#and Wyll talks about how he understands this angle

[nocanonhere]

Like, even if Ulder had not kicked Wyll out after finding him with Mizora….it wasn’t going to last.

Like the trust would be gone, Ulder would perpetually be upset. He’d start to keep Wyll away from any political commitments of his. No more training with the Fists. No more letting him sit in on meetings. No more discussions over dinner about the state of things. Because Wyll’s too much of a liability at that point. There’s no telling what info Mizora is storing away and potentially trying to use against them. Or Baldur’s Gate in general, on Zariel’s behalf.

And it wouldn’t just be work related. Personal activities would come to a close. No more trips together. No more early morning training.

And yeah it’s fucked up what Ulder did, but man…..if you’ve ever been slowly iced out, then you know that shit has the potential to drive you insane.

As sudden as it was, at least it was one, solid kick to the chest. And then Wyll just had to pick up the pieces. But if he would have had to watch, day after day, as his father trusted him less and resented him more…and eventually shut him out completely. Idk y’all. Seems worse. But that’s me.

[vibingandsimping]

Random sfw + nsfw thoughts/headcanons for randomly assorted characters from BG3! Excuse any grammatical errors or poor phrasing… it is nearly midnight and I got off work.

Send requests or thoughts in my ask box. It will always be open!

Forewarnings/tags: Trying to keep this gender neutral… mentions of sweat/scent, blood-drinking, possession/control, some tooth-rotting fluff, fingering (receiving + giving), oral (receiving), hate-fucking, some ass-play mentions?, nipple-play, dirty talk, degrading, praise, validation.

Characters involved… Astarion, Wyll + Gortash

Astarion,

If you have warm-blood… such as a living creature. He adores that- his fingers trail along the expanse of your skin and if you could see his eyes you’d swear his name made sense. It has been so long since he had his own warm skin. Since Cazador stripped him of his innocence and life. He lives vicariously through your body. He may be dead but you breathe life into him and he swears his cold-heart no longer beat still.

He admires your features. The more unconventional ones. Like the wrinkles in your skin, the uglier scars that line your flesh. Moles, freckles, stretch marks… they all remind him of how uniquely alive and different you are. He’d kiss each one if you’d let him as his tongue singed praises.

He’d craft you a perfume or cologne to your scent. His senses are heightened as a vampire. He’s pressed his nose against the crook of your flesh more times than he could count. He’s smelt your skin and sweat… all of your essence. He has tasted and inhaled the scent of your blood. With that information, he presents you a mixture of herbs and other properties. Once applied to your skin, it illuminates your personality. Truly, as he said, he missed his calling.

As we all know… this man loves to bite. It is a form of dominance as well intimacy. Your vulnerability and his stake of claim as well as acceptance. You do not truly understand the importance behind the act. He never fed on humanoids until you. You were the sweetest he’d ever tasted… and will ever truly taste. The fact you’d give yourself so willingly gives him a feeling of superiority. As well as a lighter, chest tightening feeling of belonging. As much as you belonged to him, he was also yours.

He truly loves to delve into your pleasure. As much as he is fond of using his tongue… to break you apart with simply his mouth. Watch you crumble and cry from betwixt your thighs, there is also an unremarkable excitement in his fingers. Filling you and stretching you with them. Working to angle and prod the most sensitive parts whilst his tongue slides against yours or along your neck. Licking at the wounds from his feedings. To hear you cry so deliciously from just the thickness and persistence of his fingers strokes his ego. He knows he will fuck you dumb unto his cock.

A shorter smut headcanon but I do believe he’d love cumming on your skin. Your face, chest (particularly loves giving you a pearl necklace, he thinks you look dashing), stomach, thighs… any skin that is available, honestly. There is a strange sense of pride for him in it. To see you covered in him. He also loves to cum inside. Either works, honestly, as long as it is you.

Wyll (this guy has no fics about him. Step up y’alls game)

A true gentleman. He grew up as a son of royalty… what do you expect? If you guys ever had a proper date, he’d dress no less to impress the finest. Honestly, it makes you feel so utterly underdressed. He adorns a wonderful cologne. It is reminiscent of leather, warm spices and a sweeter scent like honey. His vest has gold detailing along a beautiful maroon. Still, in his eyes you are the most stunning thing he’s ever seen. No matter how fancy you dressed. He cannot keep his eyes off you, truly.

