Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

It was dark, for a while. He doesn't remember a thing. Not until he heard a loud bang, and then the sound of an opening pod. When he opened his eyes, he didn't recognize anything, but it was clear wherever he was wasn't safe. It was disgusting and looked like the inside of a hive, and what's worse is it was clear that wherever he was, was under attack. Fire was everywhere, and there was destruction all over the floor. Almost brought a smile to his face

Almost.

The other thing he saw was a Tiefling woman, no taller than 5 '7. Her red skin was beaten up, but also beautifully decorated with bright blue ivy vine tattoos. She had piercing blue eyes with black scleras, and raven black hair that fell messily to her shoulders. In the flames light, you could also see the slightly hint of a blue highlights in her hair as well. She wore intense armor and was armed with a basic weapon. So she clearly was some sort of Knight.

“Sir!” Was all she said as she helped him out and stand on his own. “Are you alright?”

“... Fine.” He managed to croak out, straightening up. He easily towered over her, but she didn't look frightened. It almost disappointed him.

Almost.

“Who are you..? And where are we?” He asked, walking towards the only thing in this room that looked like a door. An exit.

She paused before she followed, “Call me Eternal, You?” What kind of name is that?

“I'm…” He didn't know what his name was. It caused him to stop in his tracks. She ended up in front of him, which opened whatever that door thing was, revealing another room similar to the one they were in. “I don't know.”

“Don't worry. I'm sure it will come back to you. Let's focus on getting the fuck out of here.” She began to lead the way, looking toward the huge hole in the side of the ship. She stared for a moment. “and the fuck out of hell.”

“Hell?”

“There's an elevator here. Maybe there's another exit somewhere up there!” She waited for him to catch up before turning on the elevator.

But much to their dismay, there wasn't another door. That hole in the wall was their only bet it looked like.

She groaned in frustration before finding a way back down, keeping an eye on everything around them, but he was more interested in the person on the table.

He walked up to it, inspecting it closely. He flinched however when it seemed to speak to him. “Yes! You've come to free Us from this place… From this place you'll free Us!!”

Eternal was next to him in a heartbeat when she heard the voice to, hand on her weapon in preparation. He lifted his hand to stop her, and she relaxed immediately. He turns back to the body, tilting his head at how it spoke.

“Please… Before they return! They return…”

“That's… that's an Intellect Devourer..” Eternal tries pulling him away, but he stayed firm where he was. A minion of the Mind Flayer.. so that's where he was. A Mind Flayer Hive. “We should leave it be.”

“But it needs our help,” he said, and Eternal stopped almost immediately, stepping back. He looked at her confused for a moment, but shrugged it off. Turning back to the Intellect Devourer, he asked, “ What do you need me to do?”

“Remove Us from this body! From this case… Free us… please…”

He glanced back at Eternal, who shrugged and gestured to it. He chuckled a bit before carefully removing the brain from the corpse, holding it in his hands… it looked so small… so…

He drops it to the ground immediately, grabbing his head in pain. No. He's not gonna hurt it. It's innocent. It grows legs and runs around the two, clearly excited.

“We are free… Our freedom is ours!! Friends!” It paused and stopped running around, address him directly, “We must go to the helm! At the helm we are needed.”

“Where is that?” Eternal crossed her arms, looking more uncomfortable the more time passes.

He looked up from Us and towards the hole in the ship. Us begins to lead the way, but with it being so small it eventually trails behind. With Eternal in the front, they head outside. They only make it so far however before they are cut off from above. A Githyanki woman jumps in front of them and points her sword directly at Eternal.

“Abominations! This is your end!” She says, and Eternal wasted no time getting her sword out to counter her, but as she does, the two of them feel a painful sensation. Eternal yelps in surprise and pain as the sensation fades.

“What was that?!”

The new woman hisses in pain and tries to catch her breath, “What is this?!”

He looked between the two, then to Us, who was stomping their feet in frustration and impatience. “Your tadpoles!!! They connected. Please do not fight!”

“Tadpoles?” He asked Us, and the new woman glared at Us, before straightening up.

“Tsk’va… you are no thrall!! Vlaakith blesses me this day. Together we might survive!”

“Thrall? What the fuck was that?! What's going on?!”

“We carry Mind Flayer parasites! Unless we escape, unless we are cleansed, our bodies and minds will be tainted and twisted.”

“Mind Flayer?!” He speaks up, surprised, earning a glare from the woman. Eternal steps in-between them.

“Fine. Get us out of here.” The woman smiled, and nodded. She looked at Us, scoffing before looking further into the ship. Now that he and Eternal had a better understanding of everything going on, they knew the severity of the situation they were in. Eternal more so.

“First, we exterminate the Imps, then we find the helm and take control of the ship. As for that thing, it'll remain tame as long as it believes we are thralls. It may proof of use in the fight to come.”

“Alright, lead the way frog nose.” Eternal smirked, crossing her arms.

“My name is Lae'zel, and you will treat me with respect, I am the key to your curification.” She heads to the Imps, immediately striking down on of the Imps. Eternal followed along with Us, but he just stood there. He was shaking, staring at his hands.

Eventually, the ladies handle the Imps and Eternal runs back to him, making sure he is alright. They continued on, and despite Eternal’s and Lae'zel’s protests, he saved another woman, a half elf, from her pod. Shadowheart. She grabs something strange, grabbing Eternal's eye, but none of them say anything.

“So, to the helm?” Eternal turned to Lae'zel, who nods and started leading the group, much to Shadowheart’s dismay.

“Who put you in charge?”

Lae'zel only ignored Shadowheart however, and as they make it to the helm, they stumble into a massive battle. A Mind Flayer, who was fighting a bigger demon, looks at them and tells them to get to the transponder and escape.

“Do it. We will deal with the Ghaik after!”

Eternal grabs his hand and pulls him through the center, as Shadowheart, Lae'zel and Us protect them. Eternal brings him right to the transponder and protects him as he, very confusingly, connects to tentacles.

Then… everything goes black.

Chapter Text

When he opened his eyes, it was Eternal again, shaking him awake.

“Sir? Sir! Please tell me you survived!!” She sounded almost panicked, and shook him just a little bit more.

He sits up, grabbing his head in pain, “Yes… I'm alright. Thank you for the concern?” He wasn't so much thanking her as much as he was curious as to why she cared so much.

“I’m just glad I'm not the only survivor…” that was a new voice, and he snapped his head to see Shadowheart. No sign of Lae'zel or Us. Shadowheart continues, “By the way, I don't think I caught either of your names.”

“Eternal,” the Tiefling says as she stood up straight, helping him up to his feet as she looked at him, “Do you remember anything?”

That seemed to peak Shadowheart's interest.

He shrugged it off though, “No. Not a thing. My name and life are still a mystery to me.” Shadowheart nodded, taking in the information well. “But, I should probably come up with a nickname of sorts so I can at least be addressed.” Eternal nods, and Shadowheart hummed as she thought about it.

They all stood in silence for a moment before Eternal said, “Durge could work.”

“Durge?”

“It's uh… Dragonborn name I've heard of before, if that works for you.”

Eternal was many things, but she was not a liar. Shadowheart and Durge noticed and picked up or her bluff about the name very easy, but neither decided to point it out.

“Durge it is then.”

That seemed to put a smile on the Tieflings face.

Shadowheart looked at her two new companions, taking in every inch of who they are. “Paladin and Sorcerer, yes?”

Eternal nods, “And you're a Cleric? Can you remove the tadpoles?”

Shadowheart shook her head, “But finding a healer who can is a great start if we want to survive.”

“We?”

Shadowheart looked at Eternal shocked, almost as if she didn't know what to say. Eternal said that with so much venom and it threw her off.

“Of course you can join us! The more the merrier, right Eternal?”

Eternal pauses before sighing “Alright. Only till we find a cure though.”

“Agreed.” Shadowheart narrowed her eyes and that's when Durge realized that the woman who hasn't left his side might not get along with anyone else besides him.

It's gonna be a long day, he could already tell.

As the three of them traveled along, all they found was more destruction, dead Mindflayers and Intellect Devourers, but no sign of life. Except footprints. Durge followed these footprints closely, realizing this means there are other survivors.

Eternal kept quiet however, not even responding to either of her companions anymore.

As they followed the footsteps, they came across a high elf with white hair and piercing red eyes. He calls out to them, seeking help, and when Durge looked back to the girls, he was almost unsurprised to see Eternal not trust it. Still he turned to try and help the elf out.

“Over here, I have a brain thing cornered!”

“Bullshit.” Eternal pulled Durge back away from the Elf. “All of them have been dead from that fall. Now I don't know why we survived, but they are way too small to have that same luxury.”

Durge looked between the two as the Elf put down his persona.

“Well… I was hoping for a kindred spirit.” That's when he pulled a dagger on them, but Eternal was quick to pull her own weapon too.

“Whoa whoa!” Durge stood between the two, “Let's use our words, shall we?”

Eternal tore her eyes from the Elf to look at Durge, but to his surprise, the look wasn't of annoyance or even anger. She looked proud.

It didn't last long, though, as Eternal put her weapon away, the Elf didn't.

“I'm not stupid, you were on the ship weren't you, working with those monsters!” Before he could continue, he yelped in pain. As he grabbed his head, so did Eternal.

Interestingly, it didn't affect him again.

“What was that? What's going on?!” The elf pointed the dagger at Durge this time, but Eternal stepped in front, letting his blade nearly graze her chin.

“The tadpole. It's connected us. You saw glimpses of my life, and I saw yours. You're infected too.”

“I am,” He finally lowered his dagger, “and it seems you also are a victim in all this. Apologies.”

“Just don't let it happen again…” she trailed off, hinting for his name.

“Astarion.”

“Pleasure. My name is Eternal.”

“Eternal? Such a peculiar name.” Astarion smirked, looking her up and down. Durge narrowed his eyes, and his mind wondered off to choking this man alive… he shook his head and blinked the thoughts to the back of his mind.

“It's a virtue name, not my birth name. You don't know anything about Tieflings, do you?”

“I've met of few back in the city, one is closer to.. family but otherwise, no.”

“Can we move on? We can transform any moment now! We don't have time for this.” Shadowheart started to storm off, and Durge snapped into reality at her outburst.

“Transform? What does she mean?” Astarion looked to Durge, then back to Eternal.

“We will explain everything, after we are cured. You should follow us.”

“You know I was planning to do this alone, but maybe sticking with the herd isn't such a bad idea… alright. Lead on.”

Eternal nods, and with a smirk she ends the conversation with one last quip, “If you use that dagger I will not hesitate to defend my companions.”

Astarion dramatically gasped, “I'd never.”

Eternal just rolled her eyes as the group followed Shadowheart to a magic sigil in the side of a rock. They all looked at each other confused, but Durge recognized it.

He takes a step forward towards it, and as he does, a hand shoots out, making Eternal and Astarion flinch.

“A hand? Anyone?”

Durge eyes narrowed… and his vision gets blurry… he stared at the hand, imagining what it would be like to cut it off. It's be a fine offeri-

Before he could even move, he blacked out, feeling his head collide with the floor.

To Durge, it had only felt like a moment when he opened his eyes, groaning in pain. However, in reality, it'd had been an hour. He was leaning against a rock, the same rock the sigil was on, but the sigil was now gone. Shadowheart was above him, using some sort of purplish magic to heal his bruises.

“Thank the Gods you're awake,” he heard Eternal say, and as he looked up, he saw Eternal, Astarion, Lae'zel again, and a strange looking wizard that was unfamiliar. All had worried expressions on their face.

“You passed out, and Eternal had to push you back from falling into the portal with Gale here.” Astarion looked bored, which help Durge realize time had passed.

“Sorry for scaring you sir, I'm Gale from Waterdeep.” Durge nodded, glad to now know who the wizard person was.

“It's quite alright. If I'm honest, I don't know what happened.”

“What matters is you're alright. Now Lae'zel says she has a lead on us getting cured, so we should find this grove she heard was nearby. There's a Tiefling there that apparently saw some of her kin.” Eternal helped Durge up, explaining what he missed as Shadowheart backed off.

“I don't see how her kin will help us, considering they almost killed us on the Nataliod.”

Lae'zel just glares at Shadowheart before moving to lead the way without another word. Eternal, after making sure Durge was alright, followed her.

Astarion ran to be at Eternal's side, making some crude remark she only rolled her eyes at, and eventually, Shadowheart begrudgingly followed.

Durge rubbed his head and looked at Gale, who gestured for him to go first. “You alright?”

Durge nodded and began to follow, Gale sticking to his side. Eternal looked back at them a few times, but didn't intervene. “Just don't remember much before the Nataliod, not even my name.”

“Really? That's not a symptom of the tadpole, at least, not a recorded one anyway. Not to mention, you seem to be the only one suffering from memory loss,” Durge felt disappointed, if it's not the tadpole, then what happened to make him forget everything. He doesn't even know who he is! Gale continues once he sees Durge's sad face, “But worry not! Your Tiefling friend already updated me on the nickname she gave you. She seems to care deeply about you.”

“I just met her.”

“True, but, desperate times change people. You never know,” Gale patted him on the back, and as they catch up to the group, they hear shouting ahead.

Immediately Astarion ducks and slowly creeps forward, causing everyone else to get the hint and stay back.

Eventually, he stands up and pulled out his bow, shooting something. He turned around to the rest of the group. “Found the grove!”

At those words, Lae'zel ran forward, realizing only then that the grove was under attack. Goblins. Easy targets. She pulls her sword and kills one of the closer ones, and eventually, everyone jumped into battle. Well.. everyone but Durge.

When the goblins were killed everyone regrouped to catch their breath, and Eternal came straight up to Durge, “You alright?”

Durge only nodded and pressed forward, ignoring Astarion’s quip about how they could've used his help.

They enter the grove and immediately, Eternal looks to relax. It was filled with her kin, and that brought a smile to her face. However, her joy was interrupted by a fight between a older Tiefling, and the human they saved. As Eternal and Durge walked up, the human practically ignored them. Eternal narrowed her eyes, not letting herself be disrespected. She swung at the human, knocking him out cold.

Durge elbowed her, “There was no need for that.”

Eternal mumbled an apology before looking up to the other Tiefling. He looked at her, and hesitated at the sight of her. Whatever he recognizes, he doesn't comment on, however. Instead, he focuses on the more pressing matter.

“The goblins found us, and no doubt they will be back. We need to pack up and leave. Immediately!” He turned away from them, but paused at Eternal's voice.

“Wait!” She reached for him, and he turned back, “What's going on?”

Lae'zel loses her patience and eventually pushed past them, running off to find whatever poor soul saw her kin. Astarion however, comes up to stand behind Eternal. Durge considers running after Lae'zel, but when he turned back to see Shadowheart and Gale sticking to his side, he decides not to.

Turns out Lae'zel is on her own for that one.

The Tiefling man sighs and takes Eternal's hands, almost examining them. Quickly, she pulled away. He stops and explains, “There's goblins here, and they've been slaughtering us. We need to get to the city, but it's impossible with the attacks.”

“Unlikely, Goblins don't rally together easily.”

“That's what we thought too, child.”

Eternal looked around and saw the state of her kin. Immediately she straightened up. “How can I help?”

Durge smiled, and Astarion rolled his eyes. Seems Eternal's behavior is going to reflect on her relationship with either of them. As the man explains further, he introduced himself as Zevlor, and tells her that the druids, while they've been nothing but kind, can't afford to keep them here forever, but if they need anything more, to talk to the Archdruid Halsin.

She nods and decides to go inside the grove fully, looking for Lae'zel.

Durge followed behind, going to talk to Eternal, but Astarion beat him to it.

“Eternal, Darling, what was that? We don't have time for helping them when we need to find a cure.”

Eternal glared at Astarion, before sighing. “This is my kin. And don't worry, I'm confident we will be fine a little longer.”

“How? We know nothing of the parasite, and nothing of how to be cured! You were the one that told me what these things can do to us while we were waiting for DragonBorn here to recover!” Astarion snapped at her, causing her to stop in her tracks and turn to him.

“I just do. If you don't want to help me save my kin, then you can leave.”

Astarion paused, but backed off.

She smirked, “Thank you.” She only earned an eye roll in return, as Lae'zel returned to their side, showing where the Tiefling marked their map. “We should go there right away.”

Eternal shook her head, “We have business here,” she tried to continue, looking very stressed when Lae'zel tried to interrupt again.

However, it's not Eternal who stops her, but Durge. “Everyone calm down. We all seem a little tense. Maybe we should rest. Take a break. The sun is going down anyways.”

“That sounds like a wonderful idea! I will get to work on making us dinner, I know a lovely recipe.” Gale clapped his hands together, and one by one, everyone agreed it may be smart.

As Gale and Shadowheart set off to find a place to camp for the night, Eternal goes and talks with more of her kin. She really seemed to thrive here, and Durge noticed. He was glad she seemed so happy.

Well, until they heard shouting.

They looked in the direction of the shouting to find a large Tiefling woman who seemed to be on fire, arguing with the warlock who helped them fight the goblins from before.

It wasn't long before Eternal and Durge ran in-between them.

“What's going on?!” Eternal looked between the two, and the Warlock straightened up.

“You need to get out of the way, She's dangerous!”

“This doesn't have to get messy! I was just hungry! Please!”

As the two argue, that same pain pierces through the three of them, Durge, yet again, not feeling it. As the woman on fire and the warlock hiss, Eternal seemed more used to the sensation.

“Hells, you were on the Nataliod as well!”

“Yes, and I'm your ticket for a cure if you just stop fighting!” Eternal stood fully in front of the other Tiefling now. “She is not a devil. She is my kin. I won't let you hurt her!”

“She is a soldier in the blood war!”

“Look into my eyes!!! Can't you see I'm not what you think…?”

“...Shit.” The warlock lowered his weapon, and Durge smiled at him. He saw, and weakly smiled back, but he looked terrified more than anything.

Eternal smirked and turned to the Tiefling who gave her the biggest smile she's ever seen. The Tiefling faulters when seeing Eternal fully, but makes no comment. “Thank you. You don't know me, but you protected me. Thank you. I'm Karlach.”

“Eternal.”

“Heeeeyyy nice! I love it.”

“Finally!!”

Durge laughed at their interaction as the warlock slowly tried to walk away, but Durge stopped him. “She meant what she said. You should stick with us too, we are looking for a cure.”

The warlock paused, but nods. “Alright, my friends call me Wyll.”

“Well, Wyll,” Karlach immediately moved to him, “Glad I didn't have to kill the famous Blade of Frontiers!”

“You wouldn't have stood a chance.”

“Hey!” Astarion yells at them from a distance, and as they look over to see him standing there with Lae'zel, Shadowheart and Gale, Astarion continued, “If you're done making friends, the camp is ready and set up!!”

Eventually, the sun was gone and the only source of light was the fire in the center of their circle and the moon and stars. The eight of them sat around the fire, all eating whatever food Gale had cooked up for them that night. It was quiet.

Well, until a hole to the hells appeared on the ground.

Eternal was one her feet immediately, standing in between the group and the magic portal, ready to fight. Soon everyone else followed suit into standing, but Wyll walked up and placed a hand on her shoulder, “Stand down. You guys will be fine.”

Eternal glared for a moment, but lowered her sword as a demon rose from the portal.

“Mizora.” Wyll, Karlach, and Eternal said at the same time, all confusing each other.

“Wyll… you've been naughty,” She speaks, eyes glancing over the rest of his party, before landing on Eternal. Her eyes widened, before she looked back to Wyll and continued, “and you know what happens when you're naughty.”

“Gods Damn It, anyone but her…”

Durge stepped forward, to Wyll’s side. “Who in the hell's are you?”

“Wyll!! You kept me a secret?” She gasped, insulted, “I'm Wyll’s patron. The source of his powers, and my pet here has been unruly. His leash needs a yank,” As she said this, she pulled on seemingly nothing and Wyll lurched forward towards her, “We had a deal, Wyll! But Karlach is still breathing.”

“I've taken more pleasant shots than you Mizora, and at least those can be buried after.”

“That's no kind of talk for a lady, Karlach,” Mizora glanced back at Eternal again, “Pleasure seeing you again.”

“Suck on my nuts.”

Astarion choked on his drink trying to hold back his laughter, but Karlach didn't even try. She just hollers, cheering Eternal on.

Mizora scoffs, looking to Wyll, “Its sad to see you this way pup, but you broke our deal.”

“You told me devils only! She's a Tiefling! Not a Monster!” Wyll choked out.

“How precious. The little pupsters found his bark,” she raises a finger and says, “Clause G, Section 9: Targets shall be limited to the Infernal, The Demonic, The Heartless, and The Soulless. Karlach meets the criteria, by virtue of having no heart.”

Eternal looked to Karlach, and she mouthed back, ‘Later.’

When Karlach and Eternal look back to Mizora, she had just finished waving her hand at Wyll.

Immediately, something opens beneath him and dark magic surrounds him and covers his whole body. He cries out in pain as horns grow onto his head and his one good eye changes.

“That's better.”

“What the hells have you done?!” Wyll shouts at her, a hand flying to his hand that now weighs more than he is used to.

“A promise broken… a price paid! You know the terms.”

“What the hell Mizora! That's not fair!” Eternal yells at her, but she's gone before more can be said.

Silence falls over them again, until Gale speaks up, “Bad timing I understand, but it makes sense for Karlach and Wyll to know her, but how do you know her, Eternal?”

People start to sit back down, Wyll more quiet, but he starts to relax more as Karlach runs off and grabs him some supplies to take care of his new horns.

“It's a long story, one better saved for people who get to know me better.”

“Alright, keep your secrets,” Gale responded, sit back down next to Durge, who watched Eternal, puzzled.

As Karlach gave the supplies to Eternal to start treating Wyll’s horns, and as she does she says, “Not to be nosy, but is it the same reason you have those tattoos?”

“So you did recognize them.”

“Hard not to. Any Tiefling who's been to the hells knows what the Ivy tattoos mean, but I won't push further.”

“I… appreciate it.” Eternal smiled softly at Karlach, who returned it.

Durge looked around to the others. Astarion seemed to be whispering to Shadowheart, and Lae'zel looked as she was already getting ready for bed.

Gale reached over for Durge's empty bowl, then one by one grabbed everyone else's as well. Eventually, everyone split off to their own tents.

Durge didn't have much but a sleeping bag he put next to the fire, but everyone else had extravagant tents to keep them safe for the night. As everyone else heads to bed, Gale stands by the fire, staring at it.

Durge comes up behind him, confused why he hasn't gone to bed just yet. Before he can say anything to him however, Gale cuts him off.

“Go to hell.”

“... Goodnight to you too Gale, may you have the sweetest dreams.”

Gale laughed, “Good sport.” He sits down, and Durge shrugged and joined him, staring at the fire. “Go to hell… an every day expression. So trivial it's almost meaningless… but we've seen hell. It's real… and it isn't trivial.”

“... You okay Gale?” Durge reached over to him, and Gale looked at them.

He paused for a second, before shaking his head. “Just everything, so much happened today. Tomorrow we could be Mindflayers.. and there's nothing we could have done about it today.”

“We will find a healer Gale.”

“You sound as confident as Eternal does. It's like she's not even worried.”

“Maybe that's the answer. There's no point in worrying about it… it happens or it doesn't… but do you really want your last moments as you to be worried about what you'll become?”

“... Wise words. I'll leave you to sleep, we have a healer to find before the wee one gets hungry.” He stands and heads to bed.

Durge takes a deep breath and heads to bed as well.

Chapter Text

When the morning comes, Lae'zel and Eternal are both up early. Surprisingly, they were sparring, and the clanking of swords together woke up most of the other companions. Karlach being the one exception.

Astarion yelled at them for being loud, but neither listening, has their sparring got more intense. Durge moved out of the way as the two got into a full blown sword fight around the camp. Eternal was backed up to a rock at one point, but she was able to get the upper hand by getting the high ground on the rock and jumping over Lae'zel.

Once people were more awake, Shadowheart awoke Karlach, who then bet on Lae'zel winning. Shadowheart took that bet, claiming Eternal will, and Durge smiled as the girls of the group started to get along.

Eventually, Lae'zel won the sparring battle, but as she helped Eternal off the ground, the Tiefling sneak attacked her with a small dagger she keeps secluded, cutting her cheek very lightly. “Never let your guard down.”

Karlach and Shadowheart shrugged, not knowing which technically won that. Astarion watched them all with slight fascination, but he kept to himself for the time being.

Once everyone was packed up and ready to go, Lae'zel brought up going to find her kin. Eternal looked to Durge, who agreed that would be smart, as it’s so far their only lead, much to Shadowheart's dismay.

The group heads out into the forest, Eternal leading the way. She always looks back however, always checks up on them. Always makes sure they are okay. Durge found it endearing in their own way. 

As they walk the path however, something catches Eternal's eye, and she stays from it. She runs off up a hill, where she finds a dead boar, completely drained of all its blood.

“Holy shit…” Karlach looks at it as Eternal inspects it. She didn't notice any wounds, which only confused her more, but she pushes forward, standing up straight. 

Lae'zel tried to pull her back to the path, but Eternal only heads higher up the hill, finding people. She looks at the woman and man there, before down to the injured halfling on the ground. He was dying, no doubt about that.

“Get back!”

“Wait! They could heal him, can you?”

“No! We can't trust them. They could be bandits.”

Durge looks at the group intensely, staying quiet as Eternal bends down to the dying man. As their minds connect, he looked relief to see her.

“Nevermind her… they are true souls.. protect them… for me…” with every word, the man went through so much pain… Durge just wanted to put him out of his misery.

Time beat him to it though, and the man let out a horrific sob.

Lae'zel started to get impatient, but she didn't leave again, she just stared at Eternal, hoping she knew what she was doing.

“You're a true soul…? Forgive me. We were following orders from our brother, but an owl bear ambushed us.”

“Sounds like you have to avenge him then.”

Durge glanced at Eternal, narrowing his eyes, but the two eventually run off to a cave nearby, drawing out their weapons. Eternal then looks at the body as a tadpole worms it's away out of his eye. It floats up, but before it could do anything, Eternal grabs it, throws it down to the floor and crushes it.

“Alright. Let's keep going.”

Durge pauses… and as the others leave down the hill, he runs after the two who went to kill the owl bear.

As he enters alone, he slowly walks further and further in until he finds the two, the woman still on the ground. Dead.

The man, barely breathing.. he looked up to him, trying to beg to be saved… but all the Durge saw was red. Red. Red clouded his vision and everything faded away for a moment.

“Durge!!”

He blinked, looking around. He doesn't remember what happened, but his white scales were covered in blood. Owlbear blood. Human blood. The body of the man was in front of him, in the center of what looks like a blood sigil. The owl bear’s corpse was behind him, with a small cub who luckily is uninjured and eating his mother's corpse.

“DURGE!!!” He heard again and looked up, seeing a frantic Eternal. She runs up to him and pulls him up. “Come on, up you go.”

“What… where is everyone..” 

“We ran into trouble at the village. I noticed you were gone, so they are handling the fight while I came to find you. Are you okay?”

“I don't… know what happened.”

“It's alright. Come on.” She pulled him to the waterfall in the cave and helped him clean his hands off. But no matter how hard he scrubbed the blood off, he couldn't feel like it wasn't clean. 

Eventually, Astarion shows up, looking at the two, “Goblins are slaughtered, come on.”

Eternal stood between Astarion and the body sacrifice behind them, so he wouldn't notice it and she grabbed Durge's wrist, pulling him to follow. 

When they were all reunited, they continued on their path to the marked part of the map, running into a dog who was all alone. He looked starved, and so Durge, trying to shake off what happened, gave him some leftovers. 

Lae'zel, getting annoyed with the delays, finally started to walk ahead of everyone. She would've gotten past the broken bridge too, if they were stopped by an infernal visitor.

Eternal pulled Lae'zel to the back of the group as Raphael spoke to Durge mainly, transporting them all to the House of Hope temporarily.

“Are you okay?”

“Tshk! No. Purification can not wait! ”

“Look, Lae, I understand your urgency, I'm scared too, but I need you to breathe.”

“I am breathing.” 

Eternal chuckled and Astarion stepped to the other side of her. “No, I mean, here, give me your hands.”

Lae'zel hesitates, but reaches out to her, and Eternal takes them. That's when Lae'zel noticed, the tattoos on Eternal were not just on her face, they were everywhere. Her hands, her tail, everywhere.

Eternal moves Lae'zel's fingers so her pinky and thumb were touching, “Okay, now take a deep breath.”

As she does, the world around them turns back to normal, and Raphael leaves them alone. Durge and the others turn around to see what Lae'zel and Eternal were doing, but they don't interrupt.

Eternal moves Lae'zel's thumb to her ring finger next, “and deep breath.”

Lae'zel listens, and slowly the pattern repeats, but Eternal skips the middle finger every time. She eventually lets go, and Lae'zel is more focused on her breathing and not touching her middle finger that she relaxes more.

She looked up to Eternal, “I don't understand.”

“You were panicking. By making you do that, you're brain focused on something else for a bit. We are gonna be fine. I promise.”

Lae'zel seemed to like that answer, and from that moment forward, she seemed less urgent about finding her creche, giving the group a chance to take a short break.

Astarion pulls Eternal aside, “That was impressive.” 

“Just something I learned in my childhood.”

He nods, silent for a moment, “What happened in the cave back there?” 

“Durge just wanted to help, but he couldn't fight.”

“Darling… you're a horrible liar.” 

“Look, Star, it doesn't matter, just drop it. We're all fine.”

He paused at the nickname, but nods, “Alright. You win this time, Darling.”

Meanwhile, Karlach sits next to Durge, “Is everything alright? You look like you've seen a ghost.”

“Just shaken up a bit is all.”

“Hey, don't listen to that jackass, devils want everything and everyone, and if he's interested in us, that means we are on the right path! I can feel it.”

“Thanks Karlach, but that's not it.”

“Oh, my bad soldier. What's on your mind?”

“I don't have any memories before the Nataliod. I was hoping something would come back to me by now, but… nothing.”

“Oh I've never heard of that happening when getting infected.” Karlach looked around, seeing the dog from before began to follow them. She smiled at how cute it was.

“I don't think it's the tadpole that did it.”

“Whatever did has to answer to us then.” Karlach stretches out, taking a deep breath, “Gods, it's so good to be back.”

This is around when Eternal heads over, sitting next to Durge, Astarion closely following her. Durge looked over to them, and noticed Astarion was lost in thought about something. He narrowed his eyes, but ignored it in favor of asking Karlach, “Back?”

Eternal tilted her head to Karlach too, so Karlach explains where she's been and what happened to her. How someone she trusted sold her to the hells, how Zariel replaced her heart for an engine, how now she burns hot, too hot so she can't touch anyone.

“But Im free! And I'm never going back!!!” She exclaimed loudly, laughing as she takes in the fresh air. 

Wyll, who was eavesdropping on the story, stands and gets ready to continue their journey. As he does, he asks, “Who was the prick who sold you to a devil?”

“Some asshole named Enver Gortash. I was his bodyguard, I respected him.”

That made Eternal's blood run cold, and she froze, luckily though, she doesn't think anyone noticed. She recovered quickly from that as everyone starts to stand up and continue, jumping across the broken bridge.

Durge looked to Eternal, “What about you?” She looked to him, “You don't have to say much, but everyone's got a story before this all happened. I don't remember mind, but I'd love to know all of your guy's.”

Eternal didn't answer for a moment, and as a few eyes shifted to her as they walked, she felt the pressure way on her just a bit more. She decided to say something to satisfy them, “I'm not a religious paladin, I swore an oath of Vengeance, to get back at those who took someone very important to me.”

“Who?” Karlach didn't know much about Paladin’s only that Vengeance Oathers were a force not to be messed with.

“Just a family member of mine. I'm not really open about the whole thing. Just know that's he's stuck back where I got the tattoos.”

“Mind explaining them too?” Astarion asked her, messing with a dagger of his, but still very curious.

“I do mind, yes, unless you want to explain you're suspicious behavior.” She glanced at Astarion, and Durge noticed a surprised look on his face. 

Those two…

Eternal then gave him a smile and looked around the group. “What about you Shadowheart? Karlach already told us everything and Wyll had his life practically shown to us last night, what's your story?”

“There isn't one.”

“Everyone is super secretive here, you know, we all need to be able to trust each other.” Durge tried to convince them, but Shadowheart was having none of it.

