#astarion piano

[kalindraancunin]

A Love Dream 

OK GUYS. I HAD TO DO IT. i am not a writer per se (although I am loving it I admit), not a native speaker, nothing, but I HAD to get this idea out, and I sincerely hope you enjoy! ALSO: if anyone wants to continue this story with the much needed smut after, FEEL FREE! Let this be a group Project!

fluffy fluff, feelings, music, classical lore, anticipation for smut (but not there yet), love, desire and philosophical astarion :D

Lúthien is my female moon druid tav with a very rough childhood, one which she tries to heal herself from, with the help of her creative passions, specially music. Honestly if one didn’t knew and disregarded her occasional transformation into animal form, she would easily be mistaken for a full on bard. 

She and Astarion engage in ongoing, very heavy flirting and already slept together two times (before and after the tiefling party), but never talked about feelings involved and struggle deeply to not be the first one revealing themselves to the other 

(Basically two traumatized dumbasses in love).

She lets him feed nearly every night, trying to not show too much of her deep affection and lust for him. He obviously notices, but other than some heavy teasing he didn’t go further in his advances, simply because he, so he tells himself, already got what he wanted: her on his side, fighting for his cause for freedom.

The Piano piece they are playing is Franz Liszt Liebestraum No.3 (or A Love Dream) in Ab flat major ;-)  I found it quite fitting both in melody and storywise!

....

As the sun begins to settle between the trees at the rosymorn monastery, camp shenanigans slowly settled down as well. This was the time where everyone retreated to their own tents, except for one or two left at the camp fire, sipping on wine and telling stories (more so often Gale). Like the night before, Lúthien sat behind the very old grand piano which revealed itself after an unpleasant encounter with some giant eagles two days ago. While their usual loot strolls after the fight, Lúthien almost couldn’t  contain herself when she spotted the harsh contrast of the piano keyboard between piles of dried grass which the eagles used to built their nests.

She insisted they make camp here, as they were too exhausted after the two fights (they encountered some death sheppards before) and asked Karlach to help her set up the grand piano near her tent. „ Ok Soldier, am quite excited which tunes you come up with, I love when you play for us!“ The fiery Barbarian shouted while she grabbed the monstrosity by the keyboard like it was made out of cardboard and swunged it over her shoulders to carry it to Lúthien. She herself laughed, never getting over the impossible strength the tiefling woman provided while also embodying such an easy and happy personality.

„Careful, a grand piano as old as this specimen is most likely very delicate, specially the keyboard!“ Astarion suddenly made an appearance behind the two women, arms crossed, head shaking in disapproval.

„You may be right“ Lúthien admitted, placing her fingers on some of the keys, testing the sound. „ You sound like you sat on one of those before?“ She looks at his face, recognizing his eyes shying away from her gaze, eyebrows frowned as he was caught by surprise.

„ I.. Well, .. I don’t know, really. After all, it must have been 200 years ago.“ His usually silky voice took on an absent, sad tone.

„ Sorry, I didn’t mean to..“ Lúthien felt like her question stirred some uncomfortable thoughts the beautiful man across from her most certainly wanted to avoid. „No, no, darling, it’s alright,“ he quickly responded, his ruby eyes fixated again on her. „If you don’t mind not practicing too loud? I have some interesting literature which I intended  to indulge in peace and quiet this evening.“ He scoffed at her with a little smirk and walked away back to his tent, just before Lúthien could return his teasing with a witty remark she already prepared inside her head.

Something along the lines of …. I could only imagine which „literature“ you are referring too.. never mind. 

As her mind travels back to the present moment, Lúthien shooked her head, trying to get rid of that white haired-seductive grinning-crimson eyed- vampire- elf- man- image in her mind and focussed on the keys before her. This evening, she wanted to focus herself on a particular captivating piano piece she always wanted to perfect, but never managed to. Originally in ab major, Lúthien struggled to remember the correct tonality as she let her fingers sway over the keyboard, only pressing faintly where she thought the tone was right.

„Unsure, darling?“

Lúthien gasped in shock as she suddenly felt the presence of Astarion behind her. „Could you stop sneaking up on me?!“ She turns around, obviously taken aback and met him with a piercing glance, „sorry if I was too loud and interrupted your studies, your heiness.“

„No need bringing royalty into this, although I admit, this title would suit me quite a bit, don’t you think?“ Lúthien rolled her eyes and noticed her ears and cheeks heating up as he sat down next to her on the laying barrel she upcycled as a piano stool, their thighs touching each other slightly. She stared at his trousers and her mind drifted to the strong grip his legs had on her that night…. 

„My eyes are up here, pet.“ She gasped again and wanted to fight his bold assumption (which frankly was true), but couldn’t contain a loud laugh. She looked him in his eyes,  despite her urge to avoid his gaze and was rewarded to see his face lighten up with her laugh. God’s, he was just ethereal. „Ok, ok, i don’t know what to say to that“ Lúthien looked away and at her hands still on the keyboard. 

To her surprise, Astarion placed his hands on the keyboard as well. 

„You know, I thought about what we talked about yesterday,“ she looked at him while he talked and absentmindedly gazed at the piano,“ I think i might have some history playing the piano when I was younger. He started lazily playing an arpeggiated phrase containing c, e ab…“Wait, you know that song?“ Lúthien stared at him with wide eyes, „ I wanted to practice it, as it is one of my favorite piano pieces!“

„ i know, I recognized the melody as soon as you started with the first notes“, his gaze rested on the keyboard, „ I must say, I applaud your taste in music darling , as it is one of my favorites as well.“

And then he started playing. As his beautiful, long fingers danced over the keys, his shoulders and his whole face began to relax. This calm and peaceful expression filled Lúthiens heart up with an immense, deep feeling for the pale man sitting next to her, so much she felt herself almost exploding on the inside. He played the piece so beautifully, carefully distinguishing between the strong, forte parts and the more soft, piano ones. The melody was like a wave he managed to draw flawlessly, so empathetic towards the intentions of each note, she was left speechless. She even thought she was sure she saw a small smile across his lips, while he was caught in the wave of the arpeggio phrases with his eyes closed.

This sight sent shivers down her spine and in that moment she wished nothing more than to be the piano, to be each key he touched.

She knew she loved him, a realization that hit her more calmly than she expected. It was just that she knew and now, she had just said it out in the open, at least to herself in her mind (which was quite the big step for her). 

„ Do you know what this piece is about?“ Astarion looked her in the eyes while playing the last notes, still lost in the melancholy of the tune. 

„I know it is called „ ,A Love Dream’“ Lúthien returned his gaze, eyes big and her whole body flushed, still flustered by her own realization.

