#astarion has to call wyll to pick them up. he does of course

[araneapeixes]

in the bathroom at the gay clubbbb

[little-paperboat]

i burned my fingers on this forbidden fire

it's been a loooong time coming, but i am very excited to share the first chapter of i burned my fingers on this forbidden fire! ❤️‍🔥 All dedicated to the Holy Rolan Empire, of course! x

Summary:

It's finally over: the Absolute has been defeated and Baldur's Gate has been saved. A month after the final battle, everyone's gone to pursue their own destinies - everyone but Tav. She might be home now but she's never felt more lost, struggling to pick up the pieces of the life she left behind. Rolan got everything he wanted: his family is safe and sound, and he is the new Master of Ramazith's Tower. He won, and all he has to do now is prove that he's up to the task. It should be easy, so easy - but then why does he feel like he's constantly failing? One night they meet again, and a proposition rekindles the spark between them. But when Tav's world crumbles around her and secrets are revealed, it's Rolan's hand she reaches for. Will he be there to catch her? (or, Tav meddles and Rolan stands his ground)

In this first chapter, Tav is doing fine. She's doing great! So good. Never better. She's the hero of Baldur's Gate, and everybody loves her. Sure, maybe she's alone because all her friends are gone, and maybe she's still staying at the Elfsong because she can't really move on, and maybe her new job makes her feel useless, but honestly, she's fine. It doesn't even matter that Rolan has been ignoring her this whole time.

I hope you'll like it! Little preview under the cut x

The Elfsong was busier than usual, noticed Tav as she turned the corner, pushing her way through the merry crowd gathered outside. Ale and wine flowed freely as if it was a perfectly ordinary evening in Baldur’s Gate, which, she supposed, it was - to some extent. 

Ordinary didn’t mean much anymore these days.

Then again, she hadn’t had an ordinary day in a long time.

In the distance, someone yelled her name and she waved blindly at the crowd, earning a few drunken cheers. That never failed to make her smile, and, slipping inside the tavern, she made her way to the bar where the owner was busy trading beers for gold.

“Hey Alan! Is there a special occasion I’m not aware of?”

Gatherings under the influence of alcohol were frequent as of late, but never to this extent. It almost felt as if the whole of the Lower City had agreed to meet at the Elfsong tonight.

Alan shrugged, undisturbed in his pouring of pints.

“They just finished rebuilding the last of the docks. Calls for a celebration, don’t you think?”  

Ah. She turned her head back to survey the crowd, now noticing the many unfamiliar faces.

“You know I never say no to a party,” she said. “No news about the Upper City though, I assume?” 

“Correct, princess. But as long as you keep that sweet gold comin’, I’ll make sure you’re treated like a real lady.” 

That made her chuckle, and she winked at the bartender. 

“Oh, Alan. I am a real lady.”

Leaving him to his work, she made her way up the stairs and to her room. The loud conversations were soon reduced to a hushed background noise, the quiet privacy unnerving as ever.

Everything was exactly as she left it this morning: a calculated mess; a neatly-kept shrine of who she was a month ago. Rationally, she couldn’t expect things to start moving on their own, but to be fair, she had witnessed stranger things. Maybe it would happen somehow: a sign of things moving on, a physical manifestation of the start of a new life. 

Her fingers lingered on the bedcovers, the last sunlight of the season peeking through the windows, bathing the place in a comforting autumn glow.

That didn’t ward off the cold inside her chest. 

Slowly, she sank to the floor, head resting against the mattress.

If she closed her eyes, she could still hear Wyll and Karlach’s laughter from the next room, and the play-fighting of Shadowheart and Lae’zel. Halsin would be quietly humming a soft song near them, and if she focused hard enough she could make up Astarion’s footsteps about to barge in her room unannounced - wallowing in self-pity, darling? Gale would softly tut, an arm around the vampire’s waist, asking her if she wanted to come to dinner. 

On the other side of the wall, there was a loud sneeze.

She sighed. The new tenants were dull, loud and annoying. She didn’t see the point in trying to be friendly - actually, she actively schemed to avoid any contact. 

She let her legs fall on the floor with a soft thump, feeling like an abandoned rag doll. 

Who’d come and pick her up, if she decided to not move anymore? Now that was a good question. For how long she could stay in her room until someone came to check on her? A few days? A whole tenday? More? Her face had been everywhere after the defeat of the Netherbrain, and even days later, still adorned some sparse street posters. Despite her battle scars, she remained easy on the eyes and people naturally sought her out when she was in public. 

Behind closed doors though… no one bothered to care.

While she enjoyed toying with the idea of playing dead for a while, she was fairly sure that someone at the Council would eventually notice her absence, if only to point out how unreliable the Hero of the Gate was.

When the light outside began to dim, she got up with a groan, finally finding some kind of resolve - anything to distract her mind. She had a golden opportunity to drink the night away and might do exactly that. 

At her mirror, she found her lipstick - the one that Shadowheart gave her because it felt too Sharran. It was a lovely shade of deep burgundy, rich and smooth, and if she focused hard enough on how the colour complimented her skin tone, she could almost ignore the wave of nostalgia that crept up on her. 

On a whim, she undid her braid, letting her loose curls fall on her shoulders. Using Astarion’s little discarded comb, she slowly untangled them. Her hair had grown back since that unfortunate episode in the Underdark, but she sometimes missed how the shorter cut made her feel. Daring. Determined. Brave.

She wasn’t this person anymore.

— Read the rest on AO3 :)

if you liked it, you also can follow the tag “series:forbidden fire” here on tumblr to not miss any updates :)

(c) divider by @/saradika

[istoleyoursk1n]

How would they (Origin + Halsin) react to a Tav that's taller than them? If it's even possible to be taller than Halsin lmao

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How would they react to a Tav that's taller than them?

( Added the possibility of your Tav/Durge carrying them so I have more to work with. All for more content tho lmao )

.

.

: ̗̀➛ ASTARION

“Why not ask our walking street lamp if they can see anything from here? Gods, with all that height they ought to do something useful with it.”

Irritated.

He’s already shorter compared to the others in their camp, what more when he's standing next to you?

If anything he's frustrated that he has to break his neck every time he needs to speak with you.

Demands that you Crouch/get on his level instead if you both need to talk. He’d rather you get all the neck aches than him.

He only gets mildly defensive when he senses you looming over him but he eventually becomes accustomed to it, and soon enough, he learns to like it.

Having someone tall enough to reach things for him without having to exert so much effort is a lovely little advantage for him.

And if you have the ability to ever so easily lift him up? He’d love it even more. Now he doesn't have to walk! Plus being in your arms is something he finds oddly comforting. He wouldn't admit it out loud just yet but being encapsulated by your warmth does something to his undead heart.

: ̗̀➛WYLL

“Nothing wrong with having a particularly height-boosted companion tag along in our exciting misadventures! Though I do hope we manage to find some armor to fit you.”

Surprised but he didn't find it all too bad. People come in all shapes and sizes after all.

He doesn't exactly treat you any differently because of your height, he’ll make the usual playful remark here and there about it but nothing more.

A small chuckle would come out of him every time your height causes you to bend your head to fit through doorways or if you accidentally hit something but he’d be there to make sure you weren't too hurt.

Similar to Astarion, he's grateful for your height advantages since you can grab things for him or even run longer distances.

