#well. karlach might have her beat in the kindness thing

[artoutforblood]

Terzieff and her narrative foils

[whaledenwtf]

Hello! This might be a weird request but what about Gale, Halsin and Astarion with a s/o who's super cute and friendly and overall just a gigantic sweetheart who also happens to canonically be horrifyingly powerful. Like potentially even more destructive than Gale and the orb. Enemies who know their lore turn and run just at the mention of them and their name strikes fear into many hearts but then the camera pans over and it's this short sweetheart of a person. Literally this post basically

Thank you so so much, I really love your writing! Also Happy Holidays sweetie! ☺️

I love this idea!! I made it headcannons so it wasn't too long to read! REQUESTS ARE OPEN!! Please ask more, I love writing things for people <3

REQUEST HERE

Headcannons: Astarion, Gale and Halsin with a super cute friendly S/O who's horrifyingly powerful

Warnings: None, this is just indulgent FLUFF, Minor Spoilers for Act 1 and for Gale and Astarion's Lore

Astarion

You were always sweet with Astarion, and only made him feel comfortable and safe.

After he told you he was a vampire, you accepted him despite everyone else telling you not to!

When you told him you could beat Cazador, he didn't believe you at first because of your sweet nature.

The first time he realized you were a legend was when you guys raided the Goblin Camp to save Halsin.

You initially told everyone your name was Tav, so nobody really knew who you were.

Every Goblin met their end with a swing of your weapon, gutting them before they blinked.

It scared your companions, honestly.

When you got to Minthara, you told her your name was (Y/N), and she backed away from you.

Astarion was confused until Karlach, Wyll and Lae'zel spoke of your legendary moniker.

Wyll may be known as the "Blade of Frontiers" but you were known as "The Walking Death" and that was thrilling for Astarion.

Every monster, creature and being met their demise when face to face with you.

Astarion was a slave for 200 years, only knowing the bare minimum from Cazador. But knowing you were on his side, and under his thumb, that thrilled him!

Once you apologized about lying to your companions, they all welcomed you in their arms, especially Astarion.

As he slowly falls in love with you, he realizes that he likes knowing his significant other is not only powerful and showed no mercy, but showed him life through another lens.

You show him that love doesn't make someone weak, but stronger.

You're powerful, and having you by his side makes him feel unstoppable as well.

He is very grateful for you. You will pull him from Cazador's clutches and stay with him through it.

Despite your sweet nature, you kicked ass. You saved everyone you could, which annoyed Astarion. But he loved you despite it, and always will.

After all, why would he run away from the first good thing to happen to him?

Gale

He was also confused about who you were right away. As a scholar he spent most of his time in books, rather than the battlefield.

Honestly, his mind was distracted between the Netherese Orb in his chest and Mystra.

When you pulled him out of the portal, he was struck by your kindness.

Then he was struck by your beauty when you fought valiantly for your companions.

He was excited seeing someone so powerful near him, and honestly fell harder.

After telling you what Mystra did, you told him you'd kill her.

He laughed you off, until he saw what you could do.

Now he's worried he won't have a goddess to worship.

Your battle prowess is astounding, and he can't help but admire you as you shout commands to your companions.

You always were gentle with Gale, soft touches and sweet nothings between you two.

He always finds it difficult to associate you with your title.

"The Slayer of Man and Beast" he's heard Lae'zel and Shadowheart call you.

You always chuckle and tell them "soon you'll have to add gods to that"

Now he's even more worried about his goddess

Over time, he considers you his goddess. After all, you've protected and respected him much more than Mystra ever had.

When he tells you about the Netherese Orb, you shrug him off.

"Nothing will keep me from you, not even a bomb."

Wow

When you two are alone, he caresses your muscles and your hands. He's in love with the idea of his significant other being this battle-worn individual set to protect him

Throughout your adventure, you remind him that you would protect him with your life.

"All for little old me?"

"Nobody will stop me from protecting you. No monster or goddess."

Man you really hate Mystra for hurting Gale so bad.

You dream about smiting her and protecting Gale in your arms.

While adventuring, you always keep Gale by your side. Everyone teases you for it until you shoot them a warning glance.

You're so so good to him. You take hits for him, heal him in battle, and heal him in the privacy of his tent.

