mystracal | 🔮 exsanguinated (with @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.

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?

[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.

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.

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.

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.

[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.

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.]

[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.

[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.

Oh, we shall discuss in full detail, darling.

[Astarion can't resist a chance to tease. But he lets Gale draw away from him so they can make it to dinner on time.]

[Back into the streets they go, finally approaching a tall, thin house off the main thoroughfare through the city. Featuring stones tinted a rich indigo through magic, it stands out quite a bit from much of Waterdeep's homes and townhouses. Surrounding the building itself is a dense garden framed by a brick and iron fence, one that either keeps people out or the plants in; considering this woman is related to Gale, it might be a bit of both.

Gale opens the gate with a wave of his hand, an illusory one pulling the fence open to allow them passage. What confidence he manages to show there seems to fade by the time he reaches the door, his hand around Astarion's arm shaking.]

[Astarion keeps his hand on Gale's, holding tight to him both a a reassurance and an anchor. There's a pause of trepidation in his step as he approaches the gate, but his feet carry him forward, no barrier barring his way yet.

He turns to Gale once they stand before the door, giving his lover's hand a tight squeeze.]

Go on, dear. I'm sure she's waiting.

[He glances toward Astarion, pulling in a deep breath.]

I'm sure she is, I just... right. Best not keep putting it off.

[Giving Astarion's hand a return squeeze, he swallows his nerves and knocks on the door. Several solid seconds pass before there's sound from the other side - locks being undone, then the handle turns and the door opens, revealing Morena Dekarios.

Draped in an robe of warm violets and blues that covers the elegant dress beneath, she's fitted for the occasion, her hair held back with a fancy pin in a loose bun while wisps of greying brown trail down past her age-flecked shoulders. The jewellery she wears is just this side of gaudy, more for costume than communicating the apparent wealth the Dekarios line has at its disposal. Her son clearly got a lot of her looks, right down to the hair color and deep-seated, hazel eyes. However, she stands taller than Gale by nearly half a head, and it's immediately apparent that age has affected neither her height nor strength as she gathers up her son in her arms, his back cracking from the embrace.]

My darling Gale!

[She puts him down just far enough to place a half-dozen kisses to his face and hair in a scene that would be embarrassing for a child, much more so an adult man, no matter how much he adores his mother. The moment she's done fawning all over her son, she casts Astarion with a glance, and there's a severity behind her smile that she does little to hide.]

... and your guest.

[She remains smiling as Gale straightens his coat, but it's clear she's scrutinizing Astarion. Gale clears his throat, smiling himself, albeit far more genuinely.]

It's good to see you so energetic, mother. Forgive us for being late. First, please, let me introduce you: this is Astarion.

[If there's a twinge of unease at Morena's outward display of affection for her son, Astarion is stalwart in hiding it. He takes half a step back, letting Gale have his moment. It's very clear how much Morena loves her son, how much she's missed him. It's not for Astarion to interrupt the two of them with the strange weight that settles at the back of his throat.

Instead, he fixes a soft smile on his face, keeping his focus on Gale's happiness, Gale's enjoyment of this moment. It at least means he's ready for when Morena's attention shifts to him. He offers her a small bow, putting a hand over his heart in a gesture of respect.]

Words cannot describe what a pleasure it is to finally behold you, my lady. Your dearest son has spoken volumes of what a fine woman his mother is and I see that he has not disappointed in preparing me for what a delight it is to at last make your acquaintance.

Well.

[Morena gives Astarion a smile, one that's a little too honeyed, a little too sweet: she might enjoy the flattery, but she remains subtly on the defensive, as though this might not be the first time Gale has introduced her to someone - someone who, perhaps, treated her son as less than she thought they should. Astarion seems to get a pass thus far as she returns his polite bow with a nod before perking up.]

Wait, I recognize that name now. You're one of his friends from his latest trip, aren't you? The one he borrowed the shirt from?

[Gale's face reddens a hair; he wasn't expecting her to remember that detail.]

Ah, yes. The very same.

[The change in topic is certainly a welcome one. What had Gale said about how his mother would delight in knowing she had a hand in bringing them together? Astarion casts a playful glance Gale's way before returning his attention to Morena.]

It was your visit, and dearest Gale's desire to leave a good impression on his mother, that actually brought us closer together. He is quite a fetching sight once he's been properly taken care of, wouldn't you agree?

Oh, certainly. Gale has always been a handsome lad, but Waterdhavian fashion has never quite favored him. I'd hoped once he had some friends who weren't ancient or ethereal that he might tidy up a bit, and I'm as pleased as a polymorphed puss that I was right. And I daresay that as much as Tara complained about it, I think the beard makes you look rather distinguished.

[Gale - more color dusting his cheekbones by the second - chimes in.]

Yes, my beard is wonderful and Astarion does take fantastic care of me. And we're more than just close. I was actually hoping to address that—

[Morena cuts him off, putting one hand behind his back and another behind Astarion's as she ushers them into the entryway.]

Now now, we can talk over dinner. I won't have you two starving to death on my doorstep after I've prepared such a feast for you.