Would be a laughing mess if you do manage to pick him up, he's never actually been picked up from the ground so easily that it startles him in the best way possible.

Would playfully call you his knight in shining armor just until you put him down.

: ̗̀➛GALE

“I’m not quite sure if this is the result of some sort of magic elixir or if you were given the extra growth spurs by chance.”

‘Well alright then-’

It's not as if he hasn't seen people taller than him, sure the neck pains are going to be bothersome but it's not something he wants you to feel bad for.

Depending on the species you are, he’d question how you’d somehow come to be so tall.

Nothing but harmless questions honestly, he’d probably ask a story in regards to your height at some point but he wouldn't make a big deal out of it.

Besides, if he wished to be tall too he could have used a spell on himself but he doesn't need to.

Your imposing height can be used to intimidate enemies so there's that. Regardless, he sees your height as something that has its own perks.

Baffled when you manage to lift him up. He spends at least five seconds struggling because he doesn't quite understand what just happened and he doesn't know what he should be holding onto. Somehow his hand ends up on your face at some point.

Relaxes soon enough and happily stays in your arms for however long you wish to keep him there. Now he won't stop talking your ear off and praising you as per usual.

: ̗̀➛KARLACH

“And just when I thought I was tall, in came you! I mean just look at you! I bet you can see damn well anything from up there!“

WHOA. <—Her inner reaction

She's the one of the tallest in your little group so of course she's surprised to see someone who towers over her.

She can't get over the fact that she has to look up at you every time you both speak to one another.

With your permission, she refers to you both as ‘ Tall buddies ‘

I mean hey! The taller you are the more huggable you must be right? At least that's what she thinks.

Surprised if you do manage to lift her off the ground, practically squealing and laughing out loud from the mere fact that someone had managed to lift her even an inch off the ground.

She'd have the time of her life in all honesty.

If your body could manage it, she’d be so on board with going on a piggyback ride. She hasn't had one since she was a mere little tiefling! You haven't seen her laugh so loudly in such a long time, it's wonderful.

: ̗̀➛SHADOWHEART

“And your height proves what sort of concern for me? Unless you're bumping into doorways I doubt we’d have any trouble.”

She isn't bothered by it in the slightest, she hardly even cares about the fact that you're taller than her.

While it is sort of tiresome to constantly frame her neck so that she's constantly looking up at you, it's not something she ever complains about.

She won't make a single comment on it unless you’re visibly struggling to get through door frames and or average-sized spaces (if you are then how tall must you be lmao)

It’s more of her asking a single question as to how you manage with your height and if there is anything that could be done. Other than that, she’d move along.

A bit tense if you ever do decide to use your height advantage to pick her up.

She doesn't know what to do nor if this is something she’s comfortable with but she slowly eases into it, even holding you properly with a warm smile carefully forming across her face.

She takes this time to look around, noticing how much she can see from being lifted up by a taller person. She’d thank you for such a lovely little experience after you put her down.

: ̗̀➛LAE’ZEL

“Tsk’va, must we really bring this istik with us? Any charith could spot them from a mile away.”

She doesn't really care either unless your height proves to be some sort of perk in the coming battles.

And hey, if you can somehow intimidate your foes with your height advantage, she’d be impressed. Good for you.

Though at first, she does get out some harsh jabs about your height proving to be a disadvantage when stealthing. However, she’d slowly warm up to you and cease to make such comments.

Would probably punch you if you ever tried picking her up without warning her beforehand (0/10 do not recommend)

Like others mentioned before her, she hasn't been picked up before. She tenses the moment you lift her and it takes a while for her to relax.

She’d probably have to be softly talked out of her tension in order to properly relax in your grip and take a moment to look around.

The moment she does, she finally lets down her guard, taking a moment to look around now that she has a better view from above.

As soft as this little moment is, she now sees this as a way for to get a better advantage whenever she's using a bow. She can see her foes from afar from this height. Now you two can work even closer in combat!

: ̗̀➛HALSIN

“Hm. It has been quite some time since I've encountered someone as towering as you. Not that I mind. Simply one of nature’s many gifts. I find that it only adds to your charm.”

What?

I mean have you seen this man? He’s towered over everyone the majority of his life, he's only met a select few that were actually taller than him.

It was a pleasant surprise for him when you first met. He isn't quite used to having to crane his neck upwards. It aches the first few times but he eventually gets used to it.

Similar to Karlach, your height is something that constantly comes to his mind. It simply baffles him but he doesn't comment too much about it after the first time he brought it up.

He finds it kind of amusing if anything.

Watch this man’s life flash before his eyes the moment you manage to lift him up. Who has managed to lift him up before? Apparently you now.

He stays silent, shocked, and confused for about five or more seconds till he finally lets out a chuckle.

He can't believe it! He's being carried! He can’t stop himself from grinning from utter disbelief.

He’s even more enamored by you now, utterly delighted by this otherworldly experience.

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[the-director]

My Tav Calder! He is a half drow bard.

Bonus info specifically: (contain spoilers for the endings and epilogues.)

Gale: when I started playing Calder (he is my second playthrough) I had the intention of romancing Gale. So I pursued him hard. And then... oh and then karlach came onto me. And I fell. Hard. Had to break up with gale. I think that. In the story of this playthrough, this breakup is the reason why I wasn't able to convince him to give up the crown.

Lae'zel: despite being a bard, Calder does enjoy a good fight as I picked college of swords for him. But that is not the reason why they are friends, they are friends because they relate to their pasts. Calder does have a noble background, but he was also sold into slavery (long story short he is in a bit of a zuko situation. But instead of finding the avatar, he got sold and is told to "work to earn his place among his family") so. They both understand the weight of high expectations. But also I like their dynamic due to what lae'zel says to you in the epilogue if she goes with Orpheus. That you taught her diplomacy, and I think that's very fitting for her and Calder (or rlly with her and a bard/high charisma/pacifist tav)

Shadowheart: honestly I feel like shadowheart is so... older sister? The way that she tries to be above everyone, the way she is so sparky to you, but also becomes loyal and trusting of you. Idk it reminds me of older sisters in like early 2000s movies. As a result, when I'm not romancing her. I tend to view her and my tav as feeling a kinship to eachother. I think this is also because of both of them being half elves.

Wyll: I actually have a lot of thoughts about Calder and wyll, specifically because of Calder growing up in this rich upperclass family, they probably met eachother while they were younger, or at least both of them are aware of their families (I'm still deciding how old I want Calder to be, and how long he was a slave) so there's like. Both of them know eachothers childhoods, but then both have to wonder "what happened to you for you to wind up here" I imagine they have a heart to heart with wyll talking about the pact and getting sent away by his father, and Calder talking about his wild magic that got him rejected by his family and then further being betrayed by them.

Another component of this relationship is the "karlach protection squad" I feel like it's basically canon that wyll and karlach, whether or not they romance eachother, will be very close and have a friendship together. And so especially with karlachs infernal engine, they both feel this need to protect her, to find a way to save her life. Which is just. So neat yknow? This strong durable character who is yet so vulnerable due to this replacement for a heart she has, something imposed against her. That she tried to make work for her, and it did, for a bit. Until when she finally thinks she can get her life back. She instead finds she's a dead girl walking.

Anyways. Both wyll and Calder are devoted to her in this way. And so even though they're kind of in that space of "so similar to eachother that we hate eachother since we can see every fault and flaw that we hate about ourselves in the other" they put aside their similarities and work towards this goal.

