#Aristen

[aristenfromwarsaw]

All About Your Tav/Durge and Their Romantic Interest

Thank you so much for tag @judasiskariot, for me it's always a pleasure to write about Aristen and Astarion - they are my favorite fictional couple 💞. It took me a while due to illness, but I finally finished it 😁.

~ Your Tav/Durge's Name and Their Partner ~

💞 Aristen Rosegrove and Astarion Ancunín💞

~ Tell Us About Your Character - Anything at All! ~

~ High Elf ~ Sorcery ~ Storm Sorcery ~ Redeemed Dark Urge ~ (her full story and personality)

~ Aristen is very nice and always tries to be very empathic and looks for something more in people than others.

~ As a child, she grew up in an elven village, so she appreciates nature very much.

~ 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.

~ What Do They Enjoy Doing Together? ~

~ They love to cuddle and stare at the stars in the evenings, for Astarion this is a very important moment because he is still struggling with his trauma.

~ They often sew something together - inscriptions on scarves, small puppets and other things that come to their mind. Astarion is great at sewing, and Aristen is still learning with his help.

~ Aristen likes to write stories and poems, so Astarion often helps her find a rhyme or write a story.

~ Astarion teaches her how to open locks, he stands behind her and helps her to use her hands - these lessons often end in a bed or other surface adapted to physical ecstasy 😅.

~ They love to do what couples in love usually do 😈. ~ They like to sit in inns, watch others and be happy that they can live a normal life.

~ What's Something Your Character's Partner Loves About Them? ~

~ Aristen is grateful that Astarion does not judge her past when she was under the influence of her murderous father. He doesn't see her as a monster and has never been afraid of her, even when she wanted to kill him one night. Conversely, Aristen has no problem with his dark past.

~ They believe they were made for each other and a whole number of strange coincidences allowed them to come together.

~ For Astarion, Aristen is not only a lover but also a best friend. Among other he loves her because she saw him as something more than a handsome vampire and, most importantly, she saved him. She saved him from becoming a Vampire Lord, where he would have lost himself. She loved him as he was and allowed him to live again and get to know himself. He loves how Aristen can be gentle and very caring towards him.

~ They think that in their imperfection they are the perfect couple - an immortal vampire spawn and an immortal demigod, former child of Bhaal. They are like two drops of blood and they understand each other perfectly.

~ They feel safe with each other. No matter what happens, they always support each other and are loyal to each other.

~ Their Life After Baldur's Gate? ~

I wrote their lives after the events of game in Aristen's story. But in short: Aristen regained her memories (especially those when she was in the care of a foster family) and found her family. Aristen and Astarion managed to get a pendant that protects her lover from the sun. And finally, after many years of being together, they got married

~ Something Your Tav/Durge Loves About Their Partner? ~

~ Aristen loves cats, and for her Astarion is like a kitty, only elven.🐈‍

~ Aristen sees herself in Astarion because of her past - when she realized that they were very similar that she slowly started to fall in love with him.

~ Even though Aristen tries to be a very nice person, she loves Astarion's sarcasm and his honesty towards others.

~ She loves his stupid sense of humor.

~ She is impressed by the fact that Astarion, after such a huge trauma, tries to live a normal life and tries to be a slightly better elf.

~ Aristen loves that Astarion is not interested in most people, but for her he would go to hell. Many women have tried to hit on him, but he just turns it into a joke and stays with her.

~ Aristen loves that Astarion very rarely says "I love you", but when he does say it, it is always a very magical moment - they are in some beautiful place or in the middle of love. Then he has such a gentle and happy expression on his face that Aristen loses herself.

~ She loves how passionate and affectionate Astarion is during lovemaking. Then she feels like the true queen of his heart.

~ 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 - then Astarion hugs her and lets her cry, which helps her a lot.

~ Something That Your Character and Their Partner Both Hate (about anything): ~

~ They hate it when someone judges them based on their past, which they had no control over.

