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strawberrypinky · 4 months ago

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fic recs - best of 2024 ✨🍓

With 2024 drawing to a close, I have decided to do a "best of 2024" fic rec list. I already did a round of recommendations in May of this year and I loved the positivity I was able to spread by sharing a few kind words about some fics that I have read and loved.

2024 was year of immense personal growth and changes for me (though I suspect 2025 will be equally... challenging) and I haven't read as many fics as I usually would have. However, I still came across quite a few wonderful ones, so without further ado here's my best of for 2024!

This is also me making up for the fact that I don't ever comment on fics. Sorry to the authors of the mentioned fics - I'm usually very awkward, but I promise I loved your fics. Otherwise they wouldn't have ended up on here

Baldur's Gate 3 Arguably the fandom I participated in the most this year after getting the game in January of 2024. I think precious little fandom content has stayed with me as intensely as anything Baldur's Gate, and I am so so appreciative of all the wonderful people I have met through this game. I wish I would've had more time for the amazing content people created (and continue to create!) for this game, alas, here's my top fanfiction for 2024:

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dealbreaker [A!Astarion x Tav] - @goodgirlgonebard

❦ Plot: "Dealbreaker" explores the dynamic between Willow (Tav) and an ascended Astarion, as they try to navigate their feelings for one another post breakup and post-brain, both with wishes and desires of their own, such as marriage, children and the possibility of an eternity together. ❦ strawberry's thoughts: I’ve only ascended Astarion once (purely for the plot, of course), and I firmly believe it’s his bad ending. That said, when it comes to fan fiction, I absolutely devour the dynamics between an Ascended Astarion and Tav/Durge, because the toxic complexity of their relationship is endlessly fascinating. Dealbreaker does an exceptional job of capturing the push and pull that defines both Astarion and Willow, even though it portrays A!Astarion in a somewhat softer light. It works perfectly within the context of the story, thanks in part to how delightfully idiotic Willow and Astarion can be when it comes to their own feelings. The blend of drama, fluff, and angst is just right, and I absolutely adore watching them navigate their way through it all together. There's also a song rec at the start of each chapter and Ms Ambs has taste 🤌🏻 Definitely my favourite BG3/Astarion read of the year!

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Sonnet of the Lone Cardinal [A!Astarion x Durge] - @brain-rot-central

❦ Plot: After becoming the first ever Vampire Ascendant, Astarion begins to forge a new path for himself. Months after the defeat of the Netherbrain he returns to his former lovers life and the two grapple with the changed dynamics of their former relationship. ❦ strawberry's thoughts: "Sonnet of the Lone Cardinal" delves into a darker exploration of the relationship between Ascended Astarion and a redeemed Dark Urge, yet it remains utterly captivating. The crafted narrative feels both believable and seamless, drawing you into Durge's deeply personal fears as she becomes entangled once again in Astarion's life. The portrayal of her anxiety is so vivid that it transfers to you as a reader. The tension between them feels palpable to you - a sort of nightmare fuel that has you anticipating something bad is going to happen at the next second and you somehow know it will. I'm very curious to see this continue, because it's so beautifully fucked up. ❦ Note: This fic contains dark content.

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The Last of the Silverboughs [Halsin & Tav, Astarion/Tav] - Stillmaurauding (AO3)

❦ Plot: Halsin, burdened by the weight of his past, encounteres Lythra, a young Drow woman whose nature leaves him utterly perplexed. Meanwhile she is relentless in her efforts to break free from her own trouble history in Menzoberranzan and the two forge an unlikely bond as they navigate a the journey to Baldur's Gate. ❦ strawberry's thoughts: Considering Halsin's character in the game, I understand why there’s minimal exploration of him as a father figure in storytelling, apart from scenarios involving Tav or Durge making him one. That said, he fits beautifully into the role of a quasi-father to Lythra throughout this narrative. The story delves into some very dark themes, but I’ve truly appreciated the nuanced approach to trauma, especially through Lythra’s character. The progression of the relationships, as well as the tensions within the group, feel very natural and there is enough intrigue with every chapter to make you want to continue. I hope the author eventually picks this up again. I'm also fairly certain they are on tumblr, however, I haven't been able to find them. If anyone knows their handle, let me know. I'd love to give credit where it's due :) ❦ Note: This fic contains dark content.

