#more avernus adventures soon i hope

[blackjackkent]

💃 came from A03 bbygirl/nb/boi .. ... ........what has the same energy as Babygirl but is gender inclusive 😂

BABYCAKES I GOT IT

anyway

babycakes 😂

My request: Avernus Bro Time with your Tav and Wyll

Eyyyyyy! Bro time! \o/ Thank you much for the request, anon! This got a smile out of me. :D (And a nice fluffier request to balance out the intense feels pile from the last one I got. XD )

I am ultimately planning on writing a full multichapter fic about Hector and Wyll and Karlach in Avernus, so we can consider this a preview. :D

-----

“How's she doing?” Wyll looks up worriedly as Hector walks into the House of Hope’s dining room.

Hector quickly shakes his head with a reassuring smile. “She'll be all right,” he says. 

His voice is weary and only a little shaky - a far cry from the panic with which he entered the House a few hours earlier, dragging Karlach’s unconscious body with him. “She lost a lot of blood but she’s resting now. Hope gave her a few healing spells. Said she’d look after her.” He grins crookedly and sits down heavily across from Wyll. “And that I should go away and calm down.”

Wyll chuckles. “In so many words, no doubt,” he says lightly, but he looks visibly relieved. “What happened? I thought you were just doing a quick patrol.” 

It’s a valid question. The House of Hope has become the closest thing they have to headquarters for the little guerilla war they’re running, and for the most part it is relatively safe - at least as safe as anything is in the Hells. They never let their guard down completely, but Zariel’s forces usually don’t range this far unless they’re making a deliberate attack, so magical alarms and a quick perimeter sweep every now and again is usually sufficient. It’s when they’re out on their own sorties in Zariel’s territory that things really get dicey.

Today was unusual, though. “Karlach called them bezekiras.” Hector repeats the unfamiliar term carefully. “Hellcats. Three of them. I think they were strays of a sort; they had military harnesses, but no sign of their masters.”

Wyll grimaces. “I’ve heard tales - never seen one. Nasty beasts.”

“They got the drop on us. We took one out each, but the third caught her in the side before I could finish it.” Hector shudders. “Had me very worried for a little while there.” He inhales, holds it for a moment, his eyes half-closing, then lets it out, deliberately slowing his pulse.

“Well,” Wyll says dryly, “you certainly came in here like all of Avernus was after you. But… sounds like it’s all right now. And like you need something else to think about for a while.”

Hector tilts an eyebrow at him. “Why do I suspect you have a suggestion?”

Wyll grins. “I wasn’t expecting the afternoon to be so exciting, so I kept myself busy with a set of lockpicks down in the cellar. Come on.”

----

“I didn’t even know this was down here.” Hector squints into the dark, musty room, takes a step forward, and then sneezes as the footstep raises a cloud of brimstone-smelling dust. 

“It was well-hidden,” says Wyll, looking rather pleased with himself. “Raphael’s private reserve, I suspect.”

Within the room, barely illuminated by the flickering torch Wyll is carrying, are rows upon rows of wine racks, each filled with dusty bottles wrapped in pale gold labels. Hector’s eyes flick carefully over the nearest rack, looking for any sign of a trap; judging it safe, he reaches out and picks up one of the bottles, hefting it carefully in his hand.

Wyll does the same. “Pity it's not chilled,” he says wryly. 

Hector laughs. “I can't remember the last time I felt anything that was.” That was one of the first things they all got used to, living here - everything in Avernus exists on a spectrum between warm and hot. “Shall we go out on the balcony?”

They call it the balcony but really it's just a particularly large outcropping of rock on the isolated cliff where the House of Hope is perched. It's got a good view of the surrounding area and is somewhat sheltered from the most brutal of the blast-furnace winds that scald the wasteland around them, so it's become the closest thing they have to a relaxation spot. One of the first things Hector did when they arrived here was drag several of Raphael's old overstuffed chairs out there in a semicircle, and there are moments when it actually feels a little like a home. 

Wyll brings out two glasses pulled from one of the cabinets inside, and they both settle down in the chairs looking out at the desolate landscape as he pours out the wine. “Here's to us,” he says lightly. “All still intact despite the Hells’ best efforts.” 

He passes one of the glasses to Hector and takes a deep sip of the other. “Mm. Not bad!” he says brightly. “A little sulfuric, but what isn’t around here?”

Hector sniffs at the deep red liquid, then takes a gulp himself. It is bitter and rich and distinctly warm; he wonders vaguely if this is what his blood tasted like to Astarion. “I’m afraid I’m no connaisseur,” he says. “But not bad indeed.”

Wyll raises his eyebrows questioningly. “Didn’t you bottle wine at your monastery?” he asks. “That temple of Lathander had wine racks…” 

“Ah. No.” Hector chuckles. “A few of the brothers at Silverlight brewed beer; there was a whole area of the basement set aside for it. As a young lad, I snuck in there a handful of times to sample the goods - and got very sick as a result, once, so I never went back after that.”

Wyll laughs. “Nice to know that even you had your share of youthful folly,” he says teasingly.

“There were only limited types of trouble I could get into as a boy,” Hector says, downing another mouthful of the wine. “But I doubt there is any child that doesn’t know how to find something they’re not supposed to have their hands in.”

“I expect you’re right.” Wyll swirls the wine in the bottom of his glass thoughtfully, then drains it and pours out another glass. “Father always kept a close hand on me - not so different from the monastery experience, perhaps. Nobility is its own sort of cloister, at times. To be honest, I think Father chafed at it as much as I did.”

Hector grunts. “In some ways, perhaps we’re both lucky to have been pushed outside the boundaries, then,” he says softly. “Notwithstanding all the horror we had to go through as a result, of course.” A pause. Then he laughs suddenly. “I didn’t know what to do with myself at all, those first few weeks on the road. No rules, no schedule. It was like freefall.”

Wyll smiles. “We could tell,” he says gently. “But we were all freefalling for our own reasons, so you were hardly alone in that.” He leans over and clinks his glass gently against Hector’s. “So here’s to catching each other, then and now and forever.”

[unreadpoppy]

You want ideas? Druid!Tav summoning a whole heap of peacocks in the House of Hope because they remind them of Raphael

ask and you shall receive

Raphael x Druid!Tav (GN)

Tav had reached their limits with Raphael. He had, once again, interfered with their business and messed up the mission. When Tav confronted him, the cambion tried to pass on the blame to them, saying that if they couldn’t focus, it was their fault. 

The two of them had been arguing for hours, the original point long lost to Tav. While he talked and talked, probably saying how Tav was below him, they couldn’t help but think how much Raphael reminded them of a certain bird. 

He was always putting on a performance, showing his best traits, trying to make you forget that he was a fiend. He wanted to grab your attention with his presentation. He flounced around, showing off his feathers, in hopes that someone would swoon. Tav was so deep in this comparison that they hadn’t realized Raphael had finished talking. 

“You’re not even listening!” Raphael sighed. “I don’t know why I keep trying with you.” The devil snapped away, leaving Tav alone. 

Tav groaned. They wanted to get back at Raphael, for being such a prick, but didn’t know how. They were pacing around, thinking, when they were met with the incubus, Haarlep. 

“What’s on your mind, little mouse?”

“Raphael is so infuriating!” They exclaimed. “He thinks he’s always right, he acts as if everyone’s below him but it’s all just an act. He’s like a peacock - beautiful to look at, but can’t sing nor fly.” Haarlep chuckled, knowing too well of Raphael’s lack of skill (at least in bed). “I want to get back at him, but I don’t know how.” The adventurer finished. 

“Well, if this is any help, the best way to make him angry is to bring chaos to his home.” Haarlep said. “I’m sure you’ll find some way to rustle his feathers.” 

An idea suddenly clicked in Tav’s head. “I know! Haarlep, you’re a genius!” They kissed the incubus’s cheek and ran away. 

“You’re welcome, mouse.” 

…

Hours later, when Raphael arrived in the House of Hope, he had a surprise. 

A peacock greeted him. He frowned. Such an animal shouldn’t be in Avernus, let alone in his house. Raphael snapped the bird away and made his way to the boudoir. 

However, the more he walked, the more peacocks he noticed. They were everywhere. Walking around, fighting, doing that terrible “singing”. Soon, he was practically running towards his room, to escape the feathered beasts. 

When he entered the boudoir, instead of finding Haarlep, he was met with even more peacocks. There was on on the bed, showing off his feathers. 

“Get off, you contemptuous creature.” He swatted his hand towards the bird, but instead of leaving, the peacock bit him. “Aagh!” 

When Raphael tried to go at the bird again, the peacock jumped on him and attacked him. Soon, others followed and the devil couldn’t believe what was happening. While he fended off, he wondered how did these animals get in. 

Until he remembered. 

“TAV!” Raphael let out a scream so loud, it felt as if everyone across Avernus could hear it. 

Soon, he saw the smirking druid in his room. “Yes?”

“GET THESE BIRDS OFF OF ME!” They chuckled and snapped their fingers, making all the peacocks puff away in smoke. 

Raphael was disheveled. His hair was out of place, his face was filled with scratch marks and although he was in his human form, his face was reddened from anger. “What was the meaning of this?!”

Tav shrugged. “I just thought you’d like the peacocks. After all, you’re so like them.” 

Raphael took a deep breath, a murderous look on his face. “I would start running, little mouse.” As he spoke, he morphed into his devil form. “Before the cat gets you.” 

Tav didn’t need to hear more and soon, they were running down the halls, laughing, while a very exasperated Raphael shouted after them. 

[sm0lprism]

Bite-Sized (7) - A BG3 G/t fanfic

This contains g/t (giant/tiny content) so if that isn't your thing, then I suggest you stop reading. Thank you!

Read on ao3

Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4 | Chapter 5 | Chapter 6 | Chapter 7 | Chapter 8

Summary: Ria returns to camp after her terrifying encounter with the goblins. Now she has a proposition for the group regarding Astarion's feeding habits.

Pairing: Astarion x borrower!oc (Tav) (slow-burn, Astarion is a complete ass but eventually comes round in future chapters)

Warnings: Course language/swearing, blood drinking

Word count: 3.2k

By the time Ria had returned to camp, the others had also returned from their mission to the Blighted Village. She knew for a fact that she wasn’t going to mention her run-in with the goblins, and their rather gruesome demise at the hands of a certain pale elf. As far as everyone else was concerned, her walk had been pleasant and uneventful. Inhaling a shaky breath, she ambled into the centre of the camp. It still unnerved her to walk around so many giants, one wrong step from just one person would be the end for her, but this was one of the downsides she had to put up with for the time being. She could only hope that everyone would be considerate enough to watch where they were putting their feet.

“You should’ve seen the size of that spider, Wyll!” Karlach exclaimed, her clothing completely drenched in blood, her arms flapping about enthusiastically. “It was fucking massive! Mind you, I’ve seen far worse things in Avernus, but I’d never seen a spider so big!”

“It sounds like you had quite the adventure,” Wyll commented, flashing a warm smile at the tiefling. “I’m almost sad I was stuck at camp all day. I could’ve done with some monster slaying myself.”

“The spiders were pathetic adversaries,” Lae’zel said fiercely. “But their webs were most frustrating.”

“Yes, and who was it that got you out of those webs?” Shadowheart grinned rather smugly.

Lae’zel clenched her teeth, flashing Shadowheart a glowering look.

“Tsk’va! You said you wouldn’t speak of that, Shadowheart!”

Shadowheart tapped her chin with her index finger as a smirk spread across her face. “Did I say that? Maybe I was lying.”

“Do you want me to make you regret freeing me from those webs?” Lae’zel growled.

“Lae’zel, Shadowheart, please do cease this pointless quarrelling,” Gale chimed in, standing in between the two women. “There is no need for it, alright?”

“Chk!” Lae’zel hissed, curling her lip into a snarl.

Shadowheart heaved a sigh, rolling her eyes, but she didn’t make any further comment on the subject.

Now that the air had settled somewhat, Ria decided now would be the time to make her entrance.

“H-Hello everyone!” she called, waving her hands up at the giants that loomed ominously above her.

Everyone seemed to stop what they were doing and turned their gazes downwards as soon as the words had left her lips.  

Karlach’s face lit up immediately. “Hey soldier! How are you doing?”

“I’m doing well,” Ria said warmly, craning her neck to look up at the giant tiefling. “It sounds like your adventure today was successful?”

“It most definitely was!” Karlach replied, grinning from ear to ear. “Oh boy, smashing some giant ass spiders really does a girl good to help let off some steam. In my case literally.” She chuckled lightly, her infernal engine glowing orange through her red skin.

“Careful you don’t get too worked up Karlach,” Shadowheart added. “We still need to find more infernal iron to calm that engine of yours.”

“Ahh, I can’t wait until I can hug someone!” The red tiefling exclaimed. “I am absolutely dying for a hug right now.”

Shadowheart smiled softly at the tiefling woman, warmth reflected in her gaze. “I’d be happy to be your first hug once you’ve had the next upgrade from Dammon. If you want me to be your first hug, that is.”

Karlach’s eyes nearly popped out of her sockets and she had to force herself not to squeeze the half-elf into a hug right then and there. “Oh, seriously, Shadowheart? That would be amazing! You better prepare yourself; you’ll be in for the best hug of your life when I get that upgrade!”

“I look forward to it,” Shadowheart chuckled.

Rumbling tremors rattled the ground beneath her feet as Astarion approached the group. She swallowed thickly, remembering that he was responsible for saving her life only mere hours ago – as much as she hated to admit it, it was the truth. He seemed to pick up on this as his gaze briefly hovered over her small form, a rather smug grin tugging at the corner of his lips. A scowl formed across her features. She certainly didn’t need a mind-bending tadpole to know what he was thinking.

“Greetings, Astarion,” Gale said, breaking the silence. “I suppose you had a rather uneventful day?”

“You could say that,” Astarion answered. “The same can’t be said for you, it seems.”

As Astarion and Gale continued to talk, Ria’s mind was swirling with thoughts. Convincing the rest of the group to allow Astarion to feed on thinking creatures was going to be interesting, but she was adamant that this was the best course of action to hopefully control the vampire’s bloodlust. Besides, if he only fed on bandits that they were going to kill already, what difference did it make? Better the bandits than her, or anyone else in the group. He certainly didn’t deserve her kindness, but at the end of the day, she wasn’t doing this because she was fond of him or anything like that. It was for her own safety considering how adamant the vampire was on eating her.

Ria cleared her throat. “I-I have something to suggest.”

All eyes suddenly turned back to Ria as she uttered the sentence. Astarion stared at her apprehensively, narrowing his gaze at her as he waited to see what she had to say next.

Don’t worry, you massive leech, I’m not telling them about the goblins.

“Speak,” Lae’zel commanded.

She swallowed a lump that had begun to form in her throat.

“I think it’s best if we allow Astarion to feed on thinking beings.”

Ria exhaled a shaky breath, and watched as everyone’s expressions changed from curiosity to complete shock.

“You can’t be serious!” Shadowheart exclaimed.

“N-not on innocents, of course!” Ria quickly added. “Why can’t he feed on bandits that you’re going to kill? They’re going to die either way, besides, it means he’ll be less tempted to bite any of you…” She swallowed thickly. “Or me.”

Astarion’s jaw slacked open, his eyes widening in disbelief, and for once he was at a loss for words. His gaze was fixed on her in that moment, completely perplexed as to why she was suggesting something that would benefit him.

Ria shifted uncomfortably on her feet, not meeting Astarion’s gaze, as her companions exchanged confused glances amongst one another. She had to crane her neck up just to look at them, reminding her once again of how miniscule she was compared to everyone else.

“Well, I don’t see how that could be a bad thing,” Karlach said. “I mean, as Ria put it, the bandits will be dead anyway. Why not feed Fangs while we’re at it?”

“I agree with Karlach,” Wyll added. “The monster hunter in me disagrees, but I can see why it might be a good idea. Vampires are typically better sated on non-animal blood and their abilities are enhanced a great deal.”

Both Shadowheart and Lae’zel seemed somewhat apprehensive at the idea. Gale, on the other hand, was pondering Ria’s idea away in that brilliant brain of his.

“Tsk’va. I am not thrilled by the idea of Astarion biting thinking creatures, but providing they are only our forsaken enemies, then so be it.” The gith shot the vampire spawn a scathing look, her teeth bared. “And a reminder to you, Astarion, if you so much as smack your lips when I’m near, I will sever you piece by piece. I’ll leave you to guess which piece I plan to start with. Am I understood?”

“No githyanki meals, I promise,” Astarion said. “You have my word on that.”

“And I hope you extend that to everyone in the camp,” Shadowheart commented, pushing her ebony braid purposefully over her exposed neck.

“Of course, what do you take me for?” Astarion replied, a hint of irritation etched in his voice. “I have already promised not to bite any of you, unless you’ve forgotten that?”

“As he’s mentioned, Astarion has already vowed not to bite any of us,” Gale finally chimed in, reiterating the vampire’s point, his brows furrowed. “I, for one, am completely open to Ria’s idea. As Wyll said, vampires simply perform better on sentient blood. If anything, this will help him get a hold on his bloodlust, and that’s better for everyone.”

“Exactly!” Ria said. “It works out better for all of us. I’m glad you all see that.”

