[ Astarion decides, without any real evidence, that Reginald is just old and jealous of their clearly thriving relationship. Obviously, he doesn't know what it's like to be madly in love with someone so eminently desirable and exceptionally sweet. Who would? Iorveth is the only one in the world who checks those boxes. ]
Of course I am.
[ His tone is more than a little defensive, and he crosses his arms petulantly as Reginald inspects his work. It is far less painful, and he has to admit that his leg feels infinitely better than it did yesterday, when it had seemed one wrong move away from simply turning to dust. ]
And I rest better after a spirited canoodling session.
[ Reginald is the only person who has ever given the both of them sound advice on how to function like a normal couple, but he has unfortunate timing: Iorveth is still wildly protective, and exasperated by third parties trying to test his patience. Damris, the hag, and now this. The saving grace is that Reginald is good at cleric-ing, and the fact that Astarion is in less pain smooths over some of Iorveth's inclinations to be jagged towards the halfling.
"Too much of anything can be a poison," Reginald warns cheerily, as he gives Astarion's leg one last poke. "But rest assured that your leg will be in prime canoodling condition in..." Making a mental calculation, counting off on his little wrinkly fingers. "...Four days, I think! I would usually give most people more time, but," even more cheerily: "you're a vampire, and it seems you heal faster than most. Fascinating!"
Iorveth shoots Reginald a Look. Gale shuffles his feet, and clears his throat.
"Well! How about we all have some breakfast, eh?" ]
[ Astarion opens his mouth, ready to complain about four days (Reginald just said two!!! No takebacks!!!) when—
'Vampire' rings in his ears, and he's unable to do anything but stay where he is, frozen and slackjawed. His eyes dart from Reginald to Gale and then back again, trying desperately to figure out if Gale told him (horrible) or if Reginald just figured it out by himself (worse). Paranoid as ever, he starts racking his brain for any hint as to what kind of cleric Reginald is, if maybe he's of the persuasion that want to rid the world of the undead...
But Reginald doesn't seem to be interested in smiting him as much as he is in scolding him, so he relaxes, just a little. ]
[ The mysterious and stupider possible third option: Damris panicked and outed himself and Astarion as vampires in some prey-animal outburst the night prior, but there's no way of knowing for sure. Iorveth doesn't press the issue, as much as he'd like to shove Reginald against the wall and demand he keep his chattering little mouth shut.
A flash of murder in that single moss-green eye again, before it abates; Iorveth would like to keep Gale as a friend. He waves the cleric away, rather forcefully creating more distance between the halfling and the bed with a push against his shoulder. ]
Go, [ he says, curt. ] You're already seen my love in smallclothes once, and I'll not allow it again.
[ Voyeur! Hmph. Reginald shrugs, and hops back to where poor Gale is questioning every decision he's made over the past two tendays. "Come lad, we'll check on the trembling tiefling," he chirps, and leaves as quickly as he came. A halfling-shaped storm.
Iorveth sighs. ] I wonder if Gale limits his company to eccentric elders who've lost their minds. [ Elminster, Reginald. ]
[ Trembling tiefling. As Reginald leaves, Astarion wonders what in the hells Damris has to be trembling about. They were his knights in shining armor, practically! They've saved him from an eternal life of misery! What, is he going to complain about it just because they didn't do it perfectly?
Ugh, Damris is so annoying. Petras deserves him in his flock. That's going to be a whole ordeal, actually, so the moment he begins to think about it he pushes it under the rug instead. Like everything that seems like it's going to be hard, he prefers to simply not acknowledge it until given no choice.
He moves his attention to more pleasant things: Iorveth. Blatantly ignoring... whatever Iorveth just said, Astarion gets to work on manhandling him back down so that he can crawl back on top of him, even as pain shoots up his poor, abused leg. Gale will probably come looking for them if they don't show up to the breakfast table in five minutes, but that's fine. He can kiss Iorveth breathless in five minutes. He's very good at it! ]
[ Iorveth's general exasperation towards people who are Not Astarion dissipates the moment he feels himself being dragged back onto the mattress, shoved into position and pinned like a cat's favorite toy. If anyone else tried to do this to him, instinct would have Iorveth shove a fist in their face, breaking their nose immediately, but the fight or flight instinct is dead in Astarion's proximity; his only reaction is to laugh, though he remembers the fact that Astarion should probably mind his injury. ]
Astarion, [ he chides, with no teeth. ] Your leg, you ridiculous creature.
