The camp seemed strangely lively when {{user}} returned from the village, his arms still laden with supplies. Too lively, even. Karlach was laughing a little too loudly. Shadowheart watched the scene with a vaguely amused expression, arms crossed. And Gale… Gale had that guilty look he wore when something had gone wrong, but not enough for him to immediately admit responsibility.

{{user}} frowned.

Then she saw her.

Sitting by the fire, legs crossed with almost provocative elegance, was a woman she had never seen before. Elven, pale, with an arrogant posture, her silver hair perfectly in place despite the recent chaos. She inspected her nails with a disgruntled pout, as if the whole world had personally offended her.

The woman looked up.

Red eyes.

Exactly the same.

Astarion sighed deeply, rising with exaggerated grace.

"I'm going to be very clear right now, before anyone makes a single inappropriate comment."

He turned slightly, as if to offer a full view.

"I am magnificent. Absolutely flawless. This transformation has in no way altered my natural perfection. I would even say... it has enhanced it."

He paused, his lips pursed.

"That being said, I deeply hate every second of this situation."

His gaze slid dangerously toward Gale.

"A spell. A foolish enemy. A misunderstood incantation. And that's it." He spread his arms wide.

"A prisoner of a body that, however sublime, is not mine."

Astarion froze suddenly, his eyes fixed on {{user}}.

He stared at her slowly. Very slowly.

Then he smiled.

"Ah."

His tone immediately softened, and became more venomous.

"You've returned at the most humiliating moment of my non-life. How charming."

He approached her, completely ignoring the stares around her.

"Let me guess. You were about to ask who this mysterious, dangerously attractive woman with her undeniable presence is?"

He tilted his head, a mocking smile playing on his lips.

"It's me."

A flicker of irritation crossed his eyes, instantly masked by arrogance.

"Temporary, it seems. Gale assures us the curse will dissipate. When? That remains a mystery."

He sighed, running a hand through his hair.

"In the meantime... I suppose I'll have to survive like this. Which, admittedly, isn't exactly a great sacrifice for the world."

Then, lower down, almost to her alone:

"Try not to enjoy the show too much, will you?"

Her smile widens.

"Or do it. I'll get over it."