#oc: galatea von dewilde

[unreadpoppy]

For the flower asks: thyme!

Minthara x Galatea: Mercy

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A/N: This is before their relationship is established. Also, let's both pretend this ask hasn't been sitting on my inbos for a full month.

With Ketheric dead, Minthara turned her mind to other pressing matters. While one of her enemies was down, there was still Orin and many others who served the Absolute to defeat. The road towards a cure for the tadpole was long, and she would need to prepare herself if she meant to survive.

But as she went over battle strategies with Galatea, one question went to the front of her mind. 

“In the goblin camp, why did you spare me?” She asked the tiefling. 

Galatea was taken aback.  “Why the sudden interest in that?” 

“It had been on my mind for some time, but while Ketheric lived, I needed to focus on that.” Minthara crossed her arms. “But now, he is gone, and I cannot help but wonder. Every other person in that camp met their demise that day, except for me.” She took a deep breath. “If I am to trust you, I must know why.” 

In truth, the tiefling already had her trust, and maybe more, if Minthara let herself follow her feelings. Galatea had spared her from a fate worse than death, she brought her along to their battles and agreed to end Minthara’s foes. She actively sought Minthara’s advice and listened to her ideas, taking them in consideration when making a decision. Besides, the constant praise of Minthara’s prowess in battle did not hurt either. 

But the goblin camp….it confused Minthara. Why go through the trouble of killing everyone else but her? When in the depths of her trance, the drow wondered if she had been also manipulated by this tiefling since the beginning. After all, Minthara knew she was a strong ally to the party, but she couldn’t help but wonder if that had been the plan. Kill everyone in her camp, so that she would have to be saved by them, inevitably making her indebted to the group. Maybe everything, from their conversations to the compliments were all part of Galatea’s plan to entrap Minthara in her web, just to discard her again when the -

“To be honest, I am not sure.” Minthara was snapped back to reality by the tiefling’s answer. 

She furrowed her eyebrows. “So you don’t know?” She crossed her arms. “You killed my whole camp, resulting in my humiliation in front of the general, and you don’t know.”

Galatea raised a brow “That is not what I said. Allow me to clarify.” 

Minthara straightened her back, scowling, preparing herself, in case things ended badly. “Explain yourself, then.” 

“If you are looking for one, straight, correct answer, there is not.” Galatea took a deep breath. “I knew that if we were to save the Grove and the tieflings for good, we had to eliminate the goblin threat. And to do so, we needed to kill the goblin leaders - You, Gut, and Razglin.”

Minthara nodded, a silent command for her to continue. “By the time we reached you, the others had been dealt with and too much blood had been sprayed. You had been knocked out, and when Karlach was about to deal the final blow, I stopped her.” 

Galatea shook her head and took another deep breath. “I’m not sure what exactly was that compelled me. Part of me did consider that perhaps we could make you join our cause. You did give Wyll a good beating.” The tiefling chuckled, remembering how bad the warlock had been even after days of healing. “But that was not the main reason. Maybe I was tired of the bloodshed we had done, maybe I did think you were dead, maybe I just wanted to leave.” She looked at Minthara’s eyes. “Or maybe, I just felt compelled to enact one simple act of mercy, after a day filled with death.” 

The drow scoffed. “If that is the reason, then you are a bigger fool than I thought. Allowing an enemy to live could have cost you your mission, perhaps even your life.” 

Galatea crossed her arms, raised a brow and slightly tilted her head.  “And yet, it didn’t, and you stand here, by my side, making plans for the future.” 

Minthara gulped. “Still, showing an act of mercy to an enemy is a poor choice. You’re the leader, you must set the example, be ruthless.” 

Galatea listened to her words, closing her eyes and taking a deep breath. She let her arms loose, and straightened her neck. “A good leader must, above all, practice balance.” She began saying. “If a king slaughters all his enemies, all those who oppose him without a second thought, he is a tyrant and will be overthrown. If a king is too lenient, too merciful, allowing his conspirators to grow in power, he is weak and will also be overthrown.” 

Galatea closed her eyes. “A good king knows when to use an iron fist and when to lend a helping hand. A good king must know this, lest his kingdom crumble.” She opened her eyes and looked at Minthara. “These are my father’s words, and although neither he or I are kings, these are the rules I follow in my leadership of this group.” 

She took a step towards Minthara. “Had I been merciless, I would not have you as an ally, and we would have lost many battles. But, if I hadn’t been ruthless when killing the goblins, Dror and Gut, I wouldn’t be standing here.” Their faces were close and it was at that moment that Galatea noticed how she was a few inches taller than Minthara. They stared at each other’s eyes, the fierce passion in Minthara’s being met with Galatea’s cold resolve. 

Minthara was impressed. It was not every day that someone was able to stand up to her. She smirked, briefly, and then said “Very well. I am satisfied.” 

Galatea nodded, taking a step back. “Good. Or else I would have believed you have a death wish.” She cracked her neck to the side, yawned and said “It is quite late, and the day ahead of us will be long. Rest well.” 

“You too.” Minthara said, and they made their separate ways towards their respective tents. 