„That is correct, dear“, his crimson eyes darted to her face and she couldn’t sit still, so she changed the position of her hands from the barrel to her thighs to the keys again just for the sake of moving some of her body, otherwise she was sure she would just jump at him and kiss him like an absolute mad woman, „ but do you know the whole story?“ 

„N-No“ Lúthien managed to get out. „ You know“, Astarion chuckles, „ its funny how just you practicing three simple notes got me thinking so deep about things I was almost a hundred percent sure I forgot that they existed. And that music, and playing the piano is still somewhat a part of me.. even after all this years of numbness.“  Lúthien couldn’t take her eyes of him and rested her hand onto his instinctively. At first she wanted to take it back to rest at her leg, but in that moment she knew she could stay there. 

„ The story of a Love Dream is obviously about love, darling“ Astarion continued with a slight tease in his warm voice and smirked at her, but without that usual mask, so she notices. „ but about all the ups and downs, and specially, what remains of all the feelings after the beloved has passed.“

Suddenly, he moves closer to Lúthien and grabbed her resting hand more firmly, which she appreciated greatly, as she was sure she couldn’t contain herself much longer. „ But what if-„ he almost whispered in her ear, his face terribly close to her neck and her lips- , „ what if someone finds love after they already died? How would that feel like? If someone were to compose this piece according to this paradox, what would the musical waves look like? The other way around?“ 

He was so close to her face, he looked so deeply into her with his ruby eyes, asking this question with a sincereness she couldn’t take it anymore. She knew he was asking about him, about her. About all of this. What this means he is feeling, as he couldn’t remember he felt that way in two hundred years. She grabbed his neck and drew him onto her lips and they kissed. He wrapped his arms around her back and pressed her onto him so hungrily, but also so gentle.

As they deepened their kiss further and further, already traveling their hands to the other persons clothes, desperately wanting to gain access to skin, Lúthien managed to answer him, looking into his eyes, short of breath, hot and with a big smile : „ I think such a composition would thrive off this paradox, because when the story starts with the deepest of all pain, the most happiness must be what fills the time after.“ He smiled at her back, a clear, honest and genuine happy smile that melted her away for good, „ I would like for us to write it.“ 

[beepersteeper]

A Love Dream - Continued

This is a continuation of the story written by @kalindraancunin called A Love Dream. In which Lúthien and Astarion tiptoe on the razor edge of love but are both too bogged down with their own baggage to truly see what is in front of their noses. This continuation watches them release their inhibitions and start what I hope is the beginning of a wonderful journey of healing and love together. kalindraancunin let her fic be a group project as they put it and I would love to do the same. if you want to write what their adventure looks like after this FEEL FREE just @ me I'd love to read it~

*This fic does include slow-burn smut at the end so use your own discretion.*

The song that they start to play is Cannon in D.

“I think I'd like that." Lúthien licked her lips and sighed, releasing a breath she wasn't aware she was holding. “You start, and I’ll jump in; let our stories meet somewhere in the middle.”

“Seems fitting.” he smirked, letting his eyes linger on hers as he flexed his hands before resting them gently on the weather-worn keys. He begins playing on the left side of the piano, letting his fingers traverse the keys.

Lúthien closed her eyes and felt the music coming from Astarion’s lithe fingers as they danced across the keys. She opened her eyes and then set one hand next to his and began introducing the lighter sounds from her side of the instrument to the deeper ones he played.

Astarion chuckled when their pinkies grazed each other, casting a glance at her and rocking his shoulders forward slightly, playing the music with more feeling. Lúthien felt her ears flush, and she moved her face to her side, shying away from his gaze but still adding her other hand to the keys to continue playing. It felt like they were finally talking freely to one another in a language that only they could understand. A language that carries no innuendo or wordplay. Their duet evolved into a passionate dance, each note a declaration of their growing care for one another as the camp around them began to disappear while their tadpoles squirmed, reaching for each other and sharing the feelings the song brought to their hearts.

The music started like a whisper—the mere thought of accepting love's embrace. With every harmonic progression, it describes a scene of vulnerability. With each chord, it painted a picture of two souls intertwining in a dance of adoration. As the music swells and flows, it carries the tender whispers of endearment, echoing the sentiments of lovers lost in each other's embrace. Like a most cherished memory, it lingers in the air, a reminder of what beauty can be found in the embrace of love. 

The cascade of notes made her heart feel like it was being wrapped in unspoken affection. A few minutes into their composition, their hands overlap, and they both stop playing when their fingers are no longer able to situate themselves without tangling with the others.

Astarion rests his chin in his left hand and rests that elbow on the crumbling wood of the piano. He shakes his head but smiles. A quiet laugh leaves his lips, and he raises his eyes to her face. “I didn't think you meant it literally when you said we would meet in the middle, darling.”

“I'm sorry.” She rested her hand on his thigh. “I didn't account for just how rusty you would be after 200 years.”

His mouth turned up in a playful snarl. Lúthien couldn't stop the chuckle from his response, but she covered her mouth in an attempt anyway. The two sat on that barrel for a long time in thick silence, alternating between looking at each other and avoiding each other's eyes. The tension was broken when Astarion gently reached for her hand, rubbing his thumb over the peaks and valleys of her knuckles.

“What are you thinking right now?” she asked softly, squeezing his hand.

“I can't say it.” He swallows hard and takes a deep breath as his shoulders slump forward and his ears shift as he grits his teeth closed. His eyes are no longer able to meet hers.

“That's okay.” she muses, and she reseats herself on the barrel, straddling it to face him directly.

He turns on the barrel as well, lifting her knees so that they hang over his legs, scooting her body fluidly to him, bringing their bodies nearly flush together, and resting his palms on her thighs. “But...” he pauses to choose his words carefully. “I think I would like to show you.”

Her face burns red. She turns her head and casts her eyes away from him, but her lips betray her when one side curls into a shy smile. One of his hands cups her face and gently pulls it back to look at him. His touch is tender, but too far forward on her face; it’s miscalculated and unrehearsed; it feels real. She moves her face slowly around in his palm, resituating herself in his hand, and feels the little hairs on the back of her neck stand on end. She kisses his thumb while she exhales a shaky breath through her nose. Then, in one swift movement, Astarion pulled her to him with a firm hand on her back, crashing his lips against hers. She felt his cold lips tremble against hers as he captured her lips in a soft, hesitant kiss. He leans back, pursing and licking his lips to soothe his nerves.

Lúthien pushed away any doubt in his mind when she pulled herself forward and onto his lap, cradling the back of his head in her hands, feeling the downy curly slip between her fingers. His hands instinctively hold onto the back of her shoulders to support her weight on him, pushing the warm planes of her body against his, igniting something within him that has long since been extinguished. They kiss again, deeper. It is clumsy; all tongue and teeth, and their noses clash uncomfortably, but neither cares. Soft sighs and muffled moans punctuate the charged silence, the only sounds besides the rustle of clothing and the faint crackle of the campfire nearby. The inhibitions melted away, leaving only them at this moment. 