~ When someone is not nice to cats.

~ When someone doesn't realize what dangerous creatures full vampires are.

❤️

I tag @lazysload, @anacdoce @vaelastormreaver ~ feel free to ignore it or do it 💜.

[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.

[aristenfromwarsaw]

Thank you for the beautiful fic about my sweet Aristen and her dear Astarion ❤️. I love it ❤️.

༺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. 

[judasiskariot]

All About Your Tav/Durge and Their Romantic Interest

My sweet tumblr spouse @pinkberrytea tagged me😉😄 thank you so much my love for always thinking of me when it comes to tags🥰😘

I tag @aristenfromwarsaw ; I am sure she would enjoy to talk about Aristen&Astarion ;)

Maybe also @heytheresunflower @forget-me-maybe @silent-words and @goromimii want to ramble about their OTP?

Your Tav/Durge's Name and Their Partner:

💜Saulus & Astarion

Tell Us About Your Character - Anything at All!

Dark Urge Tiefling (Vampire) Bhaal Battle Beer Bard - That says it all; you see what you get

Loving owlbear mother

Loves to cuddle

Would protect Thisobald Thorm and Sceleritas Fel at all cost!

What Do They Enjoy Doing Together?

Gossiping - They are the Queens! Tattle and muck the others A L L THE T I M E !!! (lovingly)

Cuddle together (with the owlbear cub, when both Saulus and the cub learned how to behave and be quiet. Astarion is very patiently and you ask why he would not allow them to join in his tent? Well invite them over and see for yourself...or: I am going to write a funny fanfiction about it anyway!)

Astarion likes to visit his grave with Saulus; if you get my little drift ;)

What's Something Your Character's Partner Loves About Them?

She laughs about almost anything that he says and in an absolute honest way

They have got the same kind of humour

Her tail; Astarion has become fond of to do things with her tail and especially in public places at inappropriate times to test her control and to make her blush by making a fool of herself

She doesn't want to change him, does not want to "fix" him, she accepts him who and where he is

He likes it when she is sometimes a bit credulous and of a facile nature when it comes to him

Their Life After Baldur's Gate?

It is all in Saulus' character sheet. They tried to live the Baldur's Gate Palace Life, but since it was not owlbear-friendly and not Astarion-right mindset-friendly either...so it suffered "accidental fire damage", they moved to Moon Rise Towers to marry and start a family there. Four children keep them and the companions who always come to visit as babysitters and declared grandpa Ketheric, busy. (Ketheric, Thisobald and Sceleritas suffered no harm and had no choice but to be family friends) Saulus runs with Thisobald the New Waning Moon.

Something Your Tav/Durge Loves About Their Partner?

Almost everything. With each day she admires him more and more. Every curl of his hair, his feet and the ground they walk on.

But she fell in love with him, because of his sassy nature. Saulus' thinks that Astarion is the funniest man she knows and she loves to mess with him with others and to do stupid puns while laughing together like children. She likes his "mean" sarcastic ways and that he never judged her because of the dark urge within her.

Something That Your Character and Their Partner Both Hate (about anything):

Owlbear fiends (mistreating animals in general); quote Astarion: "Don't you dare to talk in such manner about my stinky bhaal wife and our bastard son!"

Judging about them without giving them a chance

People who don't appreciate their "brilliant" sense of humour

[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!

[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 🤍

[aristenfromwarsaw]

Thank you @casualya for tag 💜.

My cute and lovely Aristen with hair down ❤️.

I'm tagging: @judasiskariot @papuchette-atma @lazysload @superbturtleobservation @ratchsellsfornax

Yay another OC picrew tag game

picrew linked yoinked from @elinorbard

Asmodea my beloved. This is pretty much a perfect representation of her post-game.

(to clarify for anyone who reads my fic - for all intents and purposes that is NOT a vampire fang. ...or IS IT?)

