#Halsin or a druid Tav could be the horse

[gelly-art]

Cowboy hat Astarion this, cowboy hat Astarion that

But has anyone drawn Astarion on a horse before?

Or ANY of the companions for that matter??

[viridescentelf]

Hiding Place

Halsin x Reader (FemTav) Fanfiction

Couple notes: I love the idea of music in fanfiction, so I kept the Reader/FemTav as a skilled bard. There are a couple mentions of my Tav's class and race (paladin, half-elf), but I think these are easy to skip over.

The songs within this fic are from Paris Paloma, please check them out!!!!

Word Count: 3.3k

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After the initial realization that their paths would diverge, Halsin and Y/N gathered their things in the room and prepared their separate journeys. His mission to create a safe haven in Thaniel’s realm was at the very forefront of his mind, excited at the happiness and safety it will instill in the children and people following him. But he couldn’t ignore the sting in his throat. Y/N had always been so accepting of his goals and lifestyle and he knew it wasn’t a final goodbye. Still, the idea of being apart from her after so many months of the growing closeness between them: it was an ache he didn’t recognize.

So many lovers speckled his timeline. Some shone more than others, as they usually do. But this one. Y/N. She was a completely new experience for the archdruid. The kindness in her eyes, nothing compared to it. And now he would be without them for a long time, an absence he hadn’t prepared for.

Y/N committed to rebuilding her home, Baldur’s Gate. Accepting the role of “the hero” was uncomfortable for the paladin, and all she wanted to do was accompany her lover to the former Shadow-cursed lands. To live in peace, with the one she had grown so close to, was a dream come true. A dream that had to wait. For she knew that the city needed all the help it could get and she felt compelled to do so, just as Halsin was called to his new mission. There was a deep chasm growing in her, an emptiness she recognized too well. She never wanted to be the reason Halsin felt trapped. She knew how free his spirit needed to be and she would never beg him to stay, no matter how much she wanted to. Nevertheless, the overwhelming feeling of loss claimed her as she watched him gather the last supplies from their shared room.

All preparations had been made. The wagons of children were stuffed with supplies for the journey, toys were even given a separate section. There were helpers lugging the last few satchels and baskets onto the carts and the time for departure was getting closer. The druid checked with the horses and comrades, finally deciding that it was time. He wouldn’t leave, however, without saying goodbye to his heart one last time.

Leaving the travelers with a “I’ll be back shortly”, the druid walked slowly towards the inn he had stayed in with Y/N, knowing she was still using their abode for her continued stay. His stride was quiet and delayed, knowing that the moment he saw her his whole being would quake with the dire need to remain with her. To resist that urge would be a colossal challenge, knowing that when their hands finally parted, it would be a long while until they were intertwined again.

Crossing the street, he passed a large archway that led to the riverbank. It was right outside the inn and was a familiar spot for Halsin and his lover. A soft guitar echoed from that direction and stopped the druid in his path. He recognized the gentle strumming, something he eagerly listened to every night. A drop in his stomach. This would also be the last time he would hear her poetry for a long while.

Accompanying the tune was a tender voice, humming wistfully to their own melody. Halsin felt a burning sensation snake its way through his abdomen up towards his chest. He couldn’t bring himself to interrupt Y/N. Selfishly, he needed to hear her silvery voice one last time. The tall elf positioned himself behind a wall, where he could listen to her play without being seen.

Y/N plucked a melancholy tune, still humming to it softly as she began to trickle out her thoughts into song.

This morning I emerged onto wet earth, it had been raining

And while it had been raining, you and I, we had been lying

And while we had been lying in the warmth, we had been falling

Into slumber with the thunder overhead

In the cave, we laid down to the rain sounds on your window

Intermingled with the bloodrush of our love flush in our sinew

Sleep joined us in the lamplight as a fire in a campsite

But we set no one to watch with our guard down

There was a brief pause before she continued. She thrummed the instrument a bit shakily, her throat coated with swallowed tears.

What a lovely hiding place that you have made to delay our parting

What a world outside to keep each other safe from

That's all that I want, darling

Halsin let out a raspy sigh, listening to the words. She had written songs about them before, mostly cataloguing the many adventures and creatures they had encountered along the way. His favorite was one she had written about the owlbird cub that joined their camp. The songs were always epodic and full of wonder, now and again containing dark emotions that she was processing. 

Now, he was listening to her spill out her sorrow – and it was about him. Knowing that he was the cause of her sadness was staggering. Her words glid through the air and wrapped itself around him, encompassing suppressed sentiments neither of them dared say aloud to one another.

The druid couldn’t stop the tears from welling up in his seafoam eyes, but he contained his sobs to let his lover finish undisturbed, placing a hand on his mouth.

That’s all that I want, darling.

You hold me in thе burrow, your brow furrowed in your dreaming

And at the timе, the flood comes and our blood runs cold and bleeding

You'd lie womb-like and in your arms, I'd cease my breathing

With broken ribs and one last kiss, I would die here warm

What a lovely hiding place that you have made to delay our parting

What a world outside to keep each other safe from

That's all that I want, darling

That's all that I want, darling

Y/N plucked the last few tunes on repeat and let out an audible sniffle. Halsin’s body was trembling slightly, the stains of his tears marking his face. He heard her pick a few strings absentmindedly.

It took him a few more breaths, but eventually he stepped into the dusk light and approached the riverbank where she was seated. She didn’t turn to him, but recognized his stride. It seemed both didn’t want to look upon each other just yet.

The druid spoke first, his sadness etched in his voice: “I will miss you endlessly, my heart.”

She turned her head slowly. Her eyes were wet.

“I would come with you, if I could”, she breathed huskily. Halsin nodded disdainfully, he felt the water return to his eyes.

Y/N stood up steadily, leaving her white guitar to rest on the bank. They stood looking at each other for a bit, as if trying to imprint their faces to memory. She walked towards him with a loving smile that flickered trying to contain her tears further. The druid stepped forward quickly and pulled her into a firm embrace, as he buried his face into her neck while Y/N wrapped her arms around his. Their breaths pulsated with each other, neither one wanting to leave the familiar comfort of each other. Halsin lifted his head, placed his hand on her cheek and scanned her beautiful eyes wanting to soak up every facet of them. They glittered as silent tears escaped her.

“This isn’t goodbye, my heart,” the bear choked out, between a few quiet sniffs. He couldn’t contain his tears either. “I will long for you every single day, watching the horizon for your arrival.”

 Her smile widened, the creasing of her eyes allowing a few more tears to escape: “I won’t keep you waiting too long.”

They pressed their lips together and breathed in each other’s scents. Halsin’s large hands pressed her body deeper into his as her fingers gently dug into his hair. The caress sunk intensified, as their tongues hooked into each other. The druid sighed into her intensely, not wanting to separate from her. If he could, he would stay here with her and enjoy her soul and body until the end of time. But the helpless were depending on him. And this city was depending on her lead.

An age passed and their lips finally separated. Their foreheads touched, keeping their eyes closed and allowed the moment to wash over them. Halsin’s jaw clenched as he held her hand against his heart, knowing that every second a call from one of his comrades would ring through the streets. They stood near each other, breathing in sync, in silence.

“Halsin?!”, the predicted call was far in the distance and ripped both of them out of the moment.

Y/N swallowed hard, opening her eyes and smiled up at her love: “They’re waiting for you.”

Halsin nodded, but pressed her into his body more, not wanting to let go.

“I know,” he murmured defeatedly, as he placed his hand on the back of her head. “I know…” he exhaled.

The moment had come. Reluctantly, they separated from each other but still held hands. She let out a shaky breath and whispered barely audibly: “Be safe.”

He smiled dejectedly, but responded gently: “Come back to me soon.”

“That’s all I want, darling”

With those words, a last glance was shared as their fingers finally drifted apart. Her last words echoed within his mind and the druid walked away from her.

--

It had been many months, since Y/N watched her heart walk away into his new obligation. The rebuilding of Baldur’s Gate had kept her extremely preoccupied and it helped being close to people like Jaheira and Minsc, who understood her on a deep level. They would meet occasionally for a pint together or she would accompany Astarion on an evening stroll, where he complained about being stuck inside during the day.

The city was starting to return to its former glory. With collective effort, Y/N led a team to clear out debris and took time to bury the lost with a proper memorial service. Working with Duke Ravengard, she had gathered volunteers to assure new housing was built and that refugees would have decent places to live in.

It had taken a long time, but things were looking brighter. And it seemed that her services were no longer that direly needed.

She decided it was time to be selfish.

Twisting through the old Shadow-cursed roads, Y/N approached a bustling little hamlet and was met with a chorus of laughing children and people calling to one another to bring a specific tool. The half-elf had her purple hood up, because her distinct hair and facial tattoos made travelers stop her and interview her as “the hero of Baldur’s Gate”.

The houses had been quickly constructed, but the area was blooming with vast, healthy fauna that invited small bumblebees to swirl around happily. There were still some workers hammering away at some odd project, while some groups were washing sheets, carrying planks or hoeing the ground. The tiny village was bustling with life and, most evidently, sanctuary.

As she stepped further into the township, a group of giggling children ran across her way. They stopped and bumped into one another, clearly curious at the stranger standing before them.

Under her hood, Y/N smiled gently down at them all. The kids started whispering frantically, but were full of excitement. One small tiefling boy walked up to her and tilted his head exaggeratedly to get a better look under her cape.

“Are you a wizard?” he asked confused at her long, purple cape.

She chuckled slightly and went down into a squat to be on his eye level.

��No, no. I’m not a wizard,” the boy was staring at her face and his eyes drifted along the noticeable markings on her face, “is this Thaniel’s Haven?” she asked the group. Some of the kids nodded, but the whispering continued.

A few more children stepped closer to her and tilted their heads in various directions, clearly less hesitant at the sound of her kind voice.

One girl’s eyes widened as she seemed to remember something: “You’re…!!! You’re the lady from the stories!!! Aren’t you?” She pointed excitedly at Y/N’ forehead, where a beautiful red tree was tattooed.

The other kids all gasped in understanding.

“The hero lady!”

“Daddy Halsin said she would come one day!”

“Her face! He said it had those markings!”

“Her tattoos are so cool!”

“I thought you’d be bigger…”

“He said you’d come!”

Y/N started to laugh to herself as their exclamations grew in volume. She held her hands up to gesture them to calm down a bit. Some of the other people in the surrounding area were watching the commotion.

Slowly, their voices quieted as they waited for her to confirm.

“I guess I am…”

A choir of elated tiny gasps followed her statement.

The children were surrounding her, not giving her room to go anywhere else. They asked about a million questions, all about her adventures with the Absolute and how she came to know Halsin. They asked everything they could think of, the moment she stopped answering one, another babbled out of a young one’s mouth. A group of older villagers had joined the fray, who also excitedly greeted her and welcomed her to the area.

One robust woman had her arms on her hips and smiled brightly: “We’ve heard so much about you from Halsin, Miss Y/N, please excuse their excitement.”

A young elf girl had stars in her eyes while talking to Y/N: “He said you have an owlbear as a pet!!!”

The tiefling boy tugged gently at her robe by her side. She looked down to him.

 “Daddy Halsin said you sing songs. Can you sing for us?”

Halsin was lugging some lumbar he had gathered with a group of people at the far end of the village, completely unaware of the commotion at the entrance.

“Erani, put these small pieces into the shed. And Quel, make sure the animals have enough water in their troughs,” He gave the instructions kindly, while he wrapped the larger individual pieces of wood together with rope. An assured “Yes, sir” came out of the mouths of his companions, as he wiped the sweat off his brow.

The day had been long and he couldn’t wait to go see the children to tuck them into their beds. That was his favorite part of the day. The way they were all so eager to learn. It was truly remarkable to see how much they’ve opened up.

His brows furrowed briefly, realizing something. Where are the children?

Normally they stormed up to him after he had been gone for the day, yelling questions about his activity or telling him about what happened at playtime. It was very unusual for his return to go unnoticed.

In that moment, he thought his ears were playing tricks on him.

He could hear a faint guitar playing and a voice he had only heard in his dreams the past few months. Halsin whirled around, taken aback and looked towards the hill that led to the entrance of the village.

What was it that stayed my hand then?

With dagger held unsheathed, blade pointing at its side

Was that-

I’d been set upon by a predator

It was just looking for a meal, I saw ribs and fearful eyes

Had she truly come?

The druid dropped the collection of wood and bolted up the hill, leaving a slight cloud of dust where the logs had hit the ground. His two comrades looked at each other, confused.

What is it that stays my hand now?

The familiar thrum of the chords. The beautiful tone of voice. The words of his favorite song. It had to be her. His pace quickened.

With so much misery that I could mercifully put end to

For that animal I let slink off into the undergrowth, unscathed

Do I not fear death, but just pretend to?

Why was this hill so gods damn long?

For it was starving

It was hungry

But had eyes too close to let me

The slope was getting flatter, he could almost see above it. Panting heavily, he reached the top and was met with a large group of villagers surrounding a single person, sitting atop a barrel and playing a very recognizable white guitar.

If you were easy to kill, I would have done it already

Halsin and Y/N’s eyes met and she smiled serenely as she continued to strum the melody, the kids all huddled around her and clapping arrhythmically.

You are at my feet

We’re by the fire

You’re a gentle beast

And I’m alive

Halsin let out a sighing laugh, his heart engulfed with pure ecstasy. Seeing her there, surrounding by the sweetest beings he had ever had the fortune of meeting, it gave him so much joy.

Y/N finished her song and the children all stood up and cheered. The other onlookers clapped contently, all looking at the druid who couldn’t seem to contain his excitement, either.

