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#ah finally get to kill some elves

etoilehistoire · 7 months

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Thinking about how mammals, including humans (and presumably elves and whatnot) are endothermic. We make our own heat, via the processes that keep us alive, and move that heat through our bodies via blood pumped by a beating heart. Blankets and other insulators work, not because they're inherently warm, hut because they trap our own warmth and don't let it dissipate.

Thinking about how vampires, as - essentially - walking corpses, are exothermic. They don't have any internal processes that create heat, they don't have a beating heart to distribute it. Blankets and clothing might feel nice against the skin, but they don't keep them warm because there's no heat to trap. Any warmth has to come from something outside themselves - drinking living blood (and oh, that adds yet another layer of nastiness to the idea of Cazador giving his spawn already-dead animals to drink), or a source of warmth like a fire. But unlike real-life exothermic animals, because they're animated by magic and not biology a lack of warmth won’t kill them or make them sluggish. They don't need warmth to survive. So a vampire could conceivably just be cold, with no respite, for years or decades or centuries. It wouldn’t feel good, it might even hurt, but in a survival situation the comfort of warmth is a frivolous luxury that can be done without.

Thinking about Astarion finally being able to rediscover that luxury, to indulge in it.

First, of course: sunlight. Imagine him basking in the light and heat like a lizard, like a snake on a desert rock, drinking it into his skin until he's warm to the touch. (The Floridian in me almost said 'like a gator on a log' but I doubt he'd like that comparison!)

And then: blood. Whether taken in the heat of battle or offered in the night, imagine him finally experiencing the feeling, the novelty, of warmth spreading through his body from the inside.

Cuddling! Feeling the heat of another body flush against his, curling up into it. A thick blanket over them, catching and keeping his lover's warmth and wrapping him in it, waking up on a chilly morning to find himself unaccustomedly warm and comfortable for the first time in 200 years.

Hot baths. You cannot tell me this man does not pay extra for a bath at every inn, and then spend far too long in the tub. He claims it's because of vanity and that's not UNtrue, but also just. Hot water covering every inch of him, ah gods, it's bliss.

I truly believe we'll find this man a way to walk in the sun again after the game ends but until we do, my god can we get him a sauna? Find a natural hot spring? Something? Let him be warm, dammit!

(I'm working on a new fic that features some cuddling, and the idea of warmth came up and then my brain started working overtime on the concept)

#baldur's gate 3 #astarion #baldurs gate astarion #etoilewritesmeta #vampire physiology #warm that boy up

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zahri-melitor · 5 months

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The Best of DC #22

This is another reprint edition of a bunch of Christmas Stories, I'll run through them:

A Swinging Christmas Carol - Teen Titans #13 (1996). I have already covered this. No Santa, just A Christmas Carol retelling.

Merry Christmas - Batman #247. Still no Santa. A family gets trapped in the snow and comes across a mysterious house with an old man astronomer inside. They encounter a criminal inside who wants to kill them all. Batman turns up and ends up punching out the criminal (after they all get herded back out into the snow). They're saved by a Bright Star In The Sky (according to the astronomer) as apparently a very convenient supernova goes off and blinds the criminal right as he's trying to shoot them.

Freddy Freeman's X-Mas - Captain Marvel, Jr #46. Only fake Santas. Freddy's moping about Christmas a bit as he wishes people wanted FREDDY not Captain Marvel, Jr for things. Then Mrs Fortheringham invites him down to the orphanage to celebrate with the kids. One sad kid points out they never get any presents, so Freddy goes on a quest to find some, runs into an old villain of his playing Santa, Lightfingers Louie, who agrees when Freddy asks him to come play Santa for the kids, and gets the X-Crooks Club to put in to get presents for all the kids. One of the X-Crooks doesn't want to give money (Hard John), and ends up beating up Louie and stealing the Santa suit and presents. However when he is taken to the orphanage by CMJ he suddenly realises how terrible it would be to deny these children the presents. It is very, VERY Shazam.

A Christmas Peril! - Batman #27. This is another A Christmas Carol retelling (surely they could have spaced these out better). This is far looser and involves an orphan rich young boy named Scranton who is called Young Scrooge for trying to extort people in business (he's cornered the Christmas Tree market using thugs for instance). His uncle turns up dressed as Santa to be his guardian, and Scranton thinks Santa is stupid. Batman and Robin turn up and take Scranton to see the damage his thugs caused (in the traditional 3 visits, and wants to spot fix the issues he sees). Scranton is apparently also getting robbed in turn by his butler. His uncle figures this out and is captured, then Scranton returns and also gets captured...but Batman and Robin save them, and we get the return of the decked out Christmas Batplane. Still no real Santa though.

The Sandman: The Seal Men's War on Santa Claus - Cancelled Comic Cavalcade #2. FINALLY ANOTHER SANTA.

Titus Gotrox, a rich old man, mocks Jed Paulsen when he comes asking for contributions for the Christmas fund and promises a million dollars if Jed can prove Santa is real. Jed then summons the Sandman to help him find Santa.

I'm going to level with you - I do NOT understand this Sandman, but there's a bunch of travelling by magic and witch power.

Sandman and Jed get set on by Santa's Elves who think they are Seal Men, not the Sandman. They're told off by Mrs Claus. The Seal Men have apparently kidnapped Santa! (the Seal Men are in fact seals dressed in people clothes who walk on their back flippers)

Sandman and Jed get captured and end up with Santa. Sandman breaks them out:

Ah yes of course, the hypno-sonic whistle would be useful to widen chimneys, Santa, if you don't want to undergo the Superman Shrinking Exercise Plan.

However they are once again recaptured, to discover why the Seal Men are mad at Santa - they've been getting useless gifts! Sandman and Jed say this must have been a mix-up, some kids in the Sahara Desert 'must have been getting frozen fish' and the king of the Seal Men lets them go. (Why do the seals have a king? Don't ask that question).

Santa then sorts everything out and comes to visit Titus Gotrox and guilts Titus into handing over the 1 million dollar cheque.

Robin's (Very) White Christmas - Batman Family #4. Once again only many fake Santas. Dick's still dating Lori Elton in this one btw.

Millionaire "Father" Bruce Wayne, hey Lori?

Dick will admit he's cold, but he still won't wear pants as Robin.

Anyway in this story Dick's helping out with the Christmas fundraising drive at Hudson Uni in a blizzard, hoping to get on his flight home to Gotham before it's cancelled.

Except oh no! the airport is closed! And Dick doesn't seem that cut up about it as Lori invites him over for Christmas. Except...surprise Bruce, Alfred and Aunt Harriet flew in earlier to surprise Dick when they saw the weather forecast, so both families have Christmas together. (Dick really does not seem thrilled by this state of affairs)

The Man Who Murdered Santa Claus! - Justice League of America #110. Someone murders a department store Santa.

These panels about why Barry, Ray and Ralph can't turn up are hilariously funny to me, as apparently Barry's hanging out in the 30th century for Christmas, Ray Palmer is probably contributing to why he ends up divorced, and Ralph Dibney is just very in love with Sue and on holidays.

