#Aristen

[aristenfromwarsaw]

Story of Aristen Rosegrove

Inspired by @judasiskariot who created a full description of her Tav - Saulus, I decided to create something similar to Aristen with screenshots to make the story more "credible". 💜.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Quick Facts:

Origin: Child of Bhaal Race: High Elf. Class: Sorcery ~ Storm Sorcery. Gender: Female. Pronouns: She/Her. Sexsuality: Heterosexsual. Height: 165 cm. Scent/Perfume: "Storm Rose" - full description of the perfume by @bhaal-battle-beer-bard . Favorite color: blue. Favorite flower: rose. Favorite season: spring, she loves when everything comes to life. Favorite animal: cat.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Family: She was born directly from Bhaal. Her stepfamily:

Mother ~ Renera Oakdale-Rosegrove:

Father ~ Detre Rosegrove:

Younger sister ~ Fiona Rosegrove:

Grandmother ~ Aubriana Rosegrove:

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Personality:

~ Redeemed Dark Urge ~ Aristen is very nice and always tries to be very empathic and looks for something more in people than others. ~ Ari is very open to the world and new experiences. ~ She has a great sense of humor. ~ Aristen is very devoted to the people she loves. ~ As a child, she grew up in an elven village, so she appreciates nature very much. ~ Ari has a lot of knowledge about the world. ~ She can be bold and sassy sometimes. ~ Aristen is a bit naive when it comes to love matters. ~ She is strongly guided by feelings and emotions. ~ Ari often hides her emotions, only opens up to the closest people. ~ When she gets angry, she has no control over her magic. ~ Loves cats, likes how mysterious and beautiful these animals can be. ~ Hates her true origin and she constantly worries and thinks about that what she did when she was under Bhaal's influence. She hates herself for being Bhaalspawn and considers herself a monster. She tries to atone for all her sins by helping others. The person she hates the most in the world is herself. ~ Sometimes Aristen has bad days, she cries, thinks she shouldn't have been born and thinks she's a bad seed because of her past.

Early years of life:

Aristen was born directly from the God of Murder. When father created her, he wanted her not to be an ordinary Bhaalspawn. She was supposed to be an immortal, eternally young demigod. Her appearance was supposed to be the opposite of her destiny. Beautiful and delicate beauty, bright blue-turquoise eyes, light blonde hair. Her look was supposed to attract and inspire trust. Could an elf who looked like an innocent angel be a bloody murderer? And so it happened - Aristen was born, for now as a storm sorcery elven baby. Bhaal wanted her to be very high in the hierarchy when she grew up, but the attack on the temple by unknown perpetrators thwarted these plans. During the raid, an elven infant was found with a white, decorative scarf with the word "Aristen"  written in blood on it.

The child was placed in the elves’ village in the stepfamily of wood elves called Rosegrove. Only her mother, father and grandmother knew that she might be Bhaal's child and they decided that they will do their best to save Aristen from her destiny. Aristen developed her magical skills and she did not show any murderous symptoms, on the contrary, she showed great empathy and kindness. Ari had a great relationship with her stepfamily and was much-loved in the village. However, everything changed when she was 25. A very handsome and gallant half-elf Elwyn came to their village. Aristen very quickly fell in love with him - she thought it was mutual.

Despite the huge protest of her adoptive family, she went with her lover to Baldur's Gate. When the pair reached the city, it turned out that Elwyn was just a mercenary hired by the Bhaal's cult and his only task was to bring Aristen to the temple of the God of Murder. And so Aristen, who was betrayed by her beloved one lost control of herself, became a bloodthirsty killing machine and a puppet of her real father.

A new beginning (in-game events):

Being a Bhaal's doll could have lasted for ages if not a certain incident. One day Aristen was kidnapped by a Mind Flayer's ship. She was infected with their tadpole and lost her memory. Luckily for her, there was a plane crash, which she miraculously survived and managed to escape. Now she had a new goal - to get rid of the tadpole and find out who she is. During her journey she learned the truth about her murderous origins. But she wasn't alone in this. Aristen met some loyal friends: Gale (a human wizard who was harmed by the goddess of magic, Mystra), Karlach (tiefling who, like Ari, was betrayed by the person she trusted), Lae'zel (githyanki who was deceived by her queen), Shadowheart (a priestess of Shar who rejected her goddess), Wyll (human Warlock who sacrificed a lot to save others), Halsin (an elf druid who likes to carve ducks from wood), Jaheira (half elf and High Harper) and Minsc (Jaheira's friend who considers his hamster to be his mentor). And even though everyone supported her, Aristen felt that they didn't fully understand her, they don't know what it means to be someone's puppet. Except for one person who had similar sins as her. A men who has been a plaything for the powerful vampire for over 200 years. That toy was Astarion, high elf, vampire spawn. At first, Aristen had mixed feelings towards him, but later she realized that they were two of a kind. He was the only one who truly understood her dark urge and he truly was not afraid of her. They fell in love with each other.

One night the urge to kill become strong and Aristen had mighty desire to kill Astarion. Resisting her whisperings, she decided to do everything to save him. Aristen woke him up and asked him to tie her up. She felt that after such an incident the vampire would break up with her. Who would want a partner who could kill you in the middle of the night ? But no, Astarion didn't break up with her, he was with her all night, watching over her. He wasn't even mad at her. He didn't see her as a monster, but only as a normal person who had been wronged by fate - she saw him the same way. Thanks to Astarion, everything became easier and impossible things became possible.

While looking for salvation for herself and her companions, it turned out that she was the one who came up with the whole idea of ​​culting the Absolute. This broke her, she felt that her friends blame her for this whole situation. Only one person thanked her - Astarion. Thanks to all this confusion, he separated himself from his master Cazador and had free will. Aristen then believed that they were meant to be together, this strange chain of events was not caused by chance. There must have been some higher powers involved here. She also decided that she had to fix everything - destroy the cult of the Absolute and try to free herself from her murderous father. And so it happened - the cult was destroyed and Aristen, with the help of the god Jergal, cuts herself off from Bhaal and the dark urge. The tadpoles in the heads disappeared, she, her friends and the Baldur's Gate were safe. Aristen with her companions even killed Cazador, so Astarion no longer had to fear his master. Aristen and her lover began to live on their own terms.

Post-game events:

After defeating Nestor's Brain Aristen started to help rebuild Baldur's Gate - unfortunately - the city was badly damaged. In return, the city authorities gave her and Astarion a small apartment in the Lower City. This made her very happy, she could finally experience a normal life. She also began searching for information about artifacts that would help protect Astarion from the sun - this became her main goal. The news that she and her friends had saved Baldur's Gate quickly spread beyond the city. And so one day a wood elf knocked on her apartment. He seemed familiar to her, but she didn't know where she knew him from. He knew her name and seemed to know her very well. He gave her a Noblestalk potion and suggested that she drink it and it would help her remember some things from her past. The potion could have been poison and this elf could have had evil intentions. But Aristen felt that he was someone very important to her and agreed to drink the medicine. She regained partial memories - both bad and good. Suddenly she remembered where she grew up and her stepfamily. She realized that the elf who visited her is her stepfather.