Astarion’s gaze flitted over Ria’s tiny form, and she met his watchful eyes with bated breath. Instead of his usual sinister smirk that often adorned his defined features, his face softened as he looked down at her. There was a gentle glimmer of something else in his eyes – something that Ria hadn’t seen before on his face – warmth. Was she imagining it? Quite possibly. Whether she was imagining it or not, it made her heart thrum against her chest and a swarm of butterflies fluttered in the pit of her stomach.

Wait…no…why am I feeling like this? What is this? Stop it!

“I suppose this is all settled then,” Gale announced, tearing Ria out of her rather flustered thoughts. “Astarion can feed on our enemies or bandits that we come across – providing that they are not innocents. Is that understood, Astarion?” The wizard turned to face the pale elf.

Astarion pressed one hand to his heart. “On my honour, no innocents will be hurt. I can assure you that.”

No one objected, although Lae’zel muttered a small ‘chk’ under her breath rather discreetly.

“Right, now that’s sorted, I could go for a big meal right now,” Karlach announced, flickering embers dancing across her red skin. “Smashing spiders has got me really hungry.”

“Fear not, Karlach, your chef for the evening is getting right on it as we speak.” Gale began to swiftly rummage through a bunch of packs full of food and rations.

As Gale began to prepare for the evening meal, everyone else in the camp disbanded and went to their own respective tents. Ria took this as her cue to leave as well, and began to walk in the direction of her own little tent. Every so often Gale had to enchant it with the reduce spell for it to retain its miniature size, and the wizard had assured her it wasn’t a bother for him in the slightest after she had suggested that she could just sleep on the floor. Gale was having none of that and happily kept on using magic to shrink the tent each day. She was very grateful for the wizard’s kindness and that she had somewhere catered to her own size to reside in for the time being.

As she continued to stride towards her small tent, she realised that she had forgotten to ask about joining the group when they decided to enter the Goblin Camp. She needed to know more about blood merchants trading borrowers. This was the only kind of lead she had on finding more of her kind in years, there was no way she could afford to pass this opportunity up.

That can wait until tomorrow. We’re not at the Goblin Camp yet anyways.

Small earthquakes quickly jolted Ria out of her thoughts, signalling that someone was approaching her rapidly. She slowly pivoted on her heel to see Astarion sauntering towards her and a wave of dread quickly washed over her.

What does he want now?

“Ah, there’s my little friend.”

Little friend?!

Ria’s chest tightened as she watched the pale elf drop to one knee beside her, tilting his head to one side as a small smile tugged at the corner of his lips.

“What do you want?” she snapped.

Astarion’s gaze suddenly shifted to the floor, avoiding her eyes, his lower lip quivering softly. He opened his mouth to speak, but no words uttered from his lips. This was incredibly strange for him, normally he had a witty remark for just about everything. What was going on?

He cleared his throat and fixed his red gaze onto her small frame. “I…I wanted to thank you for what you said earlier. What you just did was…unexpected. You didn’t have to persuade the others like that for me, yet you did.”

Ria’s eyebrows shot up in astonishment, completely caught off guard by Astarion’s gesture. Little did he know that she hadn’t persuaded the group for Astarion’s benefit, she’d only done it in hopes that maybe he wouldn’t keep on eyeing her up like some kind of snack. But he had saved her life only earlier that day, so perhaps a small part of her was also doing it as a way of thanks…he clearly saw it that way anyway, whether she meant it or not.

No, just ignore him.

Despite her negative thoughts, she couldn’t deny that he was looking at her differently. He seemed, for the first time since she had met him, genuine. Something about the way he was gazing at her stirred a subtle ache in her chest that she couldn’t quite explain.

“Are you sure you’re feeling alright?” she asked, ignoring the growing feeling of warmth across her face. “You’re thanking me for something. That isn’t like you at all.”

A soft chuckle slipped past his lips. “I know, it’s very strange, isn’t it? I just…” His voice faded away. He was clearly struggling to find the right words.

“You did something nice for me when you didn’t have to,” he said at last. “And I appreciate it. Perhaps I was wrong about you.”

Now it was Ria’s turn to be at a loss for words. Her brain swirled with confusion as his statement left her temporarily unable to speak.

Is he serious?

She frantically searched his face, looking for a sign of deceit, but there was none. He was being completely honest with her and he meant every word.

“Do you really mean that?” she asked hesitantly, still not quite believing his sudden change in demeanour.

Astarion furrowed his brows. “Darling, if I wasn’t serious, I wouldn’t be having this conversation with you right now.” He exhaled a long breath. “You could’ve easily ratted me out to everyone as well with the goblins, but you didn’t do that. I think we should start over.”

Before she even had time to react, Astarion extended his index finger towards her.

“Deal?” he asked gently.

Ria stared at his index finger intently as her body stiffened. She quickly glanced from his hand to his face, her heart racing feverishly in her chest. Her right hand was gripped firmly around the handle of her little dagger, concealed behind her back, and an idea pierced through her brain. No way was she letting him off that easily after everything that had happened.

Without a second thought, she lunged forwards and thrusted the dagger into Astarion’s exposed index finger.

“You little-!” Astarion exclaimed, utter shock painted across his face as he immediately retracted his hand away from the borrower.

A tight-lipped grin pulled at the corners of her mouth as she watched Astarion glare at her, trails of blood now dripping down his pale skin from the fresh wound on his finger.

“Okay, we’re even,” she grinned. “We can start fresh now.”

Astarion’s gaze softened as a smirk flickered across his facial features.

“Cheeky little pup.” He grinned. “I suppose I may have deserved that.”

Ria blinked slowly at him. “May?!”

“Fine, fine, I did deserve that.” He rolled his eyes before removing the tiny dagger from his finger as if it were nothing more than a splinter. He inspected the miniature blade for a moment before passing it towards Ria, holding it in between his index finger and thumb. She hastily grabbed the dagger from Astarion before wiping off the blood with a small rag in her pocket.

“It amazes me that Dammon was able to make a blade so small.” He began licking at the oozing blood from his finger. It oddly reminded Ria of a cat cleaning its paws and a grimace of disgust spread across her face.

“Ew, you’re licking your own blood?” she said, giving him a dirty look. The sight of blood made her squeamish.

Astarion paused his licking to stare at her, one eyebrow arched. “Darling, I’m a vampire, drinking blood is what I do.”

“Yeah, okay, but your own blood?”

Astarion shrugged. “It’d be a shame for it to go to waste.”

Ria shook her head lightly and rolled her eyes.

A small moment of silence passed. The only noise that could be heard was the sound of Gale attempting to make dinner and Lae’zel sharpening her sword. Sensing the incoming awkwardness, Ria swallowed a lump that had begun to form in her throat and began to turn to leave.

“Well, I guess I’ll leave you to your blood licking.”

“Wait!” Astarion said rather suddenly, lapping up one final drop of blood on his finger.

Ria paused in her tracks and blinked at him in surprise.

“I don’t want you to run off just yet,” he said slowly.

She stared at him like he had grown a second head.

“You…you don’t want me to leave?”

“You intrigue me,” he replied, a small grin curling around his lip. “For such a little thing, you are quite resilient. Facing those goblins, not shying away from Lae’zel’s battle training…the fact that you want to fight back is at the very least admirable, considering how hopeless it is for someone of your height. And then you even stood up to me.” A small snicker flitted past his lips. “I’m not easily impressed by people of your stature, but you’re a lot stronger than I gave you credit for.”

Somehow Astarion had managed to both compliment her and insult her at the same time and she wasn’t sure how she felt about it.

I suppose that’s about the nicest thing he’s ever said to me.

She pressed her lips together in a thin line. “I thought you didn’t like me.”

“You have your charms…more than you think.”

Ria couldn’t tell if he was lying or being serious, but she remained cautious. There was a small glint of hunger reflected in his crimson eyes which reminded her that she was in fact dealing with a predator. But...despite this, there was something else there too. Something that was mixed in with his hunger that was perhaps preventing him from lunging forward to eat her right then and there. It was the same look that he had given her before – his features had softened, the sinister glare from his gaze completely gone.

She hated how it made her chest flutter.

“You aren’t so bad yourself,” she replied.

Why in the hells did I say that!?

She forcefully bit her tongue to stop any more words from tumbling out that she might regret saying. She wasn’t sure why she had even said it to begin with, but it made her want to kick herself.

He wanted to eat me a couple of weeks ago, and he probably still does. I need to remember that.

“Well, this has turned into a surprisingly pleasant conversation,” Astarion smiled.

“Don’t get too close,” Ria said, gripping the handle of her dagger instinctively. “I’m not one to easily forget.”

His eyes crinkled as he simply chuckled at her. “I wouldn’t dream of it, darling.”

[punderdome]

WIP Wednesday!

Short but sweet! Since we're at the last five chapters of Fine Print, I'm working on getting everything nicely wrapped up for Tav's marital adventures. Some fun characters are going to make an appearance. Enjoy!

“Raphael, I need to prepare some Sending spells,” Tav asserted as she stood in front of his desk.

“I am growing quite close to assaulting Zariel’s fortress, and that would be an incredible lapse in security,” Raphael sat back in his chair and looked up at her.  “What could possibly be so important that you would risk my plans being revealed?”

Tav stared back down at him.  “Wyll and Karlach have been leading another underground resistance against Zariel.  I don’t want them and their allies to be caught in the middle of your battles with Zariel.  They may be able to help you, or at least we can get them to stay out of your way.”

Raphael pondered her request.  “You still hold affection for your mortal friends?”

“Of course I do.  Can I at least bring them here to speak with them?  I doubt you want the Blade of Frontiers and one of Zariel’s best former agents working against you.”

Raphael sighed as he pondered Tav’s request.  “Should they decide to work against me, I could easily turn them both to ash and throw them in the chamber pot for my debtors to clean up,” he threatened halfheartedly.

Tav wasn’t amused.  “If you harm them in any way, you will not like what vengeance I will seek.”

Raphael chuckled.  “I do so enjoy seeing your ruthless side, my dearest, though it still needs to be further developed to meet the standards of the Hells.”  He gave a smug smile.  

“Will you let me send them a message to come here?” Tav asked again.  He was going to ask for something from her in return, but she wasn’t sure what.

Raphael nodded an assent.  “You may contact them and invite them here, but in return they must be willing to discuss negotiations with the resistance against Zariel in my favor.”

“Thank you, dear husband.”  Tav quickly left the study to find copper wire to send her message.

“Karlach, Wyll.  Come to the House of Hope.  It’s safe.  Let’s discuss the fight with Zariel.  Raphael can help.  I love you.  Tav.”

She couldn’t figure out two more words to say but figured her message should be enough.  Tav wasn’t sure what they knew about her relationship with Raphael, but getting them to trust him would be a monumental undertaking.

Later that afternoon, Tav was reading in the archive when she felt the prickle of a Sending spell on the back of her neck.

“Soldier!  House of Hope?  Raphael?  Gross.  Why are you in Avernus?  We’ll come to see you.  Don’t trust the cambion.  Be there soon.  Love you.”

[vemaro]

alone again

[PART 2]

A link to PART 1 and PART 3

Pairing: Astarion x Tav (female Tav)

Word count: ~2100

Notes: Two down, one to go! Once I finish the third bit, I have way more ideas I hope to write. I hope no one minds that these aren’t super cohesive. Everything will be set in the AU, but it won’t necessarily be in order. As usual, thanks for reading! Any feedback is appreciated!

…

As soon as the ceremony is over, Terrick informs his wife of some business that needs attending to in the Upper City (a party). He gives her a kiss on the cheek (they are in public) and leaves without so much as an invitation (not that she wants to go). Unfortunately, he takes the carriage they arrived in, which means she’ll have to walk all the way home. In the tight dress. In the uncomfortable shoes. With an irate little boy. Perfect.

A pull on the skirts of Tav’s dress brings her attention downward. “Mama, I saw a bunch of our friends. Over there. See?” He points to the back of the crowd. And there they are, gathered at the lip of an alleyway. Callum waves at them and they wave back.

She plays with his hair, purposely messing it up. “I saw them, Callum.”

He yanks on her arm, trying to pull her offstage. “Let’s go, let’s go, let’s go!”

His eagerness is infectious. “We’re going, we’re going,” she laughs. Tav makes sure to signal them to stay put where they are, she and Callum will come to them.

Most of the people have dispersed by now, either having gone inside to use the food bank or left after the speeches. It’s not difficult for the little boy to navigate through what’s left. Tav can’t deny her own eagerness to reunite with everyone. She’s missed them all dearly. It’s been years since so many of them have been in the city concurrently, not since the final fight against the Elder Brain. Lae’zel immediately ran into a battle to save her people from Vlaakith. Wyll and Karlach went to Avernus. Gale stayed behind for a little while, but eventually left for a position at Blackstaff Academy. Astarion is no longer safe from the sun so he went into the Underdark. Shadowheart stayed the longest, but she too ventured out of the city, following Aylin and Isobel.

Tav considered asking to tag along with someone, but she felt it wasn’t her place to insert herself into their lives. If they wanted her around, surely they would’ve invited her … right? So she stayed, in wait for when any of her friends would pass through the Gate again. She grew very lonely, then again, she should be used to solitude. That was her life before the Nautiloid, why would things change after?

Karlach breaks away from the party and meet them in the middle. “Oh look, if it isn’t our fearless leader and the brave little soldier!” She snatches up Callum, who squeals with joy. “Don’t you two look ready for an adventure out in the woods.”

Tav rolls her eyes. “Shut it.” She didn’t pick this ridiculous frock.

Gale, the gentleman he is, steps up to defend her honor. “Well, I think you look positively radiant, Tav.” He takes one of her hands and presses a chaste kiss to her knuckles.

Tav does a small curtsy in return. “Thank you, Mr. Dekarios.”

“The color doesn’t suit you,” Lae’zel says. That’s it. No proper greeting.

Shadowheart points a sour look at the gith warrior. “Tactful as always, I see.”

Wyll joins the conversation. “Lae’zel, does the phrase if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all ring any bells?”

“No,” she says, slightly defensive. “And I fail to see why you mention it. The color of her dress isn’t visually appealing and by informing her, she won’t make this mistake again in the future. If anything, I’m being very nice.”

“To be fair,” Tav says, in Lae’zel’s defense. “I have half a mind to take a dagger and cut myself out of the bodice. It’s suffocating.”

“A dagger? Darling, you know I always carry one or two on me.” Astarion steps out of the alleyway carrying an enchanted umbrella in one hand and a dagger in the other. And not just any dagger, but the Sussur dagger she forged specifically for him early on in their travels. Back when they fooled around like a couple of innocent teenagers and she thought she had a chance. Back before she knew what he’d been through and gave up that chance. “Allow me the honors?”

Tav has to make a show of pretending to be flustered, while actually being flustered. “As tempting as your offer may be—” And gods, is it tempting. “—I’ll have to pass.”

Oddly enough, instead of dropping the smirk, it ticks up a little higher. He tucks his weapon away. “Boo. No fun.”

“It’s nice to see you too, Astarion,” she comments dryly.

He does a sort of half bow. “And it’s always a pleasure to see you, dear.”

“Asty!”

Karlach must’ve put him down at some point and now her son is charging at Astarion. Tav’s heart seizes in panic. “Wait, Callum, be careful!” The enchantment only works within the perimeter of the umbrella. If Callum accidentally knocks the vampire over, not only would it hurt him, it would also cause a huge scene.

Thankfully, Gale plucks the child up before any harm can be done. “Hello, Callum. Don’t you look dashing?”

The little boy frowns and tugs on his collar. “I don’t like these clothes. I can’t play in them.”

The wizard frowns in sympathy. “I can’t play in my clothes either.”

Feeling shy, Callum looks away. “But … can you still do magic?”

“Hmm. Let’s see, shall we?” With a flick of the wrist and a couple hand gestures, Gale conjures up a small glowing prism. “It appears so,” he says with a smug grin.

Callum cautiously reaches to touch it, but when the prism abruptly changes shape, he flinches back in surprise. Now it’s in the form of a sphere. The boy claps with excitement. “I love magic!”

“Me too.”

Astarion clears his throat. “Yoohoo! Hello! I'm the one you were going for. Not Professor Chatty.”

Gale tuts at the vampire. “If I hadn’t stepped in, you would’ve turned to ash”

“Gods below,” Astarion mutters. “I can handle a toddler bumping into me.”

Shadowheart arches a challenging brow. “Are you sure?”

“Yes!”

“I have my doubts,” Lae’zel interjects. No one can tell if she’s being serious or only teasing. Either way, it has everyone else (but Astarion) laughing.

Callum sees that he’s upset and holds out his arms. He makes grabby hands. “Don’t be sad, Asty. I love you.”

Those three little words still do a number on the man’s unbeating heart. Gale holds out the boy enough that Astarion can safely grab hold of him. Once he’s situated on his hip, he takes a deep breath. “I love you too, as long as I’m still your favorite.”

The Blade of Frontiers detects a lie. “I wasn’t there, but I heard you weren’t his favorite.” Astarion glares at him. Wyll holds up his hands in surrender. “Unless I heard wrong.”

Karlach snorts. “You didn’t.”

Shadowheart rolls her eyes. “You’re not the favorite either.”

And the tiefling drops her head in shame. “Ah, don’t remind me.”

