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frantic-fiction · 1 month

Note

May I request some Jealous!Fem!Reader x Astarion? Maybe one where someone from Astarion’s past makes an appearance and while Astarion sees this woman as just a friend, reader can see the woman blatantly flirting with her vampire spawn and she doesn’t like it one bit. ESPECIALLY if Astarion’s oblivious to the woman’s advances and innocently engages (because let’s face it, our boy loves being praised & complimented 24/7). Reader decides it’s her turn to stake her claim on our little sassy vampire and remind everyone who he belongs to ;)

Yes! Yes! Thank you for the request!

Jealous

Astarion x gn!reader

Warnings: None

Word Count: 1.5k

Masterlist

It was nice being back in the city. Yes, there was still the ever-looming threat of the Absolute, but most of the party was back home, and for once, it felt like, for a moment, everyone could breathe. You had a fluffy bed to sleep on instead of a lumpy bedroll. And while Gale always made whatever perversions the party scavenged taste good, the warm, hearty tavern meals you've been treated to as of late were too good to beat.

But the best part of being back was taking any moment to drag Astarion out into the city to wherever he fancies so he can explore Baldur's Gate in the daylight without the darkness of Cazador. He wanted to visit the farmers market today, so you wandered the vendors' stalls, stopping to take moments and smell flowers and sample wares.

Astarion politely conversed with a tailor about the fabric quality used for a shirt he wanted. Frankly, they had been talking longer than your attention span could handle, so when your eyes wandered to a stall full of beaded jewelry, you wasted no time giving Astarion a quick peck on the cheek and telling him where you'd be.

The pieces were beautiful and skillfully crafted—brightly colored beads and gold inlays, gems of various minerals, all catching your eyes. The older halfling woman propped highly on the stool, greets you politely, and gives little details and facts about each one you set aside for closer inspection. Maybe you should get something for Shadowheart and Karlach? Probably not Lae—

"Astarion!"

A feminine voice has you snapping your head back to your partner. A frown instantly settles over your features when you see a tall, elven woman pull Astarion's hug. Her brown hair is intricately braided into a top knot decorated in sparkly chains. Her dress hugs her curves, framing her body perfectly.

Why are they still hugging?

"Oh Gods, it's been too long. You're looking amazing." Her nasal voice filters down the markets. "How are you, love?"

Astarion finally manages to break the hug, giving the woman an automatic flirtatious smile, the tailor long forgotten. "Eleanor, I've been well. I do hope the same can be said for you."

Dropping the beads with little care, you leave the stall, ignoring the halfling. You don't like this woman. You don't like how her hand still lingers on Astarion's forearm or how she leans ever so slightly closer as if daring him to kiss her.

"I've been fine, though I'm upset you haven't visited in quite a while. It's been rather dull without you." She runs her hand up his arm.

Astarion laughs, flicking his hand in the air and clearly enjoying the woman's words. "I could only imagine, my dear. Those brutes are fowl at their best. Who wouldn't miss me."

Your jaw clenches when her obnoxious laughter rings in the air. Pushing past a family of four throwing a half-ass apology, not paying mind, too pissed off. Who does this woman think she is putting her hands on Astarion as if he's hers?

"Astarion, you always knew how to make me laugh." Elenor ducks her head, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "If I'm being honest, I was always jealous of the ones you took home. But now that we're here, maybe…"

Oh, hell no! You practically jump the rest of the way and run into Astarion's arm. He lets out a breathy oof, arms tightening around your waist to keep you from tumbling to the ground. Pretending you weren't aware of the woman, you capture Astarion into a chaste kiss before beaming up at him.

"I hope you found what you were looking for, my love." Your voice is sickly sweet as you trail your thumb across his cheekbone. Then you turn your head and feign innocence, looking at the elf. "Oh, I'm sorry, Star. Who is this?"

Astarion gives you a look but recovers quickly. Clearing his throat, he speaks, "Darling, this is Eleanor. She owns a tavern I frequented. One of the only decent companies I've had before we met."

Moving away from Astarion's side, you reach your hand out in greeting, giving her your name, "It's a pleasure to meet a friend of my Star,"

Eleanor looks a bit taken aback, staring blankly at the two of you, clearly not expecting this change in her plans. You're internally preening. She takes your hand in a limp shake before dropping it and stepping back. Eleanor quickly wipes her hand on her dress slyly and chuckles.

"That explains why I haven't seen you in a while."

You sneer at her, wanting nothing more than to punch her. Instead, you drop your hand onto Astarion's chest, nuzzling warmly into his side. "Yes, sorry about that. I've been a bit selfish. Sometimes it hard to get out of bed."

"Right…" Eleanor says. Astarion, I never took you as one to settle down, especially someone as… unique as them."

"What is that supposed to mean?" The venom drips from your words, and Astarion has to keep you in place.

Eleanor smirks. "Oh, I meant nothing bad." The mocking tone alone reinforces that she meant this to be as insulting as possible. "I'm just stating you're rougher around the edges."

Astarion's hold on your waist tightens as you move to step forward, hand reaching for the dagger discreetly hidden against your thigh. There is no possible way this woman values Astarion in any way more than as a body to conquer. That thought alone has you practically baring your teeth.

"What the fuck does that mean!"

Astarion steps in before you can do anything extreme, "Eleanor, it was lovely seeing you again. We'll have to come and visit sometime for a drink, but I'm afraid my love and I must make our leave."

"Oh yes, of course!" Elenor says, her voice a bit too filled with fake cheer. Her smile is strained, and her eyes stare daggers into your skull. "I hope I can see you at the tavern sometime soon."

"Yes, we'll come down for a visit sometime soon. " Astarion calls over his shoulder, practically dragging you down the cobblestone. You think about ripping your arm out of his hold and turning back, but you let him pull you along with only a death glare sent toward Eleanor.

As soon as the two of you are in a secluded place, Astarion drops your hand and turns on you. "Darling, what was that?"

Picking at your nails, you shrug your shoulders. "I have no idea what you're talking about."

Astarion takes your hand and, with a finger, tilts your chin to force you to meet his eyes. He has a shit-eating grin, and his fangs are even more prominent in his smile. "You were jealous."

Swatting his hands away, you step back. "I was not!" You lie and storm down the alleyway. You didn't get far before Astarion caught your wrist and spun you into his chest.

"You were jealous." He repeats. "But you really shouldn't be."

"She was all over you."

"It was a hug, my dear, from probably the closest normal friendship I had before the tadpole."

"Friendship? She was practically begging you to fuck her." You huff, fiddling with the lapels of Astarion's shirt.

Astarion chuckles deeply and presses a kiss to your forehead. "Gods, you're cute when you're jealous."

"Don't make fun of me, Astarion."

Ignoring you, he continues. "For argument's sake, if she was begging me to fuck her, as you so eloquently put it, who cares? I certainly don't, not when I have this beautiful, strong, incredibly understanding partner who knows all the darkest parts of me and still stands by my side?"

"Well, I am pretty noble for putting up with you when you're hungry." You smile, looping your arms around his neck, all jealousy draining from you like water from a colander.

"How could another soul handle me in that horrid state." Astarion runs his nose against yours. "I love you and don't plan on stopping soon."

You beam and kiss him breathlessly before mumbling, "I love you too," against his lips. "I think we should head back to our room."

Astarion chuckles under his breath, running his hands down the curve of your spine. "Oh, what for my sweet?"

"Well," Crawling your fingers up his chest, you press your lips to his ear and whisper. "If you'll let me, I want to mark every inch of your neck." "Mark me as yours, darling?" Astarion hums.

"Mhmm, we could go further, but" you continue. "Tonight, I want you to show me this tavern Eleanor owns. I think we deserve a date night."

"You are jealous."

"If I agree, will you take me out?" You lean in for a kiss.

Astarion presses forward, brushing his lips against yours. "As long as I have a necklace of your pretty love bites."

"Then yes, my love, I am very much jealous."

I've been struggling with inspiration lately. Moving was super stressful and I had to leave a hostile work environment very quickly so life's been a bit messy. But I've got my kitty cat and don't have to deal with a shitty boss so hopefully things will go up from here.

I'm kinda iffy on how I feel on this one but that might just be my current mindset. I hope you all enjoy it regardless, and stay tune because I plan on have something spicier posted soonish...possibly Astarion discovering his breeding kink 🫣❤️

Taglist: @heartfully10@ayselluna@marina-and-the-memes@anixson@canonicalchaoticneutral @toadsbitch @meulinkitten-blog @ambr4armr @lotusandcrystals @venussakura @synapticjive @skittleabyss@asterordinary@lariatbunny @whispering-depths@butchboi-chihuahua-slumlord@darkest-part-of-the-forest@queenofcarrotflowers-s@sessils @d20bunny@cherifrog@ophelia-ophelian@bgthree@darlingxdragon@mothynyx @completelyshatteredbrokenmschf@babyqnn @mmendez0124@kokoyu-art@lilah-asteria

Want to be added to the taglist? DM me please!

#astarion x reader #astarion x tav #reader insert #astarion #bg3 astarion #bg3 #astarion ancunin #astarion imagine #baulders gate 3 #fanfic #frantic fiction

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tragedybunny · 8 months

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hehehe~ perhaps a cute fic with reader and Astarion and he talks about all the parties he used to go to before he was turned- and he dances with you 😳

Anon - So this took on a life of it's own, it reminded me of some of my Tav's backstory, so I worked in some elements of it. I hope it's still good. 🥺

Rhythm Like a Heartbeat - Astarion x F!Reader

Astarion and Reader share a dance that reveals more than they planned.

Wyll was teaching Karlach to dance, of all things you'd seen on this journey, this was somehow amongst the most surprising. The Blade and the "Devil" he should've slayed, moving together along with the melody from an enchanted music box someone had picked up along the way. The two of them seemed to be growing closer, and you couldn't be happier for them. You took a long drink from a pilfered wine bottle while you watched, you were all blowing off a little steam, which was well needed. Digging around for Kethric's weakness was a daunting task and the clock inside of all of you was still ticking. "Not rethinking your choices I hope."

You'd been so lost in thought you hadn't heard Astarion come up behind you. Or he'd intentionally snuck up on you. When he wanted to go unheard or unseen, you usually didn't have a chance of not getting ambushed. Mostly he seemed to enjoy the little jump you made when surprised. Tonight you didn't disappoint, exuding a high-pitched noise along with jumping. "Astarion," you scold, "honestly! And no, of course not, just impressed by Wyll's form."

"Really," he scoffed, not hiding his jealous streak very well at all, "he looks like a gangly teenage boy at his first gala. Clearly, you haven't had much experience in the ballroom." Part of you wanted to laugh a little, the insult was obviously ridiculous, but you knew his jealousy came from fear that he barely held on to you and could still lose you. Maybe sometime you should use the tadpole to show him just how impossible that would be. If only the thought of it didn’t fill you with revulsion.

“I didn’t know you were such an expert, love,” you know he feels comfortable with the playful banter, and you hope it pulls him away from that place of insecurity.

A sharp laugh answers you, “I’ll have you know I had plenty of experience, both in life and unlife.” You shoot him a look, he rarely speaks of life before Cazador, you’re not even sure how much he remembers of it. “What? I had an important job, I knew important people. Or are you just trying to get me to teach you?” An outstretched arm beckons you to join him. For a second you freeze, knowing you’re risking exposing everything you’ve held back. But hells, if you say no, he’ll take it the wrong way entirely. “Don’t worry, I’m sure you’ll be a quick study.”

Taking his arm, you let him lead you a distance from the tent, glad Wyll and Karlach are still the center of attention, and gracefully dip your knee as he bows. Gently, one hand takes yours, the other held properly tucked behind his back. The rhythm is an easy one, but you let him take the lead. Soft steps, elaborate turns around one another, your eyes locked with his. Gods, his eyes are breathtaking when he’s looking at you, when his guard is down, soft and shining with light. Tonight, they seem full of mirth, but you’ve seen them overflowing with his sorrow and tears as well. They’ve distracted you and you forget, he’s supposed to be teaching you, your form is too good.

Step away, one spin, back to back, face each other, palms touching. Skin like ice presses against yours, heating up with the exertion and the emotions humming through your every nerve. One night he asked if it bothered you, lying next to the chill of the grave. You only hugged him tighter and told him not to be ridiculous because you couldn’t find the right words at the time to explain that it was part of who he was and you loved all of him, even the pieces that might not seem loveable. Thinking of it that way now though, you should tell him.

Another turn, facing away from one another again, a chance to catch your breath. It’s madness how he still affects you, even after you’d confessed to one another, you’re still swooning nervously. He’s right when he calls you “silly girl” teasingly. The finale, one more elaborate twirl, you’re no longer even thinking of the dance, muscle memory taking over. His hand catches yours and you step close to him, closer than the propriety of a noble’s dance floor would’ve ever allowed. Cheekily, he leans forward, stealing a quick kiss. “It would seem you have more talents than you’ve let on.”

“I…”, you really don’t want to lie to him. The silence stretches far too long. “It would seem so.”

“Hmm,” you feel him studying you, and you realize his eyes are guarded again, his posture rigid. “So tell me one thing,” you nod, terrified you’re about to shatter that fragile bond you’ve built. Lies by omission are still lies. “Which noble house are you a runaway from?” His voice is cold and hard, the Astarion you met on the beach that fateful day. How fast he can change wounds you, just like that, he’s ready to be done with you. But it’s your fault, you know how years of horror have left him with walls he’s too quick to bring up. “Or do you want to keep lying to me?”

You shake your head. “I wish I could say.”

“And here I thought we really had something, but clearly,” he gestures wildly, unable to contain his rising temper.

Stinging tears begin to prick your eyes. “No, no, I wish I could say,” you emphasize, praying he’ll understand.

Suddenly, he stills, hand coming to your cheek, eyes wide. “Is this a warlock thing?” A thumb brushes away the tear that escaped and you hear agonized regret in his voice. “Oh darling, I’m sorry, don’t cry.” Arms pull you into his chest. “Please, I didn’t realize, it’s fine.”

“I wanted to tell you,” you sniffle into his shirt.

“Hush love, you can tell me what you’re able to, when you’re ready. Although I must insist you consider us even for any prior deception of mine. Even ones you haven’t realized yet.” He laughs that awkward, nervous laugh that happens when he’s upset, but he’s trying so you let yourself giggle a bit. “There’s my girl. Now how about we dance again and no holding back? I need to know if I can actually keep up with you.”

The music box is still playing but you’re no longer aware of anyone else in the camp. There’s only the two of you, softly and slowly moving together. Gone are the thoughts of the elaborate courtly show, you move by instinct, bodies responding to one another as you press close together. Then you still, let yourself be wrapped in his arms, your lips brushing the hollow of his throat. “I can at least tell you that you’re the best dance partner I’ve ever had.”

“Never doubted it my sweet,” you feel him kiss the crown of your head before resting his cheek against it.

#astarion #astarion x reader #astarion x f!reader #astarion x tav #baldurs gate 3 #bg3 #baldurs gate 3 fanfiction #my fanfic

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grims-sunshine · 6 months

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hello! How are you? I see your requests are open? If it's alright, can i request some angst, but with a happy ending because I'm too damn soft🥲 Fem Tav being absolutely devastated when Astarion confessed but also that he was originally manipulating and using her? I never see anyone writing Tav being upset over that, like she's in love with him, but is rightfully angry and upset with him and just sobs while avoiding him for a while? 🥲

Hi hi anon! I'm good, thanks for asking <3 I hope you're alright too!

