#gentlemen prefer tavs

[jarebear20]

Dark Urges Prefer Gentlemen

Fandom: Baldur's Gate 3

Featured Pairings: OC/Astarion, OC/Wyll/Halsin

Tumblr Link: tba

Ao3 link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/55492618/chapters/140823982

Summary: Longtime friends Kalli and Jare find themselves in Faerûn under strange circumstances. Aside from the usual perils of being dropped in the middle of a fantasy setting, Jare must now contend with the dark urges threatening to take control of her new body. The mindflayer tadpole is just added insult to injury.

A companion to @thebearmuse's Gentlemen Prefer Tavs

---

Blood.

She can smell it. Hell, she can practically taste it. It hangs heavy in the air, like a balloon ready to pop. Before she can make sense of it, the metallic tang wraps around her throat and yanks. Her body screams, one long nerve lighting up as if it’s been struck, but all that greets her is a wet gurgling sound.

She is making that sound.

“Shhh.” She sags with relief as fingertips brushed against her temples. The pain recedes, just enough that she can actually focus on the voice somewhere above her. “It’s going to be alright. I won’t let you die.”

Oh. Well that’s good. She didn’t exactly plan on dying today. Trying to open her eyes, she lets out a sharp intake of breath as the pain flares up once more.

“You need to rest,” the voice continues. “The transition was not an easy one, and we’ll need you at your full strength for what is to come.”

Well that’s ominous. But before she can even try to talk, she feels herself slipping back into unconsciousness. Lips press against her forehead and she hears before the blessed darkness takes her, “Remember: we’re betting on you.”

——

The smell of blood is still there when she wakes, but she’s too distracted by the sensation washing over her to pay it much mind. It feels warm, almost like pure sunlight being poured directly into her. When the feeling fades, she thinks she might be able to move properly.

She pushes herself up, wanting to take proper stock of her surroundings. But when she opens her eyes, she hisses. A hand presses against her back for support.

“Jare? Is that you?”

She knows that voice. “Kalli?” Ignoring her discomfort,she looks at the person in front of her.

They’re not the Kalli she is familiar with. For one, the Kalli she knows doesn’t have pointed ears like an elf. The hair doesn’t quite match what she remembers of her friend, nor do the eyes quite hold up. But somehow, she knows that it’s really Kalli. How does she know that?

“Are you alright?”

Jare assesses herself. She can feel the various parts of her, which is nice. But there’s an ache to them that tells her she could really do with more rest. That’s less nice.

“Everything hurts,” she admits. “What… happened, Kalli? One minute we were starting the game, then--”

“We appear to be in Faerûn somehow,” Kalli answers. She sounds more calm than Jare feels at the moment. How long has she been here? “Not a clue where we are, other than not on the nautiloid. I woke up just before you did.”

“Uh huh.” Jare doesn’t mention what happened before. Did it really happen? Or had she dreamed the whole thing up? “That explains the ears and lack of glasses then.”

“Oh!” Reaching up, Kalli feels her new ears. “That goes for you as well.”

Humming, Jare feels for her own ears. The tips taper off into soft points. Interesting, but something still feels off. Like she is wearing a costume.

She blinks, surprised as a thought occurs to her. “My eyes—did one of them change?”

Jare had never been diagnosed with color blindness, but it’s the only way she can think to explain what she sees when she looks at her friend. Like someone has put a partial filter over her vision.

“That was you in character creation?”

“I thought I’d try branching out with a character’s design.” It’s never been her forte. “Seemed fitting for a Dark Urge character, no?”

“Well, it certainly is dark.” Kalli smiles. “I’m just glad it’s not connected to your wounds.”

“You never know.” Taking a moment to adjust to the change in vision, she glances around the room. “Durge does start off covered in blood.” And a headache, like the one starting to creep over her.

“Well shit. You weren't kidding about this not being the nautiloid.” There’s plenty of gore even if she ignores the stuff surrounding her, but the room looks more cave-like than the sort of stuff to be found on an Illithid ship.

"Nope, I wasn't. But hey, at least the designer studied color theory." Kalli gestures to the pools of blood. "Look, they're a happy red, not a Scorsese red."

The laugh feels like a knife slipping between her ribs. “Ow. Please don’t make me laugh.”

"Sorry, I've already had some time to process, so here we are with weird humor as a coping device." Kalli looks around. "Think you're okay to stand yet? Because wherever we are, it feels profoundly unsafe."

“Not sure,” she admits, though she’s already moving to make the attempt. “But we can’t stay here.” Kalli helps her get to her feet. Dark spots dot her vision, but Jare pushes through it. They don’t have much time, she thinks. Whoever fucked her up could come back at any moment and finish the job.