Gale perks up at the news. “Wait, am I—”

“No.”

And he too drops his head. “Oh …”

Lae’zel shakes her head. “Chk. Of course his mother is his favorite. Only a fool would believe otherwise.”

Astarion glares at the fighter. “Tav shouldn’t count. Everyone loves her. She’s always the favorite.”

She’s certainly not Terrick’s favorite and that is a fact. Tav gasps, feigning defensiveness. “Excuse me? I don’t count?”

If he could, he’d pinch the ridge of his nose, but alas his arms are full of children and umbrellas. So he just closes his eyes, too frustrated to look at her. “That’s the part you clung to?”

Now she’s preening. “Don’t worry, I also heard you say I’m your favorite.”

Fuck. Is he blushing? He fed on a deer last night. Would the shade from the umbrella obscure the change in tint? “I said you were the favorite, dear. Not my favorite. Do get your hearing checked.”

Tav cocks her head to the side like a curious owlbear cub. “So I’m not your favorite?”

“As of right now, no.”

She lays her head on his shoulder, feeling bold today. “You love me.” Not in the same way that she loves him (or so she thinks), but she’ll take what she can get.

Definitely not blushing. Definitely not blushing. “I tolerate you and your obnoxious goody-two-shoes personality.”

The druid is feeling very bold, perhaps a tiny bit masochistic. “Awe, I love you, too, Astarion.” And she pecks him on the cheek. The regret floods her mind and body as soon as she pulls away. Shit. But it’s fine! Friends can show other friends physical affection. Gale kissed her hand not five minutes ago. She plants one on her son next. “A-and I love you, Callum.”

“I love you, Mama!” Callum places a small kiss on Astarion’s other cheek. “I love you too, Asty!” He then proceeds to tell everyone in the vicinity that he loves them, therefore saving Tav from having to kiss each and every one of her friends in order to cover her own ass. Crisis averted. Gods, that boy is a blessing.

So is Gale. “So, Tav, do you have to stay here at the food bank or are you free for the day?”

Her heart flutters in anticipation. Is he going to suggest they all do something together? Robyn hopes so. “I’m done,” she says quickly. “Nothing left to do here. I have no plans.”

“Splendid! Since this is the first time in a long time we’ve all been in the city, I say we should spend the day together.” He looks around their circle of friends. “Any objections?”

Karlach shakes her head. “Nope.”

“None at all,” Wyll agrees.

It’s happening! She could weep from joy. “That’s a great idea, Gale,” Tav exclaims. “I love it.” She can barely contain her excitement. She has fistfuls of her dress in her hands—oh wait. “Uh, I do need to head home first.”

“No,” Callum whines, tears glistening in the corners of his eyes. “I don’t want to go! I want to stay!”

Gods, so does she. Tav stands with her hand on her knees. “Don’t you want out of these stuffy clothes?” He nods. “Then we need to go home to do that, okay?” She holds out her arms to take him from Astarion.

The boy doesn’t move. “Then we can come back?”

Tav taps the tip of his nose, drawing out a small giggle. “Then we can come back. Promise.” Satisfied with his mother’s answer, he climbs into her arms. “Give me two hours, tops. Wait for us in the Elfsong.”

“Why so long?” Shadowheart asks.

Tav deadpans at the question. “My wonderful husband took the carriage, which means I get to walk back to the Upper City.” She worries her lip between her teeth. “Unless someone has to leave soon, in which case, I will stay.” She’ll suffer through discomfort if it means spending time with everyone.

The cleric is quick to reassure her. “No no, that’s fine. No one has to leave yet.”

“Oh. Good. Thank you.” She adjusts her grip on her son and starts to walk away. “I’ll try not to take too long then.”

Karlach goes over and nudges the vampire forward. “Fangs, go with her. A proper lady like her needs an escort.”

Tav almost trips on a dip in the road when she spins around to face them. “O-oh, no, it’s fine. He doesn’t have to—you don’t have to if you don’t want to, Astarion. You can wait with the others in the tavern.”

Callum bounces in Tav’s arms. “Asty’s coming?”

“No, he’s going to wait—”

He holds out his arm. “I want him to come.”

Astarion turns and gives the barbarian a face that reads I’m going to fucking kill you. Karlach just gives him a shit-eating grin. When he turns back to the mother and son, he’s all smiles. “It seems the decision has been made for us, hm?” He ambles over then extends the arm not holding the umbrella. “Shall we?”

Tav hesitates. In that moment of hesitation, she comes up with several reasons she should continue to insist he stay. It takes another moment for her to convince herself to ignore herself. Tav ultimately switches Callum to her other hip then grabs his arm. “If you’re sure. Will the enchantment last?”

Gale scoffs. “Of course it will last. I cast the spell myself.” He shoos them along. “Off, you three. While the day is still young.”

A bundle of nerves settles itself in her gut. She trusts Astarion. She trusts him with her life. More importantly, she trusts him with Callum’s life. The one she doesn’t trust right now is herself. “Okay …” Tav looks up at the vampire and tries for her best imitation of a genuine smile. “Let’s go then.”

He smirks back. “Lead on.”

[taneysha-pictures]

I adore bards...

Haarlep x named tiefling Tav (Lyra) SFW except for a couple of rude words. A few warnings: English is not my native language so be prepared. Haarlep is he/him here. (If you can accept that for a short time, then enjoy reading)

Here it is – another deal with Raphael. It's hard to call Lyra satisfied, but Zariel was a common enemy they would have to fight in the future. It was surprising Raphael wanted to deal with the young tiefling again. She was absolutely sure that during their joint adventure he had a few gray hairs on his head. Apparently his mood was greatly lifted from the moment he received the crown of Karsus. Long conversations with Raphael in his House of Hope didn't lead to anything, but only caused a headache. She hoped the discomfort would go away on its own. But now for the second hour the pain does not subside. The heat of Avernus takes her breath away, which doesn't help at all. Leaving Raphael, she went to the healing spring.

After washing her face, she felt pleasant relief. It would be great to always have access to this fountain.

A quiet giggle was heard from the direction of the bed.

“Here she is. A little nimble mouse who escaped the tenacious claws.” Lying on the silk sheets of the elaborate bed was a devil that looked incredibly similar to the one she had just left in the main hall. “I was so hoping to meet you in person.” The devil lay in an imposing pose, which with all his appearance showed who was in control of the situation here. The smile did not leave his lips, and his tail slowly waved in an inviting gesture. It took her a few seconds to organize her thoughts. “Oh yeah, you're that devil who can't keep track of his things.” The tiefling's emotions were as feigned as possible.

“The little thing robbed me.” Raphael's copy was no less pretentious. “How did this happen?”

"Potion of Invisibility." She concluded calmly. “Cheater.” The creature literally spat out these words. The tiefling had already turned to leave when the feignedly seductive voice was heard again. “The more contracts you sign, the more impossible to stop, right, little mouse?” "Wrong!" "Is this so? Remind me what are you doing right now?” He changed his position to a more comfortable one, leaning back on the pillow.

“This is a different case.” The young woman answered too quickly, which showed her anxiety. “Sure...” He drawled the sounds so that the word began to resemble the hiss of a snake that was about to bite. “Let me introduce myself: I am Haarlep, Raphael's personal incubus, glamoured and transfigured to look like him.” His speech became more animated. His monologue made no impression. However, many things have become clearer than before. Lyra didn't understand what this whole performance was for, and only raised one eyebrow. “So, all standards of decency have been met. Since you’re here, does that mean there’s a new doll for us to play with?” It was difficult to define from the incubus what he was thinking about now, but the guest themselves hoped that Haarlep was feeling irritated at this moment. “Deliver me from yourself. I'm untouchable" “It’s funny to hear that from a small creature who gives himself up to Raphael’s amusement over and over again.” The incubus smiled, showing off his sharp, snow-white fangs. “You are changing concepts, incubus. Don’t confuse business cooperation with carnal corruption.” To her surprise, she remained very calm, although the situation screamed that she needed to leave as soon as possible. She didn't hear this reasonable voice. Perhaps she liked to admire the picture presented, but didn’t admit it to herself. “Everything starts small, little one. Ultimately, you’ll give all of yourself to the Devil without a trace, it’s a matter of time.The only thing that depends on you is the amount of time. Cheap whore of Baldur’s Gate.”

It all seemed like a challenge that the tiefling couldn't let past her pointy ears. In anticipation of battle, she took out her lyre. The incubus looked surprised, but only for a second. Immediately after, he let out a booming laugh, which, it was assumed, was heard outside the boudoir. It seems he even cried. "Oh no! What are you going to do? Will you strum me to death?” He continues to chuckle. “Do not underestimate bards and the power of their musical instrument.” Her face remained serious despite the fact that she was openly mocked. “Mmm…” The incubus’s expression became even more pleased. “Bards are my favorite. They are so unconventional. Such inventors. So delicious.” Haarlep moved his groin just a little, which already seemed to Lyra to be an action that went beyond all boundaries of decency. She looked away, hoping the incubus wouldn't notice. But he did. “Let me see.” Haarlep took a deep breath, as if tasting the air, savoring every note of the smell. “Enchantment spells? Oh my dear little mouse, I am already enchanted.” With every word the incubus seemed to become even more seductive. How is this possible? The young woman gathered all her will into a fist. “I'm not interested in incubi. So you can stop trying.” It's time to leave before it's too late. “Hmmm...Then maybe a cambion would be more to your liking?” Too many emotions washed over the tiefling at once. Outrage, shame, anger, denial. She took a deep breath, keeping her emotions under control. It was clear the incubus was just having fun. So let's have fun together. She giggled quietly. “To my regret, the cambion’s slut position has already been taken, Haarlep.” Lyra deliberately emphasized his name. They looked into each other's eyes, giving the opponent killer smiles. The tiefling walked away under the gaze of a pair of eyes filled with hellfire. “I adore bards...”

[emmy-dekarios-bg3]

Heart of the Weave - chapter 12 - Emmy’s POV

After our challenges along the way, both to Baldur’s Gate and back to Waterdeep, we finally make it back home and unfortunately have to part ways with Wyll and Karlach. I hope they find a way to visit us again soon.

“We have to head back to Avernus, but luckily we won’t have to be there much longer,” Wyll says. “After our wedding, we will be looking for a home here in Waterdeep. I won’t lie, I enjoy the scenery and architecture here. Let us know when your baby shower will be, and we will be sure to make it. Just ring up Withers.” I chuckle, slightly sad that my friends need to leave for the time being but thankful they’ll always be around.

“And you guys let us know when the wedding will be. We’d be happy to come,” Gale says. “Thank you both. For everything.” Hugs are exchanged and just like that, they’re both summoned back to the Hells to fight off creatures that wouldn’t dare to be seen here on Earth. Gale and I walk back to the tower, our hands holding one another comfortably as we walk into the evening sunset. The soft breeze and salty scent of Waterdeep brings me back a sense of comfort that I missed, even though we were only gone for roughly five days…longer than what we originally planned.

We finally make it back home, and Tara is waiting for us outside the front door. It’s as if she knew we were headed back home, or maybe she is just conveniently hanging outside. Either way, she looks thrilled that her favorite humans have made it back safely to live comfortably in her presence.

“By the moon and stars! It felt like ages since you’ve been home. I was worried sick, you hooligans! Sheesh! So,did you lovely people get the answers you were looking for?” Tara asks, flying around the living area ecstatically.

“Well, answers we weren’t exactly expecting, but news nonetheless,” Gale says. “I’m just glad it wasn’t a fatal disease or something of the sort.”

“Let me take a wild guess – you’re going to be a daddy! Just make sure I get attention too, once the little person is here. I’m not asking too much, just occasional pets and a bowl of cow’s milk every now and then. Read me a bedtime story on the Astral Planes. I’ll do everything to help out, though. Except the diaper changes. Those are on you, Gale. Alas, I only have paws, and I get nauseous easily.”

“Wait, how did you know about the baby?”

“Like I said, just a lucky guess.” She giggles and flies away into the kitchen. Gale rolls his eyes.

“Oh, for the love of… Tara.” I smile, admiring the cozy home we’re finally back in, thankful to be alive and safe in the comfort of the tower. I thought I missed adventuring, but turns out I only missed my companions. Oh, and it’s a delight to have Tara around; I don’t know how Gale did it all those months after the nautiloid crash.

“Well, my love, I am going to the library to write to my mother about the news. Would you like to join me?” I finally hear excitement in his voice about the baby, and I’m sure he’s ready to see his mother again. I smile and take his hand, then he proceeds to lead me upstairs.

“I just have a feeling our parents will show up out of the blue,” I tease. “Who knows how long they’ve been wanting grandchildren?”

“Oh, without a doubt!” We make it to the library and I sit next to him at the desk, both of us surrounded by the various books in his magic library. By magic library, I mean all the books are related to the study of magic. As we sit to write, Tara flies back upstairs with us and gets comfortable in my lap. Ah, sweet Tara.

Six months pass. Six months of horrific pregnancy symptoms, the worst one being fatigue. Six months of nesting and getting the house ready. Six months of Tara following me around everywhere to make sure I’m alright while Gale is teaching at Blackstaff. No signs of Raphael or any other devil ready to corrupt the peace that is currently my life. No more bad dreams these past few months, just several relaxing baths a day due to body pains and a constant hunger for fettuccine.

During these months, my mother came to visit, as well as Gale’s mother. We enjoyed the company of our families and it’s safe to say both sides were thrilled about a new baby being around, especially Gale’s mother. Each time she visits, she brings a new gift for the little one. My mother brings us delicious foods grown from her garden and homemade soup.

It’s here – the day of my baby shower! Gale’s mom showed up yesterday due to a schedule conflict (alright, she may have thought it was yesterday and not today, but we enjoyed seeing her regardless). Every friend except Lae’zel, Jaheira, and Minsc show up to the shower, thrilled to celebrate. Astarion tries to act like he isn’t excited, but deep down, he definitely is.

“You know, the old me would have never thought to ask this, but…may I feel your belly?” Shadowheart asks, smiling. “I used to never want kids, but the thought has crossed my mind lately.”

“You’re like my sister. The maid of honor at my wedding. Someone I love with all my heart. Of course you can touch my belly,” I tell her. She places her hand gently on the globe of life, her eyes widening as she feels the baby kick her hand. I smile back at her, admiring her love for my unborn child, and realizing how truly beautiful she is. Happiness looks good on her.

“Thank you. I got to feel…movement. It made me so happy.” Gale smiles and gains comfort in knowing we have so many supportive people here around us for the little one.

“Okay, okay, ignore what I said before,” Karlach says. “You know, when I said I wanted to wait until the creature was a little older for me to babysit. I could settle for this.” Gale gasps sarcastically.

“Are you, Karlach Cliffgate, saying you’d allow us a date night while the baby is still little and not six years old?”

“Maybe I am, Dekarios.”

“You can just call me Gale, that’s fine too.” I chuckle, releasing a sigh of relief as I enjoy the presence of our friends. The celebration, the love, the laughter… I love feeling at peace, though this pregnancy could be a little less intense.

“Don’t get too excited or you’ll burn the place down. We don’t want another ‘Blushing Mermaid’ incident,” Astarion says. Gale and I look at Astarion with puzzled expressions, then at Karlach, wondering what on Earth she did and why. I’ll be brutally honest though, it doesn’t surprise me that she would burn down an entire bar by accident.

“Wait, what happened at The Blushing Mermaid?” I ask, fighting laughter. “An intoxicated Karlach, perhaps?”

“Well, back when I had that shitty engine, I may have burned the whole place to the ground. Minsc and I were having a competition on who could roar louder, and…I took it too far. The owners had no idea it was me, thank the stars. Astarion, you have nothing to worry about. I can no longer catch on fire, thanks to my new engine.”

“Wow, what a delight. Though you know me, I’m always down for some hedonistic debauchery.”

We all eat rather delicious food, reminiscing about old adventures and talking about what our futures may hold. Wyll and Karlach will soon be our new neighbors, Shadowheart and Astarion have no plans to leave Waterdeep. I look at those two and wonder if they’re secretly together, or if they’re more like siblings who happen to be roommates. I try not to stare at them both, but I really want answers here. I have to constantly tell myself to mind my own business.

Gale and I stand up for a toast. While everyone is drinking either a wine or martini, I’m over here with my delicious mocktail that tastes of peaches and a hint of raspberry. I don’t miss alcohol honestly; I’ll stick with my sweet fruity drinks that will get me ‘drunk’ just from the sugar alone.

“Thank you all for celebrating with us. You are the best friends I could ever ask for, and our little one will be surrounded by such amazing – uh, people and humanoids,” I say, giggling. “He or she will be loved beyond measure, and I’m thankful for such a great group of people.”

“On top of that, we appreciate all the gifts for our child. Being first time parents, we weren’t exactly sure what all we needed, and we are so thankful for everything you’ve given us,” Gale says, raising his glass. “To our new baby, our friends, and a good life ahead of us.”

“Cheers! If either of you need anything at all, please do not hesitate to let me know. I wish you the best for a safe delivery,” Halsin adds. If we were to ask anyone for advice on children, it would definitely be Halsin, though I’m not sure if he would have any advice on infants. With him being a three-hundred-fifty year-old elf, I don’t doubt that he does.

“Thank you, Halsin.”

