Chapter Text
Artwork by: https://dafnawinchester.art/
Astarion looks up from his drink as Sima, a newly billed bard at the Elfsong, finishes tuning her instrument. The bar seems to quiet, though he can still hear bits of conversation from other patrons. His ears flick upward, searching for something beyond the soft sound of fingers on strings.
When Sima finally begins to play, the elf glances at her, his face betraying no outward emotion. For a moment, he stares in awe at the way her fingers dart across the strings without a misstep. It takes him a moment to realize he’s smiling as her music fills the air.
It’s hard not to notice her strange mix of beauty. Clearly half-elf, Sima has dark brown skin, the color of burnt honey. Her eyes are a deep brown. Her body is curvaceous and yet graceful as she deftly sways her hips in her risqué outfit. Waves of black silk hair, tipped with dark purple, cascade down her shoulders. She wears a short leather skirt with a slit up its side, a black halter leather top adorned with silver chains, dagger-shaped earrings, and knee-high leather boots.
Finally, Sima approaches the stage with a band behind her, wielding an odd-looking brass lute. Soon, she starts playing an upbeat, bass-heavy tune with... the lute almost sounds electrified. The sound is entirely new, and Astarion is astounded. The song is catchy, and people are tapping their feet to it.
The lyrics speak of a new love affair, having fun, but imagining more—even if you’re guarded:
I ain't got too much time to spare
But I'll make time for you to show how much I care
Wish that I would let you break my walls
But I'm still spinning out of control from the fall
Boy, you give good love, I won't lie
It's what keeps me coming back, even though I'm terrified
I know that it's wrong
But I want to have fun
Oh my God, I can't believe it
Out of all the people in the world
What is the likelihood of jumping
Out of my life and into your arms?
Maybe, baby, I'm just losing my mind
'Cause this is trouble, but it feels right
Teetering on the edge of Heaven and Hell
Is a battle that I cannot fight
The elf keeps the corner of his mouth quirked up as he watches her perform, a curious expression on his face. It takes him a moment to realize that he is tapping his foot to the rhythm of the music. Her voice has a timbre to it that he’s never heard before, and the sound of the strings has a bite that makes him want to move. When he hears the line about Heaven and Hell, his gaze flicks around the bar before returning to the performer with a small smile.
Sima smiles and bounces to the song, even as she plays and sings. Her hips are sensual and playful. She winks randomly into the crowd... and for a moment, she smiles at Astarion, catching his eye. Other patrons are now getting up to clap on the downbeat or moving with the song.
Oh my God, I can't believe it
Out of all the people in the world
What is the likelihood of jumping
Out of my life and into your arms?
Maybe, baby, I'm just losing my mind
'Cause this is trouble, but it feels right
Teetering on the edge of Heaven and Hell
Is a battle that I cannot fight...
The song ends to riotous applause as the band resets for the next song.
Astarion gives an appreciative clap, his eyes flickering over the audience for a moment before returning to meet her gaze. He can’t help but notice how many people she has enamored—men and women alike—and how her eyes linger on him for a moment longer than on the rest.
He lets his smile slip back into a smirk as he leans back against the bar and takes another sip of his drink.
Astarion leans back on his stool, nodding in approval as the applause dies down. The crowd is certainly captivated by Sima and her unique style of music—a style he has to admit he’s never heard before. She looks so effortless as she moves and sings, even while playing a strange instrument with unfamiliar strings and a metallic resonance.
As the crowd settles, Sima conjures magic, and the stage transforms with an illusion spell. She is now surrounded by countless candles and a velvet backdrop, making it seem intimate. The music hums to the strings of a regular lute and this metallic one. It’s slow, sweet, and sensual—a love song but not a ballad. It has a deep bass, and like the other song, Sima's voice is deep, rich, and sultry. She smiles at the crowd and begins to swing her hips sensually to the song, more so than before.
Have I been blind?
For the first time in my life, I feel I’ve opened up
My eyes...