"You're too good to me." He muttered once, eyes closed.

"You've never been treated right. It's my personal duty to make sure you never doubt yourself ever again." You replied, kissing his eyelids.

He just fell harder.

Halsin

He actually knew who you were before you saved him.

When you said your name, he bowed his head in respect.

"An honour to put a face to the name" He said to you.

You told him you loved how big and safe he was.

"You're the one who would keep me safe, little one."

He wasn't wrong. You've saved him multiple times throughout your adventure.

You were very sweet with Halsin, always leaning against his arms and closing your eyes when you sit together in camp.

He found it amusing, seeing such a feared individual be so innocent and kind with him.

In his 350 years of existence, he's never been so captivated by someone like you.

When he tasked you with eradicating the Goblin Camp, he enjoyed seeing the fear in Minthara's eyes when you said your name.

Despite being a druid, he knew that with life also came death. He accepted your past.

He found the juxtaposition of your personality endearing.

One day, he was in wildshape lounging around as a bear. You laid on him and spoke about different topics regarding your life.

In that same day, he saw you obliterate 20 goblins on your own.

He never thought he'd be aroused by someone killing goblins, but you did that.

You also knew all the spots to scratch when he was a bear??

Yes that's the spot. Right behind his ears.

He liked seeing the way you treat your companions with such kindness.

You showed respect and compassion to those who you find deserve it. You helped people find safety, and feel safe.

It was beautiful, the way you showed such love to those who were close to you.

He always compared you to the ocean.

"Why the ocean?" You asked him once.

"You can be calm, bring peace. But you are also wild, strong in the most beautiful way." He replied.

He enjoyed the way you blushed.

One time, you asked him to wildshape and you rode him into battle. Nothing is scarier than seeing (Y/N) "The Tempest" riding onto a bear.

Even your companions were scared

Ever since then, you always did it. It was like couple bonding, somehow??

Gods, he loves his little tempest

Hope this is as enjoyable for you guys to read as it was for me to write!!

[mistiell]

Hello!! Since your requests are open and I absolutely love the way you write him (despite there only being one—), may I request some sort of angst to fluff for Astarion with a reader that accepts his advances but doesn’t seek him out because they know that he’s only doing so for protection/convenience?

Like; yes, the reader does care deeply for him. They could even say that they love him. But they don’t want him to do anything just because he feels as if he’ll be denied kindness and sustenance if he doesn’t. So they’re very reserved and keep to themselves, treating him very kindly when he propositions them, but doesn’t do anything more than what he asks.

Omg, thank you so much!! I worried I might have portrayed him in a way that was ooc but I'm glad to see people like the way I write him!! lol WC: 1.6k

---

Astarion has manipulated and romanced countless people over the centuries. He knows what he’s doing. The routine differs depending on the person, of course, but he has it down to a science.

You shouldn’t be any different.

Since the first time you let him feed on you, it’s become a sort of routine he regrettably relies on to stay satiated. It’s been nearly a month and a half of sneaking to and from your bedroll every few nights, and he’s begun to worry that you’ll tire of it – that you’ll get sick of the fatigue and the lingering ache in your shoulder that clings to you well into the morning after.

This particular morning, he sees it in your sluggish movements and absentmindedness. Karlach has to call your name thrice before you finally turn to her with a small, “Hm?”

“Gods, has the tadpole migrated and blocked your ears?” The tiefling chuckles, cuffing you on the shoulder on the same side Astarion had fed from the night before. With a pained grunt, you wince, brow scrunching in discomfort as you roll it out a little.

Karlach gasps, “Oh, I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to hurt you.”

“It’s alright.” You smile, but when Karlach leaves, it falls as you rub at the juncture between your neck and trap muscle. If he doesn’t find a way to keep you on the hook, there’s no chance you’ll let your late night meetings continue.

So, when the two of you are sitting by the fire after setting up camp for the night, he decides to offer up the only thing he can think of to keep you interested.

“Ugh, Gods. There is nothing to do around here.” He huffs, prodding for an opening.

You snort, taking a sip out of your water skin, “You can say that again.”

There it is.

“You know,” He leans just far enough into your space to make you fluster, smirking, “We could always make our own entertainment?”