That night, when she laid in bed, Minthara replayed the conversation in her head, thinking also of all their past interactions. The more time passed, the more Minthara began to admire Galatea. She was strong willed yet listened. She could be ruthless and still show kindness - something Minthara did not understand but could still admire. The tiefling’s intimidating demeanor was a wall she had put up to protect herself, but the drow could see its cracks, in the way she spoke with the other companions, in how she laughed and saw beauty in broken things. Minthara longed to know more about her, to tear down that icy facade until the blue haired girl was laid completely bare to her, in both body and soul. 

It was when Minthara’s thoughts began to take a turn for the carnal, that she opened her eyes, looking at her tent’s ceiling. “Straj.” She cursed to herself. Maybe her feelings for the tiefling were deeper than she had previously thought. Putting a hand on her face, she decided to think on this tomorrow and for now, only hoped for destiny to have mercy on her heart and her soul.  

[unreadpoppy]

🎲 for the kissy ask. Generate one, baaaaaby

Wound Tending (Minthara x Galatea)

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The moment they arrived on camp, Minthara rushed to her tent. Removing her armor, she saw a nasty cut on her side, where one of their enemies had hit her. She had already run out of her lay on hand charges, and she was not about to go ask Shadowheart for help. With a sigh, Minthara picked up some bandages.

Then, the opening of her tent flapped and Galatea walked inside. “You’re hurt.” She walked up to her. “Let me help.”

“You’re not a healer.” Minthara groaned.

“Neither are you.” She raised a brow, putting her hands on her hips. Then, she reached inside the pocket of her robe, pulling out a familiar potion. “Besides, I got a potion of healing to spare.”

In one swing, Minthara drank everything, feeling the wound begin to close itself, although the area was still bruised and bloodied.

With a sigh, she looked at Galatea. “Thank you.”

The tiefling nodded. “Don’t thank me just yet.” She took the bandages from her hand, and pointed towards a nearby stool. “Sit there. I’ll clean this blood.”

“You don’t have to-“

“I said sit.” Galatea gave her a hard look, and thought Minthara didn’t appreciate being bossed around, she obliged.

Galatea briefly walked out, and came back with a bit of water and a sponge. She went to where Minthara sat and got on her knees in front of her, and began to delicately clean the wound, the water quickly turning red with blood.

The two stayed silent as Galatea worked, Minthara watching her with a furrowed brow. It didn’t take long for the tiefling to finish her work, wrapping the bruise with the bandages once everything was clean.

“There, all done.” She looked up at her lover. “What’s wrong?” She asked, noticing Minthara’s expression.

“I do not understand your insistence in doing this.”

“Is it so bad for me to want to take care of you?” Galatea frowned.

“No.” Minthara clarified. “I am just… not used to this sort of affection.” She said, with a sigh. “In Menzoberranzan, this - “ she motioned between the two of them “does not exist. Relationships are only carnal and temporary. I have not had someone be as dedicated to me as you are, at least without planning to stab me in the back. This is…. new. I do not know how to act.”

Love was not a concept that existed where she came from. Before the Absolute, she had never cared about a lasting relationship, and she did not believe love would ever be important in her life.

But now, she had Galatea and everything was different. Minthara could no longer imagine a life without the tiefling in it, and she did not want to. Before, she was complete, but now, she felt that something had been missing all along, an ache that only Gal soothed - and that scared Minthara.

She did not dare declare her love out loud. Not when there were assassins all around who could exploit that. She only hoped that with every kiss, every lingering touch, every shared thought, Galatea would know how she felt.

Minthara was pulled out of her thoughts when she felt a kiss on her knuckles.

“I never ask you to clean my wounds after a battle and yet you insist on doing it every time.” Galatea said, holding her wrist, and moving to kiss it. “And although you awake before everyone else, you hold me for as long as you can, and I know you let me sleep longer than the others.”

She kissed her forearm, and then her elbow. “And everytime you kiss me, you do it as if it were the last time. You make it special.” She kissed her biceps. “And I always feel your lingering eyes watching over me, and I know that I am safe.”

Galatea finally stood up, and gently sat on Minthara’s lap, kissing shoulder, her collarbone, her neck and finally, she kissed Minthara on the lips.

Unlike the others time they did so, the kiss was sweet, gentle, slow, somehow filled with more affection than other times. When they were done, Galatea pressed her forehead against Minthara’s and whispered “I think you’re better at this love thing than you believe, Minthara Baenre.”

[unreadpoppy]

pain

Minthara x Tav (Galatea)

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A/N: ok so this is my first attempt at writing some Minthara stuff. I played around with my character's background and thought 'what if her sister was one of orin's victims' and so it lead to this.

First, there was silence. 

No one dared say a word as Galatea stared at the body on the floor. Just moments ago, Minthara recalled how happy the tiefling had been.  

‘I haven’t seen my sister since the Nautiloid’ She told the drow the day before. ‘I wonder if she’ll be relieved or angry.’ 

‘She’ll be happy.’ Minthara asserted. 

‘How can you be so sure?” Galatea had asked with a raised brow. 