“I met you yesterday, I'm not going to tell you anything.”

“Awwww not even for me-” Karlach started, but she cut herself short as she took a deep breath.

Lae'zel lifted an eyebrow, “This isn't the time for this Karlach. We need to get moving,”

“I smell fire.”

They all freeze, and look around. Wyll notices smoke coming from the village ahead, and rushes towards it. One by one, people follow. 

However, by the time Durge makes it there, Wyll was already inside the building with some soldiers. Astarion scoffs, and put the dagger away. “I'm going to let Wyll handle that.” 

Eternal chuckled a bit, but followed after Wyll with Karlach. The three of them eventually come back out with many soldiers, and two survivors. One being a man who runs off into the next building over, and the other is a woman, a wood elf.

“Counselor Florrick, Are you alright?” Wyll stood in front of the group, and as he does so, Astarion pulls Eternal toward the back, to be at his side.

“Wyll, by the maimed god, what's become of you?”

“A story best left for calmer days, now breathe deeply, are you in pain?” Durge walked to stand next to him, but still letting him handle the conversation.

“A scorched throat and a few hairs singed off. Nothing a bit of time and fresh air won't cure. Gauntlet, a new duty calls. Drow have taken Grand Duke Ulder Ravengard westward, if my eyes and ears can be believed. We must find him, call for reinforcements.”

“Ravengard…?” Eternal whispers to herself but brushed off anyone who looked to her.

“Wait, that means-”

“Yes Wyll, they have your father.”

“How can we help?” As the words leave Wyll’s mouth, Lae'zel rolls her eyes, but she's calmer now, and doesn't make a comment about it. Eternal gives her a small reassuring smile.

“Rescue the Duke from the Drow, Baldur's Gate needs him now more than ever.” 

“Trust us to see it through.”

As the conversation ends and Wyll leads the group out of the small village borders, there's silence among them all. Lae'zel heads to the marked place on their map, which according to her is just ahead. 

Astarion steps up to Wyll, smirking “The Duke's son huh? I knew you were important but that's another level.”

“Should we be bowing?” Eternal cracks, and that eased the tension once more. 

“The circumstance of my birth is not pride to my father, but that doesn't mean I shouldn't help my own flesh and blood.”

“I respect it, your royal highness,” Eternal snickered before catching up with Lae'zel, who is looking over the edge of a cliff, “whoa…” she mumbled, seeing Githyanki interrogate, and a gorgeous red dragon. Lae'zel immediately heads down there. 

“Wait- shit, can this group stop running into danger?” Durge complains, earning a laugh from Eternal. 

“I'll head down to her, you guys stay up here where it's safe.” 

And with that, she follows after Lae'zel.

Karlach sits with his feet over the edge, “They better not get killed.”

Astarion sighed, “I doubt they will, did you see their duel this morning? Both are very strong.”

“Sound a little star stuck, there.” Wyll elbowed Astarion, who gasped.

“How can you not be?” There's definitely more to what he was going to say, Durge noticed at least. He squinted at Astarion, realizing that theres definitely more to him then he's letting show. He's being manipulative, and Durge can only assume with how attached he got to Eternal, she's his target.

He growled very quietly, catching Karlach 's attention. She looked to where Durge was staring and chuckled, “Hey guys, you should check this out.” She pointed down to Lae'zel and Eternal, hoping to distract the tension.

Eternal stood behind Lae'zel as she spoke with the Githyanki that seemed to be the leader. They spoke plainly, and Eternal was honestly surprised with how Lae'zel didn't counter any insult.

Eventually, the leader, Kith'rak Voss, nods to Lae'zel. He didn't speak loud enough for the others above to hear him, but Lae'zel turned to Eternal and waved her to follow her back up. Eternal followed, glancing back to watch the other Githyanki leave.

They climb back up and Karlach stands back up. Everyone circle up, listening expectantly. 

Lae'zel starts, “There's a creche further down. We shall head there,” As she spoke, Gale catches Durge's eye. He looked in pain almost, but that he was hiding it well. Durge made a mental note to ask about it.

“However,” Eternal then interjected, “We do have time to rest, and eat. I think we should be as prepared as we can be heading there. I say we camp up for the night, and we can go bright and early in the morning.”

“The sun hasn't started to go down yet, and I doubt it will for another hour?”

“Gives us some daylight to set up then, doesn't it.” Eternal set off into the trees, trying to find a new spot to camp out. One by one, everyone started to agree. 

Durge noticed Astarion was the first to, and that he immediately followed after Eternal. Lae'zel after and slowly, everyone was, besides Gale and himself.

Durge looked to Gale, confused, “Are you alright?” He nods, giving a convincing smile, almost. Durge shook his head, “Gale, if we are going to survive this, I need you to be okay. You looked in pain earlier.”

He sighed and took a deep breath. “Can I trust you not to tell the others?” Durge felt worry seep through his blood, but he nods. Gale continues, “Alright. There's no easy way to say this. I have a condition. I require magic. Magic items to precise. I won't go into the specifics of the condition, I just… I have to consume the magic in the item for the… the pain to go away, so to speak.”

“Then let's go,” Durge walked the opposite direction, away from the others. Gale’s eyes widened in confusion. He eventually followed behind, and Durge continued, “I'm sure there's a trader somewhere nearby that has a magic amulet or something.”

As the night fell, the fire crackled, and everyone started heading to bed, Gale and Durge didn't return. It worried Eternal, who paced around the fire. Astarion watched her from his tent, curious. 

She clearly had more about her then what she led on, but who here didn't. 

He recognized Shadowheart's armor pretty quickly, and with the standoffish behavior, put two and two together that she was a Sharran. When he expressed that he knew, they decided to keep to each other, and she told him about the artifact, and how she needed to bring it back to the city.

Shadowheart however, didn't give him the confidence that she could protect him against Cazador. Durge didn't even fight, not once had he helped them in any fight, so he's out of the picture too. But Eternal?

She was a Paladin, with an oath of Vengeance even. It'd probably break her oath not to save him. Not to protect him. He just needed her to trust him. Not that her trust went so far, after all, she didn't even tell Durge anything substantial, and it's clear she trusts him.

He could seduce her. After all, she didn't give off the impression that she was into Durge. Maybe if she liked him, maybe she'd open up, maybe she’d kill Cazador.

If that nightmare the previous night meant anything, this was his one shot at freedom.

He stands and walked up to her, cutting her off from her pacing. She looked up to him annoyed, but eventually relaxed. “Yes?”

“You're freaking out. You should take your own advice you gave Lae'zel.”

“I just don't understand why they didn't follow, and why I didn't notice quick enough! Gods, I'm supposed to be better at this.”

“Better? How so?”

“It's my job. I keep people safe. That's what I do.”

Astarion narrowed his eyes, but couldn't sense any kind of lie. That only made him more confident about this choice.

“Well, you're doing a good job at it. You tamed Lae'zel for gods sake,” He sits down, pulling her down to sit next to him. He looked to the fire, “It was pretty impressive.”

“I'm pretty impressive.”

“Aren't you just.” Astarion looked back to her, and as the flame lights up her face, he noticed the slightest hint of a blush. Perfect. “You got to work on your lying though Darling, you are awful at it.”

“Well, it's not like you're any better, Fangs,” Astarion stills, and his confidence plummets. He tried to speak, but the words got caught in his throat. She panicked at his reaction, “I haven't told anyone! It's safe with me. I promise.”

That helped him relax a little bit, but not enough to form words just yet.

“... I found out when we found the boar. I had my suspicions, your eyes and teeth for example, but that confirmed it for me. I'm not going to tell the others, don't worry.”

Astarion takes a deep breath and finally managed to get out, “You're not going to kill me?”

“No. We need each other, and whether you tell the others or not, vampires make good allies, especially when they are at their strongest.”

“Ah, well unfortunately for you, I'm only a spawn.”

Eternal finally looked to him, meeting his eyes, “Really?”

“Yes. I have rules I have to obey, and like a puppet,” he sighed, looking back to the fire, “I obeyed. But now. Now I can walk in the sun again. Until we get back to the city, I'm free from him.”

“Ah well, I have no intention to go back to the city,” She looked to the fire as well, “What's the rules?”

“Oh just normal narcissistic bullshit like you are mine, must obey me, never leave my side, don't drink the blood of thinking creatures, blah blah blah.”

“But you did leave his side,” she tapped her foot, “maybe the rules don't apply anymore.” 

Before he could respond, they heard russling and voices nearing. Gale, Durge… and someone else. Immediately, Astarion stands, getting his confidence back up. Eternal followed him standing up. She mouthed, ‘meet me at my tent tonight’ before turning to the voices. 

“Where the hell did you guys go?!” She crossed her arms, and Astarion quickly fleed the scene.

“Just shopping, better armor, weapons, and also, we found a bard!!” Durge sounded excited as he puts a backpack down. “We can distribute in the morning.”

“Durge…” Eternal sighed, before looking at yet another Tiefling, “Hello. You must be the bard they picked up.”

“Yes! I want to help. My name is Alfira.” 

“Well, do you have a tent?”

She paused, and shook her head. Durge intervened to say, “She'll just stay with me tonight.”

Eternal seemed hesitant, but nodded. “Alright. Well I'm glad you're safe. Get some rest, we go to the creche in the morning.” 

She walked to her tent, and Durge noticed that after maybe an hour, Astarion left his own to join her. He narrowed his eyes, but turned over in his sleeping bag, closing his eyes.

Astarion opened the tent to find Eternal. She was reading some fairytale for kids, which puzzled him for a moment, but when she noticed him, she gestured him in. Astarion chuckled and sat next to her. 

“So what's your idea?”

“I'm going to offer you my blood, if you're willing. You can say no, and I'll show you I'm completely unarmed if you're worried, but-”

“Darling, yes,” Eternal chuckled a little bit, and rolled her eyes at his comment, “But are you sure? This will affect you too.”

“You'd be surprised at how much blood I can lose and feel fine.”

“Concerning, explain. No backing out this time, you know my big secret, let me know yours.”

“Are you blackmailing me with your own secret?”

Astarion smirked and leaned in closer, “I'm not sure I have to sweetheart.”

She blushes, and coughed, leaning away. After a silent moment, she sighed, “Fine. Ask away.”

“The tattoos. Every Tiefling has recognized them, and Karlach pointed them out as the reason Mizora knew you.”

She paused, before starting, “They are the markings of a blood cult. They… tattoo their members so people can identify them. I was born into it.”

“A blood cult?”

“Well. Technically it's a farm. But, I always saw it as a cult. Anyway, I escaped about… 6 years ago. When I was 20.”

“You're only 26?”

“That is how you count, yes. Good math, teeth,” Astarion missed when she called him Star already, and she only did it once, “Anyways, I escaped, got caught up in a gang, ran off to Baldur's Gate. Lived there for about two years now.”

“What an eventful life. You don't want to go back to the city though? Why?”

“Nope, one secret at a time, got to earn that information.” 

Astarion huffed, but didn't push. He got what he needed about the tattoos. Now he at least knows that she trusts him. 

That's good.

He's the only one, besides Karlach who recognized the tattoos, who knows about her origins now. A blood farm from hell. He made a mental note to look into that more, get more information on the specifics.

There was a silence between them for a while, neither really knowing what next. Well, they did, but they didn't know how to really go about it. It wasn't till Astarion got impatient and pushed her down to lay down. 

She bit back her laugh as Astarion crawled over her, glancing at her one last time to make sure she was okay with it. She nods, and he carefully bites her neck, drinking her blood.

Durge snaps awake looking around confused. It was still the middle of the night, and he sits up, looking around. Alfira laid in her own sleeping bag peacefully still, and the night was quiet.

Yet he couldn't get what happened in that cave out of his mind. He slaughtered that man, mercy killing or not. He slaughtered him, and he couldn't even remember it.

He needed to go for a walk.

As he stood, he felt sick to his stomach. He paused for a moment before walking off, checking to make sure all of his new friends were okay. 

They were, Astarion back in his own tent as well, and Eternal sleeping in her own tent, back facing the opening. It relieved him for a moment, until he heard something.

“Milord? Jubilant day! I have found your vile self at last.”

Durge turned quickly, almost too quickly, as he almost slipped into Eternal's tent. He doesn't though, and he stares at this… creature that showed up here. 

“Who are you?”

“Sceleritas Fel,” the creature bows, “Your loyal and ever-adoring Butler.” Durge was stunned, and concerned more for the life he used to lead. He bent down to the creature, looking at him more closely, “I followed you, my dear rotted master. We have been parted so tragically long.”

“What in the hells do you mean you're my butler?”

“Oh! One hell of a butler, the most unprincipled servant you could hope for. You have always struggled to conduct yourself without me. I found you, following the stench of that man, though, I'm sure you could do so much better, milord. Perhaps, we should consider someone much closer to you for your next kill. She was always a tricky one she was.”

“Keep quiet!” He hissed at the creature, Sceleritas, not fully understanding who he was talking about, but he prayed that it would come back to him eventually.

“Anyways,” Sceleritas began to whisper after the order was given, “I come bearing your dreadful inheritance. You've earned it. I can not wait for your next act of shameless barbarity.” 

Durge took what seemed to be a cape from the creature, and looked back to him, “Who was I? Who am I?”

“While I'd love to regale you with your past triumphs, I cannot. I'm forbidden to interfere, our betters will not allow it. Be true to yourself, milord.” And as quickly as he came, he left. 

Durge looked at the cape again before heading back to bed, shaken up from the whole thing. What was that? Who was that? Who was he?

These thoughts swirl in his head as he throws the cape into his bag, laying back down. 

All he knew for certain, is he was going to find out who he is, no matter the cost.

Chapter Text

Durge woke up first, not getting a good night's rest after his little visit. He sighed and got back into his day clothes, with the addition of the cape. He felt like it suited him, but the thing still terrified him. Inheritance? From who? If the butler knew who his family was, why could he not interfere? Who was he?

Eternal was next to wake, and she hesitated seeing him. He didn't notice her until she spoke up, however, “Did you buy that cape?”

“Huh?” He asked, turning. Maybe the butler should be kept secret for now, so he only nods.

“It's cool.” He turned to look at her fully, and noticed that he wasn't the only one who had a bad night it seems. Her hair was a mess and her neck was red with scratches. She hadn't changed yet, and her pajamas were a bit messy, but in a ‘rolling around in her sleep’ way. She looked awful, yet she also looked like it didn't affect her that poorly. “I'm in desperate need of a bath, my gods.”

“You can say that- whoa, darling, you look like awful,” Astarion comes out of his tent, then slowly one by one, everyone is up and out. The other girls plus Wyll look to Alfira in confusion, who awoke and began to tune her lute. 

“I guess I picked the wrong place to set up camp.”

“Jesus, soldier. You look like you got eaten alive!”

“You could say that. The bite’s super itchy.” Eternal glanced at Astarion when she said that, making him realize this was her cover up so they don't find out she was bitten by a vampire. Smart. Luckily too, no one else noticed the glance.

Alfira stands, and that brings the attention to her, as Astarion and Shadowheart head to Eternal, Astarion to fix her hair and Shadowheart to heal her scratches, and by extension, the bite. 

“Hey everyone!! I’m Alfira, from the grove. I saw how you guys helped us with the goblin attack and I'd love to help you on your adventure!”

Durge smiled, nodding, “I thought it'd be nice to have a bard around, and with us going to the creche today, it won't be for too long.”

“I just want to help out wherever I can!”

Karlach and Wyll seemed totally on board, but Lae'zel and Shadowheart needed more convincing. Shadowheart was finished healing Eternal way before Astarion was done with her hair. Eternal even looked at him confused, but he seemed in his element so she didn't stop him. 

However he finished eventually and left to his tent to get ready for the day. 

She went to her own tent to put her armor on and started to pack up again. As she does, she grabbed a mirror to look at her hair. 

It looked well kept now instead of the messy ‘I don't touch my hair' look, but what caught her eye was that he pulled part of her hair back. Her hair gave off the resemblance of a flower, with the way he styled it. She smiled at it, wondering if Astarion even realized he did that, or if it was subconscious.

As she returned to the others, she noticed everyone was wearing the new equipment that Durge, Gale and Alfira got last night. Durge came up to her and handed her better armor. “Figured this might be more useful than what you have now.”

He was right. Her armor she had now was her old religious armor, with any indication of what god it belongs to scratched out or broken off. She smiled brightly, glad to get out of the old armor. Quickly, she switched to the better armor and left behind the old one.

So their journey continues, with Lae'zel leading the way. Her anxiety was starting to come back, and so Eternal broke away from Astarion to be at her side. She would ask her all kinds of questions about Githyanki culture and their species as a whole. 

It seemed to work.

Durge walked with Karlach, close enough where she noticed. She stepped a bit away, smiling softly with the smallest hint of nervousness. “Careful, I don't want to scorch you.”

Durge chuckled, “That's actually something I wanted to ask you about.” He suddenly reached into his bag, and was rummaging around through it. “So while Gale and I were shopping, I met this guy named Dammon. Turns out he's a blacksmith, and when I told him about your… heart condition,” she snorted at that, and he finally pulled out what seemed to be infernal iron, “he said he might be able to help. I can take you to him after the creche?”

Her eyes widened and lit up, “You think?”

“Well there's no guarantee-”

“But there's a chance! Oh my gods, that's incredible!!!” She jumped with joy, and Durge beamed with excitement, happy to see her so happy.

Wyll chuckled at her reaction too, itching his horns, which Eternal noticed and wacked his hand. Alfira giggled, holding her lute close as she walked beside Shadowheart.

Lae'zel stopped suddenly.. causing a quiet hush to wash over the group. She bent down to the path floor, looking over some intricate symbol drawn in the dirt. She stays there for a moment, before looking up and running over to the edge of the cliff.

“Lae'zel!!!” Eternal yelled running after her, and soon, everyone was following her. Lae'zel stopped at the edge, pointing at a huge building. “There. That is the creche.”

Eternal just gasped. Not at how big the creche was. Not at how worried she was for Lae'zel.

No. 

Eternal gasped at how fucking beautiful the view was.

“You don't get these kind of views in Avernus…” She heard Karlach say.

Without thinking, without processing, hell, she didn't even realize she even responded, she smiled and took a deep breath, taking in it all, “You don't see them in Nessus either….”

Durge looked at Eternal, then to Karlach's small, pitiful, smile.

It was silent for a moment, but eventually, the paladin snapped out of it and turned to Lae'zel. “How do we get down there?”

“There is a trolly, over there.” Lae'zel ran over toward the crank to pull it up. “This way.”

But as Lae'zel walks away, a woman cuts off Eternal following her. This woman watches Lae'zel get to the crank, then she turns back to Eternal, who has her arm crossed with a scowl. Astarion walked up behind her on one side, and Durge, surprisingly, came up on the other side.

“No need for hostility! I'm merely hoping to ask for your services, without the listening ears of your… rude friend.”

“That rude friend of ours is trying to save our life. Whatever your business, make it quick.”

Astarion looked to Eternal shocked, but in a good way? He had never heard that tone from her, and it made him smile a bit. He looked back to the women to see Lae'zel starting to walk back to them silently, curious about this new woman. Seems most of them noticed her, except Eternal and the woman herself. 

“I intend too. You see, the building that Githyanki is leading you to is not somewhere I believe you'd like to go. That… hive of a building is what she would call a creche, but the way I see it, it's just a murderous training ground. I was doing them a favor, and barely made it out with my life!”

“A favor? I assume this is what you want me to do?”

“Yes! If you please. I am a member of the Society of Brilliance. We believe that a Githyanki child raised in… our traditions would overcome it's violent nature.”

“... You want me to steal a child?” Her tone was low, and had a sort of growl to it that if you weren't listening closely, you'd miss it. Somehow, Durge just knew that this would be a sensitive subject for her, but he didn't know why. Or how. The tone sent chills down Astarion's spine, and he backed up a step, not that Eternal noticed.

“Well, no! Not a child. Just an egg. We will incubate the egg and raise the spawn as our own. No harm done!"

Lae'zel was about to step in, berate this woman for even suggesting it. 

But she wasn't fast enough.

Eternal was glowing. Glowing pure dark red, and as she did, the blade she carried began to glow too. Shadowheart gasped, recognizing this as divine magic. She pulled Astarion and Durge back, though, Durge didn't feel afraid. Lae'zel was astonished, watching as Eternal's eyes turned red with pure hatred.

With one slice, the woman's head was severed clean off. 

Eternal gasped for air soon after, and she stumbled back, falling into Astarion. He catches her, surprisingly with ease, and holds her close until she can stand on her own again. 

“That was…” Lae'zel was the first to speak up, followed by a chorus of responses.

“Utterly fucking terrifying?” Astarion kept his grip on her tight as she groaned in pain a bit. 

“Violent, yet oddly clean?” Karlach looked at the body on the ground, watching as the head rolled off the edge.

“Divine, no doubt.” Shadowheart looked at Eternal with interest, and slight pity.

“Totally unnecessary?” Gale crossed his arms, disappointed in his companions.

“Incredible.” Lae'zel lands on, as Eternal pulled away from Astarion, mumbling a thank you. He nods to her, giving a small dramatic bow. 

“We need to keep going,” Eternal says, heading to the crank. It took a moment of pulling, but she got it to move, and the Trolly began to make it's away toward them.

There was silence for a while. Eternal didn't make eye contact with any of them. She didn't speak. Durge looked to Astarion, and he clearly looked like he wanted to talk to her, but he didn't. He gave Eternal the space she needed right now, and that alone made Durge ease off Astarion for a moment. Maybe he shouldn't stop him from getting closer to Eternal. 

She can make her own choices. 

Shadowheart then broke the silence, walking to Eternal's side as they got on the Trolly. “That magic was your god's magic, wasn't it?”

Eternal looked to her after a moment, “Yeah.. though I didn't make my oath to him.”

“Who's your god?”

That made Eternal tense. Everyone saw how nervous she got, but no one tried to pry when Eternal just shook her head, “A story for another day.”

Astarion then knew he had to get Eternal and Shadowheart into a hang out together. Seems both follow frowned upon gods. 

Tonight, maybe.

Lae'zel begins to lead them off the Trolly and toward the building, with everyone else close behind. 

Despite Shadowheart and Astarion trying to be there for Eternal, with whatever just happened, she stuck to Durge, and for the first time since they all grouped together, she wasn't smiling.

Alfira pulled out her lute and quickly called out, “Wait!”

Lae'zel scoffed, but stopped. She turned around, looking at Alfira. Everyone did. 

Alfira walked up to Eternal, “You look like you're out of it. Maybe we should take a small break. I can play you a song. Get your spirits back up?”

Eternal raised an eyebrow, but looked to Lae’zel, “Your call.”

“Purification can not wait any longer!” She scoffed, but paused, “But, I would be lying if I were to say I had not noticed your change. I'd prefer you to be on your best behavior for my kin.”

Eternal chuckled a bit then turned back to Alfira. “Knock yourself out.” She goes and sits against the cliff, leaning back and closing her eyes. Alfira went and sat on a rock, as Shadowheart and Astarion joined Eternal by the cliff.

Karlach, Wyll, and Gale however stuck to Durge’s side, standing as they all watched as Eternal began to play, singing some song she wrote. Surprisingly, it worked too. 

Eternal’s smile, after a while, returned. Despite the scowl on Astarion's face at the bard’s music, she stands. “Thank you Alfira. I really enjoyed that.”

Alfira lights up, and nods, “I'm glad! Are you feeling better?”

Eternal nods, “Much better.”

“Wait soldier, you didn't break your oath, did you?”

“What? Oh no. Still have my oath. She was asking me to kidnap a child. She had it coming.”

“I still think that was too violent.”

“That's your opinion Gale. If you knew half what I do though, well.. maybe we'd see more eye to eye. You can keep your merciful morals,” she walked up and got in his face, “I for one, will do anything to defend mine.”

Durge pulled Eternal back, standing in between the two, “Lets not fight. Shall we, Lae'zel?”

“Finally,” Was all the Githyanki woman said before finally making it to the creche.

As they turned the corner though, they saw other Githyanki with some cultists. As one killed one, Lae'zel runs up to them, making herself known. They aim their weapons at her, but after a moment lower it due to her being one of their kin.

“I seek the Zaith’isk at once. Let me through.”

“You're infected?!”

Eternal comes up behind Lae'zel as she argues with her kin for a moment.

But eventually, they let them all inside, escorting them to the infirmary. Eternal stuck to Lae'zel side and Durge to Gale's. 

Githyanki watched them like hawks as they passed by, but gave them no grief as they were being escorted. The cultists that they were previously dealing with got dragged down a separate hall.

Eternal made a note of that.

As they approach the infirmary, Alfira overheard shouting from the next room over. She points it out to Karlach, then to Wyll, and eventually everyone was aware of the potential of a fight going on.

When the guards open the door for the nine of them, they all flooded in, and the door shut tight behind them.

Lae'zel looked around the room for a moment, but that brief moment of silence seemed to piss the other Githyanki woman off, “Do you need something, or are you all just going to stand there gawking?”

Lae'zel looked to her in an instant, “I am a child of Gith! Am I not owed your respect?!” She snapped at her, stepping forward. 

“Maybe. Maybe not. Let this Istik with you speak.” The woman gestured to Eternal, causing all eyes to be on her.

She shifted uncomfortably, “I'd like Lae'zel to speak on my behalf, thank you.”

Lae'zel smirked at turned back to the woman, who seemed to roll her eyes. “Fine. Lae'zel, is it?”

“We seek the Zaith’isk. Most of us, except that teeth-ling with the music, have been infected but we show no symptoms.”

“Infected for days, but no signs of transformation? Fascinating,” she grabbed something to write on, “I will have to purify you all one at a time. Pick who goes first, and then everyone else, out.”

Lae'zel turned to Eternal, who just smiled brightly at her, “You're the one saving our lives. Its only fair you go first.”

She nods to Eternal, then turned to the Zaith’isk. As she gets in, everyone else filed out of the room.

Astarion crossed his arms, speaking up first once the door locked behind them. “I want to go after seeing what that freaky machine does to Lae'zel.”

Eternal just laughed as they see a bright light from under the door, then Lae'zel yelling some sort of chant? Prayer?

Something didn't sit right with Durge or Eternal.

Until both heard a female voice, Get her out of there! Now! and by the looks on everyone's faces, everyone but Alfira heard the voice too. Eternal sprung into action, grabbing her sword and using the handle to slam into the doorknob, busting it off. She kicked the door open and yelled, “LAE’ZEL GET OUT OF THERE!!!”

Lae'zel heard her, and jumped off the Zaith'isk immediately. As she does, the whole machine practically explodes. 

Eternal catches Lae'zel, helping her to stand on her own before looking to the doctor, “You almost killed her!!!”

“No!!! My life's work!!!” She exclaimed, ignoring her. She eventually glared at Lae'zel and Eternal, “And yet you and your parasite still live.”

Lae'zel was breathing heavily, she didn't know what was fully going on. She felt like her whole world was spinning. She kept her hand on Eternal's arm in a firm grip.

“Your tadpoles are truly extraordinary. Wait here while I fetch my tools.” She quickly leaves the room. 

Astarion, realizing that the doctor can't lock the door behind her, went to Lae'zel’s other side. She wrapped her arm around his shoulders, and as he does this, Eternal does the same on the other side. 

Durge tensed up and turned toward the door, “We need to get out of here. Now!” 

Immediately they start to file out, and as they do, Githyanki began to attack, including the Doctor. Eternal realizes that the Zaith'isk doesn't purify. It kills.

Of course it wasn't that easy. 

Astarion and Eternal keep Lae'zel back more. They don't join in on the fight, but everyone else surrounds them, protecting them at all costs. 

Durge was even fighting now, which catches Eternal's eye. That is, until he lands a kill and completely vanishes. It made her heart drop and she hesitated, until Astarion yells at her to keep up. 

Shadowheart was tagging behind, healing whatever damage the Zaith'isk did to Lae'zel, and as they make it out to the hall, Lae'zel can walk on her own.

And everyone stopped attacking.

None of the Githyanki outside the room knew..

Everyone starts taking deep breaths, “Gods that was intense.” Karlach mumbled, looking around. She was still on guard, but when no Githyanki came at them, she relaxed more. 

“The Zaith'isk was tampered with.” Lae'zel whispered, and Eternal could tell how scared she was. “We have to tell the Inquisitor!” She marches off, too fast for Eternal to stop her. 

Eternal sighed and began to follow her when Astarion suddenly gasped, offended, and he was staring at Eternal. She turned to him confused, and Shadowheart expressed concern, but not understanding what Astarion saw.

“Your hair fell out.”

The sigh of relief swept through the group as Eternal let out a little laugh, “I'll let you fix it later?”

“Ugh. Fine.”

Eternal began to follow after Lae'zel, to find her in a very heated argument with the Kith'rak of the creche. 

“I don't have the weapon!” She slammed her hand against the table. The Kith'rak merely responded with a scoff, and she noticed as the rest of the group filed in.

“Ah good. I can just kill you all and search your body's for it.”

“For fucks sake!” Astarion shouts as a wolf jumps over the stairs and gets in Shadowheart's face. 

She screams, “Get away from me!!!” Cowering back in fear. Karlach saw how scared she got and went into a rage, jumping between the two and swinging at the wolf. It took a couple hits, but eventually she killed it. She turned to Shadowheart, helping her recover, before getting back into the fight.

Shadowheart just stared at Karlach in awe and gratitude.

Eternal ran up the stairs, helping attack the Kith'rak who was currently clashing swords with Lae'zel. The dark red magic came back to her longsword and eyes and she swung down at her hard. The divine smite hit her dead on, and the Kith'rak falls dead. 

Lae'zel glanced to Eternal, before running to take care of the other Wolf.

Eventually, they came out on top, and Alfira was panting a bit hard. She leaned on the wall to try and catch her breath, which caught Wyll’s attention. He runs to her and hands her some water, and looks around the room. “Maybe we should rest a moment. Someone lock that door.”

Gale ran over to do so, securely locking the party inside this room. Everyone sat down to try a take a breath, and some pulled out a snack or two. 

Not Lae'zel though. She paced around the room in confusion and anger. It stressed Durge and Eternal out, so Durge tries to stop her. 

Before he gets a word in however, she snaps, “Which one of you has it?!”

There was silence among the room, so Lae'zel only repeats her question.

“Has.. what?” Karlach, who joined Eternal on the stairs asked.

“The weapon! The weapon from the Nataliod!” She began describing it, and as she does, she finally recognized what it was she was describing. The artifact that Shadowheart grabbed. Her head snapped to Shadowheart, “You.”

Shadowheart's nerves begin to raise, becoming apparent to everyone else in the room with a tadpole. Everyone but Alfira.

“You grabbed it when Eternal rescued you,” Eternal's then looked up, remembering that, “Why do have an artifact of my people?!” She got up in her face, and Alfira eventually tried to get in between them.

Shadowheart snapped back, “I don't. It's mine.”

“Why are my kin looking for it?”

“Guys let's really not fight!”

“I don't know, why don't you ask her cold dead corpse?!”

“Guys please!”

“Shadowheart, yo-”

Enough.

The two girls went silent, and everyone but Alfira tensed up again. The artifact then raised up from Shadowheart's pack and flew to Eternal, hitting her in the chest as she took it. Shadowheart tried grabbing it, but just barely missed it. The voice didn't say anything else and there was silence, again. 

“... Maybe she should hold onto that for now,” Gale chuckled nervously as Durge nods, so Eternal slowly putting it away. She will try to give it back to Shadowheart later.

As everyone caught their breath, Astarion pulled Shadowheart and Eternal to him, away from Lae'zel, so it was Durge who asked her what to do next. 

She didn't answer, but she did go to the Kith'rak’s corpse and pull a red Jewel off her. She then walked back down the stairs and put the jewel into what looked like a golden statue with other red jewels. As she does, the jewels light up.

“What is it now?! Oh. It's you. Come in, quickly. We must speak at once!”

The magic door next to it opens, and Lae'zel enters without another word.

“Maybe we should just leave? Let her die-” Astarion tries to say, but Eternal shakes her head and followed after Lae'zel, followed by Shadowheart, than Karlach and Alfira.

Eventually, the guys shrugged and followed as well.

“We’re all going to die,” Astarion groaned as he followed them in.