I love this idea so much aaaaah! I had to start writing pretty much immediately ahaha

Thanks so much for the request, I hope you enjoy it <3

🤍 Feel Better 🤍

Pairing: Astarion x Tav

Word count: 1.7k

Tags: angst with a happy ending, some mild anxiety, arguing, Tav says a few not so nice things maybe

"I care about you."

It's true when you say these words to Astarion. At least you think it's true. At least it was true just five minutes ago.

You're pretty sure it's still true.

You pull Astarion into a hug, and aren't sure if you do it because you want to hug him, or because it feels like the right thing to do.

He hesitates for a moment, but puts his arms around you as well. You're overcome with a wave of happiness that he hugged you back, then sadness that he just admitted to having manipulated you, then anger that you were dumb enough to fall for it.

When he holds your hand, you see a glint of sincerity in his eyes. But you're not sure you can trust your own judgment anymore. Part of you wonders if he actually means it this time.

You know it wouldn't make sense for him to lie again, right after confessing his last lie and admitting that he felt bad for it.

But it didn't make sense for him to lie the first time either.

You've been defending Gale when the others were mad about his secret, and he wasn't sleeping with you. You tried to stand up for Wyll when Mizora showed up, and he hadn't shown even a hint of interest in you. You sided with Karlach and helped her deal with the paladins when you didn't even know her yet.

In short, you've been doing your damnedest to protect the people around you, not because you wanted anything in return, but because you're all in an unfortunate situation, just trying to stay alive, and you believe it'll be better for all of you to help each other. You would've done the same for Astarion, without him ever doing so much as touch you.

Your thoughts cause unease to rise within you, getting worse with every second. Once he lets go of you, you excuse yourself, rushing off to a quiet place, out of view from the others.

You sink to the ground, leaning your head back against the wall as your vision goes blurry. Before you even notice it, tears stream down your face and you suppress a sob.

You feel betrayed. Astarion played with your feelings just to gain a benefit from you, with seemingly no care how it would make you feel. You should've gotten angry at him, told him off for manipulating you, screamed at him for hurting your feelings.

Instead, you gave him a hug and said you care about him.

Underneath the anger and hurt, your feelings for him are still there, maybe stronger than ever. If you could just move past this, maybe the two of you can be happy together after all.

It makes you feel like a child, thinking that you're in some kind of fairy tale romance. But you're not the protagonist of a storybook, and you're starting to have serious doubts that Astarion is the prince who will sweep you off your feet and bring you eternal happiness.

And yet, that small part of you makes you decide to stay with him for now and hope everything will work out for the better. You're not sure if you're naive, stupid, or if Astarion really is worth trying, but you trust your gut feeling, even when your brain is telling you to break things off immediately.

Still, you can't help feeling hurt over everything that happened, so over the next couple of days you pull away from Astarion. It's not your intention, but whenever you're close to him, you start to feel dizzy, sick even. You feel your chest tighten and a knot form in your stomach that gets worse the longer you're around him.

You used to not get enough of being close to you, now it feels like your whole body recoils against his presence.

Astarion doesn't seem to notice that anything has changed -- Or if he does, he doesn't show it. If anything, he's become even more affectionate with you.

He's been seeking out your touch more often, giving you occasional hugs and stealing kisses from you. They make your heart beat faster, but you can't tell anymore if it's because you love him or because it sends your brain into overdrive each time, wondering if he's doing it because he wants to be close to you or because he wants to keep you hooked so you won't turn away from him now.

You hate that you have to question him. You hate that you feel like you can no longer trust him when you blindly would've put your life in his hands just a few days ago.

To make things worse, life has decided to hurl even more struggles at you while you're dealing with your feelings.

The Shadow-Cursed Lands have been getting especially cold at night. You try to stay as close to the fireplace as possible, but it feels like the darkness sucks away any warmth provided by the fire, so you're left shivering and wishing you could lie in a warm bed with several blankets instead.

"Wanna cuddle a little for warmth?" Astarion's voice catches you off guard and you almost flinch when you notice him standing beside you, watching you shiver and grasping your arms.

"Not that I have much body heat to give off, but, you know… I could be there for you in spirit." He continues, giving you a smile that looks almost a little shy.

You're hesitant at first, but something about the way he looks at you plugs at your heartstrings. You can't resist him, not when he looks like he's sending silent prayers to the gods that you'll agree.

"Yeah, sure. At the very least you'll block off a bit of the cold, right?" You say, earning a chuckle from him.

"I'll do my very best to shield you from the cold, darling."

He settles down facing you, wrapping one arm around you to pull you closer to his chest.

You try your best to relax, but your body still tenses around him, even when you try to just swallow down your feelings.

You lie in silence for a while, until Astarion sighs.

"Is everything alright, dear? You've been acting a little off lately. I wasn't sure if I should mention it at all, but to be honest, I am a little worried." His tone is serious, void of the usual playfulness in his voice.

Damn it. He noticed.

"It's nothing, really," you say, hoping that he'll drop it. Instead, he just looks at you, sceptical.

"Are you sure? You can talk to me, you know." He frowns brushing a loose strand of hair behind your ear. "It's just," he hesitates, like he's unsure of what to say, "I feel like you've started avoiding me ever since I opened up about my feelings. So, I've been thinking, maybe I misread the signs and you actually never wanted to move past… Whatever the hells it was we had before," he rambles. Then, a little quieter, he adds, "You know, I've never done this whole relationship thing, and I really don't want to make a fool of myself by pursuing someone who doesn't like me that way." He lets out a nervous chuckle.

Oh hells no.

"Make a fool out of you?" The words break out of you, louder and angrier than intended. "What about me, who made a fool out of herself the whole time thinking you actually liked me?" You should stay composed, calm yourself before you say something you regret, but at that moment, all the complicated feelings you've been having swirl together and explode within you. "You didn't stop once to think about that, did you? But when it's about you having to deal with something unpleasant, suddenly it's a problem. Don't you think that's a little selfish of you?"

By the way Astarion looks at you, you'd think he'd just been slapped. Then he averts his eyes and you feel his hands tightening, gripping the back of your shirt.

"Right," he sighs. "I deserve to be called selfish, I suppose."

Astarion takes a deep breath, his jaw clenching as he thinks about what to say next, before he relaxes it again. "I know what I did to you was wrong. I manipulated you and you didn't deserve that. At all." His voice quivers a little as he continues to speak. "And I know it's no excuse, but this is what I've done for two centuries. Manipulate people to avoid getting hurt. I have no damn idea how to navigate a relationship with someone who isn't trying to make me suffer at every turn, or someone who I know will meet a terrible end because of me."

He looks at you again with a pained expression. "I really do care about you, despite what I've done, you know? I didn't intend to care about you, but you crushed all my intentions just by being your wonderful, amazing self. And if you're willing to give me another chance, I promise to make this right. I promise I won't ever try to deceive you again. I want to be someone worthy of your love and I'll do what I can to be that kind of person."

This time you're absolutely certain that he's sincere. There's not a sliver of doubt in your mind about that.

You don't even realize that you haven't said anything in a while until you notice Astarion grow increasingly nervous, looking at you like he expects you to cuss him out and tell him to leave any second.

You grab his hand and press a kiss to his palm. "I am willing to give you a chance," you say, seeing the instant wave of relief rush over his face. "I know you're new to all of this, and I know you've been through a lot. I should've talked about this sooner instead of just avoiding you. And I shouldn't have yelled earlier either. So I'm sorry as well."

Astarion presses his forehead against yours, pulling you into a close hug. "So things are good between us now, right?"

You nod, leaning in to kiss his cheek before nuzzling into his chest. "Yeah, everything's alright."

Title inspired by this

#astarion #bg3 astarion #bg3 #baldur's gate 3 #baldur's gate astarion #astarion x mc #astarion x reader #astarion x tav #i really struggled picking a name for this but ig that's it now lol #some day I'll pay someone to name my fics for me /hj #side quests

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mimsynims · 6 months

Text

Fool For Love

part 9

~~~

part 1, part 2, part 3, part 4, part 5, part 6, part 7, part 8

~~~

Author’s Note: Aaand it’s finally done! I always have trouble wrapping up a story, and this one was no exception… but I hope you’ll enjoy it!

This will be posted at AO3 at some point. (In fact, if I write more BG3 fics I’ll probably post it on AO3 instead of Tumblr, as usual. And I do have a few ideas actually…👀)

Thank you all for the likes, reblogs, and comments <3 it has definitely helped me keep going!

~~~

Astarion x reader/Tav

Tags: (mildish?) angst, pining, pining while fucking, jealousy, minor Karlach/Dammon, finally a happy ending for these two knuckleheads

Summary: You thought you knew what you were doing when you let Astarion into your bed. He doesn’t have feelings for you, and vice versa. Only…now you do.

To begin with, you didn’t handle it well. You tried moving on, and that seemed to work. At least you told yourself that it did.

Then something happened that gave you hope. Perhaps he feels something for you too, after all?

~~~

You find him on the path close to the archway, in almost the same spot where you talked to Bex mere days ago. You take a moment to study him from afar. It’s hard to be sure when there’s nothing but the light from the moon illuminating him, but you think his shoulders look tense. Is this your doing?

You wish you could hug him, offer to him relax in your arms.

“I’m afraid your personal blood bank will be closed for a while,” you joke as you walk closer, hoping it will lighten his mood. “For restocking purposes.”

Astarion doesn’t turn around, and when he remains silent for several tension-filled seconds, you wonder if your quip was a mistake.

“Did you mean it?” he finally asks.

The question takes you by surprise and try as you might, you can’t figure out what he’s talking about. “I’m sorry?”

“You said that you’d do anything for me. Did you mean it?”

Oh. That. “Yes.”

Your heart starts pounding as he shifts to look at you. Silvery beams of moonlight caress his beautiful face, a face painted with apprehension — and possibly hope.

“And what does that mean?”

“What do you want it to mean?” you ask in return, because you’re not ready to say those three little words. Not yet.

“Nice try, Tav.” His jaw tightening, Astarion suddenly looks closed off. “If you’re going to play coy with me you might as well leave.”

With that, he turns away from you again — and it feels like a stab to the heart. “It means,” you amend quickly, “that I care for you.” You’ve never been good at expressing your emotions. Never been good at opening yourself up to other people. And it’s scary to do so now. “Deeply.”

Astarion scoffs. “I bet you said that to Gale too,” he says, and the bitterness in his voice stings.

“I– what are you talking about?”

“I saw you. You went to him.”

Acting without thought, you rush forward to place yourself in front of him to make sure that he looks at you; he needs to fully understand what you say next. “It wasn't like that, we only talked. Astarion, you’re special to me.”

You steel yourself for another cutting remark, but you’re helpless against the sad expression that replaces the anger. “So special that you decided to end things between us?”

Fool. You’ve been a fool. “I ended things because I didn’t think…” Taking a deep breath, you tell yourself to be honest. “I did it because I was jealous and I couldn’t handle the possibility of you breaking my heart.”

His brow twitches in confusion. “You were jealous? Of who?”

You desperately ache to touch him, but you hold yourself back. “Shadowheart. Halsin. Anyone that I thought was sharing your bed besides me.”

“Tav. Darling.” He sounds exasperated but hearing the endearment again sparks tingles of joy and hope inside your chest. “I haven't invited anyone to my bed since we started sleeping together.”

Oh. Oh. “Really?”

“Yes, really.” For the first time since you found him, a small smile tugs at the corners of his mouth. “I thought you knew that.”

“No. No, I didn’t.” To say that you’ve been an idiot is an understatement. You’ve let yourself see things that aren’t there because you are insecure. “I haven’t either, you know. Been with anyone else since you.”

The smile twists into something teasing and sultry that feels more like Astarion. “Is that so?”

“It is, and I honestly can’t believe you’d think anything different.” It’s true. While you wouldn’t call yourself unattractive, you’ve never really been one to draw the attention of potential lovers. You’ve had a few before Astarion of course, but in general, people have been more inclined to remain your friend rather than try to pursue something more. “You wouldn’t have looked twice at me if you had seen me on the streets of Baldur’s Gate.”

“Now that is just untrue, my dear Tav.” He reaches for your hand, taking it in his. “As you so bluntly pointed out that night, my motives for seducing you may partly have been driven by self-preservation, but I chose you for a reason — and not because you're our reluctant leader.”

His slender fingers grip you tighter and the touch is exactly what you need just then. “Is that so?” you echo, attempting to sound teasing. You fail spectacularly.

“I was drawn to you even before I started to develop feelings for you.” Lifting your hand, he presses a lingering kiss on the sensitive skin of your palm before resting it against his cheek. “At first, I thought it was the need for your body that kept you in my thoughts night and day. But as I got to know you better, I realised it was your mind — you — that held my attention.” Closing his eyes, he leans into the touch with a sigh. “What Cazador had me do… It taught me how to read people. But you…?” He opens his eyes again to look at you, and what you see makes your heart skip a beat. “I thought I had you figured out, but you continuously prove me wrong. And I appreciate that more than I can express.”

“Astarion.” There’s so much you want to say. So much you need to say. But in that moment, you finally find the courage to tell him what you should’ve told him weeks ago, so the rest will just have to wait. “Astarion, I love you.”

His eyes widen in surprise as something vulnerable flashes across his face. After five heartbeats — you know, because you counted — he lets go of your hand to gently cup your neck.

The kiss is soft and gentle. Careful. In a way, it feels like a first kiss.

“Why didn’t you tell me that instead of breaking up with me?” He kisses you again before you can reply. “There you go again, doing the unexpected.”

You don’t even try to hold back a smile. “Have to keep you on your toes, you know. And I didn’t tell you because I wasn’t sure it would be welcomed, you silly goose.” To your surprise, it no longer hurts as much thinking back to that night. “First you disappeared and then when I found you, you were sitting between Halsin and Shadowheart.”

“My my, were you jealous, darling?” he drawls in mock surprise. The bastard.

“Of course I was!” You very carefully wrap your arms around his waist, ignoring the ache from your injury. Because you need to feel him against you, pain be damned. “Why do you think I gave Gale so much attention?”

“And got yourself decadently drunk, too. It was a glorious sight.”

“Oh shush, you.” Despite yourself, you laugh.

“I have to apologise, though, my darling. I, too, was jealous.” His breath is warm against your cheek as he leans forward to rest his forehead against yours. “I could tell something was troubling you, but you kept being so elusive. I assumed… I thought that meant you only deemed me worthy of getting access to your body, and nothing more.”

“Astarion.” The sincerity and sorrow permeating his words make you feel like a villain. “Gods, I’m so sorry, too. At the time, I didn’t think you’d be interested in anything else.”

“I want anything and everything you give me, Tav.” You feel his fingers slide down your uninjured side, gripping you as firmly as he dares to. Lifting his head to get a better look at you, his eyes lock with yours. “I love you, with everything that I am.”

You can see the truth of it in his gaze, can feel it in his touch. He loves you. Was it always there and you were just blind to it? Or did he hide his feelings, just like you did?

It doesn’t matter, you decide, because all you need to know is that he’s in your arms.

“You have all of me, Astarion.”

“My beautiful Tav.”

