#make jaheira younger

[artschoolglasses]

If you use mods in video games that make characters look younger, remove wrinkles, smooth out skin, make them thinner… etc, etc…I hate you. 🙃

[hereforamediocretimenotalongtime]

its joever for me

----

mostly drew this because people were shitting on them because theyre old.......some of yall are weak as hell and i hope this art finds its way to yall

[halamshirals]

honestly? slay

[dekariosclan]

I've got a hopefully interesting Gale ask! While we all know how our dear wizard fumbled his way into a deep, loving (romantically or platonically) relationship with Tav, we don't see much about how he bonded individually with the other tadfools. He obviously considers them all his true friends (even Minthara), but what was the unique connection he built with each one beyond saving the world together? Like I could see Gale and Wyll becoming fast friends based in mutual respect and a shared love of storytelling, for example, but what about Astarion? Or Shadowheart? What do you think it was that made them curious enough about each other to let down their guards and allow a connection to form in the first place?

Something in me says it takes more than forced proximity, a shared goal, and passive sentiments for Mr. "My Social Circle Is More Of A Dot" Dekarios to call someone a friend.

This is definitely an interesting ask! 💖 Thank you!

I confess that while I did try to make these somewhat accurate and base them around the in-game banter I recall seeing, I mostly went with my gut instinct…hopefully I did everyone justice: Wyll - Romance books. Wyll tends to prefer the trashier ones, Gale tends to prefer classy (think cheap generic paperback bodice-rippers vs Pride & Prejudice) yet they both end up loving the other’s recommendations: “Gale, that book was marvelous! It brought a tear to my eye, truly!” “Wyll, I confess the title you lent me was not one I would normally have taken an interest in, and yet, I found it most…stimulating. Do you have…others in a similar vein that you can recommend?”

Karlach - Favorite ales & favorite taverns, along with more than a few swapped tales of drunken mischief (either being committed by them in their younger days OR witnessed while at a tavern). They both know several popular tavern shanties and on one occasion perform a duet in camp.

Astarion - Colognes/perfumes. The fact that Astarion wears a pleasing scent of bergamot, rosemary, and aged brandy to successfully hide the unpleasant scent of—well, death—would intrigue Gale, especially when Shadowheart mentions that Gale himself tends to smell ‘like a wealthy dowager.’ A wealthy what? He most certainly does not—how ridiculous—still, he would greatly appreciate any recommendations Astarion might have on how to correct that??

Lae’zel - Githyanki culture. Language. Literature…especially porn Studies on Erotic Pleasures in the Astral Plane.

Minsc - Any/all tales of Gale’s wizardly shenanigans and troublemaking. The ones involving fires or explosions are Minsc’s favorites. Boo’s as well.

Shadowheart - Commiserating over the pitfalls of worshipping and serving a Goddess who only sees you as a tool to be used. They have a lot to talk about.

Halsin - Nature spells and animal shapeshifting. A fascinating topic to Gale. Especially regarding…potential applications in the bedroom. That is, if Halsin might have particular knowledge on that subject?

Jaheira - Tales about the Harpers. The more outlandish and the less likely to be found in the history books, the better.

Finally, Minthara.

Minthara is 1000% a cat in Drow form. One who knows she is superior to every other companion, and who will bite (verbally) anyone who tries too hard to befriend her. Every discussion Gale attempts with her is a landmine that usually ends in some sort of devastating roast of Gale and/or wizards in general.

…but Gale is a cat lover, and he’s SURE that if he’s patient just a bit longer—

[wrightingdungeon]

BG3 Companion's reactions to Tav being much younger than they thought

Trying out a new format kinda, let me know if it works, please

Lae’zel is the baby at 20/23 ish but for this Tav is around age 16/17 making them the baby 

Astarion: He didn't really care to know your age when you first met, but as you ventured forth he could tell you where inexperienced, an amazing leader, but you had no idea what you were doing. “How long have you been doing this, adventuring this darling?” He asked watching as you tried in vain to unlock a chest. “Oh well… Im only sixteen so not that long? When we met up really.” He stared into space for a moment, taking in his fearless leader, who was in fact a child. “Well thats… reassuring?” He said carefully moving you to the side so he could pick the lock for you. 

Trust me you wouldn't live down the. “Does the baby need help?” Jokes

No one is getting within arm's length of you though

#his baby *cough* his meal ticket *cough, cough*

Gale: The poor guy has a lot on his mind *and in it*. Forgive him that he really didn't think about figuring out how old you are. “Gale how old were you when you found out you could use magic?” Gale looked up at you watching you playing around with Minor Illusion. “I was about seventeen when Mystra first contacted me.” He said thinking for a moment. “Ohhh that means I’ll be a better wizard than you!” He chuckled hearing You tease him. “You can't be that young.” He jested, his face deadpanning when you admitted you were almost seventeen. 

Giving him PTSD from when he first met Mystra

He feeds you first 

Feels so guilty about you going to get him magical artifacts

Halsin:  Oh he knew, He is over three hundred but he ain't dumb. When you broke him out of Jail he was protective of you, seeing a kid leading and protecting a group of adults broke his heart. “Tav, please rest.” He said softly as he let you sit down. “I have the watch tonight, please get some sleep.” He’s a papa bear. You get hurt, he's there. Can't reach something? Halsins is helping lift you up. He lets you have your respect as a leader but he is always there to be a shoulder to lean on or your own personal Jiminy cricket. 

Guard Dog privileges

Will let you sleep on him

Will not let you in the sheresses caress

Jaheira: Mama knew, when you first pulled up to Last Light she swore she saw one of her kids running up to her. “Cub have you eaten?” She’s already going mama mode seeing you haven't slept or eaten. She tears Halsin a new one for not helping you more with Art Cullagh. After the Last Light is attacked and you are standing by her side helping protect her people she feels proud of the next generation and those who are leading it.

She licks her thumb and cleans your face without thinking of it

Teaches you how to haggle

Feels so sorry for you and the trials you must face

Karlach: The baby girl had no idea, she just knows it's fun to rage with you. During a particularly deep rage section, she was surprised when you started to cry. “Soldier?” She asks having to stop herself from hugging and burning you. “I-I’m just scared Karlach.” She listened to you feeling her own tears forming. “I’m not even eighteen, but… Everyone depends on me.” Gods she wanted to hug you, she was raging for you, and because she couldn't hug you. 

She works 10x harder to cool down her heart, not just for her, but so she can hold you

Lets you hug Clive as long as you need

Knows how you feel from being shoved into Zariel’s arms at age fifteen

Lae’zel: She doesn't care, You are old enough to hold a sword. In fact your young age and leadership skills just makes her impressed. “I will help train you to fight like a true warrior, not like the teeth-ling.” She does in fact start training you. Dear gods save you, shes got you running laps before the sun comes up.

Proud older sister

Has her own special *violent* way for praising you

Talks about when shes a general of Vlakith and you will be her right-hand

Shadowheart: She and Lae’zel were at each other's throats again when you blew up at them. “You two are fighting like teenagers! And I’m sixteen!” She felt like she got hit by a bag of bricks, you were sixteen, but you had pulled her from the nautiloid, and fought with her out of the hells. “You can't be sixteen.” She said chuckling softly in disbelief, hearing you confirm when you were born she definitely needed some wine to get over that.

Don't know how to act around you

Will give you little candies

Mom said I have to take you with me vibes

Wyll: He found out talking about his pact with you. “Yes, I was seventeen when I signed my pact, but I do not regret it.” He said taking a drink from his goblet. “Man I'm almost seventeen, I wonder what I’ll be like when I'm your age.” Have you ever seen someone shoot wine out their nose? Now you have.

Gets very protective when Mizora shows up

Big brother mode

Piggy back rides when you are tired

[tcustodisart]

What are some cute moments that occur throughout the different acts that aren’t necessarily in the game but live in your head rent free?

Oh, this one is going to be a long answer, because there's a lot of squatters in my head and there's a lot to be unleashed. Let's start with this doodle with the boys playing lanceboard at camp and continue under the cut. Lots of cringe and brainrot incoming, so brace yourself.

Act 1:

Connie is constantly bickering with Astarion over him stealing his journal. Gale suggest to cast arcane lock on it, but Connie knows it won't stop that gremlin from reading it so why bother.

This sad pile of rugs is where I imagine Connie sleeps in Act 1. Additional Astarion line: "Damn darling, you live like this?"

During the first romance scene Connie tells Shart about his family, about how he and his brother know the city inside and out, about his parents and the tavern they run, about the trap incident. It's the most he talked to someone who wasn't his family or his crow in years. He wishes that night would never end.

Connie sends letters to his family via Faust, he stops after entering Underdark.

Act 2:

I mentioned it before that Connie is not taking the Shadow Curse very well. He misses the sun, misses the grass, he's unable to contact his family, Shart has distanced herself from him. Karlach notices it and tries to cheer him up. They end up having long talks almost every night. That's the moment their friendship evolves from just friends to besties.

When Connie finds the second warding bond ring, he wishes he could give the other one to Shadowheart, but finds the moment inappropriate. He ends up giving her the ring at the beginning of Act 3.