We all know he loves to dance. It is something he praises in his dialogue. Still, he wishes no more than to dance with you. If you can or cannot dance, it doesn’t matter. He will teach you the rhythm and steps if you have two left feet. Each time you trip or fall, he simply quirks a smile and offers a hand. He does not judge, only finds some amusement in how adorable he finds you. If you know how to dance? How delightful. He will play some faint music to follow along too. His hand rested along the small of your back and his fingers intertwined with yours. Dipping you and guiding you as the music fades away and you’re left with the trance of his loving gaze.

As much as he is a gentleman, I think he’d love harmless pranks. Gentle teasing of your character to see your frustrations and shock. He’d ‘misplace’ an item of yours to see you scour in confusion. Then, when you look at him, he is holding it out with a devious little smirk. He lets out a chuckle when you stomp over and nearly cuss him out. He loves every side of you and you know that it’s lighthearted fun… and god damn is it hard to hold a grudge when he has a smile like that. Curse him, truly.

He is a simple man, honestly. He takes pleasure in what you take pleasure in. Will indulge your desires and kinks as long as they aren’t particularly destructive. Though, he does have a little… interest. He proposes it one day with some nerve, or, you happen to stumble on it yourself. Nonetheless, he enjoys his ass being prodded during oral. You noticed when a fondling hand upon his balls drifted and brushed against his hole. He stiffened and let out a strained noise. You brushed it again before discovering it was one of pleasure. With that information, do as you will. Just know that it makes him release much easier than he intends. He finds it a dirty (although frustratingly pleasurable) trick when you go down on him.

He enjoys toying with your nipples while either betwixt your thighs or wrapped around you. There is a certain look you hold when his thumbs squeeze and roll them. You arch your back a little more and your thighs quiver as the pleasure shoots between them and enhance what he was giving you. It was truly a sight and he didn’t even have to say anything for you to unravel just the way he’d like. Don’t think it’s just hands, either. He’ll glide his tongue along them, sucking and nibbling til he is assured you’re enjoying it.

Gortash (I’m a dirty Gortash lover… sue me. Durge will get some content later, I swear)

Starting off with the normal Tav… If you manage to ‘fix’ him in a sense, he admires your persistence and patience with him. He had a troubled past that he overlooked and developed some… issues from. Yet, it was your kindness and guidance that led him to stopping the Absolute and creating a better city. He is not perfect, by far. Enver is still a controlling man. He needs some sort of power and dominance to soothe his mind. Though, he does not use fear to control his citizens anymore. He’s truly impressed by the way you swayed him. You can see it in the way he gazes at you sometimes. There is certain softness as his hand grasps yours and he looks to you for reassurance in a moment of vulnerability. He needs you to keep him in reigns.

He loves holding you from behind and to bury his face into your neck. The crook between your head and shoulder holds such warmth and a smell that is yours. It reminds him of the path he has chosen… and the person he gets to cherish for it. He places his hands onto your stomach and allows his sharp, metal nails to tease the skin. To remind you of the still powerful man whose giving up such command and control to you. Someone who grounds him. He might even hum into your skin in content if you do not push him away. Honestly, you will eventually. He could cling onto you like a koala of you did not stop him. He murmurs into your skin about how you two rule this kingdom… and one day you’ll be officially betrothed to him. The thought of him proposing and taking your hand in marriage makes your heart flutter.

Although he is so soft with you, he fucks you like he hates you. His cock battering your walls and filling you up so painfully full. He is thick- and makes your mind melt as he stretches you unlike you’ve known. He may not be particularly the longest but he does not lack length. Sadly, foreplay isn’t the best thing he’s at. You can blame it for his inflated ego and quick beds over the years. If you ruined his initial plans and had him submit the Absolute, he seethes in your ear about it. As much as he is a changing man, there is a part deep down that will resent that fact for awhile. He could’ve had everything he’d ever wanted as a boy. “Look at you, such a dirty thing. Soiling my plans, stomping into my heart… and now you’re sprawled on my sheets pathetically.”

