What Dreams May Come
Part One - Asher
Summary - 50 years after sending his pregnant mate and children into hiding, Tamlin wants nothing more than to reconnect with his family.
Warnings - Rhys Slander is HEAVY in this series, references to smut, references to abuse, death, schmurder, fated mates and hidden family trope, kind of angst, tension, if you see an error, no you didn't 👀
A/N - I was going to wait to post this mini series, but I can't. I've been rereading it over and over and judging it harshly (as I do all my writing), so I'm putting it out there before I abandon it. Ps- each child has their own powers. You will learn each child in depth during Araceli's chapter. These are just little previews. Bonus points if you can figure out what Asher’s might be.
🥀What Dreams May Come Masterlist🥀Tamlin Masterlist🥀Master Masterlist🥀
Divider by @tsunami-of-tears (seriously peep the blog. Adorable season court Dividers)
Asher was thoroughly unimpressed with the horned beast staring him down as he flirted with the twin river nymphs he had been chasing for a few days now. Feral eyes were locked on his chocolate brown ones before the body of the beast because to slowly approaching. Asher sighed as the nymphs dove back into the water of the river, whispered melodically in their native tongue. “And what manner of beast are you,” He motioned up and down. “I believe parents should write stories about you. Ugly thing, you are.”
He froze as the beast shifted, long blonde hair and sun kissed skin replacing the fur. Strong arms went across a wide chest, “Be careful with your words, son. You look just like me.”
Asher, in fact, did not look like Tamlin. Tamlin screamed of sun, golden blonde hair and green eyes, Asher sang for the moon, dark short hair styled to one side, deep chocolate eyes he must have gotten from his mother's side, tanned skin. It was in their facial structure, the sharp jawline, the nose. That is where the signs of Tamlin rested in his son.
He had grown into a tall male, strong from what Tamlin could tell, but definitely with the same soft heart he had. Tamlin could see it in those eyes. Eyes that currently swan with confusion. The Lord of Sping simply opened his arms smiling as his first son dropped the act and came to him.
“Dad,” the word was foreign on Asher’s tongue. They had been in hiding for so very long, not even mentioning the word out of fear. Asher had not been held by his father since he was 4, but it felt like he remembered.
Hugging Tamlin, hugging his dad, it reminded him of the first warm rain in a season. Of getting a blanket warmed near the fire on cold nights from his mother. Asher melted into it, savored it as he took in the vaguely familiar scent of petrichor and freshly trimmed grass.
“I missed you,” Tamlin's deep voice made his eyes close as he rested his head on his shoulder. “Tell me everything. Tell me every happy moment, every ache, tell me you hate me. Anything, Asher. Anything.”
His mother was not home when Asher brought him back to the cave she had turned into a true home. The rumors that she could move mountains were, possibly, not rumors in her son's eyes, because, behind the waterfall the cave was hidden by, she had created a home. Everything he and his siblings had needed was magically summoned and made by his mother. They never wanted anything during the 50 years they had been isolated.
Asher knew now his mom's magic ensured they had beds, blankets, comfort, through technically stealing. To be conjured, it had to come from somewhere. He had written a poem once about being a shopkeeper in the Night Court and coming into an emptied out shop, but Asher would put money on his mother somehow leaving a note to bill the High Lord of Night.
Asher had also written a poem about his Uncle finding said bill. His mother told him it was inappropriate while smiling and folding it into her back pocket.
He and Tamlin stayed quiet as he let the blonde male look around, “They say you can take the female out of the Night Court, but never the Night Court out of the female.”
Asher scoffed at that, “I believe she picked our furniture and goods on where she wanted to take from. Can't feel bad stealing from a rich asshole,” he quoted her exact words.
Tamlin gave him a look, his lips clearly trying to remain in a stern position. “Your uncle is a-”
“Pompous asshole who feels that he is the change the world needs by just existing and not acting,” Asher was raising a dark brow at him as he poured them some tea. “Mom told me.”
“Asher,” Tamlin continued to try to be firm, “We do not speak of family that way.”
Asher blinked at him, unphased. This child, his oldest son, his mind was unwavering. Not even the Gods themselves could convince them of his Uncle Rhysand's good had they tried. It was his mom's fault, she was blunt and cut throat with her honesty, even when she knew lying would have been best.
Asher had found the history. He'd read the story of how his grandfather had threatened the life of his grandmother, forcing his father's hand to tell him where Rhysand would be meeting his mother and youngest sister. He read how his grandfather forced his father to watch as he mutilated them.