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O, Fortuna [Raphael/Dark Urge] - @gufu-vire

❦ Plot: Post the events of BG3, a redeemed Dark Urge and Raphael renegotiate terms to fulfil a contract sworn upon during the crisis of the Absolute. An adventure fraught with tension, frustration, conflict, and more as the reader partners up with the devil you love to hate ❦ strawberry's thoughts: Most biased spot on this list, especially if you've been following me for a while. I do not read Raphael fics, because while I understand the appeal, he's simply not my guy. However, I've been here for "O, Fortuna" since it was still in early development and Gufu said she hasn't got another longfic/slowburn in her, and thus it's ending up on here. It's definitely the longest fic on this list and quite an emotional journey, but I promise it's worth it. ❦ Note: This fic contains dark content, specifically towards the end.

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In Another Life, I Knew You [Astarion/Tav] - spaced_egg (AO3)

❦ Plot: After 200 years of believing him to be dead, Tav is once again faced with her ex-fiancé Astarion, who has little recollection of his life before Cazador. Now having to navigate tadpoles, the end of the world and feelings of both the past and the present, Tav and Astarion journey through Faerûn together. ❦ strawberry's thoughts: When I first read the summary of the fic I was quickly intrigued, because the concept of Tav and Astarion having known each other before he became a vampire offers up so many possibilites and adds layers of depth I really appreciate. "In Another Life, I knew You" does a wonderful job of expanding on their past and focussing on their present situation and as a reader you find yourself easily engrossed into the story. The dynamic between the two of them is written in a very believable way and I dearly hope the author is going to continue the story in 2025.

❦

Judgement by the Hounds [Gortash/Dark Urge] - @septembersummer

❦ Plot: A look into the relationship of The Dark Urge (Seren) and Gortash, from their first meeting up to their shared end. "The rise and fall of the worst situationship of all time" indeed. ❦ strawberry's thoughts: "Judgement by the Hounds" is getting a place in my fic recs for a second time, because it is quite possibly the best portrayal of Durgetash ever. It's basically canon to me at this point, because of how realistic their relationship is depicted (as in, realistic for them). I went through all fives stages of grief reading that story, and I so desperately kept hoping for a happy ending, even if Durgetash are the last people to deserve it. 10/10 fic - there's literally nothing else I can say.

❦

Miscellaneous One Shots/Short stories (Includes the ones I already recommended in May bc let's spread some love): legacy with no memory by @discordsmuse on AO3 - Gortash x The Dark Urge The Weight of A Promise by @sserpente on tumblr [Part 2 is equally good!] - Gortash x Tav/OC kiddo. by @avocado-writing on tumblr. - Gortash & OC to have and to hold by @littlejuicebox on tumblr. - Astarion x Tav choices. by @deadtired-highkeyenergetic on tumblr - Astarion x Tav how to win a custody battle in one easy step. by alltears on AO3 - Astarion x Tav Dangerous by NaeveTheWizard on AO3 - Astarion x The Dark Urge

The Ascendant Takes A Bride by @deadly-diminuendo on tumblr - Astarion x OC lilac and gold by @sorceresssundries on tumblr - Halsin x Tav Until We Wake, also by sorceresssundries on tumblr - Gale x Tav pygmalion's folly by AutopsyGarlands on AO3 - Gortash x Tav The Dark Prince by @reverieblondie on tumblr - Rolan x Tav For Old Times' Sake by @sserpente on tumblr - Gortash x Tav Ma'am by @kimberbohwrites on tumblr/AO3 - Rolan x Tav To Care Enough by @locallegume on tumblr - Astarion x Tav colors of the wind by al9ayf on AO3 - Halsin x Tav To Sever the Thread by anotheropti on AO3 - Shadowheart x Tav

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Honourable Mentions: Honourable mentions go out to several artists whose work I have throughly enjoyed throughout the year!

