guviii

[guviii]

Tinies looking lovingly up at their giant lover, the object of their affection taking up their entire view, neck crained uncomfortably upwards to be able to take them in and all their glory. Wishing they weren't so small so that they could display their affection in a more meaningful way, but also not wanting a thing to change, because in quiet moments like these, where they can spend their time attempting to admired them in their entirety, but having to change where they're looking so that they can see everything, they wouldn't change a thing.

The absolute shithead of a giant that is their lover wondering if they could catapult their tiny lover by hitting the bed next to them.

[guviii]

Quick PSA: The reason you like giants so much is because you like the idea that someone big enough to hurt you will love you despite being powerless! Go to therapy 😘

[guviii]

HERE WE GO AGAIN.

I went about coloring this a little differently, along with keeping the lineart.

[guviii]

picture this:

Your giant taking you swimming. My favourite scenario like ever

they’re tugging their shirt off, completely unbothered, muscles stretching, skin catching in the light—and you’re just standing there, frozen, all six inches of you gaping up at this tower of casual divinity. They don��t even realize they’ve turned into a walking monument of skin. They’re just getting ready to swim. But to you? it’s like watching a mountain shed clouds.

in the water, they move slow, but even slow sends waves rolling in every direction. You float helplessly in the current, spinning in a little whirlpool like a leaf. every shift of their arms sends ripples that tug you gently along. it’s playful. unintentional. massive.

Maybe them cupping you in their hands—fingers curled in like a cradle, palms full of warm, rippling water. your own private pool.

You try to swim after them, but there’s no hope of catching up. Their strides are too big, too smooth, and suddenly they’re gone—ducked beneath the surface, becoming a large shadow from the deep. The water goes still.

When they rise—they’re like some ancient and godlike sea creature, water cascading off their shoulders, hair slicked back, smile breaking across their face as they spot you spinning circles like a wayward boat. You gawking. They laugh.

You tire quickly, of course. and without a word, they scoop you up, cradle you for a second, and place you gently on top of their sun warmed head.

Just like that.

From your perch in their wet hair, you watch the world glide by—watch them glide, really. Their back flexes with every slow stroke, their shoulders pulling like tectonic plates with every movement. The water churns around them, like they were carved from seafoam and thunder. And you? you’re just along for the ride. drifting. weightless. tiny. safe.

Every so often, they glance up at you with that sheepish little grin. Like they’re the lucky one.

You, stretched out on their chest after the swim—soaked and breathless, clinging to their warmth like it’s the only sun that matters. Your curled into the dip between their collarbone and shoulder, so tiny it’s like laying across a sunbaked boulder that happens to breathe. One of their massive fingers moves lazily, brushing your back in slow arcs, and your whole body tingles from the attention.

You sigh, melting into them. You could fall asleep right here.

Cry

[guviii]

How to Live a Borrower Friendly Life:

1. Write down your entire schedule on a giant whiteboard you keep hung up, and stick to that schedule no matter what (bonus points if it’s more of a routine, and your gone at the same time every week)

2. Have a social life! Hanging out with friends will give borrowers much-needed time to gather supplies

3. Eat healthy and wait a couple hours before doing the dishes

4. Clean the house / your room often, including dusting every surface (bonus points if you use a mop/broom instead of a vacuum)

5. Pick up an artistic hobby (bonus points if it’s sewing) that give you an excuse to leave borrowing materials everywhere, such as fabric scraps, thread, pins, etc. (more bonus points if this hobby is music, because the borrowers would enjoy listening to you through the walls)

6. Walk and talk softly

7. Use chemical free cleaning products, cooking products, etc.

8. Own plants: they change the atmosphere of your house and will improve the borrower’s health

9. Invest in carpets

Comment if you guys have anything to add!

ps this is totally not just me using your love for borrowers to trick you guys into living a healthy lifestyle… but it totally works and I use it on myself when I’m lazy

[guviii]

Picture this: Fidgeting

You’re not even sure how it started.

Maybe it was boredom. Maybe it was habit. Maybe they just needed something to ground them. But now, you’ve found yourself nestled in the crook of their hand, no more than a fidget to them—a living, squirming, whisper-soft thing to be idly toyed with.

Their thumb strokes over your back in slow, absent arcs. Over and over. Not unkind—never cruel—but aimless. Comforting for them. Your body shifts slightly with each motion, pressed into the warm plane of their palm, legs sprawled across the bridge of their fingers. You’re pliable, yielding. Small enough that they can wrap their entire hand around you and still feel like they’re being gentle.

They squeeze.

Not enough to hurt. Just enough to feel you. To remind themselves that something small and real and warm is there, with them. Their fingers curl slowly, pressing your body between pads of skin the size of sofa cushions. You let out a quiet breath, barely a noise, but they hear it.

And they smile, lazy and fond, their thumb dragging lightly over your chest.

“Cute—,” they murmur, their voice a rich vibration that thrums through your spine. Their thumb taps your head. You flinch, half-playful, half-defeated, and they chuckle low in their throat like you’ve done exactly what they needed you to do.

You’re rolled gently between two fingers next—a shift of pressure here, a twist there. Stretched, squished, repositioned. Like putty. Like something soft and satisfying to keep their mind from spiraling. They don’t even need to look at you. It’s all instinct now.

And weirdly? You don’t mind.

There’s something comforting in being used like this—absently, affectionately. A warm, fidget-sized tether keeping their anxiety at bay. Their hand is a fortress. A place where pressure is control, and touch is intimacy.

Eventually, they let out a deep sigh. Their fingers uncurl slightly, opening like a flower to reveal you, tousled and breathless.

“Still alive?” they ask, teasing, brushing your hair back with a fingertip the size of your face.

You just nod, flushed and blinking up at them.

They press you into their palm again and exhale—steady now.

[guviii]

SLEEPING W A GIANT

You’d fallen asleep tucked against the warm stretch of their collarbone, the way you always did when they let you, folded into the dip of skin where scent gathered, where the rise and fall of their breathing made the world sway like a lullaby. One hand loosely cupped nearby. A comfort. A promise.

But sometime in the night, whilst both sleeping, you had slipped onto the pillow, they turned. A murmur in their sleep. A twitch.

You stirred a little just as the whole sky shifted, slow and inevitable, came down upon you with a sleepy grumble.

The weight wasn’t sudden. It was gradual. Sinking. In your own sleepy state you hardly had the time to protest.

Their face, broad and soft, slack with sleep, rolled gently onto you, not maliciously, just… thoughtlessly. The full slope of their cheek pressed down, warm and plush, smothering you into the bedding without even the grace of warning. A sigh followed, blowing warm air into the sheets as they settled in, face nestled into the plush pillow.

And for you. It was like having a mattress dropped on you when your back was turned.

You were pinned beneath the gentle press of skin, every inch of you molded to the velvet curve of their cheek. It should’ve hurt. It didn’t. Not really. But gods, it smothered. Your arms pinned. Your legs twisted. Your cheek pressed to theirs, sweat-slick and twitching.

You could feel their heartbeat in your bones. The low rumble of their breath vibrated through your ribs. You were part of them like this. Absorbed.

A soft groan rumbled above, a sigh, maybe. They simply nuzzled closer, as if even in sleep they knew it was you they slept upon.

And when they stirred, finally, some endless time later. When they groaned sleepily and shifted again.

You didn’t come free right away.

Their head lifted, slow and groggy, and your body came with it. Stuck. For one horrifying second, you were half-glued to the soft skin of their cheek, pulled upward by the light sheen of sweat and sheer contact alone. You peeled off with a wet little sound that neither of you would ever mention again.

