Fangs and Fairytales - Chapter 7
༺Summary༻
Serafina and Astarion saved Baldur’s Gate - and each other. Now all they want is a nice little adventure together and Astarion to walk in the sun once more. Unfortunately Sera’s patron, Titania, sets herself against the relationship. Can their love survive the ire of the Fey Queen?
In this Chapter Sera and Astarion deal with the aftermath of their argument and have an exciting trip into town.
༺Pairing༻ Astarion x Serafina (Female Tav/OC)
༺Rating༻ Mature
༺Warnings༻ Angst, sexual content
༺Word Count༻ 4240
༺A/N༻
We're back baby! Been a minute since I had an update - where does the time go? Many thanks to @icybluepenguinfor the beta and the never ending support.
This chapter features a guest appearance by Thorn, a bard belonging to @glassphinix
Read on AO3
All chapters here on Tumblr
Art by @snowfolly
Their camp remained just as they had left it, the inbuilt wards having done their task. The silence still stretched between them like a yawning gulf. Maybe Astarion wouldn't cross it, but Sera couldn't. It felt as though she were shrinking in on herself, becoming once more a lost, lonely little girl.
As they breached the border of the camp, a faint shimmering line only they could detect, Sera spoke word to pass through the ward. "Pulso."
As they passed through it, a feeling of static electricity brushed her skin, causing her to shiver. Normally, it felt like coming home.
Tonight it felt hollow.
Sera couldn't even bring herself to look at Astarion again. Instead, she made her way straight toward their tent. Though it looked like an ordinary tent, inside were all the comforts of home - a bed, wardrobe, trunks, pantry, and even a copper bathing tub. All of which could be packed away with the right words in a moment. Gale had said it was like "like the pavilion of royalty" but even that had undersold just how incredible the tent felt to live in.
Sera lit the lamp hanging near the central pole, then began to remove her gear. Her staff was leaned against the wardrobe where it was always handy and she settled her cloak of protection in a waiting trunk. She'd managed to shimmy out of her elven chain and strip away the padded under layer, leaving her only in her small clothes before the softest sound of footsteps behind her made her freeze. Turning, she found Astarion standing behind her looking watery-eyed.
"I…" He moved toward her on unsteady steps. "I'm sorry," he whispered hoarsely, hands reaching out toward her.
For the space of a breath, Sera wasn't sure if she wanted to wanted to reach for him back, a notion that made her heart ache. He'd treated her with coldness all too reminiscent of their first meeting, like all that had come after and everything between them had been wiped away. It was like being truly alone for the first time since waking up on that beach.
Before he noticed her hesitation though, Astarion froze and sniffed the air. She followed his gaze down to her hip, where a bright red line marred her skin. One of the skeletons must have made it through her padded chausses.
"You're hurt." Hunger lurked behind his concern, but that was one thing Sera couldn't fault him for.
Again he reached for her, only she couldn't find it in her to hesitate again, letting his hands wrap around her waist. Tonight had hurt - but the thought of prolonging it hurt even more.
Sera waited for him to lean in and capture her lips with his, but instead he dropped to his knees before her. "I'm sorry," he plead, one more time, before leaning over to run his tongue along the cut on her hip.
Sera's breath hitched as his tongue left a tingling sensation across her skin. The gesture both lovingly intimate and dazzlingly sensuous. Another lick and the wound was no longer visible; the healing power of vampire saliva worked quickly.
Her hands had come to rest on his shoulders, gripping tightly as he stole her breath away. They should talk - needed to talk - but her anger slipped away from like so many drops of water through her fingers. "You're forgiven."
When he turned his eyes up to her, the crimson burned with hunger and lust. "I love you."
"I love you t—" Sera's words were cut off as she was lifted off her feet and laid down on the bed. Astarion loomed over her, finally leaning down to crush his lips against hers in a fierce kiss. As her legs spread, wrapping around his hips, he rolled them against her, kindling her desire.
"You haven't even taken off your armor," Sera said breathlessly, tugging at the fasteners for his leather armor to accentuate her point.
Astarion smirked down at her. "Hardly an obstacle."