Astarion: Calder is, ngl, highly morally dubious. He is. Incredibly two-faced, or more precisely 6 faced. He's very much a people pleaser, a liar one may call him. He breaks every law for his own gain. Which astarion can get behind. Calder reads astarion like a book moreso than anyone else, which is why Calder trusts him. Astarion may be seen as "untrustworthy" but Calder trusts because he knows what he does, he can rely on that. I'm thinking this is especially in the early game. Where Calder might not have been too sure about the other ones and their true intentions.

I think, perhaps this trust is also due to their shared background. Of course I made calders backstory specifically so that it could parallel everyone else's and deal with the similar themes of "lack of autonomy" and "authority" and so on. But I think other than wyll, calders background is the most like astarions. And so since he is familiar to this. Desperation and fear for safety that astarion feels all the time. That is why he *knows*

Halsin: Remember how there was that glitch where gales approval was super easy to get, and as a result he would hit on every single tav regardless of how much you talked to him and as a result he came off as a huge creep and people hated him? That's how I feel about halsin.

Jaheira: similar to shadowheart, but in this one I JUST. LOOK AT JAHEIRA AND I HEAR MY MIND GO. "PLEASE ADOPT ME" if she adopted me everything would be right with the world (it wouldn't but) my mommy issues. Just. (I have three moms, which one would think would mean I have no mommy issues. No I just have three different types of mommy issues)

Anyways. Seriously. I think that at first Calder would kind of have the karlach fangirl moment, he wouldn't externalize it. But it would definitely happen. Overtime though they develop the bond of cub and crow. And I think. The definitive good ending for Calder is one where he joins the harpers. (I'm just now realizing that then he would be Chris pines character in dnd and karlach would be that one barbarian lady)

Karlach: she snuck into my heart, and I think she snuck her way into calders too. I think at first, it starts with passion, it starts with warmth and comfort in eeachothers arms. Then it evolves into late-night talks around the campfire. Of him singing her favorite songs, telling her favorite tales. Maybe they do it together. Him on his lute and just her singing. Or them acting scenes together. I imagine them fighting together, him inspiring her, healing her maybe, her defending him and beating anything that hurts him into a pulp. I imagine them entering the city together. He took the tadpole, she is so worried for him. She tries not to let it show. His ego is bruised. He's hurting inside. They open up though, they find solace in eachothers arms again. That one scene happens, they talk about the future they'll never get. The cabin, with the goat. Oh how he wished he could perform for her forever.

I finished the game before patch 5, before going to hell meant finding a cure. And even then, I think Calder wouldn't force her to go. I think Calder always gets wyll out of the contract and wyll decides to be Duke. And so she dies. On the docks.

And Calder is ruined.

But he develops a plan. Undo timeline.

[urarart]

Teenage teasing

Ok so- I got lost in the brainworms (hah) and just had to write this. 2k words in an hour and a half is a new record for me, though, and this fic was a pure delight to write.

For any tags and warnings:

Characters: Tav (Eira, she/her, set personality, check my blog for further information and whatnot), Halsin, all six Origin companions, and the tadpoles

Warnings: Absolutele shameless thirsting, and equally shameless teasing. Also probably second hand embarrassment

Relationships: Everybody being friends with each other, and one-sided attraction towards Halsin from Tav

Timeline: A few days after the party, but the setting is still in Act I

It's an uneventful night at camp.

Everyone exhausted of the day before, all camp members were doing their leisure activities in peace.

Lae'zel tending to her weapons, Astarion reading his book, Shadowheart in her own corner a while away, Wyll and Karlach practicing some dance at Karlach's tent, Gale organizing his own items including the food, Eira reading a book they picked up on their travels, and Halsin whittling wood.

It was supposed to be an uneventful night at camp.

// This is so unfair \\

At the sudden sound, Astarion pauses his reading, his ears unconsciously perking up.

He looks up.

Everybody is still focused on their own activities.

// Who told him he can be so cute? \\

He can't locate the source of the noise.

Gale also stops, his hands freezing in mid-air, and turns towards the center of camp.

Astarion raises an eyebrow, a silent question, and Gale shrugs and shakes his head in response.

// How was I supposed to know he'd be this adorable in his down time, making wooden DUCKS??? \\

Lae'zel stops polishing her sword, a scowl on her face.

She shoots a glare at Astarion, and he puts on an offended face.

// Ugh and he has such pretty hair... I just want to kiss him silly and mess it all up \\

At that, Karlach slows down, a smirk on her face.

// And maybe sit on his face as well \\

Wyll trips over.

Karlach wordlessly helps him up, trying her hardest to hold back a laugh.

Halsin looks up at that, and asks him if he's alright.

Wyll takes a second to respond.

“Yeah I'm.. I'm fine. Don't- Don't worry about me.”

He shakes off the grass on his face.

“I think I heard Shadowheart call me.”

And he leaves the scene at that.

Astarion shuts his book closed and sits on the ground- whatever is going on now is way more entertaining.

// Aww, but they were dancing so well... \\

Karlach shines at the compliment.

By now, it's obvious who the source of the daydreaming is. The remaining members- Karlach, Astarion, Gale and Lae'zel- all share a look of various degrees.

Only Eira is not in the know.

// I hope I can dance with Halsin like that someday \\

Ah, young love, Gale thinks.

Which is immediately followed up with-

// And a different kind of dance as well \\

A blush creeps up his neck.

These thoughts are supposed to be private, especially when they're of this degree.

...yet he can't turn away.

Astarion wears a mischievous grin, while Karlach is full on smiling, the gums of her teeth showing.

It's obvious how Eira is not looking at the book anymore, completely enraptured by everything Halsin does.

// How someone that huge can be so cute is BEYOND me \\

Lae'zel scoffs, while Karlach coos.

// He can split me open like a walnut and I wouldn't even complain \\

Gale sputters, while Astarion simply chuckles.

Karlach has less success in keeping in her amusement, if she was trying in the first place, by giggling like a maniac.

Eira is none the wiser, no hint of shame on her face, her thoughts wandering off course all the while.

She doesn't know, does she, Astarion thinks.

Gale sends the three a furious glare, his embarrassment reaching new levels, urging them to do something about this.

Astarion thinks it over once, twice.

Sure, he'll extend an olive branch.

// You know, darling, if you want him to bed you so bad, you can just ask him \\

// Well I can't just walk up to him and ask him to nail me down to the ground like the Oak Father intended! That's rude! \\

Gale bangs his head against his bag, tired of it all.

// Tsk'va, coward. \\

Ah, thanks for the helpful contribution Lae'zel, Gale internally thinks. It seems like they're not intending to make Eira stop, and who knows if she realizes the situation.

// I do have to admit, soldier, I never expected you to have such thoughts \\

THANK YOU KARLACH, Gale screams internally.

// What do you mea- \\

At that point, the stream of constant dialogue stops.

He looks up at Eira, who seems to have frozen up in time, her gaze a thousand miles away.

Slowly, her mouth pulls back, her eyes widen, and a small but rapidly growing yellow blush spreads her face, daring to overtake her natural green skin.

// YOU GUYS COULD HEAR ME THE ENTIRE TIME?????? \\

She looks at their faces, their answer obvious.