You flopped back onto the pillow like a dropped ragdoll. Your limbs splayed. Your hair stuck to your face. You gasped.

Their eye opened at the sound.

Just one. Bleary. Focused on the vague outline of you below.

And then they blinked. “…mm?.”

Their voice was cracked with sleep, the low timbre of it dragging goosebumps up your spine. “Shit. Did I…?”

You just groaned weakly in response, lifting one hand to make a vague, defeated motion. Their expression twisted, sheepish and horrified in equal measure. A huge hand hovered over you, then scooped you up with the care of someone handling a very small, very squashed miracle.

They brought you close. A thumb brushed against your side, gentle, apologetic. Or maybe checking you were still in one piece. You couldn’t help the tiny whimper it drew from you. You felt them flinch at the sound.

“Are you okay…?” they asked, barely more than breath. “I didn’t mean to. I—”

You waved a hand. Or tried to. It was more a twitch than anything. Still, they seemed to get the message.

They curled around you slowly, cupping your body like a prayer, face hovering just above as they whispered, “im sorry~ just.. just stay up here. Near my collarbone.. I’ll stay awake this time so you can get some rest”

Yet a deep yawn betrayed them as they sunk back into the pillows, eyes dark, watching. You knew they’d likely fall asleep again, looked too tired to even make a promise to stay up.

You didn’t trust your voice. But your hand closed weakly around the edge of their thumb for some self assurance. And even half-suffocated and sore, you found yourself smiling a little as you closed your eyes.

[guviii]

Bite-Sized (21) - A G/t BG3 Fanfic

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

Read on AO3

Chapter 1 | Previous chapter| Series master list| Previous chapter

Summary: The group finally descend into the Shadow Cursed Lands on their journey to Moonrise Towers.

Pairing: Astarion x f!borrower!oc (Tav/oc) (slow-burn)

Warnings: Canon-typical violence, blood, gore, death, course language. Basically typical violence that is prevalent in the game.

Word count: 3.2k

A/N: IT'S FINALLY HERE AHHH. I am sincerely sorry that this chapter took forever! Time really does fly on by quickly, doesn't it? To summarise, I started a new job in late March and have been mostly adjusting and learning that, and trying to find time to write all between it as well as my other hobbies. Not to mention I have been suffering from the biggest writers block for this fic - but I finally got through it and wrote most of this over the past couple of days. It's weird, some days I can write so much in the span of one evening, but some days I can't get even one word onto a document. Oh well, I'm glad it's here. I will also mention that a lot of the dialogue from this is taken directly from the game, as well as a lot of what happens in terms of the scenes that play out, so I can't take full credit for the dialogue here. There are some obvious variations sprinkled throughout, so even if you are as familiar with the game as I am, you'll get something out of this. Anyways, happy reading!

Taglist: @whatthisfemsheplikes @alexcutecolly @rose7420 @empressxmachina @taters169 @feral-sins @smolgloves @smolkuriboh27 @junipers-teacup (if you want to be removed or added to the taglist, feel free to let me know!)

Nothing could quite prepare Ria for the harrowing dread and utter despair that emanated from the Shadow Cursed Lands. While Halsin had described the place as dangerous and terrifying, she still hadn’t been ready when they had entered through the ominous hallway that linked the Grymforge to the Shadow Cursed Lands. It was as if all of her life’s essence had been drained from her body as soon as they had stepped into the dreadful place and she had to suppress a shiver. She had noticed a considerable drop in temperature, and somewhat cautiously, she nervously peeked her head out of Astarion’s breast pocket.

Twisted, dark trees protruded from the lifeless ground and curled into the air like the fingers on a hag. No natural light was to be seen as darkness smothered every single stretch of land that she could see. Chills snaked down her spine as the feeling of dread washed over her once more, threatening to swallow her whole.

Next to Astarion, Karlach released a shaky exhale. “This place is dark beyond dark. You feel it too, right? I’m sticking to light wherever I can find it.”

“That’s no ordinary darkness. It feels powerful…and familiar,” Shadowheart said. “Stay on your guard.”

“Make sure to keep your torches lit,” Halsin instructed, holding up a flaming torch enclosed in his fist. “If we do not have enough light, the shadow curse will consume us. Stick close together, everyone.”

“This sure looks like an inviting place,” Ria murmured, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “I wish I could stetch my legs, though. I’ve gone a bit stiff riding in your pocket for so long, Astarion. Do you think you could move me to your shoulder for a little bit?”

Astarion’s red gaze briefly flicked down to her small head nestled at the lip of his pocket. “I think it’s best if you remain in there, my dear. This is hardly the place for borrowers.”

She raised one eyebrow as a small grin twitched against the corner of her mouth. “Oh? Are you afraid of little me getting hurt?”

A smirk broke across Astarion’s face right before he used the tip of his index finger to gently shove Ria’s head back into the inside of his pocket.

“H-hey!”

“I can’t have my favourite little borrower getting into trouble, can I?” His voice vibrated all around her as the lip of the pocket was soon sealed shut. “There are lot of things out here, other than vampires, that would make a quick snack of you darling.”

Huffing softly, she slammed her back against his chest to get her point across, and wrapped a clean handkerchief around her shoulders for extra warmth. She couldn’t argue with him, he was right, after all. Being as small as she was left her insanely vulnerable, but out in the Shadow Cursed Lands, things were even more dangerous for a borrower. Despite her training with both Lae’zel and Gale, she was still at risk the most out of everyone there.

It still surprised her to see Astarion show this protective side to him. Ever since that night, when she had suggested that she touch his fangs to help her get past her fears, they had continued to grow even closer. She would happily ride on his shoulder during their travels, or travel in his breast pocket. They would laugh and joke together playfully, and during the evenings, she would spend most nights at his tent before leaving to go sleep at Shadowheart’s. At this stage, she wasn’t entirely sure what their relationship even was, but it made her happy. A part of her was still perplexed that she had even managed to somehow fall for a cruel, deadly, sarcastic vampire who, at one point, had tried to eat her. But, oddly enough, it felt right. She hoped that Astarion felt the same way.

“Who goes there?”

An unfamiliar voice rang through her eardrums and she immediately felt Astarion’s body tense up against her back. While she couldn’t see what was going on, she could hear everything and judging from Astarion’s reaction, this didn’t seem good.

“Show yourself!”

“We mean you no harm,” Wyll’s calm, soothing voice vibrated through the cold air. “We’re just a group of travellers passing through.”

“If you mean us no harm, step into the light.”

Astarion’s body slowly inched forward, and she could feel his giant footsteps rattle through her small frame. Curiosity began to itch away at her brain as she anxiously twiddled her thumbs. A part of her wanted to see who these newcomers were, and why they were out in the Shadow Lands. If it was only for a brief moment, it wouldn’t hurt, right? Nobody would notice a thing. Besides, she was still safely inside Astarion’s pocket, and they’d have to get through him first if they wanted to get to her.

Very cautiously, she inched her way up towards the opening of the pocket and pushed her head through. A group of three humans and a dwarf stood before them. One human woman had her hair tied back in a long ponytail and she had a flaming torch firmly in her grasp. The other woman had dark, long wavy hair that cascaded down to her shoulders. The third human, a man, had long blonde hair tied back and a thick beard. The dwarf stood beside him with a crossbow at the ready. 

“Yonas! Move in!” The woman with dark wavy hair commanded, gesturing towards the light surrounding them from their torches.

