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Chapter Text

"Behind you!" 

Halsin looked up at the sound of Karlach's voice, seeing Astarion turning around just before a blast of magic knocked him back against a stone pillar with a deafening crack of energy. 

"Fuck, Fangs!" Karlach cried, trying to run toward their fallen comrade, but the enchanted automatons they were fighting showered her with a barrage of random spells.

They'd come here to this home hoping to find some spells and potions, having heard from the local townsfolk that the wizard who'd lived here had been gone a long time, and likely left behind many of their belongings. It was supposed to be a quick, easy task, a bit of simple looting and looking around, except the place wasn't as abandoned as people thought.

Well sure, the main house was empty enough, but the cellar below was not. Five automatons, old and in a bit of disrepair, but working well enough, and with only one goal: Protecting the home from intruders.

The fight had started off fine, with Karlach and Astarion taking down two of the bots, but quickly things got tricky. The automatons were twitchy, the spells they blasted wild and uncontrolled. One spell caused flowers to burst in brilliant blooms across the stone floor, another blasting a hole in the wall, and another still nearly electrocuting Gale.

And now one of those spells has just hit Astarion square in the chest.

"I have an idea!" Gale shouted above the sounds of fighting. "We need to group the three automatons together!"

"Understood!" Halsin said, casting thorn whip and dragging one of the bots closer to the other. Gale casted thunder wave on the third, the bot landing on its back next to the other two.

"Voco Arvina!" Gale shouted, a large puddle of grease sploshing upon the ground around the automatons. "Halsin!"

"On it. Ignis!" 

Everyone ducked their heads as the grease lit up with a fiery boom, bits and pieces of the automatons flying across the room. Finally, the battle was done.

"Astarion! Can you hear me?" Halsin asked, approaching where the vampire had fallen, Karlach and Gale hot on his heels.

"You alright, Fangs?"

The area where Astarion was thrown was a mess of busted crates, stone rubble, and knee-high wildflowers. Halsin waved his hand, parting some of the flora, while Karlach pulled away stones and wood until the cape and hood Astarion had been wearing was visible. But something wasn't right. The clothing was in a heap on the ground, devoid of anyone wearing it. 

"Oh Gods, he's been turned to ashes!" Karlach cried out.

"No, not ashes," Halsin said, frowning in confusion. The cloak and hood were here, but Astarion and the rest of his outfit were not. Looking closer, the wildflowers next to the clothing were trampled slightly, as if something small had crawled through them.

"Jelly, then! Gods, poor Fangs, what are we-?"

"Um, guys, you might want to, ah, well..." 

Gale pointed helplessly at a spot beneath the wooden stairs that led down into the cellar. Halsin and Karlach approached, looking at what Gale was seeing. Halsin froze.

Huddled up pressed as far back against the steps as they could be was an elven child, no more than five if Halsin had to guess, with clothing that was far too big, and skin and hair as fair as moonlight. Or, perhaps, starlight.

"Oh, fuck," Karlach muttered.

"Astarion?" Halsin asked softly. The boy glanced up, eyes as blue as the waters of the Chionthar and dripping with tears.

"Papa?" The boy asked, sniffling and wiping his eyes. Halsin chuckled despite himself.

"No, little one, I'm afraid not. But I am here to help, if you'll allow."

"Oh," Astarion muttered. "You kinda looked like him. Who are you?"

"My name is Halsin, and these are my friends Gale and Karlach." He gestured to them both. "I assume you saw us fighting?"

Astarion gave a tiny nod, hugging his knees closer to his chest. "Was scary..."

Halsin nodded gravely. "Yes, I'm sure it was. Those robots attacked us, and we had to protect ourselves, but the fighting is over now. You're safe to come out. We're going to our camp to rest and eat. Are you hungry?"

Astarion hesitated, then nodded again. Halsin smiled and held out his hand.

"Come on then, we'll get you something to eat." 

Astarion accepted the hand with his own, much smaller one, pulling himself to his feet on wobbly legs and stepping out from his hiding place. Gale and Karlach were muttering in frantic quiet whispers, but stopped when Halsin gave them a 'not now' sort of look.

