#astarion is NOT jealous of the owlbear. he's not

[lelianasbong]

short silly and not fully fleshed wyllstarion headcanon that just occurred to me thanks to your "sometimes a family is" post: astarion wakes up in the middle of the night, looks to the side and sees the owlbear resting its head on wyll's belly, wyll sleeping with one hand on its head

Oh to be an owlbear resting comfortably on Wyll's belly n sleeping peacefully with one of his strong hands resting gently on ur head....

(Meanwhile Astarion's gnawing on his own arm in a vain attempt to distract himself from thoughts about how it'd feel to have Wyll's fingers sleepily carding through his curls, cool head resting on his warm abdomen, blood churning like the sea beneath his ear-

Owlbear just looks at him smugly and snuggles closer THE LITTLE SHIT-)

[oioend]

definitely going to add yuvon here. giant talking gryphon baby

[artsycrapfromsai]

[part 1] [part 2] [part 3]

Some more Amaryllis and Astarion doodles fjgjhcjg (Amaryllis is my unicorn girl DnD character I'm using as my elf tav!!)

Amaryllis hates Volo and i feel like Astarion would find it endlessly amusing that, out of all the people they've dealt with so far, and how annoyingly/confusingly helpful and non judgemental she is, the one person she really, really hates is... Volo.

Volo. Really irritates her fjghfjf i think at this point Astarion kind of assumed she didn't have the capacity to hate anyone bc she's just so weird, and it's kind of a relief she does??? Also he loves petty drama, so this is great entertainment for him

Amaryllis would fall head over heels for the Owlbear cub and want to hug and pet and cuddle it so much

She does, in fact, wear red to hide blood! (Not her blood, in her og campaign her blood is silvery- it's to hide blood after she punches people into mush. Cleaning blood out of clothes is hard ok!!! She wants to wear cute things when she fights, it just makes things easier)

I feel like her saying that would... Add another mark of confusion for Astarion, who figured he was starting to understand her at this point ("nice, helpful, stupidly kind, got it"), but then she just says something extremely blunt and morbid and that throws him for a loop

Amy also loves studying and reading and discussing stuff, and would probably end up talking for hours with Gale about magical theory. The idea of Astarion getting jealous over that is really funny to me fjbjbcj

Astarion, catching feelings for the weird, nice, thoughtful, embroidery girl: ??????? Stop that @ himself

(im still trying to figure out how to draw Astarion fjghjvcjv)

[amica-aenigmata-naboo]

Us

Astarion x Y/N - Drabble - 1K WC

Masterlist

Warnings: fluff, slight argument, make up, Astarion being sassy, Us being a cutie pie, pretty sweet, slightly steamy ending

-------------------------------

“Really? That’s what you want to bring on this grand adventure?” Astarion said, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

You stood next to Us, the kind intellect devourer from the nautiloid. After finding it before you fought and defeated Kethric, you hoped it made it to your camp. You were honestly elated when you saw the little brain sleeping outside your tent.

“Yes!” You said with sincerity. “I want Us to stay. It’s no different from Scratch or the Owlbear.” 

Astarion threw his hands up, knowing he wasn’t going to win this fight. “When it eats your brain don’t come crying to me darling.” He yelled before walking into his tent with a huff. 

He had never yelled at you before and for some reason it brought tears to your already misty eyes. “Come on.” You said quietly to Us. It followed you happily to your tent. 

Once inside you changed out of your armor into your night clothes, relishing in the weight lifting from your body. Us seemed to wander your small tent, as if he was inspecting all your trinkets you had gathered on your way to Baldur’s Gate. “Do you like that one?” You asked, nodding towards the necklace it seemed to be “looking” at.

“Yes friend! Beautiful!” Us said with its regular enthusiasm.

You smiled, grabbing the necklace and sitting in front of Us. You held it out waiting for a moment before it started glowing. Dancing lights swarmed the tent, Us let out an excited shrill noise. 

—————————————

Astarion watched the beams of light escape through the cracks in your tent. When he crept closer he saw you and that blasted brain having a rather nice time, enjoying each other's company. After the necklace stopped glowing and your tent was once again only lit by candlelight, Us spoke.

“The vampire does not like Us.” It said,

You sighed, rubbing your hand over the puncture scars on your neck that you had come to adore. “He doesn’t understand you.”

“Enemy. He thinks Us is an enemy.” Us inquired, moving closer to you.

“Yes.” You said, looking down.

“We are not, you are our friend. All of you are Us’ friends.” Us said, one of his paws coming to rest on your knee as if it was begging you to believe it.

“I know, and I am your friend too.” You smiled, reaching out to pet them. “Astarion just has trouble trusting others.” 

“He trusts you?” Us said, yet it sounded like a question. 

You hugged your knees to your chest, “I think so. Regardless, I love him.” 

“Does love mean trust?” Us Asked.

You shrugged slightly “Trust���. It’s sort of the foundation for love I suppose.” 

“Maybe he will like Us more as Kitty!” Us said, altering its shape into a sphynx cat like the one from Last Light Inn. 

You let out a small chuckle. It was adorable how much Us wanted to be liked, you thought. “He’ll come around. Don’t worry, I won't let anything happen to you.” you reassured Us. 

Us returned to its original intellect devourer form. You laid on your bedroll, looking at the candlelight that was flickering on the ceiling. 

“You are exhausted. You should sleep! Us will go.” They said,

“You can stay,” you said, smiling at them. 

Us walked in a circle next to you before curling up at your side. For such an intelligent and typically frightening creature you couldn’t help but find them sweet. Just like the Owlbear. Just like Scratch. 

“Goodnight friend!” Us said.

You smiled, “Goodnight Us.”

-------------------------------------------

Astarion kicked a rock on the way back to his tent. He was jealous of a fucking walking brain. He knew you had a soft spot for the little bugger ever since he saw you with it on the nautiloid. He just found it odd and unsettling. Yet he had no room to speak - vampires are viewed in quite the same way. He sighed. If you loved Us he would just have to come to terms with that. He knew your massive heart would be able to hold room for everyone. 

-------------------------------------

As the sun rose, you watched from inside your tent as Us chased a butterfly around in circles near the fire pit. It was an endlessly curious little thing. Astarion blocked your view of Us as he walked up to you.

“I’m… sorry,” he said.

“How did that taste?” you said with a chuckle, knowing it was difficult to admit he was wrong let alone apologize for it. 

“Like vinegar,” he sighed. 

“It’s ok to not be overly fond of Us. But I do like them and want to keep them safe. They are different.” you said, squeezing his hand as he sat next to you. You both watched Us play with the butterfly. 

Astarion rubbed his thumb over your knuckles. “You’re right. I’m sorry for how I acted. Us has only ever helped you and for that I’m not only grateful but… I am truly sorry for how I treated them. If you trust Us, I trust Us.” 

You kissed him softly, “Don’t tell me tell them.” you said.

You both turned your heads to Us when they squealed in a high pitch. The butterfly had landed on them and they were beyond ecstatic. You smiled and laughed.

“They are… different indeed.” Astarion said with a softer tone.

Us wandered back to the tent, “Us made a new friend - butterfly!” it said. When they realized Astarion was in the tent with you they started to slink away cautiously. 

“Us,” Astarion said, causing the little creature to halt and perk up. “I apologize for how I spoke yesterday. You are welcome in our camp.” Astarion nodded at him, giving Us his seal of approval. 

Us shook with excitement, “Friend! Friend! So many new friends!” it said excitedly before traipsing off to run around camp with Scratch and the Owlbear who had both accepted Us immediately, creating an odd but cute little group of pets. 

“Thank you.” you whispered as you kissed over his cheek and down his neck. 

“Anything for you darling.” he smirked, pulling the flaps of your tent closed before he climbed on top of you, leaving a trail of kisses in his wake.

------------------------------

Naboo's Note:

Hello! A nice 1K for our favorite vampire. I also really love Us - quite possibly my favorite companion in the game pet wise. They're just so cute lol. Hope ya'll are well <3 XOXOXOXOXOXOX

[chaoticbardlady99]

Astarion x Tav, but get this… A Druid with a wyvern drake hybrid (think the dragons from GOT and HOTD). Saddle and EVERYTHING and it’s not small, no it’s like 80 feet long with a 98 foot wingspan, black scales, and very very jealous when Astarion and Tav have alone time

If You Give a Dragon a Steak- It Will Bully You Into Flying (Astarion x GN! Reader)

I AM SOOOO SORRY! I must have seen this and just forgot about actually posting it!

CW: Brief mentions of smut, brief mentions of trauma

Not my pic, but this is what I was thinking of, but all black. Her name is Cala- Cala means light in Elvish. Cala refers to Astarion as isk which is Star in draconic.

What’s actually really cool about this is that there is something called a Dragon Knight in DND and you can link your soul with an actual Dragon (so cool, right!?)

This is lightly edited 🫡💜 please leave a comment or a like if you enjoyed my story! I would love to hear what you all think!