Act 3:

I have a lot of stuff for this act.

This is inspired by one of Jaheira's lines: "'The Cub and the Crow'- sounds like a cautionary tale. As it probably should." Connie draws her a mock up cover for a kids book. Jaheira sticks it to the traveling chest (I mostly store food there, so to me traveling chest = fridge).

Connie goes through a serious breakdown at the start of this act (after a companion is abducted), he ends up crying and saying that for the first time he doesn't believe they're going to make it, that he'll never hug his mom, never hear his brother sing again, won't be able to tell his step dad that he saw Darkmaw the Wicked. He's being comforted first by Jaheira and then by the rest of his party.

His favorite armor gets damaged one time, he's very upset about it. But the next morning he finds it magically repaired (Astarion fixed it, from the start of Act 3 they become besties).

This wip that I'm very slowly working on happens during act 3. Connie makes some flower crowns and talks about how his mom taught him to do that. I'm not going to say more, because I really want to finish that comic.

Connie has a deal with Popper that he'll pay him double for every night orchid he finds (I actually did that in game, I bantered him more money for the flower than he asked for, I love that little guy so much).

This one is more funny than cute but when Connecticut Tav was younger and still lived in Baldur's Gate he used to visit Sharess's Caress pretty regularly because it was the best way to practice drawing people. He really enjoyed talking with the workers there, he eventually convinced them that maybe creating an union isn't such a bad idea. He ended up being banned from entering the brothel because of that. So when the party approaches it to meet Voss, he's very nervous that the owner will remember him (she does). There's a dialogue in my head but it would work better with some visuals, so maybe one time I'm going to draw it.

In my head, the cottage they end up living in is Connie's old hunting hut. So after the conversation with Shadowheart about her plans for after defeating the brain, he suggest that it would be the perfect place to go. He then draws the house to show her how it looks like, tells her that it's surrounded by a forest, there's a lake nearby, a small stable that can be turned into a barn if needed, and that he's not sure about the quality of the soil, but he did grow some herbs there, so maybe it's going to be good enough to grow flowers.

At the end of the game Connie decides to stay in Baldur's Gate for a while to help his family fix their tavern (which was heavily damaged). He tells Shart to go the house I mentioned before, because he wants her to start her new life as soon as possible + because it would be better for her parents. He stealthily puts his journal in her stuff with a note attached to it saying that he finished it this morning and she can read it if she wants to. He also gives her Faust so she can write him letters whenever she wants to. After 2 tendays he arrives at the cottage with some gifts (night orchid bulbs and a pamphlet about how to take care of them, there was supposed to be another gift, but he wasn't able to find it just yet, but that's for another story).

Epilogue party (because I'm that insane):

It's been sitting in my wips for more than two months, so I don't know if I'll be able to finish it. But during the party Connie and Shadowheart take 10 minute brake to visit the place from the first romance scene. They have a very similar conversation like before, but their roles are reversed now - It's Connie asking questions about Shart's current life. "Tell me something about yourself, but no tadpoles, weird artifacts, petty goddesses. Something about you."

[dirtybg3confessions]

Confession: I don't know if I just can't find it or if I'm genuinely the first to say anything, but the lack of Jaheira stuff is heartbreaking. Yeah, I know she still loves her late husband and that's fine. I just want her and my fuzzy, haggard dwarf Durge to be cranky old women together. Make out in front of the younger party members and gross them out. Talk about old adventures and past lovers as foreplay. Get the strap out and bicker in missionary. Y'know, friend stuff.

[danse--macabre]

OKAY not to get ~thematic~ about my silly rarepair between the milf of the decade herself jaheira and astarion, but. But.

Vampires, in the cultural canon, engage with SUCH a morbid fascination / fetishisation of youth. preferring the blood of virgins. being 'eternally young'. right down to effective predation strategies - which astarion gestures at - choosing victims that are young and hopelessly naïve, or those who are miserable and seek oblivion anyway, ideally both, as theyre the easiest to make disappear. youth for a vampire is something they possess in a horrific way, their faces in some sources appear beautiful, but they're robbed of the ability to age and grow as mortals do, and are representative of a disturbing timelessness (all those out of date fashions!) that eternally separates them from others. Youth is something they possess only the face of and youth is something they seek out and devour to maintain those faces.

In some ways the standard romance route in BG3 plays with this to some degree. It begins as a vampiric seduction FOR astarion's own ends. And sure, you're given no set age as a tav/durge, but it's highly likely you're much younger than him. That route is All About the sexual fantasy of a vampire vs. Astarion the man himself, and you begin with a very false vampiric seduction - the bite scenes, and so on - into very genuine feelings. There's even a virginal aspect to it - you're his very first person he's bitten! you're special! Astarion himself is obsessed with his own looks and his own sense of eternal youth as it's something he cannot seen or possess for himself. There are qualities of this possessive obsession over youth that are reflected throughout as the relationship is engaging with, at its core, the concept of a vampire romance.

Enter Jaheira. Over a hundred and eighty years old. Middle to end of Act 2. Everyone knows Astarion's a vampire now! He's probably already bitten someone, even if it's just a bandit! She's not his first. Nor is Jaheira a wild-eyed youth who'd be enamoured by this far more experienced, mysterious man who is wearing a face that's ethereally young and beautiful (ha!). Come on! she'd see right through it. She's old enough to be wise to these things (also her wisdom modifier and her intial suspicion of the tadpole group... come on). Jaheira's had relationships before- she's loved before - and she's lost before! Any romantic or sexual dynamic between them is absolutely not going to be mediated through her being a precious baby lamb and him a wolf. In fact, if anythiny we're inverting this. Jaheira looks and acts older, has had far more life experiences arguably, and Astarion - despite being more or less the same age as her - looks to be a younger partner with an older woman, is the person with less relationship and life experience, has more to learn. Any relationship, romantic or sexual or both, will not be initiated with Astarion playing the vampire. He'll instead *have* to be Astarion the man.

And that's novel and juicy! It'd be quite tonally different! Fun! Exciting! Not without its own difficulties (have you spoken to Jaheira's kids) but different nonetheless. There's something fascinating as well with the idea that Astarion would *choose* something so different than his classic victim profile as well - that he would choose the oldest person in the party. I'm fucking obsessed with it quite frankly.

[jynxeddraca]

Small, Soft BG3 Things

Just an ongoing list of small headcanons for Team Tadpole.

Astarion:

Astarion learned how to sew and embroider from his mother. She loved to embroider poems that she sold at market. Most of his word based embroidery looks like her handwriting, even though he doesn't remember that.

He's the go-to member of Team Tadpole for mending because he's the best out of all of them at it. More importantly: as he comes to view them as friends, the basic mending is supplemented with subtle embroidery.

Every child that he ends up spending time around learns some slight of hand trick and/or how to use a knife.

When everyone is asleep and he's particularly at ease, he'll quietly sing to himself while doing other things.

Gale:

As the self-appointed cook - come time to set up camp, Gale might fuss about the bizarre assortment of food stuff they find on their travels, but he secretly revels in the challenge of making filling, delicious foods out of what they're able to scavenge.

Cooking was how his mother and him bonded as he grew up so now it's his favorite way of showing affection/appreciation to others.

Spoils Tara with all her favorite foods when they're reunited (also I headcanon Tara joins the camp most nights in Act 3).

When he was younger, he specifically created an enchantment to enchant his mother's favorite rocking chair so that when it was activated, mage hands would appear and give her shoulders and feet a massage.

Halsin:

He learned to whittle from an uncle and the knife he uses today for his carvings was given to him by his mother - whose favorite animal was ducks.

Halsin likes to go sit in Bloomridge park when the city gets to him, taking Yenna with him if she's agreeable. He has taught her and several other random children how to braid flower crowns.

When he returns to Reithwin Town, he teaches Art how to whittle and Art teaches Halsin how to play the lute.

On nights where Halsin is keeping watch will offer to turn pages for Tara so she can read a book or two.

Jaheira:

Will turn into a cat/dog to give comfort to children if they are inconsolable.

Takes an afternoon with Halsin - both in wildshape - to show him how nature and the city can be more harmonious than he originally thought.

The lullaby she knows how to play on the tin whistle was one taught to her by her late husband - she has put all her children to sleep to it's tune.

Teases Tara about her treating Gale like her kitten.

The rats that show up in camp do give her updates on other Harpers - but most of the time they are updates about her children.

Karlach:

Clive - her teddy bear - was knitted by her mother and she considers him her 'good luck charm'. Before the infernal engine was forced onto her, he could often be found tucked into Karlach's belt at any given point of the day or in her purse/pouch.

Karlach almost left Avernus without Clive, and risked missing the Nautiloid to go back to grab him.

Because she calls Halsin "Bear Man" Arabella starts calling him that too. At the same time, Karlach starts calling Withers "Bone Man" because of Arabella.

Her parents used to dance around the living room with her - in camp she'll get Arabella and later, Yenna, to do the same. When she's especially energetic, she makes Wyll join her.