"I'm glad you're all right, Fangs! You really had me worried there." Karlach said.

Astarion tilted his head. "Fangs? I don't got fangs."

"Have." Gale corrected.

"Have what?" Astarion asked. Halsin shook his head.

"Let us make our way to camp before we loose any more daylight. Although..." Halsin looked at the padded armor and trousers that hung off the boys frame and the leather boots that were several sizes too big on his feet. "Gale, is there perhaps something you could do to fix our friends outfit?"

"Hm? Ah! Yes, of course! A quick reduction of the sizing should do it. May I?" Gale asked Astarion, who shrugged. A few seconds later and the clothing and boots were shrunk down to much more acceptable sizes. Not perfect, but at least Astarion could walk without tripping.

"Perfect. We'll be there shortly. Follow closely." Halsin warned the boy. The four exited the cellar and headed toward where they'd set up camp in the nearby forest, Astarion clinging to Gales hand and firing off questions as they walked so rapid that even the wizard struggled to keep up.

"What were you doing in that basement?"

"Why did you need spells? Aren't you a wizard?"

"Why's she on fire?"

"Where are we?"

"How'd I get here?"

"Can I do magic?"

"Who is that? Are we collecting strays, now?" Shadowheart asked upon the groups arrival. Astarion ducked behind Gales leg, eyeing her warily. Shadowheart frowned, taking the boy in more closely, her eyes widening in shock.

"Wait, is that-?"

"I believe we need to have a group meeting." Halsin said wearily. 

Chapter Text

"And so we brought him back here." Halsin finished the explanation, gesturing toward Astarion who was now busying himself playing with Scratch after having been introduced to everyone, giggling when the dog licked his face. The rest of the party looked on with expressions a mix of shock, confusion, worry, and fondness. Karlach was fighting to bite back a happy squeal, flames dancing across her skin.

"I know we'll need to turn him back and all, but you gotta admit, he's so cute! All small and squishy."

"A liability," Lae'zel stated matter-of-factly. 

Gale hummed. "Speaking of, I'll need to examine him and see how, if possible, I can reverse the effects of the spell and return him to his normal self."

"If?" Halsin asked. Gale nodded slowly.

"Yes. There is a chance- though I'd like to highlight its extremely unlikely- but there is a chance that this spell may not be... Well... It may be rather permanent." 

At this, the group broke out into multiple voices of concern. Lae'zel in particular scoffed and clicked her tongue.

"Istik children are highly dependent upon others for survival, and we are in no place to care for someone so weak. He will end up dead if he remains this way."

"Yes, well, as I said, its unlikely he will remain this way forever. It's more likely that, if I can't reverse the spell immediately, then it will wear off over time. In the meantime, Astarion will be kept far away from any battles so long as he remains a child. Surely one of us can remain with him at all times without much trouble."

Lae'zel tilted her head, nodding. "We are a mighty group. Being down two members will hardly weaken us."

"Astarion?" Gale called out. Astarion turned, hands running through Scratches fur as the dog lay, tongue lolling happily.    "Would it be alright if I give you a quick look-over? I simply want to be sure you didn't get hurt during the fighting earlier." Gale said, forging a slight lie. It would be easier than trying to explain the truth and risk scaring the boy. 

Astarion paused, looking unsure. Then, he nodded slightly. Gale smiled and beckoned the child to follow him to his tent.

"Sit anywhere you'd like," The wizard said. "This won't take long. First things first, does anything hurt?"

Adult Astarion had been fighting before being turned, after all, and it was also possible the spell itself had caused some injury. As it was, Astarion thought about it a moment, then shook his head, ears wiggling.

"M a little sore, but that's it." 

Gale nodded. The soreness was likely from his body changing due to the spell, but the elf had been thrown into that stone pillar, so that could also be the culprit. 

"Right then, just sit still for me and I'll be done in two shakes of a tressym's tail!"