[ Gods, Astarion really might lack object permanence. Iorveth loves him. He tries to shift and maneuver so that Astarion isn't leaning quite so heavily on that very-recently broken limb, but does not actually do anything to discourage incoming affection－ one way in which Astarion has affected him, perhaps for the better. Iorveth, so hesitant to accept that he can be loved, finally finding it in himself to be selfish about being on the receiving end of Astarion's doting.
He slots their lips together, a little miffed that Reginald ruined the post-trance haziness but ultimately being too enamored by the feeling of Astarion's mouth to care. Under the sharp scent of the embalming fluid that Astarion was doused in, he smells just a faint trace of sandalwood; he sighs, warm, and rubs their noses together. ]
[ Iorveth is definitely his most favorite toy. Ignoring Iorveth's very unconvincing protest, he peppers him with gentle kisses, soft and sweet despite the bullish way he holds Iorveth down. These past few days have been awful, but Iorveth isn't. Now that his head is a little clearer, he's deliriously happy that Iorveth is alive, and admittedly, inclined to replace the unpleasant sense-memory of unwanted touch that the hag had dredged up with Iorveth's kind, loving hands instead. ]
I don't think I'll let you go to breakfast with Gale.
[ Idle fantasy. There is no let when it comes to Iorveth, and he knows that. Actually, 'breakfast' is an interesting thought in itself. It's been an age since they shared a meal with someone at the proper time — when they were here last, their (well, Iorveth's) breakfast was Gale's dinner and vice versa. ]
I think I'll chain you to the bed and kiss your lovely mouth all day.
[ Someone said something about restricting canoodling. He can't remember. It probably wasn't important. ]
[ Red flags to most people: uses of terms like let and chain you to the bed. It's all fun and games until reinforcement of unhealthy behavior takes a dark turn, but (perhaps foolishly), Iorveth doesn't anticipate anything of the sort happening. How could he? Astarion is simply built differently, made differently, is different.
Iorveth's evidence? Personal opinion. He tips his chin up, meeting Astarion's mouth with the stillsame awe that he'd felt when they first kissed, taken by surprise every time by how good it feels. Familiar, but still a little like missing a step down the stairs. He keeps shifting, angling his jaw to see if the next kiss will feel less like vertigo, and is proven wrong; the only time he's glad that his instincts are off. ]
One shouldn't suggest something they don't intend to act on.
[ A grin, a challenge. Reginald is relegated to his mental graveyard, six feet under his surface consciousness. Wrapping his arms around Astarion, Iorveth demands fuller contact next time their mouths meet, surging forward when Astarion starts to pull back. It's a rush of adrenaline, as it really sinks in that they're both alive. They really could have died back in Athkatla, Iorveth turned into a bag of skin and Astarion's soul trapped inside it. ]
Maybe I do intend to, [ he murmurs against Iorveth's mouth. Iorveth should already know that he's not against a little light bondage, as long as the one being restrained isn't him. Some might say it's pathological, that he's reenacting things that have been done to him with the roles reversed so that he can feel powerful, but— fuck that. Maybe he just thinks Iorveth would look hot tied up.
He pulls back, finally, but only to dot kisses along the underside of Iorveth's jaw instead. ]
I don't ever want you out of my sight.
[ Another red flag, probably, but he's convinced it's normal and healthy and not at all a trauma response. ]
[ Compatible, in perhaps the worst way: Iorveth, competitive, always looks to match someone else's intensity. Give as much as he's given, never one to be satisfied with only taking. It's a strange thing to not be the only one with the pathological baseline― usually, it's the other side of his equation struggling to keep up with him.
He says as much, musing out loud: ] And how intoxicating it is, being seen by you. [ One traumatized elf seeking another traumatized elf for shelter. Iorveth kind of sees it in those terms, but it feels less alarming and terrible and more 'we were made for each other'. Grandiose and delusional. ] I've never loved anyone the way I love you.
[ Chin tipped, his statement punctuated by a low sigh. Content, thoughtful. He'd thought Isengrim was an unhinged baseline for love, bonded through war and grief and survival; not to compare, but if that relationship felt like trying to grasp at something with broken nails and bleeding fingers, this one feels like sinking into a warm, comfortable, very bottomless pit. ]
[ Iorveth really knows all the right things to say. Astarion does want him to compare everyone he's ever loved before, and he wants Iorveth to find them wanting. None of that 'I didn't love them less, just differently' tripe. Iorveth should absolutely love everyone who isn't Astarion less.
