#turns out astarion set off this place in explosions himself

[lunian]

Astarion: Oh right, great. There're two of you.

[sataniquepanique]

Disarm

Astarion x Tav (she/her used)

Summary: Tav and Astarion have been secretly seeing each other for a few weeks. One of them is adept at feelings, while the other is better at noticing traps.

A/N: Set around the time of Act 1, before Tav and Astarion become officially paired/committed.

“So Astarion,” Shadowheart chimed from the rear of the group, stepping over a large piece of stone as the party of four combed the seaside cliff for a way into the temple ruins, “do you have anyone back home? A lover perhaps?” 

From the front of the pack, Tav could hear the sly smirk in Shadowheart’s voice. The sound of which made her wince, but the question itself caused a swirling chasm to form in the pit of her stomach. For a few weeks now, her and Astarion had been secretly carrying on a romance that neither were ready to make public. It’s not that she was embarrassed to be with him, but she worried what the others would think; would they not trust her anymore? Would they see her as weaker now? She thought the best of her new friends, but the nagging voice in the back of her mind was ever present, needling away at her subconscious. Astarion on the other hand, was not ready to even admit to himself that this was a romance. She knew it was due to his past trauma, that much she had been able to piece together. If you asked him (which she had a few nights ago), he’d say they were “exploring each other exclusively” and nothing more than that. 

The painful truth of it all though, after the many nights of sneaking into each other’s tents, of stolen glances across campfires and the countless hidden touches during their travels—Tav was beginning to fall for the pale elf. She couldn’t tell him that yet, not when he was barely able to admit that they were together at all. So she kept the feelings leashed, allowing their clandestine romance to stoke the flames of longing being bottled up inside her heart. 

Shadowheart's question, though innocent in nature, threatened to untether that leash. The thought of Astarion having a lover back in Baldur’s Gate was something that had never crossed her mind. He was beautiful in the most ethereal way, it would make sense that he had someone waiting for him. They were probably just as otherworldly. Tav wondered if they had been turned as well. As her thoughts began to spiral, the images of unfamiliar limbs tangled with his caused acid to rise in her throat. The acceleration of her heart almost drowned out Astarion’s answer.

“I’ve had many lovers in my time, darling,” he drawled, the words doing nothing to ease the ache in Tav’s heart, “but none that are worth going back to. Nor are they waiting for the likes of me.” 

Tav inhaled for the first time in what seemed like minutes.

“And who knows,” Astarion added, the familiar playfulness creeping back into his tone, “maybe I’ll find a new one out here in the great wide nowhere.”

Tav dared a glance back to find his crimson eyes trained of her. He shot a wink that threatened to melt her right then and there. Biting back a smile, she took a few more crafty steps around some rubble. As she went to side-step a fallen piece of a column, Astarion yelled.

“NO!” He wrapped an arm around her middle, yanking backwards until she was pressed firmly against his chest. “Don’t. Move.” The rumble of his voice reverberated through her as he slunk around and uncovered a hidden explosive beside the column. 

“This place is trapped. Be on alert,” he knelt down and began to quickly disarm the small bomb. Shadowheart and Gale split off and began to comb over the area for more, while Astarion returned to her side. A slender hand found its way to the small of her back.

“It would’ve been such a shame to have that lovely face destroyed, please try to be more careful next time darling,” he purred before placing a quick, yet incredibly gentle, kiss on her temple before joining the others. 

Tav stood in place for a beat longer, pulling on the restraints of her heart that were beginning to snap.

[tieflingtareon]

My love, are you the devil? (Oh, call me a devil)

Chapter 38 | Words: 6.8k

Summary: Astarion found himself often surprised by his heroic companion. He had one goal. To become the favoured companion of the group, to earn the Tieflings loyalty, to make Tar'eons strength his own. Yet Tar'eon isn't like the usual target of his manipulations. Despite his naivety, he does not seem gullible. There is something very wrong with their 'leader' to begin with. Astarion isn't sure if he wants to control it or eradicate the threat it posed. But can he really do either when Tar'eon himself seems so...unwaveringly kind?

AO3 Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/50668558/chapters/127995079

"It feels so...empty now. This places feel more like a graveyard than the one we slept in." Astarion scoffed softly, looking around at the home he once called his own. "How quickly things can change..."

"Ballroom?" Tar'eon questioned, carrying the box of explosives over his shoulder. It took a bit of shimmying to pick the lock, but seeing as it was before dawn, there was no one in the store to catch them. Astarion had the right idea, collecting fodder to feed the flames.

"No, I think...the office. Half of it in there, half out here. Pass me some of that." Tar'eon smiled softly as he handed over a dozen fireworks to the vampire. Astarion smirked and looked up at him. "I'll go up to the Ballroom. You handle the down here."

"As you wish." Tar'eon leaned down and pecked his cheek sweetly before hauling off with the crate. Astarion smiled to himself as he watched him go, making his way up the stairs and past the ballroom doors. He slipped into the office and set about placing explosives precariously around the room. Tar'eon had definitely handed him the ones with the most power. He cracked one open and shook the powder inside past the doorway and into the ballroom, placing a small explosive there to set off the ones he'd put inside the room.