As all eyes are on me while we give the toast, an overwhelming sensation courses through my body; a feeling of lightheadedness and tickling of the brain. More vertigo, but it appears to be different than what I felt before; something familiar.

Praise the Absolute.

The Absolute will always live.

Die, Die, Die!

Become one of us.

Fuck. Is this some sick joke? Surely I don’t have the tadpole in my head still, because what the Hells was that? So many voices are invading my mind, trying to fool me into something wicked. The room begins to spin more rapidly than before, and my surroundings become a blur. Some sort of psychic interference, perhaps?

“Oh, she doesn’t look so good,” Astarion says. “Emmy?” Gale touches my shoulders, but I can barely feel his hands; it’s as if my body is going completely numb.

“Baby? Are you okay?” His voice fades as I begin to collapse on the floor, and all I can hear is a voice in the distance saying “oh shit!”

After several minutes of unconsciousness, I find myself waking up to everyone in my face as I’m lying on the floor. The world isn’t spinning but my head hurts like no other. Probably because I collapsed on the wooden floor.

“Oh, thank goodness you’re okay,” Gale mutters with a stressed tone, taking a deep breath. He looks as if he had just been sobbing. Astarion pats him on the back in a sincere way, to comfort him and rid him of the anxiety. I’ve never seen him act that way toward Gale before. “I thought…I thought you were dying. What happened?”

“Oh Gale,” I murmur, trying to recall what happened. My voice is weak and a little raspy as I try to speak. “I…I don’t know what happened. All I remember is that I heard these voices in my head about the Absolute, and then next thing I knew, I collapsed.” I swallow, feeling a nasty flair of acid reflux in my throat. “Could it be the– no, surely not.”

“The tadpole?” Astarion asks. “How would that be possible?”

“What else could it be?”

“Someone or something messing with your head, perhaps?”

“Do you recall anything happening when Raphael abducted you several months ago?” Wyll questions, a bewildered expression on his face like the others. He brings up a good point.“Anything at all?”

“Wait, you got abducted by that heinous devil?!” Shadowheart exclaims. I suddenly remembered she wasn’t there when it happened. Her and Astarion had left for Waterdeep before the entire ordeal occurred. Still, I should have told her.

“Yes. I’ll tell you more about that later. I’m just now having strange issues, so I doubt it has to do with anything that happened in the House of Hope. I’m alright now at least.” I do feel better, besides my unusual craving for ice water. I take a deep breath as Gale helps me up, and luckily I don’t have any waves of vertigo now. What a strange occurrence that was. I hope it was just post-trauma dissociation, but who knows anymore.

“Ah, nothing like the potential of becoming a mindflayer…again…when you’re about to have a baby. Splendid,” Astarion says sarcastically, and then proceeds to look at me with worried eyes.

Despite the spontaneous and unfortunate fainting that left everyone worried, especially my poor Gale, the baby shower ended up turning out wonderfully. The questions still remain: What the fuck happened? Is there a tadpole that I’m somehow not aware of? Do mind flayers still exist?

[actuallyevilgay]

The Apathy (Part 3)

Astarion x Male Reader/Tav

DNI if you are a minor. Dead dove don’t eat. Please read my about before replying. Content: Astarion x Male tav, this is post epilogue.

Summary: Your escape from the guard did not go unnoticed, trouble is brewing and Astarion is searching for you while a familiar face visits Jilvy's cute little tavern. Reminders: Astarion is the vampire ascendant, Tav is not a heroic figure. Contains headcanons for several characters, contains headcanons for illithid brain alteration but not evolving. Tav uses daggers and magic. Astarion is an Arcane Trickster Rogue. I created several npcs. Some Neverwinter lore is mentioned but might not be lore friendly. Content Warnings: Tav suffering from depression / ptsd, self-neglect. A/N: Link to previous part. Trouble be brewing.. I have a lot of ideas for this mini series. Hope you don't mind my story pacing too much, I do read my stuff back before posting but I don't have time to go back and fix every typo. Remember to leave a follow so you don't miss out on it!

...... Even when everyone was aware of the location, it was unclear if his old friends all intended to look for Tav. Astarion bet on it that Gale and Karlach would certainly try, but both had busy schedules. Karlach simply was busy trying not to die, so she had to remain in avernus until Dammon could do something about her engine permanently. As for Gale, he had students to attend to, a full schedule. Only the holiday season could free him from that disaster. Which may be soon, so the vampire lord had plenty of time.

The only other person he could imagine going right into the chase was Jaheira, if not to gain advantage over him. Some nosy harper that old woman is.

Astarion had made note that he could potentially run into any of them, and personally.. He’d rather avoid that entirely. If anything, he’d hoped to just see Tav. Talk to him before anyone else could. Perhaps that way he could convince him to come back, take his place at Astarion’s side. Like how it used to be.. Together.

Vandelion and Tyselius both disguised themselves as adventurers, and with a simple masterful glamour spell, Astarion fit right in. He had picked the appearance of a blonde half elf, attractive, but plain enough to not draw too much attention to himself.

Certainly not even his old friends would notice… Could he still call them friends?

There was this distance put between them in the last six months. Everyone had moved on from the adventure to live their lives. The trip to Neverwinter took almost 20 days, even with the more convenient methods of travel, horseback, carriage, or by boat.. It all went by in a blur. There was this consistent anxiety that in the time it took to get here, Tav could’ve left.

If he hadn’t, certainly Neverwinter would not have swallowed him whole. And so, to focus his stress Astarion made sure to remember every tiny detail of his lost lover’s face.

His voice, the colour of his eyes. The way he looked over his shoulder…

It made him smirk, even on this disguised face.. There was this familiarity to Astarion’s smile. Not that anyone who knew him was here to notice except for his bodyguards.

As astarion’s gaze got lost in the snowy streets of neverwinter, he remembered Tav’s eerily piercings eyes in the midst of one of their past battles. He recalled the scent of adrenaline in his lover’s blood, when the Grymforge Golem crawled out of the forge.

Astarion’s eyes glanced up to the mountains in the distance, spotting the resting volcano. Without trying, the smell of the magma mephits exploding near his face came flowing back with a sense of nostalgia and absence.

Absence.

When Tav darted forwards to plunge himself into that lever, everyone was flailing around from the quake. Sweat dripped from his forehead, he struggled to breathe.

‘’The hammer! Keep luring it towards the hammer!’’ 

Visions of the fight interrupted his daydreaming. This was when he first realised he felt for Tav, craving for something more than what he pretended they had. Something real.

Everyone nearly died that day, the night cometh.. Tav could not sleep at all.

Astarion envisions it so clearly. The man had wandered towards his tent, only to pace back and hesitate. Nothing happened between the two that night.. There was only this exchange of eye contact that could have lasted for hours.

There was an absence in his eyes, Astarion realises. How could he have missed that? He pondered how many times that look completely overtook his lover’s eyes.

No.. He recalled it. After absorbing Nere’s tadpole, long before that fight, Tav would fool around less. He was distant for a while, the power gave him an edge in battle.. But everytime he took another one of those worms, he took more risks, damage… It drained him just as much as it empowered him.

‘’Someone has to take more hits,’’ Tav always excused his actions, claiming it was for the best. For a time Astarion assumed he was covetting the power greedily- Up until they met the emperor he had assumed Tav would rather keep it for himself for selfish reasons.

The way that thing.. The mind flayer- Spoke, deeply unsettled him. It was utterly disgusting when the thing suggested Tav take the damn astral worm.

Astral or not, nothing good could have come from it, and thus- in a fury of sudden rage, Tav stomped the thing to the ground. ‘’No more! I’m done with this bullshit!’’ His screams nearly send the Emperor in a rage.. The beast contained himself. He needed their party to succeed.. It accepted his losses…

All the while Astarion happily encouraged Tav to make use of the tadpoles as he had.. The parasite granted him his freedom after all...

Neither of them ever set out to be heroes.. All Astarion wanted was freedom. He went along for the ride, and came out of it with more power than he could have ever dreamed of.

Tav on the other hand… Before anyone could even celebrate his deeds, he disappeared.

Baldur’s mouth gazette would only mention the mystery hero for a few weeks, and then forget about it completely. It was almost as if he never existed, his accomplishments didn’t matter enough to these peasants..

The anger Astarion had felt during that time was unreasonable. He so deeply regretted it.

For all the time that he has been thinking about this man with rage and heartbreak, no one else seemed to even worry about him. If his old friends dared to show up here now, it would be an insult. What was even a worse insult is them not coming at all. They could pretend all they want, they moved on with their lives. The notion that Jaheira went looking and came back with nothing felt like a big lie to Astarion. They only cared when he didn’t show up to that stupid reunion.. Yes.. Ironically he dismissed the thought that he too was guilty of this. No, not once did Tav leave his thoughts. Not once.

‘’Sir?’’ Vand’s voice interrupted his thoughts.

 ‘’Ah.’’ Astarion  sighed. ‘’ Yes. Let's explore around a bit, shall we? Perhaps there is some clue.. There has to be..’’ He wiped some of the snow off his cheek, regaining focus.

Ty’s chirpy persona chimed in. ‘’Would you look at that? There’s a crowd gathering.’’ Convenient timing.

The three turned their heads to the square. There was a noticeboard, and a bunch of wintershield watchmen gathered as something was being nailed to it.

‘’Adventurers, Mercenaries and fellow citizens!’’ The one who seemed to be in charge took the attention of the crowd, attracting an audience.

‘’About Tenday ago, one of our faithful guardsmen was a victim in a murder attempt, any aid towards finding the criminal will be rewarded forthwith. They must be put to justice.’’ The guard steps aside to show the drawing she posted on the board. A dagger with a curled edge was drawn clear as day. Astarion recognised it as one of Orin’s weapons- Wielded faithfully by his Tav, as a trophy.

The wicked thing meant very little to him, it was just a tool.. But to see it depicted here, in a place that has no personal history with Bhaal’s cult was most unusual.

Effectively, this confirmed that Tav was indeed here, and the first clue to finding him was the man who had been nearly stabbed to death with this weapon. ‘’My dear friends, it seems we’ve found ourselves a job.’’ Astarion put a hand on his hip, acting like a confident adventurer eager to aid in solving this problem for whatever pittance of coin the guard offered. He did not need it, but he certainly needed to know what would cause Tav to leave his weapon behind.. Why stab a guardsman out of all people?

First things first, he would have to question the victim, dead or alive.

…

You’ve been working here for at least a week… Maybe two. Slowly adapting to the circumstances. Jilvy’s motherly attitude made you less anxious, quietly doing chores in the background. You liked it here, right? It was warm.. You could hide. You didn’t have to go outside anymore.

Jilvy offered you a place to sleep and eat, as well as live and work- It had been pleasant, if not for the lack of sensation..

Sensation, no- Emotions. You lacked proper responses at times. You knew you were experiencing emotions, even if they felt odd and confusing. Most of the time you could find some comfort in the absence of it. The emptiness, the apathy.

Your facial features did not move very much, unless you spoke- people might’ve assumed that you were an automaton, or a doll of sorts.

Jilvy welcomed customers in her establishment with much glee. It was a pretty niche place, never too busy. All the folk that visited it were particularly characteristic.

From a dragonborn that paraded around in rainbow colours singing throaty songs, to a group of Gnomes reciting some sort of play.. There were all sorts of faces here. None of them seemed dangerous. Jilvy had organised a book club or something in the past, and a lot of her clients were previous club members.

You felt out of place here, they were all so.. Normal. As you peel potatoes, the knife feels too familiar in your hand. You spin it around a bit absent mindedly before returning to the task.

The bell that rings when the door opens loudly repeats twice as two figures come inside in rapid succession. ‘’Dharma, I told you to stop following me!’’ The voice was a man’s, stern, polished. Something about it made your hairs stand on edge, but you kept your back  turned to the door as you worked on the food behind the counter. You crafted little chips shaped portions to bake in with salt later. It was a treat Jilvy taught you to make.

‘’But sir- I’ve told you we’d make a decent couple! Ask your mother, she’d agree!’’

‘’That is inappropriate. Not only inappropriate! You’ve stalked your own teacher on his holiday spouting this nonsense. Dharma, I am going to have a stern talking to your parents and I am dropping you from my class effective immediately. Leave. Now.’’

‘’But-’’

Before the debacle could continue further, Jilvy interrupted the conversation. ‘’Oh dear, get yourself out before I get the guard involved, m’kay? I’m running a business.’’ 

You assumed the student by the name of Dharma left, as the sound of the door being thrown open and closed with much force came soon after.

‘’Thank you.. I’ve been dealing with this headache for weeks.’’ The man replied.

‘’Sounds like a wild time, would you like a seat, handsome?’’ Jilvy would sometimes flirt with the customers, but it was never too serious. Just some mild banter.

They held a conversation in a corner further away from the counter. The man would complain about the student trying to make moves on him during private tutoring sessions. The girl grew obsessed. He did not expect her to follow him all the way to Neverwinter.

‘’What brings you all the way to Neverwinter for a holiday? Waterdeep is such a dreamy location, if I lived there, I probably wouldn’t want to leave.’’ You could guess Jilvy was lying, she was simply showing interest in her customers to make them want to frequent more. Or perhaps spend more money. Something like that.

‘’Oh, nothing special.. Just.. Oh who am I kidding? I’m on a quest.’’ The man’s voice chirped, there was a sense of pride in his voice. The pride quickly faltered as he continued..

‘’A dear friend of mine disappeared after the attack on Baldur’s Gate. I haven’t seen him in months. I should’ve gone after him.. I’m worried.’’

Baldur’s gate..?

Those two words buzzed in your brain.. It’s the name of a city. There was an attack.. The violent visions.. Did this man know you? No, it could just be a coincidence. You were no one. You did not want to be found.

The noise of the background conversation turned into white noise, slightly blurring out your vision as you stumbled. You tried to keep a hold of yourself by grabbing the counter. The fainting spell faded quickly.

Before you knew it, the man had approached the counter, as Jilvy got around to pour him a drink. You could feel his eyes slowly drift from Jilvy into your back. And then.. Nothing.

If he knew you, he’d probably recognise you.

But then again.. You’ve neglected yourself so much, you couldn’t even recognise your own reflection as something familiar. Your clothes were a bit too large for you, fastened with plenty of belts. A coat on top, to make sure people wouldn’t be distracted by how thin you were. Your hair used to be much messier before you started working, it was still a bit longer than you think it should’ve been. Tidied up and cut by Jilvy as much as you allowed her to.

‘’Oh, Tav, could you pass me those herbs? I can’t reach that far.’’ Jilvy’s request made your body move on its own, quietly passing a bottle to her with a turn.

Your eyes met the man’s.

He looked.. Confused. Processing something. He kept staring, even as Jilvy continued to banter towards him about the tea flavour she invented.

‘’Tav, make sure you don’t burn the chips again? The gnomes are looking hungry.’’ Jilvy nudged your side. Once more you moved without thinking too much about it.

The halfling kept talking for a time as you did your chores, up until she handed the man his tea, then she slowly made her way back to you and tugged at your leg, implying she wanted to whisper something in your ear.

‘’I saw the staring. Isn’t he handsome?’’ Jilvy winked. ‘’Oh, Uhm..’’ Your response was lacking. You fought for something new to say. ‘’I guess. He has a nice beard.’’ Did he? Probably. You weren’t sure. A part of you wanted to cower and hide. A headache was coming.. And then, nausea. ‘’I..’’ Jilvy recognised the look you gave her. ‘’Go, shoo.’’

She smiled eagerly into the man’s direction as you darted for the door, running around the corner to find the bathroom, dreading what would come.

As you waited and waited, the nausea left. Your guts slowly calmed, but not without an awful lot of pain shooting through it. How fortunate. Your throat wouldn’t have to deal with this today. These headaches were unbearable.

You rest your head in your hands as you slowly gather the courage to stand back up, dizzy from the tossing and turning your brain was doing.

You walked back to the door, and waited briefly in front of it, watching the man talk some more with Jilvy.

‘’Is your employee alright?’’ 

‘’Oh, He’s been through a lot. Homeless boy. I’m taking care of him.’’

‘’Ah.. You said his name was Tav..?’’

‘’He thinks that’s his name, is my guess.’’

‘’I see..’’

There was a long silence as the man poured his tea quickly into his mouth in a sudden hurry.

‘’I’ll be back with a book to read tomorrow, you do breakfasts, yes?’’

Jilvy grinned at the fact she had won over a new customer, even if it was just a tourist.

‘’I’ll be seeing you soon, Gale.’’

[daitranscripts]

Skyhold Conversation: Here Lies the Abyss

Morrigan

Skyhold Masterpost Related Quest: Here Lies the Abyss

The PC speaks to Morrigan after the events of HLTA.

Choice dependent dialogue:

Morrigan had Kieran with HoF, HoF went through the eluvian with her [1]

Morrigan did not have Kieran/Morrigan did not maintain contact with the HoF [2]

1 - Morrigan had Kieran with HoF, HoF went through the eluvian with her

Morrigan (completed HLTA after WEWH): So you have saved the Grey Wardens from their own self-destructive foolishness. ‘Tis for the best. Morrigan (Completed HLTA before WEWH): I was pleased to learn you saved the Grey Wardens from their own self-destructive foolishness.