When you finally convince or wrangle him into going down on you, it’s a sight. A mess of black hair and hands wrapping around your thighs. His tongue works rapidly, lavishing you in slightly inexperienced licks. Sucking at your sensitive parts before returning to ravishing you with his tongue. It is not that he hasn’t gone down before in all his years… it’s that his ego was so inflamed that he never truly thought or cared for it before you. He’s willing to try and work on better things just for you. As such, this is a way of showing his commitment to you. Not only to indulge in his pleasures but to show he cares about yours.

[bg-brainrot]

Hugs for a Vampire (Astarion x GN!Reader) - Chapter 9: Before Reaching Baldur's Gate

Chapter 9: Before Reaching Baldur's Gate

Each chapter can be read as a standalone hug.

Pairing: Astarion x GN!Reader (Rogue!Tav)

Genre: Fluffy, Filling in Canon

Rating: Teen

Tags: Gender-Neutral Pronouns, POV Second Person, Act 2, Canon-typical violence, consent, cw: alcohol

WC: 1.7k words, 9/18 chapters

Summary: Set during that one rest between Act 2 and Act 3 -- they talk about consent a bit, establishing their hug-boundaries.

Ao3 | [Hug8][Hug10] | Hugs for a Vampire Masterlist

Tonight you’ve set up camp in a fortress, just one sleep away from your final destination: Baldur’s Gate. You’ve never been so anxious, so excited, felt so many different emotions, just from staring at the city you call home.

It’s been a difficult journey, one that your companions have felt just as deeply as you have. So when you see the city illuminated in the distance, you know it’s a welcome sight for you all– a true victory, one that not even the Absolute can take from you.

As their de facto leader, you know this is a time for the group to celebrate its win. And you just know that the view from the battlements is better than anything you can get from your tents down here. “Hey!” you call out to your group. A few perk up from their nightly routines, several start to walk over. “Who wants to climb that tower over there? I bet you we can see all of Baldur’s Gate from up there.”

It doesn’t take long before the entire party is clamoring up the ladder to reach the heights above you. Not even Gale, who’s making the entire climb through groans and cries about his bad knees, would miss this view.

You’re the first to reach the top, leading the pack up and climbing with practiced efficiency. As soon as you raise your head, your breath catches. It’s beautiful, you think to yourself. And it truly is, lit up like the beacon of hope you know it to be. Home.

As you walk to the edge of the tower, you can hear your companions filing in behind you. “There it is! Even after a decade, it’s lovely as ever!” Karlach extols enthusiastically.

“I’ve only been away for seven years, but my heart is no less elated,” Wyll responds, his eye crinkling in excitement.

“I’ve only been away for a few months, and I don’t understand how adventurers do this for years,” Astarion grumbles. “You both must have backs made of steel to sleep on the ground this often.” He easily takes his place next to you, arms-crossed, shoulder nudging yours ever so slightly as he stops. You nudge back a bit, but continue to stare out into the slumbering city, listening to your companions banter.

Karlach laughs a bit bitterly before saying, “Didn’t have much of a choice. Though I will say that you hardly notice what you’re sleeping on when you’re busy destroying demons.”

“Well, I still notice while destroying cultists,” the vampire responds, voice tinged with annoyance. Then to you he asks, “And what are you so enchanted by?” He leans into you more, and your body ends up at an awkward angle.

“We're so close," you say, simply, allowing yourself to rest on the crenellation next to you for balance. As it so often happens with him, you’re reminded of a cat demanding attention. “Aren’t you looking forward to it?”

He scoffs, lightly jostling you as he does so. “Of course I am, Cazador won’t know what’s coming for him.”

You grin at that, recalling your earlier conversations with Astarion, who was so worried that fighting Cazador would be impossible. Your group has faced the impossible now, facing a mad vampire lord seemed right within your grasp. “Damn right,” you say, finally turning to look at him, only to find his face incredibly close, eyes staring at you intently. “What’s the matter?”

Astarion looks back at the rest of your group, conversing amongst themselves, pointing out buildings in the cityscape, otherwise wholly preoccupied. Satisfied, he turns back to you and pouts. “Darling, would it kill you to hug me every once in a while?”

You startle, what is he talking about? Thinking back, you’re certain you hug him quite a bit, more than once in a while. You say as much, “Love, is your head alright? I swear I gave you a hug just yesterday.”

