#stockholm 200

[eurovision-revisited]

2000 Stockholm - Number 17 - BrainStorm - "My Star"

Back to Latvia and for a performance that is one of the most popular of Eurovision 2000 among Eurofans. It's one of the best-performing debut songs for a country ever and is from a band that is possibly Latvia's biggest. Latvia may have been the last of the Baltic countries to enter Eurovision, but here they are showing Estonia and Lithuania how its done.

Brainstorm (aka Prāta Vētra) are a band of school friends who by 2000 had been big in the Latvian music business for at least seven years. Later in 2000 they released their first best-of album. My Star is (unusually for 2000) a straightforward love song. The genre is alt-pop/folk and stands out a mile from absolutely everything else in Eurovision that year. It's a gentle, almost whimsical song lead by jangly guitars and the unmistakable voice and dancing style of singer Renārs Kaupers, more of whom later.

At Eurodziesma 2000, the first Latvian national final, this won by a large margin although the scoring was heavily weighted in favour of juries over the televote. Perhaps not surprising for one of the biggest bands in Latvia. At Eurovision, it had a good draw and went on in what was the far stronger second half. Even if it had gone on in the first half, it would have done well, purely because of how much it stood out.

Brainstorm subsequently have had a stellar career. They've released more than 15 albums in Latvia, more than 10 in English and at least 5 in Russian. They seem to be constant writing and recording new songs and touring, sometime simultaneously. They're huge across the Russian speaking world which has lead to some controversial concerts in Russia, especially after the invasion of Crimea in 2014. More recently however, they cancelled all planned tours and concerts in Russia and have made clear their support for Ukraine.

In the Eurovision world, they're the band that launched Latvia on the Eurovision scene and Renārs would go on to co-host Eurovision 2003 after Latvia's win in 2002. The band have also played Glastonbury (second on the John Peel stage on the Saturday in 2013!) making Renārs the only Eurovision host to have gone on to play Glasto. Please correct me if I'm wrong!

[sunflowerxthoughts]

mafia!au remus lupin where he is stone cold and terrifying with everyone but reader?

IMAGINE it had been a specially bad day, to the point where Remus is the first one through the door and everyone else cowering behind because he is not only covered in blood but he still has the gun in his hand and they know he will shoot them; no questions asked.

That is until he sees you in your pjs. You hurry to him, take the gun with a cloth and his hand with the other.

“Dove?”

“It’s okay Remmy, you just need to change. I know you hate wet clothes.”

“I’m covered in blood, dove.”

“You always say the same! I don’t mind, love. I just want you cleaned so you can cuddle me on the couch.”

“They’ll think I’ve gone soft with you.”

“But you have! Besides you terrify them. Not Jamie and Siri though.”

“I’ve known them forever! Would be weird if they did.”

“You just need a little loving, Remmy. If they think you’ve gone soft I can scare them a little for you.”

“You?”

“Yeah, little old me. I can be a little mean, you know?”

That night while Remus is napping on the couch you absolutely tear them appart and they just understand. Remus and you work because not only do you love and respect eachother, but you are willing to scream and yell in a room full of armed men all because Remus might feel disrespected.

Needless to say after that, not only are they affraid of Remus, but they start to look at you in a different light too.

[krinskrans]

changer l'eau des fleurs/fresh water for flowers

[theartofmetal]

200. Tusen år har gått... - Mörk Gryning (Black Metal, 1995)

Art by Gustave Doré (1890) - one of the many illustrations out of Dante's Inferno.

Doré's career stands out as relatively unique within french 19th century art because of his mastery of multiple mediums such as oil paint & watercolour. Alongside this he had impressive knowledge when it came to sculpturing, various techniques of printmaking and, of course, engraving on wood.

[homeisaplaceinthehills]

lomolta

[linguistilda]

[eiraisnthere]

[horribililibrifax]

「narrow frames」

[1] Wilhelmshaven 01–2023 [2] swedenborgs lusthus · Stockholm 09–2022 [3] Witten 07–2021 [4] swedenborgs lusthus · Stockholm 09–2022 [5–6] Wilhelmshaven 01–2023

[misosoup091]

[slaygentford]

not to lez(mand) out (again) but Armand’s flippancy about Lestat being raped and serial killed makes so much sense now he really said ok cry some more. I was tortured for 200 years nonstop by a man I was stockholmed into thinking I love. he resents Lestat for hitting and quitting but also for something outside of his control. Complexity and nuance is so delicious tasty layer on layer like a yummy baklava slice.