Astarion is used to sharing your affection with the likes of Scratch or that little Owlbear cub. Yes it was annoying from time to time and the two still live in your house, but the creature he wasn’t expecting? The giant fucking Dragon that would live in his backyard post Tadpole.

He was outside one night, just minding his own business, and a couple wing beats later- you were crying tears of joy while scratching a dragon like it was a dog.

Of all the people he had to fall in love with, it had to be a Druid Dragon Knight. Astarion knows there are worst things, but my Gods how many more animals do you need!?

Your dragon, Cala, is jet black, at least 80 feet tall with a wing span the size of Baldur’s Gate itself. She is a very friendly dragon, but also incredibly possessive. Astarion hasn’t been able to have a moment alone with you since the Netherbrain was defeated three months ago. However, he is grateful for the Dragon’s existence- she’s saved him and you multiple times when a search for a way to either cure his vampirism or his ‘allergy’ to the sun goes awry. Cala is also very nice to him and if you are gone- the dragon will shrink itself down to a comically cute lap size and sleep next to Astarion on the couch until you return.

Astarion is certain he can convince her to leave you alone at least for an afternoon.

So here he is- five or six incredibly expensive steaks in a box and walking towards a Dragon like it’s the most normal thing in all of Toril. Cala eyes him, not suspiciously, but curiously.

“Hello Night Child,” her melodious voice floats through his brain, “how can I help my person’s beloved this evening?”

Astarion grins at the last part before putting the box of Steaks on the ground.

“My beautiful scaly friend, I have brought you some steaks,” he kicks the box, “and you can have them, but they come with one condition.”

Cala’s eye becomes eye level to him and she looks amused.

“A condition? You do realize I could eat these steaks and you in one swift motion?”

“Yes,” Astarion says, “but I think we both know how upset Tav would be if you ate me.”

There is a huff of agreement and a soft look in her eye. Astarion knows he has nothing to worry about.

“What are your conditions, isk?”

“I am so very glad you asked,” Astarion says, trying to keep his nerve from dying out, “I want one evening alone with Tav.”

“No.”

Dammit.

“No!?” He says incredulously, “what do you mean no!?”

“I mean that you spent time alone with Tav for the last six months while I had to be without my home- my person. You can wait at least another six months.”

Astarion just gapes at the giant beast. If he wasn’t sure she’d kill him in three seconds flat- he might just try to slay the damn thing.

“This is! Are you!? I was enslaved for 200 years!” Astarion says sputtering, “I’ve waited 200 years for Tav to come into my life! You’ve been with her since the moment you were born!”

Cala seems to consider this- her eyes thoughtful and her posture relaxed still.

“Tav wants to take you flying.”

Astarion feels like he’s going to be sick. Tav had brought it up to him when Cala first arrived. When he tried to say, “sure,” he began to dry heave. You haven’t asked him since.

It’s not that riding a dragon doesn’t appeal to him- he would love to be able to watch you in your element. Astarion just doesn’t love the idea of accidentally plummeting out of the air because you do one of your fancy tricks and he didn’t hold on tight enough.

Astarion squints at the dragon, “and?”

“Go on one flight with us and then I will leave you alone for multiple evenings as asked.”

That seems entirely too good to be true.

“Okay,” Astarion says slowly, “I agree to your terms.”

Cala’s eyes light up with Glee before looking at the box of steaks between her and Astarion.

“Do I get to keep the steaks?” Cala asks, her tail swooshing back in forth in the grass out of excitement.

Astarion scoffs, “what do you think?”

Her massive tail stills and there is a sad look on her contradictory (cute and scary) dragon face.

“Oh don’t give me that the sweet disappointed, ‘I’m not getting cuddly Astarion’ pout.”

And yet, Cala persists. Throwing his hands up in defeat- Astarion marches away and listens as Cala devours the box of steaks.

**********************************

You are practically skipping as you hold Astarion’s hand. You had been over the moon when Astarion asked if he could go on a ride with you and Cala. You immediately dragged him away when you got home- something about wanting to do it before the moon gets too low. He didn’t consider having to be worried about the sun melting him to ash if you don’t get back in time.

“If you become comfortable, we could even fly over the Ice Spires and the Spine of the World!” You say.

He offers you a tight lipped smile and you squeeze his hand in reassurance. You asked him multiple times if he was sure and he told you he is nervous, but wants to see what all this “flying nonsense” is all about. Astarion won’t tell you that he has essentially been cornered into this by a massive fucking dragon- only because he doesn’t want to become a snack (again, now that he thinks about it. Cazador did drink all his blood once).

Astarion’s stomach is churning, but your excitement has loosened the knot of nerves that are threatening to suffocate his being. He hasn’t felt this kind of fear and anxiety since Cazador.

Tav and Cala won’t allow anything bad to happen.

That’s what he keeps telling himself when he gets on the saddle behind you and all of a sudden- Astarion is in the air on a fucking dragon.

“DOESN’T BALDUR’S GATE LOOK SO SMALL!?”

Astarion wouldn’t know- his eyes are clenched shut and he has his face buried in the crook of your neck. The sound of your enthusiastic, beating heart helps him focus on calming down. Astarion thinks of laying with you in bed, reading a funny novel together, and any other shenanigans you get into together before he finally opens his eyes.

If Astarion needed air- he would have died immediately from losing all of it.

If someone had told him even 50 years ago that he would be riding a dragon, free of his master, and with the love of his entire life giggling with glee in his arms- he would have told them to piss off.

Astarion has never seen anything like it in his 239 years of life. He doesn’t think he ever wants to land. Why had he been so afraid before!? This is amazing!

“It is very small, Darling!” Astarion muses, “is that?”

“The Fields of the Dead?” You shout excitedly, “it sure is!”

Astarion initially thought it would be a quick five minute ordeal, but soon you were both flying over all of Elturgard. You soared over the Reaching Woods and the Sunset Mountains. Your last tourist attraction for him was the Lake of Dragons- Astarion swears he has never seen a more bluer blue- before heading back home. Much to Astarion’s disappointment.

You help him navigate his way off of Cala and the Dragon nudges him with her nose as a sign of trust. Astarion scratches her nose before following you back into your shared home.

“What did you think!?”

You whirl around and look at him with wide, nervous eyes. You are playing with your thumbs incessantly like you usually do when you worry you may have disappointed him. It’s such a silly notion- you could never disappoint him.

Astarion pauses your twiddling by taking your hands in his and placing a gentle kiss on your forehead.

“I would like to fly over the Northlander Isles at some point,” he says, “if you would be willing to have me join you on a flight again.”

You beam at him before getting up on your tiptoes to place a kiss on his lips.

“Astarion- you are always welcome where I am. I couldn’t think of a better person to see the world and this life with even if I tried.”

He couldn’t help but cry at your statement. Astarion is so grateful to be able to call you his home.

At least Astarion was finally able to worship you properly since Cala kept her promise.

You are riding him as Astarion pushes his hips up to meet your downward thrusts with eager enthusiasm. When both of your climaxes hit- you put your face in the crook of his neck and giggle.

“What’s so funny, Darling?”

You look up at him- hair beautifully messy and eyes looking blissful. Another giggle escapes your lips as you begin to say what you are thinking.

“Save a dragon, ride a Vampire.”

[justporo]

Tavern Talk

I really wanted to write a little something about the companions enjoying a moment of banter at breakfast - so have them complaining about Astarion and Tav not being able to keep their… nightly activities subtle… Spoiler warning!

Pairing: Astarion / GN!Tav

Warning: Talk of sex

(Gif from here!)

The whole party was sitting together eating breakfast in the tavern they stayed in - except, Tav and Astarion sat a few tables away and none of them were really eating. While the vampire and the wood elf were sitting at their small cozy table in the corner being all cute, the rest of the party sat at the big table in the middle and openly stared at the couple - a spoonfull or two even forgotten halfway to its destination.

„I swear to all Gods that will listen that if I have to endure them going at it one more night, I‘m going to kill myself right here, Absolute be damned“, Gale moaned pressing the balls of his hands into his eyesockets. He did indeed look even more tired than usually. Seemingly, the fact that he had one of the two rooms next to the happy couple was to blame.

„I agree, maybe Tav should‘ve taught this wretched vampire to not moan so loudly - even the bard‘s yapping would have been less annoying“, Lae‘zel agreed - she had the other room next to them. She stabbed the fruit on her platter as if she tried to murder it and chewed it angrily. Karlach snorted a little at the githyanki‘s murderous mood while she took a bite of bread.

„Well, if it‘s in his nature to be this vocal than it‘s better to let it out than forcing it down“, Halsin chimed in, a somewhat dreamy look in his eyes while eating another big spoonful of his porridge. He was the only one that wasn‘t really staring at the two other elves.

The druid‘s comment made all heads turn to him for a hot second. „Eww“, Shadowheart made quietly and scrunched up her nose while she kept twirling her sole cup of tea in front of her around.

