#also Shadowheart looks amazing with white hair

[zeynatura]

Sahar and his girlfriend changed their hair 😘

That pause in the end is because I was screaming afkkfnrbajdbdjsj

[oops-all-concrete]

This was requested by @wine-effectao3 !!

BG3 characters react to the other companions story events/conflicts! These lovelies watch each other go through so much and I have so many HC's about how they feel/interact. There isn't a HC for every character combination, but I did as many as I have rn- I'm open to a part 2 👀

Spoilers for BG3! Enjoy the fluff ^^

(I don't have another image rn, so enjoy my necromancer durge; Ezerah)

Lae'zel -

Lae'zel tends to keep to her own affairs, so stays distant, but watching the Blade of Frontiers gain horns from the source of his commitment and power over what was essentially a mislead, a lie?? The thought of Vlaakith doing the same to her, makes her sick. But inspired her all the same, seeing him take it in stride. She always spoke highly of him as a warrior. Shadowheart gained Lae'zels sympathies as well after the fall of Ketheric. Both Wyll and Shadowheart never have to worry about their weapons being maintained and sharpened. Lae'zel gladly allows them both as much time to relax as she can.

Shadowheart -

Knowing she and Astarion have such similar stories makes the vampire seem a lot more...human, for lack of a better term. She understands that all his avoidance and irritation with immediate kindness isn't out of just being mean- he doesn't want to come off as vulnerable or easy to take advantage of ever again. She goes out of her way to make comments so people know the kindness is begrudging or hesitant, so people don't get that idea. He doesn't know she does that. She won't tell him either. And as much as they butt heads, Lae'zel would have a cleric at her side at a moments notice if she asked.

Wyll -

Watching a man like Gale (someone Wyll looked up to given his mastery of magic without need for a devil's pact) be told by his goddess his old lover- turn so cold as to ask for his death? Nothing makes him more hopeless. Wyll tried to take his mind off it by asking Gale about his home, asking him about plans, making sure he has them. Because Wyll won't let him sacrifice himself. On top of that, he feels awful for Karlach. She inspires him so much knowing what she went through in Avernus and survived, still giggling and dancing. As a lover of dance, he teaches her ballroom and formal dance, in turn, she teaches him house and breakdancing.

Karlach -

There is nobody she feels for in the camp quite like Astarion. She cannot stand the utter hopelessness, anger and betrayal in his eyes and voice whenever he speaks of Cazador, and how willing he is for help from a devil of all people. She knows that desperation. It hurts to see. She sh!t talks Gortash and Zariel with him, so he has an excuse to talk about wiping the floor with Cazador. She also likes watching Gale get excited whenever she asks him a question about- anything really. She hates when his big brown eyes get all sad, so she'll keep him occupied talking about weave and potioncraft and old scripture.

Gale -

While it doesn't bother Wyll so much, Gale is a mommas boy, and can't imagine not having her. He makes plans for his mother to meet Wyll. She makes amazing brownies, and every person should be able to enjoy a mothers baking. (Wyll loves Morena and visits her often after act 3. She loves him for keeping her son safe.) Other than this, watching Lae'zel and Shadowheart lose the admiration of their Gods hurts him personally. He knows that fall. Goes out of his way to make sure they don't lose hope. "Who's to say you can't still have a dragon? There's plenty around. Bigger. Scarier. Probably also hates mind-flayers. Perfect for a woman of your demeanour." He assures her. / "If its any consolation, I like the new hair, Shadowheart. Between you and me, you look much better with white hair than he does" He jokes.

Astarion -

As a man used to fixing his things (since they're all he's got) he goes out of his way to make sure Karlachs things are all in good shape. Clive gets torn at some point or other, and he's pulling out his fabrics and sewing set and wordlessly returns him to Karlachs tent, much to her relief. Neither of them have a lot- so of course he's going to maintain what she has. She deserves it. Also, Shadowheart telling her story hits home for Astarion a lot. Being vulnerable, scared and otherwise an easy target- and having your whole life turned upside down because someone took advantage of it? He becomes a lot more talkative with her. Even if it's just over wine and complaining. Oh, and of course nothing makes him happier than watching Lae'zel turn her back on Vlaakith. Go her.

Halsin -

Halsin has nothing but praise for Wyll. His endless kindness, his patience with the teifling children, his level-headedness in crisis- he is the leader Halsin wishes he was. Halsin also sees Astarions hunger for power. Halsin might not speak of it often, but he's had at least 3 years of what Astarion's suffered for 200, and he knows how much powerlessness feels like vulnerability. He let's the vampire know he's got a bear at his back, even if its met with an eye roll.

[emmy-dekarios-bg3]

Heart of the Weave - chapter 4

A faint yet loud voice outside the front door can be heard, and I begin to think: there’s no way they’re here already?! The sooner the better I suppose! Gale and I press our ears to the door, wondering if it’s who we think it is. The voice is rather familiar; too familiar, in fact.

“You mean to tell me there’s not anywhere to buy Whizbangs in Waterdeep? COME ON!!” Ah, yes. Karlach. Karlach is our funny, enthusiastic Tiefling friend who had an engine for a heart. She was also on the nautiloid and infected with one of those parasites within the ocular region. Her story is that she was basically sold to Avernus – or, Hell – by someone she once trusted. His name was Gortash and he was one of the bastards we had to kill in Baldur’s Gate. His evil political influence and desire to dominate the world was nauseating and unbearable, so we had to do what we had to do. Plus, Karlach got her revenge. He should not have sold her to Hell to serve for an archdevil. She went back to Avernus with Wyll, the Blade of Avernus, so they could fight together and keep her alive. Her engine would not allow her to live much outside of the Hells.

Gale opens the door and there stands three of our loyal, badass friends on the castle porch: Shadowheart, Karlach, and Wyll. It appears Liezel is still in the Astral Planes, and who knows what happened to Astarion, Halsin, and Jaheira? I start to wonder what happened to our other loving friends who started new lives elsewhere.

“Holy shit! It’s Gale! Wait, is that Emmy behind you?! How’d you know we were here?” Karlach says enthusiastically, looking as if she’s ready to punch an object out of pure excitement.

“Well, you do know we’re married, do you not?” Gale asks her with a smirk painted upon his face. I can’t help but laugh at his remark, because she was at our wedding. “Besides, we knew you were here because there’s only one person – er, tiefling – we know that gets this excited about whizbangs.”

“Damn pal. You got me.”

“Karlach and I found a forge in Avernus to fix her heart. We’re so excited to adventure with you guys again, as long as no ‘Chosen Three’ or ‘elder brain’ gets involved again,” Wyll says, wrapping his arm around Karlach’s waist. I smile, wishing I could jump up and down in ecstasy from this news, though I’m dead set on the idea that I’ll vomit everywhere. I already feel a knot curl up within my stomach.