Morrigan: For all their eagerness to shed blood for their cause, we will still need them should another Blight arise. ‘Tis fortunate my Warden was not here, or he would surely have been in the middle of it.

PC: Your Warden?

Morrigan: You might know him as the Hero of Ferelden. A lofty title, though he wears it well.

Dialogue options:

General: I’m pleased for you. [3]

General: You have a husband? [4]

General: Where is he? [5]

3 - General: I’m pleased for you. PC: It’s good to know you have someone special. Morrigan: Nobody is more surprised by that fact than I, Inquisitor. [6]

4 - General: You have a husband? PC: didn’t see you as the type to settle down, Morrigan. Morrigan: (Chuckles.) ‘Tis not so domestic as you picture, but even so, it has far outstripped my expectations. [6]

5 - General: Where is he? PC: Where is your Warden now? [6]

6 - Scene continues.

Morrigan: My love is on a quest to combat the Calling—the actual Calling that signals the end of a Warden’s life. If he is successful, it will mean a long life for him… perhaps for them all. Once Corypheus has been defeated, I fully intend to join my love once more. Kieran misses him greatly.

7 - Dialogue options:

Investigate: Why didn’t you go with him? [8] Investigate: Can he stop the Calling? [9] Investigate: Are you happy? [10] General: Could he help us? [11]

8 - Investigate: Why didn’t you go with him? PC: It seems odd he went on an adventure, and you stayed behind. Morrigan: We are neither of us so weak, we would die of loneliness. Where he went, Kieran could not follow, and thus I remained behind to look after our son. We will be together soon enough, and I am glad of it. [back to 7]

9 - Investigate: Can he stop the Calling? PC: How can the Calling be stopped? Is that actually possible? Morrigan: Grand Enchanter Fiona was once a Grey Warden, but something removed the blight from her blood. Similarly, a Warden mage named Avernus performed experiments that prolonged his life to unnatural lengths. So we know it is possible. Indeed, ‘twas I who found the lead my love now follows in the western lands. Success is not guaranteed, of course, but he has never lacked for determination. [back to 7]

10 - Investigate: Are you happy? PC: Are the two of you happy together? Morrigan: The three of us. And it is little business of yours. But… yes. I never thought to find someone in the world I could trust as an equal. He has been a good partner, and a good father. And now I pray we discuss something else, lest these honeyed words make me vomit. [back to 7]

11 - General: Could he help us? PC: Is there any way the Hero of Ferelden could help us against Corypheus? Morrigan: ‘Tis unlikely. Corypheus uses the blight, but he is not controlled by it like a true darkspawn. Still, my love has ever been resourceful. I can give the Inquisition a means to send him a message. He will think this message means I miss him, of course. (Sighs.) He will be insufferably pleased with himself. I hope you appreciate this sacrifice, Inquisitor. Scene ends.

After PC makes contact with the Warden: Morrigan: Leliana gave me the note that the Hero of Ferelden included for me. She may have even left it sealed. A pity. She would have learned things that could even make an Orlesian blush. Now, was there anything else?

—

2 - Morrigan did not have Kieran/Morrigan did not maintain contact with the HoF

Choice dependent dialogue:

Alistair/Loghain left in the Fade [12]

Stroud/Hawke left in the Fade [13]

12 - Alistair/Loghain left in the Fade Morrigan (Warden Alistair): So, Alistair is dead. Morrigan (Warden Loghain): So, Loghain is dead. The Hero of River Dane, responsible for the deaths of so many Grey Wardens until he became one of them.

Morrigan: ‘Tis fitting he died in a foolhardy, if heroic, fashion. That was his way.

Dialogue options:

General: It wasn’t foolhardy. [14]

General: You knew him? [15]

General: He will be avenged. [16]

14 - General: It wasn’t foolhardy. PC: It wasn’t foolhardy—he sacrificed himself so I could escape. Morrigan: Perhaps you and I have different definitions of the word. [17] ㅤㅤ ㅤ ㅤ 15 - General: You knew him? PC: It sounds like you knew each other. Morrigan (Warden Alistair): For a time, though we were hardly friends. Morrigan (Warden Loghain): He attempted to have my companions and I slain during the Fifth Blight. That did not end as he expected. Morrigan: Still, I cannot fault his valiance. Considering the end that normally awaits a Grey Warden, he did well. [17] ㅤㅤ ㅤ ㅤ 16 - General: He will be avenged. PC: Corypheus will pay. Morrigan: Of that I have no doubt. [17]

13 - Stroud/Hawke left in the Fade

Morrigan (Wardens banished): I hear the Grey Wardens are now banished from southern lands? Such a decent into infamy after their victory in the Fifth Blight. I wonder if they wish now the war had spread further? They have until the next Archdemon’s rise to repair what damage they have done, if they are even able. [17]

Morrigan (Wardens allied): I understand you have spared the Grey Wardens from destroying what goodwill was left them? ‘Tis good of you, considering the weakness Corypheus exploited was their own doing. Still, should an Archdemon one day arise, they will no doubt be needed. Or so they would have us believe. [17]

17 - Choice dependent dialogue:

HoF survived [18]

HoF made ultimate sacrifice [19]

18 - HoF survived

Morrigan: One thing which makes me curious: did you encounter the Hero of Ferelden at Adamant Fortress?

20 - Dialogue options:

Investigate: You knew [them]? [21]

General: I’m sorry. [22]

General: It was very chaotic. [23]

General: Not that I know of. [24]

21 - Investigate: You knew [them]? PC: Was the Hero of Ferelden a friend of yours?

Choice dependent dialogue

Romanced HoF [26]

Not romanced HoF [27]

26 - Romanced HoF Morrigan : More than a friend, as it happens. We traveled together during the Blight, and after… we parted ways. Where I went, he could not follow. [28] ㅤㅤ ㅤ ㅤ 27 - Not romanced HoF Morrigan: We traveled together during the time [they] fought the Blight. Morrigan (male HoF, Morrigan did the ritual): I helped him, and he helped me. Without him, Kieran would never have been born. [28] Morrigan (female HoF, Morrigan did the ritual): I helped her, and she helped me. Indeed, without her, my son would have never been born. [28] Morrigan (did not do the dark ritual): I would not say [they were] a friend. We parted on poor terms, though I wish it had not been so. [28] ㅤㅤ ㅤ ㅤ 28 - Scene continues. ㅤㅤ ㅤ ㅤ Morrigan: Regardless, did you see [them]? [25]

22 - General: I’m sorry. PC: I wish I had more to tell you, but no… I don’t think so. Morrigan: [They] are not the sort of [person] to fade into the background. If [they were] there, you would have known. [25]

23 - General: It was very chaotic. PC: I have no idea, Morrigan. There was a great deal of chaos. Morrigan: [They] are not the sort of [person] to fade into the background. If [they were] there, you would have known. [25]

24 - General: Not that I know of. PC: I met no one by that title. [25]

25 - Scene continues.

Morrigan: When the Champion of Kirkwall mentioned a Grey Warden ally, I assumed it would be [them]. It was, after all, just the sort of thing in which [they] would involve [themselves]. But that rather begs the question: if the Hero of Ferelden was not at Adamant, where [are they]? My suggestion? Track [them] down. [They] could be a great aid against Corypheus… or a terrible foe to the Inquisition. [19]

19 - Scene ends.

[nightmarist]

now that i actually have a minute let me go on a (positive) tangent about how much I Loved the epilogue party.

I love that its so sweet and silly for Grandpa Withers to throw us a reunion party. I did a version letting Karlach die, and a version where we went to Avernus. In the death version, he asks us several questions about us and how we're doing, about her absence, and how much we miss her, and even makes a Joke in order to help us feel better. It was genuinely the sweetest thing for the bag of bones.

I howled and wanted to throw something in pure joy when Halsin gave us a whittled duck. I WANT that duck. I want to paint it. It's so sweet he gets to have fun with the kids under his ward and his version of balance isn't pure nature, it's the challenge of nature and civilization working together.

My Shadowheart got her parents back and I just love that she decided to live on a little abandoned cottage with them, making apple cider. Getting a letter for her from Nocturne was lovely, I hope they could be friends again someday.

I LOVED that Wyll decided to be a ranger. I think that suits him so well. I want to do a new run with him as a ranger - I don't think I've ever played one, even in DnD so I don't know how they work, all I know is they get animal companions and "favored enemies" which I think suits his folk hero and adventuring background well. I also just think its the cutest thing he was SO excuted to share his stories and adventures with us, he gives you the Biggest, Wettest Puppy Eyes known to Faerun and asks "Please?" if he could tell you a story. I thought I was going to die.

In my Astarion Romance Ending, and sadly Karlach dies, I initially chose I wanted to help him find a way to walk in the sun again (and tbh I guess it depends on your DM but Wish or True Resurrection could possibly do the trick to cure vampirism, but "cure vampirism" and "stand in the sun without dying" are two different asks, Wish might be able to fix the former if some enchantment or enchanted item doesn't). Anyway, it was interesting to see him a little excited if not desperate to want to look for a potential aid. In the Avernus ending I loved that he accepted the shadows and darkness as part of himself, it was a nice juxtaposition without necessarily making it "bad" for the player and him to want to help him walk in the sun again. It was rather bittersweet to see him in an ended romance but still call you pet names.

My Gale became Dekarios the Divine, the Galerian God of Ambition. I tried to find a way to prevent it but it seems te only way (I think, anyway) is to prevent him from acquiring the Book about Karsus. Every permutation led him to becoming a God, and it was so cold. I LOVED this ending, as much as I hated what Gale became. It really turned the dial up on his hubris and ego. He hadn't bothered to even visit his mother, and Tara (rightfully) scolded us, and asked us to visit his mother to "hold on to" the old Gale. It was really sad. As a Warlock, and my Tav being Ambitious (and would have encouraged Astarion to Ascend if it were not for a bug preventing the ritual) he asked Gale if he could potentially be patron / find a better patron. Gale said it would take a few millennia for Ao to allow such direct contact. And it was Alarming to hear (and fascinating) that he has worshipers primarily located in Thay.

I have NOT seen Gale's alternate endings yet, I'll be doing more playthroughs as soon as I figure out who tf I want to play next.

My Lae'zel became the new diplomat betweeh the two Gith clans, to unite the sky. I was obsessed with I saw the opprtunity to give her that. When it came up as an option after orpheus (whom I convinced not to die after he became an Illithid), i wanted to give that woman Everything. So I encouraged her to take up the sword and Orpheus' offer and I felt SO PROUD when she called his dragon(s) and stood on one's back like she'd been admiring since Day Fucking One. SO. PROUD.

I saw two separate letters from Dammon depending n Karlach's alive-or-dead status. He sends his condolences to us if she died and blames himself for not trying harder, dedicating his life to working with Infernal Iron. If he's alive, he asks s to ask Karlach to write to him, its very simple but I think it's so sweet. She's just so fun and happy, and relays to us that there may be a way to fix her engine with blueprints she's found the location of, which sounds so hopeful without actually giving us a "canon" (similar to astarion's "maybe there's a way to walk in the sun" - i prefer the ambiguity than total fix-its). The hope feels better than the confirmation, tbh.

It was also interesting, i think, that with the a non-karlach romance there's the addition of after I help Karlach with her engine in the aforementioned fixing plot she's found, I could potentially return to Astarion's side so it's a lot less dreary feeling like we're both permanently trapped in the Hells and instead the hopeful promise of a future where Karlach can return to the surface alive and forever well, and we can return to our loved ones.

This directly connected to one of the new Raphael epilogues - I LOVED how threatening Raphael was with it. On one hand, Asmodeus would tear him to shreds if he tried to overtake the Hells even with the crown, that I feel is inevitable. But either Gale as his Ambitious Patron of sorts, or perhaps as a distraction (remember: even gods can die) tearing apart the pantheons, he could very well take advantage of that to overtake Asmodeus, I think. It seems even more on par with his style of planning, he seems very min-maxed when it comes to working towards a goal - the less he has to do himself, the better.

YOU CAN HUG THEM. I talked to Halsin first and I screamed when "you look like you need a hug" came up. My god. I went to shadowheart after and saw you could hug her, too, and I wasn't expecting it, I genuinely just thought it'd be a Halsin thing only bc he just seems like the obvious "gives good (bear) hugs" choice. Oh my god you can hug your party members. I lost my fucking mind.

Also, Milil..... very nice little lore, I loved how excited he got when we passed our check if we knew who he was. The floating instruments around him was a lovely little touch.

Getting letters and newspaper clippings from all our saved comrades was incredible. I Liked everyone's letters yes but i was MOST excited and happy to hear from our tieflings after they've been through Literal Hell and back. Rolan got an interview, Lakrissa bought Alfira a house and dedicated a plaque to us for their music school, Bex and Danis opened a bakery together. The tieflings collectively built a whole new district for themselves in Baldur's Gate. It'd be excellent for comradery - that they can share with one another as a tiefling community, weave a rich tapestry of tiefling culture, to have people to be safe around, and people who know what its like whether theyre from Elturel or not.

ZEVLOR MY BELOVED. I was so happy to hear from him. He said his hands shook the whole time he stayed at the temple "with the other veterans" - other tiefling hellriders - and it was rather bittweserrt, both inspirign an sad to read his hands only stopped shaking when the city shook, and all the Rider paladins restored their oaths by being devoted to preventing Baldur's Gate from becoming the next Elturel. He said "Come see us, when you can" OF COURSE Im going to visit, oh my god. It was just nice to hear he's doing fine and is volunteering at the temple that helped him.

I loved the epilogue so fucking much. It felt really nice.

I like to think that our heroes do it often, maybe annually or just casually see each other on adventures. maybe an occasional "Hey, I'm on a bit of a quest and need the expertise of my favorire [class]" it felt so cozy.

Did Withers put up all those decorations himself. I Love the old bag of bones so much. He just wanted to give us a little party. Let me hug Withers please he deserves it.

[bonesandquills]

Little Star

Chapter Three: Blade and Bane of Avernus

The heat of Avernus was nearly unbearable as you stepped through the portal as you stepped through the portal, which closed up behind you. 

        No turning back now. 

        Astarion wrinkled his nose at the smell of sulfur and brimstone, brushing ash off his embroidered leather armor. "Gods. what a mess. Let's make this quick." 

        Wyll laughed slightly, appreciating the chance to lighten the mood. He knew Karlach's metaphorical heart was breaking all over again, having to come back to this place she'd fought so hard to escape. This time, though, with a few friends, maybe it wouldn't be so bad. 

        "'Fast' may be a tad hopeful, my friend," he said, grinning over at the pouting vampire. "But I agree with the sentiment. Let's get moving." 

        Shadowheart sighed and brushed away the beads of sweat that had already started to form on her forehead. You'd managed to convince her to join you on your little adventure, reasoning that a cleric would be helpful in the literal Hells. She hadn't quite agreed with you, but she'd decided to tag along anyway. You knew she cared about Karlach as much as you did, and this chance to help the one-horned tiefling was worth whatever discomfort, or downright agony, Avernus was going to inflict on you all. 

         Karlach hadn't been exaggerating about the sheer number of forces Zariel sent her way. It seemed almost endless... waves of imps and abishai and other devils sent to kill you and bring Karlach back to the Archdevil. 

        "On your left!" You shouted to Wyll, who quickly rolled to the side and out of the way of a ball of fire hurled by one of the imps. The waves had finally lessened, somewhat, and you hoped that if you managed to live through this last one, maybe you'd get a chance to rest and make camp. 

        Hopefully. 

        You threw every last bit of energy you had into your weapon and magic, watching as the ground became progressively more covered with sticky black ichor as more and more devils fell.

        Shadowheart darted through the battlefield, sending healing spells and guiding rays as fast as she could mutter the incantations as she struggled to keep you all alive. It seemed just as soon as the healing touched you, sparked life back into your body, another imp would slash at you and open the wounds over again. 

        After what seemed like hours, maybe days, of the endless, stalemated fight, it finally seemed like things were turning in your favor. Less and less imps were flying in, and most of the cambions lay still on the ground, their ember-red eyes now blank and empty as the last vestiges of lifeblood left them. 

        Finally, with a deft upward slash of his simple black daggers, Astarion stepped back to let the final devil crumple to the ground and gasp weakly for air before stilling entirely. His nose was wrinkled in disgust, and some of the demon's black blood had gotten into his hair, dripping from the silvery curls onto his embroidered armor. 

        "Oh for Gods' sakes... I'm never going to get this out." 

        You wanted to laugh, but you were too tired. Karlach slowly lowered her battleax to the ground, though she kept her eyes on the fiery red horizon, making sure that was truly the last of them. 

        "I think that's it for this wave, soldiers," she said, glancing over at you. "It'll take a while for her to get another wave gathered. I think it's time to make camp." 

        None of you protested. Every one of your muscles ached, and you were struggling to keep yourself on your own two feet. Wyll, Astarion, and Shadowheart didn't look much better.

        As you all followed Karlach to what she deemed a safe place to rest, you couldn't help but admit that it felt nice for someone else to be in charge, for once. You'd spent the entirety of the journey to remove the tadpoles as the unofficial appointed leader, and most of the decisions and actions regarding your quest had fallen to you. Not that you had really minded, but it did feel nice for you to not bear the responsibility of the party. 