Lae'zel:

While she originally hates everything about Faerûn, she becomes especially fond of the sunrises and finds she enjoys sunflowers.

After the egg is acquired, she does softly sing an old githyanki lullaby to when she tends to it.

Because she feels it is an important skill to have for when the egg hatches, she learns to sew by watching Astarion. Eventually, she asks him for tips.

Lae'zel seems well-read (on githyanki literature anyways) in my opinion so I feel like even though she's a very skilled fighter, she also spent much of her time in the creche library growing up. In camp, she raids Gale's library bag often.

When Karlach started calling her 'Lae', she began referring to Karlach as 'Kar'.

Minsc and Boo:

When Boo isn't around Minsc, he spends time around Shadowheart curled up on her shoulder or sitting beside her as she meditates.

Amused that it baffles people who can speak with animals, Boo purposefully does not allow them to understand him and sticks with his telepathic communications with Minsc.

Minsc enjoys finding excuses to tell stories and is a good storyteller.

Teaches Tav a few Rashemen songs and stories.

Minsc and Boo both have a faint smell of warm stone about them due to being statues for a while.

Shadowheart:

When meditating, sometimes unknowingly hums an old lullaby her parents used to sing her.

Still sometimes mutters "Lady of Sorrows" when exasperated, and at one point while very tired said "Lady of Sil-rrows" instead.

Has started keeping seeds and nuts on hand for Boo.

Talking to Astarion and Halsin in Elvish is soothing to her, and sometimes it triggers memories of her father.

Tav:

Was gifted a stuffed bunny by her dad when she was a baby. His name is Biscuit.

Biscuit was handed down to Temerity (Tav's little sister) while they were in the orphanage and he currently lives on Temerity's pillow.

Tav and Karlach have introduced Clive (Karlach's teddy bear) to Biscuit.

The smell of leather oil reminds her of her father.

Wyll:

Has a soft spot in his heart for trashy romance novels and anything related to mermaids. An aside: even though he hasn't been home in years, the merfolk around Baldur's Gate remember him fondly as a child trying to swim deep enough to see them.

Actually enjoys debating Astarion about laws and their effects - even though they have wildly different views on the laws.

Has a secret tattoo, and yes, it's mermaid themed.

Offered to teach Lae'zel to use a rapier if she showed him how to wield a longsword.

Also enjoys cooking and likes to show Gale different ways to season/cook in the wilds.

The rapier he has at the start of the game was gifted to him by his father.

[cfcreative]

Dumb BG3 thoughts based on a single pun for Korydass…

The Companions & Their Relationships to Makeup

Thoughts under the break…

Lae’zel: “Tchk! It is called battle paint, Istik!”

Shadowheart: Loves it, is clearly talented & practiced with it—also wildly jealous of Isobel’s eyeliner game. Has she worn poisoned lipstick? Probably at least once she can’t remember.

Astarion: Will deny that he uses anything. Actually uses everything he can get his hands on. Has gotten incredibly good at doing things by feel/memory. The only reason he isn’t more dramatic with it is that pesky lack of reflection.

Gale: Has a meticulous skincare routine and a manicure kit. Very particular about his hands AKA “The finally tuned instruments with which I compose the intricate melodies of my art!” Used to have a haircare routine, but it fell by the wayside when he wasn’t leaving his tower.

Wyll: Careful haircare routine. Enjoys eyeliner and eyeshadow. Was much more fussy about everything when every other day he had to attend a ball. Much more practical now that he’s been the Blade of the Frontiers.

Karlach: Is interested, but since there weren’t cosmetics that could stand up to the fiery hells of Avernus at her disposal she hasn’t had a chance to dabble. Unironically will ask Wyll (before anyone else) for ideas on what she could/should wear, because he’s her bestie and that’s who you ask!

Halsin: Works solely with what nature gave him, gods bless the man.

Minthara: Has a makeup/skincare/haircare routine that is precisely timed down to the minute. Has absolutely worn poisoned lipstick on multiple occasions. Also has painted her nails with poison. Not for a specific reason, just to test out the practicality of it. Didn’t use it again because it chipped too easily.

Jaheira: Used makeup more often when she was younger. After her kids and “bonus kids with weapons” (The Harpers) she didn’t bother as much with it. She still does her hair exactly the way Khalid loved it, though.

Alfira: Adores makeup! Stage makeup, everyday makeup, you name it! Can be overly ambitious with it.

Lakrissa: Never was interested when she was younger, in fact, was pretty anti-makeup… then Alfira begged her to try an eyeshadow. Alfira fawned so much over Lakrissa afterwards that Lakrissa has been wearing it ever since.

Isobel: Effortlessly an expert in makeup. Obviously adores a dramatic eyeliner and eyeshadow. Occasionally gets the whim to practice on Aylin. Takes up a more vigorous skincare regimen after resurrection because she’s quietly alarmed by the “clamminess” of her skin. (Nobody else thinks she feels clammy).

Aylin: Fully believes she is perfect without makeup. Fully believes she is also perfect with it. Does not own any of her own cosmetics. Really only wears makeup when Isobel puts it on her. Makes a lot of loud excuses about not understanding mortal hair-care because it prompts Isobel to wash and brush her hair.

Korydass: “Make up? Make up with whom? Have I offended someone?!”

[sky-kiss]

Hi! This might be weird, but it's been with me for quite a while and been meaning to share this with you/prompt you with it/get your take/whatever 😁. What about Raphael failing with his coup and having to live on the material plane without his powers? What about Tav/Durge OR Jaheira offering his sorry ass a place and then getting the joy of watching him struggle with common human ailments, like needing reading glasses, throwing out his back, indigestion,... ? 😅

Not weird at all! I'm unfortunately in like work/school hell right now, so I don't have a lot of writing time. But I love this idea. It'd be really fun to develop as like. A slow burn quasi humor ficlet.

God. I don't have a ton of ideas for a generic Tav/Durge (I don't enjoy writing them), but will try and come up with a few.

As for Jaheira:

Offers Raphael a room in Astarion's mansion. Neither of the lads question this.

Ends up staying in her basement.

Rion wants to know why mother-dearest is smuggling men into their home. Then she meets the man. She understands why he should never be seen.

Harper Recruit Raphael. It takes him a few days to get truly charismatic in the way mortals appreciate and not just "veiled threats, but charming."

Replaces the contents of Jaheira's wine cellar with "wine less suited to a vulgar, and altogether common, palette."

Is grateful for the silence of her study.

Cannot keep a plant alive to save his mortal life.

Offers to make a deal with the daughter that wants to be queen---has to bunk with Astarion for a month as punishment.

Actually, gets genuinely good at the Harper business, enjoys the political aspect of it (he's just softening up the city for when he returns to his true form, dear)

Takes a copious amount of naps in the sun.

Furious whenever he has to sleep outdoors. He's a noble devil, not some peasant boy.

Near-sighted. He refuses to wear glasses until the half-elf says they look "learned. dashing. whatever you need to hear, little prince---so long as you can see."

Tav/Durge:

More contentious. Tav/Durge is younger and prone to more zany antics. Raphael's mortal body gets tired more easily.

Their penchant for chaos is less endearing when he's consistently thrown into the warpath.

Enlists them to try and get his powers backs.

Enemies to lovers.

Still near-sighted. Tav does not think to recommend glasses. Raphael refuses to adjust.

It's a lot more of a learning curve for both of them? Tav/Durge is like a wind. Raphael is very constant.

You can determine if they work it out. :D

Apologies for this not being something more. I love the idea. I'd love to steal it later. Always feel free to drop byyyyy.

[scarecade]

this might be my most nitpicky take ever but why tf do games even let u make your character old if they’re still gunna be written like they’re younger than certain npcs

when jaheira acts like a wise old mentor to my high elf milf, why can i not respond with “i am at least 300 years older than u”

emmrich’s romance starting with rook going “i’ve never done this before actually 👉👈” is fine, but i’m here to give his old Gomez Addams ass his equally old Morticia (like ok his romance was written with the intent of the whole “age gape” thing and appealing to that audience, i get it, that’s fine. just let me rant a lil)

like if u want the customizable protag of ur game to be within a certain age range then just. do that. stop letting me make hot old baddies and then get completely taken out of it cuz the writers assumed the protag is younger than all that

[blackjackkent]

Jaheira's office does indeed look completely overgrown, which is apropos to be honest.

There's several notes in here from various people regarding her investigations into the cult and the shadowlands prior to her departure to Last Light. Also a note from the Flaming Fist indicating that Rion and Jord have been helping to "settle street disputes" in a fashion the Fist disapproves of, and a clipping from the Baldur's Mouth Gazette relating to the Beloved Ranger statue (which was actually Minsc) disappearing.

There's a button operated by the pin Tate gave us on the side of her desk; it opens a pathway down into "Jaheira's Hideout" beneath the house.

Whoa.

There are quite a number of these traps set up. The Narrator informs us, on a passed arcana check, that these are attuned to the druid who set them - Jaheira - but that they can be overwhelmed by being hit with the same element.