Losing you would give my faith
In a higher place
What kind of world
Would it be without you?
I couldn’t breathe without you here
What kind of world
Would I see without you?
I can’t dream without you here
Yeah, woah, yeah
Beautiful boy
How on earth did I do something worth deserving of you?
My better half
How I cherish through and through every part of you
I do
Loving you’s made me hope...
As she sings, Astarion watches with rapt attention, his eyes flicking from the stage to her swaying hips and back up to her face with every opportunity. Sima is a natural on stage, with the skill of a trained orator—something he certainly never had as a rogue. Her deep, sultry voice has an effortless quality that he loves, drawing him into the song’s lyrics. Her music is beautiful, and the elf finds himself humming along quietly. There’s no doubt in his mind that this performance is a hit.
Astarion can’t help but glance over at the crowd during the slower song—the same way she’s enchanted him, it’s clear these people love her back. No one else could make them sway their hips so slowly, so sensually. He’s not the only one caught in her spell.
But he can’t take his eyes off her as she performs. Her voice is hauntingly beautiful, and her words are simple, relatable—and yet they draw him more into the spell than any amount of flash or flair ever could.
Sima performs with the effortless confidence of someone who loves what they do and is good at it. Her sultry, deep voice carries as she finishes the song with a final shimmy of her hips.
What kind of world (What kind of world)
Would I see without you? (Ooh, see without you)
I can’t dream without you here (Dream without you here)
As her song ends to another rousing applause, Astarion gives another firm clap, one that’s clearly louder and longer than the rest. He’s not the only one smitten by her—the whole crowd is practically spellbound by her performance. Some of them look like they’re ready to rush the stage just for a chance to get close to her, and she seems to be enjoying the attention.
Sima walks around the stage, handing the brass lute to her tiefling guitarist. She weaves another illusion, and now the stage has a deep black velvet and leather backdrop. The sound of horns and pipe instruments plays smoothly in the background, and another catchy but upfront tune begins. Sima's voice is melodic and soulful.
The song speaks of a woman defining herself, that no challenge is too small. It’s defiant, subversive, and sultry.
Sima now gyrates her hips to the bass in the music, very playful.
I’m gonna keep on, Imma do my own thing
We all got a song that we’re meant to sing (Yeah)
And no matter what people say or might think
I ain’t goin’ no place, no
I’m here to stay
Gonna keep on doing my thing
‘Cause whether they love or they hatin’ on me
I’ll still be the same girl I used to be
‘Cause I ain’t goin’ no place, no
I’m here to stay
Oh, whoa, yeah
I’m here to stay
Oh, yeah
I’m here to stay
I’ve never been the type to be shy
I know that some would say I’m too headstrong
But I’d rather be a woman who voices her mind
Whether you think I’m right or wrong
And I know some people wanna criticize
Makes ’em feel better about themselves
So say what you will, time will reveal
In the end that I will be here still
Even though Astarion never expected to hear someone sing about such things, the depth and meaning of her words touch him. Sima's song is powerful, one that resonates with a message people could take to heart. He can’t help but notice how much more movement she puts into her dancing now that she’s in the middle of the stage with all eyes on her.
Even the most cynical in the audience can’t help but be entertained by Sima’s performance.Her lyrics are unapologetically provocative in a way that he’s never heard before, and he respects how she refuses to give in or let her enemies change her—an attitude that mirrors his own. She sings with impressive passion, her voice so real and powerful that it would be a crime if she never made it big.
Sima rings out each note in a deep and soulful way that has some of the women in the crowd swaying. It’s obvious this is meant to be a fun, rallying song, and everyone is responding. As she finishes the song, she carries the last note in a deep, rich tone.
Astarion gives another roaring cheer as the song comes to a close. His mind is still reeling from her musical capabilities, but he’s drawn to her natural charisma. He feels strangely compelled to be in her presence—to be a part of the world that she inhabits. Her music has a message that he’s never found before, and she carries herself with such confidence that it’s infectious, even to him.
