#while in BG3 Tannivh usually has control of the situations

[haldenlith]

I have Witcher-verse Astarion/Nivh on the brain, so have a sketch and a ficlet.

Yes, this is basically a redraw/copy of the Jaskier/Geralt bath scene from the Witcher show.

Nivh washed away the viscera of a successful hunt as Astarion circled the tub.

"Would it kill you to say 'thank you' every once in a while? You know, without me, we'd be both roughing it out there in the wilderness. And now we have a pouch full of crowns, and you get to... stop smelling like onions. Ugh, I could smell you from a kilometer away." Nivh scoffed softly and splashed his face.

"You're a vampire. Your elevated olfactory would let you smell me 'from a kilometer away' regardless of my bathing situation."

Astarion paused, pursing his lips. He wasn't sure if it was because Nivh was a Witcher, and thus was a little... cold on the emotions front, or if it was because he was generally a stick-in-the-mud, but either way, sometimes his inability to "go with the flow" of conversation was a little exhausting. Regardless, he waved a clawed hand dismissively. "Yes, yes, whatever. And darling, not so loud. We have a good thing going, no need to rile up the peasants."

"Oh, right, your little sob story about being cursed." Nivh rolled his yellow eyes. He was largely unimpressed when he first heard Astarion recount the lie to a group of merchants and peasants, inquiring about his red eyes and silver hair. Cursed by a witch to resemble a vampire. It was why he was traveling with a Witcher, to either track her down or break the curse.

Astarion grinned, sharp teeth catching the firelight. "You'd be surprised how many doors a good "sob story" opens. Besides, it's worked so far, why change it? Given how clueless humans are, it provides the perfect cover. Speaking of clueless humans..." He squatted down beside the tub, dipping his fingers into the now red tinted water. "I have another opportunity lined up for us."

Nivh paused and glowered suspiciously at Astarion.

"Now, that face right there is the reason why I'm the one that does the negotiating around here." He flicked a bit of water at Nivh with a smile before continuing, "I have it on good authority that the lord or whatever of this particular duchy is having curse problems of his own. There's a little party going on that I think we should show up for. Don't worry about getting in, I'll take care of that."

Nivh continued to scowl. "This sounds less like one of your 'opportunities' and more like an excuse for you to feed on nobles and string me along for the ride."

"Darling, please, do you really think I'd be that stupid? Two strangers show up to a party and people start disappearing, they'll immediately blame us. Even I know better. Though, I won't lie, the thought is tempting. One can only dine on unwashed bandits for so long before you desire something a bit more elevated for the palate. Still, the only thing that will be gracing my lips will be the wine."

The witcher grunted. "I'm still not interested."

"Tsk, think of the coin that could be had! A well-placed word with nobles could loosen up some coin purses. Even if this curse is a rumor, I'm sure there's work to be found. And when you get work, we get to reap the benefits of the coin. And coin means beds with linens and fine wine, among other things."

Nivh groaned softly and resumed washing up. He couldn't entirely deny Astarion's logic, and that was what was infuriating. He needed the coin, and sadly not all work managed to make it onto bounty boards. The best paying work was often what Astarion found via chatting people up. Astarion leaned forward a bit, splashing his fingers in the water.

"I'm sorry, what was that? Was that a "yes, Astarion, I'll gladly go along with you?" Or was it an "oh Astarion, whatever would I do without you?" Please do speak up, darling. Use your words." Nivh looked up to Astarion, scowling once more.

"Fine, I'll go," he replied softly.

"Splendid. That's what I thought."