„Tchk, druid, if you don‘t mind sleeping next to what sounds like a dying owlbear then I‘ll happily swap rooms with you and maybe you can ask to join next time they‘re at it“, Lae‘zel spit towards the towering elven druid.

„That‘s absolutely not what a dying owlbear would sound like“, Halsin answered very matter-of-fact, staring down at the table now with furrowed brows. His pointy ears had turned a telltale shade of light pink.

„You‘re all just jealous“, Karlach entered the conversation. She sat relaxedly on the bench leaning back and crossed her arms over her chest: „Jealous, because they are getting some and we all don‘t.“ „Tss, getting some is not the problem. But you don‘t have to rub it into everyone‘s faces how much amazing sex you‘re having“, Shadowheart responded, nose still scrunched up in disgust.

„So, what I‘m hearing is that you might have a big orgy with an endless amount of lovers in your room every night and none of us would ever know and you would absolutely never sass us about it in your sarcastic little tone you have sometimes“, the wizard replied dryly to Shadowheart‘s remark while raising an eyebrow at the half-elf and gesturing towards her with one hand. „Well, I wouldn‘t tell you, for starters, Gale. Just because you can never keep your mouth shut doesn‘t mean the rest of us can‘t - stop projecting yourself on everybody else.“ That earned Shadowheart snorts and chuckles all around the table - and the wizard did not have a witty reply anymore.

Silence spread through the group. Lae‘zel kept murdering her breakfast, Halsin munched on his food as did Wyll. Karlach kept forgetting to put her bread in her mouth to actually eat it while still throwing glances over to where Tav and Astarion were now holding hands and leaning their heads together like the lovebirds they were. Shadowheart and Gale kept holding on to their hot beverages. Shadowheart usually skipped out on eating for breakfast - and Gale seemed to still fight with being deprived of his beauty sleep.

„But what‘s changed? We all know they fucked before“, Karlach finally broke the silence. The comment earning mumbled approval and more groans around the table („Don‘t remind me, tiefling“, Lae‘zel spat). „They smooch all the damn time in front of everyone and at the most inappropriate times. I mean, it‘s not like they‘re trying to hide anything“, Karlach continued and shrugged. „Yes, by the Gods, I‘d hope they would hide it“, Gale whispered under his breath and stared at the ceiling in desperation.

„I‘d assume what‘s changed is that they‘re both now truly free to choose the one they love and act upon it - without ulterior motives or fear behind it.“ This was the first time Wyll offered any insight on the topic. He had rather politely held his tongue on the matter, not wanting to judge and indulge the gossiping.

„Hmm“, the druid agreed with him and nodded solemnly, „I would think breaking out of your slavery of two hundred years and experiencing real love and genuine connection after that can quite positively turn your world around for the better.“ „Don‘t romanticise that they can‘t be more subtle!“, Shadowheart immediatly exclaimed and crossed her arms over her chest.

„Well, for what it‘s worth I think they deserve to enjoy their love in peace for a bit but if you‘re all so bothered about it, I can go and talk to them about it later“, Wyll offered, completely being the diplomat about the whole thing.

„Chk, warlock, don‘t bother - I feel like these people don‘t want a solution, they‘d rather sit here every morning and gossip and bitch about it“, said Lae‘zel who had finished her food and was now just sitting between the others while brooding.

„I‘m all about handling this like adults“, Gale said and lifted his cup of tea halfway ,“but if they insist behaving like rabbits, we might as well-“

The group never found out what the wizard would have proposed, because he made a sudden jolt and splashed his tea all over himself. Gale squinted through the streams of liquid running down his face and turned around.

Astarion had snuck up on them and kneed Gale in the back, making him spill his drink. Murder twinkled in the vampire‘s red eyes. Karlach and Halsin had broke out into full, body-shaking laughter, even Wyll and Lae‘zel let out a chuckle while Shadowheart just shook her head in disappointment.

„If you keep talking about Tav and me in terms of critters, I will gut you like one, wizard. And that goes for all of you“, Astarion hissed after he had leaned down to Gale who was trying to soak up the spilled beverage with some napkins.

„Please do, if you two keep insisting on being godsdamned lovebirds. You‘d be doing me a favour“, Gale replied. Astarion hissed again - but now with a dirty smirk on his face: „Well, if that‘s the case you‘re also happy to come over and watch next time, bastard.“ „You should clear that with Tav first, Astarion“, Shadowheart added dryly. The round chuckled again and now seemingly relaxed. Astarion still looked ready to spill innards but the tension in his shoulders had loosened a little.

„Yo, Tav“, Karlach shouted over to the elf after she had calmed down a bit from all the laughter „keep your guarddog in check, would ya?“ Then she laughed again. Tav just flipped her off across the room and started laughing as well.

Halsin meanwhile had finished his meal and made to get up. He walked over to Astarion and patted the vampire on the back who winced at first but relaxed quickly again. „Maybe keep it down a little next time, so we can all keep being friends, eh?“, the druid offered in a friendly manner and smiled at the vampire.

Astarion made to protest: „I‘m not your…“ But then he stopped while his gaze wandered over this unlikely party of adventurers and back to Tav as well and realised the druid was right: they were, all of them, his friends.

[waterdeep-weavemoss]

Permeate

'And your heart, love, has such darkness / I feel it in the corners of the room.' - Hozier, De Selby part 2

Gale x F!Tav, Halsin x Tav. A little spicy, a little dark. 18+ please. To be continued... perhaps...

Tav had come to realise that the magical energies of her companions felt different. Karlach’s rage was a boom of energy, a rush, it winded her if she got too close. Astarion was sharp of course, even a casually thrown firebolt stung more than it burned. Wyll was steady, Shadowheart was curiously empty feeling, Lae’zel unwielding as stone. All of them, even Jaheira’s whiplash casting and Halsin’s gentle green aura, were different. She’d come to learn them in combat without even seeing them. A flood of calm in her body as Halsin healed, the adrenaline of Karlach stood shoulder to shoulder with her.

Then there was Gale. She had expected a brightness of sorts, citrusy or light, sky blue in its openness. Instead the first time he cast near her, throwing his arms out to their enemies and sending them flying… dread gripped her heart. Darkness expanded in it, spilling up her throat and out of her mouth, forceful and tenacious. It stuck in her teeth, coated her tongue. And then the spell was over, and it was gone. She’d stared at him, and when he caught her looking the fury in his eyes cleared. It was like the sun breaking cloud. She forced herself to smile. It’s fine, she thought. But that was months ago.

Now, by the still water bordering Last Light, she lay awake in her bedroll. Above was the silvery shield Isobel had cast, fragile as a bird’s egg. The fire was banked high and chased away the unnatural cold, sending heat washing over her skin. It soothed her fears and stoked her hopes. Around her, her companions snored softly. Karlach muttered in her sleep, throwing herself this way and that as she dreamed. Jaheira settled on her bedroll as a panther, curled around the owlbear cub and Scratch.

‘Copper for your thoughts?’ said a voice. Footsteps and the sound of settling. The smell of tomato vine and a wash of green came with it.

‘Hey, Halsin,’ said Tav. ‘Just nervous, I guess. We could all die tomorrow.’ She rolled over to find him propped up on his own bedroll beside her, his eyes soft with concern. To her surprise, he chuckled. She closed her eyes; the growling depths of it reverberated in her throat. ‘Easy, love. We shan’t die. We must merely storm a castle. You could do that in your sleep.��� He winked and she grinned at him.

‘Ah, you charmer,’ she said. ‘At least we’ll make pretty corpses, hm?’

‘You’ve been hanging around Astarion too much.’ He wagged his finger in fake admonishment. ‘I’d be careful with him, Tav.’

‘Gods forbid he’s a bad influence on me.’

‘Hm.’ Halsin smirked. ‘Indeed.’

‘Don’t you worry, big man. I can handle h-‘ The smile dropped from her lips. Darkness in her chest, fluttering, thin tendrils of it seeking. It cleared and she took a deep breath, suddenly chilled. Just as warmth was seeping back in it happened again. ‘S-sorry,’ she said. ‘I.. I’ll be back later, alright? Before we have to leave in the morning. Or what passes for morning…’ she scrambled to her feet and misty stepped. She was out of sight, some way past the tents, when a hand closed around her wrist. She knew it was coming and she still startled, her heart picking up.

‘You seem cosy.’

‘Gale.’ She turned when the darkness rose again. Flames were dancing across his fingertips and he manipulated them easily, even carelessly. ‘Stop.’

He held her gaze and closed his fist. The hand on her wrist tightened a little. ‘Why?’ His voice was measured.

‘You know what it does,’ she muttered, glancing away from him.

‘Not that,’ his voice had become a rasp. ‘Halsin. Why?’

She turned to face him fully, frowning. Gale’s jaw was set, his fingers pressing insistently into her skin. He was tense. Really tense. ‘Are… you jealous?’ Her eyes widened in incredulity. ‘You’re not serious, Mr Of Waterdeep?’ She laughed. ‘Do you think we’re fucking?’

