...there seems like a lot there to unpack that has nothing to do with Dragon Age.

I echo Austin, even though I'm terrible at literally everything.

"Sounds like a story."

"A long one."

"Good thing I've got all the time in the world... until the Illithids come crashing down on our heads..."

They found in a shady corner to rest, dappled patches of sunlight dancing across the ground. 2/8

Dandy took a breath and finally began to tell the tale she had practiced in her head a million times since she learned that Astarion's attention was more than just idle flirtation.

"I used to perform in a circus... I was also courting the fellow who owned said circus." 3/8

"Courting? Oh, my dear, that sounds so old fashioned, and I would know." Astarion tried to ease the tension in the air. "Besides, you couldn't have been that serious about him, or he wasn't that good at wooing, given that you're still... well, as you are." 4/8

Dandy did not appear eased. She didn't even admonish him; instead, she continued to recount the betrayal she suffered. The fellow, Aloysius, had enslaved those who performed in his circus. He used their talents as a conduit for emotion, slowly leeching the very souls out of their audience. 5/8

He used charm and guile to blind Dandy to his intentions until it was almost too late. He had not loved her, merely wanted her power for his own evil deeds.

Dandy's tone became unusually sombre, lacking her typical warmth. "... but I stopped him." 6/8

Astarion cleared his throat, uncomfortable yet his curiosity urged him to inquire further. "So, what became of your backhanded beau?"

There was a weighty silence before Dandy responded flatly, "He's gone."

That was all Astarion needed to hear. 7/8

He stood, gently taking Dandy's hands and pulling her to her feet.

"Well, he was a fool for crossing you, my dear, and I don't weep for the stupid lest I would be crying all day."

Astarion knelt down to kiss her forehead; it was the first kiss he gave her without being asked ahead of time. 8/8

Actual final version,,, I forgot the adjustment layers