“Karlach! That’s…amazing news. Can I hug you?” I ask her, trying to maintain my excitement.

“Of course, soldier!” I hug Karlach, feeling her strong arms embrace me in return for over a minute. No flames are rising from her body anymore, nor does she even feel hot. She’s considered my best friend and I’m more than thrilled that she’s going to be okay outside of Avernus, but more relieved she no longer has to suffer. I am more than thankful we saved her life in time when she was about to explode from her old engine. I can’t imagine missing Karlach and begging for her to be alive.

“I have arrived! Oh, it’s so good to see everyone again. Well, most of you. I imagine we’ll bump into Astarion on the road, should he be able to find us in the darkness,” Shadowheart chimes in enthusiastically, her white hair shimmering in the sunlight. . I hug her as well, and she immediately begins to feel the heat of my skin from the fever. “You really aren’t feeling great, are you? You are burning up. Let’s leave as quickly as possible.”

“I have dealt with being poisoned, burned, frozen… I really think I’ll be okay,” I say. Now that I think about it, it’s wild. Everyone is so concerned about me, considering I have dealt with much worse in the past, nearly meeting my death bed on multiple occasions. Then again, we just need confirmation this isn’t the tadpole again at least. Gale takes my hand, holding it gently and rubbing my knuckles with his thumb. Judging by the look on his face, it looks like he is praying to some Goddess or God silently.

“I’ve prayed to Sêlune. I bet it’s just a bug, but let’s go just in case,” Shadowheart responds, giving off a fake smile. “You never know what this could turn into.” Her and I grew very close on our adventures, to the point she’s gotten super protective over me. I was with her when her parents passed. She once told me I am the only person she has left, and ever since those words escaped her lips, I’ve considered her family to me. I can’t imagine how it’s been for her, traveling alone and discovering the world without a companion by her side. I’m sure it gets rather lonely.

“Well, we probably should leave now. The quicker we leave, the better,” I say. “Don’t worry, I set out enough food for Tara to indulge in while we’re gone.”

“Good news on that front, Tara knows how to pluck vegetables from the garden, so she’ll be okay regardless,” Gale says. “Off we go.”

I close the door behind us and we head on the road in Waterdeep that leads to Baldur’s Gate, though it will be awhile before we actually get there. The fresh air outside seems to make me feel more refreshed than before somehow. The beautiful petunias growing on the side of the road, the large yet beautiful pieces of architecture in the city, such as museums and the Academy, and of course the cute little markets where people are making a living… It’s all so pleasing to the eye.

“So, how have you guys been?” I ask Karlach. “I see you and Wyll are together at last! I knew it would happen someday.”

“You are correct! We’re engaged, actually. No set date for the wedding. Wyll proposed to me in Avernus right after slaying the head off of a giant. Nothing more romantic than that.”

“I was going to have it be a traditional engagement, but alas this was before we could fix her engine, so I had to do it in Avernus. I didn’t want to wait,” Wyll says with animation in his voice, almost like how Karlach sounds every time she talks. It actually makes me so happy they ended up together. It’s funny how they were once enemies, threatening to murder one another, and now they’re engaged to be married. They grow up so fast.

“Well, congrats you two!”

“Don’t worry, Emmy. You’re definitely invited to the wedding. You too, Gale and Shadowheart. Don’t think we’d leave you out either.”

“Thank you, Wyll. That’s appreciated,” Shadowheart says. “Ah, I love weddings. I’m so glad I was able to be the maid of honor at Emmy and Gale’s wedding, it was absolutely stunning. I’d relive that day if I could.”

“Oh trust me, so could I,” Gale says, holding my hand within his as we walk the quiet roads of Waterdeep. It feels nice to catch up with my friends that I haven’t seen since the reunion party five – or maybe six – months ago. It feels much longer than that.

Another sudden wave of severe nausea hits me like a freight train, causing me to stop walking for a moment. This time, it’s gut-wrenching and nearly painful, possibly the worst it’s been in awhile.

“Whoa, is everything alright?” Gale asks, rubbing my back as I’m hunched over. “It’s okay. Do what you need to do.”

“Whatever is causing you to feel this way, I’m going to punch it in the fucking head,” Karlach says. “Unless it’s a baby. I would expect this if you came across Cloudkill or something atrocious like that. Have you been around any disgusting spells like that recently?” My eyes, as well as Gale’s, open up in pure shock. “Wait, did I say anything wrong? Whoops.”

“Not at all,” I mumble. “I think it’s a stomach bug, but…much worse.”

“I feel like a failure. I’ve failed you. I’m a wizard who has studied the arcane since I was young, yet I can’t heal or cure you whatsoever,” Gale says, sighing as he continues to rub my back. “I’m so sorry.”

“That’s just the thing,” Shadowheart chimes in. “Magic may not be able to help her at all. At least not this time.” I take a deep breath and close my eyes, trying to fight off the sickness that’s overwhelming my body. So going by Shadowheart's words, magic can only help in certain conditions? I have so much I still need to understand; I should have studied the arcane growing up. However, my natural desire was to help others, cure those in pain, and bring light into the sinister world of darkness. It seems I can’t help myself unfortunately.

“I’ll be okay. I have waves where I feel totally fine, though most of the time I think I’ll throw up. In fact, I have at least six times today.” In Faerȗn, illnesses are surprisingly rare due to the magic and healing spells that cure just about anything. If there is no spell, there’s surely a potion for it. Either way, magic has not been able to cure whatever this atrocity is.

After my insane episode of sickness, I finally feel a little better after about twenty minutes and we continue forward on our adventure. The scent of spearmint in the wild somewhere relieves me, and I feel somewhat normal again – thank the stars.

“So Shadowheart, how have you been?” Gale asks. “I’m sure it’s been a wild ride exploring the depths of every mountain, city, and forest you can possibly imagine.”

“You know, as much as I enjoy it and find new places to discover… It gets lonely. However, I’m faring quite well. But, good news on that front, I found a place in Waterdeep and moved here a couple days ago. I’ll be slowing down on my adventures for a while,” she says, inhaling the forest air. “I’m glad I will be around some familiar faces.” This just made my entire day, knowing Shadowheart lives close to us and I’ll have someone to hang out with while Gale is teaching at the Academy. Finally, adult interaction!

