The Wild Tempest was full of people that evening, it was standing room only. Every type of race was welcome as long as they didn't cause trouble. It was a fairly new tavern compared to some of the older venues, and it was not as large as some others. The owners were a couple who had spent their younger days on the ships. This evening, the man, known as 'Crusty' Norton was behind the bar overseeing the staff and frivolities of the patrons. His wife, Scully, was in the kitchen, preparing food.
Tav and Alfira were playing up a firestorm of racy music at the opposite side of the room. Tonight was a complete band, with drums, and pipes, with Tav playing lute and Alfira playing violin and singing. A stool, within reach of Tav, was being used to hold a carafe of wine and goblets for her and Alfira. A waitress kept pouring wine into their cups, and Tav kept drinking it between strumming her instrument.
The crowd was rowdy, patrons were dancing and singing, and there was general festive carousing. The atmosphere was electric. A young man jumped on the stage and grabbed Tav's face for a kiss. Lute in hand, she shoved him away and others pulled him right back and away from sight. It wasn't the first time that had happened, but with every man ogling her or giving her sleazy suggestions, it amplified what Astarion had told her. Curses, he was right.
She spotted people she knew in the crowd, one of which was the Tiefling wizard, Rolan. He stepped in closer to make sure she saw him. She assumed his siblings were present as well somewhere in the crowd. There was a warm glint in his eyes, as if he was trying to communicate something to her. It was a comforting gesture and she smiled in return. After all, they had faced some dilemmas together, and she considered him her friend.
The more wine she drank, the easier the spicy liquid went down. Finally she had to admit she was drunk. It wasn't the merry festivities making her giddy, it was the potent alcohol she had been drinking all night. She was not unaccustomed to drinking strong drink, but never anything like this.
Less women and more men were collecting in front of the step stage. The women had gone, leaving all the rowdy single men. That meant it was getting late. Tav was hot and flushed. As she slowed her playing, she realized how drunk she actually was. Alfira was also flushed as she danced around the stage. She was most likely drunk as well.
'Gods…' Tav was breathing hard, 'I need some fresh air…'
Alfira grinned and nodded. 'You go…'
Tav put her instrument down and stepped off the stage. Her foot slipped on the edge and she fell. Rolan seem to anticipate the fall and caught her in mid-flight. He held her in his arms and off the floor.
He said, 'I think you've had far too much to drink.'
Tav garbled some reply, 'I… no…. what are saying … too much…'
'I can take you home.'
Tav frowned, his words were like warning signals. 'No… I can…' her skin was so hot, '… I'm talk to Crusty…' she had to get to the bar and sit down at least. She struggled to walk. Where was Astarion anyway? Why did she have no real sense of time?
'I'll help you to sit down.' Rolan still had hold of her.
'No… I can…' She tried to wiggle her way out of his arms, but made it worse by tripping over. 'It's… I can… walk…'
'You will hurt yourself if you try to walk,' Rolan said firmly. He took her arm and supported her to a bar stool, and plonked her down. 'You see. You're too drunk.'
Tav mumbled something incoherent.
'She's had it.' Crusty, an older male human, stood behind the bar with a concerned look on his face. He was wide and tall, and his voice was gruff. 'Never seen her quite so bad as this. Usually she doesn't have the coin for it.'
Tav muttered, 'Someone bought the drink…'
Rolan stood close to her on one side, as if preventing her from falling sideways. 'She can't be walking home.'
It seemed Astarion suddenly appeared beside her, or was he always there she couldn't even recall.
'Rolan, your concern is impressive,' Astarion remarked. 'Why is such an esteemed wizard mingling with this drunken rabble?'
'I… I like a drink as much as anyone,' Rolan's cheeks reddened, and he answered sheepishly, 'I enjoy the company of friends… and the music…'
'Clearly,' Astarion curled his lips up in a half smirk. 'You have looked after your friend well indeed.'
'And you are going to take her home?' Rolan regarded him with a frown.
'That was always my intention.'
She glanced up at Astarion, her eyes glazed, 'someone… drugged me… I'm…' she rubbed her head, feeling light-headed again.
'Yes, my dear, it seems someone wanted you intoxicated,' he leaned down to tell her.
'Well, it wasn't me,' Rolan stated while still frowning at Astarion.
Crusty looked across at the crowd. 'Could be anyone. Want me to find out?'
Astarion stated, 'You're right. It could be anyone. Some infatuated fool thinking he can take advantage of an inebriated female.'
'What...' Tav attempted getting her thoughts straight, '…did they think was going to happen…'
Crusty pressed his lips together and shook his head.
'The fact you don't know, explains how easy it would have been for them,' Astarion admonished her.