It was tempting to riffle through drawers and ransack the place, but honestly, he didn't want any of it. He hadn't taken the staff or the dagger because he didn't want the reminder. He was happy to do the same here too. He did however linger on the throne that sat, untouched by the battle within the ballroom. He sat himself down in it, playing with the final firecracker in his hands.

To think, he could have taken it for himself. Taken Cazador's throne, used his palace as his own, throwing lavish parties and watching over the elite guests, knowing he was above even them. It would have been a dream come true, once upon a time, being all powerful.

Now...it felt like a vague construction of his imagination, obscured by time and ageing maturity. Long forgotten. The desire was no longer there. Though, he'd admit, the throne was comfortable. Perhaps he'd get one of his own one day, just to lounge in while he embroidered or read. Living a life without power and status did not mean he had to forgo all luxuries. If he could not buy it, he would damn well make it. He deserved a throne, vampiric royalty or not.

He looked up when he heard Tar'eons familiar footsteps, eyes softening as the tiefling entered the ballroom, closing the distance. There was a small smile on his lips, and Astarion chuckled.

"Enjoying yourself?"

"Just reminiscing on all that could have been." He mused, running his fingers over the polished wood of the chair, the velvet cushioning. "It's a pity I don't have a throne of my own, I think I'd look just divine with one, don't you think?" He crossed one leg over the other and smirked.

Tar'eons gaze was achingly fond as he knelt down on one knee, taking his hand in his. Astarion watched as he pressed a gentle kiss to the top of his hand like some kind of knight in shining armour, then moved to his knuckles, before turning his palm upwards and kissing his inner wrist.

"You would. I think I'll make you one, once this is all over." He looked up at the elf, and Astarion knew he would. There was an unbelievable amount of devotion inside Tar'eon, a near terrifying amount. Astarion was glad he managed to wake up from near death with a moral compass, or he was sure the man would level cities on his request alone. He certainly wouldn't be where he was now if he had woken up as his former self.

"Get up." Astarion took his hands in his and guided the man to stand, the tiefling blinking, unspoken questions in his eyes. "You don't have to kneel before me, as nice as you look there, darling. I don't crave that kind of power, especially not over you. I prefer when you stand beside me." Tar'eons eyes widened before his expression softened, leaning down to kiss his brow.

"Then I will stand by you. Always." He promised, nuzzling white curls and inhaling deeply before he pulled back. "Are you ready?"

"You know what? I think I am. I'm completely, utterly done with this place." Astarion stood and placed the final firework upon Cazador's throne. "Let's watch it burn."

Tar'eon followed him to the entrance, looking back at the palace. The gaudy art, the antique furniture, the dreary atmosphere...

He turned to Astarion and gestured for him to go ahead. This was for him. He deserved to be the one to set it all alight. The elf smiled at him and stepped forward, fire curling around his fingers before he gave a shout.

"IGNIS!" It struck, and in succession, explosions followed, the fire burning through gunpowder. Tar'eon wrapped himself around the vampire and transported them away to the Lower City wall, looking up as the explosions continued to sound in the distance. Astarion's eyes shone as he watched windows shatter, smoke billowing out of the palace before them.

He laughed.

"There goes your legacy, bastard! Weep in the Hells!" He flipped his middle finger at the building, watching with bright eyes as parts began to crumble, falling into itself, brick and wood scorching beneath the raging fire that only grew in ferocity.

"I'm realising now that we probably should have made sure the fire wouldn't spread..." Tar'eon winced. He hadn't thought the far ahead. The palace was decently isolated he supposed...

He heard a familiar thudding and mechanical squeaking, whipping his head around to look at the Steel Watchers approaching from the distance, drawn to the property damage. He had no doubt Flaming Fist would follow soon after. He cursed and took Astarion's hand in his, pulling him away from sigil and the burning building. The Fists would take care of the fire, should it try to rage out of control.

"Fuck you, Cazador!" Astarion cackled, not hesitating to follow. He was filled with glee, cheeks ruddy and lips split in a wide, fanged grin, watching it disappear for good behind them. Cazador would be forgotten by the history books, his palace nothing but ash, his influence on Baldur's Gate fading to nothing, and Astarion loved it.

He would never be able to remove the scars the man left on him, but burning down the home, the prison, he was trapped in for two centuries was a beginning at healing some of the damage he'd done to him.

The sun broke over the horizon and Astarion relished in it's warm light, cutting through the early morning's cold bite. He threaded his fingers through Tar'eons as they ran. He didn't know how many days he had left in the sun, but...he knew he'd have more than Cazador ever would. He'd have more than Cazador ever did, even in the shadows.

He gave up the power, but in exchanged, he gained something far greater. He would have friends, love, a real family. A home, even if not physical. That was more that that bastard could have ever made for himself.

In the end, he won.

****

"Woah, where were you two?" Karlach blinked at the pair with a strip of meat half hanging out of her mouth, the two stumbling into the room as Astarion fell into Tar'eons chest in a fit of breathless giggles. After sleeping in a graveyard, breaking into a firework shop, setting Cazador's palace on fire, and running from Steel Watchers, it only made sense he'd need a moment to collect himself.

"Did you go for a pint without me?" Karlach whined a little, Shadowheart walking over in her pyjamas with a smirk, stealing a slice of toast from her lovers plate.

"They aren't drunk." She noted with ease and Astarion barked another laugh.