As we all continue to walk the long and familiar dirt path to Baldur’s Gate, I notice glossy splotches of newly shed blood on some large rocks just a few feet away from us, remembering all the lives I took. Granted, they were well deserved, but nonetheless it affects me sometimes. Just because they were warranted doesn’t mean I’m not affected. Someone or something just got murdered here within the last hour or two. I sigh, trying not to focus too hard on the blood splatters around us. After a moment, I began to smile, realizing how many lives we ended up saving and that we were the heroes of Baldur’s Gate. We still are. All of the violence toward the evil beings was worth it, though I do question myself every now and again.

“Are you alright, baby?” Gale asks. His voice is so soft like a lullaby. If only it were a cure for my unfortunate illness.

“Yes, I’m more than alright.” Part of me is so excited to get to the city. Maybe I’ll see some familiar faces, and hopefully I’ll get the answers I’m looking for.

[nexxen24]

The Sunwalker's Respite

BG3 FANFIC

Spawn Astarion X Female Tav

Chapter 2/6-8

Chapter 1: https://www.tumblr.com/nexxen24/746439650196013056/the-sunwalkers-respite?source=share

NOTE: Pg-13, there will be no smut, only implied.

IMPORTANT: Please read the prologue and chapter one on my profile prior to this one as to not be confused, thank you.

Chapter Two

Cazador's Mansion, Baldur's Gate, 6 Months After the Absolute’s Demise

I awoke with a slight start and it got even worse when I realised that Astarion didn't have his arm wrapped around me and he was standing in direct sunlight. I let out a scream and ran over, pulling him back into darkness before looking him over for any spots that got burnt or affected by the sun. But he looked fine and chuckled before pulling out the small vial of elixir that was now empty, a very large grin plastered across his face. I glared and punched him in the shoulder, Astarion letting out a yelp and jumping back as I frowned at him.

“Ow!” He protested but I just frowned at him.

“That's what you get! You scared me half to death,” I shot back and he sighed before wrapping me in a hug.

“I wanted to surprise you, I'm sorry,” he muttered and kissed the top of my head. “It's just amazing, I can feel it warming my skin and not in a bad way.”

He grabbed my hand and slowly led me over to the beam of sunlight, stepping into it and grinning when he still didn't start sizzling. It had been six months since Astarion was able to walk in sunlight and I had forgotten what bright light did to his eyes. Usually they were just red, the kind of red that you'd see in wine, dark and somewhat shiny, nothing spectacular. But when the sun hit them you could see that his eyes were lighter, red like raspberries and looking so bright and sparkly against his pale skin. The light also hit his hair, shining against it and showcasing the small bits of silver within the white that I had been resisting the urge to bug him about. He couldn't see himself in mirrors so there was no need to point out the small grey hairs and besides, they looked beautiful anyways. In sunlight he looked like a completely different person and it just added to my desire to get that ring, to be able to wake up to this all the time, to see him in the light permanently.

“How are you feeling?”

“Overwhelmed.”

“The others will want to see you, they haven't since the brain,” I said and he nodded, giving me a smile.

“Can we start with Shadowheart? I need to ask her a favour,” he said and I raised a brow.

“What favour?”

“Just something that I have planned for later, at sunset and I need to guarantee that she's available.”

“Sure, her home is right near here. Shadowheart settled in the House of Grief, she's managed to change it, turn it into a house of healing and doesn't support any God, but appreciates them all with an affinity for Seluné.”

“Of course, I'm glad that she's happy.”

“Her and her girlfriend have turned it into something beautiful,” I added and smiled at the thought of Shadowheart and her newfound happiness.

When I met Shadowheart she was a devotee of Shar and stuck in a pod on the Nautiloid, begging me to rescue her. I did and brought her along, got to know her and together we discovered that her entire life was a lie. She wasn't a chosen of Shar, but was forced to live by her rules and halfway through our adventures she quit, gained her own freedom. Sure it cost her the lives of her parents after just getting them back but Shadowheart was happy, she was more carefree and eager to turn her place of torture into a place of love. She bought the House of Grief right after the brain was defeated and it took nearly three months to refurbish it into a refuge for those displaced by both the brain and the Absolute Cult’s reign of terror.

Her girlfriend, a fellow Half-High-Elf named Maisie that was one of the first refugees Shadowheart opened her doors to. They hit it off almost instantly and Maisie assists any animals while Shadowheart handles the humanoids. They make an excellent pair and the few times I've been by have been amazing and it's humbling to see how far she's come. From a devout worshipper of Shar, eager to do her bidding and willing to kill for her cause to a shy, timid woman who would put her life on the line for any creature. Much like Astarion, being wrapped up in all this gave her a chance to be free, to be happy.

I was smiling to myself at the thought of them both being happy as I reached up a hand to knock on the front door of the House of Grief. Astarion was behind me, standing directly in a sunbeam and smiling, his eyes sparkling whenever they met mine. I rolled my eyes at just how happy he looked and was about to call him out on it when the door swung open and I was greeted by Maisie.

“Hello, Maisie.”

“Hanelly, what are you doing here?” she asked and wrapped me in a tight hug, the squirrel perched on her shoulder squeaking in protest.

“I’m looking for Shadowheart, I have a development to show her,” I said and pointed at Astarion as Maisie’s eyes widened.

“Uh…Yeah…She’s this way.”

I nodded in thanks and called to Astarion before we followed Maisie inside and behind the receptionist counter where Shadowheart had discovered a small door that led to a staircase and an upper floor. There was an entire apartment above the main floor, decked out as if one of Viconia’s minions had once called it home. She and Maisie had since refurbished it and gave it their own personal touches, turning the apartment into a home they could be proud of. It was weird to see Shadowheart as someone with a home and a partner, a normal life but it was a simplistic existence that she deserved and the woman was brewing a pot of tea when we walked in.

“Hanelly, I heard you downstairs,” she greeted and wandered over before wrapping me in a hug. “I also heard you, Astarion, how are you here?”

“That’s a long story,” he assured and hesitated, unsure if he should hug her or not but Shadowheart didn’t let him debate and stepped forward, wrapping her arms around him.

“I’d love to hear it and it’s amazing to see you both. Tea?”

“I’d love some,” I said and took a seat at her table as she poured me a mug. “Now, you both must be wondering why Astarion is out in the sun.”

“I was curious, assumed that he secretly went back and completed that ritual.”

“Never, never in a million years, this is better than that, much better,” Astarion muttered and took a sip of the tea, glaring at Shadowheart as he went.

“He’s right. Gale had been looking for a cure for his affliction and while he didn’t find it, he found something to help with the sunlight part of it. A ring, the Sunwalker’s Gift that was given to Evalina Szarr, Cazador’s sister, about 360 years ago, right before she went missing. The person that told us about all this is a drow named Maleera, one of the seven spawn and she gifted Astarion a twenty-four hour Sunwalker elixir so he could be here, see it one last time in case it doesn’t work out.”