[sunflowerxthoughts]

OLIVIA/STOCKHOLM SYNDROME

(not sure)

But bully!remus where the reader is so confused why Remus was so mean towards her yet so sweet to everyone else. Happy ending please

First of all hi!! Thank you for following 💖✨

I think the mean in him is more about being cold and contradicting anything you say. It usually is just petty, but when he wants to be mine he really truly is.

In reality Remus has spent sooo much time learning about you to actually hurt you that what he has discovered he has really liked. He enjoys your taste in music, he is enthralled by the books you like. But he can’t tell you that. He enjoys seeing you pout; he doesn’t think since to him it’s not that deep that he is hurting you that bad. But he is.

And one day Lily is wearing this beautiful maroon dress that makes her look so so so good but the dress is yours and Remus can’t quite put his finger on where has he seen it before.

“Wow Evans, look at you. The dress brings out your eyes.”

“Actually Y/N-“

“What about them? I really don’t need to hear it, ew.”

“Rem ew it’s kinda mean, don’t you think?”

“No. No he doesn’t.” You interrupt, fed up with him. “Because I wore the dress last week and it was tacky and it made me look weird, didn’t it Remus?”

“It’s not that deep.”

“But it is! Because I’ve done nothing to you, but you just hate me SO MUCH. And for what? I never want to see you again. Ever. You are the meanest, foulest man ever Remus Lupin. I don’t want anything to do with you.”

It takes you breaking his heart to realize he has broken yours and fucked up big time. And he know you won’t forgive him even if he begs on his knees. He has gone too far. So he starts doing little things, earning your trust back. He doesn’t even start with compliments, it starts with kindness. He starts being warm.

By month three, you won’t budge. The only progress is the fact that you two can coexist in the same room, but it’s driving Remus mad.

Six months later, Remus can’t take it anymore and you don’t expect him to find him obliterated in your doorstep, on his knees begging for forgivness.

“Remus? It’s three am get up off the floor.”

“Not until you forgive me.” He slurs.

“You’re drunk.”

“And you are beautiful.”

You sigh, and you help him inside. He just doesn’t want to let you go. At all. His arms are around you, and when you lay him in your bed in hopes to let him sleep the drunk away. But he just goes on and on about how beautiful you are and how pretty you look and how he needed you to just forgive him because not seeing you smile was like being caught in a rainstorm on your own.

You softly smile at him. You were not going to give in that easily but it melted your heart a little that he really meant how sorry he was. Maybe forgiving Remus wasn’t that bad. Maybe you could get used to his arms around you at night and him looking at you like the you are the most precious thing to ever walk on Earth.

[krinskrans]

all i really want right now

[akiranzee]

Hi there! Can I request Akaza x Fem! Demon Slayer? 

When Y/N sees Rengoku fighting an upper class demon she heads over to help him and when Akaza sees Y/N, she reminded him of his past deceased wife, Koyuki. Also when Y/N rejects Akaza’s offer of becoming a demon, Akaza ends up winning the fight against Y/N and kidnaps her.

Thank you!!!!!!<333

❤️‍🩹 • ° ` — “LOVE? IS THIS?”

-> PAIRINGS: Akaza x f!Demon Slayer!Y/n -> SUMMARY: Love could sometimes go wrong. -> WORD COUNT: 1.4k+ -> CONTAINS: angst (?), stockholm syndrome, kidnapping, mentions of blood, akaza is ooc!, rengoku’s alive, violence, kissing, dead person, fighting, swearing, & akaza is 200 while reader is 27. -> A/N: HI THERE!! IM RLLY SORRY FOR NOT DOING UR REQUEST FOR SUCH A LONG PERIOD OF TIME😭😭. i saw ur request abt this again it made me feel guilty

-------------Loading…------------

------------Complete!------------

Running toward the sounds, voices, and clashing of swords, as you reached the mugen train, was the first thing you ever did.

You just so happened to be in the mugen train station, after all.

As you reached the distant forest, you happen to see multiple familiar faces, mainly; Tanjiro, Zenitsu, Inosuke, and Nezuko.

The bright burning fire that lit in front of all of you only hinted you that, Rengoku was fighting a demon. Not just any demon, but one of the higher ranking ones.

You wanted to back him up, but you can’t see a hole to insert into. It all happened so fast, the fire, the clashes, all hindered your plan of saving Rengoku.