But, you know. No red flags here. ]
I've never loved anyone else at all, [ he muses, brushing Iorveth's hair away from his face and arranging it artfully around him. If he really were a cat, as Iorveth is so fond of saying, he'd be licking Iorveth. (Which he's also not opposed to doing.) ] And I never will.
[ "Iorveth," comes Gale's voice as he starts up the stairs again. "I hate to admit that I don't know after all this time, but— how do you like your eggs?" ]
[ Hm. The reasonable part of Iorveth still thinks it'd be alright for Astarion to forge connections that don't just boil down to Iorveth, but his plan to slowly faze himself out of Astarion's life and let Astarion find a new love before Iorveth eventually succumbs to mortality is seeming more and more like a last resort instead of, you know. The sort of normal contingency plan that a mortal and immortal might have to consider.
It's too soon to think about that, anyway. Even without immortality, Iorveth has a good three centuries with Astarion if he's lucky, and he intends to at least spend the next however-many tendays trying to wrap his mind around the fact that he's engaged.
When Gale isn't interrupting him about eggs, anyway. He closes his eye and sinks back onto a pillow, both aggravated and fond about the wizard's horrible timing. ]
Much as I'd like to bask in you after surviving Athkatla, [ he sighs, ] breakfast calls.
[ A quick kiss to Astarion's cheek, grossly affectionate. ] ...When do you wish to tell Gale about us?
[ Astarion would very much like to bask and be basked in, but as usual, he has the hardest life of anyone on the planet. With great effort—both due to reluctance and physical discomfort—he removes himself from his spot on top of Iorveth, groaning a little so that Iorveth can see how pathetic and hurt he is and feel inclined to coddle him some more.
He's been horizontal this whole time, but he finally pushes himself up against the headboard, blinking blearily. The long trance did wonders for his emotional state, but it's difficult to readjust to the waking world now. ]
Darling, I'd shout it from the rooftops if you'd only let me.
[ That is to say, he has no intentions of keeping it a secret. This engagement is the best thing that's ever happened to him. ]
[ Coddling is bad, usually, but not when he's coddling a man who almost had his soul sucked out of him through nightmares by a hideous hag who also shattered his leg. Astarion deserves to have his every whim entertained for at least the next 48 hours as he staves off The Horrors, which is why Iorveth indulges him: Iorveth swings off the bed ("soft-boiled", he calls down to Gale), moving to the closet to get Astarion a comfortable robe (purple, to his dismay) and soft, loose pants that he can shimmy into without much trouble. ]
Well, then. [ Iorveth finally replies, as he helps Astarion close the front of his robe and then moves to find a brush for his hair. Falling into the morning grooming routine with the same care and efficiency he shows when tending to his weapons. ] You can tell whoever you please, whenever you please.
...Preferably not in witness of the cleric. I imagine he'd have some smart-assed thing to say about time and perspective.
[ As if Iorveth hasn't tried those things already, all to Astarion's distress. ]
Ugh. [ Regarding 'the cleric'. ] He's just jealous, obviously.
[ Reginald very much is not jealous, but Astarion has decided to convince himself that he is. It's the only thing that makes sense. Why else would someone suggest that he not be up Iorveth's ass every minute of the day? It's a very reasonable place to be. ]
I feel bad for him. [ He doesn't, but he sighs dramatically anyway. ] But not everyone can meet their perfect match, unfortunately.
[ And Iorveth is that for him, certainly. A perfect fit, like hand in glove. He smooths down the fabric of his pants and stands, obviously favoring his leg but far more mobile than before the healing. ]
After you eat, we should... [ He trails off, intimidated by the prospect of testing their arcane loot. ] You know. The cloaks.
[ A bit more rummaging, and Iorveth finds a rather adorable pair of owlbear slippers that he does not, in fact, give to Astarion to slip into. Instead, Astarion gets the comfortable-looking (also purple) indoor slippers, and Iorveth quickly goes through his own grooming routine, which consists of just tossing his dirty shirt off, putting his eyepatch on, and calling it a day.
