#cazador's spawn set up a nice little home

[3xm-draconic]

Homestead. (werebat Cyris and astarion)

Summary: Astarion tells Cyris about the little community the spawn created in the underdark, Cyris decides to visit… 

As it turns out a giant 30ft brain is really, REALLY fucking hard to find…

They needed to deal first with Orin and then Gortash, to get their crystals so the Emperor (this mindflayer who wanted to help them out) could use them to stop the elder brain.

In the meantime though…they could rest and wait…

“So the spawn and some of your siblings made a little home in the underdark?” Cyris pondered as he and Astarion shopped around for supplies…well mostly groceries for tonight, Cyris was going to make red wine & blood tomato pasta.

Just because they were not…exactly “together” anymore did not mean he’d have to stop cooking for him…or treating him to nice things.

He does love him still…

“Yes, it’s a…lovely place” Astarion smiled weakly “it’s in a little ruin, in a secluded vail were hundred of bloodcrystals grow, bloodcyrstal vail they’ve been calling it… hence the name” he said as he picked out a few fresh tomatoes.

“Hmm…Perhaps I could visit, you could show me around?”, “that sound rather nice” Astarion hummed “they’ve been learning to live off the land, they have a few Rothe they’ve domesticated, rightnow there isn’t really enough blood to go around so they mix it with Rothe milk and mushroom flower to make a grule of sorts” he grimaced “gods…I wish I could help them more but…”

“But?” Cyris pondered as he gently placed a hand on Astarion’s shoulder, “I…I feel like there is not much I can do, they’ve been talking about hunting the kuo toa who live near the lake…gods I can’t have them falling into doing that, eating such things” Astarion sighed “I feel like they are basically back to starving”.

“Well maybe I can help, I was able to find us plenty to eat down in the underdark when we were last there, take me to them and I’ll teach a few tips and tricks.” 

“I also heard you got back in contact with your village, they got your letters finally!” Astarion beamed, Cyris smiled happily “yhea, they were pretty happy to hear from me…they even sent me a few care packages, just some cookies, blood vials and a blanket” he grinned.

The place was…a dump.

There were tents haphazardly set up, fires set in little alcoves, trash everywhere…

Jeez it was a mess, even the slums in waterdeep looked nicer…

“Starry you said this place was nice”, “well…it’s a bit of a fixer-upper darling” he chuckled nervously, “Greeting Cyris…Astarion” Sebastian said as he set down a barrel of dried fish “good to see you again”.

“Good to see you to Seb” Cyris smiled and shook his hand “I hear you needed a little helping hand around here, I came as soon as I could”, Sebastian cocked his head in confusion “what could you help with?”, “well for starters, food, you all need blood to really survive and there are plenty of sources besides Rothe and fish, I can help you find them. Then…I wanna help you clean this place up and set up propper houses, Astarion and I got in contact with Max and my village, they sent over some supplies, Starry can help everyone get started on that while you and me go hunting.”  

Sebastion blinked “you…you got us all this?...thank you!” he hugged him, “ah it’s alright, it’s the least starry and I can do” Cyris smiled.

The creatures of the underdark were fearsome but easy to track once you learned their patterns, a coordinated group of vampires using battle tactics surprisingly managed to take them out quite well.

A few Hook-Horrors were easily outwitted and outmatched by their little hunting party, they now had gallons of blood to drink.

“This is wonderful, Cyris!” Sebastian said as he licked the blood from his lips “at this rate we should be able to feed everyone”, “we ain't done yet Seb, I’am going to teach all of you cooking and preserving techniques to make this stuff last” Cyris turned to him as he hefted a barrel of blood over his shoulder.

At their camp Cyris showed his team of spawn how to cook and preserve blood.

Blood bread with mushroom flour was one thing and cooking it into sausages was another but they could let it congeal into a block, cut it up  and grill it on sticks or mix it with cave fruit into a pasty jam and turn it into a sort of blood-fruit leather.

 They could also mix it with alcohol…a very simple method of preservation and a nice drink, salting the congealed blood and letting it dry into a powder that could be rehydrated was however by far the best.

 “Amazing! Now it will last us weeks, MONTHS even!” Sebastian smiled “I was starting to doubt that Astarion really cared about us…I guess I was mistaken if he brought you here”, “Starry cares about you, all of you, he wants to make up for his mistakes and give you guys a second chance at things…like he now has” Cyris placed a hand on Sebastian’s shoulder.

“...I…don’t know if I can forgive him for doing this to me…but I can thank him for trying to make things right, to give us this chance at living again, even though Cazador escaped…I don’t think he will come after us, he is afraid of Astarion…of you and your friends. We have you to thank for our freedom just as much as we have Astarion to thank” Sebastian smiled.

“Wait? The bastard escaped?” Cyris worriedly looked at Sebastian, “yes sadly” he mumbled, “well…looks like I have another head to add to my hunt” Cyris growled.