        Wyll looked over at you with a thoughtful glance. "When do you think we'll bump into Mizora?" 

        "Hmm," you hummed thoughtfully. "I'm not sure. Probably not for as long as she can get away with. I don't think she's too happy with us." 

        "Good," Wyll remarked with a furrowed brow and venom in his tone. "I hope she's shaking in her boots." 

        "I don't know if that's something Mizora does," I said with a slight smile. "But I'll agree with you." 

        There was no lost love between Wyll and his former patron. Though Wyll no longer had his warlock powers due to his shattered contract with the cambion, he'd much rather take the loss of most of his magic over being bound to her for the rest of his life. You'd even helped him save his father, despite what the agreement with her had been, and for that he was eternally grateful. Being able to explain to the Duke why he'd made a deal with the devil, why he'd been eventually become one, did more to heal his soul than anything ever had. 

        He'd sworn his loyalty to you then, both as a friend and the Blade of Avernus, though he knew that it could never truly repay all that you'd done for him. 

        Finally, you came to a secluded spot, a cave set deep in the recess of some of the jagged cliffs and hills of volcanic rock that made up Avernus' landscape. It offered a good view of the skies, which would be helpful when you were inevitably attacked again. 

        The walk along the charred and hellish ground was tedious, at best. Sharp obsidian and crystal jutted up from the ground, nearly slicing through your boots as you walked. Fire seemed to rain from the sky, crashing into the ground with grand, wanton destruction. Still, the cave would hopefully keep you safe from the most unsavory parts of Avernus' unique weather, though you couldn't help but wonder the whole time you were setting up your bedroll if the entire place was about to collapse down onto you. 

        Finally, you managed to settle into a companionable silence as the others finished setting up their own bedrolls. If not for the obvious lack of Lae'zel and Gale... You might have felt you were still back on your old adventure, this ragtag band of outcasts and unlikely companions that had been brought together by a common goal. 

        It was nice... Not that you missed the tadpole that squirmed ceaselessly in your brain, of course, but the thought that, if things had gone differently, you might not have met any of them... 

        Might not have met Astarion. 

        You glanced over at the roguish elf, thinking about what might have been. Would he have managed to kill Cazador on his own, or would he have been recaptured, sacrificed in the profane ritual that would have ascended his cruel master to something nigh unstoppable? 

        ... What if you hadn't managed to talk him out of going through the ritual himself? What if he had sacrificed those thousands of spawn, become something so similar to Cazador that you would've never been sure if it was the same man you'd fallen in love with? 

        You tried to shake the thought away and rummaged in your traveling pack, finding the book you were looking for and pulling it out onto your lap. The title was embossed in elvish and the cover was a dull leather brown, rather unassuming and plain. Yet it was the most valuable thing you had as far as researching possible cures to Astarion's condition. 

        Wish spells were a solid option, but the scarcity of their scrolls or wizards who were powerful enough to cast them made it very unlikely the two of you would ever stumble across one. So you'd turned to other options, leading you to find the book while browsing in the city. 

        It held a history of Elven High Magic, ancient rituals and rites that held some of the most powerful spells in all of history, considered nearly a myth now among commonfolk. One of them, found in an extensive list titled the "Rituals of Complement," was one that caught your eye. Suyoll, the Revival. 

        High Mages were said  to be nearly extinct now, with only a few remaining scattered about the realms. Finding them and convincing them to perform the ritual might be more difficult than finding a Wish Spell, you mused as you turned the pages of the book, but the idea had its appeal and intrigue.

        You glanced at Astarion, curious. He had told you one night that he had been turned very young, when he was only about thirty. For a high elf, who could live to about 750, he'd barely begun his life when it had been taken from him. Not even old enough to gain his adult name, he'd admitted bitterly. What other parts of his culture had he missed out on, you wondered, and did it matter to him that he had? 

        He must have felt your eyes on him, because he suddenly straightened and turned to you, a questioning expression on his face. You paused for a moment before looking back down at the book, not sure you could put your thoughts into words should he ask. 

         Not one to be ignored, however, he came over to you anyway. 

        "Tell me, are you regretting your choice now?" he said with a slight smile, sitting next to you on your bedroll and leaning back slightly. "Or is that insufferable moral compass of yours still pointing steadfastly on the straight and narrow?"  

        "My moral compass is fine, thank you," you murmured, not looking back up from the book. "How's yours?" 

        "You don't want to know," he replied, leaning over to see the book you were reading. "What's this?" 

        "Something on Elven High Magic," you said, sighing slightly. "Something that might help us." 

        "The Revival," he read the title of the chapter, and gave a bitter laugh. "Good luck. High Mages are a pretentious and stubborn lot, not likely to help an outsider. That's even if we could even find a group that still practices."

       You raised an eyebrow and looked at him. "Pretentious and stubborn. Sounds like an elf I know." 

        He gave you a look. "I am charming and witty. Not to mention beautiful." 

      �� "You can be all those things and still be pretentious and stubborn." 

        He huffed but didn't have a good answer, so he settled for a pained, dramatic sigh. 

        "Anyway, I know it's a long shot, but so are most of the other things we've come across. It's just something worth considering." You closed the book and set it aside, turning your gaze instead to the fiery sky outside. 

        His expression softened and he looked at you for a moment. "Thank you, anyway. I... appreciate it." 

        "You'd better," you teased him. "I paid way too much for that book." 

        "If only you knew a dashingly clever and skilled rogue who could have helped steal it for you," he said dryly. "All you had to do was ask." 

        "I wasn't going to steal it, Astarion." 

        He pouted slightly. "Well that's no fun now, is it?" 

        You laughed slightly and looked back at him, and though his tone was slightly patronizing you could see he was looking at you fondly, a smile playing at his mouth. Typical Astarion. 

        "Was there something you needed, or did you just come to disturb my peace?" 

        "Well, darling, you know I can't stay away from you for long," he replied with a subtle lilt in his voice. "I thought perhaps you might want to join me tonight." 

        You usually didn't automatically join Astarion for bed unless he asked, which was most of the time. There were nights, however, where the lingering self-revulsion at what Cazador had made of him was too strong, the tainted feel of being so close to someone too painful, and he didn't feel quite comfortable sharing a bed with you. You didn't mind. 

        "Everyone heals in different ways," you had said to him the first night he had asked you to stay alone. "I'm always here if you need me." 

        And that had been it. No persuading, no bargaining, no guilt-tripping. 

        He had appreciated it more than you knew. He had struggled that night to muster the courage to ask you if he could be left alone for a while, worried you might take it the wrong way. That you might have thought he didn't love you, or that he was just using you again. 

        To his immense surprise and relief, you hadn't done any of that. You had nodded, not pressed, and asked if there was anything else he needed. He had paused, not sure where to go from that point. 

        "It's not you, my sweet, I promise," He told you, gently taking your hands and holding them to his chest. "I... just would rather be alone tonight."

        "I know, Astarion," You had comforted him, smiling quietly at his worried expression. "I'll be right here when you feel ready to come back." 

        He perhaps hadn't shown you enough how much that little gesture made to him. That you hadn't prodded him with questions, hadn't tried to convince him to join you for bed, hadn't been offended. 

        He loved you for that. 

        He snapped out of his thoughts as you gently nudged your shoulder against his. "Hey, you still there?" 

        He shook his head slightly and looked at you with an easy smile. "Sorry, darling, what did you say?" 

        "I said I would love to," you said, rolling your eyes. "But if you can't be bothered to listen to the answer..." 

        He grinned and shook his head. "We both know you couldn't resist an offer like that. I'm too alluring." 

        "Sure," you said, laughing. "But it might be too hot for cuddling." 

        He looked at you incredulously. He was, by nature, devoid of body heat and warmth. You often found yourself shivering while you lay curled up next to him, often to his dismay and distress. He wanted desperately to keep you warm and comfortable in his embrace, like any other living lover could, but that one thing was beyond his abilities.  The best he could do was pull the blankets closer around you, and hope that your body heat would eventually warm up his cold body enough that you wouldn't feel so uncomfortable. 

        And yet, when he was comfortable with it, you still clung to him every night, braving the chill and shivering, simply for the sake of loving him. 

        He got to his feet and held out his hand to you. "Come on," he said with a charming smile. "I can't tell if it's day or night in this gods-forsaken place, and who knows how much time we have left to sleep." 

        You nodded and took his hand, grabbing one end of your bedroll and dragging it over to lay next to his. He glanced over at the others, but they paid you no attention as you settled into the soft leather and fur of the bedroll. He spared you one last loving look before he laid down himself, closing his eyes and preparing to enter his trance. Before he slipped into the meditation, he felt your arm reach over and entwine one hand with his, your way of keeping close to him even as the two of you rested. 

        He didn't have any trouble focusing on his trance after that. 

        Karlach roused you all after what felt like only a few hours rest. You wearily sat up and started gathering your pack, and she gave you an apologetic look. 

        "Sorry, soldier, but we can't stay in one place for too long, or they'll find us," Karlach said as she hoisted her own pack and battleax onto her shoulder. 

        "Somehow," you sighed, looking over at Astarion, who was, rather reluctantly, packing away his bedroll. You sighed and looked back at Karlach, who lacked her usual upbeat energy. You didn't blame her... being back in this place when you'd had just a breath of fresh air, a small bit of home, was likely to drive anyone mad. You gently placed your hand on her shoulder, feeling the heat radiating off her skin even in a place as hot as Avernus. It wasn't intolerable, though, so you kept it there.

        "Hey," you said with a small smile. "We're getting closer." 

        "That's right," Shadowheart quipped as she finished gathering her things. "We have the blueprint, the map, and Mizora on our side, even if she's a bit... unwilling. This is the closest we've ever been to getting your engine fixed." 

        Karlach seemed to brighten a little at that. "Thanks... that helps. I'm just so damned tired of this place." 

        "I know," you said, trying to instill as much comfort as you could. "But we're going to get you out of here. We’ve done harder things than just breaking into a forge." You gave her a half smile. "Remember Raphael?" 

        She grinned widely at you. "Nothing like killing a devil in their own house, huh? The bastard didn't see it coming." 

        “That’s right. It’s just another fiend… and we don’t even have to kill this one.” 

        Karlach smiled but sighed. “Good, because I don’t think we could if we had to.”

        “Hey, don’t sell us short,” you said with a tired smile. “We took out a godsdamned Netherbrain. That wasn’t easy.”

        The tiefling shook her head and lightly bumped her shoulder against yours. “Yes, but this is Zariel. And Archduke. If we killed her, the Blood War could take some scary turns.” 

        The Blood War. And ancient and long-living war that raged between the devils of the Hells and the demons of the Abyss, one that often dragged mortal innocents like Karlach or Zevlor into its bloody butchery. The killing of someone so deeply involved, like Zariel, could turn the tides in unimaginable ways, ones that might not be so favorable for the mortals of Faerûn. There were enough souls being lost as it was with the use of Soul Coins to power the infernal machines of the Hells, you didn’t need to be responsible for any more of that. You’d heard stories of a group of travelers that had descended into the Hells, gone after Zariel’s Sword, but nothing after that. 

        You knew only from Zevlor that Elturel had just managed to release itself from the Hells, but you hadn’t pressed him much further. The details didn‘t really matter, anyhow. The only goal you had now was to get into the forge, and get Karlach an engine that wasn’t so keen to blow itself up. 

         Karlach seemed a little more cheerful after your little chat, as you traveled along. The burning hot air of Avernus and the fires that poured off smoke and sulfur made it hard to talk and walk at the same time, so you remained mostly in companionable silence. That is, you were silent until you were met with a sudden form materializing in front of you. Whether welcome or not remained to be seen. 

        There was no need for flashy, fiery portals when you were already in the Hells, but Mizora seemed to enjoy making a grand entrance anyway. She appeared in front of your group with a flash of red light, unfurling her wings and stretching out with a sigh. 

        “Ah, my dear friends,” she said with a devilish smile. “I’m so glad that I ran into you.” 

        Karlach scowled and moved a little closer to Wyll, who took her hand reassuringly. Astarion wrinkled his nose and moved a little closer, putting himself between you and the cambion. You couldn’t help but smile and shake your head slightly. He knew you could take care of yourself, but it felt nice sometimes to be a little protective. Shadowheart, not very discretely, summoned a glowing white flame in her hands and held it, ready to launch at Mizora should she try something unexpected. 

        “Tsk tsk,” Mizora clicked her tongue. “Not exactly the warm welcome I’d expect from such… renown heroes.” 

        “I’d hope you’re here to help,” you said sternly. “And not just here to worm your way out of things.”

        ”Such little faith!” She said with mock indignation. “I made a deal and I intend to keep it.”

        You doubted that, but she was your best bet right now, so you nodded and stepped away from Astarion’s protective presence. “Fine. Tell us what we need to do.”

        “First,” Mizora said aridly. “We have to get you a new look. You’d never even get through the doors looking like that.”

        Astarion looked a tad offended, and Shadowheart narrowed her eyes. “What exactly does she mean by that…?” 

        “Of course, Wyll, you can stay the delightful fiend you are, but your friends will need a little help,” she said with a grand gesture to all of you. “They look oh so painfully mortal.

        You stared at the cambion for a moment before it clicked. “You really don’t mean-“ 

        “Devils, dear,” Mizora said with a gleam in her eye. “And you’ll blend right in.” 

        “You can’t seriously expect me to let you turn us into devils,” you said incredulously. “We all saw what you did to Wyll!”

        ”Wyll broke a term of his contract, naughty thing,” Mizora pouted, flipping her hair back over her shoulder. “This will only be temporary.” 

        You looked off thoughtfully, glancing at the others to see what they thought. Astarion gave a pained sigh and looked at you. 

        “I’ll do it, but if I end up looking like a bloody infernal forever, I swear to the Gods I’ll hunt down the harlot myself. I’m far too gorgeous to end up looking like Wyll.”

        ”Hey!” 

        Astarion ignored the warlock’s indignation. You looked at Shadowheart and Karlach, both who nodded. 

        “Thank you, soldier,” Karlach nodded slightly. “Let’s do it.”

To be continued…

[mslanna]

The Clock Won't Stop

Chapter 26 of Be My Guest up on AO3

In which Tav suffers.

The steps out of the Devil's Fee were the heaviest Tav remembers. It doesn't get better on the city streets. Still they press on – away from the House of Hope. Away from Raphael. From the ruin of their life and hopes built on the ever-shifting ground of Avernus. They will be back soon enough.

The taste of blood is a constant companion in the first days, their lip in a perpetual state of distress. In contrast, the red marks on Tav's skin fade. One after the other, the reminders of what could have been recede into their skin, leaving nothing but empty yearning.

Astarion catches them that fateful night. But he is in no shape himself to care for the lethargic lump that is his friend. The seaside is a better place for recuperation, a cosy spot in a safe tower. Tav doesn't resist, and Gale did invite them. They part with one fresh mark on their skin. A reminder that friendship will hold true when love and hope do not.

Gale is a gracious host. He recognises Tav's state and with utmost understanding nurtures the tiny flames of wanting and healing. When the chance arises, he sends them back to Baldur's Gate as guard to one of his students. It is not the adventuring life Tav remembers but it is enough. The sense of being needed, having a purpose, fans their flames of wanting to live.

Tav takes up adventuring again. It keeps them on the move, on their toes, their mind occupied by things that are not Raphael, his war in the hells, - is he even still alive? The panicked pang in their chest stops Tav in their tracks. What if he dies? What if yet another devil decides to uphold their contract just to spite the uppity cambion?

Instead of an arch devil's call, Karlach comes. Tav can't believe their eyes, or their own body, pressed flush against their friend’s in a tight embrace. They can't believe the infernal engine is fixed just like that. They can't believe it was Raphael's doing. They can't believe the price he asked, or rather, did not.

"As if you didn't look out for me anyway!" Tav leans against the tiefling. "Couldn't stop you if I wanted to."

"Quite right. And I will have an easier time of it now. Wyll is talking to his father and we will stay in Baldur's Gate. Maybe he will be his father's successor. Maybe he will just keep protecting the city he loves." Karlach sighs contently. "Either way, we will be happy there."

"I'm so happy for both of you." If they didn't cling to each other already, Tav would have hugged their friend now. To see at least somebody find their happy ever after was soothing. It makes them feel less stupid for trying, for believing.

And hope keeps burning them. When the small things start adding up, almost deaths and near misses – somebody is keeping close tabs and ensuring their survival. Tav can't really oppose it – it keeps them alive and their soul out of Raphael's clutches. But the intention isn't clear. Is he flaunting his power? Trying to impress them? Trying to prove that his hands are a safe place for their soul to be? Tav can't parse it.

And instead of Raphael, explaining in his most condescending tone of voice what it is that Tav is missing, another devil comes to visit, their skin midnight blue and barely discernible against the night sky. But there is no way Tav wouldn't recognise that self-satisfied saunter approaching their little camp.

Magnificent horns curve up over a face even more boyish and mischievous than before, a second set curls around their ears. White teeth gleam in the light of the fire outlining a most predatory grin.

"Haarlep? What are you doing here?" Tav forgets to stand up and just stares. How did the incubus get around the traps guarding their camp? They littered them abundantly, due to recent developments in the ambush department.

