The campfire crackled warmly in the centre of the makeshift camp, casting a soft, dancing glow on the faces gathered around it. The companions had settled in for the night, their journey through Faerûn finally offering a moment of respite.

Astarion, the vampire spawn, sat apart from the group, his elegant features highlighted by the flickering firelight. He seemed distant, his ruby-red eyes focused on the flames as if lost in thought.