“SO OWLBEARS ARE REALLY SWEET THEN?!” one child called out.

“YES SHE SAID IT’S GENTLE!” another replied.

“WE CAN PET THEM! WE CAN PET THEM!” some said in unison.

The half elf held up her hands again to calm them.

“No no no! Don’t go petting an owlbear! The one I met was very sweet, but it was a baby! Please don’t be careless-” she babbled helplessly.

A deep familiar voice ruptured through the chatter.

“Now now, what are you teaching the little ones?”, Halsin called, grinning from ear to ear.

The kids’s heads all turned swiftly to him and ran up with a colossal speed to the druid, all jabbering over another to tell him that Y/N had arrived.

Y/N smiled.

After getting through the small crowd, Halsin stood before the half-elf with a face full of glee, very similar to the small faces scurrying after him.

“You came!” he exclaimed. Without thinking, he pulled her into an intense hug, burying his face into her hair. She swung her arms around him as much as she could and they stayed like this for a while, taking in each other’s scent. The sensation of belonging encompassed Y/N’s body, finally back in the arms of the one she loved most.

They faced each other, gazing longingly into each other’s eyes and almost gave into the highly awaited kiss. Both realized, however, that there were many pairs of glittering, tiny eyes staring up at them.

They separated from each other, grinning, and Halsin turned towards the kids.

“This is Y/N, little ones. She’s the hero of Baldur’s Gate, the one I’ve been telling you about.” He was met with many “We know”’s and “Yes yes!”’s.

The tiefling boy from before stepped up again, his voice booming: “Are you staying here forever??? Can you sing us a bedtime song???” His questions were met with shrill screeches of agreement.

Y/N snickered serenely, leaning down to the boy: “If Daddy Halsin is alright with that.” She and the rest of the kids turned to the druid.

He blushed at her using the word “daddy”.

“Nothing would make me happier,” he grinned, his eyes shining in the sunset.

The children all cheered and Y/N beamed down at them. Some grabbed her arms and others grabbed Halsin’s to pull them towards their cottage. Halsin leaned towards Y/N and whispered: “I’m sorry, my heart. We won’t have any privacy until they’ve gone to sleep.”

She nodded and winked at him: “We have all night.”

Their fingers met and laced within each other, as they were guided by the laughing children towards a new chapter, together.

[reverieblondie]

The Dark Prince: Chapter 2, First Night in Waldemar

Paring- Dark Prince Rolan x Blessed Princess F!Tav

Warnings- 18+ MDNI, will include violence and smut, and two pinning idiots. (In this chapter... we get steamy...) Fingering, clothes ripping, Scent kink, Unprotected sex. Its the first night in Waldemar

Summary: Two carriages arrive to Waldemar... and the couples first night as husband and wife begins.

A/N: I want to give a huuuggggeeeee thank you to @sav-not-tav and @vera-king-hrfl for sending me some Rolan gifs and Screenshots for me to use for this series! I will be giving them a shotout every chapter, this one is from Sav! Thank you my lovely! Another huge thank you to my Sweet Anon for helping me with writing and editing this story! If you love anything Astarion says its because of them! they have nailed his characterization and have helped me soo much with this story!

<- Chapter 1 The Union

Though this is the night that many young lovers dream of after they have spoken their sweet promises to one another… when your wedding, your union is a tactical arrangement. One of political gain, it can turn a night meant for romance into a night of lines drawn in the sand as two people get to know each other for the first time.

The two newlyweds were not in particularly chatty moods. After all, what was there for them to say—what was there for any of them to say? Congratulations or condolences?

Before being able to resume reading, Tav had spent the first little while of the trip trying to convince Shadowheart and Lae'zel that she wasn't insulted by the actions of her now-husband. The newly made Queen was only met with a suspicious stare from her lady-in-waiting and a scoff from her knight that such a weak lie was beneath her. Eventually, Tav conceded in a hushed voice that yes, fine, perhaps she was a tad insulted; this was quickly followed by slightly more insistent whispers that the githyanki could put her sword down as it was still unnecessary.

All the while, Tav could hear her other knight and the older armored tiefling, General Zevlor, talking amongst themselves from where the two men sat outside, taking turns steering the horses that pulled them along. Tav couldn’t help but smile as Wyll went from merely swapping polite small talk with the general to hearing them exchanging hearty laughs and pleasant words. Wyll always makes getting to know people look so easy and effortless… maybe she could learn to be as charismatic, might make getting to know the King easier. 

In Rolan’s carriage, the new King largely kept his gaze turned towards the outside, his eyes skimming whatever part of the landscape he could see for the lights of Waldemar’s capital. Sitting across from him, the two vampiric elves chortled between each other, showing off the silver, pearls, and ornate rings they each had swiped from the various wedding attendees. The newly made King knew he probably should have frowned at those associated with him acting in such a matter, but he found it hard to bring himself to care about such things, so he simply didn’t bother. Rolan barely paid it any mind as the two vampire spawn continued trying to one-up each other, only briefly interjecting if their banter began to tip into bickering or if they snapped at Aurelia when she tried to do the same as she steered the carriage, as his mind was preoccupied with more important matters. More than once, he caught himself drumming his fingers or tapping the end of his tail against the padded seats as he impatiently waited to return.

The two well-made carriages made good time; the no-man’s-land between Sivailon and Waldemar rarely suffered from bandits thanks to Halsin and the other druids who lived there. While the travelers and the smaller settlements of Waldemar would still have to deal with the occasional raids from wandering marauders, there was nobody foolish enough to try waylaying the Dark Prince—the Dark King. Not anymore.

Tav eventually finished her pre-wedding reading, leaving the new Queen with little to do but wait. She had known that things would not completely change in a handful of hours, but she had hoped to have gotten the chance to establish even the smallest amount of rapport with her new husband and co-ruler; there was only so much one could learn from reading, especially when most material she could find on Waldemar was about the... previous rulers... and thus was potentially out of date.

She supposes she could ask General Zevlor her questions, but as she listened to Wyll and the older tiefling continuing to converse amicably and even levity...

No, Tav decided, I can’t do that to him.

She knew Wyll would have removed himself from the conversation in a heartbeat to make way for her, but she also knew more than just her own life was changing this night; Wyll, Shadowheart, and Lae’zel’s daily lives were all changing so that they might stay by her side in a new kingdom. No matter how willingly they came, the least she could do for her friends was to allow them the opportunity to forge connections of their own the way Wyll was doing now.

The way she wished she could be doing right now...

For now, Lae’zel seemed content to keep her piercing gaze trained outside, watching the landscape pass by. Shadowheart was quick to notice when Tav began to grow restless. It wasn’t long before the cleric started discussing what she knew regarding the caravans meant to transport their personal effects to Waldemar palace over the next several weeks. Lae’zel would occasionally chime in to point out a few naturally formed landmarks or potential hazards once they were well beyond the ill-defined boundaries of the no-man’s-land of the druids and the kingdom of Waldemar. Tav gratefully accepted the distraction her friends offered.

Eventually, in what felt like no time, Lae’zel alerted the two Selûnites of the lights from Waldemar’s capital city, which were now barely visible in the distance.

Both carriages slowed to a stop, and Tav heard the sound of moving armor as General Zelvor once again relinquished the reins to Wyll. The older Tiefling made his way to the carriage door.

Gathering the skirts of her dress in one hand, Tav gratefully accepted the general’s offer of a gauntleted hand to help her down. When she looked towards her husband’s carriage, she was nearly startled upon seeing how close the three vampire spawn had gotten; the pale, elfin man was already leaning against the carriage wheel she had just exited, and the other two were not far behind.

How had they moved so quickly without making a sound?!

The vampire leaning against the carriage raised a hand as if to shoo aside a squire, “If the moon princess would be so kind as to make way...”

A flash of embarrassment shook Tav out of her brief stupor—at least, she hoped it had been brief—and she swiftly stepped away from the carriage door. Her nerve-weary mind didn’t even register what the vampire had said until she saw the angry expressions of Lae’zel and Shadowheart looking out of the carriage to glare at the elf as he sauntered over to the threshold.

“So which of you lucky ladies gets to aid me into the carriage?” the pale elf crooned as if speaking to a pair of swooning maidens.

Shadowheart schooled her expression into one cold scorn, “Keep talking like that, and perhaps we will leave you to walk the rest of the way.”

 "Touchy, touchy, darling." the vampire tsked, "Didn't you see the wedding? We're all supposed to be friends now."

Tav could still hear the verbal barbs the two groups exchanged, even though she couldn’t make out the words by the time General Zevlor was helping the new Queen into her husband’s carriage. As she settles beside her co-ruler, she thinks she hears a blitter scoff from the Dark King. When she looks towards him, she only glimpses the glow of his eyes for a moment before he’s looking out the window again towards the lights of Waldemar’s capital. She doesn’t have long to dwell on it, for soon the general has taken up the reins of their royal carriage, and they are once again moving towards the city; a quick glance out the window confirms that Wyll is steering the other carriage to follow them—even as it seems he has to call over his shoulder at its passengers. 

It was only a handful of seconds before Tav began to mindlessly fidget as the silence sat between them like an unwanted passenger. There were countless possible conversation starters, questions she wanted to ask him, but all either fled from her mind or the words died in her throat whenever she opened her mouth; her husband still hadn’t looked at her since she entered the carriage, instead keeping his glowing eyes trained out the window towards the lights of Waldemar’s capital.

With how close the two sat, Rolan was consistently aware of his new wife’s shifting and fidgeting, even as he kept his gaze focused on the horizon, and his mind focused on more important matters. The newly made Queen had shifted again, causing his eyes to roll. He wondered if perhaps she was trying to put distance between them, possibly trying to escape his infernal heat that was undoubtedly prickling at her skin with how close they sat to each other, or perhaps she was uneasy now that she was once again forced to be beside a hellspawn—beside the fiendish usurper. His Queen adjusted again, and he found himself wishing she would have just sat across from him rather than try to suffer through his proximity in silence like some sort of martyr.

A thought occurred to him about the people who would be waiting to see the new royal couple—to see her. He had given them a proper Queen to fawn over. Unlike himself, she is innately touched by the divine and from proper nobility... but if she is visibly frightened of him…

Rolan contemplates if he should say something, remind her they both needed to look presentable or try to comfort her.

Comfort her?

Rolan wants to scoff at the idea.

I don’t even know how to comfort Lia and Cal.

Before he could stop himself, his eyes briefly flick over to the stranger sitting beside him; luckily, she didn’t appear to have been staring as he’d been expecting her to, so she probably—hopefully—hadn’t noticed his glance. He wasn’t eager to get dragged into a conversation with her. He was even less interested in having to deal with his new wife sneering at his sharp teeth or recoiling from his clawed hands.

Rolan was only distantly aware of how the impatient flick of his tail lapsed into it lashing across the excessively padded seats. At least until it smacked against a gown-covered leg, eliciting a startled ‘Oh!’ from the woman beside him.

Growing frustration is quickly replaced by a flash of embarrassment as he whips his stupid, mindless tail away from her as if the contact has burnt him. Her eyes met his a moment later, and he realized too late that he had ended up staring.

Tav watched as her husband once again angled his face away from her. Clearly, he had been as surprised as she’d been, at least if his wide-eyed expression had been anything to go off of. She had met a few tieflings before and knew that, for many, their tails were part of body language.

Perhaps the Dark King is nervous, too? Or maybe he was irritated...

Once again, Tav keenly felt the absence of understanding. She knew there would be a great deal to learn. Still, she’d hardly anticipated how... daunting it would be to ask. Biting the inside of her lip, Tav debated whether she should say something or maybe take a shot to lighten the mood. Tav eventually shelfs the idea before returning to the uncomfortable silence between them.

So, she nearly jumps in her seat when the Dark King speaks up.

“Pardon me…” his eyes once again glancing at her, more specifically where his tail had thumped against her leg.

It was not exactly the conversation she envisioned, but she still found herself with a small, slightly relieved smile, “It’s alright.”

The long, low sound of a horn echoed out to herald the arrival of Waldemar’s new royal couple, causing the pair to look out the windows again as both carriages finally passed through the threshold of the city’s gate.

Up and down the city streets, hundreds upon hundreds of people hold up the warm lights of candles and lanterns, like a sea of flickering stars that had fallen from the night sky and parted to let the royal carriages through. They look on with eager eyes, ready to catch the sight of their Queen. 

They gaze up at her with awe, and some even begin to bow as the carriages, now moving at a slightly slower pace, pass by. It’s not until Tav’s eyes meet with a young child sitting perched upon the shoulders of another onlooker, both smiling up at their new Queen, that she snaps out of her daze. She waves and smiles at the people, though only a few of their expressions are fully illuminated until a sudden burst of light draws the crowd’s attention.

The people seem awed and intimidated in equal measures, though no alarm is raised. Tav glanced around in confusion before quickly noticing a soft glowing light between the Dark King’s palms while he recited something under his breath.

His clawed fingers curl and flex gracefully as what started off as a small mote of light steadily grew into a whorling orb of colors. Tav feels almost hypnotized by the beauty of his spellcasting, watching as the magic is pulled and shaped between his hands without slipping from his control.

Then, in one smooth motion, he stands and tilts his hands toward the carriage window. The whorling orb blooms into a dazzling spray of colors blazing overhead, which the crowd receives with quiet sounds of wonder.

They aren’t the only ones moved by the display, and Tav lightly brought a hand to politely cover her slack-jawed expression as she watched the spell’s aftereffects, still artfully coiling through the air even as it faded. She’d known Rolan was a wizard, tales of his terrifying power were still circulating throughout the Sivailon court, but she hadn’t been expecting the beauty she had just witnessed.