Also Hal Jordan slipped on some soap in the shower and knocked himself out, so we get John Stewart instead as Green Lantern. (No seriously. That happened).

Anyway an incredibly dull plot involving a villain called the Key ensues where he snares a member of the JLA in each of his traps, but the Phantom Stranger saves each of them. Then the Key still sets off the bomb of his plan, the JLA evacuate the city neighbourhood, and John Stewart contains the explosion with the Lantern ring. John Stewart also rebuilds all the tenement houses destroyed in the explosion "without roaches, rats, collapsing ceilings and such".

Next up: a whole lot more 80s comics titles I've never heard of.

#DC Santa read along

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safyresky · 1 year

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Happy Saturday night/Sunday morning fellow tsc fans! How we all feeling post episode drop? Good? Bad? SHOCKED and APPALLED at the Charlie scene*? Smad about Jack being called a frozen lunatic? Because our emotional support lunatic DID in fact THAW? Mad that Santa can now, uh, blow winds and uh, send ICICLES? WHAT THE FUCK DOES THAT MEAN? WHAT DID HE DO TO JACK? WHERE IS JACK?

I'm calm, I'm cool. I'm chill. Uh.

Are you tired of people being like nah, fuck it, Jack is still evil/frozie/villain lmao, POST tsc3? Girl, same.

Well, may I offer you a plug for Crystal Springs in this trying time?

Crystal Springs? You ask. The thing I see you post about a solid 25% of your time on hellsite?

Yes! Crystal Springs!

Well...alright, I'll bite, you say. What is it?

Crystal Springs is a genfic that I wrote that takes place a year after tsc3, and focuses on our boy Jack Frost, who has THAWED! He's been chilling at the Pole, doing them community service hours, making up with Santa and the other elves, just. Y'know. GETTING BETTER POST-THAW. HE'S HAVING A REDEMPTION ARC! IT'S GREAT! IT'S ALL GREAT!

Except for one itty bitty tiny thing...

His powers seem to be...gone. And you know, this wouldn't be TOO much of a problem if he wasn't tied to the Dome that shelters the entire North Pole and saves them from exposure and also, keeps Elfsburg temperate!

But unfortunately, keeping the Dome shipshape is one of the ah, not so perky perks of Jack's job. And when his powers stop working...the Dome starts melting, warming up the North Pole and letting the magic leak out. And if the magic leaks out??? It'll spread way too fast, way too hot, and potentially jeopardize not only the magical populous of the world, but the regular populous, too! Because not only does the Dome keep them safe and temperate, it also doles out the magic in proper quantities so as not to overwhelm the magic that coats the entire globe!

And on TOP of that, BECAUSE the Dome melting is starting--a process known as the Deliquesce--everyone is beginning to think that maybe Jack's going back to his old ways...ruh-oh raggy!

So what to do, what to do? Well, after finally admitting his lack of powers to the Council, there's one thing that may be able to help Jack: the Legate Law.

Santa has his clauses, but the Council? Well, they all have a lil' something known as the Legate Law, in which, should something happen to them or they become unable to do their job or even just retire (yeah tscs series, I did it FIRST! HA!), their Legate steps in to take their place!

Jack's Legate should be good to take over his seasonal duties and fix up the Dome temporarily, if they partially enact the law. They may even be able to help Jack get to the bottom of his power shortage!

There's only one problem.

His Legate is his younger sister, Jacqueline.

Who he hasn't seen or talked in fourteen hundred years.

In fact, the last time they saw each other, he uh. He maybe almost killed her. Maybe. Almost. It was bad. Bad enough to be known as the Day of Darkness in magical history.

But, Jack, realizes, it's time to make amends with the fam. And this seems to be the only way to save the North Pole and all of the magical world. (And Christmas too, I guess).

But when Jacqueline arrives and things take a turn for the worse, the pair realize that if they want to fix this at all, they're gonna have to go home.

Back to Crystal Springs.

(BOOM NAME DROP!)

So off Jack goes to make amends with his parents, meet the younger twin siblings he didn't even KNOW existed, and hopefully get his and Jacqueline's sleet together before the nefarious stranger in the shadows manages to string together a devious plot for some very, very, very old vengeance on the Frosts.

Oh, I didn't mention the mysterious stranger? Well, there is one, and he's stirring up trouble for the entire Frost Fam!

So. In conclusion. Crystal Springs has EVERYTHING.

AND MORE! (Bernard, weird evil man working in the shadows for lord knows WHAT reason, canon characters IN CHARACTER)

But mostly, it has JACK. And if anyone out there is missing their emotional support frozen lunatic, well. I GOTYOU ;)

🆕🆕 And is now on ao3 here! 🆕🆕 (Up to Chapter 29: Mind Goop)

*we here at SafyreSky Industries are aware of the reasons they did the Charlie scene the way they did in Disney+'s The Santa Clauses. However, we are upset at the way they portrayed him and his wife's relationship. SafyreSky Industries is of the opinion that:

A) Charlie should have TOLD wifey AGES AGO about Scott as Santa AGES AGO and that

B) Had he and wifey had a nice conversation that was drawn out and not, you know, like THAT. Just a bit more mature and heartfelt and communicating their needs to one another, then it would've been LESS anger inducing, and finally

C) Like Charlie being next better and as such, will be going forward in CS Verse canon with Charlie becoming Santa's Legate and after that, the next Santa :)

#dani speaks #dani writes #fanfiction #the santa clause #the santa clause 3 #crystal springs #tsc: cs #i re-watched the first two episodes with ana again tonight and damn. i am really missing the frosty man #santa out here like. using jack's essence? get FUCKED man.#long post #the santa clauses #making this the pinned post so if anyone rolls on here like wtf is an crystal springs #they get the answer immediately lol

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aroace-moron · 10 months

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I have so many questions about some of your wips names but Beren is a Disney princess and Alex what is wrong with your brain really make me wonder.

Well, first of all, those are not the final names for the stories. I have been working on the Beren is a disney proncess one for so long that it doesn't really fit the title anymore but it has grown so dear to me that I haven't changed it. At first, it was about Beren being trapped by Tevildo and then rescued by Lúthien (if you've read that version of the tale, then you'll most likely see why I chose the title. Peak Cinderella behavior right there). I wrote it in about half an hour and went 'eeeeh, I can do better,' and then I changed to the version where he and Finrod (+12 other unfortunate elves that were very much harmed in the making of Tolkiens universe) are trapped in Tol in Gaurhoth. It got way more serious through that.

It's a typical Lúthien to the rescue fic, and actually really short, but I can't seem to bring myself to get it done. It was the first fic I started writing for this fandom, and I fear I have grown attached. Here's a look at it anyway!

(A little sad, btw. Lots of survivors guilt in that moment. Emotions are all over the place the entire fic)

"I will not leave him, love. I promise. But I must get you out first, to tend to your wounds –" Beren… laughs. At least she thinks that is what he is doing.

It is a choked sound, half a heart wrenching sob, and she starts at it.