With unmatched deftness, Astarion rid himself of his armor, down to an undershirt and breeches. He tugged at the laces to his breeches impatiently until his cock was freed, already stiff and beading moisture at the tip. Sera found herself eyeing it hungrily.
When she thought he'd finish undressing, he turned to her instead, hooking his fingers into her undergarments and ripping them away. Sera gasped as icy fingers worked their way inside her, her obvious wetness easing their way.
Fingers clenched the blankets beneath her as her hips rocked in time with his movements, panting breaths the only sound between them.
"That's my girl," Astarion cooed, moving from teasing her eager sex to palming both her breasts.
"Astarion," Sera pleaded, as he pinched and teased her nipples. It wasn't enough, she needed him, she always needed him.
"As you wish, my sweet."
Once again his lips were on hers as he thrust inside her, giving her that glorious feeling of being one with him. Her legs wrapped around him, pulling him as deep as she could. Above her, Astarion groaned at the sensation.
They moved as one, pleasure something that they shared, their own magnifying that of the other. Their hands wandered with abandon, exploring each other even as they knew every detail. All the hesitations and trepidation that once existed had long given way to this, the most beautiful and familiar intimacy.
Astarion continued, hands locking around Sera's waist and as he brought them both closer to climax. Frantically her hips rose to meet his as their lips crashed together one last time.
"Serafina," her name fell from his lips like a prayer as they collapsed together on the mess of covers. Astarion came to rest with his back to Sera's chest, her arms enfolding him as curls brushed against her chin.
They lay in silence as outside the first light of dawn cracked the horizon and the world began to come alive. Surprisingly, it was Astarion who spoke first.
"I thought perhaps you were beginning to see this as a mistake. And then to find nothing…"
The words wounded her, but there was no recourse. It felt as though they were balancing precariously on a fulcrum, and if she lashed out now, everything they'd built could come tumbling down. So she ignored the wound and prayed it would scab over soon.
"We've barely begun and you think I'm doubting already." Sera ran her hands through his curls while speaking. Despite their exertion, Astarion's skin was cool against hers, a sensation that had grown to mean comfort to her.
In her arms, Astarion went very still. "What is there for you in a life spent digging for small slices of hope in the dark?"
Sera didn't need to think for long at all. "The things I've always wanted - adventure, freedom," she captured his hands in hers, "love."
The back and forth was a dance Sera knew well. This was not the first time Astarion's darkness had come to haunt him. But she had known being rid of it wouldn't be as easy as just killing Cazador. It was diminished but would still find it's way seep out of the corners of his mind. She would always be ready to be the light to drive it away though. It was a role they played for each other.
Astarion huffed fussily. "You make it sound so easy!"
"Why does it have to be hard?" Sera asked, all sincerity, but she had to admit she was trying to pushing him to see how ridiculous this was.
Now Astarion practically growled. "I don't know, because that's how life is." He flung his hands out in one last explosion of emotion before deflating in her arms. "You probably think that's ridiculous, don't you?"
"I think it's very informed by your experience. But it's not a certainty."
"Curse you and your unending well of patience and love. Do you have any more sage words for me?" Sera could hear the lightness that invaded his tone and knew her victory was at hand.
"How about we worry about a bath and some rest and nothing else for now." Tomorrow would be a better day.
"Your wisdom once again guides the way."
After this disappointment, they would need to be on the road to Waterdeep. They both could use the rest to start the long walk. Gale would be waiting with what was hopefully some promising research. Autumn was starting to settle on the world in earnest, so at least they would soon have longer nights for walking. Though Sera did desperately hope one day Astarion would warm to the idea of a horse. For now he still hated them as stubborn, vile creatures, in his words.
The next night started promising enough as the weather had cooled to a pleasant autumn crispness and Astarion managed to hunt down some rabbits to feed both of them. With bellies full, they broke camp and began the trek back to the Trade Way which would take them the rest of the way to Waterdeep. They would give the Troll Hills a decent berth but too far and they'd add too much time to their journey.
As they walked, Sera noticed Astarion was quieter than usual. They had their share of companionable silences - there was only so much to talk about when your days were spent walking together - but this one felt heavy. Sera let it hang between them for some time, waiting for Astarion to come around.