 “There now THAT’S much better!” Cyris beamed as he and his troop brought their haul back to the now refurbished town.

There was no more garbage, little homes were actually built, a market was even set up with an alchemy shop, tailor, salon and, Cyris laughed “you guys really built a Tavern down here?”

“You’ll never believe what happened while you were away!” Astarion excitedly hugged Cyris, “well what happened?”, “some deep gnomes came by, they saw all the bloodcrystals we had and wanted to set up a mining outpost, they offered to trade gold and other resources, mostly more Rothe blood to us in exchange for some land and the bloodcrystals” Astarion hummed “so…yes we built a tavern so everyone could enjoy a nice drink now that we have more blood. A celebration is in order, I do believe?” he grinned, “Sounds good to me” Cyris smiled.

The wine, the food, the music… was decent. The tavern was pretty small and the bard they had played the accordion…but the candle light, the hearth and the atmosphere of merriment…that made Cyris happy.  

Cyris saw the deep gnomes who Astarion had talked about come in to have a drink with them, they had just gotten done mining…

Cyris could smell something…odd about them.

One of them sat down at a table next to his and Astarion’s, Cyris saw something on the gnome’s shoulder…a tattoo..

Black bat wings with a white crescent moon and a red 4 pointed star in them…

He then could smell it clearer…the familiar scent of…

The gnome looked up and sniffed the air…

They looked at one another.

“Are you?” Cyris pondered, “well bless my soul, another kindred” the gnome beamed happily, “another werebat!” Cyris smiled.

“Names Menphes, Menphes Gloombeard” the gnome proudly introduced himself, “pleasure to meet ya boy” he shook Cyris’s hand, “to you as well, the tattoo on your arm? You worship the great guardian bat as well?”

“You mean Entumbru? The spirit-ancestor of bats and the god of night? Why yes” he said “he goes by many names, that one I have not heard used before”, “Enthrumbu…” Cyris pondered…

Cyris and astarion left Bloodcrystal Vail and headed home, they settled down at Monty’s Chalice to enjoy dinner and sleep before heading out to hunt for Orin.

“Cyris…is it ok if..if we still sleep together?” Astarion softly asked him, Cyris scooted over on the bed, they…didn’t really cuddly like they did before but Cyris did keep Astarion warm. Astarion hated being cold…somehow?

 “How are you cold starry?”, “well, not..not physically…” Astarion laughed “I…feel…I feel less undead when Iam warm”, Cyris rolled over and wrapped him up in his arms.

“It’s getting cold outside…I better keep you nice and snug” he smiled.

[frantic-fiction]

May I request some Jealous!Fem!Reader x Astarion? Maybe one where someone from Astarion’s past makes an appearance and while Astarion sees this woman as just a friend, reader can see the woman blatantly flirting with her vampire spawn and she doesn’t like it one bit. ESPECIALLY if Astarion’s oblivious to the woman’s advances and innocently engages (because let’s face it, our boy loves being praised & complimented 24/7). Reader decides it’s her turn to stake her claim on our little sassy vampire and remind everyone who he belongs to ;)

Yes! Yes! Thank you for the request!

Jealous

Astarion x gn!reader

Warnings: None

Word Count: 1.5k

Masterlist

It was nice being back in the city. Yes, there was still the ever-looming threat of the Absolute, but most of the party was back home, and for once, it felt like, for a moment, everyone could breathe. You had a fluffy bed to sleep on instead of a lumpy bedroll. And while Gale always made whatever perversions the party scavenged taste good, the warm, hearty tavern meals you've been treated to as of late were too good to beat.

But the best part of being back was taking any moment to drag Astarion out into the city to wherever he fancies so he can explore Baldur's Gate in the daylight without the darkness of Cazador. He wanted to visit the farmers market today, so you wandered the vendors' stalls, stopping to take moments and smell flowers and sample wares.

Astarion politely conversed with a tailor about the fabric quality used for a shirt he wanted. Frankly, they had been talking longer than your attention span could handle, so when your eyes wandered to a stall full of beaded jewelry, you wasted no time giving Astarion a quick peck on the cheek and telling him where you'd be.

The pieces were beautiful and skillfully crafted—brightly colored beads and gold inlays, gems of various minerals, all catching your eyes. The older halfling woman propped highly on the stool, greets you politely, and gives little details and facts about each one you set aside for closer inspection. Maybe you should get something for Shadowheart and Karlach? Probably not Lae—

"Astarion!"

A feminine voice has you snapping your head back to your partner. A frown instantly settles over your features when you see a tall, elven woman pull Astarion's hug. Her brown hair is intricately braided into a top knot decorated in sparkly chains. Her dress hugs her curves, framing her body perfectly.

Why are they still hugging?

"Oh Gods, it's been too long. You're looking amazing." Her nasal voice filters down the markets. "How are you, love?"

Astarion finally manages to break the hug, giving the woman an automatic flirtatious smile, the tailor long forgotten. "Eleanor, I've been well. I do hope the same can be said for you."