He also picks up Astarion's lumpy pack when the subject of the cloaks is brought up, and slings it over his bare shoulder. ]
I'd not forgotten. [ The elephant in the room. Hard to ignore it when it's the reason why they went through hell in the first place. ] Our moment of truth.
[ Triumph, or devastation. Iorveth offers Astarion a hand as they walk downstairs to the dining room (which smells glorious― Gale continues to outdo himself). ]
[ Astarion has no real interest in mortal food, but even he can admit that it smells enticing. Meat, cheese, eggs; he wonders if doing all of this is easy for Gale because of his magic, or if he simply does it regardless of effort because he's incapable of doing anything halfway.
Gale lights up at their arrival, apron on and plates in hand. "Perfect timing, my friends," he says, grinning. "Breakfast is fresh off the flame!"
Astarion isn't looking at Gale, though. He's staring at a tiefling interloper sitting at the table. ]
I'm sorry, what is he doing here? He doesn't even eat.
[ Gale looks a little offended as he sets a plate down, piled high with sausage and breakfast rolls. For Iorveth, ostensibly, because a moment later there's an egg cup placed beside it. "You don't eat either, and you're no less a guest for it!" ]
[ Iorveth takes his seat, which is directly opposite Damris; the tiefling only glances at him before turning his attention towards Astarion, obviously competitive with him in a way that only two beautiful people who started off on the wrong foot can be.
"Unlike you lot, Gale has manners," he states crisply. Now that he's not bound and gagged, he's the picture of regality: tall, stately, his long black hair brushed into a low ponytail that trails down, nearly to his waist. "I can't imagine why he keeps such ugly, barbaric company."
The 'ugly' is lobbed at Astarion with casual nonchalance; again, a pretty person trying to aim below the belt when insulting another pretty person. Damris is probably starting a burn book, and Astarion is probably on the first page.
Iorveth shoots Damris a Look, but the insult is so ridiculous (there is no reality in which Astarion is not the most beautiful man in Toril) that it doesn't even warrant acknowledgment on his end― thus, he does something even ruder, which is to ignore Damris entirely and start piling his plate full of bread and cheese. ]
Sit, love. [ He motions for Astarion to settle down next to him. ] ―You can drink after my breakfast, if you wish.
[ Astarion settles in the chair beside Iorveth, stroking his hair in a sort of performative, defensive way as he glowers at Damris. A way that says this is mine, not because he thinks Damris has any designs on trying to steal Iorveth away from him, but because he wants Damris to know there would be consequences for trying to break his toy.
Gale sits down, too, smiling with forced chipperness. "Well. Doesn't it feel good to have breakfast with friends?"
There might as well be crickets.
Finally: ] Don't get too comfortable in Waterdeep, Dennis. We'll be arranging travel to the Underdark before long. [ A waved hand. ] Tell that lovesick fool of yours to meet you there, if you wish.
[ Not that Astarion cares what happens to nice, sweet, besotted Linus. Not at all!!! ]
[ Iorveth is piling cheese onto a piece of toast, head leaning into Astarion's touch like a fox unconsciously tipping towards scratches. Damris turns his nose up at the display, and Gale looks resigned; Reginald, who has also stuck around for breakfast, is happily demolishing his omelette, though he notes that he needs to get back and help his wife with the laundry soon.
"The Underdark?", Damris huffs, not deigning to address the subject of his mistaken name. "Absolutely not! Gale might introduce me to someone who has opened a night school for prospective wizards."
Gale clears his throat, avoiding Iorveth's scrutiny. Damris continues: "And what does Linus have to do with any of this?" ]
So you do acknowledge that he's in love with you, [ Iorveth points out, turning Damris a lovely shade of red. ]
[ Gale picks at his food, trying very hard not to look interested in the tea that is Damris's love life. (It's so juicy! It's been ages since Gale got to hear proper gossip.)
Meanwhile: ]
Ugh. Be in love with him, don't, I don't care.
[ He'd feel a little bad for Linus if his affections weren't reciprocated, but— that's just the brain damage the hag probably inflicted on him during all of that psychic assault talking, he assumes. ]
But you're going to the Underdark. Surely you didn't think I was going to let a vampire spawn run rampant in Waterdeep.
[ There is absolutely no acknowledgement of his hypocrisy here. Either he doesn't notice it, or he doesn't care. ]
[ The hypocrisy of this is not lost on Damris, who stops being mealy-mouthed about Linus to snap back, bristling. "Excuse me? I wasn't aware that I needed you to let me do anything."