"He didn't hurt me," he slurs, and she needs no explanations on who he is, "He killed everyone else, but not me, never me…"

She holds him close. He has not told her what has happened to him beyond the Girdle of her mother, before she met him, and she has never asked. She does not need to know details to know the darkened edges of his soul. She has felt them often, underneath his gentle touches and kind eyes.

Beren is sobbing into her shoulder. They sit on the cold stone floor, and she rocks him gently back and forth. "Why never me, Lú?"

Because you belong to me. And I could not bear being apart from you.

She does not say that. Though she wishes nothing more than to calm him, she does not believe those words will be particularly helpful now. Instead, she rubs soothing circles into Beren's back.

"I know not, love," she whispers, and his next sob nearly turns into a scream.

Alex what is wrong with your brain. Ah yes.

This little masterpiece was born very late at night. I was just falling asleep, when I literally sat upright in bed because I'd had an IDEA and I needed to write it down before I fell asleep. I named the thing in the morning, when I had opened my notes and found a very short ramble of a scene that is literally just this:

BASICALLY, 1. kinslaying, Maedhros thoughts, slight dissociation maybeeeee, calls himself Maitimo throughout, at the end Feanor calls him Nelyafinwe

I wrote that last word and fell back into bed. On paper, this sounds like a really cool idea, and I am sure I can make it really terrifying, like in a loss of childhood innocence way. I am sorry to disappoint, it is literally just this. I never touched that idea again. But it does count as a WIP and it has a really funny name so it's on the list.

But yeah, it's mostly named that because of circumstances.

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thekingofwinterblog · 8 months

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Dragon Age Imperium - Chapter 3.

Grand Cleric Elthina did not look much different from when Hawke had last seen her in the Chantry in Hightown.

An average-looking old woman, in a black and red robe, streaked with gold.

The look she gave Hawke though, was far, far different than the last time. Far more inquisitive, and questioning.

"I do believe congratulations are in order."

"Thank you."

"I recall your mother quite well… I recall the scandal too, back when she ran off with a Ferelden apostate. And yet… Without that choice, Kirkwall would have fallen to the Qun… Fate has a roundabout sense of humor it would seem."

Elthina sighed.

"But we're not here to discuss matters from before you were even born… We are here to discuss the future. Tell me Viscount… Do you know what happened to your predecessor that preceded Dumar?"

"He must have died at some point I guess… Well, either that, or he abdicated and left town."

The woman neither laughed nor smiled.

"He died, yes. He was killed by Meredith, after trying to kick the Templars out of Kirkwall."

"Ah… I'm guessing this is the part where you tell me not to pick a fight with them."

"Not quite… But there is some of that, yes… I have been told that you signed off on letting Kirkwall's Elves leave for New Arlathan."

"That's right."

The old woman studied Hawke's face, though what she was looking for Hawke couldn't say.

"It's been a number of years since the Sabrae Clan came to our lands to petition Dumar to let the Elves leave… Meredith greatly disapproved, and Dumar did not agree… But neither did he staunchly refuse… To do so would be to show offense to the Monarchs of Ferelden… And so he vassalated on the issue, refusing to give an answer one way or another."

"I'm well aware. One of my friends is a girl called Merill. She's from the Sabrae clan. I probably would have gone through with it anyway… But I admit that friendship is the reason I signed off on it immediately."

"You should thank her then. The choice to get this over with now was a good one."

The woman looked down.

"Meredith… Was an old friend of mine… I mourn her loss greatly… But I firmly disagreed with her stance on the Elven Question."

As she spoke, there was clear pain in her voice. So sharp it took Hawke aback.

She had kinda forgotten that as much as She and the mages of Kirkwall had hated her, a lot of people had liked Meredith.

Finally, Elthina looked up again, the sunlight from Hawke's window lighting her up like a torch.

"You need to get this done now before a new Knight Commander is appointed to Kirkwall. It might take a while. Or it might not."

"I'll admit… I did not think you would be a supporter of New Arlathan."

"I am not."

She said dryly.

"However, I am not fool enough to not understand that the world has changed. Every day, you hear of Elves doing everything, taking the greatest risks to flee the lands of their birth, to flee their Alienages, all to try and reach their new promised land… And every week, there is a new tale of Elves doing that, ending up as Tevinter slaves at the hands of their smugglers, being strung up along the road by lords and villagers, or small Alienages being set alight by the masses and local lords, that all fear the idea of this new state. That led by their Mage King it's going to become a new, terrible nation… A mixture between blood-sacrificing Tevinter and the Heathen Dales… It is absolute nonsense and fearmongering… But the corpses that fear produces are very real... Fear and hatred have taken root all over Thedas… That is not going to change, regardless of how much some want this new Elven country to just vanish. Elves will continue to flee the persecution that is only becoming worse and worse… and they will continue to do so, so long there is a place to flee. I would say it is far preferable to have it happen controlled, and safely. Better that, than those poor souls ending up in Tevinter."

"That's… Rather reasonable of you."

The woman smiled.

"You don't need to dance on eggshells on the topic Viscount… I know how most of the chantry feels on the matter… They see only the danger, rather the opportunity… The city Elves who flee are Andrastian. They will not abandon that faith, as they find a homeland of their own. In time, the myth of the Elves' ancient gods will fade… And the flame of Andraste will burn proudly in the Kingdom."

"Provided it survives. History could repeat itself."

"Indeed. I rather doubt it though. The Bracilian forest is… Not the Dales. It is not rich in resources, and it does not have good farmland. There is little non-religious incentive to try to conquer it, nor would doing so be easy, or even likely. Not to mention the Kingdom's alliance with Orzammar…"

"Orzammar? Not Ferelden?"

"No… Orzammar is the source of all Lyrium in the world. It is thus a far, far greater shield against any Exalted March than Ferelden could ever be. Unless something very drastic changes… There will not be an exalted march on the New Arlathan."

"That's… A good point actually."

"Yes. Regardless… The point stands. Get it done as quickly as you can."

This had… Not been how she'd assumed this conversation would go. Frankly, she had assumed this would go the way Bran liked to do things. Boring and simple.

"Now then… With that out of the way… I was led to believe that you wished to… Change Kirkwall's statues."

Ah, finally. Back in her element.

"Indeed! I Have always wondered why Kirkwall has so many Tevinter statues across the city. I have no idea why any follower of Andraste would wish to keep those monstrosities around. Or all those rusty spike fences and rails! What's the point of those?"

"It is meant as a warning… A reminder of what Andraste freed us from, and what we must fight… But I do agree with the sentiment. What do you intend to do with them? I must warn you if you intend to melt them down for coin, don't bother. Despite their appearances, they are made of brass."

"Oh don't worry about that. I have plenty of coin… Both from my own adventures and journeys, as well as Dumar's old fortune."

This actually made the Grand Cleric smile.

"Yes… Another ironic turn. Greed and ambition, supposedly the worst of sins, might be what changes this city for the better…"

"I certainly hope so. It would really tick me off if everything I'm Planning to do gets reversed in the end. Anyway… So you don't mind me getting rid of those hideous Tevinter statues?"

"No. I'm Assuming you're planning on replacing them though?"

"I am! Not sure of what though… They can't all be replaced with Andraste and myself… Any suggestions?"