Dropping the beads with little care, you leave the stall, ignoring the halfling. You don't like this woman. You don't like how her hand still lingers on Astarion's forearm or how she leans ever so slightly closer as if daring him to kiss her.

"I've been fine, though I'm upset you haven't visited in quite a while. It's been rather dull without you." She runs her hand up his arm.

Astarion laughs, flicking his hand in the air and clearly enjoying the woman's words. "I could only imagine, my dear. Those brutes are fowl at their best. Who wouldn't miss me."

Your jaw clenches when her obnoxious laughter rings in the air. Pushing past a family of four throwing a half-ass apology, not paying mind, too pissed off. Who does this woman think she is putting her hands on Astarion as if he's hers?

"Astarion, you always knew how to make me laugh." Elenor ducks her head, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "If I'm being honest, I was always jealous of the ones you took home. But now that we're here, maybe…"

Oh, hell no! You practically jump the rest of the way and run into Astarion's arm. He lets out a breathy oof, arms tightening around your waist to keep you from tumbling to the ground. Pretending you weren't aware of the woman, you capture Astarion into a chaste kiss before beaming up at him.

"I hope you found what you were looking for, my love." Your voice is sickly sweet as you trail your thumb across his cheekbone. Then you turn your head and feign innocence, looking at the elf. "Oh, I'm sorry, Star. Who is this?"

Astarion gives you a look but recovers quickly. Clearing his throat, he speaks, "Darling, this is Eleanor. She owns a tavern I frequented. One of the only decent companies I've had before we met."

Moving away from Astarion's side, you reach your hand out in greeting, giving her your name, "It's a pleasure to meet a friend of my Star,"

Eleanor looks a bit taken aback, staring blankly at the two of you, clearly not expecting this change in her plans. You're internally preening. She takes your hand in a limp shake before dropping it and stepping back. Eleanor quickly wipes her hand on her dress slyly and chuckles.

"That explains why I haven't seen you in a while."

You sneer at her, wanting nothing more than to punch her. Instead, you drop your hand onto Astarion's chest, nuzzling warmly into his side. "Yes, sorry about that. I've been a bit selfish. Sometimes it hard to get out of bed."

"Right…" Eleanor says. Astarion, I never took you as one to settle down, especially someone as… unique as them."

"What is that supposed to mean?" The venom drips from your words, and Astarion has to keep you in place.

Eleanor smirks. "Oh, I meant nothing bad." The mocking tone alone reinforces that she meant this to be as insulting as possible. "I'm just stating you're rougher around the edges."

Astarion's hold on your waist tightens as you move to step forward, hand reaching for the dagger discreetly hidden against your thigh. There is no possible way this woman values Astarion in any way more than as a body to conquer. That thought alone has you practically baring your teeth.

"What the fuck does that mean!"

Astarion steps in before you can do anything extreme, "Eleanor, it was lovely seeing you again. We'll have to come and visit sometime for a drink, but I'm afraid my love and I must make our leave."

"Oh yes, of course!" Elenor says, her voice a bit too filled with fake cheer. Her smile is strained, and her eyes stare daggers into your skull. "I hope I can see you at the tavern sometime soon."

"Yes, we'll come down for a visit sometime soon. " Astarion calls over his shoulder, practically dragging you down the cobblestone. You think about ripping your arm out of his hold and turning back, but you let him pull you along with only a death glare sent toward Eleanor.

As soon as the two of you are in a secluded place, Astarion drops your hand and turns on you. "Darling, what was that?"

Picking at your nails, you shrug your shoulders. "I have no idea what you're talking about."

Astarion takes your hand and, with a finger, tilts your chin to force you to meet his eyes. He has a shit-eating grin, and his fangs are even more prominent in his smile. "You were jealous."

Swatting his hands away, you step back. "I was not!" You lie and storm down the alleyway. You didn't get far before Astarion caught your wrist and spun you into his chest.

"You were jealous." He repeats. "But you really shouldn't be."

"She was all over you."

"It was a hug, my dear, from probably the closest normal friendship I had before the tadpole."

"Friendship? She was practically begging you to fuck her." You huff, fiddling with the lapels of Astarion's shirt.

Astarion chuckles deeply and presses a kiss to your forehead. "Gods, you're cute when you're jealous."

"Don't make fun of me, Astarion."

Ignoring you, he continues. "For argument's sake, if she was begging me to fuck her, as you so eloquently put it, who cares? I certainly don't, not when I have this beautiful, strong, incredibly understanding partner who knows all the darkest parts of me and still stands by my side?"

"Well, I am pretty noble for putting up with you when you're hungry." You smile, looping your arms around his neck, all jealousy draining from you like water from a colander.

"How could another soul handle me in that horrid state." Astarion runs his nose against yours. "I love you and don't plan on stopping soon."

You beam and kiss him breathlessly before mumbling, "I love you too," against his lips. "I think we should head back to our room."