Lae'zel ran up and threw the doors open. As the nine of them walk in, the Inquisitor beckons Lae'zel forward. “I've been waiting for your arrival. I heard that one of our own managed to escape the Ghaik ship intact.” 

Eternal walked up behind Lae'zel, much to Astarion and now Shadowheart's dismay.

“And these refugees, you picked up? Why are you helping them?”

“They are with me.” Was her reply, and she straightened up more.

“So noted. I'm pleased to finally meet you. To business,” He glanced at the group, “I suspect you have plucked something precious from the ship. Something that belongs to us. Give it to me.”

Don't.

Eternal hesitated at the voice, but looked to Lae'zel. She was staring at her, expectantly. She then glanced back to Shadowheart, who shook her head no.

It was very clear Shadowheart needed whatever it was. 

Yet still, she needed to save the lives of those in this room. She took it out of her pack, and immediately, a huge hologram appeared. One of a Githyanki woman. Eternal looked around, seeing every Gith in the room bow.

This has to be Vlaakith.

“You are permitted to look upon me. You're invited to kneel.”

Eternal sat in her hip and crossed her arms. She respected no god. That much was clear.

Astarion and Shadowheart whispered to each other in Elvish, snickering. Gale rolled his eyes at them, but it was clear the only one who would kneel is Lae'zel.

Vlaakith looked disappointed at them. She leans down to Lae'zel, and scolds her for not teaching her companions well. 

Lae'zel eventually stands, mumbling apologizes.

“You seek purity. I may yet grant it.”

Eternal looked back to Durge, than Astarion and Shadowheart, than back to Vlaakith. This might be the end, finally. 

Gale stuck to Durge's side, and Wyll to Karlach's, but Alfira stood alone, in the back, questioning what she got herself into.

Vlaakith knelt to Eternal, who stood firm, “Istik, you bear that which is ours, but are you friend… or are you thief?”

“Still deciding honestly. It's not mine but… it's not really yours now is it?”

“No!” She stood, towering over them all again, “To own something is to know it. That weapon you carry, the Astral Prism, it is corrupted.”

“I will cleanse it for you my queen! Tell me how!” Lae'zel stepped closer, in front of Eternal. This makes Eternal step back.

“There is someone inside. Their mind is warped, broken, a blight. They are an Agent of the Grand Design. Sent to sabotage the Astral Prism, our last defense against the return of the Illithid Empire! As long as they live, the Prism is compromised. Kill them!!” Eternal held the prism tighter, hearing the voice again. She looked to the others, but seeing no reaction made her realize… only she heard it that time.

“Do this, and I will cleanse you and your allies. Do this and Ascend!!”

“Ascension? My queen… an honor gained… a burden borne…” Lae'zel turned to Eternal, “You must accept. Refuse, and you will know my fury.”

Eternal looked to Lae'zel… She was freezing up.

Vlaakith’s projection turns into a projection of the artifact. All Eternal had to do was use the projection to enter and kill them.

She's been lied to before.

After a few moments she steps forward, walking towards the projection. As she does this, she quickly passed the Prism back to Shadowheart, who concealed it quickly. With Astarion covering them, no one noticed but the allies behind them. Luckily Lae'zel was not one of those Allies. 

Eternal took a deep breath and entered the Prism. 

She looked around the Astral Plane, starstuck for a moment. Gods, every Plane is more beautiful than the hells.

She jumped in fear when the others had followed her in. As all nine were secured inside, she began to look for where the person is. Lae'zel followed her close behind as she jumped to the next rock. 

Only one of you must enter.

“That voice again. It's stronger in here.” Karlach looked around to find who spoke it.

“What voice?”

Everyone turned to look at Alfira.

Durge stepped to her, “Look, this isn't what you signed up for. Once we leave, you can leave too-”

“No! This is an actual adventure! One heros go on! I might not be infected, but I'm sure going to stay by your side to help you the whole way.”

Eternal walked toward the portal, but Lae'zel stops her. She turned to meet Lae'zel's gaze. 

“I thought highly of you, but your behavior today is most irritating. Do not defy my queen.”

“You're letting me kill them?”

“I'm letting you prove yourself to me.”

There was silence for a moment. Eternal took a step closer to Lae'zel. “I'm not doing this for you. I sure as hell don't need to prove shit to you,” Lae'zel steps back, not expecting that, “You should take a minute to yourself. Rethink who you're allying yourself with, because trust me when I say, I will never let you speak to me that way again.”

Then she leaves through the portal.

Time passes weirdly in the Astral Plane. It felt like a long time had passed before Eternal returned. When she did, Lae'zel was the first to stand. 

“Speak. Tell me you have killed my queen’s enemy.”

“No. Vlaakith is lying to you, not only that, but that person is the reason we are not all Mindflayers, so remind me to thank Shadowheart. We're even now.” 

Shadowheart nods to her with a smile, but says nothing.

“Vlaakith does not lie to her faithful. Open your mind. Show me.”

Eternal doesn't respond, but opens her mind, and the tadpole, to Lae'zel. To everyone.

This was the first time Durge felt the tingle. Felt the pain. He wasn't sure how to feel, now that he had the confirmation he had a parasite. Maybe he got the Lazy one.

They see Eternal confront what looks to be a Paladin Human, and a beautiful one at that. She turns to Eternal, and explains everything. How she stole the Prism from Vlaakith, how she saved them from the Nataliod, how she is keeping them from turning into Mind Flayers. How she is just like them. How Vlaakith is keeping a secret that would end her rule if her people ever found out.

They see the Human kneel down and offer a blade to Eternal, but Eternal not take it.

Alfira just looked around in awe of how beautiful this plane is.

“Vlaakithtavki na’zin. I see only… only madness! Vlaakith bears the full might of Tu’narath’s arms, and the covenant of the great mother Gith. Tsk’va! We are leaving this place. Now.”

Eternal rolled her eyes, but followed Lae'zel out of the Prism, one by one, everyone joining.

When they return, however, there is more Githyanki surrounding them than before. Infact it looked like the whole creche was in this room now. What's left of it anyway. There's youth here, there's Raiders here.

“Lae'zel. I've been waiting,” Eternal looked back to the Inquisitor, and realization starts to sink in, “You are named Hshar’lak. Bend your head, for my blade is ready.”

“No matter if we killed them or not, Vlaakith had no intention on letting us live?!” Eternal yells at him, and the realization kicks in for Lae'zel too.

“The queen has spoken. Your death is decreed!”

As the Githyanki attack, most head straight for Lae'zel. Immediately, Eternal casted a shield of faith around her and fought off some of the Githyanki to get them off Lae'zel back. 

Shadowheart casted spirit guardians running up to one of the older Gith. He didn't look like a fighter. Most of Gale's, Wyll’s, and Durge’s magic combined covered the less experienced fighters. Karlach went straight for the Inquisitor, getting help from Alfira’s bardic inspiration. 

Astarion kept close to walls, sneak attacking any of the youth who were too focused on Lae'zel and Eternal.

After a while, they came out on top. Shadowheart, Eternal, and Alfira took to healing the rest of the group, while Astarion snooped about. 

Lae'zel however, was on her knees, having a moment. She looked up to the ceiling and yelled, “Vlaakith… Vlaakith!!! I have welded your fury as a blade, roared your wrath as a dragon! You promised Ascension… yet I crawl among my own people, low as an asp’s belly. Shka’keth!!”

Eternal paused for a moment, before sitting down beside her.

“I followed your path! What good, this heart of stone, for it to be shattered?”

Eventually… she looked down to Eternal, she was crying. Eternal just smiled softly at her, “We'll set up camp tonight. Get some rest, clear your head. You will think more clearly come morning.”

She just nods and stands, reaching a hand out to Eternal. She takes it and pulls herself up.

Astarion huffed, “Well, I'm all for camping, today has been a long day, but since no one else is here in the creche can we at least take what we can use?”

Eternal shrugged, “Couldn't hurt.”

From there, everyone splits off, raiding and looting the place for whatever they can get. Karlach, Wyll and Alfira went to the raiders area. Gale and Durge stayed in the Inquisitors room, using magic to try and find whatever they can. 

Lae'zel stuck with Astarion, Shadowheart and Eternal, though the only one to acknowledge her was Eternal, surprisingly.

“I kind of want to check out the room we heard the yelling in,” Eternal lightly jogs over to the room across from the infirmary. She opens the door and finds..

“A hatchery…” Lae'zel steps forward, “Entirely too empty.”

“We killed everyone here. If there's an egg left, they will be born alone,” Shadowheart points out, taking note of Eternal's immediate reaction. Without saying anything, Eternal searches the room.

She finds one egg, in the back and immediately grabs it, bringing it back over to the other three.

Lae'zel scoffs, “An unhatched Githyanki egg should be the burden of a Varsh, not a warrior, whether ascended or otherwise.”

“I can't leave it here, there's no one to take care of them.”

Lae'zel walks up, reaching for it. Eternal gives it over, and watches as a smile starts to crack on the Gith’s face, “yet… I'm drawn to the warmth of it. A child of Gith and a servant of Vlaakith grows within…”

“Keep it close Lae'zel, will you?”

Lae'zel nods and holds it to herself.

Astarion huffed, “Well that's settled, can we go?”

When the party regroups, they disperse what they found among each other before leaving. The walk back to the mountain pass was silent, and Lae'zel stayed more toward the back. 

Eventually, as they got to a safe spot in the mountains, they set up camp. It was already night by the time they left the creche, so it was more difficult to set up, but they all managed. 

Durge speaks up, in his pajamas along with most everyone else, “We will figure out our course of action tomorrow, everyone try to rest well?”

“Luckily, we don't have to worry about the Mind Flayer thing immediately, with the Prism protecting us,” Gale says as he begins his retreat to bed. 

Lae'zel didn't join the others tonight. She stayed in her tent, with the egg.

Astarion waved Eternal over to him and Shadowheart as they were all heading to bed. She chuckled and walked over, and Shadowheart speaks up. “Stay with us tonight? We will be in my tent, if you'd like.”

Eternal shrugs, and nods, “Why not.”

Shadowheart grabbed her hands and practically dragged her into her tent, with Astarion following close behind. He closes it behind them and they all sit down. Astarion leans back on his hands as Shadowheart starts.

“Look.. this wasn't a surprise sleepover. I wanted to talk to you about something,” Eternal nods, listening closely, but a little confused why Astarion was here too, “About your god.”

“I already sai-”

“No! I know, but just listen to me? I.. you're not the only one here that follows a normally frowned upon god. I want you to know that, out of everyone, I understand.”

Eternal didn't mean to snort, didn't mean to laugh, but she still did. She saw how serious Shadowheart looked though, so she sighed, “Okay. You're not going to drop this, are you?”

Both of them shake their heads, and Astarion buts in, “I already know about her worship, just as how you both know about my vampirism.”

“Eternal knows?”

“Darling, you healed my bite this morning.”

The look of pure shock, horror, and disgust grew on Shadowheart's face that sent them both into laughter. It's a good thing Shadowheart's tent was further away from the others, the only one farther being Lae'zel's.

“That explains, so much, gods how did I not see it?”

“My cover up was pretty convincing huh?”

“Extremely! I mean, you're a horrible liar!” 

“Well, that's the thing, I didn't lie. I was bitten, and it was itchy.”

“I don't need to know!!”

Astarion smirked and winked at Eternal, who avoided eye contact.

“Ew gross. If you're going to do this I will kick you out of the tent.”

“Darling the sleepover was my idea!”

“My tent, my rules.”

Eternal felt like she was able to escape their questions as she watched the two bicker like siblings, but eventually, Shadowheart turned back to her and grabbed her hands.

“If it makes it easier for you to open up, if you want to, I will start. I worship Shar.”

Eternal's eyes widened. “Shit you weren't kidding.” 

Shadowheart shook her head, “No. I understand what it's like, it stay silent about your faith.”

Eternal was quiet for a while. She stared at her hands in Shadowheart for what felt like hours, and the other two didn't have the courage to ask if she was alright. Until…

“Okay fine, but you need to know that I do not follow him. I'm trapped, and that's why I refuse to return to the Gate. If I go back, I risk the person I'm protecting and I getting dragged back until this god's cult.”

“Got it.” Both say in unison, glad that they are getting her to trust them. However, nothing could prepare them for the next words that left the Tiefling's mouth.

“I get my divine magic from Bhaal.”

“What?!” Astarion exclaimed, quite loudly, and Shadowheart covered his mouth immediately, causing her to let Eternal go.

“That's… not what I was expecting, but you did say you don't follow him, you're just protecting someone, right?”

“Right.”

“Who?”

“I… can't tell you.”

Shadowheart and Astarion both relax and she removes her hand from his mouth. “Alright. We won't push any further.”

“That explains the blood red magic, gods.”

“It's not the best situation I've found myself in, but there's nothing more I can do really. I just have to hope he doesn't find me.”

“And if he does?”

“Then I'll be stuck serving a god I don't agree with again.”

“Wait but aren't you a Paladin of Vengeance? How has your oath not broken yet?”

“I didn't swear my oath to serve Bhaal. I swore my oath to serve and protect another member of the cult. The one person who showed me mercy when I was the next target. I swore that I will one day save him from the cult and destroy it once and for all. After that, well, I'll go after the Blood Farm that raised me, and the whole reason I was a target to Bhaal when I showed up in Baldur's Gate.”

The three got quiet, and Eternal felt like they were judging her. After a while, she tried to leave, but Astarion dragged her back down, “Darling, you're fine.”

“Your secret's safe with us.” Shadowheart chuckled and set up the sleeping bags for them. Astarion says something in Elvish to her, and she responded back pretty quickly.

“That's comforting,” Eternal says sarcastically as she took the bag in-between Shadowheart and Astarion.

“What? We could teach you the language if you'd like.” Astarion says all smug. 

“Only if I can teach you both Infernal.”

“Wait really?” Shadowheart looked excited for that even, “We are teaching you Elvish now.”

“What did you guys even say?”

“Oh I was making fun of the way she was looking at Karlach today while we were fighting.”

Shadowheart immediately protested and they began to bicker once again.

Eternal smiled softly, their bickering putting her right to sleep.

Chapter Text

The next morning, Eternal sits up, which disturbs Astarion's meditation. He opened one eye at her before sitting up himself. She looked to Shadowheart, who was still sleeping, before facing him.

Astarion gave her a smirk, one that barely showed his fang, but still did. 

She blushes slightly, looking away. She doesn't know why she was falling for this. She's been in love before, but those loves were manipulating her. She's always been manipulated.

Astarion reached back out to her, gently moving her head to look back at him. She didn't even realize she leaned into his hand. Didn't even realize she was falling into another trap.

He let go and gets up, getting out of the tent. He helps her up too, and Eternal nudged Shadowheart a bit to let her know they were leaving. Shadowheart just waved them off.

Eternal stepped out of the tent to realize it's still night time. Dawn may not be for another few hours.

She stared at the stars before bringing her attention back to Astarion, who still held her hand.

“You know,” he starts, pulling her close, “You think I can't see it, don't you?”

Her eyes widen, but she rolls them, “Come on. I've only known you for a few days.”

“And yet still you blush every time I look at you, your shakes of excitement when I bit you, the way you stay by my side?”

“I think that last one is the other way around, Star.”

He couldn't hold back the smile he had when the nickname returned, “The point is, darling we might die tomorrow. Might be mind flayers. This could be the end of our road,” she listened to him, and realization kicked in. Was this the life she really was meant to lead? Serve, Serve, and Serve, than die? “Why not have a little fun while we still can?”

Eternal's face burned from her blush, and she was silent for a long time. She's never had fun with something like that, and maybe it's about time she had. Maybe it's about time she thinks about herself for once.

“Okay, but where would we go?”

“I know a place, secluded. We can go and be back later, and the others will never know we were gone.”

“Besides Shadowheart.”

He just rolled his eyes and pulled her even closer, so she was fully against him now. She gasped in surprise, but eventually, “Lead the way.”

Astarion smirked and the two wandered off.

When the sun finally did raise, Astarion was standing in the sun, soaking it all in. Partly dressed from the waist down, unlike Eternal who was naked. It put a smile on Eternal's face, until she noticed the scars on his back. “Whoa… I thought you didn't know infernal.”

He turned to her, confused, “What? I don't?”

“Your scars on your back. They're in infernal.”

“What?” He reached back to try and touch them to the best of his ability, “I… I didn't know.”

Eternal thought it was best not to pry, which surprised Astarion. He wasn't ready to say anything about Cazador just yet, but he still was stunned Eternal didn't push him to talk, especially because he's been pushing her to.

It was at that moment he decided he was going to stop asking about her past. Let her come to him willingly.

“I can… try reading them for you, if you'd like.”

“You can?” It slipped out, honestly, and Eternal gave him a deadpanned look. He chuckled, “Right, Tiefling… if you could.” He slowly, nervously turned back around.

Carefully, Eternal began to read it, out loud.

“Hoyc inferiu non iurare per igneu / Naec virba loquor / Eoai mundo muoat.”

“... What?”

She chuckled and cleared her throat, “Its a very rough translation, some of the scars are small and hard to read, but basically, it says ‘This dead soul swears not by fire / Nor words does he speak / in the realm of the dead.’ It honestly feels like part of a contract.”

“A contract? But not even the full thing?” He turned back around to face her, “It doesn't even make sense… I have to sit on this, if you don't mind.”

“Take your time, Star.” She reaches to hold his face, smiling softly to him. He looked back at her, and forced himself to return the smile. She grabbed her clothes and gets dressed and he throws his shirt back on before both start heading back to camp.

When they get back the only two awake were Lae'zel and Durge, who seemed to be in a conversation with Kith'rak Voss, who was in the camp and kneeling to them.

Astarion pulls Eternal close to him by her hip, catching Durge’s eye. So they are flirting with each other at least. He hoped Eternal knew what she was doing.

As they got closer, they pick up near the end of what Lae'zel was saying. "-and she who will ascend me!"

"Lies, Lae'zel, everyone last one of! There is no purification, no ascension! The Zaith'isk does not purify, it extracts memory and then kills the infected. Nor does the lich queen glorify the ascended. She feeds on most all of them to grow her power to pursue godhood."

"Madness, you flood me with this... This heresy!!" She pulls out her sword, ready for a fight. She looks as if she means to kill him. 

Durge goes to stop her, but Eternal beat him to it. She pulled away from Astarion so quick he couldn't reach out to stop her. Eternal stepped next to Lae'zel and looked to her. She didn't say anything, didn't fully stop her if this is what she wanted.

She gave Lae'zel the choice to make the decision herself.

She looked to Eternal, then to Voss, "I served Vlaakith the whole of my life. Learned her words, fought her battles, yet she names me Hshar'lak! Your words carry truth." 

Eternal stays with her, for moral support. She knows how hard this is for someone, kind of, and she wanted Lae'zel to have the freedom of her own decisions, while know she will back her up either way.

Astarion was astonished by that.

"I will meet you in Baldur's Gate. Do not make me regret it." After Lae'zel says that, Voss stands. He gives Eternal a small device, explaining it will alert us to nearby Githyanki portals, which she then nods and his it on her armor. He prepares to leave, and reminds them not to give up the Astral Prism under any circumstance.

Then he leaves.

Lae'zel nods to Eternal, before heading back to her own tent. Astarion took his chance to get Eternal back to his side by gently pulling her close again, causing Durge to chuckle at them.

As the sun begins to rise and everyone begins to wake up and get ready for the day, it's clear that some mini friend groups formed in the traveling party. Wyll and Karlach seemed to pick Alfira up right into their duo, similar to how Astarion and Shadowheart grabbed Eternal.

Gale and Durge seem to be at each other's side almost exclusively, and Durge listens to him ramble on about things no one else cared about.

Which left Lae'zel partially on her own.

Astarion fixed Eternal's hair the same as before, as she chatted with Shadowheart, who gave her an old book on the Elven language. Eternal seemed really excited for it, which was sweet. Maybe there's a true personality buried deep under the responsibility and duty.

Karlach was the first to bring up business and what to do next, “I think we should head back to the grove. See if we can get my engine fixed by Dammon, but also talk to the Druid's to see if they can help too.”

“Oh! You guys can meet my girlfriend!” Alfira beamed, “the rest of the Tiefling refugees are still hiding from the goblins in the grove, but luckily the Druid Halsin has been making sure we were all safe. When Zevlor told me you promised to help with the goblins, I had to join the group.”

"I was hoping we'd be cured so I could focus on helping with your goblin problem and potentially even stay with you guys as you travel. Where are you guys headed?"

"Baldur's Gate, but there's too many goblins out there. It's insane."

Eternal hesitated, suddenly taking back wanting to stick with the refugees, but she only nods. "Seems everyone needs to get there." She fell silent after that, only listening to the conversation past that point.

Durge paper and a quill, writing a to-do list. Gale was leaning over his shoulder, helping with it a bit. So far, he had a few things written down:

'Meet with Halsin'

'Fix Karlach's engine'

'Shopping potentially, or help people to get more gold to shop'

'Kill Goblins'

'Find a cure.'

"Seems to be it for now," Gale spoke up after reading it aloud to everyone, "We can split up to get more done." 

Everyone seemed to agree with that and the groups were formed. Group A being Karlach, Gale, Wyll, Alfira, and Durge. They're goal was to meet with Dammon, and after head to Halsin. Group B however was Astarion, Eternal, Shadowheart and Lae'zel. They were to look for a Cleric among the Tieflings that could potentially cure them. Alfira mentioned an old human lady who was selling potions in the grove. After, they meet up with the others to head to Halsin.

Once everyone was geared up and ready to go, they all headed back to the grove. The walk there was mostly in silence, till the finally got back. Immediately, they split up. Durge and Gale lead the Karlach and Wyll (Alfira got distracted with her girlfriend immediately).

Dammon recognized them and waved them over, "Welcome back."

Durge nodded, "Hey Dammon. This is Karlach, the one I told you about," Karlach stepped forward and waved a bit.

"Durge told me you could help fix my engine," she began to mess with her hands. She's nervous.

"That's the hope. Mind if I take a listen?"

"Knock yourself out, but don't get too close! Or your eyes will melt shut."

He leaned to take a quick listen to her heart, and after a moment he pulled away fast with a hiss. "That engine is definitely in overdrive. Maybe a loose part or it may be leaking... But I should be able to cool you off for a moment. Did you bring the Infernal iron?"

Durge pulled it out of his pack and hands it over to Dammon while Karlach removes her engine from her chest, carefully handing it over as well. Dammon takes both and turns away for a moment. 

Karlach looked to be in a lot of pain with the engine removed, but luckily Dammon took just a moment. He hands it back to her and says, "You'll have to install it yourself."

She nods and was quick to put it back, relaxing as it was back in place. She takes a deep breath, realizing how much better she felt. 

"That.. engine. It's something like I've never seen before. I will look into it more to see if I can help you any further."

"Gods... that feels so much better already," Karlach smiled, "Thank you. Still burning to hot to touch, but it's more manageable now."

"Of course. Find me when we get to Baldur's Gate, I'll have more information on how to help you then. Pick up any infernal iron you find along the way."

Wyll, who has been silent due to the uncertainty of the Tieflings reacting to his new horns, finally spoke up. "We will, thank you Dammon."

As the three of them continued to speak, Gale pulled Durge aside. He looked around for eavesdroppers, and instantly Durge knew what he needed. He pulled out a small magic amulet and handed it over. 

Gale smiled appreciatively, and takes the amulet. As he does however, they both hear yelling coming from a separate part of the hollow.

Karlach and Wyll looked over as well, leaving the conversation with Dammon on hold. Durge walks into the other room to find a makeshift prison, and a Tiefling pointing a crossbow at a goblin prisoner.

Immediately, without any context, Durge steps in front of the crossbow.

"Looks like the Absolute sent me a protector!"

"You! Get out of the way!"

"Whatever this goblin did, killing her won't fix anything. You'd just be taking another life... You don't want that on your hands."

Silence falls over everyone, and the only thing you could really hear was the Dragonborn 's breath himself.Gale watched, in awe, his cheeks burning but not fully understanding why.

"Why do you care if she lives or dies?"

"I just don't want you to live with that on your conscience..."

The Tiefling eventually gives in, and storms out to deal with her grief hopefully in a healthier way. 

They decide to leave the goblin in the cell and leave the prison quickly, none of them really saying much more, until Gale begins to ramble about a similar experience he had, and Durge listening to every second of it.

Meanwhile, Group B had split up among all the shops around. Lae'zel found the most interest in the man selling armor and weapons near the front, and Shadowheart didn't look around at all, instead she spent her time trying to understand the artifact more.

Astarion was the one who finds the old woman Alfira mentioned. He spotted her across from where Group A was talking to Dammon, and was going to walk up to her, but decided not to alone. He went searching for Eternal first, who had split off in the first place when she saw the cows.

He headed that way, and found her interacting with a Tiefling child. The child was selling mostly garbage, but Eternal pretended to be invested in it. She was humoring this kid, and smiling brightly. It wasn't until she caught another small kid trying to pick pocket her that the smile fell. She quickly grabbed the kid on instinct, but snapped to her senses and let go. She made sure they were both alright before letting them go.

The kids didn't mess with her much after that, and thanked her for not making a fuss about the thiefing. 

She nods and turned to walk a back towards the Hollow's main area, when she noticed Astarion. At the sight of him, her eyes visibly lit up and she heads over to him. It wasn't something he was used to seeing, he realized.

"I found the old woman, if you want to see if she has a cure?" Eternal responded with a nod and gestured for him to lead the way. 

He brings her back to the woman, but noticed that Karlach's group was now no longer with Dammon. Did he really not notice them pass him to get to Halsin?

The lady speaks up first, seeing them walk her way, "Ah if it isn't the talk of the camp! Thank goodness you came along when you, Oh-" she leans in, taking a closer look at Eternal, "You're twitching something fierce love! And your eyes! You look like you don't know the meaning of the word sleep! Auntie Ethel will sort you out! I've lotions and potions galore!"

She turns around to grab something, so Astarion and Eternal share a glance. This ought to be good.

"Aha! You take a sip of that and you'll feel right as rain, sweetie," She turns around, holding a.. healing potion?

"Well, I'm hoping for a cure for something more serious."

"Well, that depends. What's wrong, lovie?"

"I've got a really unusual condition, you may say."

"Oh I've seen it all! I once caught a fella who had been caught dabbling with a Dryad. The wife wasn't too pleased and introduced him to a pit of boiling oil, but worry not. I fixed him up, and depending on the lighting he looked good as new! My point it, whatever ails you, I promise I've seen worse."

Astarion chuckles and used the tadpole to speak to her silently, 'Why she sounds positively demented. I love it, let's tell her everything.' Eternal rolled her eyes at him, not fully knowing if he was being sarcastic or not. 

"What is it petal? What's wrong?"

"I uh.. well I have a Mind flayer parasite in my head." 

She gasped and her eyes widen, " You poor pet! My heart goes out to you, truly. I see no sign of a tentacle yet, but that can change in an instant. You need help. Serious help. I've ne'er a potion or lotion here that will do the trick but... Yes. I may have something at home!" 

"Can you mark it on my map?" Eternal pulls it out and Auntie Ethel quickly does so, and shoos them away, quickly packing up so she can head home. Astarion watches as Ethel leaves quickly, seeming too... eager?

That's when they both noticed Gale yapping Durge's ear off, not that Durge looked like he minded, and Karlach and Wyll going to grab Alfira.

Might as well head to Halsin to see if they'll even need Auntie Ethel's help.

The nine of them all meet back up together and catch each other up on everything they've done so far. They head down to the main entrance to the grove and they find Druids and Tieflings arguing. Something is wrong.

"Give me back my daughter!!" One of the Tiefling's yell, and Durge notices how tense Eternal got immediately. Eternal stepped ahead to get closer, only to be stopped by Astarion grabbing her hand.

She looked to him confused, but as the conflict dies down, a druid points to them all. "You all! Halsin wishes to see you." 

Hesitation lingers between them all, but they nod and silently head into the grove. Once inside, a druid leads them to a door inside the side of the cliff. He open it and let them all in.

Once the nine of them were inside, they was yelling heard, so loud it's insane you can't hear it from the outside.

"Kahga! I demand you to let her go this instant! She is a child, you must listen to me!"

"Halsin, she is a thief! She eats our food, drinks our water and repays us by stealing the idol!"

"She is not innocent, but she is not a threat. She is but a child!"

Eternal pushed through to the front and got in-between a druid woman, Kahga she figured and the little girl. A snake tries to bite her, but she snapped at it, and used her body to protect the girl, who now clings to her legs.

Kahga turns to Eternal furious, but is cut off by Halsin demanding her she leaves the room and take a moment. That he will return to her later. Halsin then looks at the child and bends down to her height.

That's when everyone notices that this huge man is an elf! How was he so tall?

"I'm sure you learned your lesson?"

The little girl nods, but says nothing. She seemed so scared, and her grip on Eternal only tightens. Eternal put her hand on her to help soothe her. "I'll keep an eye on her."

"You have my thanks," Halsin stands, easily now towering over Eternal. "Ah I know you. Your the Tiefling woman who fought the goblins at the gate. You and your companions saved us, and I couldn't be more grateful."

"How grateful? Is it like... Coin.. grateful?"

"I have to apologize on Astarion's behalf," Gale sent a glare towards the pale elf, who returned it with a scoff of his own. Halsin just laughs at their antics.

"I see you are all caring everything you own with you," he joked, making a few of the group chuckle as well, "I may not have coin for you, but how about a room? There's on in the back, and I'll make sure all your supplies are well protected."

Eternal, who continued to comfort the girl, nodded her appreciation, as everyone else made differing sighs of pure relief. 

"I'm going to return this girl to her parents, but after I wish to speak with you about something much more serious."

"Alright. Meet me in your temporary room when you are done."

As Halsin walks away, Shadowheart immediately follows him, wanting to lighten her load almost immediately as the offer was made. Eventually, everyone does, but Astarion was slightly more hesitant. Eventually, it's just Eternal and the girl left.

Eternal turns and bends down to the girl, "What's your name?"

"Arabella... Thank you, for saving me."

"Of course, now you stay out of trouble and if you have to steal, be careful of who it's from," she pokes her nose and Arabella finally eased, running off to get back to her parents.

Eternal eventually catches up with the others to find everyone picking their corners already. She puts her stuff by Shadowheart and Astarion and walks over to Halsin. 

He noticed her and bows his head, "Oak father preserve you."

She didn't care much for the greeting, and just got to business, "We were told you're a good healer. Well.. we need healing. Major. Healing."

"Besides Alfira."

"We love you girl."

"I can see what I can do," Halsin looks around at how healthy the whole group looked, slightly confused, "First, what seems to be the problem?"

"We are infected with Mind Flayer parasites."

Halsin freezes immediately, a look of shock and horror on his face. Everyone goes still, and the silence returns. When Halsin moves, he lifts his hand to try and heal Eternal. Green magic flows from his hand but after a minute it breaks. Halsin puts his hand to his chest. 

"Oak father preserve you child... You're speaking the truth. But... Something's different. You're aware of the monster inside you, but you don't bow to the absolute like the true souls do. How is this possible?"

"That's not the first time we've heard that. True Souls?"

"Me and my apprentice Nettie had an encounter with one. They attacked us, but as they died the tadpole came crawling out of their head. I've been studying the tadpoles, trying to find their source, but the only lead I have is the goblin camp. There were adventurers heading that way I would've gone with, but put interests did not align. Glad I decided to stay, as those adventurers brought Goblins back to the gate."

"Well, I promised the Tieflings to kill the goblins, so they can continue their journey to the city without fear."

"Now that is a adventure I can get behind. If you're willing for an extra member of your party, I'd love to join you. Those... Goblins are threatening the grove and all those who stay here."

Eternal turned to look at the others. Alfira and Karlach were all thumbs up, and Wyll was nodding less excitedly then his Tiefling friends. Astarion was not paying attention, sharping a dagger as he sat on the floor of his little tent. Gale and Durge looked up from the book they were both reading to nod their agreements and Shadowheart just shrugged.

"Seems unanimous to me," Eternal turned back to Halsin, "We could use the extra magic."

Halsin nods his appreciation, "As we are there, keep an eye out for a cure. Someone is using very powerful magic to modify these tadpoles, using them to control the infected. I can't undo that magic, but someone there might be able to, as that's where the True Souls in the area all head to."

"Sounds like a good lead then. We should head out."