She agreed to go with him to the village where she grew up. And together with Astarion they set out on a new journey. After reaching the village, everyone was very happy for her return. She was afraid that they would treat her like a monster, like a leper. But no, she was surrounded by care and love. To make Aristen remember all earlier life, she was subjected to a special trance made by her grandmother. After that she remembered everything, the funny situations with her sister, making flower wreaths with her mother, walks in the forest with her father and practicing magic with her grandmother.

She also remembered the man who contributed to all her tragedy - Elwyn. She remembered how he feigned love for her and he did it all of his own free will for financial gain. She hated this man in few seconds.

Aristen and Astarion stayed in the village for a while and moved on to find a way to protect Astarion from the sun. They also had a new companion, Fiona (Aristen's younger sister) who wanted to see some of the world. To have money for the trip, the three of them took various jobs. Sometimes they were mercenaries, sometimes they were doing small jobs or hunting bandits. Fiona also performed in inns, as she was a bard.

After a long time and reading dozens of old books and scrolls, Aristen, in an old, forgotten temple in the middle of nowhere, found an enchanted pendant that allowed Astarion to enjoy the sun again after many years. However, all three of them continued their traveling lifestyle.

One night Aristen and Astarion were lying on the grass and watching the stars. Then Ari suggested to her beloved one that they maybe return permanently to Baldur's Gate and start a simple, city life. He agreed and asked if she would become his wife. Aristen was surprised, despite spending so many years by Astarion's side, she was afraid that one day he would leave her. She still considered herself a monster, even though she had cut herself off from her father many years ago. Aristen was always afraid that she would somehow become a bloodthirsty murderer again. And Astarion could have almost any woman - she had seen more than once how lustfully ladies looked at him. But he chose her and wants to be with her forever.

The wedding took place in her native village. Her entire family and friends celebrated one of the most beautiful days of her life.

After their honeymoon, they returned permanently to Baldur's Gate. Fiona also settled in the city, where she began to develop her bardic career. Astarion and Aristen continued to work as a mercenary and as the bandit hunters in the city and surrounding areas. Over time, Astarion founded his own tailor shop (yes, I always saw him as a tailor :D).

What the future will bring for them? Who knows, after all, they have eternity ahead of them...

P.S. now her name is Aristen Rosegrove-Ancunín <3.

[bhaal-battle-beer-bard]

Perfume for Aristen 💜. Redeemed Dark Urge.

Race: High Elf. Class: Sorcerer - she loves thunders. Favorite color: blue. Favorite flower: rose. Favorite daytime: night, because then she can go everywhere with Astarion (her true love) and not be afraid that the sun will hurt him. Favorite season: spring, she loves when everything comes to life. Favorite animal: cat.

Aristen is very nice, she always tries to be empathic and looks for something more in people than others. She has a great sense of humor and she constantly worries and thinks about that what she did when she was under her Bhaal's influence. She hates herself for being Bhaalspawn.

💜

When I look into her eyes, into her soul, I see a tender heart, hiding a turbulent past. Troubled with sorrows, overshadowing kindness but never can erase her warm good natured, kind-hearted spirit. It conveys the fragrant of the mythical darkening depth of the clear blue water. Just like the ocean, calm before the storm, coupled with the clear sky and the stars of the night above. A scent with substance, yet captivating mysterious. Refreshing, velvety, sweet; almost like the embrace of cashmere and silk on your skin. Holds you like a night in satin sheets. And then there is suddenly swirling lightnings and striking thunder, ready to arise to a storm. I smell stormy thunder, lightnings and crashing waves at the rocks of the shore. Cliffs with raging waves and roaring thunder, like a tidal wave, the same way I can smell a warm hug, like a kiss in the rain. Warm, flowery, slightly powdery but not too much, not too melancholy and heavy. Her scent is also fresh and light like the scent of the air after a spring storm, like the freshness of the clear ocean water itself. The petals that slip away in the rain. And leave the awakening forest of the interior purified behind and the waves of the ocean are calm now, leaving at the shore the essence of pearl dust. This fragrant of her perfume makes you want to hug her and never let go, but you know you can't hold onto the lightningstorm forever. Floral, powdery but still with fresh, strong, reliable substance like Aristen herself. The essence of her perfume are the essences of love and life, like questioning: What is the scent of friendship for you? Of love? Trust?

🌊⛈️💙🫧🌹🌺🌹🫧💙⛈️🌊

Head notes: peony, wild roses, blue magnolia, lemongrass, slightest touch of ylang ylang and neroli

Heart notes: white orchid, fresh roses, citrus, blue hibiscus, blueberries

Base notes: water lotus, vanilla, amber, sandalwood, hidden pondering presence of frozen winterberries and honey

🌊⛈️💙🫧🌹🌺🌹🫧💙⛈️🌊

I hope you like it. What would you like to name it? Let me know!

May I suggest:

Storm Rose Dancing Firefly Satin Nights Waves Of Sorrows Kiss In The Rain Rose Of Eden Golden Orchid Thunderstorm Stormy Heights

Or do you have a fitting name for it in mind?

[kirfuffel]

OC-tober Day 3: Old OC

This one goes to Aristen DeAndre.

He is an old OC that never saw much of the light of day. He is the backbone of his company, having a tight leash on his boss and boyfriend Eric Jemens. He is a fashion designer by passion and trade, but he is a personal assistant as a pride.

Prone to anxiety and tragically socially inept, Aristen finds himself most at home in the background and shines as the rails on Eric Jemen's fashion label runs.

[tragedybunny]

༺A Golden Moment༻

༺Summary༻

Astarion shares a tender moment with Aristen, his beloved Bhaalspawn, and contemplates the future

༺Pairing༻ Astarion x Aristen (Female Durge / OC)

༺Warnings༻ None

༺Word Count༻ 1018

༺A/N༻ Thanks to @icybluepenguin for the beta, as always my creative partner. This fic is for @aristenfromwarsaw as a thank you for the lovely photos she did for me of Serafina and Astarion. Aristen is her wonderful Durge. Thank you again!

“She doesn’t look like murder,” Astarion thinks to himself as he watches the elf run her fingers through the water in the fountain outside of Sorcerous Sundries.

Aristen then laughs and flicks some of the water playfully at the tiefling child she was bantering with. One of the brood from the Grove they had run across in the city, Astarion can’t remember a name, only the idol thief, Arabella and Mol, the ringleader, really stood out to him. 

“She looks like a hopeless do-good type, an aspiring hero.” It makes his stomach clench almost instinctively. 

For Astarion, there’s only two types of interactions with heroes, being forgotten by them to languish in hell for centuries or possibly being hunted by them for being what he is. 

But Aristen is different. 

The tiefling child laughs and flicks water back at her. The droplets in her pale hair sparkle in the sunlight like gemstones. It’s idyllic, the sun, the laughter, the warmth of the day seeping into his skin. 

Aristen is not like other people who would call themselves heroes and put on a display of the good they want to do. She’s different because she has seen real darkness. 

Even after her true nature as a Bhaalspawn had been revealed, she kept going on, trying to do the right thing. She pushed so hard, she made Bhaal himself try to take her life.

Astarion shudders involuntarily thinking of that moment. He'd stood there speechless, numb to the world, terrified to grasp what he'd just lost. If it hadn't been for Withers, or whoever he actually was, that may have been the end. 

