Astarion X Tav - Blog Posts

☆ with you, eternally

astarion x male reader [he / him]

sypnosis: (spawn) astarion decides to step out into the sun after his partner passes away so they could be together forever. (meant to be viewed as romantic)

the lowercase is intentional !

- warnings: character death

it had been a while since all the mindflayers and the tadpoles and the brain. actually, it had been years. decades had already come and go since then, and astarion couldn't tell that so long had already passed.

yet, so many things reminded him that time was going past.

[name] was aging, gracefully in fact. astarion loved all the wrinkles that adorned his lover's skin, or the greys that streaked [name]'s hair. those small details helped remind astarion that the world was still progressing, that he wasn't stuck in one place dreading for his end like when he was with cazador. though, it did feel like he was stuck in time, but that was because he was with [name]. he always felt as if he was stuck in slow motion with him, never wanting the days, weeks, months and years to come to an end.

but, as time progressed, [name]'s health started to decline. it wasn't anytning at first, he was perfectly fine. yet, when the wrinkles started growing deeper and when he'd get ill more often astarion knew something was up. he knew that his time with [name] wasn't going to last long. it wasn't going to in the first place anyway. astarion was cursed with immortality, whilst [name] was blessed with mortality.

astarion looked over at his lover, watching as their gaze was focused on the window outside. it was getting harder for [name] to do simple tasks on his own such as walking, eating and other mundane tasks that he had brushed past during his younger years. of course, astarion helped [name] every step of the way. he wanted to spend every moment with [name], even if it could be their last one together.

[name] looked over at astarion, noticing that someone's gaze was on him. "i don't understand why you still sit and stare at me.. i'm far too old for you to still find me attractive." [name] laughed lightheartedly. he then started coughing, making astarion's eyes widen and ears perk up out of worry and fear.

once [name] stopped coughing, astarion sighed. "i still find you attractive, dear. i'll always find you as dashing as the first day i met you, even if you were a pile of mush." astarion responded, a small smile on his face even though it pained him to see what [name] was going through.

"you are too kind.." [name] laughed a little again, his breathing deep and slow as his eyes trailed back to the window. "i'm honestly.. surprised you're still here with me. i could die at any moment, yet you stay by my side even though you can live forever." [name] whispered, his voice carried with a twinge of sadness to astarion.

astarion felt himself frowning. he didn't like where this conversation was going, not one bit. he didn't like the idea of [name] leaving him so soon, he couldn't bear it. he didn't want someone to leave him, he didn't want to be alone.

sure, astarion could've always made some effort to find an immortal lover like himself. yet, he made no such efforts to do so. [name] was his, for forever. no matter if [name] was a mere mortal or not.

"my dear, i will stay by you for as long as i will roam the earth." astarion replies, his own voice coming out as a whisper. he kneels infront of [name], taking their hand in his own before he pressed his lips to the hand. "whether you are dying, or well, i will always be by your side. i could never leave you." astarion mumbled as he pressed another kiss to [name]'s hand.

[name] hummed, turning his head back so he could look down at astarion with a small smile. "thank you, my love." the man responds, voice croaky and hoarse from the old age.

"there's no point of sharing this.. immortality of mine if i couldn't share it with you." astarion whispers, trying to refrain himself from tearing up. "even if it's just for a glimpse, a brief part of my life but all of yours.. i wouldn't want it any other way." astarion admits, looking up at [name] with a smile. yet, behind the smile were broken eyes full of pain and grief for what's to come.

[name] stares down at astarion in awe from his words. he feels touched and warmed by his lover's words. "my love.. you don't know how much i appreciate your words. you don't know how much i appreciate you.. how much i appreciate you sticking by my side.." the old man speaks, voice wavering and shaking.

astarion presses his forehead against [name]'s hand, using his own hand to squeeze theirs. he tries to keep himself from letting tears spill, but it's too late. a few start to fall onto [name]'s hand, then more and more fall onto the hand the floor.

[name] takes his free hand and he strokes astarion's cheek with it, trying to get him to look up. "don't cry, my love. i'm not gone yet.." [name] adds, a small chuckle leaving his lips as he spoke to try and lighten the mood. he just didn't want to come to terms that he'd be leaving astarion so soon.

astarion looked up and he nodded, wiping his face with his sleeve. he tried to calm down before he spoke again, he didn't want to look weak now. he couldn't act weak now. he still had to be there for [name], and [name] wasn't gone yet.

"can you lead me to the bedroom, please? i think i need to go and take a nap." [name] asks, moving the topic of conversation along. he didn't want to dampen the mood any further, the air was already thick with sorrow after all.

astarion nodded and he got up, brushing the dust off of his knees. the vampire spawn then took [name]'s arms, helping him walk over to the bedroom. once they arrived into the bedroom, astarion helped his lover onto the bed. he tucked [name] in, pressing a kiss to their wrinkled forehead before he got in next to them.

"i love you, my little star. i always will, even when my candle goes out." [name] whispers, closing his eyes slowly so he could get his rest.

astarion rested his head on [name]'s chest, listening to his slow heartbeat. "i love you, forever and always my dear." astarion whispers back, a smile on his lips as he tries to not think about what the future holds for them.

a few hours pass, and astarion moves to see if [name] is awake. the man should've woken up a while ago, his naps weren't always this long. maybe [name] was just feeling extra drowsy? astarion didn't want to think of anything else.

astarion lifts his head and he sees that [name]'s chest has stopped moving up and down. surely he's just seeing things, right? astarion just stares for a few seconds and he gulps. there's no breathing.

the vampire spawn reaches out and grabs [name]'s hand. it's cold. yes, [name] had recently been growing colder and colder, not being the same firey warmth astarion was used to. but, this time the coldness was different. it was almost as if [name] was a solid block of ice. maybe it was because there was a breeze in the room? that was surely it, right?

astarion rests his head on [name]'s chest once again to confirm his suspicions. he needs to be 100% sure of something before he jumps to conclusions. and there it is.. [name] no longer has a pulse. there's no longer a heartbeat astarion can hear to remind him that his lover is alive.

"no.." astarion mumbles, lifting his head up once more to take a look at his dearest. "no, no, no.." astarion shakes his head, trying to blink away incoming tears but it's no use. his love is gone. nothing can bring him back. no tears, no cries or screams are going to bring [name] back. there was absolutely nothing. [name]'s candle had been blown out, and too early for astarion's liking. there was so much unspoken words, so many things astarion could've said and things he wanted to say. but it was too late.

astarion started bawling. he gripped tightly onto his dead lover's body, not letting it go. it was as if he was protecting it from some unknown entity, scared they were going to take away [name] from him. but, they already had.

"no.. [name] why?!" astarion sobbed into [name]'s chest. he couldn't even let out any proper tears, he was silently crying, screaming even, into [name]'s unbeating chest.

astarion's mind and heart rattle inside of him. they wrestle, trying to get astarion to listen, to do one thing that they offer. yet, astarion does not budge. he does not hear his heart or his mind. the only thing he can hear is his silent crying into [name]'s chest, the sound he desperately didn't want to hear until years into the future.

the vampire's mind screams and yells at him, telling him that astarion should join him. his mind screams that they could be together forever if astarion just joined him. but how? there was no possible way for astarion to join [name], as much as he wanted to.

yet, there was a solution. the sun.

astarion was only a spawn, he couldn't walk out in the sun without a fear of being burnt into a crisp. the only method of him joining [name] would be walking out into the sun or getting staked in the heart. astarion opted for the sun.

astarion let go of [name]'s body, running out of the house and into the sun. the golden hues kissed his pale skin, until they started to burn. piece by piece, astarion started to flow away as ash. the ash littered the sky, almost telling a story of the words astarion wanted to say, the story of his tragedy.

perhaps it was a spur of the moment thing, a stupid, silly idea that astarion shouldn't of acted upon. but it was too late now. astarion could now finally be with [name], eternally. they could finally be together until the end of time.

astarion didn't want anything else, just to be with [name] forever and always.

- author's note: hope you guys enjoyed :)

- navigation ; masterlist ; requests

☆ i want you

astarion x male reader [he / him]

sypnosis: under cazador's rule, astarion never got what he wanted. but, that changed ever since he met [name]. (meant to be viewed as romantic)

the lowercase is intentional !

for the past 200 years of his life, astarion never had a say in what he wanted to do. he had to go out, look for people to lure back to cazador and sleep with those said people. it was never what he wanted. it was what cazador wanted.

astarion had to listen to orders from his 'master'. he had to always follow his 'master's wants and demands, or else something bad would happen.

but astarion didn't want to listen.

astarion wanted to chose to do what he wanted, not what cazador wanted. why did he have to do what someone else wanted him to do? why was that person not able to accomplish their wants on their own? astarion did understand.

by coincidence, astarion found himself on a mindflayer ship and soon crash landing near a beach.

the spawn was free from cazador, at least for now. he was able to walk into the sun too for the first time in 200 years. most importantly, astarion felt free. well, his idea of 'being free' was quite restricted. he now had a parasite that could turn him into a tentacled, brain eating monster at any point. astarion didn't like how that was his definition of being free from cazador.

of course, down the line of astarion's new found and temporary freedom, he met [name]. from that day forth, the two started travelling together.

there was something about [name] that astarion couldn't understand. he was nothing like the other people astarion knew. he was nothing like astarion's brothers, or sisters or even cazador. there was something different about him.

[name] listened. he listened to everything astarion, and other companions, said to him. he was so attentive and observant, which was quite unlike all the people astarion had met before. it was all about them and their feelings and their wants, not astarions.

it made astarion feel something. it made the vampire spawn feel something that he hadn't felt in his 200 years of 'living'. yet, astarion couldn't bring himself to understand what this feeling was. or, well, he didn't want to confront the feeling after being trapped for so long not being able to have what he wants.

night had fallen upon camp, and everyone was sitting around the fire. everyone was laughing, making jokes and telling eachother stories about their pasts before the parasites. that was everyone except astarion.

astarion was lurking in the shadows, just as he did before when he did the things cazador wanted him to do. astarion's mind was just rattling, plaguing him with different ideas about [name] and he just didn't want to confront himself about it. astarion tried his hardest to push away these thoughts and feelings, to lock them away forever, but nothing was working.

a sudden snap of a branch was heard, making astarion shoot his head towards the noise. it was [name], a smile plastered on his face and a glass of wine in his hands that he held out for astarion to take.

"you looked lonely, i thought you might want some company." [name] said as he walked closer to astarion, taking a seat on the floor besides the spawn.

astarion took the wine and he started to sip on it, not making any eye contant with [name] whatsoever. why did the man he was just thinking of and trying to hard to ignore the feelings he had for have to show up? and why did he have to be so nice, and caring, and considerate all the damn time?

the vampire spawn sighed to himself, although it was still loud enough for [name] to hear him do so. he took another sip of the wine and his eyes darted from his glass, to [name] and back again. he wanted to say something to the other man, but he didn't know what to say.

"i think.. i think i've finally figured out what i want." astarion mumbled into the glass, his eyes fixated on it, no longer moving to look at his companion.

[name] turned his head towards astarion and he raised an eyebrow. he was definitely curious as to what his friend 'wants'. he was surprised that astarion even decided to bring up such a thing in the first place. "oh?" is all [name] responded with, wanting astarion to keep the conversation going.

astarion cleared his throat before he spoke yet again. "i mean, i've always had to do what others wanted me to do, like cazador.. but i've finally figured out what i want." astarion continues speaking, secretly hoping that [name] isn't weirded out by what he's saying.

"well, what is it that you want?" [name] hummed in response, a smile forming on his lips as his face was still turned towards astarion. he'd be willing to help out the spawn with his desires, no matter what those desires may be.

astarion took a deep breath and he finally looked at [name]. for some reason he felt so flustered and mushy, he never felt like this when luring people to cazador. but then again, [name] always made him feel so different.

"i want you." astarion whispered, his crimson eyes glimmering in the moonlight as they stayed fixated on [name]. "not just for sex or passion, i want you fully. for love and simple pleasures between us two." astarion confessed, feeling relieved for finally admitting his feelings but at the same time feeling proud for saying what he wanted.

[name] sat there processing astarion's words for a few seconds. astarion was getting a little nervous admittedly at [name]'s lack of response. nobody who astarion manipulated or tricked before ever stayed this silent at some seduction. but this wasn't just simple seduction, this was the truth. astarion truly did want [name].

a smile was still on [name]'s lips after he had processed the words astarion had given him. there was no look of disgust or annoyance on the man's face, and quite frankly astarion was glad.

"i think i could make that work." [name] finally replied, taking astarion's empty hand into his own. he then stroked the pale elf's hand gently, still looking up at his face. "we could make this work." [name] finished his response with a kiss to astarion's hand, and astarion felt the happiest he had ever felt in years.

astarion had finally gotten what he had wanted. he now had [name], and [name] had him. astarion couldn't feel any better. he was so glad that he could get the things that he wanted, not the things that others wanted.

astarion finally felt the freest he had ever felt in 200 years.

☆ author's note: hope you guys enjoy (even if this is kind of short)! i finally triggered astarion's confession scene today :') keep requests coming! you guys can also request some valentine's day themed things too!

☆ masterlist ▪︎ request

☆ touches

astarion x male reader [he / him]

sypnosis: astarion doesn't remember the last time he felt the touch of someone that wasn't for sexual purposes. he hopes to remember all of [name]'s touches. (meant to be viewed as romantic)

the lowercase is intentional !

astarion doesn't remember the last time he's felt the sweet, loving touch of another. for the past 200 years it's just been touches of agony, or touches of sexual pleasure. nothing else.

but, then there was [name]. a man he met right after the nautiloid crashed, and he's been travelling with the other ever since then.

astarion had grown quite fond of [name], but he wasn't going to admit that. he couldn't admit that because he quite frankly didn't know how to. all he knew about loving another was just seducing and manipulating them so they'd sleep with him, trust him forever. astarion didn't know true love yet.

a sigh escapes the vampire spawn's lips as he rests at his tent. he's reading through a book, sipping from his goblet, wine pouring down his throat and for some reason astarion just can't get [name] out of his head.

he wants to care for the man, to be held by the man. he didn't just want something sexual with [name]. he wanted something romantic, something sweet and innocent. something that wasn't like anything else had experienced. something new.

astarion shook his head, trying to shake off the thoughts that were plaguing him. he couldn't think of another like this, it was unusal and nothing at all like him.

[name] noticed the small look of sadness that was plastered on astarion's face. it was something different - [name] never noticed the vampire spawn to have such an expression. naturally, the man was concerned for his companion.

"astarion?" [name] said as he approached the said male, a small smile on his face as he got closer to astarion. he tried to reassure him with his words and the look on his face, not make him any more upset than he already was.

"is something wrong, darling?" astarion replied, his face immediately being wiped of any sign of saddness or discomfort. he was hiding his true feelings, like always.

[name] studied astarion's face well, looking him up and down to see the hint of sadness that was on his face before. astarion's face didn't show it, he hid it. but his eyes told his secrets.

"you.. there's something wrong isn't there?" [name] responded to astarion's question with another question, crossing his arms over his chest. "i won't pry.. but i'm worried for you astarion. i've never seen you, well, upset before." [name] sighed, a small frown now forming on his lips.

astarion was surprised with [name]'s answer, to say the least. he didn't expect the man to be so perceptive of everything, let alone of someone like astarion.

the gesture warmed astarion's cold heart, and astarion felt like it was beating again. nobody had ever made him feel such a way these past 200 years. nobody cared about what astarion felt or wanted, they only cared about torturing him or trying to get into bed with him.

"i care for you, astarion. truly." [name] continued as he took a few, cautious steps forward, not wanting to startle astarion. "i'm here for you, and i want to help you with whatever it is you're upset about." the male carried on speaking gently before he took ahold of both of astarion's pale hands, stroking them.

astarion felt like he was melting. [name]'s soft touches were just doing it for him, he wanted to stay like this for as long as possible. he wanted to remember this moment for as long as he lived. he was finally being touch with such gentleness, such softness and love. he felt as if his heart was actually beating again.

"it's nothing, my dear. just.. something silly. it's nothing, really." astarion smiles at [name], but the other is not convinced at all by the elf's words.

"i don't think it's nothing, astarion. you were upset and even if it is something.. i still want to hear it." [name] insists, even though he said a few moments prior that he wouldn't pry if astarion didn't feel like it. he still held the elf's hands in his own, never wanting to let go.

astarion submit to [name]'s words and soft touches. he couldn't say no to the man infront of him, even if he tried, and he tried, and he tried again. it wouldn't work.

astarion sighs and he shakes his head, taking a deep breath before speaking up again. "it's just.. i wished to have someone touch me in a more romantic, non sexual way. but.. you've fulfilled all of my desires, love. so there's nothing else to be said." the vampire spawn expresses his worries, a smile on his face as he speaks to [name].

[name] nods and listens intently to what astarion has to say about his worries. [name] feels sorry for astarion, how could he not? the other knew nothing of kindness, nothing of love and non-sexual intimacy for 200 years. he had been tortured, sleeping with other people without ever feeling the love of another.

"well, i'm glad i can help you, star." [name] replies with a whisper, a hand moving up to touch astarion's cheek. his touch is soft, warm and everything astarion wanted. the vampire spawn never wanted this to end. he wanted to stay like this forever, even if he had mentioned that to himself multiple times before.

"thank you." astarion says back to the man infront of him, his voice slightly breaking as his smile wobbles on his lips. he truly feels that this is the life he wants for the rest of eternity. he wants nothing else but these touches and sweet, sweet words.

[name] hums and he continues to stroke astarion's cheek tenderly, his eyes filled with love for the other man. he also didn't want this moment to end, as much as astarion didn't want it to end.

"you don't have to thank me. i'll always be glad to be by your side, and show you as much love as you need. whether that be touches, words or anything else that you need." [name] whispers into astarion's ear before placing a sweet kiss on astarion's cheek. his words were true and sincere, full of a love that astarion hadn't felt in so long.

astarion nods along to [name]'s words, savouring the moment for what felt like forever. he wanted to savour it for forever, he wanted to remember it for forever and all of the moments similar to this one that would follow after.

"i want to remember all of these moments.. all of these touches for forever." astarion confesses, his words almost hushed so only [name] could hear them and nobody else at camp. it felt like they were the only two people there.

"then, i'll keep giving you new moments to remember too. for as long as possible." [name] responds, a feeling of truth and honestly behind his words. astarion definitely wouldn't be opposed to having more touches, words and memories shared with [name]. it would be simply wonderful. perfect even.

astarion knows he will remember the new memories of having felt the sweet, loving touch of another. for the next 200 years and beyond, he will remind himself of [name] and every moment they shared. they love that they had for eachother.

astarion is sure to remember.

☆ author's note: hope you guys enjoy my first bg3 fic! astarion is who i am currently romancing on my first try too. i'm looking forward to romancing wyll next, all of his scenes just seem so sweet. the dancing.. might write something about it. keep requesting too!

☆ masterlist ▪︎ request

How could you. My heart </3

Nightmare

HC: even though he doesn’t require sleep, if tav is human, Astarion picks up the habit as a means to spend as much time with them as possible… since humans have one of the shortest life spans of all the races in Faerûn.

They're both highly ridiculous prople but somehow it's working to their advantage

Been playing bg3 again and enjoying them mods!

Because of all that I finally got around to draw my drow Tarlin (Tavlyn depending on which campaign I'm playing cause I keep making new campaigns and they're all just him)

Tarlin was born in the underdark in Menzoberranzan to a lower Lolth priestess and her pleasure slave, a Seldarine drow named Ristal. He was destined to be a lolth priestess as well, but as an Eilistraee worshipper, Ristal couldn't handle having his youngest being a pawn for the spider queen. So he abducted him while he was only a couple months old and ran to the surface, ending up in Luskan.

While on the surface Ristal fell in love with a half elf who instantly took the role of Tarlins mother. Everything was great until about 6 years in when Ristal disappeared and a odd fringe group of Sune worshippers kidnapped Tarlin.

Tarlins life is a blur after that, living in a cult until his late teens, losing his best friend(who is turned into a vampire), then escaping and wondering Faerun in search of said friend, his mother and father.

He finds his friend in his early 40s shortly before the events of Bg3.

(in traditional vampire fan fashion) Tarlin and Astarion become partners.

In whatever ending the good, the bad, and the heartbreaking, Tarlin ends up being turned into a vampire by his friend during childbirth. He has a daughter with Astarion, Alena, a dhampir.

Little tidbits:

Tarlins left eye is marked with a Sune blessing, the red gets more vibrant when Tarlin develops genuine feelings for someone (the only someone is Astarion). The mark will turn black and his left eye goes blind when he is heartbroken, only happens in a heartbreaking ending.

Tarlin is an Eilistraee worshipper, so he has her old symbol tattooed on his left arm. He has 2 star tattoos on his chest because they are the first thing he remembers seeing when he and his father left the underdark.

Tarlin has piercings, nearly everywhere. He takes out his facial piercings during the events of bg3, cause being punched in the face hurts with them in, and obviously, he fights more, and he can't deal with that bs.

I'm gonna post some screenshots of everyone soon cause I spent 3 hours just designing what everyone in his family looks like.

I did it... I actually drew my Tav and Astarion...

Tavlyn is a Seldarine drow, born in Menzoberranzan to a Lolth priestess and a low life male named Ristal (Seldarine as well) Tav was to become a priestess as well but Ristal didn't want that and kidnapped him and brought him to Luskan, where he grew up.

His marking is a "blessing" from a Sune priest who was obsessed with him. (It darkens in color when he falls in love, genuine love, which he develops for Astarion)

ANYWAY! I DREW THEM!

made an astarion playlist with songs that actually remind me of him because i'm mentally ill about this man

i want to write a fic for him inspired by disintegration (the cure) so bad </3

Seducing Astarion as a Rogue is fun!

Someone to shed some light - chapter list

Astarion x gn!reader - soon to be NSFW

Summary:

After being raised as a commoner, you find yourself as the last in a royal bloodline, forced into a marriage with someone you’ve never met. He’s more than he seems. AKA: An arranged marriage AU with everyone’s favorite vampire.

Chapter List:

I. The Wedding

II. The Honeymoon

III. The Zhentarim

IV. The Hunter

V. The Camp

VI. On its way!

Break of Dawn, Chapter 3 (Astarion x Tiefling! Tav)

A/N: I wanted to experiment writing chapters from Astarion's perspective, so that's what this is. Featuring Astarion's awesome flirting skills and vague Gale slander.

Warnings: Brief flashback scene with Cazabitch but nothing too graphic.

WC: 4k

Astarion could not believe his good fortune.

To be fair, he would’ve thought a day spent somewhere besides the palace or someone else’s bed without the threat of a whip to the back would’ve been paradise, but this? This was beyond anything he had dared to hope for.

Which was funny, considering how his day had started.

It was the same as always: woken from a weak trance he had been lucky enough to earn by the tapping of his master’s staff. He had rolled out of his bunk and bent his head as Cazador gave his orders. Ten people by sunrise, no preference for age or sex, but he’d receive something by way of a reward if he found someone blonde. Astarion never questioned his master’s tastes. Success meant dinner, failure meant pain. He had agreed because he had no other option.

Cazador had gripped his chin in a frigid hand, tilting Astarion’s head back until he was forced to meet his master’s eyes. A small smile had crossed his face while he examined Astarion, a cruel sort of fondness in his gaze.

“Your brother fell short of my expectations,” he had drawled in a voice like a breeze through a crypt. “And I have no desire to punish another of my children tonight.” One thin eyebrow had raised. “You won’t disappoint me, will you?”

“No, master.” 

The smile twitched up slightly.

“For your sake, I should hope so.”

Cazador had bent and pressed a kiss against Astarion’s hairline, and it took everything he had to suppress the shudder that almost wracked his body. As Cazador straightened, the grip around his chin suddenly tightened, and Astarion caught a glimpse of what he knew to be the beginnings of Cazador’s irritation.                 

“I gave you the privilege to rest, my child. It is well past nightfall now. Did you not think I would want you ready by sunset?”      

“I’m sorry, master, I—"

A squeeze against his throat and Astarion’s voice had choked off.

“You have taken advantage of my generosity. Perform well tonight, and perhaps I will overlook this slight.” Cazador had given him a long, slow blink. “I told you ten for tonight?”

Astarion nodded, knowing better than to speak. Cazador’s smile split into a full grin, fangs curved over pale lips.

“Bring me fifteen.”

Astarion had dressed as best he could, doing his best to hide the ache deep in his bones and the familiar dagger pain in his stomach. He had passed the kennels on the way out and ignored Petras’s howls from inside. Petras had failed. Astarion would not.

He had walked the halls so many times that he barely registered the servants stalking the passages, fists clenched tightly around their brooms and rags, eyes turned down in permanent subjugation. His thoughts swirled in a spiral of his own mental chastising. He knew better than to oversleep, knew better than to push his master’s limits. Now he was paying the price. Fifteen before the sun came up was near impossible, but it was nothing he hadn’t managed before. Astarion had grit his teeth. He wouldn’t fail.

He was so distracted that he had nearly collided with Dalyria. Astarion hissed and sidestepped her.

“Watch where you’re going,” he had growled at her. Dalyria had just huffed and continued the way he had come from, he caught the faint scent of blood as she passed. He paused and turned back to watch her go.

“You ate?” he called. Dalyria had stopped and tilted her head back.

“I brought the master one of the hunters from the Gur camp. I was rewarded.”                                                                                                      

Astarion’s stomach rumbled at the mere mention of a meal.        

“With what?” 

Dalyria had blinked, and Astarion caught a glimpse of pity. Maybe a bit of guilt.         

“A rabbit.

Astarion could hardly believe it. Two hundred years and he’d never gotten a rabbit. Dalyria flinched as Astarion couldn’t even bother to hide his rage.

“Perhaps if you’re quick tonight, you will be rewarded, too.”

Astarion said nothing as he slipped away. He couldn’t fail now. Not if rabbits were on the table. He’d bring Cazador all the blondes on the Sword Coast if he had to.   

The lamplit streets of Baldur’s Gate were familiar to Astarion as he slinked down the paths to his usual haunts in the Lower City. Yousen had nearly been flayed alive a few nights prior when he’d brought back the son of a wealthy patriar by accident, so the Upper City was currently off limits. That meant seedy bars and sweaty hands ruining his already patched-together clothing, but at least the people there wouldn’t be missed. He could already feel himself going through the motions: drawing his back up straight, fixing his hair, digging roach legs out from between his teeth and wiping the dirt from his skin. Tonight, he was a charming magistrate from the Upper City looking for a pretty commoner to bring back to his estate. Confident, sultry, put-together. For his sake, he hoped he found someone who bought it.

Astarion passed the Elfsong and noticed it was busy but decided against finding a mark there. He’d gone to that tavern the last few nights he’d been sent out and had no desire to draw suspicion, even if the patrons there were usually of a higher class than those that frequented the less popular bars in the city. Instead, Astarion’s feet brought up to the Blushing Mermaid. He wasn’t fond of the sailors and pirates that he pulled there—the one thing worse than their breath was their manners, both in and out of the bedroom—but the Mermaid’s clientele was often a desperate sort. People who had just spent months with nothing but the open ocean for miles and only their own hands for company. Usually, all it took was a whispered promise of ecstasy to get a wayward sailor following on his heels. The quality of any resulting situation was rarely stellar and often painful, but it was nothing Astarion hadn’t stomached before.

He was already running down his reliable list of lines to use on his chosen victim when a sudden gust of air blew past the top of his head. Astarion curled his lip, knowing his hair was now likely in disarray, but a scream further up the street drew his focus away.

It was Baldur’s Gate. Astarion had heard screaming before, often followed by the sound of a coin purse or a stomach getting split open and the footsteps of a thief fleeing the scene before the Fist arrived, but this felt different. It wasn’t a scream of someone being mugged or assaulted. Whoever it was sounded terrified.

He didn’t even get the chance to find out why when a light flared up before him, and even after two centuries of running from the sun Astarion could tell it wasn’t daylight. If his lungs still had breath, he was sure the air would’ve been sucked from him. His ears popped, and the light disappeared.

The next thing he knew, he was in a very tight and very dark place, and for a moment his undead heart seized at just the prospect of being deep underground again. His hands clawed out, terror in his throat. What had happened? Had he passed out? Been attacked? Tears burned in his eyes because he knew it didn’t matter what had happened if he had failed. If one of Cazador’s minions had had to drag him back to the mansion empty handed.

He was back in a coffin, back to endless days of blackness and hunger and—

Astarion’s hands met glass.

The panic waned for a moment, replaced by confusion. His fingers dragged down a cold surface, and now that he wasn’t consumed entirely by fear and actually focused, he could see that the surface in front of him was transparent but fogged up by smoke and his frantic undead breath. Glass, he told himself. Not wood. Not a coffin.          

But that hadn’t answered his question of where he was. Or, more importantly, how much trouble he was going to be in when he escaped.

He was just beginning to formulate excuses and apologies for whenever he next faced his master’s wrath when the glass suddenly lifted away, and Astarion found himself face to face with one of the most hideous creatures he’d ever seen. All tentacles and beady orange eyes, long fingers holding up something squirming, and then he was screaming as his eyelids were pried open and it was shoved into his socket, wriggling all the way down.

Astarion had faded in and out of consciousness after that, wondering if it was all just a bad dream—somehow worse than his usual bad dreams—but soon he felt a shudder through the floor, and the far wall was ripped away. He couldn’t get a good look outside, but he saw a bolt of fire rip through the room. Astarion could do nothing but watch in terror as the room began to burn and hope that he wouldn’t be roasted alive. Well, not alive, but…you know.

Soon after he caught sight of someone moving outside. He had reached up and wiped away some of the fog on the glass and saw the vague outline of a tiefling climbing down from some kind of large pod. The same kind of pod Astarion figured he had to be in. He watched the tiefling straighten out, horns stark against the blaze of flames, and saw their face framed in the light streaming from outside. It was a woman, that much he could tell, but she was sprinting from the room before he had the opportunity make out much else besides that and the symbol of a sun on her chest armor. He didn’t even have the chance to call out for help.                   