When Tanjiro pleaded you to save Rengoku, you thought of the worst thing that could happen; you’d be too late to do so.

But Rengoku was your close comrade, one that you could only consider tolerable in all of the hashiras. Rengoku was always there to comfort you, protect you, or save you wherever you were. He was like a big brother you never had.

That’s why, you’ll never allow such a thing to happen to him.

A fog covered the surroundings, one that your breathing technique had mastered, completely putting an end at the endless fight Rengoku and the demon had.

As your sword neared the demon’s neck, a bright flash hovered over your eyes, causing a great wonder in your mind. Suddenly, as your eyes dolted open, you wondered where your sword went, hoping the demon didn’t catch it.

But alas, it was in his hand. You signaled Rengoku to do something, perhaps to ambush, but he was too weak and is clutching his side already. He wanted to, but his body wanted and needed to rest.

However, Akaza’s eyes sparked and lit up when he saw your sword’s feature, perhaps because of the small snowflakes attached to the rain-guard of the sword, one that he does not usually see in other slayers, and one that is too familiar, its grip too is a royal yellow, whilst its body is none but a mesmerizing pink. It seemed to have reminded him of something, but beknownst, he is a demon after all, one who could not recollect any of his memories of the past.

But, his eyes lit up brighter, and widened bigger, when he saw your face. Ah, he remembers now, but only vaguely. The pink silk you are wearing — embroidered by beautiful snowflakes on the bottom of your kimono, having a unique hairstyle, that he can not even guess if your hair is to be presumed as long, or short. Then, a snowflake hairpin that matches just about you and your sword, and a royal yellow comb that keeps your bangs up.

Simply put — everything about you reminds him of a certain someone. I would have already flawed honesty if I were to tell you that his jaw did not drop even the slightest. Even the spectators had shocked themselves to what they have witnessed — a demon hesitating to kill someone.

Then, Akaza suddenly chuckled, his laughter echoing through the battleground, as he saw the undying determination burning in your eyes. “Ah... how would you say becoming a demon, hmm? Your efforts would not go to waste unlike this one.” You frowned at that, ready to prove him wrong, “no! All you demons are selfishly unkind, I would never be a part of your kin!”

You quit looking at his eyes, that gave away half of all the emotions he has been keeping, and looked at your sword in his grip instead. As you tried to think of all the realistic, and unrealistic ways to steal your sword from his grasp, all were put to vain as he so easily let go of your sword and threw it right in front of you. You swear you could hear him click his tongue, as he then said, “fine. Have it your way.” He beckoned you to come closer — to charge right at him, his once sinister and obnoxious smile is not found again, rather, a gentle, teasing, and playful smile had been replaced.

You would be lying if you didn’t find him handsome for a few moments there, but it is already perceived as a sin to even compliment a demon.

Lest to say, that all the damage you have dealt taking over Rengoku’s place and fighting in his stead nonstop was not from the demon, but fall damage you had impacted on yourself.

He truly was one unpredictable demon — he had his own way of thinking through things, maybe even smarter than you are — but not once, did he try advancing and taking advantage when you fall over and your guard lower when doing so.

It seems as if he is enjoying this little encounter way too much, that confusion has arisen amongst the spectators and witnesses, especially Tanjiro, Rengoku, and the others.

His soft laughter ringing in your ears was a nice melody, his gentle smile shining in front of you, and his tender hands touching you physically whenever he had the chance. But all of those were soft and gentle, making you have second thoughts if he was really the demon you were up against just minutes ago.

It had made your heart swirl, had made your stomach churn, had made you feel as if this was not a fight at all.

But, in the end, he won. You had stumbled on your ass once again, but this time, it hurt really bad for you had a hard time standing up.

But, this encounter is nearly ending, as the sun is setting. You took note of that, and felt quite a pang when you were about to kill him; or if he would run away once noticing it. But a demon slayer and a demon can never be together.

That’s why, as your role in this world, you jumped on a high tree and charged at him, having wished it would be the last, and final time, as you closed your eyes, hoping for your victory.

But no — it all happened so fast, as you felt the heat of the sun radiate toward you, a strong, muscular arm had wrapped around your waist, as the winds have lost control and slithered their cold on every single part of you.

Slowly, you opened your eyes only to see that the place you had battled on was far away, as it shrunk smaller and smaller on your vision, as you felt the winds were up against you, its strong current had made your hair fly to places, even when the royal yellow comb was still held intact on your hair. Yet, not once has something wavered.