Saying that felt like having a weight lifted off my shoulders since it was what both Astarion and I had been thinking since we discovered the ring was somewhere in the Underdark. There was always that chance that Evelina didn’t get kidnapped with the ring or that this Kathrac person saw it and took it, destroyed it. Maybe one of the 7000 spawn that had fled down there had the same idea and were wandering around up here, free from the power of the sun. Neither of us had been strong enough to say it out loud and I caught the look on Astarion’s face when I finally mentioned the possibility of failure.

“Speaking of, Shadowheart, could I grab you for a second?”

“Of course.”

“Just a quick second,” he assured and stood, giving my forehead a kiss before moving to another room with Shadowheart trailing behind him.

“Wonder what that’s about,” Maisie said and smiled as I shrugged.

“Could be anything, he mentioned wanting to do something later, maybe it’s about that,” I said and Maisie shrugged, grinning as they walked back in, not looking all that suspicious.

“You’re predisposed later Maisie, don’t make any plans for late this afternoon,” Astarion said and grinned as Shadowheart chuckled, my eyes narrowing at the two of them.

“Is there something I should know?”

“No, just that you also have plans for later this afternoon,” he said and grinned as I eyed him.

“Okay then…I’m going to choose to not find that statement suspicious.”

“Good. Shall we move on?”

“Uh…Yeah…I guess I’ll see you later Shadowheart,” I said and she nodded, pulling me into another tight hug before I chugged the rest of my tea and followed Astarion outside.

“So…who’s next?”

“Might as well go and visit the wizard that made all of this possible,” Astarion suggested and wrapped an arm in mine as I gave him a nod.

“You’re planning something,” I muttered as we trekked our way past a group of people arguing with a guy selling some type of potion.

“Why do you say that?”

“I don’t know…the off to the side moment with Shadowheart and now you desperately want to visit the companion you hated for the entire time we were fighting back against the brain.”

“I just want to thank Gale for making all of this possible, is that so wrong?”

“I guess not, but I’m just curious as to what you’re planning.”

“Don’t make any plans for later this afternoon and you’ll find out,” Astarion said and grinned as we stepped into Sorcerer Sundries where Gale was standing behind the counter.

He glanced up from his book and smiled at the two of us, his eyes widening a bit when he noticed both myself and Astarion had walked in. “Oh! Did it work? Did you get the ring that quickly?”

“No, this was a gift from one of Cazador’s other spawn, we decided to take a day before looking for the ring,” Astarion explained and Gale's eyes widened.

“Wait…so that means…”

“Yes, your advice was good, we managed to find one in Cazador's palace,” I said and Gale grinned, his ego growing with every compliment.

“Oh that's great, I'm glad that I could help. I knew that you'd both find what you were looking for and hopefully the Underdark will prove useful as well. I may have some…”

Gale trailed off and I followed his dumbstruck look towards the front door where a Half-Elf had just wandered in, a crate of flowers and potions clutched in her arms. I raised a brow as she bypassed a couple people before squeezing in between Astarion and I and placing the crate on the counter. She was very pretty with pale skin and long dark brown hair that was braided, dressed in loose fitting trousers, a linen shirt covered in dirt and boots. Gale looked absolutely smitten and kept staring, his jaw still a bit lack until she finally cleared her throat and snapped him out of it.

“Uh…sorry…Good to see you Alina,” Gale greeted and she nodded in agreement.

“You as well, Gale, I have all the ingredients you asked for minus the carrow flowers since they're still blooming. But I did manage to make some extra lemon and herb tea as a gift to say sorry for missing it.”

“Oh that's perfect, you can come by when they're ready and I do love that tea.”

“I'm fully aware, most of my business comes from you ordering it,” she said and I nodded in understanding, finally getting what was being put down between the two of them.

It would only be more obvious if Gale's eyes turned into hearts as she unloaded the crate and placed jar after jar on the counter. He was smitten and was doing a very bad job of hiding the lovestruck look on his face. Gale had never been the best with social interactions in the time I'd known him and had even fumbled a few conversations we had early on. He kept claiming that the time we spent together was changing his entire outlook on life when I had barely known him a day. When I finally called Gale out he got all embarrassed and fumbled his words, something that he was doing with her as well.

“So…you grow flowers?” I observed and she turned to me.

“I mainly grow potion ingredients and since Gale took over for Sorcerer Sundries, I've never been better. He keeps me in business. Also…you must be Hanelly and Astarion, two of the people that stopped the brain along with Gale.”

“We did, yes.”

“Thank you again, it meant a lot, mainly because I live in Baldur's Gate and feared for my life.”

“Well…it was Gale who really stepped up,” I assured and chuckled when he blushed. “He got the final blow on the brain, a fireball that ended the fight and saved us. I didn't know how much longer we had before that. Gale is the reason you still have your shop for more than just his business.”

“Oh wow,” Alina exclaimed and smiled as Gale's face turned even redder. “Gale, you never mentioned that. You claimed that Hanelly and Astarion did all the heavy lifting.”

“What a crazy thing to say, a weak High-Elf like myself is nothing compared to a wizard with his talents,” Astarion added and Gale stared at him in mild shock from the compliment.

“I…well…I'm just very good at what I do…it's nothing really,” Gale muttered, fumbling over his words as his face turned so red it rivalled the colour of Karlach's skin.

“So modest, it's just one of his many incredible traits,” I added and Gale glared daggers at me.

“You know, Alina,” Astarion began and leaned closer to her, a devilish smirk on his face. “I have a little thing planned for late this afternoon and you should come. Bring Gale along with you.”

“What is it?”

“I can't say it out in the open but I can tell you that it'll be amazing and well worth your time.”

“I was going to reorganise the shop but I guess I can wait. What do you say, Gale?”

“Uh…yes…of course.”

“Great. What time?”

“Pick him up at 5, that should be more than enough time. It'll be on the balcony that overlooks the water underneath Sharesses Caress. Do you know it?”

“I do, I'll be there,” Alina said and Astarion grinned before giving her hand a kiss.

“Excellent. Don't forget Gale.”

“I could never,” she said and gave him a smile before grabbing her empty crate and heading out of the store.

Once Alina was gone, Gale took one look at us before he collapsed to the floor behind the desk. My eyes widened and I ran over to make sure he was okay, raising a brow at the lovestruck look on the guy's face.

“Uh…you good?” I asked and he nodded.

“Just perfect.”

“So…I'm assuming you like her,” I said and Gale sat up, letting out a sigh before giving me a nod.

“It's obvious isn't it?”

“No, you're very subtle, I couldn't tell,” Astraion joked and Gale sent him a glare. “Regardless, I like her, and she seems to really like you.”

“Really?”

