The Shadows | Astarion

~ 34 ~

They were so deep into the swamp lands, the moonlight barely pierced through the trees. Aelia wasn't too fazed, she was more anxious of the creatures that they couldn't see in the darkness.

Astarion was a constant reassurance at her side,  she had never felt so safe with someone before, someone who willingly protected her with his every breath, it was something very new, and she liked it.

Aelia blinked and tried to concentrate as she walked, thoughts of Astarion were distracting her, and she didn't want a run-in with some swamp monster.

They walked in silence, not willing to upset any sleeping creature, but the silence was eerie. Ever since that strange shadow-cloaked man had found them in their small camp, they'd all been on edge; Astarion especially.

He'd made sure he'd walked at the back of the group, he didn't want Aelia's back unguarded. He never thought he'd have such protective instincts towards someone, but Aelia had made him discover a few things about himself lately.

Shadowheart stopped and that made everyone freeze.

Aelia peered around Gale to see a ravine, the edge gave way to a steep cliff. She took a deep breath, falling down there would most certainly mean instant death. She glanced to the side and pointed, "Seems others have crossed before." She pointed out a long log that went all the way across the ravine, like a bridge.

They walked over and Shadowheart knelt down beside it, testing the stability of the log, "We could make it across if we're quick."

Gale sighed but stepped on the log, and slowly walked across, holding his hands out to the side for balance.

Aelia's heart raced.

Gale wobbled and he cursed in fear, before making it to the other side, he put his hand on his heart like he was trying to calm it down.

"If Gale can make it, we most certainly can." Astarion quipped, and Aelia smiled faintly.

Shadowheart nodded, "Be careful crossing, okay? I don't want you ending up at the bottom of a ravine." She grinned at Aelia, the cleric knew Aelia would need humour to take her mind off it.

Shadowheart carefully made her way over the log, and Aelia sighed.

Astarion glanced at her, "I know you can do it, darling."

She hesitated, watching Shadowheart cross the ravine.

The wind began picking up.

She tore her eyes away from the ravine to gaze at Astarion. He noticed she was trembling a little.

"I've never been good with heights." She told him, "Just go across, I'll.. I'll be fine." She smiled, trying to reassure him.

But he frowned, "Darling, you must think me mad if you think I'm going to leave you here and go across." He gently placed his hand on her cheek, "Let me help you." He whispered, almost a tad desperately.

She hesitated but nodded, "Alright, we can go over together."

She let him step up on the log first and walk a little until he turned back, holding out his hand. She breathed in deeply and stepped onto the log, trembling as she shifted her feet across. She quickly grabbed onto his hand.