She smirked. ‘Who wouldn’t be happy to look at you?’ 

Now that was all gone, as Briseida’s blood dirtied the floor. Minthara looked at her lover, reaching into her mind, to understand what she was feeling but she found nothing. Galatea’s mind was as empty as the expression on her face.

The silence was broken by the sound of the tiefling falling onto her knees on the floor. Minthara reached forwards, but Karlach stopped her, shaking her head. ‘Give her a moment.’ The barbarian told her through the tadpole connection. 

They all stood there, watching, waiting for what would happen next. Galatea’s hand found her sister’s face. She caressed her cheek and then closed her eyes. Then, she grabbed Briseida’s fist, which was closed around a letter. Minthara tried to see what was written in it, but failed to do so, as just as quickly as Galatea opened it, she crushed it in her fingers. 

Silence once again. The tiefling lurched forwards and hugged her sister, Galatea’s body shaking. Minthara moved forwards, putting a hand on her lover’s shoulder and whispering “My love -” 

She was interrupted by the shriek. Galatea had thrown her head back as the sound left her throat. It was worse than any other scream Minthara, or anyone else, had ever heard. It was loud, high pitched, and most importantly, unnatural. It was a sound that no one should be able to reproduce. Just hearing it, the drow felt like ripping her own ears off, to try and make it stop. 

It was as if Minthara could feel Galatea’s pain rattling in her own body. It was as if her heart, her very soul was being ripped off her body, and by the gods, it hurt. She had been through a lot, had lost a lot, but she had never felt such guttural pain as the one the tiefling felt. 

Although to Minthara it had seemed like hours, in an instant, the shriek stopped and silence once again reigned. And she just stood there, watching, as part of the woman she loved was lost that day. 

[unreadpoppy]

For the flower language prompts, how about:

Amaryllis or Larkspur for Galatea & Minthara (or whichever pairing you wish)?

Minthara x Galatea: Familicide

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A/N: I swear this is more on the sweeter side ok, ignore the name, I couldn't think of something better. Also, am I going to use this as a way to very not subtetly retcon Gal’s background? Yes, and no one can stop me. Thanks for the prompt, Flame!

The night was calm. There were no clouds in the sky, letting the moon shine in all her glory. There was a small breeze, not too cold to make one shiver. There were no sounds of animals to disturb sleep. 

This night, instead of sleeping in her bedroll, Galatea had joined Minthara in her tent, the two swaying inside the hammock. Her cheek was pressed against one of the tiefling’s breasts, her arms around her. It was a nice change of the usual laying down position she took when going into trance. 

While in that state, Minthara was still aware of her surroundings, and she felt Galatea’s grip on her tighten as she murmured something in her sleep. 

“I’m sorry…” Minthara heard her say. “I’ll be a better daughter…I just want someone to love me…” The drow slowly opened her eyes and looked at Galatea. Even in her sleep, she frowned, her eyes rapidly moving from side to side underneath her eyelids, her hands trembling as she continued murmuring. 

“Galatea.” She whispered, touching her shoulder gently. Then, Minthara was in Galatea’s thoughts, their tadpoles connecting their minds.

In it, Minthara was a young, tiefling child, overhearing two adults talking. One of them was an older, elven woman, and the other seemed younger, and more human. Her belly was large, indicating a pregnancy. 

“Hopefully, this one turns out normal.” The elf said. “Gods know there’s already too many bastards in this family.” 

“Galatea is not a bastard.” The pregnant woman whispered. 

“Oh? Then explaining to me, daughter, how does a half elf and a human give birth to a tiefling?” 

“I-I-” 

“Even if she is his, she is an abomination.” The elf gripped the other’s wrist, shaking her. “Our house was nothing until you married the bastard prince, and I won’t let that hellbeast ruin everything.” 

The vision dissipated, morphing into other moments of Galatea’s life, all of them included the older elf’s disapproval. Constants scowls, and whispers, and eyes of judgment flooded Minthara’s vision until their connection was ended by the tiefling finally waking up and sitting up. 

“I’m sorry.” She said, heart racing. “I didn’t mean-I don’t know what-”

“Shh, breathe.” Minthara said, placing a hand in Galatea’s chest. The tiefling grabbed her wrist as she slowly calmed down. 

After a few seconds, she said “I’m sorry you saw that.” 

“Who was the darthíir?” Minthara asked, with a small scowl. In the time they had spent together, it had not taken long for Gal to realize what the word meant. 

“My grandmother.” She said, laying back down on the hammock, gulping. “She always said the nastiest of things when she thought I wasn't looking.” She put a hand on her forehead, closing her eyes. “Although, sometimes I wonder if she knew I was there and said it on purpose.” 

Minthara hummed. “Is she still alive?” 

“I think so. Last time I saw her, she was doing well.” Galatea opened one eye. “Why?” 

Minthara shrugged. “Curiosity.” She laid back down and said “Now, go back to sleep.”

And while Galatea quickly fell asleep again, Minthara’s mind began to work. 

.