“You only fawn over a wizard shooting fireballs at things when you really like them. Besides, she agreed to bring you with her, almost like a date,” Astarion added and Gale's cheeks flushed.

“Oh Gods…you're right. I hope she didn't see it as a date,” he muttered and stood, running a hand through his hair and suddenly looking more nervous than lovestruck.

“You'll be fine. Just be yourself,” I suggested and was quick to shove Astarion who looked eager to disagree with me.

“Really?”

“Why not? It can't hurt,” I said and he sighed with a nod.

“I guess you're right. I'll see you both later today, I need to prepare, make sure I look presentable.”

Gale grabbed a couple books off a shelf near the desk before bolting up the stairs and through the portal to his main office. I rolled my eyes, knowing that he was likely going to find some way to screw it up and hoped that Alina would find it endearing. Gale isn't the best at smooth talking anybody and had fumbled quite a few of our conversations but he was also a sweetheart. When I met Gale he was afflicted with an orb of pure magic that needed to feed on arcane energy in order to not kill him. Gale consumed quite a few boots before he got it fixed and was given an ultimatum by the Goddess he previously served. Gale was told to use his orb to kill the brain, thereby levelling an entire section of the city and also killing himself.

When it came time to meet the Absolute and end the cult for good he offered up his services, offered up his life to keep us safe. I refused and made sure that Gale knew that his life meant more to me than him proving himself to Mystra. Gale got the chance to live free, to be a teacher and fall in love with a woman like Alina and he did that by proving he was more than just a wizard who knew too much. If Alina could get past the mildly annoying exterior and ego, she would find a man eager to love again underneath and one that would do anything for the person willing enough to do the same for him.

I thought of another person who defied someone by proving they're better as Astarion and I went looking for Wyll. When I met Wyll Ravenguard, the Blade of Frontiers, he was a man on a mission to kill a devil that turned out to be Karlach. When Wyll refused, he was turned into one himself and through proving that he was better than the devil he had a pact with became more than his birthright. He became the Blade of Avernus and went from hating Karlach to being the main reason she was still alive. Astarion requested that we visit Wyll first and the man was usually down by the docks, keeping an eye on the shadier inhabitants of Baldur's Gate. He was sitting on a crate looking out at the water when we walked down a set of steps and turned when I cleared my throat.

“Hanelly!” Wyll exclaimed and ran over before wrapping me in a hug.

“Good to see you, Wyll,” I said and hugged him back since it had been a minute since I'd seen him.

After the brain was defeated, Karlach finally agreed to revisit Avernus but on one condition, that Wyll went with her. He agreed and together they both battled the remainder of the imps and devil's working for Zariel and found a cure for Karlach's condition. She and Wyll had just gotten back from a forge owned by Zariel herself and according to Karlach's letter had managed to stabilise the infernal engine she had in place of a heart. With all the freedom in the world, Karlach was now working as a barback and a bouncer at a tavern in the Lower City, not far from the docks and Wyll was still trying to figure out where he belonged. His dad offered him a job as the new Duke, a chance to change the city for the better but he hadn’t taken it and was still looking to do something for him.

“How have you been?” I asked and Wyll shrugged, catching sight of Astarion, his eyes widening.

“Wait…is that?”

“We went looking for a ring that could allow this to happen all the time, ran into a spawn and she gave him a potion. He also has something to ask I’m assuming.”

“I do yes,” Astarion said and smiled at me. “Wyll, would you like to join us at the balcony under Sharess’ Caress late this afternoon, around maybe 5:30. I can’t say why in front of her but I can say that it would mean a lot if you could join.”

“Of course, I’ll always take any excuse I can get to hang out with all of you. It’s been too long,” Wyll said and I nodded in agreement.

“It has.”

“Are we near the Hook Minder?” Astarion asked and Wyll nodded, pointing to a rickety looking building that was made partly out of a sunken ship and sitting precariously on a cliff that overlooked the water. “Perfect. I’ll be right back. Catch up.”

I raised a brow when he wandered over, kissed the top of my head and then bolted up the stairs before I could even think to wonder why he needed to visit a pub. Sure it was the pub that Karlach worked at but I was under the assumption that was our next stop and frowned in slight annoyance before taking a seat on a crate, Wyll following suit. Leaving me alone with Wyll was actually a bad thing and not because I didn’t trust him or didn’t like hanging out with him but he had asked me a very loaded question a couple months back and I had yet to give him an answer.

“So…I’m assuming you’re annoyed we’re alone,” Wyll observed and I chuckled.

“Heh..yep.”

“I still wish that you’d give me an answer, both myself and my father believe that you’re perfect for the job, why the hesitation?”

The job in question was training an entirely new group to take over the discarded Steel Watch and Flaming Fist that had both been abandoned when the cult began to take over Baldur’s Gate. The Steel Watch were giant automatons created by a real asshole named Gortash who was not only one of the main three who wanted to control the brain but also the man that sold Karlach to Zariel in the first place. His Steel Watch was corrupt from the start and we managed to destroy them before going after him, rendering his defence force useless and also losing a vital means of protection in the city. Sure keeping the brain from killing everyone placated people for quite a while but with the main threat gone they were starting to go back to their ways and that was bad, especially with little defences.

When Wyll approached me a couple months back with an idea that thanks to my background I would be the ideal Elf to train an entirely new guard that could keep this whole new Baldur’s Gate safe. I had denied the job offer initially, worrying that if I spent my days training a lot of soldiers there wouldn’t be any opportunity to be with Astarion. Having no job may sound like a bad idea but I at least got to spend every moment I could with him which made it worth it and made me so damn grateful that I hadn’t staked him in the heart all those months ago.

“It’s still a no,” I muttered and Wyll sighed. “I can’t leave him behind.”

“So…if this ring doesn’t work out…what are you going to do?”

“It’s going to work out,” I said and Wyll frowned. “Maleera, the spawn that gave him the potion, told me not to lose myself looking for it but we both know that I can’t let him go on without it, he deserves to return to the light. Cazador got what he deserved, the man is dead, but Astarion didn’t. He deserves a chance.”

There was a part of me that assumed Wyll would simply never understand, that it took a certain kind of love to want to throw everything on the line just for them to be happy. Seeing Astarion become his own person after so many years of not having the chance was my favourite part of our journey to stop the brain and the part that made it all worth it. When people you love get the chance to be happy, it makes you happy and I wiped at a tear, not even realising the thought of never getting that chance was making me emotional.

“I get it. I do,” Wyll assured and wrapped me in a side hug just as Astarion returned, Karlach trailing behind him.