"Gloat, what does it look like?" They sit down with the liquid grace of water running down a stick, close enough for Tav to feel the heat emanating from their infernal body. "The five hells are run with an iron fist and a lot less lenience than I expected. So of course I need to visit the adorable little blimp causing it all."

They stretch their legs and warp and arm and wing around Tav. "So tell me, little mouse, how have you been."

Tav's first impulse is to be honest. Even after everything, that light-hearted tone makes the world feel a little more alright. And their arm and wing are warm around Tav’s shoulders are familiar comforts from a time they miss dearly.

They’ll indulge, only for a moment, Tav tells themself, as they lean against the offered shoulder. A little nostalgia and a few white lies. Where is the hurt in that? "Better," they reply softly. "With every day."

"He's still quiet hung up on you, you know? I can tell, because I know him, the other devils – I think not." They nudge the human in their hold. "One day you have to tell me what went down."

"I don't think so, Haarps." Tav sighs. "I don't think any information is safe with you."

"I am wounded. Deeply hurt even. When I was thinking I could rely forever on the goodness of your little, squishy heart." The incubus chuckles. "Was it not in good hands where you put it, huh?"

Tav doesn't reply. It is comforting to be back in a devil's embrace even if it is the wrong devil. At least this one isn't after their soul. Because they can't have it. Tav presses their eyes shut. The very first thing Haarlep did was shoot for their soul. The only reason they don't own now it was because Tav sold their body instead.

Maybe all devils are the same after all. Maybe hoping Raphael's human side had some influence was a mistake. "How is he doing as arch devil?"

"Oh absolutely fantastic. Archdevil of Five Hells has quite a ring to it, does it not." Haarlep shakes them gently. "And he is so full of rage and anger and suppressed emotions that he is most strict with his rules. Order reigns supreme. And where is doesn't buckets of blood and vermilion entrails make up for it. It is delicious."

"The other devils didn't expect that?" Tav frowns.

"Absolutely not. They expected him to be soft and lenient. Didn't he indulge each day every day, having a tiny mortal at his side?" They lean in to whisper into Tav's ear. "He never once asked me to indulge with your form, you know? Whatever pent up emotions swirl through his silly head are definitely amplified by his lack of relief."

"Who mans the boudoir now?" Tav wonders.

"Some incubus or succubus or other. It has become quite a place of honour to host since our little brat turned so powerful. Not to mention every other devil is striving for a more – permanent position at his side."

"What about me?"

"What about you? You're not there are you? And before…" Haarlep trails off. "Well, you were seen at his side, were you not?"

I was, Tav thought immediately. But under what circumstance? After battle. Glued to his side on the way to their suite. Haustier, the word echoes. In what function were they visible in the House of Hope? A pet. An indulgence. A cheeky mortal fucking over their station.

Tav's hand moves to their throat unthinking, finding only smooth skin where scabs used to be.

"I see I gave you a lot to think about." Haarlep rises. "You'll excuse me. I have a lot of people to make happy. Ecstatically happy, I might add. So many juicy souls to feast on. Thanks to you." They lean down and snatch Tav's hand for a kiss on the knuckles. "Don't be a stranger, little mouse."

They vanish and Tav stares into their small fire, shivering in the sudden cold. The night is lonely and empty, even their thoughts dwell in far Avernus, grappling with who they thought they were and who they might have been. They didn't feel like a pet. But communication with Raphael went awry before.

Tav buries their head in their hands. Everything is a mess. They are grateful for being on their own, the chance to just shatter under the turmoil of feelings – burning hope, raging frustration, bitter yearning. They let the maelstrom carry them away, chasing the certainty that they were more than a kept plaything.

There isn't much time for despair, though. Tav picks up quiet noises approaching their camp from several sides. An unfortunate development that increased recently. People kept attacking them Not to kill – so far – but seemingly to capture.

Tav can't make sense of it. Surely Raphael wouldn't stoop to that. He knows he can just come and talk. Explain how he now understands what went wrong. If he managed to wrap his devil mind around it. One day. Tav hopes.

Still, that leaves some wannabe kidnappers to deal with. Tav sighs. They hate it. Still they ready a spell and their weapon, trusting the traps around the camp to work despite Haarlep’s ease getting around them.

Tav barely stands when the screaming starts. They raise a brow. None of the traps should cause such terrified noises. Or that much pain. They follow the sound that is abating into a whimper already and is drowned out by more shouting from all sides.

A short and frantic war breaks out and ends before Tav reaches the first victim. They reach a mangled body on the ground, close to one of their still intact traps. A young woman is deftly patting down the corpse, disregarding the wet sounds as she pilfers through the flesh for valuables.

"Nice traps." She stands and mock-salutes before she vanishes herself and he body in a surge of hellfire.

Similar puffs flash around the camp. How many people has Raphael sent? To protect them? To attack them? Both? Tav rubs their temples and turns back to their fire. They should stop travelling alone.

Tav stops in their tracks when they see the familiar figure in the shadows on the other side of their camp. Raphael looks so small in his human form. Tav almost forgot. Their eyes meet and memories wash over them – warm and unwelcome. A life they could have had.

Raphael crosses his arms and looks impatient as if he expects something. What does he want? Gloat? Drive home the point that they are at his mercy – one way or another?

No. They cannot let such thoughts win out. If Raphael is here – Tav shakes their head to clear their mind of such intrusive thoughts and find reason. When they look up again, he is gone.

Tav bites their lip. It doesn't help chase away the pain in their chest, not even when it starts tasting of blood. The night is cold and empty again with a fire that doesn't warm them.

"Maybe he's trying to tell you something." Karlach suggest when Tav tells them.

"Well, why doesn't he just tell me then?" Tav doesn't like the squeak in their words. But it is grinding them down. Each time Raphael interferes, there is the painful surge of hope that this time – this time – they'd talk.

But he doesn't appear in person again while the attempts on Tav's life increase in frequency and intensity. Maybe his appearance was a final warning? With each passing day, Tav fears they knew their devil even less than they thought. It hurts and doesn't stop.

[unreadpoppy]

down by the river - Chapter 15 (THE END)

Raphael x Warlock!Tav

Read on AO3

chapter 14

A/N: This is the end. I'm sorry.

TW: Death.

Six Months Later…

Ever since the defeat of the Netherbrain, each member of their little group had gone their separate ways. 

Tav had tried keeping contact, but some of them were too hard to find. Gale was perhaps the only one she kept close to, as she promised to find a way to solve his orb issues. In the end, Mystra had indeed summoned him, saying that the orb would trouble him no more. The wizard had been ecstatic, and was now working as a professor in the Blackstaff Academy. 

Tav, after staying with him awhile, left to visit Halsin in the now cured shadow cursed lands. He was slowly building his community with the refugees, and plants were already starting to grow back. She could see children, most of them orphans, running around, laughing. Halsin told her of his plans for the community, on helping others and creating a haven for everyone in need.

After that, she mostly stayed in Baldur’s Gate, helping rebuild the Upper City. Over time, she noticed the little signs of aging returning to her. Frown and smile lines, and gray hairs growing  on her head. She hadn’t seen Raphael since she gave him the crown - his excuse had been that it would be too much work to claim Avernus and since she wanted freedom, he didn’t need her - but at least he kept his end of the deal. 

Overall, Tav was fine, with a lot to look forward to. When a letter arrived in her house, signed by Withers, she put on the best clothes she could find and headed to the wilderness in which their adventure had begun. 

…

Arriving at the party, she immediately made her way over to Karlach and Wyll. Hugging both of them, she said “I’m very glad you two could make it.” 

“I wouldn’t miss this for anything.” Karlach said. She eyed Tav for a moment and then said. “There’s something different about you. Did you get a haircut?”

Tav laughed. “No, but there are some gray hairs in my head now.”

Wyll’s eyes widened. “You’re..old now?”

The tiefling elbowed him. “Wyll, it’s rude to say something like that!”

“Don’t worry, Karlach. He didn’t mean it like that.” Tav reassured. “ Part of my old contract is that I wasn’t aging.” 

“Old contract? Does that mean…” Wyll began and Tav nodded. 

“I renegotiated some of my terms with Raphael. That included that once I die, either of old age or any other way, I’ll be free of him.” 

Karlach raised a brow. “And that’s a good thing because…”

“Because I can live my life again, and not just go mission after mission because of Raphael.” Tav took a deep breath. “Somehow, death being back on the table has made me feel more alive than ever.” 

“Well, I’m glad to hear it, soldier. Thought your patron has been causing quite the stir in Avernus.” 

The pair proceeded to talk of their adventures in the Hells, even mentioning a possibility of fixing Karlach’s engine for good. They spoke of how the blood war had seemingly stopped because of Raphael’s forces, and how they hoped to get out of there soon. 

Eventually, they told Tav to move on and talk to the others, not letting them hog her attention. Everyone shared their tales: Shadowheart now lived in a farm with her parents, Astarion was living in the shadows but without Cazador around, he felt freer than ever, Minthara had gone back to Menzoberranzan to reclaim her house, and Lae’zel was working with the githzerai to end Vlaakith’s reign. 

Before the party ended, Tav approached Wyll once more, a book in hand. “I wanted to give you this.”

“What is it?” He asked, opening it and skimming a few pages. 

“I decided to put down in pen and paper all the things that have happened to me, in these four centuries.” 

“Then why are you giving it to me?”

Tav sighed. “You have been a really good friend to me, Wyll Ravengard. If there’s anyone I’d like to share the wisdom I have gathered, it is you.” She smiled softly at him. “I hope these words help you even after I’m gone.”

Wyll shook his head. “You speak as if you were to die tomorrow.” They both laughed a bit. 

“Hopefully, I won’t, but we never know what the future might hold. Besides, if the gods be willing, you’ll live much longer than I will.” 

Wyll smiled and hugged Tav. “Thank you for everything, Tav.” He looked at her.  “We wouldn’t have gotten here without you.” 

She shook her head. “I wouldn’t have gotten here without you - all of you.” 

…

All in all, Tav was glad that her companions were somewhat safe and carrying out their own destinies. After Withers final speech, she walked near where the river was and began playing her lute.

‘Lace your heart with mine

Let your sleeping soul take flight

Take me through the night

Down, down, down by the river’

Then, she felt a burning sensation on the scar in her collarbone. It was a familiar type of ache and Tav knew what it meant: Raphael was near. 

In an instant, Tav was engulfed in flames as she was sent to the dining hall of the House of Hope. The table was set with various delicious foods, and sitting at the end was Raphael. Adorning the crown and his best clothes, he stood up.

“What is the meaning of this?” Tav asked. 

“I promised you dinner.” With a flick of his wrist, one of the chairs next to him was pulled. “And you’re even dressed for the occasion, how nice.” He chuckled to himself. “Now, sit, eat and enjoy. Indulge your patron one last time.” 

Tav frowned at that wording but did so nonetheless. She looked at her plate of food, and quickly realized that those were the same dishes her mother used to make. Taking a temptive bite, Tav hummed with delight, as they tasted the same. 

“I see that the food is to your liking?” He asked, taking a sip from his glass. 

“Very much so.” She drank from her wine. “This is delicious.” 

He nodded his head. “It was hard to track down your mother’s old recipes. I’m glad to see that it paid off.” 

“How did you do it?” 

“My dear, I’ll soon be Lord of Avernus. There is a lot that I can do that you don’t know.”  After that, the conversation turned to Raphael’s plans and what he would do once Avernus was fully his.

Tav listened, but part of her was elsewhere. Looking around the House of Hope, she wondered if she would miss this place. It had been her pseudo home for a long time, after all. 

As they finished eating, Raphael rose from his seat once again, beckoning Tav to follow him near a balcony. With a snap of his finger, the sound of music filled the air. He extended his hand to Tav, and she looked at him. “Dance with me.” He said.

“Why?” 

“Because this is a special occasion.” Was his reply. Before Tav could inquire further, he added “And because you are still my warlock and must obey me.” 

She sighed and nodded, grabbing his hand and allowing him to lead her in the dance. They had done this before, long ago, when one of Tav’s mission included infiltrating a high society party. Raphael had insisted on teaching her the basics as she would need to pass off as a lady. 

Now, the two of them eased into a slow rhythm. Tav’s hand was on his shoulder, as he held the other, one of his hands on her waist. 

“I’ll miss this.” He whispered. “This quiet peacefulness. But mostly, I’ll miss you.” 

“What do you mean?” She furrowed her brows. 

“You will die, Tav, and no longer will you be my warlock.” Raphael looked down at her. “It saddens me that our partnership will soon come to an end.” He leaned down and whispered in her ear “You were always my favorite, but tell Korrilla that.”

Tav looked back at him, smirking. “This is new. I’ve never seen you this sentimental.” He gave her a twirl, and then she said “But it’s not like I’m dying tomorrow. There might be many years until we see the end of our contract.”

“Ah, but when you’re as old as I am, a human’s life goes by in a second.” He sighed. “It feels like it was just yesterday when we first met.” 

After that, the two felt silent, as the music was getting closer and closer to an ending. Feeling tired, Tav placed her head on Raphael’s chest, as the two were just swaying in place. 

“I have missed you.” She said. “It was strange to have so much time to myself.” 

Raphael chuckled. “I hope you made good of that time.” 

“I did.” She sighed and looked up at him. “Do you remember that time…that time when you kissed me?”

“I do.” 

“I remember back then, I thought I was in love with you. I thought you my savior, my whole world. I thought you had cared about me.” 

The swaying stopped as Raphael asked Tav “And now?”

“I don’t know. But you threw it all away when you told me you’d put the tadpole in my eye yourself if it meant getting you the crown.” Tav took a deep breath. “There was once a time I would have gone to the ends of the world if you asked me to. Now I know I was just a pawn all along.” 

She closed her eyes, and put her forehead in his chest. A few tears streamed down her eyes, as she thought of all that could have been. She felt him put his arms around her, holding her close. 

“This is all your fault, you know.” She whispered in his chest. “If you miss me when I’m gone, know that if you hadn’t been so selfish, it wouldn’t have happened.” 

“I know.” He said, and then placed two fingers underneath her chin, raising her head. “And I’m sorry for this.” 

She furrowed her brows, unsure of what he meant, when suddenly, she felt a blade pushing itself into her waist. 

Tav let go of him and looked down, seeing a dagger stabbing her in the stomach. She looked back at him, shocked. 

“Wasn’t that what you wanted, Tav?” He said, holding her arm, not letting her run away. “Freedom from me in death? Well, you’ll have it.” He held the dagger twisting it before removing it, Tav’s blood oozing on the ground. 

Tav gasped in pain, holding onto him as her knees buckled. Her heart raced, trying to survive. Raphael held her and lowered her to the ground, cradling her head in his hand, as if he was holding on to a dying lover. 

“How….could…you…” She rasped and then coughed blood. She tried to stop the bleeding with her hand but it was useless. 

Tav was going to die. 

“You know too much. I cannot risk everything I’ve worked for if someone decides to use you against me, or if your resentment causes your tongue to slip.” Tav’s breathing began to slow and she fought to stay present. “You gave me the crown, and for that, I am grateful. But if you won’t work with me, then I have no other use for you.” 

“Raphael…” She rasped.

“Go, Tav.” He kissed her forehead. “Go and be free.” 

Those were the last words Tav heard as her consciousness faded, her soul leaving her body. Raphael wiped a stray tear from his left eye, and closed her eyes. Standing up, he carried her away.

… 

Tav kneeled on the ground. “Why? Why did it end like this?” She said, weeping. Looking around, Tav did not know where she was. She felt immaterial in a way. Was this the Fugue Plane?

“Do not weep, child.” She heard the gravelly voice of Withers; She stood up to look at him. “Thy life may have reached its end, but thy story shall live on in thy companion’s hearts.” 

“What do you mean?” Tav slowly stood up. 

“Thou, who hath lived many lives, shall live a thousand more in the stories they will tell.” The skeleton put a bony hand on her shoulder. “Thou hath found the freedom thou has always wished for.” 

“I…I don’t understand.” She said weakly. “I’m dead. What more can I do?”

“Thy life may be forfeit, but thy death hath only begun to unfold.” He said. “What awaiteth thee is a mystery even to me. I cannot account for thee, adventurer….hero…friend.” Tav smiled a bit at that “But I know thy story hath not endeth here.”

“Death itself hath many byways, and thou might yet have a new, and different role to play. “ Withers began to walk away and Tav followed after him, not knowing what awaited for her, but with newfound hope for whatever the future might bring.

THE END.

[chroniclesofamber]

The Chronicles of Amber & Freeing the Fire Giant II

Continued from The Chronicles of Amber & Freeing the Fire Giant

The Hand of Oberon

The fourth book, The Hand of Oberon, features the cave of secrets and exposes the foundation of the worlds, and is therefore rooted in the element of Earth.  Despite this, it opens and closes with the Sun.  In that first scene, Corwin, Ganelon, and Corwin’s brother and ally Random are regarding a Pattern bathed in the brilliance of an unexpectedly bright and golden daystar.  A trail of black damage runs from the edge of this Pattern to its center, where an unidentifiable object lies.

Though the existence of this Pattern was previously unknown, certain signs make it clear that it is the original, the source for those that sit at the center of Amber, Amber’s submerged sister beneath the sea, Rebma, and the moon-borne reflection of Amber in the sky, Tir-na N’ogth.  When the object at the center of the Pattern is recovered, it turns out to be a trump from the worlds-crossing tarot deck.  But this is a trump no one has seen before, its subject a person neither Corwin nor Random immediately recognizes.  Another point worth noting, there is a dagger sticking through it.