You share another kiss, and then Astarion insists you both go back to camp to let you rest. The thrumming pain of the wound is there, but it’s easily overshadowed by the warmth blooming in your chest every time Astarion throws a smile your way on your way back. His hand is still linked with yours — it’s such a small detail but it feels infinitely more intimate than anything else you’ve shared with him so far. It’s impossible to stop smiling — not that you’re trying.

He follows you to your tent but to your dismay, he tries to leave after he has made sure that you have everything you need.

“Please don’t leave,” you say, refusing to let go of him. “I want you to stay. Stay the night.”

“Tav, my love, you’re in no condition to have sex.”

My love. It almost throws you off course to hear the new endearment. “Astarion, my love,” you counter, and oh, it’s worth it to see his reaction, “I wasn’t suggesting we’d have sex. I just want you close. Assuming that’s alright, of course.”

“Really?” He sounds just a tad surprised; that’s something you and he will need to unpack before going any further. But not tonight. “Well, that I can do.”

It takes a bit of careful shuffling around, but you manage to find a position that’s comfortable for you both without putting pressure on your injury.

He’s here. In your arms. You didn’t think you’d get to have this, but he truly is here. Your contented sigh is nothing but a muffled exhale into his curls but he doesn’t seem to mind, giving you a fond chuckle in response.

“Are you sniffing my hair, darling?”

“No.” It doesn’t sound convincing even to your own ears. “Well. Maybe a little,” you confess. “I can’t help that you smell nice.”

“Oh, I don’t mind, pet. Your scent is quite enticing too, you know.” You feel his chest expanding as he takes a deep inhale. “Drives me crazy sometimes.”

“Since you drive me crazy on a regular basis, I’d say that’s only fair.”

“Why, you little cheek..! Just watch me be even more annoying from now on.”

“You’re not annoying,” you say, trying to hold back a yawn. “You’re just a handful.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment.”

“Of course–“ you lose the battle against another yawn. “…you will.”

You feel the press of his lips against your skin. “Quite right.”

“Astarion?” Your eyelids start to get heavy, and for the first in what seems like ages, you feel completely safe and relaxed. “I’m so happy I have you in my life.”