It had been one of her usual jests, but Ethina responded like it was a serious question.

"Try local heroes. My flock loves those. Especially our Grand Tourney winners. Oh, right… I must warn you, that while I might not have any issues with it, I would advice NOT to try the same with the Gallows… Or the Twins. They are Templar property."

"I'll keep that in mind."

---

The hanged man was its usual mess. A true dive in every sense of the word.

Its inhabitants, both regulars, occasional, newcomers, and one-time offs tended to be a very sketchy lot.

"So Daisy, how does it feel to finally finish your job?"

The fact that some of those regulars were now personal friends of the Viscount, did not change that.

"Oh, just amazing! Though it's sad I'm not going with them…"

Right… the blood magic and all. Hawke might not mind… But this Elven King was a different story.

"I'm sorry… Maybe Hawke can pull some strings though? Get you a pardon maybe?"

Merill smiled but shook her head.

"That's… Very nice of you Varric… But I knew what I was getting into when I started fixing the mirror like I did… I'll survive. I have Hawke after all. And you too. It's not that bad."

He could tell that despite her words, Daisy wasn't exactly as happy about the prospect as she tried to be. She did seem happy that the talks of letting the elves leave for new Arlathan had finally yielded results.

"So, how's the mood in the Alienage? People dancing in the streets for joy?"

"Some are… But it's a lot more varied than I thought it would be… Some are actually angry they have to leave Kirkwall for the new Elven homeland… Can you believe that? Do you think it's because Hawke won't be there?"

"Somehow I doubt that, Daisy."

It probably had something to do with being uprooted from their home, to join a community of Elves they had never met, to serve a king they had never seen, and live in a cursed forest.

Amongst Kirkwall's 12 000 elves, there were bound to be some who were apprehensive about it, even if it did mean they no longer had to live in an Alienage with all of what that entailed.

"So most people aren't happy about it?"

"Oh no, a lot are. Many are really looking forward to leaving. They want to get away from the poisonous gas attacks, the Humans, the serial killers, and the blood mages... Oh right…"

She had seemingly only realised the implication of that last one when she said it out loud.

"Varric… Have you ever been to the Bracilian forest?"

"Can't say I have. Before I met Hawke, I had barely ever left the city. I'm a… City Dwarf at heart.

"Oh, that's sooo sad… But anyway, I still remember the forest… I've never been to the place the capital is built at though… It's around this ancient ruin the King discovered when he was still fighting the blight with the Hero of Ferelden. It used to be infested with Werewolves I hear."

"Yeah, that sounds about right for the Fereldens' cursed forest."

"I know! They call them dog lords, but they're not dog-like… Like the Qunari aren't much Ox-like either… But anyway, the capital palace is this ancient temple that goes deep, deep underground… And that's where the King discovered an ancient black orb, with the spirit of an ancient mage warrior inside of it… And through it, he learned the arts of the Arcane Warrior, the old Elvhen mages who mixed plate armor, Magic, and sword. All our Mages are taught like that now… Not me though… My clan volunteered to go north to Kirkwall before I could learn it. Now the mission is nearly over… And yet I never will."

He patted her on the back… Or as much as he could through her armor anyway.

"I'm sorry Daisy."

"Thank you..."

They sat in silence for a while… Or rather the background noise of the Hanged Man being its usual, loud and boisterous self.

Besides them, Fenris was lying over the counter, snoring loudly.

He had been drinking himself into oblivion the last few days, over the same topic he and Merill had been discussing.

Unlike her, he had taken the news that Kirkwall's elves would be joining a state ruled by a mage, with utter disdain.

He'd get over it eventually.

"What about you Varric? Hawke's says you've been reading a lot up about Orzammar lately…"

"Well… It's not quite the same. I have no interest in moving there… It's a good story though… Not to mention I noticed there's a point on the Deep Roads maps I recognize… From our expedition."

This perked her right up, though not quite with either fear or excitement. More of a mixture of worry and surprise.

"Do you think they'll find the old Thaig? The one with the red Idol in it?"

"Nah… Not to mention we scoured that clean, remember? No, I'm much more interested in the fact that if Orzammar's Armies keep pushing North, their control over the deep roads is soon going to reach the point where they'll have direct access to the path leading to the Entrance at Sundermount."

"Oh! That's good isn't it?"

"Sure is. Lots of trade to be made if we can ship directly to Orzammar… Provided that's where they push next. There's… A lot of other directions they can go."

"You should arrange something with Hakwe, Varric! I'm sure the Viscount of Kirkwall could influence that."

"Way ahead of you Daisy… But we'll see how it goes."

---

Of Hawke's personal circle, it was anything but unusual to find her friends hanging out together.

There were unusual pairings though, who almost never interacted except when together with Hawke herself.

Of those, the only more unusual pairing than the one currently waiting together for her at her own estate was Fenris and Anders, who got along about as well as a Ferelden and Orlesian.

Isabella was doing the usual when she was bored, waiting for Hawke to come. Lean up against the railing, walk about, inspect her own nails, and the decorum of Hawke's rather nice house.

Meanwhile, Sebastian was simply sitting in a chair leaning back, a glass of water in his hand from which he occasionally took a sip.

Finally, having had enough of waiting, Isabella took the word.

"How much longer do you think we'll have to wait?"

"Oh, an hour or two more mayhaps."

"Ugh… What's taking her so long?"

"Duties of state I imagine. She'll have a lot less free time going forward."

"Ugh..."

"What did you want to talk to Hawke if I may ask?"

"Her hiring me on as a privateer."

The way she spoke it, made it rather obvious she had massive reservations about it.

"Why does it bother you so?"

"I just… I just don't like binding myself to something. Or people for that matter."

He smiled.

"That ship set sail when you came back with the book I'm afraid."

"More the fool I."

"It was brave, coming back to face the Qunari."

"It was idiotic. They would have killed me. If it hadn't been for Hawke anyway…"

"And you returned anyway. You couldn't face the thought of so many innocents dying for something you could prevent."

"Tell that to the Viscount."

Sebastian understood her, far more than the buccaneer probably understood.

"It's frightening, isn't it? To realize you have the potential to be a better person?"

"I didn't do it to be some hero, I did for Hawke…"

That was probably true… But it wasn't the whole truth, he could tell.

"Even if you only did it for a friend, that is a good start. It's not nothing Isabella. And Hawke has rewarded you with a ship has she not?"

"Yeah… One of the old Viscount's old War Galleys… It's not the kind I'd prefer, but it's a good ship. And more than enough coin to hire on a crew."

"If you truly don't wish to swear yourself into Hawke's service, all you need to do is go down to the docks and hire on a crew, set sail, and never return. You could easily become a regular pirate again with what Hawke has given you."

She glared at him.

"If I did that, I'd be stabbing Hawke in the back."

"And you're not prepared to do it, yes? It's scary… Realizing you have loyalties to someone else… Someone you trust, and admire. That you can't pretend to be alone in the world anymore."

He could tell he had hit the nail head-on with the expression she got from that comment.

She didn't reply though, instead leaving the room behind, and walking out to the entrance room.

