The Shadows | Astarion

~ 3 ~

Aelia had meditated through the whole night, and had not woken up once. Sunlight filtered through the drapes and she lay in her bed, she was not needed at the Sanctuary today, so could do whatever she wanted.

Astarion filled her mind again, his curled hair, his teasing eyes and mouth twisted in a mischievous smirk.

A vampire.

She'd have to be careful, if he had wanted something from her the other night, she knew it only involved his fangs and her neck.

Shaking her head, she slipped out of bed and padded to the small kitchen, feeling hungry. She made herself scrambled eggs, and ate it quickly.

She had to tell the city guard of the man in the alleyway.

She dressed quickly, wearing one of her nicer dresses. One of deep red, slits which showed her legs. She tied her cloak around her and set off, walking into the market.

She loved the sunlight, and felt it against her skin as she walked. As she passed the alley, she looked to see if the man was still there, and he was, yet he was now slumped against the wall rather than on the ground.

Aelia walked quicker until she found herself at the market, where a city guard was stood. She breathed out deeply and approached the female guard.

"Excuse me, I noticed a man slumped over in the alleyway just over there, I didn't know what to do." Aelia thought it was best she didn't tell the guard the whole story, it would look too suspicious.

"We'll check it now, thank you for alerting us." The female guard nodded in thanks, and strolled off, going to another guard. They soon walked towards the alley, and Aelia slipped away inbetween the market stalls.

She browsed the different stalls, looking at different daggers and potions, but didn't buy anything.

Once she deemed it safe, she slipped away from the market and walked back home.

She spent the rest of the day reading books and crushing up herbs for healing potions and salves. She cleaned up a little bit, until the sun had set.

She was sitting in an armchair reading a book, with some tea, when she heard a knock at her door.

Her heart stilled.

Who would be knocking on her door at night?

She stood up silently, and put down the book, before stalking towards her door.

Another knock came, this one sounding a little more impatient. She grabbed her dagger and unlocked it slowly, before opening the door.

Her eyes widened as she saw the vampire on her doorstep.

"Hello again, darling. Mind if I come in?" He purred, his red eyes gazing at her.

Aelia slammed the door in his face, then another knock came from the door. She took a deep breath and opened it again, Astarion grinned at her.

"What are you doing here?" She questioned, and widened the door a slight bit, she knew he couldn't come in unless she verbally invited him in.

"I've been so lonely today, and wanted your company." Astarion teased, and Aelia fought the will to roll her eyes.

"We don't know each other." She replied, her eyes narrowed as she look at him in the soft light.

"Then let's get to know each other." He purred, and Aelia had half the mind of shutting the door in his face again.

"Before you slam the door again, I've already fed, I don't want your blood, I just need to talk to you." He pleaded, his eyes seemed to be begging.

"About what?" She asked, more interested now.

"I can't say it out here where anyone could be listening, this is why I need to come in." He replied, and Aelia stared at him.

"Answer my question truthfully, did you kill that man in the alley?" She had doubts whether it was him or not, and she wanted to know.

Astarion looked at her, his eyes serious, "As much as I enjoy killing, no, I did not murder that man. I heard him scream, and found him dead already. He had a dagger in his heart, not fang marks in his neck."

She stared at him until she said the words, "You may come in." Astarion smiled, and walked into her home, and Aelia tried to ignore her trembling as he surveyed her home.

She had just invited a vampire into her house.