Suddenly a loud commotion had me springing to my feet gripping my sword.
I watched as a pale elvish male sprinted towards me. He was tall, his silver hair shone radiantly in the moonlight that filled the camp. I was startled to discover he was coated in blood and swaying slightly on his feet.
When he grimaced I caught the pointed tips of his teeth. He's a vampire then, just the type of guest you didn't want to show up to your camp at night in the middle of nowhere.
I debated keeping my sword in my hand but he seemed ready to fall over and I'd need both my hands available.
I glanced over to Shadowheart's still empty bedroll and fought the rising panic that filled my heart that she still wasn't back.
When the vampire stumbled down on one knee I snapped out of my reverie and into action.
I rushed over to his side. I got him sitting comfortably on my bedroll as I fished in my pack for dressings and some fresh water.
"What happened to you?" I asked the injured male.
"Owlbear clawed me.I've killed it but not before it got a piece of me too." The male told me wincing as he held pressure on the deep gashes the ran from his left shoulder down to his elbow.
There was alot of blood so it was difficult to know the real extent of his injuries at the moment. I needed to clean the area to have a better look.
I settled myself between his legs and started tentatively cleaning his wounds.
You don’t need to do this,” the bleeding man said firmly, “I’m not a helpless child.”
I rolled my eyes at the fool, who I was satisfied to realize was unable to find it in himself to simply move away from me despite his verbal objection. He watched me continue to clean the deep cuts on his arm with a curious expression on his handsome face.
I knew what he was doing, he failed at pretending that me tending his injuries wasn’t making him feel anything.
"You're bleeding all over the place so stop being ridiculous. I can help you." I growled at him
“Don’t bother,” he said sounding even more annoyed “It’s just a scratch.”
"A scratch? That is not a scratch, you were maimed." I said back annoyed by his behavior.
I would rather be out looking for Shadowheart than playing nursemaid to a likely centuries old vampire who was acting like a petulant child.
When he pulled away from me again carefully avoiding wiping any of his blood on my clothes with his jaw clenched, I didn't bother arguing with him anymore.
I assumed he was not used to having anyone care for him, let alone a complete stranger.
"You don't even know who I am so why help me?" He asked me then which answered my earlier suspicion.
I was too tired for this. I got myself up and started turning away from him tossing over my shoulder,"You're so stubborn.Fine bleed to death for all I care. Do me a favor though, be quiet while you're dying. I'm exhausted and I need to go look for my friend. "
I heard the man laugh before he replied,"Only if you hold my hand while I pass," he continued deadpan, “I don't want to die alone."
That had me finally turning back towards him again. "As if, you'll probably bite me just to save yourself and it'll be me laying bleeding to death. You had one chance to have me within arms reach. I'm not stupid, I know what your kind is capable of."
The man laughed again, " You're afraid of me, that's adorable."
I huffed out,"Afraid? Hardly, I'm just being cautious. You're likely to rip my throat out and take my blood to replenish your strength. Why were wondering out here in the woods anyway? Aren't you worried you'd be out here with no protection from the sun? Or did you dig yourself a grave to sleep in come dawn?"
"Don't be ridiculous," he grinned at me, " I don't need protection from the sun. As for why I was out here... I was hunting an owlbear."
I took a moment to gather my thoughts. He was immune to sunlight, that was certainly new and just another thing to worry about. A question came to mind and I had to know what'd he would respond with. So I asked him,"Not humans? You feed on animals only then?"
"The blood of a human, dwarf, halfling, or what have you is always tastier," his reply wasn't comforting in the least, but I let him continue as he said " But a good owlbear is a fine feast, nonetheless."
"If you can manage it without getting mauled to death I guess, but I think this round the owlbear won." I mumbled.
"It might've done some damage, yes but if the beast had won I would not be here." He gestured to his relatively intact state.
"Say that in an hour when I have to rebury your corpse from bloodloss. Less talking more bandaging wise guy. I don't have time for this." I growled, head throbbimg from being over tired and stressed out about Shadowheart's disappearance.
"Well, now I will make a point of bleeding to death just to spite you," he teased me but I didn't find it amusing as I was worried about Shadowheart and wanted nothing more than to go look for her.
"Are all vampires as frustrating as you or am I the lucky one?" I growled at him as I fished in my pack for the glow stone that I normally used as a light source.
“I am but one of a kind, my dear,” he said, sounding genuinely offended. “How very dare you.”
"How dare I? How dare you, asshole. You ruined my evening, first by scaring me and then by being well.. you." I huffed at him as I pocketed the rock and started gathering up my gear.
“Your evening could've been worse,” He said matter of factly. “You could be the dinner of a hungry owlbear.Why don’t you tell me your name?”
"My thanks for that I guess. Tell me yours first and this doesn't excuse the fact you crashed my camp with your exploits. This place is a mess and I'm making you clean it."
“I’m known around these parts as Astarion.What do your friends call you?” He tilted his head and grinned at me again, the sharp white tips of his fangs flashing in the moonlight.“Or is it only your enemies who know your name? You said I was the stubborn one too. Just how would you make me clean?"