She feels something deep inside of her tug at the thought. Huh. There’s something there. If she just…no. Later. When they’re safe.

It takes some time before that happens. Despite lucking out and finding two lesser scrolls of invisibility in a chest, the pair still have to sneak past dozens of people in robes. It’s slow work, as her body keeps trying to give out beneath her. Just a little further…

They reach a dead end in the form of a stone slab blocking what is clearly an exit point. There has to be some way to open it—

The stone shifts, moving upward as someone on the other side activates whatever mechanism controls it. She steps forward, ready to book it as soon as she sees an opening, when

KillkiLLsTaBslicethatprettyfaceMAKEHERPAY

“JARE!”

She reels, barely stopping herself from lashing out from the rage boiling inside of her. At her feet is Kalli, braced for a blow that never comes. “What…?”

"Oh good, you're back." Kalli scrambles to her feet like it’s nothing. As if she wasn’t about to be attacked by her friend. "I don't know what just happened, but we need to get out of here before it happens again."

"Did I hurt you?" Anxiety eats at her, images of what might have happened if she hadn’t stopped in time flashing in front of her. Her head throbs.

"No, I'm fine. I just fell trying to stop you from going back in there. You didn't seem to like the woman in red." Kalli pats her. "We can sort that out later. We've got to move before someone finds us."

“Right.” But the guilt still gnaws at her, even as she spots the traps. "Keep to the sides. You see those long rectangles running across in rows? They look like pressure plates. I can't see where the attached traps are, but they're probably in the middle."

She’s not sure how she knows they’re there, but right now she isn’t going to question it. "All right. Let's go."

[bloodandoranges]

Feel completely free to ignore if uncomfortable but...Im starved of NSFW Gale headcanons \ oneshots...and your writing is ✨Great✨ so uhhh do with this as you will.

✨Gale/Fem!Tav NSFW Headcanons✨

waahh thank you for this prompt, I love doing headcanons! Hopefully will have an one shot out soon 👀 also…should I add more?

— Gale wasn’t lying when he said he had a practiced tongue. He loves to go down on Tav, her thighs clenched around his head, toes digging into his back as he loses himself in her, as he drinks her in. She feels the Weave dance around her skin as he devours her, caressing her where he can’t reach. He seeks her out constantly, settling to his knees in front of her.

— If there’s one thing that will always set Gale off? It’s Tavs scent. A new perfume, and he’s all over her, complimenting her and pressing his nose to her neck, breathing in the sweet aroma. But of course, he prefers her natural scent. When they’ve had a hard day of battle or training; or rather, days…when she’s covered in blood and sweat is when it really sets him off. He’s all over her, hands squeezing at her hips as he breathes her in, as he moves into her…nose nuzzled tightly against her collarbone all the while.

— Of course, while he enjoys taking her wherever he can? His favourite place will always be in the Astral Planes, amongst the Weave… He holds her tight, multiple sets of arms around her as he fucks her, gasping out her name like a prayer. Their bodies, their souls, perfectly intertwined. There was nothing, nothing that could be better than this.

— As any good gentlemen should, he enjoys cuddling after sex…and in general, really. Curled up on his sofa with Tav settled in his lap while he read a book, her arms wound around his neck while she laid her head on his chest. Or the two of them wrapped in a naked embrace, limbs tangled together as he gently strokes her face - thinking on how truly lucky he was that the Gods had blessed him with her.

— Bonus: He loves being praised. He loves when she tells him how good his been, how wells he’s down…he becomes putty in her hands.

[fangbangerghoul]

OKAY I'M COMIN IN UNDER THE WIRE Sensory prompt: The coppery scent of blood in the air Emotion: Adrenaline - Is that an emotion? Amped? Object: Chair Lets go with Astarion and a character of your choice that you've been wanting to write!

For you?

I'll give you the best!

wc: 799 (cause i got carried away as usual)

Today is the last day I am accepting prompts for my 100 follower celebration! Please feel free to submit one!

            The dilapidated building was unsavory as they all sat in it for a short rest. Gale used to be able to count the number of deaths he caused on his fingers before he decided to travel with Tav. Now it seemed every day there was a new blood stain on his hands, his clothes, even his face. Tav was wrapping their leg from a battle wound and Astarion and Shadowheart seemed preoccupied with their own needs. He felt his calf burn with an intensity that was unexpected and the coppery scent washed over his as he lifted his robe to see the brutal gash in his leg. The adrenaline left in his veins was pounding in his temples and his breathing still didn’t feel quite right. His eyes were focused on the wound and he was debating if traditional methods of healing would be best or if he should succumb to a quick fix with magic. The pros and cons weren’t particularly swaying him in either direction and the weight his body felt from exhaustion he wondered how much longer he could let it freely bleed.

