was a bit apprehensive about Astarion heading out, but it was more comforting to know that he deemed himself strong enough to hunt again. Camp had been winding down and many had already retired for the evening. The Harpers had cleared out the assembly hall to use as a campsite. Gale's smokeless fire burning low in the middle, flanked by multiple rows of tents. The tower foyer had been converted into a centre of operations and a portion of the supplies from Last Light had been moved there. However, Isobel and Halsin had remained at Last Light along with the tiefling refugees and children even after the Shadowcurse broke.

Nyx touched the side of her neck; the blemish had remained. She was sure she would wake up from her dream and find herself still cursed, but so far, the dream had proven real. It was glorious. The surrounding land attested to it as well. Animals from the neighbouring forests were already drawing closer, hence the ease of which she could secure, err, dinner for Astarion. A smile quirked at her lips at seeing his abashed expression when she delivered the meal, which quickly gave way to his wicked smile.

She strolled past the medical tent, Nima being one of the last patients recuperating within. Aedric and the other Flaming Fists had set out earlier that morning; Nima too weak to join because of the aftereffects of Myrkul's magic. Clearly Astarion's vampirism gave him an advantage to rapidly heal after such an attack.

Nyx mused, I suppose feeding on life force to counter what had been taken by the necrosis spell makes sense. Nima would have to recover the usual way.

Aedric had insisted on heading for Baldur's Gate first. Between Tav's group and the Harpers, his was the smallest and most able to travel quickly enough and bypass the army with the hope of warning Chancellor Florick of the impending army's march. As a contingency, Halsin had recruited animals to send word to the Emerald Grove - not only about the threat to Baldur's Gate, but also that the Shadowcurse was no more.

Fatigue drew a yawn from Nyx as she entered her tent, and she readied herself for bed. She cleaned out a few stray leaves brought in by the deer, checked for ticks but decided to be safe and scattered some insecticide powder under the bedroll. Similar to the powder she had created for Scratch and Bean - low smell, low irritation - especially considering that they made a habit of sleeping inside of Karlach's tent when they weren't cuddled up with Halsin.

Lest we all wake up with the fleas.

Nyx’s chest swirled with emotion at the thought of their furry faces. She couldn't wait to have everyone, including their creature comforts, back together again. Another yawn filled the tent. Yet despite the tiredness pulling at her, she slept light.

--- --- ---

Astarion returned to find the camp quiet and peaceful. A rare moment to cherish given the last few days. He snuck into the tent, but judging by her breathing - he queried softly into the dark, "Trouble sleeping?"

"Hmm, part of me thinks I'm going to be ambushed by mindflayers or necromites at any moment."

He chuckled wryly. "Understandable. Don't fret, I'm here."

A soft snort replied.

Being in casual clothes felt like a luxury in-and-of itself after spending days in the same gear.

Ugh, not to mention the smell and repairs.

Astarion wondered whether Nyx borrowed some of Gale's prestidigitation scrolls to clean him up, seeing as both himself and his clothing were remarkably fresh. He made a mental note of stocking up on those too - clearly Gale had foresight when it came to that.

He slipped into the bedroll and gathered her around the waist. He searched for her lips and a sleepy hum appreciated his attentions. She shifted carefully to make herself more comfortable and asked, "How's your shoulder?"

"A little stiff and sore." He wanted to ask her something too, but he had to take the time to find the right words.

I mean it’s not like you use it in everyday conversation, is it? 'So, how has your curse been treating you?'

He scoffed mentally and a smile quirked at his lips. He settled for a roundabout way. "I had to take a moment when I stepped outside. It all looks so very different with the curse lifted."

"It's wonderful.", she mumbled into his chest.

"Does this apply to you?"

"It feels like a dream - to have my house be my own again."

"Excellent, and now I'm going to gloat about it: I told you so."

"I won't dare doubt you again."

He grinned too when he felt her smiling against his skin.

--- --- ---

It was official. Nyx and the lands had been free of the curse for two days. Two days. She had half the mind of staying in bed and lazing about the tent. But time was against them, and they had agreed to pull up camp and set out - not wanting to tempt fate too much. Lae'zel had warned them, in no uncertain terms, that with the Shadowcurse lifted the Githyanki will learn of the remains of the mindflayer colony.

"They will come, and the purge will begin.", she informed them over the previous evening's supper.

Several asked at the same time, "How long?"

Lae'zel held up her fingers. "We have until the day after tomorrow. Otherwise, we risk being caught in the purge."