He continues to lean into you, but keeps his arms firmly crossed. “Yes, of course you hug me back,” he starts, tone explanatory. “But you barely ever hug me first. I can only think of one such instance and, while I much appreciated it, I would appreciate more.”

His words ring true, you realize. You’re not sure how much of it is a choice that you’ve consciously made or if it’s born of your underlying worry. It hasn’t been long since you entered this new phase in your relationship, and the past couple of weeks have been a lot of trial and error to get to a place of some comfort and understanding. As such, you know exactly why you’ve been careful, consciously or not. “I don’t want to touch you if you’re not ready for it,” you say, tilting your head toward his, whispering your words away from the rest of the group.

The vampire freezes a moment, his eyebrows knitting into a look of concern. “While I appreciate the sentiment, darling, a hug isn’t exactly carnal.”

You give him a flat look. “Of course it isn’t,” you respond back. “But it’s still… intimate. You should be allowed to decide when that happens. If you hug me, I know you want it to happen.”

Astarion finally uncrosses his arms, only to rub at his temple in exasperation. “Ugh, you’re being disgustingly considerate,” he says, closing his eyes. “It’s times like this that I wonder how we’ve even gotten this far.”

“Hey!” you exclaim in indignation. Lowering your voice again, you continue, “You know you’re the only one I’m this considerate to. I even told Gale we don’t have time for his little shopping trip.”

The vampire opens his eyes and shoots you a wry smile. “Ah, the very epitome of an unflinching leader. Besides, we both know you’ll give in to him anyway.”

“I will not,” you say, without much conviction.

“Regardless,” he says, holding up a hand. “I appreciate your kindness, but I am not a porcelain doll– as much as I may look it.” Astarion tilts his head up, as if to catch the starlight in his silver hair.

Pursing your mouth, you consider his words. Have I been too careful? “I… know that. I’m sorry, love. I’ll work on that, alright?”

“I know how you could start,” his eyes twinkle at you expectantly. 

“With a hug?”

“Yes, gods, just hug me already.”

Some part of you still worries, still hesitates, but in the light of Astarion’s pleading expression they melt away a bit. Facing the silhouette of the city you both call home, you wrap an arm around him and pull him into your side. “Like this?” you turn to ask him, noses almost touching.

“Mmm, it shall do,” he answers softly, leaning into your hug, touching his nose to yours for a moment before looking out at the city. “What a romantic scene we've stumbled into. I can see why bards write about it.”

You hum in agreement, tilting your head to touch his. “Maybe if we save this gods forsaken city a few bards will pick up our tale.”

“In that case,” he starts, finally wrapping his own arm around you, squeezing you to him. “We’d best make it memorable.”

You stand in each others’ arms for a while, occasionally pointing at the city as you spot places you’d like to share with each other. You’re not sure how long you spend staring out at Baldur’s Gate together before your companions jolt you back to reality.

“Oi! Lovebirds!” You both turn in unison without hesitation to the source of the interruption, Karlach. Her and the rest of the group have gathered back at the ladder.

It’s Shadowheart that responds, “It’s getting a bit chilly up here. What do you say we pop open a bottle of wine and celebrate our return home?”

“As long as it’s not firewine,” you reply, shuddering at the idea of drinking any more of that swill. Pulling Astarion by the torso, you start to move toward the group.

He tugs you back gently, ignoring your questioning eyes to call to the group, “We’ll be down in a bit, not done here quite yet.”

“Suit yourselves! But take too long and I will drink all the good shit!” Karlach says, laughing as she heads down the ladder. The rest follow right behind her, their words and footsteps fading on the night’s breeze.

Once they’ve left, you look back at your lover, eyebrow raised. “And what aren’t we done with yet?”

“Our hug, obviously,” he says, waving his free hand at you. “Or did you really think a paltry one-armed hug would satisfy a man of such appetites?”

You only take a second to process his words before gladly diving into him with both of your arms. You wrap Astarion in an all-encompassing embrace, a vice-grip full of love and warmth. “Better?” you ask, turning your head to the crook of his neck.

“Much,” he sighs into your hair, reciprocating the hug with no hesitation. A moment passes in a silent buzz of happiness, before he speaks again. “I don’t know how to say this without sounding ridiculous,” he begins. “But here, in your arms, it almost feels like I’ve already made it back home.”