"Can't we relax for a moment?" Astarion complained, "There is no harm in lunch, maybe going over a strategy. After all, they will know Alfira and Halsin aren't infected. How do we sneak them in?"

"How? The infection has no physical changes in the early stages from what I've seen."

"The tadpoles can connect our minds," Shadowheart speaks up to answer Halsin's questions about the tadpoles and the infections as Halsin answered anything he could on the true souls. Eternal sat next to Astarion, watching him sharpen the dagger more. It was a comfortable silence between the two.

Gale eventually closed the book and looked to Durge, "So, may I ask about your memory loss?"

"I wish you could but there might not be much I could tell you." 

"Really? So you truly don't remember anything?"

"Not before Eternal pulled me out of the pod. It's just all black... And what's worse is I've been... Having violent thoughts.. violent urges. My hands twitch to kill others and it's like it's all I've ever known."

Gale was taken back by that, "But you're so..."

"Merciful? It's the right thing to do. And maybe, maybe I'll remember something.. but I can't risk hurting anyone until I know why I feel this way." 

"That's.. well. Everyone can get that way at points in time. It's called intrusive thoughts. So long as you don't act upon the thoughts, know you're not alone."

"That's comforting, but this feels like it's more than that. Like it's all I've ever known. I'm worried if I hurt someone, even Goblins that are terrorizing the Tieflings, that I'll go ballistic."

"I'll keep an eye on you, then, I can cast sleep over you if you end up going to far."

"I... Thank you Gale."

"Of course Durge." He elbowed him a bit, and Durge gave him a more painful shove back, not that he meant to. Gale fell over, and the two immediately bursted into laughter.

Eternal looked over and smiled pitifully, knowing that it won't last.. but she'll let them have their fun for now. Astarion glanced at her, and was about to say something, but was cut off by her closing her eyes and resting her head on his shoulder. He was taller than her, about a few inches taller, so it was a comfortable touch. He also noticed her tall swaying against the floor behind them very subtly. Cute.

Halsin contemplates for a moment, "Well, We can be potential captures? Like prisoners? I can wild shape into a bear."

"That's a good strategy, we just need to get in, learn about the tadpoles, and get out." Astarion chuckled, looking at his lack of reflection in the dagger. It looked strange, seeing Eternal laying on nothing.

"But what if they immediately try to kill you?" Shadowheart counters, "We don't know how they treat their prisoners."

"Goblins are messy, and easy to manipulate. We can probably use the tadpole to make them back off."

"Use the tadpole? How?" Astarion felt as Eternal tensed up, so he immediately knew she was going to lie to him.

"Oh. I um... I used it to control the people who the owlbear killed."

Shadowheart and Halsin seemed to believe her, but when she looked to Astarion, she could tell he knew by the way he raised an eyebrow at her. She just mouthed 'Later' to him, and he nods, content with that.

"We should get going," Lae'zel stands, grabbing just her weapons, "I can not be infected any longer."

Eventually people agreed and quickly everyone got their weapons and left behind the rest of their supplies. Halsin turned to Kahga, who had returned to the main room. 

"Tell Nettie I'm leaving her in charge."

Kahga looked offended, but walked off. Halsin then leads the group out of the grove. There's 10 of them now, Halsin leading with Shadowheart at his side, Astarion and Eternal on the other side, and Lae'zel sticking close behind. Little ways behind them, was well, everyone else. Alfira was a little nervous, but Wyll patted her back to encourage her, and Karlach immediately started cheering and Hollering in excitement, making Durge chuckle.

The cheering however brought a little dog in front of their path, as he was curious about the commotion. Karlach and Alfira squealed, causing the five in the front to turn around.

Halsin smiled softly at them, while the rest of his 'group' just kind of rolled their eyes at the distraction.

Durge reached into his pack and pulled out some food for the dog. He gives it to him, and sees the name on the collar as he does so. "Scratch."

"Oh that's an adorable nameeee!!" Alfira beamed, "Can we keep him?"

Durge looked to Alfira and then to Scratch, putting out his hand to sniff. Scratch sniffs it, then runs off, making Alfira and Karlach sigh in disappointment. 

"He'll find us when he wants to," he reassured, and then the adventure continued.

Eventually, the group made it to the gate, Halsin having already wild shaped into a bear. They were stopped immediately by the goblins, and as they were going to attack, Eternal stepped forward. 

"Let us pass. Now." 

The group watched, mostly in horror, as Eternal used the tadpole to control the goblin. Immediately the goblin backed off and let them pass.

No one said much, until they got to the bridge, when a sudden wave washes over 8 of the 10. Alfira and Halsin watch as the rest of the group fall to the floor in immense pain. Alfira was quick to get down, pretending to be suffering from whatever the tadpole was doing.

However, Halsin watches as Shadowheart pulls out the Astral Prism and used it to stop whatever was trying to control them.

One by one, everyone stands again, staring at Shadowheart.

"...What..? Don't look at me like that. I don't know what just happened any more than you do."

"The guardian, no doubt." 

"Uh Shadowheart, Darling, keep that thing close."

"I plan to."

"Should we keep going? That was painful.." 

But Eternal didn't answer to Durge, just kept moving forward. Halsin was poked at by some goblins, and Astarion accidentally got whatever poor bard they kidnapped locked away.

Shadowheart then elbows Astarion and pointed to something. He slipped away for a moment before rejoining the group.

As they walked up to the door, a guard stops them. Eternal immediately sends a deadly glare, which the tadpole only enhanced, but the guard stood firm. 

"The true souls can enter, the bear must stay."

"I'll stay with him. You guys go." Shadowheart volunteered, glaring at one of the Selúne statues.

Durge nods as Eternal leads the rest of them inside. They assumed Alfira was a true soul then, I guess when you're surrounded by infected, you can pass as one.

The first they met was the priestess, branding the Absolute's faithful. Eternal motioned to Astarion to destroy the drums, so he slipped away.

Durge moved to walk forward, but with Gale pulling him back and Eternal beating him up there, the Priestess Goblin, Gut, focused her attention on the Tiefling.

Eternal was vague with her questioning, pretending to be faithful almost incredibly well, but unfortunately, Gut was not giving any indication she may know a cure.

When Gut grew restless of the questioning, she aggressively grabbed Eternal's wrist. 

Then the scream met Astarion's ears.

He just discreetly broke the last drum in the room when it happened. Gut branded Eternal, and Eternal made the world know how badly it hurt.

He saw red, and with a quick movement and a jump from where he was hiding, and an arrow pierced Gut in-between the eyes, killing her instantly.

It didn't take long for the message to spread to the rest of the group, because mere seconds after Gut's body hit the floor, Alfira inspired Karlach right as she went into a fit of rage.

Astarion didn't care about the rest of the goblins. He just ran to Eternal, who fell to her knees. She was crying, no doubts about it.

He'd never seen her cry, and it surprised him. When he got down next to her, she just sobbed into his chest. He was disgusted at first, this wasn't something he was particularly a fan of, but it was her, so he'd suffer through it. For the sake of the illusion.

He knew one thing though. This wasn't pain. This was something else.

With Karlach's fury and the magic users spell, the room was empty in mere moments. Alfira say down to catch her breath, as Durge walked up to Astarion and Eternal.

Astarion leaned away from Durge possessively, making sure Eternal stayed with him until she was ready.

When she pulled away and wiped her eyes, it wasn't Durge she looked at. It was Karlach and Alfira.

Oh.

Oh.

Another sick branding she'll never get rid of. As if the vines that he learned covered her entire body from her face to the very point of her tail and ankles wasn't enough. 

This is the second time a higher power branded her, and by the way she reacted, the first time was by a priest too.

It took her a while to get back on her feet, enough time to let everyone recover their spells and health. 

Eternal took a deep breath and calmed down, she was okay. She will feel this again later, but there's people to kill, and that thought alone gave her a murderous glint in her eye. She leads the heard to the next room, then the next, until all that was left was the leader everyone called the Drow. 

Durge and Gale went in first, while the others stayed back. When they walked in, they saw a woman drow, about Eternal's height, talking about Moonrise with a goblin. She looked up to them, and her tadpole connected to Durge, the first time he got that since the crash. The Drow, Minthara, sees the destruction against the rest of the camp. She didn't decide to keep chatting. 

It's fine. Durge also saw what he needed in return. Well, saw and heard. Moonrise. That's where the True Souls all head. It has to be where the cure is.

When everyone else runs in, there's a brief moment of recognition in Minthara as she looks at Eternal. Her eyebrows furrow as if she's trying to remember why shes familiar. That brief moment was all they needed, as Alfira ran up and hit her with her lute. Luckily the thing didn't break, and Eternal watched as Minthara fell to the ground. Unconscious.

Astarion walks forward to finish the job, but both Durge and Eternal stop him. Eternal walks up, causing Alfira to get back by Karlach's side, and pretends to stab Minthara as a finally blow.

But she didn't. She used her body to block the view, and spared the drow's life.

Then, exhausted, she collapsed back. Everything goes black.

Astarion catches her, but Lae'zel is the stronger one who can actually touch people, so she carries her out as the move to leave the now empty camp.

When they left, Shadowheart was playing with an owlbear cup, Halsin was back in his human form, and the entire camp was full of dead goblins. Though neither of them had a drop of blood on them.

There was silence until Astarion broke it by saying, "Oh yeah I poisoned their alcohol."

The group went into a fit of hysterics as they all left back for the grove.

When they returned to the grove, it was mostly day out, but the sun was starting to set. It'd be night in a few hours for sure.

When the Tieflings found out they were safe, Zevlor took up a collection from them all and gave it to Durge as a thank you, and invited them to a big party in the hollow. 

Eternal had eventually woken up and since then, she's been quiet. She refuses to look at her hand, at her brand.

Shadowheart and Astarion tried to reach out to her, but... Nothing. She just sat in her little tent, silent.

So... They left her to go to the party. Eternal told them to, and Wyll being insecure about his horns stayed with her, but in his separate tent. It was quiet, beside the cheering and the music from the distance.

The first to come check on them both was Karlach, then Shadowheart, then finally Alfira.

Alfira was actually the only one to get her to acknowledge anything. She sat beside her, and began to play a song. This one wasn't one she wrote, but instead an old Tiefling lullaby she had learned. Eternal's eyes widen at the song, but it brought a smile back to her face.

She even sang along a little bit, which made Alfira realize music was what really helped the Paladin calm down.

So Alfira dragged her to the party, where there was all sorts of Tiefling music and songs being played. Eternal was smiling again, even dancing a bit when Alfira prompted her to. 

Gale was keeping his distance, not having too much wine, and not having too much fun. He wished he could, but he couldn't.

Doesn't help he's practically fallen for Durge.

How could he let himself fall so easy? Hell, he doesn't even know his real name. Not even Durge knows his real name.

But he's sweet. He's honest. Scared of himself but doesn't let it stop him from doing what's right.

He is astonishing and Gale is... Well...

He's a hopeless romantic is what he is, and not worthy of someone like Durge.

Yet still, Durge prioritized him, his condition, whether or not he was having fun at this party. They saved lives today. That's got to mean something. Yet all he could think about was him.

He took another sip of his wine as Durge came behind him. "BOO!" He grabbed his shoulders, and Gale dropped the drink, the glass shattering on the ground and he began to choke on his drink. Durge immediately started apologizing, trying to help clean up the glass best he could, but Gale eventually just used magic to hide in the corner. There was a silence between them... Then..

Laughter erupted from both. Did it hurt Gale? Yeah. The orb was not a friendly visitor, but he didn't care. It was real, genuine laughter.

"Why would you do that?"

"I saw the opportunity and I had to! You seemed so spaced out," Durge sat down, causing Gale to sit next to him, "What were you thinking about anyways?"

You.

"Just everything that's happened to us so far," he shrugged, and Durge bought it, "Never had I imagined I would ever save so many people."

"Yeah... We're heros to them."

Gale straightened up, "Do you think it really matters...? We won't be able to save everyone."

Durge was quiet for a moment, which made Gale uneasy. He was usually the optimist among them all, besides maybe Alfira, but he felt vulnerable with Durge. Maybe he could open up about Mystra.

When Durge did speak up, he just smiled, "Maybe not. But it matters to them. That's enough for me."

Gale was speechless.

Gods he was perfect.

Astarion eventually noticed Eternal from the spot along the edge of the party he was at. He wasn't having a good time, why would he? So they killed a bunch of goblins, what's the big deal? The goblins would've thrown a better party in truth, and the wine sucks.

Still, when he noticed Eternal, he subtly stepped toward her, hoping she'd notice him. Luckily for him, she did.

She broke free from Alfira to join him, smirking on the way there, "Need someone to complain to?" She had been drinking. Not drunk, but definitely not fully sober.

Astarion fake gasped, "How dare you!" She raised an eyebrow, and his rolled his eyes and continued, "Alright yes. This is awful. The wine tastes like vinegar and the whole party is boring."

"Do you have a knife on you?"

Astarion buffered, not expecting her to ask that. Still, he pulled out his small dagger, "Always, Why-"

Before he could finish his sentence, she takes it and slits her thumb carefully. His eyes widen in shock and confusion, until she held her now bleeding thumb over his glass of wine. Her blood slowly dripped into the glass, mixing with the wine.

"... you-"

She then just gave him the dagger back and sucked on her thumb to stop the bleeding. "Relax a little, it's a party." Then she just walks away???

"...That woman."

He couldn't help be reminded of some of the people who were willing to be slaves for Cazador just because he promised them immortality. The people he refused to pity because they were there on their own free will. 

But Eternal was different. She wasn't helping him for her own gain. She wasn't at his side for some promise he made her. No she was just there to be there for him.

Maybe he'll let himself pity her.

Chapter Text

The next morning was a lot. Half of them had raging hangovers, and the other half were passed out cold. Besides Wyll, who had gotten up early and left to get breakfast for Gale to cook. 

Gale appreciated that.

The first to 'wake up' was Astarion, who had shared his tent with Eternal that night. No way was he going to let her pull what she did without some consequences. 

Still, when he stopped his meditation and tried to leave to let her sleep, he tripped and fell, waking her up with a yelp. Both looked confused for a moment, until they realized that she had wrapped her tail around his ankle in her sleep.

She bursted into laughter, while he only chuckled. She frees him, but her laughter woke up pretty much everyone else. Well everyone else who was there.

Halsin didn't sleep in this room, but his own place in the grove, and Alfira spent the night with her girlfriend. 

Karlach stretched as she woke getting ready for the day around when Halsin and Wyll rejoined them. Gale took whatever food they brought and got to work on breakfast. Durge tried to help, but Gale immediately told him not to worry about it.

Shadowheart was cuddled up with Scratch, the dog who found his way back to them mid party, and Scritch, the owlbear cub she adopted and named to match Scratch.

Lae'zel stayed in her tent. That was normal for her.

When Alfira came back, everyone was in the middle of eating. She came back with Lakrissa, her girlfriend, who looked at all of the people in the room individually.

"Come to join the circus?" Eternal asked, raising an eyebrow at her.

"Oh gods no. Someone has to look after the little kids running around, most of which have you to thank for still being around. Thank you for saving Arabella and Mirkon."

"Of course."

"Not a lot of people look out for them, someone has to." With that Lakrissa hugs Alfira goodbye and leaves to catch up with the Tiefling refugees.

Astarion looked at Eternal confused, so Eternal clarified, "He was being lured by some Harpies. Found him when we all split up to find a cure, when you found Ethel." He nods his understanding.

Halsin looks up, "I recommend you don't go to her for help. Auntie Ethel's been nothing but trouble."

Shadowheart, petting the owlbear cub in her lap, nods in agreement, "Besides we have a new lead, yeah?" She looked to Durge.

Durge nods, finishing up his breakfast, "Minthara was talking about Moonrise Towers. I think that's where the heart of the whole cult is," Eternal choked a bit on her soup and Halsin froze up, "We should probably head there next."

Quickly, Halsin recovered and nods, "Then I intend to join you."

"What about your grove?" Shadowheart asks him, curious why he'd jump to leave them.

"I've been needing to return there. The lands surrounding the Tower is shadow cursed. A Sharran curse, placed there for a century," Eternal glanced at Shadowheart, who tensed a little bit, "I want to join you, in hopes of curing the lands surrounding the towers."

Durge smiled, "That sounds reasonable! How do we get there?"

"Well, to my knowledge there are two ways, through the mountain pass, or through the underdark. Both ways however and you're bound to run into the curse."

"The underdark?" Astarion asked curiously, catching Wyll's attention. He rolled his eyes and leaned on his knee a bit. Astarion noticed this motion and glared partially at Wyll, until he realized why Wyll gave him that look.

He knows.

The uncomfortable silence was broken by Eternal, "We kind of made enemies with the Githyanki up in the mountain pass. The underdark would be smarter." Lae'zel didn't say anything, guess that's still a fresh wound.

"Then-"

Astarion, mostly of fear and nervousness that Wyll knows, suddenly cuts off Durge, "If we're going to the underdark I want to say something first," Eternal looks to him, surprised a bit. She could tell where was going, and honestly, she's proud of him, "I happen to be a.. well.. a vampire."

Alfira's eyes widen and Wyll just gave him a reassuring smile. Lae'zel rolled her eyes and continued to eat, but most everyone else looked surprised.

Durge glanced at Eternal, saw her lack of surprise, and then the fresh bite on her neck. "Have you been bitting Eternal?" He asked, his voice growing cold.

Eternal was quick to defend Astarion, her tail wrapping around his wrist. "I offered. We need him at his best, not his hungriest." 

Durge backed off, but the glare at Astarion was enough for the room to know those two won't get along. 

"I need to be able to fight with all weapons, teeth included. Who knows what's down there."

"As long as you keep those teeth away from me."

"If you even so much as bare those teeth at me, I'll end you."

"For the record, Astarion, I taste awful."

"If you all have a problem with him, you can find your own way to Moonrise. I trust him, be grateful he even told you all." Eternal defended Astarion, and everyone backed off.

It was silent for a moment, until Gale spoke up suddenly, "On the subject of opening up about ourselves." 

Eternal chuckled, "what is this, therapy?" Shadowheart snorts and there's a few chuckles from the others. Good. The atmosphere is lighter.

Gale rolled his eyes, "I have a orb in my chest. It needs magic to stay calm, but if I don't consume magical artifacts to calm the orb... Well..."

"You die?"

"Quite worse actually. I will erupt."

"So you don't eat magic items, and we all die."

"I assure you, I will get as far away from you all if it ever comes to that."

"How big will the explosion be?" Eternal tilted her head, curious.

"... A city the size of Waterdeep."

"And you think we won't be in the blast radius?!" Astarion was immediately defensive.

"Let's just hope in never comes to that."

"...So we have a vampire, the vampire's blood bag, a walking nuke, a monster hunter, the 'monster' he was hunting, a refugee we picked up off the side of the road, a archdruid with ties to a shadow cursed land, a Githyanki who's being hunted by her own people, and Dragonborn with absolutely no memory of who he was six days ago," Shadowheart chuckled, "What a lovely group."

"I am more than just Astarion's blood bag, thank you."

"Technically I came to you guys, you didn't just pick me up-"

"Can we cease this chatter about my kin hunting me?!"

"Has it already been almost a week? Why hasn't my memories come back yet?"

"Have something you can share then Shadowheart?" Karlach smirked at her, turning the conversation back at her.

Shadowheart froze up, but sighed, "Well, since everything else is on the table. I can not talk freely about this, so I am just going to say it and we will leave it at that. I worship Shar."

Halsin looked at her, shocked, but she refused to meet his eye. Silence filled the room again, and Shadowheart wishes she didn't say anything.

Karlach broke the silence eventually, "I don't care who you worship. There's more important things to worry about."

She smiled to her, and the tension slowly melted away.

Alfira speaks up eventually, "So what's the plan. The underdark?"

"Yes, but I think I want to explore this area a bit, see if we missed anything."

"Really? Why? We should head straight to moonrise towers, get cured as soon as possible." 

Eternal shook her head, seemingly stalling before going, "There could be valuable stuff here before he head that way, maybe train a bit so we can be prepared for the curse?"

"... That's not a terrible idea."

"I mean, I did see some ruins over by where we found Lae'zel trapped. Maybe we can check that out."

Durge looked confused, but Gale whispered that was when Durge passed out and while Gale himself was stuck in the sigil. Durge nodded in understanding now.

"Then it's settled, we check out the ruins first, then Ethel...?" Everyone shrugged about that one, "I personally want to raid that abandoned village the goblins we killed were at." 

"Then we rest here one more time, then off to the underdark."

Eternal seemed uneasy, but didn't object.

The front door to the ruins was kicked down easily. Despite Eternal being one of the shortest in the group, Lae'zel the only one shorter, she was quite strong. The door came flying off the hinges, right as Astarion found one of his lockpicks.

"Or that works too."

The nine of them file inside, Halsin having stayed behind at the grove to tie up loose ends and to appoint a new archdruid. They all split up, finding the inside looks a lot like it's already been ransacked, and there was a lot thrown about. 

"We may be too late, looks like people beat us here." Shadowheart wiped some dust off the table, gagging and wiping her hand off.

"Uh, who knows, this place is covered in dust, we may be a few years too late." Eternal used a lever to open the next door and explored the next room. It was once again empty of all life, except for a beaten down door with no handle at the end of the hallway. Curiousity overtook her and she walked down to go check it out.

Astarion, realizing his idiot was walking off, ran after her, Shadowheart close behind him.

"Those three are like peas in a pod, eh?" Karlach joked, making sure to stay a reasonable distance from anything flammable, which in here looked like everything was.

"Astarion and Shadowheart I understand, those two have acted like bickering siblings since they met," Gale agreed, "But it's Eternal that surprises me. To be honest, she seems a little.. lost."

"Gale, sweetheart, you don't just say that about people." 

Gale flushed a bit when Durge called him Sweetheart, but luckily no one noticed because Wyll then spoke up.

"Astarion and Eternal get along swell though, from what I've seen, outside the whole feeding thing."

"I just hope he's not manipulating her. She's a fierce warrior, but emotions tend to be her biggest weakness."

"That's right, you and her were close at first, right Lae'zel?" Gale cleared his throat to seem like he wasn't just crushing on Durge.

"I respect her, paladins are the most loyal warriors from what I've seen."

"She seemed so on edge for everyone of us at first though, right? Like, I swear if looks could kill she'd have killed all of us in that first meeting." Alfira liked to play with her hands when she was nervous, and play with them she did.

"Not me."

They all looked to Durge, confused.

"I have noticed she's more comfortable around you. Her tail gives it away," Karlach pointed out, acknowledging and confirming Durge's statement.

"She saved me from the Nataliod. Broke me out of my pod. I don't know why... I can't remember anything before her."

"Have you asked her?" Wyll started heading to where the three ran off.

"No." Durge responded guilty, following after with everyone.

"Chk! I recommend you do that."

When the finally catch up with the others, they find many corpses on the ground, but from the smell they seem to be a few days old, and Eternal divine smiting the last of what seemed to be a few reanimated skeletons.

She looked back to them and waved. "Found the raiders! We tried to loot the bodies, but the skeletons started attacking us."

Shadowheart walked up to Astarion and whispered some healing spell, touching his shoulder. Immediately, he seemed in better shape. He didn't say thank you, though, just nodded to her.

"We leave you alone for 3 minutes." Karlach snorted at Durge's disappointed tone and it caused everyone to start laughing, some more than others. Once people began to calm down, they started looting the corpses and skeletons for whatever they could find.

Alfira eventually finds a button and presses it out of curiosity. The wall opened to reveal another room, one that catches Durge's and Eternal's eye immediately. Both run over, causing Alfira to giggle a bit.

"Damn. It's just a sarcophagus."

Eternal goes to open it, despite Durge's disappointment and protests, but as she got closer, it opened on its own. "Ahhhh fuck."

The others begin to rush over, watching as another corpse floats out of the sarcophagus. Almost everyone pulled out their weapons, but Eternal didn't. Instead, she narrowed her eyes, trying to see why she thought she recognized it.

It didn't come to her as the corpse landed on the ground. He didn't seem hostile, but that didn't stop Astarion from pulling his bow back more when it began to walk towards Eternal. It ignores Astarion, and stands right in front of her, but she didn't seem to scared.

"So he has spoken, and so thou standest before me. Right as always," Eternal tilted her head to him as he continues, "What a curious way to awaken. Now I have a question for thee: What is the worth of a single mortal's life?"

Eternal paused, and there's silence in the air. Durge stepped to be at her side, while Afira ran off to Karlach's side.

Eventually, Eternal breaks the silence, "Life is precious. While we all start as equals, not all of us live equally."

"Until death... Very well. I am satisfied. We have met.... And I know thy face. We will see each other again at the proper time and place. Farewell."

Then, he just... Leaves? Acknowledges no one else either. Eternal looks to Astarion, who lowered his bow immediately to not be suspicious of caring about her. "Well this place was a bust."

"At least we got good gold, and Durge found a couple books."

"Well, if we are leaving here, where to next?"

"Let's try the village the goblins were at?"

As they were traveling back to the village, Astarion kept hand placed firmly on Eternal's back. It was almost like he always had to be touching her. She thought it was endearing. It gave almost a protective feel, or a possessive one. Either way, the touch wasn't unwelcome. She even looked over her shoulder to smile at him.

He pretended not to see it.

There's mindless chatter among the nine of them. There always is. Shadowheart asking about the Y in Wyll's name, Alfira asking about the hells and demons to Karlach, the normal stuff friends talk about. When they make it back to the village, they find a lot of the doors to the abandoned buildings are wide open and ransacked.

"Why are we always too late?" Astarion complains.

"Maybe we should've raided the place when we killed the goblins here."

"I swear, Shadowheart, Everytime you speak you're tongue is dripping with unfathomable amounts of sarcasm and sass."

"It's a skill, Gale."

"Wait, so you all killed the Goblins here?"

They all turned to look at the new voice, surprised to see a female faun. Faun are hard to come by in its own, but this far south? She may as well be just as rare as Lae'zel, if not more rare. She was a ginger, with dark freckles and green eyes. She had an accent that wasn't thick but was present enough to hear it clearly, and a delicately carved bow around her shoulders.

Durge's hand started twitching, and immediately he grabbed his wrist and squeezed it as hard as he could discreetly, resisting the urge to slaughter her. It could be the only chance he'll get to kill someone as rare as her.

He swallowed and let someone else take the lead, which ended up being Gale, "Uh, yes. We were coming back to look around."

The faun had a beautiful amethyst in her hand that she was tossing up and down, "That sucks. Seems we already beat you."

"We?" Eternal asked, keeping a hand on the handle of her sword just in case. As she does, the faun whistles. A wolf runs through their group, scaring Shadowheart. She begins to shake a bit in fear, but Durge stepped closer to her to help her feel at ease.

"Yeah, We. My name is Penelope, by the bye," the wolf sat next to her, tail wagging. Gods he was a ray of sunshine, "Say you lot haven't seen a gnome around have you?"

"No that's I've noticed, no-"

That's when they heard it. The loud scream.

Penelope ran through first, wolf behind her. Out of curiosity, Eternal followed, leaving the rest of the group to run to catch up.

The scene they end up finding is a ton of goblin survivors who either haven't found out their camp is slaughtered, or just don't care, with a gnome tied to one of the blades of the windmill.

"Is that your gnome?" She asked Penelope, who gave this sigh in response. 

"Yep."

Penelope walked up to who seemed to be the leader, but Eternal looked to Astarion giving him a look and a nod. It took him a moment, but he eventually realized and he literally up a bit before pulling his bow back and shooting the leader goblin in the back of the head.

The rest of them scattered immediately.

Penelope, wiping the splattered blood off her face, laughed a bit, "That's one way to do it."

Alfira ran into the windmill to find the brake, and once the gnome was let down, he grumpily looked the them all. "Alright. Get on with it."

"Pardon?" Gale furrowed his eyebrows in confusion.

"You saved him, now you'll extort us. It's not our first time doing this whole thing."

"Sweet, but I'm just glad you guys are safe," Durge joined up with Gale, causing Shadowheart to hide by Eternal from the wolf.

"... Well, that's a first. Here, take this anyway," Penelope tossed the Amethyst to Astarion, who catches it and looks it over, "Found it in a Spider's nest under the village. Looks magic."

"And if you find my pack, it's yours. I'll travel lightly from now on."

"I told you too already."

"Will you guys be safe?"

"We have other business to attend to I'm afraid. I'm helping him look for something, meanwhile I get sweet adventure in the process! Till we meet again, travelers."

And like that, Penelope, her wolf, and the gnome headed off. After, Eternal turns to Astarion, who was fixated on the amethyst. It wasn't any gem, that much they could tell.

Astarion chuckled and pocketed the Amethyst, "That was easy."

"To be fair I didn't know the rest would run off."

"We should split up. Cover more ground quicker. Gale and I will check out the windmill, see if we can find the pack the gnome left behind."

Gale smiled a bit, face hearing up as he followed after Durge. The second they were out of ear shot, Karlach smirks, "10 gold pieces they are dating by the end of the week."

"I'll take that," Astarion laughed, lowering the bow. He held Eternal's back again.

"Prepare to lose, fancy boy." Karlach looks at the other buildings, "Alfira and I can check out that one over there."

Wyll watched them walk off, and he turned to Lae'zel. "Want to check out this place?" He asked, walking up the steps to the building some of the goblins from before were hiding in. Lae'zel made a chk noise and followed.

Leaving Astarion, Eternal and Shadowheart with the place that looks almost like some kind of bar. They walk in, closing the door behind them.

"Sooo," Shadowheart breaks the silence as they steal whatever valuables and food they can find, "Are you too a thing now?"

"What? Oh no," Eternal didn't even look up, she was busy staring at something on the floor behind the bar.

"Not yet anyways," Astarion tried be flirtatious, but seeing as the comment went right over her head, he looked at what she was staring at, "Oh a trapdoor." Carefully, Eternal moved stuff off the trapdoor and opened it. Quietly, she climbed down the ladder.

Astarion and Shadowheart looked at each other, shrugged, and followed after. Immediately, they stole anything they could find. It looked like some kind of office.

"God eye, my sweet," Astarion smirked trying to flirt with her again since Shadowheart being on the other side of the basement. 

"Hm?" She looked to him, "Oh. I guess I just noticed things like that." She turned back to what she was doing, which caused him to walk towards her. He forced her to look at him, causing a gasp to fall from her lips. Gods, she's intoxicating. 

"You seem distracted today."

"Just.." she can't lie, her words were getting caught in her throat. That only made him push her more, eventually he gently pinned her against the wall behind her, but backed off when she hissed in pain.

"What, what's wrong?"

She reached to her back, confused just as much as he was. She turned to look at the wall, and she laughed a bit, he tail then moved towards it, wrapping around a hidden lever that stabbed her back when she was pinned. He was baffled that they found that how they did, but also speechless as he watched her pull the lever with her tail. Ok damn.

The bookshelf began to move with a scratching on the floor sound, which caught Shadowheart's attention.The three poke their heads around to see what they just found.

"Oooo, this is ominous."

"How'd you two even find this?" Eternal only snickered and Astarion smirked at that. "Actually I don't want to know."

Eternal, being the strongest and more experienced of the group, head inside to check for enemies. When she sees nothing she gestured for the others in follow. "Just some coffins and a mirror.

"Might as well loot these and leave."

"I feel like they went through a lot of trouble just to hide some mirror.." Shadowheart went to the mirror, and started speaking to it..?

Astarion immediately tried opening a coffin, but as he did, the skeleton inside reanimates to attack him. With a loud "Fuck!" He tried stabbing it but missed. It ran off to wake up the rest of the skeletons. 

Astarion stands, holding his side where he was scratched, and tried to stop it, but doesn't because Eternal ran to heal him first. Shadowheart, once she opened the mirror, casted her spirit guardians. Eventually, the skeletons were dead by just getting into close proximity to her.

As they moved on into the mirror, Astarion looked to Eternal, confused why she prioritized him over rekilling the skeletons. He didn't say anything though.

Eternal looks around the new room and laughs, "Whoever lived here had a lot of secrets to hide. Let's find them."

"Read my mind."

The three split up, finding more gold, armor of some kind, and Eternal found this weird book hidden behind a door. "Hey Astarion, can you pick this lock?"