‘Jealousy is such a petty emotion,’ he said. A muscle in his jaw twitched. ‘I prefer pragmatic.’

She faltered in the intensity of his stare. ‘I’m not seeing anyone,’ she muttered quickly.

Gale exhaled a little. ‘Hmm.’

‘What?’

‘Just thinking,’ he said. His tone was airy, its undercurrent dangerous. ‘You know me. I love a puzzle.’ He let go of her wrist, raised his hand in front of him and murmured. Sparks leapt from his palm and the darkness had returned. ‘It’s interesting,’ he continued. ‘Did you know that when we fight, our dear companions give me a wide berth? They can’t bear to be close to me. You’re a clever girl. Tell me why.’

‘The orb,’ she gasped. Darkness, invisible to anyone else, poured from her lips, out of her nose, slid like tears from her eyes.

‘The orb,’ he agreed slowly. ‘A deep dark pit of teeth and claws within my mortal body. The yawning abyss of dread. It sends people running, quite frankly rightly. It yearns. It’s the antithesis of healing energy or sharp clarity. Even Astarion cringes away from it. It drags in the belly, a blunt ache, impossible to ignore. And you,’ he said, dismissing the lightning with a flick of the wrist, ‘seek me out every time.’

Her stomach dropped. ‘I don’t know what-‘

‘Don’t lie to me,’ he said silkily. ‘Don’t think I haven’t been paying attention Tav.’  Somehow he was nose to nose with her now, voice low in his throat. ‘I know exactly how it feels. It’s icy and black, it clenches around your heart as well as mine. It’s tainted and evil and you find me without fail.’ He smirked. ‘He wants you, you know. I’ve seen it. I’ve heard.’ She had no idea what to say. She was grateful for the dark; it hid the creep of pink up her neck. ‘But,’ he said suddenly stepping back and letting the cold strike her skin, ‘I’m sure everything was entirely innocent tonight.’ He shrugged.

‘Entirely,’ she said flatly. ‘I just couldn’t sleep, is all.’

‘Bad dreams?’ His eyes glimmered in the dark. ‘Oh dear. Unfortunately, I’m no healer, Tav. I imagine it’s the curse though. Powerful magic like that, it gets inside your bones. Under your skin.’

‘Stop it, Gale,’ she snapped suddenly. ‘You know, it’s none of your business if me and Halsin are close. So what? He’s kind and gentle and this damned place is awful. You need to rein in your emotions because it’s not fair to be so fucking- ugh- possessive!’

His eyes were wide, shocked. ‘You're right,’ he said finally. ‘I’m sorry. I’ve obviously misjudged you. I’ll see you in the morning, alright? Or, well... later.’ He retreated, contrite.

Tav felt the pull to go after him; she made herself turn around and go back to her stuff instead. The day ahead would clear things, a sleep would cure them.

-

‘Oh, let’s kill them,’ purred Astarion later, red eyes fixed on a cluster of cursed Harpers. He had been close to her as they roamed the shadows, Halsin on her other side. Their conflicting magics tended to cancel each other out; there was less sting, less soothe. Gale was nowhere to be seen, but she felt him. The smaller magics of bolts and blasts closed her up for a second or two, but right now waves of it were seething through her; some difficult magic no doubt. Moments later, a fireball ripped through the dark and crashed into some enemy in the distance. At Halsin’s concerned touch she shrugged away and retreated, making her way back to camp without so much as a word.

It was overwhelming. The quiet of camp was hardly a reprieve, though. She felt the roiling energy until it was over, and they must have been at opposite ends of the town by then. If anyone came back for her she'd simply feign a headache and crawl into her tent, to blissful solitude.

He was avoiding her. Around the campfire that night, she was flanked by all of them; like they’d formed a protective circle around her when they’d seen how combat was affecting her lately. She hated it, felt fragile and childish. It was the shadow curse, she told herself. It emboldens that orb of his. She ate and chatted and drank as usual, getting a little tipsy on the alcohol, and stayed up as everyone went to bed. It was quiet for a long time. There was nothing but the rustle of bedrolls, the distant shrieks and screams of the cursed outside the light. Tav could hear her own heart steady in her ears. And then- a grunt. It was coming from the far side of camp and she focused her ears, wishing not for the first time she could turn into a cat. The noise came again, a low moan, shuddering and deep. She knew that voice. Not daring to move, she listened intently as Halsin moaned her name, her skin prickling in response. There was a roaring like water in her skull; it drowned out everything else and she held her breath. He could not know she heard him. Someone else did though. Before she was able to fall into sleep, the familiar choke and cold clenched in her belly.

[kemendin]

Epilogue

Or, I finished my first playthrough of BG3 and had many emotions (still processing) and many thoughts (also still processing), so here are some Kem ramblings on chosen endings and what happens post-game in Dhamari canon. Under cut because major spoilers of course!

So, for anyone curious, here's how things turned out, and these are fairly unsurprising I'd imagine:

Astarion did not ascend. I tried it for kicks, and I hated his ascended self lol. And Dhamari wouldn't have gone for the 'replace one tyrant with another' idea.

Gale did not claim godhood, BUT nor did he actually give the crown to Mystra - it was left in the sea. As Dhamari said, "If Mystra wants it, she can damn well fish it out herself."

Wyll became the Blade of Avernus, and went romping back to the Hells with Karlach. Go be badasses, guys!!

Lae'zel became the new Comet, and went sailing off to be the saviour of her people.

Shadowheart turned her back on Shar and went off to explore Faerûn and her new faith in Selûne (and got custody of the owlbear).

As for Dhamari and Gale... I had to do a lot of pondering on their ending, both in terms of in-game choices and how things ACTUALLY play out in my brain. While I’m very entertained by the idea of ‘Professor Dekarios’ I don’t think Dhamari is cut out for city life. So the short answer is, I went with the ‘I’ll marry you but I won’t live in Waterdeep’ option and they go off adventuring again instead.

The long version is, of course, more complicated:

Initially Dhamari is all 'yes of course I'll marry you and go back to Waterdeep with you' because frankly he's got no idea what to do with himself post-Netherbrain destruction. But that goes kinda not too well overall, for several reasons:

a) He really has no idea what he's getting into with the whole wedding business, because drow don't DO that. So while Gale's making all these plans and sending out multitudes of invitations, Dhamari's list consists of Wyll, who can't come, and Jaheira, who probably could, and he's just very overwhelmed by all the grand ceremony notions.

b) He's jealous of now having to share Gale with Tara and Mrs Dekarios and probably half of Waterdeep, because Gale's of course rather well known, and even more so after saving Baldur's Gate. Gale knows everyone and Dhamari knows no one, and he feels like he's being perceived as this odd little drow blemish on the local wizard celebrity (whether or not this is actually true is up for debate).

c) After the relief of no longer having a brain death sentence and the pressure of saving the world wears off, and he's had a little chill time, he starts feeling incredibly restless again. He's never had a point in his life till now where he wasn't scared or in danger or both - he has no idea how to live a life that doesn't involve fighting to survive. Unfortunately, in absence of obvious threats, he ends up on some mental level fighting Gale instead - lashing out with confusions and uncertainties he doesn't know how to cope with.

So within a month or so things get very tense between them, because Dhamari is rather terrible at communicating his problems to other people, but eventually they're forced to hash all this out. The end results are: a much smaller wedding than originally planned, Gale declining the offer to take a teaching post at Blackstaff Academy, and soon after the wedding they pack up and go adventuring again for a while so they can spend some time together that's ACTUALLY just the two of them.

At some point - dunno yet if it's pre- or post-epilogue reunion get-together - Dhamari visits with Jaheira, and she invites him to join the Harpers. Dhamari's felt a sort of half-conscious connection with the Harpers for a WHILE now, since finding the executed patrol of them in Grymforge (that's a whole other ramble/fic in process lol) and so when Jaheira makes this offer he's like '...huh yeah I could do that'. It gives him a much needed sense of purpose in life, gets him out and about and not quite so latched onto Gale every hour of the day. So when he and Gale take breaks from adventures and chill in Waterdeep for a bit, Gale can be doing his wizardy stuff with his wizardy friends, and Dhamari does whatever Harper business needs doing around the city.

So things aren't always perfect between them, and frankly these two will always find something to argue about because they ARE such different people. But they love each other, and they learn from each other, and as far as they're concerned - it's a happy ending.

Random tidbit - I really like that in the route I chose, Gale retains the mark of the orb. I think that despite what it was - a death sentence - Dhamari's actually rather fond of it aesthetically, and even sees it as a reminder - to both of them - that Gale survived. That Gale chose Dhamari, chose life, and it was the right choice.

[mysdrymmumbles]

Tav: *deep sigh*

Astarion: Is something wrong?

Tav: I mean, I don't really know how to say this, but...

Astarion: Come now, darling. You can tell me anything.

Tav: You've been neglecting our son.