Astarion chuckles under his breath, running his hands down the curve of your spine. "Oh, what for my sweet?"

"Well," Crawling your fingers up his chest, you press your lips to his ear and whisper. "If you'll let me, I want to mark every inch of your neck." "Mark me as yours, darling?" Astarion hums.

"Mhmm, we could go further, but" you continue. "Tonight, I want you to show me this tavern Eleanor owns. I think we deserve a date night."

"You are jealous."

"If I agree, will you take me out?" You lean in for a kiss.

Astarion presses forward, brushing his lips against yours. "As long as I have a necklace of your pretty love bites."

"Then yes, my love, I am very much jealous."

I've been struggling with inspiration lately. Moving was super stressful and I had to leave a hostile work environment very quickly so life's been a bit messy. But I've got my kitty cat and don't have to deal with a shitty boss so hopefully things will go up from here.

I'm kinda iffy on how I feel on this one but that might just be my current mindset. I hope you all enjoy it regardless, and stay tune because I plan on have something spicier posted soonish...possibly Astarion discovering his breeding kink 🫣❤️

Taglist: @heartfully10@ayselluna@marina-and-the-memes@anixson@canonicalchaoticneutral @toadsbitch @meulinkitten-blog @ambr4armr @lotusandcrystals @venussakura @synapticjive @skittleabyss@asterordinary@lariatbunny @whispering-depths@butchboi-chihuahua-slumlord@darkest-part-of-the-forest@queenofcarrotflowers-s@sessils @d20bunny@cherifrog@ophelia-ophelian@bgthree@darlingxdragon@mothynyx @completelyshatteredbrokenmschf@babyqnn @mmendez0124@kokoyu-art@lilah-asteria

Want to be added to the taglist? DM me please!

[baldurs-gape]

Hi! Just wanted to say thank you for the "Adopt, don't shop!", that was the first fic I've read with such premise and I greatly enjoyed your take on it (love me some bloodweave angst)! Also wanted to let you know that whenever I think of this story Not Humane by Staring Problem starts playing in my head like a little unofficial theme song! Dunno if you'll find any use of this info but I felt like sharing just in case! Have a great day!!!

Nonnie, please know that I've done nothing but think about this ask for the last couple of days. It made me grin so much and also motivated me to actually get the next chapter of Adopt, Don't Shop! finished. So thank you for that! Not to mention how delighted I was at the idea of you giving the fic an unofficial theme song! That's never happened to any of my writing before and I am so honoured you have not only thought of that but also decided to share it with me. You hold a special place in my heart now. As a thank you, I have a little ficlet just for you. Some Bloodweave and tadfools shenanigans.

The Dungeon of Waterdeep

It was the time of year where friends and families gathered to celebrate. After everything that had happened in Baldur's Gate, it didn't feel right to go back there, too many bad memories for so many of them. So Gale had volunteered to host everyone at his tower in Waterdeep.

Technically, Withers and Volo weren't invited but they turned up anyway. Even more weirdly, Tara seemed overjoyed to see them both, promising to catch up properly over a saucer as soon as Morena had some time too. Some things, Gale decided, were best left a mystery so he metaphorically stuck his head in the sand and pretended he knew nothing about his mother's friendship group.

The actual invitees were finally trickling in. Shadowheart gave Astarion a smirk as she stepped into the warm kitchen.

"Eager to be here, were you? My money would have been on you being fashionably late."

"I couldn't have you gloating about being first," Astarion shot back with a sniff. The others didn't know, not yet anyway, that he actually lived there with Gale. Given that when they'd last all met, he had been trying to cobble together a life in the Underdark with the other spawn, this was quite the change. But once the party was over, Gale didn't return to Waterdeep immediately. Instead, he had followed Astarion to the Underdark. Mostly it had been to see the place in a new light, with a fresh set of eyes that weren't searching for the darkest, loneliest place to wait out the orb's wrath. He didn't make it far into the Underdark though, some errant vampire spawn had intercepted him. Prepared as he was to defend himself, Gale didn't need to cast a single spell. Not when there was a near feral growl from behind him and Astarion melted form the shadows, fangs bared and looking every bit the predator he was. Long story short, the spawn had turned their backs on Cazador's seven "children" and, in turn, the other six of Astarion's siblings hated and exiled him. For six months he'd lived as an outcast, once more on the fringe of a place that should have been a safe home. It was all too easy to convince him to move to Waterdeep.

Despite their plans, Astarion never did manage to leave Gale. Or rather, he did but his heart had remained back at the tower and it was only a matter of time before he moved back in. The thing between them wasn't leaping flames of passion and desire. There were no sudden sparks, no grand sweeping off feet. It was quiet evenings spent leaning against each other on a couch and reading. Bringing glasses of wine, blood or other snacks for each other when a getting themselves something from the kitchen. Late nights of fighting off sleep to be there for the other when nightmares or bad memories surfaced. Hugs which became tighter, longer, lingering. The words for what they were to each other weren't important, not to them. But others were going to want a definition, a nice easy way to summarise their existence.