"No, no we are not." He grinned and slipped out of Tar'eons arms with a squeeze to his bicep. "I'm stealing the first bath. Go eat, darling, you must be starved." His eyes twinkled, winking at his lover and sauntering off. Karlach looked between the pair, brows jumping up in question to Tar'eon. The tiefling looked away, avoiding the silent query, but that was answer enough.

"You dog!" She laughed, slapping her thigh as Gale came over with two plates.

"Stop stealing Karlach's breakfast, I have yours right here." He tutted at Shadowheart who rolled her eyes and took the plate anyway, giving the barbarian half of her ham. Karlach smiled like a sap, pulling the cleric half into her lap so she could cuddle her while eating.

"Thank you, Gale." Tar'eon smiled as he took his own plate. He was pretty hungry.

"Why are you covered in dirt? Or is that ash?" Gale frowned.

"Uh, well..."

"Did you blow up Szaar's palace?" Wyll asked in shock, a thumb pointing back towards the window he'd just been looking out of. It was hard to miss the giant smoke cloud coming from that direction. "I can see it from here! Did you plan a two man heist while we slept?"

"Uh, no, that was kind of a last minute thing..." Tar'eon pursed his lips. "But yeah. That was us."

"Well...I can respect property damage." Shadowheart smirked. "Is that why he's so smiley today?"

"The adrenaline rush of crime can be quite addicting." Gale seemed to be on the same page as Shadowheart. "Let's hope he sticks to the petty sort of crimes, at least. Vandalism is preferable to arson."

"I think we're okay for now-" Tar'eon was cut of by Astarion called his name from the bathroom.

"Get in here and wash my back; seeing as it's entirely your fault I have dirt everywhere." Tar'eons tail perked up, wagging a little at the invitation. Karlach snorted and the Bhaalspawn flushed at being caught out by his blasted tail.

"Better get in there, solider. Sounds to me like you two made a right mess out there." She smirked and Tar'eon looked away, unable to hold her gaze as he stood and passed his plate off to Wyll who looked like he was trying so hard not to laugh at their leader. He knew himself to be reckless in his youth when it came to fits of passion, but in the dirt? It was quite amusing to see the usually stoic Tar'eon stumble over himself to get to his demanding lover.

"Try not to get water where it shouldn't be, you two." Shadowheart teased.

"Don't worry, darling, I'll leave some cold water for you, since you don't know when to stop playing with fire." Astarion sing-songed and Wyll stifled a choked laugh against his palm. Karlach grinned wolfishly and squeezed her girlfriend tight, the cleric offering Astarion her middle finger. Astarion blew a kiss her way, dragging Tar'eon into the bathroom by his collar.

"...What's the bets?" Gale quirked a brow, his voice knowing and expectant.

"Oh they definitely fucked." Karlach grinned.

"Boring, we already know that. What are the bets?"

"Ten gold on Tar'eon topping." Shadowheart shoved a slice of bread in her mouth.

"Fifteen on Astarion. I have to vouch for my best mate." Karlach shrugged.

"Setting?"

"Beach?" Karlach frowned thoughtfully.

"He said dirt, not sand." Gale shook his head. "I'm guessing the park."

"The park?" Wyll looked at them in bewilderment. "Let's give them some privacy, Gods."

"You don't have any thoughts? Any bets?"

"I'm not making bets on my companions intimate relations, Gale." Wyll rolled his eye and shook his head. "None of you are. Let it be."

Karlach pouted and Shadowheart looked bored, Gale giving a guilty smile and flush.

"Ah...Perhaps that's a little invasive. We'll let it be."

"Good." Wyll turned when he heard footsteps behind them. "Ah, Lae'zel, good morning."

"Fifteen on Tar'eon."

"Lae'zel."

"I suspect Astarion is the leader though." She smirked.

"Lae-bae, you are a genius."

"Call me that again, Karlach, and I will spill your viscera on the floor."

"Noted." Karlach grinned. Wyll sighed. So much for privacy. He supposed this was just how friends were. Some old fashioned teasing could never go amiss.

****

"You could have just asked me to join you." Tar'eon scrubbed at the dirt and blood that clung to Astarion's hair, massaging his scalp as the vampire rested back against his chest.

"Mm, perhaps." He hummed. "Gods, your hands feel nice."

Tar'eon huffed out a soft sound of amusement. He didn't need to be so thorough, but he enjoyed how relaxed Astarion was in his arms. Once he was certain he'd gotten all the muck out of his hair, he eased a cup of water over his curls, using his hand to keep the soap out of his eyes. He repeated the action a couple times before he was satisfied, smoothing the soaked strands from his face and kissing his widows peak.

"Better?"

"Much." Astarion smiled softly and opened his eyes to look up at the tiefling. "I must say, I much prefer your magical hand to Gale's."

Tar'eon snorted softly.

"I'd hope so." He twisted a curl around his finger and let it lay upon his brow in a ringlet. "How are you feeling? Now that's all...over."

Astarion sighed, looking up at the ceiling with a small frown.

"I'm not quite sure. It feels a little ridiculous, to still be thinking about Cazador. He's gone, and I'm here - I won." He shook his head and closed his eyes. "Yet I'm still left reliving it all. Everything that happened. Playing it over and over in my mind..." Tar'eons hand threaded through his hair once more, and he was grateful for the gentle touch. The reassurance.