“Me too, darling. Me too.” His hand slides down to find yours, lacing your fingers. “Now go to sleep, my love. I’ll watch over us. And tomorrow we will face whatever comes next. Together.”

~~~

#astarion #astarion ancunin #astarion x reader #astarion x tav #bg3 fanfiction #bg3 fic #bg3 tav #bg3 astarion #bg3 spoilers #no longer a wip because it’s finisheeeeed

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purdledooturt · 2 months

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WIP Wedneday

I got tagged again, and y'all... you may not know this but I basically bleed WIPs. I have nothing but WIPs. Sometimes they never become anything, and WIP Wednesdays are the only way they see the world at all. Thank you @cinnamontails-ff for freeing one of these boys from the jail.

In celebration of the announcement of the continuation of An Empirical Science, I would also like to contribute to the Holy Rolan Empire.

The door clicked closed – then, it clicked again. Locked.

“Drop the glamour, please,” Rolan all but growled, “before I do it for you.”

Tav gasped at the commanding tone, her heart seized by cold tendrils in confusion. Immediately, she did as he had asked, dropping the disguise with an exhale. “Rolan!” Her hand flew to her chest, trying to still her pounding heart. “It’s just me!”

“Tav!” Rolan gasped back, his expression going from dark and fierce and angry to something more akin to surprise and confusion and… suspicion? With one final once-over the expression melted into something more sheepish, as his shoulders relaxed with a sigh. “I’m sorry about that. You… you had triggered some alarms, so I…” He ran a hand through his hair, letting loose a few tendrils from his normally immaculately styled half-up ‘do. “It’s good to see you, though.”

“I’m so sorry,” she said, pursing her lips together as she felt her face burn red out of embarrassment. Of course they would have security measures for disguises and seemings – she didn’t even think about it. “That was wholly my fault.”

To try and soothe the awkward air, Tav went for the first gesture she could think of: a friendly hug. Oddly, Rolan accepted – in fact, he damn near melted into it. She enjoyed his warmer body temperature, momentarily reminded of the piggy-back rides Karlach used to give her when they were racing Lae’zel. She rested her chin on his shoulder. “It’s good to see you, too.”

He pulled away from the embrace, examining her once again. “My reaction was completely unwarranted. I apologise, I didn’t mean to scare you, I just thought you… were someone else. Why were you in a disguise anyway?”

She looked down at her bag of purchases and sheepishly held them up to call his attention to them. Curiously, he peered in. “Last time I came by, Lia wouldn’t let me pay, so…”

He laughed. “You silly girl,” he said fondly, shaking his head. He gestured towards a well-lit seating area by the large floor-to-ceiling window. “Why don’t you take a seat over by the window? Let me at least get you a drink, and I’ll let Cal and Lia know you’re here so they can say hello.”

Tav marvelled at the room Rolan had claimed as his office – the walls were covered in books, from floor to ceiling, but unlike Lorroakan’s old set up it was much more organised and welcoming. Rolan had his books in shelves of polished cherry wood – she found that the desk, chairs, his drinks cabinet, and the furniture at his seating area matched, giving the room an elevated, moody, professional air. It was luxurious and neat – it was just very him.

“ I’d love a juice of some kind,” she called out over her shoulder as she settled down on the plush seat of one of the armchairs. “This place is beautiful, Rolan - you’ve outdone yourself!”

“I found the difficulty of furnishing a space is greatly made easy by having lots of money,” he said in his normal, sardonic, Rolan way, though there was markedly no bite in his tone. “I do hope this juice would do.”

She’d turned to find him walking towards her with two glasses of wine and she laughed, leaning forward in her seat to reach for one. “That counts,” she joked, as she watched him take the other armchair across from her. She took a sip of the wine – chilled and sweet.

Before he leaned back he reached into his pocket, pulling out a pouch which he’d tossed her way. It landed on her lap with a light jingle that betrayed its contents. “Say nothing,” he said, pre-empting her protest with a raised hand, “that should be exactly what you paid, and not a gold more.”

“One of the scrolls was on sale,” she mentioned – concern about being credited more than what actually paid oddly the first thing in her mind.

The second, she found, was amazement – the idea of Rolan just… casually calculating the cost of her purchases, just from that brief glance into her bag, just to refund her? Well, she knew he was a genius, but that was as impressive as Astarion’s one-handed lockpicking trick – it was another level entirely. “Rolan, really –”

He finally settled down in the armchair, waving her concerns away. “I’ve accounted for that, don’t worry,” he said, “just to keep the books clean for Bex.”

Ooh - why did he react so poorly? Who was he expecting? 👀

I am super excited about this idea so I am definitely motivated to keep working on it - I just want to have it all planned out before I commit (sorry). I have a prologue whipped up that explains the whole premise from the get go, but there's a whole lot of middle to work with.

#rolan #rolan x tav #rolan x oc #purdle-writes #purdle writes #holy rolan empire #the brainrot continues to rot #rolan bg3 #bg3 rolan #rolan nation #rolan brainrot

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sorcerous-caress · 6 months

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Hi I hope your having a good day by the time you read this! I was hoping I could request Minthara, Karlach, Gale, and Zevlor (If you write for him) reacting to a Tav that looks visibly under the weather but ignores it to continue to do things rather than resting?

Heh I’ve got a cold that’s kicking my ass rn but even tho it’s the week before thanksgiving break my college classes are piling me with stuff to do ya know?

I'm currently dealing with similar things, anon. Life demands us to function even at our worst sometimes. The migranes can be ruthless. Please make sure to rest and take care of yourself. You're more important than your assignments and classes.

Dealing with a stressed Tav who refuses to rest.

[Fluff, comfort, nb!reader]

[Minthara, Karlach, Gale, Zevlor]

Minthara

As cruel and cold as she tends to be, there is certainly some tenderness deep inside her heart that's saved solely for you.

If it was someone else, she wouldn't have cared. If anything she expects her followers to work themselves to the death if it benfited her, she has no tolerance for the weak.

And yet, every principle she has ever held goes straight out the window when it comes to you. The sight of your visibly tired face and exhausted body makes her furrow her eyebrows in worry, forms a tightness in her chest.

She respects you immensely, and she knows for a fact you're not weak. If anything you're stronger than anyone she has ever met before.

Minthara wants to show that she can be strong for you too, prove herself as the capable and reliable partner you entrusted your heart with. Take the burdens off your shoulders and carry it on her own. No price is too great when it comes to ensuring your well being, whether it be a life or gold.

But even her own abilities only extend so far, she knows there are things that you simply can't let her handle. She feels as if she failed you when the only thing she can do is stand there uselessly whilst you struggle through your hardships.

Kind words of encouragement don't come easily for her. There's no softness left on her tongue, and tenderness is a foreign language long forgotten. Yet she tries, she still tries through failed awkward attempts and borderline counterproductive advice. She still tries to offer some sort of relief for you, to understand you better, to just be with you.

Karlach

It pains her in a way, seeing you brush off your own health so easily and discard your wellbeing. You don't realise how much she envies you, envies having the health to spare to neglect.

The engine burns against her chest, sending her on a coughing fit more times than she could count, her time is nearing its end.

If she were you, she'd treasure it. Her life, her body, and her own pulsing heart.

Karlach still buries her feelings and comforts you, putting your needs above hers. Attempting to get you to smile again, tricking you into having at least a nap when you're especially exhausted.

You're a soldier, she reminds you, you're brave, strong, and capable. And she will always have your back no matter what, so don't go fighting the world on your own when it's better to take a step back and recover first.

Gale

She'd drown you with kisses, brighten your day up with hugs, and offer the most loving and tender touches. Each word coming from her mouth is filled with sincerity, yet it barely scrapes the surface of how deep her love is for you.

He's been there more than once. Hell, he still neglects his own health for his studies, even to this day. He can relate to you a lot.

It's the feeling of being left behind, everyone else seems to have their ducks in a row while you're struggling just to stay afloat ontop of the water. How tempting it is just to give in and sink, the threat of the abyss below whispering into your ears.

Yet you stay swimming, the both of you need to. Have to.

No matter how muddy and ruthless the current gets, no matter how aggressive the waves become. He'll hold your hand amidst the storm and anchor you to him.

Each one resurfacing the other whenever they start to drown, pulling each other up.

It's not the most healthy, he is self-aware enough to admit it. But he can't condem you for what he himself is guilty of, he can't tell you to take a rest when the orb bleeds his sins of greed through his chest.

Zevlor

He brings you food, peeled oranges and cut apples, sweet tea and freshly baked cookies. Shares his lunch and dinner with you, shares his own warmth too under the blanket.

He has experienced many things throughout his long life, he has lead an army in hell and did whatever he had to do for the sake of his people.

He has sacrificed many years, decades even of his own life for them. He would've given it all for them if he could, to ensure their freedom, to ensure the kids got to grow up safe and sound.

In the same way, he is ready to sacrifice his well-being to preserve yours. Ready to bear your responsibilities so you can go rest and sleep soundly.

So please, don't refuse an old person like him when he invites you over for some tea and to take a breath. He's absolutely certain that you can relay on him for whatever tasks you have, even stay at his own home if you require assistance.

A big part of why he managed to survive all those years of war, is because he knew when to ask for help, when to cast aside his pride and let even strangers lend a hand for the sake of his people.

He doesn't order you outright. He's not your general, and he doesn't have authority over you. Yet his voice is firm when he insists on you accepting help, allowing yourself this small mercy.

#♡Minthara #♡Karlach #♡Gale #♡Zevlor #Minthara x reader #gale x reader #Karlach x reader #Zevlor x reader #bg3 fluff

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dark-and-kawaii · 7 months

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love knowing that you’re into bg3 like so many of us Kiwi! Did you love all the romance options or do you wish we could’ve had others because have you seen Dammon and Raphael! Glad to have you back with us btw!

AWHHHHH STOP!!!! You’re going to make me cry! It’s so good to be back on here, honestly!!! Now to answer your lovely question!!!

I was honestly happy at first but the more I played the game the more I saw the potential in adding other characters as romance options…

𝓩𝓮𝓿𝓵𝓸𝓻:

Like, I fell in love with Zevlor the moment I met him and I honestly would’ve picked him over Astarion for my first playthrough if he was an option -yeah yeah I know unpopular opinion.

But as I continued I was so confused as to why he wasn’t available for us because if you don’t go Minthara’s route then he would’ve been the perfect substitute because HELLOOOOO PALADIN!!!!

Not to mention during act two that would’ve been a perfect redemption ark for him, like there was SO MUCH POTENTIAL!!! Like he literally needed a hug after all the shit he’s been through and we weren’t able to grant him that…

He’s been with us since Act one… Up until the end he was with me. So I ask Larian, why wasn’t I allowed to travel and bed with this man!?

Grinds my gears man!!! I’m trying not to spoil too much in case someone hasn’t played yet.

𝓓𝓪𝓶𝓶𝓸𝓷:

Okay okay okay, as for Dammon…. Yeah no, I fucked up bad with him my first play through… uhhhhh he kinda died when the tieflings and I attacked the Druids 🥲 Oops. But during my second run I realized my mistake and he’s very much alive right now 😂!!!

With Dammon I don’t necessarily want him for myself, but rather for Karlach. I ship those two so damn hard it’s unreal!!! He loves her so much, you can just tell 🥹

And when he tells her she’s very touchable, I always kick my feet and giggle!!! Adorable to the max!

𝓡𝓪𝓹𝓱𝓪𝓮𝓵:

-Gods, just look at him… I love him so much UGHHH!!!-

Now as for our beautiful, smug, elegant cambion, Raphael… OOOOOF don’t get me started because the mouse would’ve pounced on the cat. I LOVE, and I do mean LOVE Raphael. Everything about him I just adore, and again SO MUCH POTENTIAL.

If you go his route there’s no reason why you shouldn’t be able to romance him. Like if you let Haarlep use you and you leave house of hope it indicates that Raphael is doing the nasty with Haarlep in your form once you leave. There’s clearly something there!!! So why can’t we!? I feel they left it during his ending that there might be a dlc for him, I hope, maybe… Also can we all agree that Raphael would’ve been another great villain ending with Tav???

The relationship between Tav and Raphael in game is already so interesting, and if you break into the house of hope to steal from him he looks extremely hurt that you betrayed him. Not to mention he’s like the only one who’s actually upfront with you, I don’t feel like he really hid anything unless you’re dense -no offense-.

Another thing, just because Haarlep says Raphael is bad in bed doesn’t mean he actually is. I feel a lot of individuals forget what Haarlep is 😂 sex is basically their thing.

Not to mention his little helper is basically always saying “he can’t stop talking about you.”

Plus, hold on, we can romance Mizora but not him… Nah!!!

𝓖𝓸𝓻𝓽𝓪𝓼𝓱:

A lot of people have said Gortash, which at first I didn’t really understand but that’s because I was a huge simp for Karlach and if you’ve played you know…

However the more I play and the more I read into I do understand. He could’ve used a nice redemption after everything he’s been through. He was a pawn, someone to be used, and honestly that was his whole life. So it would’ve been nice if Tav was an option for him.

I feel they could’ve had two endings for him and Tav, a good and a bad. Good being his redemption where Tav opens his eyes like what Tav did for Astarion and then the Bad obviously they rule together.

I feel Larian made a lot of great choices but I also feel they missed a lot of potential, which hopefully they continue to listen to their audience and add more routes in the future. So far they have been so one can hope. I also feel like all of these characters were left to where they could be potentially added later down the road. Fingers crossed!!!

- 𝓛𝓸𝓿𝓮 𝓚𝓲𝔀𝓲

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bloodycyrano · 3 months

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I want to lore dump about my BG3 storyline and OCs so bad, but at the same time I don't want to release any information before it would come out in the future chapters of my fanfic, so to stave off the dark urge, here's.... 🥁🥁🥁

Team Tadpole doing sweet things for each other part 2!

Sometimes, when Astarion has trouble resting at night, Gale will stay up with him and play chess- They started with card games, but Astarion cheats like a fox. He still cheats at chess, but not as often.

Karlach probably notices when her comrades are in pain after battle, and will hug a sack of rocks until they heat up to make a sort of makeshift heating pad for sore muscles.- Bonus points, She'll borrow some scented oils from Halsin to add an element of aromatherapy.

Gale has 100% done talis card readings for Team tadpole when they deal with heavy emotional stuff, if only to help them find their path forward. Maybe he isn't the best at verbal comfort, but magic is one thing he knows he can use for at least some benefit.

I feel like Gale also notices when people aren't dealing well with things, and will purposefully annoy Durge so they have someone to pick on and hopefully feel a little better afterwards. They're definitely the sort of friends that pretend to hate each other, but are there when you need them. Durge definitely brings out his petty side, but its all in good fun. Usually.

While maybe they have a bit of a rocky relationship, I also believe Durge would indulge Gales special interests and let him ramble about things, because they know what it's like to have to shut up to make other people happy. I also feel like Gale would return the favor and deliberately ask about weird, macabre things so that Durge actually has an excuse to bring up topics that interest them.

Wyll has a knitting hobby. You probably wouldn't expect it, but he definitely does. And he's really really good at it, too. He uses every holiday as an excuse to gift people things like socks, scarves, mittens, etc. And I mean EVERY holiday. Earth day, valentines day, national owlbear day (Which is totally not something he made up as an excuse to give people their presents early), etc. The thing is, he notices when people complain about their socks getting worn from traveling, and gets random ideas for gifts at 3 AM, and then spends the rest of the night knitting. He has also been known to make cute little knitted outfits for the group pets in the winter, because he thought Scratch was getting cold.

Adding onto this, Lae'zel is the only person Wyll is willing to go to for a blunt and honest opinion on the gifts he makes before he gives them. Lae'zel doesn't take this lightly, either. While maybe she doesn't show it, she takes this very seriously and is somewhat honored that Wyll came to her instead of anyone else.

Shadowheart tends to replenish Wylls yarn reserve without telling him as well. She asks Lae’zel what colours he's run out of, and then sneak some extra spools into his pack. Wyll still doesn't know who's been doing it, but he's thankful nonetheless. And it's one thing the cleric and the gith can actually be somewhat peaceful about.

Durge doesn't take all of their kills lightly. When it comes to someone they actually respected, there's a ritual they perform afterward that they read about in Withers old temple. They'll grind bone and ash into ink and take time to write out the names of those they respected, and bury it with the bodies. As well as little offerings as well. It isn't a short process either.. Durge will spend the entire night locked in their caravan burning incense, praying their name to Jergal in hopes that the spirit will find rest, and doing little things in honor of the dead.- It isn't hard for team tadpole to figure out when Durge has taken the life of someone they held a genuine respect for, and will be careful not to disturb them, or leave bones or herbs/flowers on the steps of their caravan. Karlach and Astarion will occasionally come to check on them. While maybe it doesn't happen often, it does happen. Withers was particularly surprise to begin receiving prayers after all this time, but it strengthened a sort of bond between the two.

#bg3 #baldur's gate 3 #astarion #bg3 durge #dark urge #gale dekarios #baldurs gate tav #lae'zel #shadowheart #wyll ravengard #karlach #scenarios #writing prompt #bg3 scenarios #bg3 withers #jergal

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elspethdekarios · 1 month

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Last Light: Gale x Tav

NSFW!!! 🔞

This fic takes place directly after the crew return to Last Light after defeating Ketheric. It's half emotional and sweet, half smut. Yeah, I know it's unrealistic to think that anyone has enough energy to bang after the Moonrise fight, pls suspend your disbelief lol

I hope you enjoy, I put a lot of time into this and I'm quite proud of it 🥹💜

Before you read, you should know a small bit of background info:

My tav, Elspeth, has a ring she's worn for decades that was given to her by her family's housekeeper, Tessie, who thinks of Elspeth as her own. She's always felt more loved by Tessie than she has her own family. The ring is special to her, and it broke shortly into their journey.

------