"Why of course my dear," he heads over, avoiding any traps, and unlocked the door with ease. Eternal was about to go in, but Astarion stopped her. "Careful, it's trapped."

Eternal paused, before grabbing the book and jumping out immediately rolling to ground, narrowly missing the blast that shot out after she grabbed it.

She stands back up as Astarion and Shadowheart look at what she found. It's a very creepy book that looked like a face of some sort. The eyes were the same stone that Penelope had given Astarion, the amethyst, and the mouth was empty. She tried opening it, but it wouldn't budge.

Astarion pulled out the Amethyst and moved it toward the book. Like magic it was pulled from his hand into the mouth. Eternal wasn't about to fuck with that, so she let him keep it. 

He was going to ask if he could, but he didn't even need to. She just gave it to him. He just put the book in his bag as they finished up looting the place.

Gale looked around the windmill, petting on of the sheep. Durge had found the bag and brought it outside before looking through it.

"I wish I could get to know you more."

Durge chuckled, "Yeah you and me both."

"... What about this. I'll ask you things now, about like what's your favorite color. If it changes once your memories are back, I'll ask again."

"What like questions?" Durge doesn't know how he knew that game, doesn't remember with who he played it, but still, it was the first thing he thought of at Gale's proposal.

"Yeah! Sort of. What is your favorite color?"

"You really know how to make a man swoon, Gale," Gale flushed at that comment, not acknowledging Durge's obvious flirting. Eventually though, after a pause, Durge replies, "Purple, though I think it used to be red."

"Yeah? Why?"

"Hey, if we're playing questions, it's my turn," Durge says as he casually pulls out a massive explosive from the bag, "What's your favorite color."

"Ah. Well. I'd like to say Blue, but I agree Purple is quite the eyecatcher too. Hmmm," he paused again, thinking of a question, "Will you indulge me in a magic lesson?"

"I'm a sorcerer, Gale."

"Humor me."

Durge smiled a bit and shrugged, "Alright. Go ahead." Gale smirked a bit and walked over to him. There was a tension between the two, but not an unwelcome one.

He does a motion with his hands, and purplish magic appeared as he does so.

"Now you."

Durge smiled, and copies him. His motion was a little more jagged, but the magic still appeared, his having a more reddish hue to them. He felt... Safe.

"Excellent. Now, repeat after me, Ah-Thran Mystra-Ryl Kantrach-Ao."

Durge narrowed his eyes, but was able to repeat the words pretty easily.

"Good! Now I want you to picture in your mind the concept of harmony. As true as you can."

Durge closed his eyes, and the first thing he thought of was that morning... The whole group being open and honest. Laughing, having fun. This was his group of friends, and that's all he needed right now.

And when he opened his eyes, dancing lights with purple and red magic swirled around the two of them. Gale laughed a bit, excited.

"You did it! You're channeling the weave. How does it feel?"

"Incredible... I don't remember if I've ever felt this... Safe."

Gale smiled, a bit of pity, but a bit of happiness too. He turned to Durge, the smile getting wider. The weave connects them. They both know it as they look at each other.

So when Durge imagines what he does next Gale buffers. "I.. I didn't think.."

Durge wasn't fully rushing into things mind you, and he didn't imagine much, but he wouldn't lie and say he wasn't close to Gale. He was attracted to him, he knew that. So maybe imagining a small date wouldn't be coming on terribly strong.

He feels his embarrassment. His trepidation, and most of all his elation, thank the gods.

"Sorry, I wasn't expecting... But it's a pleasant image to be sure! Pleasant in fact. Welcome.." 

Gale steps closer, but the weave evaporates as they do so, leaving them both feeling colder.

"Oh... And there it goes.. I.. we should get back to the others. I enjoyed sharing a moment of magic with you."

"We'll talk tonight?"

"Certainly."

Alfira and Karlach looked around the destroyed... House? When they were stopped by Three massive orges.

The fight was brutal, but they eventually came out alive. Badly beaten though.

Wyll and Lae'zel found nothing but blueprints that use sussur bark, and a furnace.

Astarion hid the book that they found, and Shadowheart, upon seeing the state Alfira and Karlach were in, quickly went to heal them. Eternal helped a little bit too.

Durge, who was no holding the backpack looked around, "Okay. So it's late enough where if we went back now, it's still be bright outside, but also we can start on dinner and get ready for tomorrow."

"So we are ignoring the hag right?"

"It's the best idea, in my opinion. She paralyzed one of the other Tieflings back when you all first arrived."

"Then, back to camp it is. We go to the underdark in the morning."

As everyone started heading back Eternal stayed behind a bit, catching both Durge's and Astarion's eye, but Astarion got to her first, walking beside her. She looked up at him, confused, but he didn't say anything.

As they were walking over the bridge, Karlach muttered a swear. Everyone saw where she was looking to see… paladins of Tyr? Were they trying to ambush them?

Sure enough, one of them stepped forward, pointing a sword at her, “Back to the hells where you came from, devil, the rest of you should know better than to ally yourself with the likes of this garbage.”

“Whoever sent you, she's not a devil. She's a Tiefling!” Wyll tried to reason, seeing himself in them a little bit, but Karlach stopped him.

“Zariel sent them.”

“Zariel? We are Paladin’s of Tyr.”

“Tyr you say? Recite the creed of the left hand then.”

He paused, hesitating. Eternal threw him off guard with that one, giving the rest of the group all they needed to know before Karlach swung at him. 

Two more came out of the bushes, but 3 against 9? The fight was over pretty quickly.

Karlach landed the last blow on the main Paladin, burning hot. Really hot. She let out frustrated scream through her teeth, staring at the corpse below her as the close proximity begins to burn it.

The group decided to give her some space to cool off. She didn't eventually, and was laughing a bit when Wyll called her hot. Eternal sat on the rail of the bridge with her feet dangling over. She stared below, when Durge came up and leaned over behind her. She looked at him through the corner of her eye, and her tail immediately began to sway.

Astarion glared from where he was sitting. He would've gone over if Shadowheart didn't need to heal him. 

"So, Astarion huh?" Durge whispered, and she blushes a bit, rolling her eyes. 

"Oh like you're any better. I see the way you look at Gale." 

Durge laughed, "Still I wanted to check in with you. You saved me from my pod.. and despite feeling a connection to you we haven't really spoken much."

She looked away, to the water below... 

"Why did you save me?"

"I'm a paladin. It's what we do."

He seemed convinced, and couldn't tell if she was lying, or just not telling the full truth. 

"Well... Still. Thank you. And for naming me after too."

"Oh yeah, I forgot I did that." She laughed, causing him to laugh too.

When the laughter calmed, Durge leaned closer, "Just be careful with that one, Et, Vampires are..."

"Power hungry?" She whispered back. He looked ashamed a bit when she continues, "So are wizards. I'll be careful if.. if you are too." She gets off and stands up straight. Durge straightened up, and the two shared a quick hug before going back to their respective groups.

As everyone stands and got ready to continue they are interrupted. 

Again.

A man just appeared. In front of Eternal, who jumped a bit. He looked her up and down, "Oh interesting."

She's seen that look before, gone through this charade before. More often now that she isn't concealing her identity anymore. He's looking at her tattoos. Which means this man, whoever he is, is infernal.

He bows to her ever so slightly, saying, "Well met. I am Raphael, very much at your service," after he straightens up more, confident, and giving off the energy of total control.

"It's not every day you meet a survivor from the Verdant Blood Farm, such as yourself. A true Pleasure."

She tensed, and her tail wrapped around Astarion's leg. He looked down, then slowly glared back up at the man in front of them.

There were whispers among the group, but no one answered Raphael, so he continues, "Shall we withdraw? We have much to discuss, to our mutual satisfaction."

"I'm not going back."

"To the farm? Of course not. You wound me. No, this is something far greater. Far more important. However, this quaint little scene is far too... Middle of no where for my tastes."

He snapped and suddenly they teleported into somewhere new. Most of them, Alfira was left behind. By the way Karlach reacted, this was the hells. 

Eternal grabbed Astarion's hand, squeezing it. 

"There. Middle of somewhere." 

"Take us back," If tones could kill, Eternal would've just slaughtered this man, and the Karlach would've double tapped him. 

"Now."

"And deny you my most humble hospitality? Welcome to the House of Hope, where the tired come to rest and the famished come to feed, lavishly," He looked to Astarion as he said that, so Eternal stepped in front of the Vampire protectively, "Go on, partake, enjoy your supper. After all, it might be your last."

"Fuck you," Eternal still kept hold of Astarion's hand, and leg, so despite the confidence and the bravery, he could feel how badly she was shaking in fear.

Raphael only laughed at her, "Are you not entertained? Well, far be it from me to disappoint," He then transformed from his human form, to his devil form.

Astarion felt the grip on him get tighter. He pulls Eternal closer to him protectively, realizing what was truly happening to her. She didn't need to be strong right now.

"What's better than a devil you don't know? A devil you do?" 

"Fuck. A cambion."

"Am I a friend? Potentially. And Adversary? Conceivably. But a savior? That's for certain."

"Why do you think we need your help?" Durge spoke up, stepping forward from the back. 

"Come now, Why play hard to get when you're deep over your tadpoles head? One skull, two tenants, and no solution in sight. I could fix it all like that." He snapped his fingers.

"Then fix it!" Lae'zel practically yelled at him. 

"You're mad if you think we'd make a deal with a devil."

"But what is madness if not a denial of reality? Still, I have a feeling you'll change your mind, before it's changed for you. Try to cure yourself, shop around, bed, borrow and steal! Exhaust every possibility until none are left. When Hope has been whittled down to the very marrow of despair... That's when you'll come knocking on my door. Hope," he laughs, "Such a tease." 

"That's what separates is from the devil soldier," Karlach looked at Eternal, who Astarion was now in front of and had a protective arm in front of her. Shadowheart was also at her side, They think are greatest strength is a weakness." 

"Take us back, then I never want to see you again," Durge's hand twitched as he spoke, almost seeing red.

"By all means, bite the hand that feeds. While you still have teeth, that can. This pretty little symptoms... Sundering skin, dissolving guts.. they haven't manifested yet, have they? One might say you're a paragon of luck. I'll be there when it runs out." He snapped, and they were all back on the bridge. The sun was beginning to set, and Alfira jumped when they reappeared. 

Astarion turned to Eternal, but she just pulled away. "I want to go back to the grove. Now." She then just started walking away. 

Still stunned from the surprise, most people had to run to follow. 

When they got back, Astarion stopped Eternal from hiding in her tent. He just looked at her, expectantly.

But nothing. She didn't say much, just stared at the floor.

So he decided not to talk about it, "You're coming to my bed tonight, right?"

She looked up at him, before nodding. He takes her hand and kisses the knuckles, pulling her along. He opened his tent for her and they went in. Neither came out for the rest of the night. 

After dinner, Gale waves Durge over. He listened, going over and sitting next to him at his tent. 

"Why don't you sleep here tonight? Can't imagine not having a tent is very comfortable."

"If you're not uncomfortable. I don't want to seem like I came on top strong earlier."

"No! Not at all! It was pleasant, even! Amid the madness that's befallen us.. it seems almost out of place to think of something like a date. And yet, now more than ever it's important to recall what makes us human."

Durge looked at his scales on his arms, "Human?"

"You know what I mean," he rolled his eyes, then blushes a bit, "That stolen glance, a sudden heartbeat.. sometimes the little things are worth more then kingdoms.. anyway, get some sleep. We have a long day ahead of us." Durge laid down in Gale's tent, but as Gale tried to leave, he stopped him, and made room. 

Gale smiled a bit, then slept next to Durge.

The night went by perfectly.

Chapter Text

Astarion finished his meditation a while ago. He was holding a mirror on his hand lost in thought. Eternal slept peacefully next to him.

What the hell was that reaction to Raphael? He wished he could just know. That way he'd be better prepared for it next time the bastard showed up. He looked at her through the mirror, as it didn't show his reflection.

He saw her stir and chuckled, "Sleep well?"

She looked up to him, confused, and yawns. "How'd you know I was waking up?"

"The only benefit to a mirror with my condition," He says as she sits up. She rests his head on his shoulder and sees the mirror, sees how he doesn't have a reflection and that she's resting on nothing. 

"Do you miss it?"

"Preening in the looking glass? Petty vanity? Of course I miss it. I've never even seen this face, not since it grew fangs and my eyes turned red."

"What color did they used to be?"

"I," he paused if thinking, "I don't know.. I can't remember. My face is just some dark thing in my past," he smashed the mirror, "Another thing I've lost."

There was a silence that made Astarion slightly uncomfortable. He turned and looked at Eternal, who seemed to be lost in thought.

"... What?"

"I have an idea, but... I need you to trust me."

"Darling, I trust you with everything," a lie, but this was still performance, to him.

"No, my star, I need you to truly trust me."

"... you're scaring me," He jokes, cracking a small smile.

"Just... trust me. I wouldn't hurt you, you know that," She closed her eyes and put her fingers to her own temple. She's about to use the tadpole. 

Was she about to try controlling him? What the fuck this about? Did she have to do this in the middle of his brooding. 

She could feel his hesitation, but right when she was going to change her mind and not do what she thought of, he let her in. 

It surprised them both, this sensation again. Doing it voluntarily this time. He realized what he was seeing this time, the pain she suffered in hell, and the anger she had at gods in general. What surprised him was that she didn't dig through his thoughts. She was instead inviting him to see through her eyes. 

When the connection was finally formed, both slowly opened their eyes. Astarion was staring at himself through her eyes. She was using the tadpole like her own eyes was his mirror. 

He moved his face a bit, fully taking in his appearance in silence, utterly shocked and speechless.

When they stopped, he blinked as his normal vision came back..

"We can do that?"

She nodded, "Nothing I could've told you would've reflected the image well... So I thought of a way to show you."

"You're insane."

"But it worked."

Astarion looked to the shattered mirror, his own face burned into his skull, "Yes, that it did." He wanted to sob in happiness. He missed his face, and he missed it in all its glory.

But he couldn't yet. Not in front of her.

He looks to her, "Thank you."

"Just let me know if you ever want to do that again." She smiled and leaves the tent, going to go get ready for the trip. This leaves Astarion to sit there in complete shock and happiness.

Gale woke up first between him and Durge. He smiled at him for a moment, knowing that he's asleep and can't smile back or acknowledge him. 

He conjures a image of Mystra in magic, sighing to himself. It's the same face he loved and worshipped. It's the same face he seems to redeem himself too. But it's a different feeling. And emptiness. He doesn't feel so driven to her anymore.

"...Pretty." Durge has apparently woken up while Gale was lost in thought, because he had sit up and was looking at him now.

Gale jumped and the image disappeared, "Apologies. I was miles away."

"Mystra, right?"

"Yes. She.. She and I were former lovers, but now.. now I don't see her the same. It's.. strange."

"Lovers? Gale?" Durge questioned, but it seemed as if Gale didn't hear him. 

Gale just began to ramble. About everything. About the orb, his relationship with Mystra, all of it. About how all he ever wanted now was her forgiveness, about how he still does but it feels.. different now.

"Gale... That... Seems hard, you must've cared for her for a really long time."

"Since I was 8, honestly. That's when I met her."

"You were 8?" Durge felt his blood boil, but he doesn't comment on it. Not yet. "You must've felt lucky."

"I did.. and now I don't feel much at all."

"Maybe that's a good thing. I know I can't help much because I can't relate it to my own feelings or experiences, but maybe a fresh start is just what you need."

Gale looked to Durge and smiled... "Thank you. Maybe I just need to make breakfast. Clear my head."

"Sounds like a wonderful idea."

When everyone was ready to go, and tents were all packed, all that was left was Eternal's. She hadn't left her tent since she went to get ready.

Lae'zel was tapping her foot impatiently, as Astarion was reading a book that Karlach gave him. Specifically one on the level of hell Eternal is from to try and find anything on the blood farms. He also made sure to cover up the cover so no one questioned it.

Gale was reading as well while they waited, but nothing as researching as Astarion was. Interesting, as usual it's the other way around.

Shadowheart's eventually walked up to Eternal's tent, "Hey, you alright in there?"

There was shuffling, but eventually she emerges and packs up her tent, "Sorry. Got distracted."

No one questioned it, and as everyone began to put their packs on, the skeleton from the abandoned ruins reemerges. He looks among the group, and with a wave of his hands, their packs became lighter?

Most were confused, but Lae'zel, Durge, and Eternal immediately got defensive.

"What happened to our stuff?" Durge shouts at him, just for him to put his hand up to stop Durge. He looked around, and his eyes landed on Eternal. 

"We meet again. As predicted. I will move thy came while thy travel, but I will not travel with thee."

"So you will just carry all of our camp stuff and tents until we camp again and you'll appear?"

"Yes."

"... Helpful... And powerful. What else can you do?"

"If thy or any of thy compatriots perish, I will cleave body and soul once more."

"You can bring us back to life?!"

"I vote we let him stay."

It wasn't much convincing for the rest of the group. The corpse, who's name they learned was Withers, disappeared with Scratch and Scritch. Shadowheart looked a little sad at that.

Halsin watched as everyone filed out of the grove. He said his own goodbyes before following the group.

Alfira was playing as they traveled, Karlach singing along. Wyll watched them with a smile, one Eternal noticed. 

She elbowed him, and he turned to look at her. Astarion put his arms around her waist and watched the two of them quietly.

Eternal smirked, "So, I bet you never saw yourself falling for a target, did you?"

Wyll immediately hushed her, checking to make sure no one else heard. Luckily, no one did. Everyone else was caught up in their own duos. Gale was 'teaching' Durge magic, Shadowheart was rambling about animals to Halsin, Lae'zel was quiet to herself, however, she was observing Karlach and Alfira closer to learn more about Tiefling culture.

"You're mistaken."

"That blush says otherwise. You should shoot your shot!"

"Especially if we find a way to cool her off."

"Et, Star, I appreciate your enthusiasm but even if you were right, I don't want to drag her into my problems. She'd never escape the hells with me."

Astarion narrowed his eyes. Till now, only Eternal called him Star, but since Eternal didn't get defensive about the name, he decided Wyll can call him that for now.

Karlach turned to look back at them, causing Wyll's face to flush a bit. She pulled Eternal away from Astarion and spun her. Eternal, who had been on edge and tense since Raphael, finally relaxed and sang along with them. 

All three Tiefling women had their own little concert as they traveled, making the air lighter.

Astarion stuck to Wyll's side.

"I've been meaning to ask, how'd you know?"

"Know what?" Wyll raised an eyebrow at the man at his side.

"That I'm a vampire. I was sure the fact I could walk in the sun would surely keep my cover."

"I'll admit, it did confuse me at first, though I figured you had a hidden sunwalker ring somewhere. The tadpole makes more sense however."

"Sunwalker ring?"

"You've never heard of it? It was created by the Drow, cause they also have sun sensitivities. They're extremely rare, only the most important of Drow had them, but it's said the magic is so powerful that it can even protect Vampires."

"... I've never heard of that."

"I'm not surprised. To those who don't know better, it just looks like a normal ruby ring."

"Ruby?" That sounds awfully familiar to the ring Cazador wears, but Cazador couldn't walk in the sun. It's not a coincidence, maybe it's a fake, or maybe it doesn't work for Vampires.

Eternal eventually rejoined Astarion's side once Alfira stopped playing. 

"Yeah. Maybe we can see if we can find one in the underdark."

"Find what?"

"A sunwalker ring?"

Eternal just nods, but showed no confusion. So at least she knew of it.

"Let's keep this between us three, shall we?"

As they made it back to the goblin camp, Shadowheart did little to hide her disgust this time around. She broke from Halsin to rejoin Eternal and Astarion once Wyll ran to catch up with Karlach. "Gods... Lets make this quick, shall we? I don't want to be here any longer than I have to be."

"We just have to look around for an entrance into the underdark." Gale says, deciding it may be best to split up.

It didn't take long.

Astarion got a little curious about Priestess Gut's room and well, one dead Ogre and a puzzle later, they've found the entrance. 

"... That's one deep hole."

"That's what he said." Alfira and Shadowheart immediately jinxed each other, and once again the atmosphere felt lighter. They are really keeping each other sane.

Eternal went first, climbing down the endless latter as she looked around. It was kind of pretty.

One by one, everyone follows, and eventually all ten get down to the end of the ladder. Eternal looked around the ruins they ended up in in amazement.

"All my time in the shadows... I've never actually been to the underdark."

Traversing the underdark was intense. There were Minotaurs, a beholder that definitely scared them back to the ruins, a Bulette that knocked over people several times.

But eventually, they figured out their way, as Alfira noticed figures in the distance. "Look! There's people!!"

The figures were clouded by fog and dust, but they looked humanoid, just extremely tall.

Alfira ran over but was immediately pulled back by Eternal, who noticed Alfira was about to run into a field of explosive mushrooms.

"Watch out!" She pulled Alfira close and turned so her back was toward the explosion, shielding Alfira with her body. She cries out in pain, but once the explosions stopped, she let go.

Alfira and Shadowheart immediately used magic to try and heal her, as Astarion cupped her face, mumbling something around the lines of "Idiot."

"On the bright side, the field is clear now."

Once Eternal was properly healed, she leads the group toward the figures to find them to be mushroom people!

The one in the front addresses Eternal with the voice of many. As it spoke to her, music and melodies shift, and it's beautiful. Eternal even smiled a bit.

"Sovereign, they have come. They are here..." It says, the music shifting slowly. It becomes more brassy and commanding as a new voice takes over.

"I am Sovereign," after it is said, they all see visions of their own lifeless bodies. The less trusting companions put a hand to their weapons, once they realize they are being threatened, "State your purpose."

"We are in search of a cure."

There's hesitation, but the melody changes once more. Cautious, but welcoming, "I can mend neither skin nor spirit, but we still might commune. Descend to me. Let us speak in flesh."

The creatures move out of their way and slowly the group files into their home. Astarion, who clearly can't keep his hands to himself at this point, keeps a hand at Eternal's back, looking around with extreme caution. He's the only one of the group left with a hand still at his blade.

Eternal leads the group all the way to the Sovereign, where they see many mushroom people, a gnome who looks to be recovering from a poison and...

"Penelope?" Eternal looked to the Satyr, who turned around at her name. Her wolf was laying with the gnome, holding an empty antidote bottle in his mouth.

She let out a relieved sigh, "Thank the gods, I thought this was the end of the journey for me, charitable as the Myconid's have been."

The Sovereign steps forward, addressing Eternal directly again. "Flesh-Talker. I show you a memory. Watch and listen." 

Another vision, this time of Duergar, killing innocent Myconids. 

"They broke our peace. They killed our young," The music slows, showing it is in mourning, "We laid waste to many, but intruders remain. Lakeward. I sense your resolve. You will find Duergar invaders near lake's edge. Cleanse the rot. Destroy them."

"I admit, I like this one's approach. A little genocidal, but effective."

Eternal nods, "Alright. I will see what I can do."

"I'd like to come with you, if you'll have me."

As the Sovereign turns back to the corpse it was just attending, the group shifts to Penelope. Shadowheart tenses a bit, not sure if she wants to be around a wolf this entire journey.

"We're wrapped up in a much bigger fight than you're prepared for." Halsin spoke up from the back, getting mumbles of agreement from some others.

"No! Look, me and this gnome here, we just escaped from where the Duergar are coming from but.. Barcus didn't make it with us. I want to come with you. Please."

Eternal looked back to Durge, and there was a a silence. Durge eventually smiled, "Alright. The more the merrier."

"Gods were a whole fucking traveling band now." 

Eternal chuckled and Penelope beamed excited, "You won't regret this." She gets her bow and whistles. The wolf runs to her side, which made Shadowheart jump in fear.

Penelope noticed and realizes, so she bends down to her wolf, whispering something. Shadowheart glares at this interaction, but when Penelope stood up straight again, the wolf stood on the other side of her, away from Shadowheart.

Shadowheart looked confused, tilting her head a bit.

"Just let me know if being around him becomes too much."

Shadowheart relaxed, but hesitantly nods as Eternal and Durge head back down. Durge instantly recognizes a hobgoblin as a shop keeper and heads over to him. 

Eternal laughed at his excitement.

"Ah a visitor! You're a welcome sight. But let us observe the customs of the locals," he says to Durge as Eternal walks up behind him. Astarion, Gale and Shadowheart stayed with them, while the others decided to explore on their own.

His brow tenses as he uses the surrounding spores to connect mind to mind. "Blurg, proud member of the Society of Brilliance, at your service." He speaks to their minds.

Eternal tensed, remembering the women she killed in the mountain pass, but decided not to worry about that yet, and not to judge this man based on what she knew from her.

He groans in pain, "Or perhaps not. Your mind is far more complex than that of the fungi."

"I've never seen a hobgoblin like you before." Durge smiled a bit at him, but Eternal could only chuckled considering that doesn't say much because of Durge's stunted mind.

"The feeling is mutual, friend! I have only passing familiarity with the surface races. But I've found that there is much to learn from an individual as there is to learn from a community. So it is with the Myconids! They live in harmonious unity, but each has a unique personality. My colleagues and I are working to improve conditions in the underdark. This need not be such a dire, hostile place," he paused for a moment, "Though, it is curious to find a surface dweller here. What has brought you so deep?"

"A mindflayer infected us with tadpoles."

"Durge! You don't just-" Eternal tried to cut him of as the others sigh or groan in embarrassment or annoyance.

"Oh oops..."

"Truly remarkable! But why come to the underdark, where they hold so much power?"

"Well..." Durge looked to Eternal for help.

She sighed and rolled her eyes, speaking for him, "We got kidnapped and infected on a Nataliod, but it crashed. Since then we've shown no symptoms, other then being able to identify each other, so we've been slowly getting more and more people in hopes of a cure. We have a lead, but it requires us going through the underdark to get there."

"You all were infected with an illithid tadpole? It's a miracle you are still intact! You must be worried sick, but have no fear. I have a friend who may be able to assist." 

He turns and uses his mind to speak again, calling for someone named Omeluum. His mouth didn't move at all. 

"I hope this is important, Blurg. My zurkhwood samples need constant attention."

"It is! These adventures have illithid tadpoles in their head, but they haven't turned."

"No ceremorphosis? That's impossible! But intriguing." As it spoke, a mindflayer revealed to be the voice of Omeluum. Instantly, Eternal pulled out her sword and pointed at it, standing in front of Durge and the others. 

"Gods above..." Astarion mumbled.

"Please hold! I understand your rage against my kin. One of my brethren forced a tadpole into your eye, or ear perhaps.. but I assure you, I stand with the Society of Brilliance, not the colonies of my people."

Eternal narrowed her eyes, but lowered her sword. "I haven't had good interactions with the Society either, but the Myconids wouldn't appreciate the fighting in their home."

"I only ask that you refrain from violence. I respect that your opinion of my kind may be... Charged."

"I'm sorry, but I'm curious what you mean by you haven't had good interactions with the Society either?" Blurg intervened, seeming interested in Eternal's word choice.

"A woman, in the mountain pass, was trying to kidnap a Githyanki egg to experiment on the offspring."

"I then apologize on her behalf." Blurg nodded his head down as he apologized, which made Eternal relax slightly. Slightly.

"If that settles matters for the time being, would you like a diagnosis?" Omeluum asked, making Eternal look back to it. She put her sword away, but stayed in front of Durge. She nods, and Omeluum straightened up, "Open your mind to me. Let us see what lurks within."

Eternal signals the others to back up, but opened her mind to it. As Omeluum's mind pierces hers, her tadpole pulsed. She hissed in pain a bit.

"This is most unusual, the incubation period should be complete, as should your transformation, but the larva is infused with strange magic. It appears to be in some form of stasis." 

"Can you get it out?"

"No. It appears to be shielded from physical and magical influence, and even without the shield, the extraction would involve severe cranial trauma."

"Well shit."

"It is not ideal, as the process would surely kill you."

"So not even a mindflayer can fix this? We may truly be fucked then."

"Astarion," Gale scolds him.

"Well, thank you anyways," Durge glared at them both, and then looked back to Omeluum with a smile. 

"Of course, I am sorry I could not assist you in it's removal. But, I have an idea. I will not keep you from finding your cure any longer, however, should we meet again, and you have yet to find a cure, I will have a experiment that may be able to bypass the stasis."

"Hopefully it will not come to that."

"Yes. May we meet again on a happier note." He returned to his Zurkhwood samples.

Durge eventually traded a bit with Blurg while Eternal looked around for where the others went. She saw them speaking with another Myconid. She began to head over to them and as the others follow, Gale pulls out a quill and book with blank pages. 

"Okay! To do list!"

"We kill the Duergar, then cross the lake to get out of here. Seems easy enough for me, we don't have to write everything down, Gale."

"It helps me make sure we don't forget anything."

"There's a Myconid that wants to join us in attacking the Duergar. Any objections?"

There was silence, and so, the now twelve of them head to slaughter some Duergar.

It didn't take long. The Duergar were severely out numbered, and even after, when the Myconid, Gut, turned on them because they wouldn't help him take over the circle, he was dead quickly too. 

Something about Eternal being oath sworn or some shit.

This is also how they learned that Penelope was a damn good fighter. Not only that, but she made sure that everyone was okay during the fight too. At one point, Shadowheart had fallen off a platform, and despite her fear Penelope whistled for her wolf, named Blaze, to run under her to cushion her fall. 

When Shadowheart landed, she jumped back into battle, but after the fighting, Penelope came up to her and apologized about the wolf. Shadowheart tried to be angry, she did, but couldn't. So all she said was "Thank you, but warn me next time."

As the group went back to the circle, the Sovereign turns to greet them. 

"You had another Sovereign here. Glut. It meant to slaughter your circle. I handled it."

"And I sense only silence from the Duergar hunters. The rot is cleansed. The songs we sing now carry your spirit. You shall now be called Kin Spirit. You said us in good faith, in good faith, I thank you," it pauses, "I have another boon to ask of you. You have cut out the Duergar blight, but not it's source."

Another vision, one of a Drow walking among dead Myconids.

"Nere, this one is called. He hunted us,behind him in turn. Bring me his head, and I will now my circle is safe."

Shadowheart scoffed, "More Busywork? That's royalty for you. Everyone is their servant."

"Alright, I'll see what I can do."

"The Drow lurks in the ruins beyond the lake. Bring him death, and return."

The group decided taking a small break would be beneficial. There was some shop keepers nearby, so they decided get some new armor and supplies. They even found a man trapped in a field, and the mushroom he was looking for, both of which they returned to his wife. 

They all regrouped at the lake, getting ready to go, though Eternal looked at her new green armor with a bit of disgust. It wasn't really her color.

Penelope was getting the boat untied while the others filed onto it. Eternal, Astarion, Shadowheart, Halsin and Lae'zel took the higher part of the boat, while Durge and Gale stood near the front with Penelope and Blaze, Karlach, Wyll, and Alfira.

There was a lot of them.

Eternal grabbed the steer and they set off.

"... So Penelope," Karlach started, breaking the silence, "Tell us about yourself."

"Ah. I'm from Waterdeep, as I am a member of Force Grey. Or... I was. I came to Baldur's Gate for a fresh start, and that's when I met Barcus. He claimed he was looking for a friend and well, I couldn't let him go alone without some way to protect himself, so I tagged along. And well, now I'm here."

"You're from Waterdeep? And Force Grey member at that!"

"You from there too?"

"I live there currently!" Gale seemed really excited, especially after learning she was apart of Waterdeep's elite soldiers and adventurers.

"It's a beautiful city but.. I don't know, the world was calling to me. I couldn't not answer the call."

"Understandable."

As they continued to chat, another boat slowly began to make its way next to them. Eternal looked over to the other boat, stepping away from the steer to meet the gaze of however was on that ship.

"Tiefling! What are you doing on Gehk's raft?" The Duergar shouts at her, jumping over to their boat, "Where's Gekh? Who are you?"

Eternal just scoffs, "You really are stupid, aren't you?"

"What did you just say?!" 

But before he could say anything more, Eternal pushed him into the water. The man didn't come back up, and Astarion bursted into laughter.

The other Duergar immediately pulled out their weapons, and Alfira groaned, "Does the fighting never end?"

Killing them was difficult, but not impossible. Fighting on moving rafts was not as easy as it sounds, but nevertheless it was still 11 against 4.

When they were dead and safe, the healers of the group went around and tended to everyone's wounds. Eternal moved back to the steer. "Alright, everyone ready?"