They lean their foreheads against one another and playfully brush their noses together when Astarion traces his fingers down and up her spine before he sheepishly asks, “Do you want...” He trails off, letting her fill in the blank however she feels fit. Me? This? Us? More? The muscles on the side of his neck tense and relax while he waits for a response.

“Yes! I mean, only if you—” She starts being cut off when he kisses her again.

“I do, Lúthien.” he says, smiling a crooked smile. He swings his leg back over the barrel and stands slowly, letting her feet carefully find the ground. “I think more than I've wanted anything before.” 

She reaches up and pulls his face to hers again. Kissing him gently, she says, “Lead the way.”

He giggles, then clears his throat to hide the sounds, and he shakes his head and smiles before whispering into their kiss, “Gladly.” He quietly pulls the keylid closed and laughs louder than he should for the time of night. Lúthien turns to see what he's so entertained by. The keylid is only half intact; the wood has splintered and decayed, and it doesn't even close the entire way down.

“HA” Her hands fly to her mouth, and they look at each other and giggle before Astarion laces his fingers with hers and walks with her back to camp. They see that their companions are still awake and milling about in camp. He takes a step back and puts his finger to his lips, telling her to stay quiet as they sneak around the outskirts of the camp behind the eagle’s bluejay’s nest. They clamber down a matted vine, across crumbled stone stairs, and find a secluded grassy area with a fountain that was probably beautiful in a past life.

Astarion pulls her toward him by her hand. He kisses her palm and the inside of her wrist and rests her hand on his chest, where his heart once beat. Sincerely wishing that it would do so again, if even just for the night. He squeezes her hand tight and kisses her. Resolving to let himself go, let himself be there in that moment with her, his other hand holding the back of her neck and pulling her close to him. Her warm hand snakes under his shirt and rests on his waist, holding him in place. 

Their wonton desire is palpable, but neither is sure or willing to push beyond the place they are. They kiss; their hands explore each other's forms over and under shirts. Caressing their skin in such a way that you wouldn't know they had laid together before. He pulls her hips to his during a passionate kiss, and a hiss followed by a quiet whimper falls out of his mouth when his erection presses against her body. He craved her in a way that he couldn't wrap his mind around. 

“Please...” he whispers through his open mouth. 

With that one word, a switch flipped in her. She pushed her body harder against his, standing as high on her toes as she could. She kissed him, her tongue searching for his, and was met with even more enthusiasm. He bends at the knees and picks her up by her thighs. He falls off balance and falls back. Lightning fast, he moves one hand to cradle her head and the other to brace himself for the fall. They laugh heartily, and she litters his face, neck, and shoulders. He finds purchase in the roundness of her hips and pushes them down while he braces his legs and moves his hips up, meeting hers.

A quiet, breathy moan leaves her throat at the base of his ear. Her stomach contracts, and she grinds her hips forward and back desperately, searching for friction.

“Ah!’ He gasps and pushes his shoulders into the earth below him. His eyes roll back briefly, but he wills them to focus on her, taking in all of her curves, the sounds that she makes, and the way her body naturally responds to his touch. He pushes his hands under her shirt and moves it up her torso, above her stomach, and watches the way her skin flexes as she moves. She sits straighter up, unceremoniously removes her shirt, and leaves it to fall to their side. He clutches her body to his, flips her over to lie down, and follows suit, taking his shirt off and adding it to the growing clothing pile. At the same time, they reach for each other's pants and take them off for each other, awkwardly kicking off their shoes in the process. Kneeling between her legs, they are left with nothing but their shared desire between them. Astarion's lip trembles. He pushes away any thoughts of doubt when he leans down and kisses her. He feels the goosebumps litter her skin from his touch. Her hands caress his sides, avoiding touching his back. He pushes one of her elbows, allowing her hand to touch those damnable scars in the same soft and tender way.

He kisses the column of her neck with wet, open-mouth kisses. Her body writhed in the most beautiful way. Her back arched, her neck opened further, and her hands gripped his skin, pulling him even closer to her.

“Star.” she whined, wrapping her legs around him.

He held her hip to him, pressing his fingers into her skin and dragging his fingers across the soft skin up and down her leg. They dance to the lowest part of her stomach, and he feels her legs shudder with anticipation. His delicate fingers trace a line where her thigh meets her sex. He groans when he feels the heat radiating from that spot.

Lúthien nods and pants, letting her feet fall to the grass. “ooOh” she says when two fingers push into her with no friction.

“Gods.” He pants into her neck, slightly curling his fingers inside of her, feeling her velvet walls clench onto him. He thrusts his fingers slowly further in and almost all of the way out. Doing this again and again, feeling her mound get wetter with each touch. More proof that he needed that this was real. She wanted this. He wasn't just another notch on a bedpost. His hips hitch, and his cock rubs against her thigh, forcing another groan out of his chest. He moves his fingers from where they were nestled to his mouth, tasting her arousal and her want for him. He returns his mouth to her neck and rubs circles on her swollen clit.

Her body shook from his attention. Her hand snakes from his back and around to his chest. Her touch tickles a little as her fingers pass over his stomach and across his hard length. His round, red eyes dart to meet hers when his hips jump further into her touch. Astarion sucked a breath in through his teeth when she wrapped her hand around him and carefully started to pump her fist over him. He captured her mouth again in a sloppy kiss, moving his cock through her hand while keeping his pace with his hand between their bodies.

Lúthien moved her hands to the side and lined him up with her entrance. Quietly asking for him to be with her in the most intimate way. Hoping that he would. He pushes himself upright and gently caresses the side of her face with the pad of his thumb. While keeping his eyes locked on hers, he pushes his hips forward, sinking fully into her core. They moan in unison, and Astarion drops his chin to his chest, taking in this moment of freedom. Freedom to choose, freedom to simply be. Freedom to live again.

She puts her hands on his chest. Fingers splayed as far as they could, touching as much of his skin as she could. She feels his abs flex under her touch when he starts to thrust unevenly and sloppily into her warmth. His cock slips out with one of his thrusts, and they giggle with each other as he pushes himself back into her. She moans into the night air. He licks his lips. She squeezes her hands around his sides. Sweat drips from his nose onto his chest when he grabs her thighs and drives as deep into her cunt as he can over and over, causing Lúthien to become a moaning mess under his touch.

“Please don’t stop.” she begs, slightly digging her nails into his sides. 