The Harpers had sent a rotation scouts to keep an eye on Githyanki activity, and reports were favourable so far - but Tav was nervous about the speed at which the Githyanki would mobilize once ready. Thus, their group was going to hit the road to Baldur's Gate sooner rather than later.

--- --- ---

Tav was overseeing the last preparations when Halsin had returned with Arabella after their trip to Thaniel's Elder Tree. Arabella wouldn't take no for an answer, but Halsin did put his foot down when she wanted to join Tav's party on their travels.

He stooped to one knee and implored to Arabella's pout, "It is much too dangerous."

"I can take care of myself," she countered fisting her tiny hands.

"I didn't say you couldn't. But you need training, and time to grow into your powers. They are young and unpredictable - just like you." He chuckled at her glare. “Archdruid Francesca has agreed to help teach you how to use your powers and you're already familiar with the Emerald Grove. After that you'll be free to choose your own path."

Her lip quivered and she tried to hide her tears. "But, but... I'll never see any of you again."

Tav shook her head vigorously. "No, I won't let that happen. I'll make sure of it.", and she pulled her into a hug.

Arabella sniffed, "The others at Last Light?"

Jaheira put in, "They'll be leaving under our protection. We set out first thing tomorrow after securing what we can from the colony and its library."

Tav and Halsin nodded sagely while Arabella looked between them unsure.

Tav changed the subject, but eagerness coloured her voice, "What news of Thaniel?"

Both Halsin and Arabella's faces lit up. Arabella squirmed. "The tree was so big!"

Halsin elaborated, "The Elder Tree has already started to heal. New growth sprouts from the tree and without the gall; the scared side can knit its wounds."

Tav probed tentatively, "What happened to Oliver, exactly? Did Thaniel... absorb him?

Arabella made a face and stuck out her tongue. "Eew."

A good-natured laugh came from Halsin. "No more than my right hand can absorb my left. Oliver is helping Thaniel to recover. I hope they will remain as a pair. It would be good for them both to have a friend."

Arabella gasped. "But you said I could visit!"

"Apologies, I meant that they would have company besides your visits and the druids from the grove."

"Oh", she visibly deflated.

Halsin continued, "I would also like to return here. See Thaniel and Oliver.", he quickly added, "And Arabella. Not only in my meditations, but in person - if the Oak Father wills it. I hope he does." He touched his fist to his heart.

Tav said, "I can’t see any reason why that won't happen."

"For now, the Shadowcurse lands can heal with the help of the Grove and Arabella."

Tav quipped smiling, "We should probably call it something else now."

Halsin's brows furrowed for a moment. Arabella suggested eagerly, cantering on her toes and waving her hands in the air, "Oh, oh! Elderlight!"

Tav and Halsin shared a surprised look, but a shared smile spread across their faces.

"Elderlight lands it is."

Tav's heart was ready to burst at the sight of the 'Elderlight lands' in the morning sun. Gone was the darkness. Gone was the sorrow. Gone was hundred years of loss. Birds were chirping in the trees, which already sported a multitude of small green buds.

Once the druids arrive; the land will heal even faster.

Tav cast her gaze over her companions and her heart brimmed with happiness at their smiles and laughter. All but for one. Shadowheart stood at the foot of the bridge, gazing toward Reithwin plaza - an unfamiliar sense of trepidation and hope in her posture.

Tav and her companions said their last goodbyes.

Jaheira's stern gaze appraised them, and she said, "If you find yourself at Danthelon's Dancing Axe. Ask around for me. Our work has but only begun." A knowing smirk on her lips.

Tav gave her a firm parting handshake. "I'll be sure to look you up." And turned to see Shadowheart standing on her toes to make out who was walking over the bridge. Tav sidled next to her and beckoned a hand forward for Shadowheart to approach the pair of figures.

Tav waved at Dame Aylin, who inclined her head in acknowledgement. They met halfway. Shadowheart shifting restlessly beside Tav.

Isobel blurted, taking Tav's hands into her own. "Thank you! Thank you so much for all you've done here." She let go of Tav and took Aylin's hands smiling at her sweetly. "I can't believe it. I can't believe Aylin is here." Her smile dropped and she glanced at the ground. "And my father... I heard what happened - what he'd become."

Aylin lifted Isobel's face to hers. "He is finally free. No more lies. No more pain."

Sadness tinged Isobel's smile and she nodded slowly. "You too. And me."

Aylin noticed Shadowheart's increasing impatience and she said, "Little warrior. You are overflowing with questions."

