As the Ash Settles

Chapter Three: Blood and Tears.

"No, that is impossible, I made sure of it." Citrine's, voice quivered. She pushed herself up fixing her top. Tears began to flood her eyes. Astarion's gaze softened into worry as he moved beside her on the bed. "I did everything I could think of, I don't want to hurt anyone. I couldn't of." sobs slowly flowed from her.

"My love what is going on?" Grabbing Citrine into him, her tears soaking his chest. "Darling, darling little elf of mine what happened?" One arm wrapped around her pulling her closer, the other stroking her hair. Citrine's breathing broken with tears. Astarion kissed her the top of her head, slowly pulling her back, lifting her chin so his eyes might meet her own. "You need to calm down and tell me what is going on."

Trying to catch her breath, "I-" "I, I don't think- I, am free of my fah-father." Citrine stumbling over her words between sobs. Astarion pulled her back into his chest. Letting every tear fall not pressuring her to continue to speak. Minutes that feel like hours even to an elf or vampire. Citrine slowly told him of the thoughts of last night. How she took pleasure in the wanting of hurting the bard, of painting the tavern with her blood. He did not interrupt her once, allowing her shudder out each word. When she'd finally calmed enough he pulled from her, caressing her face in his hands.

"You do not get to lie to me again, you do not get to make decisions for me. If we are to be together there will not be any more secrets-" Citrine's lip part as if she were going to interrupt him. "I let you, speak now you will let me, my love. I more than anyone know what it is like having to do things that you can not control. I more than anyone, love you. Murderous little elf and all." He kissed her forehead before continuing. "No more secrets, and no more kicking me out of my own bed. If you are going to murder anyone I at least deserve to get to watch." He let out a sly chuckle. "Old habits my darling. Be it as it may, I am not going anywhere, not unless you are done with me. Which I do not think you are- you aren't right?"

Citrine let out a small laugh. "I don't ever want to not be by your side Astarion."

"Then for the sake of all the gods do not kick me out of my bed again, for all we know a bird could of flown into the window. We don't know what happened. But, thank you for telling me the truth and don't hide things from me again. Or lie to me. It doesn't feel good to be lied to." Astarion released her face pulling her onto his lap holding Citrine. Her tears come back less violently. "When you are ready, we should tell the others. Maybe they will have some ideas. If we are quick enough we can catch up to Jaheira as much as it pains me to have to ask her bolstering self, she may have some ideas. Or if we know where that skeleton has wondered off to he may know. But, for now my love I have you."

"We need to get that ring for you, that way we can all work to find a way to free Karlach and Wyll from Avernus."

"And we will, after we figure out what is going on with you."

"But the sun, you need to be able to walk in the sun."

"My love with you by my side I don't need the sun. I'd like to be able to not burn to a pile of ash at any given 12 hour notice but there is no sense of getting that ring if you are to murder me at any point in time." Pulling Citrine in a tighter hug, he kissed her head once more. "No, more secrets."

"I promise."