You still felt the running, and the tight grip an arm has around your waist, you turned to look back, and see who had captured you, but Tanjiro called out suddenly, “AKAZAAA!!! You coward! Hand Y/n back to us!!!” Then, he threw his sword on Akaza’s leg, making him stumble, but he still stood up and continued to run, until you could no longer see Tanjiro, the battlefield, and your sword that is left alone, stabbed to the ground.

For some reason, you had felt dizzy, your mind swirling hazily, as your vision blurred, while letting Akaza only take you away to wherever, as darkness followed and consumed the both of you, to the dark forest.

~~~~~

The hazy feeling was still around, but slowly it died out. As you slowly opened your eyes, it had caused your mind to swirl and hurt once more, but it cleared out as you see the darkness in front of you.

You slowly stood up and looked around, only to find out you were laying on a soft mattress laid down on the floor, the only light within the dark room is the flickering bulb.

As you reached out for the door, someone had already opened it — Akaza. It took you by shock, but you had already caught on that he was your captor. Although, you really didn’t expect him to look so... tired.

He had sweat amongst his forehead, dripping to his jaw, neck, and body... Ah shit, he was completely half naked.

Flustered, you turned away, “What- where did you take me?” clearing your throat, as you tried to start a topic.

“Somewhere.” Nonchalantly, he answered as he dragged you towards the soft mattress, causing you to fall on your ass, but this time, it didn’t hurt as much, as afterall, the mattress is soft enough.

“You are not to leave this room, ever.” Chills ran down your spine as he pointed and glared at you, his pale blue eyes glowing within the dark room.

But that didn’t stop you.

“What? Why not...? I-If you think I am afraid because I have no sword, then you’re dead wrong.” On a fighting stance you stood, but shivers and quivers have failed you. You were nothing more than food to him without your sword, after all.

Akaza merely chuckled, his fangs brightly present as the light rested on his face, slightly flickering.

It had feared you, but it was obvious he could not do such a thing such as to harm you.

“Are you sure? I’m impressed by your bravery, but your face gives it all away.. how cute..” He laughed more, but confusions had only filled your mind.

“You are to stay here forever, with me, because you are meant to be mine.” Akaza’s playful smile had turned into a serious frown, “you were always meant to be mine, Y/n. No matter what life this may be, but you had always been mine.”

“What... do you mean?” It had left you with nothing but a gaped mouth.

“Koyuki... I know that it is you.” Akaza smiled gently, and caressed your cheek.

Suddenly though, you slapped his hand away, “you’re crazy!”

“...Call me that, but I do not care. You are mine, you are my Koyuki.” Fear had flowed through your veins as he kept repeating the same, unknown name again and again.

“Who... the fuck is Koyuki?” You backed away, enough to prepare to defend yourself for any upcoming blow.

“My wife. My darling. You.” Akaza continued to speak in riddles, but you had probably solved it.

Ah... this demon had a wife when he was human, huh? But... how? How could he have remembered it? How could he have remembered who his wife was, or his memories of her, that led him to think you and his wife were the same person?

“I... I am not this Koyuki nor wife you think of...” You hesitated unknowingly for a bit, but Akaza cut you off, “No! You are her! I know it! You have the same hair, the same face, the same smile, the same eyes, the same voice — the same warmth that I could all remember! You can’t just tell me you aren’t her!”

God, he was desperate. A demon who had longed for a human, is it now? You stopped and remained frozen for a moment, knowing and perhaps understanding how he had felt after long, painful years of unknowing yearning.

Perhaps it was because you felt sorry for him, that he had to be taken away from his humane life, that he had turned into this frightening, man-eating demon. Or perhaps it was because of the sadness that filled his voice? The sadness that he didn’t even know he was long hiding. Or could it be because... of the tears that had wetted his cheeks, that had dripped and flowed down, that had revealed his entire and pure being?

To be honest, you felt sorry. Really sorry. Because you were too, no stranger to the emotion called sadness. You had felt it again and again, as if an unstoppable loop. Pity had filled and won over you. But he was an enemy, more so — he can kill you anytime, maybe even now.

Trust, a fragile thing to ever exist. But what has this life led to? Wasn’t it just the same as demons? Continuous killing and surviving, yet the only difference is one saves, and one harms. You only live to wake up and continue killing these demons anyway, and your seek of revenge against the demon king is merely impossible. So what difference would it make in your life to fill the heart of the human still remaining within this demon for centuries old?

Akaza had already fallen, bent down to the ground helplessly crying. Ah... perhaps he had been reminded again, of the gruesome figure he had to witness.

Pain and pity completely filled you, as you cupped his cheeks, “I will stay with you.”

★ • ° ` — BONUS:

“Wait- don’t- I promise I won’t do it anymore-! AAAAAHHH!!!” Tears and yells of horror had filled the dark room, as blood had flowed out of the now lifeless body.

“Akaza, you eat so... messy.” You looked away from the scene, as Akaza only chuckled and stood up, “I think this one’s enough to fill me up for a whole week.” licking his lips and fingers, as he walked towards you.

“A- no! Don‘t even-!” You backed away as Akaza continued to walk to you with open arms, with a playful grin in his face.

God, fuck. His slimy and sticky arms wrap around you, his hug icky but warm.

“I missed you. Where’ve you been?” His wet, sticky, bloody lips attached itself to your scalp as your face filled with terror and disgust.

“A- ew ew EW EW EW!!!” You pushed him off as his loud laughter had filled the dark room and your ears, musing over your squirming.

As the laughter died out, he wiped his hand on some cloth laying around, and grabbed your hands to help you up. “Let’s take a bath, hmm?”