A crack ran along the surface of the Selunite dome protecting the Last Light Inn, spreading in fractals like the roots of a tree. Slowly, the dome dissipated, following the motions of Isobel’s raised hands. It was still dark outside, but a different darkness–the inky depths of a night sky instead of a green necrotic glow. The air in my lungs felt cleaner, lighter. All around the inn, tieflings and Flaming Fists and Harpers rejoiced with excited squeals, hugging their still-standing loved ones and marveling at the miracle we were witnessing. A hundred years this blight cursed the land–and suddenly, it was gone.

“I won’t fully believe it until the day breaks,” Jaheira said from Isobel’s side. “But I will celebrate all the same.”

I sat on the ground nearby, propped up against a trunk of supplies. My limbs ached, my armor was bloodied, my spirit renewed and spent at the same time. I peeled off my gloves to stretch my fingers, the night air cool and soothing on my sticky skin.

“Alright, soldier?” Karlach’s familiar heat told me she was nearby before she spoke. And the smell of beer. She handed me a mug, frosty and overflowing with foam at the top, and clinked her beer against mine. “We fucking did it! You did it!”

“Yeah, we did,” I said as I gulped down the cold beer. It was the most refreshing drink I’d ever had in my life–and beer was never my beverage of choice. “Though I’m not sure how much of me is left.”

“You lose a limb or something?” she asked. I shook my head. “Didn’t think so. You’ll be good as new after some rest.”

I let my head fall back against the trunk behind me. Just keeping my neck upright was exhausting. We watched the celebration unfolding around us–the residents of Last Light draining the kegs, passing around fresh bread rolls and what fruit we had left. Dammon had even left his forge to join in, laughing in conversation with some of the others. Karlach kept looking in his direction, just briefly, before she would conspicuously look up at the sky or crane her head to the opposite side.

“You like him, don’t you?” I asked.

“What? Who?”

“Dammon.” I nudged her shoulder with mine.

“I don’t–” Karlach protested, but paused when she turned her head towards me and sighed. “Yeah. Yeah I do.”

“Go talk to him!”

“I don’t want to leave you alone, El.”

“I’m not alone. Look at all these people,” I gestured around us. “Besides, I’m about to go and find Gale. Not sure what he’s up to, now that I think about it….”

After we finished our beers and Karlach strode across the lawn to join Dammon, I headed inside. The bar was lively, a Fist and a tiefling pouring drinks for anyone who wanted one, but not quite as crowded as outside. I supposed everyone wanted to see the sky without the shadow curse as much as possible. Among the few patrons was Gale, leaning on his elbows against the bar as he waited for a drink. Two drinks, actually.

“Are those both for you?” I teased as I slid into the space next to him. He was impeccably clean, clothes and all. He had either taken a bath already or used some spell of his devising. I felt even filthier in comparison.

“That, I am still deciding.” He kissed my forehead and handed me one of the goblets. “You were magnificent.”

“As were you.”

“We make a good team, then.”

“Are you… feeling okay? About your decision, I mean.”

“I will be,” he said. “I’m glad we’re still alive, of course. I’d choose you a thousand times over. I’m upset with myself for being so… willing to destroy myself and the people around me. But–” he took a gulp from his cup. “Tonight is for celebration. I can work through my emotions tomorrow.”

I placed my hand over his with a sad smile. I was trying my hardest to stay upright, my eyelids were beginning to fall involuntarily, my head threatening to do the same.

“Do you want me to run you a hot bath? Might be a good time for one, with everyone still celebrating.”

“That would be lovely,” I said. “But only if you can help me get up the stairs and take this bloody armor off.”

“Deal,” he smiled, offering me his arm.

In our group’s shared bedroom, Gale helped take off my armor, piece by piece, and added them to a pile of washing to be done. First the pauldrons, then the chest plate, and so on until I was only in my underclothes.

“I’ll go start the water,” he said as he walked to the washroom, turning to face me again at the door frame. “Do we have any fresh towels in here?”

“I have some on my bed. I’ll get them.”

I had placed a stack of folded towels on my bed days ago–my bed that I hadn’t been sleeping in. I’d been sleeping in Gale’s. The towels were untouched, still neatly folded where I left them. Only now, a small golden pouch sat atop them, tied with a green ribbon that also held a small scroll. I unrolled the parchment, the smallest hint of magic in my fingertips as I did, and read:

“My dearest Elspeth,

Words alone can never express how much you mean to me. Actions, perhaps, may let me get closer to the heart of it. I know not where our journey will take us. I feel it may be blasphemous to think about the future, but sometimes those fantasies are the very anchor to which I hoist my soul. When sleep is futile or all hope seems lost, I think of you. I imagine holding your hand as I show you around Waterdeep, showing you my favorite spots and learning which places will become yours. I see you curled up in front of the fire in the library, an open book discarded next to you as you sleep without a care in the world. I see a life with you–a normal life. I want that more than anything in the world.

Despite my waxing poetic about our future, this gift is simply that–a gift. I love you.

Yours always,

Gale”

Inside the pouch was Tessie’s ring. The crack had been soldered together with silver, leaving a subtle seam in its place, remnants of the molten metal’s shape before it dried. I looked up through the tears welling in my eyes to see Gale leaning against the door frame, scratching his beard and averting his eyes to the ground.

“I hope it’s okay,” he said. “I didn’t mean to overstep any boundaries, and I know there are flaws, but Dammon and I–”

I bolted over to him, interrupting his rambling by pulling him into a deep kiss. I could feel the tension in his body melt away as he rested his hands on my waist. The steam from the bath enveloped us in a cloud of fresh rose and mint–where did he even get this soap?

“It’s perfect.” I embraced him, resting my head on his chest as he squeezed me back. “Thank you.”

“I’m so glad you approve,” he said. “I was worried I went too far, altering something so sentimental to you.”

“This means so much to me, Gale. You mean so much to me.” His eyes found my own,

glassy and emotional, juxtaposed against his upturned lips. “Thank you for choosing me. For staying here with me. I… don’t know if I could go on without you. The possibility of our future is the glue that keeps me together. I know it’s hard to talk about, considering everything, but Gale–I’m yours. I want to be yours forever. I want to wake up next to you every day without the lingering thought that it could be our last. To love you with my whole body and soul and declare it to the entire world.” I caressed his face, looking deep into his eyes. “You are so precious to me.”

My voice broke on the last sentence and teardrops stained the blue fabric of his shirt. He kissed me again and pulled me close.

“Sometimes I wonder if this is all a dream,” he murmured, forehead pressed to mine, pushing a section of loose hair behind my ear. “I don’t know how else I could have managed to get you to love me.”

“It’s not a dream,” I whispered into another kiss, a gentle one, lips light as air. “I love you. All you ever have to do is exist, and I’ll love you.”

He ran his hands down my shoulders, my arms, and back up again. I took his top lip between mine, my tongue gently moving into his mouth. He caressed the thin strap of my bra with the back of his fingers and gently pulled it down my shoulder, smirking.

“I have to get cleaned up first,” I whispered into his mouth.

“I can be patient.”

Once I was sunk to my neck in the hot water, Gale excused himself from the room.

“Relax, my love,” he said. “I’ll be back in just a few moments.”

The weight of my body dissipated as the heat worked its way into my sore muscles and aching bones. The fresh, soapy aroma, the steam, the twinkling lights Gale conjured across the ceiling of the dim, candlelit room–it felt like a luxury spa rather than a washroom in a nearly abandoned inn. Alone with my thoughts, images of the illithid colony flooded my mind’s eye. I kept remembering the tendons holding the place together, the bugbear dismembering bodies, the abject image of Ketheric Thorm himself…. I plunged my head under the water, which felt almost scalding hot on my face, and tried to clear the thoughts from my mind, but it wasn’t working. Nothing was working. I tried to cast a spell to calm my emotions, but my magic was spent.

Gale returned moments later with two large cups of ice cold water and a knowing smile on his face.

“I think we’ve both had enough alcohol for the night,” he said, sitting down on the floor beside the tub. “We’re already in for a rough morning after such a fight, and nursing a hangover won’t make it any easier.”

After gulping down the water, I began to wash. Gale insisted on washing my hair, his strong hands massaging circles into my scalp. It was enough to put me straight to sleep. Once my hair was rinsed and my body thoroughly cleaned of grime, Gale wrapped my shoulders in a towel as I stepped out of the tub.

“I have another surprise for you,” he said, kissing the pointed tip of my ear.

“Another? Gale, you spoil me,” I teased him and wrung my wet hair into the towel. He only held up a dangling keyring and grinned.

“I asked Jaheira for the private bedroom downstairs. It’s ours for the night.”

“You really know how to smooth talk your way into anything, don’t you?”

“She can hardly say no,” he said. “We just saved this place and killed her sworn enemy.”

I moved to pull on my nightclothes, but Gale stopped me with a gentle hand on my wrist. “No need to get dressed when I’ll just be taking everything off of you.”

I could feel the heat rising in my cheeks, and he could see it, judging by the devilish grin that crossed his face.

“And how exactly am I supposed to get downstairs?”

One invisibility spell and a couple of arcane locks later, Gale and I were lying naked on top of the surprisingly soft duvet in the bedroom downstairs. A very faint steam rose from my skin in the cool air as I propped myself up on my elbows like a sphynx, hovering over Gale’s devoted, sleepy face as I played with his hair.

“You went through all this trouble just to fall asleep on me?” I teased as I watched his eyelids flutter shut.

“Your fingers running through my hair may as well be an enchanted lullaby,” he said before forcing his eyes back open. “In truth, I’m exhausted.”

“I know you are, love. So am I. We can just lie here if you want.”

With a hand on the back of my head, he pulled me close for a kiss.

“I want to make love to you,” he whispered against my lips. “I want to show you that when I chose you, I meant it.”

A burst of energy ran through me with his words. I swung a leg over his body, straddling his hips as I knit my hands deep into his hair and pressed kisses into his neck. The musk of his skin was intoxicating, a warm, clean sweetness with a hint of something spicy underneath that was impossible to resist. I ran my tongue over the indented scar that trailed up his neck, sucking soft love marks down to his collarbone, savoring the salt of his skin.

He sighed with pleasure and trailed his hands down my body, gentle and deliberate–my skin an ancient carving, his fingertips an artist’s charcoal capturing its relief. I lowered my hips to match his, guiding him to me, movement taking over my body as I pressed myself into him, sliding his length through me again and again. His low moans grew guttural. He was perfect–he was everything. Exhausted as we were, I wanted nothing more than to take fully of him until the first hint of morning light.

“You’re so beautiful,” he breathed into my ear, pushing my damp hair over my shoulder for full access to my neck. I felt his lips start kissing beneath my jaw and move down my tattoo–over the rose, the leaves that climbed towards the center of my neck, and down to the thorny vines reaching towards my collarbone. He took his time, lingering on the dip of the bone to my chest before his hands on my waist pulled me up so that my breasts fell directly over his face. His hands–gods, his hands–were squeezing gently, fingers caressing over the peaks before doing the same with his tongue.

Gale’s breaths became quicker and he moaned into my skin as I pleasured myself with him, grinding my clit over the ridges of his cock, slick now with my desire. I was lost in him. My face was buried in his neck, my hips becoming the only alert part of my body. All the thoughts and worries in my head had given way to the carnal need I had for him, the ache I felt deep in my core as I looked upon his face. His neck was arched over the pillow, pushing his chin towards the ceiling as exhales and low moans escaped from his lips, the apex of his throat pulsing with each sound. The orb glowed a bright violet from the center of his chest and up his neck. A faint light even could even be seen beneath the skin of his face where the orb’s tendrils reached towards his eye.

Gods, I loved this man. The curve of his lips when he smiled, the stray hairs that fell in front of his face no matter how many times he pushed them back, the freckle on his temple–I was certain there had never been a more exquisite man to walk the face of Toril.

As if he could feel me staring, he opened his eyes and began to sit up, holding my waist as he moved me into his lap.

“Are you enjoying yourself, my love?” he asked with a smile, and I nodded as I fervently kissed every inch of his face. “Let me take over, dearest. It was my idea, after all.”

“You said you were tired,” I said between kisses.

“Mm… not anymore” he mumbled while my lips trailed over his. “Turn around.”

I did as he said. Still upright on my knees, eager hands found my waist as Gale pressed our bodies together and kissed the back of my neck and shoulders, his warm breath sending chills down my spine. One of his hands grabbed my breast while the other dropped between my legs. He ran a feather-light finger through the center, barely parting me. My body twitched in anticipation of his touch, but he only repeated the motion, softly chuckling into my shoulder.

“Gale,” I begged. “Please.”

I expected him to continue teasing me until I was pleading, but, to my surprise, he parted me with two fingers, swirling slow circles around my clit. My hips jerked of their own accord against his movements, and I could feel the climax growing inside me, threatening to come to the surface. I placed my hand on top of his, pulling it away.

“Not ready yet,” was all I managed to say, language suddenly nonexistent in my brain.

“Okay, love.” Gale ran both hands down my sides and over my thighs, slowly and deliberately, until I was begging for him again.

He slipped a hand between my legs from behind and pumped his long fingers into me. The breath hitched in my throat as I cried out, his fingers moving in and out at a sensual pace, eager but reveling in the moment. There was no way I could stay upright, so I lowered onto my elbows, positioning myself for him, watching him as best I could from over my shoulder as he continued.

“My beautiful girl,” he said with awe as he took in the sight of me spread fully before him. He removed his fingers from me, glistening wet, and sucked them into his mouth, humming in ecstasy, eyes rolled back like he was savoring a luxury meal. “How did I get so lucky?”

Rhetorical question or not, I had no time to answer before he pulled my hips closer to him and sank himself into me slowly. We moaned simultaneously, his cock pushing deeper until I had taken all of him. His first thrusts were tender, each of us relishing in every ridge, every sensation of each others’ bodies. An involuntary groan escaped my mouth each time he plunged into me, and I was thanking the gods that people were still celebrating outside the inn.

As much as I was enjoying the pure bliss of his unhurried pace, my body was begging for him to take me, all of me, with wild abandon. I found his rhythm, my hips bouncing along with his thrusting until he was slamming into me, my cries feral, his panting loud between moans. Gale pressed me into the mattress with a strong, loving hand on my back before taking full control and pounding into me, all caution gone, carnal desire overtaking him. I could feel sweat beginning to dampen his skin as he panted, huffing with exertion, grunting and moaning and losing himself in the moment. After several minutes of vigorous pounding, his pace began to slow, and he sank back to his knees. I rolled over to face him.

“Sorry,” he chuckled, catching his breath, orb pulsing with the beat of his heart. “I got carried away.”

“Never apologize.” I crawled towards him, gently pushing him onto his back. “I’m yours,” I whispered in his ear. “You can have me however you’d like.”

“Is that so?” he grinned and I nodded, dropping a kiss to his lips. “Then come here.”

His hands pressed into my thighs as he pulled me to kneel over his face, his tongue lapping and flicking as I held onto the headboard and tried to muffle the whimpering cries escaping my lips. My hips bucked beneath me, grinding against his face, dizzy with ecstasy and anticipation.

“Can’t… Gale… going to–”

The tight pressure in my core sprung loose. I cried out, gods only know how loud, as Gale held my thighs in place and drank from me deeply as I came. His own low moans vibrated against my already-spasming flesh, tongue still lapping against me as the wave of bliss began to subside and my limbs became impossibly heavy. Hypersensitivity made me squirm and whimper.

“Gale!” I pleaded between sharp gasps and yelps. He finally let go of my legs, a desperate desire on his glistening face when he emerged.

In one swift movement he had me on my back with a leg over his shoulder. I caught only a glimpse of his sculpted cock, stiff and flushed, before he thrust inside of me. His eyes roamed over my body, but settled on the dripping valley between my legs where he watched as he fucked me, biting his lip in concentration.

I caressed his face, and he kissed the inside of my palm before melting into me with all his weight as he took everything he needed from me. Sweat coated his back where my legs wrapped around his hips. I held him close to me, his jagged breathing loud in my ears and hot on my neck. Wild thrusts took over his body until he unraveled, panting and gasping and crying out until he was spent. He collapsed on top of me and I hugged him close, his chest heaving against mine as we caught our breath.

“I love you,” I whispered, kissing his temple. “Thank you for choosing to stay. For choosing me.”

Gale let out a long sigh before rolling onto the bed beside me and lacing his fingers through mine. “I love you, El. Although the word ‘love’ doesn’t feel like enough when it comes to my feelings for you,” he said, kissing my hand. “Unfortunately, my brain and body are currently too far gone to find a suitable alternative.”

I laughed and snuggled into his side. I felt safe. Secure. I knew Gale felt the same. We had no need to hide any parts of ourselves, no matter how flawed. We held each other as sleep closed in, our souls as bare as our bodies.

#my writing #gale fic #bg3 fic #gale x oc #gale x tav #bg3 fanfiction #gale of waterdeep #gale fanfic #elspeth #galspeth #gale

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shoddynomenclature · 3 months

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Heem.... to do... do platonic hc...? If u do (and I'm sorry if your requests are closed), could you write about Jaheira and minthara being Subtlety motherly/material to a Tav who opened up about their crappy relationship with their mother? Like, kind of, being sure they ate something, being sure they go to bed on time (busting into their tent and taking whatever their working on, reading/fixing a weapon or whatnot, like a parent catching their child on their phone at midnight), or like helping them do their hair in the morning and praising them a little more than normal? Please than thank you~

Motherly Jaheira

First of all I love this prompt so thank you anon. Second of all, as much as I love Minthara, I can’t see that woman having a maternal bone in her body. So, I hope it’s alright that I just did Jaheira!

Jaheira could smell the mommy issues coming off of you before you ever even mentioned your mother.

Even she didn’t really know what about you gave it away. Maybe it was in the way you over eagerly tried to please her. Or how your hair was done with all the elegance of someone who never really learned how to braid.

It didn’t matter though, because it only took a matter of days fighting by her side for you to open up to her about your maternal woes one night over wine at Last Light Inn.

You felt so compelled to share your story that you had half a mind to check the wine for Klauthgrass. Aside from a terribly high alcohol content, it was clean.