Despite her inclination to soothe away whatever troubled his mind, it felt right to let him find his own way through the tempest of his thoughts, even as she waited to be shelter from the storm. The pain of yesterday hadn't entirely faded for Sera either, but she was certain it would, given time.
It didn't take particularly long time before a sharp inhale of air from Astarion served as a prelude to his words. "I am sorry, you know. This is all still new to me." At that, he gestured to the two of them. "And it still feels too much like something that can be taken away."
"I know. Just don't forget we're in it together, though."
"As long as she doesn't have anything to say about it," Astarion snarked, but there was no real malice to it.
"Astarion…"
Astarion didn't say anything further but drifted closer, catching her hand in his. It would do for now.
The silence between them was redefined, the forboding edge gone, replaced with the warmth of affection. They continued on, the stars overhead peering out from behing the drifting autumn clouds to provide whispers of light. For Sera, though, the silence ended far too soon.
Another inhale came from Astarion."If we're in this together, than perhaps we should talk about what else happened in that cave."
He had her there. Together meant both of their issues. Just thinking about what had happened brought back that dreadful sense of the familiar, contrasted by the mystery of it. Resulting in a desperation to shove it away, to bury the whole experience deep inside and forget about it. But Astarion was waiting patiently next to her.
"I…I don't know what happened. I got angry at Titania-"
"On my behalf?" Astarion smirked.
Sera sighed. "Yes, on your behalf. Anyway, that's when I turned all icy."
"And you haven't learned any new spells lately?"
For Sera spells came two ways, spontaneously after using others from her pact magic, or after communing with Titania. Either way, she would know how to cast them. As for wizard spells, detecting magic was the height of her skills for the moment.
She shook her head. "Nothing. I'm lost. And Titania didn't seem any wiser to it either."
"I suppose we can always put the question to Gale," Astarion said with resignation.
He stopped, causing Sera to turn and face him. His crimson eyes gazed at her with her seriousness, and his features etched with concern. "You will tell me if anything else happens, right?"
"Of course I will." Gods, she hoped nothing else would, that this incident was somehow a result of the latent magic of the forest and they could soon put it behind them forever. Somewhere deep inside, she knew that wasn't the case.
Eventually, the rolling fields on the horizon gave way to a new site - a village.
"That must be Kheldrivver," Astarion said, echoing Sera's thoughts.
The town had been razed several times by trolls and other forces before finally being rebuilt for good by the warrior it was named after. That it still stood so close to the Troll Hills felt improbable, but perhaps it had some divine protection. It did have a monastery to Oghma, who might afford it that protection. Which only mattered if it somehow kept Astarion out.
What did matter is that it would soon be dawn and they would need to set camp or find an alternative.
"I bet they have an inn." The tent was incredible, far beyond her wildest imagination. But at inn there would a bath she didn't have to draw and a meal she didn't have to cook.
"Darling, are you sure that's the best idea?"
They hadn't been in proper civilization since leaving Baldur's Gate a few weeks ago and here it was so much smaller, so much harder to get lost in the crowd. But still, if they kept to themselves, no one would care much about the business of two passing strangers.
"It's just one day. We can get a hot bath and a nice rest and be on our way."
Astarion was thoughtful for a moment before finally speaking. "I can deny you nothing my love. But the moment anyone seems suspicious, we have to leave."
"Deal," Sera said, already dreaming of the bath.
There were no walls to the town to be closed off through the night and so they entered on what appeared to be the main road. The collection of homes and shops had sturdy stone walls and slate roofs. Near the center of town, the lone inn was located - the Troll's Nose. Light flickered from the windows; someone was up before the dawn to begin the day.
"I suppose that's a sign," Astarion said gesturing for Sera to lead the way through the door.
It was probably the better idea to have Sera do the talking.
The door opened to a cozy, rustic looking common room with a fire already blazing away in the fire place to chase away the last of night's chill. A man looked up from behind the bar where he was arranging glasses. He had the weathered countenance of one who had toiled hard for most of his life.
"Can I help you?" he asked with obvious wariness.
Sera fixed him with her sweetest smile. "My partner and I have been traveling through the night. We'd like a room to rest in for the day. "
"Ten silver," the man replied nonchalantly.