I trust you implicitly, Jaheira, and also I can't figure out what pressure plate you're talking about. So I hope you're right. XD

At the bottom of the hill is... well, a sort of paradise.

A gorgeous green lagoon rounded with trees and plants and a run-down but sturdy house of wood and thatch. Next to it is a badger, labeled "Postmaster Badger", and several "Messenger Rats."

"The only patch of wilderness this city permits me," Jaheira says wistfully. "There ought to be supplies here to aid us."

"You know this place, Boo?" Minsc says indignantly. "Hmph. Minsc has never been invited."

Everything inside the house is trapped. XD I quicksaved aggressively while disarming everything because I was very afraid of exploding Jaheira's sanctuary by accident.

In disarming the traps, Hector finds a hidden door behind a bookshelf.

Jaheira reaches out and puts a hand on his arm before he can proceed. "Keen eye," she says quietly. "But if it's supplies you seek, weapons to aid in our fight - you won't find them behind that door." He can hear a sudden effort in her voice, one he knows all too well - the struggle against sudden emotion. "There is nothing back there of worth to anyone but me."

Hector looks at her thoughtfully. His curiosity is piqued, certainly, and it is a powerful force on its own - but more than that, he has been fascinated, over this past hour or so, at seeing beneath the brittle shell that Jaheira always presents to the world. "If it matters to you, it matters to me," he says earnestly.

She looks away from him, her eyes flicking rapidly around the room. "On my word," she mutters. "All you will find inside is dust, and the mouldering keepsakes of a much younger woman."

"Jaheira," Minsc rumbles gently. "Our friend has put their trust in us. Boo thinks it only right to return the gesture, no?"

For a moment, Hector thinks she is going to lash out, defensive-- but then she hesitates, and smiles ruefully. "You so rarely make a habit of being right, ranger, that it puts me ill at ease when you are." She sighs, looks back to Hector and nods. "Pass, then. Go on. See what it is a foolish old Harper thinks worth hiding away."

Hector holds himself still for a moment, giving her the chance to change her mind. He is curious, and he welcomes the chance to connect with her here-- but he will not push where he isn't wanted.

When she doesn't object, he leans over and pushes the bookcase aside.

It's an unassuming little area, really - no more than a dirt cave behind the house. A large chest, several display cases and crates and a table covered in scrolls.

-----

The table first, and the scroll on it:

"Rite of the Timeless Body," Hector says thoughtfully. "What's that about? I'd best ask Jaheira."

"I found a strange scroll in your sanctuary. Something about a 'timeless body'?"

She snorts. "The threat of spanking never kept the children from poking through my things. Why should it deter you." She glances at the paper on the table. "It is... a ritual. Or it describes one at least. Practiced by druids of certain esoteric circles. If they be learned and powerful enough, the practitioner of this ritual might slow their aging, extend their life well beyond its natural reach. In greener days, I might have been strong enough to do it. I might be yet, with the right preparations."

Hector blinks. "So you plan to do it?"

Jaheira hesitates, shrugs. "I make no plans. Only... contingencies." She scowls, seeing the expression on his face. "Do not look at me like that. I have been content to see the span of my natural years - a privilege far too few in this world can claim. I do not speak of clinging to life for its own sake. I just... look back on that life's work and I wonder... is it done?"

She lets out a heavy breath and leans against the wall of the building behind them. "The Dead Three plague the world still. The city still falls prey to small minds like Gortash or lost souls like Orin. It is every Harper's hope to be a light that drives out darkness. But I've lived long enough to see so many of those lights burn out, while the shadows cling stubbornly on. Knowing that, isn't it our duty to burn on if we can? To fight for as long as we are able?"

Karlach gives a sudden, sharp laugh at Hector's side. "You're preaching to the doomed choir, ma'am," she says sardonically.

Jaheira smiles sadly. "You've done more than your share of fighting already, Karlach," she says. "If there is one person I would trust to make the most of a longer life, it is you."

Hector knows he shouldn't ask, he knows it isn't fair with Karlach standing right there to hear him... but the words slip out anyway. "Would you live on at any cost?" he asks.

She quirks an eyebrow at him. "In truth, I had put this ritual from my mind - until Last Light. Trapped in that darkness, I turned to my research again. What if I was a little stronger? As fast as I once had been?" She shrugs. "Then you came, and made the question moot. But I kept this. Just in case, I told myself. A final resort. Perhaps you were not the savior you seemed. I had learned better than to think of life as some simple tale, after all. There is no guarantee of happy endings, or true heroes."

She looks at him thoughtfully for a moment before going on. "I believe that still. But when I look on all we have achieved since, I wonder... perhaps it is not heroes we need. Only people who are willing to try. I do not know what manner of story that makes. But I do know that, without an ending, it would be no story at all." She gives a short, sharp nod. "So I will accept mine, when and however it comes. As for this city's story, well..." She grins suddenly, pockets the scroll. "Well, that is entirely your problem now, cub."

He smiles slightly. "I'm honored you think of me that way."

"Hah. Do not thank me for slinging a weight around your neck," she says dryly. "I might start to feel bad." She huffs out a breath and shakes her head. "I do mean what I say - but I am also a Harper. In every honeyed word, there is a hook. But I do not plan on going anywhere just yet."

She pauses, and then grins with gallows humor. "And besides, you still have a tadpole in your skull. You are almost certainly going to die first."

Hector doesn't really think that's particularly funny.

-----

(A/N: Time for some incredibly self-indulgent headcanon - in this worldstate and in my particular headcanons for Jaheira post-BG2, you cannot convince me that she didn't obtain the information on that ritual partially for Rasaad, knowing she was going to outlive him by a century and not wanting to face losing another man she loved. Though I think the more altruistic explanations for her wanting it still also applied. (And perhaps Rasaad wouldn't have accepted it anyway even if she'd been able to figure it out.) She does say she put it aside for quite a while, until Last Light. Probably after Rasaad died.)

-----

Throwbacks!

There are two Very Rare quality weapons in the chest opposite the table:

This is a scimitar first found in a haybale near the Druid's Grove outside Trademeet, in Baldur's Gate 2.

This staff is obtained in Watcher's Keep in the Throne of Bhaal expansion. Caden (to my recollection) never went there during my playthrough, but that doesn't mean he didn't while I wasn't paying attention. ;) Cespenar also apparently can upgrade it in the pocket plane.

I miss Cespenar. I hope he's doing well.

-----

Finally, at the back of the room is a slightly dusty-looking display case.

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

Aw man, c'mon, I just teared up. You can't hit me with a throwback like that and expect me to remain normal.

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

This is the necklace that Khalid makes for Jaheira (if you help him) in the Siege of Dragonspear expansion between BG1 and BG2. He was incredibly cute about it and talked about how he declared his love for her for the first time. SHE was incredibly cute about it and talked about how lucky she was to have him. The item description was also incredibly cute and talked about how just wearing it revitalized her.

HNNNNGNNNGHHHH I NEED TO GO LIE DOWN.

*quiet wailing*

We can ask her about it further, too.

"About that amulet I found in your house..."

"Oh dear," she says, looking at him warily. "Should I brace myself for some fashion advice?"

She pauses, then sighs. "But I suppose you have earned better than glibness from me. It was a gift from my husband, Khalid."

He can hear the emotion that rockets through her with the single word. He is sure he sounds much the same when he speaks of Karlach.

"He was a Harper," she goes on. Her expression grows distant, lost in memory. "A better one than me, truth be told. Any idiot can swing a sword. But to believe in the cause, with the whole of your heart? A much trickier thing."

She draws a breath and lets it out shakily. "He died. Alone, in pain, and far too young. Murdered by a mage who craved immortality." A muscle works in her cheek. "I'll not grant it by naming him in the same breath as my husband."

[HISTORY] Recall what you know of Khalid.

Narrator: The quiet, unassuming shadow to Jaheira's strength, Khalid was another warrior who helped end the Bhaalspawn crisis. Shortly after, he was murdered by the mad mage Jon Irenicus.

Hector and Jaheira have spoken of this a little before. Jaheira first mentioned him in the context of Karlach's engine, and the impending similar loss that Hector faces himself. In that moment, and in this one, he felt and feels a sudden deep surge of connection with her, a terrible bond that steadies and reassures him even if he wishes neither of them had to bear it. He is not alone, and neither is she. He hopes his presence gives her similar solace.

"I'm sorry," he says quietly. "I hope I didn't bring up any bad memories."

She smiles weakly. "Nothing that wasn't already there, fear not," she says. "But I've lived many lifetimes since Khalid died. You, ah..." She trails off before the slight shiver in her voice can take root and blossom into tears. "You twine your life around the people you love. And when they are gone, you grow around their absence instead. It is just another way they shape you..."

She swallows, then goes on suddenly louder, faster-- "Which is my sage way of saying... I am in no danger of forgetting how my husband died. But I choose to remember how he lived."

(A/N: God, the writing in this game is gorgeous.)

Hector wonders, briefly, what Karlach thinks of this conversation, but he does not dare to look at her, or that same emotion will rise into his own throat and choke him. Instead, he focuses on Jaheira, listening intently. I choose to remember how he lived. "Tell me something about him no one else knows," he says, tone deliberately light.