Eyes darting away from him, your throat bobs, “What do you mean?”

He leans in a little more, making sure to glance at your lips as he purrs, “I think you know what I mean, darling.”

“I think—,” Your voice cracks up an octave and you clear your throat, embarrassed. It’s rather cute, “I think I do...?”

“You think so, hm? Tell me what I mean, then.” Your mouth opens and closes a few times, and he can hear your heart beating fast against your ribs. He chuckles coyly through his nose and leans forward to brush the tip of it along the apex of your cheekbone, lowering his voice to a seductive whisper, “Might it have something to do with,” His fingertips find the top of your hand where it rests on your knee, ghosting up under your sleeve and over your wrist as he breaths, “Touching, maybe?”

A shudder runs through you as you swallow hard, “May— Maybe...,” He’s not expecting it when you pull back and look at him apprehensively, “But... I mean, are you sure?”

The question takes him aback; throws him off balance. No one’s ever bothered to ask before. It makes him wonder if he’s off his game, if perhaps his act isn’t as convincing as it normally is.

He shakes it off, grinning at you coquettishly, “Of course, my dear. I wouldn’t have suggested it if I wasn’t.” It’s not the first white lie he’s told you, and it certainly won’t be the last.

You wet your lips, searching his expression for any sort of hesitance. He’s careful to make sure there’s none to find. When you’re satisfied, you smile shyly, “I’d like that” “That’s what I like to hear.” He hums, standing before offering his hands, “Shall we?”

You take them, and as he leads you somewhere more secluded, he counts it as a victory.

Weeks pass, and he’s sure to propose a little fun between feedings to keep in your good graces. One thing that he’s noticed is that you never really ask him to do anything more than what he’s suggested. He expected you to come to him every once in awhile after the first time he’d bedded you, maybe ask for a piece of him when you’re bored or in need of some stress relief, but... you haven’t.

He also expected you to have at least some demands, but aside from voicing your preferences in the heat of the moment, you haven’t asked him for a damn thing. For a moment, he wonders if he’s losing his touch, but he shakes the thought off as quick as it comes. The implications of it make his stomach churn.

If not his body, what else does he have to offer?

“Astarion?” You call as you approach him where he stands near his tent.

He startles, then clears his throat to play it off. “Yes, darling?”

You smile apologetically. “Oh, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you.”

“No worries, my dear.” He doesn’t understand why you’d apologize for something so small, or why it makes his undead heart twist uncomfortably in his chest, “Did you need something?”

“Come with me?” You ask, offering a hand, “I have something I’d like to show you.”

This is it. You’ve finally come to offer yourself up instead of it being the other way around.

“Ooh, I like the sound of that.” He hums, taking your hand and allowing you to lead him into the forest. A rather odd location to lay, but he’s definitely worked with stranger.

Weaving through trees, you lead him to a small clearing with a blanket spread out over the grass in the center. You only let go of his hand when you reach the edge of it, toeing off your boots before carefully plopping yourself down on top of it.

“So this is what you had in mind, hm?” He grins, following suit after you pat the spot next to you, “A romantic romp under the stars?”

“Oh! Uhm, no.” You titter, and he frowns.

“Then what did you have in mind, pet?” He asks, watching you twiddle your fingers.

“I-.” You huff, rubbing at your mouth and glancing away, “There’s supposed to be a meteor shower tonight, and I thought we could watch it together.” You let out a small, embarrassed laugh, “It’s stupid. You don’t have to stay, obviously, but... I thought it could be nice.”

What the fuck.

“You... brought me all the way out here, just to watch the stars?” He asks, sounding bewildered even to his own ears.

You look back at him nervously, nodding, “I did.”

What the fuck.

He should say something, but for the first time in a long while, he’s completely lost for words. His brows draw together in confusion, and when he speaks, his voice comes out wrong; too soft, too shaky. “Why?”

You stare at him, worrying your lip for a moment before starting carefully, “You don’t need to sleep with me to buy my kindness, you know. I enjoy our nights together, of course, but I’d like you just as much without them.”

Now he’s really at a loss. His stomach lurches with the anxiety and embarrassment of being seen without meaning to be. He feels vulnerable; exposed.