Your heart thumps in your chest, but you’ve gotten better at surviving his sincere compliments. “You’re right, I should hug you more often.”

“I knew you would see reason,” he laughs. “And if you're ever worried about hugging me, you're quite welcome to ask. Now, since you always ask so nicely, would you allow me to kiss you?”

Lifting your head from his shoulder, you nod. “Yes, please.”

Astarion smiles at you, an unfiltered joy shining in his eyes. His cool fingers cup your chin as he pulls your face toward his. Your eyes close as your lips meet his in a slow, tender kiss. With the city as your backdrop and this lovely man in your arms, the world feels more focused, your purpose clearer. Baldur’s Gate awaits you, and you’ve never been so eager to answer its call.

[sweeter-innocence-fics]

You Brought Your Worst and I’m Right Here - Chapter Five: As these flowers start to wither

Pairing: Gale of Waterdeep x female Tav

Work Summary:

After an explosive falling out between Gale and his academic adviser, Mystra, Tav is left to pick up the pieces.

Modern/College AU.

Chapter Summary: 

Gale finally confides in Tav.

Chapters: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Epilogue

Rating: Explicit

Word Count: 1976

Read on AO3.

Masterlists.

Taglist: @mrs-kai-anderson @ang3l1te @missryerye

Taglist info

Previous Chapter

Notes:

warnings for professor/student relationship, grooming, Mystra generally, suicide mentions

sorry I didn't update last week, it was my birthday on the Saturday before so I didn't have time

---

Tav awoke, disoriented, later in the evening. Her eyes stung with the memories of tears, but she didn’t have enough moisture left to cry.

It was dark outside. She could tell because her curtains were still open. A light knocking on the door startled her. That must’ve been what had awoken her.

“Tav?” Gale’s muffled voice through the door made her stomach sink. She stumbled out of bed, grabbing a pair of tracksuit bottoms from the floor and tugging them on.

She opened the door a crack, very aware of how much of a mess she must’ve looked. Gale was standing outside her door, holding a plastic bag in one hand and two bowls in the other. From the bag emanated the smell of something delicious and fried that made her mouth water.

“Hey…” he said, shuffling awkwardly.

“Hey…”

“I was hoping we could talk. There’s some stuff I want to… explain.”

She regarded him for a moment. He was frowning, his eyebrows drawn together. His eyes looked a little red too.

“Of course,” she said, opening her door.

“I brought food,” he said, lifting up the plastic bag. “From the Chinese place on the corner. I got that rice you like.”

“Thanks Gale.”

She turned on her bedroom light and went to draw the curtains.

The two of them settled themselves into a position that was familiar from years of study sessions. Tav’s back was against the headboard, bowl of rice in her lap and a glass of coke on her bedside table. Gale sat at a right angle to her, leaning against the wall.

Back when they would spend more time together, they found themselves in Tav’s bedroom more often than Gale’s, because hers had better natural lighting, and his was awfully cluttered. It had been far too long since the last time they’d done this.

For a while, neither of them spoke. Tav must’ve been pretty dehydrated, because she found herself gulping down her drink almost immediately.

“I am sorry,” she said, without looking at him. “About earlier. For yelling. It wasn’t fair.”

Gale seemed to be wrestling with something. She didn’t want to push, so she just ate her food and tried not to watch him too carefully.

Eventually, he said, “please don’t apologise. I don’t want you to feel guilty for expressing your feelings. I know I hurt you, and I’m sorry.”

“It’s not about me,” said Tav.

“Tav…” Gale’s expression looked a little desperate. “I think it’s important that you know I’m not planning on doing anything so… drastic again. I was in pain. Frankly, I was heartbroken, and I think I needed to be reminded that I do have people who care about me. Wyll and Shadowheart and Astarion… they’ve all been so kind, but I think a part of me thought that they were doing all of this out of a sense of obligation or guilt, rather than genuine care. I know that probably sounds ridiculous, but it’s how I felt. So thank you for reminding me that I matter. I’m sorry I had to cause you pain in order for me to understand that.”

“Gale…” she breathed. One word was bouncing around inside her skull. Heartbroken.

“I’m sure you’ve noticed that I… I’ve been… off, lately.” Gale set his bowl aside and scratched the back of his head. Tav had to bite back a sarcastic response, because ‘off’ was the understatement of the century. “It’s… well… You deserve an explanation.”