The night ended with your head in her lap, crying so hard you could hardly get your words out. All while Jaheira listened intently and stroked your hair. Not your best moment, you admit.

After that night though, she is sure to put a little extra attention into you, shooting you an extra look of approval when you did something particularly impressive or taking on the task of teaching you proper hair care.

She does her best not to treat you like a child, yet she sees this little child in you that’s begging to be loved and cared for.

She started calling you cub pretty much as soon as she met you, but now it seemed to slip off her tongue more often than even she intended it to. She also started to subconsciously add complimentary adjectives in front of the nickname. You were “little cub” or “clever cub.”

One night, she noticed you had a particular affinity for tucking an extra bedroll to your chest just so you’d have something to hold on to. The next night you find a small stuffed blue owlbear sitting next to your bedroll.

On nights you can’t sleep, she’ll tell you old Harper tales of days past. Karlach is always all too happy to move her bedroll closer so she can listen in too.

You notice there are patches in your clothes where there used to be holes. Your armor is nicely laid out rather than haphazardly strewn across the dirt.

She knows you are just as capable of taking a hit as anyone else in the party, but she pays careful attention to heal and dress your wounds. She’s much gentler with you than she is with anyone else.

And she insists on checking in on wounds every day. Even when they are minor it is good practice to clean and rebandage regularly.

When it’s just the two of you, she’s sure to be extra affectionate. She knows it embarrasses you a little when you’re around the others, but sometimes you just need to rest your head on her shoulder while she pulls you into a tight hug.

She loves to do your hair for you. She always says her girls were never ones for sitting still, and Jord never let her do anything more brush it and slick it back behind his ears.

She really struggles to be complimentary, but she tries to highlight your finer moments when she can.

And if ever there comes another night with slightly too much wine and a slightly too heavy burden, she will be there with listening ears once again.

#bg3 #baldur's gate 3 #platonic #bg3 tav #bg3 jaheira #jaheira x reader #jaheira x tav #jaheira

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that-basic-simp · 6 months

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Modern AU

Karlach X Fem! Reader WC: 1.6k+ A/N: I couldn't think of a good name for this, but really wanted to write in a modern setting.

As I was walking out of the building I was just in, my phone buzzed, revealing that my mother wants me to pick up dinner on the way home as she was stuck in the office. I let out a sigh as I swiftly turned on my feet, heading into the direction of the grocery store. Being a college student on a budget myself and having to get dinner tonight was irritating, but it was something I wasn't used to. My mother took on extra shifts or stayed longer because we needed the income as my father hadn't paid his child support, but it's not like it's needed anymore as I am over the age to where I can make my own money in an attempt to support myself and my mother.

Taking a turn down a busy road, I watched as the traffic was at a stand still. Some people were honking their horns, as if that did anything to move the traffic faster. But if it made them think that, might as well let them. Heading towards me were some people on motorcycles. Some were wearing helmets while others weren't. The one that caught my eye was the one who had bright red skin, long black and red hair that went sat on their right shoulder. A black crop top was worn underneath a leather jacket that had some spikes coming from the shoulders. Black pants were hugging their muscular thighs nicely as they sat up, talking to the other bikers. One thing I noticed was the broken horn and intact horn on their head and the tail that whisked back and forth.

I've seen stranger here in Faerun, especially on the Sword Coast here. I once saw a small bugbear going to town on an ogre almost twice his size. Normal Tuesday morning walk on my way to classes I guess. But a Tiefling with a Githyanki alongside what appears to be a human, elf, half-elf, and is that a vampire? In the sun? Guess he found a way to conquer it. I just hope he doesn't burn up in it. Seems like they were friends and I wouldn't want them to lose out on their companion. What the hells am I saying? Why do I care about them? They're nothing but strangers just passing by. Maybe I care because I don't have what they have. Well, at least not in the moment. I did have what they had before attending college. But all my friends decided to back stab me and go against me, even though I did nothing wrong. First it was my father leaving my mother and now it was my friends leaving me. Everyone leaves me, except for my mother.

It was us against the world when my father left at the age of ten. Then six years go by and my friends leave, making me the loneliest person in my school while they galivanted off into the sunset hand in hand, skipping in a field of roses. If only I was there to trip all of them. I would have loved to have done that whenever I was still in school with them, but they'd all avoid me. None of them even looked my way. It hurt like hell, but I didn't need them. I didn't need anyone.

"Hey," one of them called in my direction, whistling to get my attention.

I picked my head up and found the tiefling was looking at me. A smirk was on her face as she winked at me, wolf whistling.

"Karlach," the half-elf said. "We're in public."

"I can't admire a young lady?" she smiled.

"Why don't you go admire someone else?" I snapped, bearing what little fangs I had, no thanks to my human father.

"Come on now," the tiefling chuckled. "I am not trying to catcall or anything. You just look nice."

"Thanks," I mumbled as I walked faster, getting away from them.

"Nice going, Karlach," I heard one of them say.

"I am trying my best," Karlach said as all of them drove off to who knows where.

Heading inside the grocery store, I just picked up a few ready to make meals as that was the only thing that I could afford in this moment in time and what I was feeling. My mother wasn't going to get back until possibly eight or nine o'clock. So I was on my own for tonight and it would be better for her to have one of these instead of worrying about leftovers. About to head out, I found the same tiefling walking inside the store. I let out a sigh as I walked towards the front, just wanting to get out of here quickly.

Paying for the food items, I walked out of the store and into the parking lot, past the bike she had rode on. Stopping, I couldn't help but admire it. Walking towards it, the nice black metal was shining to where it was almost sparkling in the afternoon sun. The leather looked like it was taken care of on the daily and she did not miss a day of cleaning it.

"Hey," a voice came.

Picking my head up, it was an older druid who walked towards me.

"That your bike?" he asked.

"N-No, I-I was just admiring it," I stepped away from it.

"Looks like you were about to take it," he sneered.

"I-I swear I was just admiring it. N-Nothing else."

"I know the owner of that bike. He won't like it knowing you had your eyes on it."

That I knew was a lie.

"Excuse me? He?"

"Yes. He doesn't like it when others gawk at his bike like that. So why don't you scurry off before I tell him about you."

"Aye, what's going on here?" I heard the tiefling's voice come up behind me.

"This your bike?" the druid asked.

"It is," she said, pulling out her keys.

"M-My mistake," the druid said to me and walked off.

The tiefling looked over her shoulder, her eyes following the druid as he walked into the store before she turned towards me.

"You're the one from earlier," she said.

"Y-Yeah."

"Look I didn't mean any harm when I was looking at you."

"And you decided to follow me here to tell me?"

"Actually, I was on my way here after I was done hanging out with the others."

"Sure," I said, skeptical.

"I am telling the truth, but it's up to you on whether or not you want to believe me," she walked towards the back of the bike, opening up a small compartment.

She placed a small bag inside before closing it up, locking it.

"I-I'm sorry. I shouldn't have assumed."

"It's alright," she smiled at me. "Karlach," she held her hand out.

"Y/N."

"Oh you're Mrs. L/N's daughter, aren't you?"

"Y-You know her?"

"How could I not? Most well known tiefling in all of the Sword Coast. Most revered doctor. She treated me about two years ago when I had an accident on my first bike."

"Accident?"

"Yeah," she said, nodding her head. "It was a terrible accident. I was just driving when all of a sudden some idiot on another bike went into the opposing side of traffic. A car veered off, just barely hitting them, but I collided with the car. Totaled my first bike and now."

She removed her leather jacket and turned around, a long scar running down her back to the top of her tail. Putting her jacket back on, she let out a sigh.

"Got that along with losing part of my horn."

"I-I'm sorry about that."

"Nah, no worries. The ambulance took me to the hospital your mom works at and she fixed me up with no issues. She sat and listened to my side of the story as she told me that if she ever needed a witness for my trial, she'd be there in a heartbeat."

"So what ended up happening to the guy who got away?"

"Sued by both me and the driver of the car. Had to pay practically all the expenses."

"Got what he deserved."

"Sure in Hells he did. But anyway, mind if I take you back home? I-If you're comfortable that is."

"Sure. Why not. Beats lugging around my bag," I sighed.

Karlach swung her leg over the bike and got on. She moved forward a bit to make room for me. I wrapped my arms around her waist and she turned on her bike. Revving the engine a bit, she grabbed her sunglasses and placed them on.

"Hang on," she said and drove the bike out of the parking lot and onto the road.

I clung onto her tightly because of my own fear of motorcycles and motorized bikes. It wasn't like she was going fast or anything, since I lived very close, but it was how she was weaving in and out of rush hour traffic. Some cars were honking at her, giving her the finger, and even yelling at her. What did she do? Yell back, flipped them off, and even laughed. Her carefree attitude was something to get used to, but hopefully I wouldn't see her as often. Reaching my apartment building, she parked her motorcycle and cut the engine before putting the kickstand down.

"There you are. Safe and sound."

"Thank you, Karlach," I said and got off of the bike. "I hope you have a good rest of your day."

"You too. Oh!"

I turned and faced her as she reached into her pocket, pulling out a small sticky note. Scribbling something down, she handed it to me.

"If you ever want to go for a ride sometime in the near or far future," Karlach smiled. "I'll be down."

"T-Thank you, Karlach."

"See ya around," she said, staring the motorcycle and driving off.

Looking at the sticky note, her name, number and address was there. Along with a little doodle of herself. I chuckled, heading inside my apartment.

#karlach #karlach x reader #baldur's gate 3 #bg3

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galebrainrot2024 · 3 months

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Gale Seeking Godhood Part V/5 PATH 1

Oh boy. Well. I wanted to release all three paths simultaneously but that may take some time so I'll release the paths as they are completed. This will be the only part for Path 1.

Paths 2 & 3 may be 1-2 parts depending on my brain.

Summary: Continuation of Gale seeking the crown post elder brain, final chapter for Path 1.

Editing to say that I do tweak and edit as I read and re-read these pieces and this makes my heart ache every time I reach the end. Anyway, I'm not crying. Just some dust.

Path 1

You approach Shadowheart with a warm smile and embrace her - “Gods, it’s been to long,” you breathe out as she hugs you. She smells nice - fresh and you can’t help but to inhale the rosewater and lavender from her skin when you embrace.

“Did you just sniff me?”

“Sorry,” you blush, caught. “I guess I’m not used to everyone being so… clean? It’s nice, for the record,” You rub the back of your neck and feel redness simmer beneath your cheeks.

Her melodic laugh echos in your ears as she says, “I suppose I should take the compliment. Although, sometimes I miss the smell of fresh mud on my skin,” she muses.

“Don’t tell me you miss sleeping in the dirt too?” You raise your eyebrows and smile.

She takes your hands in hers, “You know, I actually have found a spot that I frequent when I’m feeling nostalgic.” Giving your hand a gentle squeeze she says, “I’ve missed you. Now tell me, what have you been up to!”

You feel the looming dread fill your belly and Shadowheart recognizes the look, graciously stepping in, “You don’t have to share, if you don’t want. I can’t imagine it has been easy… I can’t say I’m entirely surprised, although I had my hopes. Do you think…” her unfinished question lingers in the air between the two of you.

Do you think he will come?

You aren’t sure. You had tried not to think about it leading up to the party, anxiety twisting your stomach into knots when you received the invitation - from Wither’s, of all people - or unpeople?

Shadowheart reads the look in your eyes and wraps an arm around your shoulder and pulls you against her as she leads you towards the rest of your companions. The air is full of merriment, music, and laughter - sounds that your soul has been desperately aching for. “I’ll let you wallow more later - for now, it’s time to celebrate, everyone has been expecting you.” And as she ushers you towards your companions you are filled with the sounds of their ‘whoops’ and ‘there they are!’ and fond slaps on the back, hugs, and the like. Astarion hands you a glass of something strong.

“Here, you’ll need it - in case, well, you know.” He gives you a wink and brushes his shoulders off giving a little bow. “I am surprised - I thought out of any one of us I’d be the one most likely to go off the rails not - ugh - Gale.” Your cheeks burn and Astarion gestures as if to say ‘be serious’, “Oh come now. What use is being a 200 year old Vampire Spawn if I can’t have a bit of fun at others’ expense?”

You glower at him and his eyes twinkle playfully as he pulls you into a hug. “Oh! I have missed you, you know. Maybe you’ll let me have a nibble later? I do miss that taste.. like a strong, bittersweet brandy..” You see his mouth begin to water and you shimmy from his grasp.

“We’ll see,” You smirk and he pouts as if hurt and goes to mingle elsewhere.

“Hey you!” Karlach comes bounding over and gestures wildly, “I can’t believe the bastard did it! I’m here!”

“It wouldn’t be a party without our liveliest companion!” Minsc bellows and shakes you by your shoulders from behind. “Good to see you, my friend.”

Everyone’s attention shifts as soon as you hear a familiar and warm voice.

He’s here.

***

You feel trapped in the amber of the moment when you see him descend into the party. The familiar, tell-tale marking of the orb is no longer etched into his skin and his eyes dart around nervously as he brushes at his clothes. Tara moseys beside him.

You step behind Minsc a bit as if to hide and try to distract yourself with the countless treats spread before you although you are anything but hungry. The moment you look up you see his eyes locked on you. You forget yourself as the rush of feeling seizes you, each emotion convoluted and overwhelming.

Two months. It was two months since you told him you never wanted to see him again. Now, as he stood not fifty feet looking ashamed and remorseful, you feel your heart wrench. He cautiously makes his way over to you, his hands mussing nervously in his hair.

“Hi.“ Gale says breathlessly. “Can I - Can we talk?” He shifts uncomfortably on his feet and gazes at you expectantly.

“Lead the way,” you gesture and you feel your companions' watchful gaze as you and Gale begin to walk towards the water.

***

As you sit on the embankment the sounds of the water lapping against the shore fills the cool night air. It smells like fresh grass and rain, the stars littering the sky with their wonder.

“Thank you,” Gale begins, breaking the charged silence. “For taking the time to speak with me, I mean. I wasn’t sure if… well, I wouldn’t blame you if you wanted nothing to do with me at all. I don’t deserve your kindness, nor your ear, and I am grateful for it all the same.”

You sit silently and watch him. You feel a heaviness that stirs in your belly, the unconditional love you once felt melded into something else, it made your heart sick. As his brown eyes meet yours you can see the infinite possibilities of what could have been. You do not owe him this, not your time nor energy, but you give it generously. A part of you still longs for him. Gale reaches his hand out as if to brush your hair and recoils his hand, looking towards the water.

“What happened?” You ask timidly. “That’s why you came, is it not?”

“Well…” he pauses to look at you, “I needed to see you. I - I know that it’s selfish, especially after what you said.” He sighs and brushes his bottom lip with his thumb. You feel your heart pang, the nervous habit one you find endearing. “Where to begin?” He asks this sincerely and you see his the wheels of his mind churn as he struggles to find the words.

“I suppose it came down to this: when you left, Tara took her leave shortly after.” He inhales and his voice trembles, “The loneliness… I could hardly bear it. I poured all my time, energy into deciphering the last words of the Netherese text in my isolation. At least that would give me purpose, I thought. I didn’t eat, I didn’t sleep. Godhood was… it was everything. Time seemed to hardly pass at all. Once I cracked the cipher to ascend I - ” he stops and rubs his temples with one hand.

You and he sit in a stilled quiet for a moment before he is able to continue. The sounds of the party filter through the air to you as you wait with bated breath.

“I met Mystra in the Astral Plane. I knew I could still surrender the crown to her, to rid the world of this wickedness. To at last be cured of the orb. I was so close…” The way Gale says this is almost regretful, as if a part of him still wishes he became a God. “I became the inheritor of Karsus’ power at last. When Mystra asked my intentions I was fully prepared to take the Weave from her. And then,“ He looks at you, his eyes pleading and he covers one of your hands with his. You shudder, surprised by how his touch still ignites you. “And then I thought of you. Of Tara. My mother. Of all I’d given up in pursuit of my own blind ambition, of everyone I had hurt in the process. I realized I was no better than Mystra, treating those around me like amusements to be eventually discarded. Oh… I was so ashamed. I still am.” Gale brings your hand to his lips and brushes the back of it. You feel heat spread through you, although it is tainted by sadness. “Mystra granted me renewed life - to become her chosen once more, to remove the blight in my chest. My life my own again at last.”

He turns fully to face you, on his knees, taking both of your hands. “I’m so sorry, for everything. For what I put you through… I doubt I’ll ever forgive myself for it and know it is selfish to ask for yours. I am not deserving of it and I will not claim otherwise. Although it may be beyond a shadow of a hope - is there - would you ever consider us again?” His eyes flash with terror and anticipation. “I know I am hardly worthy of your love..” His last words hang in the air and you consider them thoughtfully.

When you break the silence, you feel your hands become cold and sweaty within his, your heart thrumming wildly before you speak. “You were already worthy of it, Gale. You were worthy until you decided to put your ambition over the ones you claimed to love.” Your voice is somber and you avert your gaze as his eyes seem to sear into you. You feel Gale’s hands stiffen and you see his expression fall. You look at him then, the bittersweetness of your voice wrapping Gale in a cocoon. “Gods, I wish it were different. Sometimes… I like to imagine that it is, in a different space, in another time, where we end up happily, spending our mornings lazily and exploring one another… where you chose me.” You see the tears form in his eyes, unaware of the ones that begin to roll down your cheeks until you taste their saltiness on your lips. “But that life is not meant for us here. Not now. Not after everything.”

“I see,” his voice quakes and you brush your fingers against Gale’s cheeks and turn his face to look at you.

“I will always love you, even if we are not together. Sometimes, though, when something is lost, despite our best intentions… that chapter must close indefinitely.”