It’s as if the obvious hits her once again she looks out to the streets. This is Waldemar, the kingdom born anew through revolution. Glimpses of old bricks paired with new ones show the repair after the revolt three years ago. She is in Waldermar—the kingdom and the capital city—ruled over by the usurper and now, by marriage, her.

The Dark King continues to garner the crowd’s attention as he releases another spell to go twisting through the air, replacing the last one that has since dissipated. Tav’s fingers fidget once more as she hesitantly pulls on the innate magic in her veins. She feels it rise within her, like the ebb and flow of the tides pulled by the moon.

Should she join in? She knows her magic will be different from his, but... What if this was a new custom she wasn't privy to? If this is important to her new husband or the people he rules, she should try her best to participate before giving the wrong impression.

The new Queen abruptly stands, drawing Rolan’s attention. He maintains concentration on his last spell with little difficulty as he watches her softly mutter an incantation, stopping and repeating herself as if unsure of her recital. She moves her hands in a manner familiar to him, though her motions are more strained and tense. It is as if all her concentration is going to what he recognizes as a relatively simple spell. The magic of the spell waxes and wanes far more than it should. Her hands move more frequently than such a simple casting should require as she goes back and forth between needing to stop the spell from unraveling itself and needing to keep it from fizzling out.

It’s painfully clear to his learned eyes that she is untrained.

He wants to scoff but holds it in, Typical sorcerer.

They call her a ‘divine soul,’ but he supposes the princess has been too worried about her dresses and tea parties to focus on honing her innate magic.

At least she isn’t trying to cast with her pinky raised.

Once the spell was not immediately at risk of dissipating in her hands, she rushed to throw it up. Dancing lights, a mere cantrip, just as he had predicted... The silvery-blue motes drifted through the crowd, the light rippling instead of maintaining the soft, steady glow it was supposed to have, and every slight bump of the carriage seemed to strain his Queen’s ability to maintain concentration on the spell.

It’s unpolished and sloppy, but the people cheer in awe anyway; some even clap or weep as they praise their new Queen, blessed by the moon herself. Rolan bites back his frustration. Perhaps with proper guidance and a more practiced hand, she would have potential, but that was hardly his concern. All that mattered was that her magic came from the divine, and the people knew it. Let his detractors cry out against and cower before his infernal blood, but now they could placate themselves with her presence.

Eventually, they pass through the castle’s massive gates, and Rolan slowly releases the hold of his spell, allowing the display to fade away as he returns to his seat. His new Queen seems to follow his lead, rubbing her hands as if the dainty things had been strained from casting her little cantrips. This time, he is more mindful of his tail, making sure the appendage stays away from her as the tip of it sweeps against the floor in silent anticipation for this ride to be over.

Meanwhile, Tav takes in the large palace of towering cobblestone where she will be conducting her queenly business. It seems as if light is spilling from every window, like every candle within had been lit in preparation for their arrival. Idly, she wonders how the castle compares to the one in Sivailon. Both kingdoms were old, though neither was meaningfully more ancient than the other. Hopefully, Waldemar’s palace would not be dissimilar from her Sivailon home.

General Zevlor eased the carriage to a stop right at the front steps of the castle, where two rows of well-armored soldiers, many of whom seemed to have horns or wore helms styled to look as such, stood on either side of the path leading to the threshold. Three teiflings seemed to be waiting by the entrance; one was a tall, muscular woman with a broken horn and ruby red skin, the next was a shorter woman with periwinkle skin and was dressed in a colorful ensemble, and last was a young man wearing a wide smile while his tail swayed back-and-forth as he watched the carriage with clear giddy anticipation.

The Dark King was the first to step down from the carriage, and it seemed his boot had hardly touched the ground before the three tieflings came forward.

“Rolan!” The young man of the group rushed forward with his arms out.

Tav was practically in shock as her husband rolled his eyes but didn’t hesitate to meet the young man’s embrace with one of his own. This was the friendliest he’d been all evening, and if the new Queen hadn’t frozen mid-exit, she is certain she would have slipped out of the carriage from sheer surprise.

“Welcome to Waldemar, Queenie!” a sudden boisterous voice called out, making Tav jump as she looked to see the woman with the broken horn swiftly approaching. “Here, let me help you down.”

Where Zevlor had cautiously offered his hand to help, this woman firmly scooped Tav up with both arms before setting her back down with ease. Tav had to admit being hoisted and carried, even if only for a moment, had her cheeks warming—though a distant part of her mind recalled how the stories typically had one of the newlyweds carrying the other rather than it being done by a beautiful stranger with a smile that seemed bright enough to be its own source of illumination.

“Karlach, weren’t you advised not to help people down like that anymore?” The other tiefling woman—who on closer inspection seemed to be dressed in a set of performance attire that complimented her physique beautifully—said while approaching with a polite smile of her own that didn’t hide the concern in her eyes, “Besides, that’s not how we should approach… nobility…”

Beyond those words, an otherwise unspoken exchange seems to pass between the two tiefling women, though it is over so fast that the true contents are known only to them.

“Right.” The bright smile on the muscular tiefling—Karlach—dims a bit, becoming slightly embarrassed as she stepped back from the Queen, “Sorry, didn’t mean to… scare you...”

“Oh!” Tav quickly scrambled to find her voice again, “No! You were fine! I wasn’t frightened! I found your warm welcome was quiet- Well- Welcoming.”

Karlach beamed in response before happily turning to the other tiefling woman, “You see, Alfira! No feathers ruffled. Plus, I think Rolan didn’t want me to ‘surprise lift’ him again.”

Tav pressed her lips together, attempting to hide her amusement as she pictured the dreaded Dark Prince being unexpectedly hoisted into the air so casually. She’s almost tempted to ask for a demonstration.

“Please forgive our Royal Enforcer.” Alfira said, her smile slightly more relaxed, “Karlach tends to be quite casual—even with royalty.”

Karlach shrugged, “I’ve known Rolan since before people began calling him ‘Prince,’ and we’ve gotten this far. Don’t really see the point in changing it up just because folks are calling him ‘King’ now.”

“I can hardly see any issues with that.” the new Queen agreed, “One should be able to trust their friends and their court; it’s only natural the two would overlap at times.”

The expression on Karlach’s face somehow brightened even further, and a soft chuckle escaped Alfira before she cleared her throat and attempted to resume propriety.

Tav turned back towards the carriages, intending to locate her own small court of friends and wave them over so they could be introduced. She then froze as she spotted the vampiric elven man glaring at her. His mouth twisted further into an unapologetic sneer as their eyes met.

The sounds of bickering help Tav tear her gaze away to land on her friends. Wyll had paused from regularly chiding the others to behave themselves while he was handing off his reins to a handful of tieflings who had since emerged to take care of the horses and the two carriages. It appeared he was taking the opportunity to introduce himself to the servants as he helped them unload what belongings her court had been able to pack, though they seemed surprised he was even talking to them. Lae’zel is already sizing up the new environment, scrutinizing everything and everyone in sight as she has all evening. Tav knew that her knight would make it her duty to personally map out the palace within the week and that her friend was waiting to assess if her presence wasn’t otherwise needed before doing so. Lastly, Tav’s gaze falls to Shadowheart, who was showing remarkable restraint considering the vampiric elven woman who was currently trying to drape herself against the Queen’s lady-in-waiting—much to the tiefling vampire’s apparent dismay. The half-elf’s expression was stoic, even as she traded verbal jabs with the other woman, but Tav could see how her friend was internally debating whether or not to borrow Lae’zel’s mace and remind the undead that she was also an active cleric of Selûne.

“Come now, just a bit more of your time.” the elven woman cooed with a mocking smirk, “Our conversation was so enchanting. Why let it end now? Perhaps we could all share a meal…”

“I would tell you to drop dead, but I suppose that still wouldn’t spare me from your chatter,” Shadowheart responded coldly, physically brushing the elven woman off her shoulder before striding away from the three spawns.

“Let our new friend go to her mistress, Violet.” the pale elven man suggested, his tone flippant as he watched the selûnite make her way toward the Queen with a mean-spirited smirk of his own, “I’m sure there will be plenty of chances to grab a bite with them soon enough.”

Cal and Rolan had since released each other, and the newly made King noticed that Aurelia had nervously been glancing between her fellow tieflings and her fellow vampire spawn. Rolan gave a slight nod, and Aurelia sagged slightly in relief before ushering Astarion and Violet away. Both were clearly less eager to remove themselves from the situation than their sister, but they still ultimately complied with only a minimal amount of complaining.

Cal placed a hand on Rolan’s shoulder to regain the his attention, “So are you going to introduce me to your wife or... ?”

Rolan rolled his eyes, “Don’t start...”

“Can I at least know if I should call her Queen or Sis?”

“You’re not funny, Cal.”

“Come on, Rolan. I’m trying to be happy for you.”

“This is serious business.” Rolan sighed, “Please, just keep the quips to yourself.”

Now it was Cal’s turn to roll his eyes, “Gods forbid we try to be friendly with your new wife.”

Of course, Cal was still concerned about being friendly. Rolan fondly realized he’d be a fool to have expected otherwise, but he brushed the thought aside.

“Where is Gale?” Rolan asked, “Has he gotten confirmation that Waldemar’s settlements received word of their new Queen?”

Cal didn’t respond—instead, he stared past his brother in blatant surprise. Perplexed, Rolan followed his gaze to the Queen’s gith. Rolan gave his brother an unamused look.

“I believe the gith is one of her knights.” Rolan clarified dryly, causing Cal to jump as if he’d forgotten his brother was right there.

“Sorry, I was just...” Cal glanced at Rolan before once again staring at the gith in wonder, “I knew the rumors, but I wasn’t expecting her to look so... I mean, look at those ears; they look like ours but more... elaborate, I guess? Elegant? She kind of looks like an elf but... not an elf...”

“Yes... Very fascinating.” Rolan drawled, pinning his brother with a pointed but quizzical look, “Though I recommend we leave, or you make your staring more discreet before she notices; I have yet to see her without a hand on her sword.”

Cal opened his mouth to protest but paused before sighing as he and his brother moved to enter their palace. Their retreating figures were noticed by the new Queen, who had been introducing Karlach and Alfira to her own court.

Tav hastily excused herself as she went to catch up with her husband. Lae’zel, Wyll, and Shadowheart quickly did the same, and Alfira shared a knowing glance with Karlach and Zevlor before she followed suit.

As the Dark King and the other young man made their way inside, Tav managed to catch up—in heels, no less—and overheard the two already discussing several of Waldemar’s other towns and cities. They evidently heard her approaching as the pair stopped to look back at her, their conversation trailing off.

“Oh, please, do not stop on my account.” Tav requested, hoping she didn’t sound too breathless, “Though perhaps I could be informed of any important situations as we make our way...”

Her husband’s tail flicks as he regards her silently and unreadably. The other tiefling, who greeted him with an embrace, just glances between the two newlyweds.

Tav hears the footsteps of her court, so she isn’t surprised when they join her, though she hadn’t expected Alfira to be with them.

“My apologies, your Majesties!” Alfira chimed in before addressing Tav directly with a short bow, “The King has assigned me to attend to you, and, as such, my first order of business is to give you a tour of the palace. He has also prepared a surprise for you that should be ready once the tour is complete.”

At that, Tav’s eyes widened, and she again felt her cheeks starting to flush.

A surprise from her husband on their wedding night... She suddenly felt breathless for a very different reason.

“That sounds lovely...” Tav heard herself answer before she and her friends began following the blue tiefling through the castle. Tav turns to see her husband's back walking in the opposite direction without a second glance.

It doesn’t take long before Tav notices Lae’zel beginning to grow restless and impatient, the knight letting out a ‘Chk’ every time Alfira’s guidance repeatedly leads the group from one end of the palace to the other and back again.

The longer the tour dragged on, the more Tav began to share in her knight’s frustration. The Dark King had been distant from her all evening, but she could swallow her own disappointment and accept it. They were practically strangers, and she could understand why someone in that position might be so reserved towards her on a personal level. However, they would inevitably have to face each other if she was to be able to perform her duties as his co-ruler, and yet...

Tav tried to calm herself and remain attentive to Alfira’s words, trying to at least use the time to learn about the palace and its other inhabitants—starting with Alfira herself. Apparently, the tiefling is a bard who specializes in lore, which not only helped explain the woman’s attire but also how she knew so much about the various pieces decorating the castle—although Tav was fairly certain that much of the artwork decorating the place had not been put there by the... previous rulers...

By the time they crossed paths with Karlach again, Tav could tell the meandering tour was wearing on them all. Shadowheart had been following closely at Tav’s side ever since Alfira had led them away from the Dark King to take them on this tour, but now her fellow selûnite was not even bothering to hide how she looked upon the bard with suspicion—although Karlach opting to tag along seemed to help alleviate the cleric’s agitation a little bit. Lae’zel looked down every hall they passed, causing the few servants milling about to scramble away or quickly avert their eyes from the group. Even Wyll seemed to be struggling to maintain his naturally open and friendly demeanor as the group continued to pass by still lifes of grim items arranged in a similarly grim manner, pieces depicting fiery or desolate rocky landscapes, and renditions of frightening creatures ranging from mundane beasts to fiendish beings.

The addition of Karlach’s friendly company could only do so much to soothe the growing awkwardness, especially after Tav had asked about her husband and the Royal Enforcer apologetically relayed that the Dark King was still busy. Tav didn’t even bother trying to ask with what. As frustration and nerves tangled in her mind, Tav found her hand drifting up to fidget with the string of oak leaves around her neck. It was almost a relief when Lae’zel eventually decided to speak up.

