These Cursed Hands (Touch Me With)

Part 2

Convincing Kagha to see the error of her ways was far easier than I thought. Perhaps because of Halsin's presence, and perhaps because I was also a druid. The tieflings were ever-grateful, and I knew better than to suggest they have a chat with the druids to clear the air. Not everyone wanted to understand those who had wronged them, they just wanted the wronging to stop. When Zevlor suggested a party, however, I was less than thrilled.

"I don't know, you'd be using a lot of supplies when you're about to go on a long journey, and we already accepted your thanks."

"Please, it is the least we can do for the heroes who helped us."

Behind me, Astarion scoffed, speaking his first words since morning. "If you really wanted to thank us, you'd give us gold, not throw some shitty party at our campsite." I resisted the urge to smack the vampire, giving Zevlor an apologetic grin.

"On second thought, you all are more than welcome. I look forward to it." I excused myself, ignoring Astarion's sneer as I passed through the gate.

"What, is it so wrong of me to want a little compensation for our troubles?"

"They are refugees, Astarion. They need the money more than we do."

"Speak for yourself, I could use a new set of armor." I spared at glance at his padded armor, at the frayed golden threads and worn out hem.

"I'll fix it for you."

He stopped short, waiting for the rest of our party to pass before turning on me. "What did you say?"

"I said I'll fix it for you. I happen to be quite proficient in embroidery."

Astarion laughed, a short and bitter thing. "Sure, I'll trust the wild druid who wears vines to fix my very expensive armor. No thank you."

"I'm serious, Astarion. I did it a lot... before. Before I became a druid."

"What were you, a maid?" His eyes lit up with glee at the thought, mind no doubt racing with insults. I shook my head, resuming my climb up the hill.

"Forget it, then. I just offered because I felt bad. About hitting you. No matter how angry I was, violence wasn't appropriate."

"Ah, so you were apologizing."

"No, I was not. Do not misconstrue my words. I feel bad about slapping you, but I do not apologize for it." I crossed my arms, staring at his armor again. "So do you want me to fix it or not?"

"By all means. You're so insistent on getting me to take my shirt off, how can I refuse?" I swallowed the bile that rose in my throat at his tone, at his expression.

"I'll work on it tonight, after the party," I whispered, then jogged forward, hovering next to Shadowheart, who, blessedly, said nothing about my strange behavior.

~~~~~

"Are you sure, Halsin? Doesn't the grove need you?"

The arch druid shook his head, a kind smile stretching his thin lips. "The shadowlands need me more. I have a promise to fulfill there. One that I hope you all can assist me with."

"I'd be more than happy to, if you'd be willing to wait a little longer. I promised Lae'zel we'd go to the creche next." He nodded his head in understanding, and I departed from him with a feeling of homesickness for a place that did not exist. My eyes found Astarion, whose head was buried deep in the tome we found at the blighted village, a bottle of wine swaying haphazardly in his hand. I approached him, clearing my throat awkwardly. He looked up with a bored expression, snapping the book shut and shoving it into his tent.