Another lurch, and he had no time to stop his head from snapping forward against the glass, and everything went dark again.

Then he was on the beach.

Everything had hurt when he opened his eyes again, more than usual, but that quickly became a low priority problem when he realized he was laying in the sun. Astarion had shot up, every instinct in him telling him to run, but as he stood and looked down to assess the damage, he was beyond shocked to see no blisters, no burns. Instead, just his pale skin, fully exposed to the sun, scratched and slightly bloody but otherwise completely fine. He was standing in the sun. Standing in the sun and he was okay.        

It took another bewildered moment for Astarion to realize another thing. Besides a splitting headache, his mind felt remarkably empty. There was a strange tingle behind his eye, but beyond that, nothing. No voice telling him what to do. No whispered command to cut his own skin or to lay with a person he could not have cared less about. No compulsion. No Cazador.                         

If his headache wasn’t so bad, Astarion would’ve been convinced he had died a second time and somehow slipped into Elysium.

His elation only lasted a moment longer before reality set in, however. He was, somehow, standing in the sun, far enough away that Cazador couldn’t reach him, completely and utterly by himself with no idea where he was or what to do. The familiar rumble in his stomach told him a meal should be a top priority, followed perhaps by a tumble in the river to see if he could manage a swim without his vampiric nature causing the water to make him vomit. Then he needed to find civilization.

Astarion looked around. He needed a plan.                                   

He didn’t know how to make a plan.               

He sighed.    

Maybe the situation wasn’t as great as he thought.

Astarion was standing in front of the wreck of his pod, trying to force his brain to come up with something useful, when he heard a voice over his shoulder. He turned and saw two figures further up the road he’d been standing on, with a third a little bit behind them. Astarion blinked into the sun—his eyes were starting to hurt from the sudden strain—and caught the shape of curved horns and red skin.                  A tiefling. The tiefling. The one that had ditched him on the ship.

Now he had a plan.

A plea for help had brought the woman over, with her two companions following shortly after. A quick lie about one of the mindflayers’ pets in the bushes brought the tiefling close enough to snatch, but not before he caught her eyes and saw a momentary flash of suspicion. Astarion gave her his best smile in an attempt to broadcast that he could be trusted and grabbed her the moment she turned her back on him. Stupid move on her part. Never trust a stranger on the road.

Her companions had started yelling almost immediately as he brought his knife to the tiefling’s throat, and this close he could smell her. The sweat on her skin, the faint whiff of cinnamon underneath, and the blood in her veins. Rich and delicious. Her neck was right there. He felt his mouth begin to water and his stomach reminded him that he was starving. All it would take was a tilt of his head, an open mouth, and he’d be more fed in that moment than he had been in nearly two centuries.                      

There was a blossom of pain against his chin and the tiefling was slipping from his hands. With a start, he realized she had bashed her horns against his face. Bitch.             

Astarion leapt to his feet and held his dagger up as he faced the tiefling and her companions. In the sun, her skin looked red as cherries, but there was something wrong with it. He squinted and caught the raised edges of scars curling over her lower face and down her neck. Burn scars, from the look of it, too old to have come from the burning ship. Even with the scars, the woman was pretty. Attractive. Bright, clever eyes, long dark hair braided down her back. His gaze was drawn to her armor again, and he recognized the symbol of the sun as Lathander’s. The Morninglord had no temples in the city, but his and his followers’ quest against the undead was violent enough that Cazador had taught all the spawn to be wary of those baring the mark of the Dawnbringer. 

Astarion narrowed his eyes. So, not only had the woman left him behind, but she also happened to serve the one god who hated the undead more than anything else? Great. Wonderful. Fantastic.

He had spat out his suspicion towards the woman, accusing her of working for the illithids, to which she had retorted that none of them—neither her nor her companions—had wanted to be on that ship. Apparently, they had gotten something slimy forced into their eyes. Parasites that would turn them into mindflayers by the week’s end if they didn’t find a cure. Astarion felt his heart plummet.

He’d gotten the sun and freedom from his mater in exchange for hideous tentacles. Just his luck.

The tiefling introduced herself as Tav, the brooding half-elf as Shadowheart—ominous—and the human wizard as Gale. To Astarion’s surprise, Tav had extended the offer to him to travel with her group, much to Shadowheart’s immediate and obvious irritation. He had weighed his options. On the one hand, he knew it would be incredibly stupid to follow a Lathanderite whose sole divine mission was to hunt the undead. If she even had the hint of suspicion that he was on her god’s hit list, he was done for.

On the other, Astarion genuinely couldn’t recall the last time he’d been on his own. The last time he had to fend for himself. He had enough sense to know that trying to survive by himself would likely end in disaster, and that his odds improved exponentially when accounting for allies, even if one was Lathander’s pet cleric. Oh, well. Beggars couldn’t be choosers.                                               

Astarion had sheathed his dagger and agreed, layering on his best smile for good measure.

Yes, his luck was certainly on the upswing.     

---

Astarion may have not been a fully-fledged member of society in two hundred years, but that didn’t mean he’d forgotten how to make conversation. A skill the wizard apparently lacked. It had taken less than ten minutes of Gale’s rambling about the wildlife he’d noticed on their journey so far for Astarion to determine that, at the first chance, he was pushing the wizard off a cliff. The half-elf, Shadowheart, wasn’t much better. She was quiet and somber, glaring at him every time he so much as looked her way. Astarion gathered enough to know that she, too, was a cleric, but she wouldn’t say who her patron was.

That was fine enough for Astarion. The only confirmation he needed was that Shadowheart was not another Lathanderite. Her lip had curled when she denied the accusation, and Astarion had the sneaking suspicion that, for all Shadowheart’s bristles, she may have been a kindred spirit.

Then there was Tav. Early on in their trek, had had bounded to the front where she was walking. It was obvious the other two were looking to Tav as some kind of leader, and damned if he wasn’t going to weasel his way into her good graces as soon as he could.

“So,” he had drawled as he sidled up to her side. “What’s a woman like you doing in a place like this?”

He almost bit his tongue from cringing at his own line, but it had gotten an eyeroll and a small grin out of Tav, which he counted as a win.

“A mindflayer ship, same as you.”

“Ah, yes. Of course.”             

He waited for Tav to say something, but she let the attempt at conversation lapse into an awkward silence only broken by Gale’s whistling from behind them. Astarion had cleared his throat and cast a glance at Tav. She was pretty, even with the roping scars across her face and neck.

“What were you doing when the mindflayers got you?” she finally said, obviously feeling his eyes on her. He smiled, slipping into the persona he’d been ready to use on his victims.

“Just some late-night paperwork. I’m a magistrate, back in Baldur’s Gate. Tedious work. I’d stepped outside to stretch my legs when those heathens snatched me up.”                                                         

“Baldur’s Gate?” Tav said, and he had caught a curious look in her eye. “I was heading that way when the mindflayers got me."         

“What buisiness do you have in the city?”

Tav had paused, swallowed, bit her lip.

“Visiting friends.”

Astarion knew a lie when he saw one but hadn’t pressed his luck.

Shortly after that, shouting from up ahead and drawn their attention. Astarion stood back and watched as Tav had jogged up, and when he and the others had caught up with her, they saw Tav speaking to two other tieflings who were pointing at something hung in a cage nearby. Upon closer inspection, Astarion saw it was a gith woman, looking very much like an angry toad, glaring at the crowd below.

Tav was talking in low tones to the tieflings, but the words that reached his ears were in a language he didn’t recognize. The two tieflings had exchanged a glance with each other before walking away. Shadowheart had turned on Tav the moment they were out of earshot.

“You are not freeing are, are you?” she had snapped. Tav had already angled her fingers in the direction of the rope holding the cage above the ground.

“More the merrier, Shadowheart. We need allies.”

“Not if those allies are gith.”

Tav hadn’t waited for any more dissention. She let loose a small flicker of brilliant gold flame that seared the edge of the rope. With a crash, the cage had collided into the ground, freeing the gith inside. Almost immediately, Shadowheart broke into an angry rant that the gith wasted no time in joining. Tav nudged in-between the two, attempting to cool the situation.

“Well, she seems delightful,” Gale had quipped from beside him.

Tav had eventually explained that she and Shadowheart had met the gith woman on the mindflayer vessel, and that apparently the gith had been very adamant on leaving Shadowheart to burn alive in her pod, something Shadowheart was still very clearly upset about. There was some bickering, some swearing, and some mild threats of violence, but both Shadowheart and the gith had eventually fallen into a tense calm.

The gith had introduced herself as Lae’zel before explaining that her people knew a cure for their current predicament, and that the cure was located somewhere she called a creche. Whatever the hells that was. Lae’zel had apparently heard her tiefling captors discussing someone who had seen githyanki nearby, and that must have meant one of their strongholds was in the area.

Tav had then revealed the details of her conversation with the tieflings. Under the guise of needing a healer—which Astarion figured wasn’t quite a lie—she had gotten the tieflings to reveal the location of their encampment: a druid’s grove near the top of the incline, around a mile away. However, the tieflings had mentioned something about the grove not being open to strangers, especially not after dark, so the group had decided to make camp and visit the grove in the morning.

That was almost an hour ago, and the sun was giving out its last bit of light before dipping beneath the horizon. As it turned out, only Tav, Lae’zel, and Shadowheart had the supplies to set up a tent, but the two clerics had extra bedrolls to spare for him and Gale. Lae’zel had found an open patch of grass near the beach that was far enough away from the trees to ease fears about wild animals finding their little camp. It was far from luxury, but anywhere Astarion could lay down without Cazador breathing down his neck was good enough. 

Astarion was setting up his bedroll around the fire Gale had started and found his eyes wandering to Tav. Out of solidarity, she had refused to put up her tent and elected to sleep out in the open with him and Gale. Shadowheart and Lae’zel had not followed her example and were putting their tents up on opposite ends of the clearing. Gale meanwhile had begun walking the perimeter of the camp and was setting up protection spells for some extra insurance against attacks, leaving just Astarion and Tav by the fire. Astarion watched her removing her armor piece by piece, first the large chest plate followed by the tough leather shirt underneath, leaving her in just a loose shirt and leggings. The more she stripped away, the more it became clear how far down her scars ran. Her arms, hands, and upper chest were all mottled with puckered tissue, interspersed with patches of white flesh.

“It’s vitiligo,” she said suddenly. He blinked. Apparently he wasn’t being as subtle as he had thought.                      

“Sorry?”

Tav looked up, and in the dark her infernal eyes almost seemed to glow. She pointed to a spot of white skin just above her elbow, stark against the surrounding red flesh.

“These little patches. It’s a skin condition. My body doesn’t make enough pigment, so sometimes the color gets washed out.” She looked up with a crooked smile. “It’s not contagious.”

Astarion hadn’t even realized he was leaning away from her.                  

“Ah. Yes, of course. I knew that.”

Tav gave him a look that he wasn’t sure was a good one.

“Besides,” continued, looking back down to where she was running a cloth over a crossbow. “You’re so pale already, I doubt it would make much of a difference.”

Astarion huffed and rolled his eyes.

“Don’t blame me for wanting to keep all this,” he gestured up and down his body, “looking its best.” He blinked. “Not that the spots don’t suit you, of course. They’re charming.”

“Thanks. I guess.”

Astarion shot her his best smile, but only saw a slight scrunch form between her full brows. Tav was speaking again before he had a chance to take control of the conversation. 

“Speaking of, not to be rude of course, but I couldn’t help but notice you are rather…pallid.” Tav turned to face him fully, crossbow abandoned in her lap. “Don’t get a lot of sun?”

Astarion met her gaze. There was something in Tav’s expression, a pinch in the corners of her eyes, that he couldn’t put his finger on. So, he shrugged and let an easy grin fall over his face.

“I spend my days in an office, darling. Not a lot of time for sunlight when the Fist have you pouring over every minor case this side of the Chionthar.”

“Are you sick, then? The paleness could be due to…lack of blood flow, perhaps? Poor circulation?” 

Astarion caught the suspicion in her eyes this time. An arc in her brow as she worried the skin of her lip between her front teeth. He cursed himself. Tav was a cleric of Lathander. They were bloodhounds when it came to sniffing out the undead. Combined with the other events of the day, she was definitely on high alert.

So, he smiled. Leaned back onto his hands, purposefully catching the fading sunlight that was streaking into camp past the trees. He didn’t need a mirror to know the rays were directly on his face now.

“Alas, I am but one victim in a long line of porcelain elves. Just be grateful you got me and not my father—staring at him in this light would blind you.”

He wasn’t sure if that was a lie or not. Astarion couldn’t remember his father’s face.

“But I do appreciate your concern, dear. Should I feel under the weather, you’ll be the first I call.”

Tav took a long moment, staring at him in the sun, obviously fighting some internal battle. Astarion watched, begging her to let the matter drop, to turn away, to give him his first easy night in two centuries.

At last, her lips curled up in a slight grin, but he could still see a sliver of hesitation in her eyes.

“Of course. I didn’t mean to be nosey. Cleric’s instincts, you understand.”

“Water under the bridge, darling."

There was a clatter and a shout, and they both turned to look over at where Shadowheart and Lae’zel were bickering over what looked like a broken crossbow. Tav sighed and stood, brushing dirt off her pants as she turned away to calm the storm once again.

“I’ll take the first watch tonight,” he called after her. Tav glanced back, a question in her eyes, but she simply nodded. He watched her go, her tail curled up high against her back, shoulders strong, hair well-combed.

An uneasy feeling stirred in his stomach. Tav was suspicious, and watching him walk in the sun was only going to stop her snooping for so long. Eventually, she was going to start digging like Lathander’s lapdogs always do, and the game would be up when she inevitably found out the truth.

Astarion drew his brows together. Vampires were far from the most well-liked creatures in Faerûn, and he didn’t trust any of the people in camp to let him stay if they found out what he was. At best he’d be cast out, at worst he’d be staked. And as much as Astarion hated to admit it, he knew he’d be useless by himself. Two hundred years deprived of freedom led to rusty survival skills. He needed this group, if for nothing else just to keep him safe for the time being.                More importantly, he needed Tav. Her approval was a necessity to earn his place in her makeshift party. It was just a matter of how to earn that approval.

His stomach growled, and he was once again reminded of how hungry he was.

Tav’s favor was a tomorrow problem. For now, he was going to find himself a godsdamn rabbit for dinner.

Break of Dawn, Chapter 2 (Astarion x Tiefling! Tav)

A/N: Okay second chapter and Astarion finally shows up lol. Featuring Tav's spidey sense immediately clocking something is Weird about this random elf and Shadowheart being really good at making friends. Feedback is, as always, greatly appreciated!

Warnings: None except for Shadowheart's snark. Expect smut and violence in later chapters.

WC: 5k

Thankfully, while she did wake up with a headache again, it wasn’t nearly as severe as the one that had roused her early. Tav groaned, feeling like she had just been at the receiving end of a rothé stampede, before remembering that what had actually happened wasn’t much better. It took a moment for her to wonder if the fall had killed her and she was now laying there waiting for Kelemevor’s judgement, but the distant sound of birds and what felt like sand beneath her fingers convinced her otherwise. With a great amount of effort, Tav peeled her eyes open, only to be immediately met with sunlight. It took everything she had not to curse Lathander and to instead be grateful that at least she was being blinded by the actual sun and not Avernus’s hellfire.

She let out a deep sigh and sat up. Looking around, she noticed that she was, in fact, on a beach, which explained the sand. The beach was also on fire. Or, at least, the wreckage scattered about the beach was on fire. Tav was almost shielded by the burnt remains of the illithid ship, now sinking into the tide, and she couldn’t help but think the mindflayers could have at least had the courtesy to crash the ship in a way that would’ve protected her eyes from the sun.           

Tav pulled herself to her feet and did her best to brush the sand and dirt from her clothes. Her breastplate was dented but intact, but her leather pants were ripped up and her boots needed a good repair. The tips of her hair were also singed, though she had needed a trim, anyways. After a general once-over, Tav determined that, while she was probably bruised from head to toe and would likely be walking with a limp for the foreseeable future, she had no grave wounds. She channeled some healing magic to patch together a gash on her upper arm, but the effort left her so drained that she didn’t bother with any of the other cuts. Tav knew she needed time and rest for her magic to replenish itself, and she could only hope she wouldn’t be tussling with any mindflayers before she got a nap in.

After gathering some herbs she’d noticed on the shoreline, Tav began the journey forward. She didn’t have a clue where she was but knew answers wouldn’t present themselves if she stayed in one place. However, she didn’t make it far before she stumbled on a familiar figure.

There, sprawled in the sand further up the beach, was Shadowheart. 

Tav jogged forward, hoping she was finding an unconscious ally rather than a dead one, and was relieved when she saw the slow rise and fall of Shadowheart’s chest. As Tav bent down to wake her, she took note of something clasped in the half-elf’s hand. Tav leaned closer to get a better view and realized it was a small, angular object, covered on all sides in what she recognized as gith script, though Tav couldn’t recall if it was of githyanki or githzerai origin. She figured that the object was what Shadowheart had paused to gather from her pod, and while her curiosity tempted her to snatch the artifact, Tav stamped the urge down and instead did gave Shadowheart’s arms a shake.

She woke slowly, grunting at the light much like Tav had, and when her green eyes focused, Tav caught a flash of surprise.

“You’re alive,” Shadowheart said, not sounding fully convinced. “I’m alive. How is this possible?”

Tav shrugged and helped Shadowheart to her feet, watching as she tucked the artifact back into a pocket.            

“Your guess is as good as mine. What matters is that we survived.”

Shadowheart huffed and began to dust off her armor, though the details were still smudged over with grime. “I suppose you’re right. Do you know where are?"

“I was hoping you may have an answer to that,” Tav replied. “I don’t recognize the area, though I haven’t gotten the chance to really look around yet. Maybe we’ll find something familiar.”         

“We?” Shadowheart raised an eyebrow. “You want to stay together?”

“It makes the most sense,” Tav said. “We’re both infected and need to find a cure. We stand a better chance surviving out here if we travel together.”

A wry smile crossed Shadowheart’s face, and it was only then, in the light and away from the turmoil of battle, that Tav took note of just how pretty the young woman was.       

“A logical plan. If you hadn’t been running around with that gith, I’d say you were pretty smart.” Tav snorted, but Shadowheart’s words did bring up something she hadn’t noticed yet.

“Speaking of, where is she? I saw you fall off the ship but I lost sight of her.”

“I wouldn’t worry about her,” Shadowheart said. “She wasn’t going to spare the energy to help me, so I won’t spare any energy on her.” Something flashed in Shadowheart’s eyes and she seemed to hesitate slightly before continuing. “On that note, I did want to thank you for that. Staying behind to free me. You didn’t have to, and it would’ve honestly been the smart move to save yourself instead of risking your neck for a stranger, but you did anyways. I’m grateful for that.”     

Tav smiled and tucked a wayward strand of hair behind a pointed ear.

“I wouldn’t have just walked away and let you die. I don’t think I could’ve lived with myself if I did.”

“Not many people would’ve shared that sentiment,” Shadowheart mused, and Tav couldn’t help but wonder if Shadowheart counted herself amongst that crowd. “Regardless of your reasoning, you saved my life. I won’t forget that.” 

Before Tav could say anything, Shadowheart looked around the beach and let out a deep breath.     

“Well, enough with the heart-to-hearts. We’re losing daylight. We should find somewhere to make camp for the night.”

Tav looked towards the horizon and noticed Shadowheart was right. With how low the sun was, she figured they maybe had a few hours before dark. In unfamiliar territory, Tav didn’t relish the idea of getting caught in the wilds when the sun went down. 

“Agreed. Let’s get moving, then.”   

The pair began moving up from the beach towards the tree line, taking note of a large stone door that appeared to lead into some kind of temple, but it was locked and neither could pick it, so they continued on. Tav said a small prayer to herself every time they passed the body of someone who had clearly been caught in the crash, which earned her a look from Shadowheart every time.

“You’re a cleric too, aren’t you?” Tav asked, to which Shadowheart nodded. “So then you know it is only natural to want to lay the dead to rest.”

Shadowheart paused a moment, pursed her lips, and said nothing.    

As they passed through the smoldering remains of the illithid vessel, Tav attempted to make small talk, but the conversation was stilted, with Shadowheart seemingly uncomfortable discussing herself. When Tav had pressed on which deity Shadowheart served, she had clammed up, stating that it was a private matter. Tav attempted to ease her worries by affirming her own worship of Lathander, but that only seemed to make Shadowheart more wary. After taking care of a few rogue intellect devourers in the wreckage and picking over the bodies, Tav began to run down a list of patrons in her head that would’ve commanded such secrecy. Kelemvor wasn’t off the table—given how nobody was particularly eager to befriend someone that hung out in cemeteries all day, Tav wouldn’t be surprised if Shadowheart wanted to keep that to herself—or perhaps her god was simply less popular. Loviatar, perhaps? Or Mask, maybe, though Shadowheart didn’t seem like much of a thief.

While Tav was pondering, she watched Shadowheart reach down into the pockets of a corpse and retrieve a piece of fabric, which she used to begin wiping down her armor. In the sunlight, Tav caught a glimpse at the front of Shadowheart’s breastplate. Blazoned right in the center was a large black circle decorated with golden arches almost resembling a setting sun. It wasn’t familiar to Tav, though as she began to take notice of Shadowheart’s other accessories, namely those revolving around more big black circles, a sick feeling curled up her spine. Shadowheart couldn’t be…could she?

“Are you just going to stand there and gawk or will you actually do something useful in the near future?”                   

Shadowheart’s quip broke Tav out of her train of thought. She blinked and smiled up at Shadowheart but could feel that it didn’t quite reach her eyes.

“Sorry, I…I think the tadpole is eating at my brain.”    

Shadowheart didn’t look entirely convinced but seemed not to care about what had caused Tav’s lapse in focus, since she just shrugged and hopped down from the ledge she’d been on.

“Alright, but if you plan on dying a horrible death, please do so from a safe distance away. I’ve fought enough mindflayers for one day.” 

Tav laughed. It didn’t shake the worry and suspicion that had started brewing in her stomach.

After looting what parts of the ship they could access, the pair started up a small cliff only to come across a large sigil sputtering against the side of the mountain. They glanced at each other before raising their hands and creeping closer, ready with magic if the situation called for it. Tav moved right to the front of it, while Shadowheart stayed further back. When Tav gave her a look, she said, “In case you need backup, of course,” accompanied by a wry smile. Tav curled her lip, but wasn’t able to say anything in response, as it was at that moment when a hand suddenly shot from the depths of the sigil. She yelped and stumbled back and the hand and its accompanying arm began to wave erratically.

“Hello?”

A voice called out, seemingly from deep within the rune itself. Tav approached, head tilted in curiosity, watching the hand move.

“Some help? For a wizard in need?"

Tav turned to look at Shadowheart, who seemed just as confused, before looking back at the hand.

"Are you okay?” she called, at a loss for what else to say.

“I assure you I will be, once a potentially kind soul helps me out of my current predicament!” the voice yelled back, sounding far more chipper than Tav would’ve expected for someone apparently stuck in a mountain.

She gave the rune a look and reached out with her own magic, asking Lathander for his guidance to lead her around the spell and calm its wrath. She followed his direction until she felt confident to raise her hands and began to channel a countercharm. Tav watched the jagged edges of the sigil begin to soften, and from inside, she heard the voice call out again.

“Whatever it is you’re doing, it’s doing the trick! A good tug should do it now."      

Tav grabbed the hand and, with Shadowheart behind gripping her shoulders, began to pull backwards. She could feel the sigil fighting back until, with a pop, its power sizzled out, and the pair fell backwards as the individual inside the rune sprang loose. Shadowheart stumbled away, but Tav landed in a heap—for the third time that day, she snarked to herself—with the stranger on top of her. She looked up and met the very surprised gaze of a man, who immediately began to stutter.

“Oh! By the Weave, I am so sorry, that was most unbecoming of a gentleman, I apologize, my lady.” He continued to ramble as he stood, reaching down to help Tav up in a reversal of their previous position.

“Really, I don’t normally tackle people who save my life by way of thanks. Not that my life is often in need of saving, mind you, I promise I am not some wayward adventurer, I’m just a humble wizard who got themselves into a spot of trouble with an errant group of illithid, and, well, we can all see how that went—”

Tav glanced over at Shadowheart, who looked like she really wished they had just ignored the rune, before turning back and holding up her hands.

“Hey!”

The man clamped his jaws shut, and Tav noticed a blush high on his cheeks. Whether out of embarrassment or from their earlier close proximity, she had no clue.

“Don’t worry about it. Seriously, it isn’t a big deal.”   

A smile broke out onto the man’s face, deepening the lines around his eyes and lips. He was handsome, in a scholarly sort of way, with dark hair curling around curved human ears and bright brown eyes indicative of all overly curious wizards.

“Oh, I think rescuing a rather unlucky wizard is a rather big deal, actually. But,” he held up his hands, “I can assure you that I am most grateful for your kindness. I just wish I had something in the way of thanks.”

Tav smiled. This man was odd, even for a wizard.

“Thank me by explaining how you wound up in that stone. Not a normal location to find someone.”

“A most unusual circumstance, to be certain,” he replied. “One in a long series of most unusual circumstances I have experienced today.” He raised a brow. “Circumstances I believe all three of us share? I saw you. On the mindflayers’ ship, I mean.” 

Tav glanced at Shadowheart, who very clearly did not want anything to do with the current situation, and realized she was going to have to do the talking.

“Yes, we were both on the ship, along with a gith woman who seems to have been lost in the crash.”            

The wizard’s eyes widened.

“So it was a gith attack that brought the ship down? I had my suspicions, but…” He trailed off before shaking his head. “Anyways, it was a tumble out of that ship that put me in the situation where I needed to find a way to spare myself the particularly quick death I was facing as the ground approached. When I sensed the magic in that stone, I reached out, hoping to slow my fall, which I was successful in doing so, at the cost of sending myself across the Weave and into the stone itself.” He shrugged. “Magic, eh? Never know where it will take you.                         

"But, sudden real life applications of the forces of gravity aside, since we were all unwilling passengers on the nautiloid, I imagine all three of us were at the receiving end of a spontaneous and unwanted insertion in the ocular region?”

It took a moment for Tav to decipher what on earth the man had just said, but when she did, she grimaced.        

“If you mean the tadpole, then yes. I take it you got one too?”               

The man smiled, but there wasn’t much mirth behind it.               

“Indeed. As much as I love getting firsthand experience with the lesser-known cultures of Faerûn, I can say this was one encounter I would have rather avoided. Are you aware of the…eh, shall we say violent conclusion such an infection brings?”     

Tav’s scowl deepened.

“Unfortunately. We have days, a week at best, before we’re mindflayers ourselves.”      

“Right you are,” the man responded. “Now, I can’t help but notice you bear the symbol of Lathander,” he pointed to the center of her breastplate where the Morninglord’s sun blazed, “which leads me to hope that you are perhaps a cleric skilled in the ways of much needed cerebral surgery?”        

“You seem to know enough about our condition to know that we’ll need more than a cleric to solve this problem,” Shadowheart suddenly butted in. The man gave a halfhearted chuckle.

“No harm in asking, I suppose.”

"Well, we were on our way to find some kind of civilization,” Tav said. “Since we’re all in the same boat, do you want to tag along?”

At the same moment, the man’s face split into a broad grin as Shadowheart scowled deeply.

“I did not want to impose on your hospitality—”            

“Then don’t,” Shadowheart muttered, to which Tav shot her a glare.

“—but I must admit I was rather worried I was going to have to figure this out on my own. It is a great relief to have found allies in arms. Or, tentacles, perhaps.”

Tav rolled her eyes and watched Shadowheart do the same before smiling.

“Great. I’m Tav, this is Shadowheart. And you are?”

The man’s eyes widened.

“Oh goodness, where are my manners?” He thrust out his hand. “Gale of Waterdeep, at your most grateful service.”                      

“Waterdeep?” Tav said as she shook the wizard's hand. “That’s where I’m coming from.”

"Ah!” Gale responded, his face bright, clearly happy to have someone else from his city nearby. “A resident of the Spires of the Morning, I take it? A beautiful temple indeed. Once, when I was a young and rather unwise student at Blackstaff, I spent the festival of Sornyn within those walls, and, well, perhaps got a little too indulgent in the celebrations, and…”

Gale continued to recount stories from his time at Blackstaff as the trio resumed the trek up the mountain.     

“Are you just going to pick up every stray we come across?” Shadowheart hissed out the corner of her mouth as Gale suddenly switched from stories about his student days to ruminations on illusion magic. Tav let a smile cross her features.

“I picked you up, didn’t I?"          

Shadowheart opened her mouth, probably to bite out a reply, but found no words, causing Tav to laugh.           

“Besides,” she continued, “a wizard is always useful to have around.” She glanced behind her, where Gale continued to ramble seemingly without the knowledge that he had no real audience. “Lack of social skills notwithstanding.”     

Shadowheart huffed. “Fine, but the moment a fireball gets too close to my eyebrows, I’m putting him back in that stone.”

Tav had rejoined Gale’s one-sided conversation about Waterdeep when, about half an hour of walking later, the sun now hanging low on the horizon, Shadowheart suddenly stopped up ahead of them and held up a hand.   

“Hold on,” she called back. “Someone’s up ahead.”          

Tav jogged up to Shadowheart, Gale hanging back with a quick excuse that he was the only one of them without armor or a big threatening weapon, and looked over her shoulder.        

Shadowheart was right. Further up the road, a lone figure stood in front of a few broken illithid pods. All she could make out from a distance was a deep maroon overcoat and a shock of white hair.

“Everything look alright?” Gale called, which apparently drew the stranger’s attention. The figure turned, causing Shadowheart to grumble.

“Great. Now we have to talk to him.”

“Maybe he’s another survivor?” Tav mused.

“Or maybe he’s a petty thief hoping to make a quick payday."

Tav sighed. “Only one way to find out.”    

