Astarion sits beside me at my desk as we work on the contract for the harvesters. Doni sits on my bed, wiggling his feet and reading a book.

"Prudent to add the clause about not causing harm." Astarion taps the clause on the document. "That will keep people off your back if the harvesters go rogue."

"They undoubtedly will. I'm not going to stand behind them when they do."

Astarion keeps reading and goes still. "Uhm..." He stutters and then leans back. "The compensation plan..."

I glance at him, keeping my head low.

"E-heh. There appears to be a clerical error."

"How so?"

"It says you'll be paying them by quantity of viable bodies. Perhaps you should correct that before handing it to any potential contractors."

My gaze shifts from Doni to him. "It's not an error."

"Mmm..." he says with a soft nod. "Then I don't see any issues with it at all." His face sinks. He looks troubled.

"Astarion." I set the contract down and take his hand. "You don't have to be a part of this."

"Thank you, darling, but I don't have any issues. Let's just keep reviewing."

I study him for a moment before picking up the contract again. We continue reviewing it until everything is checked, and then he signs the bottom.

"Who do you plan to hire to be the harvesters?"

"Humans."

"Humans?"

"Ambitious and desperate. I have the Zhent out gathering contractors."

Astarion nods and stands, leaning down to give me a kiss. "It seems you have everything in order."

"Astarion." I take his hands and lower my voice. "You've seemed distant."

"It's nothing you need to worry about. I've just had a lot on my mind."

With a heavy sigh I watch him go. This isn't like him. He's usually so clingy. Perhaps it's Rooster. I have to decide what I want to do with him.

I sink into my chair, leaning on the armrest and rubbing my forehead.

Doni sets his book down, scratching his nose. "Mr. Neel? At the druids moot. I messed up, I know I did it wrong, I'll do better next time. Letting people assume means letting people assume. Nothing more."

"Well spotted. Was there anything else you noticed from the moot?"

He fidgets with his fingers and shakes his head.

"Lady Lumael called you my ward. The others did not. Why do you think that is?"

"Because... I am?"

"She's never met us before. Everyone always assumes you are my son. She was the only one who addressed you correctly."

"Oh. Right. Right!"

"Do you see the problem?"

He shakes his head.

"How did she know the truth if we never told her?"

He falls still and his brow grows tight. He takes a sharp breath in, then pulls his tunic over his nose. "Someone told her? Or she can read minds?"

"Which one do you think is more plausible?"

"Someone told her."

"Yes. That is the problem."

"How so?"

"We don't know what information they've gathered, who they've given that information to, or what they intend to do with it."

"Oh."

"Do you see the issue now?"

He stares down at his book. "Someone evil could be spying on us?"

"It's a possibility."

He scratches his arms, eyes fixed on his book. "But Lady Lumael isn't evil."

"No, she isn't. However, she exposed that there is likely a spy. Do you know who it could be?"

Doni closes his eyes tightly before shaking his head.

"Someone close to Lady Lumael. Do you think it could be Gale?"

"No."

"Karlach?"

"No, Rooster! Rooster's met her!"

"That's right!"

"Does this mean Rooster is a bad guy?"

"Let's look at what he did. He took private information and gave it to Lady Lumael without our permission. What harm came from that?"

He taps his finger on his chin. "Nothing?"

"Nothing yet."

"Does that mean what I said could have caused harm?"

I hesitate and sit back in my chair. It was an obvious lie. It drew attention to itself. He doesn't need his spirit crushed right now.

"You recognized the problem and corrected it. That's what matters right now."

He sinks into the pillow and clutches his elbows.

"The fact remains: We've learned what Rooster is capable of, and we cannot speak freely around him anymore. Now that we know what he did, what do you think should happen?"

"We should ask him why he did it?"

"Exactly." I rise from my desk. "Come now. Let's get you to bed. I'll speak with Rooster myself."

I tuck Doni in and make my way to the tavern, high in the branches of the Sussur Tree.

Rooster is perched on the edge of the wooden dais, crooning about Elturel. A somber song, but he does it justice. After the song finishes he gives a modest nod and collects the coin earned.

I step through the crowd. "Rooster. I need you."

He squeals gleefully and trots after me as I lead him into one of its private lodging rooms.

As soon as I close the door he wraps his arms around my neck and kisses me deeply. His tongue slides between my lips and he moans softly.

I smile and lift him into my arms, flipping him onto the bed then pinning his wrists above his head with one hand.