His panting mouth smiles. He flips his damp hair to the side before he leans down to whisper in her ear. “I would never.” He wraps his arms under her shoulders, holding her head in his hands and staring into her eyes as he ruts faster into her, wet slapping sounds coming from between them as flesh meets flesh. He watches her pupils dilate and her body go rigid when she screams his name, hands reaching for his frame to find any kind of purchase to ride the high that he had given her. “Yes,” he groans. “That's right, Lúthien.” He pants through an open-mouthed smile before he thrusts in again, feeling her walls pulse around him. “God, I’m gonna c-” He is cut off when she wraps her limbs around his body.

“Don't.” she says, heaving a breath. “Stop.” Her body shakes, still feeling the aftershocks of her orgasm.

His lips flit up as he moans loudly, his fangs glinting in the moonlight. He grunts with every long thrust, his voice getting higher the closer he gets to his end. With one final push, he buries his cock completely into her, collapsing onto her clammy body as he spills his seed into her. “Fuck.” he whispers into her chest, hearing her heartbeat behind her ribs.

After lying in comfortable silence, he withdraws himself and rolls onto his back, bringing her with him to lay on his chest. They giggle as they roll, and he kisses her temple through the stray hairs that were pulled free from the bun she was wearing. They tangle their limbs together and cuddle as close as they can. She holds his hand in hers and plays with his fingers, holding it up to sort of eclipse the moon, tracing the lines on his palm, and delicately touching the calluses from his daggers. He quietly giggles to himself, purely enjoying the raw adoration that still sits between them. She’s still here. She didn't have to stay, but she did.

The cold night seeps into her skin, and it is time to head back to camp. They quietly get dressed together. Lúthien untucks the side of Astarion's shirt, and he sucks on his teeth. “Thanks; I wouldn't want to look like a mess when we walked back to camp.” She shyly smiles and pulls on his hand to start walking back. 

They walk past the old piano, and she sighs. “I'm going to be sad to leave it in the morning.”

“Maybe we can come back and get it once we evict these tadpoles.” he smiles and squeezes her hand. “I'll be right back.” He lets her hand go, jogs to his tent, and grabs the tarp that has been acting as the footprint of his shelter. He passes one end to her and motions for her to cover it. They do so gracefully and gather rocks and fallen tree limbs to hide and protect it from the elements. “Now get some rest, darling. It's my turn to stand watch tonight. I'll see you in the morning.”

Lúthien holds onto his hand as she steps away until she can't anymore, their fingertips hooking into one another until the last moment. She ducks into her tent and quickly falls asleep with a smile on her face. The morning comes all too quickly. She crawls out of her tent and stretches, looking around camp, taking in her surroundings, and seeing Astarion resting with his eyes closed against a wall with his arms and ankles crossed. She approaches him quietly, trying to figure out if he's sleeping or just relaxing. As she got closer, she could hear him humming the melody of the song that they had started to compose the night before. She smiles to herself, basking in the moment before she says, “What are you humming? Sounds pretty catchy?”

“Huh?” He instinctively responds and cracks one eye open to see who is talking to him. “Oh, it is.” he smiles. “An awful pity it's unfinished though.” he tuts before he reaches for her hand, pulling her down onto his lap. “Sit with me a while before we leave?”

“Of course” she sighs and rests her head on his chest, listening to him continue to hum the song.

[justporo]

From the Touch of Gentle Fingers

Just a short little drabble of Astarion and Tav sharing a tender, vulnerable moment worrying what the future might hold. Pairing: Astarion / Tav (You) (Genderneutral reader) Rating: General

You were organising the enormous stacks of books all over the floor in the room Astarion wanted to turn into a study. And he kept buying tons of books and scripts. And yeah, he did read them but he didn't care very much about keeping them in order or putting them back where they belonged. Seemingly his neat outter appearance didn't seem to reach past his own fingertips.

In fact in the months of living together in an actual home you had learned a thing or two about him and yourself. For example, you seemed to care much more about order than you'd thought possible while he seemed to have quite the chaotic nature.

But it might not be that but rather that he tried desperately to find out who he was or at least who he wanted to become now that he was free of higher powers. Maybe it was that with the still pretty recently regained freedom he felt a sort of impeding doom having to choose from a seemingly infinite amount of choices of what came next. You thought about that a lot and hoped you could help him and ease his anxiety.

As you were putting away another dusty old tome, you heard a few soft notes from a piano downstairs. You frowned. There was in fact a piano downstairs - the two of you had bought it. But you had been sure it had been a splurge only for decoration. So either Astarion was downstairs playing the piano or you had to deal with a ghost.

The sounds stopped then began again and started a little melody. You slowly got up and silently walked down the stairs. You felt that what was going on was pretty intimate. You stopped in the frame of the door and saw that Astarion was indeed sitting at the piano. His back was to you.

He softly played the keys and was humming to himself while the melody went on. It was hesitantly at some parts but still pretty impressive. The longer he played the more confident he got, the chords coming more quickly.

But then it ended promptly: a note amiss, Astarion angrily slammed his hands on the keys causing a discordant sound. Then he sighed in desperation and threw his head back. He was about to slam the case of the keys shut when you made yourself known: "I didn't know you could play."

Astarion winced and turned around as you walked over to him. "I don't really... It's been over two hundred years since I last played." "Sounded pretty good for that." He snorted and turned to the piano again while you slid down onto the bench next to him. He shuffled a little to make space for you.

You grabbed Astarion's hand that was closest to you and started to massage it. "You know how to do incredible things with these hands, Astarion, I bet you'd quickly take it up again if you wanted to." "Hmm yes, I bet you know exactly what these hands can do", Astarion replied with a smirk and a wink. Then the vampire sighed, his cheeky demeanor gone. You let go of his hand and stretched yours out to reach for the other. He gave it to you and you started massaging it as well.

"It's so frustrating", the vampire said with another sigh and looked at you. "Sometimes I'm reminded of something in the past, something I felt back then was true to myself. And some of these are things I want nothing more than to get rid off and then there's other stuff I would like to get back but it's all tainted." He softly took his hand from you and pressed the heels of his hands to his eyes. "And then... there's stuff I desperately hope will be true for the rest of time." "Like for example?" "That you're here and that I love you, that there's always a path to take and that at the end of the road the clouds will always pass." You grabbed his hands from his eyes so he would look at you. "Well, the first one's a given, isn't it?", you said and leaned in for a kiss Astarion happily provided.

"And as for the rest", you continued, "I guess you can have and be all of the things because they're a part of you but it's up to you how you let them define you - and you can always make something new... something better." Astarion looked at you for a moment of silence. Then he tenderly cupped your cheek and pressed a soft kiss to your lips: "Then I guess I might have already started doing that."