She gives a slight laugh. "Most Harpers swagger and flash their feathers to catch your attention. Khalid was of a quieter sort," she says. "I have never known a warrior who would go so far out of his way to avoid a fight. Which meant the few he chose were usually the right ones." She pauses, and then laughs again, shakier this time. "And when we were married... on an upturned cart in the rainy Dalelands... he stammered so much, I've never been sure if our vows actually counted."

Hector smiles. "You seem an odd pairing," he says, gently teasing.

Her eyes narrow, taking on a sudden almost playful air. "The druid in me would like to say it was a thing of balance. The younger woman recalls rather more about a fine bottom-- and the habit not to speak unless he had something to say."

This comment is so unexpected that it startles a laugh out of Hector - and he's relieved to hear Karlach laughing too, behind him. Jaheira looks rather pleased with herself at the reaction.

"The songs make much of Khalid's meekness," she goes on after a little while, more seriously. "The quiet little Harper who had to keep a tight hold on his courage. But he had it when it counted. And more than that-- he had compassion. When you live a Harper's life, see all that a Harper sees, that is by far the harder thing to hold onto."

She looks down at the aquamarine pendant in her hands, then slips it around her neck. "But a bard can tell you all the rest," she says, turning away. "As for all the things they cannot... well. I shall just have to keep those for myself."

[aureoboros]

quick younger adriel, and the person i based their dream guardian off of. she took them in when they were a kid (after their urges manifested). she’s a paladin of tyr, her name is thalia! she makes me ill! i love her very much! i want to do a run as her at some point… though in that reality adriel would have died when they got tadpoled. agh

unfortunately this story doesn’t have a happy end either… but thalia is still alive! so that’s good! she would probably be around jaheira’s age by the time bg3 begins? adriel hasn’t seen her in many years, but she has the most impact on their backstory despite memories of her not resurfacing. i wrote a whole drabble when i first drew this, but i need to edit some parts. i might post that later??

[reeseykins]

Backend of Forever

Ellesime (Durge) resists her longing for both Astarion and Halsin when she unearths the truth of her murderous parentage, intent on saving the two elves she cares for the most from her inner darkness. After defeating the Netherbrain, and a drunken confession one night, Astarion and Halsin make a coordinated move. The three finally come together, all quite aware that this isn't just casual sex, but the beginning of something greater. See this on Archive for notes. ~6k words. Tags: Explicit; Threesome - F/M/M; Angst and Hurt/Comfort; Angst with a Happy Ending; Porn with Feelings; Porn With Plot; Sharing; Blood Drinking; Bisexual Male Character; Trauma; Blow Jobs; Penetration; Double Penetration; Double Vaginal Penetration

Snippet from the middle when it starts getting sexy:

“Darling, we’ve been talking,” he leaned in conspiratorially, gesturing to himself and Halsin. Halsin placed the small plate he had retrieved from the kitchen on the table across from them, then sat down gently next to her, filling up all the remaining room on the couch. He poured her a small draught of wine as Astarion stretched his arm out onto the back of the couch, not quite touching her yet subtly drawing them tighter together.

The whole thing felt strangely performative. Astarion was clearly putting on his ridiculous slut façade, and she could sense – almost feel – that Halsin was wound as tight as a spring about to be sprung.

“You wouldn’t believe what we’ve been discussing,” Astarion continued. He flashed her a smile, but his persona faltered when their eyes met. “Well, we’ve been talking about, well….about you, as a matter of fact.” He glanced at Halsin, calling him in for backup.

“We both think of you often.” Halsin started. When she turned to look, she was surprised at the intensity in his eyes, and how his chest rose and fell with every deep, nervous breath. “We talked about how both of us thought that you….well, that you….” Halsin started to stumble over his words, seeming like a much younger and more inexperienced elf than she knew him to be.

They ended up speaking over each other clumsily. Astarion said something about how magnificent she was, while Halsin made a comparison of her beauty to some obscure (but apparently lovely?) creature. They laughed together awkwardly for a second, and as quiet started to descend Halsin made a declaration.

“We want you. More than anything.”

Ellesime thought that defeating the Netherbrain would be the end for her. In fact, she hadn’t thought much beyond that – she almost welcomed death, which felt fitting after the truth about her dark heritage had finally been revealed to her. But death didn’t come for her – at least, not a second time in as many months.

The first few weeks after were a blur. Everywhere she went people bought her drinks, or gave her a hearty slap on the back, or offered her whatever small token or treasure they happened to have handy. One young mother handed Elle her baby. She obviously didn’t know that the woman now holding her precious child had once roamed Baldur’s Gate, gutting the innocent for no reason other than to sate her lust for murder and blood.

She tried to push those thoughts away. All of her friends were thinking about the future – she needed to stop thinking about her past, especially since most of it was lost to her anyways.

For the first week her remaining friends stayed close. Wyll and Karlach were in Avernus, and Lae’zel had ridden off on the back of a red dragon to bring down Vlaakith, but the remaining troupe were there with her, seemingly as loathe to leave each other’s company as she was.

Jaheira and Minsc, old veterans and their newest traveling companions, said their goodbyes first.  That was the impetus for Gale to get moving; he set out for Waterdeep the next day, anxious to put some distance between himself and the lure of the Netherstones, which were still out there in the harbor. Shadowheart lingered a few days more, but eventually she, too, said her goodbyes, and left Baldur’s Gate with her parents to start making up for lost time.

That left Halsin and Astarion. She knew they each had business elsewhere that they were eager to get to, but they stayed. Elle didn’t push them for an explanation. Being completely alone with her thoughts was not something she was looking forward to.

***

Over the past months she had developed a bond with the two elves, especially in the early days of their adventures together when she had almost no memory of her past at all. Being elven herself, and nearly 240 years of age, she had found their company the most comfortable – her heritage was essentially the only thing she knew about herself with certainty.

Astarion was incorrigible and a terrible flirt. Although clearly a rake and a tease, she knew there was more to him, and she found his charisma endearing. She allowed him to feed on her, which felt much more intimate than she anticipated, but before it could become something more, Astarion started to draw back. He confessed that he had been trying to manipulate her and was ashamed of it. Forgiving him came naturally to her, and from then on, they were almost never apart. Any potential romance they might have had mellowed. The attraction was still there, but they both took a step back from it, letting it simmer just under the surface.

Then Halsin joined their unlikely band. He was guarded, at first, quiet and thoughtful, but as he traveled with them, he slowly started to let down his stoic façade. Elle found him easy to talk to, full of interesting stories that distracted her from everything else. Many nights, she stayed up around the campfire, her, Halsin, and Astarion, sharing a bottle of whatever wine they could get their hands on, talking into the wee hours of the morning.

Of course, his personality wasn’t the only thing about Halsin she liked. She had to catch herself, far too many times, from letting her eyes linger on his muscled arms, or his broad chest, or the bulging muscles in his thighs when he stood up. She caught Astarion ogling him once, although he was trying hard to seem nonplussed. She teased him later and they laughed and laughed, then Astarion tried to make her blush by describing, in lewd detail, what they could both do to him if they were so inclined.  

But then the urge reared its murderous, vile head. She was able to ignore it, at first, but it tugged at her constantly, whispering in her ear, to murder, murder, murder. It was an itch on the bottom of her foot she didn’t want to scratch.  And when she finally did, when she killed that poor tiefling bard in cold blood, deep disgust take root inside her.

She closed herself off, locked herself up tight, and crammed all of it down deep. There was no room for romance, or even for lust or simple sex – she wouldn’t tarnish these people she cared so much about with her depravity.

Halsin and Astarion gave her space. She kept it from them at first, and she could tell they were puzzled by her sudden change. They orbited her, like distant planets around a star, watching. She stopped staying up with them at night and retired to her tent when everyone else went to sleep.

As she forced herself away, she saw them grow closer. They still gathered around the fire, and once she saw Astarion’s hand come to rest gently on Halsin’s thigh. Another time, Halsin brushed a stray lock of white hair behind Astarion’s ear.

Good, she thought. Focus on each other. Forget me.

She did a decent job of convincing herself that she was fine with the way things were, and that she would never—could never—have anything with either of them, when the time came to face Orin. She defeated her treacherous sister and defied her Father, her God, Bhaal. And she paid the ultimate price.

Shadowheart sat with her and held her close when they had returned to camp that night, her touch grounding Elle.

“We all thought we’d lost you.”

“I know.”

Shadowheart paused and wet her lips, pondering something.

“I’ve never seen Astarion or Halsin like that.”

Elle’s head shot up from its place on Shadowheart’s shoulder. “Like what?”

She paused again, thoughtfully. “Astarion screamed. Halsin was weeping. When the barriers came down, they both ran to you. I thought they were going to fight over who was going to pick you up, but then they both just crumpled over you. They were in a sorry state when Withers arrived.”