The blonde bearded man, Yonas, took one shaky step before immediately checking over his shoulder. Something stirred in the dark bushes behind them and a chilling moan filled the still air. Suddenly, a tall, dark, looming figure manifested behind Yonas and grabbed him by the ankles. Yonas cried out in shock as the dark figure dragged him off into the surrounding darkness, his fingernails digging helplessly into the dirt as he was carried away.

“Yonas? Yonas!”

The two women rushed towards where Yonas had disappeared, panic stricken all across their faces as they frantically searched for their missing friend.

“I’m here! Where are you?” Yonas called out into the darkness, his voice shaky.

“Yonas? Can you see our torches?”

“I can’t see anything,” Yonas replied. “Something’s wrong.”

“Follow my voice. Come back into the light.” The dark-haired woman said as calmly as she could muster.

“Who’s there? Meg? Is that – argh!”

Yonas’s screams and the sound of bones popping through flesh filled the dark hollow. Ria grimaced as the noises intensified and the tearing of human meat and bone filled her tiny eardrums.

“Yonas?” The dark-haired woman called out once more, except her voice was barely a whisper this time.

A ghostly, glowing green light quickly began to illuminate the area as a stumbling, groaning figure came into view. It was Yonas, except he looked horrific – skin was peeling off his face and his eyes glowed a sickly green. A dark encrusting fungus-like substance was growing across his skin on the spots where his flesh was falling off, and Ria felt her entire body grow cold as she stared at him. Everything in her body was screaming at her to run for her life.

“There you are…come…join me…” Yonas lumbered towards them with one twisted arm outstretched.

“Yonas…?” The dark-haired woman murmured, her breath catching in her throat.

“I’m afraid poor Yonas is bait – and this is a trap.” Astarion’s voice rumbled from above.

“Harpers! To arms!”

Astarion’s entire body tensed as he readied his crossbow and aimed it directly at Yonas’s head. Shadowheart’s hands began to glow with a divine, illuminating light that shone through the area and pushed back some of the shadowy creatures that were behind Yonas. Now, with the divine light that Shadowheart had provided, Ria could finally see the ghastly shadow creatures more clearly and a deathly chill snaked down her spine. Her body was almost completely frozen in place from fear, and instinctively, she ducked back down into the safety of Astarion’s pocket.

Yelling and shouting filled the air as the battle broke out, and she fiercely gripped onto the fabric of Astarion’s armour as she felt every single gigantic movement he made. She buried herself under the handkerchief and attempted to desperately shut out the noise of the battle. It was utterly terrifying, being so small and in the thick of a battle between titans in the darkest place in all of Faerûn.

A part of her felt so useless. While she was cowering amongst Astarion’s armour, her companions were out there fighting for their lives against some deathly shadow creatures. She could’ve offered them some ammunition with her magic. While she was still trying to grapple with her wild magic, she had learned a few tricks from Gale thanks to his lessons. But her fear paralysed her, and her body refused to move from her spot inside Astarion’s pocket.

After some time had passed, the noise of battle eventually died down. The walls of Astarion’s pocket suddenly pressed down against her small frame very softly, suggesting that he was pressing his hand against the pocket, perhaps telling her that the danger was gone. Very slowly, she crept to the opening of the pocket and peered out.

The shadow creatures were now gone, along with Yonas. The two women and dwarf were still alive and were now tending to their wounds. Everyone else from their party seemed to be alright, and there appeared to be no serious injuries. Shadowheart was still illuminating her divine light around the group, and Ria felt a small feeling of warmth blossom through her as the holy light touched her.

“Thanks for the help back there.” The dark-haired woman approached them, wiping a smear of blood off the side of her face. “My name is Lassandra. And this is Meygan and Karrow.” She gestured to her two remaining companions. “We would’ve been done for if it hadn’t been for you.”

“We would never refuse people in need,” Halsin answered. “It was no problem at all.”

Astarion breathed sharply through his nose and while she couldn’t see his eyes, she had a strong feeling that he was rolling them into the back of his head.

“We are sorry for the loss of your companion,” Gale added, his brown eyes solemn.

“Thank you. Yonas wasn’t the first to be lost to this cursed place. Us Harpers will live on for him.” Lassandra breathed a deep sigh, her gaze forlorn. “There is a refuge from the darkness, the Last Light Inn. You all can rest there.”

“Ah, I take it the shadow curse is not afflicted in that area?” Gale questioned.

“The inn is protected by Isobel, a Cleric of Selune. She casts a warding spell to keep the curse at bay. We’ll guide you there.” Lassandra nodded at the remaining Harpers and they soon began to trek into the harrowing darkness. The rest of the group followed them without hesitation.

“A cleric of Selune…how wonderful.” Shadowheart muttered bitterly under her breath.

Ria remained utterly motionless inside Astarion’s pocket. Perhaps it was a good thing that the Harpers had failed to notice her, but a part of her was worried about how these people would react to her existence. For now, at least, she could remain undetected in the comfort of Astarion’s armour.

It didn’t take long for the party to reach the Last Light Inn. Almost immediately Ria noticed a change in the air. Instead of the harsh, cold, emptiness that she had felt since entering the Shadow Cursed Lands, a comforting feeling of warmth washed over her as they passed over a bridge leading to the inn.

A dark-skinned elf woman and dwarf stood at the other side of the bridge. Immediately they grabbed their weapons, aiming it at the approaching group.

“You lot! Step forward and keep your hands off your weapons!” The elf woman yelled.

“Hold on Elifer!” Lassandra jumped forward and presented her palms to the elf woman. “This group helped us out in the shadows. Without them we wouldn’t have made it.”

Elifer relaxed her stance and lowered her weapon, her gaze scanning over the entire group. Ria, feeling her gaze, immediately retreated into the depths of Astarion’s pocket. She didn’t want to risk being seen when tensions were so high.

“Come.”

Rattling footsteps travelled through her body as Astarion began to move. While she couldn’t see what was going on anymore, she could certainly feel everything.

“Jaheira!”

A moment of quiet passed and nobody said anything. Ria waited anxiously with bated breath as the seconds ticked by.

Just what is going on out there?

Her nerves got the better out of her as she slowly peered out of the lip of the pocket. She was still somewhat concealed with only her eyes barely peeking over the top. It would take someone staring insanely intently for them to notice her. A half-elf woman, who she assumed must be Jaheira, stood in front of the group. She had long silver hair with beaded braids woven throughout her locks and a piercing glare that could shatter glass.

Jaheira suddenly crouched towards the ground as glowing lights beamed from her hands. Large roots exploded out of the dirt and hungrily wrapped themselves across Astarion and the rest of the group. Ria was nearly jostled out of her spot as Astarion recoiled from the giant vines and tree roots that entangled around his feet and legs.

“Is a simple ‘hello’ too much to ask for nowadays?” Astarion muttered grumpily, grunting from the strong vines that were squeezing his legs.

“Hello,” Jaheira replied with a smirk.

“We mean you no harm,” Wyll said gently. “Please, just let us earn your trust.”

“Lies can be easily formed from even the kindest of faces.” Jaheira reached into her satchel and pulled out a glass jar. What was inside the jar made Ria’s skin crawl. A hideous mindflayer parasite squirmed against the confines of the jar as Jaheira brought it into the light.

Let’s hope that I never have to get close to one of those things, she thought as she watched the parasite thrash around inside the jar.

“It is a curious creature that hides all manner of secrets. But if there’s one thing that we know–” Jaheira stepped closer towards Astarion and held the jar close to him, “–is that it knows its own kind.” 