[namig42]

So I’m a bit of a composer on top of writing, and I really love @abigailmoment’s game “Dream of Silence.” The whole concept is so cool and well executed in my opinion, and so I offered to help with the game and make some music! You should keep up to date on the game to see when and how it gets implemented heheh

Check out the game here!

(Janay Maisano)

[baldursfate]

They spun across the ballroom, like the centrifuges back home in Enver's study. Around and around, partriars young and old alike danced with care-free enthusiasm. The bards onstage played a dreamy ballad, that drifted across the golden-draped ball room of the Ducal Hall. Light fell from chandeliers draped in a million diamonds. In that moment, Durge felt like a young girl again, dreamily watching the figures twirl in her music box.

She had imagined once, before her urges carved her into a beast, that she might find herself one day at a ball much like this. She would be draped in finery, tongue loose with vintage port, and laughing daintily along with the other noble ladies. A handsome duke would approach her, ask for her hand in a waltz, and eventually her hand in marriage. She would establish herself among these people, and live a relaxed life, full of dances and feasts and fortunes.

However, she was no longer the girl who imagined herself dancing in silk, and instead dreamed of bathing in blood. She mourned the taste of port and the sound of laughter as she leaned against a banner pole, sipping Esmelter Red from the handmaidens'' table. She was draped in finery, though she felt out of place and far from graceful. The duke she imagined danced with another.

Gortash bowed deeply, before extracting himself from Lady Jannath mid-dance. Though he kept a curt smile on his face, his expression turned to a sour scowl as he approached Durge. He extended a hand to her upon arrival, and did not wait for a response. He took her drink from her hand, placing it on a nearby server's tray, before leading her to the floor. Durge looked at him quizzically, as he positioned himself, hand around her waist, for a waltz. "I have grown quite bored of entertaining Lady Jannath for the night. She's as dull as a knoll. I would much prefer to dance with someone more interesting. Such as yourself, my nearest and dearest."

They spun across the ballroom, like the centrifuges back home in Enver's study. Around and around, and Durge felt like a young girl again, free from the burdens of duty and bloodlust. She would establish herself above these people, and live a relaxed life, full of dances and feasts and power.

[astariondisapproves]

Okay okay- alright Astarion, here you go. The third paragraph doesn't come directly after the 1st and 2nd paragraphs, it's a part of the same song but in a different part if that makes sense. Also the 2nd and 3rd paragraphs aren't done yet

"Your name dances on my tongue verbatim

You'll never love me, but that's okay

My delusions are the blanket in which I wrap myself at night

Naked loving under the sheets

Obsession is what they call it

But real life is disappointing

Heart strumming fiction

I love you, my addiction

Little star, you seem so far

In universes eternal,

My love nocturnal,

Holds me like a tome

Honey liqueur lemon drops fall off of your tongue,

Baby give me one,

I make you come undone"

-bard anon

"You've really outdone yourself, Darling. It sounds...incredible."

Astarion says with a satisfied purr, a flirtatious smile tugging at his lips as he steps closer to you, subtly placing his hand on the small of your back before leaning down in a hushed whisper.

"I can't wait to hear the full thing once it's finished. Or perhaps you'd like to show me instead?"

[jojoqin]

So I just made a neat little musical observation about I Want To Live (which as we know is Astarion’s theme song) as I was learning how to play it on the piano.

And the piano arrangements for it is totally what we call in the classical music world, a Nocturne. I wouldn’t even be surprised if it’s meant to be that way. And I think it’s PERFECT for Astarion first of all because of the whole tie between nightttime and vampirism; a Nocturne literally conjures up feelings of the night. But the song also sounds very melancholic, nostalgic, and even romantic just like how that type of music is supposed to be.

It even has the underlying melody that’s repetitive which gives it that sound of being romantic. Also, like a Nocturne, it’s a simple piece but it’s very expressive, especially in the piano arrangements. A lot of chords that are just broken down and turned into simple melodies. But everything in the piece is flowy and beautiful. I think that’s why I liked this song from the get-go because there’s just something wonderfully nostalgic about it.

And it’s so befitting for Astarion and our journey getting to know this character. How he comes off as your stereotypical vampire only to find that there’s more to his personality and story. Like the underlying beauty and tragedy. He’s romantic, expressive, and has a softness for affection. I mean yea sure he’s unhinged sometimes but it’s beautiful and interesting that Larian chose this type of sound to represent him.

[lobster-risotto]

Astarion played the piano.

When he was young, anyway. He played, and Gods, he played well.

As he sat in the dusty, stinking basement of this palace of no real note to him, seated in front of the aged keys, he knew. He played the piano, once. He was musical, once. He lived, once.

His fingers came to the keys and memories that he was not privy to came forth. He played, a tune of distant memory but it was there in the forefront of his mind and pouring out of his hands. The piano was just slightly out of tune, but it still felt like home to press the keys, and heard the strings stress, to breathe life into this distant part of himself.

Astarion plays the piano.

[papastarion]

Tav/Durge drawing Astarion so he can see himself is cool, don’t get me wrong. I love it. But you know what really scratches an itch in my brain? Astarion, who likes to sketch. He used to, when he could get his hands on paper after he was first turned, but those chances were few and far between, and eventually there was no more want or will to do so. Picking it up again is his way of reconnecting with the world and taking advantage of his freedom in the light in another way.

[seventh-district]

it’s finally getting cold enough that i can bring my cardigan collection back into rotation without feeling like i’m gonna melt into a puddle the second i step outside!!!

[cr1ms0n4nd-ac3]

Let me explain why I made this vid, is to show how my Tav OC is so different than the others-

And to say this... Tav back then, used to be a prince half-elf half-human archangel from heaven back then on 2000 years ago. Until when a new force came to cause chaos in Heaven.. it's the sirens instead of demons that the angel faced. But they're not coming to cause chaos... The Siren Entity Leader named Korin wanted to curse the prince archangel. And so he did because of Timothy being traumatised as hell— now he turned into a cursed fallen arch-angel- and forced to fell from heaven in order to leave..

Though... Tav used to have a gentle, kind and soft personality. But to now cursed he is- he has changed.

UNDERCUT FOR TRIGGER WARNINGS:

Since 100 years later, Tav was now desperate to find a cure to remove the curse. He now acts as a cold, rude and silent angel. And his cursed right eye was scarlet red. He even steals some things in order to make himself safe. But he felt bad for what he did.. and that's the only way to push everyone away.

Until he met Astarion. But there is a twist!!

Despite Tav being cursed, he had one of the new abilities to sense through anyone's lies and darkest signs(SLEEP TOKEN REFERENCE?!?!), which makes the cursed angel developing trust issues.. He managed to easily notice Astarion's manipulation and left lol- he also can open through portals quick, summon random cursed weapons and manipulate time.