He then read how Rhysand and his maternal grandfather got their revenge. Minds being melted, an innocent female, a victim in her own right, slaughtered mercilessly. Asher’s mother had still chosen his father, though. She was the only one who saw both sides and felt both heavy hands. Asher knew from the sadness in her eyes she would pick Tamlin again and again, though he had not met his own mate to know why yet.
“Do you always chase females,” Tamlin finally sat, relaxing enough to truly appreciate how handsome his son was.
A wide grin appeared on Asher’s face, “I can't help but to chase them. I've never met an ugly female, father.”
Tamlin internally cringed at the word father, so informal to the earlier plea of “Dad”. “So no type?”
“Pretty, and they all are. Has to enjoy my poetry, and they all do. I have a, uh, certain way with words."
“So you seduce them with just words?”
Asher glanced up, “Why try something else when I am so good at it.” His face was filled with pride as he went to the book shelf and grabbed a leather book worn with love. He handed the heavy collection of paper to him, “Go ahead. Tell me how fantastic I am.”
Tamlin chuckled as he opened the book. It was definitely made in the Night Court, a sign of where his wife had been technically stealing from outside the obvious furniture and leathers Asher was wearing. The pages were thick, stained slightly from ink transferring from paper to hand and back. His son's handwriting was influenced by his wife. Soft scrolls flowing together like a melody. The poetry was good, very good. “You haven't decided if you like Quatrain or Villanelle, have you?”
“No,” Asher shifted. “Should I have?”
Tamlin shook his head, “I'm over 500 years old and still bounce from around with different formats and stanza structures.” He continued reading an odd feeling setting into him before he closed the book and saw the shocked look on his son's face.
"You write poetry?!" He watched deep eyes light up and the conversation flew from there, father and son, bonding over poetry, over literature.
The topics grew, varying from serious, to funny, to gossip. Tea constantly poured between them as they discussed being forced to train, of their mutual love of chocolate, of their favorite writers. Tamlin learned so much as the hours past before Asher asked if he wanted some fresh air.
Asher was strong, mentally, emotionally, and physically. It comforted Tamlin as they moved outside using a back magical gate made by Araceli. It took them to a vegetable garden that thrived, insects flying all around, fruit hanging from heavy trees. “Where is this place,” Tamlin looked around.
“We're still in The Middle,” Asher laid out the blanket before gently tossing his bag down. “I'm sure you secretly do recognize the cottage we're near.” The High Lord did, nodding as he studied the place he'd been told his whole life to avoid. The Weaver’s home was deadly, dangerous, and forbidden. Yet his son sat outside of it like it wasn't even phasing him. “Mom made her a deal. The Weaver likes her hair. Mom likes the protect she gives us. Once a year, mom let's The Weave cut her hair for threads in exchange for protection and us being allowed to grow this garden.”
The horrified expression on his father's face wasn't missed by Asher. A bargain with a being like The Weaver was not taken lightly. His mom worked hair to ensure her hair stayed healthy, long, and ready. The Weaver claimed her hair had some magical properties, but all Asher envisioned when he was young was the ancient being using them as some sort of enchanted tie to his mom, ready to rip her from them and eat them at any given notice.
“Is she insane?!”
Eyes narrowed at him, “She was alone,” Asher emphasized the word making it a dagger. “She did a lot of dangerous things to protect us. You should be worshiping the very ground she walks upon.”
Momma’s boy.
Asher was still momma’s boy.
Tamlin shook his head, “I love her. More than you know and understand. I love you more than you understand.”
“Loved them so much you hid them away in one of the most dangerous places in the realm?” The soft female voice had Asher smirking. Tamlin turned to face a young blonde, her hair falling in soft waves with braids placed strategically to help prevent the locks from falling into soft green eyes.
This. This was him. Had Tamlin been born a female, this is what he'd look like. One cheek dimpled as she smiled, the asymmetry flattered her, complimenting soft cheek bones, a gently sloped nose, full blush lips. Along every inch of her face, freckles danced, marking her skin like soft kisses.
“Sister,” a pen met paper as Asher spoke. “You are busy little bee I see.”
Her hands were both filled with baskets almost overflowing with herbs, vegetables, edible flowers. Her nails had dirt under the nails and staining the skin. She carrying a look of pride and accomplishment Tamlin knew well. This was her garden and it was fruitful. “Your squash was ready,” she was speaking to Asher but her eyes were on Tamlin. “Momma said she could turn it into soup?” Asher nodded, but he was deep into capturing Something on page, a grunt was his only other response. She continued to stare at Tamlin, “Do you know which of your children I am?”