Sima laughs and shakes a few hands of women in the crowd before she and the band set up for the second-to-last song.
This time, with a snap, Sima changes her costume. Her hair is now in soft waves, and she’s wearing a plain corset top and pinstripe shorts, now with high heels instead of boots. She casts Mirror Image , and three identical Simas appear on stage.
This time, Sima speaks to the crowd:
"This one goes out to all the soldiers, sailors, and crooks out there! You know who you are!”
She winks at the crowd.
A deeply soulful, melodic, heavy bass and drum song starts. It’s catchy, with horns playing in the background. The three dancing illusionary Simas are singing and dancing in sync.
The song is playful, naughty, and full of sensual themes about young love and the right kind of man for a lady.
Sweet, sugar, candy man
I met him out for dinner on a Friday night
He really got me working up an appetite
He had tattoos up and down his arm
There’s nothing more dangerous than a boy with charm
He’s a one-stop shop, makes the panties drop
He’s a sweet-talkin’ sugar-coated candy man
A sweet-talkin’ sugar-coated candy man
He took me to the Spider club on Heapside
We drank champagne, and we danced all night
We shook the Zhentarim for a big surprise (a big surprise)
The gossip tonight will be tomorrow’s headlines
He’s a one-stop shop, makes my cherry pop
He’s a sweet-talkin’ sugar-coated candy man (oh yeah)
A sweet-talkin’ sugar-coated candy man...
Astarion finds himself swept up by her performance just like the other spectators, the words striking a chord with him. In particular, he’s intrigued by the line about "nothing more dangerous than a boy with charm." It’s funny how a bit of charisma can bring even a centuries-old vampire to his knees—and the words "makes my cherry pop" have an even more primal effect on him. The way the Simas move their bodies drives him wild, so much so that he can barely sit still.
Sima and her illusions are working the crowd, now with synchronized hip sways, kicks, and dancing as they sing. Several sailors and soldiers, including Flaming Fists, are hooting and hollering at the stage.
Sima keeps singing as the lead, and for a brief moment, she catches and holds Astarion's gaze.
He’s a one-stop shop, makes my cherry pop
He’s a sweet-talkin’ sugar-coated candy man (oh)
A sweet-talkin’ sugar-coated candy man
Well, by now I’m getting all bothered and hot
When he kissed my mouth, he really hit the spot
He had lips like sugar cane, oh
Good things come to boys who wait
Candy man, candy man...
The spell cast by the Mirror Image completely works its charm on Astarion. Even though there are three of them, he can’t help but view Sima as a single creature—one whose sexuality and confidence completely overwhelm his senses. She’s so much more than an illusion now. And that kiss—good gods, he is practically panting at the thought alone. His heart is beating so fast he can hardly breathe, and he suddenly wants nothing more than to taste Sima like she tastes the vodka, like her lips might taste like sugar cane itself.
His pulse pounds and his blood races through his body. The Simas’ hip sways and kicks are a bit much for all the men in his surrounding area—the soldiers are practically rioting, and even the Flaming Fists are distracted by them, so he has no problem getting closer without being seen. He’s even getting a bit overwhelmed by the heat of it all, but he loves this—he likes seeing her put on such an amazing display. He can’t wait to hear what the finale of the show will be.
With the last note carried, the crowd breaks out in earnest with applause and proper catcalls. Sima just laughs, and with a snap, the other illusionary Simas disappear.
Sima addresses the crowd again:
"Thank you so much! Now, we’re on the last song... I know, I’m disappointed too. But we wanted to ask the crowd if they wanted it slow or fast for our last one! Also, please don’t drink Alan the barkeep out of house and home; it is the Elfsong, not the Blushing Mermaid!" (The crowd laughs.) "So what will it be? Fast or slow?"
Astarion is all for a proper finale, so he shouts a loud and resounding "Fast." It’s amazing how an entire crowd can get excited about something as simple as the tempo of a song, and he’s glad that everybody’s enjoying it. He can’t wait to see where Sima takes everyone, and he’s eager to see if there’s a final surprise.