Astarion flinched as the parasite in the jar squirmed even harder. Ria glanced directly upwards and saw the grimace painted across his face. A part of her wanted to do something, anything, to help, but what exactly could she do? She was just a tiny borrower, after all. Whatever Jaheira was planning for her group of companions, she had no power to stop her. But…perhaps she could divert Jaheira’s attention away from her friends.

“Stop this!” Ria yelled from inside Astarion’s pocket. “They mean no harm, I swear! I’ve been travelling with them for many moons now. They are not True Souls.”

“Ah, so I see the True Souls have a tiny pet?” Jaheira’s steely gaze snapped to where Ria was, her face hardening. “That is…interesting. You have no wings, so you are certainly no pixie…oh, you must be a borrower! I thought they were long extinct. Hmm, I suppose you must be a lucky one, eh?”  

“I am no pet,” Ria retorted, a small fire igniting in her belly. “Just let my friends go, please. They can explain everything.”

Jaheira ignored her comment and instead raised an eyebrow, curiosity now spreading across her sharp features.

“And what is interesting is that you are in the pocket of a vampire. Let me guess, he is keeping you as a pocket snack for later?” Jaheira said.

“She is not food,” Astarion spat venomously, flashing his teeth briefly. “Leave her out of this.”

Jaheira chuckled lightly at Astarion’s remark.

“My goodness, I never would’ve expected a vampire to act so defensive over a borrower of all creatures,” she responded. “But I do not care what the borrower has to say. You never should have come here, True Soul.”

“What are you doing? They are the ones who saved us!”

A small, young tiefling girl ran up to Jaheira and aggressively tugged on the druid’s tunic. Jaheira ceased concentration on her spell, and the vines that had erupted from the ground quickly vanished.

“They are the ones who protected the Emerald Grove?” Jaheira said in disbelief.

“Yup. Didn’t leave a goblin standing. Not so bad to hang around with either.” The tiefling girl flashed a pointy smile at the group, her face practically beaming. “I’d pretty much trust them all with my life.” The girl paused, flicking her gaze towards Astarion. “Well, except for that one, but the rest are good.”

“Excuse me?” Astarion spluttered. “I helped save the tieflings and you know it, Mol!”

Jaheira turned to Mol, her gaze narrowed. “Mol, are you being serious?”

“I am very serious,” Mol responded earnestly. “And don’t worry, the elven prick is fine, I just wanted to mess with him. They’re all fine.”

Ria did not recognise the tiefling child, but she was grateful all the same that she had stepped in to stop Jaheira, and she had to stifle a giggle upon hearing her comment on Astarion. She liked Mol already.

“True Souls with minds of their own…” Jaheira continued, still in disbelief as she grappled to comprehend what was happening. “How is that possible?”

“Because of this artefact.” Shadowheart stepped forward with the strange artefact in one hand and presented it to Jaheira.

Jaheira stared at the glowing artefact and held up her jar that contained the mindflayer parasite. The parasite inside the jar squealed, almost as if it was being burned alive, before exploding into a disgusting pile of goo. Jaheira, dumbfounded, glanced at the jar and then back at the artefact.

“What in the hells is that thing?” she breathed.

Shadowheart paused, as if she was considering how to choose her words carefully. Ria knew that the artefact that she carried meant a great deal to her, and was important to her Shar worship.

“So far, it’s been a life saver. Here’s hoping you agree.” Shadowheart placed the artefact back into her supplies and stared firmly at Jaheira.

Jaheira processed Shadowheart’s words, her expression hard to read as her eyes scanned the rest of the group.

“Congratulations. You’ve earned yourself the benefit of the doubt.” Jaheira waved her hand briefly in the air. “Hear me, Harpers! All clear, at ease.”

The surrounding Harpers immediately lowered their weapons and eased off.

“While there is a great mystery to the artefact that you hold, I’m old and wise enough to recognise a sliver of hope when it crawls out of the dark.”

A feeling of relief flooded through Ria’s body. Jaheira seemed somewhat happy with Shadowheart’s response, at least.

“Tell me – why have you all come here?” Jaheira questioned.

“We seek a cure for the parasites in our heads,” Gale explained. “Moonrise Towers has been our best shot at this. We were hoping to seek refuge at your inn.”

“Valid reasoning,” Jaheira answered. “Help yourself to the food in the inn. You are welcome to use the beds in the rooms upstairs, too. Aloe oil in the cupboard in case the vines gave you a rash. Settle in, then come join me for a drink. Your group may just be the godsend that we’ve been praying for.”

[guviii]

Moonrise Towers

Chapters: [Chapter 1] [Chapter 2] [Chapter 3] [Chapter 4] [Chapter 5] [Chapter 6] [Masterlist]

Summary: The group arrives to Moonrise and runs into a familiar face

Tw: dehumanizing language, mentions of murder, mentions of blood, mentions of genocide.

A/N: Been a while, huh? I'm sorry the updates slowed down, life got busy and writer's block took over. I'm hoping this is over for now cause I'm really excited for what is to come! Also wanna give a shout out to Smolkuriboh27 for helping me with this writers block. 🙌

Tag list: @sm0lprism @smolkuriboh27 @empressxmachina @g-tr4sh @rose7420 @guviii

The tower of brick and stone reached out for the darkened sky, a former act of honor for the Moon Maiden now became an imposing presence of the horrors that plagued this land. All that death and torture, it began here. Lilia pressed herself further against the curled fingers of Karlach. In all this darkness, Karlach was a beacon of light within. Her warmth would melt away all her worries and make her believe that maybe she could actually do this and not fly off the moment they reached the entrance.

Now if only that elven dickhead would shut the fuck up for once!

“I don't understand why Freya had to come here.” Astarion said for the umpteenth time.

“Because I need her to come.” Lilia snapped, beside her was a fuming borrower. Ever since she tagged along, Freya had been unusually quiet. Perhaps she wanted to try and stay calm for Karlach's sake since she insisted on carrying Freya too, but based on how red her face was Lilia could see she was about to blow up any moment now.

“And what can she do that you can't?” He mocked.

“What's that supposed to mean?!” Freya shouted back, she stood up on the tiefling's palm, steadying herself by holding onto her thumb. “I fought a gods damn hag!”

“Redcaps, my dear.” He corrected with a smile that was laced with mockery. “And they're hardly worth much trouble.”

“Like hells they are!” Shadowheart spat out. “Bloody things nearly killed me.”

Astarion checked his nails as if this conversation was boring. “Well, not everyone can handle them, I guess.”

“Sleep with one eye open from now on, you pasty ghoul.” Shadowheart retorted, which got a laugh out of the pixie.

“Is all this really necessary?” Wyll groaned out.

“Look Astarion, even if she isn't much use in battle, she'll be great moral support for me!” Lilia smiled and wrapped her arm around Freya's shoulder. She thought she ended this ceaseless bickering, but when she glanced over to Freya she saw the nastiest glare thrown her way. With a quick shove, Lilia was ripped away from her friend. Gods, borrowers really can't take a joke.

“Relax fangs, I'll keep her safe.” Karlach proclaimed.

Astarion scoffed. “No offense Karlach, but you haven't held someone in over a decade and you're not known for your grace.”

The heat began to intensify in her hands. “Watch it fangs!”

“And you haven't drank blood in two hundred years!” Freya hollered back with a rage that started to match the barbarian's. “So was I really that much safer in your hands?!”