“Of course I know that.” He scoffs, attempts a smug grin. His voice shakes as he says it, “What’s not to like?”

You huff a small, singular puff of laughter, “Right.”

Something flashes above, drawing both your attentions. Stars shoot across the blackened sky, streaking it with white and blue and purple. You gasp, eyes so wide, he could watch the whole spectacle through the reflection dancing over them.

You lay back, using your forearm as a pillow as you watch the sky intently. He follows soon after, a strange silence falling over the two of you.

He tries to focus on the sight above him, but your words have a hold on his mind like a vice grip. It’s been so long since anyone has shown him kindness without some sort of transaction involved. So long that he can’t even recall it ever happening.

He stares hard up at the sky, mouth twisting down in apprehension. He swallows thickly before murmuring, “Would you really?”

He sees you turn your head to look at him out of his peripherals, brows drawn together in confusion, “Would I really what?”

Embarrassment flares and writhes in his gut; his nose wrinkles at the feeling. He feels utterly ridiculous as he replies, “Still like me if I didn’t...”

He can’t find a word that sounds right. You understand anyway.

Some strange, melancholic sort of horror flashes over your face before you will it away, nodding resolutely.

“Absolutely.” You flip your hand so it lies palm up on the blanket. An invitation, not a demand, “You mean more to me than sex, Astarion. I don’t care what we do or don’t do, as long as I get to be with you. Whatever that entails.”

A lump forms in his throat and his eyes burn. He knows if he looks at you, he’s not going to be able to keep the tears at bay. He looks at your hand instead, staring for a moment before slotting his fingers between yours. Squeezing, he hopes you’ll take it as what it is, “Thank you. I don’t think I deserve this. I don’t know how to navigate this. I think I want to try.”

You squeeze back. He takes it as, “I’ll wait for you.”

[aethes-bookshelf]

we promised we'd save you || astarion/tav/halsin

This chapter took me way longer than I expected it to. I had to finish my biggest commission to date a few weeks after posting part one. It seems it took a lot out of me ^^"

But! I promised comfort, I deliver comfort. I hope you enjoy!

Pairing: Astarion/Tav/Halsin

Warnings: implied/referenced past character death, hurt/comfort (mostly comfort)

Wordcount: 1.3k

Summary: The first thing Tav felt was pain.

ao3 link || part 1

When they came back, Halsin carrying Tav’s dead body, stunned silence washed over the camp. The entire time the party knew Tav, they seemed indestructible. Larger than life, powerful and confident. But now, with their limbs limply swaying with Halsin’s movements, they looked like a little doll; fragile and lifeless..

Their skin was much, much paler than usual, dirty with dried blood and grime. They weren’t wearing their armor; it might have been lost or destroyed at the bhaalist temple. Without their shoulder guards they seemed so much smaller, dwarfed by Halsin’s broad shoulders.

‘What happened?’ said Wyll, eyes wide.

‘Orin happened,’ said Karlach. She had a look of grim determination on her face. ‘Where’s the skeleton?’

* * *

The first thing Tav felt was pain. Every single muscle in their body ached with that deep, crushing kind of pain that made even the slightest movement hell. Their head wasn’t doing any better. Their pulse pounded in their skull, each beat of their heart bringing an uncomfortable sensation in their temples. They were parched, their throat so dry and tight they were sure it would start bleeding at any moment.

They were hurting all over. But if they were hurting, that meant they were alive.

That realization slammed them right back into themself. The last thing Tav remembered before everything went black was being thrown onto the sacrificial altar in the middle of the bhaalist temple.

Tav opened their eyes. Above them was the fabric of their tent — they were back at camp. They were back at camp! Relief flooded their system. Their friends must have come for them before it was too late.

Granted, they couldn’t really move much because of the pain, but it probably wasn’t anything a bit of healing magic couldn’t fix. And a little pain was to be expected after whatever the hell Orin did to them. They would manage with a few more healing potions and Shadowheart’s help.

Tav groaned at the ache as they tried to adjust their legs under the covers. A puff of white hair suddenly came into their vision. It disappeared almost immediately when someone crashed into their chest with a relieved sob. Tav made a short, pained sound.

‘Shit,’ Astarion hissed and reluctantly moved away. He settled for holding Tav’s hand instead. ‘You made me forget myself there, my sweet.’