She covers her face with her hands, shame shrouding her entire body.

// Oh I'm sorry that was- no I'm- UGH I'm sorry- \\

// Dearest, it's fine, it's fine. If anything, this was a nice shake up of our usual routine- and we learned you're not as frigid as we thought \\

She sends him a glare at that, still yellow in the face.

// I don't even have any words for you, of course you'd enjoy my shame like this \\

She mindlessly combs her hands through her hair, making a mess of it instead.

Gale decides it's time to step in, to remedy the situation.

// If I can say anything, Eira, we don't mind you thinking this, it's a healthy outlet \\

He awkwardly coughs.

// But maybe try not to use the tadpole to... declare your intentions like that. \\

// I didn't even do it on purpose! \\

// This lusting of yours was so strong you used the ghaik powers, you mean? \\

// ...well if you say it like THAT \\

Astarion lets out a laugh so loud it startles them.

“Is staring at the ground mindlessly so entertaining, Astarion?”, Halsin asks.

“Hehe- well. You can say something like that, yes.”

// If you say anything to him I will stake you, don't you DARE \\

// But what's the fun in not doing anything~ \\

“So, Halsin-”

Astarion speaks the next words, but no sound is said.

He stops his question, tries saying something else, but nothing comes out.

He turns to the only suspect.

Eira cast a Silence spell on him, the brat.

“Are you alright? You were asking me something?”

Astarion shoots a glare at Eira, which then transforms into a smirk.

// Well, if I can't speak, then body language works \\

// nO DON'T DON'T DON'T DON'T- \\

Astarion ignores her pleading, and stands up to walk over to Halsin.

He, however, fails to notice the leg Karlach sticks out.

He stumbles forwards, ungraciously, and Karlach takes that moment to sweep his leg under him.

He falls to the ground, hard.

“What he means to say, big bear, is that he had a bit too much blood for tonight, so he's out of his mind right now.“

”You mean he's drunk?“

”Yep yep!“

// Thank you Karlaaaaach \\

Karlach winks at Eira in response.

“So, Halsin, ever had any lovers in the past?”

// KARLACH WHY \\

Astarion looks up, still on the ground, repositioning his body to make it look like he wants to lay there, assuming a comfortable position, with one knee in the air and an arm resting on it.

“Hm. That's a sudden question, but yes.”

Halsin sets down his project, the duck almost finished.

Eira covers her face with the book, her curious eyes peeking over the edge.

Gale sighs.

Even though he's among the youngest, in comparison to elves, he sure feels his energy being drained quicker and quicker by this teenage teasing.

“Ohhhh do say more~”

Halsin chuckles, a bit of a frown on his face.

“I'm not sure why you're suddenly curious for this old elf's past relationships.”

“He's uncomfortable, Karlach, leave him be.”

Astarion turns his head towards Eira so fast, it was almost like it snapped.

// Trying to save him from embarrassment, huh? You might as well be declaring your wanting for him right now, darling \\

“Well- oh I can talk, finally- we were simply curious. It's called bonding, you know?”

He narrows his eyes.

“And besides, why do you care, Eira? You never had any, so why does it matter to you?”

She puts her book down, almost slamming it to the ground, her mouth a thin line, her eyes burning with fury.

“It's called common courtesy, Astarion. Not like you'd know what it means.”

“To answer your question, Karlach- yes, I've had previous lovers, but they never held for long.”

“Hmm, a believer in carnal desire, then?”

“I- well, that's crude wording Lae'zel, but yes. You can call it that.“

Astarion nods in understanding, ignoring the way Halsin doesn't speak about it with pride.

He mindlessly picks up his duck again, continuing the project.

”My heart doesn't stir lightly, so I never had the bliss of calling someone my lover.“

”But you DID have sex, right?“

”Of course.“

Astarion chuckles.

”So, when does your heart shake, or whatever that wording was. What does it take to move the beast?“

Halsin raises an eyebrow in response.

“Why are you so curious?”

“No reason~”, Karlach grins.

Halsin hums, thinking for a second.

“Thinking back, there is no pattern in any of them. Nothing with race, gender, body, or conviction. There were a few that I refused, but the ones I wanted were all good by soul, nothing else.”

“Ah those blessed souls, to have the grace of your company for a single night without putting in the work.“

”Fangs you know you're not any better.“

He only shrugs in response, and then turns to lay on his back, his arms splayed by his head, his shirt falling open just a bit.

He turns towards Eira.

”Any questions you have, my friend? Surely you must be buzzing with them, you never know when to shut up without concerning the others' privacy.”

She only frowns in response.

“If... If I can ask, and do say if it's rude or anything like it.”

“I don't mind, I will answer to the best of my ability.”

“...these... experiences you have. Were they all with humanoids?”

It takes a few seconds before the question is understood, Gale getting the hidden message before any of them.

”What kind of question is that, Eira?!“

”I'm just curious!“

// pfffttTTHAHAHAHA- \\

“Tsk'va, sorcerer, that you'd ask.“

”Oh come on Lae'zel!! I regret asking already. And stop laughing, Astarion!”

She crosses her arms, an annoyed pout on her face.

“...there was this one instance.”

All heads turn to Halsin immediately.

“One day, I was grazing through the forest while my wildshape was a bear-”

“Ugh, seriously? You fucked a bear while you were a bear? That's dirty, even for me, and I've seen some stuff.“ Astarion waves his hand, bored.

”-if you can let me finish my story. But while I was in the forest, I forgot it was the mating season, and a female bear tried to claim me. However, she didn't appreciate my refusal, especially when I turned back into my Elfish form, and that is,“ he holds a hand to his face, touching his scar, ”how I got these marks.”

Karlach and Gale stare at him, stunned. Eira covers her mouth with her loose hair out of shame, and Lae'zel looks mildly interested in the story.

Astarion, well.

“Boooooo, you couldn't go through with it. Cowarddddd.“

”I would never disrupt the cycle of nature like that- and to answer your question, Eira: yes, only with humanoids.“

It's awfully silent on her part.

While Karlach and Astarion continue to talk and joke with Halsin, she remains quiet.

So quiet even Lae'zel gets confused about it.

”Sorcerer, did Gale cast a Silence spell on you? Why are you-“

// HE DIDN'T GET THOSE SCARS FROM FIGHTS AND I NEED TO GIVE HIM NEW ONES \\

The force of the connection stuns Lae'zel halfway, and a little chuckle escapes her.

Eira looks at her, wide blue eyes staring in shock.

Lae'zel only nods in response, her approval granted.

Gale has decided to completely separate himself from the conversation at that point.

They hear a yell from Shadowheart a distance away.

“What was that I heard?”

Halsin looks in her direction, confused.

”Nothing happened, what's wrong?“

”Something about scafjskflj!”

She gets shushed by Wyll before she can finish her sentence.

She slaps his hand away, but he hurriedly talks over her.

“Nothing, we just thought an animal was walking nearby and got spooked!”

He talks in a lower, quiet voice to Shadowheart, too soft for the rest of camp to hear.

“Ah, that's good to hear. Nature lives on as it should.”

“Ugh you bo~ore me with all that nature talk every time. That gossip just now was way more entertaining.”

“Right, of course. Although I'm sure you have more interesting stories in comparison to mine.”

He holds up his wooden duck, looking for faults or anything he can improve.

He's quickly satisfied, however, signified by a small smile.

