“There, can you see it?” Astarion questioned, his gaze sharp and alert. The boar was mostly concealed by the underbrush, oblivious to the presence of others.

The very second the boar darted from the bushes, Astarion moved with predatory grace, stepping out from the shadows to intercept the stranger. He moved with startling speed, closing the distance to block their path.

“Stay still,” Astarion whispered as he watched them closely, his eyes roaming their features with an intense curiosity. He wasn’t one for pleasantries, especially not out here in the wild. “Not a sound. We wouldn’t want to draw any unwanted attention, would we?”

His eyes flicked up to the stranger’s companion.

“And you, stay right where you are,” Astarion added with a faint, enigmatic smirk. “Let’s keep this encounter civil, shall we?”