He looks like he might throw his unused napkin at Astarion's face. Iorveth leans closer, still demolishing his toast, ready to catch stray shots if they come whizzing by.
"You're not better than me just because you found someone stupid enough to be your personal canteen. I'll be smarter than you. More resourceful." Turning his nose up at the pair. "...And if Linus decides to move to Waterdeep, well, then I'll have my own person to rely on. A sweeter one than yours, more handsome and generous."
He ends that last sentence with a smug hmph. Still haughty, still competitive. Iorveth pays Damris very little mind as he eats, but does nose at silver curls once Damris is done with his tirade to murmur: ]
I think he likes you.
[ Amused. All Iorveth sees is a kitten swatting at another cat for attention. (It's probably far more dangerous than this, and Damris would probably kill Iorveth if he could get away with it, but whatever. What else is new.) ]
I freed you, [ Astarion points out across the table. Obviously, he thinks he's owed some gratitude, not this impudence. ] And that personal canteen persuaded me to.
[ So he had better show some fucking respect!! Astarion briefly fantasizes about sending Damris right back where he came from, although he can't truly enjoy it. It's too close to home, too cruel even for him. Love has made him soft, he supposes. Not soft enough that he doesn't still fully intend on saddling Damris with Petras, though. ]
Gale! Don't you agree that a bustling city is no place for a newly freed spawn?
[ "Er," Gale says. ]
Honestly, I'm surprised he didn't try to eat you already.
[ Damris and Petras, twin youngest-brother-energy terrors. Iorveth tries to imagine it around a mouthful of egg, and finds himself mildly entertained by the thought of them hissing and spitting (harmlessly) at each other.
"I have manners," Damris huffs, "unlike you," to which Gale, the diplomat, tries to implore: "come now, Astarion. Surely we can extend him the same grace we extended you when we found you bent over Lae'zel with that lovely jaw unhinged?"
Stupid move. Reginald guffaws into his omelette, and Iorveth shoots Gale the most exasperated look he can muster. ]
Gods, which layer of Avernus is this? All this useless quibbling in the morning is giving me a headache. [ Chewing, swallowing. ] You'll all defer to Astarion's judgment. Gale, portal the gatekeep to Waterdeep tonight, and we'll discuss this further then.
[ "Gatekeep? Who?" asks Gale, and Reginald pipes up with "if you have a headache, I should take a look!" This really is like being in the hells. ]
[ 'Defer to Astarion's judgment' is the funniest thing someone could ever say, considering Astarion has no judgment to speak of, but Gale is seemingly intimidated enough by Iorveth to agree. (Thank the gods.)
"He's—" Damris turns a little red again. "I'll tell you about him later, Gale." ]
Oh, I'm sure Gale would love for you to braid each other's hair and talk about boys.
[ Unironically. As much as they've inconvenienced Gale, he's hardly complained. Astarion has to imagine it's out of a happiness to have companionship. Before they leave for the north, Astarion will have to take him to the opera again. (Ugh. More of that softness.)
That seems to be that, for the moment. An argument probably just postponed until after Linus gets here, but that's a problem for future Astarion. For now, he leans in toward Iorveth, murmuring at a volume that's definitely still too loud for the breakfast table, ] Mm, that stern voice does make me all atingle.
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Of course I am.
[ His tone is more than a little defensive, and he crosses his arms petulantly as Reginald inspects his work. It is far less painful, and he has to admit that his leg feels infinitely better than it did yesterday, when it had seemed one wrong move away from simply turning to dust. ]
And I rest better after a spirited canoodling session.
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"Too much of anything can be a poison," Reginald warns cheerily, as he gives Astarion's leg one last poke. "But rest assured that your leg will be in prime canoodling condition in..." Making a mental calculation, counting off on his little wrinkly fingers. "...Four days, I think! I would usually give most people more time, but," even more cheerily: "you're a vampire, and it seems you heal faster than most. Fascinating!"
Iorveth shoots Reginald a Look. Gale shuffles his feet, and clears his throat.
"Well! How about we all have some breakfast, eh?" ]
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'Vampire' rings in his ears, and he's unable to do anything but stay where he is, frozen and slackjawed. His eyes dart from Reginald to Gale and then back again, trying desperately to figure out if Gale told him (horrible) or if Reginald just figured it out by himself (worse). Paranoid as ever, he starts racking his brain for any hint as to what kind of cleric Reginald is, if maybe he's of the persuasion that want to rid the world of the undead...