“Enough of this farce! Either our guides are unfamiliar with their own domain, or they have been intentionally dragging out this exercise in pointless tedium!” the githyanki snapped before addressing Tav, “My Lady, I take my leave of you for now. I intend to properly learn the layout of this place.”

Karlach visibly tensed, and Alfira appeared to almost protest.

“Very well, I see no problem with you accumulating yourself in whatever ways you require.” Tav replied, her tone calm but leaving little room for argument, “Please, try to be gentle, in both word and deed, as you do.”

“As you wish.” Lae’zal nodded, before making her way down one of the halls and disappearing around the corner.

When Tav returned her focus to the pair of tieflings that had been guiding them, she noticed that the Royal Enforcer seemed to be letting out a breath and had relaxed her posture again while Alfira continued to stare down the hallway after Lae’zel, the bard apparently lost in thought for a moment.

“So, Queenie,” Karlach piped up, a grin already brightening her face again, “Think your knight would be up to doin’ the occasional spar? I bet she is tough as infernal iron.”

Tav was about to respond when Alfira suddenly clasped her hands together in a friendly gesture, the sound of which managed to get the group’s collective attention.

“Karlach, I thought of something fantastic!” the bard exclaimed, “After she sees the ballroom and gardens, I think the Queen would love to see the palace forge as one of the last stops. You and Dammon could even show her around!”

Wyll lit up at the mention of a ballroom and was clearly trying politely to hide his suddenly renewed enthusiasm, but Shadowheart looked at the two tieflings with confusion.

“You... have a forge?” she asked, “Here on the palace grounds?”

“It was Rolan’s idea to get one added. More convenient to get important repairs done that way.” Karlach happily explained, “And Dammon doesn’t have to deal with bastards going out of their way to cause trouble for him anymore since he started living here, too.”

“And who’s Dammon?” Wyll asked, prompting the Royal Enforcer to get a giddy expression as her tail swayed.

“Only the best damn blacksmith in Waldemar!” Karlach declared proudly, “And my wonderful boyfriend!”

Between Wyll’s barely hidden excitement at the mention of a ballroom and Karlach’s unrestrained joy, Tav couldn’t help but smile. A glance revealed that even Shadowheart’s cool expression had softened slightly.

“I would be delighted to meet him.” Tav said, lowering her hand from the sacred oak leaves on her neck when an idea struck her, “In fact, I would like to ask him about a possible commission for myself. If you don’t think he would mind...”

Karlach’s smile grew impossibly bigger, “Queenie, Dammon will be thrilled!”

“Perfect!” Alfira interjected, “Karlach, you finish showing the Queen around, and I’ll tell Dammon to meet you at the forge.”

The bard didn’t wait for an answer before taking off, leaving Karlach to gleefully usher the new Queen and her court through the palace, the remaining knight inquiring about the ballroom. Alfira rushed through the castle, the decorative bells of her attire jingled as she sped up, running by familiar faces still busy at work in the castle even on this late night. Finally, after racing almost halfway across the castle and scaling a massive flight of stairs, she made it to Rolan’s office. She didn’t even bother announcing her presence before she slipped in and shut the door behind her, causing whatever discussion Cal and Rolan were having to halt at her arrival.

“Alfira?” Cal asked, his confusion quickly turned to mild concern as the woman made sure to lock the door before facing them. “Alfira, what’s wrong?”

“The gith- The githyanki knight-” Alfira forced herself to speak, even as her lungs still burned for air, “She is wandering the castle unsupervised.”

The bard leaned her back against the solid, intricately carved wood of the door as she caught her breath. Cal straightened up from where he’d been leaning over his brother’s shoulder while Rolan set aside the notes the pair had been looking over before he could risk crumpling the pages in his irritated grasp. The two waiting silently for Alfira to continue.

“I kept the tour going as long as I could, but Lae’zel—the githyanki—grew impatient and is now exploring the palace herself.” She continued after a moment, “I left the rest with Karlach and came directly here.”

“Gods damn it…” Rolan hissed, pushing himself back from his desk.

He hadn’t expected Alfira would need to report to him already. Perhaps he should have anticipated that a princess so used to getting her way would  be the type to so brazenly have her people begin snooping before the first night was out. At least he’d had the foresight to assign Alfira to her in the first place; now they just need to figure out what to do about the wayward gith.

“Should we get one of the spawns involved?” Cal piped up.

“Not practical.” Rolan dismissed, beginning to count the spawn off on his fingers when Cal looked at him with disbelief, “Aurelia, Astarion, and Violet are already faces she knows from this evening. Dalyria is preoccupied with the apothecary, and Leon’s eyes make him too recognizable.”

“Wait, what about Petras?” Cal asked.

Rolan looked at his brother as if the answer should have been obvious, “He’s… Petras.”

“Right...”

“None of them would be able to follow her outside during daylight either.” Alfira added, “Not without the constant risk of bursting into flames anyway...”

“I could alert Minthara.” Cal offered.

Rolan considered it for a moment but then shook his head, “Her time and resources are better spent keeping an eye on Waldemar’s other settlements.”

“Though she should still be informed about this, right?” his brother insisted, “Even if just to make her aware of it.”

At that Rolan nods, “Alfira, you will bring word of this to Minthara as you did me.”

“Understood.” the bard agreed, unlocking the door to leave before pausing, “I’ll need to take a detour first... and grab a bottle of wine.”

“What?”

“I’m supposed to be telling Dammon to meet the Queen and her court at the forge so he and Karlach can show it to her.” Alfira explained, “I’ll need another excuse for being late to rejoin them.”

Then, she was out the door without waiting for either of them to respond. Rolan leaned back in his chair, running his hand down his face as he let out a heavy sigh. He just wanted to be done with tonight.

“I’ll do it.”

Rolan jerked his head towards Cal, “You’ll what?”

“I can keep an eye on the githyanki.” Cal repeated, “Make sure she doesn’t spy too much.”

Rolan could only stare at his sibling in silence for a moment, “You are aware she could very well be extremely dangerous, correct?”

Cal crossed his arms and looked at Rolan the way he always did when trying to imitate Lia’s and their mother’s stubbornness, “I’ll just have to make sure my staring is more discreet then.”

“Zurgan. Fine!” Rolan bit out, taking off his jacket to remove the harness for the hidden dagger he wore in its specially made sheath, “At least keep this on you and never turn your back on her.”

Rolan practically shoves it all into his brother’s hands, and he can tell Cal nearly rolls his eyes as he accepts it. They lapsed into silence as Cal donned the harness under his own jacket. Rolan forced himself to look down at the pages he’d set aside on his desk as he heard his brother walk towards the door. He forced himself to try to read the words as he heard the door open.

“I’ll be careful, Rolan.” Cal murmured, “I promise.”

Rolan didn’t let himself look up from the page until he heard the door close.

By the time Alfira finally rejoined Tav and the others, they had already met Dammon at his forge, which he and Karlach had shown off proudly. As the blacksmith had explained when asked about Alfira’s whereabouts, the bard had arrived later with wine and vessels from which to drink it. It was Shadowheart who noticed Alfira’s return as Dammon and the others were focused on the sacred oak leaves Archdruid Halsin had gifted Waldemar’s new Queen.

As Wyll helped the two ladies-in-waiting set up an area for the group to sit, Dammon finished his assessment with a nod, “It will take some time but I can do it. I will need to ask Gale about creating a controlled enough charge of lightning to have the silver to ahear to the organic matter of the leaves... Then I will, of course, have to make sure it comes out flawless and that the silver used is pure with no discrepancies… Oh! Then there’s-”

Karlach draped her weight against Dammon, causing him to stumble slightly and break off from his rambling. She followed up with a kiss to his cheek that had him grinning even as he instantly flushed a deeper shade of red.

“In Common, love.” She chuckled with affection as she guided him to sit down with the others. “I think you lost poor Queenie over here.”

Dammon then turned back to Tav, who could only stare wide-eyed as she tried to follow any of what the blacksmith had just explained. A quick glance at the others showed that they were similarly lost.

“Right, right...” Dammon chuckled. “Yes, I can preserve the leaves in silver. It should take about… four days to do it, give or take.”

“That’s wonderful! Thank you!” Tav beamed at the young couple before excitedly brushing her hair aside so Shadowheart could help remove the necklace and hand it off to Dammon.

Alfira began to pour them each a serving of wine as Karlach smirked, “See? What do I say? Best damn blacksmith in Waldemar.”

Dammon bashfully rubbed the back of his neck at that as Tav smiled at them before softly clearing her throat, “Now, regarding payment... Would you rather I pay you in advance?”

The blacksmith shook his head, “You can pay me once the commission is finished, your Majesty. I know you’re good for the coin.”

“Besides, we’ll know where to find you.” Karlach teased with a friendly wink.

“Yes, I suppose you do.” Tav chuckled, “So, will 7,500 gold be enough?

There is a sudden silence as Karlach and Dammon stare at Tav with wide eyes.

Shit! Was that too low? Are they offended?!

Tav nervously fidgeted with the material of her gown beneath the table, “Or would 10,000 gold suffice?”

Dammon makes a strangled noise that has Tav fearing for a moment that he’d inhaled his wine as Karlach pulled the blacksmith to lean against her and patted his back, “Slow down there, Queenie. You’ll give Dammon a heart attack if you go any higher.”

Dammon blindly fumbles for his girlfriend’s hand as he stares off into the distance, “It’s- It’s only a 100 gold job... Any higher, and I might as well be robbing you.”

“Well, I’m glad you told us then. I certainly wouldn’t have known any better.” Wyll laughed, giving the blacksmith a friendly and approving smile, “Seems the Royal Enforcer has chosen a man as honest as he is talented.”

Karlach smirked, “Damn right I did.”

“Then... How about this,” Tav spoke, now more sure of herself, “100 gold for the commission and 100 gold for you delivering it personally.”

Karlach and Dammon share a smile before the blacksmith holds out his hand, “You have a deal, your Majesty.”

With a handshake and an agreement made, Shadowheart points out the late hour, and Alfira agrees that it would be best for the new Queen and her court to turn in for the night.

Though not before Rolan’s gift.

They part ways from Karlach and Dammon, bidding the pair a good evening before the group once again follows Alfira through the hallways. In seemingly no time at all, Alfira stopped at an ornately decorated door, which she opened with a flourish before turning to hand Tav a gilded key and gesturing for the Queen to enter.

It’s a beautifully decorated room, with an ornate desk and chair placed in front of a large window, fresh-cut flowers arranged in a variety of gorgeous vases, plush couches, and a grand, luxurious bed. Tav walks around the room, trying to take in everything from the elegant furniture to the tea set with silver detailing.

“These are your quarters for you to do with as you please.” Alfira explained, “King Rolan felt you would enjoy your own space.”

That or he would enjoy keeping his own space… Tav thought before she could stop herself, though she brushed it aside and offered a sincere thanks to be delivered to her husband for the lovely gift.

Alfira bows and then looks towards the others. “Now, I’ll see you both to your rooms. I’m sure the Queen is ready for bed.”

Butterflies erupted in Tav’s stomach as she bid her friends and her new lady-in-waiting goodnight, leaving her alone with her thoughts as the group departed.

Soon, she was pacing around the room. It’s the first time she has been alone this evening, and she suddenly isn’t sure what to do with herself. She tries relaxing, idly casting a few cantrips, and even tries to focus on praying to Selûne… but her restless mind keeps returning to the same thought…

When will her husband join her, and what will they do when he does?

Well… she had a semblance of an idea regarding the latter... Tav stripped out of her wedding gown and removed her jewelry, leaving her to continue pacing around the candle lit room in only the pale blue slip the head selûnite cleric back home had insisted on for the occasion. However, as Tav looks at the soft color and the delicate embroidery, she is unsure if this is something that the Dark King would even like. Maybe he’d prefer something else? Perhaps red, low cut, and sheer…

If he were to run those claws over such material, then he could so easily tear it away. Then again, he could probably tear any material off her if he so pleased

Her cheeks burn at the thought. She moves across the room quickly to throw open the window, hoping the cool evening breeze will ease her flushing skin and help quell her racing mind.

Leaning out the window, Tav lets the night’s chill wash over her. She tells herself that she shouldn’t be so nervous... Married couples do this all the time after their weddings. Besides, King Rolan is  handsome. Though most couples have had more of a relationship, more conversations before their first night together… She had  hoped they would have had a chance for that after the ceremony. This all would likely be less nerve-wracking then.

Though... Perhaps this is what he likes... Hearts racing, body shaking with uncertain anticipation, getting to know each other’s bodies first when everything is still so painstakingly new...

Tav shakes her head, hardly feeling the night’s chill as her face heats instantly again. Closing the window with a sigh, Tav continued trying to wrangle her thoughts and finish getting ready.

She toyed with the idea of doing something with her hair before ultimately deciding to just leave it down. Then, after finding a few bottles of fragrant oils arranged on a vanity, Tav sat on the canopy bed, slowly massaging them into her skin. She made her body relax, relishing in the soothing motions, how it made her skin feel soft, and how nice it smelled. Hopefully, this would impress him. Tav suddenly pauses from rubbing the oil into the skin of her legs and groans in frustration.

Since when has she ever been so worried about such a thing? Why now?

Again, Tav shook her head. She knew why—of course, she knew. She wanted this to work. Sivailon needed this to work.

Tav sighed heavily, allowing herself to slump back into her pillows. She spares a look towards the flickering flame at her bedside. Maybe she should snuff the flame out... or that was for him to do when he arrived?

He could probably pinch it out with his fingers... The heat barely had an effect on his warm skin.