"Do you think we did the right thing, freeing all those spawns?" Tar'eon asked. Astarion hadn't been wrong. It was a big risk. For all they knew, most of them would fall to their instincts, their hunger, and kill innocents. At the time, all Tar'eon had seen was those hallowed faces, seen Chessa's sad eyes, begging to go home even as she told him to leave them to rot. He knew giving them the chance to live their own lives was the right thing to do morally, but ethically? If they were wrong about them?

He supposed he'd simply have to carry that burden and keep a close eye on them, once this tadpole business was over.

"I have to hope so. And if not, at least there's only so much damage they can do in the Underdark." Astarion shrugged before smirking to himself. "But that first rush of freedom can be intoxicating - I didn't always make the best decisions when I first tasted it. They'll need guidance." He conceded.

"Are you volunteering for the job?" Tar'eon chuckled. He wouldn't mind spending some time in the Underdark, if that's what Astarion wanted to do. He would gladly enjoy the pretty luminescent environment, despite it's dangers, while Astarion guided the spawn on the right path. Astarion gave an infectious chuckle, obviously amused by the very notion of being a guide to seven thousand socially inept vampire spawns.

"No, much as I'd like to become a lord ruling over the Underdark's vampire spawn, we have unfinished business with the mind flayers."

"And after we wrap that up?"

"After that - who knows? Everything that happened to those spawn is my fault, in a way..." He admitted with a sadder smile this time. "I suppose that's the less convenient side of freedom - having to live with the choices you made." He pursed his lips before hesitating to continue.

"Back at the ritual, all I could see was the power on offer, and the safety it promised. I was so blinded by it..." He gave a small chuckle at the irony of it all. "Just as Cazador was." He sat up properly, turning around in the soapy water to look at Tar'eon.

"But you saw something in me...someone else I could be. Someone who could break the cycle of power and terror that started," He scoffed out a laugh, unable to fathom how long ago it was. "Centuries ago. You saved me back there. I may not have appreciated it at the time, but...I do now." He took Tar'eons hands in his and smiled softly, admiring the faint scars on his knuckles, the patches of white discolouration upon his hands.

"Thank you."

"You saved yourself. All I did was give you a push in the right direction." Tar'eon smiled softly and squeezed his hands. "The ritual - it would have changed you. I'm glad you resisted its temptations."

"So am I." Astarion was honestly a little surprised that he meant it. "Fun as all that power would have been, this feels more...'me'. When I look at my future, anything and everything feels possible now." Even the idea of walking in the sun again once the tadpole was gone felt possible. There was so much to explore now, both inside and around himself.

"And I get to share it with you, as a partner. An...equal." He'd never thought he'd have that. Being on equal ground with another person. Not above or below, but...standing right beside someone. It felt good. "You saved me from myself, and let me walk a new path where I can be free. Truly, honestly free."

The rituals powers would have made him safe, made him powerful, but it would not have freed him. Not like he wanted. He would have trapped himself. It would have been no better than selling his soul to the devil.

"This is a gift, you know." He leaned forward and rested his forehead against his, closing his eyes. Tar'eons arms came around him without having to ask and it made him smile. "Thank you. I won't forget it."

"Being able to share my life with you is just as grand a gift. Thank you." Tar'eon nuzzled his pointed ear and smiled fondly as he guided the man to rest upon his chest, raking his claws through pretty white-silver strands. There was nothing that could make him happier than knowing Astarion was happy too. That they'd have each other to watch their backs. Astarion didn't need some ritual to keep him safe; Tar'eon would gladly protect him with his life.

After a few minutes of basking in the warm water, Tar'eon spoke up softly.

"Astar?"

"Yes, love?"

"I...I just want you to know I promise to keep you safe. Always. You'll never want for the powers of the Ascendant." Astarion made a vague sound, pulling a face as he waved his hand.

"It would be nice not to have to rely on you as my great protector, but, well...I do appreciate the thought."

"I'm not trying to make you out to be a damsel, I promise." Tar'eon chuckled. "I know if it came down to it, you'd have my back in a fight. I know you'd protect me too, with everything you already have. I just...wanted you to know that I'll do everything I can to make you happy. Make you feel safe."

"All I've ever wanted was to be seen, and to not be alone - scared...Tar'eon, you've given me all I've ever wished for, and promised me even more. I don't think there's much else I can ask of you." Astarion tilted his chin up and Tar'eon took the invitation, kissing his lips softly. His bottom lip still stung a little from their 'night of passion'. He didn't mind it though. "You make me happy. I don't want anything else."

He paused.

"Except perhaps a really nice throne, and a couple more daggers for my collection. Maybe a new bow too." Tar'eon snorted and Astarion's lips split into a wide grin, watching the tiefling fall into his shoulder and shake with muffled laughter. "What? I never said I wasn't high maintenance, darling."

Tar'eon let out another laugh, warm and pleasant to the ear.

"No. You didn't, did you? I suppose that's my burden to bare, to keep your pretty face around."

"It is quite nice, isn't it?" Astarion's eyes twinkled. He'd seen his face through Tar'eons eyes more than once now, and he had to say, he may not look as young and handsome as he assumed, but...he did feel beautiful, when he saw himself in Tar'eons perspective.