“Well, this is done.”

“It looks good, very neat and super cute!”

“Yes, yes, that's a nice wooden duck, whatever.”

Astarion turns to Eira at that, his grin so wide his fang pokes through.

“Darling, you like it as well, right? His duck.“

She takes a deep breath in, both frustration and shyness evident in her face.

The insinuation of Astarion's comment was not lost on her.

”Yes.“

Short and sweet.

Seems like I got to her~, Astarion notes.

We're not short on entertainment in this camp for sure.

He grins, sharing a look with Karlach.

She smiles in response, a twinkle in her eyes.

Oh this will be a very interesting time at camp.

[sangre]

A VERY DESCRIPTIVE PROFILE OF YOUR MUSE.  REPOST, DO NOT REBLOG, with the information of your muse,  including headcanons, etc.

name: catarina raverre. nicknames: rini from wyll + which the tiefling children from the grove picked up on and call her as well, rina from shadowheart and gale, cat (funny/condescending) from astarion, karlach will enthusiastically call him Raverre!! if not soldier, and lae’zel is trying not to pick up a nickname but settles on an over emphatic ca-TA around act 3. Full-naming is very weird and intimate for her, so of course, she hears it most from the dream visitor in the shell of her ear. tav is the quick and easy introduction he gives to other NPC’s (it's what her brothers called her growing up) and will hear it from just about everyone as well. age: twenty-nine. race: asmodeus tiefling, infernal bloodline on her father’s side, draconic lineage on his mother’s. gender: fluid, he/him & she/her. often dancing the lines to have fun in presentation and feeling with both at once. orientation: bisexual. zodiac: aries. a very strong case for an aries I think. moral alignment: chaotic neutral, though he’s protective of innocence and will go out of his way on select occasions to pay back in the name of karma :wink: (Karma is also the name of the dragon that her lineage comes from). class/subclass: sorcerer - draconic bloodline. (poison dragon) background: guild artisan. interests/hobbies: woodwork and architecture hold his attention in a quiet appreciation kind of way, as in he could watch someone whittle for a long time and enjoy the silence (haha) about it – and traveling to see different kinds of buildings and interior decoration and stuff like that is very compelling, as someone who was raised with a reverence for like... ruins and the history shown in the way places are built. she loves magic. being able to storytell and stuff through that medium is very precious and memorable to him. quite nerdy behind closed doors. demanded to be read to a lot as a baby before falling asleep. LIKES NAPPING! Is sleepypilled. some other misc things he likes are intricate weaponry and gambling (he's freakishly good at catching a cheater/reading people's faces). spoken languages: fluent in common, draconic, infernal, and primordial (in addition to being able to communicate in sign in common) profession: adventurer, mostly. back at home, she follows the raverre family line in serving as a warden for a vestige that comes from the hoard that the dragon from her lineage kept and protected. she has four older brothers and one much younger brother, hence a very no-nonsense approach to bullshit. height: 5’11��� colors: deep pale brown, purplish red, toxic slutch green, and fiendlike nauseous pink. fruits: grapefruit, guava, strawberries, pineapple and passionfruit. drinks: iced coffees, iced fruit juices, anything that tastes like radioactive mcdonalds sprite and buzzes and freaks out his tongue. alcoholic beverages: dark honey mead, ginger beer with lime. smokes: no but she DOES BREATHE smoke if she coughs and her temperature is too high. drugs: recreational use if he’s with friends and he gets something fun from an alchemist or druid he trusts. drivers license: can this bitch steer a horse? (Catarina voice) Sure how hard could it be. (NO) (BE CAREFUL) (GET OUT OF THE WAY) (horses get nervous around her. Most animals are okay with her/love her in fact but for some reason I think, to a horse, she has rancid vibes. I think it’s because she stares them in the eyes). ever been arrested: YUP but it did not last long!

TAGGED BY: no one i stole this from one of my old RP blogs ^p^ i wanted to party TAGGING: tagging my bagu gagu fwiends but also fwiends for other ocs! @the-lovely-lady-luck @interstices @reides @fluffy-snow-fox @kirkewrites @roberthouses @jessieleaf @killdragons @cass1x1 @bvckywrites @devilatelier

[ryttu3k]

BG3 update, exploring Reithwin, a new team member, to about midway through Moonrise Towers!

Little snippety bits, team banter, etc that I've smushed into one image because I have a limit here:

*eyeing that 'unknown elf' listing* Also I love how Astarion is genuinely bullshitting in the blood-taste bit because we know he hasn't been drinking thinking-peoples blood aside from enemies and, once, Tae.

Anyway. To Reithwin! Delightfully spooky, honestly, the atmosphere here is fun. Managed to talk three enemies to death - the tollkeeper (who reminds me of corrupted No Face in Spirited Away?), the absolute creep in the House of Healing, and, after the world's grosses drinking game, the bartender. More on the latter two later!

At the cemetery, we meet Arabella! Who has... picked up some new skills.

Of course she can stay at camp while we look for her parents!

Into the bar for the world's worst drinking game. Plus side, got a boatload of approval from Astarion, Shadowheart, and Lae'zel from it! And some... really nasty mental images!

"Really? Right in front of my drink?"

Stopping to camp for the night. Getting some much more genuine Astarion when asking if Cazador has other spawn. Larian let me hug him as a friend.

Karlach brings up the whole... Gale thing. Which I still feel bad about tbh.

On a more depressing note, telling Arabella about her parents hurts ;_; Apparently not everyone gets the scene that follows, so I'll include a Youtube link to it here! Man, given Withers'... everything, I have to wonder just what that destiny will involve!

Honestly, though, I goddamn adore him as a character. Even if he does warn Tae not to get distracted by Karlach XD;;

Not the only intriguing camp companion we have, apparently!

Speaking of companions, visiting the House of Healing and retrieving Art's lute allows us to progress with starting to end the shadow curse, and properly recruiting Halsin!

I really like when you can let companions speak for themselves, you get so much more lore, like letting Lae'zel speak at the creche.

Once Thaniel is restored, Halsin officially becomes a member of the Brainworm Squad, albeit minus a brainworm! The companions have assorted things to say about him (including Wyll calling him a 'thick hunk of an elf'), and Tae gets to know him better. He likes honey and knows it's funny! He likes whittling! He likes whittling ducks!

"I like ducks :)"

(Tae has officially decided he's their new grandpa now. The other companions have... less familial views, apparently!)

Back to the mission! Heading to the Thorm mausoleum, and oh dear, look what the cat dragged in...

After getting some good advice to skip the mausoleum until prompted to go there later, we turn back, and this time, make for Moonrise Towers itself! (Minus Halsin, with the narrator very helpfully reminding me that, hey, may not want to bring someone without a brainworm there.) Discover some... concerning cargo:

Yeah, we, uh, took the canister and now it's just. Sitting in the traveller's chest. What do we do with it?

Into Moonrise Towers, witnessing a group of goblins attempt to kill Ketheric and. Completely fail. That's concerning!! Tae is instructed to deal with the remaining goblins and opts to let them go, because who knows? Maybe they'll return the favour one day. Karlach hears from an old 'friend', Florenta the Garrotter, a cambion from her Avernus days, and gets given some soul coins (albeit with a story attached to each).

