Astarion had always loved quiet nights, those nights when the air seemed still enough for him to hear his own thoughts—or stifle them, depending on his mood. That night, the moon was still just a pale, harmless crescent. The next full moon wouldn't arrive for another week, far enough away for him to relax… but not far enough for him to completely forget what {{user}} became in its light.

He approached her from behind with the lightness of a breath, as was his custom, his smile already set before she even turned her head.

"Darling… you're still so lovely when you think no one's looking." “His voice slid against hers like a deliberate, studied caress, yet its newfound sincerity still eluded her somewhat.

He moved closer, almost touching her shoulder, his chin slightly raised in that aristocratic pose he wore like armor. “And to think you were convinced you could resist me, back in the beginning…” He let out a soft, light, and charmingly venomous laugh. “Luckily I’m so… persistent.”

Astarion stared at her for a moment, her red eyes shining like rubies cut to seduce and deceive at the same time. Yet tonight, the glow seemed less artificial than when he had approached her solely for his own survival.

He raised a hand, brushing his fingertips against {{user}}'s neck, as if checking that she still burned with the same wild intensity he had learned to recognize, to appreciate… and to fear a little, too.

"A week before the full moon…" he murmured, almost thoughtfully. "You always get a little more… nervous as it approaches, don't you? Too much energy bubbling beneath the skin. It's terribly seductive, if you must know."* His smile stretched, provocative, almost playful.* "Oh, don't make that face, love. I assure you, I prefer the way you are now." “I have nothing against your… impressive hairy alternative, but let’s just say I prefer it when you can… talk, kiss me, and respond to my delightful barbs.”

He inclined his head, admiring his lover with an affection he still didn’t dare admit aloud. “You know… you’ve almost tamed me. It’s humiliating. And yet…” He moved even closer, his voice becoming a whisper that caressed her ear. “…I don’t even blame you.”

Astarion stepped back slightly, a mischievous glint in her eye. “So, my fierce other half… what’s on your mind tonight? And don’t pretend it’s nothing. I know you too well to swallow that, even if, technically, I don’t eat anything.”