"The nicest." Tar'eon agreed, cupping Astarion's face with pure adoration on his expression. He pressed a firm kiss to the space between his brows, Astarion relaxing the natural furrow of them when he realised how much tension he was putting there. "The water will get cold soon. I'm still pretty tired, and hungry. I think I might take a nap before I drag myself back out into the city again."

"Ah, and what will you do today?"

"Jaheria wants to find this guildhall to get a lead on an old friend. We might take a peak into the sewers. But there's still all those murders happening in the Lower City..."

"That sounds awful. Do I have to come?"

"You can stay back here today, if you want." Tar'eon offered and Astarion hummed thoughtfully.

"Well...I can't let you get yourself killed while I'm not around, not now. I suppose I'll come." He sighed like it was such a hardship to follow him around. Tar'eon smiled.

"Thank you."

"Oh hush. You, myself, Jaheria and...Lae'zel perhaps, should go investigate the guild. As for the others, I think we should get them scouting the city, collecting information on the murders. We can report back our findings later this evening. Two birds with one stone, so to speak."

"Sounds like a solid plan." Tar'eon smiled. He supposed he didn't have to do everything himself. "We'll cover more ground that way."

"Don't we just make the most excellent pair, my dear?" Astarion smirked as pulled himself up and out of the tub, walking over to the towel rack and drying his hair off. He tied the towel around his waist and ran his fingers through his hair, attempting to style it back into place. Tar'eon watched him from the tub, resting his cheek on his forearm.

"...Was I the first person you ever fed from?" He didn't know why it only struck him now, but it did. Maybe because his gaze kept falling upon the ring of teeth marks on the rouge's neck.

"Ah, well...yes. My diet wasn't exactly humanoid, darling, you know that. Cazador didn't allow it."

"Were you ever tempted though? To bite someone?" The vampire scoffed.

"Of course. I always wanted to, after all it's simply a vampire's nature, to want to feed off living things." Astarion frowned at his sudden curiosity, tilting his head at the other. "Why do you ask?"

"I...I keep having memories come back to me. Most of them don't make sense, not right now, but...I know I killed my family. My foster family, from before. I wonder if they were my first. I wonder if I...felt bad about it, back then. Or if I was so blinded by Bhaal's 'love' that I couldn't feel anything." Astarion took in the tieflings sad expression, his distant, glossy eyes. He sighed softly and came to kneel before the man, tilting his chin up gently so he would look at him. Focus on him, rather than the horrible, scrambled memories making him look like a kicked dog in the rain.

"You know...I tried once before. To bite someone. It was in the early days with Cazador. I couldn't have been with him more than a decade; he didn't let me out of his sight until he was sure I knew the rules. Until he knew I could lure back meals to him without going mad with bloodlust." He gave a weak laugh, shaking his head. "He was, dare I say it, kinder when it was just me. Before he made the others. He was still cruel, but he almost bothered to pretend I was just a clueless child, rather than being his disappointing eldest who should have known better. Not sure what that says about him, grooming his 'child' to be a lure for deviants." He sneered before reminding himself of the point of his story.

"But...eventually, he let me out of the palace to hunt for him. It was...startling, but exhilarating, being out in the world again. Seeing what changed and what hadn't. Back then, I still remembered some of my life before him. The turning...it can sometimes blur stuff, but you can still remember the important things. Maybe it's the shock of death that does it. But, the longer you live, the harder it is to remember it all. I don't remember anything but the barest bones of my past now. My old job title, my mother, the group of Gur who attacked me - I remember them, but I can't see their faces anymore, I can't hear their voices...I can't even remember the case that damned me to their wrath." He looked away, a touch...ashamed of who he once was.

"I can't remember my own mothers smile, or if my father was there at all. Yet I do remember that purple and blue were my favourite colours. I'm still fond of them, even if I look best in red and white." He chuckled, looking down at his hands, picking under his nails before he raised his gaze to meet Tar'eons.

"I don't remember the man I tried to bite either. But I remember how...horrified I was. Because when I leaned in to do it, to taste him...I smelt every other person he knew on him. His life. I could smell the perfume of his wife on his collar. I could smell the fur of his dog on his clothes. The oil that clung to his skin from his job where he was likely the best of the bunch...I could smell spittle of his newborn on his skin. Infants - they have a certain scent that's different to adults, to other children - and I couldn't do it. Not because of Cazador. But because I couldn't bring myself to." He shook his head and sighed. That man was probably long gone now. He was pretty sure he'd lured a different one that night, some drunkard in an alley, most likely.

"If you asked me now, I'd care very little for who I sank my teeth into, as long as they smelt appealing. A meal is a meal, but...It was still fresh back then. I was still...human, in a way. A scared child who didn't want to hurt anyone. Not quite the jaded man I am now." He admitted, smiling tightly. "The night I bit you - it was fuelled by many things. Spite, frustration...and desire to get back at Cazador for telling me I couldn't drink from thinking creatures. From restraining me and my vampiric nature." He gestured vaguely to the grandness of his undead status. It didn't feel so grand anymore. He was a vampire still, but...Tar'eon had managed to bring the man back to the surface. The one that actually cared for others. Who had the ability to love again, not just his friends, but himself. It would be a slow progress, but one day, he wanted to say confidently that he loved himself as much as he loved Tar'eon.

"What do you feel now? When you bite me?" Tar'eon asked softly and Astarion struggled to find the right words.