~~~~~

“Akaza you big shit.” Dread filled your face as he splashed soap-filled water on your face, as he only laughed and laughed. The wooden hot tub was shaking from how much Akaza was moving too much, probably because you decided to splash some back at him.

As the laughter died out, his now clean lips had attached itself to yours, completely hovering your soft, plush ones.

It had taken you aback for a second, but you returned his soft, gentle affection. Although, you can’t help but wonder.. is this alright?

Having fun and affectionate with a demon.. no more or less the enemy of mankind, and you are a human. Would it be okay to say that you’re content and satisfied with this life than the life you had lived on before? Where you kill evil humans and feed them to him? Or the life in which you kill demons and help mankind, whether bad or good?

This was a forbidden romance, and no one can change it, not even if the world stops turning.

You pulled away from the kiss, the so little humanity in you questioned you once more, if should you really be having fun with a demon, the so very kind of those that had killed the beloveds of your comrades.

“I love you, Koyu- Y/n.” After all, he sees you as no more than the deceased wife he had always, and forever loved.

a/n: hes so out of characterrrRRRRRRR

[bloodlust-1]

The Consort ₊⁺જ⁀➴

NSWF | Explicit 18+ | Angst | Blood | Ascended Astarion | Spawn Tav | Dark | Smut | Trauma | Stockholm Syndrome | Violence

Ascended Astarion x fem Tav

Chapter: 4 | Revengeful Eyes

Summary: In a tumultuous tale of love, power, and betrayal, Tav finds herself entangled in a complex relationship with Astarion, a heartless vampire lord who will stop at nothing to maintain control over his newfound spawn. As Tav witnesses Astarion’s transformation and descent into darkness, their love is put to the ultimate test amidst love triangles, drama, and the pursuit of world domination. Redemption seems like an elusive goal while Tav grapples with the realization of who her lover has truly become.

UPDATED EVERY MONDAY

Notes: Why even listen to myself when the post button exists? Did a poll and here we are now yaay.

AO3 LINK | MASTER LIST

Lovely photo by @aristenfromwarsaw

Astarion and Tav arrived at the grand ball, turning heads as they entered the room. Astarion was dressed in a finely red and black tailored jacket and trousers.

Everything about him was perfect, including his partner.

His eyes scanned the crowd with a confident air. Tav was wearing the red dress that Astarion had made for her, the fitted silk red dress with a slit up one leg and draped sleeves that accentuated her figure.

Tav excitedly clutched Astarion’s arm as they made their way through the crowd of guests. Many of them were nobles or rich families with influence. Some even recognized Tav and gave their respects.

It feels weird to be somewhat of a town celebrity.

Tav wore her hair down and adorned with beads and jewelry. She noticed she didn't look like anyone really. From her wide-set pale eyes to Tav's rounded features, she not only looked different but acted like it too. Of course, the ballroom scene was completely foreign to a girl who grew up in the woods.

Astarion twirled Tav around, eyeing every curve the dress hung off of. He was proud of his work. Both dress and spawn, are crafted so beautifully.

“Over there, see the couple in the corner?” Astarion chimed, nodding towards a noble couple near the throne. “That’s a noble couple from Waterdeep, super rich and political. Word has it they’re quite the swingers, if you catch my drift.”