Sima laughs at the sound and sees the high elf in the crowd with the cute grin shouting.
"That is a very enthusiastic reply! Thank you from the back! Why don’t we end the night dancing? Better yet... flying?"
With that, Sima snaps her fingers, and her outfit turns all white, with the backdrop now one of illusionary stars.
An upbeat, danceable, melodic, and bass-filled music starts to play. Instantly, people are bouncing and bobbing to the music. It’s a song about having a good time, going for a ride to the moon and stars, and it’s very tongue-in-cheek.
Sima sings, throwing all her swaying and wiles into this song:
I believe that you’re for me, I feel it in our energy
I see us written in the stars
We can go wherever, so let’s do it now or never, baby
Nothing’s ever, ever too far
Glitter in the sky, glitter in our eyes
Shining just the way we are
I feel like we’re forever, every time we get together
But whatever, let’s get lost on Mars
You want me, I want you, baby
My sugarboo, I’m levitating
The Milky Way, we’re renegading
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
I got you, moonlight, you’re my starlight
I need you all night, come on, dance with me
I’m levitating
You, moonlight, you’re my starlight (you’re the moonlight)
I need you all night, come on, dance with me
I’m levitating (whoo)
You can fly away with me tonight
You can fly away with me tonight
Baby, let me take you for a ride
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
I’m levitating (whoo)
Astarion loves the change—not least because he’s a sucker for good songs and good dancing. The white dress with the stars is the perfect attire for dancing like this, and the music is absolutely perfect! He can’t help but be swept up in it all, swaying his hips and waving his fingers along to the music, even letting out a little whistle when she starts levitating. It’s simply a fantastic end to a fantastic performance, and he’s wishing that there was a way he could dance along with her, but sadly, levitation magic is outside his domain.
Sima walks a little off the ground, levitating as little illusions of starbursts and color flares go off as the song ends, sending the crowd into a tizzy. The bar is flooded with people dancing and drinking. Alan, the proprietor, looks like he’s going to have a heart attack.
She finishes off the song to a wild crowd.
I got you, moonlight, you’re my starlight (you are my starlight)
I need you all night, come on, dance with me (come on, dance with me, baby)
I’m levitating
You, moonlight, you’re my starlight (you’re the moonlight)
I need you all night, come on, dance with me
I’m levitating
Astarion cheers wildly as she ends the song, clapping and whistling. He has a huge grin as the crowd all gathers closer to the stage. He tries to call out to her with an enthusiastic, if slightly flustered, wave.
Unfortunately, he’s having some trouble getting anyone’s attention through the crowd. It’s too bad, because he really wants to thank her and compliment her excellent performance. He might just have to find her after the show.
Sima snaps her fingers and is back in the leather outfit with a skirt as she and the band try to make their way to the bar. Eventually, an orc soldier and peacekeeper clears a path for her through the crowd, and they sit on stools by the bar. Sima then wanders to the Elfsong’s garden patio, which Alan had let the group use for setup before the show. Astarion, with his keen eye, sees the dark-skinned singer sneak out the back to the gardens.
Astarion is not one to let opportunity pass him by, especially not when the opportunity itself wears so little clothing. The fact that she’s snuck out the back is a little disappointing—she’s definitely more fun on stage. He thinks she’d be even more fun off the stage once he gets to know her, which he plans to do.
He casually makes his way towards the gardens.
When he steps into the back garden, Astarion takes a minute to appreciate the view. The stars are dimmed thanks to the moon, but it’s peaceful out here, and he can smell the fresh fragrance of plants and flowers mixed with the more exotic odors of the city. He hears a noise—the sound of voices, low but clearly female, and the subtle rustle of fabric that indicates movement. He’s close.
Sima takes a deep breath, inhaling the scent of jasmine crawling over the trellises of the garden, trying to calm down from the intensity of the performance. Music was the only thing she could keep from "home." It feels odd to know in this world, these songs exist. Sima shakes her head and takes a bunch of jasmine into her hand, smiling.