@starrforge - Incredible Halsin x Tav artwork! @lirotation - My favourite Astarionx Tav artwork, including amazing comics! @shellytheleo - Utterly beautiful Bloodweave content @heyitsjaki - THE BEST COMICS. I love how Gale suffers. Immaculate. @infernaldaydreams - Added to the BG3 category for the amazing Durgetash art, but damn if the DA art isn't immaculate as well.

Hogwarts Legacy I left behind Hogwarts Legacy at the start of the year, however one fic has still managed to secure a spot on my best of 2024 list:

merry and bright [Sebastian Sallow x M!MC] - @heyitszev

❦ Plot: Years after having left his magical hometown of Feldcroft, now streamer Sebastian Sallow returns home for the holidays to celebrate his sisters' nuptials. He expects a short visit, until he meets Charlie, Feldcroft's baker and potions master, and realises what he's been missing all along. ❦ strawberry's thoughts: I am a sucker for Hallmark movies - the cliches and predictability are something I eat up time and time again. So when the wonderfully talented Zev decided to write a hallmark fic with a gay couple at its center, I knew I would eat it up. "merry and bright" is perfect in taking itself serious enough yet also allowing for the typical hilarity and easygoing nature of Hallmark movies. The main characters are adoringly clueless yet charmingly witty and I cannot get enough of the dynamics between all of them.

Dragon Age: The Veilguard Having not played the first three DA games, I know precious little about the universe as a whole. I have several opinions on the game/plot itself, but the community has created some incredible content that deserves to be honoured and appreciated!

❦

Rookie [Viago de Riva & F!Rook, Lucanis Dellamorte/F!Rook] - @marcell-arts

❦ Plot: Rook (or "Rookie") de Riva navigates growing up as a Fledgling of House de Riva as a former slave, before eventually becoming the Hero of the Veilguard. ❦ strawberry's thoughts: Confession time: there’s nothing I love more than a good 'found family' dynamic, especially when it includes a reluctant father/brother figure. That trope alone is usually enough to win me over. I stumbled upon this fic late one night when it had about 15 chapters. Safe to say, I didn’t get much sleep because I was hooked from the very first chapter. The writing is absolutely phenomenal, with pitch-perfect pacing (seriously, it’s masterful) and just the right blend of detail, headcanons, and canon divergence. It manages to stay true to the game while carving out its own identity, and the dynamic between Rook and Viago is equal parts heartwarming and hilarious - ultimate tsundere/reluctant dad meets the kid he practically scooped out of a dumpster energy. Additionally, the relationships Rook forms before teaming up with Varric add so much depth and dimension to her as an original character; they really make her feel alive. This is hands-down one of the best fics I’ve read all year, and I still can’t believe it’s the author’s first.

❦

Misdirection [Emmerich Volkarin/F!Rook] - @jainydoe (AO3)

❦ Plot [AU Setting]: Working for the FBI, being a Professor and a single dad has left Emmerich celibate for years, but the return of his estranged ex wife renders him desperate enough to sign up for a Sugar Dating Website, through which he meets the disaster that is Rook, a broke college student equally as desperate as him. ❦ strawberry's thoughts: The prose of this fic is absolutely fantastic, but what really gets me is the humour. Rook is such a disaster that I can't help but laugh every five seconds and yet "Misdirection" manages to be serious enough that it never comes across as silly or irritating. Emmerich's characterisation, specifically the struggle between his hopeless romanticism and hurt, is written beautifully illustrative and I'm endlessly curious to see where the entire fic will eventually lead.

That's it for my 2024 fic recs! I will definitely be doing this again in 2025, because it brings me a lot of joy to uplift so many fantastic creators and their work. I would love to know what everyone else's "best of" fics were this year, so feel free to drop some wonderful recommendations! Let's create positive and loving spaces for each other, especially in times like these.

For now, Merry Christmas to those celebrating!

Much love xx

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andthekitchensinkao3 · 11 days ago

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More Emmstarion stuff and things

Yes, I'm still on this train. And I told you I'd inflict this on you all.

This is like, I don’t know how many thousand words long, all wrapped into a post nobody asked for. XD Incoming rrrraaaaaamble!