Astarion:

Astarion: I'm sorry, our what?

Tav: Don't play dumb, Astarion.

Astarion: You know what? I've changed my mind. That thing about telling me anything? I take that back.

Tav: What am I supposed to tell him when we get back to camp?

Astarion: You'll think of something. You've such a way with words.

Tav: He watches for you when we come back, and he waits. He wants so much for you to pay attention to him, to treat him like you did before.

Astarion: I assure you, he doesn't care.

Tav: I assure you, he does.

Astarion:

Tav:

Astarion: *shifting uncomfortably* It's better this way.

Tav: How? Every time he realizes that you've slipped off to go hunting on your own, it breaks his fluffy little heart!

Astarion: If his heart is fluffy, something is very, very wrong.

Tav: You should take him hunting.

Astarion: He's got Halsin for that! Vampires and owlbears don't exactly have the same hunting methods. Halsin can help him more than I--

Tav: Astarion, are you jealous of the sexy giant druid?

Astarion: Strange choice of adjectives for this conversation, but no. I'm not jealous.

Tav: Our son said he prefers hunting with you. When you go out together, he feels important. Worthy.

Astarion:

Tav: You'd know that if you used the potions of animal speaking I gave you.

Astarion: Forgive me if I don't want to listen to squirrels beg for their lives every time I need to feed.

Tav:

Astarion: Fine. I could take him hunting again sometime. *holds up a finger* But you're the one who has to break it to Halsin.

Tav: Maybe you could take turns?

[celaenamyers]

“Why are we here again?” The vampire spawn asked, irritated. Gale was hunched over a large table displaying all sorts of merchandise, thoughtfully stroking his chin.

“I want to bring something for Katria,” he explained. “I feel bad for asking her to search the bodies at the Goblin Camp. No lady should have to witness such horrors.”

Astarion nodded absentmindedly. It wasn't unusual for him to behave this way; he often got easily distracted during walks and conversations, leading him to disapprove of the decisions made by his companions and leader. If Astarion agreed with something, it was probably a mean and cruel action, which rarely happened since the unexpected group was formed.

“Astarion.”

“Gods, what now?”

“What do you think of her?” Gale asked again. “You met her in Baldur’s Gate—what do you think of Katria and her brother Gabriel?”

“Expendable,” Astarion simply replied. “The girl can barely gather mushrooms without poisoning us. Why the sudden curiosity?”

“They’re the children of Lord Kallias Dawn,” Gale replied. “I wonder what they’re doing so far from home.”

“I don’t know,” Astarion glanced at the vendor, who was patiently waiting for Gale to make his choice, and added, “The floating skeleton seems to have taken a liking to her, alongside with Scratch and the Owlbear cub.”

“Withers, yes,” Gale finally selected a leather pouch that appeared to contain sewing and embroidery tools, paying the necessary coins. “I wonder why.”

“Well, our sweet little pet seems to have a fascination with death,” Astarion frowned, his lips curling to reveal his fangs. “She stares at corpses a little too intensively.”

Gale paused for a few seconds to look at his companion. “She is odd, that much is true.”

“Halsin seems to hover around her, too.”

“Jealous, my fanged friend?”

“Why would I be?”

“You met her first,” Gale shrugged, deciding to change the subject. “Come on. Karlach said she’s making stew for the feast. We’re in for a long night of celebration.”

────────────────────

For years, Katria Dawn gazed out her small window, praying to the Gods for freedom. Trapped under the oppressive rule of her father, Lord Kallias, she longed for a life beyond the walls of their estate. When her brother Gabriel suggests a journey from Neverwinter to Baldur's Gate, she believes her wish has finally been granted. However, fate has different plans. After surviving a shipwreck and waking up alongside a warrior named Lae'zel, Katria is thrust into an adventure that will test her strength, unravel long-kept secrets, and redefine what freedom truly means.

-AN ASTARION FANFICTION (link)

[podcastenthusiast]

Out of curiosity do you have any more thoughts about Astarion’s siblings, specifically Dalyria? I love the little snippet you wrote about Dal choosing to stay with the group for a while instead of going straight to the Underdark, it was so sweet and I love the concept of Tav additionally taking the spawn under their wing after being given freedom ❤️

I have so many thoughts!

I doubt the siblings stay together long-term, not forever anyway, they're probably sick of each other, but at the same the they're the only ones who really understand what it was like, and I do think there will always be a bond there no matter what, for better and worse. And I could see Astarion and Tav helping them find their way in the world, absolutely.

Dal, I think, would be eager to practice medicine again and continue researching a cure. Maybe she can't ever get back what she had before, but the city will need doctors after everything, even ones who keep odd nocturnal hours. Plus, yknow, semi-ethical source of blood. Sort of.

If she does go to the Underdark, I could see Dalyria being a level-headed leader and discovering a lot of interesting stuff there. The Society of Brilliance might be a good fit for her too potentially. They do let a mind flayer hang around.

I do wonder, if indeed she did kill Victoria, if she'll ever tell Leon that. I don't see their relationship surviving that revelation if so honestly. :(

In fact, I could see Leon having the best shot at s proper normal life in general. He hasn't been a spawn that long. He might even cut ties with the others and go home, wherever that is for him. Yousen could probably do the same if he chooses to, maybe. Wish we knew more about him.

Violet and Karlach would genuinely get along great I bet. She's a wild card for sure but I think she'd be all right with a positive influence. A menace, but all right.

I'd love to see Astarion and Petras mend their rivalry a bit once they're not in direct competition of sorts. But I could see Petras being jealous of the friends and love Astarion has found. He has serious Carver Hawke dragonage energy about him and I love him for that, but he needs to get over himself and stop being a dick. Astarion needs to be nicer, too. They'll make the boys get along. Send them out on a special mission together or something.

Aurelia...I don't know. I hwadcanon her as the oldest and I think she'll probably have a great deal of complex healing to do with not a lot of natural support and nothing to really go back to, possibly not even memories. She might need quite a bit of support from Tav and the others.

It won't be easy for any of them whether they stay in the city, go to the Underdark, or go elsewhere. But they'll have each other, if they want. And they'll have new friends, too. And a wonderful dog to pet. And an owlbear.

Ugh I'm having feelings. Thank you so much for the ask!

[sniiboo]

Our own Little Somewhere

Astarion stood at the entrance of his tent as he did every night, book in hand trying his damndest to read. Once he heard Karlach and Gale going on about the golden sparks in Arendith's green eyes he huffed slammed his book shut, and glanced over to the fire. Did the idiots not see the truth right before them? She ate with them… but her mouth was fanged like his own, but she was a druid. He supposed it was not uncommon for them to have fangs… And Yet she bore the marks on her neck. They knew what he was, why didn't she just tell them? They weren't super thrilled about having a vampire in camp but they hadn't killed him yet.

“Fangs! Come to join in on the fun? I’m sure Arendith here would LOVE it if you did.” Karlach winked at Arendith who was braiding her hair. Arendith blushed but let the tiefling go about her affections; they'd become fast friends. Gale tossed Karlach a few apples and she started pantomiming with them in a falsetto “OH ASTARION! HOW EVER COULD I STAY AWAY FROM YOUR TEMPTING SMILE” Gale snickered before adding in his best attempt at Astarion “Oh Little Death, You make my undead heart beat again” Karlach had the two apples doing what she hoped could only look like two apples trying to make out before they ended up bruised and smooshed in her hands. “BAM Applesauce!” She started to lick her palms.

He looked to Arendith and cocked his brow, somehow he didn’t think that she would have told anyone of that little pet name that had slipped out a few times. She’d taken to sleeping under Karlach’s tent if it was raining as she’d stopped bothering to try pitching her own, he was slightly jealous that she’d become so close to the infernal ticking time bomb and the literal magical bomb. Arendith gently rubbed the forehead of the little Harlequin Jackalope she’d taken to as a familiar, before gently putting her down and giving Astarion a knowing look. He’d been forbidden to feed off the myriad of animals they’d taken to their camp. A dog, an owlbear, the jackalope, and now there seemed to be a bloody cat in the mix as well. It seemed the Ragdoll had taken to choosing him as a companion and would often slink from chasing its meals to lying in the sun on a cushion or chair while he read. It’d even on a recent occasion deemed his lap an ideal bed while he repaired his clothing one night. He would never admit it but he did find its presence comforting and found himself missing it after a nightmare or two.. or three… He watched as Arendith swayed to the forest and as her form disappeared he laid his book down to follow after her. He wasn't as sneaky as he planned, cat calls and Karlach's loud voice boomed behind him he rolled his eyes as he heard her oblivious-natured comment “Think he’s going to take her hunting?” He could just picture the rest of their friends giggling at her innocence.

Astarion caught her sneaking up to a deer knife in hand preparing to spring he leaned against a tree watching in silence shaking his head at her technique. He watched as she gripped the knife before throwing it to the ground frustrated. He stalked behind her, arms wrapping around her waist like vines “Darling, I was just thinking about you. Remembering our time together, The things we’ve shared - and I don’t just mean that lovely neck of yours. I’m growing to like the whole package, honestly. And you clearly like me too, so…”

Arendith sighed allowing herself a moment of reprieve despite her hunger. “What gave it away?” she rolled her eyes.