Beside her Astarion made a shocked grumble - that was twice the amount one would expect. "Eight," Sera countered. They could pay, but she'd rather not seem weak.
"Fine," he relented. The little bit extra still meant they were customers that would pay well and he would be foolish to turn that away. "There's a room at the far end of the hall, you get one meal with the room. Name's Barret if you need anything."
"Thank you kindly."
"And don't worry, we'll be as quiet as the dead." Astarion leered at Barret and Sera shot him a look before taking off for the stairs at a brisk pace.
Astarion followed along behind her, suppressing a titter of laughter. "Come now, that was funny," he whispered as he followed her into the room they'd been assigned.
Sera shut the door behind them before responding. "It won't be funny if he kicks us out in the daylight."
As if nature was on her side - the first bit of pinky orange light started to glow on the horizon. Sera quickly yanked the drapes shut and set their belongings on the bed, still slightly annoyed at the unnecessary word play.
Astarion flopped down onto the mattress. "I suppose it's too early to order that bath for you, so why don't we get cozy?"
He gave her a beaming smile that put his fangs on display and again she found herself melting too easily. Astarion was irresistible to her, truly. It would feel like a terrible imbalance - if she wasn't sure he felt the same.
"I suppose. Let me just get out of these clothes."
After some rest and a heavenly bath, they found themselves in the bustling common room the next evening, just as the sun was setting. Sera was digging into a rustic goat stew while Astarion covertly stashed his plate of bread and cheese as he pretended to eat. The innkeeper was in generous spirits and had gifted her a tankard of ale that was just stronger than water.
A bard had set up to play for the evening, a young man who seemed both confident and nervous in his movements somehow. "Hello, I'm Thorn and I'd like to gift you all a song," he said without any of the nervousness Sera thought she detected. Half elf ears peaked out of slightly disheveled blonde hair and she wondered what a young, relatively handsome bard was doing out in the middle of nowhere.
He began to play a melody on a violin, something sweet and full of longing that Sera couldn't quite recognize. "Hmm, not half bad, and he's not caterwauling like most bards," Astarion said, with his usual disdain for the craft.
Sera rolled her eyes at him and continued to listen as she worked on her dinner. The music ebbed and flowed in graceful waves, Thorn seeming to be one with his instrument. For a very short moment, everything was absolutely lovely.
Then the door to the inn burst open, several figures rushing inside brandishing weapons. "Nobody move, this is a robbery."
"Oh gods," Thorn ceased his playing and attempted to dive for cover off the small stage and ended up crashing in a heap. Sera made a note to check on him.
For now, she made a quick assessment of the would-be robbers. They were a motley crew of humans, tieflings, and half elves, about ten in number. Their weapon and armor had seen better days, but they had a dangerous, hungry air about them. Sera doubted they would take what they wanted peacefully.
Sera didn't have her staff with her, but the spellbook in her satchel and amulet around her neck were all she really needed. Inhaling, she called upon her fey magic, letting it build and surround her.
Beside her Astarion sighed. "You can't resist, can you?" he said with resignation, hands already slipping into his jacket where his twin hand crossbows were kept. Astarion was rarely unarmed in public.
Standing, Sera made sure her chair scraped loudly enough across the floor to attract their attention. When their gazes turned to her, Sera spoke in a clear, calm voice. "Leave now. This will not end how you like."
Beside her, Astarion had slipped away among the other patrons, a dangerous prospect for these bandits.
As expected, they were not quick to reply with her request. "Who the hells do you think you are?" one sneered, likely the leader, and the fight was on.
Sera and Astarion had been seated not far from the door, fortuitously enough for the people now scattering away the threat. While she would have liked to sever the head directly from the snake, a few people were within range of the already moving thugs.
Golden fey magic crackled between Sera's fingers. "Dolor." Three bolts spread out, each impacting a target and knocking them back. For now, she would hold back on more serious force, hoping to to take them out easily enough.
There was a a soft twang and a crossbow bolt sprouted from the throat of one of the bandits who then found himself engulfed in flames. The hand crossbow had been taken from Yurgir and its enchantments proved brutally useful. Another shot caught one in the shoulder. Still four down, if her targets didn't drag themselves back up.