I think I’ve figured out where in Astarion’s story/personal quest he’ll be Dimension Door’d into Thedas. So. Hear me out.

Under the cut~

Over the course of Act 1 in BG3, Astarion is flirtatious and flamboyant, a bit of a dork and an utter bitch, depending on where you are in the story, and how you treat him and others. He Does Not Get the concept of doing for others without getting something for it. Altruism is bullshit, and anyone who says they only want to help are obvious liars. Marked by the past two centuries’ abuse at the hands of the vampire who made him a spawn, he views the world through a lens of you’re either prey or hunter. No one will help you but you, dog eat dog. In some ways he’s stuck in a bad place, and he doesn’t know how to dig himself out. Now, he used to be a Magistrate in the big city - a judge, basically. A nobleman, educated, who was nearly beaten to death after one of his rulings didn’t go down so well with certain elements of society.

He’s been left for dead by the justice system, literally, for the past two centuries. Abandoned by the society he loved, forced into a very abusive situation he had no means of escaping. I hesitate to call his bond to his vampire master a ‘relationship.’

But. As one plays through Act 1, he’s beginning to find his place within the group. With Tav’s ongoing support, he’s feeling a bit… not safe, exactly, but free-er to be himself, even though it’s a long way to go before he’ll be completely free. He’s one of the companions to first let Tav know they’re interested in a sexual relationship - Astarion attempts to seduce them, not because he wants a relationship, but because he sees Tav as a way to gain some measure of security against a bigger threat - against his master, or, the people he’s sent to look for him after his escape.

Towards the end of Act 1, we learn that Astarion has a scar on his back - an elaborate scar tattoo, spelling out words in Infernal, the language used in one of the Nine Hells. His former master, Cazador, carved it into his back. But what the words mean, well… Chances are, it isn’t a love poem.

At the beginning of Act 2, the group find their way to Last Light Inn, a sanctuary in the Shadow Cursed Lands they need to traverse. There, a devil by the name of Raphael tells Astarion he can reveal the purpose of his markings… if he can do something for him, first.

When Last Light Inn is attacked by hideous creatures twisted by the Shadow Curse, Astarion takes a bad hit. Gale grabs him and casts Dimension Door, hoping to get him away from the thick of battle. Except… When Gale comes out on the other end of the spell, Astarion is gone.

Meanwhile…

In the midst of a critical analysis ‘round the library table, a door opens up in the Lighthouse proper, up in the air, up where the floating bookcases do their thing, with a battered Astarion falling through like so much dead weight.

So, from an emotional growth standpoint, Astarion is very much at the stage where he’ll readily seduce people to gain the upper hand against threats. Except… he wakes up, tucked into a bed in a weirdly decorated room that smells vaguely like an apothecary. His daggers are lying, neatly, on the bed next to his, along with everything he had on him. His jacket, shirt, and trousers, having been cleaned of blood, all laid out on the aforementioned bed. His boots next to it.

A human sits by his bed, reading from a tome. A tall-ish, neat human, with not a hair out of place. Graying. Neat pencil moustache.

…and a wry-toned dwarf watches him from the other end of the room, propped up in a bed of his own. Strapped into braces for his leg and his arm. So, an infirmary.

Varric and Emmrich are his first introduction to the world of Thedas, where everything is familiar enough to be unnerving, but different enough to… also be unnerving.

Interacting with the Companions:

Taash is both baby Karlach and grumpy Karlach and standoffish Karlach all at once. Weirdest tiefling he’s ever seen. “Sorry. ‘Qunari’. You’re telling me you’re a thief. An actual member of a thief’s guild founded by a pirate queen… and you don’t steal?”

“Uhuh.”

“And you’re a dragon hunter. But you don’t hunt dragons. You look after them.”

Taash: *smiles*

Astarion: *eye twitch*

Lucanis drinks too much coffee, but his skills at killing all sorts is nothing short of commendable. And Spite’s adorable. You know. For an imaginary friend. 10/10, would fuck. If he could take a hint. Or had any kind of authority within the group. Would Viago be amenable to some enjoyable company, he wonders… Or Teia, for that matter. She looks like someone who can get things done.