Before Astarion could make a comeback, Tav spun around with clear annoyance written all over their face. “Enough! She's here now, and we can't go back! Now can you all knock it off so we don't draw too much attention?!”

Everyone gave a murmur of agreement.

Tav sighed. “Thank you!”

The rest of the trip was spent in silence.

~~~

“Praise the Absolute.” Tav bowed their head in a mocking respect for the wretched Goddess; after hearing that phrase so many times in her captivity, it made Lilia nauseous. Fortunately the cultists were none the wiser as they granted them access, the group took their strides up the stairs but hand reached out and grabbed Karlach by the wrist.

“Hold it!” The guard ordered. “Why do you have those things in your hands?”

“Can't a girl have a few pets?” Karlach gave a smirk but shot a quick apologetic look to the tiny ladies. It was a great cover, but judging by the glare from the guard, he wasn't convinced.

“Maybe so, but there's a reason we keep pixies in the lanterns, letting one out is just asking for trouble!”

Lilia snuck her hand over to Freya's, trembling fingers snaked with her’s. This was a mistake, she shouldn't have come back! He'll probably shove her in that lantern and tear her away from her group. Lilia's eyes bounced around her surroundings in a desperate attempt to escape.

“Do you believe this pixie is dumb enough to cross me?” Karlach snorted, her eyes pointed at the guard like an arrow ready to pierce through his heart if he continued questioning her. “Now I suggest you take that hand off of me before I do.”

The color had drained from his already pale face as he uncurled his fingers. He gestured for her to continue up the stairs. At least he was smart enough not to cross Karlach.

Shoving past him, Karlach ascended with the rest. She let out a heavy sigh that ruffled Lilia's green locks. “Sorry about what I said, soldiers.”

“It’s alright.” Freya reassured.

“Y-Yeah.” Lilia let out a chuckle in hopes it would ease her heart rate. “It's better than getting taken by them.”

“True, but I still feel bad about it, I'll have to make it up later.”

“I like the sound of that.” Lilia wrapped her arms around her thumb, the heat seeping into her chest like a warm campfire on a summer's night.

“Well, that's enough excitement for one day.” Tav sighed.

Stone walls were adorned with torches but did little to warm the room. The eyes of the cultist followed the group, how many more would try to question them about carrying tiny beings? Lilia glanced back at Freya to see her mirroring her uncertainty.

A towering metal door decorated with a bloody skull in the middle stood before them with the empty sockets staring down at them, as if to warn them that their deaths could happen at any time should anyone dare to defy the absolute. Lilia's heart hammered as they entered the throne room. The dimly lit room did not hide the intimidating presence of Ketheric Thorm who sat on the stone throne. The stories of a half elf who cursed these lands echoed in her head. When Lilia set out for this mission, she never thought she would see this man in the flesh! Yet he sat there, stroking his beard as his red eyes glared down at a drow and goblins.

“If I were given drow warriors instead of goblins, I would not have failed you!”

“Oh shit, it's Minthara.” Karlach spoke in a hushed voice.

“You know her?”

“She was plotting to raid Halsin's grove.” Freya responded. “I don't understand why, but Tav spared her.”

“Let me understand this, you're suggesting that General Thorm gave you the wrong soldiers.” The cruel half orc, known as Z'rell, spoke. Those cold eyes locked onto Minthara.

“Yes-! No!”

“You blame the Absolute's for your failure.”

“Of course it is not the general's fault!” Minthara cried out.

“Who's then!” Z'rell ordered.

Drow were typically cold and ruthless people, Lilia knew they wouldn't spare others from death; hells, she witnessed several Drow True Souls murder her own people… yet, hearing Minthara beg for her life to Ketheric Thorm himself only tugged her heart to sympathy. “We have to help her.”

“Way ahead of you.” Tav kept their eyes on the distracted disciple, these psionic powers have been used to harm Lilia and her friends before. The haunting memories of watching the True Souls tear the minds of those who tried to resist kept her awake at night. Their screams served as proof that these parasites were only used for evil, but now she was seeing Tav use this power for good.

“I've been unkind,” Z'rell responded, her eyes wandered to the goblins. “Anyone would have failed with such… faulty tools.”

“Guards, take Minthara to the cells below.” Ketheric demanded. “Her fate will be decided yet.”

As the guards took hold of Minthara, she screamed and cried out, begging for mercy, while the goblin snickered amongst themselves.

“We have to rescue her.” Lilia whispered. “They'll kill her.”

“She was with them, Lilia.” Freya spoke.

“Well so was I!” Her wings began buzzing. To hells with safety! She was going to take off, but Karlach's fingers curled inward more, ready to seal the tiny women in her hand. Before Lilia could argue back, Karlach started to slip away from the group while Ketheric spoke to Tav, stalking the two guards who dragged Minthara down a flight of stairs. Dried blood smeared the stone floors to show that those who were forced to traverse below would never be seen again.

“I'm all for charging into a fight, but let's wait until we get away from that general.”

“You can't be serious, Karlach!” Freya snapped back. “She wanted to burn the grove down, you know, the ones who had Dammon and Mol, and all the other refugees!”

“I know,” Turmoil flickered in her eyes. Lilia didn't blame her. If what they said about the drow was true, then it was no surprise Karlach was hesitant to save her. She brushed away those doubts. “But Tav spared her life. Plus, we have to find the other prisoners.”

Freya glanced back at the rest of the group. Tension was rising amongst the goblins. “Okay, but shouldn't we wait for the rest of the group?”

“They're too busy with Ketheric right now.” Lilia countered. “Besides, I don't want that pompous elf bitching about you being here, and I'm sure you feel the same.”

Freya opened her mouth to speak but the lack of words proved that she couldn't argue back. Triumph swelled within the pixie, yet seeing the concern on Freya kept her from gloating. Despite wanting to prove herself to Astarion, Lilia understood why she was hesitant to leave the rest of them behind. “You know, maybe if we free all prisoners, that'll prove you're not useless to him.”

A spark gleamed into those gray eyes as she grabbed the peashooter that was attached to her belt. “You're right. Astarion just needs to be reminded of my skills and advantages.”

“That's the spirit!” Karlach grinned, her eyes followed the stairs to the prison. “Now let’s fuck shit up.”

[guviii]

mermaid megafauna

patreon . bsky

[guviii]

this would fix me

It wasn’t supposed to be so much.

A kiss. That’s all it was meant to be.

But when something that big leans down to show affection, there’s no such thing as “just” a kiss. Not when the lips that descend are wider than your body is long. Not when their mouth alone could cover the entire space you stand in—and then some.

You barely have time to gasp.

One moment, their face is hovering above you, pupils blown wide with hunger—not the kind that eats, but the kind that devours in every other way. The next, the sky falls. Velvet lips crash into you like a tidal wave of skin and heat. And suddenly, you are flattened.

Not crushed, no—never that. They’re too careful for that. But the weight of them? God.

You’re pinned instantly, your back hitting the floor. Their mouth blankets your entire form in one overwhelming press, soft yet impossibly heavy. Your limbs splay, stuck in place, every inch of your body engulfed in the plush heat of them. It’s hot. Wet. Suffocating in the way passion can be. You can’t move. You can barely breathe.

The floor feels miles beneath you. The ceiling may as well not exist. All that’s real is them. That mouth. That need. And you, smothered into helpless stillness beneath it.

They kiss like they’re starving.

Their lips mold to you, dragging slightly as they adjust—just enough to send a shiver through your whole being. Your hands twitch, your legs buck against the weight, but it’s useless. You’re caught beneath something so vast, so hungry for you, that resistance is laughable. Irrelevant.

And still, somehow, they’re gentle. Ravenous, yes. All-consuming. But measured. Your bones aren’t bruised. You aren’t broken. Just… claimed. Thoroughly. Completely.

When they finally pull back—slowly, as though reluctant to let you go—the air rushes in like a flood. You’re gasping. Drenched in the heat of their breath and the faintest trace of saliva. Your clothes cling to you. Your heart is pounding so hard it hurts.