Astarion takes a deep breath himself as he approaches and leans up against one of the trellises, enjoying the garden’s fragrance. He’s close, he thinks, but how to approach her? She might be upset to have a stranger intruding on her private time like this. He considers just saying "hello" and hoping for the best, but instead, he decides to play it safe and lets out the tiniest of coughs so she knows he’s there. He waits, hoping she’s curious enough to look his way.
Sima jumps a bit, turning around and dropping the small bunch of jasmine in her hand. The moonlight pools over her, emphasizing her curves and the soft feminine lines of her face, her almond-shaped eyes too. Her wavy hair blows a bit in the breeze.
"Ah! Sweet Hekate! You make it a habit of jumping out of the shadows?" she says quietly, a bit startled.
Astarion smiles, his sharp white teeth glinting in the moonlight. She’s absolutely gorgeous, and he’s not going to let the chance pass him by. The flowers are a subtle sign of her origin, since he recognizes this kind of jasmine and their connection with his people, so he’s already a bit charmed. This half-elf seemed… different.
"I thought I did a good job of making a noise before I talked, really." He shrugs, grinning, and takes a step toward her. "I hope I’m not intruding too much."
Sima narrows her eyes at the strange but handsome pale elf. His skin is... very pale, with crimson eyes and white soft curls, mid-length, blowing in the wind. The moonlight makes him seem ethereal...
A spark of familiarity comes to her mind before she bends over to quickly pick up the jasmine she dropped.
"Thank you... appreciate the compliment. I’m Sima, by the way... and you are?"
Astarion's grin widens a little. The recognition in her eyes is encouraging, but the fact that she doesn’t quite place him yet is disappointing. Hopefully, she’ll catch on soon. He’s already caught on to the hints of her, and his eyes drift over her as she bends over to pick things up.
"Astarion. Pleased to meet you. I’m one of the many people who were thoroughly... enthralled with your performance."
She raises a brow and continues to walk around the garden trellises and areas, running her fingers over flowers and roses, while keeping her brown eyes on the high elf. He’s at least a head taller than her and seems to be dressed in... black leather? A rogue, maybe, or a bard? Her instincts are trying to figure out this figure that looks like marble carved in the shape of an elf.
"Pleased to meet a fan, Astarion. So...." Sima waits for what he’s hoping for, a small smirk on her face.
This is exactly what Astarion is hoping for. She’s definitely teasing him, and he finds her boldness endearing—and alluring. She’s also curious about him. She seems to be searching for clues. Maybe it’s obvious from where she’s looking, but he just enjoys watching a beautiful woman watch him, even if she doesn’t know why she thinks he’s familiar yet.
"And you’re wondering why I’m here?" He laughs, then leans against one of the trellises, his sharp features looking perfectly graceful by the moonlight.
Sima laughs and shakes her head, going back to smelling the jasmine, before tilting her head to look at the elf. Something seems really familiar about him. It had been some time since she had played the game, Baldur’s Gate 3 , in her world, but... the name "Astarion" sounded so familiar. She sighs.
"That is kind of what I was getting at, actually. Do you... want an autograph or...?"
Sima continues to watch the elf. His frame, while tall and lithe, seems to betray some muscularity—he wasn’t like the high elf nobles that tried to woo her with trinkets and baubles she could care less about. Faerûn was rife with those idiots, unfortunately.
Astarion laughs quietly. Why does everyone mistake him for a fanboy, of all things? He isn’t looking for autographs. He’s looking for... something else. He sees the way she’s looking at him. It’s good that she’s still curious. Hopefully, she’ll figure it out soon.
"No, I have some better things in mind than an autograph," he leans forward a little, his white teeth and hair glowing again in the moonlight. "Would you come here for a second?"
She raises her eyebrows at his boldness and crosses her arms, leaning on the trellis herself. "Look, you are, very pretty, but I don’t know who—"
A beat passes, and she remembers:
The Pale Elf.