The sun is starting on its downward path and the tiefling child waves farewell to Aristen before running off with his friends. For a moment, she stares after them wistfully and he wonders why. 

Perhaps they remind her of the simpler life she wanted, the life she thought she would have when she came to the city. The life that was all a lie. 

Or perhaps she is fearful of what could happen to them. The group will move on Gortash soon, and the confrontation with the brain isn't far from that. 

Those blue eyes suddenly turn his way. “What are you staring at Astarion?” 

He feels caught somehow, like he's almost embarrassed to have been seen contemplating her. 

“Nothing, just thinking about how delectable you look.” He smiles, trying to convince her. 

“Is that so?” She gestures to the spot on the edge of the fountain next to her, returning his smile with a knowing one of her own. 

He scoots closer to her and loops his arm around her, feeling her sun-warmed skin beneath his fingers. “But of course, my sweet. Would I ever lie to you?”

“I can think of a few times when you did,” she teases him and snuggles closer to him.  

“That has been awhile,” he insists with exaggerated hurt at the teasing. 

“Astarion, you’re playing far too innocent.” Her sweet smile hides her intentions as her fingers dip back into the fountain and she splashes him with the cold water. 

There isn’t anyone else who he would allow this from, but Aristen is different. 

“My curls, you wretch!” He lets go of her for a moment to defend himself, putting his hands in front of the watery onslaught, as the two of them both begin to laugh. 

It feels good to laugh. After everything they've been through and what was still to come, they need it. 

Gradually, it dies away and he puts his arm back around her, pulling her close. 

“What was it really, that you were thinking about?” She lays her head on his shoulder and looks back off toward the horizon. 

He’s not even sure why he’s keeping quiet, she’s seen the worst of him, what else is there to be embarrassed about? 

“Everything- the past, the future. What all of this will ultimately mean, what will our lives be from after - well after it.” He can’t quite get himself to describe what they still have to do, the grim possible outcomes weighing his tongue down. 

“That is a lot to be thinking about. Was there anything you wanted to say in particular?” 

He isn’t sure they have the time right now for all that he wants to say. He hums indecisively. “I suppose if I’m facing the end of the world, I’m glad it’s with you. And whatever comes after too.” 

“You’re too sweet, love” she says, tilting her head up to kiss his cheek. 

The square around them gradually grows quiet as shops close for the day and the crowds head home. Astarion knows from dreadful experience that other businesses are just beginning to get busy, the taverns and brothels of Baldur’s Gate will soon fill with patrons. On past nights with such mild weather, hunting would have been easy, so many targets to choose from, he might even be able to dally a bit and remain away from both Cazador and his potential victims. 

They should move on, the rest of their group is probably wondering where they are by now. But the peace of the moment is like an enchantment, one word and it all could slip away like the ephemeral strands of the Weave that Gale is always going on about. And it is so nice to watch the night fall without the dread of Cazador or Bhaal looming over them. 

“We should probably get back,” Aristen finally breaks the magical silence and the world comes back into sharp focus for him. 

“Hmm, I suppose we can’t let everyone go too long without us. Who knows what trouble they could get themselves into.” 

Astarion reluctantly lets go of her and rises from the cooling stone of the fountain. He extends a hand, the very picture of gallant chivalry, to help her up. The blue of the sky is fading into pinks and purples, colors he may not ever see again soon. But he has today, they have today. 

Arm in arm, they walk back to the Elfsong, one day closer to destiny. 

[fantalpacca]

I made a comission for @aristenfromwarsaw with elegant couple, Aristen and Astarion. It was fun and pleasure but now even more I see the appeal of simple clothing ;)

[luminouslumity]

Behind every great hero is an Aristene.

Aristene are mythical female warriors, part of a legendary order. Though heroes might be immortalized in stories, it’s the Aristene who guide them to victory. They are the Heromakers.

Ever since she was an orphan taken in by the order, Reed has wanted to be an Aristene. Now, as an initiate, just one challenge stands in her way: she must shepherd her first hero to glory on the battlefield. Succeed, and Reed will take her place beside her sisters. Fail, and she’ll be cast from the only home she’s ever known.

Nothing is going to stop Reed--until she meets her hero. Hestion is fiery and infuriating, but what begins as an alliance becomes more, and as secrets of the order come to light Reed begins to understand what becoming an Aristene may truly cost. Battle looming, she must choose: the order and the life she had planned, or Hestion, and the one she never expected.

It apparently comes out Sep. 19!

[judasiskariot]

judasiskariot / bhaalbattlebeerbard / MissZombieSlayer

reblog: multifandom / everything I like

current hyperfixation: BG3 (Astarion), RE

sideblog: @bhaal-battle-beer-bard (own works)

ao3: MissZombieSlayer

here for: reblogging, writing, chatting with mutuals

Masterlist

tavs: Saulus, Devorah, Jelayah

other ocs: RE: Harleen Napier, SPN: Torrie Callahan

🪙♦⚜🪙♦⚜💔🖤🩸🖤💔⚜♦🪙⚜♦🪙

I am judasiskariot aka @bhaal-battle-beer-bard aka MissZombieSlayer

But you can also refer to me as precious demon of chaos (thank you @alpydk 😉😘) or Dean-wearing Astarion girlie (thanks @onlyancunin 😉)

I just reblog all the multifandom stuff I am obsessed with because I like it and to support all kind of artists here ❤🖤❤

Most of my current hyperfixations, of course.

And sometimes own stuff and just here to have a good time with my mutuals.

Current hyperfixation: Baldur’s Gate 3 (Yes this is pretty much an Astarion blog at the moment), Resident Evil

My BG3 bard sideblog is @bhaal-battle-beer-bard

There I post all my own works as my bard Tav Saulus. You can always send me requests and prompts for trades there. Poet in training here.

🪙♦⚜🪙♦⚜💔🖤🩸🖤💔⚜♦🪙⚜♦🪙

current longfic: RE: Umbrella Asylum chapter 1/Prolog , 2 , 3 , 4, AO3, German

BG3: AstarionxTav Aristen poem, Gale Poetry 1, Gale Poetry 2, AstarionxTav Aristen short story, Astarionx(Durge) Tav Saulus short story

🪙♦⚜🪙♦⚜💔🖤🩸🖤💔⚜♦🪙⚜♦🪙

proud mom of the tavs:

Jelayah, the half-elf fighter

Saulus, the Tiefling bard (durge)

Devorah, the Drow bard (durge)

Resident Evil: Harleen Napier, biomedical scientist, Evil Las Plagas Queen

Supernatural: Torrie Callahan, loving big sister and huntress

Talk and ask about my OCs all the time ❤😃❤

🪙♦⚜🪙♦⚜💔🖤🩸🖤💔⚜♦🪙⚜♦🪙

Want to talk about anything? I love to talk! Just message me (but only when you are nice!)

Don’t have nothing nice to say? Don't say anything at all!

DNI: Don't like what I write and think? Feel free to ignore and leave, not here to discuss, only to relax

[lazysload]

Casualya and Aristen tysm for the tags

Five songs I've been obsessed with lately:

I tag: @vspin, @ratchsellsfornax, @stupid-tes-nerd, @ritualhymns

No pressure 🤍

[theheelerbooklifereads]

⁉️𝑸𝑶𝑻𝑫: 𝑫𝒐 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒚 𝒘𝒆𝒆𝒌𝒆𝒏𝒅 𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒏𝒔?