Lots and lots of concerning bits of evidence, all pocketed. Stuff on recruiting drow, shadow druids, goblins, et cetera, invasion plans for Baldur's Gate, and - what have we here? Collaboration between Ketheric Thorm and Gortash!

We meet Araj. We meet Tae's extreme urge to punch her in the face. We meet Astarion's genuine surprise and gratitude at someone giving him a choice on what he does with his body for possibly the first time in two hundred years I'm gonna fuckin' cry. Larian let me hug him as a friend, part two.

We meet Steelclaw. Steelclaw I would die for you. ...Can we recruit her for the final battle?

That done, time for a prison break!

I don't like him much. Barcus sweetie you can do so much better. The tieflings are much happier to see us! (Lia: "Oh, you clever bastard. I could kiss you!" Cal: "Not in front of me, please. I've suffered enough.")

After the successful prison break, it's time for a rest. Is it weird to find, like, a 'realistic' place for them to rest? I used that office/tower in the middle of the prison, in the upstairs bit, where anyone awake could watch out for anyone approaching. Anyway, Gale has set up a hologram kind of... thing to invite Tae somewhere, finding him in a Weave illusion and in a... very melancholy mood.

Understandably.

Was definitely concerned this would lead more romantic. Thankfully, the game allows it to be played completely platonically, which is good as! Gale is a friend! A friend who's hurting and terrified and needs support and anyway Gale haters can fight me.

Genuinely beautiful scene, and I absolutely got misty-eyed.

Fight me, Gale haters.

Back to Moonrise. We do some more exploring, finding the third part of the tale of Orpheus. Lae'zel is... not impressed in the slightest. We also meet Ketheric's dog :( And private chambers. And stuff relating to his dead wife, and their daughter, who I have definite suspicions about. (It's Isobel, right? Isobel is Ketheric's daughter, right? Don't tell me either way, but that definitely seems to be the vibe I'm getting.)

We meet with Disciple Z'rell, and get a new mission - go to the Thorm mausoleum, and retrieve the artefact for Thorm. Now we can go! Also, at the least, she seems to trust us?

Back to the Last Light for some happy reunions! Alfira is ecstatic to have Lakrissa back (who proceeds to flirt with Tae, Lakrissa please their girlfriend is standing right there), Barcus is so excited to see Wulbren again... who doesn't appear to feel the same way.

Do you think Barcus would mind overmuch if Tae stuffed Wulbren in their pack and threw him back in a cell? Just saying.

Then back to camp for a rest, and a conversation with Astarion that punches me in the emotions!!

Full scene (including the initial confrontation with Araj) available here. The options I picked were, "Why has she upset you so much?", "Have you even enjoyed having sex, in these last decades?", and "You aren't a slave any more, Astarion, you're free."

Anyway that scene emotionally kicked my ass and I still couldn't even hug him. Larian let me hug him as a friend, part three!

[blackjackkent]

Resuming Rakha shenanigans! Left off with clearing out a whole courtyard of goblins because one of them looked at her funny, followed by a long rest, a near call with ceremorphosis, and an introduction to the unexpected visitor living in her dreams and looking out for her - and then Withers showed up the following morning.

Rakha is having a very weird few days.

Going around to the rest of the camp, we learn that everyone had the same dream, more or less. The spread of opinions on the whole matter is quite varied.

(From a meta perspective, it actually amuses me quite a bit that the Emperor starts out by feeding these dreams to the entire camp; it must be quite a brain strain to manipulate seven different dream visitors simultaneously, all providing a customized version of the same message. It definitely seems by Act 2 that it latches on to the player character as THE target for its manipulations and stops bothering with the rest. Certainly I could see it already starting to pick up on Rakha as being manipulable; she is a pure function, her output depending entirely on the input which she is fed. It has already adjusted its appearance accordingly - the fact that her dream visitor has matching tattoos to her is not accidental.)

Lae'zel and Wyll are both extremely skeptical about the visitor, particularly her assertion that using the worms is not only acceptable but desirable. Astarion, of course, feels opposite - he's excited about the endorsement of the tadpole and making its power work for them. Karlach, Shadowheart, and Gale are all more cautious, clearly not certain what to believe.

Rakha's feelings are complicated. Lae'zel and Wyll are the two people whose opinions she trusts the most in camp - but they are followed close behind by Astarion. (The former two provide direction and focus to her violent nature, an understanding of morality and discipline, while Astarion understands her struggle with her inner darkness on a level Lae'zel and Wyll simply can't match.)

But more than that... she was captivated by the visitor. In the dream, for the first time in her conscious memory, she was calm - both the worm and the dark urge were quiet in her mind, and she was free. And the visitor clearly knows things about her - about the beast in her head and about her past. And using the worms always felt right in the same way that using the Weave does; it was only because of Lae'zel and Wyll's disinterest that she even considered otherwise.

So she says matter-of-factly to everyone that she believes the visitor. It is her first strong point of disagreement with Lae'zel, who disapproves strongly. Rakha doesn't like that much - but she doesn't know how to explain the sense of certainty, of safety, that was in the dream. Perhaps if she could, Lae'zel would understand... this has to be the right choice...

[3xm-draconic]

Tricks and Treats (Werebat Cyris and Astarion Story)

Summary: The gang takes time to Celebrate Liar’s Night…

The autmumnbral season had come, summer was over and winter would be on their heels…they needed to kill that brain quickly.    

But hunting down Orin was a pain in the ass, she was a slippery shapeshifting little bitch and dealing with Gortash was no better…

Gortash and Cyris…had history.

Raucous…hot…noisy…fucking history… 

“Gorty has a tendency to hit the more…debaucherous brothels, check for any that offer the “menzoberranzan love trick”, Gorty made me do that all the time with him…” Cyris grumbled, “how…how does the “menzoberranzan love trick” go exactly?” Gale curiously turned to him, Wyll and Roger wondered the same thing.

“You really want to know?” Cyris coyly grinned, “you don’t have to go into detail but I have always wondered how it whent” Gale flusteredly answered, Cyris grinned “they use spider silk rope and cloth to bind and blind you, you are then suspended from the ceiling in which a mild form of the spell “shocking grasp” is used to…stimulate” Cyris purred.

Gale went bright red, Wyll’s jaw hung open and Roger grinned. 

“Damn…looks like Gorty’s gone out of town…fuck”, “He’ll return, Orin needs him here to help control the brain, well get him then” Wyll assured Cyris, “in the meantime it looks like Baldur’s Gate is setting up it’s first ever Liar’s Night celebration!” Gale beamed “oh I love this night, dressing up, the pretty masks, all the sweets!” he gleefully hummed.

“Liar’s Night?” Wyll pondered, “it’s a night to celebrate the gods: The Mask and Leira. You were masks to hide who you truly are and have a fun little night of spooky frights and sweet treats” Gale grinned “it’s celebrated all throughout waterdeep and neverwinter”.

“One tradition is that you carve pumpkins and place a candle inside another is to line your pockets with candy and trade it with others for trinkets or other sweets” Gale remarked, Cyris smiled “my village celebrated this night similarly… and differently”, “oh? How so?” Gale pondered as the 4 of them wandered the decorated streets.

“We made offerings to the gods: Urogalan, Brandobrais, Charamalaine and of course the great guardian bat Entumbru. We would dress up in masks to scare away evil spirits, light a bonfire and eat lots of candy” he happily recalled the memories of those harvest festival nights under the great big moon.