He did not hear the sound of her opening the door, so she hadn't left though. She still needed to talk to Hawke, just as he did.

He was pretty sure she would accept Hawke's letter though, and become a privateer in the Narrow Sea.

She had made her real choice back in the throne room. Whatever doubts she might have now, were just embers that would give way before the storm that was Hawke.

Chapter 2 - Chapter 4

#dragon age 2 #dragon age #hawke #grand cleric elthina #isabela #da2 #sebastian vael

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myimaginedcorner · 9 months

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A TUMBLR STORY: TORN PAGE (p.18)

PREVIOUS RESULT: "Thank you," first things first, you thanked your saviour, your teammate.

“Ah, by all… yeah, you’re surely not the one who needs to thank me,” your gratitude was met by awed eyes, their owner breathing out a sigh before opposing your intention with a shake of head. “We’re in deeper trouble than that, at the moment…”

“You are.”

Amani’s voice demanded your attention, astonished by its deficit when called before. Turning your head around, you’re caught by elven eyes that scrutinised your insides, seeking the gear that’s missing in your throbbing head.

“I’m expecting a report, Laefen,” colder than the winters that awaited you up north, Amani’s voice cut through your nursed pride with knives aiming to rip and shatter. You were no longer standing on a pedestal, but fallen underneath, the others watching you battle against shame’s shadows.

“Nothing big, ma’am, just a little siren.”

One ray came to your aid – a man whose simple words summoned thunderstorms against his empty head. Challenged to war, Amani’s lightning changed its target, and your long breath came in quiet prayer for his quick demise.

“Nothing big? Are you serious, Laefen? You’ve not reported on the peril to camp, you’ve not reported on the abnormal forestall fauna to camp, and you’ve proceeded to eliminate the target without any orders given as to your further actions. The list of all your breached responsibilities is getting longer by the second!”

“And what would you suggest me to do if I did report back, talk to her?” huffed the rogue, rolling eyes while his posture adopted a defensive stance – that is, with arms covering a chest still hidden by some rests of leather. “Invite her out for a drink? She was about to eat us both, you know!”

“Sirens don’t eat elves, Laefen, have you never studied?” Amani’s pretty face disappeared under a slap for a few seconds. “She was likely hunting for new partners.”

“Oh, even better! Always wished to become a fish, how about you?”

The question is addressed to you, yet you’re not given time to answer.

“You should’ve run to alert us before killing her!”

“If I could run, my dear Leader, I’d be with you in seconds. But my friend here can assure you that I wasn’t in the right mind to do so. I wasn’t in any mind to begin with!”

“He’s right,” you intervened, making your voice known, too. Rightfully disappointed, however, Amani lacked full context for the situation, and couldn’t judge in fairness what occurred. “Laefen was bewitched by the siren’s song before we even figured out who was our foe. He wasn’t able to retreat until I sealed his conscience with a shield.”

“Then why didn’t you alert us, either?” her eyes moved onto you.

“Because he’d die,” you answered, simply.

Silence was your recurring host, and you enjoyed their presence. They spoke of arguments you’ve won, leaving your opponent without words to speak against your reason.

Amani, thoughtful, lowered down her gaze.

“…Alright,” she finally concurred, for – without doubt – she was a wise elf that never gambled facing logic. “You should’ve told me a full chronology of the events right from the start, Laefen. Why did you pointlessly argue if you had fair grounds to act at your discretion?”

“What can I say? I hate being saved,” with a shrug, the elf just smiles.

“Of course, it’s against your job description. I’ll expect you to not argue with me further on, or it’ll reflect on your work report,” still slightly confused, the woman passed onto softer notes that stung like little bees in aching promise. “That also goes for you,” she then turned to glare into your two depleted oceans, where magic had been drained dry. “As an academic, I’m expecting you to keep away from trouble, and inform your superiors.”

You nodded. You knew it wasn’t quite your place to help – your capabilities were solely regarded as additional aid if things went sour, and only in self-defence. You weren’t thought of as a fighter, nor you were expected to protect another soul. What you did today was, without doubt… unnatural.

“It was not her place,” Hibiscus stepped onto soft sand, her walk aerial and solemn. “She was an intruder… a monster to these lands. She was causing pain, and was in pain, too.”

“We could’ve helped her…” murmured Ashna somewhere close. You heard their voice with one ear shivering from their warm breath: while Amani spoke, the young elf slipped a little closer. Their hand landed upon your shoulder, soft with a grip tightened by worry. Its touch soothed the tension of your muscles; you felt calm coming back despite the drumming of your anxious heart. It was their fault, but they made you happy.

“It would’ve been extraordinary hard,” Hibiscus shook her head, giving the elf a glance. “She was too lost and too desperate. All beasts go wild when Mother has no place for them.”

“But you’re not saying it’s impossible.”

“…No, I’m not.”

A sigh, but Ashna quickly threw away the thoughts that threatened to destroy the mood, a shy smile shining towards Laefen.

“I’m glad that you’re alive,” they said, meaning each word.

“Still here to serve,” chuckled the cheerful man.

“Well, given that we’ve been left with everything resolved already, it’s our priority to get some rest before dawn,” taking lead, Amani caught everyone’s ears, and her eyes made sure even the most rebellious listened. “Hibiscus, please transport the body to our camp: we’ll give it a look tomorrow morning. Laefen, scout the terrain for other threats – REPORT any oddities.”

“Yeah, yeah…” Laefen’s sigh foresaw his mistake not to be forgotten lightly. Grumbling on the matter under his nose, the elf was quick to disappear amidst the shadows, swallowed whole.

“Everyone else, to sleep,” commanded the Leader, and the shore delved into a new silence. You watched Hibiscus call the roots of trees in aid; you watched them accurately wrap the body in living wood, passing it over grass where satyr steps left mark. You caught a glimpse of M still lingering between the bushes, their goals unknown. Yet who could even tell a human’s thought?

And, over anything, you still had a warm hand keeping you company, a pair of eyes gleaming like stars trapped from the sky and caged in mortal form.

“I’m also very glad that you’re okay…” they finally dared vocalise a feeling that brought sadness to their beautiful expression. “You should’ve called me, it was so dangerous, I… I thought I’d lose you for eternity. That’s too long.”

#torn page #tumblr story #tumblr community #new page

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meganwasbored · 1 year

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The Dragon Prince Thoughts Season 2 Episodes 1 and 2

I took a little break because I am sick and feel like crap rn but I finally have the energy and motivation to watch more so I’m back!