[Astarion tenses for a brief moment at the hand to his back, surely he's wearing enough that Morena can't feel the scars through the fabric, but the pressure against the ruined flesh reminds him off their presence all the same. But that worry is quickly squashed by a much more pressing one as he eyes the threshold of Morena's home with some trepidation.]

You're too kind by far. And so gracious to have extended an invitation to your lovely home. I admit I haven't seen much beyond the walls of Gale's tower since my arrival in Waterdeep.

[The invitation to dinner certainly should be enough to grant him entry, but the worry at the back of Astarion's mind has him hedging his bets and hoping an outright welcome from Morena's lips will seal the deal.]

[Morena looks utterly appalled by the notion.]

You haven't? But the City of Splendors has so much to offer! You could always come shopping with me if you'd like a grand tour. Gale never did like going anywhere if there weren't books on the shelves, though Tara has made a lovely shopping partner in his absence. You have met Tara, haven't you?

[Gale, sensing the worry on Astarion's mind with his own thinking along similar lines, clears his throat.]

Perhaps you should welcome Astarion in, mother? This is his first time here.

[She smiles widely.]

Yes, of course. Welcome to my home, Astarion. Forgive the flowers - I haven't had a chance to replace them quite yet.

[The atrium itself is sizable, as is the rest of the house - despite how tall and thin the building looked on the outside, it's surprisingly roomy within, with all the decor carefully arranged to maximize the space. As she leads them toward the dining room, it's clear Morena knows how to decorate a home: there are paintings on the walls of colorful landscapes and long-gone family members, decorative vases and trinkets sitting atop every table, plants of all sorts peeking from the tops of urns and winding around the banisters as though they crawled in from the garden itself. Assorted odds and ends that spark with the scent of the Weave litter the shelves built into the walls; some objects were likely made by a child.

Past a series of plush chairs and couches they go into the dining room, which houses a long table of old, well-polished wood. She gestures to a seat.]

You just sit wherever you like, boys.

[It's been a moment since Astarion last felt the slight change in the air that comes with an invitation to enter a home, but it's welcome nonetheless. He certainly didn't miss it when their tadpoles removed that annoying little barrier, but it's good to have it sorted so that he can truly appreciate the splendor of Morena's home. He spares Gale a glance as they move through the home, hoping to reassure both Gale and himself in the moment.

But then they're ushered into the dining room and Astarion moves to take his seat. It's been a very long time since he's been sat at a table like this for a meal, even longer since one that didn't involve putrid rats or some other cruelty. But there's no stink of rot here. No lingering decay beneath the sharp iron tang of freshly spilled blood. Still, it takes a moment to force his mind away from the memory, to push it down. He blinks to clear his gaze, hoping he hasn't missed more than a moment as he turns his smile to Morena.]

I can only imagine that Gale must have learned his culinary talents from your skillful hand. If that's so, I'm sure we're in for quite a treat.

[Though she hasn't yet brought out the main course, the table is already decorated with a showcase of Morena's culinary delights: fine cheeses on a painted platter, bread and jam served with a silver knife, dressing and gravy and greens from her garden that would entice hungry hearts for miles away. She's even gotten out the good wine glasses, their sides etched with delicate line work of vines and flowers.]

I can only imagine what he's been serving you on the road. He said he did most of the cooking for you, but I know good ingredients can be hard to come by while traveling. Especially with the roads as they've been! I'm sure you heard all about that cult that was making its way toward Baldur's Gate. You and yours had all left by then, hadn't you?

[Gale clears his throat.]

Actually, we did see... some of that, the cult and what have you. But let's not spoil our meal with such grim topics, not when you're just getting to properly meet Astarion.

[Morena hmphs to herself, but lets Gale change the subject.]

Of course, my sweet rabbit. So Astarion, tell me all about yourself. Gale said you met while on the road?

[Astarion's quite relieved that neither of them seem to have noticed his little lapse. His smile quirks a little at Morena's pet name for Gale. Sweet rabbit, he'll have to remember that one.]

We did, yes. My traveling companions and I helped him out of something of a rough spot.

[He shoots Gale a brief, fond look, he hasn't forgotten how the wizard got himself stuck in a rock, no.]

But that aside, before our travels I was a magistrate in Baldur's Gate. I've been in the city for the past two centuries, so the chance to accompany dear Gale to Waterdeep was a welcome opportunity for a change of scenery.

[Gale steals a glance Astarion's way, possibly looking for reassurance, or maybe to silently insist he never ask about that pet name; that little smile he receives doesn't offer any reassurance whatsoever, leaving Gale redder than he'd like to be. At least Astarion didn't tell his mother he was stuck in a rock.]

Two centuries? Goodness, you elves do live a long time, don't you? I'm just glad you didn't meet Gale in your line of work, though I'm sure as a magistrate, you've seen some real miscreants.

[Gale attempts to cut in.]

I'll have you know I've been on my best behavior as of late. Mostly.

Rest assured, our dearest Gale has been a paragon of virtue.

[He looks to Gale again, his smile softening into something more fond, loving.]

Truth be told, he is a gift. A treasure. In all my two hundred years, I've never met a man with such a kind and gentle heart.

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