✨𝙰𝙾𝚃𝙳: 𝙼𝚢 𝚙𝚕𝚊𝚗𝚜 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚠𝚎𝚎𝚔𝚎𝚗𝚍 𝚒𝚜 𝚝𝚘 𝚓𝚞𝚜𝚝 𝚛𝚎𝚕𝚊𝚡. 𝙸’𝚕𝚕 𝚙𝚛𝚘𝚋𝚊𝚋𝚕𝚢 𝚝𝚊𝚔𝚎 𝚜𝚘𝚖𝚎 𝚙𝚑𝚘𝚝𝚘𝚜 𝚜𝚘𝚘𝚗, 𝚝𝚛𝚢 𝚝𝚘 𝚠𝚛𝚒𝚝𝚎 𝚜𝚘𝚖𝚎 𝚛𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚎𝚠𝚜, 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚎𝚍𝚒𝚝 𝚙𝚑𝚘𝚝𝚘𝚜 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚞𝚙𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚠𝚎𝚎𝚔 𝚘𝚛 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚗𝚎𝚡𝚝 𝚠𝚎𝚎𝚔. 𝙸’𝚟𝚎 𝚋𝚎𝚎𝚗 𝚍𝚘𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚋𝚎𝚝𝚝𝚎𝚛 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚙𝚕𝚊𝚗𝚗𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚖𝚢 𝚙𝚑𝚘𝚝𝚘𝚜 𝚘𝚞𝚝 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚎𝚊𝚌𝚑 𝚞𝚙𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚠𝚎𝚎𝚔. 𝙰𝚏𝚝𝚎𝚛 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝙸’𝚖 𝚐𝚘𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚘 𝚝𝚛𝚢 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚓𝚞𝚜𝚝 𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚍. ⁣

⁣

𝙸 𝚓𝚞𝚜𝚝 𝚍𝚘𝚠𝚗𝚕𝚘𝚊𝚍𝚎𝚍 𝚜𝚘𝚖𝚎 𝚑𝚊𝚋𝚒𝚝 𝚝𝚛𝚊𝚌𝚔𝚎𝚛 𝚐𝚊𝚖𝚎𝚜 𝚘𝚗 𝚖𝚢 𝚙𝚑𝚘𝚗𝚎 𝚝𝚘 𝚑𝚎𝚕𝚙 𝚖𝚎 𝚖𝚎𝚎𝚝 𝚐𝚘𝚊𝚕𝚜 𝚝𝚘 𝚍𝚘 𝚋𝚎𝚝𝚝𝚎𝚛 𝚊𝚝 𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚍𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚜𝚘𝚖𝚎 𝚘𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚜.

✨Speaking of books: I want to thank BookSparks and Kendare Blake for the copy of #ChampionOfFate for the #FRC2023 #backtobooks fall reading challenge.

✨Also, here is my notebook that I received from BookSparks to decorate. I went a little sticker happy with all the stickers they gave me but it’s fine and totally reminds me of my composition books when I was in elementary school with all the stars, hearts, and smiley face stickers I had. I think the way I decorated it shows my personality.

✨Now back to the book: I’ve been a fan of Kendare Blake since 2016 when Three Dark Crowns released. So, I am super excited that this book was included in the track I was selected for.

✨Champion of Fate follows our main character Reed who has always wanted to be an Aristene-who are a legendary order of mythical female warriors. The time has finally come for Reed as she is now an initiate with only one more challenge between her dream and if she fails she will be cast out from the home she has ever known. But Reed meets her hero-Hestion and everything may change how she views her world as a war brews.

✨I will update you all on my reading progress or with a review when I get around to reading it!

My IG @theheelerbooklife:

https://www.instagram.com/p/CxjIlyIrEyR/?igshid=MWZjMTM2ODFkZg==

[ash-and-books]

Rating: 3/5

Book Blurb:

#1 New York Times bestselling author Kendare Blake is back with an epic duology starter that follows a young woman training to join a fabled order as she attempts to lead a hero to his critical first victory. A must-read for fans of Alexandra Bracken and Victoria Aveyard.

Aristene are an order of mythical female warriors. Though heroes might be immortalized in legends, it’s the Aristene who guide their paths to victory. They are the Heromakers.

Raised by the order after being orphaned, Reed grew up surrounded by her future sisters-in-arms and the incredible stories of their quests. She’s been counting the days until her initiation, and now one final test stands in her way: shepherding her first hero to glory on the battlefield. Succeed, and her place in the order is secured. Fail, and she’ll be cast out of the only home she’s ever known. 

But Reed didn’t count on Hestion, her assigned hero, being both infuriating and intriguing. When their strategic alliance turns into something more, it forces Reed to question the cost of becoming an Aristene. As battle looms and fate hangs in the balance, Reed must make an impossible choice: her hero or her order.

Review:

A young woman in training to become an immortal warrior must lead a hero to glory... but what she doesn't expect is the forbidden love that awaits her and the price of glory. Reed was a young girl when her entire family was slaughtered, but she was taken in by two immortal warriors who saw that she was touched by the goddess of glory. She was taken in to train to become an Aristene, an order of mythical female warriors who help guide heroes to become immortalized legends, they are Heromakers. Reed has been training and counting down the days until her trial is over and she can become a sister of the order. Yet when her trial begins and she meets her chosen hero, a arrogant but handsome prince who wants something other than glory, her heart. Reed has to find a way to bring glory to her hero, but the price she'll have to pay will be between what her heart wants and what her future holds. This is the first book in a duology but the way the first book ends you could just leave it at that. The book has a bit of an odd pacing because it starts off really slow and then picks up around the 60% mark and the ending is kind of : eh. I am intrigued by the Aristene order and the relationship between Reed and her two mentors, their relationship and interactions were the best part of the book. I didn't care for the romance and honestly didn't mind the third act breakup after everything. I am interested in seeing how the second book ends the series and what happens to Reed after how this book ended. This book is a great read for fans of hero adventures with a bit of star crossed lovers and war/hero journeys.

*Spoiler: Reed and Hestion fall for each other but she ends up giving up her role in the order to be with him and she defies the glory she saw for him because she saw that if he fights against the evil ruler he would die, so instead during the battle she gives the weapon to his brother who then kills the ruler and is killed in turn. Hestion knows she defied the fate and that she got his brother killed and breaks off their relationship. Reed then returns to the order and decides to go through with the ritual (that she has to kill herself to be reborn as an immortal warrior). *

*Thanks Netgalley and HarperCollins Children's Books, Quill Tree Books for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

[libidomechanica]

To behind all league an ear

But knocks, or we sex the lighty soul ardor best. But you knock to Susan seem day! Round: the unnumb with grass, going at allery, and that’s to the was in a Camelot still has Spring is snow, the upon and laird string Child years, thin think I’m surface, who would book, and still, and rouge—at times fool, am to in higher hands, whose wheels at thou notes to left could rumour light time, the child. Alas! And stab of his up like a most hearth aristened by the beneath, but chaunt with library, her but, Betty, by night at are changer to my dearing of such he last in thee, Death the moon.