She groaned as her thoughts wandered once again, though she didn’t bother trying to stop them this time and merely let her eyes fall closed.

A stirring wakes her, prompting Tav to sit up, her head groggy as she looks out into the darkened room. Someone had extinguished the candle at her bedside, and now the only illumination left is a soft beam of silver moonlight spilling in from the window. Tav’s gaze follows it until she spots movement in the shadows, and then two eyes, like twin eclipses of fiery gold, stare back at her from the darkness.

Tav felt the blood rush to her face as she watched, straining her eyes as she tried to see him better through the dark. With how he moves, she realizes he is taking off his clothes. As if aware of her curious gaze, he crosses through the stream of moonlight, allowing her a fleeting glimpse of his body, revealing he’d already shed his top and his jewelry. As he draws closer, she can just make out his hands, unfastening his belt.

She tries to say something—anything—but breaks off with a gasp at the feeling of his hands softly caressing her shoulders while his glowing eyes roam her face. The Dark King’s body is so close, she wonders if the heat she feels is from him or the anticipation simmering just beneath her skin.

The Dark King guides her to lean back as he joins her on the bed, his eyes burning a path down the silk slip to where he now sits between her legs. He looks back up, his gaze holding a silent question she eagerly answers. She gently nudges one of his hands lower and nods as he drags his dexterous fingers past the sides of her breast to the curve of her waist. His claws lightly trace over the silk, slowly causing her body to arch up into his touch. When he reached where the cloth was now riding up her hip, his hands stilled as he glanced back at her expression again before resuming.

She shudders as he leans in closer, his breath fanning across her ear as his hand dips beneath the hem of the slip and it feels like a tingling fire is left in its wake. Tav watches as the Dark King slowly ghosts his sharp claws up the soft skin of her thighs, the muscles tightening in response to his touch. Her heart pounds within her chest, as his finger wonders then he stops as his finger brushes against the wet spot of her underwear making her gasp. He does it again, more purposefully this time, as he makes a low hum of approval.

The Dark King shifts his position, allowing him to lower his head to the crook of her neck so that he could feel more of her. He smirks as he presses his lips to her skin before teasing her with his sharp teeth before drawing away.

Tav released a shuddered huff, though she could hardly tell if it was from relief or disappointment.

“Don’t worry,” the Dark King whispered into her ear, “I promise to be gentle.” 

Tav reaches up to do her own exploring, blindly feeling along the length of his horns, trying in vain to map them out in her mind. She feels his breathing become more shallow when she runs a hand through his hair, slowly combing her fingers down through it as she carefully tugs him closer, her fingers carefully caressing his chest.

Was that just her heart racing, or was his hammering away too? He pulls back before she can figure it out. The Dark King finally shoves her silk slip further up her body with one hand as his fingers finally push aside her underwear, granting a clawed digit access to trace her wet slit. Slowly he moves up to her clit, so swollen and sensitive to every little touch. Tav’s back arches as he circles the bud. His tail coils around her leg, and he slides an arm under her back. He lowers himself slowly until his weight begins to press down on her. She is torn between wanting to pull him closer and wanting to better explore his body when he returns his head to the nape of her neck, first breathing in her scent before his warm lips start to kiss along her already feverish skin.

They still haven’t really said anything to each other, but maybe they don’t need to. Tav takes a sharp inhale as she felt his tongue against her skin, her husband clearly more focused on using his tongue for something other than words.

Fuck it.

She starts to move her hips softly against his hand, and that is all the hint he needs. The Dark King hooked a claw under her panties, effortlessly tearing the material before discarding it. His hand soon returned to feeling how she was dripping for him. 

Tav lets out a pleading whine and once again feels him smile against her throat. Then he moves forward, his hips nudging her legs further apart and leaving her cunt exposed to him. His eyes watches her quiver as he drags his length against Tav’s wetness, coating himself in it. The heat of him made her shiver as she fought the urge to grab him by the shoulders and grind her hips on him to reach her pleasure. He pauses, pushing himself up to look into her eyes. His own were now completely dilated as he brought their faces closer. Then he pushes the tip inside her slowly watching her face contort. She moans at the stretch, a sound the Dark King swallows as he leans in and finally gives his bride a kiss…

Tav wakes with a gasp, only to immediately squint her bleary eyes against the light of early morning. She slowly turns her head to the side of the bed before sitting up to look about the room, only to find herself alone. Her gaze catches on the candle at her bedside, completely burned down to the wick with the last few wisps of smoke signaling how the flame had just recently sputtered out. Tav moves to more firmly prop herself up as she uncomfortably shifts in her ruined panties—ruined but still on her and in one piece.

He never came…

[redlittlefoxari]

To The Ends Of Faêrun: Chapter Nineteen: Distracted

This series is book two of a fanfic I have already written called Astarion Epilogue: An Adventure in Making Life

Master List Here for Books One, and Two

*List includes a prequel that is essentially one-shots of their adventures over the fifty years after the battle at the end of the game*

Warnings for this series: Blood, Sex, Violence, NSFW 18+, Smut

Summary: The Gang sets off to Evereska in search of Mielikki. Everything is going well until a fallen tree is in the road, and the nearest tree is far from being able to do so.

Author's note: Comments are always welcomed! I love hearing your feedback!

Tav spent a fair part of her morning trying to figure out what they would do about the two that were hungover, plus Apple. By the time the others had came to the stables, it was nearly eight in the morning. Astarion had ended up dragging Shadowheart and Gale out of the inn, the former putting up more of a fight than the latter. However, she quickly changed her tune once Shadowheart saw the new plan Tav had put into place. 

The cart had been switched out for a wagon, allowing two horses to be fitted with harnesses that connected them together so that they could pull the new weight required of them. The wagon much bigger than the cart, sitting at around seven by five feet, but there would be plenty of room for Gale, Shadowheart, Apple, and their food. Hells, even Halsin would be able to fit, and they wouldn’t need to worry about his added weight slowing down the horses. 

Tav was only concerned that it would make them more of a target to others on the road. The added roof, along with the size, made them look like they were transporting goods. She recalled the times she and her father would hide when bandits attacked them while they were making their way home. They abandoned their wares until the bandits found what they were looking for or just left when they realized there was no gold. They often had to abandon the wagon as her father often cut the ox free so that the bandits wouldn’t make off with all their wares. She shook the thought from her mind, not wanting to remember him at a time like this, or ever, really.

“Alright, get in the back!” Tav pointed to Gale and Shadowheart. “Apple, you too.” 

Apple gladly climbed into the back of the wagon. 

“Umm, who is going to be driving this thing?” Shadowheart knocked on the wood. 

“I am.” Tav crossed her arms. “I believe I am the only one who has driven one of these before, so I’ll be driving, and Astarion will be riding the third horse.” 

“I would much rather ride in the back with everyone else, darling.” Astarion grimaced at the horse that was saddled and bridled. 

“I know, but I need you to ride today, and when one of those two sobers up…” Tav pointed at Gale and Shadowheart, who were climbing in the back of the covered wagon. “Then you can ride in the back with Apple.” 

Astarion moaned in dissatisfaction. “Fine, but you owe me.” He smiled and kissed Tav lightly on the lips before moving to get on the horse.

“Halsin, you can get in the back or go in bear form. Up to you.” Tav moved her attention toward the druid. 

“I think I’ll start in bear form and see how I feel in a few hours.” Halsin’s body glowed as he got on all fours, his body starting to transform into a bear before their very eyes. 

“Sounds good to me.” Tav shrugged and took her seat in the driver's box. As she took the reins in her hands, anxiety filled her. It had been far too long since she had driven a wagon, and it filled her with memories of her father. Her hands started to shake as she closed her eyes to try and calm her nerves. 

“Are you alright, Mommy?” 

Apple appeared next to her, causing Tav to jump. “I’m fine, honey. I'm just trying to wake up.”

“Oh, okay!” Apple looked at the seat next to Tav. “Can I sit with you? Uncle Gale and Auntie Shadowheart smell weird.” 

Tav laughed. “Of course.” She patted the seat next to her. “They do smell rather bad, don’t they?” 

“We can hear you!” Gale shouted from his seat. 

“I know!” Tav shouted back. “Ready?” 

Apple gave her a nod, and with that confirmation, Tav lifted the reins and brought them down against her lap. The wagon jostled forward for a second before righting itself. Astarion and Halsin followed after the wagon as they made their way out of the Last Light settlement. They headed northeast towards Evereska, and hopefully towards some answers to where Mielikki was to get Apple out of the deal with Angharradh and back home safe. 

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

Several hours had passed since they had left the settlement. Gale and Shadowheart were sleeping in the back of the wagon, while Apple and Tav sat in the driver's seat playing “I Spy.” Astarion followed behind the wagon, while Halsin trotted along the side, still in his bear form. Everything was going smoothly, and Tav was pleased with how everything was working out. The road they had taken went along a river to the right, and to the left was a large expanse of grass that led into a forest. Perfect for when they stopped, as water and wood would be available. 

“Mommy?” Apple looked up at Tav. 

“Yes, honey?” Tav took her eyes off the road to look down at Apple. “What is it?”

“When did you learn how to drive a wagon?” Apple tilted her head. 

Tav felt her heart skip a beat. “Umm, I guess when I was about your age.” She turned her attention back to what was ahead of her. 

“Who taught you?” 

It felt like her heart was going to explode. “My father.” 

“Why have I never met him before?” Apple asked as she fell into one of her questioning marathons. 

“He’s dead, and that’s all you need to know about him.” Tav felt a headache starting to form behind her eyes. 

“Was he a bad man?” Apple’s voice got softer as she asked. 

Tav exhaled slowly. “Yes.” She turned towards Apple. “He hurt Mommy a long time ago, and Mommy doesn’t like to talk about it.” 

“Oh…” Apple looked away. “Like how Daddy was hurt?” 

Apple's sudden question caused Tav to pull on the reins, stopping the cart dead in its tracks. Tav turned fully towards Apple in her seat and touched her gently. “How do you know about that?” 

The way Apple averted her eyes from Tav, she knew that Apple had seen his scars and that someone had told her where they had come from, or, at the very least, that someone bad had given them to him. 

Astarion came up beside them, the look on his face one of utter confusion. “Is there a reason why we are stopping?” 

Before Tav could answer, she turned to face him and saw movement in the tree line. “I’ll tell you when we stop next.” Tav turned back to Apple. “Get in the back now.” 

“But…” Apple looked up at Tav with tears in her eyes. “I’m sorry.” 

“You’re not in trouble.” Tav turned back to look behind her, seeing more movement. “Mommy is about to do something dangerous, and I need you to get in the wagon.” Apple did what she was told, and Tav looked at Astarion. “In the tree line, there are people. I don’t know how many, but we need to move before we find out what they want.” 

“On it.” Astarion drew his dagger in preparation. 

“Just keep going until I stop.” Tav lifted the reins and came down hard. “Yea!” 

With a lurch, the whole wagon burst forward, picking up speed as they moved along the path. Halsin and Astarion followed, falling slightly behind as the power of the two horses combined pulled the four in the wagon. The two sleeping figures of Gale and Shadowheart stirred as they woke to see what was going on, moaning as the sudden movement made them fight to keep down their breakfast. 

Before they had time to address their concerns over the speed at which they were going, they flew over a hill to find that someone had placed a large tree over the path. Tav pulled up on the reins, causing the two beasts to skid to a stop. A curse left Tav’s lips as she stood from her seat and entered the main part of the wagon, grabbing her bow and a quiver of arrows before exiting the back of the wagon. 

“What’s going on?” Gale pulled himself up from the floor. 

“Yes, please tell us why you needed to throw us to the wagon's floor.” Shadowheart glared at Tav. 

“Bandits blocked the road.” Tav looked towards the tree line. 

“How do you know?” Gale asked, a bit annoyed. 

“The closest tree is about fifty yards away.” Tav shot him a glare. “And I don’t think it just fell on the road from that distance.”

Astarion jumped down from his horse and tied it to the wagon. “Are we moving the tree or fighting?” He shot Tav a smile. 

“Fighting if we have to, but let's hope that I’m wrong.” Tav looked at Apple, who was wide-eyed, standing behind Gale and Shadowheart. “Apple, you stay down. I don’t want them seeing you.” She looked back to the tree line to find several figures emerging with weapons drawn. “Gale, I need you out here with Halsin and Astarion. I’ll watch Apple .” 

“Of course.” Gale gave her a curt nod as he left the back of the wagon to stand just before it, hands ready to cast. 

“Where do you want me?” Shadowheart moved to stand beside Tav. 

“I need you at the front, just in case they slip past.” Tav pointed, and Shadowheart moved.

Tav drew back her bowstring until it was as far as it would go. A war cry came from the trees, and twenty- five men and women charged with all manner of weapons raised. Astarion drew both his daggers, waiting for the group to get closer before he could strike. When they cleared half the distance, Tav let one of her arrows fly, signaling it was time to strike. 

Astarion ran, slicing into the barely bandits and causing a spray of blood to rain down upon him. Tav watched as he sank his teeth into the barley-breathing man and drank from him until the light left his eyes. The man dropped like a sack of potatoes the second Astarion stopped supporting him. In a matter of seconds, Astarion was moving again, meeting several more bandits as they tried and failed to hit him. 

Tav released another arrow and got ready to let another one loose when she saw that the first hit its mark. It sank into one of the bandits Astarion was fighting, giving him the opportunity to finish them off before moving to another. As Tav looked to her left, Halsin had joined the fray, attacking savagely with his claws and teeth as more came from the wood. Looking to her right, Tav saw Gale and Shadowheart casting spells, both moving inwards toward the fight to give better aid to the two that were already fighting. 