“What do we have here?” The cool and charming tone came from Astarion who had crept up to Gale as he sat in the only viable chair. He felt a dull pressure in his knees and opted to be selfish for once and take a seat before offering it to Tav. Astarion’s presence caused a bit of caution in Gale. He was entirely comfortable around the man but there was always something that made Gale extremely curious about the red eyed charmer.

“It is nothing.” Gale said abruptly, not wanting the half elf to see his weakness. Who knows what influence he really had on Tav. They were not to pressed when Astarion confessed to be the vampire spawn he was even though he obviously was going to fed on Tav without permission. Something Gale thought that was extremely rude and dubious.

“Ah, don’t be coy now.” Astarion had a toothy grin and he swayed a bit side to side. The vampire spawn always seemed big on body language. Gale caught the tiniest of flares from Astarion’s nostrils. He knew then Astarion smelt the blood and perhaps considered only coming over to sneak a bite. Maybe just to lick his leg? Gale wasn’t entirely sure but he now he knew for certainty to not let his guard down.

“Let me take a look.” Astarion said gently his hand body and hand starting to near Gale but Gale flinched for a moment and gave an astute glare. He had hoped the vampire would heed his warning but his smirk had only lessened a fraction. “What? I’m not going to drain you dry if that’s what you think. There are tastier things out there than you wizard.”

Gale’s felt his pride hurt for a moment and his glare softened into a more offended look. He knew it was silly of him to take offense to that and perhaps instead he should be feeling more of a relief from that statement.

“I didn’t say that you were.” Gale started as he tried to relax his body to allow Astarion to get closer. He did not want to make a scene because the others were busy resting themselves. “Who knew someone like you would have something against older gentlemen.”

“You shouldn’t put words into others mouth, Gale.” Astarion’s tone seemed full of an array of emotions from teasing, flirting, even threatening and a mix of disappointment. Gale was not sure what to say to his response but hissed when Astarion poked at his flesh wound.

“Don’t be a baby.” Astrarion’s voice was like a soft gruff and before Gale realized it the dazzling companion in front of him was stitching up his wound. The closeness between the two of them was more intimate than he would have preferred but he accepted his fate as he closed his eyes. The wizard was not trying to be too mindful of the pain and after a few seconds it had stopped. He felt Astarion’s cool fingers trace up his calf where the wound was and when Gale peeked Astarion’s eyes were looking right into his. The companion had his finger covered in Gale’s blood and it held just before his lips. Astarion dipped the finger into his own mouth and Gale could hear the light pop come from his lips and the sound of his tongue move around inside his mouth. Gale was about to say something in exasperation but the vampire just smiled and pulled out his finger. “Maybe I was wrong about their being tastier companions.” He said in a thoughtful tone. Gale looked dismayed as the vampire spawn stood and walked away as if nothing ever happened.

[jarebear20]

Jare & Kalli from Gentlemen Prefer Tavs by @thebearmuse

[Ao3][Tumblr]

[jarebear20]

Dark Urges Prefer Gentlemen, Chapter Two

Fandom: Baldur's Gate 3

Featured Pairings: OC/Astarion, OC/Wyll/Halsin

Tumblr Link: 1

Ao3 link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/55492618/chapters/149607676

Summary: Longtime friends Kalli and Jare find themselves in Faerûn under strange circumstances. Aside from the usual perils of being dropped in the middle of a fantasy setting, Jare must now contend with the dark urges threatening to take control of her new body. The mindflayer tadpole is just added insult to injury.

A companion to @thebearmuse's Gentlemen Prefer Tavs

Somehow they make out alright. Jare doesn’t consider herself to be a particularly lucky person, but she can’t deny that Lady Luck is on their side when they make it out of what seems to be an underground temple no worse for wear. The halfling calling herself Shalamora gives her pause, but they don’t have time to be picky about help when it offers itself. 

“Do you know the way out of here?” she asks, peering down at the stranger. Kalli had changed her voice, so Jare does her best impression of a standard British accent. It seems the safest option, given the voice actors in the game proper.  

Shalamora nods and beckons the pair to follow. “Stay close to me.”

Exhaustion covers her like a thick blanket; they must find a way out soon before she becomes dead weight. She won’t leave Kalli to fend for herself in this unfamiliar world. They move swiftly and silently through the ruins. Each time Jare feared they’d be spotted by a guard, she felt something give her a little nudge in the right direction. A touch, achingly familiar, preventing their discovery by those who would cause them harm. 

