🔮 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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[sangwhine]

As far as I'm aware, it offers a temporary reprieve, but not much more than that. I haven't made a habit of letting myself burn to a pile of ash in the sunlight before.

[He considers Gale's little drawing, weighing the options.]

Jewelry would be preferable though. Something understated would have less of a chance of limiting the sort of outfits I'm able to wear. Fashions change, and I would be loathe to dress myself with the same cloak year in and year out when the style of it has long since gone out of vogue.

[mystracal]

A pragmatic choice, fashionably speaking.

[He places a finger on the figure's chest, drawing two lines up its neck to make a necklace. The illusory drawing glows softly as it hangs in the air above them, but as he touches where an amulet would be, the charm itself glitters like a star in the night sky.]

The first enchantment: something to shield you, attuned as a bulwark against the sun itself. This is no mere energy it will deflect, but that of the cosmos itself.

[He cants his head to look Astarion's way, giving him a cocky smile.]

Child's play for a talented wizard.

[sangwhine]

Then I should count myself lucky that I know such a talented wizard.

[He gives Gale a sly smile in response, before looking back to the drawing.]

Though it does lead me to wonder if it were such a simple thing, why other vampires would not have just enslaved sufficiently talented wizards to craft such enchantments in the past.

[mystracal]

For one, they may find that enslaving a wizard is a surefire way to never get quite what you want out of them. We wizards do not enjoy being caged like animals, but we are no beasts. Any wizard capable of such exotic enchantments would no doubt spend their time and energy planning exactly how to make it go wrong, and at the worst time for their captors.

[sangwhine]

You are a devious man, aren't you? I like it.

[mystracal]

I may have a contingency plan or two, just in case someone plans on kidnapping me. Let's just say it's not in their best interest to ensnare the Wizard of Waterdeep.

[sangwhine]

It does bring me comfort to know that you won't be easily taken from me. Or at least whoever attempts it will suffer for it.

[mystracal]

To be frank, I can't imagine who would want to steal me away these days, given I am currently without all the qualities that would make me a worthwhile target. All the less to worry about, I suppose.

[That may sound self-deprecating, but he doesn't seem too bothered by it - it's hard to be when he's a little inebriated and in such fine company.]

[sangwhine]

Should this involvement of ours become well known, I can think of at least one unwise soul who might make an attempt.

[Said with more than a hint of venom. Gale can guess exactly who he's talking about.]

[mystracal]

Ah.

[Yes, he would be the prime suspect. That venom tempers him; he reaches over to give Astarion's hand a reassuring touch.]

We'll have to deal with him before he realizes then, won't we? I said I'd be beside you, so I can't go getting kidnapped now. It'd be poor manners.

[sangwhine]

[Astarion turns his hand to catch Gale's fingers in his, giving them a soft squeeze.]

It all depends on how closely he's watching. If he sends my siblings after me, we'll need to mind your manners very closely.

But we may want to seek them out on our own. They could lead us to him and his ritual.

[mystracal]

[Gale's brow knits.]

How will we go about that? At night, I imagine.

[sangwhine]

At night would be preferable, yes. I know the usual haunts where Cazador would send us to hunt for prey. Flop houses and brothels.

[mystracal]

I doubt it will surprise you to learn I am no expert in such locales, but I assume the two of us will make for an easier investigation than bringing the others.

[sangwhine]

I'm sure I have enough experience for the both of us, darling. Though I would perhaps prefer some additional support in the endeavor in case things turn violent.

[mystracal]

Perfectly fair. For all we know, it could be all six of them together, if Cazador is so desperate to have you.

[sangwhine]

If my scars contain what that devil Raphael said they do, then I can't imagine he wouldn't be desperate.

[mystracal]

[Gale sighs quietly. He'd love to tell Astarion not to be afraid, or to reassure him that things will be fine, but even his optimism falters when it comes to the desperation of a vampire lord missing the single piece needed to complete a vile ritual. His eyes flick back to the illuminated lines above them, the rudimentary drawing still hanging in the air.]

Hm.

[He gently waves away the illusion.]

Perhaps I should shift my focus on simply keeping you safe for the time being. Or safer until we have more information.

[sangwhine]

[Astarion looks over to him, tracking the crease in his brow, the worry in the slant of his lips. They've just begun whatever it is that's between them but already he's burdening Gale with the ghosts of his past. He gives a sigh of his own, reaching up to cup Gale's cheek in his hand, turning his gaze away from the after images of his illusion.]

Dear, I do appreciate the thought. But don't feel as though you must worry yourself sick over my protection.

[mystracal]

[Despite his worry, Gale can't help how he smiles as Astarion turns his head and catches his eyes. The concern in his brow is tempered by how smitten he is.]

I must distract myself from the orb somehow, lest it swallow my every thought. Might as well put those midnight musings to good use.

[Sorry Astarion, this is just how he is: a man of soul-crushing devotion.]

[sangwhine]

I would want to do something about that terrible orb as well. It seems cruel that I haven't had the pleasure of tasting your blood.

[He trails his fingers down the dark lines that creep up Gale's neck, pressing lightly over the beat of his pulse.]

[mystracal]

[His pulse picks up a smidge as Astarion runs those cool fingers down the warm skin of his neck.]

It's for the best. I'm sure I taste positively vile.

[sangwhine]

Which is honestly a shame. You look like you would be such a treat.

[mystracal]

I have been told before that I'm quite a snack. You're welcome to nibble wherever and whenever you like - just watch the fangs.

[sangwhine]

[His smile turns a little strained at the suggestion. He takes a pause to breathe in and calm himself.]

Maybe another time.