Her grip tightened on her mace and she began to cross the gap between her and the stranger. Behind her, she heard Gale talking to Shadowheart.                      

“A rather brave soul, that one.” 

“You call it bravery. I call it idiocy.” 

“I’ve found the two often work hand in hand.”                           

Tav was too far away to hear Shadowheart’s inevitably rude reply.

As she got closer, she was able to make out more details of the stranger. He was a man, slightly shorter than both Shadowheart and Gale but taller than her without including her horns, with prominent elven ears poking out from beneath curly white hair. He was dressed in well-made clothes, complete with a ruffled collar and elegant belt, leading Tav to wonder if she’d stumbled across a hapless patriar.                 

“You there!” he called. Gods, even his accent was posh.

“Yes?” Tav replied, stopping once she was close enough to talk without yelling but not so close he could reach out and grab her if he felt inclined to. “What’s wrong?”

The elf gestured into the grass. “I’ve got one of those wretched brain things cornered in the brush, but I don’t have anything to kill it with. I hoped you may be a fair bit more capable than me.”      

“What’s going on?”

Tav turned to see Shadowheart and Gale approaching.

“He says there’s an intellect devourer in the grass. Must’ve escaped the crash.”

“Ah!” Gale said, a slight wince to his features. “Nasty things, intellect devourers. It’s said the greater the intelligence of a person, the more intellect devourers are drawn to feast.”

“Sounds like you won’t be having much trouble, then,” Shadowheart replied, earning an immediate stutter from Gale. Before they could bicker, Tav turned back to the elf, who was watching with a mix of amusement and confusion.

“Let me handle this."

She stepped forward, keeping a close eye on the man as he flashed her a charming grin and extended his arms in a mock bow. This close, with the setting sun shining directly on them, Tav got a better look at him. Unlike Gale, who was attractive in the same way that old libraries were—warm and comforting with an air of refinement earned with age—the elf was every bit a stereotypical lady-killer. Strong jaw, sharp nose, high cheekbones. He was a handsome man who clearly knew it, radiating confidence and oozing charisma. It was almost enough to distract her from his eyes.     

Tav stuttered in her steps when she met his gaze. It was piercing like the rest of him, but far from the usual greens or blues she’d expect from an elf. In the sun, his eyes were like wine, deep rich red. It was enough to make her heart stumble, but not from attraction or even arousal. Not when she was certain she caught a glimpse at a sharp tooth between his full lips.

“Losing your nerve, darling?” His voice was low, layered with a charm Tav knew was meant to ease her mind, but she couldn’t shake the feeling that had shot up her spine. All her training under her Dawnmaster, learning to spot the enemies of the Morninglord, telling her to be on her guard. There was a prickle behind her heart, and she almost let her instincts convince her that she was looking at a beast. But the sun was up, and the elf was standing directly in its light. She blinked. False alarm.

“No, of course not.” She stepped forward, shaking the feeling of everything she’d ever learned at the Spires crawling up her spine and nudging the parasite aside to scream into her ear that there was something wrong here—

A rustle in the bushes, and a boar sprinted out from the foliage. Tav let out a breath she didn’t know she’d been holding, and suddenly there was a knife at her throat and she was being pulled into the dirt.   

She saw both Shadowheart and Gale’s hands raise, fire blazing at the tips of their fingers, as the elf clutched her close to his chest, the silver of his blade digging into her scars.       

“Don’t move,” he hissed into her ear. “We don’t want to mark up that pretty neck of yours, now do we?"

“Watch yourself,” she heard Shadowheart call. “You’re outnumbered.”

“And I have your friend at knife point,” the elf responded. “You’ll stay back if you want her blood to stay inside her veins.”

Tav’s brain finally caught up with her. She shook herself and heard the elf bickering with Shadowheart and Gale. Her horns dug into the ground, her tail pinned beneath their combined weight. Tav scowled to herself. She was really off her game today. Even if the elf wasn’t what she thought he was, he still had a blade to her throat, and that made him a threat regardless.

She threw her head to the side while the elf was distracted with her companions and her horns collided with his chin. He hissed, and she took his moment of distraction to slip loose, coming to her feet with hands outstretched. She let holy fire spring to her fingertips despite how low her reserves were running. She really needed a nap.

The elf sprang up to mirror her, his knife clutched in his hands and his pretty face marred by a scowl.

“No weapon, huh?” Tav quipped, nodding to the blade. “If you wanted to rob us, you’re off to a bad start.” The elf’s expression went darker and she watched him squeeze the handle of his dagger.

“Don’t play games with me, tiefling” he growled, and once again Tav was sure she saw pointy teeth. “I saw you on the ship. Walking about without a care in the world. What did you do to me?” 

“What did I do?” Tav balked. “Do I look like a mindflayer? I was abducted just like you. Infected with one of their tadpoles.”           

“Do you think I’m an idiot?” he hissed back.                                      

“Do you really want me to answer that?” she responded with a smile.

Before he could snap back, the pain she was becoming begrudgingly familiar with flared up. She saw streets illuminated by streetlamps, the flash of sultry smiles. There were sheets under her hands twisted in ecstasy, lips against her neck, and...

Fear. So much fear that it was clogging her throat. A light against her eyes, terror in her heart, a pair of red eyes, the glint of something sharp—      

The connection severed and Tav was back in her own mind. She looked up and met the confused gaze of the elf.               

“What…what in the hells was that?” he said.

“The tadpole. It’s what the illithids put in our heads,” she replied. “It connects our brains, lets us see into each other’s minds.” 

The elf took a moment, staring at her and clearly wondering if she was telling the truth, but he eventually lowered his knife.              

“Well, that certainly…explains things.” He sniffed. “Is that all these worms do or are there other…side effects that you know of?"

“They are actually the first stage in the illithid life cycle,” Gale piped up from behind her. “Mindflayers require hosts for their larvae, given they do not have the biological requirements for sexual reproduction. After a brief but agonizing gestation period, the host body is consumed and a newborn illithid takes its place.”  

The elf blinked and turned to Tav. She sighed.

“They’ll turn us into mindflayers if we don’t remove them.”         

The man’s pale skin went even paler, and he opened and shut his mouth like he couldn’t believe what he’d just heard.

“Turn us into…?” He cut himself off with a harsh laugh. “Of course they will. Why did I expect anything different?” The elf shook his head and a wry smile crossed his face.     

“And here I was ready to decorate the ground with your insides. Apologies."          

Tav scrunched her nose and nodded, not quite willing to openly forgive him but having no stomach for another fight.             

“So, have you lovely people made any headway in figuring out how to control these things yet?” the elf continued. Tav drew her brows together.

“We need to remove them, not control them.”

The elf rolled his eyes. “Well, yes, obviously, but first things first.” 

Tav looked back at Shadowheart and Gale, who were already looking at her, clearly waiting for her to make a decision. She let a breath hiss through her teeth.     

“We only just got this problem, same as you. We were trying to find some sort of civilization to see if they’ve got a healer that could help, if you…” Tav trailed off, and she could practically feel Shadowheart’s glare against the back of her head. “If you wanted to tag along.” 

Shadowheart sighed.

The elf perked up, clearly pleased and surprised with the turn of events.

“Well, I was ready to go this alone, but who am I to turn down such wonderful company?” The charmer’s smile returned as he lowered into a half bow. “My name’s Astarion.”

“Tav,” she replied. “That’s Shadowheart and Gale.”

“A pleasure to meet your…well-armed acquaintance,” Gale said from behind them.

“Yes, well,” Astarion said, fully tucking away his dagger, “I suppose it is.”

He grinned, wrinkles creasing around his bright red eyes, and Tav was again struck by that feeling in her chest, like her Dawnmaster was somehow yelling at her all the way from Waterdeep that she was missing something. She frowned. Maybe he just had drow somewhere in his heritage. No reason to jump to conclusions.

“Well, that was lovely,” Shadowheart said, sounding like the past fifteen minutes were anything but, “though I feel the need to remind everyone that we are on a rather tight schedule and we’re running out of daylight. Shall we continue, or are there any more wayward vagabond you plan to pick up?”

“Vagabond?” Astarion gasped. “I am no such thing. Merely a simple bastard.”

Tav shook her head and turned the way they had been heading.

“Yes, let’s keep moving. We don’t want to find out what sort of monsters are out here at night.”

She couldn’t stop herself from looking at Astarion when she said that. He responded only with another salacious grin as the group began their journey again.

Tav mentally kicked herself. She’d been hoping for vampires all day. And as she looked up at Astarion’s back, she couldn’t help but wonder if perhaps she’d finally gotten her wish.

Break of Dawn: Chapter 1 (Astarion x Tiefling! Tav)

A/N: Ahhhh okay first ever fic posted here. Yes, it's 5k words. I only somewhat promise future chapters won't be so long, but idk we'll see. This is a fic idea I've had bouncing around for awhile and I've finally gotten around to writing it! My inbox is always open for feedback, especially if you notice any weird formatting errors since I'm not super familiar with tumblr's layout yet. I hope you all enjoy the first chapter of my special little baby :)

Summary: Tav, a cleric of Lathander, finds herself as the unfortunate recipient of a mindflayer tadpole with limited time to cure herself. She finds help in a group of fellow infected and mildly insane individuals, including a vampire who takes every opportunity to drive her up the wall. A vampire she's totally not falling in love with. Between cults, the literal gods of death, and the looming threat of turning into a mindflayer, Tav has to navigate both the end of the world and her increasingly complicated feelings for a creature she's pretty sure she's sworn to kill.

What could possibly go wrong?

Warnings: None in this chapter I don't think? But expect a lot of smut, trauma, and canon-typical violence down the line.

Dividers from @saradika

It was the headache that woke her. The pounding, throbbing pain in the front of her skull that threatened to seep into her veins and drain her strength. Tav shook her head, attempting to clear the dull ache, but only succeeded in making herself exceptionally dizzy. She was upright, that much she could tell, but it didn’t feel like she was propped against a wall or a bedpost. The surface against her back felt oddly…wet? Fleshy, almost. Tav could feel her horns scraping into something unsettlingly soft. Gods above, she hoped she wasn’t in a bathroom. That would be a new low for her, waking up in some muggy stall with who-knows-what seeping into her clothes. Every twitch of her fingers and toes brought a new wave of subtle nausea into her bones. 

Where was she?

The last thing Tav remembered was the ratty pub in Daggerford, stuffed elbow-to-elbow with farmers so drunk they couldn’t even bring themselves to care about the strange tiefling in their midst nursing a bottle of the sourest wine this side of the Dalelands. The clerics at the Morninglow Tower, the only Lathandarian monastery in the area and her main reason for stopping in Daggerford in the first place, had assured her that the Happy Cow was the best inn the city had to offer, but if her frazzled mind could remember anything, it was the swill in her glass and the grouchy halfling behind the bar.  

Why was she in Daggerford again?

The more Tav sat, trying to remember and simultaneously suppress the urge to vomit, the more the details came back to her. A summons to Baldur’s Gate, one that had been dispatched to the Dawnmaster of her monastery from a group of Selunites just outside of Rivington. Something about an increase in activity from a suspected group of Sharrans nestled within the Gate, a fear that the fanatics of the Nightsinger were planning something. A cry for help to any nearby allies of the Moonmaiden, a cry that reached as far north as Waterdeep, just for insurance in the event of an open conflict. Her Dawnmaster had selected her and only her to make the long journey south. Handpicked amongst hundreds to go alone to the Gate with little explanation why. A test of faith, she was told, despite her record of loyalty to Lathander. It was that loyalty that drove her to leave the safety of the Spires and go anyways, that made her push past the doubt, with little more than a traveler’s pack and questions about what exactly she was getting into.

Tav’s eyes were blurry when she opened them and she barely got a moment to assess the thick glass panel in front of her before it lifted away suddenly. She had a heartbeat to throw her arms out to catch her fall, though it did little to stop the shock and pain arching from her head down to the tip of her tail. She laid there on the ground, in a heap, trying to catch her breath, and was able to string enough of a thought together to realize it was probably the least dignified position she had ever been in.

Morninglord, help her.

Tav pushed herself onto her elbows and gave her surroundings a gander. The room was large and domed, with arcing metal ribs supporting the ceiling. Or what was left of it. Because, as she quickly realized from both the heat and her clearing vision, the room was positively ablaze. A shudder ran down her spine as she attempted to make out details past the gray smoke. Her scars prickled, and she had to double check to make sure she wasn’t on fire.

More memories. The thick air in the tavern, sweaty arms and faces and hands intruding into her personal space. The foul wine in her throat. The need to fill her lungs with something that wasn’t flavored with dwarf musk. Cool night air against her skin when she’d stumbled out of the pub, pulling her robes against her body, the breeze filling her chest. Flashes of suspicious looks from the locals on the streets, like she was a proper devil and not just a tiefling. Another breath in her lungs, soothing the burn that the tavern air had left on her throat.

Then there was screaming.

Quick, high-pitched. A moment to spin and try and assess the situation. Something black, blacker than the night sky, against the horizon, moving towards the city. A writhe of tentacles against the stars, a prayer to Lathander to lend her strength for what was to come, and then…nothing. She remembered heat against her skin, light against her eyes, and now she was laying in a burning room with the biggest headache of her life.       

Had her drink been spiked?

No, because now she remembers the mindflayers. Great ugly beasts looming outside the pod she’d just faceplanted out of. A bit of green skin a few pods down from hers, something small and pulsating in one of the illithid’s taloned hands. Then, the mindflayer rounding on her, holding up a wriggling worm with a circular mouth and too many teeth. She remembers the terror and the pain as the larva was held up to her eye. The ache as it found its target and slithered its way into her skull.

She took her studies at the monastery seriously. Lathander valued a sharp mind, and while he mostly called his followers to hunt undead monstrosities, she made it a point to familiarize herself with all manner of beasts and devils. Mindflayers were a rare threat, mostly occupying themselves with the Outer Planes in their eternal grapple against the gith, but they were important enough for the temple library to have a whole section dedicated to illithid and their ilk. She knew what had happened—what the squirming tadpole pushing into her brain meant about her current condition—and she knew her days were now decidedly numbered.

There was a pulse inside her head, a wriggle behind her eye, and Tav wished it had just been vampires instead. At least then the silver dust in her pocket and the holy water against her hip would have done her some good. With a groan, she rose to her feet, careful to keep her tail above the hot metal floor, and stumbled past the burning remains of the room around her, unhooking her mace from her back as she did. She noticed a few splayed mindflayer corpses, tentacles like wet pipes against her ankles as she slipped past, and wondered again what had caused the destruction. Tav was almost certain she was either in one of their colonies or on a ship, and the thought occurred to her that it was entirely likely she had been sucked into the middle of the war between the illithids and the gith. It was simply a question of which subset of the gith population she would potentially have to deal with in an escape. Githzerai were dangerous but reasonable and could maybe be swayed to help if Tav proved she was no threat. The githyanki were a different story, and she hoped she wasn’t bearing witness to one of their raiding parties, but she got the sneaking suspicion that her luck was poor on that front. Their red dragons would certainly explain the fire.

The next room was in less disarray, the flames having smoldered out to leave ash in their wake, and Tav noticed a large tear in the far wall, framed by daylight streaming in from the outside. Her heart leapt at her sign of freedom, but an uneasy shiver went through her at the sight of the tables lining the walls, topped by corpses. She gritted her teeth and sent a silent prayer to the less fortunate of the mindflayers’ abductees, followed by a reassurance to herself that she would not be joining them. On her way towards the makeshift exit, she bent and rummaged through the robes of a fallen mindflayer, gathering the assorted coins and gemstones she found, and hoped the souls of the victims appreciated her pettiness towards their killers.

As she straightened up to continue forward, the sound of something skittering, not unlike a rat inside a wall, drew her attention. Tav watched as a trio of creatures resembling brains on four legs pushed past a fallen piece of metal and scurried back the way she had come. She recognized them as intellect devourers, aberrations that served in the collective illithid hivemind. Her eyes followed the creatures as they left and couldn’t decide if she was more surprised or grateful that they hadn’t noticed her. Tav simply shook her head, deciding it didn’t matter, and made her way towards the exit.

The hope that had sprung in her heart at the chance of escape was squashed, however, when Tav managed to push through the wreckage and make her way to the gap in the ship’s hull. It became clear that, although there was heat radiating into the room from the opening, it did not come from a familiar sun. Instead, Tav saw only a scarlet horizon, the ground rushing past far below, and swarms of winged imps and devils thrashing in the air. There was a tingle down her spine, like her infernal heritage recognized the bloody skies of the Hells, and Tav cursed her increasingly sour luck. Of all the places she could have wound up, Baator would not have been high on her list. What she had done to get so far off track from her mission, Lathander only knew.

Tav was starting to wonder how she was ever going to escape the Hells and a burning illithid ship—because it had to be a ship, given how far she was off the ground and the speed at which they were moving—when she watched as, from underneath the vessel, a flash of crimson cut against the sky. A red dragon, flames billowing from its gaping jaws, curved against the shape of the aircraft, directed by the speck of a gith rider against its back. In her shock, she nearly dropped her mace—not helped by her sweaty palms—and Tav held her empty hand up to block the burn of the fire when the beast let loose a column of flame to beat back a horde of devils swarming the ship. She knew for a fact now that this had to be a githyanki raiding party, tracking an illithid vessel across the planes atop the backs of their red dragons. Tav was just unlucky enough to be caught in the middle with an unwelcome stowaway tagging along for the ride.

Before Tav could come up with a plan to escape the current predicament, an arc of silver crested over her head as a figure leapt from above, and she suddenly found herself face to face with a gith woman, dark hair and green skin made even more sharp against the red sky, covered in ash from head to toe. And while Tav only knew of the githyanki from her studies, she did not need books to identify the rage in the woman’s eyes and the greatsword the gith was pointing at her throat.

“Abomination,” the woman growled, leveling her blade until the tip was grazing the dip between Tav’s collarbones. “This is your end!"

Tav was just raising her hands to explain as fast as she could that she posed the warrior no threat when a sudden discomfort split her skull, almost like it was emanating outwards from the tadpole lodged in her brain. Tav did not recall closing her eyes, but it was like she was now in a dream, or recalling some distant memory that was not her own, as she watched the scales of a red dragon undulate over solid muscle, the glint of sunlight off a silver sword. Her ears were filled with the sound of clanging steel, her shoulders dipped beneath the weight of heavy armor. As quick as they came, the visions dissipated, and Tav blinked away the fogginess to see the gith woman clutching her skull, and Tav realized with a jolt that she had just taken a peek inside the woman’s mind, witnessed her memories, which likely meant the connection had been two way. The soldier drew her brows as she shook her head against an apparent pain, before looking up and meeting Tav’s gaze again.

“What…what is this?” she hissed, more to herself than to Tav. A dozen emotions crossed the gith’s face—confusion, discomfort, anger—before settling on what Tav hoped was happiness. “You are no thrall,” the warrior said. Tav watched as, thankfully, the woman lowered her blade and sheathed it against her back. “Vlaakith blesses me this day!”

Tav kept her hands raised, ready to channel Lathander’s dawn if needed, but took a cautious step towards the gith as she said, “A thrall? Like a mindflayer’s servant?”

One of the gith’s eyebrows raised, clearly surprised Tav was at least familiar with illithid.

“The very same. We are fortunate we retain our senses.”

“But I’m infected,” Tav said, and she suddenly remembered the look she’d gotten from inside her pod. Green skin a few spaces down and a flash of dark hair. She realized it must’ve been the woman before her that had been imprisoned, as well. Tav drew her brows together. “And so are you, aren’t you? Given that look I just got inside your head.”

The gith scoffed and tossed her hair over her shoulder. She started to turn like she intended to walk away.

“Yes, we both carry ghaik tadpoles. But for now, we have our wits, and I intend to keep them.” She glanced over, eyes trailing up and down Tav’s figure, before continuing. “You are a cleric, yes? An experienced one, from what your memories told me. You may have your uses. Come, we must make haste to the helm.”

The gith did not wait for a reply as she began to walk away. Tav stood, slightly dumbfounded, and watched the gith make confident strides down the wrecked platform they stood on.

“Wait!” she called when her brain finally caught up with what was going on. The gith stopped and turned, irritation spiking her gaze when she saw that Tav had not moved. “That’s it, then? We just team up and move on like we weren't in each other's minds?"

The warrior huffed, saying something in her language under her breath.

“What just happened to us will not matter if we die on this ship. I intend to escape and make my way back to my people. Your best hope of survival is to follow me. Unless your god commands you to burn to a crisp here?”

Deep in the Hells, Tav’s connection to Lathander was flimsy, but she could hazard a guess that he did not, in fact, want her to die here. And for as much as she would love to not owe her life to a bloodthirsty githyanki, Tav had enough common sense to know her options were slim at best. So, with a huff, she tightened her grip on her mace and followed the gith.

“I’m Tav, by the way,” she called up to the woman. She received no response. Tav sighed. “Nice to meet you, too.”

The next room crawled with around half a dozen invading imps, the tiny beasts gnawing at the corpses of both illithid and the poor souls that had been abducted, but their attention was quickly drawn when Tav and the gith made their way in. Tav had barely blinked before the warrior had notched an arrow into her longbow and sent it flying into the neck of one of the imps, and Tav managed to eliminate another with a burst of holy flame from the tips of her fingers. The remaining imps screeched and began to flap towards them, but failed to do any damage before the two of them brought them down with a mix of arrows, steel, and magic.

“You are quite adequate in battle,” the gith remarked as she pulled her arrows from the twisted corpses. “Perhaps our odds are not so poor.”

Tav bent to collect a crossbow from one of the imps, figuring a ranged weapon would come in handy, and replied, “You aren’t too bad yourself.” What was meant to be a compliment was clearly received differently when the gith’s expression somehow got sourer, her eyes squinting in a harsh glare.

“I am githyanki. If you think I cannot handle imps, then you are more uneducated than I thought.”

Tav opened and closed her mouth, attempting to stutter out that she had meant no offence, but the gith had already moved on to the next room. With a sigh, Tav followed, wishing more than ever it had just been vampires instead.

By the time Tav caught up to the soldier, the woman had nearly spanned the entire length of the room, which Tav noticed was empty save from a ring of what looked to be stretchers in the center, each holding an unresponsive body, and a pod against the far wall. Upon closer inspection, Tav’s heart dropped when she realized there was someone inside. She jogged up to the prisoner and saw the vague features of a woman inside banging against the glass. 

“Hey!” the woman yelled, fingers clawing at the walls of her prison. “Hey, get me out of here!"

“Don’t worry,” Tav replied as she began to look over the pod for any sort of latch that might open it, “I’m not leaving you behind.” She turned to look at the gith, who was already at the far end of the room. “Help me out here!” she called.             

The gith turned, her eyes narrowing when she saw what Tav was doing.

“I do not intend to stop for every prisoner we come across. We must reach the helm if we hope to escape.” Tav scowled.

“The more help, the better,” she responded. “I’m not abandoning anyone.”

The gith scoffed and said something in a language Tav did not know and walked back over to where she was now pouring over the panel next to the pod.  

“Do you truly mean to die for a stranger?” the gith growled. Tav ran her hands over the console, picking at the depths of her memories to recall any illithid sigils she might know.

“Nobody is dying today,” Tav said. With a huff, she resigned herself to the fact that she was a poor student of illithid script and had no clue what any of the symbols meant. She thought about asking the gith, but already knew the soldier would likely be no help. Tav felt the humming of magic around the console, and she winced when the tadpole in her brain seemed to squirm in response. That caused a thought to pop into her head, and she focused her mental energy on the worm. If anything could help her understand the mindflayers’ language, it was one of their young.

It was like grabbing a fish in a river the way the tadpole slipped about her mind’s grasp, but at last she got a hold on the parasite and forced it to yield. With what felt like a click inside her mind, the tadpole obeyed, and the console in front of her roared to life. Tav’s next thought was how she was supposed to use the panel to open the pod, but it was like the mere idea itself made the console obey, and the pod suddenly snapped open. Tav had just enough time to step in front and catch the woman inside before she had a similar landing against the floor like Tav experienced earlier.   

The pair stumbled, but Tav helped the woman right herself. She was taller, with dark hair braided down her back and deep green eyes framed by a scar across the bridge of her nose beneath a blunt fringe. Tav noticed the tips of pointed ears poking from her hair, but the woman did not have the typical angular features of a full elf, meaning she must only be half elven. Her silver armor was covered in soot, but it was clear that beneath the dirt her plate was well cared for.

Tav lifted her arms and let the woman step back. The half-elf shook her head, black hair swinging about her face as she raised a hand to her forehead.

“Thank you,” she said. “I thought that damned thing was going to be my coffin."

Tav only had time for a nod before a now-familiar pain burst behind Tav’s eyes, and once again she found herself in someone else’s brain. Unlike the gith, the half-elf’s memories were like murky water, swirling around inside her mind without any clear features. The only thing Tav picked up on with clarity was a spark of suspicion—aimed at the gith standing beside her. Just as quick as their minds linked, the connection snapped.

The half-elf drew her brows together, confusion marring her features.

“It’s the tadpole,” Tav said before the woman could voice her obvious question. “You’re infected with one, same as we are.” She gestured to the gith, who did not even look remotely happy at the turn of events. “They let our minds connect.”           

“Yes, that much is obvious,” the half-elf replied. Her gaze turned to the gith, and her expression pinched to match the anger on the warrior’s face. “I was not aware Lathander’s clerics kept such strange company."

Tav’s immediate question—how did the woman know she worshipped the Morninglord? —was squashed before she embarrassed herself. The woman had just been inside her head and Tav’s faith was the most important thing she kept in there. Obviously a peek in her skull would show that. Instead, Tav shrugged.

“Strange times require strange company. Besides, we’ll have to fight our way off this ship and an extra sword is always good.” The half-elf raised an eyebrow, but her shoulders relaxed slightly.

“I suppose you have a point there.” She turned to look at Tav. “I’m Shadowheart. And you are?"

Tav grinned at the novelty of knowing at least one of her companion’s names.

“Tav. It’s a pleasure.”

The gith suddenly scoffed.

“Are we done with pleasantries? The longer we dawdle the slimmer our chances of escape become.” She didn’t wait for an answer before she made her way back towards the exit.

Shadowheart glared at the gith’s back but said, “She’s right. Lead the way.”

They began to follow where the gith had gone, but Shadowheart suddenly stopped at gripped at her sides like she was feeling for something. She turned back, and Tav watched as she rummaged about inside her pod before pulling something small out and tucking it into one of her pockets, but it was too dark for her to get a good look.

“Everything okay?” Tav asked. Shadowheart laughed dryly.

“I’m trapped on a mindflayer ship with a parasite in my head surrounded by devils and burning wreckage.” She tossed her hair over her shoulder and began walking towards the exit the gith had already pushed through. “I’m having the time of my life."

Tav couldn’t help but chuckle and followed close behind.     

The two found the gith standing in front of a closed door, the fleshy material that seemed to line the whole ship pulled into a pinwheel. The soldier turned when they entered and rested a hand on her sword.                

“The helm should be beyond this door. Once inside, do as I say.” 

Shadowheart’s expression darkened. “Who put you in charge?” she snapped. The gith looked like she was about to bite back, so Tav stepped between the two and held out her hands.   

“Now is not the time for arguing. What’s important is that we make it off this ship.” She turned to Shadowheart. “I don’t like it, either, but githyanki are experts on mindflayers. If she says this is how we get out, it’s in our best interests to cooperate.”

“For an istik,” the gith said through a self-satisfied smile, “you are surprisingly competent.”

Tav blinked. “Thank you?”

Shadowheart huffed and shoved past them both. “Let’s just get this over with.”

Tav had hoped that the only thing that stood between them and freedom would be another swarm of imps, but as they entered the helm of the ship, she was instead immediately reminded that they were still in an active warzone. Mindflayers and devils clashed, tentacles and wings thrashing as each side tried to gain an advantage over the other. Imps and hellboars batted hoards of intellect devourers back, all while the flames licking against the walls climbed higher and higher.

Tav watched as one of the mindflayers wrapped its tentacles around the head of a cambion soldier, and blood sprayed when the illithid dug its teeth into the devil. The creature let the fiend drop and suddenly turned to face them. From the corner of her eye, she watched Shadowheart and the gith ready their weapons, but all three flinched when their tadpoles wriggled about as a voice not belonging to any of them ripped into their heads.     

“Thralls,” the voice boomed, sounding like it came from everywhere around them, “connect the transponders. Take control of the ship.”

Tav watched the mindflayer raise one long-fingered hand and pointed to the front of the room, where a tangled mass of blue tentacles squirmed over a console similar to the one that had opened Shadowheart’s pod. With a jolt, she realized it was the illithid speaking to them, giving orders through the tadpole.   

The gith grunted and raised her sword. “Do as it says. While it thinks we are under its control, we have a chance at escape.”

“It won’t be easy getting to that console,” Shadowheart said. “We’ll need to be—"

She was cut off suddenly as the gith surged forward, sword arcing downwards through a pair of imps that had swarmed an intellect devourer. They watched as the soldier pushed through the fiends before her, grappling with devils like it was nothing.

“—careful,” Shadowheart finished. She turned and looked at Tav, giving a slight shrug as she said, “Guess we follow her, then?”

Tav mirrored her shrug, and they followed the gith into the fray.       

It was tough work pushing to the back of the room. For every imp or cambion that fell from a burst of holy radiance, another devil entered her vision with a raised sword. If it hadn’t been for well-timed arrows from the gith or Shadowheart’s own divine fire, Tav was certain her fortunes would’ve gone sour. In the back of her mind, she made a note to ask who Shadowheart’s patron was. Tav recognized the work of another cleric but couldn’t put her finger on the origin of her magic. It wasn’t the holy fervor her own Lathanderian magic possessed, and wasn’t familiar like the magic of Selunites she’d met in the past, but she figured, so long as it was keeping devils off her back, whichever god was fueling Shadowheart’s spells had Tav’s thanks.