Neve’s too sweet for a seasoned detective. What in the Nine Hells is wrong with her that she hasn’t already taken over the Threads and built herself an empire within Minrathous? Femme fatale sleuth with a network like you wouldn’t believe. Top notch asset, and she asks him for help spying on a mark? Be still his undead heart.

Bellara. She’s too sweet. He can’t deal with how sweet she is, she can’t be real, who hurt her to make her this obnoxiously kind and caring and incredibly knowledgeable on all things technical-and-magicky? HOW IS SHE EVEN REAL?!!??!?!?!

Davrin. Forget Davrin, Assan is the bestest boy in the whole wide woooorld.

No, okay. Beneath that cleavage lies a proud, kind heart that Astarion wouldn’t technically mind tearing out of his impressive chest. If only he wasn’t so genuinely good. If only he didn’t remind him of himself, back when he… Before he was…

Assan is the finest, prettiest, sweetest boy there is. (And Manfred too. Astarion loves Manfred. Even with those ghastly jewels he pretends are his eyes.)

Harding. Deceptively sweet, hiding a veritable powerhouse. If she can just harness all that power, the things she could do. She could topple entire empires. She could rebuild the world in her own image. Bring forth a new era of Titan rule.

He can appreciate that. He can not appreciate how she wants to help people all the time without asking for something in return.

Come to think of it, they’re all like that. What the FU**

At least Rook’s got the right idea - yes, I’ll help you with your personal issues, you just need to do me one small favour. Fight two ancient godlike creatures and hordes of quasi-undead. We’re good? Good.

Varric calls his bullshit the first time they’re alone together. He’s the obvious authority figure next to Rook, but he ain’t buying what Astarion’s peddling. “Nice try, Daggers. I’m flattered, but not in the market. Sorry, kid.”

He calls him ‘kid.’ It’s vaguely refreshing.

Insult to injury, Rook’s all moony eyed at the assassin with the imaginary friend, and, well, all they want to know is how to impress him, and does Astarion have any tricks? Any tips on flirtation? Or, how to get his attention in a nice, subtle sorta way?

Astarion has to bite his tongue not to be a snide little bitch, and eventually caves. Rook’s too damn nice, it’s nigh impossible to say no them.

And then there’s Emmrich. Gentlemanly, friendly, respectful, sincere, genuine good egg. A necromancer who reveres the dead, why I never. He’s absolutely fascinated by Astarion being a vampire spawn, or anything resembling a vampire. He tells him at length about the lore on vampires in Thedas, and by the end of it Astarion’s 1) ready to claw his own eyes out, 2) pounce his stupid, happy, endearing little face with the tiny beauty marks and the crow’s feet that come out whenever he smiles for real.

Can you just imagine the chaos that is Astarion flirting with Emmrich - flirting is what he does best (aside from stabbing people repeatedly). Desire is his currency, seduction his trade. How many unsuspecting fools has he seduced on Cazador’s orders? Why shouldn’t he use all his tricks on Emmrich, who may not be the one in charge, but everyone else looks to for his guidance and expertise - Emmrich has a position of power within the group. Everyone listens to him. And one of the few ways Astarion knows how to connect with others, is through flirtation, and sex.

But Emmrich, who has longed for love his entire life, knows not to trust a pretty face and insistent advances. He’s old enough to have learned the hard way when people want something from him, be it a favorable letter of recommendation, or his endorsement for some more-or-less political venture (academia is So Very Political these days), students wanting extensions, or… whatever the case may be. However-much he’d love for someone like Astarion to be genuinely interested in him, he knows when someone doesn’t actually want him. He’s a means to an end, whether that’s casual sex or… whatever it is he wants.

He tells Astarion he’s flattered, but not currently interested in liaisons - but he would never say no to friendship.

Astarion is initially disgusted, of course, though he wouldn’t tell him. Not outright. That would be counterproductive to getting into his good graces. And, well, you can get a lot of leverage through ~friendship~. Eugh.