I grinned broader than I had the entire day and jumped up, running over to Karlach and wrapping her in the biggest hug that I could possibly manage, grateful that I even could. With her fixed heart she was nearly cool to the touch, still fiery red but luckily not on fire and I had been itching to hug her for months. Karlach laughed and picked me up, spinning the two of us around and causing Astarion to duck to avoid a leg. She eventually dropped me back to the ground and smiled, looking more alive than she had in months and itching to do it again.

“Gods it’s good to see you!” Karlach exclaimed and I nodded in agreement before rummaging through the bag I was carrying for her gift.

“Same here and I have someone that’s been waiting to see you,” I said and pulled out a small stuffed bear that Karlach had kept with her for years and had sadly gotten a bit burnt.

“Oh my Gods! Clive!” she shouted and grabbed the bear, giving it a tight hug before admiring the stitching courtesy of Astarion and the strips of fabric he used to cover up the holes and scorch marks. “You fixed him, he looks great.”

“That was all Astarion, he’s quite the master with a sewing needle,” I said and bumped his shoulder as Karlach grinned and wandered over, wrapping him in a hug as he squeaked in protest.

“Hey now, not too tight,” Astarion said and groaned as Karlach laughed and put him down. “Gods…I’m not invincible you know.”

“Oh…you’re tougher than that,” she shot back and elbowed him in the ribs, Astarion letting out an oof and having to catch himself.

“Nope…I am not,” he choked out and I chuckled, rubbing a hand along his back to make sure he was alright. “Now…Karlach, you remember what I told you on the way here.”

“Of course, Hanelly, we have a whole day planned!” she exclaimed and I raised a brow. “We have some errands to run for a couple hours before meeting these guys at Sharess’ Caress.”

“What?”

Astarion pulled me aside as I frowned at him, now really curious as to what he was planning and what errands he could possibly want Karlach and I to run.

“Hang out with Karlach and I’ll meet you this afternoon,” he said and I eyed him.

“Why?”

“I can’t tell you,” he said and grinned as I frowned at him.

“You’re being sneakier than usual.”

“Trust me, if I ruin this, you’re gonna hate me.”

“I could never hate you,” I assured and took a step closer, wrapping my arms around his neck.

“Good so go with Karlach,” he said and I frowned before letting out a sigh and giving him a kiss.

“If this is some dumb joke I will punch you,” I shot back and pulled away as he chuckled.

“Trust me. It’s not,” he said and I eyed him before heading over to Karlach and following her up the steps and back into the Lower City, my mind swirling with possibilities and my stomach alight with nerves.

***

The errands that Astarion had us run were slowly starting to reveal what all he had planned and I became even more nervous as Karlach and I stood in the empty room at the Flophouse across from Sharess’ Caress he had rented. The only real errand was a trip to the Facemaker’s boutique, a clothing shop near the entrance to the upper city where Karlach said some sort of order was waiting for me. The order just so happened to be a white dress and Figaro, the shop’s owner who normally hated me, looked very pleased when I entered looking for it. He claimed that the garment was made for me and said that it was made to my exact specifications with some additions suggested by Astarion. How or when he got my ‘exact specifications’ I had no clue but the dress was absolutely gorgeous and I was admiring myself in a mirror, practically slack jawed.

The dress was white first and foremost which was already a good indication as to what was going on later but was also so much more than that on so many levels. The top was fitted in a way that wasn’t too revealing and a thin belt made entirely of silver hugged my waist and kept it in place. The part that really made me get emotional was the detailing, mainly the red detailing in the thin ruby coloured threads that created almost a waterfall of colour, starting from the waist and ending just above the bottom of the skirt. It made the dress feel a bit less formal but added so much to a collection of fabric that was previously so stark and perfect and I definitely wasn’t perfect. It had character and the red was a clear nod to the man that ordered it and I was very pleased that he seemed to be just as good with words as he was with fabric choices.

“Karlach…I need you to answer a question,” I said and she glanced up from staring lovingly at Clive. “Is this a wedding?”

“I can’t answer that,” she said and I frowned, knowing that that confirmed it, it had to be.

My stomach immediately dropped at the thought and everything suddenly felt more real, like all this was happening too fast even though I had been thinking about it for months. Sure I knew that he was it, he was the last time I was ever going to fall in love and when an elf says that it means a lot, we live long lives but I never knew how to say it. Astarion spent so long believing that love only existed in the darkest places, that the only love he was allowed to express was fake, and was a tool used to lure people back to Cazador. When he felt real love for a drow named Sebastian, when he tried to allow himself to embrace it, he was tossed into a cell and forced to spend a year clawing at darkness to make up for it. This was the first time he had allowed himself to feel something real, be allowed to feel it and the thought that Astarion was the one that put all of this together was only making my nerves worse.

“Karlach, you’re not helping,” I chided and she chuckled.

“Come on man, it’s supposed to be a happy day, we’re all together again,” she said and I nodded, knowing she was right.

“I know…It’s just…nerve wracking.”

“Why?”

“I don’t know, probably because you normally have more time to prepare.”

“If it is a wedding…what are you going to do? Would you say yes?”

“Of course,” I said and Karlach grinned.

“Well…Then there’s nothing to be nervous about, if you’re already willing to say yes and you don’t even know that’s a pretty good sign you’re ready for this.”

For the vast majority of our time together Karlach was always the muscle, mainly because she could punch anyone to death if given enough time but she’s also pretty damn well spoken. She was also right, I was ready and I let out a sigh before fixing my hair, making sure that my trademark twin braids looked perfect and let out a sigh before nodding that I was ready. It was basically time anyways and I followed Karlach out the door and down the steps, crossing the street and finding the group, including a spectral projection of Lae’zel, spread out on the balcony that overlooked the bay, arguably home to the best view in all of Wyrm’s Crossing.

Astarion was in the middle of them, laughing at something Shadowheart or Gale said as the sun that was just beginning to set caught his eyes in a way that made them shimmer. He turned and they widened when he saw me, grinning and stepping forward to assist me in walking down the handful of steps to the balcony.

“You suck you know,” I said and he frowned at me.

“Uh…Excuse me?”

“You do. You planned all of this, planned what is supposed to be the best day of my life and just assumed that keeping it a surprise was the best idea. How’d you even know I’d say yes?”

“Why did you assume that’s what this is?” he shot back and my face fell. “It could just be a gathering of old friends.”

“Uh…Well…is it?”

“It is,” he said and I was about to smack him but he stopped me. “A group of old friends that gathered for a wedding. So…Hanelly…Do you?”

I stared at Astarion for the longest moment, just to see if he was going to start laughing and say this whole thing was one big joke but he looked serious, looked so serious that it was making me almost emotional.

“Of course, I will always say yes to that,” I assured and he grinned before leading me over to the edge of the balcony.

