#tav moments

[thatcerealkiller]

Tav: Astarion, we can leave if you don’t want to be around her.

Astarion: Now you’re happy to leave if I’m uncomfortable? How novel. I’m fine. Let’s just get this over with.

Araj: If you’d come inside, we could discuss something far more exciting than drow politics.

Tav: Forget it. I saw how you made Astarion feel. I’m done with you.

Astarion: I appreciate the thought, truly, but if this is something you want to look into… Well, hearing her out won’t kill us.

Tav: And if it does?

Astarion: Well, death never stopped me before. I don’t know why it should now.

Context! Astarion confessed to Tav before they ever met Araj at Moonrise. When they did meet her, Tav was surprised he didn’t jump at the chance, then followed up with “It’s up to you, but we could really use that potion.” to which Astarion disapproved and said “Fine, I’ll do it.” and yes, Tav took the potion for himself. Astarion never brought it up afterward. Later in Act 3 they met Araj again and this scene happens. It’s a nice callback to the incident, letting Astarion call Tav out while showing it wasn’t the worst thing to happen and Astarion still cares. When they go inside he urges Tav to say no along with “I don’t want to see you hurt.”

[crocodiller]

a party of very mature adults

[lazylittledragon]

more gale+cyra romcom stuff because i'm unwell!!!

[bearsandswears]

Revisiting the conversation you can have with Gale about Halsin’s proposition. I think it should be worse.

[tee-dohrnii]

Hair washing day - coloured

[elisaserioart]

Hey mama Larian can you please add this interaction in *that* particular moment, because I think we all need it EDIT: Since I've read some comments here and on Twitter that seem to refer to my drawing and my "request" (clearly ironic, I hope it's understood!), I want to clarify one thing: this is just a drawing to express my feelings as a fan who, in that precise moment, just wanted to console the character. Astarion's quest is beautiful and perfect as it is. I love it because it's written perfectly. Right after defeating Cazador, Astarion NEEDS to feel that his body is his own again, and that's it. So no, there really isn't any need for a new interaction to hug him (unless, in the interaction, he himself seeks the embrace, which is what I depicted in the picture: my Tav is 'receiving' the hug and his expression of his feelings). I hope it's clearer now! xoxo

[midnigtartist]

I love you one level of cleric Gale. I love you guidance. I love you one level of cleric Gale with guidance.

[dr-demi-bee]

Gale's act 1 romance is just so good. The more I think about Gale the more I like it. It shows off so many parts of his character - how integral magic is to him, his love of teaching, his smugness, his appreciation for your friendship... But also his vulnerability. Before you picture something more - he looks pleased. Happy to share a moment with you as friends. (During the party he even expresses hoping that he can consider you a true friend. A self-professed rarity for him.)

At the same time he's making this face though, he moves closer to you. Whether he would acknowledge it or not, Gale clearly does seek out that intimacy.

His earnest surprise after pulls at my heart strings. He genuinely wanted to find a safe way to connect. He had no expectations of you returning his feelings (hence, embarrassment - at being perceived, or at not considering your feelings, perhaps.).

Followed by a resigned shoulder slump and a face of desperate yearning... 🥺 It's almost the same pouty face he gives you when he confesses he loves you.

Then, genuine thrill - elation - at the very idea of it! Gale has a firm grip on what he shares with us here - he's still an archmage level wizard (even nerfed), and that's a skill he would have. (It's probably why we don't ever accidentally connect tadpoles with Gale). He chooses after his initial surprise to share a feeling of not just joy but a joy with pride and optimism. He turns *towards* you - communicating not just elation but desire in his expression.

But he immediately follows this with an 'oh shit, stop thinking about it' look and a long shake of the head to clear the thought(s) away 😭 (Because trepidation here isn't about kissing you - it's about the orb.)

But he's quick to reassure you - not just because he knows you wouldn't be able to hide your thoughts from him (not an option - even picturing nothing carries a feeling with it) . "But it is a pleasant image, to be sure." And then he hits you with a confirmation of his desire and approval. "Most pleasant, in fact. Most welcome."

He hadn't considered it a possibility, but gods be damned, you've given him the first burst of hope and confidence he's had in a while. The first time in months he's felt wanted. His posture straightens with the confidence boost. He turns fully to you and clearly wants to bask in the moment - to connect with you.

But then the Weave evaporates. Whatever the reason may be, Gale didn't do it. He didn't expect it. Clearly. He posture collapses and he whimpers like it physically hurt.

The narration makes it clear how jarring the connection ending feels to us (cold and lonesome) - how must it feel for poor Gale? He hasn't had such a strong connection with someone in ages. Who knows how long since it was with another mortal (if ever)? We know from later stages of his romance and from communication with Gale that physical touch is an integral part of his expression of love and connection. And with the orb he can't have it. The loss of intimacy and connection here hurts.

"How easily things slip away from us." How easily they are lost. Anyway go hug your wizard.

[voltaical-art]

whadya mean he didnt tell you he loves you??? his eyes literally went soft when he looked ur way...

[u-so-silly]

"but to that burden I must add my own"

[isda-bata]

“You Can Just Have It” part 1

Next

a little comic I’m working on that I originally posted to Insta but want to put here too.

[thatcerealkiller]

This scene is dear to me because I didn’t care for Astarion as a character when I first played BG3. I went into this game completely blind, I knew only that it was DnD based. I recruited him because that’s how you build a party but I didn’t do much with him because my Tav was already a rogue type. I was neutral to him and didn’t pay mind to what he liked or disliked. Then he came on to Tav at the party and I thought “Intriguing. Seems like harmless fun.” so I let them have a fling. That’s when I started noticing him. His way with words, his little mannerisms, his motivations. A little intrigue grew like wildfire just as he started to catch feelings for Tav. Now I love this guy and I’m down with the Astarion sickness. Every award absolutely deserved. Well done Neil and Larian 👏

[crocodiller]

in honor of it being really frikkin hot lately

[tinyhorror]

my honest reaction

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[valgeristik]

This scene for Gale triggered for me in the funniest place possible

[mercymaker]

also, it occurred to me that make out sessions with astarion would be absolutely crazy

like once he gets really into it, pressing his face into the partner's, holding them close and then... he doesn't need to breathe, so he'd likely get carried away and leave his partner gasping and completely breathless