Hero of Baldur's Gate in the fight against the Absolute.
Sima takes an unconscious step back for a moment as she finally remembers from the game—the game that clearly does not exist in this world but does in hers. The vampire spawn, freed from his master, who fought with the companions and liberated Baldur’s Gate from the Absolute a few years ago.
Sima leans in and looks at his face, and it is just like the game, and is strikingly beautiful.
"You’re... Astarion Ancunin... from the heroes who saved the city some time ago, aren’t you?"
Astarion grins, watching her put two and two together, and realizing who he is. The recognition is so sweet on her face. Her surprise is the best part, and he can’t help but show his enthusiasm.
"The very same. It’s a pleasure to meet you." His grin widens, his crimson eyes twinkling.
Sima chuckles nervously and slowly backs up slightly.
"I heard you were a vampire spawn. Not that that's a bad thing or anything. It's just, I mean, I'm here in a dark garden under the moon with a vampire.... I mean, they write about this sort of thing in smut books at Sharess’ Caress..." She laughs and swallows the lump in her throat at her joke.
Astarion laughs heartily, shaking his head. She’s right; this kind of thing would be the main plot of a romance story.
"I promise I’ll only bite you if you ask nicely." His crimson eyes glitter, his smile wide and genuine, as he leans against the trellis. He’s enjoying this—seeing this woman, who is so much more beautiful than he could have hoped for, get nervous. It’s endearing.
Sima laughs and shakes her head. "Oh, you are very good... You have game, I will admit that."
She’s up against the trellis and stupidly realizes she’s in a godsdamn corner of all things. She tries to slip through to the other side by sliding along the trellis, giving the vampire a warm smile.
Think, Sima, what do you remember? Elf, vampire... really good at seducing. Fantastic.
I am so screwed, Sima thinks to herself.
Astarion sees her try to step around him and decides to move forward a little and block her way with his hands. He leans close, making her even more nervous, but he’s not taking advantage. Not yet anyway, not until she asks nicely.
"You should be careful, you know. Dark gardens... the moon in the sky. A young woman alone, especially a cute one. The vampires of old would not be as benevolent as I am." His expression is playful, but there is genuine menace in his voice.
Sima meets his eyes, a bit defiant, but still laughs a bit too nervously. "I will keep that in mind for the future. I mean, you don’t bite. You’re a hero... you’re a good vampire..." Sima leans backward, now properly caged into the corner of a garden because she was not outsmarting a video game character. Good job, Sima.
Okay, try to remember... definitely a rogue... vampire spawn can’t compel! Sima sighs internally in relief as she tries to remember what she can from the game.
Astarion smiles down at her, amused. She’s trying so hard, and it just makes it more fun. He’s clearly got the upper hand here.
"Like the vampires of old, however, I’m quite good at seducing as well," he leans forward some more, but doesn’t touch her. His sharp eyes are focused on hers. "But I promise I had better things in mind than to bite you."
Sima’s brown eyes flicker up, matching his crimson gaze, and her chin sets in a defiant expression. "Alright, you have me in a corner here... literally. You seem... determined. Cocky, even. So, explain to me what exactly you think you can get from me?" Her almond eyes flash with understanding and intelligence, belying the nervousness she had displayed. Not to mention, she shows more spine than maybe he realized.
Astarion can’t help but be impressed by her courage, by her defiance. He still plans to have her, one way or another, but he can respect determination, even when it’s mixed with arrogance. He considers his answer for a moment, weighing whether to tell her the complete truth.
"I’m hoping to get..." His voice trails off as he leans closer, his voice becoming a whisper. "An evening, or perhaps just a night, alone with your charming company."
Sima smirks and replies, "Ahh! That was... incredibly obvious by the cornering me in the garden part of this play you are making... that’s actually kind of disappointing. I was hoping you would have a bit more... depth maybe? Besides, you’re a hero of Baldur’s Gate. I’m sure the women and men are throwing themselves at you..." Sima crosses her arms, which just accentuates her cleavage.