The gossip was hot, steamy even. Astarion knew so much about people who knew so little about him. It was great.

Tav’s eyes widened in shock, practically breaking her neck to get a glimpse of them. “Really? I had no idea,” she whispered with a gasp.

Astarion chuckled. “There’s a lot you don’t know about these nobles, my dear. But don’t worry, social climbing could get you worthy blackmail information on dirty royalty names.”

"I bet." Tav scrunched her lips to the side, "Have you been making any moves? I know you wanted to grow influence, but I'm not sure if world domination is really worth it...Look what happened to the Netherbrain."

"Tch, it'll be all worth it when we can control everything. Think about it, to live freely with anything at your fingertips. Just say the words and it'll be yours." He then glared down at Tav and halted, "You think people will treat you fairly when they know what we are? Blood-sucking monsters."

A monster. Is this what he thinks I am?

Tav shook her head, "That's not true - we're heroes! They'll accept us."

His voice dripped with sarcasm, "Love, please. You act like you've been a vampire for 200 years. Not everyone is like you, so stop being delusional."

Astarion's arms crossed over his chest, his fingers tapping impatiently against his biceps. He let out a loud, exasperated sigh, "I'm doing this for us. This conversation is now over." He pitied and hated her delusional optimism.

Just then, a woman in a black gown caught Astarion’s eye. She was tall and slender, with brown hair that cascaded down her back in waves. She walked between the couple before presenting herself to Astarion, her eyes filled with intrigue.

The woman faced him with a sly smile, not even acknowledging Tav. “Well, well, well,” she teased. “If it isn’t Astarion himself. I’ve heard a lot about you.”

Astarion raised an eyebrow. “Oh really? And what have you heard?”

The woman leaned in closer, her voice dropping to a whisper. “I know who you are, Astarion. And I know what you’re capable of. I have a proposition for you, if you’re interested.”

Astarion’s eyes narrowed. “Go on,” he tilted his head, intrigued.

"Not here." The woman's blue eyes fell on Tav with a dismissive look, "And not in front of her."

Astarion eyes met with Tav's and he nodded, "Amuse yourself, I'll be right back."

Tav furrowed her brows. Why couldn't she be there? What did this woman want and what did she know? "But -"

"I said make yourself amused." Astarion cut her words before excusing himself, walking to the furthest corner they could find.

Tav felt a tinge of jealousy as she watched Astarion walk away with this random attractive woman. She couldn’t help but feel left out, but she knew better than to interfere with Astarion’s propositions.

Tav was standing alone near the spiked punch bowl and it was crowded with fancy-looking people all trying to impress each other. She held her cup out in front of her with uncertainty.

Why would he not allow me to stay? She's really pretty too. What the fuck.

Tav was completely zoned out, frozen, and barely blinking between her rapid thoughts.

Suddenly, she felt a gentle hand on her arm and a warm, confident voice, “Let me help you with that.”

It was a man, tall, fair, with sharp features, and long brown hair. He poured the punch into her cup, his movements steady and confident. Tav listened to the sound of the liquid filling her cup, and then his eyes locked onto hers with a wry look, “Are you here alone tonight?”

Before Tav could answer he had already continued, "If so then what a damn shame. To leave a lady like you alone to fend for herself." He rolled his eyes.

huh?

"To fend for myself...? What the hell are you talking about?"

A questionable look crossed his face, "Aren't you blind?"

Tav’s eyes widened as her lips parted with a shocked scuff. “I’m not blind,” she said with extra emphasis on the 'not'.

Clearly embarrassed, his started stumbling over his words in desperation. “I-I’m soo sorry,”

“I didn’t mean to offend you. It’s just that your eyes… they’re so pale, and I couldn’t help but notice you were spaced out.” Again, his eyes seemed to lock onto Tav's as he brought his face closer, inspecting her white irises. This time, it made her heart race from his prying eyes, this random stranger.

Tav lifted an eyebrow in surprise, feeling her cheeks flush at his sudden attentiveness. “Oh,” she said softly. “Well, thank you.” She took a step back.

Should I even be saying thank you right now?

The man smiled and shook his head, still looking sheepish. “No, I’m the one who should be thanking you. I’m Ross, by the way.” He reached out and took her hand in his, shaking it gently with a warm smile.

Tav glared at him with uncertainty, but she tried to relax a little. “Nice to meet you, Ross,” She could feel the warmth of his hand in hers, and she couldn’t help but notice how handsome he was.