For a while, things go to plan - they “bond” through the various missions and fetch quests Rook makes them tag along for. Emmrich’s open-minded, generous, as in giving of himself as well as his worldly possessions. Emmrich invites him to the Memorial Gardens, to show Astarion what the Mourn Watchers do, exactly. He talks - which suits Astarion, really, the more he knows about someone the easier it is to manipulate them into doing what you want - and he… opens up about things. Things like how the Mourn Watch took him in as a child, after he lost his parents in a perfectly preventable accident. A collapsed building, of all things. His fear of death. Manfred makes them tea.

Within days of that whole thing, Emmrich shows up at Astarion’s room, knocking on his door (HE HAS A DOOR! AN ENTIRE ROOM!), and he… has prepared a pint of his own blood, as a token of gratitude.

A pint. Of his own blood. In a glass flask. Still warm. As thank you. For listening to him natter on about the sanctity of life and death, for perhaps sharing too much of himself so quickly - in one of the most breathtaking places Astarion’s ever been and he’s seen the Underdark.

And Emmrich smiles so genuinely, all blushing with self-consciousness, and says “Well, I just wanted to make sure you’re not starving. Blood from the butcher’s fine and all, but. Well. Good night, Astarion.” And his crow’s feet come out, and he clasps his hands behind his back and turns on his heel, and…

Astarion’s standing there with a warm flask of blood, feeling happy. For the first time in forever, and he hasn’t even sampled the blood.

(You know what kills me in the game? If you let Astarion feed on your player character, the next morning he has a status called “Happy” and the symbol is a smiling little mouth with fangs. It is the most adorable AND heartbreaking thing ever.)

So. That’s a game changer. Definitely tipping the scales from ‘Oh, wouldn’t it be nice to have some form of security in this new environment’ to ‘I want him. For my own sake.’

It’s not as though he technically needs protection from Cazador. Or the tadpole, which seems dormant. …might be good to see about that, but in any case. No one’s telling him what to do, what to think, how to feel. What to eat, or when. Whom he sleeps with.

He could have something all his own.

But feelings are hard. Difficult. Sticky and cloying. Dangerous. They require you to reveal too much, to bare yourself for emotional evisceration. Feelings can be exploited. They make you vulnerable, and if there’s one thing Astarion can’t bear the thought of, it’s to be vulnerable ever again.

And yet, the more time they spend together, the more he wants. He wants with the all-consuming fervour of a child, he wants Emmrich so much he could implode on the spot. And in some ways, he already has him. The way Emmrich looks at him, he doesn’t look at anyone that way. His smiles. The things he tells him, the stories, the anecdotes, the knowledge he shares over pots of tea in the wee hours of the night. His tone of voice, reserved only for those moments. Little brushes of his fingers over Astarion’s arm. His hand a comfortable weight on his shoulder. But he never crosses the line into something… untowards. Always respectful. Always.

Things are tense, after the fall of Weisshaupt. Everyone does what they can to deal with the loss of one of the few remaining living legends of the Grey Wardens. A symbol of perseverance and victory against evil - gone.

Over a game of Wicked Grace with Varric and Lucanis, they tell Astarion there’s no point in pretending there isn’t something going on between him and the professor. “Love’s what this world needs more of,” says Varric, “not… whatever this shit’s supposed to be.”

Astarion scoffs. Calls Varric all kinds of insults [affectionately. He likes Varric].

“Don’t waste time,” says Lucanis, with his wet puppy dog eyes and his charming way of stating things as if they’re obvious. “You love each other, anyone can s--”

“I don’t love him!” He laughs. The sound cuts through the dining hall like a knife parrying a blow. No one must know, this is his secret, or, if not a secret, it’s his, and no one gets to act like they know what he feels. Not about anything. No one will exploit him, no one will use it against him. Being a snide ass comes easily to him. He’s a master of deflection. And poisoning his blades. “Love is for the young and beautiful, and last I checked, he’s neither.”

And you can all guess who’s just walked through the door bearing a tray of tea and cookies. Home made. And a flask of blood. Still warm.

TO BE DETERMINED, coming to AO3 soon! Soonish! Aaaaiiiieeeee!