Tagging @brabblesblog @spacebarbarianweird @mj-bites @grandmother-goblin (you pick which OC(s) lol) @tragedybunny

@snowfolly @bhaalbaaby @tallymonster

I'll stop there, you know what to do.

[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]

ℜ𝔢𝔡𝔢𝔪𝔭𝔱𝔦𝔬𝔫 𝔏𝔬𝔰𝔱

𝕻𝖆𝖗𝖙 𝟏

𝓐𝖘𝖙𝖆𝖗𝖎𝖔𝖓

commission for @aristenfromwarsaw

“Redemption Lost” song listening while reading – Astarion’s song · Part 2 Aristen

Astarion x Dark Urge Aristen poetry

🥀🩸🥀🩸🥀🩸🥀🩸🥀🩸🥀🩸🥀🩸🥀🩸🥀

Liar, cheater, thief A thousand voices scream In my head, I hear my own, louder than them all True you were, when I met you Which one of us was the fool? Who did fell? Undeserving Wounds deep of centuries Burden my heart, cut deep, cut it out Waiting for someone to hold me - giving up hurts less Maybe not deserving A paradise with bleeding heart Meaningless tomorrows In all eternity Torture and pain, until you feel nothing at all Mouth sewn shut, soul hidden, heart sealed From all I feared, from all I could ever love and care for World in flames, crashing down, I don’t care Electrified with rage and anger Turning my back on burning cities, whose heroes have forsaken me Self-righteousness deserves to perish in flames Can my heart come back from this envious dark? How can I – filled with hate – deserve your love? Your heart is without compare Care, compassion - I never felt before Is enough good in me left, to be loved? My love that I call Aristen Do I deserve to be with you? To be loved? Or is it good, that my name will be forgotten? The undead eternity that I must suffer, just erased it like dust? Like all I had and ever was, since this fatal winter’s night Drowning in the sea of my suffering and misery But you give me breath and light, like the winter constellations in the starry sky Soft hands holding me - suddenly some silver in my darkest night Your taste is like poetry in the air Sweet sorceress of mine Golden lips, golden hair The light of your smile so bright, I have to close my eyes But why do tears glisten in the night? Moonlight upon you Darkness within you You are scared of failing, but I see you fly Your darkness never scares, your heart however does Beating, beating Tender and loving Breaking through my hands? Or is it mine to break in the end? Your eyes see stars in me, when I am nothing more than a burnt-up comet Lying in ashes to rot The more you see in me, the more I crave to be But can I be? But can I be? Good enough for this love of thee? When all I see, is an endless nothing in the mirror Meaningless hollow nothingness Emptiness, my heart an endless void Don’t be afraid You are not the monster of your darkness Your worst sin I see, is hating yourself, giving others more than they deserve Not letting down, those who have abandon you You destroy and despise yourself for nothing You don’t need absolution For me, you are the last light of all days With you I see light and colours in the dark Not reckless, not careless, together a matter to the world You showed me compassion and forgiveness Showed me I can love and care You saved me and gave me everything I don’t want you to leave, because your memory would sing in my blood until the end of all days You make me believe, we are more than what we were made to be