"Minnara, my friends say my name with pride, my enemies with fear." I replied growling as I stormed back over to where Astarion was tending to his brutalized arm and punched him in his smug face.
Astarion taken by surprise for a moment. Then started laughing, rubbing the spot where I had punched him. "That all you got?"
I crossed my arms seething at Astarion as I replied, "Consider yourself lucky I don't think it's sporting to fight injured creatures, plus I'm tired and I still need to find my friend. You're cleaning your mess or you'll regret it in the morning. Now kindly shut the hell up so I can finish packing. If I catch you sneaking over to nibble my throat, I'm staking your ass."
“Perhaps there is more to you than I first thought,” Astarion told me. “I’m not afraid, though. Not yet anyhow.”
"Piss me off more,try to get in my way or try to bite me and you'll see." I seethed at Astarion as I settled down again to repack my gear.
“Or what?” Astarion asked staring over at me. “If I were to bite you, for instance, what could you possible do to stop me? I am stronger after all.”
Astarion grinned at me as he waited for my response.
I shrugged as I replied," A stake through the heart works well enough."
“True.You and I both know it’s not as easy as that though."Astarion shifted to lean closer to me as he continued, "I am a vampire, and you are merely human."
I frowned over at him," I'm not merely anything, I have power and I'll use it if provoked."
"What does your power consist of ?" Astarion asked me curiously
I rolled my eyes at him, as I replied,"Why would I share that? I'm not giving you any advantage in case you decide I'm a tasty snack and you just need a nibble."
Astarion laughed again, the sound frustratingly arousing as he said,“If I truly desired you as a snack, your power would hardly matter besides I only nibble those I find worthy."
I felt my cheeks flush with embarrassment at the barb, the fact he was getting under my skin was only making it more unbearable to me. I blamed my reaction to Astarion on exhaustion as I snapped at him,"Fuck you too."
"If only that were an option," he replied smirking.
My blush deepened," You're not my type."
"Oh but you are mine." Was his response
I didn't enjoy the way his words made my stomach flip or my heart pound.
"You don't discriminate, you'd take anything with a pulse so I'm hardly flattered.So save the flirting for someone who cares." I growled
I knew he could hear my racing heart so my bluster didn't really have the same impact on him as I'd hoped it would.
"Oh, don't be so harsh on yourself," Astarion giggled softly. "I am quite picky in regards to my food."
"Well if you try anything with me, I'll make sure you choke on me." It was all I could think to say in response as I fought my fraying emotions.
"I'd hardly complain," Astarion told me with a wink. "I like a bit of bite from my meals."
I didn't know what to say to that so I stayed quiet.
The silence between us didn't last long as he said then, "You are a rare individual, hardly anyone has the sheer audacity to challenge a vampire. To do so with me, while I am injured, no less. Im not getting angry, but rather... intrigued."
I wanted to leave but I needed to get my point across so I fought the wave of exhaustion that was battering me as I told Astarion,"I don't care what you are, I speak my mind and I won't let anyone have power over me so get used to it."
"Oh, I do like you. So independent and stubborn," Astarion crooned his voice low and seductively melodic. "You are an unpolished gem. Allow me to help you shine."
"I don't need your help thanks. Just patch yourself up would you. You've already bled all over my stuff. You owe me a new bedroll, I'm not getting the blood out of that one." I grumbled
"I will repay you in... other ways," Astarion said quietly. He paused briefly tilting his head to the side before saying, "Why are you out here, anyway? It's dangerous for a small female to be out this far from civilization."
The question made me nervous and helped fight my tiredness enough to answer him," It wasn't by choice and I'm not that small, my biceps are nearly as big as yours."
"And yet, here you are." Astarion paused for a moment."Do you even know how to defend yourself with that weapon?"
I did but I wasn't about to give him details. "I have many skills and no I'm not showing you."
"Oh, don't be shy," Astarion teased. "It's just us out here in the woods alone at the moment. "
"I already told you I'm not alone? My friend went into the woods for firewood. She likely got lost finding her way back so I need to go look for her now. She'll certainly be surprised to see you though, we're not particularly looking for new members to join our camp. "
"Is that so?" Astarion raised an eyebrow at me, skepticism written plainly across his face. "Why is this friend of yours leaving you alone in these woods?"
I scoffed at him before saying, " Because I'm capable of handling one little vampire, whose half dead already. "
"Little!? I am an over two hundred year old vampire," he put his hand on his hip in exaggerated offense. "A powerful vampire at that and I am not, in fact, 'half dead,' either merely wounded."
It was my turn to laugh. I wasn't sure if it was smart to mock him but I was over tired and clearly not thinking straight as I blurted out, "You were nearly mangled to death by an owlbear how powerful of a vampire could you be?"
"The owlbear was powerful," Astarion explained shifting his weight and leaning closer to me."It was stronger than me I'll admit. If I had not used my wits I would now be dead. Are you so confident you can outwit me then?”
"Any time any place fang banger ." I growled at him
Astarion paused for a moment, then smiled at me,“The offer is tempting, my dear you know, I’ve yet to learn where you originate from. A huntress like you, you have to be from somewhere, not a native of these lands.”