So, for the time being, they bought themselves time by not saying anything. It wasn't the focus of the party anyway. There was just one problem that neither Gale nor Astarion had the foresight to anticipate; they liked their easy affection as much as they valued their privacy. To start with, the party had been fun, great. A few days with friends was going to be easy. And it was, until hours passed.

Noise, even when it was laughter and joy was still jarring, especially after so long in their little bubble. It was even worse when all attention was turned on them late afternoon on the second day of hosting.

"So, Magic Man," Karlach drawled, eyes dancing with mirth. "Big tower you got here, don't they usually come with a dungeon?"

"We have a wine cellar?" Unfortunately for Gale, he didn't sound certain enough to make it a statement.

Eyebrows rose at the use of 'we' but Karlach had a moment of discretion. "I'm sure you do. But come on, you must have a dungeon too. Didn't you say you learned some spells at Blackstaff for all the wrong reasons?"

"Do you mean the spells to sneak into the library after lights out just so he could keep reading the ancient tomes that weren't for loan?" Astarion made a show of yawning and rolling his eyes. "I could quite do without the retelling."

"No!" It seemed Karlach was determined. "Wizards are kinky bastard. Mgic hand, grease, the tentacles one, not to mention the funky copy of themselves. No one in their right mind wouldn't have a sex dungeon with all that and who knows what else!"

Gale stared at her, face twisted into a mess from all the emotions he was feeling at once. Unfortunately, Shadowheart didn't help.

"True. Wasn't it you who talked big game about practiced tongue and all that you did in the Weave with your goddess?"

"Really darlings?" Astarion's nose wrinkled in disdain as he looked over at the others. "If Wyll was the one hosting, would you be asking to see his sex toys and naughty special edition books with illustrations?"

"Not that I have any of those," Wyll hastened to add, cheeks darkening.

The laughed "liar" from Karlach didn't help, nor did his betrayed scowl in her direction. However, Astarion laughed and continued, "Why don't we go exploring? With our gracious host's permission, of course. I fancy some sneaky snooping. Better yet, a game of friendly hide-and-seek!"

The withering glare from Gale lacked heat as he set his glass to the side.

"Fine. Some ground rules though. No leaving the tower. No magic, potions or scrolls. No going in the workshop on the top floor, it has some delicate experiments and dangerous artefacts that are best left untouched."

"Dibs on seeking!" Karlach hollered. "I'll only peek in your sex loft, won't cross the threshold."

Resigned, Gale just sighed. "Fine. We ready?"

Sitting down, Karlach made a show of squeezing her eyes shut and starting to count loudly. It had the desired effect, Shadowheart and Lae'zel shoved at each other to get through the door first while Wyll tried to be gallant and everyone go in front of him.

"After you," Gale replied, mostly because Astarion had a grip on the back of his top, keeping him in place.

Once out of the room, he was made to wait while the others dispersed, only then did Astarion release his hold and slipped his hand into Gale's.

"I have the perfect spot in mind. Quiet. Warm. And nobody is ever going to find us."

As if Gale didn't know where he meant. It was all too easy to traipse into the kitchen and push the island's counter back to reveal the stairs down into what had been the winter pantry. However, Gale had seen fit to convert it into a hidden paradise. Without windows it was perfect for Astarion as no sunlight would ever catch him there. Illuminated with warm balls of magic, it had turned from a secret library to their home within a home. Descending the stairs, Gale pulled the counter back into place, concealing their whereabouts.

"They're lovely but loud," Astarion murmured, pulling him to the hammock they'd hung in a nook, perfect for naps and lazy evenings cuddled up. "And exhausting."

Rather than reply, Gale clambered into the hammock and waited for Astarion to join him. Neither of them had meant to fall asleep but intention didn't change facts.

Rude was rather understated when it came to their awakening. Morena and Tara stood by them, looking rather unimpressed as they called their names.

"Really boys?" Morena chided. "Gale, I raised you a better host than this."

"Huh?" Gale lifted his head, sleep still clouding his mind, Astarion not much better on top of him, face still smushed against his chest and refusing to acknowledge he was awake.

"We were having a perfectly nice afternoon tea when we got the panicked missive of your prolonged absence, Mr. Dekarios." How a tressym could not only sound but look disapproving was a mystery but Tara managed it.

From the distance Karlach's voice could be heard. "He totally has a sex dungeon! Are they decent? Doesn't matter, we're coming down!"

"Don't!" Gale's protest fell on deaf ears as their friends stomped down into their little sanctuary. Trying to scramble out of the hammock wasn't easy or graceful but he and Astarion were standing, sleep rumpled and creases from his shirt pressed into Astarion's cheek. Perhaps it would have been less embarrassing to have been found in the middle of some depraved sex act.

Eyes wide, Karlach led the others into the space. They were all looking around, seeing the lived-in state of the rooms, painfully obviously shared.