Tamlin wanted to roll his eyes at her, say of course, but he refrained, watching as she moved, sitting next to Asher but slightly behind him. “I know my own baby girl, Taryn,” the High Lord said. “Your dimple gives you away.” He couldn't help but reach for her cheek, but a firm hand stopped him from touching her.
“I don't believe my sister gave you permission to put your hands on her face.” A smirk of pride grew on Tamlin's face as Asher now fully looked at his father and little sister. “You may touch her when, and if, Taryn allows. Until then, no.”
Taryn leaned her head onto Asher’s shoulder as Tamlin lowered his hand. “You two are close?”
“Very,” they answered in unison.
“How were Darya and Amaya?”
“Who?”
“The river nymphs twins,” Taryn glared at Asher. “The two you've been trying to bed for a week now?”
Asher sighed and laid back, “They're impossible!”
Taryn and Tamlin glanced at him, “How so,” the high lord asked.
“They're identical! They said they only sleep with males who can tell them apart! Their hair is the same length. Their eyes both sparkle like a clear lake. They both have the perfect little nymph figure. Hair black as coal. They're gorgeous, fun, witty.” Asher covered his eyes by dramatically laying his arm across his face, “One of them I am most interested in. I believe it is Darya.”
“Does she have a shell braided Into her hair?”
Asher nodded at his sister's question, “She's.. she's just stunning. Inside and out. I may be in love."
Tamlin hid a smile as he reached into Taryn's woven basket filled with fruit and stole an apple. Asher continued telling Taryn his woes before sighing. "I wrote a new poem for her," he whispered with an air of insecurity. "I just.. wish she would respond some way, any way really.
He stood and then reached down to grab each basket, “I'll take these home. I.. I'm going to try just her. Maybe that will help?" He looked to his sister and father for some reassurance.
Taryn nodded, “I like that idea.”
“I think she's special.”
“Then she is,” Tamlin answered simply. “Go. I'll take care of Taryn.” Asher nodded, disappearing in the same gate his mother had opened.
Silence fell between the two on the blanket. The air was thick and heavy, a contrast to the brightness of his daughter's garden, to the smile on her face that didn't reach her eyes.
“You may hold me.”
4 words. 4 soft words. Spoken with hesitation, anger, grief, fear.
Yet they opened a floodgate as a father pulled his daughter to him, the process beginning again as the sunset behind them.
Tamlin knew his goal as he took him the scent of strawberries lingering in her blonde hair.
Board by board. Brick by brick. Nail by nail. He was going to rebuild his family. Even if doing so hurt him in the process.
General Taglist:
@hnyclover @glitterypirateduck @slytherinindisguise @mischiefmanagers @bloodicka @starsinyourseyes @the-sweet-psycho @mariahoedt @rinalouu @sarawritestories @starryhiraeth @starswholistenanddreamsanswered @cumuluscranium @loneliestluvr @eternallyelvish @azrielsmate3 @daughterofthemoons-stuff @meritxellao @aria-chikage @hungryforbatboys @lilah-asteria @fandomrejects @sleepybesson @tayswhp @itsswritten @milswrites @littlest-w01f
And my fellow Tamlin girlies:
@nocasdatsgay @pit-and-the-pen
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Companions reactions to finding out Modern!Tav can't return to Earth and is stuck in Faerûn for good
This was on my mind for a while. It's post-game, a while after the defeat of the Netherbrain but before the reunion party. The group is still together.
Gale (Professor Dekarios ending)
Already thinking about a spell that actually can do it.
Can't help but feel a little hopeless when even Elminster said it's not possible.
But this man won't give up until he really runs out of options (ambition™️).
One of the few companions that can offer you a place to stay.
Also will offer a hug or an evening together (certified Gale girlie here, if that was me I'd probably confess to him; not that night because I'd be too overwhelmed with leaving what I knew behind, but the next night I'd be like "fuck it, I had a feelings for him before anyway, might as well").
Compassionate and understanding, though he'd try to be around to make sure you are doing well enough not to do anything stupid (yes, I mean the worst option here beginning with the letter S).
Meal cooked with love is on his to-do list (homemade hundur sauce I'm looking at you).
Even when he's down in his research he'll look out for you from time to time.
Also doing the sad eyes when he thinks about the situation. When he was told it wasn't an option he was rather terrified.
Still he prepares a worst case scenario books to teach you stuff about Faerûn. Prays he doesn't have to ever use them.
Karlach (yeet into Avernus with Wyll)
Yo this girl will be your shoulder to cry on.
But she'll probably cry with you together.
She knows how it feels more than she'd like.
But she can leave Avernus from time to time, can't imagine being stuck there forever.
After crying together she'll remain strong for you, probably won't leave your side in fear of you doing something stupid too.