🥀🩸🥀🩸🥀🩸🥀🩸🥀🩸🥀🩸🥀🩸🥀🩸🥀

a/n: second part of my commission for @aristenfromwarsaw

Astarion x Dark Urge Aristen poetry

She wanted a poem about how Astarion feels not good enough to be with her Durge Aristen, not worthy of her love. While Aristen sees Astarion as her true savior, despite she is desperate about her crimes as bhaal spawn and struggling with her past, that should forbid her being happy with a wonderful elf like Astarion, the only one that seem to understand her truly. All the more the irony of their thoughts and doubts. All your wonderful stories about your Aristen and Astarion, inspired me. And you know me, I love a dramatic, angsty, tragic love story the most. I hope I made it not to dramatic – but believe me, the first draft was even way more drama. For two weeks now I've been working on it and I have to say I'm very happy with it and I really like it. I hope you enjoy it, that it inspires you too and that it meets your expectations and gets the message across well. (If the song to this did not get stuck in your head, I'll be offended 😉😆😂) Maybe someone else will take a liking to it too as well. I would be delighted. I wish I could be so focused on working on things for my OCs. I've been writing a short fanfic about Astarion and Saulus since September and well...a stagnating WIP it is since then. This time it really should be like a conversation between Astarion and the Bhaalspawn. Or more like writing letters to each other. I got inspired to this writing style, of a music album from a band, where the first song on the CD was sung by a woman and told of a love story. The last song on the album was sung by a man and was the exact answer to her song. (Or the other way around) I thought that was great at the time. Unfortunately, I can't remember what kind of band it was. Not at all. I can't seem to remember anything these days. Maybe someone knows better than me which album I mean and can enlighten me. (I've noticed that I write differently when I'm composing on a laptop or starting in my bard/poetry book (obviously). Do you prefer the shorter stuff, poems/ballads with fewer/shorter lines? What do you say?)

[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==

[aristenfromwarsaw]

Thank you @oonalovesastarionssimpleplan for tag ! ♥️ ~Aristen~

I tag @ratchsellsfornax and @papuchette-atma ♥️

Colour Palettes

Let's play a silly game and spread some colour!

Show your Tav/Durges colour palette and then tag someone else to do the same. Art or screenshot, whatever works.

Here is my Nissa (with the Gale colours included of course!) and I'll start by tagging @forkingbrusselsprout ❤️

[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. 

[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.

[aristenfromwarsaw]

Thank you !!! ❤️I love how soft and protective Astarion is for Aristen - that's how I see their relationship ❤️. No matter what they do, they will always support each other ❤️.

Fic requests ❤️: Pair - Spawn Astarion x Female Redemption Dark Urge - Aristen ~High Elf ~Sorcery ~ Storm Sorcery. Generally, I have such a scene in my head, it would be nice if someone described it and developed it. This scene takes place after the events of the game. In short: Aristen hates herself because she was Bhaal's child. She and Astarion are is at the inn, near some cemetery. At some point she learns that that her victims are buried in this cemetery. So she runs out of the inn (it's night and it's raining very hard) and she kneels in front of the cemetery, devastated, crying and whispering to herself that she's a monster. After a few minutes the Astarion comes. Aristen tells him through tears that she is a monster and let his see what she has done. Astarion's goal - comfort her. How? It's the writer's will and idea 🥰. If you need more information about Aristen and her relationship with Astarion, you can find everything here: Their relationship: https://www.tumblr.com/aristenfromwarsaw/763968114225528832?source=share Aristen's background: https://www.tumblr.com/aristenfromwarsaw/761880367691153408?source=share Thank you ! ❤️

Hello! I hope you enjoy and it is close to what you envisioned! I really enjoyed writing this and learning more about their story in the process. Thank you for putting in your request :)

Astarion x F! OC

   Aristen had been having an excellent time with her companions- there was plenty of warm food and drink in their bellies and they are all truly clean for the first time this entire journey.

 Elfsong has been a Gods’ send- to say the least. Aristen has been soaking in every single second and her favorite time of day as of late is bed time. She gets to sink into a soft bed with her lover; her brave, incredible, and exceptionally brilliant lover, every night.

 Astarion has been nothing but loving and supportive this entire journey. He stayed when she killed Alfira- he even called her on it and yet, he kept her secret. Hells- he even helped her hide the body.

 He confessed his feelings to her and then, within 24 hours, she confessed to being on the verge of taking his life.

 Any normal person would run away or kill her, but Astarion sat with her throughout the night and he hasn’t treated her differently ever. 

 They had killed Gortash and now they are helping Karlach nurse her wounds at the bar, but Aristen is only becoming more and more suffocatingly aware of her family and their desire to have a Chosen- a title she doesn’t even want. 

 She hears the whispers of grief and names being thrown around and they all feel so disgustingly familiar that it makes her feel inhuman.