Above you, their lips glisten. Their mouth parts slightly in a smile. It’s wicked. Breathless.

They let out a low, guttural mmm, deep in their throat. It rolls through you like thunder, full of satisfaction and craving. A sound that says more than words ever could.

You don’t answer. Can’t. You’re still lying there, dazed and trembling, imprint of their affection still tingling across every nerve.

They kiss like they want to own the world.

And in that moment—you are their world.

[guviii]

I was gagged when I saw this fan art for the ballad of songbirds and snakes, sooo G/T coded

[guviii]

Arrietty's Room

always been fond of her, my courageous anik-anik girlie

twitter | insta | behance

[guviii]

I'm tweaking rn

[guviii]

крылышки как витражик

[guviii]

omg I’m loving this scenario!!!! I wonder how he’ll treat her now that he owes her one 😉

The Smallest Survivor

Baldur’s Gate 3 GT

Brielle, a borrower from Baldur's Gate, is unexpectedly thrust into an unfamiliar territory after being abducted by mindflayers. Struggling to survive without her usual city skills, she must rely on resourcefulness to navigate the wild. As she faces hunger, fear, and the discovery of a vampire, Brielle's journey becomes one of self-reliance and courage in a world far larger than she ever imagined.

She stumbled throught the forest which was unfamiliar to her in every element. The trees, foliage and practically anything else towered over her at her unintimidating height of three inches tall. She was a city borrower, certainly not one familiar with nature. Her rougish nature was usually an asset in Baldur’s Gate. Slipping unnoticed in people’s homes and unsuspecting traveler’s packs. But now, her class felt as worthless and pathetic as she did right now. What she would give to be a druid in this moment.

Brielle sighs, climbing over yet another log in her way. Her limbs shake with exhaustion now after hours of escaping the strange ship that has kidnapped her from her home.

She remembers how she’d been hidden under a merchant’s table when the screaming and stampede of footsteps had begun. The ground had trembled with all of the massive beings running for their lives until she saw a red light pass over them and they had disappeared. Her face had gone pale and she immediately tried to run. But her legs had been too short and before she knew it she was trapped.

Once she’d taken in her surroundings she realized she was trapped in a pod of some sort. The air had smelt awful, ripe with the scent of rot and blood. She gagged covering her nose until the smell had no longer been so revolting. Looking around she saw a few gaps she could squeeze through in her prison. Apparently, her kidnappers hadn’t expected a borrower in their midst. With ease, she crawled through the gap and found herself surrounded by other pods. But their occupants hadn’t been so lucky.

She watched as a lavender, fleshy alien with tentacles stood before a pale, white-haired elf. The alien she realized was a mindflayer. She remembered stories from her childhood about them. How they devoured borrowers whole with no mercy. A race to be more feared than even vampires. A shiver ran down her spine and she pitied the elf who was at the mercy of this flayer.

As much as she wanted to run and turn away she couldn’t. She watched as the flayer placed a long-fingered hand upon the elf’s face, holding it steady as he brought a squirming creature no bigger than his thumb to the elf’s eye. Her stomach dropped as the creature wriggled it’s way into the elf’s eyelid. And then it was gone.

The flayer let go of the elf and stepped back to shut the pod. Brielle hid as he returned to a table in the center of the room and reached in to grab another one of those strange, squirming creatures. She’d seen enough though and knew she had to find a way out. That was until the entire room started to shake. She flipped onto her side when the turbulence was too much. Her hands searched for something to grab onto but failed when the entire room flipped. She couldn’t help but scream when she was sent flying through the air. She hit a solid surface, cutting her scream short as the air was knocked from her lungs. She rubbed her aching head feeling the knot already forming. Opening her eyes she found herself to be plastered to the glass of one of the pods. And staring right back at her was the elf from earlier.

She immediately noticed his red eyes and breathtaking profile. His expression looked panicked yet curious as she looked upon him. She had fallen right before his face and she wondered if he’d even seen on of her kind before. Brielle shakily picked herself up and got to her feet. Maybe she could find a button or something to help free this poor guy. She slid off the glass of the pod and landed on the ground. Where would she even go to help? She didn’t have a clue where to look. A loud thump grabbed her attention. She spun around to see the elf pointing towards a table. Her heart knocked in her hest from the intimidating angle she had of the giant. Her neck ached from the angle she had to hold to to even look at his face. She ran towards the table he gestured to. She assumed it was some kind of control center judging by the contraptions and pair of buttons upon it. She climbed to the top and studied them. She hesitated pressing them. What if she let him escape and he tried to kidnap her? She was a borrower after all. Giants loved to get their hands on her kind for all sorts of reasons. But then again what kind of person could she be to let all these people possibly die becasue of her cowardness?

She let out a breath and pressed the button. And then she sprinted to safety.

And now after the ship had crashed and she’d survived in whatever miraculos way she was essentially stranded. She gave it a few days until she died honeslty. She had absoluety zero survivial skills in the wild. Proven just by her lack of food in the last day. She had no idea how to forage and what was safe to eat. Neither did she feel right killing an animal to sate her own appetite. She preferred to stay away from meats of all sorts. The sky began to darken and she thought well to call it a day and find somewhere to settle. It wasn’t hard to find a nook in a tree where she could curl up and sleep. She did just that. Despite the ache in her stomach, as soon as her head hit the ground she was asleep.

Tremors stirred her from her rest. Her eyes blinked open as they became closer and closer. She rubbed the sleepiness from her eyes and came to stand. The sky was still dark so who in the world would be prowling at this time of night in the middle of the woods? From the pattern of the footfalls she gathered whoever it was had to be a bi-pedal. She creeped out from her nook and peeked around to see who was disturbing her much needed rest. But she didn’t see anyone, maybe they were behind her tree. She circled around, keeping to the shadows. A loud, ear-spillting squeal broke her from her thoughts. She had absolutely no clue what could make that noise but she ran back for her hiding place. The squeal stopped and the silence that followed was even worse. Her heart pounded in her chest, blood rushing in her ears. She longed for her home back in the city. Her warm bed and supply of food. Not this.

The tremors of the earth returned and became closer than they had before, nearly knocking her off her feet. She crouched down and tried to slow her heartrate. Some creatures she knew could hear pulses. The source of the tremors became apparent when a pair of boots came into sight. Her eyes followed the path of the person’s legs, torso and finally their face. She couldn’t suppress the gasp of surprise of the familiar face. It was the same elf from the ship. She couldn’t help the feeling of relief of seeing him alive. At least her actions had saved his life. But the question was why was he wandering this late at night? Shouldn’t he be asleep or at least made a shelter of some sort. And why hadn’t he ran at the sound of those awful squeals? But with a jolt of realization she feared that maybe he had been the source of the awful noises.

She backed up into the shelter of the tree. Her back came to rest against the gnarled roots. The hope she’d felt at first seeing the familiar face was gone and all he wished now is that he’d leave. Her night got even worse however when his boots stopped right in front of her tree. There was no point in controlling her pulse now. She hoped he couldn’t hear it or her rapid breaths. Times like this she absolutely hated being so tiny. She barely reached this male’s ankle. The only thing she had in her favor was her ability to be undetected.

“Astarion, what are you doing out here?” A male voice asked from somewhere nearby.