Elle hadn’t been sure how to process that information. She ended that night looking for the two of them, almost feverish, suddenly hopeful. Maybe now she could tell them how she felt, now that the evil part of her had been purged. It would all be right. She would tell them adored them both and didn’t want to picture a day without them, that she wanted to kiss them and love them and break them apart into tiny pieces as she fucked them into oblivion.

Then she found them. Naked, tangled together, Halsin’s arm wrapped around to hold Astarion up against him as he took him from behind. She turned back to her tent, alone, and didn’t speak of it to them. Then, or ever.  

***

After their victory, the two elves stayed close. Halsin accompanied her during the day as she wandered somewhat listlessly through the streets, unsure what to do with herself, and Astarion joined them as soon as the sun set.

They usually returned to the Elfsong Tavern and split a few bottles of wine between them. Since they stayed up later than the tavern would accommodate, they became accustomed to retreating to Elle’s suite to continue their revelry. Most nights she was content to just listen to the two of them, even when she was too lost in her own thoughts to contribute to their conversation.

She hadn’t expected jealousy. She thought she was too good for all that; after all, she had complete control over the whole situation and had made her choice – at least, that was what she told herself. But as she sat on her couch and watched the two elves across from her, smiling and laughing and touching each other in an all-too familiar way, she felt a darkness twist inside her, squeezing her heart. She gulped down more wine than she should have, trying desperately to quiet the hammering feeling in her head.

Then Halsin casually put a hand on Astarion’s thigh and something in her cracked in half.

With the swagger only someone on the verge of a drunken blackout could muster, she stood up and pointed viciously at them. “You two are insufferable!” She stumbled over her feet, although she hadn’t meant to move at all, and pressed her finger to Halsin’s chest. “Don’t just RUB it in my face. I know you two are together and YOU know … you fucking know,” she slurred. She turned and leveled her gaze (and her accusatory finger) at Astarion. “You know how I feel and how I couldn’t and . . .”

Her rant fell apart as she took in the sight of them, warmed with drink, shirt collars loose and exposing their chests invitingly,  beautiful eyes wide and suddenly very much locked on her. They were both just so damned gorgeous. “Gods, I would love to fuck you both stupid….”

Her memory ended there. She awoke the next morning after her meditation tucked under her covers tightly, still in all her clothes, with a walloping headache. Alone.

Maybe,she thought, I can find a nice, big rock to crawl under while I wait to die of embarrassment.

The next night, Elle perched on her couch, swirling her remaining wine around the bottom of her glass. She was lost in thought as she considered how to apologize for her ridiculous behavior and assure them it had only been the drink talking. She kept coming up short; she wasn’t comfortable lying to them.

She looked around her room and realized with a start that she was alone. She knew Halsin had gone downstairs to get the two of them some cheese and bread, but she wasn’t sure where Astarion had got off to. As if summoned, the door swung open and they filed in, Astarion in the lead. He sauntered towards her and plopped down on the couch next to her with a wry smile.

“Darling, we’ve been talking,” he leaned in conspiratorially, gesturing to himself and Halsin. Halsin placed the small plate he had retrieved from the kitchen on the table across from them, then sat down gently next to her, filling up all the remaining room on the couch. He poured her a small draught of wine as Astarion stretched his arm out onto the back of the couch, not quite touching her yet subtly drawing them tighter together.

The whole thing felt strangely performative. Astarion was clearly putting on his ridiculous slut façade, and she could sense – almost feel – that Halsin was wound as tight as a spring about to be sprung.

“You wouldn’t believe what we’ve been discussing,” Astarion continued. He flashed her a smile, but his persona faltered when their eyes met. “Well, we’ve been talking about, well….about you, as a matter of fact.” He glanced at Halsin, calling him in for backup.

“We both think of you often.” Halsin started. When she turned to look, she was surprised at the intensity in his eyes, and how his chest rose and fell with every deep, nervous breath. “We talked about how both of us thought that you….well, that you….” Halsin started to stumble over his words, seeming like a much younger and more inexperienced elf than she knew him to be.

They ended up speaking over each other clumsily. Astarion said something about how magnificent she was, while Halsin made a comparison of her beauty to some obscure (but apparently lovely?) creature. They laughed together awkwardly for a second, and as quiet started to descend Halsin made a declaration.

“We want you. More than anything.”

Elle looked back and forth between them, unable to wrap her brain around what they were saying.

“But, I thought….” She folded her hands together to try to look composed. Neither of the men spoke as they watched and waited for her to finish her thought. She felt a blush creeping up her chest to her neck as she suddenly became acutely aware of each place their bodies touched.

“I thought you two were together. I might have accidentally come upon you, that night after I…after I died.”

There was a long pause. Astarion looked like he was going to choke on his tongue.

Thankfully, Halsin jumped in. “Astarion and I were both distraught. We knew you weren’t ready for anything…intimate. So we found comfort in each other.”

 “We wanted you, the whole time. We’ve never stopped thinking about you, darling. Never.”

Elle couldn’t believe what she was hearing.

“It can be, well, whatever you like,” Halsin explained earnestly. “We could just…try it, for once, and see how it goes. How you like it.”

The corners of Astarion’s lips turned upwards and he leaned in closer to her, once again playing the audacious flirt. “We know you were drunk but, how did you put it? We’d like to fuck you stupid.”

Elle’s eyes must have been wide as saucers. For a moment, the room went deathly still.

It was now, or never.

With deliberate slowness, she reached up her hand and placed it to Astarion’s cheek, cupping his face tenderly. She squeezed the top of Halsin’s thigh with her other hand, then turned and looked at him with what she hoped expressed the depth of her longing.

Astarion leaned forward and grazed his teeth over the crook of her neck just as Halsin gathered her face to his in an open-mouthed kiss.  She broke away after a long moment and turned back to the vampire, gently seeking out his mouth. Their hands were on her then, caressing her as she relished the feel of Astarion’s tongue sliding against hers.

He pulled back slowly and held her gaze with an almost overwhelming intensity. “You smell delicious. I can barely contain myself.”

To her great surprise, Halsin offered up his muscled forearm, his eyes both gentle and assured.

“Do you mind, darling? It takes the edge off.” She nodded in assent.

He sunk his teeth into Halsin’s big arm, sucking eagerly. Halsin closed his eyes and titled his head back, ever so slightly, a quiet moan escaping his lips. The feel of them so close lit her on fire, and she admired them from her close-up vantage point. One was large and muscular and darkened by days in the sun, the other lithe and pale, with the corded physique of someone used to attacking from the shadows.

Halsin’s eyes flicked open and caught her staring. She felt as if the whole world had slowed down as he leaned in again for a kiss. At first his lips were feather-light on hers, but she bent her head back and opened her mouth to him, and soon felt his tongue pressing insistently against hers.

Astarion pulled away from Halsin’s arm, satiated. “You two are gorgeous together,” he said, and Elle could feel the true admiration in the tone of his voice.

Halsin broke off their kiss and smiled at her as he slid off the couch, running his hands along Elle’s thighs and up to her hips. He hooked his fingers into her waistband and looked up expectantly, almost mischievously at her.

“May I?”

She could barely form the words but nodded vigorously. She could feel Astarion’s low chuckle resonate through his chest.

“He really is so surprising, once you get him in bed. You wouldn’t believe the size of his –”

“Astarion!” Halsin exclaimed, feigning embarrassment. It only made Elle breathe harder as Halsin peeled her leggings off and cast them aside.

She felt vulnerable, exposed, as she realized her small clothes were the only remaining barrier between them. Halsin leaned in and planted a lingering kiss on her inner thigh, then dragged his lips ever so slightly farther up her leg. At last, he moved his mouth to hover over the thin layer of fabric that blocked his access to her. He looked up at her through his eyelashes and paused.

“You are sure? You want this?”

Again, Elle found she could barely form a coherent statement. She leaned back into Astarion’s embrace and could feel his hard cock grinding against her lower back – the contrast between Astarion’s neediness and Halsin’s restraint was maddening. Halsin hovered below, his mouth mere inches from her. She mustered all her composure, but her words still came out sounding like a ragged mess.

“Oh gods, yes, please!”

She could feel, more than see, his smile as he pressed his mouth up against her through her undergarments. Just as his mouth closed over her, Astarion ran his palm up over her cheek and twisted her face towards his, lips parted and searching for hers. Their tongues touched, and then Astarion let out a groan as he leaned in to give her a deeper kiss. It was more frantic than before, messier and with more teeth, and she loved every moment of it. He tugged off her shirt, only breaking their kiss for a second as he lifted it over her head and quickly found her mouth again.

Halsin hooked his fingers inside her underwear and tugged ever so slightly, pulling them away from her playfully. The feel of the cloth on her clit, now wet from Halsin’s kiss, made her buck her hips up involuntarily. Finally, after teasing her through fabric for what felt like forever, he pulled them aside and dove in, his tongue lapping deeply into her.

To her great embarrassment, she let out a surprised squeak. Astarion laughed into their kiss, then whispered in her ear. “You like that, don’t you? You don’t even know the half of what we’ve been planning for you.”