The following morning, Minthara said she would stay in camp for the day, alongside Gale. Galatea frowned, questioning the decision, but ultimately, did not protest. The moment she and the others walked outside of their camp, Minthara made her way to the wizard. 

“Gather your things.” She commanded. “We are leaving.”

“Excuse me?” Gale said. “You cannot order me around.” 

Minthara scowled, cursing in drowic, and then said. “As much as it vexes me to say, I require your…help, wizard.” She put her hands behind her back. “I need your skills in research to help me find information on Cormyr.” 

Gale raised a brow. “You’re not scheming something, are you?” 

“If I am, will that be relevant?” 

“Well, it depends.” He said, straightening his back. “If you’re planning on conquering Cormyr, then I shan’t help you. But if it’s something else…”

Minthara’s lips thinned into a line as she said “I wish to give something to Galatea, and thus, I require information of her homeland.” 

Gale smiled brightly. “I always knew there was a romantic in you.” He gathered his things and said “Very well. If it’s for a romantic gesture, I’ll give you all the help you desire.” 

When he turned his back, Minthara rolled her eyes and followed, as she doubted that he would consider what she had in mind as a ‘romantic gesture’

. 

“Here.” Gale said, placing several books on the wooden desk. “This was all I could find about Cormyr.” He grabbed one by one, explaining its contents. “This one is a recipe book with traditional dishes, this is about customs and traditions, this one is a brief history of Cormyr and its noble houses-” 

Before he could continue, Minthara grabbed the book from his hand, opening it. “This is the one I wanted.” 

“Wonderful.” He sat down next to her. The drow gave him a murderous stare, and he moved his chair a bit, where he could safely sit and still look at the pages. “What exactly are you looking for?” 

Minthara frowned. “I’m not sure.” The wizard looked at her confused, and she explained. “As you know, Galatea comes from one of the noble houses of Cormyr, but she never told me which one. I’m trying to discover it.” 

“Oh, I see.” He reached for the book, and the drow allowed him to take it. “Do you have any clues?” 

She thought for a moment, thinking back to the dream. “I believe she mentioned her father being a ‘bastard prince’.” She told Gale, remembering the words she heard Galatea’s grandmother say. “There was also something about his house being more influential than her mother’s.” 

Gale nodded as he listened. He was aware of Galatea’s noble past, and that the surname she used, von DeWilde, was a fake one. But with the mention of her possible father, he began to skim the pages, looking for any mention of such a person.  “Bastard prince….I think I heard something about that.” 

After a few minutes, he landed on the pages talking about the Obarskyr family. He scanned the page, which contained brief descriptions of each member of the royal family, until he found something. “Aha. Here it is.” He pointed towards a name, before reading it. “Erzoured Obarskyr, bastard son of prince Emvar and Solatha Boldtree, Lord of Boldtree.” Gale looked a few pages forwards and said “I’m afraid this is all this book offers on him. Seeing as this is an old edition, perhaps a newer one might contain more information.” 

As the wizard looked for another book, Minthara found the family tree of the Obarskyr family, tracing her finger down until reaching this Erzoured’s name. This book marked him as the fourth in line for the throne, but Minthara wondered if that still hung true. 

Gale placed another book in front of her. “This one seems more recent.” Using the book’s index, he quickly found the page about the royal family. He began reading parts of the it outloud. “Queen Raedra assumed the throne in 1486 DR….as she still finds herself with no heirs of her own, her uncle, the legitimized Erzoured Obarskyr is the second in line for the throne, his daughters following behind.” 

The wizard quickly noticed that the book seemed to use a more informal tone, revealing information almost as if it were gossip. As he moved forward a few more pages, Gale neared the end of the book, as he found one page dedicated to the so-called Lord Boldtree. “Married Elinalore, a half elf legitimized bastard of House Cormaeril. The lord found himself in a scandal when his first daughter was born a tiefling with snow white skin and blue hair…” 

 “It’s her.” Minthara whispered. “That’s her family.” The drow snagged the book from his hands, reading the rest of it. It mentioned Galatea’s sister birth, and it even contained a section speaking of Cormaeril's house history.

Meanwhile, Gale’s jaw was on the floor. “I cannot believe this. All this time we had royalty amongst us.” 

“Yes.” Minthara drew out, closing the book and turning to him. “But you will not speak about it.” 

“What? Why?” 

“If this was something she wanted us to know, she would have told us.” 

Gale crossed his arms. “You should have thought of that before you went digging into her family history.” The drow gave him another deadly look and he gulped. “But I will not speak of it.”

“Good.” 

“Did you find what you were looking for?” 

“Oh yes.” She smirked. “And much more.” 

.

Galatea had been rummaging through Minthara’s things, as she was trying to find a potion she had given the drow earlier that day when she found a folded piece of paper. Now, usually, she’d give Minthara her privacy, but when she noticed a familiar name peaking on part of the paper, she let her curiosity win. 

Unfolding it, she saw the names of various members of her family. Her parents, her grandparents, her sister and her cousins. And then, at the very top, she read: ‘To Kill:’ 

“What are you doing?” She heard Minthara say behind her. 