Tav didn’t know how long they had been fending off Avernus’s forces before she looked up and saw an opening. The gith had felled a cambion that had been blocking the way to the helm, but her attention had been diverted by a pair of hellboars. Tav took her chance and broke into a sprint, narrowly dodging the body of a mindflayer that was thrown her way by a cambion before Shadowheart brought it down with a bolt of sickly green necrotic magic. Tav only had a moment to ponder over that—perhaps she was a cleric of Kelemvor? —as she slid to a halt in front of the console.

She let the tadpole guide her hands, following its instincts on which tentacles to grab, but a sudden blast of heat above her drew her attention away. Tav looked up to find the gaze of a great red dragon, its head having pushed past a gap in the ship’s roof. Distantly, she heard the gith yell something, but Tav couldn’t make out the words as she ducked to avoid another column of fire. Her scars prickled against the flames, and she had to push down the hint of panic and rely on her infernal heritage to keep her skin safe from the fire.

The ship suddenly tilted, and Tav’s feet fell from under her as her balance shifted with the new angle. She watched the dragon retreat and forced herself back up, but only had a moment to right herself when another great shudder passed through the ship. As fast as she could, Tav brought together two spindly tentacles. The parasite squirmed about her brain, and she watched through the windows as Avernus’s skyline blurred. She blinked, and where the hellfire had once been there were now stars. She realized they had to be back in the Material Plane, but still very high above ground.

“Again!” she heard the gith yell.

Tav looked over her shoulder to see the soldier now grappling with the mindflayer that had given them orders earlier. Shadowheart was closer to the middle of the room standing off against a trio of imps and a cambion. She met the gith’s eyes and the warrior yelled something about taking control of the ship, but the words were lost in the roil of combat. Tav didn’t need the details, though: she knew they were in a losing fight and were running out of time. So, with a prayer to Lathander she hoped he could hear, she grasped the tentacles again and brought them back together.  

The vessel shuddered again, and Tav lost her grip as the whole ship seemed to invert on itself. Her feet scrambled for purchase but did little good, and she could do nothing but gasp when the room went sideways. In a heartbeat she was suddenly against the far wall, then falling forwards again. She watched the metal siding of the ship splinter and tumble away and she knew that while they may no longer be crashing in the Hells, they were still crashing regardless.

Another yank of gravity and Tav was scrambling for purchase against the floor. She slid back the way she’d come, towards the nose of the ship, and she caught a glimpse of Shadowheart falling through a new hole in the side of the craft. Tav didn’t even have the energy to call out. She could only hope Shadowheart’s god was kind enough to spare her from the fall.

The ship tilted, and Tav realized with a lurch that she was now sliding towards the same gap that Shadowheart had just been flung out of. She only had a moment to grasp the jagged wall to avoid a similar tumble. The wind lashed against her cheeks, sending her hair flying about her face, and it was through the strands that she met the gaze of a mindflayer, slumped against the opposite side of the gash and holding its side. Its eyes were cold and unblinking, and Tav got the distinct sensation of something prodding against the back of her head, but the feeling broke when a piece of debris suddenly hit the side of her skull. It was so abrupt that Tav had no time to regain her slack grip, and before she knew it she felt the wind now pummeling her from all angles.

It took an embarrassing amount of time for her to realize that she was falling. With how her luck had been, Tav wasn’t even surprised. She could only hope that, when she inevitably met the ground, Lathander would spare her a bit of good fortune and keep her from breaking her neck.

Her last thought before things went white was that she really, really just wished it had been vampires instead.

The Take Over, The Break's Over - 14

Ascended Astarion x Marin (Tav/OC, cis woman)

Rating: Explicit (18+)

Words: 900 (chapter 14 of 17)

Setting: A!Astarion's palace

Content: Marin's POV, Astarion wants to take her out so she gets a nice dress, Astarion sees her in the dress and is incredibly horny and in love with her, like whoa, down boy

This is not the place for anti-A!A discourse. I love both versions of Astarion, and it's okay to have issues with the Ascendant route, but I will block you if you clown on these posts~

First chapter

Previous chapter

Next chapter

Marin returned from the shops with Evi and Reardon, all with their arms partially full. They'd gotten food from the market, as well as a few other things.

“Astar-” she called out, stopping when she saw Astarion’s head poke out of the sitting room immediately. She blushed and let out a laugh. “Oh, hello there. I thought you’d be upstairs.”

“I was excited to see you,” he replied sheepishly. “Did you get something to wear tonight, my sweet?”

“Yes,” she giggled. “It feels a bit fanciful compared to my other dresses, but Evi assured me it looked nice. I hope I won't look silly.”

“I’m sure you chose perfectly,” he replied, grinning eagerly. “Go on, then! Get upstairs and show me. I can lace it for you.”

She obliged, carrying the dress box upstairs to Astarion's bedroom. Our bedroom? He shut the door behind them.

“Now, off with those clothes,” he purred. “I want to see your new purchase.”

“Well, turn around then,” she responded, blushing. “I want you to be surprised.”

He turned so his back would face the mirror while she changed. She pulled it from the box, feeling the finely-woven cotton and remembering how much she loved it. She slipped into it, tugging at the lacing slightly to make it fit her chest. It was a light turquoise dress, delicate and high quality with a few flourishes, but more simple than most of the gowns she saw in the shop. Though they were enviable, she wasn’t quite ready to dress so fancifully, and certainly not on Astarion’s dime. Perhaps for a party someday.

“All right, turn around.”

He spun to see her again, looking at her in the mirror and from behind. His face was soft, eyes wide, his mouth slightly open as he looked at her. That same face from the moment he first saw me again, in the bar. She could feel her heartbeat race as he stood in silence, staring at her body.

“Well then?” she pried, slightly impatient. “Will you give me a hint? I’m a bit nervous.”

“I’m sorry, my dear,” he finally responded, a funny smile spreading across his face. He walked up behind her to meet her eyes in the mirror. “You took my breath away. You are the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen, Marin. You’re incredible.”

“What about the dress?” she teased, embarrassed by his intensity. “You can be a little hard to read, you know.”

“The dress is perfect for you,” he declared. “The color matches your eyes, and your hair contrasts against it without clashing. Delicate and sweet, but simple, like you. It shows off your pretty shoulders and collarbones; it hugs your frame exactly right. You look perfect, darling. The loveliest creature I’ve ever laid my eyes upon.”

She watched in the mirror as her face went bright pink from his compliments. She was incredibly flattered, but also surprised by how much he picked up on. I forgot how fashionable he is. Does he always take me in with this much detail? Gods above. I hope not.

“Th-thank you,” she managed, butterflies in her stomach. “You promise that I don’t look silly?”

“Darling, it looks so perfect that it feels like a shame to lace it up and go anywhere,” he chuckled. “If I hadn’t promised you a real date tonight, I would keep you in this room, in that dress, and…”

He took a deep breath, shuddering as he let it out. He pressed up behind her, his hands on her hips, his interest poking at her tailbone. His cock was completely hard already, without a moment of attention from her.

“Holy hells,” she whispered. “Really?”

“It’s certainly not a lie, darling,” he responded breathlessly, making her giggle.

“So…” she went on flirtatiously. “Are we still going out?”

“We are, my sweet,” he declared. “I want to take you on a proper date, like I never could in the past. You deserve it. And to be honest… I would like to show you off a little.”

She blushed even more at the prospect of being seen out with Astarion, Lord Astarion, by people who knew who he was.

“But I want you to know,” he whispered in her ear, “that I will most likely be hopelessly aroused by my beautiful date the entire time. Perhaps you’ll take pity on me and… we can keep our outing slightly brief this time.”

He smirked at her in the mirror, his hands on her waist where the dress cinched in close. She turned around and kissed him, swooning and growing excited herself. He pulled away from her at last, seemingly with great effort, taking another deep breath to steady himself.

“Bleeding hells, Marin,” he murmured. “My head is light. I should get dressed. Something with long shirttails in the front…”

She giggled at his honesty.

“What about me?” she protested as he started to wander away.

“Hm? What about-”

“My lacing!” she laughed. “You said you’d help me!”

“Oh! Shit.” He came back and took the laces in his hands. “I did say that. I’m sorry for behaving like such a fool. You have a way of unraveling me, I told you.”

He pulled each section of the ribbon until it was perfectly taut against her skin without causing discomfort. His nimble fingers moved quickly, but with precision, brushing across her upper back as he worked. She desperately wanted those hands all over her body, without delay. Holy hells. This will be the longest dinner of all time.

The Take Over, The Break's Over - 13

Ascended Astarion x Marin (Tav/OC, cis woman)

Rating: Explicit (18+)

Words: 600 (chapter 13 of 17)

Setting: A!Astarion's palace

Content: Astarion's POV, Astarion's PTSD is really bad after last chapter, Marin comforts him, they talk about the ritual and other stuff from the past

Warnings: PTSD symptoms and mentions of ab*se (Astarion's past) and violence

This is not the place for anti-A!A discourse. I love both versions of Astarion, and it's okay to have issues with the Ascendant route, but I will block you if you clown on these posts~

First chapter

Previous chapter

Next chapter

Astarion laid his head back on the edge of the tub, letting the warm water calm his senses and quiet his mind. The water was a pale, transparent pink from the dissolving blood. He stared blankly at the tiled wall where it met the ceiling.

“May I come in?” Marin’s muffled voice asked from the other side of the door.

He nodded faintly, before remembering she couldn’t see him. “Yes,” he mumbled, his voice low.

He flicked his eyes to her form as she entered the room, wearing one of Astarion’s robes, shutting the door behind her. Her hair was wet from the bath. She perched on the edge of the tub, watching him.

“My silver star,” she fawned, trying to soothe him. “I’m so glad you’re not injured.”

He stared straight ahead, numb.

“I attacked him. He was unarmed.”

“But so much can go wrong in a fight,” she responded. “We both know that. And I’m glad you’re all right.”

“Am I?” he muttered, almost to himself. “I feel so very… hollow.”

“Please, Astarion,” she whined. “Come back to me, my love.”

He turned his head, taking in her gentle face, full of sympathy and concern. For me. Those oceanic eyes. Marin.

“I’m a killer,” he said flatly, reciting from memory. “A monster.”

Her eyebrows furrowed hearing that.

“That’s not how I see you,” she responded, her voice soft. “No matter what was done to you, or what you were made to do.”

“I was enjoying his pain, Marin,” he muttered. “Of my own volition. Just like I enjoyed Cazador’s. I’m a terrible, evil man. I’m a monster. I don’t deserve to be loved.”

“But you feel my pain, don’t you?” she countered. “You’d do everything under the sun to make it better. You’ve said so a thousand times.”

He nodded, meeting her eyes.

“Then you’re not a monster,” she went on. “You’re not him, Astarion. Cazador was a monster. He deserved to die, and it was the only way out. I will never blame you for killing him, my love.”

“But all those other people… They’re dead because of me. Suffering in Avernus, instead of me.”

“And Cazador would never have felt guilty, if he’d gone through with the ritual,” she replied. “He would have killed them all, extinguished my precious star, and never worried about it for as long as he lived. You’re not him.”

He submerged his head, thinking as he worked the dried blood off of his face and hair. He re-emerged to her still staring at him with concern.

“You missed some,” she remarked, reaching for a cloth. “Here.”

She wetted the cloth and rubbed his sensitive elf ear; behind his earlobe, and inside the conch, close to the opening. He relaxed his eyelids and subconsciously tipped his head towards the side she was touching. His inner ear felt pleasantly fuzzy with the stimulation. He regained his senses as she moved her hand away.

“Why are you so kind to me, Marin?”

“You’ve been kind to me,” she responded without hesitation. “And besides, you deserve it, even if you don’t believe you do.”

He stared quietly up into her blue-green eyes, feeling like she was sucking the poison out and replenishing him, as she often had, years ago. She gave him a gentle smile, holding his gaze.

“I think I’m clean enough,” he muttered finally. “I want to rest.”

“Me too,” she admitted. “I’m exhausted.”

He put his hand on hers as she turned to get up from the edge of the tub.

“Thank you,” he whispered. “For caring.”

“Always, my love.”

The Take Over, The Break's Over - 12

Ascended Astarion x Marin (Tav/OC, cis woman)

Rating: Explicit (18+)

Words: 1.4k (chapter 12 of 17)

Setting: A!Astarion's palace

Content: Astarion's POV, Marin's ab*sive ex shows up looking for her, Astarion does a "muahaha" and literally tortures him oops (sorry I know I was meant to be watching him dammit), Asti has some PTSD stuff and Marin comforts him

Warnings: graphic descriptions of violence, PTSD symptoms (Astarion), brief mentions of emotional ab*use

This is not the place for anti-A!A discourse. I love both versions of Astarion, and it's okay to have issues with the Ascendant route, but I will block you if you clown on these posts~

First chapter

Previous chapter

Next chapter

Wouldn't you rather be a widow than a divorcee?

3 Days Later

“Lord Astarion,” came Reardon’s voice from the other side of the heavy door. “It’s urgent. Someone’s at the gate.”

Astarion’s heart started to pound at once. The moment I’ve been waiting for. He tossed his book aside, grabbed his dagger and threw a robe over his nightclothes, tying it closed in a hurry. Marin stirred from sleep.

“What’s going on?” she mumbled, confused.

“Stay here, my love,” he whispered, harsher than intended. “You’re safe here. I’ll be back.”

Astarion closed the door behind him and took a deep breath, slowing his movements and putting on an air of confidence. He made his way down the stairs, meeting Reardon at the bottom.

“I’m sorry to disturb your rest, m’lord. I think it’s him.”

“Quite alright,” he muttered. “Send Evi to my room to keep Marin calm. Stay on the landing with them.”

“Of course,” Reardon replied. “The sentries have him under control. No weapons on him. He’s right outside.”

He could feel his heart pounding, but forced himself to remain calm. He opened the front door wide, as if he were greeting a guest.

“You’ve finally arrived,” he snarled. “I’m surprised it took you three days to find me. Tsk, tsk. Perhaps you’re even slower than I reckoned.”

Del was being held between two guards, his eyes wild at the sight of Astarion.

“Please, gentlemen; bring our guest inside for me, will you?” He turned on his heel and strode in before them.

The guards dragged him in, putting him on his knees on the tiled floor, still holding either arm. Astarion brandished his dagger, the precious Rhapsody, with a flourish. He pricked the tip of his own finger, just enough to draw a drop of blood, as Del watched in confusion. He brought the finger to his mouth, licking the fresh blood.

“Mm, delicious,” he mused, turning his eyes towards Del, grinning to be sure his fangs showed. “Now, I don’t think you wish to challenge me, hm? That would be… so very dangerous.”

Del shook his head, apparently realizing his position.

“Thank you for your excellent service,” he said coolly to the guards. “If you wouldn’t mind, I’d like to speak with him. Alone.”

The two armed fighters looked at each other, then to Astarion, before releasing their grip on the captive.

“We’ll be right outside, my lord,” one replied as they took their leave.

“Now that it’s just the two of us,” he growled down at Del, on his knees a few feet away. “I’d like to share what’s on my mind.”

“Marin wouldn’t come here to be with a little dandy like you,” Del shouted. “And a fucking vampire. You must have taken her, you monster!”

“I’m not sure you know who exactly you’re speaking to, darling,” he drawled, his voice calm. He bared his fangs again, summoning a black mist around him, feeding off the fear in the man’s eyes. Some theatrics before I crush you.

“Now, Delaney,” he hissed, every syllable sharp. He twirled Rhapsody with ease as he spoke. “I’d like to tell you how I came to control this place. I killed the vampire lord who owned it before me, by sacrificing him to a devil. I carved his flesh with this very weapon, in fact. And through that ritual, I was imbued with more power than any vampire in Faerun has ever known. More power than your tiny mind can comprehend. Now, since you’re already on your knees, perhaps I’ll allow you to beg for your life to be spared, like he did.”

Del watched him, eyes wide, seemingly trying to discern if he was serious.

“Go on!” Astarion shrieked suddenly, his voice ricocheting in the enormous hall. “Beg!”

“Please, don’t kill me, I’m- I’m sorry for trespassing-”

“Ha! You think that’s what this is about?” he snarled. “You really are slow, aren’t you? I want you to apologize for hurting my lovely Marin. Perhaps, if I like what I hear, I’ll pass your message along.”

“I love her-”

“I don’t want to hear such nonsense,” he growled, cutting Del off by gripping his jaw, hard enough to inflict pain. “I told you to apologize.”

“I’m s- I’m sorry, I don’t know what I did, please don’t-”

“Pathetic,” he sniped, cutting him off again. “You know exactly what you did. You hurt her, and now, I’m going to hurt you.”

Astarion moved swiftly and noiselessly, taking one of Del’s wrists in his hand, slashing at his arm with the dagger. He writhed and screamed, trying to pull away from his powerful grip. Astarion yanked his bloodied forearm to his mouth and drank from the wound. He pushed Del onto the marble, placing his heel on the man’s stomach and kneeling down.

Astarion drew the knife across his chest slowly, over and over, slicing through his clothes and letting out a wicked, manic laugh. He kept him pinned with his foot as he worked, bathing in his screams of agony.

“Astarion, no!” Marin’s echoing voice stopped him in his tracks. He pressed the dagger to Del’s throat before turning his head to look at her. At the top of the stairs, his servants were holding her back, trying to keep her from running into danger. Gods damn it. They were supposed to keep her upstairs; to keep her from seeing this.

“Please, Astarion, stop!” she cried, desperate. “Don’t kill him, please!”

He looked back down to the disgusting creature writhing and bleeding beneath his foot. I wanted to kill the bastard slowly. But she’s seen enough death for seven lifetimes. Especially after what I did. I can’t make her watch this. With great struggle, Astarion wrested control from the bloodthirsty monster inside him, longing to slit the man’s throat and bathe in his blood.

“This is her mercy, not mine,” he growled slowly, keeping his dagger still against Del’s neck as he knelt to lean close to his face. “I would have enjoyed killing you, slowly and painfully. If you ever return, I will end your life without hesitation. Hm?”

Del nodded, his eyes huge and terrified.

“I’ll be watching you,” he snarled, down to a whisper. “For the rest of your wretched life. You will never again take advantage of her kind heart or trouble her mind.”

“Let him go,” Astarion yelled to the guards outside in advance. He relaxed the blade, standing and taking the pressure off of his chest. Del immediately scrambled to his hands and knees and out the front door, running for his life. He stood and watched, motionless, before letting the bloodied Rhapsody fall from his hand. The heavy dagger clattered to the ground and broke the deafening silence left behind.

“I’m so sorry, my love,” he called out, not turning to look at her, still frozen in place. “I’m sorry that you saw. You don’t need to be afraid.”

He heard quick footsteps down the stairs, and turned to see Marin running towards him, slipping in her bare feet across the smooth floor. He absorbed her force as she crashed into him. He buried his head in her shoulder.

“I’m sorry, Marin,” he whispered, feeling manic. “I’m sorry. I wanted to make him pay for what he did, to make him suffer-”

“Cazador is dead, Astarion,” she insisted. His whole body stiffened upon hearing his tormentor’s name, his stomach churning. “You don’t need to be afraid anymore. You don’t need to kill him ever again.”

“What in the hells-”

“You were the same way at the ritual,” she whimpered. “You were so scared then, and you did a terrible thing because of it. I couldn’t watch it happen again.”

“I’m not scared of Del,” he snapped, his tone harsher than he ever used with her. “I wanted to taste his fear. I was going to torture him to death. I only stopped because I… I know you’ve seen enough.”

“You were afraid of losing me. Afraid he could hurt me. But you don’t need to kill him to keep me safe, Astarion.”

Hearing those words, he felt a wave of sorrow rising inside him. All his defenses fell. He burst into tears, sobbing mournfully into her shoulder. Her long hair stuck to his cheeks.

“I don’t even know why I’m crying,” he lamented. “I don’t know why it hurts.”

“It’s all right, love,” she whispered, holding him tight. “It’s all right to hurt.”

The Take Over, The Break's Over - 11

Ascended Astarion x Marin (Tav/OC, cis woman)

Rating: Explicit (18+)

Words: 1k (chapter 11 of 17)

Setting: A!Astarion's palace

Content: Marin's POV, Astarion & Marin arrive home, he's worried about her, Marin talks to housekeeper about Astarion and hears how he was when they broke up, they have a date at home together

Warnings: brief talk of leaving an ab*sive relationship; conversation about sex work (housekeeper's and allusions to Astarion's)

This is not the place for anti-A!A discourse. I love both versions of Astarion, and it's okay to have issues with the Ascendant route, but I will block you if you clown on these posts~

First chapter

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Next chapter

“Marin, my sweet,” came Astarion’s gentle voice from above. She felt his thin, chilled fingers against her cheek. “We’re home.”

She opened her eyes to see him smiling down at her on his lap. The golden sunshine of the early evening lit his eyes from the side, making them glow red-orange.

“Let’s go inside, hm?” he prompted.

She nodded, fighting through her drowsiness as he helped her sit up against his shoulder. Her belongings were gone.

“What about my things?” she asked, blinking away sleep.

“Reardon carried them in for us, darling,” he assured her. “I didn't want to disturb you, so I let you stay on my lap for a little while longer. You looked so peaceful.”

“Oh,” she mumbled. “You're sweet.”

“I'm so very glad to have you here, my love,” he whispered, kissing her forehead before rising to help her out of the carriage.

“Perhaps we'll eat on the terrace,” he remarked, offering his arm to walk with him. “The sunshine is lovely this evening.”

The front door was left open for them. Astarion led her down the hall towards a savory smell.

“Good evening,” he greeted Evi as they entered the kitchen.

“Welcome home, my lord! And you've brought Lady Marin.” Evi smiled kindly at her.

“Yes,” he replied, admiring Marin. “Would you mind keeping her company? I'll only be a few minutes.”

“Of course,” Evi responded graciously as Astarion left the room. “You look like you've had a long day, dear. Why don't you make yourself comfortable?”

She obliged, sinking into a kitchen chair. Evi turned her back to cut some bread on the counter. He doesn’t want to leave me alone after today.

“It’s so fortunate to have you here,” she continued. “If there's anything I can do to make you more comfortable, please tell me, my lady.”

“Thank you. It means a lot.”

“Of course,” Evi responded. “I've seen how nasty men can be in my old profession. I'm glad you're safe, here, with us.”

Marin felt a blush spreading across her face. How much did Astarion tell her?

“Working here has been more pleasant,” she went on. “Lord Astarion has been very kind to me. He’s a respectful man.”

“What was he like?” she asked, trying to hide her interest, despite her warm face.

“Back then? Well, I shouldn't say too much,” she replied, lowering her voice before continuing. “He was never my client; don’t worry, dear. He was an occasional guest that the men and women fought over, since he was rich, and charming. He used to stay for a drink and talk with us, as if he wanted the company more than anything else we offered. That’s how I learned he was looking for a housekeeper, and I was tired of my trade after so many years. He was such a gloomy man back then, haunted by something. Despite his best efforts to cover for it.”

“That was… after we broke up,” she managed, her throat tight.

“Was it, dear?” Evi turned to face her again, looking shocked. “I could tell you were special to him right away. He isn't normally so accommodating. No one stayed overnight here in the past, even his dates. I’ve not seen him so excited about anyone. But he never told me you were the one from all that time ago.”

“He told you about our relationship?” she choked out.

“Never a word about it, and I never wanted to ask,” she replied, keeping her voice low. “He’s a private person, of course. But I know a broken heart when I see one. Reading people was part of my work, you know?”

Marin nodded, her face burning.

“He likes to keep some distance from his staff, so I shouldn’t intrude,” Evi went on quietly, turning back to the counter. “I know he’s got a soft heart under all that pride, though. Not a lot of noblemen are kind to brothel girls. Or servants, for that matter.”

“Thank you for telling me, Evi,” Marin responded earnestly.

“Of course, my lady.”

They heard a door open, and Astarion’s quiet footsteps approaching the kitchen. He popped in with a flourish.

“The terrace, my lady?” he purred, offering Marin his hand. She giggled and took it. “Evi, would you mind bringing it out?”

Without another word, he swept Marin out of the kitchen and down the hall. They stepped outdoors onto a brick patio surrounded by planters. On a table, there were three glasses: two with wine, and one with little flowers he’d picked.

“Is this where you went?” she asked, a smile spreading across her face.

“Yes,” he responded with a chuckle. “I thought it would be sweet. Perhaps it’s silly.”

“It's not silly,” Marin assured him. “I love it.”

Astarion tried to suppress his own smile as he led her to the table and took a seat across from her. Evi appeared with food and silverware for them before excusing herself. It was soup with a variety of vegetables, and some fresh bread. Marin started to eat right away, realizing how hungry she was.

“I know today was… difficult,” Astarion said carefully. “I want you to know that I don’t have any expectations, all right? You don’t even have to sleep in my bed, if you don’t want to. There are plenty of spare rooms. I don’t want you to feel rushed, or guilty. Not with me.”

“I feel… numb,” Marin admitted. “I’m unsure how to feel. But not about you, Astarion.”

His eyebrows went up with surprise, his eyes remaining soft.

“I just want you to feel safe,” he pressed. “Like you did for me, back then. I can’t repay the debt I owe to you, but… I need to try.”

“I do feel safe here,” she replied honestly. “I always feel safe with you.”

The Take Over, The Break's Over - 10

Ascended Astarion x Marin (Tav/OC, cis woman)

Rating: Explicit (18+)

Words: 700 (chapter 10 of 17)

Setting: Marin's house

Content: Marin's POV, Marin & Asti go to Marin's house for her things, she gets emotional about leaving her old home, she leaves a break-up note for her husband, they're both anxious, Asti comforts her

Warnings: brief talk of leaving an ab*sive relationship

This is not the place for anti-A!A discourse. I love both versions of Astarion, and it's okay to have issues with the Ascendant route, but I will block you if you clown on these posts~

First chapter

Previous chapter

Next chapter

Marin laid her head on Astarion’s lap in the carriage, unable to relax, despite the comfortable seat and his hand in her hair. They had been laughing and kissing for the first part of the ride, but both had grown increasingly quiet as they approached their destination: her home.

“I don’t want to feel like I’m forcing you to do this, darling,” Astarion insisted quietly. “I’m here to help, and that’s all.”

“You aren’t forcing me,” she replied blankly.

“Are you sure? You feel so far away from me, my love,” he responded. She looked up at him from his lap, her face empty.

“I don’t know how to feel. I’m numb. But I know it’s the right thing.”

His eyes were a pale red in the midday sun; his brow furrowed with concern. 

“This has to come from you,” he insisted. “If you change your mind, you don’t have to go through with it, all right?” She nodded.

“Nearly there, m’lord,” called the driver, Reardon, from the front of the carriage. Marin sat up, looking out the window again, her heart racing.

“It’ll be all right, my love,” Astarion whispered, likely listening to her heartbeat.

They pulled up at the edge of the street. The house looked exactly how she'd left it the night before, thankfully. He hasn't been home yet.

“Did you want me to go in with you?” Astarion asked gently. “If it makes you feel better, I can. But I don't want you to feel pressured just because this is what I want.”

“I want you to,” she mumbled. “I don't know if I'm strong enough.”

“Of course.”

Astarion exited the carriage, standing below and offering a steadying hand up to her. She took it and stepped down herself. My garden, she thought. I won't get to see it anymore. She teared up at the thought.

“What's the matter?”

“My garden,” she admitted. “I'll miss it here, in some ways. It's home.”

“I understand, my sweet,” he replied, sympathetic. “You can plant whatever you’d like again, hm?” She nodded.

He placed his hand gently on her lower back and followed her inside the house. She searched quickly for her things - her clothes, her hairbrush, her favorite books, her old sentimental items. Her favorite blanket, and her old apron, and her gardening tools and seeds. Astarion’s letter from its hiding place. She was leaving all the furniture, food, and anything else she shared with Del behind. Before leaving, she scrawled a short note on a piece of paper, leaving it on the kitchen table:

Delaney, I’m leaving. I’m sorry it had to come to this. We can deal with the paperwork in the future, after things have settled. If you care for me, please allow me space to live my own life. -Marin

Astarion and Reardon helped her take her things to the carriage. Seeing all her belongings collected in bundles reminded her of their adventuring days, when everything they owned came along with them. Is my life here really that small? She would miss the plants, and the little birds who visited the front garden in the morning.

“We should get on the road as soon as possible,” Astarion told her, gently as he could. “I don’t want to run into him if we can help it.”

She looked back at her home before accepting his help into the carriage. Her little life. The love she thought she shared with Del, once. Did he truly care for me, even back then? Perhaps it had all been doomed from the very start.

As they pulled away, Marin could feel her stomach churning. She whimpered with anxiety.

“My sweet, what can I do to help?” Astarion asked, uneasy.

“It hurts so much,” she cried. “I can’t bear to look.”

“Rest on my lap again, darling,” he reassured her, guiding her down to his thighs. He pulled the blanket from her things and laid it across her shoulders. “Everything will be all right. I promise.”

She felt her discomfort easing slightly as he petted her hair, with her favorite blanket covering her. She realized how very tired she was, having spent the night tossing and turning, and the morning worrying. She looked up at Astarion’s gentle face, watching her with concern. Finally, her eyelids started to feel too heavy to keep them open any longer.

The Take Over, The Break's Over - 9

Ascended Astarion x Marin (Tav/OC, cis woman)

Rating: Explicit (18+)

Words: 1.3k (chapter 9 of 17)

Setting: A!Astarion's palace

Content: Marin's POV, pillow talk/post-bath chill time, Astarion worries about the future, talk about their past relationship and break-up, Marin worries about the future, mutual care and comfort

Warnings: brief mentions of death, the ascension ritual, Cazador being a POS

This is not the place for anti-A!A discourse. I love both versions of Astarion, and it's okay to have issues with the Ascendant route, but I will block you if you clown on these posts~

First chapter

Previous chapter

Next chapter

Marin sat with her back against Astarion’s chest, his legs accommodating her. They were settled on a couch at the far end of his room, the curtains open wide beside them, late at night. He was absent-mindedly combing her damp hair with his fingers.

“I like that,” she murmured.

“Hm?” Astarion perked up at her voice. “I’m sorry, I was leagues away.”