‘Oh, I’m sure you must’ve been so worried,’ Tav said, their voice teasing and hoarse. They squeezed Astarion’s hand just a little bit tighter; he squeezed back. ‘Still, there’s no need to break my ribs over it, is there?’

Astarion was strangely silent for a beat too long. Tav tried to rise to get a better look at his face but decided against it after the pain pushed them back into their bedroll. ‘What, no witty banter? Are you okay, love?’

That made Astarion snort, unamused. ‘It’d be quite hard for me to be okay after you went and quite literally died on me.’

It was Tav’s turn to go silent. ‘...What do you mean “died”?’ They said after a few moments.

‘I mean “died”.’ He sounded annoyed. Still, his voice shook all the same. ‘You… you died. Orin killed you.’

‘Oh.’ Tav cleared their throat. They refused to let the true weight of that statement reach them. ‘Well, then I’m glad you brought me back. Though we’ll probably have to restock on scrolls of revivify. We’d been running low for a while now, anyway.’

‘See, that’s the thing,’ Astarion had to grab onto the fabric of his pants to stop his hand from shaking, ‘we couldn’t bring you back. We tried the scrolls, they…’ He swallowed, grief thick in his throat. ‘They wouldn’t work. We had to rush you to that blasted skeleton. For a moment I thought I’d…’

…lost you.

Astarion couldn’t bring himself to say it out loud. He felt as if he was on the brink of a cliff, staring down a bleak, lonely future. He’d rather not think about what his life would be like if Tav had not come back to him.

Tav wished to sit up and cradle Astarion to their chest. But they couldn’t; and they cursed all the gods, devils and hells for it.

‘Lovely, look at me,’ they said instead.

Astarion did as they asked. He was trying very hard not to cry again; he wasn’t sure if he had any tears left to spare.

‘I’m here now, okay? I’m still here.’ They tried to give Astarion a reassuring smile, but it came out as a weak grimace. He smiled back anyway.

‘I know, love. And am I not grateful for it,’ Astarion said, quietly. He wiped his eyes with the back of his free hand. ‘Give me a moment, I have to tell Halsin you’re okay.’

‘Is he alright?’

‘He’ll be now.’

The tent fell into silence when Astarion left it. Tav’s world shrank down to the pull of their muscles and the pounding in their head.

They died. Almost for good this time. The reality of that crashed down on them so suddenly they felt like they couldn’t breathe.

But they were still here. Was Orin dead then? Did the rescue party get her Netherstone? What of Gortash? Had any progress been made while they were out of it? Just how long had they been out of it?

Their racing thoughts stopped when the flaps of their tent parted and both of their lovers came in. Halsin rushed to their side, worry clear on his face.

‘My heart!’ He was by their side in an instant. He grabbed their hand, just as Astarion had before, and planted a kiss on it. He held it to his face like a drowning man would hold a piece of driftwood.

‘Hi,’ Tav smiled. ‘Glad to be back in the land of the living.’ They could taste the copper tang of blood in the back of their mouth.

Astarion settled next to Halsin and put a hand on his shoulder. ‘It’s okay, you big oaf,’ he said, doing his best to sound exasperated, ‘they’re okay.’

‘You say it as if you, too, haven’t been beside yourself with worry.’

Astarion scoffed. ‘Yes, yes, the pot calling the kettle black and all that.’ Despite his tone, Astarion’s eyes, locked on Halsin, remained soft.

Halsin rested his and Tav’s intertwined hands in his lap. ‘How are you feeling, my heart?’

‘Like I just died,’ Tav said, in a matter-of-fact tone. ‘Everything hurts, I can’t really move.’

Halsin’s brow creased with worry. ‘Let me.’ He lifted his free hand and passed it over Tav’s body. The soothing coolness of healing magic did away with some of their pain.

Relief must have been clear on Tav’s face; Astarion perked up almost instantly. ‘I take it you’re feeling better already, aren’t you?’

‘I suppose I do,’ Tav adjusted their legs under the covers, this time without most of the pain. ‘I wager I’ll be up and about soon enough.’

‘You should rest for a few more days at least,’ Halsin’s voice was firm. Tav suspected there would be no changing his mind.

