🔮 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]

[Though he sees that look, knows its significance, Gale can't help himself at both suggestions.]

Excellent choices. I can't wait to see what you'll pick.

[Morena livens up.]

Blueshine! Now that would look wonderful for a wedding. I'll be sure to have some imported before then—

[Gale cuts her off this time.]

We're not quite there yet, mother, but when we start planning, I promise you will be the first to know.

[sangwhine]

[Astarion can't help but smile. Her enthusiasm is a very welcome change from the scrutiny he saw only moments ago.]

No, not quite yet. When the time comes, your expertise will be appreciated.

[He pauses a breath, nearly biting at his lower lip with a fang before he remembers to keep it hidden.]

But do you happen to know someone who could procure them? I think that I speak for both of us when I say that they're quite--significant to us.

[mystracal]

Not yet, but I have my ways.

[She gives him a quick wink; Gale leans closer, lowering his voice as he gives Astarion's hand a reassuring pat.]

She only has to find someone she can intimidate into it. Quite easy, with her height.

[Morena huffs.]

Whatever you want for your wedding, you will have for your wedding. Besides, the Dekarios clan has connections across the Sword Coast. I'm sure I can find someone.

[sangwhine]

[The touch is welcome, grounding. Astarion turns his hand in Gale's to give his fingers a gentle squeeze.]

Well, then we shall have to take full advantage of those connections when the time comes. I've already told Gale that I'll see him dressed in nothing less than the best finery the City of Splendors has to offer.

[mystracal]

We'll go shopping tomorrow evening, just so you can see what you'll be working with. Waterdeep will not disappoint, I can assure you. You'll need a winter wardrobe too - something to keep you warm when we're out and about. It can get quite chilly at night, after all.

[Is he trying to keep up the charade that Astarion is still a living, breathing mortal, or does Gale just want to spoil his sweetheart with fancy outfits? The world may never know.

Morena smiles to herself.]

If what you'll pick is half as nice as that shirt you lent him, he'll be in good hands. Now eat, both of you. It's getting cold!

[sangwhine]

I told you, dearest. The shirt was a good choice.

[Astarion is certainly not above getting a smug little jab in before going for more of his food. Though it requires a bit more concentration this time--pushing it past his lips, chewing and swallowing, making it look natural--now that the ashy taste still lingers from his first few bites. He still manages several more before going for the glass of water to wash the taste out as much as he can.]

This is truly lovely, my dear Morena. What a treat you've provided for us here.

[mystracal]

[Morena glances at the boys as they eat, absolutely pleased they seem to be enjoying it - although she does give them both a concerned look every now and then, just when she thinks they aren't looking. She covers her emotions much better than her son. She chatters with Gale about her recipe: who she picked it up from, what changes she made to improve it, and what spices she's growing for further adjustments. In good news, Gale himself seems to be enjoying the home-cooked meal.]

I do try to impress, Astarion. If you have any favorite dishes you'd like at the wedding, do let me know? I love to have time to experiment beforehand.

[She's much like Gale, in that way. She murmurs an "Oh!" under her breath, suddenly remembering something.]

Speaking of experiments, would you go get that sweet loaf in the kitchen, Gale? Something I cooked up for our dessert.

[Gale gets to his feet, agreeing before he thinks about the fact he'll be leaving Astarion alone.]

Of course, mum. I, ah.

[His eyes flick Astarion's way, a wrinkle knotting into his brow.]

I'll be right back.

[He pauses there, as if to ask if Astarion will be all right in the meantime.]

[sangwhine]

[Although Astarion's enjoyment is all for show, he's holding up as well as can be expected. He doesn't quite finish everything that's on his plate, though. Rather, he's cutting and pushing the food about most of the time and seizing any opportunity he has to talk, just to give him an excuse to not be eating. It's a practiced art, one he hasn't had to use in a while, but he makes a very convincing show of it.

Fortunately, the happy glow on Gale's face makes it all very worthwhile. So much so that he doesn't seem at all bothered by the prospect of being left alone with Morena. He gives Gale a nod and a little wave of his hand by way of permission.

Of course, dearest. Off you go.