So yeah, but when they didn't "know" is that Tav really felt so much sorrow, guilt and suffering that he really has to push everyone away because of how cursed he is- and Tav didn't want to curse everyone for sure, but actually.. Astarion doesn't care, so do the angel's companions. They all just wanted to help him!!

But don't worry, there's gonna be a lot of character development and angst development.. after all- my Tav OC is different. And I will torture him for sure..

He gonna kill me if he found out lol

[oonalovesastarionssimpleplan]

So. Enough sexy vampire fanart with blood on his mouth. Give me more Astarion plays piano, Astarion mixes perfumes, Astarion had a hangover, Astarion annoyed next to a horse, Astarion complains about neighbors, Astarion with sunburn, Astarion trys McDonalds, Astarion with face mask and curlers, cazador's palace in flames, cazador's palace renovated, adventurer and hero, lord of the underdark, magistrate, bounty hunter, chaotic plans maker, secretly plants flowers and plays with scratch, Batstarion, Catstarion, Goosetarion, Rockstarion, Professorstarion, Dadstarion, Tinystarion, a wild sorcerer accidentally turned him into a crabstarion.

Let's celebrate this character and not just consume him.

[hellheld]

"hard not to take that literally," they hum with amusement, "when my height is normally the first -- or second," they amend, remembering that about half of the looks they get are because of the wings, "thing people talk about when i'm involved."

"obviously, i'll have to settle this. i've heard plenty of orchestras in my days, they don't replace good old fashioned singing. but is that going to be before or after the party? you don't seem to be a fan of crowds." they pause, head tilting. "that wasn't a proposition, by the way. can't tell if it sounded like one, actually."

"GODS I DO HOPE YOU DON'T TAKE EVERYTHING THIS LITERAL." Astarion sighed and rolled his neck before looking UP at them. "Tit height is a perfectly good height to be." He adds, almost as an afterthought. "I care not how tall you are, but your music can hardly equate to what I'm used to."

He looks down at his hand, inspecting his nails. Evidently not bothered by their show of height. He's rather used to being looked down on both literally and metaphorically. "I assure you there's no way you're anywhere near as good as the orchestras."

[astarionformayor]

Astarion headcanon that is racking my brain:

Guys WHAT IF Astarion used to play piano? Like he used to be HELLA good at playing piano but then he never was able to after Cazador so he forgets that he even ever used to play, but then one day the team is strolling around, looting, maybe even in Cazador's palace, and he sits down at the piano and it all comes back to him. He can play like really fucking good, like muscle memory... and then he just starts SOBBING hysterically. Like he just can't help but let the mask fall off completely because he is enraptured. It's just a beautiful moment in my head

Edit: ok who is writing this in their fic? Because i am not a writer but this needs to be written, or drawn, or both. PLEASE. ALL HANDS ON DECK.

[graveyardcuddles]

The Space Between - NSFW Reader x Astarion one-shot

18+ MDI

Summary: blood drinking and other fun activities in front of the mirror.

Word Count: ~ 2800

tags/warnings: post-canon, established relationship, porn with feelings, afab reader, gender-neutral reader, shameless vampire smut, blood-drinking, scent kink, mirror play, body exploration, fingering, PiV sex, unprotected sex

Astarion rarely ever mentions his lack of a reflection these days. Whenever the topic is brought up it's normally in his trademark sense of humor: a casual "You're blocking my view, love," when you enter your shared bathroom to preen as he's washing his mouth out with mint and rosemary water in the mornings. One of the many new habits he's picked up in the months since the two of you moved in.

He'll occasionally sneak up behind you to wrap his arms around you unexpectedly while checking over your outfit in the mirror, scaring the daylights out of you more than once. "We do look good together, don't we?" playfully whispered to you as his cool breath tickles your ear before proceeding to break out into heady laughter at your frightened reaction.

Your lover has had so many things taken from him. You could hardly blame him for holding onto his rage. Wrath was all he had for so long. Enabled him to survive before you came into his life and shared your blood with him. Gave him hope that despite everything he lost, he might one day at least have revenge. After achieving said revenge, for the first time in nearly two centuries, he could imagine more.

Adventures with you in the years following the fall of the Absolute only brought you two closer, intertwining his life with yours. The feeling of belonging to someone without being possessed by them. It was overwhelming at times for him. Most of the time on your travels together, he was happy to sit or stand back while you planned out the finer details of travel routes and provisions around the campire, carefully mapping out the following day. Yet it was usually never very long before he decided ne needed your attention, using his vampiric stealth to his advantage to startle you into breaking your concentration with a cold kiss to your neck.

You weren't all that surprised to how well he took to his freedom, having had faith in him and his resilient nature. But sometimes you were taken aback how easily Astarion accepted the daily monotony of everyday life. Oh sure, he had much to complain about and many eye-rolls to give every time he mentioned how terribly boring the whole prospect sounded. At first, he was resistant to routines. Too restrictive. He was free now. He wanted to do whatever he wanted when he wanted. You assured him you weren't about to give a vampire a sleep schedule but that he should at least pick up some hobbies during your off-seasons of adventuring.

Eventually, the two of you settled into something of a routine, and over time, you found yourself unable to imagine a life without him. The way his laughter filled you up with joy. The sound of him practicing on the recently-aquired piano in your living room, shy and tentative at first. He now plays almost daily. The way the scents of the perfumes he crafts fill your home. Everything about Astarion seemed to fit perfectly into your life, even if it took patience and time.

You had just finished a bath and were going through your nighttime routine as you stood before the full-length mirror in your bedroom. Letting the towel fall away, you combed your hair and applied perfume to your wrists and clavicle. It's a new blend of fragrancs Astarion had spent a tenday perfecting. Floral with warm undertones and a hint of sweetness. It was easy to lose yourself in it. Close your eyes and let it's aroma warm and dissipated across your skin. You feel relaxed and light. If Astarion wanted to be particularly cheeky, he could startle you quite badly if he wanted to. Instead, he announces his presence softly.

"Hello, darling," he purrs to you as he steps up behind you.

You smile as he places the tips of his fingers on your shoulders, touching you so lightly you can barely feel them. Letting yourself lean back a little, you relax into his chest and run your fingers through his hair, inviting him to touch you further.

"Fond of the new blend, are you?" He lips leave cool kisses in the crook of your neck as breaths in your scent. You chuckle and kiss his cheek.

"As a matter of fact, I am. I think it might be my favorite so far." He grins in that unique way he does when you know he's hiding something.

"What is it?" You query as he kisses your shoulder and runs his hands down to ever-so-lightly hold onto your hips. "Oh nothing," he says nonchalantly as he kisses up your neck, kindling warmth throughout your body.