‘I know, I know.’ They sighed, bored already. ‘And thank you for the healing spell, honey.’

Halsin smiled. ‘The pleasure is mine, my heart.’

‘How long was I out?’

‘Almost a week,’ said Astarion. His head was resting on Halsin’s shoulder. The druid laid his free hand on the vampire’s lap. ‘None of the others knew what to do without you.’ He cleared his throat. ‘I didn’t, either.’

‘None of us did.’ Halsin sighed. ‘Until now,’ he said and gave Tav a look so full of pure, unfiltered adoration they had to look away for a moment.

‘Until now,’ whispered Astarion.

‘Rest, my love.’ Halsin’s voice was warm and soft. ‘We’ll be here, watching over you.’

Tav nodded and closed their eyes. Sleep came for them quickly.

Their head was no longer pounding.

[pathetic-sapphic]

I'm a humble sapphic Karlach lover asking for imagines about being married to her (maybe including if she'd actually like to settle down, have kids, etc) pls and thank you :'D

Settling down with Karlach

I definitely think that, after the whole mess, Karlach would love to travel with her beloved for a while. She wants to enjoy her newfound freedom and share everything that the world has to offer with them.

Eventually though, she starts getting homesick. Which is weird since you two don't really have a home of your own to go to. You have spent countless evenings under the stars, soaking up each other's warmth by cuddling and exchanging loving kisses inside your shared tent.

You have started growing weary too. Adventure is wonderful and the world has so much to see and so many experiences to offer. But one can hardly go for so long without some quality rest.

So, you settle down eventually. A quaint cottage with a vast garden that the two of you can call your own. The nature surrounding it gives you some well-earned peace and a nearby town has any supplies you might need.

It's easy to become familiar with a routine. Karlach has discovered a passion for gardening. It keeps her calm and thus allows her to work with plants without fear of destroying them.

Your wonderful cooking keeps her sated and, with this new way of life, Karlach has had to let out almost every pair of pants she owns. She can relax now and enjoy the quaint day-to-day life with you. She indulges in your home-cooked meals and tasty pastries, making her gain some weight.

And oh, does it look good on her. You have a hard time keeping your hands to yourself whenever she's around, her soft stomach and strong arms right there for you to hold. Seeing her so happy and pampered makes you proud, knowing that she's so comfortable around you and that you get to share this peaceful life together makes you tear up.

When you bring up the idea of having children, Karlach's heart almost stops beating. Before it quickly picks up again from the excitement at the thought of becoming a parent.

If you're the one who carries the child, she is so doting and caring. Never lets you do anything, you cannot even lift a finger as long as she's around.

Is in love with your pregnant belly, a protective hand is always resting on the swell of it. She massages your back and feet, helps you dress or bathe as the pregnancy progresses. Holds you when you cry due to the fear and anxiety of becoming a parent and loves you endlessly through all of it.

Almost passes out during childbirth, seeing you in pain is the hardest thing she ever had to go through. Lets you squeeze her hand as hard as you need to, all the while pressing soothing kisses against your sweaty forehead. Cries along with you when the baby is born, sobbing as she holds them in her arms for the first time, all the while telling you how amazing you were.

If you decide to adopt, she's also immensely happy. Karlach admires your kindness and willingness to give a child a better home.

An extremely nervous mother, especially in the first couple of years of your child's life. Jumps out of bed at the smallest sound of their distress, anxiously shushing your baby as they cry. She hates waking you up, knowing how hard you work all day to take care of the house and your child. But sometimes, she honestly can't figure out how to calm them down and hesitantly wakes you up to ask for help. This is mostly because she hates the sound of your child crying, knowing that they're uncomfortable and sad makes her heart squeeze painfully and renders her brain useless.

As your child grows, she relaxes more and lets her playful side show. She makes toys for them and wants to give them the best childhood they could ask for.

Wouldn't mind having more children if you were up for it. Karlach loves the idea of your home being lively and warm.

She never thought that one day she'd be able to settle down and have a family with someone she considers her soulmate. But life has a curious way of surprising us with the things we least expect.