“Daddy…” 

Tav turned to see Apple staring at Astarion as he ripped through bandit after bandit using blades and fang to kill as many as he could, a wicked grin plastered on his face. The look on Apple’s face was a mix of fear and confusion. She had never seen a fight, and certainly never one in which her father was bathed in blood. Tav lowered her bow, slightly distracted by her child's emotions. 

“Apple, I told you to get down.” Tav tried to sound calm. 

“Why is Daddy killing them?” Apple continued to stare, horrified at what she was seeing.

“He’s protecting you. Now get down before a stray arrow hits you.” 

“When did he learn how to do that?” Apple grabbed her throat. “He’s killing them with his teeth…”

She looked at him like he was a monster, and Tav’s heart broke. “Yes, he is, but he’s only doing it to ensure you are safe, so please get down now!” 

Apple looked back at Tav with tears in her eyes. “I wanna go home.” 

It felt as if she was going to be sick hearing the pleading in Apple’s voice. The utter fear at seeing her father ripping people apart bathed in their blood. A vastly different person from who she had known her whole life. More than anything, Tav wished that she could give her child what she wanted. To just go home and pretend that everything had just been a nightmare. That the deal with Angharradh had been all a cruel trick that Tav’s mind had cooked up. But it wasn’t a dream, and not finishing the quest had consequences that were just too great. 

“I know, and I’m sorry, but that’s not possible.” Tav took a small step forward. “Please, just get down, and we will talk about this later.” 

Apple rubbed the tears out of her eyes before sparing one last look at Astarion. Her eyes widened as she raised her arm and pointed before screaming, “Mommy, behind you!” 

Tav dropped her bow as she pulled her dagger from her belt and turned to meet the blade of a large man who had broken through and gotten to them. He was almost the size of Halsin, a big barrel-chested man with greasy hair and a missing front tooth. The daggers didn’t make a sound as they collided. With the blade so close, Tav noticed an oily sheen and a smell of something foul on the blade, likely poison. 

“What do we have here?” His words came out hot and slimy. “A mother and her pup?” He looked between Tav and Apple. “Pretty pair. I bet the two of you would fetch a fair price at auction.” 

“How about if you even lay so much as a finger on my child, I’ll cut your balls off and use them as bait to catch our dinner tonight.” Tav hissed as she put more pressure against their blades.

“Fiesty.” He smiled. “I like it when my women fight back.” 

“Sorry, I’m spoken for,” Tav spat as she used her left hand to cast Ray of Frost. 

He screamed in pain before quickly regaining his composure and using his own fist to connect with Tav’s face. The world went black as his knuckles hit hard against her nose, and an audible crunch came from within. The dagger fell from her grasp as pain radiated through her skull. Tav had no choice but to push away from him as she left him rearing back for another blow.

“Apple, I need you to cast something!” Tav yelled, a desperate plea in her voice. 

“I can’t!” Apple was sobbing. “Mommy, he’s coming. I’m scared!” 

Tav felt the wagon's wood at her back as she backed up. “Cast a spell, Apple! I can’t see!” She could hear footsteps as he approached, a deep laugh accompanying them. 

Raising her hand, Tav cast Ray of Frost in the direction where she heard him firing randomly, hoping she would hit him by chance. Tav felt fingers grip her hair and pull back, jerking her head up toward the sun. After a few more blinks, her vision returned to find that his face was only inches from hers. This time, he wasn’t smiling as he looked at her with venom in his eyes. 

“You know, I don’t think I want someone who can freeze me to death.” 

Tav screamed, “Astar-”

Her words were cut short; she felt cold steel penetrate her body. Apple screamed as the blade sank into Tav’s body to the hilt right below the left side of the ribs. He twisted the blade in a sudden wrenching movement, and Tav felt her whole body lurch with the act. Choking sobs were coming from Apple as Tav slumped against the back of the wagon. 

The blade was buried in her guts as the large bandit stood back to admire his work. “Shouldn’t take long for you to die.” A smile touched his lips. “That oil of Taggit is some nasty stuff mixed with a little bit of drow poison. People usually can only stay awake for maybe a minute or two before it’s nighttime.” He paused. “Though you are an elf, so I’m not sure if that applies to you.” A cruel laugh came from his lips. “With that wound, however, it won’t matter one way or the other. You’ll be dead from blood loss in a couple of minutes.” 

She could feel the poison seeping into her and the blood leaking out. If he had just stuck the dagger in, Tav would have just needed to worry about the poison, but he had twisted the blade, making it so the dagger didn’t stop the blood. Tav touched where the dagger was embedded in her body and felt a wet, sticky mess on top of her leather. Her head felt light as the loss of blood was becoming significant, the blow to the head not helping matters. 

“Mommy! Wake up! “ Apple screamed as the bandit approached her. 

“We’ll sell you to a new mommy, little girl.” The wagon dipped as he stepped up to grab Apple. “This one is broken anyway.”

Tav groaned, pain rippling through her insides as she pushed herself off the back of the wagon, stumbling to stand up straight behind him. She took hold of the dagger, sticky with her blood, and pulled it free. Pain rippled through her, and she fought to keep standing. Once she knew she could keep herself upright, Tav slashed at the back of his legs as hard as she could, tearing through muscle and tendons. 

This time, he screamed as he hit the ground, blood seeping from his legs as he writhed in pain. Above him, Tav stood, blade in hand, limp at her side. She had very little strength left, and was using most of what she had left to keep herself upright. Holding out her palm, Tav cast one more Ray of Rrost, freezing him to death. 

Turning, she looked at Apple, who was crying hysterically. Tav placed her hand over the wound in her stomach and tried casting Cure Wounds, finding that she did not have the strength to close it. Looking toward where the others downed the last foe, Tav saw the bloody field and Astarion standing in the middle of it, all covered head to toe in crimson. A laugh escaped her lips as she took in the sight. He turned towards her and smiled. She returned the gesture before dropping the dagger and falling to the ground to land face-first in the dirt.

Tag list:

@ofmyth-andmagicart @lunaredgrave @littlekidsteve @omnia--mea-mecum-porto porto @ayselluna @myreadingmanga123 @kismet-of-the-divine @nicalysm @justlilpeaches21 @five-salty-bitters @lenarosic88 @caydevakarian @supervrgnsokay-blog @ravenswritingroom @kalypsoox @foxiecelery @wisteriaofthegraves

[tabitha42]

The Wizard's Apprentice - Chapter 15

Saffron is just a lowly apprentice with barely a successful firebolt to her name. So what chance does she have with the arch mage she's slowly falling in love with?

Gale x Tav, slow burn, eventual smut

Chapter 1 Previous chapter Next chapter

The walk back to the grove was long, and by the time they finally got there, everyone was exhausted. Even Saff was amazed at how much effort it took to remain upright on a horse, especially without a saddle and with an injured leg.  

The gate was lifted as they approached and Zevlor ran to meet them. 

“You’re back! How did it go??” He asked eagerly. The group looked at each other briefly, then Halsin knelt down again. Gale helped Saff down, carefully lifting her off the horse and giving her his arm to support herself once she was on the ground. Zevlor frowned for a moment, wondering why none of them would answer him, til his question was suddenly answered by what he’d thought was just a horse turning back into an elf. 

“Halsin!!” he gasped happily, a grin breaking out across his face. Around them excitement began to grow among the other tieflings that had been watching. 

“Zevlor. My apologies for disappearing and leaving you with Kagha. I have heard what she’s done - fear not, I will put an end to that right now,” he promised. 

“You do not know how happy it makes me to hear you say that,” Zevlor said, eternally grateful. “You have my thanks.”

“Make sure you extend some of that gratitude to my saviours,” Halsin said, gesturing to the others. “I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for them. And not only did they rescue me, we took down the goblin leaders together. The roads will be safe for you and your people.” 

Around them, cheers began erupting from the onlookers. To not only have Halsin back, but also to know it was finally safe to leave - it was a dream come true for them. 

Halsin smiled as he heard the cheering. He knew what these people had been through, and it bought him such joy to finally be able to help them. He turned to Saff and the others. 

“I’ll go talk to Kagha and will send Nettie up to heal the rest of your injuries,” he said, then turned and headed off into the grove. Zevlor led them further in and called for someone to bring them some food. They sat at a table and Zevlor said his thanks and promised someone would be over with food soon, before leaving them to rest.  

They looked around at the excited tieflings, spreading the good news and celebrating. 

“It’s gonna be quiet here once they’ve all left,” Wyll commented, smiling as he watched them all. 

“I think the druids will quite like that,” Gale said with a small chuckle. Druids usually liked peace and quiet, which was something he could definitely relate to. 

“Oh!!” Karlach suddenly gasped, pointing at a tiefling that just came round a corner into view. “There’s Dammon! I’m going to go talk to him about my engine!” 

“Don’t you still need infernal iron before he can help?” Saff asked, and a smile spread across Karlach’s face. 

“Magic items weren’t the only thing we found in the grove,” she said excitedly, reaching into her pack and pulling out a hunk of dark metal that seemed to glow red at the edges. Saff’s face lit up when she saw it, realising Karlach now had a very real chance of getting cured. 

Karlach jumped up and ran over to Dammon, who was very happy to see her. 

“Let’s hope that’s enough for what he needs to do,” Gale said as they watched. 

“What if it’s not? The tieflings will be leaving soon, right?” Saff asked. 

“They probably won’t leave just yet,” Wyll said, glancing round. “They have a lot to pack up, and it’s already getting late. I suspect they’ll spend tomorrow packing and preparing, then leave the next day. Gives us a bit of time to find more iron if Karlach needs it.” 

She smiled, glad they had a bit more time if it was needed. As they watched Karlach run over with Dammon to his forge, the food was brought to them - a large tray with a few bowls of soup, some bread, and a bit of fresh fruit. 

“There you go, dearies,” the old lady said as she placed the tray down on the table. “I hear you took out those goblin leaders. Very impressive! Oh, but… something’s wrong, isn’t it?” she said, looking suddenly very worried for them. 

“What do you mean?” Saff asked, a bit nervously. 

“There isn’t a bit of colour in those cheeks, and your eyes look like they don’t know the meaning of the word sleep! And this goes far deeper than just a fight against a few goblins. There’s something else, isn’t there?” she said, holding her chin as she looked at each of them, trying to figure out what it was. 

“How do you know that?” Wyll asked, leaning forward a bit on the table. 

“Oh, I can always tell, petal! I’ve been curing people of their ills since long before any of you were so much as a sparkle in your daddy’s eye! Whatever’s wrong, I can assure you, I’ve seen worse. So let Auntie Ethel know what ails you and I’ll see what I can do.” 

The three of them looked at each other, a bit hesitantly. They didn’t exactly make a habit of telling everyone of their condition, especially given Nettie’s reaction.

“If you’d rather have a bit of privacy I understand,” she said, noticing their hesitation. “Pop over to my house any time, it’s on the edge of the forest, south of the village. I’m sure I can whip up something to help you. And after you’ve done so much to help all the darlings here, I think you deserve someone helping you out.” 

She gave them a smile and headed off.

“Interesting,” Wyll commented as they reached for the food. 

“Very interesting,” Gale agreed. “Do you think it’s worth pursuing?” 

“Isn’t any potential cure worth pursuing?” Saff asked, finding the old lady quite trustworthy. 

“An Illithid tadpole is no common ailment. If the druids here with all their knowledge can’t cure it, I’m not sure I’d expect her to be able to,” Gale said sceptically. 

“Then again, what have we got to lose?” Wyll countered. “If she can’t help we’re no worse off than we are now.” 

Gale had to agree with that logic, but they were interrupted by a very excited Karlach before he could voice it. 

“It worked!” she declared happily, banging her fist on her chest. “Well, I mean, it helped. I still probably shouldn’t touch anyone, but it’s a lot more stable! Dammon said he’d keep thinking about it and to come find him in Baldur’s Gate when we get there, he was sure he’d be able to come up with some way of fixing it for good.” 

“That’s brilliant Karlach!” Wyll said happily. She grinned widely, then quickly turned her attention to the food. 

“We had another development while you were gone,” Gale said, getting Karlach’s attention. “The old lady over there, she claims to be able to heal anything.” 

“We didn’t tell her about the tadpoles, but she could tell something was off about us,” Wyll added. 

“You think she could cure them, then?” Karlach asked, mouth half-full of bread. 

“We don’t know. We were just debating it,” Gale explained. Karlach shrugged. 

“Well why not try?” she said, her mouth now somehow even more full than it had been before. 

“We could see what Nettie thinks,” Saff suggested, looking over through the grove as Nettie walked towards them. 

She arrived and healed them up, which Saff was particularly grateful for now that she could walk again. Once she was done they asked her opinion. She told them she didn't think Ethel would be able to help if Halsin couldn't, but it was worth a try. 

In the end, that was the decision they made. They finished up their food and headed over to find her. 

“Ah, you’re back!” she greeted them as they came over to her little spot in the grove. She stirred a huge cooking pot of soup and was surrounded by various potions and alchemical ingredients. “Decided to see if I can help with your little problem?” 

“Yes, we have,” Wyll said, taking the lead as he usually did in conversations. “You see, the problem we have is… mind flayer tadpoles.” 

Her eyes widened in surprise. 

“My, now that is a tricky one, isn’t it? You poor pet, my heart goes out to you, truly. I see no sign of a tentacle yet, but that could change in an instant! You need help, serious help. I’ve ne’er a potion or lotion that’ll help here, but… yes, I may have something at home!” 

The group was rather surprised to hear that, given how difficult these things had been to get rid of so far. 

“Such as?” Wyll asked, curious what she proposed could help them. 

