mystracal | 🔮 exsanguinated (with @sangwhine)

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.

[Morena looks to Astarion, then Gale, lingering just a pinch longer on how her son looks at this pale elf he's brought with him.]

My son has always been a gentle soul, despite how others have treated him at times. Even the deities.

[Her voice holds some venom there; Gale replies softly:]

I'm sure Tara elaborated on my falling out with Mystra. Needless to say, I'm not—

[Morena cuts him off; she's stern, firm.]

If it's needless to say, then we need not say it. We can talk about such dreadful subjects as her later. Right now, I want to hear about the good things, starting with your current sweetheart. But first, let me get the roast so we don't starve.

[And with a wink, she bustles into the kitchen, leaving her two guests alone while she collects the main dish. Gale swallows the knot that's been sitting in his throat for several minutes.]

Well. I think it's... going as well as can be expected.

[Oh Astarion is very ready to tear into Mystra and the entire pantheon writ large, but Morena's exit denies him the opportunity to do so. Instead he looks to Gale, his gaze flicking across his lover's expression, his posture, to try to suss out exactly how nervous he is about all of this. After a beat, he extends his hand, offering some reassurance.]

I would say it's going quite well. Your mother is a delight, as promised.

[He spares a glance to the doorway to the kitchen, before dropping his voice lower so he's not overheard.]

What all did you tell her though, dearest? About everything. I don't want us to get caught in a lie.

[Gale grips Astarion's hand; it trembles in the vampire's grasp.]

Gods, I feel like my heart is going to pound right out of my chest.

[He pulls in a deep breath, leaning closer to Astarion.]

I've not told her about the orb, or our involvement in taking down the Absolute. Or about us. I'd mentioned that Mystra and I were... no longer involved, and presumably Tara has told her I'm no longer her Chosen, if that tone was anything to go by.

[Astarion didn't quite anticipate the tremble, or this level of worry from Gale. He squeezes his hand, rubbing his thumb across the back of Gale's palm in a soft, soothing gesture. His voice isn't quite so soft when he replies, no longer really trying to keep the topic of conversation a secret from Morena.]

I dare say I think that she's figured us out, darling. I think she seems quite pleased with the arrangement, don't you?

[Oh, he can't help but smile just a little at that.]

I think so. She'll be even more pleased once she gets to know you and sees how kind you really are. [Despite what Astarion may think sometimes, Gale insists upon that.] I believe she's just thrilled to see me with someone relatively mortal for a change.

[And yes, they'll have to address that at some point, too. He lets Astarion's gesture soothe him for now, putting voice to his concerns.]

I won't want her to worry, nor do I want her to be disappointed in me. A lot has happened, and not all of it I'm entirely proud of.

Let's just focus on your proud moments then, hm? Like me.

[He draws Gale's hand up to press a chaste kiss against the back of it.]

I believe I can quite readily occupy an entire evening's conversation.

[He can't help but smile at that kiss, no matter how chaste. He leans in to press his forehead to Astarion's, longing for that comforting closeness despite the situation.]

If you would, then. I thought I was ready, but... perhaps it will be easier to focus on the positives instead. Not that I avoided a terrible end for the second time in recent memory, but that I've found the love of my life.

[And he's a vampire. They'll have to broach that, too.]

[Astarion returns the gesture, cupping Gale's cheek in his free hand. He can never get enough of how warm Gale's touch is, soaking into his skin.]

And he's quite besotted with you, my dearest.

[He pauses just a moment before leaning in to press another kiss to Gale's lips, just as quick and chaste, but he can't resist the temptation.]

[Gale is grateful for Astarion pulling him out of his own head. He realizes all too late that he's doing it again: he's resigned himself to something he doesn't want to do because he feels he has to, as though it's his duty to do so. At least telling his mother about the orb has nowhere near the dire consequences of Mystra commanding him to detonate it for her forgiveness - and he has no doubt his mother will forgive him all the same whether he tells her in five minutes or five years.