Astarion trailed his fingers along her jaw “I could feel it when I was getting lost in your neck. Your little shakes of excitement.” she snorted at this leaving him to his games letting the part about him barely containing his excitement at times, small noises that would escape his mouth as he fed, falling unacknowledged.

“You enjoyed it didn’t you?” he turned her around with a heavily lidded gaze.

“I will say that it was… more pleasurable than when my Master fed, however a Lady never tells.” Arendith said breathily.

“You don’t have to say a thing - I already know how you feel. Because I feel it too.” Astarion said his voice dropping a few octaves. “We could take an evening to ourselves. Get away from camp - get some privacy... I know somewhere quiet. Somewhere intimate. Somewhere we can… indulge in each other.” he trailed his hands to stroke against her pointed ear.

Arendith's flesh pimpled, and her pupils enlarged. She reciprocated the gesture before trailing her hands down his shirt and giving him a gentle peck on the lips. “Sounds good to me, Darling.”

“Wonderful. I just hope we won’t have to wait too long before we can steal away. But once we can, I promise you a night you’ll never forget.” He cooed. “See you there, Lover” he lilted before backing away stalking after the deer she had let get away.

After a successful hunt and a filling dinner, he walked up to the clearing shirt in hand to wipe the sweat and blood from his face. Hearing a soft humming he paused stealthily behind a tree, once he recognized the language as Sylvan he peaked his head around to see Arendith in the stream. So she had found his little spot of refuge… She was in the water arms wrapped around her flawless skin fingers trailing after the water drops in reverence. Astarion swallowed hard eyes blown wide in predation. She was ethereal in the moonlight, water dancing down her pale freckled breasts, Platinum Silver hair running down her back and shoulders. He steeled himself against the oncoming onslaught that tonight would bring, readjusting himself before stepping out from behind the tree as his brain screamed MINE at him. “There you are. I’ve been waiting,” he said voice automatically dropping into the roll. “Waiting from the moment I set eyes on you. Waiting to have you.”

Arendith replied without turning her head sluicing the water from her hair before combing her fingers through. “You don’t have me yet.” She turned to face him drawing herself from the river teasingly slow.

“Don’t I? You’re here. And I don’t think you want to talk.” Astarion met her at the edge of the water offering her his hand. She took it feeling the electricity run between them, eyes following him as he stepped behind her fingers trailing across her shoulders as he went. “I think you want to be known. To be tasted.” he brushed her hair to the side nosing into her neck.

She turned herself to face him drawing her hands up to his chest while shifting her body to one hip making sure to drag them close to him. Arendith trailed her hand down to palm at his clothed cock. “And what is it that you want?” she pushed her hand against him roughly giving him friction if he sought it.

“What do any of us want? Pleasure. Yours. Mine. Our collective ecstasy. That is what you want, isn’t it? To lose yourself in me?” he said face beside hers, stroking his hand up her ear. Arendith moaned breathily in his ear.

“No... I believe sex is a sharing of the soul” She kissed his chin trailing her lips down his neck to his bite mark letting her fangs scrape lightly. “Not a transaction…” she started untying his pants “Not a distraction.. At least not solely..” she worked her long elven fingers under his undergarments. Astarion tucked his head down bringing his lips to hers, he eased his tongue against her lips causing her to open her mouth for him. Precise. Practiced. Perfect.

He grabbed her under her ass lifting her against a tree, they pushed back against the other bringing an urgency to the kiss. She shoved him not ungently, his eyes widened in shock as he landed on his back. Arendith dragged herself teasingly down his body kissing a trail as she did, he lifted his hips for her to remove his pants. On her way back up she lightly dragged her fingers up his skin avoiding his leaking cock. Astarion grabbed her and pushed her onto her back, nudging into her neck as he caged her in with his body. She bared her neck for him and he eagerly sunk his fangs into the soft flesh. His mind wanted to retreat but the taste of her blood flooding his mouth forced him to awareness.

He reached between their bodies running his pale digits between her folds, delighted to find her responding as planned. Astarion unlatched his fangs from her neck lapping his tongue against the wound gently before bringing his fingers to his mouth and making a show of popping them in. He closed his eyes and bobbed his head once along their length “Delicious.” he brought his lips down to brush against hers again, and she ran her hands down his back bringing her hips to rut against his hardness for relief. He found himself wanting to push back. The slick between her legs coated her lower lips enough that when he drew his hips back to grind back down against her clit he instead found himself finding home. Arendith shuddered as he slid in, allowing a deep groan to fall from her lips.

His mind reeled from the sensations of heat and tightness around him, although his brain wanted to dissociate he found himself wanting to chase his pleasure for once. He was free to bed who HE wanted now. Damned if he wasn't at least going to get some modicum of pleasure from it. He slowly and teasingly unsheathed himself fully removing his shaft causing her to whine before he slid back in. Irrationally slow, just enjoying the feeling of her tightness peeling back his foreskin as he pushed himself further. He made a point of rolling his hips upwards ensuring his pelvic bone would push into her clit. He paused when their hips met and he felt his head nestle against her cervix. Arendith whimpered, pulling his ear lobe into her mouth, her fang running along the edge.

He dragged the pads of his fingers down her body pausing to grope at her breasts, pinching a nipple. He had planned on more foreplay but apparently, their bodies were telling a different story tonight. He reached down to stroke against her clit causing her to buck her hips upwards, a nervous gasp falling from his lover's lips.

Astarion laughed internally he supposed this officially made them lovers... there was no grizzly end with Cazador having this one. He could revisit this body and mark it claiming her as his protector. His to use as he saw fit. He found that his hips had continued bucking, slowly picking up the pace, when he felt more of her sweet honey run down her channel coating his cock in thick fluid he snapped back to himself. Astarion grabbed her hips watching as her hands roamed her chest as she moaned. His skin pebbled as she tickled her fingers up his back and neck to settle in his hair grasping his head forcefully nosing into his neck.

Arendith licked a stripe across his puncture marks, her fangs dragging across the skin. Her claws scraped pleasantly across his scalp, he pulled her hips hard against him as her breathy moans dragged from her mouth he rutted up into her pelvic bone. He surprised himself when he felt his cock explode against her cervix seeking to bury itself as deep as he could go. Like it could somehow know something he didn't.

Astarion brought his forehead down to rest on hers, both of them panting. He found himself kissing her softly as he pulled out. He sat back on his legs allowing his mind to assess his current state. He’d done well tonight, secured himself an ally, and bonus points that he had enough pleasure to empty his balls into her. It’d been a while since he’d found sex enjoyable enough to do so. Of course, he’d held back, this wasn't about his orgasm, or lack of one, just ejaculating was pleasurable enough. It was about hers and.. his brain lurched back to the present as he felt a soft hand and a wet cloth come to wipe his face gently before also wiping down his glistening yet flaccid prick.

“I know it's probably weird… I’m sorry… I just… thought it might feel nice to have someone take care of you after… I figured your Master… Errr You know what? Nevermind. Forget I -” Arendith stumbled through her words. “I’m ruining things aren’t I?” she dragged her hand down her face groaning as she tossed the cloth aside. She laid herself beside Astarion nudging her nose into his side taking in a deep whiff of his scent. She purred as she noted his skin carrying her scent as she closed her eyes, slipping into a trance.

Astarion stiffly moved his arm to wrap around her unsure as to what he was doing but hoping it would lure her into trusting him further. He sighed as he closed his eyes and also slipped into a trance.

The next morning Arendith awoke to Astarion sunning himself back exposed to her. She stretched out luxuriously “Mmm not staying for a cuddle?” she decided against mentioning his scars, he’d tell her about them when he was ready.

Astarion stood still facing away from her pointedly enjoying his sun. “You sleep light. I thought you’d be exhausted after last night.”

Ahh we’re back to this Astarion, thought Arendith. Pity, she was starting to really enjoy his company, well if he wanted to still play games it was no skin off her back. “Did you enjoy it? It seemed like you weren’t fully there.”

He brought his arms down before turning his head slightly, still making a point to not look at her. “I was holding back a little, it’s true. I didn’t want to lose control. Delicious as you were, I didn’t want to go too far. Now, shall we get on? I want to go before anyone else thanks me for saving their tails.”

Arendith stood up replacing her dress and fussing with her hair. After she deemed herself presentable in the water, she raked her nails softly up his bare arm “Well if there’s a next time… If I could put up with Alistair, I can take much more from the likes of you.” she turned to saunter off leaving his mind reeling but he caught her wrist with a smirk on his face he said “Oh and don’t feel the need to brag to the others about our little tryst. Given the noise you made last night they already know.” she returned a quirked brow and a saucy smile before freeing her wrist with a quick motion swaying her hips as she went.