Durge was the first off the ship, and immediately they were stopped by guards.

"What do we got here? Dead hoon walking, seems like. Got any reason I shouldn't sever your head and toss it aside?"

Eternal quickly was at his side, and showed them the brand she got. She hated it, but damn was it useful.

"True Soul? That so?" She was going to continue, but groaned in pain. She wasn't infected, but their minds still connected, "I'll be. You ain't shitting. Felt the tingle. In that case, let's talk business. Your Twat-Soul friend Nere caused a rockfall. Trapped tighter than a hornet's arse."

"Coupla gnome slaves stuck with him too, little bastards."

"You Absolute-Shaggers owe us a crap-load of coin. You want through? Make a donation."

"Fuck that."

"Unclog your hole, just shittin' around. But I'm warning you, that Twat-Soul ain't settle up soon, there'll be hell to pay for the lot of you cult-buggers."

Eternal nods and leads the group away.

Gale pulled Durge aside, "Does it seem like she talks for you?" He whispered.

Durge shrugged, "A little bit.. but I think it's like in a protective way."

As they were running up the stairs Astarion's ears catches a conversation. He stopped to listen in while Eternal ran into the main room where Nere was. Shadowheart and Penelope noticed and stayed back with him, but the rest followed Eternal. Blaze stood accidentally in between Shadowheart and Penelope, but she was starting to get used to him. A little bit.

"Seen her run with a barrel under her arm. Just a small one, but enough to blow the Drow out. Someone should grab it, Slaves are never gonna manage with pickaxes."

"Can't go chasing maybes, the sergeant's our ticket in."

"Would you look at that, Kur, Someone having a listen," he paused as Astarion's mind connects briefly, "True Soul, no less. What do you think, Kur. Should we take Nere's debt off him?"

"Don't be absurd. I hate these True Soul cultists."

"Yet you got that Twat-Soul stench. If I didn't know better, I'd say a mind Flayer shat a worm in your brain. Should split your head open and poke around in there if you don't pay up."

"A stench?" Astarion sounded offended, "I'm no more True Soul than you are."

"The stench don't lie. You're one of them."

Astarion scowled slightly, trying to think of a good lie. Luckily, he is good at that, "I was a True Soul. That cult lied to me, now I want revenge."

"Hmm... Revenge eh? In that case I got a proposal. Want to earn some gold?"

Bingo. Astarion smirked.

"What do you need done?"

"Thrinn's after the Absolute's glory, that's why she's got those slaves digging for Nere. But we ain't need glory, just coin, and Nere's got plenty. Help Thrinn free Nere, then you and my chums grind him upm whatever the spoils, we'll drop you a fat cut. You in?"

"I'm in."

"Good, but first we need to take care of something first. You seen that weird orb-eye floating about? Knife it. And don't get caught. The cult watches through it, and we can't risk more Twat-Souls showing up."

Astarion nods, and he, Shadowheart and Penelope all run off.

Eternal turned around once she noticed they were gone, and didn't see them anywhere. Fuck. She was about to turn back to look for them, when she was stopped.

"A True Soul, eh? Useless rakkah of a lookout could've told me. Glad you're here to take responsibility. Tunnel's collapsed, trapped True Soul Nere. He's stuck in there with poisoned geysers, we don't get him out soon, it's both our heads."

"Clearing that rubble will be... Difficult. Any ideas?"

"Not a one, unless you count tacking aboleth fangs to my whipping cane."

"Let me handle it. Give the slaves a break."

She scowled but rolled her eyes. She called them off, "Better hurry, True Soul."

Eternal looked to Gale and Durge, "Know any explosive spells?" Both shrugged and tried to think. Eternal started checking her bag for anything useful, as did the others, but Gale and Durge just stood there. 

Durge looked to Gale, "You doing okay?" He whispered.

Gale looked back at him, "Huh? Oh. Yeah. I'm.. I'm okay."

"Need a magic item?"

Gale couldn't help but smile, "I had one this morning, I appreciate your efforts to help me however."

Durge fully turned to him, "Of course. You know, I care a lot about yo-"

That's when Astarion ran back in with Penelope and Shadowheart. He pulls Eternal aside.

"Darling, we have some Duergar that will help us kill Nere, we just need to free him, and I have these explosives from a runaway gnome."

"... Aren't you the savior."

"Ugh, how dare you."

Astarion placed the explosive by the rubble and lit it when everyone ran away, freeing everyone trapped inside.

They all back up as Nere slowly walks out. "Finally!" He turned to a gnome girl, and glared, "Worthless slaves. Your incompetence has been my ruin. Nere. Does. Not. Fail." He knocks her into the lava, killing her instantly.

"Touch another innocent, and I'll take your head, Nere," Eternal stepped forward, at this rate becoming the leader of their group.

"You care for the weak, True Soul. Most curious."

"And you waste your time persecuting them. That is true weakness."

"You dare speak to me without due reverence? That was your first and last mistake. Thrinn. Carve out her heart and serve it to the rothé. If she indeed is a True Soul, let the Absolute save her."

Eternal was about to respond, but Astarion actually cut her off. "Sounds like that's your cue, Brithvar. Time you got paid."

"Damn right it's time, you owe my crew a tenday's worth o'coin, Nere. And the reckoning's come."

"You bargained with this wretch? How vexing. Nere is not without mercy, True Soul. The rat has given you a chance to earn my favour. Strike him down. Prove your faith."

Eternal looked to Astarion, then back to Nere, "Kiss my ass, cultboy."

The party held back their laughter as Nere got ready to fight, "Heretics! Let Nere be your end!"

Nere ran at Eternal, but Shadowheart ran in front with her shield.

"ATTAAAAACK!!!"

The Duergar on their side immediately began to attack those following Nere, which left Nere for them. 

Penelope pulled Halsin aside, and together they backed down from the fight, getting as many gnomes as they can to a safe distance. 

Eternal, using the red divine magic once more, made a swing at Nere. It seemed to badly wound him, but he was strong enough to hold his own against Eternal alone.

But she wasn't alone. He was swarmed by the others, and once they Nere had died, Astarion ran to his body mid fight and grabbed whatever gold was on Nere so Brithvar wouldn't get any. Now that Nere was dead though, the rest of the fight went fairly quickly.

The gnomes hugged their loved ones, and Eternal quickly made sure the the Duergar left without them. She wasn't going to let these gnomes stay slaves.

Penelope ran over to Barcus, once she saw him. "Are you alright?" She asked, looking him over for any wounds.

"I'm fine," He swats her away. "Hm. Thank you. You did it! I shouldn't be surprised, considering our history."

"Sourpuss, you're free. Did you find Wulbren?"

"Yes? No. They have taken him prisoner to Moonrise Towers."

"Funny. That's where we mean to go too." Durge walked up to Penelope's side.

"Ah. I should've known you'd have a part in this. Thank you, but I must be going."

"You need to rest first. Here, they are going to the same place as us, it's smarter if we stick with them. For now."

"Hm. Hmm. Fine. I'll have better chance of rescuing Wulbren if I'm at my best. I will travel with you to the Shadow-cursed lands, however, once we have found a safer place is when I will depart. Lead on for now."

"We've got to head back to the Myconid's first. I promised I'd deliver Nere's head, plus we can safely escorted the rest of the gnomes over."

"Sounds like a solid plan."

Eternal then walked over to Nere's corpse, looting what she could. She grabbed his shoes, his weapon, a strange ring, and a broken lantern. She threw the lantern to the side, not giving it much thought, but she pocketed the ring and gave the remaining loot to whoever wanted it. Then, with almost too much ease, she cleanly cuts his head right off, holding it at her side.

"That's vile."

"Eh. I've had practice."

"That's not a good thing to hear." Gale muttered.

"Stay on my good side then, wizard." Eternal snapped back, causing Durge to stand in between them. 

"Should we explore this place? I'm sure there's something important here, if the Absolute made a big fuss about it."

"I'd rather get to Moonrise and be purified."

Eternal, with a hint of nervousness, said, "I agree with Shadowheart."

Unfortunately though, Shadowheart and Eternal were out ruled, and the group decided to gather up the gnomes and sail back across the lake.

With the gnomes safe at the Myconid's colony, and Nere's head delivered, the twelve of them travel back to the fort, and head to the elevator. There's a silence.

"Everyone ready?"

"No."

"Oh well."

As they go into the elevator, the ride up was silent. There was a nervous tension in the air.

Usually, this is when someone would break the silence or Eternal would make a quip.. but no. Nothing. 

Eternal kept her eyes on the exit, and Astarion could practically feel the fear coming off of her, practically hear her heart race.

There's definitely something she's not telling anyone.

The elevator stops, and at the top, there was a man. "Oh! My.. well aren't you all a sight for sore eyes?"

"Elminster?" Gale spoke up from the back. He stepped forward through Shadowheart and Eternal, as they separated to turn to look at him. Durge followed him.

"The very same Gale. And a fair bit miffed he is, too, finding himself forced to expose his best pair of boots to so many miles of country road on your behalf."

"Oh my gosh!" Alfira spoke up, "It's not everyday you meet the hero of countless ballads!! Is that really Elminster?"

"I know a minstrel by trade when I see one! Tell me, what ballad bold enough to lift me unto the pedestal of acclaim enjoys your musical predilection?"

"The Day the Dragon Woke in Flame, "Elminster Haled the Wyen King Heir!! It's my favorite!"

Karlach leaned over to Wyll, "I thought he was Gale's grandad." She whispered, causing him to snicker, then excuse himself for laughing.

"Ha! Old, but hearty, and rife with witty flourishes not unlike myself. I confess it to be among my favoured few as well."

"Yes, yes, yes, be that as it may, you said you came all this way on behalf, did you not? For what purpose?" Gale seemed very impatient, which caused Durge to elbow him gently. Gale reluctantly relaxed a bit.

"I was bid to spare neither time not my own self to find you. She sent me, Gale. You know of whom I speak."

Durge's eyes grew cold. He didn't even really know Mystra outside of her being a god, but he already hates her.

"But why? Out with it, Elminster! Please!"

"Young man, has your sojourn away from Waterdeep washed away your decorum as well as your patience? Nigh a tenday I've gone without honest fare worthy of the name drank naught but what the sky entitled my thirst. Why, some bread, cheese, and a cup of wine would appear unto me a feast! Surely you won't begrudge me a mite of rest and repast before I get 'out with it'?"

"We're ways from camp unfortunately. We don't even know where we will be spending the night tonight, much less have time to break bread, I'm afraid." Durge bowed his head slightly in an apology, "Otherwise we'd love to, we have plenty of spare rations"

"Ah a shame, right here must do then." He goes and finds a makeshift seat and making himself comfortable.

"Nigh on thirteen centuries old and he still thinks with his stomach. We'd best follow, and see if he's more disposed to speak plainly once it's stopped its grumbling." Gale gets food out of his pack and follows Elminster with Durge following him. He hands Elminster some spare rations, and as they eat, Elminster begins to speak again.

"Mmm, yes, what a delightful wedge of Old Elturian that was. Doesn't do to parley on an empty stocnach. you know. Makes one's words frivolous when they should be grave. Plenty to digest, after all. A good deal to stew over, if you will. Words ladled with import should be savoured so as to better absorb their meaning, wouldn't you agree?"

"Elminster!" Gale snapped at him.

The others in the group were either watching this happen, or doing their own thing to recover or rest.

"Right," Elminster clears his throat, only to proceed to stumble over his words a bit, "Gale m'boy, l've come to address a most pressing matter. I'll speak as plainly as I can, forswearing the accustomed frills that decorate my speech. I'm here on behalf of Mystra. The message and the charge I bring you are hers."

"Wait Mystra?" Eternal's nosy ears catch and she looks over, curious. "You're sent here as a divine messenger?" Astarion chuckled at her curiosity.

"Mystra's delicate feet are ill-suited for the hardships of the road," Gale smirked a bit, which told Eternal and Astarion everything and they both look at him completely baffled.

"You know where you went wrong, Gale. We needn't dwell on that here and now. But even so, you're to be given a chance of redemption."

"Mystra would consider... Forgiveness...?" Gale sounded surprised with a touch of relief and happiness. It made Durge's blood boil knowing that it was illplaced.

"She would consider what she considers forgiveness. Mystra is aware of the misadventures that have befallen you all. She knows of your strife with the Absolute, that most insidious of evils"

"If she knows, why isn't she helping us?"

"The very purpose for my presence in a roundabout sort of way. You must know that the Absolute is more dangerous than you can possibly conceive. It threatens all who lave even those who are undying. It threatens the gods the Weave, the very fabric of the universe itself.That is why I have come here to charge you, Gale, with its destruction. It is Mystra's belief that only you can."

"Whoa what?" That got everyone's attention.

"Gale Alone? How?"

"The orb," Gale looked to the ground, thinking. 

"Precisely. Mystra has granted me the power to stop the clock, as it were, on the orb's rush to overpower you. Instead you will be able to unleash its lethal combustion at will.You must find the Heart of the Absolute, whatever that may be, and use yourself burn it from this world."

Durge slowly realized what this meant, he stood up in anger. "She's asking him to kill himself?!?! What kind of Goddess.. No one has the right to ask that of you. She can not do this. I won't allow it, you do not have to, she can't force you!"

"No. But she trusts me to." He looked up to Durge.

"And how many die in process? Your live is worth more than that. Many lives is worth more than that!"

"It brings me no pleasure saying this, my friend, but such is Mystra's will. Yours must be the sacrifice that will undo the Absolute. And for your sacrifice, you will be redeemed; such is Mystra's promise." With that, Elminster chants a magic charm and as magic swirls around Gale and Elminster, Gale is temporarily cured. Until he unleashes it in his own.

"We will find another way. I won't let you."

"Let's not deny the option outright."

"You can't actually be considering this!"

"Of course I am!"

Elminster looks to Durge, "To you, I commit into care Gale himself. I count on you to shepherd him well on this strangest of journeys... Farewell. My friend."

"Farewell Elminster. I'm glad she chose you."

Then Elminster leaves. Gale reaches out to Durge, but he just brushes him off, walking away.

Eternal looked between the two before looking around at the whole group. "Alright, everyone! Grab a torch. This is gonna be fun." 

Each of them grabs a torch and Karlach, jokingly and being playful to lighten the mood, goes around and uses herself to light them. They stayed together in a large group to be safest, and as they walked the shadows crept up to them, but never made it past the light.

It was here where Shadowheart realized that the shadows aren't affecting her. Shar had blessed her.

She stayed quiet though.

As they walked, they overheard voices ahead, and those voices saw their light. 

"Another light! Who's there!! Show yourselves!!!"

"My name is Eternal. We mean no harm!"

"I'll be the judge of that. Stow your weapons, put your hands up, and step forward!" Hesitation filled the group, but eventually, they all listened. Eternal was at the front of the group, but they all stepped forward.

When they stepped forward, they saw a large group, some backing up, and Penelope recognized them all immediately. "Harpers!"

"Yonas! Move in!" 

But it was too late. One of the Harpers had stepped out of the light, and was consumed by the Shadows.

"Not another fiiiiight!" Alfira whines.

After the shadows were defeated and went away, the Harpers turned back to Eternal. "Well done! Look, I know a safe place. Give me your map!"

She marked down an inn on the map and ran off with the other Harpers. It didn't even matter, because eventually the party just followed them to the inn, once Gale stopped gawking at how incredible of a fighter Durge was, now that he's joining the fights. They were all exhausted and some badly injured.

As they got closer, they could see a large magic shield over a large inn, inside... It's the Tiefling's from the grove!"

Eternal and Alfira immediately got excited and began to run in, but they were immediately stopped by Harpers. Astarion couldn't help but smile subconsciously at the brief moment Eternal's guard was down, but it was make up the second they were stopped.

"You there! Step forward and keep your hands off your weapons!"

"Easy. They're with me," The Harper from the field defended them, reluctantly, the other relaxed. 

"Come."

Alfira headed back towards Karlach and Wyll, but Eternal followed after the woman. "Jaheira!" The woman called out, and suddenly there was a mix of emotions from the party as an older looking half elf turned around.

Karlach's eyes widen with excitement, amazement, wonder. Clearly, she knew who this was.

Penelope gasped very loudly, mostly in shock.

Wyll, Alfira, and Astarion's reaction were similar, but more tame, as if they were trying to hide just how excited they were.

Halsin had a friendly look, as if recognizing the name and being glad to know she's alive.

Shadowheart, Barcus, Durge, Lae'zel and Gale brushed it off, either having no clue or just not caring as much as the others.

But Eternal? Eternal had a look of pure dread.

Jaheira turned to look at her and smirked at that look. She didn't recognize the Tiefling in front of her, but something from that look told her that she's not to be trusted.

Jaheira paused, taking in the fear, before reaching to the ground and using her druidic magic to entangle Eternal in vines 

Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Eternal thought as she looked up to Jaheira.

Astarion dashed forward, but was held back by other Harpers. "Just this once can people say Hello?"

Jaheira smirked at him, before looking back at Eternal, "Hello."

"Hi. This hurts, can I be let go?"

"We just saved your Harpers!" Astarion struggled against the Harpers.

"Kindness is to often a decoy," She had a similar accent to Penelope, and she pulled out a jar that had a tadpole inside it, "This is why we are here, you see? It is a curious creature that hides all manner of secrets, but if there is one thing that we know is that it knows it's own kind."

She held the bottle up to Eternal, and watched as the tadpole banged against the side, trying to get to her. She put the bottle away.

"You should never have come here, True Soul!"

Eternal looks around, looked back at Astarion. For the first time she saw through his persona. She saw a little bit of fear in his eyes.

Penelope's eyes widened. "True Soul?"

"Penelope, that was established back in the underdark," Barcus mumbled to her.

"Sorry I was busy saving your life. Again."

"Stop!"

Eternal and Jaheira both look to the new voice, a Tiefling kid. One Eternal didn't recognize, but from the way the kid held herself, this had to be the leader.

"What are you doing?! She's the one who saved us!"

"She's the one who protected the Emerald Grove?!" Jaheira kept her magic on Eternal, tightening it a bit. She cried out a little bit in pain. 

"Yep! Didn't leave a goblin standing! Not so bad to hang around with either. Saved two of my friends! One from a harpy, and one from a mad druid with a snake. Didn't make a big fuss about our thieving, either! I'd pretty much trust her with my life."

Eternal had a almost look of pity at those words.

"A true soul with a mind of her own? How is this possible?" She lets Eternal go from the vines and she looks back to Shadowheart. 

Shadowheart sighed and nods, pulling out the Artifact. She tossed it over to Eternal, who catches it and shows it to Jaheira, "Because of this."

Jaheira looks at it, then to the tadpole in her bottle. It explodes the second it got close to the artifact.

"What in the hells is that thing?"

"It's a Githyanki relic, I believe. There's someone inside it who's shielding is from the tadpole and the Absolute's influence. That's... All I know."

"Congratulations. You've earned yourself the benefit of the doubt," Jaheira couldn't get over the look of terror on Eternal's face however, so she continues, "All of you rest up. There's a room in the inn for you all to take, and there's a kitchen to cook or bake or whatever you need. Rest up," she then pointed to Eternal, "You. I want to speak with you. Privately. Follow me." She walked off, under the Inn. 

The Harpers let Astarion go and he runs to Eternal. She smiled at him and stops him, as he's clearly acting out of fear and she doesn't want him to regret anything later. "Im okay. I'll be back."

"Y.. you better be."

Eternal followed Jaheira alone, leaving the rest to their own devices.

Durge and Gale were quick to go to the kitchen. Gale was upset that there wasn't much food in the kitchen, so he'd still have to cook with whatever scraps they found, but at least he had an actual real kitchen to use this time. 

Alfira ran off to find Lakrissa, but couldn't find her anywhere... Karlach and Wyll ran after her to find out what happened to some of the missing Tieflings.

Alfira was devastated to learn Lakrissa was captured by cultist, among several other refugees.

Lae'zel called it an early night, and because of that she was the first to find Withers in the room Jaheira and her Harpers separated off for the party. Scratch and Scritch were there too, sleeping in the corner. Let's just say Lae'zel was happy to have her things back.

Astarion wandered around, exploring and definitely not pacing around waiting for Eternal to return.

Shadowheart and Penelope found themselves sharing a bottle of wine outside near the magic domes edge. They stayed inside of course.

Halsin had noticed a man who was singing about someone named Thaniel, and suddenly was insistent he needed to wake up.

Barcus went off on his own, now safe to leave the party.

Which left Eternal.

Jaheira had led Eternal to the prisons underneath the Inn, putting the Tiefling on edge. Jaheira only smiled at this, and handed her a cup. 

"Please. Be welcome. Have a drink."

Eternal takes the cup and sniffs it, "... I... Kauthgrass. Isn't it?"

"It doesn't spoil the taste, if that's what you're wondering."

Eternal looked to the drink. If she drank this, she'd have to tell the truth. She wouldn't be able to lie. At all.

She downed the whole thing.

Jaheira smiled and takes the cup and puts it down for her. "You knew what it was and still drank it. It's well over a century old and hasn't lost a hint of flavor. Still not quite so sure about you though."

"I'm not that old, only 26." 

She chuckled, "People tend to lose more than flavor when illithids get there hands on them. I speak from experience. There's an air about you. Something alien. Yet also something familiar. The Parasite. It's changing you. Isn't it?"

"Yes. It's honestly, terrifying."

Jaheira sighed, "I have every reason to be cautious. I've traced people like you, people with parasites in their brains, all the way here from Baldur's Gate. The cult of the Absolute as spreading through the city - quietly, quickly, and with unsettling deliberation. We tracked them to this ancient village only to be faced with a man we killed and buried over a century ago."

"Ketheric Thorm."

"So you know him."

"I've met him."

Jaheira smiled, catching her. That's when Eternal froze up. 

"You've met him? But you're only 26 years old?" 

"... I.."

"Is that why you're afraid of me?"

"..."

"You've already been to Moonrise. Haven't you. You were a True Soul once, if not now. How can I trust you? There are innocents here. You may have the benefit of the doubt to not have the influence of the absolute. How do I know you don't follow them willingly?"

"...I... You don't... All I have is my word.." Eternal closed her eyes and looked down, before sighing and looking back to Jaheira, "How about this. Any questions you have, I'll answer. All of it. About the Absolute, Ketheric, everything. All I ask is one thing in return."

"What would that be?"

"If you decide it's too dangerous for me to continue living after this conversation, all I ask is you spare my companions. They have nothing to do with this."

Jaheira was taken back, but she nods, "Who's behind the Absolute?"

"The Dead Three. More specifically, their chosen."

"I should've known. Who's their chosen?"

"Ketheric Thorm is the chosen of Myrkul, Lord Gortash is the chosen of Bane, and up until a week ago, The Dark Urge was the chosen of Bhaal. I suspect that Bhaal's new chosen is Orin the Red."

"How did you get wrapped into the Absolute."

"I served, albeit against my will, as a Paladin of Bhaal. That's why I was afraid of you. I've heard the legends about you and Sarevok."

"Against your will?"

"I was kidnapped, tortured and manipulated into agreeing to be the knight of Bhaal's chosen, the Dark Urge. My oath is to protect him and follow his every command. By agreeing to this oath, I was promised my family will be returned to me."

"Where is the Dark Urge now?"

"... Upstairs."

Jaheira froze, "One of your companions is a Bhaalspawn?"

"He doesn't remember anything, however, and you promised you'd spare them," Eternal sighed, "He doesn't remember anything at all, and he's resisting his urges really well. He didn't like his bloodline even before he lost his memory. My job is to keep him safe and help him. I intend to help him, but not in the way Bhaal wants. In the way he wants. I wish to help him break free from Bhaal. I haven't told him anything about his past in hopes that ignorance will keep him passive."

Jaheira was silent...

"He has shown improvement. I don't even know if it's possible-"

"It is," Jaheira pinched her nose, "I've seen it before. Fine. I will be keeping a close eye on you and on him, though."

"All I want is to give him the chance he grew up without. He.. he's the only reason I'm still alive."

"Alright. I better not regret this. I believe you. Now.. go. I want to have more talks like this with you, but it is late. Go get rest, I will keep an eye on..."

"The Dragonborn. We've been calling him Durge."

"Subtle."

"It's.. what I used to call him before."

Jaheira waved Eternal off.

By the time Eternal made it to the room, mostly everyone was in a bed and asleep. Everyone but Halsin, who wasn't in the room, and Astarion, who was waiting for Eternal to return. 

When she entered the room, Astarion let out a breath he didn't know he was holding. She smirked at him, "Aww.. miss me?"

"What was that all about."

"Just business. I'm going to talk to her again in the morning."

Astarion narrowed his eyes. He didn't like that answer, but he couldn't do much because Eternal took one of the beds and laid down, shutting her eyes.

He went to his own bed to meditate.

Chapter Text

Eternal woke up first, and she was immediately off to the kitchen, which confused the others when they eventually woke. Durge was the first to go out looking for her, just to be hit with the smell of sweets. 

He looked around the main area of the inn to find Tiefling refugees running around, what looked to be some Half-Elf Cleric, some Harper's holding plates with pie. Jaheira wasn't seen anywhere, and neither was Eternal.

The smell though woke up Penelope, who bursted past Durge to get some of the pie. Shadowheart was close behind her.

He followed to two to the Kitchen, finding Eternal baking, and Jaheira standing with her. They were talking, and from the looks of it, they were friendly. It's a good sign.

He looked around, before walking over to Eternal. "Didn't know you baked."

"There's a lot you don't know about me," she chuckled, "besides, how was I gonna bake with a campfire?"

"Fair point."

"It was certainly a surprise this morning," Jaheira chuckled a bit to herself, and that's when Durge realized how close of an eye Jaheira was keeping on him. He waved shyly. 

Shadowheart and Penelope both go for the same slice, and bonk into each other. Penelope, being a faun, had pretty sharp horns, so immediately when Shadowheart hissed in pain she gasped and checked her head for injuries.

Shadowheart however, only started laughing a bit. "Gods that hurt."

Penelope was confused, but eventually started laughing too.

Eternal, while rolling her eyes at the two, got them both their own plates. 

"Get a room you two." Astarion said, where he stood leaning on the doorframe. This comment made Penelope blush, and Shadowheart throw a ball at him. Scratch's ball specifically.

Astarion immediately dodges and jumped out of the way before he was tackled by the dog who was now chasing the ball across the Inn. The kids saw this and immediately began to play with Scratch.

"Bitch," Astarion glared at Shadowheart, who just smiled back at him innocently. He rolled his eyes and chuckled a bit, heading over to Eternal, who was actively cleaning up her mess. He pulled her aside and whispered something to her. Eventually she hesitantly nodded back to him.

Durge stepped back a bit when he approached, and looked around the kitchen. 

As the others filed in, Gale began to protest about not being the one to make breakfast that morning, but quickly shut up when the slice of pie was given to him.

"This is really good, Eternal, Thank you," Halsin had also stopped by, momentarily.

"It's my mother's recipe. She taught me when I was young." 

He nodded, however, once he had finished eating, he went back to the singing man.

Penelope made a mental note to check on that.

Astarion, didnt need the food. He and Eternal both knew that, but that didn't stop him from 'stealing' a bite from Eternal's slice. She gave it willingly, but was worried it wouldn't taste right for him. He enjoyed it though, and hit his sweet tooth well, not that he'd admit it.

Alfira didn't come in this morning.

"So what's the plan? It's been a week now and none of us are cured," Wyll, who had finished his food and was cleaning up after himself.

"That's what I am hoping to speak with you all about. You mean to be cured at Moonrise? I mean to kill the general leading the forces there, again." Jaheira steps forward. "He was a Sharran, once took to building an army of Dark Justiciars beneath this very village. Alongside the local druids, we made it our business to see him deposed - dead and buried. But he's returned. Not only does General Ketheric Thorm live again, it seems he is no longer mortal. He has become, in fact, invincible. We met him on the road here - commanding an army of the Absolute, intent on destroying Baldur's Gate. I put an arrow through his eye myself, only to watch him pluck it out like a splinter. He healed right in front of me, and chased us into the shadows. Things looked hopeless, but experience has taught me that no matter how bleak things look, there's always hope. You are that hope." She looked right to Durge there, then to Eternal.

They were silent, and Penelope glanced at Shadowheart.

"Protected by your artefact, you can infiltrate his forces at Moonrise Towers, posing as a True Soul. Find out what it is that makes him invincible so we can strip him of his advantage. Once Ketheric is without his shield, the sword: together we assault his tower, and put a final end to this blight."

"Sounds like a solid plan," Wyll smiled, almost heroically which made Karlach snicker at him.

"His days are numbered. We will make sure of it," Eternal finished eating and watched Jaheira, who gave her a knowing look.

"Without a cure for your infection, your days are numbered too, yet you selflessly offer to spend them fighting alongside us. I like you. I promise I will do everything I can to make sure you survive this. All of you."

Eternal smiled at that... It was nice to hear the words.

"And while we're there, we find a cure for ourselves as well."

"Though, maybe.. uh.. maybe a day of rest may not be so bad?" Eternal spoke up again, getting a crazed look from everyone but Jaheira, who immediately knew why she was avoiding going to Moonrise. 

"What?"

"Absolutely not."

"Are you insane?"

"All I'm saying is maybe we aren't prepared for Moonrise just yet. We should explore around, maybe we will learn more."

"That is smarter, but still I'd rather be purified of this Ghaik tadpole today then be a Ghaik tomorrow!"

"I'm just saying we have the protection now, we won't lose it tomorrow! I just don't think we are ready. Besides how in the world are we going to get through the darkness?"

"You're not our only secret weapon," Jaheira crossed her arms and sat in her hip a bit, "Isobel - a faithful cleric of Selüne, and a light in the darkness. She cast the moon shield around the inn. It's the only reason we're still alive. She's somewhere around the Inn. Tell her I sent you and she'll see you through the shadows safely." Jaheira then left the room, but left the door open so she could still keep an eye on all of them.

Shadowheart scowled, which caught Penelope's attention. 

"Okay so, are we planning?" 

"We don't need a to do list, Gale."

"One day you're going to ask me for one, I promise you!"

"Let's talk to Isobel. We can figure out our next plans after that," Karlach had a hand to her chest, like it hurt, but eventually she relaxed.

"Maybe we can also find Dammon for you?" Wyll casually slipped in as they filed out of the kitchen to find Isobel, "If the refugee's are here, he might be too."

Karlach gasped, "You're right!"

As they made their way up to Isobel, Shadowheart decided to stay back. Penelope immediately stopped and turned back to her. "You okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine." Shadowheart felt the 'butterflies' in her stomach as Penelope walked back over to her, sit back down right next to her.

"You need the blessing."

"So do you."

"No.. I.. this place is cursed in Shar's name, so as a... Sharran, I'm protected by it. You won't be."

"Then I'll go to her later." 

"You're stubborn aren't you?"

Penelope chuckled and shrugged, "Didn't know you were a Sharran though. Do the others know?"

"Yeah, I told them before we went to the underdark."

Blaze eventually joined them and Shadowheart tensed for a moment, before realizing it's Blaze and calming down a bit.

"Sorry."

"No.. no. Don't be Pen. He's your familiar."

"I've had him since he was a pup." 

"That's... Cute."

"Tell me about yourself."

"What? Besides my life's calling and the biggest problem I've ever faced?" Penelope giggled at her response, "Well I like night orchids, and can't swim. Is that the sort of thing you meant?"

"Sort of. Anything else?"

"No. I can't... I mean literally I can't. I've had.. certain memories repressed. To protect lady Shar's secrets."

"That's.. unfortunate. I can't imagine what that's like..." Penelope looked to Shadowheart, who seemed conflicted. Immediately, she goes to change the subject, "You'll have to point out a Night Orchid to me, if you ever see one."

She smiled, "okay."

Then there was a long silence.

Until- "... Hey, want to check on Halsin with me? He seemed-"

"Yes."

Penelope laughed and the two left to go check on him.

Eternal eventually found Isobel. She had gone up to her own chamber's balcony to enforce the barrier. Eternal watched in amazement, as the rest of their group followed close behind.

When Isobel turned around, she smiled a bit, "I didn't realize I had an audience."

She walks past them, back inside, "The True Souls that are gonna save us all. I'm Isobel, pleased to meet you."

Eternal bowed her head a bit, she may not like gods, or priests, but she had a small respect for Clerics.