Astarion can’t help but smile at her wit. She keeps things interesting, and she isn’t buying into his usual routine, which makes this much more fun than if she were just another fawning fan. She’s definitely an interesting catch. He takes a step forward, close enough to brush his arm against hers.
"Maybe they do, but they are also a lot less... interesting than you. You don’t fawn, you challenge me. Who wouldn’t want to spend a night with a beautiful, sharp-witted woman who isn’t going to kiss his ass?"
Sima laughs, and it’s breathy and deep before she leans in just a bit, looking into his eyes. "I wouldn’t count against me not kicking your ass. It’s tempting, considering you have me literally cornered. And I’m sure you say that ‘interesting’ line to all the ladies or gents." Sima flips her hair and puts her hands on her hips, raising her eyebrow at him.
Astarion can’t help but grin, seeing her put her hands on her hips and raise that eyebrow. He thinks he may have stumbled into a new kind of flirting, one based on insults, teasing, and the battle of wits. This might be the most fun he’s had in a long time.
"I do not—" He begins to deny it but then stops and laughs. "Well, maybe only to the ones I really like."
Sima laughs deeply. "At least I’m keeping you honest. So, speaking of honesty... Look, you are very attractive, but... I’m just not the kind of person who goes home with someone I barely know. But..." She bites her lip and looks at Astarion’s face to see his reaction.
Astarion chuckles. He’s not really used to having to try this hard with women, especially not those who show this much spine. He was counting on his heroic history to be enough to get him what he wanted. It seems he’s going to have to work a little harder. He smirks and leans in close; he can feel her breath on him.
"But?"
Sima swallows and looks up at him. "But maybe you can get to know me better... just not in the carnal sense. Maybe come to my shows, show me around the city... If the rumors are true, you are nearly 200 years old. I bet you know the best places in town to be..." She makes it a point to look at his crimson eyes and not at his chest or anything else, considering he is so close.
He meets her eyes as she looks up, and Astarion takes one step back, giving the illusion of space, but also letting himself enjoy the sight of her more. He smirks and gives her a teasing wink that reveals those predatory fangs of his.
"Oh, my dear. I know where all the best places are. Especially the backrooms of many an inn, and a few of the less respectable clubs. I bet you would have a wonderful time if you just let me show you."
She raises a brow. "I’m always looking for a new place to play... music, that is. Keep it in your pants, vampire—" Sima leans in for a moment before a shout rings out across the gardens.
"Hey, Sima, you good out here?!" A red tiefling comes out, carrying her brass lute. Rhys, her guitarist, narrows his eyes at Astarion, considering how close he is to Sima. "You good out here, lil’ sis?"
Sima laughs nervously. "Hey Rhys, I’m good. Is the band almost packed up? This—you won’t believe who this is, Rhys—it’s—"
"You want to back up just a smidge there, fangs?" Rhys says, again shooting Astarion a look.
Astarion’s brow furrows, his crimson eyes narrowing. He’s suddenly annoyed at this Tiefling for interrupting, for trying to ruin Astarion’s game. He’s no longer smiling at that moment, and he doesn’t answer Rhys immediately, instead focusing on Sima. It is important to keep the prey isolated.
"Yes, I was just making sure she was safe. I’m Astarion Ancunin, a hero of Baldur’s Gate." He says all this loudly, clearly, and confidently, hoping to ignore the Tiefling and continue this game.
"Nice, like I didn’t know that. And that you are a vampire spawn. Look, thanks for saving the world, yadda yadda. Mind backing up off my friend now?" Rhys crosses his arms and waits, his red tail flicking in annoyance.
"Rhys, really, it’s okay, we were just talking and were just agreeing to meet up later? Astarion’s going to show me around the city! I have a bonafide hero showing me around." Sima smiles, trying very hard to keep a fight from breaking out, and looks at Astarion to back her play here.