She turned around, frowing deeply and looked at her. “What is this?” She pointed towards the paper. 

Minthara gulped. She was not supposed to find that yet. “Do you not recognize your own family member’s names?” She tried to jest but it only made Galatea’s frown deepen. 

“Do not play dumb, Minthara, for you are not.” Galatea scolded. “Why do you have a kill list with my family names?” 

The drow inhaled a breath, moving to sit on a chair, beckoning the tiefling to do the same. Once Galatea was seated, the paper between the two, Minthara spoke. “After that dream you had, I wanted to give you a gift, so, the other day, when you and the others left, the wizard and I did some research on the library.” 

Galatea looked at Minthara intensely. “A gift?” She asked, coldly. “And why would the death of my family be a gift?” 

Minthara’s gaze hardened. “Because they have mistreated you, and they deserve to be punished for it.” 

Galatea sighed. “Minthara, they’re my family.” 

“And? Familial ties are not an excuse for this indignity. In Menzoberranzan, I-”

Galatea cut her off “ Oh, yes, but we are not in Menzoberranzan, are we?” She rubbed her forehead. “You can’t say you were planning on killing my entire family and think I would be fine with it, Minthara.” She said, looking at the drow. 

“But they hurt you, my love.” Minthara spoke in a soft voice. 

“Yes, they did!” Galatea said, exasperated. “And I live with it. Because this is how things are. I cannot simply murder any who oppose me.” She sighed. “In Cormyr, we believe that our greatest strength is our sense of unity. I don’t expect you to understand that.” Galatea said with spite. 

Minthara squinted her eyes, unbothered by her lover’s attitude. Instead, she chose a different approach. “You are right. I do not understand that, as I grew up in Menzoberrazan, where the Spider Queen taught us to doubt the loyalty of even our shadows.” She continued. “Nor do I understand your weird sentimentality over the ones who have wronged you.” She leaned forwards on the table and held Galatea’s hands. “But I do understand that I have no wish to see you burdened by your parents anymore.” 

“Minthara…” 

“Do you know what was the last thing you said before you woke up that night?” Galatea shook her head. “You said ‘I just want someone to love me’.

Galatea’s head dropped, as she closed her eyes. “I used to say that whenever I felt lonely. It was the wish I made every birthday, and every time a shooting star graced our skies.” She looked at Minthara. “I guess old habits are hard to leave.” 

Minthara’s gaze softened. “But that is what disturbs me. You are loved. By me. Is it not enough?” 

“Of course it is.” She said. “You are far more than just enough.” 

“Then let me show it to you.” Minthara urged. “We do not have rules of courtship as strict as you surface dwellers have but we do have ways of showing affection. As my consort, I would let none smear your name.” 

Galatea’s eyes filled with tears and she said “You’d kill my family…just to show that you love me?” 

“Yes.” Minthara said earnestly. “Is there no bigger proof of affection than killing the other’s enemies, family included?” 

At that, Galatea chuckled, wiping a few stray tears. “Gods, Minthara.” She shook her head, and looked at her. “You truly are the funniest person I know.”

“I wasn’t joking.”

“I know, my love, I know.” She brought Minthara’s hands to her lips and kissed her knuckles. Leaning forward, the two still holding hands, their foreheads touched. 

“Galatea.” Minthara whispered. “I will not kill your family if you do not wish me too.” The tiefling nodded. “But I meant what I said: I will not tolerate anyone speaking of you as your darthiir grandmother did.” 

“I know you won’t.” She said, chuckling, and kissed the corner of Minthara’s mouth. Never in the Nine Hells did Galatea think she’d end up with someone as loyal and devoted as Minthara, and yet, she would not have it any other way. 

[unreadpoppy]

Party Banter #2

Read on AO3

Part 1 here

Series summary: A bunch of short scenarios involving Minthara and Galatea, based on some of the party's in-game banter.

A/N: Pretend that Lae’zel’s combat romance scene happens in act 3 ok.

Warning: the beggining of this chapter is very steamy.

It was late at night, when Galatea sneaked off into her lover’s tent, making sure not to make much noise. Slowly getting in, she smiled, seeing that Minthara was already naked. While the rest of their companions had all gone to sleep, Minthara and Galatea’s activities were just beginning. 

After all, tonight was the night that Minthara would finally debut her most recent acquisition. 

She had first seen it when the group visited Sharess Caress. While the brothel itself paled in comparison to the ones at Menzoberranzan, the drow was intrigued by one obscured area of the establishment, hidden behind a curtain. Minthara momentarily left the group, and taking one peak behind inside, she soon found out what it was: a small shop, full of sexual objects on display. 

As the vendor happily showed her their items, Minthara found one in particular to be of great interest. The object itself was made of a material she couldn't recognize but it was shaped like a cock, with its tip slightly tilted to the side. It was connected to a bunch of leather straps, of which the vendor was happy to show Minthara how to put it on. 

When she reunited with the group, smirking, Galatea was quick to ask where she had gone off. Minthara’s reply was a simple “you’ll find out soon.”