“You touching my hair; it’s comforting,” she explained.

“Ah, yes. Well, you have lovely hair,” he replied, still distant.

Marin turned her head back to see him looking absently out the window at the night sky. “What’s on your mind, Astarion?”

“Stars are pretty tonight,” he responded, not turning to look at her.

“Now, don’t push me out,” she scolded. “You’re acting strangely. If you won’t tell me why, I’ll have to assume it’s about me.”

“My dear, it’s not you.” He paused before clarifying his statement. “I suppose it’s related to you. But it’s not your fault.”

“What’s with the cryptic language?” she challenged him, watching for any sign of reaction. He is so damned stoic when he doesn’t want to share.

“I don’t want anything to change,” he admitted, still avoiding her eyes. “It feels like being suspended in a perfect dream, and I’m terrified to wake up.”

Marin’s stomach dropped. “What do you want, then?”

“In my heart, I want to whisk you away from him, to make you mine forever, and spend the rest of my days with you,” he responded earnestly. “But I’m so afraid. I don’t think I could bear to lose you ever again. It took all my willpower to keep from destroying myself the last time.”

“Why are you convinced you’ll lose me?”

“I’m afraid I’m not what you need, dear. Afraid that I couldn’t be, no matter how badly I wanted to,” he explained, his voice starting to shake. “You’re the only one I’ve ever loved, Marin. Perhaps I cared for someone before I died, but… I can't remember.”

Tears started slipping down his face.

“That’s all right, Astarion,” she responded, her voice soft. “I don’t care who you were with before me. It was never important.”

“You were so kind to me, and I fell in love with you, but I didn’t know a damned thing about how to do that,” he lamented, his voice nearly a whisper. “I had to learn everything with you. And after you left, I- there was nobody else like you, and I didn’t want to try. So I never learned how to love anyone.”

She turned around and folded her legs, sitting upright in front of him. He was staring out the window as if he were a thousand miles away.

“You know how to love me, right?” she asked, reaching out to touch his cheek. “You did back then.”

“I don’t know what kind of a partner I’d be, my love,” Astarion confessed, his dark crimson eyes finally looking at her. “The months we spent together were in our honeymoon phase. I know how to sweep you off your feet, and make you laugh, and how to fuck you. But I don’t know how to… do the next part.”

“We went through hell together. I’d hardly call it a honeymoon,” she remarked.

“You know what I mean, darling.”

“I’m serious,” she went on. “We had parasites in our brains, and we made sense of that together. We came to terms with it and changed our fate. You were scared of… him, but I helped you find your strength. You had to fight through so much pain and fear to be close with me. We were a team.”

“And then, I lost you,” he recounted. “I was selfish, and I treated our relationship like a foregone conclusion. I was so afraid of the future if you didn’t agree to eternity with me. I took you for granted and I lost you.”

“But you grew,” she emphasized. “I know you did, because when you first ascended, you would never have admitted what a selfish prick you were. Even after the fact.”

“I don’t know why you helped me with that ritual,” he lamented. “You're such a kind and peaceful person, and I roped you into something indescribably awful.”

“I was terrified,” she confessed. “I thought you might die. At the time, helping you ascend seemed like the only way to save you. I didn't want that debt to transfer to you, for depriving Mephistopheles of all the souls he’d been promised. I was too afraid to lose you, and I acted selfishly.”

“Your selfishness is much less wretched than mine, darling,” he assured her with a sad chuckle. “I wanted it for my own gain. But… I was terrified, too. More than I knew how to express.”

“I know,” she whispered. She put her arms and legs around him and hugged him with her whole body. He rested his chin on her shoulder. “I forgive you, Astarion.”

They sat, quietly holding each other for a long time.

“Marin, I'm afraid you still care for him,” he whispered. “And that you haven't left because you don't truly want to be with me.”

“I do want to be with you, Astarion,” she insisted. “And of course I care for him. But even when he was kind to me, I never loved him the way I loved you.”

“Really?”

“Yes, but I thought I could never make it work with you,” she admitted. “Things were so emotional at the end, and everyone was ready to go their separate ways, and… I was afraid to be left behind in Baldur’s Gate, with nothing but my memories haunting me. Del said all the right things. He felt like the safe choice, and he wanted so badly to marry me. I thought maybe it would be romantic to elope with him, and it might… take away the hurt if I made a new life. Obviously he didn't start acting like this until later.”

Astarion stayed quiet, just holding onto her.

“I’m sorry that I chased you away,” he spoke up, finally. “I feel like I made your life worse in so many ways, and all you tried to do was help. I don’t-”

“My life was full of love when we were together, Astarion. I don’t regret our relationship.”

He pulled back and looked into her eyes, his face sad.

“Why don’t you leave him?” he asked earnestly. “You wouldn’t have to worry about a soft place to land. I want you here, by my side.” She could feel her face burning. “What’s wrong, darling?”

“I'm having an affair,” she lamented. “Do you have any idea how much guilt I feel? I- I hate myself.”

“You have no reason to hate yourself,” Astarion responded, trying to comfort her. “I know you well enough, Marin. You would never have done this if you weren’t at your wits’ end with him. He set all of this in motion by treating you this way.”

“And I should have fixed it instead of making it worse!” she wailed, harsher than she meant to.

“Why do you need to fix it?” Astarion asked. “Why do you assume everything bad that happens is your fault, my dear?”

I don’t know. She felt tears welling up in her eyes.

“I’m afraid,” she blurted out.

“Of what, darling?”

“Of leaving him,” she sobbed. “Of the future. Of everything.”

“Perhaps you need some rest, my sweet,” he said gently. She nodded, tears streaking her red cheeks. Astarion gathered her up in his arms, holding her close to his chest and standing to cross the room. He laid her on his bed, pulling the blanket up before getting in next to her.

“We can be brave together,” he whispered in her ear. “Starting tomorrow.”

The Take Over, The Break's Over - 8

Ascended Astarion x Marin (Tav/OC, cis woman)

Rating: Explicit (18+)

Words: 2.3k (chapter 8 of 17)

Setting: A!Astarion's palace

Content: Astarion's POV, forbidden relationship, Marin shows up unannounced, masturbation talk/demonstration, teasing, dirty talk, fingering, PIV sex, doggy style/hittin' it from the back, Astarion's bitey urges make them switch, riding, multiple orgasms, Astarion bites his own arm to stop himself, they talk a little about their past

Warnings: vampire bite described in some detail

This is not the place for anti-A!A discourse. I love both versions of Astarion, and it's okay to have issues with the Ascendant route, but I will block you if you clown on these posts~

First chapter

Previous chapter

Next chapter

We do it in the dark / With smiles on our faces / We're trapped and well concealed / In secret places

A couple weeks later

“Lord Astarion, you have a visitor at the door,” Evi announced formally, poking her head into the sitting room.

Astarion scowled, looking up from his book over the rim of his reading glasses. “I'm not expecting anyone. Who the hells is it?”

“Marin,” she snickered.

“What in the- Gods damn you, Evi!” Astarion snarled, nearly dropping his book as he jumped to his feet. “That's not funny!”

Marin appeared behind her at the entryway. Evi left with a smirk on her face.

“She thinks she’s terribly clever, baiting me like that. She's meant to be my employee,” Astarion grumbled, before softening up. “My sweet, what are you doing here?”

“Del went out of town for the night, so I hurried through all my chores and caught a carriage straight here,” Marin muttered excitedly, putting her arms around his waist. “I missed you so much.”

“I missed you terribly, my dear,” he whispered, one hand in her hair. “It's been too long.”

“It's been sixteen days,” she giggled. “I counted.”

He pulled back from her hug a little, his hands on her shoulders. “My schedule is cleared. What shall we do?”

She kissed him, pulling him by the front of his shirt. Oh, Gods. He felt himself growing stiff right away and pulled back.

“My bedroom, then,” he purred, trying to keep control of himself.

“Yes, please,” she giggled again, her cheeks pink.

He swept her off her feet, surprising her, picking her up under the knees to carry her. She let out a tiny shriek and burst into laughter. He strode quickly out of the sitting room and crossed the main floor to the staircase.

“Are you my fairytale prince?” she asked playfully.

“Darling, you wound me!” he joked as he carried her up the stairs, his voice high and overly dramatic. “Here I thought I was the vampire lord from your dirtiest novel.”

Marin turned bright red and laughed too loud. He finally set her down in his bedroom, breathless from the action.

“Hells, I forgot how much work that would be,” he chuckled. “Perhaps I'm all out of stamina now.”

Instead of responding with a joke, Marin pushed him against the wall and kissed him. Gods above. He could feel himself growing rapidly harder with her hands moving hungrily across his body.

“I missed you so, so much,” she pouted.

“Really? Let me see…” Astarion reached down under her mid-length skirt, snaking up her thigh. She jumped at his cold touch, but didn't pull away. He felt between her legs. Oh… Gods. She was soaked all the way through, to the point his fingers came away wet from even the outside of her underclothes. His cock went hopelessly hard.

“Oh, Marin,” he whispered.

“I want you so badly,” she whined, feeling clumsily for the outline of him through his pants. “I haven't had much privacy since I saw you. I'm desperate.”

He felt his cheeks and ears grow warm. “I wish I could say the same for the cause of my own desperation. It's a little embarrassing, with how much you've been on my mind, and I'm here alone…” he trailed off, feeling his cock pulse against her hand, giving him away. Marin looked up at him, bright pink.

“Really?” she whispered, a big smile on her face. “And how does that look?”

“A gentleman doesn't kiss and tell, darling,” Astarion joked, grimacing with embarrassment.

“Well, it's a good thing you aren't a gentleman, then,” she teased, smirking flirtatiously. “Because I want to know about the fun you had without me.”

“Gods, you don't really, do you?” he replied, searching her eyes for signs of a joke.

“I'll let you touch me if you show me how you touch yourself,” she giggled. His head swirled at the thought of touching her again.

“Deal,” he whispered. “Now, off with your clothes and under the covers with you.”

Both of them quickly got down to their underclothes and slipped under the blankets.

“I wait until I know I'm alone and sure to be undisturbed,” he whispered. “And then I, uh…” He mimed a jerking motion.

“No fair! You're not getting off that easy,” Marin teased. They both snickered at the double entendre. “You have to show me or you're not getting any prizes, you swindler.”

Astarion closed his eyes and groaned, his stomach muscles tense. “All right, I'll show you, but you owe me. You'd better hold up your end of the deal.”

Marin nodded eagerly. He pulled his cock out, sliding his underclothes off, and rolled onto his side, facing the edge of the bed. He opened a drawer on his side table, pulling out a bottle of oil and getting some into his hand. Her big eyes watched his every move.

He rolled back towards her and put his oiled hand down under the covers. She tented them with her hand so she could watch him. He worked the oil down the length of himself and groaned a little. He jerked himself for a few seconds and then stopped, looking expectantly into her eyes, his cock still in his hand.

“You can touch me, but don't stop touching yourself,” she whispered. He groaned but turned onto his back to free up his pinned arm. She wiggled out of her own undergarments and positioned herself within his reach.

“And what do you do then?” she asked, gasping as he put his hand on her cunt. “If I'm not here.”

“I think of you. Of this,” he whispered, pushing his fingers inside of her. She inhaled as he felt around, finding the right spot.

“What part of this?” She watched with interest as his hand moved smoothly up and down his cock.

“Every part. The way you kiss me, the way you grab at me, the way you pull my clothes off…” She shifted herself up onto her knees, sinking all the way down onto his fingers with a tiny moan. He beckoned towards himself, looking up at her. “I think of how dripping wet you are for me, and the way you beg me to touch you.”

Instead of responding with more questions, Marin moaned and rolled her pelvis. She rubbed herself on his palm, looking down at him with lidded eyes.

“I think about the way you sound, darling,” he huffed, getting carried away watching her. He was trying to touch himself slowly for her sake, rather than desperately seeking a release like when he was truly alone.

“Yeah?” she moaned, her voice raising a bit higher. She pulled the blankets back to watch him stroking himself. She kept rubbing against his palm while he worked his fingers inside.

“And I think of how amazing it feels when you- touch me,” he muttered between his own moans. Marin's mouth fell open, her noises spilling out. “And when you have my cock- in your mouth.”

“Ohhh, Astarion,” she whined, rocking faster against his hand. Gods, she is so beautiful.

“And the perfect way you- the way you feel when I’m inside,” he groaned, slowing down further on himself. “How good you feel when you're all around me. Your beautiful face when you're mad with lust, and when you- hah- float away as you come…”

Marin cried out louder and fucked his hand harder. Her hip movements were spotty and stiff, and her eyes widened, focusing on his. She must be close. He took his hand off of himself and instead grabbed at her breast from his place below her.

“Ast- arion, I'm- going to come-” she whimpered in broken sounds.

“Yes, darling, please,” he purred. She cried out loudly, slamming her eyes shut.

“As- Asta-” she moaned, trying to make out his long name through her ecstasy. He felt her pulsing around his fingers. Thank the Gods. He could hardly bear the wait.

“You're so lovely, my dear,” he admired, keeping his fingers still as she came down from her high. “Do you want my cock?” She nodded, her eyes halfway open. He sat up and positioned himself behind her.

“Is this all right, my love?” he asked. She nodded again. He gently pushed her forward onto her elbows and knees. He looked down at her cunt as he prepared himself, lining up carefully. He felt his tension melt into bliss as she surrounded him.

“Oh, Gods, Marin,” he groaned with relief. “You are so slick, darling. You're perfect.”

He used one hand to pull her pelvis as close to his as he possibly could, eliciting a moan. He put the other on the bed to prop himself up above her. He curled down close to her body like they were animals, fucking her from behind, their sounds and bodies mingling. Her heartbeat was pounding in his ears, and he longed to bite her tender neck, to taste her again for the first time in forever. His vampiric pains were gone since his ascension, but he still felt the urge to bite. I can't, he thought. Not her. Not yet. I have to restrain myself.

“I wish I could taste you, my love,” he panted. “You smell… so lovely.”

She moaned as if the thought was invigorating for her. He felt his self-control starting to slip as he got more and more overwhelmed by the stimulation. Oh, shit. He stopped moving, making her whimper at the loss.

“I can't stay like this, Marin,” he whispered breathlessly in her ear. “I want to bite you so damned bad. Get on top of me and keep away from my mouth, all right?”

He used his remaining willpower to pull away from her and lay down. She clumsily positioned herself over him, lined up his cock, and sank down all the way to his hips. His eyes were fixed on her hands where they lay, flat on his chest.

“I'm sorry, my love,” he whimpered. “It's so hard to control myself right now. Your wrists.”

She pulled her hands away in a hurry, placing them behind her on his thighs, all of her extremities out of his fangs’ reach.

“Is this all right?” she whined, her voice high and desperate.

“You're perfect,” he huffed, putting his hands on her knees. “Fuck me just like this.”

She rocked against his pelvis and moaned loudly. He felt the pleasure in his belly building, pushing him closer to the edge.

“Are you close, my love?” he panted, holding back. She nodded, her eyes wide. He thrusted up into her, hard, bouncing her on his hips.

“Astarion!” she cried out, and he felt her pulse around his cock. He thrusted as deep as he could, desperately seeking his own relief.

Marin looked a little woozy as she came back down from her peak, and one of his thrusts sent her top half tumbling down towards him. She caught herself on his chest with her hands, her beautiful pale wrists landing in front of his face again, right as he reached the point of no return. Oh no, Marin, oh no, ohnonono-

“Shit- unh-” Astarion threw his own arm across his face and bit down, deep into his own bicep. He felt the tang of blood in his mouth, his arm burning with the strength of his hardest bite, and the pleasure in his core slipping out of his control. He cried into his upper arm, latched on tight, as he rolled his hips into her and came, hard. His muffled sounds were loud and visceral.

He unlatched his jaw, his arm falling away from his face and his chest heaving. What in the sweet hells was that? He usually had little trouble controlling his fangs, and the urge was rarely that strong to begin with. Not anymore.

“Astarion? Are you all right?”

He opened his eyes to Marin, sitting motionless on his lap, shining with sweat. The look in her eyes was almost afraid. Of me? Shit. I must have looked like a monster.

“Yes, I'm all right now,” he managed between breaths. She seemed to calm down, hearing his voice again. “I'm sorry if I frightened you, my love. I don't know what came over me. I was so afraid of leaving a mark on you, after what you said. And I never want to bite you as hard as I’m able to.”

“It’s all right,” she reassured him, climbing down from his lap. “I'm sorry for the trouble.”

“I'm the one with the urge to bite people, my dear,” he chuckled, trying to comfort her. “You’re no trouble at all.”

“I miss it too,” she muttered, almost to herself. Astarion stared at her in surprise.

“Oh, um,” she stumbled. “Being bitten, I mean. I liked it when you fed on me back then. You were always tipsy afterwards, and grateful, and… aroused, if you weren't already.”

“Yes, it's an… intimate act,” he managed, embarrassed at his past self. “I always assumed you were just going along with it, because of how badly I needed it back then, when I was so hungry.”

“Of course not,” she responded with a gentle smile, laying next to him in the crook of his unbitten arm. “And besides, it's like making a meal for someone. It's nice to feel needed.”

“I suppose so,” Astarion mused, staring up at the canopy. “I still do, you know. Need you. I’d forgotten how badly.”

“Me too,” Marin said quietly. He turned to look at her.

“I’m not quite sure why,” he admitted. “I don’t know what I can really provide for you, Marin. Besides money, I suppose.”

“You make me feel safe,” she whispered. “Like I could tell you anything. Like you can see the person inside, and you want me anyway.”

Astarion’s heart jumped into his throat. Gods, how I want you.

The Take Over, The Break's Over - 7

Ascended Astarion x Marin (Tav/OC, cis woman)

Rating: Explicit (18+)

Words: 800 (chapter 7 of 17)

Setting: Marin's house

Content: Marin's POV, forbidden relationship, Marin's husband fucking sucks but on screen this time, Astarion sends a letter via his servant, they are so in love and miss each other an excessive amount

I went too far for the bit on these letters and made visuals but I included a text-only version below it for accessibility~

Warnings: descriptions of emotional ab*se & dialogue (I really tried to make this guy an emotionally ab*sive creep without being in-depth enough to bother people, difficult line to walk so I'm sorry if he seems either one-dimensional or is still upsetting)

This is not the place for anti-A!A discourse. I love both versions of Astarion, and it's okay to have issues with the Ascendant route, but I will block you if you clown on these posts~

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Marin loaded the bread dough into the oven, drying the sweat from her forehead with the back of her hand as she stepped away.

“You smell like an ox,” Del chided as he entered the kitchen. Marin sighed to herself.

“I'm sorry. The oven is hot. Baking is hard work, you know.”

He snickered as if the very idea was foolish, making her cheeks burn.

“Speaking of hard work, I'm off,” he muttered as he finished fastening his buttons. “Behave yourself, a’right?”

She swallowed the urge to say something nasty. “Of course I will, Del.”

“Good,” he replied, kissing her on the cheek. She plastered a smile on her face and followed him to the door.

“Have a good night,” she called as he started down the path. He responded with a half-hearted thanks, not looking back.

“Fucking prick,” she whispered to herself once the door was shut. He seemed to have grown more irritating since her return, but maybe that was imagined. He was acting the same as always, while something inside her had changed.

She took off her apron and grabbed the cushion and gloves she used for her garden. She left the door open behind her so that she could smell the bread cooking, as a reminder to check on it.

She perched on the stones around her front garden, the cushion under her knees. Feeling the sun warm her hair from behind and smelling the soil, she felt the stress of dealing with Del melt away.

“My lady?” came a woman’s voice from behind her. My lady? Marin turned to see a cloaked figure walking up her garden path. She dropped her hood as she approached, revealing a familiar face.

“...Evi?”

“Good afternoon, my lady. I come bearing a parcel from Lord Ancunín,” she announced, speaking formally as if Marin had any social standing.

“A letter? Oh, um, thank you,” she stuttered. “You didn't run into anyone on your way up the path, did you?”

“I waited for his departure before I approached,” Evi reassured her. “Lord’s orders. He wants me to confirm that you're all right.”

Marin’s face burned thinking of Astarion’s concern for her. “I am, thank you.”

“Excellent. I have one more gift from his lordship.” Evi reached into her bag, pulling out a single orange, fragrant and perfectly ripe.

“Oh, thank you!” Marin took it from her, delighted with the surprise.

“Have a pleasant day, Lady Marin,” she said, pulling up her hood before walking down the path.

“You too,” she responded, feeling like she was in a dream. She floated inside, closing the front door and putting her back against the inside of it. She held the letter tightly to her chest, her heart pounding. She checked the oven before scurrying down the hall, letter and orange in hand. She didn't want to be caught reading it in plain view, on the tiny chance Del came home to get something. She locked the bedroom door behind her, sank into the bed, and opened the envelope, addressed only Marin. The letter was written on thick, expensive paper, with Astarion's careful calligraphy folded up inside.

Marin, my sweet,

I was heartened to see your letter this evening. I miss you terribly, darling. Your visit has served as a harsh reminder of my empty bed and lonely existence. Of course, I do not blame you for that. Our time together was far more valuable to me than any continued delusion of self-sufficiency. Your joyful presence feels like sunshine on my skin after so many years in the darkness, a bittersweet feeling with which I am intimately familiar.

We disagreed at the time of my ascension on your vampiric transformation. I recall the details of those arguments quite clearly when I am lonely and disappointed in myself. I want you to know that I will accept you in any form, my love. I am not the man I used to be, but I realize I will have to prove myself worthy of your trust.

I will happily make space for you in my life if you ever feel ready for a future with me. I want nothing else as much as I want to see you happy. There is a greenhouse here which is hardly used, and it makes me long to see you working on your garden to your heart's content.

You are welcome here anytime, my dear. I hope you know that I eagerly await our next meeting. Until then, I will think of you anytime my mind wanders, as I do already.

Stay safe, darling.

Yours eternally,

Astarion

Your comment about beetroot juice made me smile. You enjoyed the fresh oranges when you were here, so I hope you will smile for me in return.

Marin flopped back on the bed, the letter pressed to her heart as if it were part of him. She stared blankly up at the rafters, tears running down her face and into her hair.

The Take Over, The Break's Over - 6

Ascended Astarion x Marin (Tav/OC, cis woman)

Rating: Explicit (18+)

Words: 300 (chapter 6 of 17)

Setting: A!Astarion's palace

Content: Astarion's POV, forbidden relationship, Astarion needs help from his servant to get a letter to Marin, he explains the plan to her

Warnings: mentions of emotional ab*se

This is not the place for anti-A!A discourse. I love both versions of Astarion, and it's okay to have issues with the Ascendant route, but I will block you if you clown on these posts~

First chapter

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Next chapter

“Evi, would you mind taking a day trip for me tomorrow?” Astarion simpered into the kitchen where she was sweeping up.

“Of course, my lord.” she replied. “What sort of errand might it be?”

“It's beyond the Gate. A couple of hours by carriage,” he explained. “I have a letter to be hand-delivered. It's a bit of a… delicate task, so to speak.”

Evi grinned at those words, pretending to busy herself with sweeping. “And who might be the recipient?”

“Marin,” he admitted, feeling his heart flutter as he said it aloud.

“And the postal service won't run it for you, hm?” she replied, smiling to herself.

“Cheeky,” he grumbled. “She's married.”

“Married?”

“Yes, all right?” he snapped, a bit annoyed at her for prying into his life. “I can't take the chance it will fall into the hands of her husband. That's why the post office won't do. You’re a woman, so you won’t raise suspicion if you’re seen speaking to her. I need you to deliver it personally.”

She avoided his sharp gaze, a small blush across her tanned cheeks. “Of course, my lord.”

“Thank you,” he growled. “She should be at home during the daytime. I'd like you to wait out of sight until the afternoon, when the husband leaves for work. I'm not sure what hour he leaves the house, mind you - only that he works in a tavern. Bring something to keep busy while you wait.”

“Understood, my lord.”

“I’ll provide you with some extra gold for your discretion,” he impressed upon her, speaking carefully. “I'm paying you more than usual to take most of the day off, Evi. It needs to be done exactly right. This is a matter of her safety.”

She stopped pretending to focus on her task and met his eyes, looking sincere. “There’s no need to worry, Lord Astarion. I won't let you down.”

The Take Over, The Break's Over - 5

Ascended Astarion x Marin (Tav/OC, cis woman)

Rating: Explicit (18+)

Words: 400 (chapter 5 of 17)

Setting: A!Astarion's palace

Content: Astarion's POV, forbidden relationship, Marin sends a letter, her husband fucking sucks, they are so in love and miss each other an excessive amount

I went too far for the bit on these letters and made visuals but I included a text-only version below it for accessibility~

Warnings: descriptions of emotional ab*se

This is not the place for anti-A!A discourse. I love both versions of Astarion, and it's okay to have issues with the Ascendant route, but I will block you if you clown on these posts~

First chapter

Previous chapter

Next chapter

Several days later

“My lord,” came Evi’s muffled voice from beyond his study door. “The evening post has arrived.”

Astarion rose from his desk immediately. There wasn't much point in hoping, but he did, every time. He opened the door and took the envelopes from her hands.

“Thank you,” he muttered absent-mindedly, thumbing through them right in front of her. Is that-

“You're welcome,” Evi responded with a knowing smile, excusing herself. One was addressed in Marin’s handwriting, Ld. Astarion Ancunín, with a return address reading only M. He took it to his desk and cut it open immediately, his heart racing, careful not to slice through her handwriting on the envelope.

Dearest Astarion,

The days have been so dull since we parted. Del has been watching me more carefully than usual since his return, and I’ve been busy with my housework. I don't think he suspects me of our visit, but I have been more absentminded than usual, which may have set him on edge. I've been trying to keep up with my duties around the house, so as not to alert him to any changes. However, I think of our time together ceaselessly.

I long to join you again. Even returning to the bustle of Baldur's Gate felt magical compared to this town, and reminded me of our adventuring days. Del won't tell me the next time he goes out of town until a few days in advance, so I'm unsure how long it will be until I can get away again. I wish we could be together already, but we will have to wait for the next opportunity, my silver star.

My garden is thriving as the weather warms, which is cheering me up. I planted a few beets early this spring, and I think of you when tending to the sprouts. (because of the red juice)

I will write again as soon as I can. I have to be careful with this letter and will place it in the public postbox myself. In the meantime, I hope you are thinking of me the way I think of you. Our night together was far more special to me than a merely physical affair.

All my love,

Marin

Below the writing, there was a tiny doodle of a vampire (is it me?) looking at a beet.

Astarion leaned back as he finished reading, slumping down in his seat, his chest aching. She is so sweet. He almost felt guilty for being aroused at the conjured memories of her in his bed, but he knew it wasn’t a reflection of his heart. She is so much more to me.

The Take Over, The Break's Over - 4

Ascended Astarion x Marin (Tav/OC, cis woman)

Rating: Explicit (18+)

Words: 2.4k (chapter 4 of 17)

Setting: A!Astarion's palace

Content: Astarion's POV, oral sex, blowjob, Astarion comes all over her, dirty talk, praise, teasing, fingering, cunnilingus, PIV sex, riding, multiple orgasms, Marin comes all over him, I specifically hate the words squirting and female ejaculation both!!! but that's what happens, Marin's romantic confession, crying/comfort, soft Astarion is sad because she has to go home and he's lonely without her

There is so much fuckin' in this one, I'm only 5% sorry; these horny idiots are in LOVE and I will cry in this club about it

This is not the place for anti-A!A discourse. I love both versions of Astarion, and it's okay to have issues with the Ascendant route, but I will block you if you clown on these posts~

First chapter

Previous chapter

Next chapter

“I haven’t had a breakfast like that in a long time,” Marin chirped as she went up the stairs. The morning sun was bright now, shining in through the huge windows at the front of the house. Her red hair gleamed like raw gold in the sunlight. Gods, she’s beautiful.

“I’m glad I could treat you to it,” Astarion purred. “My servants do all the hard work, of course. I just slink between my bedroom and my study most days.”

He swatted at her butt as they reached the landing, eliciting a lighthearted protest from her.

“It’s a nice view,” he chuckled.

Marin led the way into his room, bouncing a little as she walked, acting comfortable in his home. His heart ached to share it with her for more than one night.

“So, darling. What’s next?” he prompted.

Without another word, Marin pulled him close and kissed him. His heart fluttered with excitement as she snaked her hands under his robe, grabbing at his bare chest.

“I couldn’t stop looking at your skin peeking through the top of your robe,” she whispered. “You’re so handsome.”

“And I couldn’t stop thinking about how you’re wearing nothing but my bed clothes under your robe,” he responded with a grin. She giggled, her cheeks pink.

“You were incredible last night,” she fawned.

“Why, thank you,” he replied, feeling his cock harden at the memory. “You were so very… exciting. I was rather embarrassed I couldn't go on for longer. I had hoped you enjoyed yourself enough to make up for that.”

“I haven't gotten off like that in forever,” she said earnestly, still blushing. “I'd forgotten how much I missed those skilled hands of yours.”

“These?” he purred, reaching around for her ass, causing her to jump.

“Ooh! Yes, those,” she giggled. He ran his hands over her, reaching down to where her thighs began, rubbing gently. She shuddered from the stimulation, and Astarion felt himself stiffen completely from the feel of her. He was slightly frustrated at his inability to keep his controlled demeanor with her. But perhaps it was a good thing that she made him feel differently than everyone else. Gods, I haven't lost control of myself like that since… well, since I last laid with her.

“I can feel you,” Marin remarked. She started to grind against his cock, making him pulse from the excitement.

“Well, you… have a way of unraveling me,” he admitted, inhaling deeply. She reached her hand down, beneath his robe and his underclothes, and took his cock in her soft hand. So warm.

“Is this all right?” she whispered.

“Yes,” he managed, his heart pounding. Her hand moved up and down the length of him, eliciting a groan. He shrugged off his robe, the silky material falling to the floor with a rustle.

“What do you want, Astarion?” Your hands, your mouth. Everything.