And just like that, they are out. Jare’s relief is palpable. A knot in her chest slackens as whatever tied her to the place is cut off. She hears Kalli let out a small breath beside her and glances down to watch her friend. Any conversation, however, must be stowed away for later as Shalamora leads them from the ruins into the catacombs that make up what appears to be a sewer system.

“You two are new to Baldur’s Gate, yes?” Shalamora cuts them off before they can make their excuses. “No need to deny it, my darlings. Those accents - valiantly attempted though they may be - mark you as outlanders.”

“Even more than our regular accents?” Jare asks, her voice returning to its thick southern drawl.

“Oh! I like that one! Certainly unique! And pretty too.” 

Jare blushes a little at that. She’s lost count at the number of times people have called her accent cute, but it gets her every time. 

“Why did you help us?” she asks now. 

“I know an honest face when I see one. And you two certainly have those." The halfing’s teeth flash white in the dim light of the sewer. "Besides, you must be something special, since you landed yourselves in some serious trouble immediately upon your arrival.”

“Thank you for that, by the way.” Kalli looks like she wants to add something, but chooses not to. Jare watches her a moment, then focuses back on the matter at hand. 

"It was my pleasure, dear." Shalamora pats Kalli's arm. "I have a soft spot for adventurers who have a knack for getting in over their heads." She playfully elbows Jare's leg. "Quite the feat, in your case!"

Right. Jare still doesn’t know how to feel about her sudden growth spurt. As a human, she didn’t mind being the shorter of her friends and family. To find herself several inches taller felt…strange.

“To that end,” Shalamora continues, “I believe you ladies would work well with an acquaintance of mine. It will give you a chance to know the city and further hone your skills.”

Jare stops herself from asking what sort of skills those might be, fearing she might not like the answer very much. Instead she asks, “What sort of work does she do?”

“A little of this, a little of that.” The halfling shrugs when Jare stares at her. “Okay, so its not exactly what you’d call ‘above board,’” she admits, punctuating her words with air quotes. “But it is an opportunity that one does not come by often. Is it not worth taking a chance?”

That depends, Jare thought. Is it really chance if you have no other choice?

“What’s the plan?” she asks. 

Shalamora grins. 

———

Much, much later, Jare flops onto a bed in their private rooms at the Blade and Stars. Everything had gone according to Shalamora’s—Tymora’s, she silently corrects—carefully crafted plan. After returning a wayward package to Nine-Fingers Keene, Jare and Kalli found themselves now employed by the Guild, the premiere criminal organization in Baldur’s Gate. Nine-Fingers even forked over a strong health potion to take the bite out of Jare’s injuries, something Jare finds herself grateful for now hours later. 

Now the worst has passed, she’s able to take proper stock of herself. Once all of the blood and muck from the sewers is scrubbed away, she’s able to see what Kalli sees: a half-elf with bright red hair and mismatched eyes. The black is a little disconcerting, but it was what she chose for her character initially. It’s not the only thing vaguely familiar, either. Jare can see the faded scar she got when her sister threw a soda can at her head in their youth. The sight of it comforts more than she expects.  

She thumbs one of the horns of the red rubber duck that had been sitting on the nightstand when they arrived.The trinket is familiar—she won it in an arcade game while on a family vacation a few years ago. It’d been sitting next to her monitor when Faerûn had been nothing more than a fantasy setting. Is it meant to be a talisman? Something to remind her of what she left behind?  

There are too many questions with few answers to satisfy them. Kalli has finally fallen asleep; Jare can hear her quiet snuffling in the bed across from her. At least one of them will be rested in the morning. Sleep is hard to succumb to when her head feels like it has been put in a vice. Should she go to the doctor? No…an herbalist would be better here. She’ll ask Kalli if they can stop by one tomorrow.

From there her thoughts drift to the scars she found scattered all over her body. Who was the person who once inhabited this body? They weren’t who Jare envisioned when she started building an avatar in the character creation screen. There were plenty of scar options, but they’d been restricted to the face. This body is…different.

<You shouldn’t be here.>

“Hmm?” Jare shifts in her bed. “Did you say something, Kal?” But her friend’s steady breathing is all that greets her. She’s just about to chalk it up to exhaustion when she hears it again.

<You shouldn’t be here.>

Closer now. Jare’s body goes rigid as she feels a dip in the wool-stuffed mattress. Breath quickening, she looks down along her body and finds nothing but empty air. Yet the feel of a hand caressing her cheek is unmistakable. 

<Such innocence. Ah, but it will be glorious to break you once more.>

She shudders. “Who—?” Her words die at the pressure on her lips.

<But why spoil things now? Rest now, little lamb. The slaughter will come soon enough. And we still have so much blood to spill.>