She let out a breath as the elf named Astarion stepped away, each footfall sending a tremor through the ground.

“Really Gale, do you have to be such a busybody?”

It was the first time she’d actually heard his voice she realized. Despite her fear, she felt her stomach flipping at the smug tone he used. Almost honeyed if the person speaking didn’t make her fear for her life.

Before she could catch the other man, Gale’s reply the two males walked off into the night leaving her alone at last.

With that, her eyes slipped shut and slipped into blissful unconsciouness.

A day later and she still hadn’t eaten anything. Her stomach ached with its emptiness. The pain brought her back to her painful childhood…

She searched the barren streets. Darkness covered the cobblestone that usually bustled with the townspeople. Only the occasional squeak of a rat or scuffle of feet sounded in the chilly night air. Brielle’s stomach ached with such ferocity the pains sent her stumbling to her knees. It had been days now since her parents had disappeared. They were only supposed to be gone for a night and back the next morning. Brielle knew that when they hadn’t returned by sundown the next day that they weren’t coming back. Such is the life of borrowers. But the probability of their disappearance hadn’t made the ache in her heart any less. She had no clue how to forage for her own supplies. Her parents had promised they would teach her on her upcoming birthday when she reached nine.

She shook her head to rid herself of the depressing thoughts. She was older now, a twenty-three year old grown woman. She didn’t need her parents as much as she had back then. She could take care of herself.

Her mind raced with a plan to keep her alive.

And that’s when she heard voices. Giant voices.

Suddenly she had an idea.

She waited until dark before setting out on her mission. All she needed was to grab some food, a weapon of some sorts and figure out where the hell she was. She could do that.

For hours she studied the campers of the group. There seemed to be six, and judging by there only being six tents she appeared the count was correct. Three women and three men. The women’s group consisted of a githanki, a tiefling and a elf. Then the men. Two of them she knew already. And the other was a tiefling male as well, or at least he had horns. She watched as they all went into their respective tents and lights went out as each one fell asleep. She’d become a pro at “borrowing”. She smiled at the name her species called themselves. Obviously they didn’t borrow anything since they never returned it. She was a thief by nature. She went into Gale’s tent first as he seemed to be the most put together of the group. As she snuck into his tent she searched the inside and immediately found his rations. She took a small amount that would go unnoticed and ducked out managing to skirt around his massive form under his blanket.

Each tent she found what she needed until she was missing a weapon and a few scraps of fabric. She’d been through all the tents except one.

Astarion’s.

Honestly she’d been hoping that she would’ve found everything she needed by now. A part of her said to just leave it be and try to see if any other groups around. But she didn’t have time to wait around and use all her supplies while she waited for more. Before she could talk herself out of it she ducked inside.

The first thing she noticed was the finery of everything he owned, and how neat it was arranged. The second thing she noticed was how he didn’t appear to be anywhere in his tent. She hurried then knowing he could be back anytime soon. A knapsack laid open on its side, the inside dark rough she couldn’t see what was within. Brielle climbed in, being mindful to watch for anything sharp that could be hiding. To her relief she found a handkerchief, stained but usable and certainly better than her ragged clothes she wore now. She didn’t even know how bad she smelled since she couldn’t get the scent of earth out of her nose. She sniffed the air just then and noted a whiff of iron. Strange, she thought for a moment. The same scent she recalled in Baldur’s Gate in the lower city near the Szarr Palace. Her blood turned to ice in her veins.

That smell.

Vampires.

She scrambled out of the bag, frantically searching the tent for an exit and just now noticing the empty, crimson-stained jars. Holy hell, Astarion was a vampire.

“Shit.” She cursed, gathering the handkerchief and stuffing the scrap into her bag. She needed to leave now.

How had she not noticed the signs before? Creeping in the darkness, red eyes, avoiding sunlight! God he was the perfect example of a bloodsucker! His looks certainly made him desirable enough to gather prey. Borrowers were prepared at such a young age to know the telltale signs of vampires. It was something her parents had instilled into her even before she reached the age of nine, before she could even borrow on her own!

Brielle made it right to the flap of his tent when a booted foot planted itself right before her.

[guviii]

Kindled in Darkness

[Masterlist] [Chapter 1] [Chapter 2] [Chapter 3]

[Chapter 4] [Chapter 5]

Summary: Lilia gets to have a bit of girl talk

TW: violence, death, mentions of torture, and general angst.

Taglist: @sm0lprism @g-tr4sh @smolkuriboh27 @rose7420 @guviii @empressxmachina

Winged ghouls flooded the inn, swarming Isobel’s room to take her away; this sanctuary now a battleground. Lilia took note of the battle from her bird's eye view. Tav pushed enemies back with a thunder wave, Shadowheart was doing her best to keep Isobel safe with Karlach unleashing her fury to smash the heads of every ghoul that came close, but they were quickly getting overwhelmed amidst the chaos.

A pit formed in Lilia's stomach when she laid eyes on Marcus. The dark haired man who descended from the sky - wings outstretched like a crow going to strike - howling out for the horrific creatures to aid in his cause to kidnap the Selûnite cleric. Fear began to paralyze the pixie; if they were after Isobel, would they come after her?! She had to get out of here now before they realized a pixie was here!

But seeing Marcus barreling towards the clerics kept her from darting outside. He knocked Shadowheart back and raised his greatclub at Isobel.

“GELA!” The words spilt out of her mouth before Lilia even realized what she did. As an ice knife shot out of her hand, it struck the greatclub and knocked it out of Marcus’ hand. Amidst the chaos, he locked eyes with Lilia, bewilderment etched on his face. Did he recognize her? If so, he didn't have time to process that information as Karlach snuffed out his life with a swift blow from her ax. Lilia kept her eyes on Marcus - the life within his own faded as his blood poured out of his neck like a waterfall. He let out a gargled cry before falling over face first.

“Ex Mortis!” Shadowheart's final spell pulse through the room, radiant flames engulfing the last of the ghouls. As their Snarls came to an end, labored breaths and anxious chatter hung in the air.

“Isobel!” Jaheira called out, bursting into the room. “Are you okay?”

“I'm fine.” She replied. Their conversation faded into the background as Karlach approached the hovering fairy.

“How ya hanging, soldier?”

Lilia mustered up a smile. “I'm fine.”

“That's good. I was worried about you,” A hearty laugh replaced the concern she once held. “But damn you sure know how to freeze a fucker when the moment is right!”

“Don't count me out just cause of my size.” Lilia swelled with pride. It's not every day that a hot barbarian lady compliments her battle skills. “I could have froze this entire inn if I had too, but I had to hold back cause of the lot of ya.”

“I think it would take more than a spell to cool me down, but thanks anyways.” Despite being fixed by that blacksmith called Dammon, Karlach was still fated to perish at the hands of that engine in her chest. And yet she still smiled like a ray of sunshine. That was a type of strength Lilia wished she had.

“Alright, so we need to head to Moonrise Towers.” Tav interjected. “We'll rest up and get more supplies before heading out.”

“Sounds great!” Karlach practically squealed, she turned back to Lilia. “Say, you should come along, I know you could take on any cultist that causes us trouble.”

Moonrise. A place that haunted Lilia's dreams. After what had happened, she swore to never go back there. She couldn't! While she could understand why the rest of them were going there, to Lilia that was a suicide mission. “I'll have to think about it.” The corners of Karlach's mouth turned downwards, the questions burning in her head. “Say, I'm going to rest up at your camp, that fight really took my magic away.”

Before Karlach could even speak, Lilia zipped out of the inn and into the night.