Shadowheart huffed annoyed and asked urgently, "What do you know about me? You spoke of my past, being chased by wolves - I told no one about that..." She glanced at Tav and amended, "Almost no one. But I certainly didn't share it widely."

"There is nothing I can tell  you that you do not already know yourself. They trained you well, trained you hard. Chiselled away any part of you that did not fit their plan. They made you forget."

The old Shadowheart bristled, "I chose to do that. For the mission. To protect Shar's -"

Aylin provided, "Secrets? Aye. That is an old song, girl. You goddess cares more for her precious secrets than she does her devotees."

"Get to the point."

"When you freed me, you severed a bond between me and that dog, Thorm. A bond of pain - his, inflicted on me. When I laid eyes on you, I sensed a similar bond. You, tethered to two others, someplace distant."

Isobel offered Shadowheart her hand, "Let me help you remember."

Shadowheart stared at the proffered hand for a long time and gingerly took it.

Both Isobel and Aylin were amused. Isobel said, "Close your eyes."

A moment later Shadowheart's eyes fluttered open. She gaped at the pair. "What... who was that man?"

Aylin answered, "You already know. Did you not see yourself in him? Do you not recognize you own blood?"

"My father? That was him?", she shared a wide-eyed look with Tav.

"That is him. He lives still, and your mother too."

"No, it can't be. I'm an orphan."

Aylin scoffed, her wings rustling. "And who told you that? Your adoptive family? You are not to blame. You were young, impressionable. They took you because they wanted to break and remake you. But you are a child no longer. You are a woman. One who know what must be done."

Shadowheart drew herself up. "My parents. I need to save them"

Tav didn't hesitate for a moment and pre-emptively said, "I'll help."

Aylin provided gently, "Your parents are with your abductors. You will need to return to their lair. But be warned. You may have once thought of them as comrades, mentors, friends, even lovers. They will all be enemies now."

Shadowheart's eyes pinched in pain, "Ngh... it hurts...", cradling her wound.

Aylin observed, "Shar torments you still. What a spiteful creature she is. This will not stop until you take action. See that your parents' sacrifices are not in vain: allow the Moonmaiden to guide you at last."

At last? Tav gave Shadowheart an expectant eyebrow, but she didn't meet her gaze.

Shadowheart managed a curt 'Thank you' instead. Tav was impressed, nonetheless.

Aylin inclined her head once more, "A debt repaid. You returned my life unto me. Now go and claim your own."

Shadowheart excused herself and returned to collect her belongings for the trip.

Tav watched her go, but her own curiosity wasn't yet satiated.

The story isn't quite over yet.

She asked the pair before her, "You two seem to have a lot of history. What happened? If you don't mind me asking."

Isobel answered, "A great deal, but let me start with what you already know. Ketheric Thorm is - was - my father. He raised me to serve Selune, as my mother, rest her soul, had wished. He was everything to me, all my life." She paused to smile up at Aylin. "When an emissary of Selune came to our little town, we were elated. Dame Aylin. Daughter of the Moonmaiden herself."

Aylin chuckled. Isobel asked Tav, "Tell me, do you believe in love at first sight?"

Tav nodded. "A bard by trade and heart."

Isobel continued, "The moment I looked at Aylin, I just knew I had to be with her. I was hers. That was it."

Aylin's lip curled, "Ketheric did not approve. My 'immortality' his main objection. The same he used against me."

Isobel seemed pained and explained that she had passed away from an ailment unknown before Aylin was captured. Her father had resurrected her and told her that the love of her life was dead. "I was being jolted awake. I smelled musty air. I saw shadows. And then my father's face, so changed, so hideously warped."

Tav said sympathetically, "He'd become the Chosen of Myrkul."

"I didn't know that then. But I could see the change in him. He told me we'd be together now, said Aylin was dead. I couldn't speak. Could only run. I found Last Light within the shadows. Made a shelter there. Prayed my father wouldn't find me." She sighed, "By the time Jaheira came, I'd pieced together just enough to know I'd been dead a hundred years. That my father was the source of the horrors plaguing this land - my home. I couldn't tell the Harpers who I was. I had to protect them - and myself - no matter what."

Aylin embraced Isobel with one arm and gave her a reassuring peck on the head. Isobel mused more to herself, "It's all out in the open now. And with my father dead, I have nothing to fear. Except for Aylin. She need healing. Rest."

Aylin frowned at Isobel. "My light, you and I have little time to spare. Certainly, you'd not want to fuss over me the entire time?"