"Word gets around fast."

"Small inn, and you lot are a large party. But, I wasn't going to say no to pie," she gestured to the half eaten slice she has put to the side. "We've been waiting... Hoping against hop for someone like you. Free from the absolute's influence, but able to walk among cultists. It's almost to good to be true, but I'd be a poor cleric indeed not to avail of a blessing when I see one. Let me guess, Jaheira sent you to beg a protection spell off her favorite cleric?"

She steps back and begins to glow brightly as she places the spell on the group. Eternal looked down at herself, before looking back up to Isobel.

"Perfect. This should protect you from the lesser effects of the curse, but it won't save you from the darkest areas, where the curse is strongest. The cultists are able to traverse even the deepest shadows though, I don't know how. The Harper's are trying to figure it out."

"How long will this last?"

"Don't worry about that. It will last as long as you come back here every night. You'll be sa- wait. Do you here that? Something's wrong."

Eternal listens as the others look around. That's when a man in flaming fist armor lands on the balcony, and floods his wings in to walk in.

"Hello Isobel."

Eternal feels the tingle and immediately stands between Isobel and the man. Karlach watched her do this and ran to cut off one exit. Wyll followed her as Lae'zel, Gale and Durge cut off any other exits.

Astarion just stayed by Eternal's side. 

"Marcus? Is that you, what's happened to you?"

Before Marcus could answer, Eternal pulls out her sword and shield. "He's a true soul now. Means to kidnap you."

"Pathetic! The Absolute sees all! Your treachery will be punished!"

"The Absolute.. of course. You can't believe them Marcus. Ketheric will never give whatever it is you've been promised."

"He already has," he says as he stretches his wings. Then he yells out loudly, alerting the rest of the inn, but also whatever it was he was calling for.

Eternal heard yelling out the door, but kept focused on protecting Isobel.

Then, the fight begins. 

Penelope and Shadowheart stayed with the Flaming Fist downstairs, holding off the winged creatures he called for, but Jaheira ran quickly up to the room to protect Isobel. Luckily though, she ran in just in time to see the party already having it handled, Eternal wiping the sweat from her brow as she stands over Marcus's corpse. 

Astarion was... Staring at her.

Durge chuckled at this and came up, hugging her around the shoulders, "Those divine strikes come in handy!" 

Eternal just laughed, but Durge then looked to Isobel, "Are you alright?"

"I'm fine."

"Marcus has been with us since the start. They've been tracking us the whole time! And that was no random attack. You were the target Isobel! They know how important you are! But they don't know about you," she turned to the others, "Ketheric will strike again, you need to strike first. Discover the source of his invulnerability. Make him mortal so we can make him bleed. Good luck."

Eternal tensed a bit, but it was hidden well when Shadowheart and Penelope ran in. Immediately, Shadowheart and Isobel were sending glares at each other, but Penelope conveniently stepped forward, in between them.

"Okay so, few things. One, we might have a lead into curing the lands, and two, on of the creatures stole Mol."

"What?" Eternal sounded immediately pissed. Jaheira made a mental note of it.

"She was probably taken to Moonrise Towers." 

"All the more reason to go today."

"Well hold on now, we cant make it there yet. The curse is too dark."

"My Harpers are currently preparing for an ambush, going to find out what the cultists are doing to survive it. Go with them."

"We can split up," Penelope says, catching everyone's attention, "I want to follow this curing the lands lead, especially if we do that, traveling around here will be a lot easier. I'll take Shadowheart with me."

"I'll go with you too then."

"Darling, you- fine. I will tag along as well I suppose."

"That makes five in one group, because I assume Halsin will be with you guys, and five in the other, because Alfira expressed not feeling up to adventuring right now."

"Sounds like a perfect idea. Karlach, keep an eye on the magic wielders for me? Can't have the ones not wearing armor dying on us now would we?"

Karlach started laughing as she leads Gale, Wyll, Lae'zel, and Durge (who had hugged Eternal goodbye) to go join the Harpers.

Eternal and Astarion then followed Penelope and Shadowheart back down to Halsin, who sat at the bedside of a unconscious, but singing man.

They listened to the song, and Halsin shrugged, trying to make sense of it. "You four go, look for any clue you may find. I'll stay here, seeing if I can figure this out."

The woman treating the man looked up, "Here, I'll mark where I found him on the map."

Penelope nods, looking to Halsin, "we will be back."

"Thank you."

As they all step outside the room, Penelope looked to Eternal. "So clues. Probably means we're going to have to explore a lot of different places."

However, something caught Astarion's eye. He saw Raphael. He stepped on the other side of Eternal, almost protectively? Either way she appreciated it, realizing that he was standing in between them.

"Yeah, the sooner we leave, the sooner we can be back."

"You guys go ahead. I'll catch up."

Eternal turned to look back at Astarion, but he just nods to her and shoos her away. She hesitated, hitting Astarion's heart in a way he wasn't ready for, but she ran off to follow Shadowheart and Penelope outside.

Astarion then turned to walk towards Raphael. The devil looked to him, "I sense you have something you want to ask me."

"I do. I have.. a proposal for you."

"A proposal? If you're hoping to taste my blood, little vampling, think again. It burns hotter then Wyvern Whiskey."

"This is serious, Devil! My old, well... A long time ago, someone carved infernal runes into my back. They are a fragment of a contract. I'd like to know what the full contract says."

"Even with your beloved so afraid of me?"

"This is about me. Not her."

"It's something very important to your master, but is it a love letter, a warning, or a deed of ownership? I could give you all the gorey details. If course you'll have to do something for me first! Let me think about it, and get back to you."

"You'll get back to me? This is important devil! When?"

"Don't worry - I'm motivated to help you Sears often tell such wonderful stories - I think yours might be truly exquisite. I'll see you soon." And with that, he disappeared.

Astarion sighed and followed the others outside. He noticed Penelope found Harpers with a makeshift map of the area that's updated with the curse, Shadowheart and Eternal were practicing her Elvish. 

He smirked with an idea and he comes up behind her, hugging her from behind. She gasped and tensed until she recognized his voice, whispering something in her ear in Elvish.

She didn't recognize the words though, but from the way Shadowheart gagged and went to join Penelope's side, it was probably something sexual. 

Once the drider was dead, Wyll ran to grab the lantern he was holding, inspecting it close. There's a Pixie in it?

"Incredible magic. I can feel the light lifting the shadows... Even those within me. Be safe, and be brave. We expect no less." With that the Harper's left.

Once they were gone, Durge joined Wyll's side and the Pixie suddenly banged up on the side of the lantern. 

"Oh please, oh golly me oh my! You must release me or I'll die! This lantern only lights the way when I am hurting night and day!"

"We have to free her."

"I agree, but we also need to get to Moonrise." Lae'zel crossed her arms.

Durge hesitated, but freed the Pixie anyways. Gale couldn't help but smile. Karlach noticed the gaze and chuckled.

"Finally!! Been trapped in that coffin with nobody but a mad drider and my own farts for company!!" Durge smiled, proud of himself, as the Pixie continues, "Did me a good turn there, didn't you? What do I owe you?"

"We need to get through this Shadow curse. Can you help us?"

"Sure I can. But will I....?" She glanced at Lae'zel, smirking mischievously at how annoyed she got, "yeah sure. Why not?"

Wyll chuckled, knowing Pixie's like her loved mischief, whether playful or otherwise.

The fairy pulled out a bell and handed it to Durge, "Here, give this bell a shake, speak the magic words, and you'll get what you've earned. Protection from the shadow curse. What more could a dingus want?"

Karlach gasped in realization. "What about the others?"

"That's right. We have some friends that also need protection."

"Then they must ring the bell too, if they want to make it through with you. You're welcome!" Then the Pixie flew away.

Durge shook the bell and suddenly, the shadows around them all moved away quicker than when holding the now empty lantern. 

"That's powerful magic," Gale pointed out, "We were lucky to get on that Pixie's good side or perhaps just lucky we met you."

Durge blushed a bit.

"Let's head back! Maybe we will run into the others while they are doing whatever they are doing!" Karlach rushed to head back to the Inn, but Wyll knew she was just more excited to go talk to Dammon. So, he follows her. 

Lae'zel eventually follows to go back as well, but when Durge tried to, he noticed Gale doesn't. He stopped and looked back, tilting his head in confusion.

Don't get Durge wrong, he was still pissed at Gale. But he realized if he couldn't change his mind about sacrificing himself, he might lose him forever.

"Gale?"

"It's quite thrilling. To fight off grim creatures as this regions throws at us. Especially being at your side."

The others were gone now, it was just them two.

Durge couldn't help but smile as he fully turned back around, before he could say anything though, Gale continues. "I once read a book that explained in some detail the effect a brush with danger has on one's desire for... Other forms of stimulation. Have you ever read anything on that subject..?"

Durge looked confused for a moment, till he realized Gale was trying to hit on him. What a dork. He chuckled and says, "Wow, even in a place like this you're drawn to me?"

"I can't imagine anywhere that would turn my heart from you, cursed or otherwise. You'll always be as beautiful. As impressive."

Durge rolled his eyes, "Gale, where's this really coming from?"

"... I'll find you tonight. I'd love to speak with you."

"Just speak?" He joked and turned to head back to the inn again, and Gale blushed, but casted mage hand to grab Durge and pull him back. They were chest to chest now, though Durge was taller.

"I guess we will have to see."

Karlach ran back inside with Wyll and Lae'zel. Quickly Lae'zel went off on her own to sharpen her sword.

Karlach looked around before spotting Dammon in the distance and rushing over, Wyll trying to keep up with her.

"Dammon!"

"Karlach! I thought you'd have reached the city by now. We were ambushed my cultists. Half of us were captured, the other half ran here."

"Off the anvil, into the forge. We'll find them. Hopefully."

"Before you run of into the belly of the beast, there something I need to tell you. Well... Two things. Good and bad news."

"Give us the good news," Wyll said from beside her, and she smiled at him.

"I only need on more pieces of infernal iron to craft an insulating chamber that would make it possible for Karlach to-"

"TOUCH PEOPLE?!"

"Exactly!"

"Oh my gods.. it's finally happening! Well, we have the iron! Let's do this thing!"

"Wait I think you'll want to here the bad news too!"

"Nah it's fine! Let's just do this!"

Dammon sighed and chuckled, giving in and fixing her heart. She reinstalled it like before, then looked around. "Did it work?"

Wyll smiled and immediately pulled her into a tight hug. She gasped, but hugged back faster. When Wyll went to pull away, she instead pulled him into a kiss.

There was a whistle from a little bit away. They turned and saw Eternal and Astarion, looking as smug as ever.

Wyll buffered as Karlach looked back.

Then... Dammon told her the bad news. If she doesn't return to Avernus, she'll die.

... Well, better focus on the positives for now.

Durge and Gale got back to the inn pretty quickly after their flirting in the middle of the curse, to find Penelope and Shadowheart talking with Harper's leaning over a map.

They almost joined them, but Karlach had tackled Durge to the floor in a hug. Gale yelped and jumped back as Durge realized who it was and laughed. "You can touch people!!!!"

Karlach was burning blue as she laughed, "Yeah!!"

"That's awesome!"

Shadowheart looked up and split from Penelope, walking over as Karlach gets off Durge and they both stand. "How was your ambush?"

"Figured out how to get through the deeper shadows. Here, ring this bell," Shadowheart takes the bell from Durge and rang it. She felt the Pixie magic, and so did the group she was with causing Penelope to look up and Astarion and Eternal to walk over with everyone else, "What about you guys?"

"Nothing much yet, but we do have a map with the curse in mind now. There's a specific place I want to check, the House of Healing. I just have a feeling."

"Alright, well good luck."

Shadowheart nods and Penelope walked over, "I've got the best path."

"Can't this wait for the morning? I'm exhausted."

Eternal sighed, "that's a fair point, we all should probably call it for today, and we can hit the house of healing tomorrow." Eternal clearly wasn't tired, but it was also clear she was using the House of Healing as an excuse to delay Moonrise.

Gale furrowed his eyebrows at Eternal, "Orrrr we can go to moonrise to cure ourselves, then we cure the curse."

Eternal shook her head, "But imagine how-"

"We can't risk being infected still!"

"I agree with Gale."

"It shouldn't hurt, it'll be easier without the curse sure, but also easier without the parasite."

"What about Halsin and Alfira. They are too in distress to join us."

"They probably can't anyway!"

"We are going to moonrise tomorrow. It's final." Durge cut through the argument that was practically everyone vs Eternal and walked away. Gale immediately followed after.

Eternal stopped arguing, but looked very uncomfortable. She left without another word even. Didn't go to bed, but left the protective shield, maybe to cool off.

Astarion wanted to run after, but Shadowheart stopped him, saying to leave her be for now.

Once Gale and Durge were far enough, near the edge of the shield, Gale pulled him aside. "Follow me. I want to show you something."

He pulls him to a part of the forest on the outskirts of the curse, where things look normal.  Then, he uses his magic and suddenly the night sky was filled with colors and stars so beautiful.

Then, he sits down in the grass and looks to Durge, who hesitantly sat next to him.

"I love this time of night. There's an almost referent silence that accompanies the peak of darkness, when you'd almost believe the dawn will never break. The cradle of Eternity. The timelessness of lovers. That most beautiful of fantasies." He looked back to Durge with the last phrase.

Durge just stares up at the sky with wonder, in awe. Eventually he felt the stare and looked back, "... Are you alright?"

"I will be, soon. I am perhaps one hard day away from being without any troubles at all," Durge immediately frowned as Gale continues, "This may be my last night alive. I wanted it to be under a canopy of beauty and wonder... and with company to match. I thought this place might bring me peace. I thought it might make the weight of what I must do feel a little lighter. But I'm not so sure.."

"No," Durge said sternly, and as more time passes from the beginning of their adventure, the more confidence Durge seems to get, "We are going to find another way."

"Perhaps, but even if we do find another way, perhaps this is the right way. There is no point in running from the inevitable. Better to meet it, on my own terms."

"Nothing is inevitable. You don't have to die!"

"One moment with you could sate me for a lifetime, and prise the fear from my heart. I'm so very glad you came, to share this with me. I know this is all unreal, but I created it for you. You must know that you're... That you're very special to me. If things were different, if we were home, I'd have taken the time to do things properly. To say it all better. But time is short... I'm in love with you."

"I.... I love you too."

"That's a relief, it would be a shame to spend my final hours making an ass of myself."

"Which is why I can't let you go throu-"

Durge was cut off by Gale kissing him. They stayed together for a while, after Durge kissed him back, but eventually they had to part.

"... That better not be a fucking parting kiss."

Gale chuckled... "Not if I have any say in the matter."

It was only a matter of time before Durge pushed Gale on his back, and well, they didn't come back to the inn that night.

When Eternal returned, she had... A lute? She put it to the side of her bed, and Astarion raised an eyebrow at her.

"Well, I wasn't going to let other people being tired make us lose progress. This lute has AC initialed into it. Might be important for the flaming fist."

Astarion shrugged, "You should get some sleep. We have a long day tomorrow."

"... I.. won't be going."

"What?"

"I can't go to Moonrise with you all."

"You must!"

"Star-"

"What if we find the cure? I need you there with us!"

"You need?"

Astarion paused, sighing, "just... Please."

"You have no idea what your asking me."

"Then tell me!" He almost woke up the others with his tone. Eternal hushed him... Then sighed.

"You'll find out tomorrow." Then she laid down, back to him, and didn't say another word. He huffed, and went back to his book.

Chapter Text

The next morning when Eternal went to the kitchen to bake something for breakfast, she realized she was beaten by Gale, who had already made breakfast.

He was also littered in bite marks, she noticed, so she looked to Durge, who was sitting at the table. What she saw though, she didn't expect.

He looked like he got no sleep. Nothing new to her, but this wasn't nightmare or even sexual caused. It has to be the butler she figured. She should've known that bastard would show up again.

And she was right, Durge was eating his food in silence because the butler showed up to him last night after Gale was asleep and told him to kill Isobel. He wasn't going to, but God was his unknown past scaring him more and more.

"Durge had a nightmare last night," Gale turned to Eternal, who looked back to him, "So I made breakfast today."

"Fine by me," She sat down by Durge after getting a plate of her own, "Want to talk about it? No pressure, but I'm here for you."

"..." Durge didn't answer, just stared at his plate. Eternal got the hint.

Gale made plates for the rest of the party and gave them out one by one as each person came in, besides Astarion. Astarion instead went right to Eternal's side. He sat next to her, looking at her. "What in the hells was last night?"

Eternal glared at him, "Like I told you, you'll find out. Now, do you have to do this in front everyone?"

Astarion huffed annoyed, but dropped it.

Shadowheart leaned to Penelope and whispered "Trouble in Paradise."

Penelope immediately wheezed so hard she began to cough, causing everyone else to laugh. Everyone but Eternal.

Once everyone was done eating and chatting, everyone started putting their armor on and getting ready, Jaheira pulled Eternal to the side. They spoke for a moment as the others waiting by the bridge leading out of Last Light. Then she rejoined the group.

"Ready?" Durge asked her, looking like he was feeling better.

She shrugged, "As I'll ever be."

Durge began to head out, leading the group this time, but Eternal caught Gale's eye, and she waved him to her, going to pull him aside. 

As they walked, he came over to her. She was friendly at first, but then pointed out the bites she saw. He blushes a bit, but before he could answer her, all she said was, "Be careful with him."

Gale couldn't tell if that was an insult to him, or a warning about Durge.

On the way, they found and saved Rolan, who was drunk and trying to save his siblings from Moonrise, however, when they rescued him, it wasn't too had to convince him to return to Last Light.

When they arrived at Moonrise, it was obvious Eternal was scared. She walked slower, and somehow ended up at the back of the group.

The group to moonrise included Durge, Gale, Eternal, Astarion, Karlach, Wyll, Lae'zel, and Shadowheart. The original eight. Alfira still was emotional about Lakrissa, Halsin hadn't found out any leads on the Flaming Fist, mostly because Eternal hadn't shown him the lute yet, and Penelope realized she couldn't come. She wasn't infected, but neither were the other two.

Durge was able to convince the guards at the front easy... and they started walking in.

Heading down the Grand staircase, Durge looked around. There was a lot of true souls and cultists not blessed walking around. He was about to walk through the main doors when-

"Wait."

Gale looked back to Eternal first, annoyed with her at this point. However, he wasn't alone in this feeling. Pretty much the only ones who looked back with sympathy was Astarion and Durge. Not even Shadowheart could hide how frustrating the paladin was being.

"What are you so afraid of?" Lae'zel snaps at her, but she didn't get an answer.

Just hesitation, then, "We should look around. Better to be mindful of our surroundings, maybe find the water before we walk straight into the fire."

Durge sighed, "You're right. Fine. Let's explore a bit, but you can't avoid this forever."

"I... I know."

Karlach and Wyll went to get some new armor and weapons, while Gale and Durge started talking with the True Souls around, trying to blend in and gain favor.

Lae'zel was having none of it she sat right next to the doors to the throne room.

Shadowheart and Astarion looked to each other before following where Eternal was about to wander to, towards the kitchen. However, she noticed them following and changed directions drastically, confusing them both. She looked like she was about to head outside, but instead accidentally stumbled into... Is this some kind of Lab?

There was a Drow woman there, focused on her work, but not completely as she did look over as she heard the door open. Her eyes light up at the sight of them, but Eternal only scowled. She's new.

"Araj Oblodra, trader in blood and the sanguineous arts. It is a pleasure to stand before a True Soul. And your pale companion. I'd like to offer my services, if you're willing?"

Eternal, despite being slightly upset with Astarion, narrowed her eyes and her next words were laced with a hint of jealousy, "What about him?"

Astarion almost chuckled at her antics. Almost.

"Please, you think someone in my line of work wouldn't recognise a vampire spawn when they see one. I trade in blood and the potions that can be wrung from it. I'm more than happy to make you one, if you'd honour me with your blood. With one drop. I can brew a rather potent potion for you. The rest, I keep for myself."

Eternal hesitated, but shrugged. "Okay." She held out her hand.

Astarion and Shadowheart looked at her like she was crazy, but said nothing.

Araj pricked her finger, "Just a little prick and it's all over. Close your eyes," she then dropped a small bit of the blood in a premade potion, "There we are. All of your very best traits in a bottle. Use it well! Although perhaps there's one more thing we could discuss: your friend. He is a vampire, no? Or one of their spawn, at least."

Astarion shifted uncomfortably, but kept up his facade. "Don't worry, we're all friends under the Absolute. I won't bite."

"Oh I'd prefer if you did. I assume he belongs to you?" She looked from Astarion to Eternal, who looked at her with so much hatred.

"Belongs? He's his own fucking person, thank you."

Astarion looked at her shocked for a moment, but his shock was ruined by Araj's next words. 

"I'm sure he really believes that. How utterly adorable. Do you have, a name, spawn?"

"Astarion, but hold on!"

"Good. Now, Astarion, I've dreamt of being bitten by a vampire since I was a young girl."

Eternal looked disgusted, but glanced back to Astarion.

"I'm sorry, you want to be bitten?"

"To feel your life's blood slipping away? To dance on the edge between life and death? Yes, I want it. I'll even compensate you, a potion of legendary power that forever increases the strength of the one who consumes it. It's not for sale, but it's yours if you bite me."

"I'll.. have to decline."

Shadowheart and Eternal looked to Astarion, surprised.

"Excuse me? This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and you're squandering it."

"I gave you my answer." Eternal never saw Astarion so pissed and uncomfortable at the same time. 

"Can't you talk some sense into your obstinate charge?" Araj snapped at Eternal, which only made Astarion and Eternal more upset.

Still, Eternal looked to Astarion, "I'm surprised... I thought you'd jump at something like this."

"I'm sorry, but could you excuse us a moment?" Astarion pulled Eternal away. With their back to Araj, Astarion looked at Eternal, trying to get a read on her. Since last night, she's been cold, but never did he expect her to just give him away like that. It hurt, more than he'd like to admit. So, he whispered to her, "Are you actually asking me to do this? Trading me me for some potion. Because there's something wrong with her blood. I can smell it from here. It's rank."

"Really...? How so?" 

"I can't say, it just smells wrong. Unnatural. Drinking it wouldn't kill me, but it would not be pleasant."

"I don't have all day, True Soul."

Eternal glared at her from over her shoulder than looked back at Astarion. She reached out and cupped his face, pulling him close to where their foreheads were touching. She closed her eyes, quiet for a moment. He didn't realize he was holding his breath as he stared at her, unconsciously relaxing under her touch.

"It's your choice, my star," she pulled away and opened her eyes, "Do whatever you want to do."

There she is. The real her. He knew she had a facade like him from the intimate moment they shared together in the woods. Someone who's... Sweet.

And even then, he didn't fully process what she said in that moment because of how he got lost in her eyes. Only did he snap back into reality when she let him go and he felt the warmth leave him. He hated it, and swore he'd always chase that warmth.

But only then did he truly realize that she wasn't giving him away. That he didn't have to throw himself at this vile woman. He was able to make his own decisions. He.. hadn't expected that. "Alright... Thank you," and so, he turned back to Araj and stood up straight, "It's still a no, I'm afraid."

"How very disappointing," She turned away from them, clearly not wanting their presence any longer.

Eternal pulled Astarion and Shadowheart out of that room soon after, and Astarion turned to Eternal, "I... Thank you. I appreciated that..."

"Anytime Star," Eternal gave him that genuine smile again, "I may have been upset at you, but I would never force you to do anything, okay?"

Astarion nods, "okay."

As Eternal and Shadowheart saw the others regrouping again, they hesitantly headed back to where Lae'zel was waiting.

Astarion couldn't help but stare at Eternal again.

Fuck. 

He was in love with her.

Durge looked around, making sure everyone was accounted for, before opening the doors to the throne room, to see... Minthara?!

Eternal stepped slightly behind Astarion almost immediately once those doors were open.

"I will not be slandered! General, you saw my reports! You know it is not my fault!" Minthara yelled, and Durge looked back to Eternal when he realized that she hadn't killed her, however, his eyes widen when he saw how utterly terrified Eternal looked, and how her eyes were glued to the Half Orc woman.

"Eternal?" Astarion whispered when she grabbed him, visibly shaking, "Who is that?"

"Z'rell.." she said, barely above a whisper. Astarion stepped fully in front of her on instinct.

Durge looked back to the scene, how did Eternal know that woman?

"The facts suggest otherwise!" Z'rell yelled back, "You were ordered to retrieve the artifact. You failed to do so!"

"If I had been given Drow warriors, instead of Goblin TRASH."

"Oi what?" Multiple Goblins in the room began to protest against Minthara.

"Enough!" Z'rell yelled again, and a blast of mental energy washes over them, filling the room. The tadpoles squirm, urging the party to obey. Z'rell, upon doing this, realized the party when she felt them, and most of all, realized Eternal. Whatever she was thinking, she didn't comment anything. Not yet. "Let me make sure I understand this you're claiming that General Thorm gave you the wrong soldiers?"

"Yes! No!"

"You blame the Absolute's chosen, for your failure?"

"Of course it is not the general's fault!"

"Whose then?!"

Eternal stepped forward from behind Astarion, still shaking, but quickly began to use her tadpole. She quickly enters Z'rell's mind and does everything she can to calm her down. To save Minthara.

"I'm being unkind. Anyone might have struggled with such imperfect tools goblins are prone to failure."

"I-yes! It's the goblins fault. They failed you, General, not me."

"General?" Z'rell looked back to Thorm, who stares just past Minthara. At Durge. 

"Take Minthara below, someone will have to consider her fate."

"No please!" Guard grab Minthara and begin to pull her away, "Mercy! Please!"

One of the goblins makes a crude remark, but its overshadowed by Z'rell speaking again once Minthara is gone. "And the goblins, General?"

But Thorm didn't hear her. He just stared at Durge, and it sent an uncomfortable shiver down Durge's spine. "I'm surprised to see you two again, Z'rell?" He says the half orc's name, almost as if giving her permission to do something.

Z'rell looks over to them, taking this as her chance to address them. She walked down the stairs, towards them. She chuckled, "I'd knew you'd come back to me, Zilla."

Durge, at first, thought that this was his name, until he heard the way Eternal's breath caught, and the way Z'rell acknowledged no one else but the Paladin. She walked up to her, gently grabbing her chin and forcing her to look up.

Astarion, on instinct, went to pull his weapon, but Z'rell used her tadpole to stop him, making him freeze. She studied him for a moment, before laughing. Laughing hard. 

Whatever she found in his brain, wasn't good.

Eternal, or... Zilla, was shaking.

Z'rell chuckled at this, but looked towards Astarion for a moment, "I can't believe you replaced me so fast, Zilla. How long as it been since you both went away? A week? Especially for a man who's been manipulating you from the start?"

The rest of the party was silent, except for Durge who shouted, "I don't know who you are, but you better get your hands off her."

"You don't know who I am?" That caught Z'rell's attention, and she let go of Zilla and Astarion to look to Durge.

"Interesting, so Zilla hasn't told you?" General Thorm stands, "I assumed your own knight would've at least told you something, oh well. That will be a conversation with you two later," Only then did he look to the Goblins, "Though I am curious about one thing, Z'rell, let them have the Goblins." Then, he leaves.

Z'rell chuckled, "you heard him, I may even have a surprise for you if you impress me" then she looked back to Eternal and leaned down to bite her ear. Hard. "And I will see you again soon, my devil. I'll even give you a gift for coming all this way back to my arms," She grabbed her face again, more aggressive this time. "Your son is alive. Orin has him." And with that, she lets go and leaves to follow Ketheric.

The party was silent, and staring at Eternal.

Until she ran.

Astarion tried to go after her, and nobody tried to stopped him. She ran towards the exit she was heading to previously outside the kitchen. He didn't realize quick enough that she ran to the Tower's stables, where she jumped flawlessly onto a pure black horse with 'Wheat' carved into its armor, and rode off. 

He couldn't catch her in time.

"...her son?"

"..."

"Durge, my love?"

The goblins were pleading for mercy as the rest of the party stood in silence, in pure shock and horror for what they just witnessed. Even when Astarion returned, no one said a thing but Gale.

Durge didn't acknowledge Gale, however. All he did was turn to the goblins, using the tadpole to force them all to kill themselves.

The party stared, horrified as they watched each and every goblin there end their own life.

Durge started laughing to himself a bit.

Until Gale ran in front of him and grabbed his face, kissing him. Durge tensed for a moment, than kissed back. When they parted, he seemed relatively back to normal. He sighed, and looked to Astarion, "Where is she?"

"She left. Got into the only horse in the stables and rode away."

"So we can't trust her anymore, right?" Lae'zel crossed her arms, "Not only did she fake killing Minthara, but she's been lying about who she is!"

"Not even just who she is, but who you are!" Gale agreed, keeping close to Durge.

"No!" Astarion cut in, desperate, "Sure, maybe she lied, but maybe she lied because she wanted to change. We all kept secrets."

"But we all opened up about ours.." Karlach looked so betrayed.

"Do you really think we would've accepted her so easily if she told us she used to be for the Absolute? The artifact protects us, but at one point she didn't have it. Not until she met Shadowheart."

"You have a point Astarion," Shadowheart agreed, sticking to his side.

"Well that's easy for him to say!" Durge snapped, "He fucked her. He loves her, even. All the while she knows exactly who I am but never told me!"

"Maybe she's protecting you."

"Is that why she told me to be careful?"

Durge turned to Gale, "What?"

"This morning, when she saw us together, she told me to be careful with you."

"So she lies about who I am, and almost sabotages my love life?" Durge looked pissed again, but controlled it better this time, "Doesn't matter. I'm going to fucking find out everything." Durge tried to leave, but freezes at the sound of Minthara screaming. 

They all pause, before Astarion runs toward the noise. 

"What are you doing?"

"Eternal kept her alive for a reason, right? I want to know why."

The others found that pretty convincing and followed him down to the prison.

That's where they find them, the guards mentally torturing Minthara. Immediately, Astarion stabs one in the throat, and the other one is killed with Shadowheart's magic. 

Minthara looks up at them in a daze.. "You.."

"Zilla kept you alive. Why?" Durge stepped forward, controlling the conversation.

"I.. I don't know. I only met her once," Astarion helped her stand as she continues, "I owe you... More than my life."

"Let's get out of here."

When Penelope waved the others goodbye, she went back to the room to find the letter Eternal had on her from the sleeping man. Instead, she found a lute and a note from the Paladin saying she went and got it for her last night as a outlet. She shrugged and takes the lute, bringing it to Halsin and the sleeping man. 

When she began to play the lute, the man woke up immediately screaming for Thaniel. Halsin was quick to his side. Penelope let them talk, stepping out. Halsin eventually joined her, asking for her help.

Immediately he created a portal just inside the shields borders so no shadows could attack it, and any that tried Penelope killed.

Once Penelope and Halsin had Thaniel, they worked together to restore him by returning the half of him that he lost to the curse.

Of course, right around this is when the Paladin made her way back to Last Light.

Zilla rides back in on Wheat, where Jaheira was already waiting for her, "Rude awakening?'

"Shut up," She jumped off Wheat and a Harper grabs the reigns and takes him to the barn. Zilla smiled softly to her horse as he is taken away, but then she looks back to Jaheira, "When they come looking for me... And they will, please, don't let them see me."

"I.. I will do my best, but you can not run forever."

"That's exactly what I plan to do." She quickly headed to the kitchen, locking the door behind her. She knew that this was the obvious place to find her. Penelope tried to stop her, but couldn't before the door was slammed in her face.

When the others returned, boy, Halsin wasn't happy to see Minthara. 

"I am sorry, you all took great lengths to protect my grove, but I can not stay with you if that killer Minthara is to stay as well. She would've commanded her minions to slaughter the entire grove, given the chance."

Penelope stood with Thaniel, who had awoken once he was whole once more, next to her, shielding him with her body.

"It was the Absolute that directed my hand toward your grove. The same Absolute that I am now sworn to destroy now that I am free of its influence. I have no quarrel with you."

"The absolute was just an excuse to indulge in your instincts. You shall find another."

"Spare me your sanctimony, druid. You kill to preserve your natural order, do you not? Or are the claws and fangs simply for show? Lolth has discarded me, and the cult of the Absolute abused my mind, and stole my body. If you stand against them, you stand with me."