Crusty turned to Astarion, a friendly glint was in his eyes. 'Haven't seen you in a while now. You used to be here more often. Good to see you're back.'
'Ah – I haven't been in the city.' Astarion lowered his gaze with an unusual awkwardness, 'We have been off saving the world, and all of that type of hero thing.'
Tav had never seen him appear so demure. He had never said he had visited the Wild Tempest. She must be terribly drunk to be imagining this odd awkward discussion. Not being able to question it as she wanted, she slurred her words, and she made no sense at all. Feeling her body sway, she fell into the safe place of Astarion's chest.
'Didn't know you knew Tav,' Crusty queried.
'Ironically, we met outside the city,' he said shortly.
'It's a strange coincidence then,' Rolan remarked.
'Perhaps…' Astarion replied, 'Well, if it's not than the gods have some mystifying schemes afoot.'
They continued speaking, and Tav tried to follow the conversation. She wanted so much to add to it, sensing that the situation would irk Astarion considerably, but no words came out, and she feared she was going to pass out. She attempted speech – '….'
'It seems now is the best time to leave for the evening.' Astarion put his arm around Tav's shoulders.
'Are you going to carry her?' Rolan asked incredulously.
Sighing deeply, he looked her over with exasperation. 'I suppose I will have to.'
Tav made a snorting sound, and tried to lift her head. 'No…I can… walk.' She pushed her way from the counter and slid off the stool. Her head swooned and her legs gave way. 'What the hell….' – she mumbled, '… have I been drinking?'
Astarion scooped her up, before she collapsed completely.
She breathed out, 'I'll be…. fine….'
'Yes, you'll be fine,' Astarion shook his head. His gaze swept over the other two but not landing on either of them, 'Thank you for looking out for her, but we will be on our way now.'
Tav spent most of the walk back home asleep. Every time she woke she shivered in the cold and tried to get out of his arms. Her head was still spinning, and her voice quavered. '… is someone following us…?'
'I don't believe Rolan has it in him,' Astarion jested.
She swatted at him, but fell short. 'No… someone drugged me…'
'You really know you were drugged?' He looked down at her sleepy face with fondness. 'Unfortunately you are correct.'
She tried to open her eyes. 'You know…' She then fell asleep again.
The gate guards didn't raise a question about the passed-out Tav, and they walked through without any issue.
Once at home, Tav woke up on their bed unable to really shift her body. Astarion was dragging off her pants for bed, seeing as she was incapable. She murmured, 'you think we were followed…'
'Is that a question?'
'Alfira… is she alright?' she breathed unevenly and closed her eyes.
'I would hope so.' He undid her bodice and threw it on the floor. 'It would be nice if that wizard paid her as much attention as he did you.'
Tav rubbed under her breast. 'That feels good.' She wondered if she really was drugged. 'It's… I… didn't drink that much…' she closed her eyes and grumbled, '… it's hot…too hot.'
'You are too hot?' He lay his hand on her neck. 'Mmm, you are.'
She curled up on her side and whispered, 'Astarion…'
'Yes, my love,'
'Are you going to be here?'
'There's no way I'll be leaving you right now.' He caressed her back.
Her voice was a mere breath. 'I like having you near me…'
'I know.'
She started speaking into the pillow, 'because… I really… care…'
'As much as that is true, late-night drunken confessionals are not really my thing.' He drew his fingers over her back in long strokes
'I'm sorry…' She tried lifting her head, but failed. '…you were right …'
He gave her soothing kisses along her back. 'You can tell me again tomorrow.' His hand ran circles down her back as she fell asleep.
~ Earlier in the evening ~
Astarion stopped at the entrance of the Wild Tempest, preparing himself for the noise and the crowds. He wore dark clothing, deciding against wearing the Drow suit that night as it would draw too much attention, and attention was what he did not want. He did however wear a hood, and he kept it over his head as he stepped into the raucous and heady atmosphere. He inhaled the smell of spilled beer and hints of piss, and the stench of men in heat. His senses were overpowered by the drunken revelry of stupid and naïve people. For a horrible moment he felt like he was walking back into his past life – so many sensations rushed back into him. The tavern crowd was just as he described it to Tav. Crammed full of simple people making merry. With the loss of the tadpole, he had lost some significant benefits, but other skills had returned. However, from now on, he didn't need to pretend he was there for a good time.