And now, as the drow relentlessly pounded into her, Galatea grabbed the back of her neck, bringing her close, whispering “This is the best money you have ever spent” before kissing Minthara. 

After they both finished, Minthara slowly dragged the phallic object out of her lover and laid next to her. The two were tired, staying on the ground as they regained their breath, when Galatea heard something.

She sat up, looking around. 

“What’s wrong?” Minthara asked, frowning. 

“I’m hearing a commotion outside” She stood up, taking a peak behind the tent’s opening. “Oh gods…” she whispered, turning her head towards Minthara. “You should see this.”

The drow stood up, a brow raised as she looked in the same direction as Galatea. Soon, Minthara was smirking.

“It seems we aren’t the only ones having fun tonight.” 

…

Minthara, Lae’zel and Galatea had gone out to the city, to buy supplies for the oncoming fights. Usually, Shadowheart would have come along, as she was one of the few healers of the group but she woke up…undisposed. Tired, as she claimed, from a restless night. 

The tiefling approached the gith, a mischievous look on her face. “So, Lae’zel…it seems you and Shadowheart have finally gotten over your little disagreements.” 

The fighter took a deep breath. “That is none of your business.” 

“Oh please, the tadpole connect us all. Hard to keep secrets.” Galatea said. “Just admit it, you found love too.” 

Lae’zel shot her a murderous look, but before she could say anything, Minthara stepped in between them. 

“Speaking of which'' she began “a few pointers, Lae’zel. I heard you and your lover locked in combat, but the test you set was not rigorous enough.” 

The gith huffed. “As if you could come up with something better.” 

Minthara only smirked. “Oh yes. A personal suggestion, if you will.” The drow briefly looked at Galatea before turning to Lae’zel again. “Next time, tie them to the ground, and do not release them until you are both satisfied.” 

“Hm…you have given me ideas.” Lae’zel replied, smirking. She then chuckled as a very red faced Galatea picked up her pace, walking ahead, with Minthara sprinting after her. 

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Galatea's background

Because I reorganized some stuff I decided to finally write down Galatea's back story into a post. It's gonna be bullet points because I don't have energy for paragraphs right now.

BEFORE

Her father was human noble from Cormyr and her mother was a sun elf. Her family didn't approve of the marriage but they went with it anyways.

The couple struggled to conceive, after years of trying.

One of their servants over hears them talking about their struggles and offers help. She tells them to meet with this 'healer', promising that she'll have the solutions to their problems.

They meet with this 'healer' and she tells them of a ritual they could perform, a offering to some fertility god, and they'd be blessed with a child.

They do the ritual and she gets pregnant.

Baby is born and it's a tiefling. No one is happy. The baby is named Galatea. Of all family members, her grandmother (on mother's side) is the one who apparently hates her the most.

CHILDHOOD

Galatea doesn't have a lot of friends, and most of her family members seem to resent her. Her parents are slighlty less cold, but there's still this air of uneaseness to them.

To make herself feel less lonely, she starts playing with her imaginary friend, the Shadow Man.

The Shadow Man is literally a shadow in her room in the shape of large, horned man, who doesn't talk but plays with her by interacting with the objects in her room. She considers him her only friend.

When she's 10, her mother gets pregnant again, and this time, a beautiful half elf daughter is born, whom they named Briseidas.

Galatea gets very upset at all the attention that her younger sister is getting, and that's when she starts manifesting magic. At the same time, the Shadow Man begins to talk, encouraging her to use more of her magic.

Eventually tho, Galatea warms up to her sister and they do form a bond, becoming inseparable.

ADULTHOOD

Years had passed, and Galatea's grandmother was getting very agitated over the fact that she hadn't married yet. The main problem is the marriage proposals keep getting turned down by either Galatea herself, or possible suitors.

Also, the more that Galatea uses her sorcery powers, dark marks start to show up on her neck. She tried to cover it up with makeup but it didn't work. The Shadow Man tells her to not be ashamed.

Eventually her family sees this. They try to clean her, but seeing that it wasn't dirt or paint, her parents finally decide it's time to tell the truth.

They tell her grandmother about the ritual. Then, a research is conducted and they track down both the servant and the 'healer'.

They reveal that both of them were in service to a devil and the ritual the parents performed was actually a deal - they'd have a child, but that child would forever be marked by that devil and this is why Galatea was born a tiefling.

And yes, the shadow man is the devil .

After discovering this, her grandmother sends her away to a monastery that is in a very isolated island, so that she will no longer be a problem to the family.

While on the boat, due to her anger, Galatea's magic ends up causing an explosion of sorts (like a ball of energy) and everyone but her dies. She decides to then jump into the waters cause there's nothing else for her to do.

She gets found by a ship of wannabe-pirates and ends up travelling with them for awhile. Because of her powers over the elements, especially thunder and lightning, they nickname her 'Storm Witch.' Also, she gets into a brief relationship with the captain.

During that time, Galatea adopts the surname 'von DeWilde'.

Eventually, Briseidas, with the help of a cleric, sends her a sending message, telling her she now lives in Baldur's Gate with her husband and asking Galatea to go visit her.

