thirsted | SALTBURNT

Embry was one of the first to show me kindness in this place. I’ll not forget him.

[ a truth that isn’t for everyone to know, but astarion seems as though he might understand. ]

Then I shall thank you, as I fear this case will not be as obvious or clean as those that have come before.

I do.
It has been Seen by the one I trust. The girl defended Danny fiercely, besides, and Alina knows two people attacked her, the second time. Still, it is not as much evidence as I would like. I intend to learn all I can before I accuse another.

[ He does, which is why he lets it go without comment. Kindness is— a private thing, a different kind of treasure to those unused to it than those who take it for granted. ]

If it has been Seen, that's good enough for me, though I understand those of more modern dispositions have found such accusations wanting.

May I be of assistance?

A vision without a Seer to claim it will be even more suspect after Louis’ play. I must claim the sight as mine own, to protect the one who may yet find more wolves, should the game continue.

If you are willing to say I saw and informed you of your innocence in the first round, it will add credence to my claim.

It was quite curious. I'm not inclined to believe Louis was lying, which begs the question of what other sorts of tricks we ought to be wary of.

[ A pause. ]

You're quite brave, dear wife. Well, that, or you've some sort of death wish, though I think I would have noticed by now if that were the case. But either way, you'll have my corroboration.

Nor am I. Perhaps he saw what the Wolves do, when they meet in the night. I could not say.

[ as for the rest, well — ]

My son is among us, Astarion. A prophecy claims I will lose him in time.
Soon, perhaps. But not yet.

I hope catching the wolves might spare him and others. For as long as we remain in this place.

Thank you.

[ Astarion wonders, first, if his mother and father felt anything at all, when their son went missing. His turning had been so absolute, such a point of no return, that the idea of letting them know had either never crossed his mind or never been an option.

He thinks, second, of the curse of knowing. Of knowing something is bound to happen, of being powerless to stop it. It's that inability, at the end of the day, that makes it so horrible to bear. ]

I'm sorry.

[ Because what else is there to say? What other sentiment truly matters? ]

I hope, for both your sakes, that the prophecy bears out to be false. Or that you both forget it, as cold as that sounds, and experience his passing as you were meant to.

For now, at least, we will catch the wolves, and bring this accursed game to its end.

[ it’s the right thing to say. the only thing to say. the thing she has oft wanted to hear and rarely been given: acknowledgement of her miserable lot. ]

It will soon be my turn to tire of thanking you, Astarion.

Call upon me if you’ve need of me.
And perhaps if you don’t.
I should like to share our time by choice, when we next meet.

Nothing would delight me more.

Humor me one thing, before then — and I promise, this has nothing to do with the game — have you a favored scent? Perhaps something you like, something that comforts you, whatever category or metric you wish.

I suppose I prefer the scent fresh air, when it smells more of flowers or rain than anything else. I come from a region much greener than our capitol, famed for gardens far grander than the Balfours’ own. Stretches of freesia, gardenias, lavender, and foxglove seemingly go on forever.

[ There is a part of him that understands: this is what they stole from you. Wide open spaces — freedom — in exchange for the cold confines of a castle. ]

You paint an enviable picture, my dear. Thank you for indulging me.

Later, then. Once the wind has changed and the clouds have lifted, we'll rejoin each other's company.

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