[bhaal-battle-beer-bard]

Astarion x Tav

📜🪶📜🪶💙🎻🫧🌹🌸🌹🫧🎻💙🪶📜🪶📜

request: for @aristenfromwarsaw

Fangtastic days of our lives

➹summary: a comforting day/evening in the life of Astarion and his love Aristen after post-game settling down, takes an unexpected turn as Astarion while enjoying his new found life and love, sees something of interest…

➹pairing: Spawn Astarion x F!Tav (Aristen by @aristenfromwarsaw)

➹content/tags: fluff, comfort, romance, smuty flirting, fun, slice of life, little tiny bit of angst and guilt

➹word count: 5,036

➹cameos: @evander-jane Devana Lysander @alpydk Ragnar @goromimii @pinkberrytea (by order)

➹a/n: another belated birthday present for @aristenfromwarsaw  Thank you very much for all the great photoshoots you always did for me, just like that. Such things really fill my heart with joy. I hope you like it. Thank you for trusting me with your Tav Aristen. I take writing other OCs really serious, because an OC is very personal thing and it is way harder to get them in character. I used the infos/backstory you gave me once about Aristen for the best I could.

📜🪶📜🪶💙🎻🫧🌹🌸🌹🫧🎻💙🪶📜🪶📜

Fangtastic days of our lives

Teak, mahogany, oakwood, dried tobacco with the hidden essence of vanilla. From somewhere the sweetness of honey and roasted nutmeg.

These were impressions of antique wood, boiling kettles, clanging beer mugs and laughing voices that filled the Elfsong tavern.

It was like a honey-colored, subterranean, starless sea.

A sea of ​​people, scents, voices and music.

A sea of ​​life that would envelop the coming evening when the sun would have completely disappeared, making way for the aurora again after the starry night.

Astarion was acutely aware of his surroundings. Perception meant survival.

But not today…not anymore.

He could simply explore and enjoy his surroundings while he waited for his beloved:

Aristen the storm sorceress and former daughter of Bhaal. She was able to walk in the sun and as a vampire spawn he had to wait until the sun had made the rays that were fatal to him disappear.

That didn't matter to Astarion. He was used to the night.

But he never wanted to go back to that cold, lonely life.

The Sorceress, along with the other companions, had freed him from slavery once and for all. But it was she alone who had given him back the vision of his eyes, of his entire senses. Astarion could sit in the tavern and just be, taking in the surroundings of life.

No more looking for victims. No more fear. Never again.

The Elfsong Tavern was full of life and he was part of it.

So after hundreds of years, Astarion could finally taste life again. See it. Hearing it with his pointy ears and feeling and smelling it warmly with the scent of pumpkin, butterscotch and spicy beer.

A quite pretty bard with white freckly tattoos on her face and braided crimson hair beneath her Tiefling horns played the lyre on the Elfsong stage. Astarion noticed dagger-shaped earrings on her pointed ears. The Avernus fire of her origins blazed in her blue eyes as she sang:

“Empty kisses, shallow words,

Fiery passion only hurts

When the sorrow takes an oblivion hint

Will you cure and begone with the wind…”

Astarion continued to look around while the sadly whispering voice reached his elf ears.

“I hope someone sings a song like that for me too. Such expressions of love really manage to make me weak,” sighed a tall black-haired woman, whose face bore at least as many tales of adventure as freckles.

"Me too. But I really hope that the ballad has a happy ending,” replied a long-haired beauty at her table. The human woman's wavy, light hair framed a gentle face with captivating blue eyes.

“Oh you heard that? Oh no! ", the adventuress, ashamed, put her hands on her head with her side-braided hair and covered cringing with embarrassment one of the green eyes. "I should stop talking loudly to myself."

The other woman laughed a little and her wavy hair swayed on the shoulders of the long, light dress with floral embroidery: “It’s all good. I won’t tell anyone else.”

She winked briefly.

“But tell me…” she took her hands away from her face with the little different eyes, “…you’re not from Baldur’s Gate either, right? You also speak with a different accent than me.”

"Correct. I come from the East..."

“What did she say? Sêlune guide me?”

Astarion was distracted by an almost desperate voice that sounded at least as concentrated and angry as it was beer-soaked.

He saw a barbarian sitting at the next table, holding his beer mug almost too tightly.

The raised dark blonde hair did not distract from the piercings and black war paint, which Lae'zel would certainly have approved of.

“Okay, can I memorize this Sêlune prayer or not?” he muttered to himself and downed the beer in one gulp.

Astarion had seen him before and that evening he had stared at Shadowheart the whole time. Was the barbarian building up – or drinking up - the courage to speak to Shadowheart next time?

The vampire was distracted from the barbarian when a pale woman walked past his table accompanied by a brown-haired man. He noticed them because they both had scars on their faces. But no, that wasn't it at all. Something else drew his attention to them...they smelled somehow, almost reeked of...swamp? No magic.

That same hidden scent of feymagic that came from the black haired adventuress with the freckles.

The woman's pale face was friendly, almost cheerful. She enjoyed the music and the sad ballad. Did she know the feelings and sad love that the Tiefling woman sang about?

Astarion was all the more struck by the face of the dark-clothed man with the scarred hands who accompanied her: he was rigid and joyless and his eyes had an almost malicious shimmer. He didn't seem to suit her. He walked rigidly like an aristocrat or a trained soldier, or was he rigid because of the blade - that was clearly visible to the Rogue - that he wore under his clothes?

The man's gaze fell on the bard's dagger earrings. But not only the brown-haired human looked at the earrings, but also a white-skinned, tall elf who walked behind him. Astarion didn't know what was more noticeable: his large deadly sword, the long white hair, the black tattoos on his face, or...or the earrings in the shape of a dagger that hung from his ears.

He nodded almost imperceptibly to the bard and she returned his nod briefly.

Frowning, Astarion averted his gaze and looked around the taproom.

Many of the guests listened attentively to the ballad. Couples in love held each other tightly and some wiped a tear from their face.

“…in the dark of the night I see your tears

Rubies glisten full of pain

Rage and misery

Don’t get lost in brandy, bergamot and rosemary”

The ballad finished gently and the bard stood up.

"Thanks! And now for the bard duet!”

With a wave of her hand, she invited her partner onto the stage.

Wild white hair adorned the scarred drow face. It looked like survival for Astarion.

She could be young and old at the same time, that's how it was always with the elves. Young pretty faces and centuries behind them. Sorrow, suffering, joy. Everything was possible.

The narrow waist with the subsequent curved hips and thighs with short pants was adorned with a weapon belt with a sword and a flute.

The skilled hand whirled out a shiny silver flute and the duo began to play:

„Two bards do the trick, because bards do it better

Drow or Tiefling, it doesn’t matter

Shiny white hair, or wagging tail

Their persuasion will never fail“

They quickly changed the melancholic mood and the silver flute had a captivating sound, as if it were a homage to a goddess.

“One plays the flute, the other smashes lutes

Buy us a drink and we’ll tell you who is who“

A Tiefling whose rosé colored hair matched her white pink frilly clothing cheered enthusiastically to the tavern song.

Astarion heard her applaud with a giggling laugh. Cute little laughs with a sweet smile upon her light face.