"You'll pay for that," the leader snarled.
Good, all their attention was on her and Astarion. Most of the crowd had made it behind her, and the stragglers were on their way.
"Come and try it." Sera sent another wave of eldritch blasts, knocking down two more targets.
They were closing in now, half still standing. Two more bolts from Astarion, and two more went down. The rest were on her.
"Gods below!' Astarion shouted.
Sera threw a glance his way and her eyes got wide. Astarion was walking backwards up the wall, leveling his crossbows for another shot. There wasn't time to ponder that now though. Sera founding herself dodging the less-than-precise attacks of her assailants.
"Hey, you great pig shit stinking, festering boil of a man." Thorn had gotten to his feet and lobbed vicious mockery in the direction of the leader.
The man's face scrunched up in pain and, shaking his head, he made a pitiful swing of his blade towards Sera. It was easy enough to dance away and, seeing the remaining three clustered away from any innocents, she answered back.
"Perure." Sera shouted the invocation and lightening crackled though the air, striking the group. At the same time, two more crossbow bolts found their marks, ending the threat.
"Well, that was easy."
Sera turned back to find Astarion still clinging to the wall, seemingly unaware of it. "Astarion, love, you're…"
"What?" He looked around puzzled for a moment before startling. "How in hells?"
He took a tentative step towards the ground when suddenly he collapsed in a most undignified heap. Sera rushed to his side in concern, even as the braver patrons began to ensure any living bandits were restrained.
"Astarion," she reached his side and attempted to roll him on his back.
"Don't, just leave me here to die of embarrassment. I'm a failure of a vampire."
Despite her worry, Sera couldn't help the laughter that welled up inside her, her shoulders shaking as she fought it. "There's nothing to be embarrassed about. You've never done that before."
Astarion looked up at her through one open eye. "Then why are you laughing?"
"I-I'm not laughing," Sera said, snorting, and allowing titters to escape.
Astarion rolled on his back, sighing dramatically. "You're a cruel woman."
Sera finally lost it, laughing outright as Astarion lay on the floor bemoaning his existence. "I'm sorry, really. Should I kiss it better?"
The moment was interrupted as the innkeeper loomed over them. Things were being put to rights, and two bandits were tied together in corner, still unconscious. The innkeeper did not look at all pleased with his saviors.
"One more day, one more bath, one more meal - and then you and that," he jerked his head toward Astarion, "are out of here. And we're even for you saving these people."
Beside her, Astarion became deathly still and Sera could sense the distress Barret's words had caused. "Don't worry, we'll be on our way in a moment." She wasn't keen to stay anywhere they weren't wanted, especially if Astarion was going to be labeled a thing.
"Suit yourself," he muttered and walked away.
Levity forgotten, Astarion sat up on his knees and glared at the innkeeper. "He thinks that's proper thanks for saving him?"
"It doesn't matter, we need to be on our way to Waterdeep anyway."
Astarion stood and helped Sera to her feet. He was too good for this place anyway. They wasted no time collecting their belongings from their room and heading for the door.
Thorn hopped down from the stage to stop them. "Hey, thanks for not letting me bite it back there. I don't have a lot." He fumbled for a pouch at his belt.
"Don't worry about it," Sera interjected. "Maybe we'll see you up in Waterdeep."
"Sure, best of luck." Thorn headed back to reset the stage.
None of the others would even look at them and Sera made a show of slamming the door as they exited. It wasn't long until they were out of town with the brisk pace she was walking, and on a rough track that would lead to the road.
"You can slow down, you know. No one is following."
"I kind of wish they were, so I could blast one."
"That is very unlike you darling."
Sera finally slowed and all but shouted. "It is but I can't believe that's how they would repay you."
Astarion caught her hand. "Love, stop, look at me."
When Sera did as he asked he caught her shoulders and looked into her eyes with all seriousness. "There is always a chance this will happen, we can't let it drive us mad."
It was unusual for Astarion to be the rational one, and she had to admit, he was right. Vampires were not typically welcomed with open arms. Still, it irked her.
"Fine, but I don't have to like it."
"I don't either but we've got bigger concerns."
They started walking again, hand in hand. There was a chill in the air and Waterdeep was still a long ways off.