Bonus points, if I ever go down that route: Emmrich in Faerûn

Can’t you just imagine Emmrich and Gale talking for hours, comparing and contrasting Mystra and Mythal? Expanding on magic systems: their own, similar but different areas of expertise. Gale asks for his input regarding his condition, and Emmrich generously lays out various theories and potential ways of helping. He’s the Senior Wizard Gale’s hoped to find, and even if he doesn’t have an actual solution, Gale feels better for having a wizard to share his fears with.

Emmrich listening to Wyll, because he can see how much the young man needs someone to just listen for once. Offering no bits of advice unless asked for, giving no insights or suggestions. Just sitting there with him on the sand, watching the water while he talks about Mizora, and his father, and everything that’s gone… not quite the way he’d hoped. (Emmrich thinks Mizora sounds just like a desire demon… but so does Raphael, from what Astarion’s told him. HMMM)

Shadowheart can actually talk to him about Shar without being met with prejudice. Emmrich’s kind, attentive, and doesn’t have a judgemental bone in his body - except, when he hears of how she became a follower of Shar, and what happened to her parents. He may come from a world where Hell doesn’t exist, but Hell hath no fury like Emmrich Volkarin’s inner eleven-year-old when someone else’s parents are threatened.

Karlach can’t hug? For fear of burning people’s skin clear off? Manfred has no skin! Emmrich’s made sure he’s flame retardant! AND he gives quite precious hugs, Emmrich assures her, so long as she’s careful with his joints - and takes it upon himself to do something about Karlach’s predicament. Like learning all he can about Infernal Iron and whatnot. Oh, if only Bellara were here! She’d know just how to fix this.

Halsin, well. What can’t they talk about? Conservation, wildlife preservation, horticulture, medicinal plants, just plain geeking out over ~Nature~ with a capital N. Disappearing into the woods for hours on end, until Astarion, filled with a mix of lingering low self-worth and seething jealousy, follows them - fueled by some manner of masochistic need to catch them in the act and have all his fears validated (but also wouldn’t Emmrich and Halsin be kind of hot? Conflicting emotions! The struggle is REAL). But he doesn’t find them locked in an amorous embrace, but spying on a bird’s nest. With hatchlings. Entirely too excited about birds breaking through their little shells as a metaphor for the circle of life, but… you know. New life is to be celebrated. It’s… kind of adorable.

Astarion once again wants to 1) claw his own eyes out, and 2) pounce his silly little necromancer right there. Surely Halsin wouldn’t mind. Nature boy.

Edit April 13 2025:

I forgot about Lae’zel! My darling!

Aside from the obvious hardship of learning harsh truths about your religion - Emmrich’s been there, with everything going on in Veilguard, where everyone’s more or less forced into questioning their own belief systems, whether they worship elven gods or the Maker - BUT THERE’S A GITHYANKI EGG? Githyanki lay eggs? And it is enormous, and there’s a baby githyanki in there! Emmrich is overcome by his mama bear/mother hen instincts. They are powerful instincts, everyone - although, of course, he wouldn’t dream of stepping on Lae’zel’s toes. It may not be her egg, but it’s part of her people. And life, just as much as death, is to respected.

Having said that, anyone threatens that egg, they explode on the spot. Or lose whatever offensive limbs they dared use. Verbal abuse? Congratulations, you don’t have a tongue anymore. (Yes he would be that vicious. But if the offender asked nice, he may be persuaded to sew it back. Lae’zel doesn’t see the merit of this, but Emmrich explains the agony of a swollen tongue might not be enough to dissuade the cur from speaking out again. But he’ll always have the scar to remind him. And, Emmrich would tell the offender - he’ll know if they ever speak out of turn, ever again. And woe betide, if he has to hunt them down. It won’t just be their tongue next time. It’s… mostly intimidation. Mostly.)

Bonus points: Emmrich and Lae’zel being up at the asscrack of dawn, sparring. Emmrich, as a direct consequence of this, develops muscles he didn’t even know he had - and he knows all about the finer points of anatomy.

#ao3 fanfic #da veilguard fanfic #bg3 fanfic #datv emmrich #bg3 astarion #emmstarion #emmrich x astarion #fic idea #my wips #bg3 crossover

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