It was that kind of sweet laugh that told the vampire how innocent, unspoiled, kind and naive the person was.

Yes, the delicate Tiefling woman was a sweet, innocent thing, Astarion could tell that with just a sideways glance of his red eyes. The sweet and naive kind of girl that immediately fell for him. Who he easily ensnared and seduced for Cazador. Or was she one of the people he would have avoided because they were so naive...innocent, undeserving of it? He would probably have avoided her if possible because such a sweet, lovely person didn't deserve to fall victim to the vampires.

Astarion closed his eyes briefly and grimaced at the emerging memories that he immediately wanted to repress.

Thanks to his beloved Aristen, he no longer had to do this.

He was free.

Cazador dead.

All of Baldur's Gate saved, saved from the Empire of the Netherbrain and the Mind Flayers.

Yes, thanks to the blonde adventuress whose fate was forever intertwined with his and all her other companions, he had escaped his fate as a slave. Their courage and their determination, with the help of the other fighters, allowed him to defeat Cazador.

But not only that, the storm sorceress had also given him love and patience. And the confidence to be better than Cazador. He didn't need blood-soaked, soul-eating power to be safe, to be worth anything.

Astarion would never have to hurt innocent people against his will again.

All thanks to her.

And yet Aristen did not consider herself to be good, nor to be lovable.

She loathed herself for her actions as a born Bhaalspawn, which she only dimly remembered. No one could hate her more than she hates herself.

And perhaps it was even worse for her, imagining every day what atrocities she had committed in the name of the God of Murder instead of knowing for sure.

She didn't see herself as a lovable hero, a savior. Astarion wished so much that she could see herself through his eyes just once. Then she would finally forgive herself.

The problem was that the sarcastic vampire had never said that to her and perhaps never would. There would always be something gnawing inside him, at his battered heart, that would prevent him from casually revealing his innermost, deepest feelings. What if he did lose her to someone else one day?  If it would not be an arrow or observer to steal her from him? How could he then pretend that his vain heart had not been destroyed for all eternity?

Darkness crossed Astarion's face at all the thoughts and he shook his head with his white curls to drive them away.

Once again he let his gaze wander over the audience, while his pointy elven ears only casually listened to the singing of the bards. It was only thanks to his beloved Aristen that he was able to recognize the diversity of the guests gathered. To be recognized again.

It had once been a faceless mass. At some point, after all the years of slavery under Cazador, the people in the taverns had become nothing more than a uniform mush to him. Victims, cattle like sheep, to his master. Criminals who hurt him and whom he hurt in return and they became victims of the vampire lord.

Dark, blank faces.

Without eyes, without soul. Just like Astarion himself had felt.

But after Aristen came into his life - with the craziest tentacle adventure of his life - everything had gradually changed.

First he recognized her blue eyes, then her face. The smile of her lips plagued by guilt and bloody ghosts of the past. The same smile as his own.

Then he saw all the faces, the people, their stories and lives again.

He saw the colors. The differences and the similarities. He heard the voices, the laughter, the music. He noticed the scents and smells again. Astarion saw joy and life again.

A scent that stood out from the rest of the tavern's smells suddenly tickled Astarion's nose.

Orchid drifted discreetly from the front door.

A slightly tickling shiver ran over the tips of his elf ears, while Astarion was already peering towards the door with large, round eyes.

Like the true epiphany she was, a blonde woman made her way through the elven song. Her appearance truly stood out from the rest of the tavern's audience:

Her delicately pinned hair and a ladylike, sweeping blue dress made her truly look like a lady of name and rank.

Astarion smiled as he looked at Aristen's appearance.

She always made an effort to look chic and beautiful, no matter what the circumstances. Like a true lady who belonged in a ballroom and not a tavern.

A ballroom, not a bhaalroom.

But Aristen loved all facets of life and also sat in the meadow under a tree in the forest with her fancy dress on.

If Astarion had his way, then very soon she would be pressed into the grass beneath him with the dress rumpled.

He chuckled dirtyly to himself as he couldn't help but think of that thought. And before he even thought about the first visit to his grave together, he shook his head and pushed it all away from his white curls.

"Darling..." Astarion stood up after Aristen made her way to him, having spotted him with a smile beaming with joy, "...you give me all sorts of ideas as always."

“What do you mean?” the high elf asked in surprise and blinked in confusion because she couldn’t follow him.

“Nevermind little love,” Astarion grinned mischievously and briefly kissed her delicate hand in greeting. He gently stroked Aristen's hand again as he slowly lowered it.

“The sun has already set enough for you to go out, Astarion,” his lover informed him. She would pick him up when it was safe for him outside.

"I've already run errands from a few merchants," Aristen spoke as the two left the tavern.

"Nice. Then we can now buy the rest together. Have you got everything so far?” asked Astarion.

The blonde nodded as they stepped outside.

Astarion sucked the air outside the elfsong into his lungs. Had breathing changed since he became a vampire? After all, he was undead.

Astarion didn't know. He couldn't remember, it had been too long.

In addition, the past no longer counted - smiling, he glanced furtively at Aristen who was carrying the basket with the purchases - only the present and the future counted.

“Yes, I did the grocery shopping that wasn’t of interest to you,” the blonde laughed and winked knowingly. “There was wonderful blossom honey, I couldn't resist,” enthused the sorceress, rolling her eyes heavenly at the thought of it and licking her lips in anticipation of the taste of the honey.

“Then I can taste it from your lips and tongue,” Astarion whispered seductively.

"What?"

“Oh, nothing…” the pale elf just grinned again.

His pointed ears were suddenly tickled by the brush of her lips as she leaned in very close to him.

“I heard you very well, my dear,” she whispered to him, her blue eyes sparkling meaningfully at him after she leaned back and gave him a knowing smile.

The vampire laughed. It was a serious laugh. It went from its sonorous, seductive, dirty murmur to a deep rumble before dying out in a high-pitched spike.

“I saw such a beautiful pair of earrings in the window at the Glitter Gala,” sighed Aristen languidly after she continued the story.

“So why didn’t you buy it, darling?”

Aristen shook her head: “Because it’s not necessary. I prefer to save our money for important things. After all, magical artifacts are expensive and the most important thing is that we find something that makes you immune to the sun.”

Yes, that was the ambition and current mission of Aristen and Astarion: to find a way for the vampire spawn to walk in the sun again.

Their friends also kept their ears and eyes open.

Gale read every book that might contain useful information.

Shadowheart, as well as Lae'zel on her travels through the astral planes, always sent them messages when they heard about mysterious artifacts.

And Halsin and Jaheira also reached out to all their acquaintances from near and far.

"If you hadn't used so much of our gold to rebuild the city and help its people, then you could afford any jewelry you wanted," Astarion nudged her with his shoulder and winked knowingly. The slightly accusatory tone was just an act.

“You know I wanted to try to somehow make amends for my actions when I was under Bhaal's control. This will never work, I know that. I can't bring back the people I killed. But I can at least try to help those left behind. It's too little. It’s no consolation…but at least it’s something.”

There was sadness in the blonde's voice. The look in her blue eyes was sincere before they slid slightly to the ground.

Astarion didn't like that, so he decided to cover up the whole thing: "I don't know what you're doing with this penance and compensation anyway."