"Oh! You want to be on top top for once? That's a first."

I drag my teeth across his neck. "How long have you been an informant?"

He giggles. "What?"

"Someone has been gathering intelligence on the camp. What were you intending to do? Do you work for Lady Lumael?"

"Work for her? I'm just the town gossip."

I press my hand against his throat. "There's another word for it, too."

"Oh, I like this game! Yes, I'm a dirty spy and I've been selling all the secrets!" he says with a wide grin.

I squeeze. "No Rooster. Lady Lumael knew things about Doni she shouldn't have."

His smile falls. "It's a bit tight," he grunts and wriggles beneath me. He looks up at me, brows high. "Vash?"

"Who have you been telling about us?"

"I... I just told Lady Lumael. It was harmless... just so she could be prepared. It felt dangerous and fun at the time." He tries to draw a breath in and squirms again.

My heart is racing.

Snuff the light out. Watch him go dark.

My tail lashes. "It's not harmless. Not when I have people to protect."

He tries to pull his wrists free.

"How long have you been a spy?"

"I'm not, I swear. I..." He begins to kick his feet. "-'m sorry," he rasps. A small tear wells at the corner of his eye.

I stare down at him. He closes his eyes as tears slide down the side of his face, trailing into his hair. He's still struggling, but he's starting to falter.

The man is just a buffoon looking for a thrill.

I try to drop my hand.

No.

I try to pull my arm back.

NO.

FUCK.

...a sacrifice.

I breathe, and close my eyes.

Father, I will gladly give you two souls tonight if you could spare me this one now.

Rooster begins to go limp.

I swear it!

A shudder runs up my spine. My hand comes loose.

"Rooster..."

I pat his cheek. Nothing. I check his pulse. It's shallow. My fist slams into his chest. He gasps and coughs. A soft sob escapes him.

"Rooster!" I cradle his cheeks. "Are you alright?"

"I'm sorry, Vash." His voice is quaking. "I didn't mean to."

I lay next to him and he slumps against me, sobbing.

My hand cups the back of his head. "...I believe you."

He cries, face pressed against my chest, fist clutching my tunic.

He finally settles and wipes the tears from his cheeks. "Vash?" he says, nose stuffed. "This is going to sound remarkably inappropriate."

I glance down at him and he meets my eye. "What is it?"

He drags a finger across my chest. "I've never been more turned on in my life."

"Rooster, no..."

"It was worth a shot." He nestles into me and we lie quietly for some time.

"...I need to go," I say quietly.

"Really?"

"Yes. I'll be back at camp later tonight."

"One moment." He sits up and drags his hands down my body. "Okay, you can go now."

I get out of bed and throw on my coat. Rooster meets me at the door. Red welts rise from where my claws dug into his skin. I reach into my coat pocket and hand him my kerchief, then give him a soft kiss on the forehead.

He ties it around his neck and grabs my arm. "...Do you like me?"

I carefully lay my arm across his shoulders and rest my chin on his head. "Yes. Very much. I'm... sorry for how I reacted."

He sighs and his body relaxes.

After one more shared moment, I head back to the tavern.

I order a whiskey from the bar and seat myself at a table in the back. I lift the glass to my lips, but notice my hand is trembling. My eyes lose focus.

Alfira. I lost control of myself because I didn't know I was a deathstalker. I had no idea about the tenday clock. It's easy to explain away.

The dream about Bex seemed more like a warning. Nothing profoundly personal, only a demonstration. I thought it was a coincidence that she happened to mean something to me at the time.

I make the sacrifices, father. I do so willingly, but I have time before the next is due, though only just.

I sip my whiskey, staring into the middle distance.

You took my body. It wasn't warranted and yet you took it all the same.

Then there is my oath. By His will, by my hand. Perhaps it is deeper than mere doctrine. A literal possession. At his whims, not mine.

Then... what actions are truly my own?

Can I even trust myself anymore?

...I don't know...

My fingers ache, and I realize just how tightly I've been gripping the glass. I let out a breath and settle. Father demanded a sacrifice, and I swore him two. A bargain.

Loud laughter rises from a table near me.

"You can't expect her to listen to you when you're being so pushy."

"You know what? Fuck her. If she isn't going to put in the effort, neither am I!"

"Well, at least you're a free man again!"

They cheer and clink glasses. As the night carries on, they grow louder and more inebriated, until they're stumbling out of the tavern.

They take the elevator down to the ground floor. I wait. Then follow.

They're staggering down the path shoving each other and toppling over their own boots.