Tav set her half-finished bowl of food down on her bedside table and turned her full attention to him.

He chuckled nervously. “It’s strange, I’ve thought through this conversation so many times but I still don’t know where to begin. I suppose I should start with last summer, when Mystra – that is, Professor Mystryl – agreed to be my academic supervisor for my final year project. It was a dream come true. Mystra is a brilliant scientist and the fact that I’d impressed her enough for her to take me on as a student was… well, it was everything to me.”

Tav remembered when he’d got the news. He had been positively glowing with excitement. They’d gone out that night with all their friends, drank and danced and partied, and for some reason, had all thought it would be a tremendous idea to all try to sleep in Gale’s bed. Tav had awoken the next morning squished between Gale and Shadowheart, her cheek smushed against Gale’s chest. It was one of the best nights of her life.

“Things were going well,” Gale continued. “Mystra is an excellent teacher. She opened my mind to so many possibilities. And all I wanted to do was impress her. Sometimes, when I’d say something, she’d give me a little smile and I could tell she thought I was clever, and there wasn’t a feeling in the world that was better than that.”

Tav tried not to let her feelings show on her face, but her stomach was twisting uncomfortably. Gale was talking about Mystra with an adoration that wasn’t typical for a student to have for their professor. It made her nervous.

“We had a meeting one evening. It was later than usual, because she’d just got back from a conference, and I couldn’t wait to discuss the latest developments in my project. She seemed… different that day. More… human? I don’t know if that makes sense. It’s hard to explain it to someone who doesn’t know her. She just always seemed so… above everything. But not that day. That day she looked a little tired from the travel, and she didn’t sit up quite so straight, and, well…”

Tav’s lips were pressed into a hard line. She could almost feel her heartbeat in her ears. She really, really didn’t like where this story was going.

“She was sitting across from me on the other side of her desk, and at some point during the conversation, she moved around to my side to look over the work I was explaining to her. I was just showing her some calculations I’d been doing and she… she kissed me.”

“Gale.” His name was an exclamation of utter shock that had escaped her. She hadn’t meant to interrupt but suddenly she really, really didn’t want to hear this story. It made her sick to her stomach. But she couldn’t stop him now. She needed to hear this, and he needed to tell her.

He couldn’t seem to meet her eyes anymore. “And I kissed her back, of course. How could I not? She was the woman of my dreams. She’s extremely intelligent and ethereally beautiful and no one has ever made me feel the way she did. I felt like I could do anything if she was on my side. And we… spent the night together. That night, and many nights since. We started a relationship of sorts, if you can really call sneaking around and having sex in her office a relationship.”

“Gale,” Tav breathed. Her stomach roiled. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

His eyes flickered up to meet hers, and he gave her a pained smile. “Because I knew you’d tell me to break it off with her. Because I knew you’d have my best interests at heart, even if I didn’t. And I was embarrassed, I suppose. When I was with her, I felt like a God, but when I was away from her, I felt like some stupid schoolboy being tricked into doing something naughty. I was worried you would think that I was stupid for letting myself get swept up in her.”

“I would never think that. Gale, she abused her position of authority over you. In no world is that your fault.” This was what Tav had to focus on. That Gale was a victim. He wasn’t just the boy she loved sleeping with somebody who wasn’t her. He was a young man who had been taken advantage of by someone he was supposed to be able to trust. Because otherwise, she would be angry with him, and she knew that that wasn’t fair.

“I knew you’d say that, too. And sometimes I would strengthen my resolve. I would go to her office with the intention of breaking it off with her. This entire situation could jeopardise my academic career, after all, not to mention what it could do to her career. I knew that I was taking a ridiculous risk for the sake of my own juvenile feelings. But whenever I tried, she would… well, she has such a way with words. I felt like I was drawn to her. It was… magnetic. I couldn’t let her go.”

Gale’s hands were resting in his lap. Tav shifted towards him and took one of them between her own. He startled, but after a moment, he relaxed into it, squeezing her hand.

“She was very jealous,” he said. “That was part of the reason I wanted to break it off multiple times. She didn’t like me spending time with other women. Not alone. She didn’t like how close I was with you.”

“Me?” Tav stared at him.