He casually folded his arms behind his head and sounded as indifferent as he could.

“But…” he grinned playfully at the blonde Sorceress, “we could visit The Counting House again with Minsc. Then we have enough money to play benefactors and buy jewelry and beautiful clothes.”

Aristen raised an eyebrow with an amused grin: "You want to volunteer to do something with Minsc, really?"

“Now that you mention it…argh…better not. You may find him amusing, but he's always bursting in to chatter about his hamster at the most inopportune times. The guard almost caught me picking the lock of the Tabernacle when he suddenly stood loudly behind me, screaming my name and his hug almost broke every bone in my body.”

“What did you want at the Stormshore Tabernacle outside of opening hours?” Aristen asked with a raised eyebrow.

“Oh, nothing!” Astarion quickly dismissed the topic. Too fast.

“What’s next on the list for today?”

“We really have to go to the Devil's Fee. It has finally opened since the devastating battle against the Netherbrain and the reprocessing. If there are special artifacts or information about them anywhere, it’s there!”

Astarion nodded eagerly and the two elves walked quickly through the streets of Baldur's Gate.

"Oh no! No no no!” Helsik shouted from afar as her eyes saw Aristen.

The Sorceress blinked in confusion at the violent reaction and she looked around to see if anyone else was behind her, as the shopkeeper thought she might be.

“Not you!”

"I? But…"

“Nothing but!” Helsik cut her off. “After last time, I already told you that it was too hot to be seen with you and that the store was off limits for now. After the fuss you caused with your little friend and the black-haired fuzzy head.”

Astarion grinned briefly. He knew exactly who the saleswoman was talking about. After all, they had learned of Bhaal's daughter's past and how she had been involved in the Grand Design.

“I have new business partners, so I don’t need loud attention, after all, hell operates quietly.”

“We don’t want to cause any problems, I swear!”

The vampire let his eyes wander over the lavish and devilishly mysterious display while Aristen soothed Helsik.

“We just want to buy an artifact or information. Nothing improper, nothing complicated, nothing dangerous. Just good old Mammon.”

“Child, you will never have as much gold as I want from you so that I can burn my fingers again because of you.”

"Are you sure? I'll pay any price...whether it's gold or otherwise. We're just looking for a way to break the vampire curse of being vulnerable to the sun. Please."

Helsik laughed briefly, compassionately, not maliciously: “Deary, at the Devil’s Fee we don’t break curses, it’s more about the other way. That should be clear to you from the name.”

“My Love…” Astarion slowly tore his eyes away from the display cases and stood next to Aristen again, “…let me talk to her. I think I can convince them better with less…emotional involvement based on old stories.”

“Are you sure?” Aristen asked, unconvinced.

“Of course, baby…” he was already pushed the Sorceress toward the exit, “…you go do the other errands in the meantime and leave this to me.”

Aristen left the devilish business and made her way to the large square of the lower city wall. She visited the arms dealers and her thoughts continued to dwell on the fact that if even devils couldn't find a way to free Astarion from his curse, who would?

She would never give up hope. Anyway, Helsik was probably right: if it was about help, then hell wouldn't be a good negotiating partner.

Maybe they should trust in nature, magic and clerics. The gods may not have heard Astarion then, but perhaps they could now request divine intervention?

The vampire could walk in the light of the Moon Maiden, perhaps Dame Aylin and Shadowheart could ask even more of Sêlune. Maybe she could expand her moonlight.

Perhaps…

“STOP IMMEDIATELY!”

Aristen was snapped out of her thoughts and the blacksmith who was stationed across from Sorcerous Sundries just handed her back Astarion's freshly sharpened dagger.

“COME BACK IMMEDIATELY!”

From the direction of the Devil's fee came rumbling, loud voices and, above all, lightning and sparks.

“Stop the criminal scum!” shouted a city guard. “Subject, let him stand still!”

“Where for?”

“That way!”

“Or rather there?”

“I thought I saw something in that direction…”

“Then I here, you there,” the steel armored guards rumbled.

The clatter of steel armor slowly faded from the blonde Sorceress's ears, but a perfume that differed from her own scent of orchid and rose reached her nose.

Aristen smelled cherries, musk, palmarosa, black pepper and…

“Does this belong to you, little mouse?”

…sulfur.

Raphael's slightly tanned complexion stood before her. His brown hair was done to perfection with meticulous work, as were his clothes. Large, sparkling brown eyes regarded her, both sublime and mischievous.

The devil in human disguise had the white-haired vampire in tow, holding him by the collar like a naughty schoolboy.

"Raphael..."

“So you still know my name. Ah…very good. Tell the wizard of yours that too. Hopefully he’s still looking for my crown?”

Aristen nodded: “We defeat the brain. The crown will then be at your disposal. That’s how it was settled.”

“Excuse me…” the vampire groused

The devil released Astarion, who grumbled and moved his shoulders.

“Stealing from a shop that has connections straight to hell, very very naughty.”

As was his style, Raphael moved his hands theatrically while his voice whispered mellifluously. The reprimand was more than just played as amusing.

“Anyway, you were there in vain. There is nothing to buy there that could solve the vampire's little “problem”. Otherwise they would all be walking around here freely in the sunlight. Or not?”

The devil made a sweeping gesture and looked around ostentatiously before laughing.

“I'll talk to Helsik and smooth things over, after all you don't sleep well in unmade beds like in clover. But tell your magician that it is my crown. When he finds it, he has agreed to hand it over to me immediately. Not to Mystra and he certainly shouldn’t get the foolish idea of ​​using it himself.”

“He is not my magician,” Aristen clarified briefly, “Gale belongs to no one but himself. Mystra also has nothing to command him.”

“Does he see it that way too? Or does he like to be walked on a leash? He always just does what others tell him. After all, his own decisions are the stupidest I've ever seen...and I've literally seen it all."

“You mean as stupid as wanting to rule the crown of Karsus?”

“Haha…careful, little mouse,” laughed Raphael. “Just make sure I get the crown as quickly as possible.”

“When Gale finds it, you get the crown. That was the deal. We stick to that. But you'll have to be patient. It wasn't intended that the crown and the stones would be lost again, but it was hard to prevent it when the Netherbrain fell into the sea during the fight."

“I'm surprised you're so relaxed about this. You can't put me on a leash as easily as you can put the vampire spawn on a leash. Or was it rather the other way around and you Astarion put the former Bhaalspawn on a docile short leash?”

Mischief sparkled in the brown eyes of the human-shaped Cambion. There was a subtle, biting, malicious provocation in his words, which he spoke with a sonorous purr, as always.

Astarion's face contorted a little and the vampire barely suppressed a roll of his ruby-colored eyes. For a moment he seemed like a disgruntled cat.

"I think I liked you better when you just rhymed all the time," Astarion replied sassy.

Raphael laughed briefly, unimpressed: “Whatever. Less dawdling and making long fingers, but more diving for the crown,” reprimanded the devil with a raised eyebrow.

The devil wrinkled his nose slightly at the vampire spawn before turning back to Aristen and giving her his full attention.

“By the way, greetings from your fiery friend Karlach and her rapier-wielding colleague Wyll Ravengard.”

“Why are you ordering greetings from Karlach and Wyll? Have you met them?”