Halsin didn’t let up, his tongue moving up and down, left and right, constantly twirling and twisting and keeping her guessing as to what was coming next. She leaned back and rolled her body, desperate for more of his broad tongue. Astarion was rock hard against her, grinding insistently.

“How does she taste?” Astarion asked.

Halsin paused and looked up, glassy eyed, gaze flicking between the two of them, and then suddenly he was stretching up, capturing Astarion’s mouth with his own in a passionate kiss.

“What do you think?”

Astarion licked his bottom lip deliberately and smiled. “Delicious.”

Elle’s stomach fluttered as she melted backwards into Astarion’s embrace.

Halsin was quick to move back to his previous position. He slipped off her underwear in one deft, fluid motion, then put his hands on her inner thighs and spread her legs wide. She felt embarrassed as he exposed her utterly, but the feeling faded when she looked down and saw Halsin’s hungry stare. She hooked her leg over his shoulder as he dove in, his mouth ravishing her with licks and nips and kisses until she was arching backwards again in Astarion’s lap.

Astarion slipped a hand down and coated two fingers in her wetness in between Halsin’s long, slow licks. He gently began to rub at her clit, circling it slowly. She was overwhelmed with feeling – the feel of Astarion behind her, his hands on her; Halsin’s strong hands pressing open her thighs, his tongue darting to and fro and then inside of her teasingly.

Finally, Halsin sucked her lips into his mouth and nibbled her clit gently, sending her over the edge. Astarion squeezed her breasts as she came. She tried so hard to muffle her long, loud orgasm, tried to bury her face in Astarion’s neck, but her whole body was vibrating, and she could barely keep it in. At some point, she realized, she had wrapped her legs around Halsin’s shoulders and pinned him in place.

“Sorry –” she started, as she unhooked her ankles from behind Halsin’s head.

“Do not apologize,” Halsin said as he stood. Elle scooted forward on the couch, giving Astarion some room to sit up. She couldn’t hide the stupid grin that spread over her face.

“Are you still up for some more, darling, or did we wear you out already?” Astarion asked. He was playing coy, but she could tell his request for confirmation was serious.

She leaned back and gave him a deep kiss, then nipped at his earlobe as she pulled away and hopped up, quickly twining her arms around Halsin’s neck.

Astarion rose from the couch and sandwiched her between them, his hands roving down her back to her unclothed thighs, then back up to squeeze her round bottom. Halsin leaned down to kiss her, practically folding over her to bring his lips to hers. Somewhere along the way, she noticed, Halsin had taken off his shirt.

Astarion leaned in, kissing along her shoulder, and the two elves looked over her shoulder and found each other’s mouths again. This time Astarion seemed to dominate as he angled his face upwards to meet Halsin’s. Although the druid towered over them both, somehow Elle could feel his surrender as he relaxed in her arms and into Astarion’s relentless kiss.

When they finally parted lips, Halsin wrapped his arms around her and hoisted her into his arms. A moment later and she was on the large bed, her auburn hair flying everywhere around her. She laughed – no, giggled – feeling lighter than she had in ages.

 “It’s time for me to return the favor. If that’s alright with you two,” she said. She was sure her ridiculous grin was not giving off the self-assured confidence she was trying to project.

It didn’t seem to matter. The two looked almost feral as she reached out to rub them through their trousers.

“I like watching you two together,” she continued mischievously as she began working at the laces. They took her suggestion immediately; Astarion reached out and gripped at Halsin’s chest hair, as Halsin reached around him and grabbed a handful of Astarion’s ass. As they played with each other, she freed Astarion from his trousers and without so much as a warning swallowed him whole.

Astarion cried out and bucked his hips involuntarily, forcing his cock to the back of her throat. Elle hummed around it as she slid up and down, wetting it thoroughly so she could take it all the way in again. She fumbled with the laces on Halsin’s trousers with her free hand.

“A little help?” she asked, in between taking Astarion’s cock in her mouth.

Halsin hurried to oblige and pulled off his pants with a few swift tugs. She reached for him with her hand, still pumping her mouth up and down Astarion, and then turned to stretch her mouth around the tip of Halsin’s cock, grasping Astarion in her hand.

Halsin reached out and tentatively cupped the back of her head. Astarion was holding back too, clearly trying very hard not to buck into her hand.

“I’m not made of glass, boys. Don’t hold back. I’ll tell you if it’s too much.”

“If you’re sure?” Astarion asked, searching her expression.

She could feel Halsin shudder with anticipation. “We’d never . . . want you to do . . . something you didn’t want to,” he managed to sputter out, clearly distracted by her tight grip on his cock.

“I know – I trust you both completely. I want this – so much.” She could see them both let out a deep breath and relax, and she honestly loved them both a little more in that moment.

With that out of the way, she tugged them both a little and encouraged them to inch closer to her. As they shuffled on their knees into place, she brought the tips of both cocks up to her lips and swirled her tongue along them, looking up at them through her eyelashes coquettishly.

She kept her eyes on them as she drew them both into her mouth. Halsin had to remove his hand from kneading Astarion’s ass and steady himself on the smaller elf’s shoulder. Astarion leaned into him and ran his hand down over Elle’s soft hair before grabbing a handful at the roots.

Her lips stretched, almost a little too much, but their reaction was well worth it. Astarion’s shoulders slumped, and he let out a drawn-out moan, as Halsin threw his head back, eyes closed, in bliss.

She took turns, quickly drawing one of them into her mouth and then switching to the other, her hands never leaving them. She pressed the tips of their cocks together again and swirled her tongue over them and around, once, twice, then licked a stripe down Astarion’s cock and back up and over, down Halsin’s.

They let out a short stream of curses and she felt wildly pleased with herself. She leaned in to kiss Halsin right where his leg met his abdomen, peppering a line of quick kisses down until she buried her face in the space between his leg and his balls.

She felt Astarion move, and when she looked up she found him closer to her, eyes practically gleaming with delight as he took up a position down next to her.

“Didn’t we talk about doing this once, way back when?” he said, as he opened his mouth wide and let Halsin’s cock graze the tip of his tongue. Elle hummed in confirmation as she drew one of Halsin’s balls into her mouth. Halsin tossed his head back again, trying to hide his enormous grin.

She angled herself so she could continue teasing him, licking and sucking on his balls, as Astarion deftly sucked Halsin in to his mouth and all the way down. Halsin fisted his hand into Astarion’s hair roughly and fucked into the vampire’s mouth until he gagged. Astarion looked almost triumphant as he slid his mouth off the larger man with a pop.

Elle took over from him and drew Halsin into her mouth and to the back of her throat with a grunt. After a minute, Astarion took another turn, and she went back to licking playfully from underneath.

“Gods, you two,” Halsin moaned, his hands scrabbling to touch as much of them as he could while still staying upright. “I don’t – I can’t – I don’t want to come like this,” he confessed breathily.

Astarion pulled off, his lips curling devilishly with delight, and pulled himself upright to whisper something quietly into Halsin’s ear. Elle could hear Halsin hum with affirmation, and then they both turned their eyes to her. She had the sudden feeling of being their prey, and gods be damned if she didn’t want to be caught.

“Let us fuck you,” Halsin rumbled. Something about Halsin – normally so measured and polite – using such language made her burn inside.

She stretched herself out on the bed and curled her finger to them.

“Come and take me,” she said. It should have sounded silly, but she suddenly felt like a goddess as the two of the most gorgeous men she had ever encountered lavished her with affection.

They laid down on either side of her, hands roving over her skin, lips meeting fleetingly and then moving on to kiss every part of her they could reach. Finally, Halsin put a hand on her right hip and rolled her onto her left side, then gripped her waist tightly and shimmied her backwards towards him. The feel of his larger body spooning her, his strong arms encouraging her to arch back towards him, was blissful. Astarion laid along her, facing her, and captured her mouth in a deep kiss. She was distracted by the overwhelming feeling of the two of them surrounding her – their heat, their weight, the tangle of limbs and hands and bodies.

Halsin nudged his cock in between her legs, and she let out a short gasp as she felt the tip nudge against her entrance. She arched her back, coaxing him forward, and he pushed himself in slightly with a loud groan. Astarion broke away from plundering Elle’s mouth and chuckled.

“How does that feel, darling?” he purred.

“Incredible –” Elle moaned

“Amazing –” Halsin rumbled.

All three of them started to laugh, most of all Astarion.

“I was asking Elle! But I’m glad to know what I’ve got to look forward to,” he smiled, and nibbled her neck playfully. She could feel Halsin’s breath stutter with a choked off laugh, but then he gripped her hip hard again and pushed himself in, bottoming out. She let out a quick noise of surprise.

“I’m sorry – gods, I am so sorry . . .” he fumbled.

“Halsin, shut up and fuck me.”

He did not disappoint. At first, he fucked her slowly, deeply, pulling back and then plunging all the way in. She moaned in rhythm with his thrusts, relished every inch of him. His slow, steady pace left her panting for more. She wiggled her ass up against him and pushed herself back onto his thick cock, trying to encourage him to pick up his pace. His lips brushed lightly over her shoulder and he pumped in more forcefully, rocking the two of them in unison.