Astarion glares at Rhys. This was supposed to be a casual encounter; it wasn’t supposed to become a conflict like this. He had every right to be annoyed, but he still needed to win this game. He smiles at Sima, though. Her acting on his side certainly helps his case.
"I am just making sure that my new friend here stays safe and that she doesn’t get lost. A beautiful woman like that will attract many admirers." He’s trying to make it seem like he’s here for her protection.
Sima smiles and lays a hand on Astarion’s arm, reassuring him. "See? Everything is fine, Rhys. Astarion, is there any way I can maybe get in touch with you? I’d like to see you another night. I’m actually staying at the apartments above the Singing Lute. You can come by if you like."
Rhys watches and glares at Astarion. "That’s just an invitation to the building, not the apartment, by the way. Considering you have to be invited in, right?" the tiefling says.
Sima looks at Rhys. "Rhys, go inside. Now!"
Rhys looks at Sima, shakes his head, and starts to head back inside. "Just be careful, alright, sis?" Rhys walks through the pub doors.
Astarion smiles back at Sima. She’s making this game so much easier. She could have just tried to shoo him off, but here she’s practically handing herself over to him with this invitation. He won’t take it so blatantly, though. After all, he still wants to win her over.
"I would be delighted to see you again under less stressful circumstances. And yes, the invitation was understood. I wouldn’t be so dull as to presume an invitation into the building meant an invitation into your bed chambers."
Sima laughs. "He’s just... since I got to the Sword Coast, he’s been very protective because I’m not from the city. Don’t mind him, really. And I would like to see you again. A friendly encounter, at least. I won’t promise anything else. Understood?" Sima slides over, with her back toward the door of the pub now.
Phew, that was close.
"Understood," Astarion says in a low, sultry voice. He doesn’t expect her to agree to anything too... extracurricular on the first date, and frankly, it would be quite out of character for this game of theirs if she did. No, Astarion is perfectly content leaving this encounter on its current course. He smiles at her again and raises his hand for a dramatic bow.
"It is my pleasure to make your acquaintance, my lady. We will meet again, and I look forward to it."
Sima beams at him—he really is very handsome. "My pleasure too. Not every day you get to meet a legend, now is it? I hope you have somewhere interesting to take me tomorrow night. I understand that you don’t walk in the sun anymore. At least, that’s the rumor."
Sima asks this softly, just out of understanding, because she doesn’t want to push on it if it’s upsetting for him.
Astarion grins at Sima, nodding. She’s clearly paying attention to things about him, trying to understand who he is past what others say. That’s nice, especially in a city where it seems everything gets twisted out of recognition in rumor. He’s also not upset by her inquiries about the sun. If anything, he is glad she’s interested, although he wouldn’t mind her having less knowledge about his more painful history.
"Indeed, I don’t, although I don’t mind discussing the reason in private. Shall I come by your apartment in the evening?"
"Tomorrow evening. Sure. It’s the Verdant Garden apartments, just above the Singing Lute tavern and restaurant," Sima smiles widely. He is actually kind of a gentleman when he wants to be. Surprising.
He bows to her again. "I’m not so bad, am I? Even when I’m not saving the world?" He’s being a little cheeky here. Normally, he wouldn’t try to be sweet and kind to a potential conquest, but this game is different from his usual flirting routine. He likes the challenge.
"The Singing Lute, is it? I know exactly where that is. I’ll see you tomorrow evening. Till then, my lady."
"Goodnight, Astarion." Sima waves and turns around to walk into the pub to rejoin her bandmates.
Astarion can’t help but follow her with his gaze. Her ass looks wonderful in that outfit. Then he snaps out of his lustful daydream and realizes he should really leave before he makes a mess of this and the game runs off the tracks. He smiles and nods goodbye, and he’s going to have to wait until tomorrow to see if she’ll let him into her apartment. And he can’t show up looking like this.
There’s a lot to do to prepare. Hopefully, it all goes to plan, because he has a feeling this is going to be fun.