" Why do you care so much where I'm from anyway?" I asked him.I was trying to comeup with any reasoning for him to ask me that but I wasn't able to.
“I am curious," Astarion said, leaning in even closer to me. "It’s not my habit to meet an individual with such…personality, who knows? I might be able to help you, or bring you somewhere where the opportunities are endless,” Astarion continued. “You might be able to help me, in return. A beautiful young woman such as yourself has more than one way to earn a living."
I bristled at his suggestion that I needed his help."I do alright and I don't need any charity from you.I don't know if I can even trust you and what help would a supposed all powerful vampire want from me anyway?"
"I wouldn't call myself all powerful as such," Astarion said with a chuckle. "A capable fighter, a dangerous adversary, perhaps. But not all powerful. I'm a little more than just a vampire though," he continued, "This world has much more to offer than blood and death, and I could guide you to those opportunities if you so wished.As for why would I help you?Perhaps I simply find your company...pleasurable."
"We've not known eachother long enough for you to find anything about me pleasurable vamp. Besides I think this is just the bloodloss talking ." I answered him
“You give me too little credit,” Astarion said with a shrug. “What I can see of you is enough for me to know you’re quite clever and resourceful. If your biceps are as big as mine, you are also quite strong.”
“And besides,” he contined looking me up and down. “I might know of a few things you can find pleasurable as well.”
I bit my lip and fought the explicit images that danced in my mind at his words. He was a gorgeous male, I could admit that. You'd have to be blind not not see that but he was dangerous and I wasn't sure a night of pleasure with him outweighed the threat he was to my wellbeing.
"Keep it in your pants, I'm not interested. I'm going to find my friend now, stay here if you don't want to end up with more bloodloss." I said in warning.
"I have needs, like any other mortal," Astarion said then making my thoughts spiral again, "I don't believe I've ever met a woman who didn't find my body... intriguing in ways she never expected."
I closed my eyes unable to hold them open, I couldn't look at him as I told him bitterly," I'm not like other women, I'm not charmed by looks, it takes more than a pretty face and some fancy words to impress me."
"I think you'll find I have more to offer than a pretty face and some fancy words," Astarion replied."Of course, if I really wanted what I think you have in mind, I could just take it."
He added as I watched him warily, "I am trying to be civil."
I said to him seriously, "I said to stay over there I'm serious, if I catch you even thinking about getting near myself or my friend you're done for."
"No promises," Astarion replied but thankfully stopped moving towards me.
I glared daggers at him as I asked him. "Do you have a hearing problem or just a death wish? Id be happy to finish what that owlbear started if you need me too?"
"I heard everything you said," Astarion sighed over at me,"It's not wise to make threats to a vampire. They have a... certain way of retaliating."
I decided to bluster as I stated boldly, "I've dealt with many of your sort I know what to expect."
Astarion's eyes narrowed at me,"Do you?"
I sighed as I responded," Listen I need to go find Shadowheart and get some rest. I attempted to save your life tonight so can you give me the same courtesy to not try to attack me in my sleep tonight"
"I don't plan on attacking you in your sleep," Astarion stated,"But for tonight, I hope you don't mind if... I do this."
He moved so quickly I could barely track him,he was suddenly leaning in close, very close, his lips almost touching mine. My heart hammered in my throat as I waited for him to touch me or attack me.
He brushed his lips lightly against mine. Watching my expression. I couldn't help the moan that escaped my throat at feel of his soft lips on mine.
He sucked my lip and nipped me,drawing a bead of blood.
I flinched ready to fight him as his eyes sparked as he tasted my blood.
He stepped back from me licking his lips, he moaned, which tightened things in my lower body. I was disturbingly aroused. I could feel it and it unsettled me.
He grinned, his mouth strained red with my blood," As I expected, you're delicious."
When I could catch my breathe again to form words I seethed," I'll kill you if you try that again. Stay the fuck away from me you bastard."
My body trembled and I despised the pulsing between my thighs. I wanted to touch myself to ease the ache but I didn't want to give him the satisfaction of knowing just how much he was affecting me.
Astarion responded with his sly smile. "I do have one final piece of advice for the night."
I wasn't certain I wanted to asked but I found myself saying,"And that is?"
"Stay out of my dreams," he told me, smirking once more. "I have a bit too much influence on the dreams of those around me."
He then leaned in again whispering in my ear,"I have a feeling I'll be having you in my dreams tonight."
I couldn't fight that sentence put rather explicit thoughts back in my mind. I shook myself, I couldn't afford to be distracted, I grumbled, "On second thought why don't you help me find my friend. She hasn't returned and I'm getting worried and well... I could use your help, your talents and you owe me."
“Oh?” Astarion paused for a moment, considering. “If your friend is lost in the woods, finding them is the least any good vampire could do.”
I watched him warily as he came close again and reached to take one of my hands, caressing my fingers gently with his. “Don’t worry. Your friend will be fine.”
While I hoped that was true I knew that I was in a world of trouble myself with his presence. I just hoped I'd make it through tonight.