Gale closes his eyes and brings your hands to his lips again, knowing this will be the last time he will taste your skin and experience the feeling of your bodies intimate in this way. You feel him try to drink every part of you in, committing this moment to memory. You sigh, relishing in the moment although your heart feels shattered and ruined beyond mending. His final words float through the chambers of your mind as you gaze into his eyes, “If I cannot spend eternity with you.. I’ll settle for this evening.”

You allow the silence to settle over you then, enjoying Gale’s company for one last time.

#gale of waterdeep #gale dekarios #bg3 gale #bg3 brainrot #baldurs gate 3 #gale #god gale #bg3 art #gale x tav #gale romance #baulders gate 3 #baulders gate gale #baulders gate rp #baulders gate tav #god gale bg3 #I broke my own heart with this path stg

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bigassmoth · 7 months

Text

Some karlach thirst- or karlach being thirsty. This too is yuri

"You may touch whomever you please-"

Before Karlach can voice her joy, your arms are around her neck and your lips on her cheek. She stumbles only slightly before steadying herself. Her hands find themselves on your ass, holding you up as your legs wrap around her torso.

Karlachs laughter and your squeal of joy are contagious, drawing smiles and giggles from friends and strangers alike who witness the scene. You pepper continuous kisses to her face, it tickles and she cant control her expression from skrunching up at the sensation.

The wholesome happiness turned abruptly into carnal desire. Your chest was so soft as it pressed against her neck and clavicle. Your lips were heavenly against her skin, she felt the tease of your wet mouth just under each delicate kiss. Your ass in her hands, she felt the springiness of your cheeks when she flexed her fingers. It felt right for your hips to be against hers, even more tantalizing your crotch rested against her hip bone.

Karlach wanted to hold you to her thigh and make you grind against her until her skin was soaked. She wanted your hands to curl around her horns. She wanted to explore your mouth, so wet and small. She was happy for her ruby complexion for the first time since acquiring it because it hid her blush. It didnt hide the lust in her eyes. Thankfully your affections had moved from her face to the hair at the top of her head so there was no chance of you seeing the desire in her expression.

The others did, however. Karlach was in the middle of biting her lip when she caught the bemused expressions of her companions. While she normally may have been ashamed or shy, the happy feet kicks you did made Karlach press you tighter against her body. With one arm supporting your ass, the other snaked around your waist and angled your torso so that your chest pressed into her face. You happily hugged her head, giving her a faceful of boob. Karlachs tongue darted out and lapped at the sweat between your breasts, giving you a full grin when you jolt and look down in confusion.

"Oh gods its just been soooo long since I have been able to touch someone else. You feel absolutely wonderful."

Her voice is excited and sacrine- also entirely sincere. She really did miss being able to touch and be touched.

She hadnt realized how much she kissed other things. The taste of your sweat was addictive, Karlach wanted to taste it again. She wanted to lick up your neck and busy herself between your legs. She wanted you to desperately grind yourself against her. She wanted you to bounce on her fingers and whine out her name. She wanted you begging on her bedroll, she wanted you squirming under her.

"Gods I missed touch so much, I dont want to let you go." She purrs out and twitches her tail when their journeying companions giggle and scoff.

"Hey! No being mean to Karlach. Shes needed this for a long time." You scold the others, your statement correct in more ways than one. Your defense, naive but earnest, cannot be parried by anyone else. The party returns to camp, Karlach carrying you all the way.

She hopes tonight she can use your weakness for puppydog eyes to talk her way between your thighs. To roll your clit with her tongue and coax your orgasm with the rough and warm pads of her fingers. She can think of no greater pleasure than a night of forcing you to cum on her tongue.

#karlach #bg3 karlach #karlach smut

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1000punks · 4 months

Text

bonding. //meeting

bonding. //masterlist

pairing: spawn!Astarion x named!Tav (non-binary OC)

warnings: 18+. nsft. mdni. (this chapter is actually sft and fluffy!)

word count: 6,630

summary: two gays remodel a house domestic fluff and some character background building, set in post-game baldur's gate. two people who are weird and traumatized work on their relationship and reclaim their sexuality through a shared kink. lots of gooey romantic smut while these two slowly figure out their future together.

named!Tav is my non-binary tiefling ranger, Festé. i was seeing far too few fics with tiefling!Tav and i thought it was crucial, nay, critical to include them in the headcanons. i hope you all enjoy! ♡

The past month or so had given Festé a lot to think about. Withers had invited them and all the other companions to a party on the Sword Coast, and it had been a joy to see everyone once more. Festé was particularly glad to have seen Karlach and Wyll, and to know that they were safe in Avernus -- relatively, at least. They had their suspicions about the nature of Withers' summons, however, and had pulled both of them aside to tell them of their recent engagement. Both Karlach and Wyll were overjoyed, and their fellow tiefling had even pulled them into a searing and back-breaking hug. Once they had broken apart, Festé had commented sadly that perhaps, with luck, she and Wyll would be able to visit for the wedding the following spring.

"Soldier, there's not a chance in the Hells that I would miss it! Maybe if Wyll and I beg granddad Withers very nicely, he'll strike us another deal like this one!" She had chuckled, and elbowed Wyll firmly in the ribs. He had winced in pain, holding his side gingerly, but his smile remained warm and genuine.

"I wouldn't miss it either, my friend. I'm glad to see that our adventure was fruitful for you both, in more ways than one. And I have to say that I'm proud of you for gentling out our… toothsome companion." Festé had laughed loudly, landing a playful punch on his shoulder.

As for the others, Astarion and Festé had announced that they were going to throw a party for Yuletide, and invited them all to come. Lae'zel, through her projection, looked intrigued at the learning opportunity, and had promised to be there -- provided she could tear free of the throes of the civil war for a few days' time. Shadowheart and Gale had agreed more or less immediately, and Minsc had all but begged Jaheira to come, after boisterously announcing that he and Boo would be there. The elder druid had agreed, albeit reluctantly, and with her face in her hands.

Festé smiled at the happy memories, and looked up surreptitiously when they heard the floorboards creak overhead. They went back to what they were doing, which was making a large pot of stew for the party. They let their mind wander once again as they struck their flint with their dagger, a gesture so familiar to them, it was like second nature. The ranger lit the kitchen's wood stove with ease, and their thoughts drifted to their pale elf.

Astarion had been rather distant lately, engrossed in some sort of project in the spare bedroom upstairs. He had converted it into a workshop of sorts, but Festé didn't have the nerve, nor the gall, to have looked inside. Astarion had also never bothered to lock the door. It was pleasant that they could keep small secrets from one another, but it had nevertheless been an elephant in the room for a number of weeks. They stoked the stove absentmindedly before shutting the small hatch, and went to work peeling and chopping vegetables at the counter. The tiefling shook their head, their eyebrows furrowed, and they wondered for the umpteenth time what it could be. As they removed the top of a carrot, it came to them, and they rolled their eyes with a chuckle. Festé had come to know the elf all too well. With a satisfied smirk, they set the chopped vegetables aside and took up the freshly plucked pheasant, dropping it carefully into the pot of now-boiling water. Nodding at their work, they crossed over to the modest dining table and settled down on one of the benches, resting their chin on their palm and gazing out the window. To their delight, it had finally begun to snow.

"My love!" Festé called softly; they knew that Astarion could likely hear their breathing from upstairs, never mind their voice. There was a slow creak, and they heard the doors to his room slide open and closed again. They got up from the table, and moved back to the stove to check on their broth. Momentarily, Astarion's cool palms descended upon their shoulders and his lips brushed against the hollow behind their right ear. He smoothed his hands over their biceps before crossing his arms around their waist, brushing his nose over their neck with a soft sigh.

"What do you need, darling?" he murmured, looking down into the open pot.

"Turn your head to the left and tell me what you see, my love," they answered, pushing the pheasant around in the pot to check its tenderness.

"Hmm?" Astarion did as they asked and rested his chin on their left shoulder with a soft chuckle. "Ah. I suppose you'll want to go and make snow angels before morning hits, won't you? Such a child."

"Look at the lights on the street, my dear." Festé turned and pointed with their spoon this time, beaming. "That's what has me so excited."

The elf did as they asked once more, taking a deep breath and studying the lights this time, with his eyes narrowed. He tilted his head, noticing the way that the snowflakes danced around the lamps, throwing millions of diamond facets against the night sky. They swirled slowly in midair when a gentle wind caught them, seeming to burst around the dim light like a firework in miniature. A smile crept over his lips slowly, and he nodded. "I understand now, darling. Snow can be beautiful, I suppose," he chuckled, squeezing them gently. "It's all about the little things with you, isn't it?"

"That it is. It's that, or I'm just easily amused." They patted Astarion's hand with a laugh, putting the spoon down on the counter and turning in his arms, stretching up to kiss his cheek. "Mm! This broth will take at least two hours, love."

"That's just enough time for me to seduce you on the couch." Astarion smiled, cocking an eyebrow at them questioningly. "It's been so long, love, we've both been so busy…" he reached up to brush his fingers over Festé's cheek. The tiefling hummed appreciatively, their eyelids fluttering, but they bit their lip to resist the temptation.

"Speaking of which, Star: have you been making wedding outfits for us both?" They asked pointedly, resting their hands on his hips and swaying slowly side to side. The elf's mouth gaped in shock, and he scowled.

"You peeked? Are you serious? It was supposed to be a surprise! Gods below, darling, I do one selfless thing, and you have to go and ruin- "

"Oh, relax, Star. I didn't need to look. You haven't exactly been subtle about your project, and I helped you cart all of your sewing supplies up there months ago." Festé patted his cheek gently, before raising their hand as if to swear an oath. "I promise, I haven't looked. I just know you too well." Astarion rolled his eyes in disbelief, and they pinched his cheek. "And you know me, if I had stumbled upon what you've been working on, I would have come to you and very guiltily owned up to it." They kissed his other cheek, and the elf sighed exasperatedly.

"If you know me so well, darling; what's the colour scheme?"

"Oh, my love. You don't want me to start guessing colours, it would just make you more riled up." Festé tilted their head, grimacing a bit.

"You swear you won't go poking around, then?" Astarion mumbled after a moment, biting his lip and breaking away from them. He crossed his arms protectively over his chest.

"One, I don't need to, I trust your stylistic choices. Two, you're entitled to your privacy, and if you wanted me to see, you would have shown me already." They winked at him, reaching forward and gently resting their hands on his elbows.

Their elf sighed deeply. "You're right, darling. I'm sorry for accusing you. I… Well, you know. I just wanted to make you something nice." He cast his eyes to the side, looking down at the floor and shaping his hands around an imaginary figure in the air. "I'm so excited to see you wearing…" His eyes snapped back to theirs, and he smiled sheepishly. "It. You're going to look divine."

"I trust you." Festé repeated, smiling warmly, and Astarion wrapped them into a tight hug, planting his chin on their shoulder. "I do want to talk about the ceremony, though. Is there anything special you would like to do?"

"Besides absolutely stunning you with my wedding vows? Hmm…" He shifted his weight slightly, and drew in a long breath. "There was something I wanted to discuss with you, actually."

"What is it, my love?" Festé swayed gently with him, humming and resting their cheek on his shoulder.

"Well. There is a certain old ritual that was somewhat common in elven clans." His imp nodded against his shoulder, encouraging him to continue. "I would have to research it more closely, but it involves linking one's mind with their spouse's. It's an odd request, to be sure, but I can admit that after the ability to walk in the sun, the next best thing about being infected was being able to hear your beautiful voice in my head every day." Astarion wrapped his arms low on the tiefling's hips, sighing once again.

"You miss that? Are you okay with that potential invasion of your privacy?" Festé lifted their head and leaned back, surveying their elf's features and waiting patiently for his response.

He shrugged. "It was a far different thing for us to share a telepathic connection with all of our companions, not to mention a mindflayer attempting to manipulate us all at every turn. I had to be careful about imagining you in the nude that whole time, darling." He raised one hand dramatically to his forehead and laughed. "If it were just you, I think it would be a damn sight more comforting. And… intimate." His eyes flashed, and he gave his imp a dashing grin.

Festé nodded thoughtfully. "I see your point, and I'm comfortable with the idea, provided we research it together," their voice was soft, soothing. Astarion pursed his lips regardless. "I'm curious about it, love. I'm not saying 'no'."

He suddenly picked them up, spinning around slowly with a soft chuckle, before setting them on the surface of the table. Their elf gave them an adoring smile before leaning down and pressing his lips to theirs. "Thank you for considering it, my darling," he whispered, cool breath ghosting along the tiefling's cheek. "Tell me what you would like to do." Astarion sat at the bench, looking up at Festé, and running his fingers over the tops of their thighs.

They pushed their hands into his hair, cradling his head as they played with his curls. "I would like to say our wedding vows in our native tongues. I would just love to hiss and spit at you romantically in front of all of our friends." They were straight-faced, but a small quiver in their lip made Astarion burst out laughing. Festé joined in with a soft chuckle, and continued, "I've never heard you speak in Elven, but I'm positive that it would be captivating." They stroked down his cheek, their touch light as they bent to kiss their elf's forehead. "And, I want to give you a dagger."

"Darling, you're sweet," Astarion sighed appreciatively, tilting his head up. "However, my days of casual murder are behind me. Well… for the most part."

Another chuckle. "No, no. My father gave my mother a very ornate dagger when they were married, so I was told. He said that it was supposed to symbolize putting his life in another person's hands entirely. I would like to continue that little tradition."

The pale elf's face fell, and he heaved a great sigh, leaning forward and resting his cheek on Festé's thigh. Their fingers wove through his curls and he tilted his head to their touch. He shifted so that a single red eye caught the tiefling's gaze, and they smiled, their fingertips grazing his cheek. "You're too kind to me, darling. And you trust me far too deeply for your own good," he murmured wistfully.

· · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · · A soft knock came at the door shortly after darkness fell. Festé's head snapped up from the stew that they had been nursing since they had awakened that afternoon, panic marring their features. Astarion shot them a look, taking the bread gingerly from the oven and setting it on the counter. Silently, he rested his hand at the small of their back, and gave them a soft kiss before leading them to the front door. He leaned close to their ear and murmured, "Relax. They'll love it, it smells delicious."

"It's not just that," Festé paused with their hand on the doorknob, "We haven't had anyone visit yet, and I want to make a good impression."

The elf scoffed, chuckling softly. "I think as long as they see that it's not a blood-stained brothel in here, we'll both survive." Festé rolled their eyes and opened the door to a smiling Gale, an apprehensive Shadowheart, a tired-looking Jaheira, but no Minsc. Lae'zel wasn't present either. Jaheira made eye contact with the tiefling, and shook her head from the back of the crowd, holding up one hand as if to say, "I'll explain later."

"Ah! My friend!" Gale broke the silence, grasping Festé's hand briefly and nodding kindly at Astarion, who nodded back. "I'm so glad to have been invited to your lovely home. May we?"

"Please do, Gale. Shadowheart. Old Lady." Festé winked at Jaheira, who rolled her eyes and laughed. Astarion kept his hand on their back, and both moved aside to let the others in from the cold. They felt his hand drop to their hip when Gale moved close for a hug; and the pale elf tensed at their side when the wizard threw his arms around the tiefling. Shadowheart smirked subtly, shooting a look at Astarion over Gale's shoulder. He released Festé after a moment, and Shadowheart moved in for her turn as Gale began to chatter excitedly.

"This is such a lovely place for the both of you!" He gestured around, taking in the sitting room with a crooked smile. "I'm glad, if I may be so bold to comment, that you're both settling down so well."

Astarion bowed his head politely to Shadowheart, then Gale and Jaheira, before speaking up. "Why, you've got this lovely little imp to thank for- "

"Oh, my love, don't chalk this all up to my doing, you were the one who found the place- " Festé interrupted, but Astarion slid his hand over their mouth and continued with a laugh.

"As I was saying, Festé practically rebuilt this place with little more than their bare hands." He glared directly at Gale with a smirk, standing behind his imp and bending to kiss their temple. "All of the furniture, the floors, the bed; and we're remodelling the back porch in the spring. Not to mention they dug the garden…" Festé waved one hand dismissively, though they had begun to blush.

"Oh, so you've been exploiting their labour then?" Shadowheart quipped, chuckling softly.

"Naturally." The pale elf replied sarcastically, squishing Festé's cheeks when he removed his hand. "Feel free to hang your coats and make yourselves comfortable, we were just finishing up with dinner." Astarion wrapped an arm loosely on their hips and steered the tiefling back into the kitchen, while the others abided his request. "The table is through here," he called as they each began to follow.

"It's funny, Astarion," Jaheira said, sitting on one of the long benches, "This place was set to be condemned before the brain crisis. I had no earthly idea that the city officials had sold it to anyone." She raised an eyebrow, her lips curling into a grin as she watched Festé freeze in the middle of the kitchen, holding the heavy pot of stew.

"Well…" they began, tilting their head and clicking their tongue, "We didn't buy it. But we did find it." They set the pot in the middle of the table with a dull thud. "It was dirt cheap, you could say. And with all of the confusion with the Upper City restoration, it was a little too easy to move ourselves in."

"I like to think of it as a little gift for all of our efforts to save this damned city," Astarion murmured, setting the fresh bread and a few bottles of wine on the table beside the pot. He moved to help Festé with bowls and goblets.

Gale had his face in his hands, and Shadowheart looked sideways at him with a shrug. "I suppose that's logical enough reasoning. Logical enough for the two of you, at least." She began to spoon the stew into bowls, passing one each to the wizard and the druid. "Not to change the subject, but this smells delicious. Chicken?" she asked.

Jaheira drew in a breath, wafting the steam from her bowl toward her with one hand. "Pheasant," she smiled. "I'm glad to see you're keeping your skills sharp, Festé." They returned the warm smile as they sat down next to Gale. Astarion settled closely on their other side, uncorking a bottle and passing out goblets for the wine.