~~~

Lilia sat by the shore, her eyes fixated on the distance. Normally water gave Lilia a piece of tranquility but beyond this lake was that cursed place. She could still hear that menacing cackle of that fucker who made her a victim of the stench of death that lingered on him any time Lilia was forced to be in his fist.

“Stupid blood sucker,” Freya muttered to herself, clearly too busy with her own thoughts to realize Lilia was nearby. She stomped along the shore before kicking a pebble into the water. “What does he even know!”

“Sounds like the reunion is going well.” Lilia responded dryly.

Freya snapped out of her thoughts. “Oh Lilia, I didn't realize you were there.”

The corners of her lips turned upwards into a little smirk. It seems like both of them could use a chat. “I figured as much,” She patted the dirt beside her. “Wanna talk about your problem?”

“It's just Astarion.” Freya sighed and took a seat. “He doesn't want me leaving the camp anymore.”

“Why?”

“Because you nearly died, darling!” She spoke in an airy tone that mocked the vampire. “As if we all haven't had close calls! Hells, I even saved him and Tav from being buried alive!” Her anger tapered off into a pathetic groan. “It feels like he's going back to his old ways from when we first met.”

Shadowheart and Karlach had mentioned Freya and Astarion's relationship from the beginning; a borrower traveling with big people was already unexpected, but to befriend a vampire?! Others would call Freya mad. “Maybe he likes you too much to not see you get hurt again?”

“I know he cares for Tav too, yet he doesn't have that same energy for them!” She scoffed. “Perhaps I was a fool to think he was changing his ways.”

“Leave it to an elf to be racist.” Lilia teased.

“Yeah…” Freya trailed off into the glum silence of the night, where even the water remained still. “So why are you so secluded?”

Lilia forced her lips into a wry smile. “Can't a tiny person take a break from these big people?”

Freya pursed her lips. “They can, however you were really eager to meet my party. So let me ask again, why are you here?”

Lilia was prepared to keep denying, but her wings were sagging along with her shoulders. Meekness did not suit her very well, but Moonrise Towers was able to silence her plucky attitude towards life. Perhaps a borrower was the best person to tell.

“Moonrise… was my prison.” Lilia's eyes dropped to the ground before she could see Freya's reaction, the cold air seeping into her blue skin to form the goosebumps running down her arms.

“Wait… so you knew about the cultists!” Freya gasped out. “Why didn't you mention that earlier?”

“Maybe for the same reason you're less than forthcoming with your story.” Lilia spat back. “When these lands fell to the curse, my people began trying to find a way to lift it, searching every nook and cranny for some anomaly in this place! That's when the cultists came.” Memories flooded back to her, threatening to cut off her voice. “They found out that we pixies aren't affected by the curse, so they captured us and used our power to their advantage.”

“How did they do that?”

“They have these moon lanterns to put us in… but using it hurts us.” The words quivered upon Lilia's lips, she could still feel the bruises on her hands from all the times she banged on that glass prison. “I lost good friends to that contraption.”

“Oh Gods, Lilia, I'm so sorry.” Freya crawled over to pull the pixie into a hug, only for Lilia to shoot to her feet.

“Don't coddle me like I'm some scared borrower!” She spat out. Tears pricked her eyes, and it took all of Lilia's strength to hold them back. She expected Freya to snap back, to stomp away from this angry pixie, but the sympathy never left her face.

“Believe it or not, but I know what it's like to have everyone you love ripped away from the larger beings.” Her voice wavered a bit, only to push whatever past feelings aside with a shaky sigh. “You don't even get to know why they had to do that…”

“Oh I know why he did it.” The murky water began to ripple along with her anger. Back when Lilia was younger, her teacher used to tell her to control her emotions as it would affect her abilities. But what did it matter anymore, she was dead! “Balthazar is a sadistic fucker!” A wave crashed into the shore, spraying the two girls instantly. Lilia's wings soaked up the water, dropping them below her shoulders.

Pulling those wet locks from her face, Freya kept her eyes on the grief-stricken fae, mouth agape, trying to find the words to say. “Gods…”

Now she's done it, the bottled up rage had given away any chance for sympathy. If Freya wanted to leave her for this, it would surely be justified! “Sorry, I-!”

“It's alright, I needed a bath anyway.”

Chuckles poured out of the pixie. It was such a stupid joke, and yet it melted her grief away for a moment. But just as it ebbed away, it crashed back into her, and those chuckles formed into choked up sobs. Why did this have to happen? If she did anything in her life to deserve such a punishment, then why bring her friends into this? As her tears blinded her, Lilia was pulled into a hug. Growing silent, Lilia stood there, the thought of pulling away did not cross her mind this time. Despite the fact the two were soaked to the bone, Freya's embrace brought a bit of warmth around the cold air.

“Thanks, I needed that.” Lilia said, pulling away.

Freya raised an eyebrow. “Even though I was coddling you like a scared borrower?”

A sheepish grin planted on her face. “Sorry about that.”

“I won't hold it against you this time.” The smile on Freya faded away when the silence between them returned. A chill brushed against them. “I wish I could offer something better than a hug.”

Wiping away the final tears, Lilia started to think about what could ease her pain. She wanted to see her friends again. She wanted to return to the feywilds and never see this cursed place again! But that was impossible to accomplish.

“How about revenge?”

Lilia spun around to find Karlach peeking out from behind a tree, the flames on her body intensely licking the air around her.

Freya threw up her hands. “How long have you been there?”

“Not that long.” She admitted as she began to tread over to them. Even with her attempted soft steps, the ground rumbled beneath them. In all her years of living Lilia had never met a big person as massive as her. Even crouching did nothing to mitigate her towering presence, and it was absolutely stunning.

“I was worried about you.” Her fingers twitched to reach out to Lilia, yet she still refrained as if she was still unable to touch. It pained Lilia to see her outburst had made the barbarian cautious to comfort her; after everything Karlach dealt with, she deserved to touch anything her heart desired.

“Sorry about that…” Lilia inched closer, letting those warm fingertips brush against her arm; the heat was enough to melt away her fears, giving her time to ponder Karlach's suggestion. “You said something about revenge?”

Her low chuckle was like a rolling thunder. “May not be the morally best option, but you deserve to see that fucker rot, and I'm willing to cut him down to size for you.”

Balthazar was already a walking corpse, but Lilia bit her tongue. The thought of seeing him reduced to a pile of shredded meat filled her heart with joy. Vengeance rarely crossed her mind before, after all he put her through, Lilia didn't think she could even face him alone, but she wasn't alone now. Karlach and Freya and all the others could help her. Maybe then, all those who perished under the necromancer will rest in peace. “I would really like that.”

“It's a date then.” Her eyes traveled down Lilia; water droplets still clung to her body, with a cheeky smile, Karlach scooped up the sopping wet girls. “How about we get you two cleaned up, then we can bash some heads in tomorrow.”

While Freya let out a short giggle, Lilia could feel her cheeks heat up into a blue blush. Gods, the fire on this woman was enough to match the one that ignited in her belly when she gazed up at her. But Karlach's fire was not just a raging blaze, it was a hearth, inviting her to gather around while the flames shielded her from the cold, the glow that lit the way, and the first sense of security Lilia felt in a long time