"I told you he had a dungeon!" Karlach declared and peered at Astarion before playfully pinching his marked cheek. "You should have said, Fangs!"

"It's not a dungeon of sexual depravity like you had led us to believe," Lae'zel grumbled.

Humming in agreement, Shadowheart eyed the two by the hammock. "All that talk and I would put good money on the dirtiest thing happening here is holding hands."

Which was the moment there was the sound of a door being rapidly slammed shut and Wyll looked on the verge of passing out. A knowing laugh left Astarion as he met Shadowheart's eyes.

"That's twice you'd have lost good money then since arriving." He winked at Wyll. "Don't worry, darling. I can explain anything you didn't understand."

"What? What did you see?!" Karlach rushed to the cupboard and threw the door open. "What?"

Bright laughter erupted from Astarion as Gale shook his head.

"That, Karlach, is our ironing board."

Said ironing board was yanked out and held above Karlach's head in a mock thrat of throwing it.

"You domestic bastards!"

[ask-the-pale-elf]

Setting: Soon after they faced the Absolute together, after Faerun was saved, they eventually settled down together in their new cozy cottage. Tav and Astarion are both reading, a fire roaring, a bottle of the finest red wine at the table side (courtesy of Astarion), His Majesty curled up in Astarion's lap, loudly purring, rain tapping on the windows, a full pale moon hangs in the dark sky.

Tav admires Astarion from afar, watching as the flames cast a beautiful glow on his face. His crimson red eyes wildly dancing in the light, his silver curls perfectly set, as he reads from his favorite novel. Tav loves how his glasses always end up sitting half way down on his nose, it brings them much joy to see him this way, as Tav watches him slowly pet His Majesty.

Tav began to get lost in thought - about the first time they met when he held a knife to their throat, their crazy adventures in the Underdark, facing and killing Cazador together, to the beautiful moments they shared along the way. He was everything to Tav and they wanted nothing more than to always keep him safe. They would love him until the end of time.

Tears begin to slowly fall, with their cheeks burning, Tav squeezes their eyes shut, clenching their fists at the mere thought of anyone ever hurting a sweet soul as Little Star. But that was behind them now they realize and takes a deep breath to calm down, pushing the ugly thought aside.

Tav focuses back on Astarion's gentle face and their heart began to flutter. This is the happiest they have ever been in their entire life and couldn't fathom how any of this was real. How they deserved any of this. Tav reaches over and takes Astarion's hand in theirs, giving it a gentle squeeze, to make sure this moment was real. That it wasn't some dream made up, just to keep fighting, to keep pushing forward. That he was real.

Tav turns to Astarion, wiping the tears from their face, quietly clearing their throat. With a loving smile, eyes shinning brightly, Tav asks, "Are you happy my darling?"

Your shared home was warm, a stark contrast to the "home" that he residing in for 200 years. Cazador's palace was cold, large, and wholly isolating, but this humble, little cottage was cramped, warm, and nice.

He didn't know what to say really. It was a long time where he found someplace to call home, a real home. He could barely remember where his home was before he turned into a spawn, he used to but... it's probably gone now. Just like how Astarion Ancunin died oh so long ago.

He was just Astarion now, for a time that terrified him. He didn't have a family, home, or even life to go to. The pale elf had no one but the scared little boy to turn to. But you... you said that was enough. That he didn't need to be the charming seductress or Cazador's puppet, he could be Astarion. Just Astarion and that was enough.

He didn't know how much he needed that.

Astarion's long fingers flipped to the next page of his book, before you held his hand. It was just as soft and warm as you, he squeezed it back. A gentle smile formed on his face, he would never tire of this. The gods themselves couldn't tear him away from this.

He lifted his gaze from the book onto your face.

(Perception Check: Successful!)

Your eyes were red from the fresh tears and sniffles you couldn't hold back gave you away.

Astarion's red eyes widened, did something happen? What was wrong-

"Darling, are you alright? Are you hurt- I-" Astarion started to frantically look you over but he was interrupted by your question.

(Insight Check: Successful!)

The deep love in your eyes also gave you away, he would be a poor lover if he didn't notice it. His frantic breaths relaxed into a steady tempo as his hand gently squeezed yours.

He leaned his forehead against yours and looked into your eyes with the most loving smile. The vampire spawn's eyes soft as a gentle breeze caressing your skin.

"I've never been happier."

[roguishcat]

Snippet Sunday

Thank you for tagging me @bardic-inspo!

If anyone wants to participate in Snippet Sunday posts, send me a message or comment and I will tag you :)

This is from chapter 5 of 'Conversations with a vampire', set before the events of the game. The story follows an unlikely friendship (well, more Tav pestering Astarion and him reluctantly allowing it) between pre-game Astarion and child Tav.

He prowled the night, a predator, a merciless hunter. Not quite himself, but good enough, all things considered.

Two of his siblings approached him, Leon and Violet. Leon he could tolerate, he hated Violet.