Astarion giggled, sitting cross-legged on one of the pillows on the floor, straightening his back as he kept as still as he could manage. Gale focused his magic, hands hovering over the boy's snow white curls as he worked to pinpoint the spell that had been casted on Astarion. He could sense it, centered in Astarion's chest where he'd been hit and branching outward across his entire body. It was strong and deeply rooted, but right away Gale knew it wouldn't last forever. A small breath of relief escaped him, but he wasn't done yet. Pushing forward, he prodded at the magic with his own, testing whether or not it could be untangled and removed. The spell didn't budge, staying firmly planted, and no amount of force moved it even an inch. Pulling back, Gale dropped his hands to his sides.

"All done!" He announced, trying not to sound too disappointed. To his amusement, he noticed Astarion had squeezed his eyes shut, nose wrinkled in concentration. The boy had taken his job of sitting still very seriously. Astarion blinked open his eyes (and by Mystra, it was very strange to see blue where there was usually red.)

"Was I hurt?"

"No, you're perfectly fine, though if you start to feel off, let me or anyone else know right away, alright?"

Astarion nodded, rising from the pillow. "Can I play with the puppy now?"

Gale chuckled. "Yes, I imagine Scratch would love to have you back." Astarion turned and ran, laughing loudly as Scratch barked happily. Dusting off his robes, Gale went to update the others and begin making dinner.

"Days?!" Karlach exclaimed. 

"Yes. Possibly weeks, or even as long as a month, though I doubt it'll last quite that long. It's hard to know with these things." Gale said. Wyll nodded, a slight frown on his face. The party was grouped around the campfire, Gale's soup boiling above the fire. Across the camp, Astarion sat in front of Karlach's tent playing with Clive.

"Its not ideal..." Wyll began, watching the boy play. "But there's nothing to be done of it now. Astarion is a child, unable to defend or care for himself, and its up to us to care for him until the spell fades, whenever that may be."

The group all muttered their agreements. 

"Well, with that done, I say we all sit and enjoy something to eat. I'm rather proud of the meal I managed to create, I must say. I barely had anything to work with." Gale said with a smile, setting out bowls. Everyone began filling their bowls and grabbing chunks of bread.

"Astarion! Dinner is ready!" Wyll spoke up. 

Astarion came running, Clive tucked under one arm. Wyll handed the boy a bowl, who sniffed it experimentally, face twisting in confusion as he stared at it. 

"What is it?" 

"Fish and vegetable soup!" Gale spoke up. "A hearty meal, and a comforting one to boot."

Looking unsure, Astarion scooped some onto his spoon and took a large mouthful, his face twisting in disgust as soon as the food hit his tongue. 

"Yuck! It tastes like... Like... Somethin' nasty!" He exclaimed. Wyll bit back a laugh at Gale's affronted face. Shadowheart nearly spit out her mouthful of wine.

"Now now, it can't be all that bad." Halsin reasoned with a small smile.

"It is! It doesn't taste like fish or vege-tals at all!"

"Try some bread F- Uh, Not-Fangs!" Karlach encouraged, handing him a piece. Astarion accepted it happily, looking much more excited about it than the soup. Halsin chuckled.

"I can't say I'm surprised by his tastes at all. Elven children tend to be rather sensitive to certain flavors."

Wyll sat up a bit straighter. "Really? I didn't know that." He turned to Astarion, who was tearing into his bread with vigor. "Anything else we should know going forward?"

"Hm," Halsin thought for a moment. "Some elven children are highly sensitive to loud sounds. Their ears themselves are sensitive as well, and children often don't have much control over their movements."

"I'd noticed that earlier," Gale spoke up. "I must admit it was rather cute how his ears wiggled about. It was as though they had a mind of their own!"

"They rather do at such a young age," Halsin said. "I'd say a diet of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and red meat will suit him better, perhaps without too many fancy spices."

"Hm, not too dissimilar from any other child, I suppose. Very well, I'll keep his meals simple. And make sure I have plenty of bread on hand."

"Saer?" Astarion spoke up, tugging on Wyll's shirt. 

"Please, call me Wyll. Are you still hungry?"