Episode 1

-aw what happened to the sparkly hands in the intro

-fire elf things I’m assuming

-is she in Xadia cause there’s elves but also how would she get there before Callum and Ezran

-“you were looking for another good word to describe me, right? Well I consider myself quite daring” I love her

-STOP I FORGOT HE DIDNT KNOW HARROW WAS DEAD

-I’m serious if he never gots to read Harrow’s letter to him I’m done

-is Ellis gonna be with them from now on because I have no complaints

-well at least Viren doesn’t look like a zombie anymore

-“You’re out of order, Lord Viren. Only a king or queen can call for a summit” I totally forgot her name but this girl is awesome

-Phoe-Phoe is literally so pretty like I want her as a pet

-girl why did you have to TELL THEM THAT why can’t they just eat in peace

-“my duty is to prevent humans from discovering this place” well I gotta say you’re doing a bang up job

-ay Bait’s looking a little jealous

-AWWWW

-if they’re trying to make me feel sympathy for Viren it’s not gonna work

-“save it for someone who cares” she’s so done lol

-Zym is literally so cute I wanna die

-y’all chill out it’s a freaking bush

-this show is literally so pretty oh my gosh

-going out on a limb here but I think he’s gonna learn magic guys lol

-Note to self: the old elf lady’s name is Lujanne

-ah yes the classic “I overheard someone else’s advice and decided that it also applies to my situation” love to see it

-the Crow Master seems like a cool guy ngl, even the nameless characters are the best

-ok I get that she’s trying to tell him the truth but like I think he knows he’s human you can stop rubbing it in

-I’m sorry but the way she just picked a rose then dramatically passed out was so funny

Episode 2

-yay the sparkly hands are back!

-“are we gonna fight or is this a talent show” HAHAHAHAH

-“I keep telling people, “sweep the leg” is not a thing in sword fighting!” hehehehe

-Gren is so chill about being in this dungeon

-FINALLY some has an appropriate freak out response to Zym’s cuteness

-someone make this a meme

-Soren feeling really guilty one second and convincing himself he’s doing something good the next is actually really sad I feel so bad for him

-Claudia’s appearance makes her look super cool and dangerous but really she’s just some magic geek who loves cute animals and I love that for her

-she actually has a point like we kill bugs all the time why not get some use out of it

-so like it’s obvious that Callum is gonna learn to do magic on his own the question is does he learn because he finds a way to understand it like Lujanne was saying or does he have some elf in his bloodline or something

-the fact that the main character’s unrealistic crush is usually really cold to them and doesn’t like them but Callum and Claudia are literally besties rn is so refreshing like yes more of this

-has Rayla been just stalking them this whole time they were hanging out like where has she been

-“I can see you believe it. But I’ve known Soren and Claudia for years. You and I don’t have that yet” dang.

-when Soren said “I took no joy in that” after Claudia brought up the zip line and the way he says it sounds like it’s supposed to be funny when really it’s the truth

-“I’m glad my wisdom helped”

“It didn’t, it was wrong”

“Was it? Or was it just differently true?”

Imma start using this whenever someone disagrees with me

-am I supposed to recognize the place in the mirror

-hold up are Callum and Claudia less far in age than I thought cause what was that

-“I know what happened, he’s gone” I knew this was coming so why am I crying

#the dragon prince #the dragon prince season 2 #the dragon prince thoughts #the dragon prince thoughts season 2 #tdp #tdp thoughts #tdp thoughts season 2 #tdp season 2 #callum #rayla #ezran

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anabsolutefreak · 1 month

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Chapter 8: The Bard, the Hag, and the Hunter

This is a canon adjacent full campaign based story involving my original TAV character, the full BG3 crew and, of course, our favorite undead high elf. I created this story to help me get through an exceptionally difficult time in my life and so, you might notice Tav's story is a little more atypical than some. Be advised that the story I have created has some mature themes including violence, kink, mental health and self harm. I will be placing warnings on each individual chapter when any of these themes are included so please be aware. I hope you enjoy. Summary: Our favorite group of D&D misfits discuss the VERY SURPRISING revelation about the pale elf. ;) Then, Embrae meets Alfira before setting out to meet the strange Auntie Ethyl. No big warnings on this one except for some mentions of violence. Also, warning: smut has been written, finally and will be coming soon. Am I excited about my first time smut writing? Yes, indeed I am. I hope you will be too!

Shadowheart tutted at Embrae as she looked at her neck. “I thought you someone with good judgment, you know.” she scolded as she handed her a ruby potion and ordered her to drink. “Letting a vampire drink you— you must have a death wish.” Embrae had entered Shadowheart’s tent that morning head bowed, lackluster blush on her face as she explained what she needed.

“Well, he didn’t kill me.” She pointed out.

She scoffed. “If he had gone any longer he very well might have. What were you thinking?” Light emanated from her hands, moving up and down Embrae’s body.

“I don’t know— honestly,” replied Embrae closing her eyes as a sensation of warmth passed through her body. “I guess I— I just wanted to help.”

“Well, next time, direct him to a bandit camp. He can drain a few would-be enemies for us instead of leaving you a weak, bloodless mess.”

“Hmm,” Embrae said happily. Shadowheart was a wonderful healer, she thought. She had woken feeling dizzy and unwell. She was already feeling much better. “Did you know, Shadowheart?”

“Know?”

“About Astarion.”

“Oh, that.” She smiled, rare good humor piercing her dour veil. “I was reasonably sure. He’s not exactly— subtle.”

Embrae giggled. “That’s what I told him… he thought it was a secret.”

“Who thought what was a secret?” Karlach asked, poking her head into the tent. “Sorry!” she said grinning. “ I wanted to be sure you were good. You looked a little tipsy walking up here. Too much to drink last night?” She winked.

Shadowheart rolled her eyes, “it wasn’t her who had too much to drink.”

Understanding touched Karlach’s yellow eyes. “Ooooh. Fangs got you, did he? Need me to string him up by the ankles for you, friend?”

“You did know!”

“Well— yeah. I thought everyone did.”

“Me too. He didn’t.”

“Ha! No way. This is gonna be good.” She bounded out of the tent, Shadowheart and Embrae following.

“Oi, fangs!” Called Karlach over towards Astarion who stood over at the other side of camp, reading.

He shut his book with a snap and glared over at her. “You not talking to me?” He asked cooly, walking over to them.

“Well, of course I am. Been nipping off our resident panther girl, haven’t ya? I hope you at least asked first.”

His eyes shot towards Embrae, “You told them?”

Embrae flushed. “No- I—”

“Astarion, I’ve known you for about 24 hours and I already knew your big secret. Anyone who didn’t is probably just a bit thick.”

The tips of Astarions ears turned red. He must have fed well, thought Embrae.

He sniffed, affecting an unconcerned attitude but she could see worry in his eyes. “Well, I suppose I’m just glad you didn’t come at me with torches and pitchforks.”

“Ah, I wouldn’t worry about it Fangs. We’re all a bit odd in this group. Got an engine from the hells in my chest myself and we all know these half-elves have more secrets than a politician with a second family. Shadowheart and Embrae both flushed, glancing ruefully at each other.

Lae’zel had walked up to Astarion, drawn in by the conversation. “Just see that your teeth stay far away from my neck, vampire, or you’ll be wearing your blood on the outside.” She sniffed. “Otherwise, I see no good reason to break our alliance.”

“Charming,” muttered Astarion, leaning ever so slightly away from the gythyanki woman.

The group dispersed, all except Embrae, who followed the vampire back to his tent. “I swear I didn’t tell them,” she told them. “Although I would have had to. They do deserve to know who they’re traveling with.”