[mystracal]

[Gale nods once to Astarion, then to his mother before he heads toward the kitchen; Tara hops off her stool and bounds after him, reminding him about a powdered topping for said sweet loaf.

Morena busies herself with her plate, finishing her meal and setting her utensils aside, dabbing at her mouth with her napkin while she waits for her son to be out of earshot.]

I haven't yet gotten a chance to ask you what think you'll be doing here in the city, now that you'll be living here. Unless you and Gale intend to go wandering again?

[sangwhine]

[Astarion politely sets his plate and utensils aside as well, giving another little flap of the hand to dismiss the thought of venturing out immediately.]

Gods, no. I appreciate the comfort of a soft bed to sleep in and the finery of civilized life far too much to venture out into the wilds anytime soon.

Though I do admit I haven't quite yet decided what profession to pursue here in your fine city. Your Code Legal is a quite a far cry from the law of the land in Baldur's Gate, and I'm not quite sure the judicial life holds the same appeal for me after our little adventures.

[mystracal]

[She heaves a sigh of dramatic relief.]

Thank goodness. Not that I don't hope you find some work to keep yourself entertained, but I was worried for a moment you two might go off adventuring again, and only after he just returned home. I know, he's an adult and he's more than capable of handling himself, but you must realize by now that he's always been a homebody, not one to go off fighting all manner of dangerous creatures one might find out there - not unless someone asked him to.

[sangwhine]

[Astarion gives a bit of a laugh at the thought of Gale wandering off into adventure once again and shakes his head at the absurdity of the idea.]

I wouldn't dream of it, my dear. As much as he does cut a handsome figure when working his magic in battle, I have every intention of leading a much less exciting life than the fates have given us the past few months. I am very much looking forward to becoming well acquainted with the joys offered by domestic bliss.

[mystracal]

[She rests her chin on her hand, studying him.]

I assume your other relationships haven't allowed you that domesticity, if you're not acquainted with it already. And surely he's not your first.

[sangwhine]

[Ah, she's a sharp one to catch that slip. Astarion purses his lips against the uncomfortable weight at the back of his throat. He can't reveal too much, that wouldn't do for a first impression, but he'd like to avoid lying to Gale's mother as much as he can.]

In many ways, he is my first. Although there have been others, none have been—kind to me as Gale has. He has given me something I've not had in all my years before.

[mystracal]

Two centuries in Baldur's Gate, and you never found anyone you wanted to share your life with? Anyone sweet enough to ask someone so terribly easy on the eyes?

[She settles on him a look that is equal parts curious and concerned, not pitying so much as pondering.]

I knew my Gale was one of a kind, but that does make him sound special indeed. I never knew the life of a magistrate to be so lonely.

[sangwhine]

[He gives a short laugh, flicking his hand in a curt gesture before reigning himself in. Where is Gale now? How long does it take to get a damn loaf? He squeezes the hand into a white knuckled fist before resting it in his lap.]

Oh, there were plenty of—suitors. But none who saw more than a pretty face. Of course I—my situation was such that I hardly sought more than momentary pleasure.

[He takes a breath, bracing, trying to dispel the uneasy tightness of his skin, the itch of his scars against the soft fabric of his shirt.]

Gale changed that. He changed me.

[mystracal]

[Morena studies him another second longer, maybe one too long, before relenting, satisfied with his answer.]

I see. And frankly, am glad to hear it. I know he can be a handful, especially when he starts talking about magic, but he's always been soft, more so than some people deserve. More than some gods deserve, if you ask me.

[From the kitchen, a keen ear might hear Gale talking with Tara - that's apparently what's keeping him.]

[sangwhine]

[Insulting Mystra is a welcome distraction, yes. Astarion scowls at the allusion, shaking his head at even the thought of her.]

Far more than some goddesses deserve.

[He takes another breath, forcing the grip of his hand to relax.]

He is a wonder though. Even when he goes on about his magic. It soothes me just to listen to him go on some days.

[mystracal]

I've always thought he'd make a wonderful lecturer. With his mind, I'm sure he could teach at Blackstaff if he so wanted. So long as...

[She trails off; her brow knits tighter, much like Gale's does when he worries while trying to put together his thoughts. Lowering her voice, she leans a little closer.]