"Right... you're just that giddy I enjoy the new scent, is it?" Your hands wander through his silver curls and gently brush against the tip of one of his ears. His fingers dig into your hips, and he buries he groans softly into your neck. "Mmm, I might have made it with you in mind," he mumbles into your skin.

You watch in the mirror as invisible digits dig into the pads of your hips, skin on your lower belly pulled taut from how hard he was gripping you. It was nearly painful. You inhale sharply give his ear an extremely soft tug, determined to give as much teasing as you got.

"Oh? Do you mean it compliments my natural pheromones is that it?" Astarion hummed and kissed along your neck mercilessly. "Something like that," he says melodicly as he grazes his fangs across where your jugular throbs, tantalizing him.

In the mirror, your arm seemingly floats overhead, caressing your unseen lover. You turn to actually look at him, and his eyes are full of lust and longing and vulnerability. "It's inspired by the scent of your blood," he whispers as those big crimson eyes stare at you through silver lashes. "Meant to pair with your impossibly delicious bouquet." One of his pale hands comes up to cup your breast.

You sigh at his touch. "Would you like to test how well they pair together, then?" He begins to trace lazy circles around your nipple with his forefinger, and you inhale sharply as you watch its reflection wiggling and twitching in the mirror. The sight alone was making you quickly lose your composure, his fingers sending cold shivers across your skin.

Your excited heart begins pounding rapidly against your ribs, and you're certain that Astarion can hear it. Probably smell it. He once told you the scent of someone's blood becomes stronger the faster it rushes through their body.

"In fact," he leaves a deep, bruising kiss on your neck, and the imprints of both of his hands sink into the flesh of your breasts as they dig into you. His needy grip on them has you bracing against him. "May I please indulge, my love? We can move to the bed and get more comfortable."

You were rapidly losing your will to continue teasing him. Leaning your head back, you offer your neck to him in answer. "Mmm, no. Wanna watch you drink from me here," You lean back further and stare up as him adoringly. He smiles with a wicked sort of pride that's normally reserved for combat. "Well, how can I say 'no' to that?"

With practiced lips, he feels out your pulse point slowly, taking his time. The burning in your core that's been building for a while now is nearly painful. You watch your nipples continue to be pintched and stretched seemingly on their own. Astarion licks up your artery, and you can see his saliva glistening on your neck just as you feel it.

Despite your best efforts to maintain your composure, you squirm a little in his hold. He laughs, kissing your cheek. "You know better than to flail about, darling. Let's not have an accident, hm?" Gently, he tilts your head back and to the side, holding you firm by the jawline. His forefinger and thumb rub your chin tenderly as his fangs line up with your neck. His other hand comes up to rest his palm over your heart, feeling it hammer underneath his touch.

You watch as the side of your neck, slick, wet, and rudy from hickeys and love nips, forms two tiny indentation marks. He ghosts his fangs over the spot, creating pinpricks marks over where your blood pounds just under the skin.

The tension builds as those twins dots dig deeper into your skin. The burning icy bite turns into a sharp sting as you hear the soft mutted 'pop' of your skin being broken. You exhale a strained moan as the marks on your neck erupt, and crimson ichor wells up and washes over your flesh. Your neck is painted in red as his velvety tongue works over the wounds, each roll licking up more maroon gushes.

Mouthfuls of your blood vanish before your eyes as he drinks you in, making you a part of him. Invisible lips and teeth tug and suckle at your flesh, drawing out more blood. In your ear, you hear the sound of your blood on his lips, every greedy gulp from his throat, and every little satisfied exhale from his nose. You begin to lose your balance as your head gets light, but his hold on you remains firm. Just as you feel yourself growing weak, he withdraws his fangs and laps at the bite to close the wounds.

Without warning, he uses his supernatural strength advantage to lift you off of your feet, hugging you by your waist. You lean back against him and watch as you float midair, your feet hovering a few inches off of the floor. A trickle of blood flows from your neck down your torso. Your head is spinning, your toes curl, and you feel as though you might pass out. Luckily, he takes mercy on you and slowly sets you down. You stumble a little on your feet. "Ugh, asshole," you mutter. Astarion can only laugh.

"Delicious as always," he says to you, voice low and rumbling. "You are always full of such brilliant ideas, you know that?" he giggles as he nuzzles into your neck, keeping a firm hold on you. Turning your head to look up at him, he traces the edges of your face as he smiles, a bit loosened up from your essence.

He pulls you into a bloody kiss, mouths open, and tongues overlapping one another. His hand cups between your legs as you kiss, and you moan loudly into his mouth. When he pulls away, he gives you a playful look. "Sit, love," his eyes are full of anticipation as he gingerly pushes you down by the shoulders.

You sit back on your knees, and he settles down behind you, keeping an arm around your waist. "You like seeing yourself like this, darling?" He pulls you flush against him to sit on his lap, back flushed against his chest and legs straddling his thighs. You feel his arousal pressing into your ass as your reflection hovers just off the ground in the mirror, leaving you exposed to him. "Because I adore you like this. So wanton," he kneads one of your breasts while his other hand holds you still against him.

Your core throbs with need, and Astarion watches you over your shoulder eagerly. He tugs on your nipple some more, causing pleasure to shoot down your body. You feel your cunt fluttering around nothing as he mercilessly draws out your pleasure. Your pelvic muscles contract involuntarily as you stiffle back a whine.

"Aw, does it ache, darling? Do you need to be filled so badly that it hurts?" He keeps playing with your breasts and your body heaves and pants from your nipples being overstimulated and your pussy being neglected. You loll your head back, aching with arousal. "No, no," he scolds, taking you by the jaw and making you watch yourself. "Just look at the mess you made, naughty thing." He wasn't lying.

Your cunt was desperate for attention, pulsing and leaking slick down to the bulge of his pants. You're beyond trying to keep yourself quiet and you moan desperately as Astarion applies pressure to the flesh just above your clit with his fingerpads, just barely tugging on the sensitive bud. He was torturing you, so close and yet so far. "Ugh, Astarion pleeeaasee." You grind your ass against his erection, trying to convey your desperation. But feeling him throb underneath you as he groans your name only drives you more crazy.

His fingers move down to finally run along between your legs, tracing light circles slowly around your bud. Taking his time. You moan openly for more. As you wriggle in his lap, he plays with your pussy, admiring how it pulsates so frantically, begging to be filled.

He finally gives you some relief as he presses two fingers inside you, your body more than ready enough. His silver curls tickle the side of your face as he leans his head forward to get a better look. As you feel the familiar, wonderful stretch of his cool fingers, he gasps softly in quiet astonishment.