“You,” he replied. She giggled, her pink blush reappearing.

“Silly boy,” she teased. Nobody ever talks to me the way she does. “I meant, whatever shall I do with you?”

“Whatever you’d like, I suppose,” he muttered. “I'm yours.”

“Good boy,” she whispered. His cock pulsed in her hand as she praised him. “Oh, did you like that?”

He nodded, looking into her eyes. She pulled her hand away to wiggle out of her robe. He took the opportunity to grab the hem of her nightshirt, and she let him pull it up over her head. Her bare, freckled chest looked so lovely in the morning light.

“I thought I could have my fun with you, first,” she pouted as he worked his borrowed underclothes down over her hips.

“You can,” he insisted. “I wanted to see your beautiful body, darling.”

Marin’s cheeks and ears went red at his compliment.

“Then let’s dress you for the occasion as well,” she giggled, tugging at his waistband. He let her slide his underclothes off, his cock springing free. “Now, let’s get comfortable.”

She took his hand and pulled him to the bed. He sat on the edge, looking up at her.

“Good boy,” she repeated, eliciting a tiny gasp. Marin moved to her knees, taking his cock in her hand again. She licked the underside, making him shudder. She looked up at him with those enormous blue-green eyes, watching his reaction as she licked her lips and put them around the tip of his cock. He swallowed a moan and propped himself up with his arms straight behind him. Gods, I love her so much.

He bit his lip, trying to keep himself grounded. Don’t say anything stupid this time, he thought. He could feel his control slipping away as she sucked him off.

“You feel- d-divine,” he stuttered, trying to regain his eloquence. It wasn’t working. He could feel her tongue lapping, slightly stiff against the sensitive underside of his cock. He shuddered, a moan escaping his throat. He began to thrust towards her, restraining his movements to keep her comfortable.

She moaned a little with him in her mouth, driving him wild.

“Oh-h, Marin, you’re per- perfect,” he whined. “You make me want to-” Oh, shit. He felt his hips stiffening up, desperate to fuck her mouth harder. Tension was building in his belly. He tapped her shoulder, and she looked up at him with lidded eyes. Fuck, fuck.

“H-hand,” he managed. “Your hand, darling, I’m-”

She pulled her mouth off of him, leaving his cock slippery. She straightened up, leaning closer, and started jerking him off in front of her breasts, bouncing as she worked. He let his hips loose, his eyes fixed on her jiggling chest, thrusting as hard as he’d wanted to before. He rolled his hips, fucking into her hand, feeling her tits bump against the tip of his cock. He came suddenly, surprising even himself, like tumbling over a cliff. He watched as the valley between her breasts became covered in his fluid, letting himself finish before flopping back onto the bed. His arms felt like jelly.

“Holy hells, Astarion, that was a lot,” Marin panted. Fuck.

“I’m sorry,” he managed, breathless. “What a mess.”

“I didn’t say it was a bad thing, love,” she said adoringly, laying on her back next to him on the bed. Love? No, better not to make a fuss about it. It’s just a pet name.

“Oh?” he asked. She grabbed for his hand, pulling it to her body, his fingers on her cunt. She was radiating heat and very slick. “Oh, I see.”

He looked over to see her eyes glimmering back at him, her face eager. He summoned the strength to get up and crossed the room for a towel, handing it to her with a chuckle.

“What shall we do about that, I wonder?” he mused as she wiped at her chest. “I suppose… it’s only half past seven, and you have earned a reward. For your… excellent service.”

She sat up on the edge of the bed with her tits pushed out. “Yes, I have,” she responded playfully.

“You’ll have to convince me you really want it, of course,” he growled. Her face reddened even more.

“Please, Lord Astarion,” she pleaded, flirtatious. His stomach flipped, hearing her call him by that title. “I do.”

“Do you really?”

“So badly,” she continued, flopping onto her back, legs slightly open. “I just want you to touch me, more than anything in the world, Lord Astarion.”

He pounced on her and pinned her to the bed softly. She moaned and squirmed under him, not trying to escape.

“Touch you, hm?” he muttered. “Touch you where?”

“Everywhere, my love,” she whispered. There it is again. Love.

“Here?” he asked, running his fingers down the side of her neck and to her shoulder. She shuddered, nodding.

“And… here?” He clasped her breast with his hand, her nipple caught between two of his fingers, making her squirm again.

“Yes, please,” she whined.

He pulled back, standing on the edge of the bed on his knees, and hiked her up the bed. He came back down, his mouth at her breasts. He licked her nipple, pulling it gently into his mouth, painstakingly careful not to scrape her with his fangs. She moaned louder than he expected. I forgot how much she liked that.

He worked his tongue across her nipple, flicking at it with the tip of his tongue, feeling her hips roll underneath him. He moved his head to the other breast and repeated the treatment.

“Ohhh, Lord Astarion, yes,” she whimpered. She was still using his title, playing along. Such a cheeky girl.

He pulled his head away, hearing her whine at the loss. He looked up into her eyes again, seeing them glazed over with lust.

“Shall I touch you here?” he offered, brushing his fingers over her pelvis, eliciting a gasp.

“Yes, yes,” she moaned. “There, please, Lord Astarion.”

“As you wish, my lady.” He crawled down again, his face at her bellybutton, kissing his way down. She tipped her pelvis up at him impatiently. He reached between her legs, finding her entrance and pushing two fingers inside. She was dripping wet. He felt for her most sensitive zone, feeling the taut place at the front and pressing upwards against it. She moaned and stiffened her hips as he touched her there.

Once he was propped on his elbow, he lowered his mouth to her cunt, lapping at her. She let out a surprised whimper, lifting her head to look down at him. He froze, watching her eyes, until she nodded at him. Thank the Gods.

He worked his tongue slowly over her, moving his fingers in rhythm with his mouth. She moaned, higher pitched and more urgently the longer he worked on her. Gods, you’re beautiful, I love you, he thought. He felt his cock pulse, starting to harden again at the temptation, but remained focused on touching her.

“Oh, fuck, Astarion,” she whimpered. “Please don’t stop.”

He shook his head slightly, not lifting his mouth from her body. I’m not stopping unless you say so. He worked faster, hearing her voice cutting out as she moaned his name.

“Oh A- star-” she cried out. “Oh Gods- I’m comi-”

He felt her insides flutter and pulse around his fingers. Oh, fuck. She was so, so hot. He felt himself sweating too, his cheeks and ears slipping against her inner thighs. She panted, trying to catch her breath, so he gave her a short break from the stimulation before starting up again. Her moans resumed, high and urgent, and it took even less time for her to wind up the second time.

“Fucking hells,” she whimpered. “You’re going to make me-”

“Mhm,” he murmured against her cunt, nodding slightly, encouraging her. She cried out, pulsing hard around his fingers again. He felt himself get completely, desperately hard as he listened to her falling apart. Bleeding hells, she is so lovely.

His fingers pushed against the inside of her, realizing the front was more taut and resistant to his touch than before. Suddenly, a few of the times he’d fingered her into oblivion came rushing into his mind. This might make a mess. He wanted her on him so badly, tight like that around his cock. He pulled his head away, keeping his fingers still.

“Marin,” he purred. “My sweet, we should get off the bed. I’m going to get something to put underneath us.”

She nodded, her eyes wide, seemingly having realized it as well. He pulled away from her and grabbed several towels from across the room. He laid them all down, creating thick layers on top of the bedding.

“Will you let me fuck you?” he pleaded, her eyes glancing down to his cock standing at attention.

“Yes,” she panted immediately. “Lay down.”

He laid on his back, positioning his pelvis on top of the towels. She climbed onto the bed and into his lap, holding his cock still so she could sink down onto it. He could feel her all around him, tight and soaking wet. His earlier release would buy him some time. Thank the Gods. The sensation of her was so very overwhelming.

“Oh-h-h,” came her broken moans as she settled onto him. “Astarion-”

“You’re perfect,” he huffed, trying to hold still while she got comfortable. “Absolutely perfect.”

Her cheeks were bright red, the flush spreading like wildfire over her ears and shoulders. She rocked against him, trying to get as close as possible. He put his hands on her hips and pulled her down onto his pelvis, hard. He bounced her on his cock, using his grip to keep her close, watching her tits bounce along. Her mouth was open in a beautiful oval, her eyes rolling upwards behind closed lids. I will not come before her, he thought. I have to give her this. She deserves to be happy. He felt his eyes well slightly at the thought. Gods damn it.

She looked down at him with that doe-eyed face of desperation. She didn’t say a word, but her face gave her away.

“It’s all right, darling. Let go,” he begged, his voice high and breathless. “Come for me, Marin. Mess be damned.”

She kept her eyes locked on his, letting out staccato cries as he felt her waves come crashing down around him. Her eyes slammed shut, barely any sound escaping her, pulsing so hard around his cock as more and more fluid puddled between them, running down over his hips onto the towels below. That’s it. He lost any semblance of control.

“Fuckfuckfuck,” he whimpered and came inside of her. He felt her swaying above him and grabbed her shoulders to guide her down onto his chest. He held her as they both shuddered and caught their breath.

“Astarion,” she mumbled against his neck, her voice muffled.

“Yes, dear.”

“I love you. I never stopped,” she admitted quietly. He stayed silent, holding her tightly, his face solemn. He felt her closed eyelids grow wet against his bare skin. “I don’t even know why I’m crying. I’m sorry.”

“It’s all right, my sweet,” he consoled her. “It’s quite natural to cry after a release like that.”

“All right,” she muttered. Her tears slid down over his shoulder, soaking into the bedding below. His own eyes welled up, knowing their time together was almost over. She’ll be leaving again, and I’ll be here alone. Again.

The Take Over, The Break's Over - 3

Ascended Astarion x Marin (Tav/OC, cis woman)

Rating: Explicit (18+)

Words: 1k (chapter 3 of 17)

Setting: A!Astarion's palace

Content: Marin's POV, ex-lovers reunited, forbidden relationship, angst, Marin's husband is emotionally ab*sive, she's in denial and Astarion finds out, protective/angry Astarion, comfort

Warnings: descriptions of emotional ab*se

This is not the place for anti-A!A discourse. I love both versions of Astarion, and it's okay to have issues with the Ascendant route, but I will block you if you clown on these posts~

First chapter

Previous chapter

Next chapter

They say your head can be a prison / Then these are just conjugal visits

Marin woke with a start, unsure where she was for a moment. She sat up straight before realizing she was with Astarion. She heard him stir behind her.

“Are you all right?” he mumbled.

“Yes, I was… dreaming, I suppose,” she muttered. “I don't remember.”

“Come back to me,” he implored. She laid down next to him.

“You must have been terribly bored,” she said sheepishly. “I'm sorry.”

“Hm? No, I read my book for a while, and then I rested. I was in a trance until you woke.”

“Oh. I'm sorry,” she repeated.

“Now, stop that, darling,” he scolded gently. “You simply must stop apologizing to me. I'm glad you're here.”

“I'm glad, too,” she replied honestly. “Do you have the time?”

He checked a watchpiece on his side table. “Early. A bit after three.”

“I feel wide awake.” She turned to look at him.

“You did fall asleep quite early,” he chuckled, his eyes soft. “Why, do you want to get up?”

Marin shook her head. “I want to stay here for now.”

“All right, then. Whatever shall we do together, in my bed?” he mused, being cheeky.

“Can we talk?”

Astarion cleared his throat. “Of course.”

“I don’t know what I’m going to do,” she started.

“What do you mean, darling?” Astarion propped himself on his side.

“About… all of this,” she replied. “I thought I could come here, and see you, and then go back home. And then… we’d be even, I suppose. Things would go back to normal.”

Astarion was quiet for a long time. “And why can’t they? Go back to normal, I mean.”

“I don’t want to go back to normal. I feel like I’m in prison,” she muttered. “At home, with him.”

“Perhaps you need regular conjugal visits, then,” he joked.

“I’m serious, Astarion.” She turned to look at him, her face anxious. “Del’s a good man, but… I’m resentful. I feel like a servant.”

“Is he a good man?” he asked, studying her face. “He doesn’t sound like one, though I know I’m not exactly the right person to make a moral judgment.”

“What do you mean?”

“He’s sleeping around, with a woman like you waiting at home. How long has he been hiding it from you?”

“Well, it was just the one… that I know of,” Marin said, uneasy. “It was a few months ago. She had just moved into town and didn’t know he was married. She told me a couple of weeks later, when she realized he had a wife.”

“So, he’s had plenty of time to broach the subject,” he mused. “He’s too pathetic to tell you the truth. Or he doesn’t give a damn.”

She felt tears welling up. Gods damn it.

“It’s my fault,” she whispered. “It has to be.”

“How could it be your fault?” he asked quietly. “You’re beautiful, Marin. You’re a loving person. He had no reason to stray, and yet he did.”

“He’s so angry all the time,” she lamented. “I try to do everything just the way he wants me to, and I still fail.”

Astarion gently turned her chin to face him again, looking into her eyes. “What do you mean?”

“His house. His dinner. All his rules. Everything.”

“His house?” he repeated, bristling at her words. “His… rules? What kind of rules?”

“The house has to be spotless when he’s there,” she explained. “I have to do all the cooking. And I have to look nice for him - keep my hair brushed, and wear pretty things when he’s around. Nothing ever looks good enough in his eyes.”

Astarion’s eyes were red like hot coals under his knitted brows. He looked furious now.

“What happens if you don’t… follow his rules?” he growled slowly.

“He yells at me,” she choked out. “Says mean things to me. Calls me names.”

Astarion rolled onto his back, taking deep, shaky breaths.

“And if he finds out I left town, he’ll be-”

“I’ll kill him,” he snarled, staring at the canopy with his jaw clenched. Marin’s heart pounded, her stomach churning. Oh no, what have I done?

“Astarion, what- why are you so angry?” she stuttered, her voice high and quivering.

He softened at once, seemingly realizing he was scaring her. He turned back to her and pulled her into a hug, squeezing her tight.

“I’m sorry, my love,” he whispered into her hair. “I’m so sorry.”

“For what?” she squeaked.

“For frightening you. For everything. I’m so sorry, Marin.”

“What- are you all right?”

“I never should have let you go. I should have begged you to stay here, where I can protect you,” he whispered, sounding almost manic, his arms shaking as he held her. “I thought you’d be safe without me, but-”

“Safe? What are you saying, Astarion?”

He pulled back from her and pressed his forehead to hers, tears in his eyes.

“You protected me from him,” he said, his voice shaking. “Being with you was the first time I felt safe, and you helped me kill him. You gave me what I have.”

“What does any of that have to do with Del?” she asked, bewildered.

“He treats you terribly! He won’t let you leave!” he objected, his voice high and indignant, before lowering back to a growl. “He’s a poisonous little snake. I won’t wait until he bites you to crush him under my heel.”

“Astarion, please don’t talk like that. He doesn’t hurt me. I’m safe.”

“You can’t stay there with a man like that, Marin!” he pleaded, his eyes sharp and fearful. “It will only get worse. Please, let me protect you.”

“I don’t want to talk about this any more right now,” she choked out, holding back tears. “Please, can we just be together for a while longer before I go? Like old times?”

He took a deep breath, and laid quietly for a while, regaining control of himself. Finally, he pulled her close again.

“Of course we can, darling.”

The Take Over, The Break's Over - 2

Ascended Astarion x Marin (Tav/OC, cis woman)

Rating: Explicit (18+)

Words: 1.2k (chapter 2 of 17)

Setting: A!Astarion's palace

Content: Marin's POV, ex-lovers reunited, forbidden relationship, romantic confession, aftercare, non-sexual nudity/intimacy, angst, regret, jealousy, crying, comfort, fluff, soft Astarion

This is not the place for anti-A!A discourse. I love both versions of Astarion, and it's okay to have issues with the Ascendant route, but I will block you if you clown on these posts~

First chapter

Next chapter

“The bath’s ready,” Astarion announced, poking his head around the bedroom door. Marin was already asleep on the edge of the bed, though he'd only been gone a few minutes. “Oh, darling. You must be exhausted. Poor thing.”

“Huh? Oh, sorry,” she mumbled, realizing she'd been asleep. She blinked a few times, clearing the blurriness from her eyes. It had been a terribly long day.

“Don't be. Let's get cleaned up, and you can rest all you want afterwards, hm?” Astarion said softly, extending a hand to help her rise.

The bath was exquisite - a huge wooden tub, filled with warm, delicately scented water and flower petals floating on the top.

“Now, there's room for the both of us in here, but I can wash up elsewhere if you'd like your privacy. Your decision,” Astarion offered.

“Stay,” Marin responded. “I think I'd fall asleep in there, to be honest.”

Astarion chuckled. “As you wish, my dear.”

He helped her lift her dress up over her head, and then took off the tight pants he'd been wearing. He took both piles of clothes, including their undergarments, and placed them in the hall.

“What are you doing?” Marin blurted out.

“Leaving them for my housekeeper. I let her know we'd need yours cleaned for tomorrow.”

“Including my underclothes? Oh, gods, with the mess we made… how mortifying.” She felt a blush spreading down to her bare shoulders.

“I met Evi when she worked in a brothel,” Astarion said with a smirk. “She gets far better wages to clean that sort of mess now. Don't be embarrassed.”

Marin’s face was burning at the thought, but she slipped her leg into the bath without argument.

“Ohhh, it's perfect,” she sighed, climbing in and submerging herself to the chin. Astarion followed suit, sinking down next to her facing the same direction.

“Mmm, yes, it is,” he agreed. They sat together in silence for a while.

“I could take a bath like this every single night,” Marin said absentmindedly.

“You could, if you wanted to,” Astarion responded earnestly. “You can stay here anytime.”

She wasn't sure what to say to that. She kept her eyes closed, completely flushed, turning his words over in her mind: I love you. Was that just one of his charming lines? Does he say that a lot?

“Did you fall asleep?” he asked, pulling her back into the moment. Her eyes sprang open.

“Hm? Uh, maybe.”

“You poor, sweet thing,” Astarion sympathized, his voice like honey. How do I ask him about that? Is there a tactful way to broach the subject?

“Did you mean it?” she blurted out. So much for tact, Marin.

“Hm?”

“When you… uh, never mind,” she muttered. He straightened up a bit, stiffening his posture as he guessed her intentions.

“You mean when we were having sex?”

Leave it to Astarion to find the most uncomfortable way to hold a mirror to your own face. Is he embarrassed too? It's so hard to tell.

“Yeah.”

He sighed, pondering it for a moment before he spoke again. “Well, I suppose I meant it at the time.”

“What does that even mean?” Marin asked, a bit too harshly.

“It was the heat of the moment, darling. A force of habit,” he admitted. Her stomach dropped.

“Yeah, I'll bet you say that to everyone who lets you put your cock in them,” she replied bitterly.

“To everyone? Certainly not, dear,” he snapped, a bit of offense in his voice.

“Then why'd you say it was a habit?”

“From when I was with you, back then,” he clarified. “I used to tell you that all the time. The body remembers things like that.”

She looked away, ashamed for having been so short with him. What in the hells was that? Am I jealous? Of Astarion?

“Are you all right, Marin?” he asked, softly. “You're not upset with me for having sex with other people, surely. Was I meant to remain celibate in your absence?”

She felt tears welling up. She didn't speak, trying to push them back down before he noticed.

“Marin?”

“I'm jealous, okay?” she blurted out. “It's stupid, and it doesn't make any sense, but I am.”

“It's not stupid,” he responded. “Another man gets to hear you say ‘I love you’ while he beds you, year after year. While I'm here in this empty place, alone. Sensible or not, I know how it feels.”

“You're not here alone,” she replied, her words coming out grumpier than intended. “That's ridiculous. I'm sure you've fucked all manner of noblemen, and their wives too.”

“I didn't say my bed was cold, darling,” he sniped. “And besides, that's hardly the same. They were just sex. Distractions, as you mentioned earlier. Elves fall in love once or twice in a long lifetime, or have you forgotten?”

It was no use trying to hold the tears back anymore. They came streaming down her face, stinging her red cheeks and dripping into the bathwater. He put a hand on the side of her face, turning her head towards him, his fingers finally warm.

“What are you crying for? I didn't…” he trailed off. “I was too harsh. I'm sorry, my sweet.”

“No, that's not-” she sobbed, trying to catch her breath. “I haven't felt- I don't- I'm s-sorry-” The thoughts she tried to hold together kept slipping through her fingers.

Astarion pulled her close, bare chest pressed against hers, his wet curls touching the side of her face.

“You're not to blame for my loneliness, dear,” he consoled her, petting her hair. “I was the one who pushed you away by acting like a bastard, and I've been reckoning with that for a long time now. It's nothing new for me.”

“Well, who's to blame for my loneliness, then?” she blubbered.

“Your cheating husband. Your selfish vampire. Take your pick.”

“He's not a bad guy. And neither are you. There must be something wrong with me,” she lamented. He pulled back and held her shoulders, taking a better look at her.

“There’s nothing wrong with you, Marin. Let's get you to bed, okay? You'll feel better.”

She nodded, her tears slowing. He stood and got out of the bath, drying himself with a towel before helping her up. He gave her the towel to wrap around herself while they crossed the hall. Her body felt so heavy and cumbersome.

They stepped out of the steamy bathroom, the dirty clothes now missing from the hall. He kept his arm around her shoulders, guiding her back to his bedroom.

Marin sat down on the edge of the bed, feeling woozy, while Astarion hunted through the wardrobe. He returned to her with a nightshirt and some of his underclothes.

“Wear these for tonight,” he said softly. He pulled down the bedding while she dressed, making a comfortable space for her to lay down. She obliged, curling up on her side. She felt him crawl into bed behind her, pulling her into the crook of his body.

“You don't sleep,” she mumbled.

“I'll stay with you anyway,” he whispered in her ear. “I’ll be here when you wake, all right?”

She nodded as she drifted off.

“Now rest, darling.”

The Take Over, The Break's Over - 1

Ascended Astarion x Marin (Tav/OC, cis woman)

Overview: I was inspired by an old favorite song - The Take Over, The Break's Over by Fall Out Boy. I really wanted to make a story about a protective A!Astarion reuniting with his ex-lover who has a shit husband and it became a WAY longer story than I intended. Super smutty and quite heavy throughout. Astarion's PTSD and Marin's emotionally ab*sive husband are triggers later on!

Rating: Explicit (18+)

Words: 3.7k (chapter 1 of 17)

Setting: Baldur's Gate, post-plot of BG3

Content: Marin's POV, ex-lovers reunited, forbidden relationship, semi-public make-out, dirty talk, hook-up, fingering, quickie, standing/wall sex, romantic confession, soft Ascended Astarion is lonely

This is not the place for anti-A!A discourse. I love both versions of Astarion, and it's okay to have issues with the Ascendant route, but I will block you if you clown on these posts~

Next chapter

Don't pretend you ever forgot about me

Marin arrived at the bar in the early evening, the fourth place she'd checked for Astarion. The servant at his front door said he went out for drinks and wasn't expected back for several hours, but she couldn't afford to wait in his sitting room for him to come home. Instead, she went searching for Astarion at the fancy establishments near his home, despite the sprinkling rain. As she stepped past the entranceway of the tavern, she spotted him from behind.

There he was, perched on a small chair like a peacock, gesturing as he spoke. A nobleman sat across from him, drunkenly laughing at his story, a courtesan giggling between the two. She was leaning against the other man, but clearly enraptured by Astarion. Marin could hardly blame her - the other man was likely a well-paying client, but nowhere near as charming.

Time seemed to stand still. The drunken man must have noticed her standing across the room, staring at the group of them, and smiled in her direction. Trying to figure out what he was looking at, the woman ended up spotting her as well. She smiled and gave a little wave to Marin.

Astarion glanced over his shoulder, his characteristic smirk still plastered on his face. It quickly dropped when he saw Marin. He didn't look upset, to her relief. His eyes were wide, lips slightly parted. He furrowed his brow and squinted a little, as if he couldn't believe his eyes.

“... Marin?”

Her heart raced hearing her name from his mouth again.

“Astarion.”

He'd completely lost interest in the others at his table, rising slowly from his chair. He strode elegantly across the bar, despite his surprise.

“Bleeding hells. It's actually you,” Astarion said, his mouth breaking into a genuine smile. “What are you doing here?”

“I thought we could have a drink,” she responded, trying to keep her voice from shaking. “The two of us. Catch up.”

Astarion's brows knitted together in disbelief, but he played along regardless. “All right, then. Let's have a drink.”

He extended an arm, offering it to her like a gentleman. She took it, tighter than she intended. Without missing a beat, he led her across the floor, walking all the way to the back of the establishment. He presented her with a pair of comfortable armchairs, waiting for her to sit before sinking into one himself, signalling for a waiter.

“Wine for you, darling?”

Marin’s stomach jumped at the pet name.

“Liquor,” she replied, trying to sound composed. He perked an eyebrow with curiosity, but didn't challenge her. He turned to the waiter who had appeared.

“Brandy, for both of us. Thank you,” he requested, before turning back to Marin.

“Sooo, you know I must ask. What brings a married woman into a bar for a drink with her old lover?” he drawled. “I hadn’t the faintest clue you were in town.”

“I wanted to see you,” she replied, earnestly.

“After all these years?” he asked with surprise, watching her carefully. “Obviously, darling, I'm flattered. But I thought you were finished with me.”

“I don't hate you. I never did,” she countered. “It was just too hard to be… close to you, after everything that happened. And then I met Del.”

“Yes, Wyll told me you were leaving town to get married. I assumed that was the end of it. Of us.” His tone was still calm and measured, despite the subject.

The drinks arrived, and Marin immediately took hers from the table. She took a big drink, hoping to steel her nerves, and coughed a little. Damn, it's been a long time since I had something this strong, she thought. How embarrassing. She looked up to see Astarion smiling at her.

“You're cute, you know that?” Astarion mused, admiringly. “I have missed you, dear. Despite myself.”

“Did you really?” she asked, being cheeky despite her nerves. “I thought a lordship would have plenty of distractions. Especially one as handsome as you.”

Astarion tipped his head back with genuine laughter.

“Distractions, certainly. You wouldn't believe the parties,” he purred. “That doesn't mean I haven't missed our… little talks.”

He looked as beautiful as he always had. No, even better. Years of luxury and rest seemed to have helped his skin. The dark circles and fine lines had eased slightly since their adventuring days. She blushed at the realization, hoping she hadn't aged too noticeably in his eyes.

“So, darling, how long are you in town?” Astarion asked, snapping her out of her own thoughts.

“Well, I need to be home tomorrow to prepare the house. My husband will be home from his trip tomorrow night, and I need to get it fixed up for him.”

He furrowed his brow. “Why do you have to fix up the house for your husband?”

“Not all of us have servants to clean up and cook dinner,” she scoffed, teasing him. “I have to do that stuff myself. He expects it to be perfect when he’s around.”

Astarion stared at her suspiciously, looking like he wanted to press it further, but he dropped the subject. “Well, then. Dinner?”

She shook her head. “I thought maybe I could see your home,” she chirped. “I went there first. It looks great. I haven't been there since…” Marin trailed off, realizing what she was saying. Since I helped you kill Cazador.

“Yes, it's changed a lot,” Astarion responded, steering the conversation. “Obviously, with the city in such a state, it was hard to get repairs done. Things have quieted down, though.”

The two stared at each other for a moment.

“Well then, shall we take a little walk?” Astarion said, rising from his chair and extending a hand to her. “I believe the rain has slowed since I arrived, so it should be rather pleasant.”

Marin accepted his hand and stood as well, swaying a tiny bit. Hells, that drink went to my head more than I expected, she thought. Astarion was gracious, offering his elbow for her to grip and walk with him. He led her across the bar, collecting their cloaks at the door.  His was a fine garment meant to protect his expensive suit from the elements. Her simple traveling cloak looked very plain by comparison.

Outside, the soft pattering of rain set a very different tone from the warm, crowded tavern. The streets were fairly empty, aside from a few carriages passing by. Most people were indoors after sunset on a rainy evening.

“I have a confession to make,” Marin admitted.

“I knew it,” came Astarion’s smug voice from beside her. “There's more to this, isn't there?”

“I didn't come here to ask you for money, if that's what you're implying,” she hissed. “I did come to see you.”

“Why would you want to see me, darling? Not only for a free brandy and idle chatter, I hope,” he sneered. “Perhaps to see the look of shock on my face in a crowded bar? To taunt me for my loneliness, despite my hedonistic life? To remind me of what I'm missing?”

Marin stopped and turned to look at him. “I didn't come here to taunt you. I'm not that kind of person.”

“I know that, dear,” he said, a bit exasperated. “I'm just trying to understand why a good girl with a loving husband would track down an old flame.”

“He's not that loving,” Marin snapped, starting to walk again. “Can you stop being a prick?”

Astarion snorted. “Not really, no,” he responded playfully. “What-”

She surprised him into silence, pulling him down a secluded alleyway with a jerk. She pulled him to face her and clumsily kissed him on the cheek, too close to his mouth for a friendly greeting.

“What in the- Marin, are you feeling alright?”

Instead of answering, she grabbed the lapels of his suit and kissed him again, this time on the mouth. He didn't protest.

“There. Is that clear enough for you?” she huffed. Astarion watched her face carefully, thinking before he spoke.

“You're not drunk,” he started, slowly. I forgot he can smell my blood. “You're not joking, either. You came all the way to Baldur's Gate, just to see me? To… be with me?”

“You used to say you were always up for ‘a sordid little affair’ after we broke up,” Marin sniped, mimicking his accent. “What’s the problem?”

“Well, naturally, I am,” he drawled. “But I didn't think you were the type to take me up on it.”

“Maybe I've changed!” she snapped. “It's been a long time since you knew me. Is that really so hard to believe?”

“Yes, it is, dear.”

“This was a mistake,” Marin huffed with frustration. She turned to leave, but he kept a gentle grip on her forearm.

“Please, don't go,” he said, his voice softening. “I was only trying to help. I don't want you to run off just yet.”

She stopped, still turned away from him. She didn’t really want to leave, but her face burned with embarrassment.