I know he can make his own decisions, but you will make sure he doesn't involve himself with... her any more than he has to, won't you?

[sangwhine]

[Astarion gives a soft snort through his nose, forgetting himself for just a moment as he gives Morena a smile that's all teeth.]

Believe me, my dear. Should that would-be goddess even try to sink her claws into him again, I will personally find my way to Elysium to tear her apart.

[mystracal]

[Morena doesn't get the chance to reply, but if her grin is anything to go by, she likes that answer.

Gale and Tara make their way back into the room, Gale holding the aforementioned sweet loaf on a silver platter in one hand and a hand towel in the other, wiping some powdered sugar from the front of his fine outfit; unfortunately, there's still a touch in his beard and hair, making him look more salt-and-peppered than usual.]

Forgive us, but we had a bit of a situation in the kitchen.

[He gives Tara a playfully chiding look; she sits on the floor and licks more powdered sugar from her paws.]

It's not my fault you weren't listening, Mr. Dekarios. If you had been, you'd have known there was already an open bag of sugar just waiting to be used.

[He sets the platter on the table.]

You could have stopped me with a mage hand or two rather than leaping at the bag in my hand and clawing it open.

[sangwhine]

[Astarion almost wants to preen at the sight of that grin. But in the heartbeat before Gale and Tara arrives he remembers himself, his expression faltering as they're interrupted. His gaze flicks to Gale immediately, his recovery taking a moment longer as he takes in the scene that's presented to them. He looks to Morena, trying to judge if she noticed before putting on a smile.]

Ah, I see that Tara has seen fit to make my love even sweeter.

[Astarion reaches for Gale, dusting some of the remaining sugar from his beard, giving himself something to do with his hands.]

[mystracal]

[If Morena noticed, she doesn't give it away, giving both Gale and Tara a dubious look. She's about to chastise them for making a mess of her kitchen, but Astarion's quip catches her off-guard, and she finds herself laughing.

Gale takes that as a good sign, smiling as he lets Astarion fuss over him. He keeps his voice low, leaning closer.]

Glad to see she didn't put you through the wringer while I was away.

[By the time Morena quiets to a chuckle, she's already put the mess mostly out of mind.]

Well, I suppose since Tara made the mess, Tara can clean it up. And don't you even offer, Gale - you're a guest now, and I'll not have guests cleaning the kitchen.

[Gale puts up his hands in defeat and takes a seat, helping himself to a slice of the sweet loaf; it tastes exactly as the name would imply, the texture fluffy and soft on the tongue rather than grainy. Morena doesn't bother with a piece for the moment, launching into a story about how a young Gale tried to cook her breakfast once, only for her to wake up to find her stove had been turned into a giant chicken that promptly trapped Gale in the pantry.]

[sangwhine]

[Astarion refrains from having a piece himself. He's tempted to tell Gale what Morena might have seen when he leans close, but she seizes control of the conversation before he has a chance. Thankfully, it's a lighthearted subject, and one that does wonders to set Astarion a little more at ease. He's more than happy to poke fun at Gale's younger misadventures, just to see how it makes him fluster and squirm.

By the time the evening winds down, he's nearly forgotten his earlier lapses, and the looming implications of what Morena might know. Better to let himself savor the moment, knowing he's kept his word to Gale.]

My dear Morena, I can only imagine you must have and endless assortment of tales about the follies of your son's youth. I'm looking forward to hearing every single one of them.

[mystracal]

Of course, Astarion. I'll be happy to tell you plenty when we inevitably go shopping together to prepare for the wedding. I simply cannot wait to see what outfits you'll pick for yourself and Gale.

[Gale meanwhile, is more than mortified at some of the tales she has to tell, that one in particular. Couldn't she have picked one where his magic was a stunning success rather than the time he had to barricade himself in the pantry to hide from transfigured poultry?]

Yes, prepare to have your ear chewed for a while as she regales you with all the embarrassments of my youth rather than my more prodigal endeavors, of which there are many, I assure you. [And before his mother can protest too much—] But we'll have to save those for another time, as it is getting quite late. Wouldn't want to be out too much longer, would we?