"Hearing you approve of me as your adopted child is so invigorating, Jaheira." The tiefling raised their goblet and everyone else followed suit. "To being alive, and being together," they toasted, and smiles broke out around the table. Everyone clinked and drank deeply; and Festé felt Astarion's free hand close around theirs under the table. He gave them a sidelong glance and smiled behind his goblet.

"Speaking of being together and alive," Gale swallowed another sip of wine before continuing, "Besides the obvious, is there any other reason why Wyll and Karlach haven't joined us tonight? They're not…" he left the last part unsaid, his deep brown eyes widening with worry.

"Oh, no. Well, not that I'm aware of, at least. The last time we saw them both was at the party on the Coast, same as you all," Festé reassured him. "At any rate, I'm sure we'll all seem them again soon." The tiefling beamed and picked up their spoon.

"Indeed," Astarion agreed. "Tuck in everyone. I'll be eating later on." He laughed, earning a withering look from both Gale and Jaheira, and a snort from Shadowheart, who had started slicing bread and passing it out.

"You truly get less funny every time I see you, Astarion. It's a remarkable skill you have," she murmured, sipping a spoonful of stew.

"Well, at least I can tell a joke properly, darling," Astarion tipped his cup at her, and she cracked a rare smile, shaking her head.

"This is delicious, Festé. Your cooking certainly puts mine to shame." Gale dipped his bread in his bowl and chewed thoughtfully. "I would be keen to have this recipe from you, provided you're willing to pass it along."

"I would, Gale. Of course." Festé answered. "I actually found it in an old book that Minsc gave to me."

Jaheira snorted, almost choking into her own bowl. "I find it hard to believe that you got a book from Minsc," she sputtered, starting to laugh quietly.

"On the contrary, he did give me a book a few months back. However, he said, quote: 'I am not sure that I will be able to read this one. Boo has whispered to Minsc that it will be too scary. And Minsc does not like the horror'." Festé mimicked the larger ranger's voice perfectly, breaking into laughter themself. "Why didn't he make it, anyway?"

"The idiot got himself thrown in jail once again," Jaheira spat, a tired look overtaking her features. "And I haven't bailed him out yet because he actually needs to learn his lesson this time." She paused, taking a sip of wine. "Because of that newfound alliance with the Guild, which is one that I can't afford to have him mucking up."

"What did he do?" Shadowheart inquired, her eyebrows knitting.

"He found one of Nine-Fingers' rings when he was supposed to meet with her one day, and the dumb bastard stole it. Nine-Fingers called in her goons, and he got tossed in jail very easily. It's been two weeks and I still haven't quite smoothed things out with her, nor the rest of the Guild." The druid sighed, then she laughed, if somewhat dejectedly. "He can stay in there until I do. I know that he'll survive."

Festé and Astarion exchanged a look, each taking a sip of wine at the same time. "That is… a pity, because we have some rather exciting news to share with you all…" Festé began, feeling Astarion's hand close more tightly around their own, interlacing his fingers with theirs.

"Expecting?" Gale had steepled his fingers, glancing at the couple with the look of a disapproving father, though he seemed to be biting his lip. There was a beat of silence, and then everyone at the table erupted into peals of laughter. "Seriously, though. If there is something important that you feel we must hear, out with it! Are you rounding us up for another adventure?"

"Gods above, no," Astarion spat, drawing Festé's hand up in his own and resting it on the surface of the table. "I've merely tricked our poor leader into agreeing to marry me." He smiled, sincerely, wiggling the tiefling's ring finger so that the bloodstone glinted in the low light. The elf gently retracted his hand, resting it on Festé's thigh when he saw Gale make to grab their hand himself.

"This is absolutely exquisite, if I may say so. Such a beautiful piece of jewellery." He smiled warmly at the couple, and Astarion felt surprise creep up his back when the wizard spoke again. "You both make a fine pair, and I do mean that from the bottom of my heart. I'm happy for you." he patted Festé's hand, setting it down once more.

"Yes, congratulations are in order, clearly." Shadowheart agreed with a dry smile, lifting her goblet slightly before taking her turn examining the ring. "Did you buy it or have it made?"

Festé smirked, jerking their chin in Shadowheart's direction when they looked up at their elf, who looked positively uncomfortable. "Tell them, my love." They turned back to everyone else, chuckling. "I cried when he told me."

Astarion cleared his throat, tilting his head to the side with a sheepish expression. "That much is true. I, well - I…" he faltered, and Festé met his gaze, nodding encouragingly. "Right. I saved that bloodstone when we were all still struggling for our lives on the coast, and when we finally reached the city, I asked Dammon to cut it into a ring for me," the elf recounted, without his usual bravado. "I don't expect you all to understand, but I think, in some ways, Festé's blood changed me, as did our strengthening bond. I wanted to represent that when I finally worked up the courage to propose to them."

Jaheira had been sitting with her arms crossed, silently, and Astarion shot her a furtive glance when he had finished speaking, his hand tightening around the imp's thigh. She reached slowly for her goblet, taking a long drink and not breaking eye contact with the pale elf. Finally, she murmured, "You had better take care of them, Astarion, and don't you dare do anything that will make me have to hunt you down."

"I-!" Astarion all but yelped. "I wouldn't dare hurt them," he snarled.

"Not to worry, my love. I think that's the old witch's way of saying she approves of our union," Festé stage-whispered, and Jaheira smiled subtly. The tiefling got up with a chuckle, gathering the empty bowls and taking them to the washbasin, returning to their seat after a moment and beginning to refill everyone's goblets.

"Have you found anyone to officiate for you yet?" Shadowheart asked, nodding her thanks at the full goblet, and taking a sip.

"Not that I'm aware of, but you'll have to ask the wedding planner. He's been keeping me in the dark about most things, citing the need for 'perfection'." The tiefling looked up at Astarion, who shook his head.

"It's not that, darling, I just…" I don't want you to have to lift a finger. You need only worry about showing up at the right place and time." He finished with a contented sigh.

"It also sounds like you're a bit of a control freak, Astarion." Shadowheart laughed softly, covering her mouth with her hand.

"Oh, very well," Astarion said in clipped tones. "Have a laugh at my expense, you all." He lifted his hands and let out an exasperated scoff. "But when someone rebuilds a house for you, don't you dare give them a perfect wedding in return, or you'll have to answer to me."

Festé chuckled and shook their head. "Why don't you show everyone your little project, my love?" The others seemed to lean in, and Gale had an expression of confusion and curiosity on his face. "He's hand-sewing us outfits for the wedding," they murmured, "and I haven't seen them, it's supposed to be a surprise. However, I know that he's secretly hoping to show them off to someone." Astarion sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose, his free hand moving in the air as if he could wave away their words.

"That sounds excellent!" Gale exclaimed. "I, for one, love knowing life's little secrets; but… if I could choose, of course, it wouldn't be what a vampire is putting together behind closed doors for his lover." He winked at Festé, not hiding his wide smile at the pale elf's discomfort. He stood, straightening his robes, and Astarion stood suddenly as well, glaring at the wizard.

"Fine," he said, acid in his voice as he beckoned Gale to follow. Jaheira got up with a low chuckle, and trailed the two men up the stairs. Shadowheart stayed put with Festé, turning to them, turning to them and shaking her head. She downed her goblet in one and set it aside, drawing in a long breath.

"You've really… softened him, Festé. I don't know how exactly to describe it, but he seems less…" she trailed off, lifting her hands slightly from the table and spreading her fingers.

"Sharp? Feral?" The tiefling chuckled. "He has calmed down a lot since we first met him. I think he feels safer now. It's not my right to decide how he feels, but I think he's beginning to heal, in his own way."

"I suppose we all are, but I've been more worried about him than even myself sometimes," Shadowheart admitted. "I can relate a lot to what he's been through, but even then… I won't ever truly understand him." She smiled. "I'm glad you do, though. And as for you, my friend, I'm glad that you're happy with him."

They both looked up, hearing the floorboards creak above them, and Gale's excited chatter drifted down the stairs. Astarion's voice was velvety, but equally excited. Festé imagined him showing off some fine fabric and commenting with a flourish on his own handiwork, and they smirked. "I am," they said simply. "You'd better go up there, make sure he and Gale don't get in a fight, hmm?"

"I will in a moment, I want to ask you something." She met their eyes, determination colouring her face. "May I officiate? That is, if you haven't found anyone to do so yet. I want to… repay you for all you've done for me, I guess you could say."

"You would do that for me? For us?" Festé was taken aback, and paused, their fingers tracing the grain of the table's surface.

"Well, more for you than Astarion," she chuckled. "But I will say that he was very adept at keeping the daggers from my back during our little adventure; and I can appreciate how much he loves you."

"You're too kind, Shadowheart, I appreciate that. And, of course, I would be overjoyed to have you officiate." Festé smiled, standing and beginning to clear the rest of the table as they heard Gale, Astarion and Jaheira descend the stairs. "You should go look before the man gets edgy." They laughed and winked at her.

Gale and Astarion were trading jabs, but the tone was mostly playful as the two came within earshot. Astarion let out a great sigh and barked, "Of course it's 'old-fashioned,' I'm over two hundred years old."

"Be that as it may, I still think that you could stand to hear a critique or two if you truly wish for it to be a magical day." Gale laughed and clapped his hand on the pale elf's back. "It is a rather exquisite ensemble so far, I must admit. Ah! Festé, let me help you with the washing-up." The wizard strode into the kitchen, rolling up his sleeves, and Festé locked eyes with Astarion from across the room. He smirked at them, raking his eyes hungrily over their body before tilting his head and averting his gaze. They shivered, wondering what exactly was transpiring in his mind as he ushered Shadowheart up the stairs ahead of himself.

The tiefling sighed, stoking the wood stove to boil some water for the basin, and rolled up their sleeves as well. Jaheira chuckled in what sounded like disbelief, and took her place back at the table.

"Well," was all she said, folding her hands on the table in front of her.

"What, is he not a good fit, denmother?" Festé murmured.

"On the contrary, you little imp," she nodded with a small smile playing over her lips. "I think you made a very good choice in a life partner. That man would do anything for you, if you asked him to."

"You think so? Shadowheart said something similar just now." Their voice was quiet, and they kept one eye on the kettle as it began to hiss softly.

Jaheira raised her hands, shrugging. "So I am not the only one who sees it."

"Oh, definitely not, Jaheira." Gale cut in, piling bowls into the washbasin. "Astarion… well, he and I are quite similar, if only in the realm of acts of service, that is. If I were in love like he seems to be with you, I would… Oh! I'll wash, as thanks for a delicious meal!" He interrupted himself, stepping back to let Festé pour the hot water. "Anyway, I would show my partner through my actions how much I respect and adore them. I suppose," he tilted his head in a half-nod, waving both hands in the air, "As a very verbose man, I would tell them as well, but- "

"He might not have the words yet, given his history." Festé finished for him, offering the wizard a kind smile as they took up a dish towel.

"Aha! Exactly." Gale smiled as well, pointing at them with the sponge. "He is not yet loquacious; but, given time, I think he could be as adept with his words of affection as he is with a pair of daggers." He shook his head, smile widening as he looked down into the basin and started to scrub out the dinner bowls. "He has put together quite a fine outfit for you. You're going to look dashing on your wedding day, Festé."

The tiefling blushed involuntarily, and let out a nervous chuckle. "Astute as always, Gale." They took the bowls he passed to them, and began to stack them on the counter once they had wiped them dry.

"I have to say, I agree with Gale. You're going to look wonderful." Shadowheart's voice drifted across the room, and Festé's head snapped up for the second time that evening as Astarion's hands rested on their hips. He dodged their horns expertly, dropping pointy ear to shoulder in a split second, and leaning down to press a kiss to their cheek before taking the bowls to put away. "Both of you, I should say," Shadowheart continued, surveying the couple. "He's working in something for himself too, and it matches- "

"Hush." Astarion held up a disapproving hand. "Darling, don't spoil it. I wouldn't be working in secret if I wanted them to be in on the surprise, now would I?" He scowled, but his tone was light.

Gale flicked his hands over the basin and took the dish towel when Festé offered it. "I'm glad to hear it, but I trust Star. Whatever he's making is sure to be good." They smiled at their pale elf.

"Oh, you kids." Jaheira sighed, standing up and putting her palms firmly on the table. "I hate to eat and leave, but I should go and meet my late-night appointment; and try to get Minsc out of jail. I would hate for him to miss the big day." She smiled widely, and made her way to the tiefling to give them a tight hug. When she broke away, she reached out to shake Astarion's hand. He stiffened at the gesture, but returned it regardless. "Congratulations, both of you."

All four of the companions saw Jaheira to the door, hugging and waving their goodbyes before retiring to the living room. Festé busied themself starting a fire while Gale admired the couch. Astarion had disappeared temporarily for more wine, and pillows for himself and his imp. He sat and pulled them into his lap as soon as the fire was crackling. His touch felt anxious and desperate, but he relaxed marginally as he pulled Festé to rest back against his chest and wrapped his arms over their waist.

"…so fortunate that you moved in with a carpenter, isn't it, Astarion?" Gale's voice entered the tiefling's consciousness once again as they focused. Astarion's chest rumbled slightly as he spoke from behind them.

"It is, isn't it? Perhaps that's your calling, darling. Maybe Gale wants you to make him some furniture as well," he murmured, and Festé caught the sharp edge of jealousy in his tone, even if Gale did not.

"Oh, oh. I perish the thought of carting Festé off to Waterdeep just to toil away on some furniture for me. Goodness." Gale waved away the notion with a hearty chuckle.

"Funny… I do as well," Astarion's grip tightened about the tiefling's waist, and Festé shot Shadowheart a pleading look. She merely raised her eyebrows and sipped her wine quietly.

"On another note," she finally spoke up after a tense silence, "I was wondering how adjusting back to nights has been for you, Astarion. Are you doing well?"

He relaxed once more, considering the question as he rested his chin on Festé's shoulder. "It's been much easier as time goes on, I'll admit. No guess as to why that is, hm?"

"Have you considered finding a way to walk in the sun again?" Shadowheart asked in a soft tone, "If… such a thing exists, that is."

"Do you know something, Shadowheart?" Festé asked, studying her face, but they couldn't quite tell if anything was out of the ordinary.

"No, not any more than anyone else, I would imagine," she shrugged.

Astarion waited, humming softly. "I have considered it, but I have no more leads than you do on how to achieve that. If anything, I want to stop being so selfish, and forcing Festé to life my lifestyle."

"Oh, as if you could force me to do anything, my love." Festé said lightly, resting back against him, and they felt his lips brush against their earlobe.

"Well, not here, darling," he whispered almost silently, and felt them shiver in his arms. He spoke aloud again almost immediately, "Like I said, it would be for their sake more than my own. And, well -- I imagine not burning to a crisp when I want to go for a walk would be nice, too."

Gale and Shadowheart exchanged a glance as Festé looked on, studying the complexities of the gesture. The two of them were hiding something, weren't they? The tiefling relaxed further, deciding to push the issue from their mind for the time being. If they wanted to share, they would have, they thought.

· · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · · Festé had no idea when they had fallen asleep, but they hung in a half-awakened haze as they heard Astarion hiss softly, "No, I wouldn't consider that. I couldn't ask them to do that for me."

"Astarion, I'm merely speaking in hypotheticals- " Gale's voice was equally as low, but firm in tone.

"And I am speaking from experience, Gale, it would guarantee them immortality; but it would also greatly reduce their safety. I can't have that, I won't lose them, and I won't have any harm that comes to them on my conscience." Astarion's tone was harsh, but his hold on them was gentle, careful not to jostle them. The tiefling opened their eyes halfway, seeing Shadowheart dozing on the couch through their eyelashes in their peripheral vision. Festé considered the tone of the discussion, and kept their breathing even and slow, trying not to arouse suspicion. They closed their eyes as they heard Gale speak again.

"If we had a plan, would you consider it?" he asked, and Festé could almost feel his gaze on the back of their neck.

"I… this isn't just about what I want, you know." Astarion's voice faltered slightly. His hand slid protectively up their back, and Festé took the opportunity to shift slightly in the elf's lap, sighing out as they would in their sleep.

"What if they were okay with it?" Gale asked, and Astarion sighed in disgust.

"It's almost morning, Gale, will you- " he started.

"What if they were- " the wizard countered.

"Drop it." Astarion snarled, louder than before. Festé listened as Shadowheart shifted on the couch. She must have sat up properly, they guessed. It was safe, they decided, to slowly blink their eyes open when she spoke.

"What's wrong, are you two arguing again?" she mumbled, and Festé lifted their head slowly, looking up at Astarion's face. He had composed his features into a blank mask, before smiling at them warmly.

"Gale is just annoying," he said, and the wizard scoffed from his end of the couch.

"Astarion is just inflexible," he retorted, crossing his arms.

"Just like usual, then," Festé remarked calmly, narrowing their eyes at their elf before smiling. Astarion knew that they knew something, it was plain on his face.

"Well, I'm sure that you can pick it up again when we see each other next," Shadowheart rolled her eyes. "Come on, Gale, you and I should probably put those rooms at the tavern to use for a few hours, at least." She stood, casting a cursory glance between the two men, and jerked her chin towards the door. "We'll stop by for a proper goodbye tomorrow, before we leave."

"Okay, that sounds good to me." Festé met her eyes, moving to get up as well, and tugging Astarion along with them. The tiefling helped the two collect their coats, and after a few moments, the wizard and the cleric were making their way up the snowy street, side by side. Festé turned after closing the door, sighing as they all but collapsed in Astarion's arms. "You," they mumbled against his chest, "You have some explaining to do." The elf flinched, and they continued, "But we should get some sleep first."

A sigh. "Okay, darling," he conceded, leading them into the bedroom.

a/n: hey! thank you for waiting for this fic! i know it's been a couple weeks since i've update but to all of you out there: thank you for continuing to support this fic!! you rock! you matter! you're awesome! GIF CREDIT: here!

#.fic #fic: bonding.#baldur's gate 3 #bg3 #bg3 fanfiction #astarion acunin #astarion x tav #astarion bg3 #spawn!astarion x named tav #bg3 astarion #i'm all pointy ears #oc: festé #astarion

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