"Don't die on me! I don't want fuckin' Bridget chasing us down for your body!"

The man clings to his friend's lapel. "You better fuckin' not let her have me. Avenge me!"

They laugh and turn a corner. I catch up to them. "You three able to find your way? You seem a touch drunk."

They look up at me. "Hey! Aren't you that Peace Bringer guy?"

"I am."

One of the men staggers back. "Well hot damn, it's nice to meet you!" He extends his hand and gives me a firm shake.

Another man shouts. "Are you here to Peace Bring us home?!"

"Of course!" I grip the back of two of the men's necks and crack their heads together. One man is immediately knocked out. I smash my fist into the other man's face and he falls still.

"TYMORA'S TITS!" The last man stands stiff before trying to approach. "No, no, no!"

I get to my knees between them and pull a dagger. The man stops. I wait, letting the silence stretch between us. I plunge the blade into each man's heart. As the blood pools, I dip my fingers into it, and close my eyes.

As I stand, the last man is staggering down the path. I take off after him. He stumbles right, headed into a grove of several tall glowing mushrooms. The rocky outcroppings break up my view of the trail and I quickly lose sight of him.

Father, I cannot let a witness survive.

I still myself and listen. The white noise of the falls dampens the sounds around me. I smell the air and walk, watching for any movement. A figure shifts and tucks itself behind a mushroom. I approach, but find nothing, though the stagnant air smells strongly of booze here.

My nostrils flare. Where in the ever-loving fuck is this man? I suppose if he survives, his inebriation buys me plausible deniability. But that's too risky for my comfort. Especially after Shadowheart's outburst.

I hear retching, then the scent of booze and bile hits me.

He's on all fours, vomiting. He glances at my boots, and his eyes drift up as he sits back, wiping his mouth. "W-why?" he chokes.

I grab his shoulder and drive my blade into the side of his neck several times in quick succession. He drops hard onto the ground. A husky man. I drag him back to his friends and stare down at them. My lip twitches. Hauling two twinks is one thing, carrying three dead drunks is not going to be possible.

"Bridget, do you have a wheelbarrow?"

I grunt, pressing hard against the ground as I wheel the bodies over a bridge back toward her home. They're concealed beneath a tarp.

She's waiting on her front porch, bouncing on the balls of her feet. "I can't wait to see them!"

I dump them in a spot she's designated in the corpse yard.

"Fresh." She studies the bodies closely. "And you said the killer got away?"

"I tried to stop her, but she was too fast. Rest assured, I've remembered her face. I will bring her to justice. Still... these men deserve something better. A second life."

"Truly tragic. EDGAR!!!"

The corpse staggers out of the house and begins dragging the bodies onto tilled and moistened soil. He makes a clumsy incision in the chest and plants spores in their hearts.

I hover over him. "Fascinating process."

"Isn't it though? You have no idea what it means to me to find someone who appreciates my craft. Oh!" She opens the door to her cottage. "You can clean up in my washroom."

I notice the blood on my shirt and drag a hand over my face. My palm comes away streaked with blood.

She grins. "Moving bodies is messy work."

"Quite." I step inside and clean before taking my leave.

"Father, this is a problem." I mumble, walking back to camp. "Our bargain is done, but I cannot have this happen again. If I am to fulfill what you ask of me, I need to see the line. Guide me, it's a humble request. Trust me to do what needs to be done and do not force my hand again. Tonight was supposed to be about espionage. Nothing more. A frightened man talks. A dead man is suspicious. I do not fear death, but I've found that that one is precious to me. I need you to understand. I am not ungrateful, of course, I'm just... confused. Don't do that to me again, Father."

I step quietly into my room, trying not to disturb Astarion. He is deep in meditation. I sit on the edge of the bed, rolling my shoulder and letting out a soft grunt.

I'm going to feel that tomorrow...

A light splits the room as the door opens. Rooster peeks inside.

"May I still be the little spoon?"

A smile crosses my face and I reach out my hand. He comes inside and takes it, looking at his feet. I spread my knees and he steps between them, placing his arms around my neck with a pouty face.

"It's Astarion's turn tonight."

He sighs. "I'll settle for big spoon."

"We can make an exception." I wrap my arms around him and pull him into bed. He giggles as we settle in for the night.

Careful.

I know what to do with him. I just don't know if I'm capable of it. Or if he'll even agree.

BONUS: Fuck! Run, run, run, run, RUN!

...then boots appear.