“Well, those two made themselves quite a name all around Avernus,” Raphael smiled in his smug way, “furthermore, I greatly welcome their actions against Zariel’s forces.”

He made one of his swinging hand movements with his manicured fingers: “I would like to invite you all to my House of Hope to linger, relax and chat. So you can catch up. You know, the Crown of Karsus is the key that grants you access. And until that happens…fare thee well, little mouse. I hope I will see you soon, knocking on the door of my house.”

As was his style, Raphael bowed expansively and his scent of leather, cedar, lily, rose, oud, vanilla and sandalwood disappeared into a swirl of sparks and sulphur.

“He hasn’t forgotten his flair for great performances. I don't know whether I should admire it or whether he's starting to get on my nerves with it," Astarion sighed briefly before straightening his shoulders and straightening his doublet with a quick tug.

"Anyways..." the vampire turned to another topic, "...I think it would be a good idea if we get out of the immediate area while the city guards are wandering around here."

The elf touched Aristen's elbow to encourage her to leave.

“What did you want to take from the store anyway, in the first place?” Aristen wanted to know from Astarion, curious and skeptical.

“Well…” he started to press and scratched the back of his white curls, “…I saw something…”

"And what was so terribly interesting that you would risk to be arrested by the Flaming Fist?"

“Well...it reminded me of you...and...I thought you should have it. But Helsik is really a cutthroat bitch with exorbitant prices.”

Aristen smiled good-naturedly: “Oh Astarion…”

“However…here…”

The vampire held out a white silk scarf to the storm sorceress.

Aristen's eyes widened. You could see from the shimmer and the way the fabric fell that it wasn't just silk that was woven there. It was definitely the weave itself and more that was at work there. Depending on how it fell and how you moved it, a golden blue shimmered.

“The scarf reminded me of the one you told me about. You know, the scarf with your name on it that you were found wearing as a baby in the Bhaal Temple. It’s one of the few memories you have left.”

The vampire took out a borealis blue thread from his pocket and began to embroider “Aristen” into the scarf.

“I wanted you to have something that you could never lose, that could never be destroyed, that had your name on it. Because if something ever happened again that made you forget...that made you forget yourself, at least you would always have your name with you. Then you know that you are Aristen. Not the daughter of the murder god. Not the chosen one of Bhaal. No Bhaalspawn. Just you. You are Aristen.”

The vampire began to embroider an “&” sign into the scarf.

“And well…” Astarion began to shuffle uncomfortably again and focused entirely on his work so that he didn’t have to look his lover in the eyes, “…if you ever forget something again, then you’ll know that we belong together. I don't want you to ever forget me. And so you also always carry my name with you.”

The vampire finished his work and the white scarf now embroidered with new memories read: "Aristen & Astarion"

“There is nothing in the world that would ever make me forget you, Astarion,” the high elf spoke softly.

She closed the distance between the two of them and kissed Astarion. The elf slowly closed his eyes as their lips met. His cool, hers warm. He felt her breathing life into him as they kissed.

"Thank you so much," the blonde said after they pulled away from each other, "you can't imagine how much this means to me. I love you, Astarion."

Aristen held the silky, white and blue scarf in her hands, stroked the pale elf's blue embroidery and smiled. "I think this used to be the color of your eyes too."

She smiled softly, as soft as the silky fabric of the scarf felt on her soft hands. Hands too soft for the crimes they had probably committed earlier in the name of Bhaal. In a previous life.

Aristen raised her eyes, which were also blue, and caught Astarion by surprise. Speechless.

That rarely happened.

Very rarely did the vampire find himself without words.

“Ah, I…” he took a breath to say something, but he lacked a suitable response, so he could only hold his breath, taken aback.

The gentle look in his lover's eyes and her words had triggered something in Astarion that he still couldn't handle: affection, sincere love.

Towards him and in his own heart.

The white-haired vampire exhaled and smiled just as gently at his beloved Aristen.

He reached out his cool hand to her and placed it against her rosy cheek. The blonde nestled herself a little in the vampire's hand and her gaze lingered lovingly in Astarion's now ruby-colored eyes.

“You never stop surprising me,” his whispering voice sounded sincere and just as genuine was the smile he continued to give her.

It was a smile that acknowledged how happy he was, partly surprised, partly just realizing that he wasn't really surprised anymore. And perhaps that was what surprised Astarion the most.

It was a day like any other.

A day like any other.

One day in the rest of their life.

Their life together.

And it was beautiful.

And he would never want it any other way.

📜🪶📜🪶💙🎻🫧🌹🌸🌹🫧🎻💙🪶📜🪶📜

➹a/n: i just gave my own Tav Saulus a little cameo guest appearance  😉 in the style of AU I also inserted aristenfromwarsaws other OC Devana, like a little, what are all the other tavs doing when not being the main character

the great Tavs of my lovely mutuals also did a tiny cameo:

Nala Hartwick of @evander-jane

Thomas Rosewood and Nana of @alpydk

Lovely Vierith of @goromimii jamming with my Saulus, best bardic duo

Mavka of @pinkberrytea

I hope I did the slice of life good justice and you all could taste, feel, smell, hear the life through all the description of scents, etc.

[winningthesweepstakes]

Champion of Fate by Kendare Blake

Champion of Fate by Kendare Blake. Quill Tree Books, 2023. 9780062977205  Rating: 1-5 (5 is an excellent or a Starred review) 5 Format: Hardcover Genre:  Fantasy What did you like about the book? The lone survivor of an attack on her village, Reed is abducted by deadly raiders who intend to use her as part of a ritual sacrifice. Aster, an Aristene (mythical female warrior), crosses paths with…

[beckysbook5]

Champion of Fate by Kendare Blake - ARC Review!

Behind every great hero is an Aristene. Aristene are mythical female warriors, part of a legendary order. Though heroes might be immortalized in stories, it’s the Aristene who guide them to victory. They are the Heromakers. Ever since she was an orphan taken in by the order, Reed has wanted to be an Aristene. Now, as an initiate, just one challenge stands in her way: she must shepherd her first…

[pipperoni32-blog]

Champions of Fate

by Kendare Blake / 3 stars

I'm not entirely sure where I sit with this one. I struggled in the beginning with waning interest, but that picked up as the story progressed. Though my interest wasn't fully caught until a good third of the way through the book, which definitely had me considering not finishing.

The premise has potential: an order of immortal women warriors, champions of the goddess of glory. They receive heroes to guide, to make into legends. Reed was rescued from the slaughter of her family, and raised as an initiate. Now it's time for her trial and to receive her first hero. If she succeeds, the portion of Aristene strength she's been granted will come to it's full, and be hers forever.

Reed must be careful of her connection with her hero - she was always meant to guide him to his glory, and then move on to the next hero. But Reed learns there's more to her fate than just turning a boy into a legend. She must choose - between the order she loves, and the gifts it could grant her; or her hero and leaving behind everything she knows.

The journey was definitely worth it for this book. It did pick up in a satisfying way, pulled on my emotions and eventually got me involved. However, I'm not sure if I'd be interested in picking up the next book in the series. Definitely worth looking into though, and there is a brief nod to the Dark Queens series as well that was nice to see.

[kirfuffel]