Every night when she goes to bed, after tucking your child in and kissing you goodnight, Karlach thinks that all the pain and suffering was worth it, if this is what she did it for.

a/n: im alive! also, i still haven't played bg3 so please lmk if i made any micharacterizations or mistakes. i'm mostly going by how i've seen karlach act in clips and walkthroughs :)

[velnna]

What's Staeve's relationship with the other companions? Like Halsin, Wyll and Shadowheart? I adore your art and your Tav!

Okay so I was waiting to doodle something but huhhh the staeve x astarion brainrot keeps me from doodling him with the other companions much (HOWEVER I might later I love them all)

Halsin - comfort lover is how I'd put it? Halsin has his whole "I'm not going to keep you to myself" thing going on and Staeve fucks w that. It's like friends with benefits++. They both know what they have isn't on the same level as the Astarion bond but enjoy spending time together if he allows it + Staeve does appreciate the sort of stability and support Halsin can give as a friend (and a lover?)(Staeve has daddy issues). I definitely headcanon Staeve going to him in camp to ask for advice in how to deal with Astarion when he's being difficult to navigate

Wyll - Staeve would have been fascinated by Wyll at first. Initially he probed a lot and was very upfront teasing him because in his world there aren't a lot of righteous, kind people like Wyll. Staeve would have tried to bring out some hypothetical dark side only to be greeted with a dance (which he played along with as well). He did eventually reject Wyll's advances but secretly challenged himself to keep him as a friend. Might fail

Shadowheart - The sort of friends where he'd tease her because he thinks she secretly likes it (she maybe does?). He pressed the wrong buttons sometimes, but the fact that she reminds him of his estranged sister in some ways made him recoil and show a more understanding side. He can be caring if he stops being an idiot sometimes and she vibes w that (I say this because he's one Astarion Disapproves away from being most loved by Shadowheart lol)

Karlach - UNFORTUNATELY he's. Super awkward about Karlach. It went downhill fast after he (and I lol) realised that she doesn't really fuck with petty/sneaky shit, and though she doesn't show it, he doesn't really feel like he can push his luck with her. He's also probably just scared she'd beat him to a pulp. Didnt dare hug her just awkwardly patted her shoulder. That being said I do think he'd respect and admire her to an extent

Gale - Staeve finds Gale extremely amusing but is 100% playing him for magical perks and entertainment. He sorta maybe felt bad about it after Gale threw the buggy fit, so maaaaybe he'd keep him as one of those friends you keep around because they compliment the group, nothing too deeply personal.

Lae'zel - I honestly think they'd be good friends/allies but like an idiot I let her die in act 1 so I'm waiting for my rerun to see if I can tweak my canon

Also Staeve loves withers he sees him as the token grandpa. All of this subject to changes if my next run goes very differently (which it might because durge)

[blackjackkent]

A drabble dedicated to @rhysintherain because this has been living rent-free in my head since I posted yesterday about Rakha and Lae'zel going to shake down Zorru:

------

Karlach settles into camp quickly. She has spent a lot of time on the move as part of Zariel's army, and part of being a soldier is being able to make herself comfortable in any random bit of space big enough for a kip. Hells - having her own tent and space around it is practically palatial compared to the bunkroom full of cambions that was her primary resting place in Avernus.

Almost the first thing she does as soon as she's got her tent set up is sprawl out on the ground and stretch her arms and legs out as far as they'll go in all directions and let the sun beat down on her. It's not really home, not quite yet, but it's close. This is the happiest she's been in a long time.

She's halfway to dozing off for a comfortable nap when she realizes Rakha has wandered back and is just...standing there, staring at her.

Karlach opens one eye and peers up at the half-orc curiously. "Can I help you?"

She's already learning that her new friend is kind of a strange one, even without what she's been told about the other woman's memory loss and intrusive murder thoughts. Rakha doesn't always seem to know how to talk, and certainly not what normal conversation sounds like; she just says things, blunt and clipped, without concern for niceties. And she blinks just slightly too little, which makes her steady gaze a smidgen unnerving.

"I have a question," she says.

"Oh?" Karlach sits up slowly into a cross-legged position, jerks her head to indicate Rakha should sit down. "Well, let's hear it, then."

Rakha does not sit - does not, in fact, move at all. "Your race. Is it tiefling or teeth-ling?" she asks, with the same level of gravity she might have brought to ripping Karlach's head off.