Astarion shook his head, then nodded, then paused. "Well, yeah, but..."

"Is something else troubling you?" Wyll asked, watching the boy fiddle with his clothing.

"Are you gonna take me back to Mama?"

Everyone in camp froze, looking between one another with pinched expressions. Wyll swallowed thickly, before pasting on a comforting smile, patting the boy's shoulder. 

"Yes, we'll take you back to her."

"When?"

"Well, it'll take some time, as she's far from here-"

"How far?" Astarion asked, eyes squinting.

"I think," Halsin interrupted. "That you are due an explanation. However, it'll be a long one, and it is already late, so would you be willing to hear it tomorrow?"

Astarion stared at the large elf for a long moment. Then, he nodded, ears flicking. Halsin smiled.

"Very well. For now, have some more to eat, and then we should all get some rest."

"Yes, you're quite right," Wyll said, sending Halsin a look. Halsin shook his head with a smile and an expression that, even without a tadpole, said 'trust me.'

Two more rolls and an apple later, Astarion's belly was sufficiently full, the boys eyelids drooping as he leaned heavily against Halsin.

"I think perhaps it's time for bed." Shadowheart said with a smirk. 

"Yes, I believe you're right." Wyll agreed. "Astarion? Let me show you to your tent so you can sleep."

Astarion yawned, rubbing his eyes with a fist. "I don' sleep," He mumbled. Then, slightly more awake. "I got my own tent?"

"You do! Would you like to see it?"

Astarion nodded, gripping Wyll's hand and following him away, waving when the party bid him goodnight. They walked across camp to the red tent, but when they were at the entrance, Wyll paused. He'd never been inside, and to let himself in now felt like intruding on Adult Astarion's privacy. Child Astarion, however, had no such hang-ups, and he let go of Wyll's hand and ran right in. 

"Woah! It's huge-mongous! It's like a house!"

With a silent apology, Wyll ducked inside, chuckling at the look of awe on the boys face.

"I'm glad you like it! It's yours, so you'll have plenty of room to yourself."

Astarion flopped down onto one of the many large pillows scattered about, wiggling himself around until he was comfortable, eyes still wide in amazement. Wyll looked around for a blanket, finding a large white cloth stuffed beneath a few cushions in the corner. It was clearly old and well-worn, slightly thinner than a typical blanket, almost more like a large shawl. It wasn't something Wyll would expect Astarion to keep around, but regardless, it would work for now. Shaking it out gently, he placed it over the boy, who snuggled up beneath it with a giggle.

"There, snug as an owlcub in a cave," Wyll grinned. "Is there anything else you need?" 

Astarion clutched Clive to his chest and shook his head. 

"Very well, then. Pleasant dreams, I'll see you tomorrow." Wyll blew out the candles.

"G'night!" Astarion yawned, eyes shutting before Wyll had even slipped fully out of the tent.

"Our little elf is comfortable, I take it?" Halsin said as he passed by Wyll, everyone preparing to sleep in their own tents for the night. 

"Yes, so it seems, at least." He blew out a long breath. "I can't say I was expecting this when I woke up today."

Halsin laughed loudly. "My friend, can you honestly say you've expected any of what's happened to you in recent weeks?"

Wyll cracked a small smile. "No, I can certainly say I haven't. I must ask, though, what do you plan we tell him tomorrow? Surely we can't explain what actually happened."

"No, I fear that would only frighten him more. But perhaps we need not lie, either."

"Oh?"

"Half-truths are easier than lies. We will tell him he'd been taken from Baldur's Gate, and that we found him and are helping him get back."

That was... fairly simple. And fairly believable. But would it be enough? What if the boy kept asking questions? What if he remained a child for months, as Gale said he might? Wyll could only delay taking Astarion to his "mother" for so long before it would become suspicious. 

"My friend, I can see you spiraling. Let us focus on the present, and cross any bridges when we get to them."

Wyll released a long breath. "Yes, yes, you're right. Thank you, Halsin."

"No thanks needed. Goodnight, Wyll."