"I am not without sympathy. But the risk is too great. We may share a common foe, but we can not be allies."

"Wait," Durge stepped forward, "Give her one chance, Halsin. Even the smallest slip up, and she can go. Face this on her own. But she's a victim, just like us. Our artifact protects her."

"I can not. She or I must go."

"It doesn't have to be this way Halsin..." Shadowheart spoke up next, walking up to him, "Trust us..?"

"... Alright. But neither I, nor Thaniel, will speak with her. She helps us destroy the Absolute, then we go our separate ways."

"Agreed."

Luckily, Astarion used the time they were all distracted with Halsin to find Zilla. Penelope noticed him sneaking off and mouthed 'the kitchen'.

He immediately headed straight for it, but Jaheira stood in front of him. He didn't say anything to her, and they were silent for a moment. He just looked at her with this look of 'please let me help her.'

Jaheira sighs, and stepped aside. He tried the handle, but when he realized it was locked, he grabbed a spare pick and got it open relatively quick. The door shut behind Astarion, but he didn't relock it.

“I told Jaheira not to tell you guys where I was hiding,” She didn't look to see who found her, didn't care to. She was standing at the center counter, with her back to him. The air smelled sweet, like she was baking.

“My dear-”

“Go, Astarion,” She was sharper in her tone, almost like he was the last person she wanted to see. 

“No.” He stood his ground, coming up to her side. That's when she sees what she is making. A pie, again.

“Leave me alone. I don't want to talk to you.”

“Then don't. Let me speak, please.” Astarion practically begged. He didn't know how to say sorry. Didn't know how to fix this.

But he had to try.

She didn't answer, didn't look to him, didn't move when he placed his hand over hers. A tear hit his hand. She was crying.

He made her cry.

“I had… a simple plan. Seduce you, sleep with you, and make sure you'd never turn on me. Make sure you'd help me against... Cazador, my... master,” he started and she pulled away. Bad start. Still, he continues, “It was simple… all you had to do was fall for it. And all I had to do was… not fall for you…” 

She hesitated, but looked to him.

“Which is where my little plan fell apart,” he barely whispered, “You.. your wonderful... I realized I… fell for you when we met that Drow. You could told me to do it. I would have pushed through the disgust and we would have that potion.”

“But that would've been wrong,” she whispered.

“My love, that never mattered. For 200 years… that never mattered, what I wanted how I felt about what I was doing never mattered. Not to anyone. Until… you.” He takes both her hands and sighs, “It mattered to you.”

She was silent, but staring at him through her tears. 

“Thank you.”

“Don't go getting sappy on me,” She tried to laugh through her tears.

“I'm surprised as you are, my love. I… you were a complication I didn't see coming. And… yet..”

“Star.. my star,” She smiled through her tears. That smile made his heart soar, though it was painful. It was painful to see those tears that came with the smile. The tears he caused. She continues, “You matter to me. Not freedom, not eternity. Not some stupid fucking potion. You.”

“Really?” 

She nods, pulling her hands away just so she can wipe her tears. Then, she hugged him. Tight.

He was taken back, frozen for a moment. He was stunned and… eventually… he hugged back. They sat there for a long time. She stayed in his arms until he pulled away. 

He chuckled.. “Honestly, I have no idea what we're doing. Or what comes next.” 

She just smiled sadly at him, then turned back to her baking, “Stay with me here…?”

“Always, Ella.”

“Ella?”

Astarion looked confused himself. “.. I think I accidentally mixed Eternal and Zilla.”

“It's cute… I like it.”

"Good. I wasn't sure if you wanted to go by Eternal or Zilla."

"I use both," she leaned into him a bit, "I don't mind you using either one," he smiled at her, and she leaned in to kiss his cheek. Then she got an idea, “I'm gonna teach you how to make a pie.” 

“What?”

“Grab the sugar.”

“Ella,” He practically whines.

“Astarion, I just found out my son is imprisoned by the Absolute. Get the damn sugar and humor me.”

Astarion put his hands in the air and chuckled, walking over to get the sugar. He brings it back, “Can we talk about that..? Since you brought him up?”

“I don't expect you to be his father, if you're worried. In fact, if you try to parent him I'll slit your throat.”

“... thank the gods.” 

She snorted, mixing the ingredients she already had. She gestured for him to pour the sugar, and he does a little bit. “Excuse me, we aren't playing here,” she lifted his elbow to pour more. He laughed a bit.

“What's his name?” He put the sugar down, watching her stir.

She doesn't answer for a moment, but eventually, “Nadir.”

He nods, “and how old is he?”

“Six.”

“Wait but y-”

“Left six years ago? His birth was how I got away. No one noticed me slip away when the focus was on the male first born,” Astarion was stunned. She abandoned him, “I'm not proud of it. Never said I was the best mother in the world, but I was twenty years old, terrified, and gods his father was a prick. He was the priest. Head of the whole fucking cult.”

“Wait, really?”

“Mhm. I was the obedient daughter of another high status member. Of course he chose me.” She eventually stirred it fully and began fully making the pie, “I was the least likely to run.” 

He nods, listening to her ramble, watching her barely focus on the pie but make it flawlessly.

She continues, “And maybe I wouldn't have at one point. My sister was born…” she paused, “funnily enough when I was around his age now. Maybe I was seven? I can't remember. My mom produced two daughters, so when my sister was three and old enough for me to raise her, our mother was executed. My father then sold me off to the priest and he and I were married when I was eighteen. He spoiled me with anything you could imagine, and I fell for it. I was addicted to it. That feeling of being wanted… needed..” she looked at him, stopping what she was doing, “but.. I found out he killed her..”

He reached out and held her cheek, staring back into her sad eyes.

“I had to leave. Since then I got caught up in gangs, guilds, whatever you can think of. It landed me at the Cult of Bhaal, serving the literal chosen. I was the first True Soul because of that. Z'rell used me like her own plaything and pleasure because of that. I never got to choose what I wanted. I always served someone else. Served a higher power… until you.”

He tiled his head confused, “But I-”

“Manipulated me? Yeah. But not because you could control me. You just... wanted protection. I guess that's why I forgive you. Sort of. All I've ever wanted was to be protected, to know someone has my back," she turned back to the pie, “and you... The first person to protect me back. You're the first to apologize for manipulating me in the first place.”

“That's.. a lot to process, Ella.”

“I know.. and despite it all, I want this. I want us,” He smiled at the sound of that, “But we should take it slow. We're both still healing.”

“I-.. I'd like that.”

“Still gonna call you my boyfriend, but baby steps past that. No I love yous, or sex, or anything. Just...”

She paused for a moment before smiling, "Just a 'You matter to me.' Until we are both ready."

"You matter to me?"

"You matter to me."

“Deal.” She pulled away to put the pie in the oven, and when she does he goes to continue, but is cut off by the door slamming open.

“Eternal.” 

Durge.

"Or do I call you Zilla?" He walked towards her, but Astarion tried to stop him. Durge pushed him out of the way as Gale walked in, Jaheira and Isobel close behind.

"Durge..."

"What even is my name?! What are you keeping from me?!"

"I..."

Durge just looked more upset as Zilla stumbled over her words, but Gale ran in between. "My love, calm down. Let her explain. She knows she owes you that." He turned to glare slightly at Zilla, but it worked. Durge calmed down a bit.

Zilla looked to Jaheira... Who just nods to her. Astarion noticed that, but Gale and Durge didn't. Zilla sighed, "Go sit down. I'll explain everything. Any questions... Everything."

Durge doesn't go sit down, however, Gale does. Zilla was silent for a moment, but not in the way where she was hesitant or avoiding, it was clear she truly didn't know where to start.

Eventually, more people filled into the room, until everyone was in. Jaheira closed the door behind them and watched.

"Why don't you start with my name?" Durge sounded kinder, though anger was still present. He was doing his best to be patient, but he just couldn't.

"You don't have one. You had... More of a title. Durge was the closest thing you had to a name."

"Everyone has a name." Gale tried to object, but she cuts him off.

"Not this time," she sighed, "Look, you guys know I'm a bad liar. Why would I lie and break your trust further?"

"Okay... So Durge is my name then?"

"It's the nickname I gave you because calling by your title was just long and too formal, though I guess as your knight I should've called you it anyway."

Durge was pacing a bit, "As my knight, why didn't you tell me anything?"

"You... Wouldn't have wanted me to."

"You make it sound like I was a bad person," the hesitation from Zilla made everyone uncomfortable, "I wasn't... Was I?"

"I wouldn't say bad person... More or less did bad things. You never wanted to do what you did, but your Urge demanded it."

"Urge?"

"The Dark Urge. That's your title. You... You are compelled to kill. Everything in your blood forces you to commit horrible things in your father's name. But... You never wanted it. I was the one who you confided in the most, as such I was the only one who knew that you would've given everything to... Start over. Forget it all."

"... So you didn't tell me not because of maliciousness..."

"But because you wouldn't have wanted to know."

"I have questions," Gale put his hand up, "so is this why you told me to be careful?"

"... Can I answer that in a weird way? I'm going to ask Durge a few questions that I promise are related and I will get to that."

Gale put his hand back down and didn't say anything else, giving her the floor again. Durge smiled softly at him.

Zilla turned back to Durge, "Tell me... Has anyone visited you at night? Specifically someone claiming to be your Butler?"

"So you know of him?"

"Yes. I had a feeling he gave you your magic cape, but otherwise, yes I know him. How many times has he visited you and when?"

"Twice. Once after the kill in the owlbear cave... And once this morning before Gale woke up."

Gale's eyes widen, confused and horrified.

"When he visited you this morning, he told you to kill someone, didn't he?" Durge shifted uncomfortably at Zilla's words, but nods, "Who?"

"Isobel."

The room went tense and Jaheira visibly got more on guard, but didn't do anything yet. Isobel smiled almost cockily however, seeming not scared.

"Okay. Gale," he looked to her, "the reason I told you to be careful is because if Durge doesn't kill Isobel, the Butler and his father are going to attempt to force him to kill you in his sleep."

"What?!"

"I wouldn't!-"

"You wouldn't be conscious of it."

"I-"

"Gale from now on. Until we figure this out, you're going to need to tie him up. Tight. Every night. Your life literally depends on it."

"Who the hell even is my father? Why would he make me do this?!"

"...Bhaal. You're a Bhaalspawn."

Suddenly everything made sense. The call to blood, the drawings in blood, the nightmares, all of it.

"You have no mother, but were carved from the blood of Bhaal himself. Your magic is his godly blood. Your life is his to control. You never wanted that for yourself, it was my job to find you a cure without raising suspicion... But Orin got to you first."

Minthara seemed to tense up at Orin's name.

"Who's Orin?"

"You're sister. Technically. Another Bhaalspawn actually. She's Sarevok's daughter and granddaughter," some people gagged, "and currently Bhaal's chosen for the Absolute."

"Wait, the Absolute?"

Zilla nods, "It was your idea. A last ditch effort to overthrow your father."

That's when Durge sits down, Gale reaching out and grabbing his hand. "A Bhaalspawn...? Gosh.."

"Wait so if I'm a Bhaalspawn, and your my knight then," Durge trailed off, hoping Zilla will finish for him.

She does, sighing, "Yes. I'm a paladin of Bhaal. That's why my magic is red, and why I wouldn't say much on it earlier.. It's against my will, though. I never wanted to serve him, but instead you."

"But why? I could've killed you." 

"You're the only one that didn't try. I trusted you with everything. Still do.."

"How'd you end up in Bhaal's cult though?" Karlach spoke up. She and Wyll were leaning on the back wall, closer to Jaheira, while Shadowheart, Penelope and Astarion stuck closer to Zilla. Halsin was at the door, and everyone else was by Durge.

"I was born in a blood farm. I escaped around 20 years old, by using my... Sons birth as a distraction. I abandoned him, and my sister, to try and start over. However, having a bloody background made me a target, especially because I could lose a lot of blood and not be fully effected by it because of how used to it I was."

"What's a blood farm?"

But as Zilla was about to answer, Astarion did for her, "It's basically a Tiefling farm. When a demon or Tiefling has a child with another humanoid species, the result will always be Tiefling, so most farms harvest the blood of powerful Tiefling hybrids."

"I.. yeah.. how did you..?"

"I read up on it after you told me... I'll admit I was curious."

"Well, that's part of it, yes. However, for me and my sister, we come from a long line of human hybrid Tiefling's, so our blood was usually given to blood banks, instead, since it wasn't as special as the Half Elf Tieflings or even Half Orc Tieflings. I suppose being half human Tieflings made us lucky."

"That's horrible..."

"It's liveable. For a while at least. Anyways, because I was Targeted, when I first moved to Baldur's Gate about two years ago it wasn't long before some Assassins kidnapped me. I was supposed to be sacrificed, but I wasn't going to go down without taking a few Bhaalist's with me. You... Noticed. Spared my life. Orin hated that, she was so excited to watch you kill me, but.. instead you gave me your sword. From them, Bhaal had me swear loyalty, and I was never allowed to disobey you. Ever."

"... I saved your life?"

"Yes... So please.. I know I lied and kept who you were hidden from you, but please... Let me return the favor."

The room was silent again, before Durge sighed, "Fine. But I have a few new orders for you, if the disobeying rule is true."

Zilla tensed up, but hesitantly smiled, "Yes?"

"First, Never ever ever keep stuff like this from me again," she nods, then turns to get the pie, placing it on the counter to cool, "Second, You're not to come with us to Moonrise until we head to kill Ketheric. I don't want you around Z'rell anymore."

"Oh thank the gods..." She mumbled in relief, "I'll stay here and help out wherever else I can."

"Good, finally, From this exact moment, this exact rule forward, you don't have to listen to shit I say anymore. I'm not keeping your freewill from you."

"..wait.. what?"

"I'm serious. If you don't want to, you don't have to."

"... Thank you, sir.."

"Don't call me that."

Zilla only smirked and cut him a slice of pie, "Sir."

Immediately, laughter erupts. Astarion felt more at ease to get closer to Zilla, and he puts an arm around her waist. She leans into him subconsciously.

Minthara's mind, however, was elsewhere. "Why did you save me?"

Zilla looked to her, "I had to. I.. I was there. When you came to Moonrise. I was there when they welcomed you with open arms. I saw myself in you, a little bit. Saw similar struggles. I knew your actions were not yours, but the actions of the absolute. Rather give you the chance to act of your own mind then kill you and have you never know the truth."

"... I.. thank you. I ask that you let me join you all, in your fight."

"Of course, just, no daggers to throats, or I won't be merciful next time."

She only smiled back, "And I to you."

Alfira then suddenly speaks up, taking everyone by surprise. No one knew she had left the stool she was sulking in to join this conversation. "Minthara," she starts, grabbing the drow's attention, "Did you see Tieflings... Where you were being held captive?"

"... no. But I hadn't gone to the cells yet when you allies found me."

"Then let's head back," Durge stands, "I need to report to Z'rell, and we have prisoners we need to save."

"I'll stay with Ella-"

"No," Zilla looked to Astarion and takes both his hand off her waist, holding them tight. He stared at her, eyebrows narrowing a little in defiance. He wanted to stay with her! Was that a crime? "I need you to go. I want you to look for Nadir."

"But I-"

"Please," she connects their forehead, making everyone mostly looking away, pretending to not pay attention, "I can't go, and if there's any chance I can get him back.."

Astarion sighs.. he didn't like the idea of being apart from her, but he gives in, "Fine."

"Thank you, he's about 6, one blue eye and one red, and should have his vine tattoos by now."

"Wait what?" Durge couldn't help but interrupt, "You're asking him to look for your son right? How old do Tiefling in your cult get the tattoos?"

"5 years old." Astarion let go of her hands to grab her waist again. He kissed her quickly, before heading to Durge. She was blushing a bit, but just rolled her eyes and let him go.

"I think I'll stay," Gale looked to Zilla, then Durge, "If I'm going to end up being a target to your Urge, plus if Z'rell knows Zilla is back, she might come looking for you."

"Wait that's right, what name should we call you, Eternal or Zilla?"

"Either. My real name is Zilla though."

"Okay. Zilla then. Are you sure you want to stay Gale?"

"I'm sure."

"I think I might stay as well, with Penelope," Shadowheart looked to the fawn, who smiled back at her. They must've had something planned.

Once everyone was done talking, it was finally decided that the group returning to moonrise will be Durge, Astarion, Wyll, Karlach and Lae'zel. Those staying are Zilla, Gale, Minthara, and Shadowheart. Anyone else didn't have a tadpole and had to stay. 

When they got back to moonrise, the first thing Durge did was go find Z'rell, bringing Lae'zel with him. Astarion, Karlach, and Wyll went right back to the prison, heading further in to find the Tieflings, and Gnome's? The Tieflings ended up being closer, and some guard was by the gnomes, so they headed to the Tieflings first.

"We're here to get you out, sit tight okay?" Karlach whispered, as Wyll looked around for any other guards coming up.

Astarion's eyes however, were glued to the guard by the gnomes. Something was just... Familiar about her. She was a Tiefling with really long black hair and gold like hair jewelry hanging from long braids, but bandages covering her skin where the Absolute armor could not.

Lia put her hands on the bars, "Nothing else we can do, but the gnomes have a plan. Talk to them."

"Hey!!" The Tiefling Guard turns around, and suddenly it made sense why she felt familiar, "No talking, and you, no one but Balthazar can speak with the prisoners. Scram."

"We have permission from Balthazar himself, if you want to ask him," Wyll's quick reply was able to sort of snap Astarion back into reality.

"Fine. But make it quick," she then heads toward the center office where the warden was.

"Did she have...?" Karlach looked to how stunned Astarion was.

"Ella's tattoos? Yeah. She did. We need to take her with us," Astarion didn't hesitate to almost run after the guard.

"Wait!" Wyll grabbed his sleeve and pulled him back, "Not yet. We need a plan to escape first. Plus, Durge isn't back to help us yet!"

"I thought Z'rell mentioned a son, and Zilla said he was six years old. That was a full grown woman."

"If it's who I think it is, she has to come with us, tadpoled or not."

"Will the prism protect her?" 

"We can only hope."

Karlach and Wyll head over to the gnomes, finding and meeting Wulbren. Astarion checked the other cells but... No one. No sign of the little boy.

When the three start to head in the center office, that's when Durge and Lae'zel reappeared. Karlach gave them a brief rundown on everything, before they barged in. 

The Tiefling woman was surprised, and didn't have time to react when Durge casted sleep on her, while the other four attacked the warden.

Once the guards were dead besides the woman, who once she woke up, Astarion properly knocked her out. They opened the cells and gave Wulbren a hammer they found.

Once everyone was out of the cells, they all headed for the boat and sailed back for Last Light.

Astarion kept hold on the woman, despite Wulbren's insistent complaining about her, and when they finally docked, he ran past the guards, carrying her. Jaheira saw him do this and chased after, "Wait! Astarion!"

She didn't make in time before Astarion bursted back into the kitchen, where Minthara was helping Zilla with her Elvish book and Gale was currently making dinner. Zilla jumped and looked over, and she froze, clearly recognizing the woman.

That's when Jaheira caught up, "This woman needs to be protected by your artifact. Now."

"On it," Durge, who was panting from behind them, pulls it out. Zilla was confused on why he had it, but she assumed Shadowheart gave it to him because she wasn't going with him to Moonrise.

Astarion carefully lays her on the ground, propped up against the wall as Zilla slid to her other side, using her paladin magic to slowly heal her.

That's when the woman woke up, "Nadir!" She yelled, sitting up right quickly.. then she blinked, confused and looking around. Her eyes lock on Zilla as more people flood into the room to see the commotion, only to watch as this strange woman tackle Zilla. 

"ZILLA!!! Is your hair Blue?!"

"Gods!" Zilla cries out, laughing as the woman held her tight, "Good to hear your voice... Last time I heard it you were five!"

Astarion stands back up, while Durge steps forward, "Can we get some context?"

The woman glared at him immediately, "Can you mind your own business?"

"Whoa, Xalza, calm down. He's family. I'll explain everything, but let me just enjoy this moment... I'm just so happy to see you.."

"Is this your sister?"

"No, I'm Selúne." Xalza stands and helps Zilla up off the ground, "No shit."

"I should've known Orin would've have gone for you too, not just Nadir," Zilla forces Xalza to sit down at the table, immediately fussing over her bandages. Xalza sat there like it was normal.

"You think Orin is the reason I escaped? No, I escaped three years ago with Nadir. I was hoping to find you," Zilla put a slice of pie in front of her, and she lights up, digging in immediately. "GODS, I missed this."

"Mom's favorite recipe. And yours," She sat down next to her, "But if you both left three years ago... Then.."

"Nadir doesn't have his tattoos, no... When... When you left, your husband spent a year searching for you. When you were never found, I figured you weren't in the hells anymore.. that or you were dead. He found a new wife, one that also gave him a son. I took what I learned from your escape and took Nadir with me during the celebration. No one noticed, but.. I didn't account for how hard it was to escape the hells. We barely survived when a half orc found us, taking us to Orin. That was about five or six days ago. She separated me from him and put a tadpole in my eye... And now I'm here."

"Xalza..."

"He's a wonderful kid! Has an insane talent for the arts, and I kept telling him all sorts of stories about you.."

"Why aren't you mad at me?"

"... I am. But.. I know you were worried about yourself. Honestly, I was worried about you. You were always.. so obedient. I knew I would've left you too if I had my chance."

"... I'm sorry."

"I know."

Astarion goes to sit next to Zilla, which grabbed Xalza's attention. She looked to him, then to everyone else. "Do you mind? I haven't seen my sister in seven years and you all are treating it like it's a play. Kindly fuck off?"

Astarion chuckled a bit as Zilla slapped Xalza's hand, "Be nice, but she does have a point, however.. I think I'm okay with Star and Durge staying. They are the two I want you to meet the most."

Shadowheart scoffs, "How dare you! But, alright. Everyone out!"

When it was just the four left in the room, Xalza crossed her arms, "Alright. Introductions, I guess. Who are these guys?"

"Well, Astarion here," Zilla gestured to him, as he hasn't moved from his spot next to her, "Is my boyfriend. Astarion, this is my little sister, who's a lot more brash than I remember."

Astarion gave a small bow and a smile, but Xalza seemed unimpressed. 

"Hurt her, and I'll stake you, fangs."

He only gasped dramatically and gripped his chest, "I'm hurt."

"Good."

"He wouldn't dream of it, but I appreciate you being protective. Doesn't surprise me you immediately clocked the vampirism either. I was the same."

"She actually just called me the same insult you did."

"You need the protection, Zil. And I'm not going to trust bloodsucker here until he gives me a reason to. No offense, but your type is assholes. Who's the Dragonborn?"

"Durge is like a brother to me, I'm hoping you'd be okay with me referring to him like that."

Xalza stands and circled Durge, narrowing her eyes. Durge shifts uncomfortably, but relaxed when Xalza clapped, "Yeah, I approve of this one."

"Ouch."

"Oh hush, Star. She means well."

"Do I?" Xalza chuckled, crossing her arms. However, Astarion knew she was only teasing, recognizing the stance in Zilla. It was clear her sister took a lot after her, "Yeah. I do."

"What did you mean by you haven't heard her speak since she was five?"

"Oh! When I was younger, I was super super chatty, but when Zilla was betrothed to her ex husband, I became selectively mute. I just... Couldn't handle it well."

"Then I left when I was twenty. You were thirteen?"

"Thirteenish. I had just be assigned my husband myself. Luckily, I left when I was sixteen, so I was never married. I had to get Nadir out before he had to endure the tattoo's."

"You were given a husband at thirteen?!" Durge was stunned.

"Twelve actually, but we don't actually get married till Eighteen."

"Gods..."

"Well, you're out of that situation now. Now to saving your son, then you won't have to think about it anymore."

"Hopefully..."

"Well.. I don't necessarily think it works like that Star," She grabbed his face and connected their foreheads. Immediately, he softened and closed his eyes, holding her waist. She pulled away to kiss his cheek, but he refused to let her go this time. "When it comes to trauma. To abuse. That stuff stays with you. And sure, you can get away from it physically..."

"But it'll take a lot of work to just 'not think about it,' and a lot of healing," Xalza cut in.

"It's okay to think about it. It's okay talk about it all the time. It helps," Zilla smiled softly, "So Xalza and I may talk about it a lot. Doesn't mean we aren't healing."

Zilla then carefully tapped his shoulder and pulled away, which was her silent signal to let go. He didn't want to, but he gives in. She used that minute to turn back to her sister and hug her properly.

"Gods your taller than me now."

Xalza laughed at her, holding her tight for what felt like ages. Astarion smiled and leaves the room to give them space, Durge following close behind.

Eventually, Xalza was able to change into Zilla's clothes, thankfully only a little small, but it was nice to get out of the Absolute armor. She and Zilla were inseparable since their reunion, telling each other everything. Everyone else also got a proper introduction, except for Lae'zel, who never left the shared bedroom.

Xalza felt almost offended by that, but Zilla reassured her it was normal for Lae'zel. She's about her age, and going through a lot, so for the first time in the few hours they've been together, Xalza leaves to check on the Githyanki during one of the times Astarion had her sisters attention. 

Something she definitely was going to fight him for later, but he can have it for now.

What she didn't expect to see when she walked in was the Githyanki holding a freshly hatched Gith child, who was crying. Lae'zel looked panicked, like she didn't know where to start.

Xalza sprung into action, closing the door and heading to her side, sitting across from her on the bed. "Sway him, with a little bounce." 

Lae'zel looked up at her, with confusion, panic, and a bit of a glare, but eventually followed her instructions. Eventually, the baby soothes, then falls asleep.

"Chk.. I didn't need your help."

"Sure you didn't. You can lay him on your bed with the blanket over. He will be alright."

Lae'zel narrowed her eyes, but listens. When she turns back to her, she looked her up and down.

"Xalza. I'm Zilla's sister."

"So I heard."

"And youuuuu...?"

"Lae'zel."

"It's a nice name. How'd you end up with the egg?"

As Lae'zel told her the story, it devolved into so much more. She spoke of her problem with Vlaakith, and how she may be realizing her whole life is a lie. 

And Xalza? She listens. Asks questions when needed, but she listens. 

Lae'zel gets to the end of her rant when Zilla walks in, looking for her. "Xalza?- Oh my Gods, Lae'zel I had no idea they hatched-"

"Xalza took care of him."

"I don't know why I didn't think about that happening let talk to Jaheira and see if we can get him anoth-"

"No. I will watch him."

"I.. okay, but if he cries at night he will wake everyone up."

"Then if he must be in another room, I will be with him."

Zilla paused, before nodding and heading to talk to Jaheira. They got the situation sorted, and by the time that they did, Xalza was yawning and nodding off to sleep. She ended up falling asleep in Lae'zel's old bed.

As Zilla tucked Xalza into her new bed, she turned to see Astarion standing at the doorway. He chuckled a bit, “That was adorable, my sweet.”

Zilla rolled her eyes, “Thank you for bringing her to me. I never thought I'd ever get to see her again...”

Astarion just glanced at the younger sister. The tattoo's made them look so similar, but you could tell their differences too.

For starters, Xalza doesn't dye her hair like Zilla does, and her hair is much much longer. She also has less scars than Zilla does. Zilla has been dealing with fights after fights and gangs after gangs, while Xalza didn't.

But that doesn't mean Xalza was weaker. No. For starters, Xalza was taller. Not by much, but still taller. She was closer to Astarion's height. She also kept bandages around her hands.

The most damning difference was their horns however. While Zilla’s were short and stuck right up, Xalza's curled around like Ram's horns. Like Penelope’s, but more demon like.

No mistaking them for sisters, though.

Zilla leaned onto his shoulder for a moment, before getting an idea and springing up, startling him. “I have an idea. You can say no, but I wanted to ask. Or maybe I can just show you?”

“Darling, I don't think I could ever say no to you.”

“Except if you're ever uncomfortable, I really want you to. Stand your ground, even to me. Come on, it's a bit of a walk away.”

She grabs a torch and a bag before she leads him out of the shield and inn and into the forest nearby, finding a pretty decent sized lake. Because of the curse, no person or animal was out here, and the water looked safe enough when she put the torch close by it. She then sticks it into the ground next to the lake, putting the bag next to it.

“What are we doing?”

She takes off her boots and socks, before turning to him. “Nothing Sexual. I promise. I just think I smell pretty bad. Wouldn't mind company, but if you're not comfortable you can head back to,” she began to ramble on more, clearly nervous. This thing was new to the both of them, but that didn't damn well mean she wasn't going to at least try. Astarion was worth it to try.

Astarion looked to the bag to see soaps, towels, and what looked like hair jewelry that probably have been left in the bag for ages.. similar to the gold ones Xalza has. He didn't fully know what to say, and he hesitated for a while, causing Zilla to bite her inner cheek. He then just looked back at her with a smirk, “Well go on, we don't have all night.”

This was much more domestic then Astarion was used to, to say the least. He stayed outside the lake for a long time with his clothes on while Zilla stayed in the lake. This was the first time he was really taking her in when she stripped and he found himself following the lines of the tattoos that cover her body.

They were seriously everywhere. On her tail, back, shoulders, legs, arms… everywhere.

She turns to look at him, flushing a bit, “Yes?”

“Hm?”

“You're staring, Star.”

He didn't answer, just continued to stare at her. Gods, she's beautiful to him.. and she's his. And he's hers.

She just rolled her eyes again and returned to trying to wash her hair. However, that's when he noticed how much trouble she was having with it. Immediately, he stripped to join her, getting water on his hands before running his hands through her hair.

“I.. thank you.”

“You're welcome,” was all he said as he helped her wash her hair more properly. That's when he noticed how unkempt her hair truly was. Sure he struggled with braiding it before, but he never put much thought into it back then. Now she's 100% of his time and effort, he put more care this time.

“... Can I cut it?”

“What?”

“Just a little bit. It will help it grow and get a bit healthier.”

She hesitated, but nodded. He finished up cleaning what he could before pulling her out of the lake to get dry. He helped dry her and her hair off before he grabbed the dagger he always had on him.

“Really?”

“What? It's for emergencies!” 

When they were both clothed once more, they sat down on one of their towels and he began to carefully cut her hair. As he was doing that, it finally curled healthier, so he started to braid small strands, now that it was easier. She even gives him the old hair jewelry from the bag that he hangs from the end of her braids.

Eventually she leans back into his chest, sighing softly..

“You matter to me..”

He chuckled, “You matter to me too, Ella. We should head back though.”

“Can't I just stay here with you forever?”

“Darling I'd love nothing more, but you have a world to save and a Bhaalspawn to cure.” He pokes her nose, receiving a small giggle in return. He loved this side of her. How he saw it first.

She sighed eventually, “fineee. Let's head back.”

And when they do get back, Astarion found a Tiefling paladin falling asleep in the same bed as him, resting her head on his chest as she softly snores. 

Chapter Text

So, I disappeared.

To be fair, the last few months haven't exactly been the easiest for me. It's been a pretty wild ride, but hopefully, that's all over now 

So where does this fic go from here?

As I decided I wanted to return to this, I realized how poorly I feel I wrote this. There's plot holes and misdirection and over all not my best work. Normally for stuff I write, I have someone to review my work, but as this account is a burner, I didn't exactly reach out to anyone.

So it changes direction fast and doesn't have a complete 'main character' when it was supposed to be Eternal.

So I'm rewriting it! Two versions of it, at least.

Sworn Oath, which will be the true ending version.

Broken Promises, which is the evil ending version.

In both, here's some head canons you will see:

Lycan Shadowheart

Lae'zel with an anxiety disorder

Astarion going through a Asexual discovery (Specifically Caedsexual, which is asexuality as a result of trauma)

Platonic Wyllstarion and Platonic Shadowstar. Those three steal my whole heart and soul.

More character depth and story for Wyll

More depth on Mystra grooming Gale

Several original characters and more I can't think to list currently.

When will the fic's come out and how quickly will chapters be released? My plan is to write the entire book before releasing a single chapter and make a specific day of the week when each chapter comes out. This means the first chapter will not be out for quite some time, but takes less stress off me to get chapters done too quickly and they end up rushed. Sworn Oath will come out first, then Broken Promises with time in between for me to write the next book if I didn't finish by the time I finish posting Sworn Oath.

Thank you for bearing with me. I'll make a new Chapter here when the first of the new version of Sworn Oath comes out.❤️❤️❤️