“So, little Astarion, how is Cazador’s golden boy fairing?” Violet mocked, coming up to stand too close to him for his comfort.

“You must be joking, sister dearest” he took a step back involuntarily, wanting to put more distance between them. “We all know Leon is the favourite.”

“Yes, but if I recall correctly, Cazador prefers your sweet screams to anyone else’s. Such an honour, such a privilege to please your master at least in this way,” she said slowly, savouring the look on his face as Leon too approached him and they had him cornered.

Astarion scowled. Fights among spawn were not exactly common, as their primary goal was to bring back as many victims as they could without getting into each other’s way, but they did happen. Cazador would even chastise them, as if they were errant senseless children, but Astarion could see the sadistic glint in his eyes. The vampire did not want his spawn uniting against him, he wanted them hungry, cornered and competing with one another.

“Hey, you two!” Tav’s voice pierced the night.

Shit.

“What do you think you are doing?”

Tav was a little out of breath, but otherwise trying to stand tall and look somewhat threatening. Violet sized up the lanky teen staring fearlessly at her with a smile that could not lead to anything but blood.

“Oh, look Leon. A little snack. How nice of her to come to us so we don’t have to chase her down.”

“You two better stay away, or else.”

“Ooh, the creature dares to threaten us, how amusing. Tell me, brother dearest, is this to be one of your besotted victims? Wouldn’t want to tread on your toes and steal your target,” she mocked, walking closer to Tav, Leon circling her from the other side.

Leon appraised the child looking at them in defiance. As hard as he worked for their master, bringing the most to the palace, he always hated bringing children.

“Leave her, Violet. Can’t you see that she must be from Upper City? Watch yourself, unless you want to be in the kennels for disobeying Cazador.”

“That was a long time ago and you know it. Besides, a child disappearing because she snuck out from home in the middle of the night is a tragedy, yes, but it’s quite plausible.”

“I am not afraid of you! Leave!” She tried to sound commanding, but Astarion could hear Tav’s heart beating wildly, as could his siblings.

“You should be,” Violet grinned a little too wide.

Something clicked in Tav’s mind. Fangs, out only during the night, blood-red eyes.

“You-you are-” she swallowed forcibly, stopped herself from stating the obvious.

“We are what?” Violet mocked, taking a deliberate step towards the child. Oh, how delicious it was to inspire fear in others, what an intoxicating rush to see someone cower before her.

“Standing right where I want you to. Te occludo oculos!”

Colour sparks shot out of her hands, making Violet and Leon withdraw with a hiss.

[shadowstarion]

more thoughts about durgestarion. yknow how i said astarion would make One Baby Spawn for her? Wrong. I love the idea of astarion emulating cazador in some ways but genuinely being a better person at the same time, so the big parallel here is that instead of having a bunch of spawn to torture and lure in prey, astarion and seless become the world’s most insane foster parents.

seless goes out at night on long walks through baldur’s gate and looks for children who need homes, kids who are orphaned, abandoned, begging for money, sick, or being exploited in some way. depending on their age and circumstances, she’ll offer them a warm meal and a place to stay for the night, bring them back to the mansion for a talk with astarion.

they’re a bit more honest with the older kids about what they are, those who may already recognize astarion as a vampire lord. they’re allowed to stay as long as they want, so long as they’re kind to their siblings and help out around the house. seless tutors them, buys the girls nice dresses, takes them to social events to mingle as much as possible, helps them develop skills and find work as they grow up. astarion teaches them all about the world outside the city, takes the boys out to hunt animals for their supper, gets them rubbing elbows with important people and makes sure they’re set up well for the future. when they’re old enough to make their own way in life they’re free to go, but a few here and there will decide to become astarion’s spawn and stay close to home.

the little ones are a bit different. astarion is very hesitant to make a spawn so young that they can’t make the decision for themselves, so he’d only resort to that if seless brought home a child basically already on death’s door. seless just adores the little kids, loves on them with all her heart and would protect them viciously. she’d go from bunk to bunk giving goodnight kisses, spoil them with stuffed animals and all the toys they could ever dream of. astarion acts like he’s not a fan of young kids, but will sit up all night comforting a little one who’s had a nightmare, checks in on the nursery about a million times a day, and is so unimaginably proud at their every minor achievement.

the bunk rooms in which cazador’s tortured spawn were kept are turned into a paradise of warm blankets and fluffy pillows, each with a desk for the children’s studies and a chest for keep their things safe. seless is guilty of indulging in pillow fights and hair-braiding with the girls, astarion keeping the boys up far past bedtime to narrate while they act out epic tales of adventure. torture chambers and holding cells are turned into play rooms, study halls, a nursery for the very little ones, private quarters for their spawn-children who wished to stay close to home. the entire mansion overflowing with love, happiness, laughter, and the sense of family both astarion and seless have been deprived of.