"I...You taste like wine, and warmth, and...spices I can't remember indulging in but know I have. It's not easy to describe. I suppose you taste of all the things I have a fondness for. The taste alone is delicious, I assure you, but...it's knowing you trust me that makes me so fang-happy around you. That, and you have a very...potent smell to you when you start sweating. Your heart is like a drum when you're excited, and...it's hard to ignore when your pulse only gets louder every time I'm near you."

Tar'eons cheeks grew ruddy, sinking a little deeper in the water.

"Oh. Sorry. I...didn't realise it was that obvious."

"Don't be. I think it's sweet. I have excellent self control...most of the time. So you don't have to worry. I like you far too much to drain you dry, my love."

"I'd hope so. I love you too much to let the Urge have you, so I guess I understand." Tar'eon smiled shyly and reached out to caress the rogue's cheek with his knuckles. "I suppose having your own blood bank always around eases the desire to nibble on others anyway."

"Oh, I still consider it. Shadowheart smells like bloody honeysuckle, who wouldn't want to take a bite of that?" Astarion purred, a twinkle in his eye. "And Wyll? He definitely tastes like righteousness itself."

"You are incorrigible."

"Did you learn that word from Gale, perhaps?" Tar'eon shoved him gently and Astarion laughed, standing. "Come on. Enough overthinking about the past. You're here now, aren't you? You've changed, and for the better from what I've heard. We both have. So don't go tying yourself in knots over things you can't change."

"It's hard not to. I might not remember, but I still did those things. I still...hurt people. A lot of people."

"You may have killed thousands in the past for all I know, but if I've learnt anything from you, it's that all you need is for someone to believe in you, and you can change. You can...be better. You have the chance now, same as I, to make things right. So quit moping and get your head in the game, love. We have a Bhaal cult to stop and an elder brain to kill, and we can't do either without you."

Tar'eon huffed softly and smiled. Astarion always knew what to say when he got wrapped up in his own head. He stood up and finally stepped out of the tube, wrapping Astarion up in his arms so he could squeeze him.

"Thank you."

"Yes, yes, I'm just amazing. Please try to avoid crushing my perfect body though." Tar'eon eased his hold on him and pulled back with a small smile. "It's my best asset."

"I'd disagree." Tar'eon kissed his forehead. "It's your hair." Astarion gave a surprised little giggle at the cheeky response and smacked his chest.

"I told you. I have the best hair in the camp."

"You really do." Tar'eon indulged the vampires ego for his own amusement before kissing his curls and pulling away to grab his own towel, wrapping it around himself. "About your armour - I know we lost it yesterday. I can ask Wyll or Gale if they have something extra in their packs?"

"It's fine, really. I'm sure we'll come across something soon anyway. I'll just wear something with a little extra padding today. Some coverage if we're going into the sewer of all places."

"As long as you're sure."

"I am. Your cloak does wonders anyway at keeping me hidden. If they can't see me, they can't attack me."

"Alright, alright. If we happen upon anything to your taste, just let me know."

"Oh, you know I will." Astarion winked and gave a delighted laugh. Once the pair were dressed, they joined everyone else for breakfast, the druids, Isobel and Aylin finally awake, as well as young Yenna who was attempting to feed Grub some ham.

"I heard you have taken succor in one another's bodies. Congratulations!" Aylin raised her glass to the pair and Tar'eon coughed, choking on his own spit. He hadn't been expecting such a greeting.

"Aylin!" Isobel flushed in embarrassment. Her lover really didn't understand the privacy needed for the topic when it came to speaking about it.

"This is a good thing, is it not?" Aylin frowned. "Physical intimacy is a holy form of expression of one's trust and devotion in another. It is an honour to indulge in another body, especially someone the one you love. We should be celebrating!"

"I don't think I've ever been congratulated for fucking before." Astarion mused. "I agree with you, Dame Aylin, as long as there's good wine in this celebration you're suggesting." He winked at her and laughed when Tar'eon grabbed his arm and dragged him down to sit with him on the cushions surrounding the table. The tieflings ruddy blush was simply delicious. Gale was kind enough to provide Tar'eon with a new plate, freshly heated, without any embarrassing comments.

"Holy honkers, what is on your neck, As?" Karlach gawked at the bite mark, drawing attention to it now. It had been fairly easy to miss when he stumbled in, face stained a faint red from blood anyway.

"Oh? I'm afraid I don't know what you mean, sweet Karlach. Mirrors are of no use to me." He replied coolly and Karlach gaped.

"Tar'eon."

"Please don't say my name like that."

"Soldier, I am shocked." Karlach was an awful liar. She was practically grinning ear to ear at the chance to tease the pair. "I can't believe you'd give As a taste of his own medicine."

"I can." Jaheria muttered as she took a sip of her tea. "Between a vampire and Bhaalspawn, it's safe to say there will be an abundance of teeth to go around."

"What can I say? I'm just that delicious." Astarion gave a haughty laugh and Tar'eon rolled his eyes fondly.

"We thought we'd split up into two groups today." He stated in hopes of changing the topic, popping a mushroom in his mouth. "Jaheria, Astarion, Lae'zel and myself will be heading into the sewers to find some connections in the Guildhall. I was hoping a few of you would volunteer to go out and scout the area for more on the Bhaal cultists and their list."

"Yeah, sure, 'Heart and I will go, right, babe?" Karlach offered and Shadowheart smiled.