“So…now you know why it was very important that Shadowheart was available since the main thing you need to get married is a cleric and she’s the best I know,” Astarion said and she eyed him. “Also the only one.”

“I was eager to join once he told me what he was planning,” she said and smiled at the two of us. “I also collected all the needed supplies, some harder to find than others.”

I raised a brow and Shadowheart stepped aside to reveal a small table full of various items but mainly two rings and a branch which may sound odd for a wedding but not one between two elves. A very old, very outdated Wood Elf tradition was to plant a tree whenever a child was born that was said to grow with them, signalling their life and their connection to the forest they called home. I had a tree somewhere in the forests surrounding Venia and always figured that when I ever got married I’d return, grab a branch and use it to bless the ceremony, a symbol of carrying your heritage with you as you go. When I decided never to return home I always assumed I had lost my shot at grabbing it but apparently Astarion had managed to find it.

“You found the tree,” I said, practically speechless and he nodded.

“You’d be shocked how far a locate object spell can get you.”

“Were the other two still there?” I asked, talking about the trees planted for my brother and father, my mother’s having died when she did.

“No, just this one. It was growing well though, and had red flowers on it according to Shadowheart,” he said and I smiled since the trees always tended to reflect what their person was getting up to and the flowers had to be a reference to him.

“I figured they’d be gone but mine is thriving and for good reason,” I said and he nodded in agreement before we got into position across from each other, Shadowheart standing behind us.

“Alrighty, I did have to research elf weddings so if I get anything wrong, I’m sorry,” she began and I chuckled. “Now we gather here on this balcony in the company of not only good friends, but family in order to bless and welcome the union between Astarion Ancunin and Hanelly Calista. As tradition in the laws of Wood Elves, a branch of Hanelly’s root tree has been cut to signal a new chapter, a new branch being added that when planted where this couple chooses to reside will signal a new life being built together. Hanelly…please place a hand on one end.” I did as told before Shadowheart told Astarion to do the same. “May the branches, the roots, the leaves and the flowers built from this one continue to grow and thrive for as long as the two of you do.”

The branch began to glow and I smiled before Shadowheart took it back and pulled out the rings, handing over the respective ones.

“I hope you like them, they were last minute,” Astarion whispered and I rolled my eyes.

“Oh…really…wonder who’s fault that is,” I shot back and he frowned at me.

“Astarion, please place this ring upon her finger and solidify a bond to last the test of time, through good times and bad, hope and heartache, life and death. Do you take Hanelly to be your lawfully wedded, in the eyes of Selune, wife?”

“I do,” he said and slipped the silver ring onto my finger, a small blood red stone shining up at me.

“Hanelly, please place this ring upon his finger and solidify a bond to last the test of time, through good times and bad, hope and heartache, life and death. Do you take Astarion to be your lawfully wedded, in the eyes of Selune, husband?”

“I do,” I said and slipped the simple silver band onto his finger, solidifying the bond forever.

“Well…By the power invested in me by Selune, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss.”

Astarion gently placed a hand on my cheek and leaned forward just as the sun began to set, basking the two of us in a brilliant orange glow as I closed my eyes and closed the gap. The others all began to clap as I stood there for a second, in mild shock that it was now official.

“Well then, I have a wife,” Astarion with a wide grin and I nodded in agreement.

“That you do.”

I kissed him again before we turned to the others who all looked very pleased, even Lae’zel who I was certain never liked me. I smiled and wandered over, not pulling her into a hug since she’d kill me and the astral form was preventing any real contact. Lae’zel left the group shortly after the brain was killed to get revenge on the gythyanki that still sided with their lying queen. It was likely Gale that told her about the event and I was actually quite shocked she was there since Lae’zel was never really a lovey dovey type of person.

“Shocked to see you here,” I muttered and she nodded.

“Gale sent a message about this ceremony and your plans to find the ring, I thought I’d come by and say congrats and good luck.”

“Thank you.”

“Also that it’s stupid,” she added and my smile faded. “The Underdark holds more dangers than what we saw in our small trip to it, dangers that would kill for a ring like that one. Sure I believe you're more than capable but if you die then I will be saying, ‘I told you so’ to your corpse.”

Lae’zel walked over to Wyll as I stood there a second, mind swirling with all the implications of that sentence and the fact that even though she was ultimately messing with me, she was also correct. But I couldn’t worry about the Underdark on a day like this, it was supposed to be happy and I was thrilled.

“So…Did you enjoy the surprise?” Astarion asked after handing me a glass of wine.

“I did, yes.”

“They say the wedding night is always the best part,” he said and smirked.

“I’ll be the judge of that,” I shot back and his smirk grew. “So…why here, why sunset?”

“You look the best at sunset and if this is my last one, I want it to be special,” he said and kissed me, deep before taking a sip.

I smiled at the gesture but it was hard to ignore the dread piling up at the bottom of my stomach and the fear that this was going to be his last sunset, that this was all we were ever gonna have in the sun if this failed. Sure it was incredible, I wouldn’t change that for the world and the ring shining in the last few rays was a symbol that he meant the world to me and I to him but it wasn’t enough. I don’t care if I’m being selfish, irrational but I wanted more, I wanted more sunsets, more walks along the water, more warming myself in the early morning rays, more chances to watch his eyes light up when they caught it at just the right angle. Tomorrow evening we were headed down into the Underdark with Maleera, tomorrow everything changed and it was either going to get a lot better or a lot worse.

“It won’t be your last,” I whispered as I pressed myself against him, swaying slightly to the music being played by a bard he hired.

“I hope not,” he muttered as I wrapped my arms tighter around his middle, locking my hands together and not planning on letting go anytime soon.

I had two options in that moment, either sit back and see what happens or fight my absolute hardest to guarantee this wasn’t the last sunset and as the night began to creep along the horizon, once again plunging Astarion back into darkness as he shimmered from the elixir wearing off, I made my choice. That I was either coming back from the Underdark with that ring on his finger or not coming back at all.

[mumms-the-word]

Tav ask list: 30, 44, 63 for whichever Tav you want 💖

Haha these are all pretty simple answers for all my Tavs so I’ll do all three (Freyr is a Durge but whatever)

30. Who does your Tav think of when they go to sleep at the goblin/tiefling party? Or are they lucky and do they get to spend the night with the person they want?

Okay, so in the game Dani went to sleep dreaming of Gale BUT I think she did actually go sleep with Astarion. She wanted some fun and Astarion had been flirting with her for a while. Neither of them caught feelings though. I haven’t yet figured out how Gale feels about it because I didn’t play it out in the game 😅

Originally Ardynn went to sleep thinking about Wyll, who she kissed briefly. But I think it was the tall, muscular, infamous Halsin that clouded her thoughts as she drifted off into dreamland.