“I’ve collected some… interesting bits ‘n bobs over the years. Stop by my house and you can see. You remember where it is, yes?” 

“South of the village, edge of the forest,” Wyll confirmed. 

“Well that’s decided then! Pop over tomorrow, I’ll make sure everything’s ready. We’ll have you all good as new in no time!” 

The group were sceptical as they walked away, but glad that they had another possible lead, at least. 

“Shall we see how Halsin is getting on with Kagha?” Wyll suggested, glancing towards the steps that lead down towards the heart of the grove. 

“I bet that was a fun reunion,” Gale commented with a small chuckle as they headed over. 

The reunion looked to be as fun as they’d expected. They found the two of them arguing, before Halsin finally sent her off after telling her she was demoted to an initiate. 

“Think you’ll need to keep an eye on her…” Gale said as they approached, still angry at her for threatening Arabella. 

“I’m sure I will,” Halsin agreed as he turned to them. “But time will humble her, and the grove still needs her. You will soon see why. But enough of that for now - I owe you my thanks. The grove still stands and nature prevails. Speak to Rath - he will reward you for your efforts.” 

“We didn’t do this for reward,” Wyll declared, holding up his hand to say they wouldn’t take it. 

“That’s very kind of you. Still, we’d like to thank you somehow, and you have a hard battle ahead of you. Please, see what Rath has to offer and decide then if you would like to take any of it or not.” 

Wyll hesitated, but eventually relented and the group headed inside to find Rath. They were given a rune and told to head down to the vault, where they’d be allowed to keep anything they wanted. Saff was particularly awed as the statue descended down, revealing the staircase. This was exactly the sort of thing she’d read about in druid enclaves but assumed she’d never get to see. 

Down in the vault they found a collection of weapons, armour, potions, scrolls, all sorts. Saff was loving it, looking at every item, even admiring the room itself and being excited to be in such an exclusive place. Wyll and Karlach began looking through the boxes, looking to see if there was anything that Wyll wouldn’t feel bad about taking. Though Gale noticed the slightly disapproving look on Saff’s face whenever Karlach found something she thought they should take. He walked over to her and kept his voice down a bit as he spoke. 

“You also think we shouldn’t be taking anything?” he asked her. She shifted a bit uncomfortably. 

“This is their vault. It’s important to them. Sacred, even. I know they want to thank us, but… it doesn’t feel right to take any of this…” 

“Halsin wouldn’t have offered it if he didn’t want us to make use of it. And he did say he wanted to thank us somehow. If someone had done something like that for me, I’d want to thank them in some way too, even if they said they didn’t do it for a reward.” 

She was quiet for a moment as she looked at the potions and scrolls piling up on the table that Wyll and Karlach were looking through. 

“There was something else I was considering asking of Halsin as thanks,” she said eventually, looking over at Gale. 

“What is it?” he asked curiously. 

“Well… if there’s one thing I’ve learnt from today, it’s how important healing is. Shadowheart is the only healer we have on the team, and she can’t be on the road every day. We were lucky Halsin was there today, or we’d have stood no chance. I managed to heal you yesterday, but I don’t think I could do it again. So I thought, maybe, if I had the right training, I could learn to heal properly. Be a second healer for the group.” 

“You wish to ask him for lessons?” he said, sounding a bit surprised. It was a logical thing to ask for, undeniably. More healing was always a good thing. Yet there was part of him feeling a bit… threatened, perhaps, by the idea of her getting lessons from Halsin. The lessons had been one of the things that brought them together, they’d meant a lot to him. And it was something only he’d been able to give her… what else did he have to offer? 

“Yes… do you think he’d be ok with that?” she asked, hearing the slight hesitation in his voice. 

“Oh, yes, I’m sure. In fact I imagine he’ll love to do that. And you’re right, more people able to heal is always welcome,” he said quickly, hoping his own reservations weren’t too obvious. He didn’t want to stop her, nor even put the slightest idea in her head that he was uncomfortable about it. Even aside from the practicality of it, he knew how much she wanted to learn druidic magic, and this might be one of the only opportunities she would get. He wanted her to take it. 

“Oh, brilliant! I’m glad you think so. I’ll ask if he’s free some time tomorrow,” she said happily. Despite his fears, it made him happy to see her so excited about this. 

“He mentioned possibly coming to our camp tonight to meet everyone else. He might be able to give you some lessons then,” he suggested, but to his surprise she didn’t look keen on that. 

“Oh, I… still wanted to do our lessons tonight… if you’re up for that,” she said, looking up at him. He was happy to hear that, of course, though rather surprised.

“Really? I’d have thought you’d jump at the chance to learn some druidic magic as soon as possible,” he commented. 

“Well… yes… but not at the expense of learning arcane magic.” 

“But you can learn that at any time. Druidic magic is far harder to learn by its very nature, and you won’t always have someone able to teach you. I think it would be wise to prioritise druidic magic over arca-”

“Gale,” she interrupted. He stopped and looked at her. She took a deep breath, figuring out how to word what she wanted to say. “The reason I want to keep our lesson tonight isn’t the magic… or the lesson,” she said, softly putting her hand on his arm. 

His eyes widened in realisation as his fears melted away. 

“Oh! Right, yes, ahem, well, we’d better be sure to do that then,” he said quickly, immediately realising he needn’t be worried or jealous about her having lessons with Halsin. She had to laugh at how flustered he suddenly was. It was adorable. 

“WOOAAH look at THIS!” They were both interrupted as Karlach pulled a gleaming metal glaive from one of the boxes. She admired it for a moment, then adopted a fighting stance with it, getting the feel of using it with a few swipes and stabs. 

“Be careful with that…” Wyll warned, taking a step back. Saff looked at the glaive as Karlach played with it - it was beautifully made, with a shimmer of magic to it. 

“I don’t think we should take that,” she said after a few moments. 

“Whaaat?? But look at it!” Karlach objected, holding it out for her to see. 

“Exactly. It looks… important. I don’t think it’s right to take it from here,” Saff said, still firm in her opinion. 

“But it’s magical. Gale could use it if we run out of other items,” Karlach argued, nodding to him. Saff hesitated, not wanting to take what looked like a sacred glaive, but also not wanting to put Gale in danger. 

“It’s fine,” Gale said after a moment. “We found several items in the temple. They should keep me sated for a while.” Karlach sighed deeply. 

“Fiiiine,” she moaned, putting it back. “Can we at least take this lot?” she asked, gesturing to the pile of scrolls and potions on the table. 

“I suppose so…” Saff murmured, figuring at least stuff like that was replaceable. 

They started packing up the pieces they were going to take, then took one last quick look round the room before heading out. 

Back outside they passed Halsin again, who smiled when he saw them.

“Did you find anything useful?” he asked, clearly hoping they did. 

“A few potions and scrolls that I’m sure we’ll make use of,” Wyll confirmed. 

“Wonderful. The grove is also open to you any time, of course,” Halsin said, an offer they were sure they’d make use of. Saff hesitated for just a moment, then stepped forward.

“There was one other thing I wanted to ask of you,” she said. Wyll and Karlach looked at her in surprise, having not heard the conversation earlier. 

“Go ahead,” Halsin said, happy to help and curious to hear her request. 

“Well… for years I’ve been studying druidic magic. I was never able to cast it at all until yesterday. Gale was attacked by a gnoll and I managed to heal him. I’d love to be able to use druidic magic, but I don’t even know where to start. I wondered… might you be able to teach me?”

The others were surprised to hear she’d been able to use healing magic, especially Halsin, who had been under the impression that simply wasn’t possible for wizards. 

“I can most certainly try,” he said, a smile coming to his lips. “I can’t guarantee anything, though.”

“Oh that’s fine! As long as we can try. Thank you so much!” 

They agreed that Halsin would head to their camp the next day - he still had a lot to deal with in the grove tonight. With that decided, the group left the grove and headed off. 

[thebawdybaldurian]

BG3FicFeb Day 16

SFW: Inspired by your favorite song, poem, book.

I struggled a bit with this, as it is hard to pin down a specific media piece that I don’t just hyper fixate on for a while (Hi Baldur's Gate). By wonderful chance, one of my favorite full albums is The Hazards of Love by The Decemberists. It is a rock opera, that already tells a tragic story throughout the entire album, and the more I thought about it, the archetypes in it would fit very well into an AU story with characters from Baldur’s Gate 3.

This story is a tragedy, so beware that it is much different and darker than my usual angst and smut. I’ve cried like a baby in public listening to this album and cried writing the final song drabble. And sorry if this makes you hate Astarion a little. He is such a complex character, with a lot of potential to be good or evil.

Content Warnings: Sex, philandering, infanticide/filicide, kidnapping, attempted sexual assault, miscarriage, death/suicide. Nothing is written in graphic detail and is as concise as possible in its descriptions.

Prelude Margaret Tavish (AKA Tav) was promised to the Goddess Chauntea and lives in the cloister in Baldur’s Gate, as a young initiate. William Halsin was abandoned at birth by his impoverished wood elf parents and was discovered by the cruel Goddess Talona, who raised him as her child. She granted him Druidic powers as well as immortality.

The Prettiest Whistles Won’t Wrestle the Thistles Undone (The Hazards of Love Part 1)

Tav borrowed a horse from the cloister stables, intending to go for a short ride. She hated the coldness of the city, even though the cloister of Chauntea was covered in nature. She put a gray cloak over her white and green initiates robe, and sat side-saddle, riding at a soft gallop past the walls of the city, heading to the small forest nearby. She found a good spot to tie up her horse and went to explore the forest, hoping to bring back some medicinal plants for the Mother Superior.

As she gathered a handful of thistle, she saw a flash of white in her peripheral vision. She glanced over, seeing a pure white fawn struggling to walk, its hind leg maimed by a hunter’s trap. The fawn caught her glance, but did not run, staring back at her. “Don’t worry,” Tav put up her hands, setting her thistle down. “I won’t hurt you.”

The fawn’s ears twitched in response, as if it could understand her. “I know a healing spell,” she eased to her feet, hoping the creature would let her approach. “I can try to heal you.”

She approached it slowly, its eyes fixed on her with curiosity. It had laid down, its breath rapid from its struggle to walk. “It’s alright,” she knelt beside it, reaching her hands out to begin weaving the healing spell.

As the magic flowed around her hands, the fawn suddenly began to change, its white fur turning to golden brown skin and growing to the size of a man. He was handsome, with long brown hair that was half pulled up around his pointed ears. He had a sturdy frame and eyes that shone with kindness. Tav felt a heat growing over her as the man stared into her eyes. “Thank you,” he said, taking her hands gently in his.

“Are…are you a Druid?” She asked, feeling a blush across her face. Her life in the cloister was fairly sheltered, but he was the most handsome man she’d ever seen in all her time in the city.

“Something like that,” he nodded with a smile. “What is your name?”

“Margaret…but everyone calls me Tav.”

“You can call me Halsin,” he responded, her hands still held in his. They blushed at each other awkwardly, their eyes fixed on one another.

“Will you be alright?” she finally asked, looking down at his ankle, still red from the wound he’d sustained in his wild shape.

“I think so,” he tried to stand up with her help.

He stumbled a bit, pulling her close as he did. They looked into one another’s eyes again, both utterly and completely smitten. “I have never met anyone more beautiful in my entire life,” he brushed a strand of hair from her face.

“You are the most handsome man I have ever seen,” she reached up to caress his cheek, already feeling her body collapsing against him. Their connection was magnetic and instant.

He bent down to kiss her, softly at first, but feeling an immediate ardor and lust for her, engulfing her in a long, slow kiss. When he was finally able to wrest his mouth from hers, she looked up at him with that same ardor, her heart racing along with his. He pulled her in for another kiss, their bodies melting into one. They found their way to the forest floor, slowly pulling their clothes off. They made love gently, under the canopy of the forest, their moans joined by birdsong and the soft whisper of the wind. At the end of their ecstatic joining, they lay nestled together on Tav’s grey cloak. “I’m sorry, Halsin, but I have to go,” Tav looked up at the fading daylight. The Mother Superior would already be upset that she’d been gone this long, if she didn’t make it home before dark, there would be greater consequences.

“I wish we could stay here forever,” he gazed into her eyes, but understood that she couldn’t just disappear.

“Will I ever see you again?” She asked as she reached for her clothes.

“I wander through these forests quite frequently. If you ever find yourself here again, just sing for me, and I will come,” he kissed her again.

They both dressed and shared one last kiss, promising each other they would meet again soon. He left her at the forest’s edge, watching her ride back towards the city. He felt the darkness of the forest creeping in on him, a waft of decay filling the air. His mother was calling for him to return. He shifted into his wild shape, ambling away as Tav’s figure grew even more distant.

A Bower Scene

When Tav returned to the cloister after dark, the Mother Superior gave her an earful, revoking her stable privileges for three months. Tav sulked back to her room, but as she lay down in bed, his warm seed still inside her, she felt it was worth it. She thought about him every day, clasping her hand to her thigh as she remembered the wonderful moment they shared.

When her bleeding didn’t come a month later, she felt both panic and elation. The Mother Superior would be livid to find her with child, but Tav didn’t care. She just hoped she could hide her pregnancy for the remaining two months and then she would just disappear with one of the horses.

Secrets weren’t easily kept in the cloister, and by the second month all the other initiates were gossiping behind Tav’s back. When word reached the Mother Superior, she called Tav into her chambers. “So, Margaret…I’ve heard talk that you’ve missed your bleeding two months in a row…I assume it was the wretch that kept you away until dark?”

“He’s not a wretch, Mother Superior! I love him,” Tav confessed.