Despite his concerns about disappointment, Morena has always cared first and foremost about her son's happiness - and the man who makes him happiest is right here before him. Gale indulges himself in that chaste kiss, keeping it brief - and just in time, as Morena hums, making her way back from the kitchen. In her gloved hands is a dish featuring a fine roast duck, the main course of their dinner.]

I hope you boys are hungry, because I've been perfecting this recipe for quite a while, and I'm eager to get your opinions.

[Astarion doesn't mind Morena seeing him showing Gale affection. All the better, in fact, now that he's aiming to dominate the topic of conversation. He turns to offer Morena a brilliant smile, settling back into his seat.]

Ah, it smells positively divine. I can't wait for a taste.

[Never mind that all food he eats tastes like ash. He's sure he can give a convincing lie based on the aroma.]

[Morena beams in return - Astarion does have a nice smile, doesn't he? Making her way to the other side of the table, she sets the roast right in the middle before taking a seat at the head of the table. Tara takes a tall stool with a pillow to Morena's right, a seat high enough to reach the edge - she then summons a few mage hands to help with serving.]

Help yourselves, and don't you let any of it go to waste. You two look like you could use a hearty meal. I don't think I've ever seen you so thin, Gale.

[Gale's lip curls with a hint of embarrassment, as he knows good and well that beneath his robes, he's softer than nearly all their companions and friends they met along the way. He's certainly softer than the picturesque Astarion beside him. He opens his mouth to speak, but in the time it takes him to find his voice, Morena has filled the silence again.]

Do you have family in the Gate, Astarion? Or are you on your lonesome there?

[Ah, yes. He should have expected this. The topic of his family just won't leave, will it? After telling Gale, he should have known that fate would put it in his way again. There's only a moment's pause before he favors Morena with a polite smile.]

On my own, I'm afraid. I was quite alone before I left the city and came across your darling son. My family hails from Evereska.

[He will let Gale help himself to the roast first, knowing he doesn't need any to sustain himself.]

[Though Gale winces at the question and gives Astarion an apologetic glance, he covers it well as he waits for Tara's mage hands to carve the duck and place a serving on his plate. Morena either misses that pause and falls for Astarion's composed response, or perhaps she ignores it entirely in favor of her own curiosity; Gale hopes for the former rather than the latter.]

Evereska! I've never seen it myself, but I hear it's lovely. And your parents must be quite proud, having a magistrate in the family, even if you are so far away.

[Gale's unease completely escapes Astarion's notice, his attention now fixed completely on Morena. His smile feels forced, a tight feeling gripping the back of his throat, but he's performed in worse circumstances.]

I'm afraid that I can't quite comment to either point. I'm unfortunately estranged from my family. I haven't seen the city with my own eyes in centuries.

[For a moment, his smile falters, his gaze flicking to Gale then back, but in that split second he isn't seeking solace. He's sizing Gale's reaction, searching for any sign of annoyance, of disapproval.]

Before your son, I was—truly alone.

[Astarion's eyes meet Gale's, and he'll find no disappointment, disapproval, or annoyance - only a sober look, one that accompanies Gale taking his hand below the table as he sits back down with his plate. He gives Astarion's hand a squeeze before releasing him so he can get his own serving.

Morena may keep her eyes off them, but there's the sense that she's watching all the same, a slight tension in the air that comes from observation.]

Well, it's a good thing Gale is always in need of company, particular company that treats him well.

[Grateful they're not talking about Astarion's family anymore, Gale chimes in.]

Oh, he treats me very well. Better than anyone ever has, really. Well, save for you, of course. And Tara. Maybe Elminster, depending on the circumstances.

[Morena's chin lands on her hands, the two of them clasped by the fingers to form a bridge before her; she smiles knowingly.]

You might move him ahead of Elminster, my sweet rabbit. I don't think that old windbag ever left a mark on your neck like that.

[Gale stiffens, his face almost as red as Astarion's eyes as Morena smirks to herself and pours herself a glass of wine.]

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