there would be One Little Spawn, though. seless was going to town on an errand to pick up a new gown from the tailor when a little boy tried to swipe her change-purse and actually succeeded. she’d always be the first to give a poor urchin or young thief a warm smile and invitation to their makeshift foster home, but she positively cannot find the little scamp! she tracks him down by scent, finding him in a filthy alleyway, doubled over and coughing, her purse emptied in exchange for a small piece of bread and bottle of medicine that obviously wasn’t working. he can’t be older than 8 so painfully thin and frail, so sick she’s worried he won’t last the night. she’d rush him home immediately, demand that astarion make him a spawn at once and pray that the transformation didn’t outright kill him. once he’s back to full health and able to speak without hacking, they tell him what’s happened and he’s more than thankful. orphaned, sick, and taken advantage of too many times to count, he’s never experienced so much as a drop of kindness. astarion absolutely adores him, truly does view him as his own child, and they’re just alike in every way; he’s clever, talkative, talented, and extremely compassionate. they’d try to find some magic to help him grow to adulthood and become astarion’s heir, but even if that wasn’t possible he’s more than content to be a child with loving parents for an eternity.

[baldurs-gape]

What's In A Name?

CW: Ambiguous ending for the fate of the party.

There was no way Halsin could have known. He wasn't there at the very start, when Astarion had quietly confided in Gale about his past, about Cazador. All Halsin saw was a safe haven that had been opened up to them thanks to Astarion knowing someone. It had been an innocent, fond comment of "you've been holding out on us, Little Star" and nothing more. Outwardly it didn't look like anyone thought anything of it but Astarion felt like he could shake apart any moment if he didn't keep absolute control of himself.

Maybe his paranoia had been unjust because Cazador didn't react to the tender nickname. Perhaps it hadn't been too much to ask for it to go unnoticed. As dinner was served to the others, Astarion almost relaxed. The meal was much needed and most generous, unexpectedly so. In fact, the others seemed to be rather charmed by Cazador and Astarion fought the urge to ruin it all, to turn on Cazador and rip his throat out because he finally could. Instead, he played nice, graciously took the ribbing from his friends and played nice with the monster of his nightmares. Plates cleared, stomachs full and eyelids drooping, it was time to turn in for the others.

"Astarion, walk with me," Cazador's words almost sounded like a request except Astarion knew better. Two centuries of doing that voice's bidding meant that he was up before he even realised he could have refused. At least his friends were safe. A tiny, foolish part of Astarion wondered whether Cazador had finally seen his worth, seen what he make for himself and was going to make him a vampire at long last. It was nice to hope, a pesky feeling he had learned from the others.

They walked in silence, Astarion just half a step behind Cazador, matching his steady stride. Down corridors, up stairs, they moved together until Cazador led them through a door out onto a watch tower. It wsa almost romantic and Astarion sighed wistfully at the idea of being finally granted his freedom and independence in such a setting.

"Tell me, Astarion, what do you see?"

The words ripped him from his little reverie and Astarion made an effort to look around.

"I see the city below us. The wilderness beyond it. I see your home and I see you."

Cazador shook his head and tutted. "I think you see more. Look up and tell me."

Neck craned up, throat on full display, Astarion took in the vast, clear sky. There wasn't a single cloud in sight.

"The moon?" He hedged. No response so he tried again. "Stars?"

"Yes, there's rather a lot of them, aren't there?" Something in Cazador's tone was predatory, purring in satisfaction. "Thousands of tiny, little stars, aren't there? Tell me, if one of them disappeared, would you be able to tell? Would you miss it?"

Metaphorically cornered, Astarion shook his head. "No."

"That's right, Little Star. They're all the same; insignificant, useless, tiny specks that could be snuffed out without anyone noticing." Something must have shown on Astarion's face because Cazador smiled. "You didn't really think that the group you brought here called you 'Little Star' out of friendship, did you?" The smile widened. "Oh my dear Little Star, you are so naive. How could anyone want a Spawn in their group? Even I only kept you for as long as I did because you were too pitiful to destroy. You really thought you had a place among one of the greatest wizards of our era, devils and a githyanki?" Cazador laughed, head thrown back. "You foolish little thing. A dog would be a more useful pet for them to keep. At least one of those could keep them warm on cold nights."

If Astarion had still had a beating heart, it would have constricted itself into stopping, crushed under the weight of everything he felt. How Cazador could have that effect on him was beyond knowing. All Astarion knew was that his shoulders had dropped, head tipped down and to the side as though he'd been slapped and misery filled the void where his spirit had been. As Cazador stepped past him, a hand on his shoulder, long nail scraping against Astarion's exposed throat, he had one parting shot.

"Thank you for bringing back such an exotic and delicious meal this evening. Those who deserve it will dine well tonight. Will you join us?"

Astarion shook his head. He wasn't deserving and he didn't want to be presented with a rat carcass. At least he could feel physical pain from the whip. In a way he deserved it. Looking up at the sky, Astarion hated the stars, he hated Cazador but, most of all, he hated himself.