"Good night." The warlock bid, watching the large elf retreat to his tent. Here's to hoping tomorrow went well...

Chapter Text

Karlach stared up at the ceiling of her tent, mind racing as she struggled to fall asleep. There was just, like, so much happening. Constantly, all the time. Brain worms, cults, devils, and now a kid! In their camp! And not just any kid either, but Astarion of all people! He was adorable, no question, but Karlach wasn't dumb. She knew how dangerous it was for him right now, and the more she thought about it, the more worried she became, honestly. 

He was small, only coming up to Wyll's waist, and he was all chubby-faced and wide-eyed, with wiggly little ears and clumsy feet. A baby. Babies didn't belong out in the middle of the forest where a bunch of scary goblins and cult members were running about! What if he got lost? What if he got hurt? Oh, Karlach's chest flared just at the thought, and she focused on breathing to settle herself down. No need to panic over stuff that hasn't happened yet, right? 

Right. She shut her eyes, sinking down and allowing herself to relax.

And then an awful, piercing scream ripped through the night.

The orb in Gale's chest thrummed in time with his racing heart as he jolted up, ripped from his sleep by the sound of a terrified scream. He flew from his tent, seeing Karlach following close behind, the rest of camp up and drawing their weapons. His tent being right next to Astarion's, he got there in only three hurried steps, Karlach at his back and Halsin and Wyll fast approaching. 

Gale pulled open the flap and crawled inside. Astarion was lying within a nest of pillows, his thin white blanket tangled around his legs as the boy flailed and twitched, panting for breath.

"No, no!"

"Astarion, you're safe. It's me, Gale." The wizard said, crawling closer and gently shaking the boy's arm.

"NO! G-get away!" Astarion cried, swatting Gale's hand.

"Astarion, you're all right, I promise."

The boy's breath hitched, eyes blinking open and staring at Gale for a moment. "G-Gale...?"

Gale let out a sigh of relief. "Yes, it's me, are you-?"

Astarion launched himself at Gale's chest, hands clutching at his night shirt as he clung, trembling. 

"Don't let him take me! I don't wanna go!"

Gale held Astarion, patting his back even as he reeled in confusion, glancing back at Karlach, who shrugged helplessly. 

"Don't let who take you?"

"The man! He was trying to get me! He- He said I be-belonged to 'im and that I had to go back but I don't wanna!"

Man? Gale frowned. "Fear not, Astarion, you aren't going anywhere. No one here would let you." 

Astarion sniffled. "Promise?"

"I do."

"Pinky promise?" A tiny pinky was held in front of Gale's face. 

"I solemnly pinky promise," Gale said, hooking his pinky with Astarion's. 

"Me two, Soldier! Ain't no one gonna get ya!" Karlach exclaimed, holding up her own flaming pinky. Astarion giggled.

"Everything's alright, then?" Halsin asked from beyond the tent. Peeking out, Gale saw everyone waiting, though two members were missing. He shuffled out of the tent, Astarion still in his arms, and nodded.

"A nightmare, it seems, but all is well now, I believe. Where are Shadowheart and Lae'zel?"

"Checking the perimeter of the camp," Wyll answered. "They wanted to make certain we weren't under attack."

"Ah, perfect. Hear that, then, Astarion? They'll make sure we're safe."

"Ok..." Said hesitantly, still looking unsure. 

"If you'd like, you could rest in my tent. I have plenty of room to accommodate you."

Astarion nodded, looking far less startled at the thought of not having to be alone.

"Well, if everything is ok, then we should all try returning to sleep. We have a long day of travel ahead of us." Wyll said, everyone nodding and returning to their tents, bidding Astarion goodnight once more. Lae'zel and Shadowheart returned a moment later as Gale headed to his tent.

"The area is clear. We remain safe, for now." Lae'zel reported, Shadowheart nodding in agreement.

Astarion yawned. "No man?"

Shadowheart glanced at Gale, brows drawn. Gale shook his head. "I'll explain in the morning."

"Very well... No, no one is nearby."

Astarion nodded sleepily. 