"Look, love," he whispers to you. Looking in the mirror, you see the ringed muscles around your cunt quivering as your pussy is gapped open by his fingers. Two fingers become three as he plunges even deeper and wider into you. Your lips are pulled and pushed back and forth by unseen forces as Astarion whispers sweet nothings in your ear. Your body is unbearably hot, yet his cool frame and fingers provide relief even as he simultaneously makes it worse.

"You're so beautiful like this," he says softly, his teasing demeanor beginning to fall away. "Your body is so open for me. It's so lovely, so gorgeous. All for me." He kisses you on the side of your face as you lose yourself to the sensations. "Fuck," he pulls his fingers out of you and pushes you off of him to undo his pants. "You'll be the second death of me."

Astarion pulls you back onto his lap, shifting your hips so that his cock is nestled between your folds, parting them and rubbing up against your clit. His lazy rocking motions are meant to further edge you, but you can hear him breathing heavily in your ear, trying to maintain composure.

You rolled your hips in turn, increasing the friction and causing lewd sounds to fall from both of your lips. Astarion makes a high-pitched whining sound that he fails to stifle, making him bite his lip and knit his brows together in desperation. He was adorable like this.

You reach down between your legs and stroke up and down your folds and his shaft. Grabbing onto his length, you turn back to look at him, seeking permission. He nods, gripping your hips tighter.

You line him up with your entrance and watch as your pussy stretches again, the pressure pushing inward as the head spreads you open. Lowering yourself over him slowly, you savor the sight of him filling you.

"Gods," his chin digs a little into your shoulder as he watches along with you, his breathing heavy. He openly moans as you sink down on him fully, feeling the base settling around you. He whispers your name and pulsates within you, causing the ring between your legs to flutter.

"Fuck," his digits sink into the soft flesh of hips and he struggles to form words as he observes your body. "So full of me," he pants.

Holding the position, you can see at least a few inches within your body, your pelvic muscles hugging Astarion tight. You tilt your head over to look at him, how he watches your body react to him. He looks almost dizzy, his mouth hanging open in a haze of lust. You run your fingers across his cheekbone gently, breaking him from his concentration on your reflection.

His eyes hold your stare as you simply feel one another. Your arms wrap around his head as you pull him into a kiss, this time gently. Still full of passion but slow, burning, lips and tongue softly brushing against one another as your faces nuzzled together. "I'm yours," you break the kiss to say to him. Within you can feel his cock throbbing, causing you to gasp and tighten around him.

"Say it again," he growls softly, pressing his forehead into yours and moving a hand down to just above your pubic bone. He applies counter pressure on where his cock is already internally pressing on your g-spot.

He rocks just enough to move in and out of you by a few inches, keeping himself inside. "I'm yours, Astarion!" The bow drawn tight inside of you was threatening to let loose. You were babbling more than dirty talking as Astarion turned his attention once more on your pearl. As he bounces you roughly in his lap, he presses onto your lower abdomen while rutting into you.

The rough fucking along with the stimulation of your g-spot and clit have you cumming around his cock, your muscles contracting wildly. Astarion praises you breathlessly as he watches you flex around him in ecstacy, and his voice is quickly cut off with a succession of whines, which become moans as your climax pushes him towards his own.

His cock throbs, filling you up as he clutches onto you, pale fingers digging into your ass and hips. In the mirror your messy and swollen pussy pulses rhythmically as it leaks with his cum.

You relax into his chest as you let him slip out of you, his arms wrap around you and hold you close.

You sit there together for a long while, kissing each other tenderly. His lips delicately kiss each finger on your hand, and then the back of your hand and up to your shoulder before kissing all over, adorning you with affection. He kisses you as if he's trying to trace constellations on your face. You shift to sit on his lap and cup his face gently. Sweeping a lock off of his forehead, you lean forward to kiss his brow. "We fit together perfectly."

[justporo]

Do you have any headcanons on what Astarion and Tav's home would look like? :)

You bet, I do! But I put some more thought into it over the day so may I present you with:

Domestic headcanons about what Tav's and Astarion's home in Baldur's Gate would look like

After your adventures and some looting of certain castles you go to buy a small but luxurious townhouse in the Upper City of Baldur's Gate - probably criminally under its actual worth but you two are just so convincing, aren't you?

Dark wooden floors, high windows (with thick brocade curtains of course), wrought-iron balcony and fence - it's giving gothic and dark academia but in a homey and warm way

Soft lighting everywhere, lots of candles and candelabra, a fire place of course and oil lanterns that make every room feel warm and cozy

Astarion has impeccable taste and enjoys a bit of decadence (of course) and really finds joy in picking out furniture and decorations - he's going for noble, rich, palace-y, posh vibes, but tasteful

Also Tav would stop him from going overboard - she's not used to all the pompous stuff and cares more about the pracitcality of it all; also she's definitely the one who brings in some plants and greenery; also some nice stuff for Scratch because I'm sure Tav would insist on being the one to keep him

When Tav says she'd rather likes it simple tho... "Simple, love? Everyone can have simple, but not just anyone can have beautiful!" "So... you are not denying that beautiful means more complicated?" "No, but isn't that also why you chose me after all? Because I'm intricately complicated and incredibly beautiful?" Can't argue with that logic

Tav's also focused on making it cozy though and especially creating comfy little corners where they can just lounge together: like a little alcove to sit and read or look out the window or some pillows on the wood floor so you can sit in front of the fire place

There's a chaise-longue somewhere in the house - maybe in the incredibly over-sized dressing room, so Astarion can lay on it and watch Tav dress

DEFINITELY NO MIRRORS - no need to remind Astarion of that particular part of his condition; also why would he need it if you can tell him how beautiful he is everyday?

There's also a piano (as we have learnt before *wink*) and lots of books and trinkets and artworks - Astarion likes all stuff having to do with arts

It might be messy, at least at the beginning, you're both not used to having and holding onto stuff, also Astarion's desperately trying to find himself - that comes with creative chaos

Is there even a need to mention the bed is huge? And also has very much cliché dark red silk sheets? But it's probably the piece of furniture where you spend the most of your nights, not only for mingeling but just sitting and laying there, reading, drawing, talking, teasing each other

Also at some point you'd probably get a joint portrait but you don't want it to be too stiff and regal rather wanting it to show how much joy you give each other

The kitchen is to spoil Tav: when Astarion finds out you enjoy cooking and are pretty skilled at it he gets you all the best equipment he can find - even though you don't know how to use half of it - yet

Oof, I could maybe keep going some more... Thanks for the message, it was fun to think about this. (Also I know I might be swinging between medieval and more victorian vibes but hush, it's a fictional world where everything is possible) Also I knew I wouldn't yet do requests - but really that was just me putting something out there I already thought about. And I'll do some requests soon!