But Reginald doesn't seem to be interested in smiting him as much as he is in scolding him, so he relaxes, just a little. ]
—At least let me make myself presentable first.
[ Iorveth's blood is still on his shirt. ]
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A flash of murder in that single moss-green eye again, before it abates; Iorveth would like to keep Gale as a friend. He waves the cleric away, rather forcefully creating more distance between the halfling and the bed with a push against his shoulder. ]
Go, [ he says, curt. ] You're already seen my love in smallclothes once, and I'll not allow it again.
[ Voyeur! Hmph. Reginald shrugs, and hops back to where poor Gale is questioning every decision he's made over the past two tendays. "Come lad, we'll check on the trembling tiefling," he chirps, and leaves as quickly as he came. A halfling-shaped storm.
Iorveth sighs. ] I wonder if Gale limits his company to eccentric elders who've lost their minds. [ Elminster, Reginald. ]
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Ugh, Damris is so annoying. Petras deserves him in his flock. That's going to be a whole ordeal, actually, so the moment he begins to think about it he pushes it under the rug instead. Like everything that seems like it's going to be hard, he prefers to simply not acknowledge it until given no choice.
He moves his attention to more pleasant things: Iorveth. Blatantly ignoring... whatever Iorveth just said, Astarion gets to work on manhandling him back down so that he can crawl back on top of him, even as pain shoots up his poor, abused leg. Gale will probably come looking for them if they don't show up to the breakfast table in five minutes, but that's fine. He can kiss Iorveth breathless in five minutes. He's very good at it! ]
Where was I?
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Astarion, [ he chides, with no teeth. ] Your leg, you ridiculous creature.
[ Gods, Astarion really might lack object permanence. Iorveth loves him. He tries to shift and maneuver so that Astarion isn't leaning quite so heavily on that very-recently broken limb, but does not actually do anything to discourage incoming affection－ one way in which Astarion has affected him, perhaps for the better. Iorveth, so hesitant to accept that he can be loved, finally finding it in himself to be selfish about being on the receiving end of Astarion's doting.
He slots their lips together, a little miffed that Reginald ruined the post-trance haziness but ultimately being too enamored by the feeling of Astarion's mouth to care. Under the sharp scent of the embalming fluid that Astarion was doused in, he smells just a faint trace of sandalwood; he sighs, warm, and rubs their noses together. ]
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I don't think I'll let you go to breakfast with Gale.
[ Idle fantasy. There is no let when it comes to Iorveth, and he knows that. Actually, 'breakfast' is an interesting thought in itself. It's been an age since they shared a meal with someone at the proper time — when they were here last, their (well, Iorveth's) breakfast was Gale's dinner and vice versa. ]
I think I'll chain you to the bed and kiss your lovely mouth all day.
[ Someone said something about restricting canoodling. He can't remember. It probably wasn't important. ]
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Iorveth's evidence? Personal opinion. He tips his chin up, meeting Astarion's mouth with the stillsame awe that he'd felt when they first kissed, taken by surprise every time by how good it feels. Familiar, but still a little like missing a step down the stairs. He keeps shifting, angling his jaw to see if the next kiss will feel less like vertigo, and is proven wrong; the only time he's glad that his instincts are off. ]
One shouldn't suggest something they don't intend to act on.
[ A grin, a challenge. Reginald is relegated to his mental graveyard, six feet under his surface consciousness. Wrapping his arms around Astarion, Iorveth demands fuller contact next time their mouths meet, surging forward when Astarion starts to pull back. It's a rush of adrenaline, as it really sinks in that they're both alive. They really could have died back in Athkatla, Iorveth turned into a bag of skin and Astarion's soul trapped inside it. ]
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He pulls back, finally, but only to dot kisses along the underside of Iorveth's jaw instead. ]
I don't ever want you out of my sight.
[ Another red flag, probably, but he's convinced it's normal and healthy and not at all a trauma response. ]
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He says as much, musing out loud: ] And how intoxicating it is, being seen by you. [ One traumatized elf seeking another traumatized elf for shelter. Iorveth kind of sees it in those terms, but it feels less alarming and terrible and more 'we were made for each other'. Grandiose and delusional. ] I've never loved anyone the way I love you.
