The Shadows | Astarion

~ 11 ~

They'd stopped halfway in their journey to eat something, but only something quick.

Astarion watched on as Gale was digging around his pack and got out three apples. Aelia saw him give Shadowheart one, and then handed one to Aelia.

She looked at it in her hands for a few moments, glancing up at Gale, then decided to take a bite out of it. Astarion stepped a little closer to her as they walked on, getting closer to the inn

They talked amongst themselves, little jabs and jokes at each other as they walked.

"Why are you in such good spirits, Astarion. You're acting unusually happy." Gale looked at the vampire from over his shoulder.

"No reason at all, I'm just enjoying the company." Astarion answered, his eyes playfully looking over at Aelia, she flushed slightly and glanced away.

"It's obvious he doesn't enjoy our company, Gale, only Aelia's." She added with a grin.

"I do not!" The vampire exclaimed, and Aelia laughed quietly.

"Her company is the best out of everyone's." Gale said, looking back and smiling at the healer.

She nodded her thanks and carried on walking, the group settling in a comfortable silence. Astarion watched as the flush disappeared from her cheeks, and he grinned to himself.

They carried on walking until a building full of light and sound became clear, sunrise was not for a few hours yet.

It was just as busy as the tavern where Aelia had met the others, so they hoped they had rooms available.

Before walking into the inn, Astarion made sure that Aelia was in front of him, and they walked inside the busy establishment.

As they worked through the throng of people, Aelia noticed how close Astarion was. She could feeling his chest close to her back. Then they finally got to the counter.

Shadowheart went to go speak to the innkeeper, leaving the three.

Aelia was stood inbetween Astarion and Gale, watching around them. A drunk male was stumbling about in front of them, and Astarion stepped closer to the healer.

"Gods, you'd think people would know not to get in such states." He whispered in Aelia's ear, and she tried to ignore the feeling it gave her.

"Surely you've been in such states before?" She asked, looking up at him with a playful tone in her voice.

"Darling, I'll have to change your mind about that." And there was a promise in his voice, and Aelia stared into his eyes for a second until Shadowheart joined them again.

"They only had two rooms, should have two beds in each." She said, "Who's going with who?"

"I'll go with Aelia, the two of you snore." Astarion said, grabbing one key from her hand. She simply smirked and glanced at Aelia.

She looked away nervously, and then they all headed to the stairs, climbing them quickly.

Astarion then walked up to a door, unlocking and opening it. He turned around the Aelia and gestured into the darkened room.

"Ladies first." He said, and before Aelia entered the room she lit the candles inside with her magic.

When she walked in, the light showed that there were not two beds at all.

There was, in fact, only one.

"Astarion." She turned to him, and he walked into the room and stared at the one double bed in the room.