The team, comprised of myself, Astarion, Shadowheart, and Gale, stood at the threshold of the foreboding Gauntlet of Shar, an ancient place steeped in darkness and mystery. The air around us felt heavy with the presence of lingering malevolence, warning us of the perils that awaited within.
Gale's scholarly curiosity mingled with apprehension as he scanned the entrance, his eyes glinting with a mixture of trepidation and fascination.
"This place bears an eerie sense of history and power. It's both daunting and intriguing."
Shadowheart, her expression a mix of determination and caution, nodded in agreement.
"Shar's domain is not to be underestimated. Her influence permeates this place. We must tread carefully."
Astarion's usual smirk faded, replaced by a pensive look as he gazed at the looming structure. "The darkness within matches the aura of Shar herself. This will be a grim journey, I reckon."
As we prepared to enter the Gauntlet, a sudden presence made itself known—a figure materialized before us, devilishly charismatic yet radiating an aura of cunning and deceit. Raphael, a devil of the Nine Hells, stood tall and elegant, his eyes fixated on Astarion.
"Astarion, my dear boy, it's been quite some time," Raphael's voice dripped with honeyed charm. "And might I say, your predicament is rather fascinating. Those scars of yours, they tell quite a story, don't they?"
Astarion's gaze hardened at the mention of his scars, a mixture of curiosity and apprehension flickering across his face Raphael chuckled, his smile unnervingly serene.
"Oh, Astarion, always so eager for information. How about a trade? I offer knowledge in exchange for a tiny favor."
Gale raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued.
"What kind of favor?"
Raphael's eyes gleamed with a cunning glint.
"An Orthon—a brutish creature—roams within the Gauntlet. I require its demise. Kill it, and I shall enlighten Astarion about the origins of his scars."
Astarion's expression darkened, his hand instinctively moving towards his rapier. "A fairer deal than I expected, but why should we trust your word?"
Raphael laughed, the sound echoing eerily in the dimly lit entrance. "Trust, my dear boy, is irrelevant. But consider this—knowledge is power, and I have plenty to offer. Besides, I'm sure the scars on your body whisper tales you're dying to unravel."
My eyes narrowed, regarded Raphael with suspicion.
"What assurance do we have that you'll uphold your end of the bargain?"
The devil's smile widened, revealing pointed teeth.
"You have my word, and the word of a devil is as binding as any pact."
A moment of tense silence hung in the air as we exchanged wary glances. Astarion's jaw clenched, torn between curiosity and distrust.
"We're going in regardless," I declared, breaking the standoff. "But if the devil wants an Orthon dealt with, let's do so on our terms. We'll hear what he has to say after."
With collective determination, we entered the Gauntlet of Shar, a sense of foreboding growing with each step. The air felt thick with the influence of the goddess, her dark presence suffusing the surroundings.
As we delved deeper into the Gauntlet's shadowy corridors, whispers of ancient secrets and forgotten knowledge seemed to echo through the dimly lit passageways. The tension among us grew, the anticipation of an impending confrontation with the Orthon hanging heavy in the air.
Eventually, the oppressive silence was broken by the thunderous footsteps and guttural growls of the Orthon, its massive form emerging from the shadows along with it's meregons. With a unified battle cry, we engaged the brutish creatures.
Shadowheart's mace struck with divine fury, while Gale's arcane spells crackled in the air, blinding the Orthon momentarily. Astarion's dagger danced with deadly precision, finding the creature's weak spots, and my own powers surged forth, unleashing eldrich blasts, beconing the best back to the hells.
The battle was fierce and relentless, our teamwork proving invaluable against the powerful adversary. Eventually, the Orthon fell, defeated by our combined might.
As the dust settled and the echo of our victory faded, Raphael appeared once more, his smile stretching unnaturally wide.
"Impressive work, my friends. Now, let's talk scars, shall we?"
YOU ARE READING
Just one bite Astarion x reader
FanfictionA dive into the world of Faerune with the lovely vampire Astarion. Both he and Y/N have secrets to hide. Through the mess of both their pasts will they save each other? A nice fanfic about our favorite vampire. Not that many out there yet so I decid...