"Well, we should really be off to bed. Thank you both for checking, good night."

"Good night, you two."

"Rest well," Lae'zel said, dipping her head.

Gale entered his tent, struggling to detach Astarion from the front of his shirt. He managed and tucked the boy in beneath a dark purple quilt. Astarion yawned again, already halfway asleep. Or, half-tranced? Did elven children sleep? Astarion sure seemed to. He'd have to speak with Halsin on the matter. 

For now, Gale lay down on the opposite side of the tent and ran through various potion recipes until he fell back into an uneasy sleep.

"What in all the Hells happened?" Karlach asked. She, Shadowheart, and Wyll cornered Gale at the first available opportunity while Halsin took Astarion to search for berries, not that the wizard hadn't seen it coming. Breakfast had been tense, with multiple questioning looks being sent his way, the teifling especially vibrating with the want for answers.

"Astarion had a nightmare, it seems, told me that a man was threatening to take him."

"What man?" Shadowheart asked, brows drawn. Everyone looked similarly confused, until realization dawned upon Wyll's face in creeping horror.

"His sire..."

"His who?" Karlach asked.

"His master, the one who'd turned him, Cazador. Perhaps that's who haunted his dreams."

"But if Fangs is all little now with a kid brain, shouldn't he have no clue who Cazador is?" Karlach reasoned. Gale hummed. 

"He didn't call Cazador by name; he only referred to him as 'The Man, ' so I don't think he remembers him."

Wyll looked troubled. "Well, it's possible that his adult memories are there, just buried deep down. Or... this could mean Cazador's bond is still in place, despite the spell Astarion is currently under."

"He doesn't seem to be a vampire right now," Shadowheart pointed out. "No pointy teeth or red eyes, at least."

"Yes, physically, he is undoubtedly elven, and elven alone. But the bond formed between sire and spawn is magical in nature, and not easily broken. The spell that aged Astarion backwards was able to bring him back to a time before he was bitten, but it might not have been enough to sever the bond."

"And so what? That Caza-fuck is just able to mess with the kid whenever he wants?" Karlach seethed, flames flaring. 

"Mostly during trancing, I think. The tadpole had been protecting him from the compulsions."

"Does he have a tadpole? His body is from a time before being infected." Shadowheart asked. 

"Well, I... don't know. Part of me thinks he must. He aged backwards; he didn't travel through time. But whatever happened to him was able to reverse his vampirism, so it's hard to say." Gale answered, his thoughts running a million miles a minute the more he thought about the situation. Karlach groaned.

"Ugh, this is making my brain hurt trying to think about it."

"Lach, Lach!"

Astarion was running toward them with two fistfuls of berries, Halsin walking behind him with a basket and a smile on his face.

"Look what I found! Blueberries!" Astarion exclaimed excitedly, showing off the berries he held, a few of which he'd accidentally squished. Karlach crouched down to get a better look, her tail flicking happily behind her.

"Whew, look at those! Fine enough to bake into a pie, ay, Gale?" 

Gale barked a laugh. "Ha! Is that your way of asking me to bake?"

"Maybe..."

"You'll put my berries into a pie?" Astarion asked in awe, looking up at the wizard with big eyes.

"Well, I certainly could, I suppose! We all deserve a sweet treat after all our traveling, don't we?" No one offered any complaints, even Shadowheart, who agreed that a fresh pie sounded rather lovely. Lae'zel glanced between them all, eyes squinted.

"What is a pie?" 

"Why Lae'zel, surely you jest!" Wyll exclaimed.

"You've never had pie, mate?!" Karlach looked horrified.

"Well, now that just won't do!" Gale said, smiling. "One pie, coming up. Astarion, would you care to assist me?"

"I dunno how to make pie." The boy replied.

"I'd be happy to teach you then!"

Astarion, if possible, grew even more excited. "Yeah! Pie!"

"Whoo!" Karlach cried out, cheering along. "Pie, pie, pie!"

"Shar guide us..." Shadowheart sighed in exasperation, though she couldn't fully hide the small smile on her lips.