“I was trying to protect you. I didn’t want you to make a mistake and… regret me,” he admitted. “I’m sure you already do.”

Marin turned back to him, her brows knitted with uncertainty. How much do I share? Will he think I’m a fool?

“Del slept with somebody else,” she blurted out, staring at the pavement. “So I stopped fighting my urge to come back here. To see you. I thought about it for a long time.”

“I presume… it wasn’t a planned arrangement, then?” he asked gently.

“No. He fucked some other woman for no reason at all,” she hissed, fighting back tears. “He doesn’t even know that I found out. I’m sure he thinks he’s rather clever.”

Astarion took her hand in his. They both stood silently for a long time, with light rain hitting the pavement as the only sound.

“I don’t want you to make a mistake,” he said earnestly. “But I’ll have you, darling. If this is truly what you want.”

“Yes, it is,” Marin responded without hesitation.

Astarion’s eyes searched her face cautiously, looking for any hint of doubt or regret. He moved closer, his eyes locked on hers, gently backing her up against the bricks behind her. She stared up at him, holding her breath, exhilarated from how close he was. His eyes gleamed a deep garnet in the growing darkness, his gaze now fixed on her lips. The damp wall was cold against her back.

He put a hand behind her head and kissed her, his chilled fingers at the nape of her neck making her shiver. Marin leaned deeper into the kiss, poking his lips ever so slightly with her tongue. He responded with his own tongue in her mouth, and before long, they were kissing messily like a pair of horny fools. She rubbed up against him with her hips, feeling the outline of his cock press against her. He inhaled at the sensation, grinding himself against her, his hands on her waist to hold her close. He moved one hand down to her ass, grabbing at her and eliciting a muffled moan.

“Gods, I’ve missed you,” he panted. “I’d forgotten how much until I saw you.”

“And you still know how to drive me wild,” she whispered.

She reached down between them, feeling the firm outline of his cock. His pants were perfectly form-fitting and made of a silky material. They can’t be very comfortable, but Gods damn it, they look so good on him. She felt him pulse at her touch, looking up to find his eyes had gone glazed over, almost feral.

“Just don’t bite me, okay? I can’t go home with a mark like that.”

“As much as I’d love to, I was thinking of something else,” he responded. He snaked a hand down the front of her body, grasping between her legs. Marin gasped, tipping her pelvis forward into his hand instinctively. He wouldn’t have any access through her long dress, at least not without a serious adjustment. Why did I wear this thing?

Astarion seemed to wrest control of himself with great effort, straightening up and pulling away from her with a deep breath. She whined at the loss.

“I don’t want any interruptions, darling,” he whispered. “It’d be a little unseemly to go any farther right here. People know me in this part of town.”

He once again offered her his arm, and she clung to him as they walked. The rain had started picking up again, and they both pulled up the hoods of their cloaks to keep dry.

“Do you know what I’d like to do with you, Marin?” Astarion mused quietly. “I would love to push you up against that wall and take you, here and now. Rain and reputation be damned.”

“I can’t imagine,” she responded, teasing him. “You’ll have to paint the picture a little more clearly for me.” He chuckled, realizing her game.

“Well, it would start with a kiss, just like that one. Our bodies pressed close together, and our hands on each other. Perhaps I’d touch you where it was sure to drive you wild. And perhaps you’d let me know how much you wanted it, and beg me to take you right then.”

She hummed as if she were pondering the scenario, her face scarlet.

“And after such an intriguing request from such a beautiful woman, well…” he paused. “I’d have no choice but to oblige. I’d hike up your dress and pick you up, both of your legs to one side.”

“Would you, now?” She was playing coy, despite how badly she wanted to hear the rest of his story. “And why is that?”

“So that I could pull your underclothes down over your ankles like the naughty little thing you are. Then I’d wrap your bare legs around me and pull your hips close, letting you feel just how badly I’ve missed you. How long I’ve missed you.”

She giggled at his double entendre.

“You’d be so close to my cock, and so ready to take it. I couldn’t resist you after that, naturally,” he whispered as they walked up the path. “I’d have to have you,”

Marin sucked in a breath, realizing she’d been captivated by his description for several blocks. They were nearly to the looming entrance of his palace. He stopped short of the front step to whisper in her ear.

“Of course, it’s all hypothetical, darling. I’m a gentleman, after all.” She snorted at the assertion as he stepped up and knocked, announcing himself.

The servant who had greeted Marin earlier opened the door. “Good evening, my lord. Ah, I see you found each other!” she said, recognizing his companion. “What good fortune.”

They stepped over the entranceway into the lavish home. “Thank you, Evi. You may retire for the evening,” Astarion said with a smile, his tone even.

“Thank you, my lord,” she responded cheerfully, hanging their damp cloaks on hooks. She glanced once more at Marin before heading down a nearby hallway.

“I only have two of them here unless I’m hosting,” he explained. “Their quarters are below the main floor. They won’t bother us.” He must have seen the unease on her face. He snaked an arm behind her waist and led her to the staircase.

“Or hear us, no matter how loud we are,” he added quietly. Her face burned fiercely at the very thought. “Now, let’s get upstairs and out of these wet clothes. There will be time to explore later.”

Astarion led her up the stairs with a haste she hadn’t seen from him that evening. He seemed to drop his gentlemanly demeanor more with every passing second, his excitement becoming more apparent. She followed him without a word. Several floors up, they reached a room at the end of a long hallway.

He swung the door open a little too hard, drawing her in behind him. He shut the heavy wooden door and pushed her up against it. Holy hells. She’d forgotten how fast he could move when he felt like it. Despite her pounding heart, she held her breath, noticing his eyes locked on hers again. They were ruby red in the candlelight, and hungry, like the bloodthirsty predator he was.

“Oh, Astarion,” she blurted out, stunned by the intensity of his gaze.

“This is still what you want, my dear?” he whispered, breathless and deadly serious.

“Yes. Gods, yes,” Marin replied immediately.

And with that, he dropped all pretense, kissing her like they’d resumed exactly where they left off. He pressed his hips against her body, his tight pants giving away how completely hard he was already. His little story on the way home hadn’t been only for her entertainment, apparently.

“You’re so hard,” she whined, grinding her hips against him.

“Of course I am,” he huffed. “You’re here, in my bedroom, after all this time.”

He reached his hand down and grabbed between her legs once more, the thick fabric of her dress in the way.

“Now, that won’t do,” he growled. He took her by the hips and moved her to the four-poster bed, gently pushing her down on her back. He hurriedly undid the buttons on his suit coat, and then his undershirt, before throwing both across the room. Marin watched his every move, her eyes wide. He always looks so good with his chest bare, Gods damn him. Same as he always did. He unfastened his terribly tight pants, adjusting his cock without exposing himself.

“Bleeding hells, that’s better,” he groaned. “It was getting painful.”

Marin let out a tiny giggle at his honesty. He hiked up her dress and kneeled in front of her, pulling at her wet underclothes. He got them down over her ankles and returned his attention to her, his cold, nimble hands snaking up her thighs. She shivered beneath his touch.

“You are… so beautiful,” he managed, trying to control himself as his fingers reached her hips. He met her gaze, an unspoken question on his mind. He was still careful about consent after all this time, no matter how mad he was with lust.

“Yes, Astarion,” she panted desperately. “Yes, please, touch me.”

He moved his hand quickly to comply. First one finger was inside, then another, searching for the spot that made her wild. He found it with a few strokes, making her hips tilt forward in surprise.

“Oh, Gods,” Marin whined, letting her head fall back on the soft bedding. She felt every ounce of tension melt in an instant, and then slowly return. His fingers beckoned inside of her, making her absent-mindedly wiggle closer to the edge of the bed, seeking more. His other hand was flat on top of her pelvis, applying gentle pressure to increase the stimulation inside, with his thumb rubbing at her clit. The combination of his movements was completely overwhelming, emptying her mind of anything else. Every bit of her attention was focused where his deft hands met her body, inside and out. She felt a hot wave of pleasure move slowly up her entire core. More and more waves followed, and she felt the pitch of her moans rising unintentionally. Oh, hells, here we go.

Marin finally perked her head off the bed to look down at him, his forehead dripping with sweat, eyes transfixed on his work. Astarion heard her move and glanced up to see her, doe-eyed and gasping.

“Oh, Astarion,” she whimpered. “I’m so close, I’m going to- ohhh-”

“Come for me,” he purred, enjoying the show. “Come, darling.”

Her thighs quivered, hips thrusting upwards as she reached her peak, crying out loudly as she tumbled down over the edge. As soon as she relaxed her hips, she felt his hands pull away from her. Marin propped herself up on her elbows to look down at him. He had pulled his cock out and was using his hand, still slick from touching her, to cover himself with some oil he’d grabbed.

Before she could say a word, he yanked her to the edge of the bed by her dress, wrapping an arm firmly behind her waist and pulling her up. She did her best to hold on as he stood up, her arms and legs wrapped around his bare torso, despite how weak and useless her muscles felt. He backed her up against the door, his cock touching the back of her thigh, her dress draped over where their bodies met.

“Ready?” he panted. She nodded eagerly, and he reached up under the fabric and guided his cock to her entrance, pushing inside of her. He groaned from the relief as he worked her smoothly down his own length, propping her on his hips. He put one arm out straight against the door to steady himself, the other wrapped around her waist to keep her close to him. He thrusted into her, making contact with her most sensitive spots and making her cry out.

“Oh, hells, Marin,” he whined at her. “You are perfect.”

“Oh, Astarion,” she moaned. “Oh, fuck me!”

“I will,” he grunted, trying to get even deeper. She could hear her back bumping clumsily against the heavy wooden door as he thrusted into her. She felt a hot ball of pleasure building in her chest, bouncing along with her tits and intensifying quickly.

“Oh, fuck! Fuck, fuck!” she cried out, ignoring the racket they must be making by this point. She could hear rhythmic moans rising from his throat as he slammed into her.

“Oh, I’m close, darling,” he panted, his voice higher-pitched and desperate now. “Please come for me, Marin, please- I ca- can’t stop-”

She felt the ball of pleasure explode behind her sternum like a firework, her mouth open wide, voice cracking as she cried out. He let himself loose as he felt her coming around his cock, falling apart, banging her back against the door, hard.

“Oh, Marin, I- love you s-” Astarion whimpered as he came. Her eyes went huge at his admission. She felt him go weak under her weight, and he slid slowly to the ground, careful not to let her fall. He landed on his knees and slumped all the way down, Marin still planted firmly on his hips with her back resting against the door. His head fell forward onto her shoulder, exhausted, his chest heaving.

I made a podfic for this!

Voice acted, read word for word, no sound effects outside of vocal tone to reflect the text

Files for the full version, and both parts separately, on my Google Drive (.wav files)

All of it was recorded and edited by me - a novice without a great audio setup, but I did my best to make it listenable and pleasant. Please enjoy!

Astarion's Forest Scene M4F/NB

Overview: I wanted to write a retelling of Astarion's first romance scene from a positive angle, rather than assuming his initial interest is all a ruse because he has trauma. I like the idea of him reinterpreting his past through a new lens early on and grappling with that. The first chunk is an extension/reimagining of the sexual part we see a bit of in-game, and the second chunk is an idea of the time in between the sex scene and the morning scene: Tav's asleep, and Astarion is in his head about the past. Just be aware there are non-specific mentions, mainly in the second part, of his life with Cazador, and some PTSD symptoms.

Astarion x Tav (gender neutral, they/them, AFAB/female anatomy)

Rating: Explicit (18+) Words: 3.3k Setting: Private forest clearing, after the tiefling party Content: Astarion POV, mlw/mlnb, hook-up, oral sex, PIV sex, biting, blood drinking, PTSD comfort, cuddling

Gender neutral but there's both a male- and female-bodied version of this; I couldn't decide because I'm too bi to function tysm for your understanding~

AMAB Tav / M4M version

“There you are.”

Astarion watched Tav’s head whip around in surprise at the sound of his voice. Good, he thought. He needed them a little off-balance to keep the upper hand.

“I've been waiting,” Astarion growled, drawing closer to his mark, his opening lines rehearsed. “Waiting since the moment I set eyes on you. Waiting… to have you.”

Tav raised their eyebrows as he sauntered towards them. He could smell their blood more and more, metallic and sweet, with just a hint of alcohol left. They were still a little tipsy from the party, but not drunk. He heard their heartbeat quicken.

“Well, here I am,” Tav chuckled nervously.

Luring them away from the party had been simple enough. Laying on the charm had done the trick - a few perfect lines, a pouty gaze, a calculated brush of the hand. Astarion knew from the look in their eyes earlier that he'd won, but it was a nice confirmation to see them now.

Astarion reached for one of Tav’s hands and closed the distance between them. He pressed his other hand behind the small of their back to pull them in for a firm kiss. The warmth of their body against his was invigorating.

Tav melted into the kiss, allowing their hips to make contact. He moved his free hand to the back of their neck and tilted his head deeper into the kiss, their quiet groans stifled by his lips.

Finally, Astarion pulled back and pricked his face into a lopsided smile, regaining control of the situation.

“Gods, you're eager,” he purred. Tav's eyes flicked to the ground, eyebrows knitting with uncertainty. He hooked a finger under their chin to reassure them. “I like it.”

Tav met his gaze again, a small smile appearing on their face. “I suppose I was eager enough that I didn't… ask many questions. About you.”

Astarion’s stomach clenched, unsure of what to expect. “About me?”

“Yes, well… what you had planned for us tonight,” Tav said shyly, looking again at the ground. “Your… preferences. That sort of thing.”

“I've done it all, practically,” Astarion chuckled with relief. Perhaps a bit arrogant, but he was trying to gauge their reaction. “I can be whatever you want me to be.”

Tav met his eyes again.

“I want you to be yourself,” they said earnestly.

Astarion felt a catch in his throat and swallowed against it. He couldn't think of a clever quip to respond to that.

“I really want to relax tonight, after all this,” Tav went on. Oh, thank the gods, Astarion thought. They were back in his comfort zone - sex, not emotions.

“I'm just a little…” their words trailed off.

“Afraid to turn your back on a vampire?” Astarion joked. Tav let out a surprised laugh, loud and genuine. Gods, they’re adorable.

“You don't need to worry about a thing,” he said, regaining a more serious tone. “I’ll let you set the pace, darling.”

Tav flashed that sweet smile again, leaning in for a kiss. They were more self-assured this time, placing their hands on Astarion's narrow hips and pushing against him of their own accord, trying to get a feel for him through his pants. He inhaled sharply at the sensation, breaking from their kiss and grinding against them. Tav responded with a little moan, deep in their throat.

“I'll bet you look even prettier under your clothes,” Astarion whispered in their ear, eliciting a gasp. “Perhaps I could see you, to confirm.”

“Perhaps.” Tav untucked their shirt, inviting him closer to their skin. He pulled them in for another kiss, leaning back against a big tree. Astarion’s hand moved down between them, sliding under their shirt. He could feel the heat radiating from their core and knew his hand must be cool against their skin. He worked carefully up over their belly to their chest, feeling their breathing speed up in response to his touch.

Instead of undergarments, his fingers grazed the underside of Tav’s bare breasts. He pulled back from their lips a bit, watching as they smiled and flushed at his surprise.

“What an unexpected treat,” Astarion purred, his fingers moving across their smooth breasts before kissing them again. He gently pawed at them, feeling his own cock pulse in response. Tav gasped a bit, excited at the prospect.

Astarion felt their hands move down and tug at the shirt separating them. He moved out of the way as they pulled it up over their head. He stared admiringly for a moment.

“Gods, I was right. Look at you,” Astarion whispered.

Tav moved in for another kiss, their breasts rubbing against his own bare torso. They feel heavenly, he thought, wrapped up in the sensation. He snaked his hand down their belly and over the outside of their pants, pausing briefly to wait for an objection before feeling between their legs.

A quiet moan escaped Tav’s lips. They thrusted towards him a little, their body close enough Astarion could hear their heart pounding. Gods, their blood must be so hot right now.

“I want your cock,” Tav managed amidst their rising intensity. “I want to see you. Touch you.”

Astarion moved his hands to his own waistband, pulling his weapon free, watching their eyes widen at its appearance.

“Oh,” Tav blurted out. Astarion smirked, unphased. He knew he was beautiful. If he was anything, he was that.

After a second to register the new development, Tav reached for him. Their hand was so warm and soft against his skin. Astarion relaxed as they took him in their hand, letting out a sigh of pleasure.

To his surprise, Tav shifted to kneel on the ground. They met his gaze, searching for his permission to act. Taken aback, all Astarion could do was nod, watching as Tav tenderly kissed his hip, and then his cock. They parted their soft lips and licked at him. It had been a long time since anyone did this for him. Normally, he was the one on his knees, eager, convincing, charming.

Tav opened their mouth and surrounded him, sucking him off. Oh, hells, that feels good. He leaned his head back on the tree, his mind gone blank. Their mouth was so hot and smooth inside. He felt their tongue lapping at the underside of his cock as they worked.

Shit. He needed to regain control of the situation. Recall the mission at hand. Gods above, it was difficult. He put a hand to their cheek and they looked up, pulling their head away from him.

“Everything alright?”

“Yes, I just…” Words were evading him. Shit. “Come back up here.”

“Was it good?” Tav asked genuinely, standing to meet him again. “You seem a little-”

Astarion put his finger to their lips, quieting them. He put a hand in their damp hair, and kissed them, hard. He needed them to swoon, to cede control, to let him perform.

Mission accomplished. He felt them melt into him once more, his exposed cock poking at their smooth belly.

“I want to make you feel good, darling,” Astarion whispered, his lips brushing against their ear. “Tonight is for the both of us.”

Tav shivered as he spoke, nodding. He took them by the shoulders and switched them against the tree in his place. He kissed down the side of their neck, to their collarbone and breasts. Astarion took one of their nipples in his mouth and sucked, carefully avoiding contact with his fangs as he did. He could feel them swaying, pressing into him, moaning softly, their heartbeat pounding in his ears.

Astarion moved to his knees, tugging at their waistband and working their pants off. He kissed across their hip bone, mirroring their own actions, slowly working his mouth closer to the center of their pelvis. Tav gasped and wiggled with anticipation.

His mouth finally reached their cunt, where he ran his tongue slowly across, making them shudder. Astarion's right hand snaked up the inside of Tav’s thigh until he reached between their legs, feeling them from below. They're so hot and wet, Gods above. The excitement travelled down through his core and he felt his cock pulse in response.

He looked up at them from where he sat, checking their expression again before sliding a finger inside. Astarion had carefully tended to his hands and nails earlier in the evening, not wanting his claws to interfere. He saw Tav's mouth drop open as he felt for their most sensitive area. He found it with several strokes, giving slight resistance to his touch from inside and making their eyes widen. He joined his finger with a second and put his mouth back to their cunt, lapping at the front of them while he worked.

Astarion closed his eyes and focused on making Tav feel good, using their moans and shallow breaths as guidance. Their pelvis jutted against his mouth as they grew louder.

“That feels amazing,” Tav whimpered. “Oh, Gods, I love it.”

He worked them inside and out with a bit more vigor, glancing up to see their expression. Their head was leaned back against the tree, mouth open and panting. Excellent.

“You look so beautiful,” he purred.

Tav looked down at him, eyelids fluttering. Astarion could feel their thighs and hips begin to shudder. Perfect.

“Oh, I'm-” Tav choked out, eyes widening urgently. “Don't stop, I'm close to-”

Astarion worked even more feverishly, using his tongue and fingers in harmony as they thrusted at him.

“Oh, fuck!” Tav cried out, louder than he expected. He felt their hips jolt towards his face, their cunt pulsing around his fingers. He felt his cock pulse in response, longing to take their place inside.

Tav's thighs relaxed and he felt them start to slide down the tree. He used his shoulder to brace them from between their legs, grabbing onto their hip with his free hand.

“Careful, darling!” Astarion chuckled breathlessly. “A fall would ruin the fun, now wouldn't it?”

He freed himself from between their legs, standing to hold them up while they caught their breath.

“Shall we lay down? Will you be alright without my help?” Astarion asked after a moment. Tav nodded eagerly. He let go and laid out the linen sheet he'd brought along.

“It's not much, but it should keep the dirt off,” he chuckled, eliciting a smile from Tav. They laid down on their side facing away from him, thighs shivering with anticipation. Astarion followed their lead, laying behind them and pulling them into the crook of his body. Such a nice ass.

He disrobed and reached behind himself for the oil he'd brought, Tav peering back at him over their shoulder. He got the bottle open with his teeth and used his free hand to cover his cock thoroughly with the contents. He used the oiled hand to prep them as well, though it wasn’t necessary. They were nearly dripping from before.

“Are you ready?” Astarion asked quietly, knowing what they would answer.

“Yes,” came Tav’s shaky voice back at him. “Gods, yes. Start slow, okay?”

“Of course, darling,” he purred into their ear. “I'll take good care of you.”

Astarion gently pushed their top leg forward with his knee. He put his cock against their most delicate skin, feeling how desperately wet they were before gently pushing inside. Tav gasped and Astarion gave them a moment to settle before pushing himself further in. He kept his hips restrained, moving slowly until he felt Tav's pelvis melt back into his own.

He wrapped his fingers around their hips, pulling them as close to him as possible. They let out a breathy moan, relaxed and open. He rocked forward into them, feeding off their little sounds of pleasure as he fucked them. So smooth and warm. What a nice cunt. He closed his eyes and rested his slick forehead between their shoulder blades.

“Gods, you're so lovely,” Astarion panted at their back. “Oh, darling, you feel amazing.”

“You feel so- oh, so good,” Tav whined, their speech broken up by ragged breaths. “You- oh, Astarion!”

Something tugged uncomfortably in his chest. It had been a while since he’d heard his name said like that. Usually, he avoided giving it out or just lied, trying to avoid attaching his real name to a reputation for luring people into dark alleys. Many people didn't care enough to ask his name at all.

He let them do the work for a moment, grinding their hips back into him as he turned the thought over and over in his head. His mind raced with fragments of nights before.

“Astarionnn,” Tav whimpered, drawing out his name and snapping him back into the moment. “Fuck, you feel so- I’m close-”

Astarion gripped their sides and tilted their hips closer to the ground, using his knee to open their legs wider. Their back arched, pelvis grinding hard against his as they let out broken sounds.

“Ast- oh, I'm- I'm coming,” Tav cried out urgently. He slammed into them, rocking his hips but staying inside as they whimpered and got off. He could feel their heart, smell their blood. Oh, shit. His body suddenly ached with hunger.

“Oh, gods, that was…” Tav glanced back at him as they caught their breath. “Did you…?”

Astarion shook his head, staring blankly down at their skin instead of meeting their gaze. Their scent filled his mind, his stomach aching with the temptation.

Tav’s eyebrows knitted in concern, realizing he'd lost focus. “Are you alright?”

“Your body- I'm starving,” he blurted out. Why in the hells did I say it like that?

“Oh, I thought you… I thought maybe you weren't enjoying it,” Tav said, still panting. “You can have my blood. Whatever you need.”

Astarion's inhibitions melted in an instant. He bit down into their soft, tender neck, feeling their heart pump feverishly as he drank, his hips moving without thinking. The second taste was just as heavenly as the first had been, days before. Mixed with lust and self-satisfaction over his victory, it was nearly overwhelming.

As his hunger eased, he felt his arousal intensify. He started thrusting deep into Tav, hearing them cry out in response. His movements grew more urgent as he felt his self-control slipping. Oh, shit. He restrained his own movements, delaying the inevitable, and reached in front of Tav, using his fingers to work them where they were most sensitive. Panting and whining, Tav pushed their pelvis against his to get as much contact as possible.

“Oh, fuck me!” Tav cried out, gasping for air. “Oh, Astarion! I'm- hahhh-” He felt them pulse around his cock as he’d hoped, the sensation enough to drive him mad.

That was all the self-control he had left. He drank from them needily, breathing spottily, thrusting urgently. He groaned from the very bottom of his chest and came, hard, still latched onto Tav’s neck and buried deep inside of them.

Astarion’s hips and jaw relaxed and he flopped onto his back, panting so hard it made his head light. When he gained the self-awareness to check in with Tav, he saw them on their back, chest rising slower. They gazed over at him, eyelids soft and a little smile on their face.

“That was amazing,” they whispered.

“Yes, it was,” he puffed, still coming down from his own high.

After a few moments of silence, Tav spoke again.

“Astarion… I care about you.”