He could sense Tav's presence before seeing her, and he knew exactly where she was. He could make her out through the crowd on the small stage playing alongside the Tiefling Alfira. Remaining hidden from the nonchalant gaze of people, he took a familiar position at the end of the bar that was somewhat away from others. His eyes were drawn away from Tav to a man ordering a drink at the bar. The newcomer caught his eye. He was not dressed like the regular Wild Tempest patrons, who mostly wore market garb, and labourers outfits. It was not that the crowd were necessarily morally good, it was that the majority were young honest workers, and this bearded man was older, and appeared more seasoned. Foreigners were not usually in this pub, and this man was not from Baldur's Gate. His leathers were from outside the city, but it was his voice that was clearly of a different dialect. If he had to guess, he would say the accent reminded him of those from Amn.
The man ordered a carafe of expensive wine. Astarion prickled with suspicion, and it only intensified when he watched the man pour the contents of a thin vial into the carafe. After which he asked the waitress to take the carafe to the stage, where she placed it on a high stool, but not before pouring drinks into goblets for Tav and Alfira. She left the carafe there for them to continue serving themselves.
Astarion was already bothered, but now his mood became wrathful. With his hood still concealing his head, he was on full alert to events occurring outside the awareness of all present. He scanned the crowds of people. The bearded man, appearing alone, went to stand on the other side of the room with his eyes focused on Tav. Meanwhile on the stage, Tav downed the goblet and Alfira poured them both another one.
This will not do. Astarion studied the scene waiting for an opportunity. He gave a modest wave to the waitress.
Coming to stand beside him, she smiled invitingly. She was young, simple looking, and ready to please.
Perfect, he thought. He lowered his voice and delivered his words with expert flair, 'I'm amazed to find such an attractive one as you in a place like this.'
Her eyes glazed over as she stared into his crimson eyes.
His hand swept across her eyes and over her face without touching her at all. 'I have never seen such a mesmerizing face. You are exquisite.' His eyes kept hold of her and wouldn't let her look away.
She blushed scarlet. 'oh… really?'
'I can show you how true it is.' He focused on her eyes and caressed her arm. 'But before I delight myself in you, I was wondering if you would do me a sweet courtesy for a friend.'
'Of course.' She leaned forward eagerly.
'It's on behalf of Tav, on stage,' He said slowly, his eyes never leaving her face, 'Could you tell the man who bought her drinks that she says thank you, and she would like to repay him with her own kindness.' He gave a lilting laugh. 'You know what I mean by that.'
She stepped in closer, and replied in a dreamy tone. 'Oh… yes, yes I do…'
'She will meet him out the back when she sees him leave.' He dipped his head yet his eyes remained on hers in a seductive manner. 'Don't mention me at all. It would complicate things for them, and make him feel less amorous.'
'I won't tell him.' She nodded swiftly.
'I knew a pretty one like yourself would understand. Remember it's all about Tav.'
She turned away to do his bidding.
He watched her approach the man and they spoke for a few moments. Once he saw him exit the tavern, Astarion followed after. Sure enough the man went to find the back of the tavern. He paced a few strides back and forth. Astarion observed him, and gauged his physical girth and his weapon type. With only a sword at his back, the man finally turned his back to Astarion waiting in the shadows.
Silently, Astarion pounced and put his Sassur blade at this throat. On the chance he was some sort of magic user. 'What do you want with the Bard?'
'It's not her we want.' He spun around as he spoke, and a dagger gleaming green flashed forward. 'It's you, Astarion.'
Astarion was ready, his second blade was already in place to be driven into the man's heart. 'Unfortunately for you I can't oblige, I have other plans.'
The man was dead within moments. Astarion dragged him to the nearest sewer opening and dropped him down, and he followed after. On the dingy floor, he went through the dead man's pockets and pouch, finding only coin. After partaking of the man's blood, he noticed puncture marks already present. So he was a thrall perhaps, because he wasn't a vampire. Then he eviscerated the man's throat. Best not to leave any incriminating evidence from anyone wishing to speak to the dead. He concealed the body as best he could, and went back up. He found the water barrel and cleaned himself up before entering back inside. The man's disconcerting statement still circling his mind – Why would someone want him? And who were they?
~><~
Tav woke sometime in the morning, her head aching, and her throat parched. Astarion was asleep beside her. Still feeling woozy, she needed to get up, for water at least. Fragments of last night came back to her slowly. She remembered having a good time, but that passed when she became intoxicated. How could she be so irresponsible to be on stage and get wrecked at the same time. She couldn't even remember getting home.
'Oh, gods…' she recalled Rolan carry her around, and a dreamy look was in his eyes. 'Did he…,' she thought he might have asked her out for a meeting today. She reached through the curtain gap, feeling for a mug of water on the bedside cabinet, she grabbed it and drank her fill. Wiping her chin, she then put it back. '…gods…' a man had pulled on her neck and kissed her on the lips. Too drunk to grasp what was happening, she had only shoved him away, instead of punching him in the face. She grimaced, '… that prick.' There had been a multitude of horny men. Astarion was right. She flopped back down on the pillows.