“Looks like it’s gonna be a big masquerade parade of sorts…” Roger said as he looked at the fliers, “well we got time, we should celebrate, dress up and enjoy the festivities!” Gale hummed with glee.

“Sounds good” Wyll nodded, “Iam in” Roger chimed in, “let's pick up the others and get some costumes then” Cyris smiled.

Cyris really should have checked the moon phases…

While everyone else enjoyed their masks and costumes…he was stuck in bat mode.

“Darling I have an idea~” Astarion hummed “tonight everyone will think you are an illusion, a really convincing costume if we…convince them darling~?” he cood.

This was…THE STUPIDEST idea Astarion has ever come up with.

The two lovers and their gaggle of misfit friends walked down the streets in their lavish costumes…

Karlack & Wyll dressed in all coppery browns and bright oranges, wearing glowing masks that looked like fire elementals.

Lae’zel was dressed in all silver with a red dragon mask and Halsin was dressed in all greens in a bear mask.

Gale and Shadow heart were dressed in blacks and blues and whites, each had moon masks that compliment each other.

Roger and Allegra just wore squid and wolf masks.

Jaheira was dressed as a Hawk with a similar mask.

Astarion was distressed in rich reds and purples, his mask that of a bat.

Cyris’s costume was going to be lavender, black and pink with a bat mask too but since it was a full moon…he couldn't wear it…

But the gang still whent out…with werebat Cyris…on a leash.

“Don’t panic people, he’s an illusioned druid in wildshape, perfectly harmless, perfectly safe!” Gale called out to worried onlookers and guardsmen, “who wants treats!” Karlach grinned as she handed out candy to children.

Children seemed to absolutely love Cyris, lots of kids wanted to pet him, Cyris didn’t mind this, he thought it was kinda funny and cute.

He was reminded of home and how his village treated him, how they were never afraid of him…

The parade was fun, the treats were sweet and delectable and the games were entertaining…

Everyone participated in Tick-Treating, where you line your pockets with treats and little trinkets and let others pickpocket you…or you could just trade them.

For some unknown reason Gale kept getting rocks…not gemstones…just..plane old rocks…

After the night of fun the gang returned back to Monty’s Chalice to get some sleep.

But when they did…

Sebastian was waiting for them.

“Hey glad you have your costumes on…oh, sorry about the moons Cyris, the other werebats aren't having the best of time either…but we are trying to fix that” he smiled “here” he handed them all little envelopes.

“Oh? What are these?” Gale asked him curiously, “invitations to our Liar’s Night Masquerade party, you are more than welcome to join us” Sebastian happily grinned and left to go to the party.

“Well?...anyone still up to party with vampires?” Karlach grinned, “I have heard from Cyris and astarion that their little community is rather cozy, I’d quite like to visit them” Gale hummed, “then let’s visit” Wyll smiled.

Bloodcrystal Vail was decorated with candles and carved cave-gourds (pumpkins could not grow here sadly). The tavern: Little Hope-Light, was bustling with activity…

The bard got some more instruments to play, the cook wasn't working by himself now and the bar had enchanted colored-lighting thanks to the new wizard in the town.

“Please tell me there are food and drink options-”, “excluding blood? There are don’t worry” Tilla, one of the Gur children turned vampire now hired to be a waitress, told Wyll to ease his nerves.

The gang ate and danced and had a fun time mingling with the spawn, it was…heartwarming to see them living so…so happily down here.

For them to have changed their lives around…

To finally have the freedom and courage to celebrate.

Back at Monty’s the gang found their rooms to be…well getting to be a bit cramped. 

They needed a more permanent base-of-operations if they were to continue hunting for the brain, plus having their own home ment they’d save money on rent.

But buying a home ain’t cheap either…and real estate in Baulder’s Gate is a nightmare.

“Shit…what are we going to do?” Allegra grumbled as she nibbled on bacon, Astarion’s face lit up with an idea “Cazador’s old mansion”, everyone was silent.

“What?” he said, “starry…do YOU even WANT to live there anymore? After all the things that happened to you there?” Cyris placed a hand on his shoulder, Astarion smiled “I want to make it mine…to destroy his palace by claiming it as my own, besides…” he pulled out a slip of paper from his pocket “I already took the deed from his vault”.

“...well…the house is pretty spacious” Gale nodded, “plenty of secret passageways around Baldur’s Gate for easy access to places” Shadowheart added, “and a BIG ASS wine cellar” Roger nodded.

Cyris looked to Astarion “only if you are really ok with this”, “I am darling” Astarion hugged him “a house can’t hurt me sunshine.”

[timeforelfnonsense]

Just a Taste (Updated)

Dafni x Astarion 

Rating: M

Ao3

I’ve been reworking some of the first fics I wrote for these two now that I have a better idea of their relationship. I’ve updated them on Ao3 but there was some interest in me reposting them here as well!  

Sunshine & Starlight: My on going bg3 series  

Astarion passed along the far edge of the camp. A groan escaped his chest as he slumped down against the base of a tree. His whole body ached right to the bone. He squeezed his eyes shut, willing the throbbing pain behind his eyes to disappear. He knew he needed to feed as soon as possible. He had waited far too long to make up for his little indiscretion with the boar earlier. The whispers of vampire among his traveling companions had, at last, died down. Unfortunately for him, his caution had left him weak and vulnerable. He clutched his head in his hands and took in a deep breath. His body tensed in an instant. The soft forest breeze carried the irresistible scent of prey. His mouth watered and the familiar, white-hot sting of thirst clawed at his throat.

He could see them all tucked into their bedrolls, spread across the little clearing. Sleeping. Helpless. His gut twisted with guilt at the thought but he was desperate and so very tired. Hunting would require far more energy than he had left and the food that slept peacefully around him was far more likely to quench the caustic burn he felt inside.

He would have to be mindful in the selection of his quarry. Lae’zel was the first to be struck from the list. She had a bitter, bordering on metallic scent that he found less than appetizing. And more importantly, he was certain she would slay him without a second thought should things go awry. Shadowhart was out next. Though her bouquet was much more appealing, she had a suspicious nature and seemed likely to be a light sleeper. Wyll had always seemed an alluring prospect - Strong, fast, and righteous. Despite the appeal, he would also be a dangerous choice, being a monster hunter by trade. Gale would due, he supposed, but as the wizard tossed in his sleep the delicate shimmer of a magical barrier caught his eye. That left him with one, final option.  

Dafni slept in a heap of pelts beneath the cover of an old oak tree a few paces away from the others. Wildflowers bloomed in the soil around her as if the earth was reacting to her very presence. His gluttonous gaze lingered on the pretty cleric. He watched her chest rise and fall slow and even. He’d never known her to indulge in sleep, preferring to take her rest by way of trance. She must have been truly exhausted. With a silent step forward, Astarion took in another deep breath. She was floral, like lilac and primrose with just a touch of citrus. His pupils dilated as every fiber of his being shouted at him - Desperate for just a taste. It was a risk to be sure, feeding on a woman of divine persuasion, but of the options available to him she seemed the most delectable and least deadly.