 I killed them, she thinks, swallowing the venom in her throat, I killed that man’s wife, that person’s sister, and their child- all because I wanted to.

 To some extent- she even remembers indulging in the soft flesh their former frames adorned. How it felt against her teeth- the taste of their rich blood on ther tongue and the raw flesh in her mouth.

 It makes her even more repulsed by herself- even more desperate to be rid of these horrible thoughts and the way they make her body feel. 

 All of her companions are laughing and playing a card game, but all Aristen can focus on is the conversation from the table over. 

 A husband dead. A sister gone. A support group of people who lost their loved ones to some sick pervert lurking around Baldur’s Gate and for whatever reason, she knows she is the one who killed them.

 It’s a deep, inner knowing that she can’t shake and the turning in her stomach is too much to bear.

 With the group focused on Karlach and her misery- Aristen slips away and out of the tavern as quickly as she can. She feels suffocated by the crowd of people and the grief that echoes through the inn on all sides.

 Pushing through the doors, Aristen is immediately met with a blast of cold air and the pouring rain and desolate streets greets her like an old friend. 

 She goes hurtling into it’s cold embrace and her shoes slosh through the streets, but it doesn’t deter her frantic pace. Every street feels longer than it needs to be, but she doesn’t even have a destination in mind- absolutely nowhere to be. 

 Her weary feet eventually bring her to the one place she is dreading more than anything and yet, Aristen still collapses at the gate and begins to sob. The sounds are lost to the raging storm and her heart feels like it’s cracking.

 In the sea of Gravestones, Aristen feels more dread and disgust towards herself. She has lost count by the time the guilt completely consumes her.

 All these people, a broken whimper leaves her lips, friends, loved ones, and even strangers. Maybe they were vendors or had lives. A child or two on the way.

 And she took that from them- all of them. 

 She is drenched to her core, shaking and crying, but she doesn’t believe she deserves warmth and comfort- not when she has stolen so much from others. She is a monster- a vulgar, scary, bedtime tale thing and that may just haunt her forever. 

  A heavy, warmer cloak is put over her and she is suddenly being dragged away from the gate to the cover of a building. She doesn’t have to be afraid- she knows that it’s Astarion. She can smell his cologne on his cloak. 

 “I’ve got you, my Love,” he holds her tightly to him, “it’s okay.”

 Her hands twist into his shirt and she sobs against his chest brokenly.

“I-I’m a m-monster,” she whimpers, “I should have never been born.”

 Gentle hands cup her face and she is greeted by ruby red eyes. Sadness is pooling within them, but there is also so much love for her- and only her.

“My love-”

“I killed all those people, Astarion,” she gestures wildly in that direction, “all of those fresh Gravesites? Those are my doing- people had to bury their loved ones and say goodbye to them forever because of me!”

 How could he love someone so broken and monstrous? Aristen is a Bhaalspawn for Gods’ sake and she doesn’t even know what her future holds and if she will be stuck this way forever or not. It’s possible these urges will haunt her for eternity and he deserves better.

   Astarion kisses her sweetly and slowly- she has no idea why he is being so loving. He should be terrified of her- running and screaming at the very least. 

“You saved me,” he rests her forehead against hers, he supports her shaking form the best he can “whether you intended to or not- it doesn’t matter.

“You have been by my side and have never led me astray- I love you and I am not going anywhere. You are no monster, my Love, and I will keep telling you that for all of eternity if I need to.”

 Aristen smiles through her tears and goes to hug him- he happily returns it. They embrace each other for several moments until a crack of lightning and a roar of thunder interrupts them. 

“Come on, Lover,” he says with a wiggle of his eyebrows, “I believe we both deserve a nice warm bath- don’t you agree.”

 Instead of answering, she grabs his hand and they begin to run back to Elfsong at a full sprint- the only thing lighting their path is the storm overhead, but Aristen isn’t afraid.

 She knows that whatever comes, her and Astarion will weather the storm together.