She snapped out of it and pulled away her hand with a tug. Tav stared at Ross one last time before turning a heel and walking away.

"Wait - !" Ross followed Tav and waved his hand, "You never answered my question."

Tav stopped mid-stride and turned her head. He huffed out a breath and smiled at her, again. "Are you here alone tonight?"

Plainly, "I'm not."

"Ah - same. I came here with my sister. She seemly disappeared somewhere in the crowd though." Ross looked in the crowd and then, he saw her.

His face faded from concentration into a smile, "There she is. Over there in the black dress." Ross pointed to a woman.

It was the same woman who had walked away with Astarion.

Okay. Now I'm interested.

"Is that so...Is there a reason why you guys are attending tonight's party?" Tav looked back at the woman and then back to Ross. They resembled each other’s sharp features.

Ross shifted uncomfortably under Tav’s gaze, his cheeks flushing slightly. “No specific reason, like everyone else of course. Just a guy looking for a good time.”

Tav stared at him questionably.

Ross gasped at the realization, "In good company and conversation I mean! N-Nothing else, I promise."

He mumbled under his breath, "Shit, I know that didn't sound right."

Tav chuckled to herself as he crumbled in front of her. Ross seemed like one of those gentle giants, very friendly with a heart on his sleeve.

“I - uh, never got your name?” Ross finally managed to ask.

Casually Tav spoke, "Natavia. But everyone calls me Tav."

“Tav?” Ross’s eyes widened in recognition. “Like the hero of Baldur’s Gate Tav?”

Tav chuckled softly at the comparison. “More or less…”

"Wow - It's a pleasure! I knew something was different about you. I could tell you hold weapons. A bow is it..?"

"How'd you know?" Tav tilted her head, her eyes narrowing in comparison.

"I could feel the calluses on your fingertips, especially your middle finger."

"What! Really?" Tav quickly shot up her hands and stared hard at her fingertips with a flustered face.

Ross was right, there were many little indents between her skin and she looked up at him with a shocked expression. Why have I never noticed this?

"It's not a bad thing. I'm sure you're very skilled at it, killing the netherbrain and all, little hero."

"Little?" Tav scoffed, feeling a little defensive but entertained.

Ross playfully waved his hand from side to side with a chuckle. "Just in height." He joked with Tav as if she were a long-time friend. It was weird but also felt nice. It wasn't often Tav really got to make new friends under Astarion's watch.

Finally, from across the room, Astarion's eyes landed on Tav, who was chuckling with Ross. Astarion’s gaze immediately turned cold and devilish, and Tav noticed the change in his expression. She turned her head to look at him, and their eyes met.

Shit.

Tav’s laughter came to an abrupt halt as she met Astarion’s gaze. She felt a shiver run down her spine as she saw the look on his face. It was as if he was sizing her up, analyzing every inch of her. Tav crossed her arms and huffed in annoyance.

This is so stupid. He couldn't be mad at me when he was the one who left to talk to some random girl.

Ross watched Tav with confusion. He matched Tav's stares with Astarion and he spoke up, “Is everything alright Tav?” he said with a forced chuckle.

Tav rolled her eyes, “It's just my boyfriend, he's being moody.”

Ross’s face fell at Tav’s words. He looked genuinely shocked with wide eyes. He scratched his head nervously and tried to laugh it off. “Oh, I see,” he said weakly, forcing a smile onto his face. “Well, I had no idea..."

Ross began to nervously swallow and wet his lips between exchanged words. Almost as if what Tav said really uneased him.

Strange.

"I take it you're not a local From Waterdeep." Ross's words snapped Tav out of her head and she shook her head 'no.'

"I'm from a remote village way South of here, but I live in Baldur's Gate if that's what you meant...What about you?"

Ross nodded, listening to her smooth voice, "I'm from a tribe, but I've moved on from sheltered woods, my home is in Baldur's Gate too. Me and my sister, Rosaline, been moving around lately."

"Oh, why?"

Ross chuckled, the look in his eyes seemed panicked, but his body language remained relaxed and loose, "Just looking for what sticks…So! If you’re ever looking for someone to talk to back home, I’m always at the Blushing Mermaid. It’s lika second home.”

Astarion’s frown deepened as he watched the exchange between Tav and Ross. But he kept his emotions in check, hiding them behind a cold, impassive mask. He knew that he couldn’t let his feelings get the best of him in public.