Galatea starts living with her sister and brother in law. It's while living there that she gets tadpoles and the events of the game begin.

[unreadpoppy]

Party Banter #3

Read on AO3

Part 2 here

Series summary: A bunch of short scenarios involving Minthara and Galatea, based on some of the party's in-game banter.

Karlach had to admit: she was impressed. 

At first, Minthara was like a mystery to her. Cold, off putting, mean. She was a good fighter, strong in combat, yes, but there were walls all around her that no one could break through. The tiefling didn’t understand. Minthara could touch anyone she wanted, love anyone she wanted, and yet, she would push everyone away. 

That was until Galatea began chipping away at Minthara’s frigidness. The paladin began to stick around more often with the others at camp, occasionally popping in during conversations. Karlach even discovered the drow had a sarcastic side, having to stifle a laugh when she overheard Minthara dealing with Gale once. 

But more interestingly to the barbarian, was the relationship that began blooming between Galatea and Minthara. She had noticed when the sorcerer’s feelings for Astarion had begun to shift - even going as far as to warning him of an impending breakup. She saw as the two spent more and more time together, and even began rooting for them. 

After the defeat of Ketheric Thorm, when the two officialized their relationship, Karlach saw just how in love the two were. 

One night, the three of them were sitting around the campfire, passing a bottle of wine around. Galatea had dozed off, her head on Minthara's lap. 

Trying to break the awkward silence, Karlach said “I was wondering…what’s romance like in the Underdark, Minthara?”

The drow stopped for a moment, thinking how to formulate her answer. “Here on the surface, gender does not define one’s role so strictly. There are weaklings of every sort.” She said, looking over to Gale’s tent. “In Menzoberranzan, romance is commonly a luxury enjoyed between women. Men are mostly present for propagation.” 

“Oh…” Karlach gulped, trying to think of something nice to say. “That’s, uh, interesting. I think.”

Minthara grabbed the bottle of wine, taking a swing from it, scowling at the taste. ”Straj - I’ll never get used to this blasted drink you surface dwellers try to pass off as wine.” She shook her head, putting the wine down. Her hand found Galatea, and she began to stroke her hair, the small braid on the side of her head coming undone underneath Minthara’s fingers. 

Karlach smiled when looking at the gesture. “It’s funny seeing you so smitten, Minthara. Didn’t think you were able.” 

The paladin scowled as she turned her head to look at her. “I took my first lover before you were a spark in father’s eye, child.” 

“Oh, really?” She questioned playfully. “Tell me more.” 

Minthara looked to the distance, her hand still in Galatea’s hair. “She was a High Priestess of house Vandry. Beautiful, elegant, ruthless.” For a moment, she had a distant look, when remembering her past lover. She shook her head and continued the story. “I adored her and had been sharing her bed for some time when the order came that she must die.” 

“Oh no…” Karlach’s face fell, saddened by the story.

She looked down at the sleeping tiefling. “I stayed with her while the poison did its work, and whispered words of comfort as she slipped away.” 

They stayed in silence for a moment. Minthara noticed the barbarian frowning and asked “What is on your mind?”

“Just…that is so fucked. To have to kill your own lover, for love itself to be such a luxury…no wonder you were like that.” Karlach murmured the last part. 

She raised a brow “Like what?” 

“You know” Karlach waved at Minthara “Like that. Cold. I didn’t even think you were capable of feeling until some time ago.” 

“Oh? And what made you change your mind?” 

She sighed. “Seeing you two together. How you made the other smile. You opened up more, I think, after the two of you began sleeping with each other.” 

Once again, silence. 

Then, Minthara began to speak. “In Lolth society, feelings are a weakness to be exploited. To love is to be vulnerable, to open yourself to another is a sin punishable by death.” She took a deep breath. “My mother taught me to be resilient, and to guard my heart from those who cannot be trusted. Literally and figuratively.”  She turned to Karlach, speaking with a lighter tone. “When I choose to let somebody close, I do not do so lightly. That gives a great depth of meaning to the bonds I do share.”

Karlach smiled and nodded in agreement. “I am glad you found each other.” She said, looking between the drow and the sleeping tiefling. 

Minthara stopped to think. “As experienced as I am, this is new territory to me.” Noticing the confusion on the barbarian’s face, she explained.

“In Menzoberranzan, I had a thousand suitors. Some were only attracted to me by my status, many only wanted my body - a rare few wanted them all. The more they pursued me, the less I desired them. I tired of them all.” She looked down at Galatea. “Here, with her, there was no pursuit. No status. We simply are.” She sighed, and noticed a small smile on her lover’s face. “I believe she may be the first to know my heart.” 

Karlach sniffed. “That’s…beautiful, Minthara. If my heart wasn’t on fire, I would say you just warmed it.” 

The drow chuckled and then looked to the sky. “The hour is quite late. I shall retire to my tent. You should do the same.” She stood up, carrying Galatea in her arms and walking away, as Karlach shouted goodnight. 

When they were out of earsight, the drow whispered “I know you’re awake.”

Galatea smirked and opened one eye. “And here I thought I was being sly.” 