[ Chin tipped, his statement punctuated by a low sigh. Content, thoughtful. He'd thought Isengrim was an unhinged baseline for love, bonded through war and grief and survival; not to compare, but if that relationship felt like trying to grasp at something with broken nails and bleeding fingers, this one feels like sinking into a warm, comfortable, very bottomless pit. ]
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But, you know. No red flags here. ]
I've never loved anyone else at all, [ he muses, brushing Iorveth's hair away from his face and arranging it artfully around him. If he really were a cat, as Iorveth is so fond of saying, he'd be licking Iorveth. (Which he's also not opposed to doing.) ] And I never will.
[ "Iorveth," comes Gale's voice as he starts up the stairs again. "I hate to admit that I don't know after all this time, but— how do you like your eggs?" ]
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It's too soon to think about that, anyway. Even without immortality, Iorveth has a good three centuries with Astarion if he's lucky, and he intends to at least spend the next however-many tendays trying to wrap his mind around the fact that he's engaged.
When Gale isn't interrupting him about eggs, anyway. He closes his eye and sinks back onto a pillow, both aggravated and fond about the wizard's horrible timing. ]
Much as I'd like to bask in you after surviving Athkatla, [ he sighs, ] breakfast calls.
[ A quick kiss to Astarion's cheek, grossly affectionate. ] ...When do you wish to tell Gale about us?
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He's been horizontal this whole time, but he finally pushes himself up against the headboard, blinking blearily. The long trance did wonders for his emotional state, but it's difficult to readjust to the waking world now. ]
Darling, I'd shout it from the rooftops if you'd only let me.
[ That is to say, he has no intentions of keeping it a secret. This engagement is the best thing that's ever happened to him. ]
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Well, then. [ Iorveth finally replies, as he helps Astarion close the front of his robe and then moves to find a brush for his hair. Falling into the morning grooming routine with the same care and efficiency he shows when tending to his weapons. ] You can tell whoever you please, whenever you please.
...Preferably not in witness of the cleric. I imagine he'd have some smart-assed thing to say about time and perspective.
[ As if Iorveth hasn't tried those things already, all to Astarion's distress. ]
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[ Reginald very much is not jealous, but Astarion has decided to convince himself that he is. It's the only thing that makes sense. Why else would someone suggest that he not be up Iorveth's ass every minute of the day? It's a very reasonable place to be. ]
I feel bad for him. [ He doesn't, but he sighs dramatically anyway. ] But not everyone can meet their perfect match, unfortunately.
[ And Iorveth is that for him, certainly. A perfect fit, like hand in glove. He smooths down the fabric of his pants and stands, obviously favoring his leg but far more mobile than before the healing. ]
After you eat, we should... [ He trails off, intimidated by the prospect of testing their arcane loot. ] You know. The cloaks.
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He also picks up Astarion's lumpy pack when the subject of the cloaks is brought up, and slings it over his bare shoulder. ]
I'd not forgotten. [ The elephant in the room. Hard to ignore it when it's the reason why they went through hell in the first place. ] Our moment of truth.
[ Triumph, or devastation. Iorveth offers Astarion a hand as they walk downstairs to the dining room (which smells glorious― Gale continues to outdo himself). ]
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Gale lights up at their arrival, apron on and plates in hand. "Perfect timing, my friends," he says, grinning. "Breakfast is fresh off the flame!"
Astarion isn't looking at Gale, though. He's staring at a tiefling interloper sitting at the table. ]
I'm sorry, what is he doing here? He doesn't even eat.
[ Gale looks a little offended as he sets a plate down, piled high with sausage and breakfast rolls. For Iorveth, ostensibly, because a moment later there's an egg cup placed beside it. "You don't eat either, and you're no less a guest for it!" ]
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"Unlike you lot, Gale has manners," he states crisply. Now that he's not bound and gagged, he's the picture of regality: tall, stately, his long black hair brushed into a low ponytail that trails down, nearly to his waist. "I can't imagine why he keeps such ugly, barbaric company."
The 'ugly' is lobbed at Astarion with casual nonchalance; again, a pretty person trying to aim below the belt when insulting another pretty person. Damris is probably starting a burn book, and Astarion is probably on the first page.