“How cliche,” He thought, “a creature of the night- Driven by sanguine desire to drink from the lovely maiden asleep in her bed of flowers.” He dipped to his knees and with a delicate hand brushed her hair from her neck. He steeled himself, preparing to strike. Leaning in close just as her eyes shot open. “...Shit”

It was the cool tickle of breath on the back of her neck and the feeling of a light hand on her waist that pulled her away from her dreams. When she first saw him standing over her, ruby-red eyes wide, white hair tousled and untamed, she had assumed something must have happened during his watch. However, the guilt and shame that twisted across his handsome face quickly did away with such assumptions.

“What are you doing!” She hissed.

“No, no- It’s not what it looks like I swear!” His words were rushed as if they could not leave his mouth fast enough.

Dafi sat up in her bedroll, her eyes fixed on Astarion’s pleading expression, his hands outstretched in surrender. He reminded her of a wild animal backed into a corner facing down what was to be their demise. His bravado was all but gone and in the place of the cocky rouge she had come to know was a frightened young man. His eyes fixed themselves on the holy symbol that hung from a silver chain around her neck. At that moment the pieces fell together: the boar, his unique appearance, his eagerness to keep watch at night.  There, in the dim glow of the fire, she saw him for what he was...

Vampire.

“Were you trying to kill me?”

“No! I wasn’t going to hurt you!” He promised, “I just needed - well…”

“You needed blood.” Dafni tried to keep her tone firm and fearless but her words shook none the less.

“It’s not what you think!” He pleaded, “I’m not some monster. I feed on animals! Boars, deer, kobolds - whatever I can get. I’m just too slow right now. Too weak. If I just had a little blood, I could think clearer. Fight better. Please.”

The last word was dripping in melancholy. His head hung low and his shoulders sagged. He had proven himself to be proud, even bordering on snobbish - never asking for help and turning his nose up when it was offered. His suffering must be great if he had been willing to admit his weakness and need.

“Why didn’t you tell me?” She whispered. Against her better judgment, she reached out to him, placing a hand on his pale cheek.

“At best, I was sure you’d say no. More likely you’d ram a stake through my ribs. I thought I could keep it to myself but tonight I felt so awful…” Astarion slumped into his hands unable to meet her eyes, “And… I wanted you to trust me. No. I needed you to trust me. And you can trust me.”

His logic was far more rational than her own. She was a cleric, sworn to the preservation of life. She should have set him alight with divine magic the moment she realized what he was. But, when she looked at Astarion it wasn’t a monster that looked back at her. She saw her friend. The man who called her Daffodil with testing endearment. Who always watched her back in a fight. Who’d come ever so close to kissing her not that long ago. Vampire, he might be but Astarion was no monster. Her heart ached to think of the fate he had been doomed to. He was an elf, never to return to Avandor. Was it not her very reason for existing to care for all of Corellon’s children? Why should Astarion, whom she had come to care for, be any different than the rest of their kin?

“I do.” She smiled, her thumb stroking his cheek, “I Trust you, Astarion. If you say it wasn’t your intention to harm me then that is the truth.”

How long has it been since he had felt a hand so gentle with such kind intention? She held his face so tenderly he thought he might melt. He had spurned her kindness on countless occasions. Thinking it had been a sign of weakness. Now, on the receiving end of her light and he felt a fool for having ever encouraged her to tamp down on her compassion. He leaned into her hand, savoring the warmth of her touch.

“Thank you.” He purred against her ear, “Do you think you could trust me just a little further? I only need a taste. I swear.”

He could hear the steady thump of her heart pick up. The sight of blood pumping through her veins was near irresistible. Her cheeks went flush and the intoxicating smell of her blood threatened to send him into a frenzy. It was no small effort to keep his vampiric instincts in check. He couldn’t remember wanting the blood of any creature half as badly as he found himself wanting her. But, no matter how badly he craved her he refused to betray the trust she’d given him- To prove himself the beast he swore not to be.

“Fine” She spoke in a little voice, “But not a drop more than you need.”

“Of course.” He promised, “Not one drop more.” Delicately, he guided her back so her head came to rest in his lap. He brought one hand to rest on the swell of her full hip and while the other cradled the base of her skull. His fingertips traced the hollow of her neck with almost loving reverence. “I will try to be as gentle as I can manage. It might hurt a bit- a sharp, cold feeling but the pain should fade fairly quickly if memory serves.”

She nodded her understanding, glancing up doe-eyed through her thick lashes. With that, he leaned in pressing a kiss over her pulse before sinking his teeth into the tender flesh. If her scent had been captivating her taste could only be described as transcendent, sweet, and perfect. Yet it was more than the flavor that had him completely delirious. It was the irresistible happiness that began to bloom in his chest as his heart fell in rhythm with her’s. She was a lush and colorful field, the feeling of the sun on his cheeks for the first time in 200 years - Spring incarnate and he was ravenous for more.

First, thou shalt not drink of the blood of thinking creatures.

Cazador’s words rang loudly in his ears as the red ambrosian liquid gushed into his mouth. All those years luring food for his old master and he’d been forbidden anything but putrid rats. He’d assumed it was meant to demoralize his spawn. To remind them where they stood in the pecking order. Now he saw the truth of it. With every swallow, he felt better than he could ever recall feeling.

His grasp grew tighter on her hip drawing her into himself no longer satisfied with gentleness and charm. What had happened to the restraint he’d shown just the other day when he’d nearly stopped himself from kissing at the river? Hunger began to blend with desire. He wanted her, in both blood and body. A shaky gasp slipped from her lovely lips. She twisted in his lap, lancing her hand through his hair, tugging him closer. An invitation to drink deeper and indulge the amorous feelings her resplendent curves and needy sounds were insisting.

“Astarion, I’m starting to feel faint.” Her voice was shaky but it was enough.

“Of course.” He gasped. He removed himself with haste, realizing his hold on her body. Relief washed over her and Dafni allowed herself to crumple against him. Above her, Astarion was still struggling to catch his breath. “I was just swept up in the moment. But it worked. I feel good. Strong. Happy!”

He nuzzled at her neck, his nose running along the soft edge of her jaw. A small squeak passed her lips at the feeling of his tongue running over the aching wound. Prompting a satisfied purr from Astarion. He was warmer to the touch now and a faint rosy hue colored his cheeks. His arm once again wrapped across her middle, pulling her into him as if he’d done it hundreds of times before. Astarion was hardly the picture tender regard but his arms were strong and his slow heartbeat thrummed in time with her own.

“I’m glad” She yawned, “You deserve to feel good.”

He stroked absentmindedly through her hair as she began to nod off. Her sweet words overwhelmed him. Gods he wanted to kiss every inch of the strange, wonderful woman curled up in his lap, to taste him in other ways. He hadn’t expected the act of feeding to be so… intimate. He couldn’t be sure if it was always this way or if the elation he felt was a side effect of her being an eladrin. Either way, the temptation to hold her all night was undeniably present. A disheartening pang of thirst still lingered in his throat however and she was far too weak for him to take anymore. His other desires would simply have to wait.

“I hate to disturb you, darling, but you’ll have to excuse me.”

“You are not excused.”  Dafni huffed, snuggling closer in protest.

He tried to suppress the laugh but it was no use. She stuck out her lower lip in his favorite pout as he untangled himself from her. She reached up for him, wrapping her hand tightly around his wrist as he turned to leave.

“Come now.” He teased, “You’re invigorating, but I need something more filling.” He bent down placing a kiss on her forehead, “This is a gift you know. I won’t forget. Now, sleep, Daffodil. I’ll be back in the morning.”