As for Freyr, Minthara didn’t ask, she basically ordered that they would spend the night together and Freyr was NOT about to argue. He was DTF from the moment he laid eyes on her. He even resisted his darker nature afterward and they shared a sweet moment together <3

44. What does your Tav think of Isobel?

Dani likes her but she also has a lot of questions. Like is she undead? Or is she alive just resurrected? Does she remember anything?? Why does she keep so many secrets??? But she thinks Isobel is otherwise nice and helpful. She DOES wish she could scrub Isobel’s face clean and teach her how to do killer eyeliner though.

Ardynn is cautious about Isobel but eventually warms up to her. Something about her seems unnatural but as they get to know each other more, Ardynn views her as a friend. Plus Isobel is a Selûnite and they need that kind of power around the shadow cursed lands.

Freyr, uh…didn’t really get to know her. His butler told him to kill her, and he very seriously thought about it. But when Marcus showed up saying they should take Isobel back to Ketheric, Freyr stepped in and stopped him, because he hates Ketheric more than he wants to kill Isobel. But Isobel died anyway because Freyr encouraged Shadowheart to kill Aylin and become a Dark Justiciar 💀 so everyone at Last Light died

63. If Shadowheart got a new haircut, how does your Tav react?

Im assuming this is referring to her new bangs look + possible white hair?

Dani loves it. She thought Shadowheart’s original fringe was silly and thinks the white hair looks AMAZING. They talk about hair dyes a lot after that because Dani regularly dyes the ends of her hair with ice blue.

Ardynn thought Shadowheart’s new white hair made her look softer and she thinks it suits her. Ardynn far prefers Selûne to Shar so anything that Shadowheart does that moves the needle closer to Seluûnite worship is good in her book.

Freyr and Shadowheart are buddies, so when she gave herself new fringe (still black hair) to represent her transition to a Dark Justiciar…well, okay, Freyr didn’t notice at first. But when she asked him if he liked her new look he immediately said yes because what are friends for? It took him a couple more hours to realize how, exactly, her hair had changed but his opinion didn’t waver. He thinks her original bangs are dumb.

Freyr is such a hilarious outlier to every one of these ask games lol

[slyfire]

Just finished a few questlines, and I wanna write my thoughts on the character questlines I've finished.

Spoilers for Act 3, as well as spoilers for Astarion's & Shadowheart's (but general spoilers for other companion questlines too)

Starting with the first one I finished: Astarion.

His quest was very well done IMO. Ultimately it's about overcoming the cycle of abuse, with one of the last choices with him being whether to help complete Cazador's ritual and allow Astarion to 'ascend' in Cazador's place, or convince him to not complete the ritual. I chose the latter, as well as letting the 7,000 spawn leave to the underdark.

I wasn't planning to, but I got too curious and decided to look a little at what happens if he takes on the ritual, and although I only saw a little, I definitely feel like keeping him a spawn is the better & more satisfying ending for him. Otherwise he it seems like he's on the path to becoming another Cazador if he ascends.

The scene of Astarion just repeatedly stabbing Cazador may be my favourite cutscene so far. The depiction of the strong emotions that comes with someone overcoming their abuser was really well done. From the rage he felt though the violence, to the sobbing afterwards...shout out to his VA for really selling it because I was almost about to join him...

The grave scene afterwards was also quite sweet (unsure what plays out if you're not on his romance though). I think he adds a new date of birth to the tombstone? If so that's amazing!

Of course, it's still a little bittersweet knowing that he'll have to go back to the shadows if the tadpole comes out, but unlike before, he'll have people in his life that genuinely care about him. I would like to think he could connect with his spawn siblings too (something that I wish got more focus during the direct aftermath of Cazador's death). While ascending may fix his vampiric issue, it's just incredibly sad that the price of that is his true freedom.

Onto the next one I finished: Shadowheart.

I really loved her questline as well!

Shadowheart was probably the first character my character bonded with as she was the first permanent party member, as well as making a lot of choices she approved of. Then of course as a Dark Urge, both characters have memory loss.

It's interesting that while my character made reassure her it was okay to worship her Goddess, as well as showing respect to Her in some places, when it came down to whether to kill the Nightsong or not, I let Shadowheart choose for herself...and she chose to throw the lance away! Honestly one of the most satisfying moments of the game so far. I thought Shadowheart would have gone through with it. While my character didn't want to kill Aylin (and well, neither did I), she wouldn't want to stop Shadowheart if her heart was set on this.

I also though her new hair was neat! Also a little funny since my since it seemed like my white-haired character is the closest to two other white-haired characters. Plus, Astarion & Shadowheart by themselves are an amazing duo. Shout out their dialogue from the Loviatar ritual. But it's also neat she keeps the braid since we find out it was her childhood friend that used to do her hair that way (even if on Shadowheart's request).

For House of Grief stuff, It was sad to see how a younger Shadowheart has to learn about torture for her faith, as well as partake in it... and man the fact Viconia turned into a wolf just to scare Shadowheart... like actually fuck Viconia, as well as Shar for the mission. Also fuck the fight 'cause of all the darkness thrown out at my party 😑. I did leave Viconia alive though.

The scene with Shadowheart's parents actually did make me tear up. It's a choice no one should go through. Thought it was terrible with Wyll too...like let the characters have one nice thing, no strings attached. I once again let Shadowheart choose her own fate, and she chose to listen to her parents in remove Shar's curse at the expense of their lives. Unlike Wyll, Shadowheart was able to have a genuine conversation with her parents again which was a small blessing.

To find out her mission as well a lot of her life was a lie, then when a chance of reconnection with her parents comes, it gets crushed in front of her...yeah she really need to cry a little afterwards. I wish we had a choice to comfort her more though.

Also, I'm glad she was able to meet her childhood friend again though, though it was a shame she left too quickly (but I'm also so glad she wasn't in the previous fight). And while Shadowheart can't remember her perfectly (I had her use the noblestalk), Nocturne basing her name on Shadowheart's was really sweet.

I really love how overall how similar the questlines are regarding the companions. While they're all different in substance, there are so many overlaps in themes & ideas, and it works amazing into making this group so good together. The person you spent so much time in devotion too isn't as they seem? Shadowheart & Lae'zel. Conflict between Gods and their worshipers, leading to possible punishment from said Gods? Shadowheart, Dark Urge, & Gale. You could make a lot of interconnections.

Anyway, I wanted to make a write up since I thought I was finished with the Dark Urge quests, but it seems there's still more to go? For context, I've gotten Orin's stone. I may make a write up later on. I just wanted to put my thoughts down...somewhere.