Iorveth shoots Damris a Look, but the insult is so ridiculous (there is no reality in which Astarion is not the most beautiful man in Toril) that it doesn't even warrant acknowledgment on his end― thus, he does something even ruder, which is to ignore Damris entirely and start piling his plate full of bread and cheese. ]
Sit, love. [ He motions for Astarion to settle down next to him. ] ―You can drink after my breakfast, if you wish.
[ Damris, knowing what drink entails, scowls. ]
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Gale sits down, too, smiling with forced chipperness. "Well. Doesn't it feel good to have breakfast with friends?"
There might as well be crickets.
Finally: ] Don't get too comfortable in Waterdeep, Dennis. We'll be arranging travel to the Underdark before long. [ A waved hand. ] Tell that lovesick fool of yours to meet you there, if you wish.
[ Not that Astarion cares what happens to nice, sweet, besotted Linus. Not at all!!! ]
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"The Underdark?", Damris huffs, not deigning to address the subject of his mistaken name. "Absolutely not! Gale might introduce me to someone who has opened a night school for prospective wizards."
Gale clears his throat, avoiding Iorveth's scrutiny. Damris continues: "And what does Linus have to do with any of this?" ]
So you do acknowledge that he's in love with you, [ Iorveth points out, turning Damris a lovely shade of red. ]
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Meanwhile: ]
Ugh. Be in love with him, don't, I don't care.
[ He'd feel a little bad for Linus if his affections weren't reciprocated, but— that's just the brain damage the hag probably inflicted on him during all of that psychic assault talking, he assumes. ]
But you're going to the Underdark. Surely you didn't think I was going to let a vampire spawn run rampant in Waterdeep.
[ There is absolutely no acknowledgement of his hypocrisy here. Either he doesn't notice it, or he doesn't care. ]
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He looks like he might throw his unused napkin at Astarion's face. Iorveth leans closer, still demolishing his toast, ready to catch stray shots if they come whizzing by.
"You're not better than me just because you found someone stupid enough to be your personal canteen. I'll be smarter than you. More resourceful." Turning his nose up at the pair. "...And if Linus decides to move to Waterdeep, well, then I'll have my own person to rely on. A sweeter one than yours, more handsome and generous."
He ends that last sentence with a smug hmph. Still haughty, still competitive. Iorveth pays Damris very little mind as he eats, but does nose at silver curls once Damris is done with his tirade to murmur: ]
I think he likes you.
[ Amused. All Iorveth sees is a kitten swatting at another cat for attention. (It's probably far more dangerous than this, and Damris would probably kill Iorveth if he could get away with it, but whatever. What else is new.) ]
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[ So he had better show some fucking respect!! Astarion briefly fantasizes about sending Damris right back where he came from, although he can't truly enjoy it. It's too close to home, too cruel even for him. Love has made him soft, he supposes. Not soft enough that he doesn't still fully intend on saddling Damris with Petras, though. ]
Gale! Don't you agree that a bustling city is no place for a newly freed spawn?
[ "Er," Gale says. ]
Honestly, I'm surprised he didn't try to eat you already.
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"I have manners," Damris huffs, "unlike you," to which Gale, the diplomat, tries to implore: "come now, Astarion. Surely we can extend him the same grace we extended you when we found you bent over Lae'zel with that lovely jaw unhinged?"
Stupid move. Reginald guffaws into his omelette, and Iorveth shoots Gale the most exasperated look he can muster. ]
Gods, which layer of Avernus is this? All this useless quibbling in the morning is giving me a headache. [ Chewing, swallowing. ] You'll all defer to Astarion's judgment. Gale, portal the gatekeep to Waterdeep tonight, and we'll discuss this further then.
[ "Gatekeep? Who?" asks Gale, and Reginald pipes up with "if you have a headache, I should take a look!" This really is like being in the hells. ]
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"He's—" Damris turns a little red again. "I'll tell you about him later, Gale." ]
Oh, I'm sure Gale would love for you to braid each other's hair and talk about boys.
[ Unironically. As much as they've inconvenienced Gale, he's hardly complained. Astarion has to imagine it's out of a happiness to have companionship. Before they leave for the north, Astarion will have to take him to the opera again. (Ugh. More of that softness.)
That seems to be that, for the moment. An argument probably just postponed until after Linus gets here, but that's a problem for future Astarion. For now, he leans in toward Iorveth, murmuring at a volume that's definitely still too loud for the breakfast table, ] Mm, that stern voice does make me all atingle.
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