[galaxymagick]

bg3 playthrough🗡️

met Raphael

cleared some of the goblin camp out

forgot to talk to pain guy in all the killing that was happening.. never mind

meet my guardian 👀

killed 2 of the 3, minthara I just knocked out.. since I knew about her I wanted to meet her later.

rescued volo and the prisoner, didn’t need to find halsin as I already cleaned out the camp so he made his way back there himself

saved the grove, called out kagha siding with the shadows (stopped her killing the tiefling girl) didn’t get my reward because erm a little vampire had already pickpocketed it before 🤭

forgot about the harpy nest even tho I know about them so sorry poor other tiefling child I wasn’t there to save you from them..

lobelia had sexy time and some neck biting with astarion after the trifling party 🫠even if it is just for him to make sure he's protected from certain ppl.. also.. pick him up pick him upppppp!!!!!! PICK HIM UPPPPP

gale wanted to spent time he was jealous like excuse you mr waterdeep we havent hardly spoke since i pulled you out of that magic hole ... back uppppppppppp 🤚 lollllllllll

volo took lobelia’s eye the morning after!!! (If I didn’t know what I would have got in return I wouldn't have allowed him but it hasn’t taken away my fun or finding out new things..)

and not to be bias but i am, shes so prettyyyyy. more bodytype 3 love needs to happen 😭 like i've seen ppl stereotype it too much.. shut your holes.

erm didn’t rescue the ppl from the burning building .. oops

talked my way into the zhentarim hideout, astarion was inspired 😌 killed everyone ofc, let the artist escape, stole all their loot!!

helped astarion with seeing his back scars

meet my guardian again 👀 no... i didn't give him gambit eyes i don't know what you're talking about....kinda hate I know who he is 😭 I made him too .. well he is very nice to look at..🥴 i think i made him a half elf

FINALLY went back to auntie ethel it was so much easier to defeat her this time, stole all her stuff, woke up zombie collin and gave marina the wand 👋 good luck

came upon the gur, let astarion do what he wanted, but decided to knock him out not kill

went back to the goblin camp to finish off the left over goblins that were outside..

changed out karlach and shadowheart for gale and lae’zel

spoke with voss persuaded him to leave without a fight astarion was again inspired ~ lobelia is becoming so charming and persuasive ~ 😌

astarion pick pocketed lady ester of as much of her goods as possible then we erm.. displaced her. no gith egg for you laaady

baby owlbear came by and astarion wasn’t happy the little snack ran away. I love how astarion says the line "oh now look, you’ve scared off the little snack"

killed some skeleton big guys and made our way to the creche and came upon the monastery

if you couldn't tell i'm having so much fun with this game and i haven't had that in such a long time 😭

[simplynotcapable]

what kind of characters would Visenya and Baelon create in Baldurs Gate, once you get past the whole "explain video games and fantasy tropes and D&D etc" to them?

Visenya spends like two hours in the character creator making a pretty tiefling sorcerer, agonizing over spells and looking over every option. She romances Astarion because she has a type, and Baelon is “not jealous of a video game character fuck you for suggesting it”

Baelon uses default everything on a blue dragonborn barbarian, so his character creation takes like ten minutes, and then he just solves every problem with violence. He romances Wyll just because he thinks he’s cool, and his favorite part of the game is petting Scratch and talking to the owlbear cub

[tealfling]

Actually, no. I was too normal about this.

And I can't be normal about it.

The location of this painting in my Tav's homes:

Amaranth has it in a locket she keeps while traveling with Astarion. He teased her for it, but secretly misses them.

Coren & Zephyr both live in Wizard's towers so they naturally have it displayed in a similar manner. Coren has a small oval frame amongst all the other companions portraits displayed in the library where she and Rolan spend most of their time. Likewise, Zephyr has a very similar display on her dresser in Gale's bedroom.

Sunny has it tattooed on her bicep. Jealous of Karlach's ink, she decided to get her own. Her party trick is flexing so they look like they're running.

And my most unhinged HC:

Dearest gentle reader,

It seems the former hero of Baulder's Gate, the Lady Hype Emberspire, has taken up her new mantle as the Duchess Ravenguard with vigor. In fact, both newly weds have seemed to have stepped into their respective roles as leader of the partriars with perfect synchrony. But was there a misstep in these lovers dance when the Duchess adorned the mantle of her Drawing Room with a most peculiar painting? Not a portrait of the Duke and Duchess Ravenguard, but of a rather large owlbear cub, if the rumors are to be believed. Perhaps the new Duchess has yet to rest the tales from her days of adventure, either would be entertainment for the patriars to be sure.

Currently experimenting with something really new for me.

Stay tuned!

[macgyvertape]

BG3 Act 1 thoughts and liveblog part 2

I've never written this much for any other game. This is really the closest I'll get to ever writing fanfic of my oc. Rereading this it's really evident how many scenes I missed by not long resting enough at the beginning of Act 1.

I took a rest in a cave to avoid the tiefling party triggering, fun to see Astarion be drunk on power (bear blood). Yeah my D!urge character is not saying “strong have a duty to protect the weak” or anything about heroes but more along the “power corrupts”

Ok at the party very funny that Gale is jealous of Astarion. Karlach makes some comments too and seems I can’t meet up with her as well? Disappointing it won’t let me do a 3some or choose multiple. I want to play my character as a hedonistic slutty masochistic bottom (who kills people). 

It is a little annoying that all the companions are making a pass at me, even those I haven’t flirted with or really traveled with. 

Astarion with the sad backstory scars and it feels like he was both looking for some escapism and seducing my character so she would like him. This is like catnip to me. 

I suffered through the hell that is the well spider fight with the Ogres doing most of the work. I chose to read the scary book myself, I figure my character wouldn’t pass up a source of power like that

disguise self + speak with the dead amulet is an OP combo, used it on Minthara and the vampire hunter

Absolute catnip for me with the trust issue in Astarion not being able to read the scars on his own back and having to extend trust to the player to draw out what they are. I am unable to resist sappy lines like promising him we’ll figure it out

Yeah the long rests order of events are definitely bugged, when Astarion is now propositioning my character as if we haven’t had sex before. I still haven’t slept with Lae’zel despite having a “fling” with her. I think I did miss quite a few scenes by not long resting enough in the beginning of act 1

My character “bought” the artist in the Zhent hideout for nothing, I love persuasion checks. Really excited by all the good dyes for sale there

Of course hours ago I had opened the locked Zhent chest so I just intimidated my way out of consequences and of course had no hesitation killing Zhugan. 

Got the in camp dialogue where Astarion calls me his “little treat”, really the most enjoyable conversation path is playing a bit hard to get and watch him lay the flattery on extra thick including a fake “I love you”. Even though I still haven’t gotten a scene with Lae’zel I like to think my character is just sleeping around the camp and eyerolling a bit but enjoying Astarion’s presumption

Really enjoy the rp potential of Astarion using guidance to back me up on dice rolls, like intimidating Hag Ethel into giving me both the girl and the power. My character wants power and if she wont stay dead permanently then why not get two things out of it

I killed all of Ethel’s masked servants, out of universe I couldn’t figure out non lethal damage, in universe I figured my character would have just killed them due to it difficulty of subduing them nonlethally and being fine with murder. 

I rezzed her husband as a zombie and gave her the wand, I think my character would have no use for a zombie and curious to see how many more dumb decisions the woman would make. 

Just got the Shadowheart/Lae’zel knife scene, yeah I ship it like the “kiss and make up” line is bait

A lot of fun dialogue choices in Astarion’s mirror dialogue where he mentions he can’t even remember his own eye color and asks you to call him beautiful. I went with the one complementing Karlach because I think he does enjoy it when you needle him a little. My character also isn’t that sappy

Finally got the owlbear cup to show up at my camp, Karlach has a very cute reaction to it

Making myself choose intimidation dialogue like “I’m a rabid dog and I bite” to really role play D!urge

Astarion and Shadowheart both approved when my character told Glut “if you’re so eager for blood Glut let me give it to you”. Like it makes no sense for my D!Urge character to kill a big village for shaky rewards from one dude. 

Lmao Astarion’s snide “the forge again, we know everything bar how it smells”. 

Love exploiting mistrust to kill Nere who is super annoying, make Elder Brithvar do a lot of the work while my character get half profit, then threaten him so he has to give up the slaves

I was much nicer to Barcus the second time, but I told him I didn’t work for free at the camp and to surprise me. Feel like my character would think Barcus would be a useful contact - he’s very resourceful. 

Ok very cute how the myconids danced around my character as a hero

I went through with the investigation potion, I figure my character would be willing to take big risks in the search for answers especially after reading the necromancy book. That it made the tadpole stronger but gave me more powers seems worth it for my character. 

Made Astarion the masterwork dagger, fun to think of D!urge starting to grow fond of him genuinely and getting him a dagger as a present. For Karlach she’s dedicated to hunting down every scrap of infernal iron; pragmatically for Karlach's health as a team member but also to empower her.