Tav's brows were furrowed as well and Aylin said plainly after Isobel choked on a sob, "Isobel's life had also been inadvertently tied to Ketheric. Both he, and my imprisonment sustaining it."

Tav gasped and blurted disbelievingly, "You... You're dying!?"

Isobel nodded once.

"Nine hells! What are you going to do?"

Aylin wasn't nearly as upset as Tav would have been. Aylin stated, "We have been blessed with time that was stolen from us before. I intend to make the most of this precious gift. Before death’s arrival, together we shall travel the planes to Argentil; the Moonmaiden’s palace. There I shall return my Isobel to my mother’s loving embrace."

Tav smiled softly at the pair. "In that case I do not wish to take up more of your time. But I do want to thank both of you for helping me and my friends. I hope to count both of you among them too."

Aylin chuckled an 'Aye' and Isobel beamed saying, "We are grateful for your help - your friendship."

--- --- ---

"Agh! Help! Help! I'm being attacked by savage beasts!", Nyx was trying to shield her face from Scratch's slobbering after her legs got swooped out from under her. One moment she was minding her own business; basking in the clear blue skies, the cool breeze and admiring the life all around when suddenly. "Oof!", Bean draped himself over her stomach and Scratch ran circles around them. The others watched the show with grins and smiles.

Bean gave her a quizzical tilted look, and she asked him, "What have they been feeding you?" He chirruped and Scratch barked.

Nyx was laughing and petting them both. "Yes, I've missed you too but... But by the Abyss, you smell terrible!" Scratch and Bean merely headbutted her hands for more attention. She asked, "Has no one bathed you since I was gone?"

Wyll's chuckling intonation answered through the fur and feathers, "The children at Last Light did try. Brought buckets of water up from the lake and made a bath in the fountain. Soap at the ready."

Karlach's amused recollection joined in, "Then the wrestling match started, and it became a mud bubble bath."

Nyx managed to make it to her feet and rummaged through her pack for something to wipe herself off. Scratch and Bean looked up and her expectantly. She said onto them, "The first time we make camp I'm taking you two for a clean-up in the nearest body of water. No. No, your sad puppy eyes have no effect on me."

Did Scratch give Bean lessons on how to do that? No wonder they got away with being smelly.

Karlach guffawed and ruffled their hides.

Wyll mused at Nyx, "I think you're the only one who can get them to cooperate."

Nyx said evenly, "Hmm, it's called discipline."

A mischievous grin spread on Wyll lips, and he nodded sagely. "Ah, that explains Astarion."

Nyx choked on a snort when Astarion quipped from his sunbathing spot, "I heard that! Continue talking like that behind my back and you ought to consider watching yours."

Nyx shared a wink with the other two.

---

Their boots struck a familiar rhythm on the road to Baldur's Gate. The Chionthar river glimmered through the tree line every so often. It was a fine autumn day, and the gentle warmth of the sun reminded Nyx of someone. She stole a glance at Astarion. Unsurprisingly, out of everyone who was happy to see the sun again - Astarion soaked it up like a cat after a long winter. Even as they walked, he would seek out the sunniest spots between the dabbled shade.

Tav, per usual, was keeping everyone informed of the latest news. "Aedric's last correspondence mentioned that the Absolute had been marching her thralls day and night."

Halsin commented, "Unnatural. How would they fight if they do not rest?"

"Or eat!", Karlach said in exasperation from behind. "Makes my stomach growl."

Nyx glanced down at her feet and mused, "Explains the tracks. No wagons; no provisions. Only boot imprints."

Gale added, "Perhaps they don't need it anymore?"

Wyll shook his head and waved dismissively over his shoulder. "Why now? What's changed? There were plenty of provisions left at the towers."

Tav quoted, "And 'An army marches on its stomach'. I don't like it, something is wrong."

Astarion quipped, "More than the obvious?"

The jesting got cut off when Tav held out her hand and drew them to an abrupt halt. She retrieved an amulet from her pocket.

It was the amulet Kith'rak Voss had given Tav to detect a Githyanki ambush. The bronze amulet in the shape of a pointed finger shot out of Tav's hand. It hovered in the air, its sharp finger pointing straight ahead. Its chain held rigid, akin to a dowsing rod.

Tav shared a knowing look over her shoulder with each of them in turn and they collectively gathered their mettle, magic and wits. There were determined expression all round; the message was clear: they were not backing down.

Karlach's face split in her manic grin. "Poor Fuckers."

Last Chapter and we're done. Author thoughts and review due tomorrow!