“You can’t trick me.” Minthara smirked as well. “How much did you hear?” 

“Everything.” She proceeded to wrap her arms around the drow’s neck and shoulders, inclining forward to kiss her on the lips, saying “I love you too.” 

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Party Banter #1

Read on AO3

Series Summary: A bunch of short scenarios involving Minthara and Galatea, based on some of the party's in-game banter.

In the weeks that had passed since she joined the fight against the Absolute, Minthara had many thoughts on her companions. Though some of them changed with time, the first impression she had on all of them never wavered: 

Everyone talked too much.

Every instant, someone had something to say or point out. A joke here, a remark there. Random questions about what her life in the Underdark was like. It was bad enough that she could hear their jumbled thoughts at any time, thanks to the tadpole, but must they keep on talking too?

At the very least her lover, Galatea, was on the quieter side. Though, the new status of their relationship has brought on much conversation, much to Minthara’s chagrin. 

As of now, the party found themselves in a store. Minthara stood to the side while Galatea spoke with the vendor, charming them to sell an important item for half the price. Her face turned into a scowl when she noticed the way that the vendor’s eyes looked downwards, at Galatea’s exposed legs. 

She crossed her arms, assuming a more intimidating stance. For a moment, the man turned his attention to her. Minthara’s nose flared as she squinted her eyes at him, smirking when he gulped and turned back to Galatea, positively scared. Minthara leaned back on the wall, chuckling. 

The joy she felt while watching the man stutter didn’t last long, as Wyll walked up next to her. 

“I saw that.” He whispered.

“I do not understand what you are talking about.” 

“Other people are allowed to speak with Galatea, you know.”

“Oh yes, I am quite aware. But if that man desires to keep his eyes, he shouldn’t look at what isn’t his.” Minthara hissed. 

Wyll shaked his head and sighed. “Amourous passions usually make people more considerate, Minthara.” He paused for a moment, looking at her. “Kinder, sympathetic, better at cooperating.” 

Seeing as Galatea was near finished, Minthara stood straighter, giving Wyll a murderous look. “And what do you know of that, child? They can also make people more protective, guarded, paranoid, and jealous.” 

“Everything good?” Galatea asked, once she was near them. She looked at the two of them, confused as to why they seemed to be engaged in a staring contest. 

Wyll was the first to break away, huffing. “Yes. Everything’s good.” He gave her a tight smile. 

“Okay…” Galatea raised a brow but didn’t question. She turned towards Minthara, opening up her backpack, and retrieving a shiny new armor. “Here. I got you this.” She said, as Minthara took the item, frowning. “I noticed that your armor was rusting, and thought you deserved something better.” She explained. “So, I sweetened up the vendor until he gave in, the fool.” Galatea smirked. 

“Thank you, my love.” Minthara said, causing the tiefling to smile. 

Galatea made her way towards the exit, but before she could touch the door, she felt Minthara’s hand wrap around her wrist, yanking her back. Before Galatea could say anything, the drow’s lips smashed into hers, kissing her passionately. 

She moaned lightly as Minthara deepened the kiss, only breaking away when they were both out of air. 

“What was that for?” Galatea asked breathlessly. 

“Nothing.” Minthara smirked, putting a loose strand of hair behind the tiefling’s ear. “Come. We still have a war to win.” She said, marching out of the store, pulling Galatea along. 

Wyll, who was still inside, looked at the vendor. The man’s face was pale and he tried to say something but Wyll just shook his head and said “Save it.” before heading out. 

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I open the game. I kill Viconia. I hug Shadowheart. I take a bunch of screenchots of my tav. I close the game

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I'm making an introduction post cause i've progressed a bit more with her save so yeah

this is Galatea von DeWilde

I'm gonna make this very brief but anyone is free to ask follow up questions: She's a tiefling who was born in a noble family of elves and humans, and her relationship with her extended family (especially her grandmother) was very complicated, but her mom, dad and younger sister all love her.

When she was young, this shadow in the wall in the shape of a horned man began talking to her, and she dubbed him the Shadow Man. He was her first friend, and a source of comfort whenever she felt too isolated. It was after meeting with him that she began casting magic cause she's a storm sorcerer (in theory, she should be a shadow sorc but i'm scared of figuring out mods). Also, it was after she started developing that magic that these black marking/tattoos started appearing and spreading around her body.

Eventually, she decided to run away from home once she discovered that her grandmother was going to send her off to marry some other noble and she didn't want to do that, and that's why she was out and about when she got tadpoled.

She's using to feeling like an odd one out (which she's grown to not care about as much, and uses that to be like 'if no one cares about me then i can do what i want') and being looked at strangely, which she uses to her advantage to intimidate people.

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YOUR HONOR I LOVE HER

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galatea has fully entered her clown/goth white makeup era thank god

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my favorite blue haired girl

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babygirl

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Galatea today was giving puppy eyes

bonus: she angry

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Galatea has reached act 2 so i'm posting screenshots

(tw: Nere's decaptated head at the end)

(taken after Mods revived her beloved daughter Shovel)

(fun fact this is the first time i killed nere)