Darkness & Dawn (Astarion X Female Elf Tav)

Dawn

Before today, the course of my life had already been decided. I was on track to becoming a Skov Guardian of Cloakwood. The Skov are arguably the most important members of our grove. The sworn protectors of nature as well as life in the ancient forest. Life in the grove was easy, simple even.

As a young girl in my first century of life, I had often dreamed of adventure. My best friend, truly.. my first love, Tsarra, shared those dreams with me. We often spoke of running away to Baldur's Gate, finding excitement and opportunity around every corner. In our minds, it was the two of us against the entire world. Donnica and Tsarra. Forever.

Then, ninety years ago... Tsarra died, and our dreams of seeing the vast and unending world along with her. We had still been children when she left this world. Many years after her death, I gained my adult name, Donra. My life slowly became rather mundane... Until today.

Today, I had awoken on a Nautuloid. I watched in horror as one by one, the Mind Flayers infected the other captors, starting the agonizing process of ceremorphosis. Eventually, it was my turn. After the tadpole entered my brain, I drifted in and out of consciousness. The pain pulsing through my head was excruciating. After a time, the ship came to be under attack. I thanked the Oak Father as I felt the Nautuloid come apart and begin plummiting towards the ground. Hopefully, this death would be less painful than what awaited me here. I closed my eyes and welcomed my death, for soon I would be reunited with Tsarra.

-

I wasn't dead. At least I hoped I wasn't. Every inch of my body ached. I felt something on me.. hands? I managed to force my eyes open. The blaring sunlight sent a shock of pain straight through my head. When my vision cleared, there was an ethereal being bent over me. Their body was lean, and most of their sharp features were obscured in shadow. Their short pearlescent curls gently swayed with the wind as they leaned in closer.

"By the gods, a- are you alive?!" The voice was angelic, smooth and soothing, even though you could hear their panic. I tried to answer, but all that came out was a pained groan. "I'll take that as a yes."

I groaned again as I tried to sit up. My body felt utterly battered. "Here, let's get you up now."

I stood, finally taking in my surroundings. The wreckage from the Nautuloid stretched along the beach as far as the eye could see. The smoke stung my eyes and burned my nose. I looked over to the man who had helped me. His skin and hair were pale, his eyes a stark red. His clothes looked fine, but well worn. He was elven, or at least half, based on his pointed ears and sharp features. He was beautiful. Even covered in dirt and blood, he was alluring.

"Were you on the ship, too?" I asked.

"I was." He answered, looking off into the distance. After a short pause, his red eyes flicked back up to meet mine. "Were you infected too?"

"I was."

"Your druid magic wouldn't happen to be able to get rid of these tadpoles, would it?"

"Oh - uh - I'm afraid not." I watched as a knowing smirk spread across the elf's face. His canines were slightly longer than all of his other teeth. It looked as if the points had been sharpened.

How did he know?

"Dear, you're covered in fauna.. You're wearing a Sylvanus pendant.. You have feathers in your hair.. need I go on?"

"I suppose not." I gave a small laugh, "I'm Donra, by the way."

He took two smooth steps towards me and took my hand in his. His skin was abnormally cold, even his lips as he pressed them to my fingers sent a chill through me. He glanced up at me over the top of my knuckles. His lips curled into a smile as his eyes darkened. I felt bare in his gaze.