He turned to her, eyes assessing, brighter than she was used to seeing them. “Oh, it’s all out in the open now, and I’m not unhappy about it. It’s a tough secret to keep after all— and apparently, I didn’t keep it nearly as well as I had assumed.”

“Well,” she said thoughtfully. “Is it true vampires can’t see their own reflections?”

“Indeed. Why?”

“Well, that’s probably why you didn’t realize that it was a little… apparent.”

He frowned, looking displeased by the thought. “No one ever seemed to notice in Baldur’s Gate. Then again, I was more for the nightlife back home. Perhaps in the dim light— and most of my, erm, friends were quite inebriated.

“At the Drunken Mermaid, for example. Yes, they would have been.”

He stared at her.

“Oh come on, I knew I’d seen you somewhere before! Pretty sure I saw a few vampires there while I was—entertaining. You always seemed to be entertaining someone different yourself ” Embrae’s smile faltered a bit.

Astarion looked away. “Spawn, he corrected. We aren’t true vampires. Just the spawn of one.”

“Oh, is that why you can walk in the sun? Because you’re not a true vampire?”

“Oh no! I should be cinders in this light!” He looked up, stretching luxuriously, like a cat in a window. “This tadpole— someone has gone and changed the rules. I can even wade into running water now— enter homes without any sort of invitation. It’s— it’s a strange type of freedom, knowing you’ll have to give it up unless you want to sprout tentacles.”

“It’s a bit of a catch-22 for you isn’t it?”

“Pardon”

“It means you’re damned if you do, damned if you don’t.”

“Ah well, I suppose I’ve been damned from the moment my former master, Cazador, turned me. Certainly, the last 200 years have proven that.”

“But you don’t have to go back to your master— even if you can’t walk in the sun, right?”

“I— I don’t know. A vampire master has a sort of bond with his creations. He can control them-- completely… I never was able to resist his commands. But now, I’ve been conveniently lost,” he said spreading his hands wide. “I never wish to bow to that bastard’s demands again.”

He compels them, thought Embrae. She shivered.

“Are you cold, darling? How are you feeling? I may have gotten a bit— overeager last night.”

“I’m fine. Shadowheart helped fix me up. Just a bit dizzy.”

“It’ll pass. Just be thankful a spawn like my good self can’t turn you like a true vampire can.”

Spawn, thought Embrae. She really disliked that word. It made her think of something less than, something unimportant and subservient. She couldn’t imagine the man who stood in front of her as any of those things. If anything, he was larger than life, especially puffed up on sass and sarcasm as he always seemed to be.

“We’re going to have to find a way to keep you fed, Astarion.”

“Well, you know what I am now. I suppose you wouldn’t object to me draining an enemy of ours on occasion-- I mean, they’ll be just as dead if I don’t. But no innocents... you have my word."

“No, I don’t object to that,” she laughed. “But I don’t want to wake up to your teeth in my neck, not unless we talk about it first.”

“Of course!” He grinned seductively at her. That seems eminently reasonable… I shall wait patiently until you suggest we— dine together.” His eyes grazed Embrae’s neck and she shuddered. His grin widened as he noticed the reaction.

Oh, she realized. I am in trouble.

“Come on,” she said. “We need to get ready to head to the grove again. Wyll mentioned there might be a blacksmith who can help Karlach with her engine there and I wanted to see about trading with the merchants there before we look into the goblin camp.”

Within the hour they were off. Shadowheart, having decided to stay examine the tadpole with Gale in the hopes of finding what made it tick decided not to accompany them. Instead, Lae’zel and Karlach accompanied her and Astarion. Karlach was over the moon at the chance to meet someone who might have answers for her, who could cool down her engine a bit. Imagine not being able to touch someone, thought Embrae glancing at the happy-go-lucky tiefling. Then she flushed remembering the previous night. That was the most physical contact she had had from anyone in over two years. Well, almost… What was her excuse? Was that why she kept thinking about it? Why she was willing to do it again?

Lae’zel followed with her endless stream of complaints about the “Teethlings and druids being a waste of time” and finding the gythyanki crech. Embrae wondered, not for the first time why Lae’zel hadn’t decided to pursue that path on her own. Perhaps she too loathed the idea of being alone, unlikely as that seemed.

The gate opened for them with little hesitation once they arrived. They stopped a while and haggled with a dwarf merchant haggling and trading with bits and bobs they carried in overflowing packs as well as gold for supplies and food. By the end, they were even able to buy a new dagger for Astarion, whose original had been chipped against a rock during his last fight. The next stop was the blacksmith, a good-natured Tiefling called Dammon who knew a thing about infernal machinations.

“I don’t know if I can contain it indefinitely Karlach. Outside of the Hells, it will only become more unstable—”

“I’m not going back.” she cut in bluntly.

“Well, the good news, is that I can cool it down with the right supplies. But it’s a bit rare. Infernal metal. It’s not the easiest to find but not impossible. I've heard rumors of where one might find it. Here, let me mark it on your map. Bring it and I won’t even charge ya.” The shorter tiefling grinned up at her.

“Will it— will it cool me down enough to touch someone?” The words made her seem oddly vulnerable. That was the thing about Karlach though; she didn’t seem to mind wearing her feelings out in the open. She was probably the most refreshingly honest and open person in the group, mused Embrae.

“I believe it could cool you down enough. Yes”

“Aw brilliant!” she beamed. “I’d hug you or shake your hand but, ah well, you know. Guess we’ll have to keep our eye out.”

“If it’s around we’ll find it,” said Astarion stiffly. “I’m not one to miss out on good treasure.”

“Thanks, mate,” she laughed. I feel better already.

“Well, I don’t suppose there’s anything else we need here is there?” Embrae asked the others.

“Wait, before we go, I’m starving. I smell grub up that way. No offense to Gales's cooking but I could use something um, different. ”

“Yes,” hissed Lae’zel. “Then let us find something that has flavor.”

“I for one have had my fill of flavor for a while,” said Astarion, looking at Embrae suggestively. “But do carry on.”

“Just have to make things awkward don’t you.”

He grinned.

The smell Karlach mentioned led them to a large cooking pot. An older tiefling woman stood over it sprinkling spices into it and mixing.

“Well, good morning! I’ve been hearing all about you strangers and your heroic deeds. Defending the grove from goblins is hungry work. Would you care for a bowl?”

Karlach, Lae’zel, and Embrae accepted gratefully. It smelled mouthwatering— and spicy. Astarion declined, stating he had already had a quite satisfying meal. Embrae flushed and rolled her eyes. As they were about to find a place to sit and eat, an older human woman shuffled up from the tent beside them. Well hello, my lovelies. I wanted to come and introduce myself. I’m Auntie Ethyl. If you need any healing or potions, I’d be happy to whip you something up.

“You’re a healer?” Asked Embrae cautiously. The woman seemed sweet enough but there was a curious gleam in her eyes.

“Och, nothing so spectacular. But I know my way a bit around old cures and potions. Even cued old Zevlor of his receding hairline,” she said conspiratorily. “But you’ve got something a bit more serious don’t you?” Her gaze became intent, birdlike almost and Embrae fought not to take a step back. “You’ve got the most unusual— essence around you dearie. More unusual even than the little vampling sulking behind you I’d wager.”

