🔮 exsanguinated (with @sangwhine)

[mystracal]

tfln | invitations | and there was only one bed | undermountain alurlyath | what could be | blood bond | the price of freedom
it wore his face | dinner with morena dekarios | rediscovery

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[mystracal]

She'll appreciate the flattery, I'm sure.

[A tressym may not be a cat, but to say Tara doesn't have a personality similar to a common feline would be disingenuous. She can easily be won over with some good scritches and a warm lap. His mother, however—]

I do hope Tara hasn't kept my mother too informed about the goings-on in my life as of late. I'm sure she'll be surprised no matter what, but... well, some details are better given in person than secondhand.

[sangwhine]

She never did quite strike me as a gossip. I'm sure she knows when to apply a measure of discretion.

[There's a pause, Astarion turning something over in his mind as he drums his fingertips against Gale's arm.]

What all do you intend to tell her, dear? Aside from well, the obvious.

[mystracal]

I was hoping nearly everything this time, given my utter lack of divulgence before.

[However, it is a long list, and she'll need some time to digest it. Perhaps he should stick with what's important for the evening.]

The orb, certainly. It's far past time I tell her about that. And us, of course, though I assume she'll figure that out well enough on her own.

[sangwhine]

Yes, I imagined that would start the evening.

[He gives a bit of a huff. He'd been planning to ignore the orb for the time being, but well, if Gale's going to mention it...]

But the orb for certain? Even though Mystra hasn't deigned to grace you with its removal yet?

[mystracal]

[He heard that huff, his brow knitting.]

The orb is the reason Mystra cast me out in the first place. I can't very well not mention it.

[sangwhine]

True, but it's still there, still looming.

[He shakes his head a little, trying to cast the thought of it away]

I suppose I'm just surprised, given how uncertain you were on mentioning it to her before.

[mystracal]

I felt far more volatile then, even with Mystra's charm keeping the hunger at bay. We had the end of the world to worry about, then.

[He sighs.]

I sometimes wonder if I shouldn't have just given her the crown. Had the Waveservants go looking for the pieces so I could piece it back together.

[sangwhine]

She should have removed it regardless. The crown belongs to the Chionthar now. It's hardly any of your business.

[He gives Gale's hand a small squeeze in comfort.]

But we can talk of that another time, dearest. It isn't as though it's going anywhere.

[mystracal]

[Gale feels the weight of disappointment - mostly from himself, but he'd be lying if he said he didn't feel Mystra's as well, his goddess reaching through the Weave with every spell cast to express her discontent with his continued disobedience. That squeeze to his hand does wonders to bolster him, more than he can express with even words.

He offers Astarion a grateful look instead, his smile reaching to his eyes.]

You're right. You often are, you know. I couldn't give it to her, not in good conscience. Not after everything she did to me, and by extension, to everyone else. To you. However, should the need for us to find it arise, we know where to start our search.

[sangwhine]

Of course I'm right, dear. I'm your wise and loving fiancé.

[He returns that smile with one of his own. It truly is a world of difference to see Gale smile and recognize the harm done to him rather than the lovesick hurt puppy look he used to put on whenever Mystra came up in conversation.]

[mystracal]

Wise, loving, handsome, and ever so humble.

[If they weren't walking, he'd steal a kiss, but alas - it must wait. He guides Astarion into a turn down a thin alley; it's a bit dark, most of the streetlights barely reaching down the lane, but he trusts Astarion won't let him walk right into anything too dangerous.]

A shortcut, if you don't mind. Something to make up for lost time. I'm sure you'll know these streets well enough soon.

[sangwhine]

It's good that you didn't forget handsome.

[Astarion preens under the praise. Certainly a kiss would cement it, but that can wait. He looks to the alleyway, reminded of how much time he spent skulking about similar ones in Baldur's Gate. Though these are much cleaner and seem far less dangerous.]

But rest assured, my dear, soon Waterdeep will surrender to me secrets even you haven't been privy to.

[mystracal]

Oh? And I assume you'll share such secrets with me, should you think they fall into my purview?

[sangwhine]

Of course, darling. You'll know all the dirty secrets I find in your beautiful city.

[mystracal]

It will always be my beautiful city, no matter what dirt you uncover. Just keep any and all secrets about my mother to yourself.

[Not that he thinks she has any scandalous goings-on, but better safe than sorry. They come out the other side of the alleyway, the district visible in the distance.]

And speaking of my mother, I'll be the first to warn you that she can be... a lot for some people. She has a charm, certainly, but it can be an acquired taste.

[sangwhine]

Now you've only piqued my curiosity as to what sordid affairs she might be hiding.

[But regardless, Astarion straightens up a bit knowing they're nearing their destination. He fidgets with the collar of his shirt again, over the bite marks, lifting his chin just a hair.]

Rest assured, I'm certain that I've handled worse company.

[mystracal]

I've no doubt you have.

[After what Cazador put Astarion through, his mother should be a delight by comparison. His eyes flick toward his partner as he futzes with his collar.]

Are you worried?

[sangwhine]

[He gives a huff. Curse Gale for being observant enough to key into his anxiety. But he isn't about to hide it, he lowers his hand, shaking his finger out with a flick of his wrist.]

It's all rather new territory for me, dearest. And not one I thought I'd ever have a chance to tread.

[He bites at his lip, indenting it with a fang before he remembers himself and tucks it away with a shake of his head.]

I suppose I—am worried. If she doesn't think well of me I would be loathe to come between the two of you.

[mystracal]

Astarion.

[Gale slows his gait, his brow knitting.]

You're not going to come between us. After today, if you never wish to see my mother again, so be it. She might take umbrage with that, but you are the most important person in my life.

[sangwhine]

The point is to avoid any umbrage, darling.

[He gives a soft sigh, turning to face Gale.]

But you're sweet to remind me of where I stand. Thank you.

[mystracal]

I'll remind you every day if need be.

[He helps straighten Astarion's collar before looking up to meet his eyes; his smile is soft, but no less genuine for it.]

Besides, I have no doubt you'll be on your best behavior.

[sangwhine]

[Astarion can't help but smile when he meets that gaze, the warmth in Gale's eyes undoes him, every time. He leans in to steal a quick kiss, just a press of lips lest he get distracted.]

I do aim to impress.

[mystracal]

And you impressed me easily enough. I'm sure you'll manage.

[He'll steal a kiss of his own while he's at it. He can't help himself.]

[sangwhine]

[Well, while they're at it... Astarion leans up to press a kiss between Gale's brows, just where they crease when he's overly worried about something or other.]

Shall we go now, my love? You mother awaits.

[mystracal]

[He nods, though his reluctance to part is painfully obvious in how he lingers. He's nervous, too - he wants this night to go well more for Astarion's sake than his own.]

I'd say she's been waiting and another few minutes will be no hardship for her, but I know how badly you want to make a good first impression. We'll continue this discussion when we get home.