“I suppose I talked about you too much for her liking. You’re my best friend. But she would become sullen and sour whenever I mentioned your name. So I stopped. And I drew away from you because I wanted to make her happy. I’m sorry.”

Tav squeezed his hand. Her heart was thrumming in her chest. “I forgive you.”

“Things started to… unravel, so to speak, between Mystra and I… As part of my research, I was building on some theorems developed by Mystra herself. But the experimental data didn’t always seem to line up. I started to make my own modifications to the theorems to see if I could make sense of them. Mystra didn’t like that. She felt like I was undermining her. So she dumped me. As a lover and as a student. We had a huge fight about it. I felt so desperate and lost, like I’d ruined everything. So I took a bunch of pills.”

Tav murmured his name, her heart twisting. At some point during the conversation, they had started shifting towards each other, and by now, the gap between them was almost non-existent. She put her arms around his neck. He slipped his arms around her waist and squeezed. She pretended she couldn’t feel the tears running down his cheek where it was pressed against hers.

They sat like that for a while, holding each other. When that became uncomfortable, they shifted their positions again, so that they were lying side by side, Gale’s head resting on her shoulder.

“You know what I’m going to say, right?” she said softly after a long silence. He groaned softly, but gave no other answer. “You need to report her. She abused her position.”

“I can’t.” He let out a deep sigh. “Even if I didn’t care about her anymore, think of the damage it would do to my academic reputation. It would throw all of my work into question. Not to mention how it might affect my chances of getting onto a PhD programme. It’s better… safer… if I just keep my distance. Chalk it up to youthful mistakes and move on, focus on what’s important.”

Tav wanted to argue, but couldn’t find the words. In truth, she had no idea what would happen if Gale reported Mystra. She wanted to believe that there would be protections in place for a student reporting an inappropriate relationship with a staff member, to ensure he didn’t face retaliation from the university, but in practice, how could she trust them to do right by him?

She still had a painful, sinking feeling in her gut and her chest. She squeezed him a little tighter, dropping a kiss on the top of his head.

“Thank you for confiding in me, Gale. And I’m so, so sorry that you’re going through this.”

Next Chapter

[goddness-lunafreya]

Philrath Headcanon - As the Companions Come My PoV

So, after seeing many people doing this, I had the courage and desire to do it too. Inspired by the posts Write your Tav (other characters' POV edition) and My Tav (Tyrael) Headcanons, I decided to make this post. Let's see what the Companions think of our Half-Dragon? Meet more about Philrath

Shadowhear

"Philrath is...Curious. But not in a bad way. Of course, when I met her I thought she was strange, but she was kind to me, to all of us. Sometimes I think we didn't deserve it. Her being the daughter of a dragon was strange to accept, but I soon got used to it. In the end I think I understand her, she was alone for so many years, away from her family... I hope she feels good where she is now."

Lae'zel

"The dragon hybrid exceeded my expectations. Maybe they weren't tall, but Philrath proved to be more than just a pretty face. She fought bravely! When I saw her fly in her direction, spitting the end of her enemies onto the ice, I understood why she was hiding, and I admired her. But she doesn't need to hide, she'll be the dragon when she needs to be, and we'll be here to make sure no bastard locks her up again! I may not agree with everything she does... she's still a sentimental fool. But I see a warrior in her eyes."

Gale

"Philrath is unique. What can I say? I would love to study her magic more calmly. I understand exactly how dragon magic flows so well in a hybrid's body, but I'm afraid of getting bitten! Well... I wouldn't just get one..." (Referring to the vampire) "Anyway, I'm glad she trusts us enough to expose herself. It's difficult... Explaining when you have something dangerous in you. I confess that looking at it from this angle, damn, it makes sense that she ignored me... A dragon is a little too much for me..." (He takes a goddess and still says that...). "Better to leave her with someone who understands these wilder things."

Karlach

"She is amazing! Seriously, she, like, even tried to touch my hand when I asked. We almost gave her a thermal shock, poor thing, but did she accept it? Serious. She's crazy! But... I adore her. I would hate to see her arrested, when she told me I... I was devastated. I'm going to kick those hunters' asses! She protected me... I must do the same. It's almost as if she were a little sister... A little sister who turns into a fucking dragon, but a little sister."