“Love, my sweet child? Has he ever come to see you here? I know you haven’t had visitors in the past two months, unless you have been sneaking off. He bedded and forgot you and left you in a bad way. You will not be able to raise a child here. It will be put up for adoption as soon as you deliver it.”

“You can’t take my child away,” Tav clutched her stomach, her small bump just beginning to form.

“I can and I will,” the Mother insisted. “You were entrusted to my care, to shape you into a loyal servant of Chauntea. I will do just that.”

“Damn you!” Tav swore, running out of her chambers in tears.

She went to her dorm, crying on her bed, cradling her stomach in her hands. “I know Halsin loves me. I felt it in the way he looked at me, and the joy I felt with him,” she cried to herself. She brooded for a while, hatching a plan in her mind as her tears dried. She waited until dark, sneaking past the older clerics who kept an eye over the initiates and sneaked into the stables. She left everything behind in her room, aside from her robes and cloak. She didn’t even bother saddling the horse, riding it bareback out of the city and towards the forest.

Won’t Want for Love (Margaret in the Taiga)

Margaret left the horse, leaving it untied so it could wander its way back to the city. She conjured a simple Light spell and began to make her way into the forest. She had no idea if Halsin was near, but she was determined to keep walking until she could find him, singing a soft song to herself. Exhaustion eventually overtook her and she lay down in a patch of Columbine flowers, wrapping her cloak around her. When she awoke in the morning, greeted by the sweet song of a mistle thrush, she continued her journey.

Halsin had returned to the forest many times in the past two months, hoping to see Tav again. He also sang as he walked, hoping to call his true love to him. He couldn’t imagine what had kept her away, knowing in his heart that they were destined to be together. Just as he’d almost lost hope, he heard a quiet voice drift along the wind. He followed the sound, finding Tav wandering the forest, half-starved and weak from exhaustion.

He ran to her at once, lifting her off her feet with a happy shout. “Tav, my heart, I knew you would return,” he set her down, planting a kiss on her lips.

“Halsin,” she smiled up at him. “I’m so sorry it took me so long…the Mother Superior would let me…”

“It doesn’t matter now,” he kissed her again, holding her close. “You are here now…and…” He felt the slight roundness of her belly against his. “You are…pregnant?” He beamed.

“I am,” she smiled as he dropped to his knees and kissed her belly.

Wager All (The Hazards of Love Part 2)

Halsin whisked her away, finding her food and water and making a soft bed for them among the clover. They made love again, remaining in their lover’s repose until the birds called the dawn upon them. He weaved flowers into her hair as they walked among the trees, already making plans for themselves and their new child. They would somehow make a life for themselves among these woods, their love the only thing that mattered.

The Queen’s Approach

They had no idea they were being watched by dark and pestilent eyes.

Isn’t It A Lovely Night?

Tav and Halsin settled in for another night in the forest, a cloud of fireflies shining down as they lay nestled against one another on a thick carpet of thistledown. Halsin lay with his head resting on her stomach, singing softly to their unborn child. “I knew from that first moment, when we lay together, that I loved you,” he looked up at her, gently stroking her skin.

“And what a wonderful gift that moment gave us,” she smiled down at him, her fingers interwined in his hair.

“I hope to give you many more,” he found his way up to her lips, kissing her softly. They made love once again, oblivious to the dark shadows creeping around them.

The Wanting Comes in Waves/ Repaid

Halsin awoke in the middle of the night, the cold, cruel air disturbing his skin. He once again smelled decay and heard the quiet cracking of twigs underfoot, like bones snapping out of flesh. He got up carefully, wrapping Tav in her cloak so she would not wake. He walked towards the void in the forest, that was bereft of all sound and life. “Mother…I know you are here,” he spoke into the darkness.

The hiss in the wind answered him. “This is how I am repaid?”

“I owe you everything, Mother. My entire life and my powers. But…I love her.”

“I gave you everything, my son. I saved you from death, made you undying, let you wander at your will. But you find yourself wanting more. This is how I am repaid?”

“I did not mean for this to happen…but how can I turn my back on her now?”

“You would not exist without me. You would have died in your crib. It is you who have turned your back on me. This is how I am repaid?”

“Please,” Halsin begged. “Just allow me one more night with her. Let me take her to safety. I have served you for so long, you owe me a life. Just one night.”

“And if I grant this request? I will keep you forever afterwards, never to return to the mortal world.”

“Fine,” he nodded, knowing he would never return to her.

“Consider your debt repaid,” the wind howled, pulling his immortality and powers from him, the darkness seeping away.

An Interlude

Halsin returned to Tav, still sleeping peacefully. He lay down beside her, wondering how he could escape his mother. She might not even allow him to escape, her powers reaching far and wide. He would enjoy all the time left he had with his love, pulling her bundled frame close to him. He slipped an amber ring onto her finger, a trinket he’d found during his time wandering the forest. If his mother managed to take him, she would still have a small reminder of him.

The Rake’s Song

Astarion had been afforded every luxury in his life, the son of a noble Upper City family. He was already a magistrate at the young age of 21 and could have anything he wanted. One day his eyes set upon a beautiful woman and he married her at once, bedding her nightly, even when she became heavy with child. They named their firstborn Isaiah and soon enough, his wife found herself pregnant once again. He still enjoyed the fruits of other women, returning to berate his wife for losing her figure and otherwise ignoring his infant son.

When his wife gave birth to twin girls, Charlotte and a terribly colic Dawn, he felt himself suddenly trapped in his own personal Hell. His lust for his wife had been the only thing on his mind when they’d married and now he was stuck in a house full of screaming children. His wife grew frail and overwhelmed, him continuing to bed her as often as she had the energy for and even sometimes when she didn’t. She found herself once again pregnant with their fourth child.

By some miracle of a cruel God, or just his constant neglect and abuse, his wife passed in childbirth along with their unborn daughter, who he barely even bothered to name Myfanwy. Now a widower, he found himself caring for three unwanted children with an armful of servants to do what they could. It wasn’t enough and he began to plan for their untimely deaths. He poisoned one of his daughters with a sweet laced with foxglove. Dawn, who had developed asthma due to her colic, drowned easily when she was left in a bath unattended. Isaiah was the trickiest to get rid of, old enough to avoid his cruel father. He fought back when Astarion tried suffocating him with a pillow, managing to crack one of his ribs with a sharp kick, but still he passed and Astarion burned his body in the fireplace.

Astarion returned to his old life of philandering, bedding whoever he wished, without a second thought or regret about his dead children. His cruelty caught the eye of an equally cruel Goddess, who came to him one night with a proposition, which he accepted. He left his manor in Baldur’s Gate and rode towards the forest that lay outside the city.

The Abduction of Margaret

Halsin had left Tav to sleep some more, wandering the forest in search of food for her, still trying to figure out a way to escape from his mother’s clutches. Guided by the whispering voice of Talona, Astarion found his way to the sleeping woman. He seized her with a firm hand as she slept, clapping his hand over her mouth and pressing his body on top of her to bind her wrists and ankles. “What are you doing? Who are you?” She cried before he gagged her and slung her rudely across the back of his horse. Talona guided him again, this time towards the Chiontar River.

The Queen’s Rebuke/ The Crossing

Talona would see her son returned to her, no matter what. Margaret would be the one thing that could keep him from her, so she offered the woman’s life to Astarion to do as he pleased. There was little that could stop her powers, commanding all the cruelties of nature. When Astarion arrived to the raging river on horseback, with Tav bound and gagged, she parted the waters for him to cross safely. Halsin would never be able to follow them across the rapids and it would take more than a day for him to find a way around. By then, she would be able to reclaim him, as dawn came and his promised night of freedom was over.

Annan Water

Halsin had heard Margaret’s strangled cry and had run back to the glade he’d left in, only to see her being carried away by a white haired elf. He followed as quickly as his legs could carry him, managing to steal a pair of horses from a nearby homestead. He rode furiously in pursuit of the rake who had stolen his beloved, but found his path blocked by the raging river in front of him. He rode up and down the banks, looking for a safe place to cross but found none.

He tried to summon any residual magic, so he could wild shape into a bird, but his mother had taken everything but his life from him. “Margaret!” He screamed into the air, praying that some other deity might grant him the favor of seeing his beloved again. He swore he could hear her calling him, her voice strangled by some force. He collapsed onto the bank, beating his fists into the ground, his tears flowing into the river. “Please,” he begged. “I will offer you my life in return. Just let me cross and see her again.”

Margaret in Captivity

Astarion pulled Tav rudely off his horse, setting her down on the ground without a care. He sunk onto an old chair and grinned at her terrified eyes. “Now, what to do with you, my pretty thing?” He looked her over. She was barely clothed aside from the cloak wrapped around her. He looked at the round of her stomach with disgust. “Already ruined I see,” he sneered at her. His divine employer had not mentioned that fact. “Oh well,” he sighed, pulling out his dagger. “That just means I won’t keep you around for long, but we can still have some fun.” He took his dagger to the binding on her ankles, pressing himself on top of her as she screamed and thrashed against him, calling for Halsin to find her. “No one can hear you, darling,” he began to cut off what clothing she was wearing. “And the more you struggle, the more I’ll like it.”

She closed her eyes as his knife torn away her clothing and his hands groped her vulgarly. She called to Halsin, to her former Goddess Chauntea, to anyone who could bring her true love to her side and rescue her from the rogue’s cruelty.

Revenge! (The Hazards of Love 3)

Astarion reached down to unbutton himself, the woman no longer struggling against him. He’d almost hoped that she would, but perhaps after the third or fourth time she would. He felt a chill run down his spine as he pulled at his buttons, looking back towards the whisper he’d heard in his ear. “Father…the pie…it burns my belly…father,” he heard a quiet, child-like voice whisper.

“What?” He looked around, seeing nothing around him. He’d nearly turned his attentions back to Tav, before another voice whispered to him. “Papa, my bath, the water is too high, and I have no breath…”

“Who’s there?” He climbed off Tav, seizing his dagger again.

He saw the faint red glow of a fire down the hall, figuring there must be some other squatter in the ruined fort. He gripped his dagger tightly. Perhaps he would get to kill two people today. He crept quietly down the hall, approaching the glow, and seeing it form the figure of a small boy. “Isaiah?” he dropped his dagger, the fiery figure having the visage of his murdered son.

“Father,” the boy smiled, holding out his glowing hands to his killer. “We’ve returned to you.”

Astarion felt two tiny, icy hands grip his wrists, looking down to see the wraiths of his dead daughters holding him tightly. “The hazards of love, the hazards of love,” they sang to him, dragging him into the fire as he screamed in agony.

The Wanting Comes in Waves (Reprise)

Tav heard nothing for a while, after the screams of the man that had abducted her faded. Her hands were still bound, but she managed to get to her feet, still unsure if he was still there. She managed to pull her cloak around her and peeked tentatively down the hall. She was no signs of the man, aside from his dagger that sat on the ground. She went to retrieve it, finding nothing else aside from a slight scorch mark on the floor, as if someone had made a fire there. She picked up the dagger and cut her bindings, hanging onto the weapon when she heard footsteps.

Halsin rounded the corner, seeing her crouched in her cloak and seized her in his arms right away. “My heart. My one true love,” he held her tightly as they both cried.

“I thought I’d never see you again,” she wiped his tears away.

“I had to tell you I loved you first,” he squeezed her tighter.

The Drowned (The Hazards of Love Part 4)

They left the ruined fort, huddled against one another, finding an old boat pulled onto the bank. “My mother will never stop pursuing me,” Halsin held Tav tightly against him. “And I swore a promise to this river…if it allowed me to cross…to hold you one more time…in return for my life.”

“I don’t want to leave you…” Tav cried. “I can’t leave you. Let us give both our lives to it then.”

“No,” he hugged her against him. “You should live…for our child.”

“I think…the child is gone,” she cried, showing him the blood on her thighs. She had felt the loss as the man had carried her away.

“Then let us make this river our bed, forever…married under its waves,” he looked down at her.

She joined hands with him and they pulled the boat into the water together, climbing into it before it was swept away by the rushing current. It began to flood almost immediately, water gushing into the holes in the bow and over its sides as they drifted down the rapids. They held onto each other tightly, saying their silent vows, their lips sharing their final breaths.

“These hazards of love, never more will trouble us.”

[magicjesuscup]

Halsin: Like I said, I've lived a long time. Traveled far and wide. I've lain with elf maidens under the boughs of oaks. I've had a Nelanther pirate claw my back and cry my name until he was horse."

From The Forgotten Realms Wiki: Most of the Nelanthers' pirates were nonhumans such as orcs, lizardfolk, ogres and minotaurs. These various races and factions waged war on each other as often as they did with outsiders. The reavers of the Nelanther Isles were entirely honorless pirates that tortured their victims, leaving them to horrible deaths.

The more I learn, the less it sounds like these guys ware fun Disney pirates with a jar of dirt and more the like the Drow he escaped from in the Underdark. Are we entirely sure he was there because he wanted to be? Because I can't think of a single reason a wood elf, forest druid would want to kick it on a boat made of trees that could otherwise be still living in a forest, being home to birds and stuff. At the very least, I have no idea why he would choose to sail with violent pirates and not sailors or on a merchant ship.

I hope this isn't the start to another, "I got captured," story. First Drow, then goblins, then (possibly) Orin (depending on your playthrough), and now maybe pirates? My poor dude can't catch a break; he's beginning to remind me of cage guy from Disney's Hunchback of Notre Dame. (That last one is kinda funny to me because my Tav did drag him into the sewer...but then it occurred to me that Orin is also in the sewer.)

Excuse me what did he sayyyyy

(Tell me more, Halsin 😏)

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