He completely left the woman, Rosaline, to herself as he made his way over to Tav.

Astarion pulled Tav close to him, his arm wrapped tightly around her waist. “Tav,” he teased, his voice low and husky, “Let us dance.”

Tav looked up at him, surprised but pleased. “Of course, Astarion,” her eyes crinkled with a wry smile.

Astarion glared coldly at Ross as he led Tav onto the dance floor. Ross returned the glare with a dirty look of his own. But Astarion had no time to worry about Ross now, as he pulled Tav close and rested his hand on her waist.

As they began to waltz around the room, Astarion couldn’t take his eyes off of Tav. He admired her beauty, her grace, and the way she moved with him, apart from Tav's occasional missteps. But even as they danced, Astarion couldn’t shake the feeling that Ross was watching them. And every time he caught a glimpse of him out of the corner of his eye, he felt a twinge of anger and resentment.

Who the fuck is this guy.

I'll give him something to see.

Determined to claim Tav’s attention for himself, Astarion stopped dancing and pulled her into a deep kiss. He bit down on her lower lip, causing it to bleed. When he pulled away, Tav winced as she touched her bottom lip and stared at her bloody fingertips.

Her eyes glossed over from the sharp pain, and she stared at Astarion in disbelief. Why would he do something like this now?

“I’m sorry,” Astarion clicked his tongue, though he didn’t sound sorry at all. “I couldn’t help myself.”

Tav looked at him for a moment, her expression unreadable. She didn't know how to feel - embarrassed, upset, special, or seduced? She wasn't sure...maybe a mix of it all.

Before Tav could reply, he had already sucked the blood off her bottom lip shamelessly to whoever watched.

From the corner of Astarion's eye, he could see Ross in the near distance behind Tav, shaking his head with a disapproving face. He reveled in this moment of dominance, and mentally laughed at this random stranger who seemingly stared at Tav a little too much.

That serves him right.

The night continued and Tav could only smile and wave every time she crossed paths with Ross that night. Though it always felt a bit strange considering his sister, Rosaline was always attached to his hip, arms crossed and eyes that were like she was trying to cipher out a code with each movement they took. It was uncomfortable.

ROSS'S POV

Rosaline nudged Ross’s side with her elbow, “Why do you keep looking at them.” She shot him a questioning glance, her eyes searching for answers.

Ross pulled away from Rosaline, his brows clearly in an annoyed furrow, “Stop it.” He shifted his gaze away, avoiding her stares.

“You’re so annoying.” Rosaline brushed him off with a cold shoulder. “Did you at least get any good information out of her?” She then crossed her arms.

“Does it really matter?” Ross avoided making eye contact with Rosaline.

Tav, this new hero stuck with someone like him. Poor girl.

“Yes. it does fucking matter.” Rosaline’s voice rose slightly. She was just above a whisper with anger seething out her lips.

But Ross stood firm and calm, “Listen, Rosaline…We should really just move on from this.”

He didn't want to cause a scene so publicly or have anyone overhear them arguing.

Rosaline shook her head in disbelief and her eyes glossed over with disappointment, “I can’t even believe you right now.”

She scuffed, “Are you fucking serious - Tell me you’re fucking with me right now...”

Ross's voice went soft slightly as he sighed, “No. There’s innocent people involved in this and they don’t deserve to be.”

“What - the girl? Who cares, some innocents were taken from us!” She continued to lash out at him in an angered whisper. “He stole our brother - He was just a child, we all were! If you feel so damn heartfelt for them then maybe it should’ve been you!” The air hung heavy and her pain was palpable.

“It just feels wrong.” Ross’s voice wavered slightly, uncertainty creeping into his head.

“You have no loyalty, you’re despicable.”

“I do have loyalty.” Ross’s voice hardened, and he finally stared back at his sister with anger in his eyes.

Rosaline had a face of nothing but disgust for her brother, “Then act like it.”

Next part here

Any thoughts? Comment 👇🏼 I love to engage!

CHARACTER SPREAD-SHEET

TAV, ROSS, ROSALINE

I made this with Artbreeder to try and visualize these new characters as I write and wanted to share. These siblings are so gorgeous AHH.

LOOK AT TAV. breathtaking. But I imagine her with locs, which are kinda visible? AI is not perfect but it's a pretty good generalization of her :') Ross reminds me of Flint Rider.

But a little cliffhanger. I wonder what they're talking about? Hmm. See ya next week

[linguistilda]

[eiraisnthere]