The trump turns out to show Martin, the estranged son of Random born long ago in Rebma.  Random and Benedict set out to track down Martin in order to bring him to Amber and learn who attempted to kill him.  Carrying the silver arm in his backpack and grateful for Benedict’s efforts on behalf of his son, Random shows it to Benedict and performs the surgery required to attach the prosthesis.  Buoyed by this positive turn of events, Benedict’s suspicions regarding Corwin are allayed.  Corwin makes alliance with Benedict, then sets out to recover the Jewel of Judgment, which he abandoned during the failed attempt to assassinate him and which he has since learned can repair the damage to the original Pattern.  It is this damage which has opened up the eerie Black Road through the worlds being used by Amber’s foes to lay siege to her gates.

Corwin is too late:  Brand has already taken possession of the artifact with the aim of destroying the Pattern and replacing it with a new design — complete with a new multiverse — of his own making.  Around this time, Random returns with Martin, who is interviewed by Corwin and seems to be hiding something, though he takes no trouble to hide his desire to have vengeance on Brand, who used his blood to defile the Pattern.

The ruling family of Amber quickly unites once Brand is revealed as the nemesis who has enabled the enemies of Amber.  Llewella, princess of Amber, has the Pattern in Rebma kept under guard.  Gérard, the most physically impressive prince of Amber, secures the Pattern within Amber herself.  Corwin personally prevents Brand from working mischief with respect to the original Pattern, then posts his sister Fiona and a squad of guards there.

Leaving only the Pattern in Tir-na Nog’th, the city adrift in the night sky.  This location is particularly problematic given that it is notoriously difficult to access and navigate, and Brand meanwhile has developed the unique ability to travel through Shadow without the aid of the tarot or the Pattern.  Brand can therefore arrive in the Pattern chamber before anyone else.

Nevertheless, a clever plan is conceived which succeeds in putting Benedict — the greatest swordsman alive — where he needs to be as soon as Tir-na Nog’th is brought forth by the moon.  Brand appears, somewhat surprised his brother is there before him, protecting the Pattern.  He is also wearing Oberon’s ruby pendant, and uses it to immobilize Benedict since it can control more than weather.  Just when Benedict is about to be impaled on Brand’s dagger, however, the silver arm snatches the chain of the pendant, strangling Brand for a time before snapping.  Brand, damaged but alive, vanishes.  Benedict, Jewel of Judgment in hand, is returned safely to the mountaintop where Corwin waits, holding the trump for Benedict as the sunrise dissolves Tir-na Nog’th.

The Courts of Chaos

While the power freed in The Hand of Oberon was obviously Martin, who did little but whose presence drove so much of the plot, in the final installment, The Courts of Chaos, no new character appears to be introduced.  The story, for the most part, amounts to a kind of vision quest for Corwin, who sets out on a grand tour of Shadow all the way from Amber to her counterpart on the other side of existence, Chaos.

As this is largely an internal journey, it mainly consists of Corwin reviewing his life, his choices, his evolution as a person, values and perspectives he has lost and acquired, confronting various demons representing his own temptations and personal weaknesses along the way.  Oberon returns, true, but only briefly and just long enough to reconcile with his son before handing him a special assignment:  carry the Jewel of Judgment all the way to Chaos.  Then Oberon sacrifices himself in order to undo the damage to the Pattern.  And, as expected, Corwin prevails over some tough obstacles, keeps his faith — he is still the Grail knight, after all — and helps foil Brand’s scheme to reshape reality.

It is really only after Brand’s defeat, though, that everything comes together.  Brother Brand and sister Deirdre are lost to the abyss.  Dara, who was not genuinely interested in destroying Amber, but was somewhat interested in Corwin himself, has a change of heart and rejects him.  The death of Oberon is honored with a grand procession made up of representatives of many worlds.  The Unicorn, mother and symbol of Amber, appears and initiates a new dynasty.

And then Corwin finds himself alone and exhausted, sitting by a campfire on a ledge overlooking the abyss.  Nearly alone.  There is one other sitting there with him, his son Merlin.  Except for a brief appearance and four lines in a single scene in The Hand of Oberon, this character has not been part of the story until now.  In response to Merlin’s request to hear about his life, Corwin complies with, “I suppose the best place to begin is at Greenwood Private Hospital, on the shadow Earth…”

Before chronicling his adventures for his son, Corwin’s desire to remain in the world has reached an all-time low, leaving him less than convinced there is any point left in continuing.  Yet when the Unicorn appears shortly after his meeting with Merlin, bringing hope with her, Corwin’s first thought is that if there were in fact no hope then he would be losing this newfound relationship.

Corwin has spent his whole life struggling to work out his relationships with his siblings and most crucially with his father.  Now, that finally accomplished, he’s lost the most important male figure in his world, Oberon, and the most important female figure, Deirdre, his beloved sister.  Merlin represents the new connection which may take the place of those Corwin has lost, a chance for new meaning when other people and purposes are gone.  Oberon’s presence looms over this book, yet he is very early on retired from the story.  While it can be argued he is the power unleashed in this final installment, The Courts of Chaos is about the passing of the torch, a torch Corwin almost literally carries with him in the form of the Jewel of Judgment.  Corwin begins as the naïve son of Oberon in Nine Princes in Amber, but ends as the sadder but wiser father of Merlin in The Courts of Chaos.  The so-called giant set free this time is Oberon in the beginning, and Merlin by the end.

A Footnote for Fire Giants

As a footnote, it is perhaps interesting that while each of the books of The Chronicles of Amber is tied to one of the alchemical elements — water, fire, air, earth, void — the giants or powers set free as Corwin moves through the shadow worlds and their story of war and succession for the most part favor the element of fire.  In the first book there is Bleys, based in fiery Avernus, the Leo character in Amber’s zodiac.  Creatures of Chaos, as offered in the second book, burst into flame when wounded or destroyed — the giant hellcats, the demon Strygalldwir, the masked damsel in distress encountered on the Black Road (who may have been a manifestation of Dara).  Dara is revealed to be one of them, and therefore also a being with fire in her veins.  Brand lights a cigarette merely by staring intently at it, later encircles Corwin with a ring of flame, and his name itself, of course, connotes fire.  Martin and Merlin are a bit more difficult to pin down in this regard (though Martin is technically a Horus-like fire-breathing avenger seeking justice), but Oberon appears among the mystic tarot of Amber as the Sun.

Of course, in the end, as it was in the beginning in the first chapter of the first book, it is Corwin — alone with his thoughts, feelings, failures, triumphs, retired desires, refreshed readiness for a challenge, tormented, healed, regarding the Courts of Chaos from a bridge floating over the abyss — who has been freed.  He may have had a little more help this time around, but it is Corwin who is at last liberated to face life and all its troubles anew.

[emmy-dekarios-bg3]

Heart of the Weave - A Baldur’s Gate Fanfiction

CHAPTER 12 - EMMY’S POINT OF VIEW

GALE AND EMMY’S BABYSHOWER

After our challenges along the way, both to Baldur’s Gate and back to Waterdeep, we finally make it back home and unfortunately have to part ways with Wyll and Karlach. I hope they find a way to visit us again soon.

“We have to head back to Avernus, but luckily we won’t have to be there much longer,” Wyll says. “After our wedding, we will be looking for a home here in Waterdeep. I won’t lie, I enjoy the scenery and architecture here. Let us know when your baby shower will be, and we will be sure to make it. Just ring up Withers.” I chuckle, sad my friends need to leave but thankful they’ll always be around.

“And you guys let us know when the wedding will be. We’d be happy to come,” Gale says. “Thank you both. For everything.” Hugs are exchanged and just like that, they’re both summoned back to the Hells to fight off creatures that wouldn’t dare to be seen here on Earth. Gale and I walk back to the tower, our hands holding one another comfortably as we walk into the evening sunset. The soft breeze and salty scent of Waterdeep brings me back a sense of comfort that I missed, even though we were only gone for roughly five days…longer than what we originally planned.

We finally make it back home, and Tara is waiting for us outside the front door. It’s as if she knew we were headed back home, or maybe she is just conveniently hanging outside. Either way, she looks thrilled that her favorite humans have made it back safely to live comfortably in her presence.

“By the moon and stars! It felt like ages since you’ve been home. I was worried sick, you hooligans! Sheesh! So,did you lovely people get the answers you were looking for?” Tara asks, flying around the living area ecstatically.

“Well, answers we weren’t exactly expecting, but news nonetheless,” Gale says. “I’m just glad it wasn’t a fatal disease or something of the sort.”

“Let me take a wild guess – you’re going to be a daddy! Just make sure I get attention too, once the little person is here. I’m not asking too much, just occasional pets and a bowl of cow’s milk every now and then. I’ll do everything to help out, though. Except the diaper changes. Those are on you, Gale. Alas, I only have paws.”

“Wait, how did you know?”

“Like I said, just a lucky guess.” She giggles and flies away into the kitchen. Gale rolls his eyes.

“Oh, for the love of… Tara.” I smile, admiring the cozy home we’re finally back in, thankful to be alive and safe in the comfort of the tower. I thought I missed adventuring, but turns out I only missed my companions. Oh, and it’s a delight to have Tara around; I don’t know how Gale did it all those months after the nautiloid crash.

“Well, my love, I am going to the library to write to my mother about the news. Would you like to join me?” I finally hear excitement in his voice about the baby, and I’m sure he’s ready to see his mother again. I smile and take his hand, then he proceeds to lead me upstairs.

“I just have a feeling our parents will show up out of the blue,” I tease. “Who knows how long they’ve been wanting grandchildren?”

“Oh, without a doubt!” We make it to the library and I sit next to him at the desk, both of us surrounded by the various books in his magic library. By magic library, I mean all the books are related to the study of magic. As we sit to write, Tara flies back upstairs with us and gets comfortable in my lap. Ah, sweet Tara.

Six months pass. Six months of horrific pregnancy symptoms, the worst one being fatigue. Six months of nesting and getting the house ready. Six months of Tara following me around everywhere to make sure I’m alright while Gale is teaching at Blackstaff. No signs of Raphael or any other devil ready to corrupt the peace that is currently my life. No more bad dreams these past few months, just several relaxing baths a day due to body pains and a constant hunger for fettuccine.

During these months, my mother came to visit, as well as Gale’s mother. We enjoyed the company of our families and it’s safe to say both sides were thrilled about a new baby being around, especially Gale’s mother. Each time she visits, she brings a new gift for the little one. My mother brings us delicious foods grown from her garden and homemade soup.

It’s here – the day of my baby shower! Gale’s mom showed up yesterday due to a schedule conflict (alright, she may have thought it was yesterday and not today, but we enjoyed seeing her regardless). Every friend except Lae’zel, Jaheira, and Minsc show up to the shower, thrilled to celebrate. Astarion tries to act like he isn’t excited, but deep down, he definitely is.

“You know, the old me would have never thought to ask this, but…may I feel your belly?” Shadowheart asks, smiling. “I used to never want kids, but the thought has crossed my mind lately.”

“You’re like my sister. The maid of honor at my wedding. Someone I love with all my heart. Of course you can touch my belly,” I tell her. She places her hand gently on the globe of life, her eyes widening as she feels the baby kick her hand. I smile back at her, admiring her love for my unborn child, and realizing how truly beautiful she is. Happiness looks good on her.

“Thank you. I got to feel…movement. It made me so happy.” Gale smiles and gains comfort in knowing we have so many supportive people here around us for the little one.

“Okay, okay, ignore what I said before,” Karlach says. “You know, when I said I wanted to wait until the creature was a little older for me to babysit. I could settle for this.” Gale gasps sarcastically.

“Are you, Karlach Cliffgate, saying you’d allow us a date night while the baby is still little and not six years old?”

“Maybe I am, Dekarios.”

“You can just call me Gale, that’s fine too.” I chuckle, releasing a sigh of relief as I enjoy the presence of our friends. The celebration, the love, the laughter… I love feeling at peace, though this pregnancy could be a little less intense.

“Don’t get too excited or you’ll burn the place down. We don’t want another ‘Mermaids’ incident,” Astarion says. Gale and I look at Astarion with puzzled expressions, then at Karlach, wondering what on Earth she did and why. I’ll be brutally honest though, it doesn’t surprise me that she would burn down an entire bar on accident.

“Wait, what happened at Mermaids?” I ask, fighting laughter. “An intoxicated Karlach, perhaps?”

“Well, back when I had that shitty engine, I may have burned the whole place to the ground. Minsc and I were having a competition on who could roar louder, and…I took it too far. The owners had no idea it was me, thank the stars. Astarion, you have nothing to worry about. I can no longer catch on fire, thanks to my new engine.”

“Wow, what a delight. Though you know me, I’m always down for some hedonistic debauchery.”

We all eat rather delicious food, reminiscing about old adventures and talking about what our futures may hold. Wyll and Karlach will soon be our new neighbors, Shadowheart and Astarion have no plans to leave Waterdeep. I look at those two and wonder if they’re secretly together, or if they’re more like siblings who happen to be roommates. I try not to stare at them both, but I really want answers here. I have to constantly tell myself to mind my own business.

Gale and I stand up for a toast. While everyone is drinking either a wine or martini, I’m over here with my delicious mocktail that tastes of peaches and a hint of raspberry. I don’t miss alcohol honestly; I’ll stick with my sweet fruity drinks that will get me ‘drunk’ just from the sugar alone.

“Thank you all for celebrating with us. You are the best friends I could ever ask for, and our little one will be surrounded by such amazing – uh, people and humanoids,” I say, giggling. “He or she will be loved beyond measure, and I’m thankful for such a great group of people.”

“On top of that, we appreciate all the gifts for our child. Being first time parents, we weren’t exactly sure what all we needed, and we are so thankful for everything you’ve given us,” Gale says, raising his glass. “To our new baby, our friends, and a good life ahead of us.”

“Cheers! If either of you need anything at all, please do not hesitate to let me know. I wish you the best for a safe delivery,” Halsin adds. If we were to ask anyone about advice on children, it would definitely be Halsin, though I’m not sure if he would have any advice on infants. With him being a three-hundred-fifty year-old elf, I don’t doubt that he does.

“Thank you, Halsin.”

As all eyes are on me while we give the toast, an overwhelming sensation courses through my body; a feeling of lightheadedness and tickling of the brain. More vertigo, but it appears to be different than what I felt before; something familiar.

Praise the Absolute.

The Absolute will always live.

Die, Die, Die!

Become one of us.

Fuck. Is this some sick joke? Surely I don’t have the tadpole in my head still, because what the Hells was that? So many voices are invading my mind, trying to fool me into something wicked. The room begins to spin more rapidly than before, and my surroundings become a blur. Some sort of psychic interference, perhaps?

“Oh, she doesn’t look so good,” Astarion says. “Emmy?” Gale touches my shoulders, but I can barely feel his hands; it’s as if my body is going completely numb.

“Baby? Are you okay?” His voice fades as I begin to collapse on the floor, and all I can hear is a voice in the distance saying “oh shit!”

After several minutes of unconsciousness, I find myself waking up to everyone in my face as I’m lying on the floor. The world isn’t spinning but my head hurts like no other. Probably because I collapsed on the wooden floor.

“Oh, thank goodness you’re okay,” Gale says, taking a deep breath. He looks as if he had just been sobbing. Astarion pats him on the back in a sincere way, to comfort him and rid him of the anxiety. I’ve never seen him act that way toward Gale before. “I thought…I thought you were dying. What happened?”

“Oh Gale,” I murmur, trying to recall what happened. My voice is weak and a little raspy as I try to speak. “I…I don’t know what happened. All I remember is that I heard these voices in my head about the Absolute, and then next thing I knew, I collapsed.” I swallow, feeling a nasty flair of acid reflux in my throat. “Could it be the– no, surely not.”

“The tadpole?” Astarion asks. “How would that be possible?”

“What else could it be?”

“Someone or something messing with your head, perhaps?”

“Do you recall anything happening when Raphael abducted you several months ago?” Wyll questions, a bewildered expression on his face like the others. He brings up a good point.“Anything at all?”

“Wait, you got abducted by that heinous devil?!” Shadowheart exclaims. I suddenly remembered she wasn’t there when it happened. Her and Astarion had left for Waterdeep before the entire ordeal occurred. Still, I should have told her.

“Yes. I’ll tell you more about that later. I’m just now having strange issues, so I doubt it has to do with anything that happened in the House of Hope. I’m alright now at least.” I do feel better, besides my unusual craving for ice water. I take a deep breath as Gale helps me up, and luckily I don’t have any waves of vertigo now. What a strange occurrence that was. I hope it was just post-trauma dissociation, but who knows anymore.

“Ah, nothing like the potential of becoming a mindflayer…again…when you’re about to have a baby. Splendid,” Astarion says sarcastically, and then proceeds to look at me with worried eyes.

Despite the spontaneous and unfortunate fainting that left everyone worried, especially my poor Gale, the baby shower ended up turning out wonderfully. The questions still remain: What the fuck happened? Is there a tadpole that I’m somehow not aware of? Do mind flayers still exist?