Oh, shit.

~~~~~

In the early hours of the morning, Astarion lay back amidst the roots of a huge tree. He had propped himself up comfortably, but wasn't ready to let his guard down yet. He’d snuck into camp earlier for a few things, including a blanket, as Tav said they wanted to stay in the clearing for a while. He couldn’t fault them for it - he hardly felt ready to face the others himself, to answer questions about what they’d been up to.

He looked over to where Tav lay sleeping, head resting on the ground close to his thigh. Their warmth was enticing, but he didn’t want to be touched. Astarion glanced at the small puncture wounds on their neck, remembering how good they had tasted. How they had trusted him.

He chased the thought away. Surely they'd only given their blood over in the heat of ecstasy. But even an hour later, he felt steady and fulfilled. Had they wanted him to feel this way? Were they even thinking straight in the moment? Astarion had given himself, and they drank greedily, selfishly even, but not maliciously. Could he say the same for himself?

I did what I had to, he thought. What he'd done to Tav, charming them into bed to gain their approval, was hardly the same as what had been done to him. Manipulative, certainly. But the moment he'd been waiting for had finally come, and he'd seized it.

He looked up through the leaves to the clear night sky above, hoping to drift away from his own thoughts. His muscles felt warm and relaxed from a fulfilling meal, yet his stomach churned uncomfortably. What in the hells is wrong with me? Astarion had slept with thousands of people in the past two centuries, but tonight had been flavored with something unfamiliar. The feeling wriggled just out of reach when he tried to pin it down.

A chilled breeze caused Tav to stir in their sleep. Astarion glanced down, noticing the blanket had fallen from their shoulders. He adjusted it with a light tug, trying to fix it without waking them. He wasn’t ready for whatever they might say. He’d been rendered speechless by their admission before.

Why should it matter to him? He’d heard similar things out of the mouths of perfect strangers, drawn in by his charming facade, confusing lust for love.

Then again, none of them survived the night.

Astarion’s stomach roiled with the realization, feeling like he might be sick. He hadn’t slept with anyone who lived to tell of the encounter in two hundred years. He couldn’t even remember who he’d been with before he turned; only that he hadn’t been inexperienced. Cazador hadn’t needed to train him in the art of seduction.

Astarion’s legs tensed with the very thought of his captor, as if his body was preparing to run at a moment’s notice. His thigh jerked, disrupting Tav from their peaceful sleep. Gods damn it. Not now. Please, not now.

“Wha- Astarion?” came their quiet voice, bleary and confused.

“Yes,” he choked out, staring up at the sky to avoid their gaze. “I’m here.”

“Oh,” Tav muttered, remembering where they were. “Are you all right? You look… pained.”

Astarion closed his eyes, swallowing against the lump in his throat. Tav didn't know about the hell he'd endured. They didn't need to know. “Yes, I’m fine. Just a little… restless, that’s all.”

“Will you lay with me?” they asked, voice soft with concern. “I know you don’t sleep, but…”

“I suppose so,” Astarion said quietly, after a pause. The prospect was so foreign, but sounded almost pleasant. This openness is but a small indiscretion; nothing more. He could work on regaining control of the situation tomorrow. At first light.

He slid down the tree to lay on his back, willing his muscles to loosen up. Tav snuggled into the crook of his arm, resting their head on his shoulder. The warmth of their skin against his was calming, like laying near the campfire.

The exhaustion of the day before seemed to wash over him all at once. He'd been completely satiated, hips weary, stomach comfortably full. He could feel the gentle waves of rest lapping at the edges of his mind, begging him to finally fall into a trance for the night.

“Thank you,” Tav whispered, their breath slow and hot against his bare chest. “Goodnight.”

“Sweet dreams, darling.”

Astarion's Forest Clearing Scene M4M/NB

I wanted to write a retelling of Astarion's first romance scene from a positive angle, rather than assuming his initial interest is all a ruse because he has trauma. I like the idea of him reinterpreting his past through a new lens early on and grappling with that. The first chunk is an extension of the sexual part we see a bit of, and the second chunk is afterwards: Tav's asleep, and Astarion is in his head about the past. Just be aware there are non-specific mentions, mainly in the second part, of his life with Cazador, and some PTSD symptoms.

Astarion x Tav (gender neutral, they/them, AMAB/male anatomy) Rating: Explicit

Words: ~2800

Setting: Private forest clearing, after the tiefling party

Content: They have enjoyable sex, he bites, Astarion's simple plan starts to fall apart a tiny bit at a time, he thinks back on the encounter and his past, Tav comforts him

Gender neutral but there's both a male- and female-bodied version of this, I couldn't decide because I'm too bi to function tysm for your understanding~

AFAB Tav / M4F version

“There you are.”

Astarion watched Tav’s head whip around in surprise at the sound of his voice. Good, he thought. He needed them a little off-balance to keep the upper hand.

“I've been waiting,” Astarion growled, drawing closer to his mark, his opening lines rehearsed. “Waiting since the moment I set eyes on you. Waiting… to have you.”

Tav raised their eyebrows as he sauntered towards them. He could smell their blood more and more, metallic and sweet, with just a hint of alcohol left. They were still a little tipsy from the party, but not drunk. He heard their heartbeat quicken.

“Well, here I am,” Tav chuckled nervously.

Luring them away from the party had been simple enough. Laying on the charm had done the trick - a few perfect lines, a pouty gaze, a calculated brush of the hand. Astarion knew from the look in their eyes earlier that he'd won, but it was a nice confirmation to see them now.

Astarion reached for one of Tav’s hands and closed the distance between them. He pressed his other hand behind the small of their back to pull them in for a firm kiss. The warmth of their body against his was invigorating.

Tav melted into the kiss. Astarion could feel their interest poking at his hip as they made contact. He moved his free hand to the back of their neck and tilted his head deeper, Tav’s quiet groan stifled by his lips.

Finally, Astarion pulled back and pricked his face into a lopsided smile, regaining control of the situation.

“Gods, you're eager,” he purred. Tav's eyes flicked to the ground, eyebrows knitting with uncertainty. He hooked a finger under their chin to reassure them. “I like it.”

Tav met his gaze again, a small smile appearing on their face. “I suppose I was eager enough that I didn't… ask many questions. About you.”

Astarion’s stomach clenched, unsure of what to expect. “About me?”

“Yes, well… what you had planned for us tonight,” Tav said shyly, looking again at the ground. “Your… preferences. That sort of thing.”

Astarion chuckled with relief. “You mean position?” Tav's cheeks reddened and they nodded, letting out a small giggle. “I've done it all, practically,” Astarion said. Perhaps a bit arrogant, but he was trying to gauge their reaction. “I can be whatever you want me to be.”

Tav met his eyes again.

“I want you to be yourself,” they said earnestly.

Astarion felt a catch in his throat and swallowed against it. He couldn't think of a clever quip to respond to that.

“I'm partial to, erm… being in front,” Tav went on. Oh, thank the gods, Astarion thought. They were back in his comfort zone - sex, not emotions.

“I'm just a little…” their words trailed off.

“Afraid to turn your back on a vampire?” Astarion joked. Tav let out a surprised laugh, loud and genuine. Gods, they’re adorable.

“You don't need to worry about a thing,” he said, regaining a more serious tone. “I’ll let you set the pace, darling.”

Tav flashed that sweet smile again, leaning in for a kiss. They were more self-assured this time, placing their hands on Astarion's narrow hips and pushing against him of their own accord, trying to get a feel for him through his pants. He felt them poke at his hip again, knowing he was returning the favor. He inhaled sharply at the sensation, breaking from their kiss and grinding against them. Tav responded with a little moan, deep in their throat.

“I'll bet you have a pretty cock,” Astarion whispered in their ear, eliciting a gasp. “Perhaps I could see it, to confirm.”

“Perhaps.” Tav slid their hand even lower down his hip, grabbing at his ass. He pulled them in for another kiss, leaning back against a big tree. Astarion’s hand moved down between them, sliding over their belly to the front of their pants. He felt the outline of their cock, fabric taut around them. Tav inhaled deeply as they pulsed in response to his touch. Astarion moved his fingers up again, pulling at the fabric separating them. Tav moved their hands quickly to tug at their own waistband, exposing themself. He looked down admiringly for a moment.

“Gods, I was right. Look at you,” Astarion purred before taking them in his hand. A quiet moan escaped Tav’s lips. He could feel the heat radiating from their core and knew his hand must be cool against their skin. He ran his fingers down the length of their cock before gently jerking them. Tav thrusted towards him a little, their body close enough Astarion could hear their heart pounding. Gods, their blood must be so hot right now.

“I want yours,” Tav managed amidst their rising intensity. “I want to see you. Touch you.”

Astarion moved his hands to his own waistband, pulling his weapon free, watching their eyes widen at its appearance.

“Oh,” Tav blurted out. Astarion smirked, unphased. He knew he was beautiful. If he was anything, he was that.

After a second to register the new development, Tav reached for him. Their hand was so warm and soft against his skin. Astarion relaxed as they took him in their hand, letting out a sigh of pleasure.

To his surprise, Tav shifted to kneel on the ground. They met his gaze, searching for his permission to act. Taken aback, all Astarion could do was nod, watching as Tav tenderly kissed his hip, and then his cock. They parted their soft lips and licked at him. It had been a long time since anyone did this for him. Normally, he was the one on his knees, eager, convincing, charming.

Tav opened their mouth and surrounded him, sucking him off. Oh, hells, that feels good. He leaned his head back on the tree, his mind gone blank. Their mouth was so hot and smooth inside. He felt their tongue lapping at the underside of his cock as they worked.

Shit. He needed to regain control of the situation. Recall the mission at hand. Gods above, it was difficult. He put a hand to their cheek and they looked up, pulling their head away from him.

“Everything alright?”

“Yes, I just…” Words were evading him. Shit. “Come back up here.”

“Was it good?” Tav asked genuinely, standing to meet him again. “You seem a little-”

Astarion put his finger to their lips, quieting them. He put a hand in their damp hair, and kissed them, hard. He needed them to swoon, to cede control, to let him perform.

Tav broke the kiss to pull their shirt off, their hot, sweaty chest pushing up against his when they returned. He felt their exposed cock rub against his belly, leaving a drop of fluid on his skin. They seemed more than ready, but he liked to be certain.

Astarion ran his fingers down their lower back, reaching the slightly lowered waistband of their pants. He dipped his hand below their clothes, gripping at their round ass. He moved his mouth to their ear and kissed down the side of their neck, to their collarbone. He could feel them swaying, pressing into him, moaning softly, their heartbeat pounding in his ears. They were ready.

“Shall we lay down?” Astarion whispered between his own shallow breaths. Tav nodded eagerly. He laid out the linen sheet he'd brought along.

“It's not much, but it should keep the dirt off,” he chuckled, eliciting a smile from Tav. They laid on their side facing away from him.

Astarion followed their lead, laying behind them and pulling them into the crook of his body. They clumsily tugged at their pants until they were fully bare before him, thighs shivering with anticipation.

He wouldn't make them wait any longer. He disrobed and reached behind himself for the oil he'd brought, Tav peering back at him over their shoulder. He got the bottle open with his teeth and used his free hand to cover his cock thoroughly with the contents. He used the oiled hand to prep them as well, feeling them jump a little at his cool fingers. Such a nice ass.

“Are you ready?” Astarion asked quietly, knowing what they would answer.

“Yes,” came Tav’s shaky voice back at him. “Gods, yes. Start slow, okay?”

“Of course, darling,” he purred into their ear. “I'll take good care of you.”

Astarion gently pushed their top leg forward with his knee. He put his cock against their most delicate skin, feeling their hips quiver with excitement before gently pushing inside. Tav gasped and Astarion gave them a moment to settle before pushing himself further in, a little bit at a time, their every inhale matching his careful movements. He kept his hips restrained, moving slowly until he felt Tav's pelvis melt back into his own.

He wrapped his fingers around their hips, pulling them as close to him as possible. They let out a breathy moan, relaxed and open. He rocked forward into them, feeding off their little sounds of pleasure as he fucked them. So smooth and warm. What an ass. He closed his eyes and rested his slick forehead between their shoulder blades.

“Gods, you're so lovely,” Astarion panted at their back. “Oh, darling, you feel amazing.”

“You feel so- oh, so good,” Tav whined, their speech broken up by ragged breaths. “You- oh, Astarion!”

Something tugged uncomfortably in his chest. It had been a while since he’d heard his name said like that. Usually, he avoided giving it out or just lied, trying to avoid attaching his real name to a reputation for luring people into dark alleys. Many people didn't care enough to ask his name at all.

He let them do the work for a moment, grinding their hips back into him as he turned the thought over and over in his head. His mind raced with fragments of nights before.

“Astarionnn,” Tav whimpered, drawing out his name and snapping him back into the moment. “Fuck, you feel so- I’m close-”

Astarion gripped their sides and tilted their hips closer to the ground, using his knee to open their legs wider. Their back arched, ass grinding hard against his pelvis as they let out broken sounds.

“Ast- oh, I'm- I'm coming,” Tav cried out urgently. He slammed into them, rocking his hips but staying inside as they whimpered and got off. He could feel their heart, smell their blood. Oh, shit. His body suddenly ached with hunger.

“Oh, gods, that was…” Tav glanced back at him as they caught their breath. “I still want you. Please don't stop.”

Astarion looked down to see their cock standing at attention still. Their scent filled his mind, his stomach aching with the temptation.

Tav turned back to look at him again, realizing he'd lost focus. “Are you alright?”

“Your body- I'm starving,” he blurted out. Why in the hells did I say it like that?

“Oh, I thought you… I thought maybe you weren't enjoying it,” Tav panted. “You can have my blood. Whatever you need.”

Astarion's inhibitions melted in an instant. He bit down into their soft, tender neck, feeling their heart pump feverishly as he drank, his hips moving without thinking. The second taste was just as heavenly as the first had been, days before. Mixed with lust and self-satisfaction over his victory, it was nearly overwhelming.

As his hunger eased, he felt his arousal intensify. He started thrusting deep into Tav, hearing them cry out in response. His movements grew more urgent as he felt his self-control slipping. Oh, shit. He reached in front of Tav to grab their cock, feeling how desperately hard they were, and started pumping in rhythm with his own hips.

“Oh, fuck me!” Tav cried out, gasping for air. “Oh, Astarion! I'm- hahhh-” He felt them pulse, hard, over and over, his hand slipping as they came.

That was all the self-control he had left. He drank from them needily, breathing spottily, thrusting urgently. He groaned from the very bottom of his chest and came, hard, still latched onto Tav’s neck and buried deep inside of them.

Astarion’s hips and jaw relaxed and he flopped onto his back, panting so hard it made his head light. When he gained the self-awareness to check in with Tav, he saw them on their back, chest rising slower. They gazed over at him, eyelids soft and a little smile on their face.

“That was amazing,” they whispered.

“Yes, it was,” he puffed, still coming down from his own high.

After a few moments of silence, Tav spoke again.

“Astarion… I care about you.”

Oh, shit.

~~~~~

In the early hours of the morning, Astarion lay back amidst the roots of a huge tree. He had propped himself up comfortably, but wasn't ready to let his guard down yet. He’d snuck into camp earlier for a few things, including a blanket, as Tav said they wanted to stay in the clearing for a while. He couldn’t fault them for it - he hardly felt ready to face the others himself, to answer questions about what they’d been up to.

He looked over to where Tav lay sleeping, head resting on the ground close to his thigh. Their warmth was enticing, but he didn’t want to be touched. Astarion glanced at the small puncture wounds on their neck, remembering how good they had tasted. How they had trusted him.

He chased the thought away. Surely they'd only given their blood over in the heat of ecstasy. But even an hour later, he felt steady and fulfilled. Had they wanted him to feel this way? Were they even thinking straight in the moment? Astarion had given himself, and they drank greedily, selfishly even, but not maliciously. Could he say the same for himself?

I did what I had to, he thought. What he'd done to Tav, charming them into bed to gain their approval, was hardly the same as what had been done to him. Manipulative, certainly. But the moment he'd been waiting for had finally come, and he'd seized it.

He looked up through the leaves to the clear night sky above, hoping to drift away from his own thoughts. His muscles felt warm and relaxed from a fulfilling meal, yet his stomach churned uncomfortably. What in the hells is wrong with me? Astarion had slept with thousands of people in the past two centuries, but tonight had been flavored with something unfamiliar. The feeling wriggled just out of reach when he tried to pin it down.

A chilled breeze caused Tav to stir in their sleep. Astarion glanced down, noticing the blanket had fallen from their shoulders. He adjusted it with a light tug, trying to fix it without waking them. He wasn’t ready for whatever they might say. He’d been rendered speechless by their admission before.

Why should it matter to him? He’d heard similar things out of the mouths of perfect strangers, drawn in by his charming facade, confusing lust for love.

Then again, none of them survived the night.

Astarion’s stomach roiled with the realization, feeling like he might be sick. He hadn’t slept with anyone who lived to tell of the encounter in two hundred years. He couldn’t even remember who he’d been with before he turned; only that he hadn’t been inexperienced. Cazador hadn’t needed to train him in the art of seduction.

Astarion’s legs tensed with the very thought of his captor, as if his body was preparing to run at a moment’s notice. His thigh jerked, disrupting Tav from their peaceful sleep. Gods damn it. Not now. Please, not now.

“Wha- Astarion?” came their quiet voice, bleary and confused.

“Yes,” he choked out, staring up at the sky to avoid their gaze. “I’m here.”

“Oh,” Tav muttered, remembering where they were. “Are you all right? You look… pained.”

Astarion closed his eyes, swallowing against the lump in his throat. Tav didn't know about the hell he'd endured. They didn't need to know. “Yes, I’m fine. Just a little… restless, that’s all.”

“Will you lay with me?” they asked, voice soft with concern. “I know you don’t sleep, but…”

“I suppose so,” Astarion said quietly, after a pause. The prospect was so foreign, but sounded almost pleasant. This openness is but a small indiscretion; nothing more. He could work on regaining control of the situation tomorrow. At first light.

He slid down the tree to lay on his back, willing his muscles to loosen up. Tav snuggled into the crook of his arm, resting their head on his shoulder. The warmth of their skin against his was calming, like laying near the campfire.

The exhaustion of the day before seemed to wash over him all at once. He'd been completely satiated, hips weary, stomach comfortably full. He could feel the gentle waves of rest lapping at the edges of his mind, begging him to finally fall into a trance for the night.

“Thank you,” Tav whispered, their breath slow and hot against his bare chest. “Goodnight.”

“Sweet dreams, darling.”

Astarion's Forest Scene M4F/NB

Overview: I wanted to write a retelling of Astarion's first romance scene from a positive angle, rather than assuming his initial interest is all a ruse because he has trauma. I like the idea of him reinterpreting his past through a new lens early on and grappling with that. The first chunk is an extension/reimagining of the sexual part we see a bit of in-game, and the second chunk is an idea of the time in between the sex scene and the morning scene: Tav's asleep, and Astarion is in his head about the past. Just be aware there are non-specific mentions, mainly in the second part, of his life with Cazador, and some PTSD symptoms.

Astarion x Tav (gender neutral, they/them, AFAB/female anatomy)

Rating: Explicit (18+) Words: 3.3k Setting: Private forest clearing, after the tiefling party Content: Astarion POV, mlw/mlnb, hook-up, oral sex, PIV sex, biting, blood drinking, PTSD comfort, cuddling

Podfic/audio version

Gender neutral but there's both a male- and female-bodied version of this; I couldn't decide because I'm too bi to function tysm for your understanding~

AMAB Tav / M4M/NB version

“There you are.”

Astarion watched Tav’s head whip around in surprise at the sound of his voice. Good, he thought. He needed them a little off-balance to keep the upper hand.

“I've been waiting,” Astarion growled, drawing closer to his mark, his opening lines rehearsed. “Waiting since the moment I set eyes on you. Waiting… to have you.”

Tav raised their eyebrows as he sauntered towards them. He could smell their blood more and more, metallic and sweet, with just a hint of alcohol left. They were still a little tipsy from the party, but not drunk. He heard their heartbeat quicken.

“Well, here I am,” Tav chuckled nervously.

Luring them away from the party had been simple enough. Laying on the charm had done the trick - a few perfect lines, a pouty gaze, a calculated brush of the hand. Astarion knew from the look in their eyes earlier that he'd won, but it was a nice confirmation to see them now.

Astarion reached for one of Tav’s hands and closed the distance between them. He pressed his other hand behind the small of their back to pull them in for a firm kiss. The warmth of their body against his was invigorating.

Tav melted into the kiss, allowing their hips to make contact. He moved his free hand to the back of their neck and tilted his head deeper into the kiss, their quiet groans stifled by his lips.

Finally, Astarion pulled back and pricked his face into a lopsided smile, regaining control of the situation.

“Gods, you're eager,” he purred. Tav's eyes flicked to the ground, eyebrows knitting with uncertainty. He hooked a finger under their chin to reassure them. “I like it.”

Tav met his gaze again, a small smile appearing on their face. “I suppose I was eager enough that I didn't… ask many questions. About you.”

Astarion’s stomach clenched, unsure of what to expect. “About me?”

“Yes, well… what you had planned for us tonight,” Tav said shyly, looking again at the ground. “Your… preferences. That sort of thing.”

“I've done it all, practically,” Astarion chuckled with relief. Perhaps a bit arrogant, but he was trying to gauge their reaction. “I can be whatever you want me to be.”

Tav met his eyes again.

“I want you to be yourself,” they said earnestly.

Astarion felt a catch in his throat and swallowed against it. He couldn't think of a clever quip to respond to that.

“I really want to relax tonight, after all this,” Tav went on. Oh, thank the gods, Astarion thought. They were back in his comfort zone - sex, not emotions.

“I'm just a little…” their words trailed off.

“Afraid to turn your back on a vampire?” Astarion joked. Tav let out a surprised laugh, loud and genuine. Gods, they’re adorable.

“You don't need to worry about a thing,” he said, regaining a more serious tone. “I’ll let you set the pace, darling.”

Tav flashed that sweet smile again, leaning in for a kiss. They were more self-assured this time, placing their hands on Astarion's narrow hips and pushing against him of their own accord, trying to get a feel for him through his pants. He inhaled sharply at the sensation, breaking from their kiss and grinding against them. Tav responded with a little moan, deep in their throat.

“I'll bet you look even prettier under your clothes,” Astarion whispered in their ear, eliciting a gasp. “Perhaps I could see you, to confirm.”

“Perhaps.” Tav untucked their shirt, inviting him closer to their skin. He pulled them in for another kiss, leaning back against a big tree. Astarion’s hand moved down between them, sliding under their shirt. He could feel the heat radiating from their core and knew his hand must be cool against their skin. He worked carefully up over their belly to their chest, feeling their breathing speed up in response to his touch.

Instead of undergarments, his fingers grazed the underside of Tav’s bare breasts. He pulled back from their lips a bit, watching as they smiled and flushed at his surprise.

“What an unexpected treat,” Astarion purred, his fingers moving across their smooth breasts before kissing them again. He gently pawed at them, feeling his own cock pulse in response. Tav gasped a bit, excited at the prospect.

Astarion felt their hands move down and tug at the shirt separating them. He moved out of the way as they pulled it up over their head. He stared admiringly for a moment.

“Gods, I was right. Look at you,” Astarion whispered.

Tav moved in for another kiss, their breasts rubbing against his own bare torso. They feel heavenly, he thought, wrapped up in the sensation. He snaked his hand down their belly and over the outside of their pants, pausing briefly to wait for an objection before feeling between their legs.

A quiet moan escaped Tav’s lips. They thrusted towards him a little, their body close enough Astarion could hear their heart pounding. Gods, their blood must be so hot right now.

“I want your cock,” Tav managed amidst their rising intensity. “I want to see you. Touch you.”

Astarion moved his hands to his own waistband, pulling his weapon free, watching their eyes widen at its appearance.

“Oh,” Tav blurted out. Astarion smirked, unphased. He knew he was beautiful. If he was anything, he was that.

After a second to register the new development, Tav reached for him. Their hand was so warm and soft against his skin. Astarion relaxed as they took him in their hand, letting out a sigh of pleasure.

To his surprise, Tav shifted to kneel on the ground. They met his gaze, searching for his permission to act. Taken aback, all Astarion could do was nod, watching as Tav tenderly kissed his hip, and then his cock. They parted their soft lips and licked at him. It had been a long time since anyone did this for him. Normally, he was the one on his knees, eager, convincing, charming.

Tav opened their mouth and surrounded him, sucking him off. Oh, hells, that feels good. He leaned his head back on the tree, his mind gone blank. Their mouth was so hot and smooth inside. He felt their tongue lapping at the underside of his cock as they worked.

Shit. He needed to regain control of the situation. Recall the mission at hand. Gods above, it was difficult. He put a hand to their cheek and they looked up, pulling their head away from him.

“Everything alright?”

“Yes, I just…” Words were evading him. Shit. “Come back up here.”

“Was it good?” Tav asked genuinely, standing to meet him again. “You seem a little-”

Astarion put his finger to their lips, quieting them. He put a hand in their damp hair, and kissed them, hard. He needed them to swoon, to cede control, to let him perform.

Mission accomplished. He felt them melt into him once more, his exposed cock poking at their smooth belly.

“I want to make you feel good, darling,” Astarion whispered, his lips brushing against their ear. “Tonight is for the both of us.”

Tav shivered as he spoke, nodding. He took them by the shoulders and switched them against the tree in his place. He kissed down the side of their neck, to their collarbone and breasts. Astarion took one of their nipples in his mouth and sucked, carefully avoiding contact with his fangs as he did. He could feel them swaying, pressing into him, moaning softly, their heartbeat pounding in his ears.

Astarion moved to his knees, tugging at their waistband and working their pants off. He kissed across their hip bone, mirroring their own actions, slowly working his mouth closer to the center of their pelvis. Tav gasped and wiggled with anticipation.

His mouth finally reached their cunt, where he ran his tongue slowly across, making them shudder. Astarion's right hand snaked up the inside of Tav’s thigh until he reached between their legs, feeling them from below. They're so hot and wet, Gods above. The excitement travelled down through his core and he felt his cock pulse in response.

He looked up at them from where he sat, checking their expression again before sliding a finger inside. Astarion had carefully tended to his hands and nails earlier in the evening, not wanting his claws to interfere. He saw Tav's mouth drop open as he felt for their most sensitive area. He found it with several strokes, giving slight resistance to his touch from inside and making their eyes widen. He joined his finger with a second and put his mouth back to their cunt, lapping at the front of them while he worked.

Astarion closed his eyes and focused on making Tav feel good, using their moans and shallow breaths as guidance. Their pelvis jutted against his mouth as they grew louder.

“That feels amazing,” Tav whimpered. “Oh, Gods, I love it.”

He worked them inside and out with a bit more vigor, glancing up to see their expression. Their head was leaned back against the tree, mouth open and panting. Excellent.

“You look so beautiful,” he purred.

Tav looked down at him, eyelids fluttering. Astarion could feel their thighs and hips begin to shudder. Perfect.

“Oh, I'm-” Tav choked out, eyes widening urgently. “Don't stop, I'm close to-”

Astarion worked even more feverishly, using his tongue and fingers in harmony as they thrusted at him.

“Oh, fuck!” Tav cried out, louder than he expected. He felt their hips jolt towards his face, their cunt pulsing around his fingers. He felt his cock pulse in response, longing to take their place inside.

Tav's thighs relaxed and he felt them start to slide down the tree. He used his shoulder to brace them from between their legs, grabbing onto their hip with his free hand.

“Careful, darling!” Astarion chuckled breathlessly. “A fall would ruin the fun, now wouldn't it?”

He freed himself from between their legs, standing to hold them up while they caught their breath.

“Shall we lay down? Will you be alright without my help?” Astarion asked after a moment. Tav nodded eagerly. He let go and laid out the linen sheet he'd brought along.

“It's not much, but it should keep the dirt off,” he chuckled, eliciting a smile from Tav. They laid down on their side facing away from him, thighs shivering with anticipation. Astarion followed their lead, laying behind them and pulling them into the crook of his body. Such a nice ass.

He disrobed and reached behind himself for the oil he'd brought, Tav peering back at him over their shoulder. He got the bottle open with his teeth and used his free hand to cover his cock thoroughly with the contents. He used the oiled hand to prep them as well, though it wasn’t necessary. They were nearly dripping from before.

“Are you ready?” Astarion asked quietly, knowing what they would answer.

“Yes,” came Tav’s shaky voice back at him. “Gods, yes. Start slow, okay?”

“Of course, darling,” he purred into their ear. “I'll take good care of you.”

Astarion gently pushed their top leg forward with his knee. He put his cock against their most delicate skin, feeling how desperately wet they were before gently pushing inside. Tav gasped and Astarion gave them a moment to settle before pushing himself further in. He kept his hips restrained, moving slowly until he felt Tav's pelvis melt back into his own.

He wrapped his fingers around their hips, pulling them as close to him as possible. They let out a breathy moan, relaxed and open. He rocked forward into them, feeding off their little sounds of pleasure as he fucked them. So smooth and warm. What a nice cunt. He closed his eyes and rested his slick forehead between their shoulder blades.

“Gods, you're so lovely,” Astarion panted at their back. “Oh, darling, you feel amazing.”

“You feel so- oh, so good,” Tav whined, their speech broken up by ragged breaths. “You- oh, Astarion!”

Something tugged uncomfortably in his chest. It had been a while since he’d heard his name said like that. Usually, he avoided giving it out or just lied, trying to avoid attaching his real name to a reputation for luring people into dark alleys. Many people didn't care enough to ask his name at all.

He let them do the work for a moment, grinding their hips back into him as he turned the thought over and over in his head. His mind raced with fragments of nights before.

“Astarionnn,” Tav whimpered, drawing out his name and snapping him back into the moment. “Fuck, you feel so- I’m close-”

Astarion gripped their sides and tilted their hips closer to the ground, using his knee to open their legs wider. Their back arched, pelvis grinding hard against his as they let out broken sounds.

“Ast- oh, I'm- I'm coming,” Tav cried out urgently. He slammed into them, rocking his hips but staying inside as they whimpered and got off. He could feel their heart, smell their blood. Oh, shit. His body suddenly ached with hunger.

“Oh, gods, that was…” Tav glanced back at him as they caught their breath. “Did you…?”

Astarion shook his head, staring blankly down at their skin instead of meeting their gaze. Their scent filled his mind, his stomach aching with the temptation.

Tav’s eyebrows knitted in concern, realizing he'd lost focus. “Are you alright?”

“Your body- I'm starving,” he blurted out. Why in the hells did I say it like that?

“Oh, I thought you… I thought maybe you weren't enjoying it,” Tav said, still panting. “You can have my blood. Whatever you need.”

Astarion's inhibitions melted in an instant. He bit down into their soft, tender neck, feeling their heart pump feverishly as he drank, his hips moving without thinking. The second taste was just as heavenly as the first had been, days before. Mixed with lust and self-satisfaction over his victory, it was nearly overwhelming.

As his hunger eased, he felt his arousal intensify. He started thrusting deep into Tav, hearing them cry out in response. His movements grew more urgent as he felt his self-control slipping. Oh, shit. He restrained his own movements, delaying the inevitable, and reached in front of Tav, using his fingers to work them where they were most sensitive. Panting and whining, Tav pushed their pelvis against his to get as much contact as possible.

“Oh, fuck me!” Tav cried out, gasping for air. “Oh, Astarion! I'm- hahhh-” He felt them pulse around his cock as he’d hoped, the sensation enough to drive him mad.

That was all the self-control he had left. He drank from them needily, breathing spottily, thrusting urgently. He groaned from the very bottom of his chest and came, hard, still latched onto Tav’s neck and buried deep inside of them.

Astarion’s hips and jaw relaxed and he flopped onto his back, panting so hard it made his head light. When he gained the self-awareness to check in with Tav, he saw them on their back, chest rising slower. They gazed over at him, eyelids soft and a little smile on their face.

“That was amazing,” they whispered.

“Yes, it was,” he puffed, still coming down from his own high.

After a few moments of silence, Tav spoke again.

“Astarion… I care about you.”

Oh, shit.

~~~~~

In the early hours of the morning, Astarion lay back amidst the roots of a huge tree. He had propped himself up comfortably, but wasn't ready to let his guard down yet. He’d snuck into camp earlier for a few things, including a blanket, as Tav said they wanted to stay in the clearing for a while. He couldn’t fault them for it - he hardly felt ready to face the others himself, to answer questions about what they’d been up to.

He looked over to where Tav lay sleeping, head resting on the ground close to his thigh. Their warmth was enticing, but he didn’t want to be touched. Astarion glanced at the small puncture wounds on their neck, remembering how good they had tasted. How they had trusted him.

He chased the thought away. Surely they'd only given their blood over in the heat of ecstasy. But even an hour later, he felt steady and fulfilled. Had they wanted him to feel this way? Were they even thinking straight in the moment? Astarion had given himself, and they drank greedily, selfishly even, but not maliciously. Could he say the same for himself?

I did what I had to, he thought. What he'd done to Tav, charming them into bed to gain their approval, was hardly the same as what had been done to him. Manipulative, certainly. But the moment he'd been waiting for had finally come, and he'd seized it.

He looked up through the leaves to the clear night sky above, hoping to drift away from his own thoughts. His muscles felt warm and relaxed from a fulfilling meal, yet his stomach churned uncomfortably. What in the hells is wrong with me? Astarion had slept with thousands of people in the past two centuries, but tonight had been flavored with something unfamiliar. The feeling wriggled just out of reach when he tried to pin it down.

A chilled breeze caused Tav to stir in their sleep. Astarion glanced down, noticing the blanket had fallen from their shoulders. He adjusted it with a light tug, trying to fix it without waking them. He wasn’t ready for whatever they might say. He’d been rendered speechless by their admission before.

Why should it matter to him? He’d heard similar things out of the mouths of perfect strangers, drawn in by his charming facade, confusing lust for love.

Then again, none of them survived the night.

Astarion’s stomach roiled with the realization, feeling like he might be sick. He hadn’t slept with anyone who lived to tell of the encounter in two hundred years. He couldn’t even remember who he’d been with before he turned; only that he hadn’t been inexperienced. Cazador hadn’t needed to train him in the art of seduction.

Astarion’s legs tensed with the very thought of his captor, as if his body was preparing to run at a moment’s notice. His thigh jerked, disrupting Tav from their peaceful sleep. Gods damn it. Not now. Please, not now.

“Wha- Astarion?” came their quiet voice, bleary and confused.

“Yes,” he choked out, staring up at the sky to avoid their gaze. “I’m here.”

“Oh,” Tav muttered, remembering where they were. “Are you all right? You look… pained.”

Astarion closed his eyes, swallowing against the lump in his throat. Tav didn't know about the hell he'd endured. They didn't need to know. “Yes, I’m fine. Just a little… restless, that’s all.”

“Will you lay with me?” they asked, voice soft with concern. “I know you don’t sleep, but…”

“I suppose so,” Astarion said quietly, after a pause. The prospect was so foreign, but sounded almost pleasant. This openness is but a small indiscretion; nothing more. He could work on regaining control of the situation tomorrow. At first light.

He slid down the tree to lay on his back, willing his muscles to loosen up. Tav snuggled into the crook of his arm, resting their head on his shoulder. The warmth of their skin against his was calming, like laying near the campfire.

The exhaustion of the day before seemed to wash over him all at once. He'd been completely satiated, hips weary, stomach comfortably full. He could feel the gentle waves of rest lapping at the edges of his mind, begging him to finally fall into a trance for the night.

“Thank you,” Tav whispered, their breath slow and hot against his bare chest. “Goodnight.”

“Sweet dreams, darling.”