“Does everyone know?” growled Astarion testily. “Gods.”

“Hmph. I’ve seen my fair share of your kind before dearie. Although one walking about in the sun without so much as a sizzle is a new one even for me. But you though, she said staring intently again at Embrae. You’re something different. I can tell.”

“I’m sure I don’t know what you mean.” said Embrae ignoring the feeling of her companion's eyes on her neck.“I’m just a half-elf.”

Auntie Ethyl cackled mischievously. “Of course you are, pet! But there’s no just about you. Tell you what, come see me at my home. We’ll talk some more, maybe even see about getting those pesky little parasites removed, hmm?”

“How did you—?”

“Shhh dearie. Plenty of time for questions later. I’ll mark the place for you. She raised a finger to Embrae’s forehead and a perfect image of a map unfolded in her mind's eye. Then Auntie Ethyl disappeared into a cloud of smoke.

“Well,” said Astarion. “She seems positively demented. “Let’s go find her!”

“I don’t know, Astarion,” said Karlach. “She kind of gives me the creeps.”

“Same,” asgreed Embrae. “But if she knows something— anything about these tadpoles. I think it’s worth a try.”

Lae’zel growled. “Perhaps we’ll turn before I manage to convince to to pursue the real cure. But fine. Let’s go see this— mad woman.”

“Can we please eat first?” whined Karlach.

Embrae laughed. “Yes, let’s go sit down. My feet are already killing me.”

They found a spot away from almost everyone to settle into the grass and enjoy the sun. They ate while the vampire elf basked in his forbidden sunshine. Embrae smiled a little at the sight of him. Since feeding on her the previous night, she really had thought he looked more relaxed. Happy she remembered him saying. Happy, she thought to herself as she took another bite of the hot soup— tieflings certainly don't hold back with their spice, do they?

She looked up the path. She was sure she had just heard a voice. “Dance among the stars tonight— Dammit.” The sound of lute strings, then the timid singing once again. Someone was trying and struggling to write a song, she realized with some sympathy. She stood, leaving her empty bowl. “I’ll be right back. Then we can go, she told the others.” Astarion made no indication that he heard her at all— Karlach nodded into her second bowl of soup. Lae’zel continued to run a whetstone over the edge of her blade but said nothing.

Embrae followed the path up a grassy hill towards the halting music until she found the tiefling woman. Her blueish skin was flushed in frustration as she tried again to sing, dance among the stars tonight, the moon— Oh it’s no good!” she sighed to herself. She was lovely, even wearing a ridiculous outfit with bells. She had long, shining raven hair that curled and swayed in the light breeze. Her amber eyes were alight with whatever fire all tieflings seemed to possess and also with frustration.

“I don’t think it’s that bad.” Said Embrae softly. The squirrells sitting in front of the woman seemed to disagree vehemently but she thought they were being a bit dramatic.

The young woman started and smiled sweetly at her. “Oh,” she said. “I didn’t realize I had an audience.” She sighed. “Unfortunately this tune isn’t ready for one. I just can’t get it right. I’m Alfira by the way, the would-be bard.”

Embrae sat down next to her. “Songs can be tricky like that sometimes. For me, I think they tended to fall apart when I tried too hard.”

“Oh are you a bard?” she asked delighted.

“Um, no— not really,” said Embrae. “Just a casual player sometimes. Not for a while though.”

Alfira grinned. “Nonsense. You know what you’re talking about. I can tell.” She reached behind her and thrust a second lute at her. “It’s been ages since anyone has played with me. Since my teacher passed away.” Her face fell again. “The song is meant to be for her.”

Embrae looked at the lute offered to her and frowned. She took it and her fingers itched to touch the strings even as her stomach filled with bile. “Well, focus on how she made you feel then— when she was with you, what music did you hear. Follow only that and the words will come in time.” Even as Embrae said it, she could hear whispers of music in her own mind. She could hear it everywhere if she allowed herself.

Alfira smiled uncertainly and closed her eyes. She began to play a tune, haunting and full of loss, but also joy, hope, and love. The bile in Embrae’s stomach faded and she felt her own fingers move to the borrowed lute, adding a harmony. Alfira gasped as the music game together in the way it it does when it’s simply right— perfect but not too much so, like a river flowing over your toes as you sit in the sun, or like the waves crashing upon the rocks. Alfira began to sing and the words flowed unimpeded, belonging to the song as though it had been written a thousand years ago upon an ancient cliff face. Embrae could feel every one as though she sang it. She didn’t sing though, and would not sing. Still, a part of herself she thought lost did as the music came to a crescendo and then softened into its final notes.

Embrae opened her eyes, not realizing she had closed them. Alfira was beaming, tears gleaming in her glowing amber eyes. “Oh, it was perfect! Thank you so much.”

Embrae flushed with embarrassment. “I didn’t do anything— it was all you.”

“I thought you were both fantastic!” Exclaimed Karlach from behind her. Embrae nearly jumped out of her seat, startled. She, Astarion, and Lae’zel stood looking at her. Embrae felt her face turn scarlet. “Gods! They don’t have music like that in the hells!" continued Karlach. "Spooky organ music is about much as I get— that and the screams of tormented souls.”

Astarion smirked. “And you keep saying you’re not a bard,” he said in a mocking singsong voice.

“Shut up,” Embrae mumbled.

“It was— pleasant.” Admitted Lae’zel thoughtfully. “My people are not without their fondness of music— although we tend to use it to sing about the glories of bloody battle.”

“Why am I not surprised?” Asked Astarion, rolling his eyes skywards.

“I should. We should go,” stuttered Embrae. “Um thanks, Alfira— I’m glad you found your song after all. She made to hand the lute back but Alfira waved her away.

“Keep it, she insisted.” Embrae tried to protest but Alfira was adamant. “I wouldn’t have found the music without you today. You were—- a muse.” She leaned forward and pulled the half-elf into a hug. Embrae froze at the contact and pulled away, still flushing.

As they walked out of the grove, Astarion continued to tease. “So, another one for the firewood, is it, he asked nodding towards the lute strapped over her pack.”

Embrae rolled her eyes and didn’t answer. She wouldn’t burn it… it had been a gift. But she’d be damned if anyone would catch her playing it again either.

“Let's just go find Auntie Ethyl before the day gets away from us, shall we? Tomorrow is likely to be full of goblin guts— so I’d like to get this done first.”

“Well, don’t be shy, strum us a tune for the road darling. Keep us entertained.”

“Yes! Play us one of those naughty tavern songs. I’ve missed them.” sighed Karlach.

“The only entertainment any of you are getting from me is my fist in Aaron's face if he doesn’t let me be.”

“I would accept that as entertainment," hissed Lae’zel from several paces ahead of them. Karlach chuckled in agreement.

Astarion affected a pained expression. “Darling I’m hurt.” His eyes gleamed wickedly. “But I can assure you, you’ ’d not be able to lay a finger on me, not unless I wanted you to.”

***