"I suppose. If you stay inside too long you'll start eating the floorboards."

"Better than dirt." Astarion smirked. "Any other volunteers?"

"Ah, well, I had planned to pop into the Sorcerous Sundries today..." Gale excused, not sounding entirely truthful as he looked away to pick lint of his pyjamas. "Take a wander, if you will. Speak to an old friend or two."

Wyll glanced at the wizard and then to Tar'eon, giving an apologetic smile.

"I actually need to grab some things in town as well, so I think I'll go with Gale today. Perhaps you'd like to volunteer Halsin? Isobel?"

"I'd be happy to lend a hand, if you ladies need it." Isobel smiled at Karlach and Shadowheart. "It's only a simple scouting mission anyway." He noted, mostly for Aylin's sake.

"I'm afraid I have...duties to attend to." Halsin excused, standing from the table. "I should be off now, if I'm to be honest." Lae'zel who had been sharpening her short sword beside him glared at the druid from the corner of her eye.

"Oh, well, uh - enjoy whatever it is you're doing today?" Tar'eon smiled awkwardly as he watched the druid leave. He had seemed awkward about the city in general. He was probably feeling homesick, away from all the nature and wilderness.

"Alright then, we've got Gale and Wyll on shopping duty I suppose, if you two don't mind grabbing some extra things for all of us. Jaheria, Lae'zel, Astar and myself will go and find more about this Minsc fellow, and Shadowheart, Karlach and Isobel will scout the city for any more survivors on the murder list. Meeting adjourned?" With that sorted, others began to move from the table towards their own bunks to get ready for the day while Tar'eon ate.

"What about me?" Yenna asked and Gale laughed.

"I think it's best you stay here today. Least our wandering come upon any danger. Aylin makes fine company, don't you think?" He gestured to the only one who would not be leaving the Elfsong from his knowledge.

"I can teach you how to break the spine of men in two." Aylin said with fiery eyes and Yenna frowned.

"Um...okay?"

"Excellent. You'll make a fine warrior, little one."

"Please don't teach her violence, Aylin. Uh, keep it to a minimum?" Gale begged, placing a hand on Yenna's head.

"Hmm...I can teach her to use a blade instead?"

"I...I'll take it. Make it a wooden one, please, I really don't think children should be playing with swords."

"Gale, relax, Yenna's in safe hands with Dame Aylin, I promise." Wyll placed a hand on the wizard's shoulder and squeezed to help ease the tension out of him, smiling fondly at Gale's worry. "I'm certain you got up to far worse mischief as a child."

"Yes, but that was me, wizard prodigy and with a father proficient in healing magic. Yenna is not me, and I am not proficient in healing magic. If I was, I wouldn't be carrying around a dozen healing potions all the time." Gale narrowed his eyes at the swordsman who simply shook his head, looking the wizard in those flickering dark eyes.

"Relax." Wyll lowered his voice. "You've been tense ever since Elminster visited. I know you're anxious about...seeing her again."

"It's been years since I've had a proper audience with her. And she wants to tell me- to tell me what exactly? That she's disappointed I'm not dead? I don't know what she wants, but there's no comfort in the idea of seeing her, I tell you that."

"What do you think she's going to say, Gale?" Wyll gently took his brass hand in his beneath the table.

"Well, I doubt it's an apology for asking me to die on her behalf." Gale scowled. "Whatever it is, if it's important enough to send Elminster, we can be damned sure she's serious." He sighed. "This is a conversation long overdue - on both sides. I...owe it to her to hear her out, come what may afterwards."

"Then perhaps it's time to see her. Even if you're scared." Wyll knew what it was like, to both want to see and avoid someone all at once. He wanted nothing more than to speak with his father again, but he was rightfully scared to think about how it might go after the last time.

"I'm not scared; I'm the great Gale of Waterdeep. I fear nothing, and everything fears me." Gale huffed and Wyll smiled.

"Nothing? Not even spiders?" He teased.

"That was one time. They're creepy, alright? Do you know how horrifying it is to walk into a cobweb? The feeling of their silk never leaves your skin." He shuddered.

"All I'm saying is that it's okay to be nervous. You won't be alone, Gale."

"Yes, well...you can't exactly come in to the audience with me. It's kind of a...one on one thing."

"Then I'll be there when it's over. Whatever may come." He assured and pressed a gentle kiss to his cheek. "Go, get dressed. I'll wash up."

"I could just do it with magic, you know..."

"A little hands on labour never hurt." Wyll chuckled, shooing the wizard off. He knew the man appreciated it when he did small things like washing up dishes. He may love showing off his magical prowess, but it was the times when Wyll didn't ask for it that he got that soft look in his eyes, like he was being presented with a sweet gift.

"I'll help dry!" Yenna piped up and Wyll grinned at her.

"Alright then. Teamwork is a valiant quality, I say." He offered out his fist and she bumped her own small one against his after a moment, a shy smile on her lips that drew a warm chuckle from his own.

Tar'eon polished off his plate as his armour was dropped over his head. He pulled it down with a huff and attempted to pull his chest plate off, but he'd managed to hook it around his horn. He growled quietly in frustration and Astarion laughed, helping him untangle himself and giving him a quick kiss.