Can't help much with magic but cheering you up? You've got this. Long chats to drive your mind away from the situation about any topic other than that, cuddles, that sort of things.
Also helping you gain some physical strength so you can survive here.
Hugs. Hugs. And once again - hugs.
Will look out for you most of the time if she can't be near.
Astarion (vampire spawn in Baldur's Gate)
He won't even dare to make a joke about it.
I mean it.
He may not know being stuck in other world, but being a slave with no way out of it gives him an idea of what kind of situation you're in.
Won't be the cuddliest or shit, but will keep your Earth clothes in a good shape (tailor time). Just so you have something from there to last longer.
Much like the others, he'll look out for you in the night, but will do it his sneaky way. Just enough for him to know you're alright without you noticing.
He'll say how he feels about your situation in time though. May even offer a hug. He's not Karlach but after all the events he's more open to physical contact with his friends.
Ready to teach you more stuff about Faerûn if nothing works to get you back to Earth. Especially archery. And sneaking. And stealing.
Shadowheart (Selûnite edition)
Let's be honest, all of these people were torn apart from their homes in one way or another.
Shadowheart can relate to you, though her experience is different too.
She doesn't remember much, but you do.
Approaches you with good (but weak) wine and allows you to pour your misery out.
Tells you you have a place to stay with her parents (let's go the happy endings route).
She's not a wizard, but will keep an eye out for every piece of knowledge about travelling through different worlds.
You've been to Shadowfell and Avernus after all.
Will talk you out of sacrificing your memories to Shar. She knows all to well she'd take everything from your little desperate soul.
Flowers are her language of love.
Will also animal speech Scratch and the owlbear to play with you instead of her, telling them how bad you feel.
Soon you can't get them off you, but it does put a smile on your face.
When no one is looking she'll pray to Selûne to guide you your way back home.
Much like everyone she looks out for you, ready to teach you about Faerûn as well (if she hasn't already she'll teach you how to heal yourself when you're alone).
Lae'zel (Freeing Githyanki/Orpheus sacrificed)
At first she found your tears weak.
Then she realized what it would feel like not being able to return to her people.
She felt that to the gut.
She'll show you more tricks to make your enemies fall quick (lmao I rhymed this one).
Also will keep an eye out for a knowledge that could bring you back to Earth (you know, Githyanki and their tons of knowledge).
Not much talkative but you'll see understanding in her eyes soon enough.
If you're a sword fighter she'll give you one of her sharpest ones. Githyanki language of caring is either combat or weapons you know.
(Daddy) Halsin
He also remembers being somewhere else against his wishes, though as a slave.
A single thought of not seeing sun again if he was to stay in the Underdark forever gives him creeps.
You need a hug? A cuddle? He'll be there for you in either form you choose.
You're not escaping whittling and druidic magic lessons. Just so you can get your mind off things and also heal/defend yourself should the situation call for it.
Offers you a place to stay, you're welcome anytime.
Not much of a cook but will pick the finest berries and find the biggest honey comb in the forest.
Looks out for you in some small wildshape (raven or a squirrel probably) when you sneak in the night to cry alone. Should he see situation is bad will approach you in his usual bear form.
Strongly believes there's a way - you've done much that was thought to be impossible. Especially you, someone who had almost no previous experience with weapons or magic.
He's old and wise - will keep thinking about it in hopes some solution will remind itself.
Wyll (yeet into Avernus with Karlach)
Banished from his home he understands a bit of your situation.
Haven't been to other world with no way back, it was his decision to go to Avernus with Mommy K, but he knows Karlach and it helps him understand it.
Another shoulder you can cry one, the Blade does not judge.
Still you're fresh to Faerûn and he'll hate to see you dead before your time, so he'll offer you fencing lessons (I can hear that eyeroll, Lae'zel).
Asks about the dances back in your world and gladly learns them (belgijka jumpscare).
Looking out for you when you go somewhere alone (especially at night).
In Avernus he'll look for some knowledge about travels to different worlds. It's another plane of existence after all.
Jaheira, Minsc & Boo
Minsc is happy to have his friend here forever only to understand the situation after either Jaheira or Boo explains it to him.
Jaheira feels for you more than she'd like to show, but you'll see care in her eyes.
Just like Halsin she'll research her memory for anything that may allow you to return.
Minsc apologises to you after the scolding.
Won't help much tho, he'll be just an emotional support (together with Boo, of course).
Jaheira asks all the Harpers to keep an eye out for any book or a scroll related to your problem. Also will ask any of her old friends to do the same, even if it means her repaying that favour. She can still go fast when she wants to!
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