At this point I like to think by D!urge character is fond of Astarion and Karlach, and starting to be like “well I guess I would try to avoid killing” Gale or Lae’zel but still thinks Shadowheart and Wyll have way too much loyalty ties outside the group and still not fond of Wyll’s lawful good. Think she finds it funny Gale likes her a lot more than she likes him especially since she started liking Gale once he turned down his bragging stories; she would be down to fuck but is not about to be monogamous which he seems to want, and is also really encouraging him to embrace the nautoloid power. Her thoughts of Las’zel are basically: you’re adorable but the people you’re dedicated to seem shitty, what if you just killed things with me instead then we banged afterwards with you topping. 

I gave Shadowheart the idol of Shar, I figure my character doesn’t really “get” being a cleric and doesn’t like that Shadowheart has strong loyalties to this outside religious institution but if it's an easy way for Shadowheart to like her then why not do it. 

Yeah my character wants to become more powerful but sees no value in dealing with this laughter cursed amulet, into the lava it goes

My character gave Lae’zel a big side eye as if “please dont say anything right now” when asking for the money upfront to steal a gith egg, being like come on it's free money and we can walk away

D!urge loves that Lae’zel just got inspired by killing 5 enemies in a single turn and killing more enemies through the fight

D!urge Bard and Rogue Astarion are really an effective power couple murder/stealing team, especially with bard being the distraction. I wanted to leave the giant eagles alive in the Monastery so it took some work

I promised I would take the late hatching egg to a “kinder creche” which I guess would be the society that paid me to steal it. My character would be like “good enough” on the moral implications here since it saves the eggs life and it's not like she would raise the egg (edit: lmao how that turned out)

My D!urge character interfered for the gith youth about to be killed, she did it for info vs watching the bloodletting.

BG3 Act 1 thoughts and liveblog part 1

With super long games like this (finished in about 110 hours) I like to take notes to 1) remind me of stuff I did at the beginning of the game and 2) to enjoy looking back on because I'm not doing another playthrough for a few years.

Going to suffer through the spider and half spider people since the mods don’t fully work yet and they disable achievements

Going for dark urge first playthough along the lines of Durge is guard dog to those they imprint on and I knew I was rolling a bard, so I watched clips of Felix RedvsBlue as a good starting point for my character roleplay. Starting character quote “At the end of the day, if I'm stronger than you and if I'm faster than you, then I can kill you! And that's better than anything money can buy”

Trying Not to be a “charismatic mercenary with gruff exterior and a heart of gold” 

I killed Commander Zhalk in the beginning area with viscous mockery. True bard experience

Passed the perception check of Astarion pulling a knife, some fun dialgoue options with him, and its a delight to hear his tone of voice really change

I can’t tell if Gale is just flirty/horny or really just dedicated to the facade of being surface deep and a braggart to mask his secrets. Seems both and though he seems full of himself I enjoy this kind of companion who lies about things

I think I like the inspiration mechanic, I got a point for killing the mindflayer “leaving it to burn”

I’m really having to force myself to be “that asshole” and ask people to pay me for helping them

Got another inspirational event for killing the cultists lol. The game gives me a lot of options to talk about my dark urge but I really want to play that close to the chest

I don’t really know about pre-rewrite version of Wyll but he really seems a good alignment nice dude, and unfortunately I want to be almost evil/neutral Dark Urge.

Had to reload to save Nadira, I’m struggling with interrupting actions outside of turn by turn combat

Rapheal sure makes an entrance, my character turned him down but didn’t attack since he seemed so powerful. Keep my options open but it seems like there are a lot of options there

Gale is fucking lucky I had a extra piece of enchanted gear so I didn’t lose my very nice sword. I also feel like I’m throwing away some approval points by my character questioning him but I’m trying to play someone who isn’t altruistic or too trusting.

Ok I failed several perception checks for a kid stealing my stuff then I caught the last one, but then the kid ran off and everyone in the hideout ran out. I’m not sure if anything was still stolen from me or if this is a a bug 

RIP Alfira, was not expecting that from the dark urge. I chose to confess to the others, if my character is murdering people in my sleep only fair to explain and not hide

My character told Karlach to tear the place apart as catharsis for being hunted, and it was fun to see that scripted sequence play out

Gale is telling me his unstable magic backstory, but he’s doing it at camp so there is no reaction for anyone else during the conversation despite him saying he wanted to tell everyone. (edit: Not sure if a bug considering he also referenced being mind whammied by the Almighty before that had occurred in the goblin camp). Also deeply ironic he talks about understanding if my character wants him to leave since he’s a literal timebomb, but this is happening a day after D!urge pc killed someone brutally

Also incredibly funny Lae’zel is now interested in my character, and will sleep with me considering her dialogue post D!urge murder

Wyll gets turned by his patron demon into a semi horned being, ok so I guess just seeing what he looks like shows the obvious decision you made with Karlach

Wtf is up with Wyll, that he’s so proud he made his pact when it was just made obvious he was sent on basically an assassination mission. All his talk of “saving innocents” wonder how many innocents he’s killed from bad intel

The trifling child gang hideout is very bugged

Perception check for the swamp reveal was really cool

I haven’t been taking many long rests so I just now got the Astarion vampire one. Fun to see all the options if you let him kill you, but I save scummed to let him really go for then stop for roleplaying purposes 

I actually realized I was right by the vampire hunter so I loaded a save where Astarion hadn’t revealed himself yet and fun how different it goes, he will kill the vampire hunter out of combat to keep his secret if you don’t intervene and that’s very fun. It also gets brought up when he tries to feed on you for the first time at camp, but I haven't found a dialogue option where you can say “weird coincidence the guy called you by the same name”

Got the scene at the goblin area where the party would get mind whammied if not for the mysterious artifact. I’m really trying to pick a moment when my character would go from “more people is better odds” to “ride or die for certain characters” and I think this is a good point along the line of “oh if these people aren’t with me then they’ll immediately be soldiers against me”

I really enjoy how Astarion treats you like a fool if you say he’ll be safe because you would protect him from Cazador, in the cliche all power player character here to fix the companion’s problems. I mean my character still said it of course because that was my favorite of the 3 options at that point. Interesting I only now can ask about what offer Raphael made, like that was hours and hours ago but guess it needed specific dialogue flags 

No other game has given me an S&M scene like this for a stat buff where its fun and horny. I love Gale’s “well whatever you’re into”. The first time I did the scene (pun intended) Astarion was standing a little too far away, so I only got Shadowhearts dialogue, but its much better with them talking back and forth

My character told Shadowheart she doesn't care that she worships Shar but more along the lines of not that she likes Shar its just she don’t really care about religion 

I am majorly arachnophobic so I just covered up the screen and freed the spiders so the goblins would kill them

My character asked the priestess to meet alone then assassinated her with Astarian cloaked to get an extra out of combat turn. I expect to do this setup a lot more

I found a Selunite outpost and went down there, then reloaded since that seems way too big an area to explore right now

Setting up Minthara to be doublecrossed was a great tactical way to clear out the goblin camp, especially since I’m out of short rests

Killed Dror Ragzlin with barrelmancy, aka stole a bunch of explosive barrels and put them around him and the crowd and then exploded them from the rafters above

Note to self in however many hours when I get to Baldur’s Gate, see how Ronan’s apprenticeship faired (I bet not well)

Astarion calling my character darling and saying he’s going to like me and it's clear I like him too, definitely feels like he’s rolling to seduce and being a bit manipulative so she will like him (tangent: Margaery Tyrell was one of my favorite GoT characters kinda similar vibes) 

My character was upfront about enjoying it but very funny to say that a less trusting person would be suspicious and have him vouch that the only thing on his mind was carnal lust. I tried the immediate agreement then reloaded and I love that his response feels very different like he’s succeeded in a seduction check. 

I made my dream visitor a hot masc teifling and there is big horny energy with his scenes

Got the “morally acceptable massacre” for defending the grove. I created some barricades out of crates, blew up the sappers with fire arrows and then the enemies were just trapped at the bottom as I killed them with archery. Took a few tries for barricade positioning but then was easy and none of the tieflings died

I’d like to think my D!urge character would love massacring the goblins, in the same way she enjoyed getting the Knoll leader to kill the others then kill themselves brutally. Sort of a “I just love killin’” character approach, but my D!urge character dislikes that the Dark Urge takes away her control. 

My character absorbed Minthara’s tadpole at the prompting, I figured my character would be all about gaining power she could control. Astarion certainly had a very camp approval option. 

I then used 4 Ithilid powers across Astarion, Gale, and myself really just to get rid of the menu icon being bright red and distracting

Oh wow I completely missed doing Kagha’s secrets until now, so I could tell Halsin but not much else happens 

Didn’t expect my character could talk Lae’zel into using the tadpole powers and make a good persuasion attempt with Kalrach, and then persuaded everyone else. Playing a charismatic character is fun, she is manipulative af