'Is that prick Rolan?' Astarion turned on his side, and with his eyes still closed, he rubbed her stomach.
'No…' She blushed at the vision of Rolan, hoping Astarion hadn't noticed how he had been fawning over her. '… it was some randy lad.'
His eyes flicked open to view her with disapproval. 'Mmm, I seem to recall saying something along those lines, of, what was that -- "horny men". Oh, but, you weren't going to listen to me – the one who has had over two hundred years of experience.'
She sighed. 'I… didn't think…' Now her head was clearing, she was shocked at what happened to her.
'Usually you are a very good thinker.' He leaned up on one elbow. 'You had a cohort of lusty men, tongues flailing in the wind, or ready to kneel and proclaim their undying love.'
'I'm sure they would regret that in the morning…'
'While you were horrendously drunk.'
'Maybe they like my music…'
'Yes, of course, your music…' He sighed. 'You had drunk so much, I was intoxicated when I fed on you.'
'I didn't think that would bother you.' She turned her head to gauge his perturbed expression. 'It's happened before. Wait, was it because I was really poisoned?' She even mentioned it last night.
His hand still on her stomach, he leaned closer. 'Someone wanted you incapacitated. They purposely put some type of substance in your drink.'
'O, hell…' Her brow creased in sudden anger. 'Who would…? It's not Rolan, is it?'
'Pfft, Rolan.' Astarion scoffed. 'He wouldn't dare. Anyway, the man's love-struck. Don't tell me you haven't noticed how he stares at you – the way he talks to you?'
Tav stared at him slack-jawed. 'No.' It took some moments before she had to admit Astarion was right. 'Oh, dear. It's true then.'
'My love is a true charmer,' He crooned, 'she doesn't even know what she does to a man.'
'I'm sorry…' she whispered.
Astarion chuckled at her and held her face. 'You don't need to apologize to me. I am not the one who will end up with a broken-heart.'
'I don't want to see him…' she turned away from him. 'So who was the man who poisoned me?'
'No need to be worried, he's gone now,' he replied brusquely, 'I took care of it.'
'Alright, no more pubs,' she felt terrible and said with more seriousness, 'you were right… I'm sorry I didn't really listen…'
He cuddled up to her back, his hand slowly finding its way between her legs. 'I don't want you to get into trouble. Then I have to get you out of trouble. I would rather not have to do that.'
She let out a soft moan at his delicate probing. Something pushed through the drape and jumped onto the bed. She peered at the cat, sitting and watching her intently. It was a short-haired blue with grey eyes. Not one of hers. Suddenly she became self-conscious of her naked vulnerability in her own bed.
'Astarion…'
'Mmm…'
'There's a cat staring at me.'
The cat started speaking to them. 'Greetings from your dearest and closest friend. It has taken a lot of time and effort in finding your location. I hope I am not intruding into a personal time of intimacy—'
Astarion lifted his head to see the creature. 'Oh, gods, it's from Gale.' He lay back down again.
The fact that Astarion could understand meant it was a magical message.
The cat continued, 'With that, it is my wish to find you both bountifully happy, and together, which would work out splendidly. Since defeating the Netherbrain, and returning all to a semblance of normality, for most anyway, I have been rather busy of late on various projects. Even Mystra has shown a more gracious side of herself, which has been quite the surprise to say the least. She has decided to share knowledge to assist with one such device. This has taken up quite a chunk of my time---'
'Oh, get to the point, Gale,' Astarion demanded.
It seemed the message anticipated Astarion's impatience. The cat said, 'I am messaging you regarding that particular design, I discussed previously. The prototype is now complete. You are both invited to Waterdeep to view my testing of aforementioned object. It would give me great pleasure to see you again. Please come at your earliest convenience.'
Astarion grumbled, 'What is he talking about?'
Tav laughed. 'It's like Gale to go and on.'
The cat hadn't finished. 'Knowing well your compassionate nature, it should be no trouble at all for you to give this creature some milk and meat, as he might be quite famished.'
'It's funny he doesn't even mention his name,' said Tav.
'Yet we know it's him by the ridiculous way he speaks.' He questioned, 'What is this object?'
'I think it is a magical item of some type…' Tav didn't want to disclose the details yet, not after how he reacted with the previous gift. 'We could get to Waterdeep?'
'It is perfect timing. Although neither of us have been there, so we can't simply teleport.' He spooned her in his arms and went back to stroking her stomach. 'We can leave the city for a time.'
'I wonder who could look after our cats and the house?'
'You'll figure it out,' he nuzzled into her neck, 'I'm in the mood for an adventure and other things – right now.'