Astarion propped himself up on his arm and tangled his other hand into Halsin’s hair impishly. The older elf hummed his approval at the touch and twisted his face up to catch another kiss from him over Elle’s shoulder. Astarion broke away and grinned down at Elle.

“May I have a turn?”

Elle nodded, and before she knew it Halsin had pulled out of her completely, leaving her feeling empty and oh-so-wanting. With a gentle push, they encouraged her to roll over onto her right side, mirroring the position she was just in, but this time with her backside flush against Astarion and her face in Halsin’s broad chest.

Halsin wasted no time as he gathered her breasts in his hands and lavished them with kisses. She could feel Astarion adjust, and then the sensation of his hard cock was there, replacing that feeling of fullness she was desperate for. She was dripping wet from all the attention she had received, and he slid right into her, fully seating himself deep inside her in one quick movement.

Astarion sucked a breath in through his teeth and let out a quiet moan. He stilled, holding himself there, and she clenched and fluttered around him, teasing him with the sensation.

“I think you’ve stunned him speechless,” Halsin smiled, laughter apparent in his voice. Elle watched Halsin’s expression as he peeked over her shoulder at their now-quiet companion. Astarion took a deep, slow breath and pressed his forehead to the spot between her shoulder blades, and she saw Halsin’s smile fade.

“Astarion, love, come back to us,” Halsin murmured as he reached over to pet his arm. Elle turned ever so slightly and kissed his upper arm, the only part of him she could reach in this position.

“We can stop, we don’t have to keep going. You’re incredible Astarion, I only want what you want.” After a long pause, he pulled back his head from its resting spot, his glassy, distant look fading away. He bucked against Elle, eliciting a surprised moan from her, and smiled in an utterly genuine way she hadn’t seen before.

“You two are just…too good to me,” he said, and Elle could feel the tension in him unwind. “I want this so much – you feel so tight, I just…needed a minute. To get out of my own head.”

Halsin leaned over and gave him a quick kiss on the lips, then pressed one quickly to Elle’s cheek as he settled back down against her. Astarion fucked into her urgently, his sharp hip bones bouncing against her in a way she was sure would leave bruises the next day. After a few minutes, he slid an arm around her middle and held her closely as he continued to take her from behind. Halsin stayed close, vigilant, running a gentle hand up and down her body, then switching to stroke Astarion’s arm just as reverently.

Her body was on fire. She was sure she looked an absolute mess by now, covered in sweat, her hair plastered to her forehead and her neck, but she didn’t care. She arched her head back in pleasure as Astarion continued to stuff her full, and Halsin trailed kisses up from her breasts to her neck, stealing the breath from her lungs. Although she was sandwiched between her two elven lovers all she could think was that she wanted more, more, more.

Astarion’s thrusts stuttered, then seemed to slow and pump into her more deliberately. Both Halsin and Elle could clearly sense that he was on the edge.

Elle wasn’t even sure where the words came from, but she started to babble a mix of encouragement and filth, begging for him to fill her with his release. It was meant for Astarion, but Halsin was driven just as mad; when she reached her hand down to stroke his cock, she realized he had a hand wrapped around it already and was pumping furiously.

Astarion pressed forward, as deep as he could go inside her, and let out a clipped yelp as he spilled himself inside her. The feel of it filling her made her insides clench and release, and she shivered. His heavy breathing calmed after a long moment, and he pressed kisses along her shoulders as he slipped out of her.

She noticed that Halsin had stopped stroking himself when Astarion came – Elle could feel his hardness slide up against her thigh, leaving a trail of dampness, and was amazed by his restraint. He ran a finger down her jawbone and stared deeply into her eyes. “How else can we please you? Should I take you from behind, on your knees? Or maybe…” he trailed off and ground himself against her suggestively. Astarion sucked in a breath and held it as Halsin continued. “Maybe you could take both of us at once?”

She couldn’t control how fast her heart started beating, nor could she stop the wordless moan that escaped from deep in her throat.

“Is that a yes, darling?” Astarion whispered to her, loud enough for Halsin to hear.

“Gods, yes!”

Halsin crushed his lips against hers, tongue pressing into her mouth ravenously, and he jerked his hips against her again, punctuating his need.

“I may need a minute, but I’m sure you two can stay occupied while I get ready.” Astarion’s voice was sing-songy and flirtatious again as he shuffled up on to his knees, clearing more room for them to maneuver.

Halsin broke away from kissing her and held his large hand to her cheek. “On top of me,” he breathed. He kept his eyes locked with hers as he shifted to lay down flat on his back, guiding Elle up to straddle him backwards. She stretched her legs to either side of his and braced herself with her left hand against his chest. She reached down between them with her other hand and lined up his cock with her, then slowly sank down onto him.

When she felt like she could take no more of him, she opened her eyes (not realizing she had even closed them) and saw Astarion watching, chest heaving and mouth hanging agape. His cock was already starting to rise, hard again so quickly from watching the two of them together.

Her whole body trembled as Halsin started to languidly lift her hips and fuck up into her. In a flash of movement, Astarion was on them, his tongue pressing insistently to her clit. His clever mouth circled her, then roamed down as Halsin lifted her up and slid himself almost all the way out of her. She could feel Halsin’s low rumble of pleasure as Astarion dragged his tongue down his length, then slowly back up it, in time with his upward thrust.

Elle reached for Astarion, scrambling, until her hand found purchase in his soft, curly hair. “Get up here!”

He stood, a little unsteady with the soft bed underneath them, and took a minute to find a comfortable position amidst their tangled bodies. She felt him tentatively pressing the tip of his cock against her entrance—the stretching feeling was almost immediate and nearly overwhelming, but she wanted to feel them together so much she cried out for more. Halsin slowed, letting them adjust.

He worked his cock into her slowly, just a fraction of an inch at a time. Halsin groaned, long and loud, as Astarion’s cock lined up against his and started to push in to her. The feel of them both inside of her had her hyperventilating, lost in a fog of pleasure and pain. Their heat surrounded her, filled her.

It was impossible for Astarion to get all the way inside. Her mind was willing, but her body could only go so far. Impossibly stretched, impossibly full, impossible, impossible her mind repeated.

“That’s as far as I can go, darling,” Astarion said lowly, the effort to control himself clear in his clipped tone. “Is it alright?” His body shook with the effort of holding back, as he waited for her permission. Halsin’s grip on her waist had loosened, and she felt him gently rubbing her, soothing.

“I don’t think I can go for long but please – don’t stop.”

Astarion leaned in and captured her mouth in a kiss. She felt Halsin behind her, kissing up and down her spine, as he slowly started to move inside of her again.

“We’ve got you,” Halsin whispered reverently into her skin.

With the two of them supporting her, Halsin beneath and Astarion above, she let herself go boneless, trusting them completely with her body. Halsin rocked up slowly, pumping into her, as Astarion pulled back, careful not to come all the way out of her. They reversed, Astarion pushing in as Halsin pulled back, in perfect unison. It was slow, careful – much less frantic and wild than she expected. The kisses they covered her in felt worshipful. The room was quieter now than it had been for the past hour or more as they drank each other in.

“I’m close,” Halsin whispered, not wanting to break the spell that had fallen over them.

“Come – come – come” Elle begged. Astarion’s eyes squeezed shut and she could tell he was almost there too. Her body hummed. She couldn’t stop begging them for it, over and over.

Halsin’s hips jerked, and he let out a deep, guttural groan as he spilled inside her.  She felt its warmth filling her, and then suddenly Astarion threw back his head and moaned, thrusting slowly through his own release. She realized she had cried out as her own pleasure rippled through her.

It was an effort for them all to disengage gracefully. Astarion almost collapsed on top of them but caught himself and managed to pull himself out gently before he flopped down on the bed. Elle leaned up and let Halsin’s cock slip out, then shuffled to the side and landed on her back in between them. As she caught her breath, she threw one arm out to rest on Halsin’s chest and entwined a leg with Astarion.

It took her several long, slow breaths before she could form a coherent sentence again.

“You two are amazing. Not to mention, incredibly gorgeous together.”

She wasn’t prepared for the surprisingly soft looks both elves gave her. Her heart felt fit to burst inside her.

“We’ve only ever wanted….well, this,” Astarion said, gesturing vaguely to the three of them on the bed together.

“We’ve always wanted you here with us,” Halsin added, as he leaned in and kissed her on the cheek.

“Well,” she said, as she pulled the two closer. “I’m here now.” They stayed together that night, naked and entwined. For the first time in ages, Elle didn’t feel alone.

[sabrerine911]

A dreadful realization from the "Parents" of the Party colored (BG2)

Featuring my big "half-giant" lad Galmar, and Jaheira!

Felt like making more of these as I progress with my BG2 playtrough. The dynamic that this party has is this basically:

Jaheira and Galmar are the responsible unofficial mom and dad of the group.

Cerise is like the Wine aunt that is there for her own entertainment.

Beth and Minsc are the Chaotic Good Berserker children that cant stand in place

And the Bhaalspawn is the younger child that is easily impressionable, shifting between all the Good alignments.