Halsin

"Philrath... Sometimes I let slip from my lips a nickname, 'Little Dragon'. That's what she is. She's small for a dragon, but she must have her heart in the right place, more so than most of them... When she asked me to train her, I was embarrassed. I didn't see myself in a position to do that, but she opened up and said how scared she is of hurting people, transformed... I know what that's like. Even I, an experienced person, I feel fear when I transform into a bear over unstable emotions, imagine her, a dragon. But she is safe now, in our arms, with Silvanus and protected in the embrace of her soulmate. I will be here if she needs extra arms for the hug ." (A not so innocent joke)

Astarion

"Oh, Philrath? My Darling? What do I say... I don't want to expose her too much, but she's a delight. But I think that before I talk about how wonderful she is carnally, I should say how much she... Trusted me. See, you let me bite you. She gave me company at night. It was a sweet voice for when I got nervous. She did crazy things, oh how crazy things, for me! And... I never wanted anything in return. She just... loved me. Honestly, I don't want to break up with her! I don't care if she has scales, or if she turns into a dragon, or if she's hunted by maniacs? But so what?? I have my own maniac to kill. So what?? I'd love to do this with her... And I'd love to return the favor." (Post Cazador, they will apparently have no rest.)

Wyll

"Philrath... She's not a monster. I know it's weird to start like this, but everyone says that! She says this about herself. And she's not a monster. It's just a... Person who has suffered his whole life and wants to live! Damn, if it's difficult for me now that I have this pair of horns, imagine she's had them since birth. I feel sorry, but I want to help her. The Blade of Frontiers has promised to protect those in need, and she does. Philrath could only abandon everything and everyone, live in seclusion, feel angry. But look at her here... Making us happy with songs and dances and saving little children. She is not a monster. Monsters are those who gave her that title."

Tag List: (Thank you!) @spacebarbarianweird @vixstarria

[crossdressingdeath]

#Yeah his reaction here is so interesting because it's totally understandable but also contrasts with his “be careful” response#To the bhaalspawn reveal#One more conversation where he processed it and it would make total sense I think to go back to his usual greeting#But they really needed a reveal reaction scene for each companion and they just didn't do it#Also I think karlach should have ahd a chance to leave the party at this point if you didn't flat reject Gortash's offer and I will#Die on that hill. It makes sense given her story and character#Seriously though a post coronation convoy with each companion would have made so much sense and I don't know why they didn't!#When the companuons didn't have anything to say about it I honestly thought wyll's quest had overridden it and reloaded to check but nope#One conversation would have done wonders#Set up tension in the camp make it clear who is hanging around out of necessity who is processing and moving on#Who trusts them who doesn't trust them who you need a persuasion check on to get them to stay#How each person reacts to being reminded of your amnesia#Who pushes they trying to be better angle who doesn't care about that who thinks redemption is possible ughhhh there's so much to say!#Whyyyyy didn't they include this (tags via @chronurgy)

My favourite (read with heavy sarcasm) part of the whole thing is that whether it's a glitch or what... only the people in your party comment on the Chosen reveal. What, do we not tell the others?

Personally I think things should be tense up until the temple. Like... they just get over it! Instantly! If they aren't in the active party during the coronation (and I believe even if they are but you don't talk to them immediately) they don't even care! I feel like either there needed to be a much longer conversation with each party member where you discuss it, a second conversation (maybe after a long rest or something) where they come to a conclusion about what they're going to do (which could be attached to a persuasion check or tied to approval or something), or a cutscene with everyone where the whole party talks about it. If Larian didn't want to do that, I think the greeting lines at least should've changed to reflect the new tensions in the party until the temple, at which point the matter would be resolved one way or the other. I guess this way offers more freedom for headcanoning, but it's just so jarring talking to one of your party members and getting this anger and then you actually were talking to them for a reason so you click on them again and... back to normal, like the whole reveal never happened. You can't even bring it up! It's just such a mess.

Gale: The tadpoles, the Absolute... it was because of you? I think you've said and done more than enough. Leave me be.

Ouch. The fact that there's no real followup from this drives me nuts, Gale is like "You've done more than enough, get away from me" and then you talk to him again and it's back to "Hi friend, so glad to have you around!" like nothing happened? Come on. There's so much tasty angst in the whole thing, give me the party clearly being on edge around Durge until/unless they reject Bhaal entirely!