"Lae'zel is itching to go out, I can tell. Your nap will have to wait, I'm afraid." Tar'eon groaned. He could manage, but he didn't like it. "Oh, I know, you poor thing. Look, ask Jaheria nicely, and I'm sure she'll fix that bloodloss of yours, meanwhile, I'll grab you some coffee from downstairs, hm? How does that sound, love?"

"I love you."

"I'll take that as a yes." Astarion chuckled and offering out a white piece of lace to his lover. "For your hair. To keep it out of your face." Tar'eon took the lace and smiled as Astarion kissed his cheek before making his way out of the room to get Tar'eon the coffee he desperately needed. Tar'eon tied the top half of his hair back like he always did and stood, getting into his armour.

Another day of adventures awaited him after all. Who knew what it would bring?

[ferrous-ironclaw]

Thank you Larian Studios for providing the most tense experience of my recent gaming career.

It only took two attempts, the first one crashed and burned about eight hours in due to a softlock due to a bugged dialogue, and almost put me off trying again. But the second attempt flew past at breakneck pace.

My squad was Gale (Divination Wizard, for guaranteeing those critical CC spells), Karlach (Tavern Brawler Open Hand Monk, for quite possibly the highest DPR in the game), Shadowheart (Light Cleric Spell-Tank abusing Radiating Orb) and Anja, my PC (Halfling Lore Bard who talked their way out of every sticky situation Karlach couldn't punch).

Potential BG3 & Honour mode spoilers below:

Honorable mentions to Astarion, the incredible flying Owlbear (who helped me beat Grym by leaping from the top rope and doing an incredible 200 damage) and Jaheira, who helped me buff to avoid certain one-shot thresholds in the later game.

Honestly, I think I spent too much time prepping for this challenge. All the way back in Act 1, I was making choices to ensure I had access to certain allies and options later on in Act 3 to avoid difficult checks (like recruiting Yurgir for the Raphael fight) only to end up... not really needing them. Act 1 had some of the toughest fights by far, and making sure I hit the right thresholds for XP was really important. I remember tiptoeing through the Goblin Camp, hunting for shreds of XP to hit the right level to face the Goblin Leadership, only to end up being caught out and having to brute force my way through several fights. Inquisitor W'worgaz required a whole setup to ensure I could kill him in 2 rounds, but after he fell and I sauntered into Act 2 with the Blood of Lathander and Adamantine Scalemail for Shadowheart, I was feeling pretty confident.

I talked the three Thorms to death, fireballed some plants and blundered the portal fight (Sorry Halsin!) before finally rocking up to Catacombs and taking on the Trials of Shar. I cheesed Balthazar by using Knock on his door (and treating myself to a cutscene where the only member in range of the trigger was my Quasit, who looked very bewildered by the whole encounter) and the rest was a breeze. Even Ketheric fell over to Karlach's punches, and the final phase of the Illithid colony turned out to be pretty easy when I realised I could tank 99% of the Avatar of Myrkul's damage and negate his healing just by having Karlach stand in range with her Necrotic resistance and 20 AC, and having Gale haste himself and cast Bone Chill every round. Sucks to be beat at your own game, huh Myrkul?

Act 3 swiftly turned into a collect-a-thon as I scooped up the last few powerful items I needed to make endgame builds. Lorroakan never got a chance to cast a spell thanks to two characters with counterspell, and with Markoheshkir and the Weave set, Gale became the ultimate hobo wizard capable of blowing up pretty much any threat. Level 11 brought Globe of Invulnerability and turned some of my biggest fears (House of Grief, Gortash & Raphael) into steamrolls where I didn't even take a single point of damage, and never saw a single hostile action. Viconia De'vir spent her entire lifespan being Black Hole'd into a Wall of Fire/Black Tentacles/Silence combo that rendered her impotent, new Legendary actions and all. Gortash got one round of throwables in before Karlach turned his face into a grey paste with the aid of six attacks per round, and Raphael? Oh brother. Using all the explosives I could find in Felogyr's basement, I collapsed all his pillars and then stomped him into the ground with Stunning Strike and Tasha's Hideous Laughter.

Orin came close to ruining my run through my own hubris - She managed to out-initiative my party by quite a lot and land smack bang on top of my Danse Macabre ghouls... blowing them all up and causing a huge chunk of friendly fire to Gale, who went down to bleed before his turn came up. Fortunately, some well placed potion throws and a haste bottle brought both Gale & Globe of Invulnerability up, and upcast Magic Missile did the rest.

The walk to the brain didn't bother me, even though I did forget about Voss' ambush if you don't free Orpheus, because by that point I was so stacked with items anything without the ability to deny CC would just turn into oh-so-much chunky pulp whenever I looked at them. When the time came to fight the Netherbrain, I hesitated... the pressure of losing my run to the Brain's turn timer was terrifying, and I didn't want to take that risk.

So that was when the contingency I'd been planning from Day 1 came in.

I'd been romancing Gale. Primarily to get to see his scenes and how he was as a romantic partner, but also because it lowered the DC to persuade him to detonate the orb to a 25, with advantage. I had no re-rolls left, but thanks to my Halfling race, a natural 1 was unlikely. With all my buffs & stats, I needed a 3+ to succeed, and when that total came up with a 33 I knew I never needed to worry.

And just like that, Gale of Waterdeep sacrificed himself, and the golden dice were mine.

Thank you, Larian Studios. And thank you Gale. You're the best.