Karlach blinks rapidly. "Sorry, what?"

"You are like those in the grove. The refugees," Rakha says. It's not a question, merely a collection of facts gathered for appraisal. "Gale called you tieflings, after we killed two rescuing Lae'zel. Lae'zel, however, pronounced it teeth-lings." She squints at Karlach intently. "I require your clarification."

"Oh." It's not really fair to laugh - and really, Karlach's amusement isn't at Rakha's lack of knowledge. It's the incredible seriousness of the demand, as if this question lies on par with all the unanswered ones about the worms in their heads. "Well, I can understand the confusion," she says, keeping her expression serious with an extreme effort of will.

"Yes." Rakha folds her arms. "Lae'zel would not mislead me, I think," she adds pensively after a slight pause. "She guided me from the nautiloid. She speaks with knowledge and without pretense."

"And Gale doesn't?" Karlach grins crookedly.

Rakha's expression twists with something like confusion. "I do not understand Gale," she admits slowly. "He knows much I wish to learn. But I feel foolish when he speaks."

"Too many words," Karlach agrees commiseratingly.

"Yes."

Well, it's almost an act of kindness, then, if that's how she feels about it, Karlach thinks to herself. A morale boost for her friendship with Lae'zel. It'd be doing her a favor.

But really, it's just the fact that it's the first time she's had the opportunity to do something funny in almost a decade, and she's not emotionally strong enough to resist that temptation.

"Well, I can tell you for certain, it's definitely teeth-ling," she says, serious as a funeral. "Lae'zel was right on top of it."

Rakha nods gravely. "Ah. Excellent." A pause. "Thank you."

She turns and walks away. Karlach crawls at once into her tent, curls into her bedroll, stuffs the pillow in her mouth, and howls with laughter.

-----

"This is your doing, isn't it?" Gale asks her several days later.

"No idea what you're talking about," Karlach says around a mouthful of the camp's latest attempt at "stew". It's a particularly unimpressive attempt tonight; the vast majority is carrots, and the rest is a very uninspiring cut of meat that is uncomfortably grey. And yet, somehow, it's still better than anything Zariel ever fed her.

"Rakha called Zevlor a teeth-ling to his face this afternoon."

Karlach lets out strangled giggle. "Oh, my gods. Seriously?" She drops her spoon back into her bowl with a clatter and gives him her full attention. "Tell me everything. What did his face look like?"

"Even my prodigious powers of description fail me on the subject. I think we may count ourselves lucky that he was too perplexed to be offended," Gale says dryly. "But most significantly to the point, any attempts to correct her afterwards have come to naught. She claimed that you were responsible for this particular crime against pronunciation and considered the matter irrevocably closed."

"Hmph," Karlach says cheerfully. "It was Lae'zel who came up with it. I just confirmed it."

He rolls his eyes. "You're enjoying this linguistic catastrophe, aren't you?"

"Listen, Gale - she's not hurting anyone, and the last time I had a little stupid harmless fun was 1481. Give me a break."

[danse--macabre]

ch'lakhou on companions:

jaheira: at first was on a knife edge, but after the bhaalspawn reveal... utter admiration for this woman. awe. respect. a woman with no time for bullshit nor romantic notions of heroism but not unkind, neither. ch'lakhou tends to wear a mask around most people for fear of fearing them, for fear of not being the kind of killer people want to see, but with jaheira they can be honest. with jaheira they can see a future baldur's gate which has a space for them.

minsc: admires the simplicity of his outlook. indulges boo. ch'lakhou likes to pretend theirs is similarly simple (I like killing and violence and I despise bullshit) but they have proven themselves wrong on that account multiple times since their brain was punched full of holes. surprised minsc hasn't sussed out that ch'lakhou was a terrible villain whose butt needs kicking yet. also, jaheira likes minsc, so ch'lakhou likes minsc.

shadowheart: a friend, after everything. ch'lakhou did, for the longest time, think SH would knife them in their sleep the moment their urge started working up. that fear has long passed. by act 3 they're glad she's still here.

wyll: baffled he's still here. they've been blunt and disapproving of his pact at all times. they also murder people straight in front of his eyes and even though he disapproves, he's never strayed. is something wrong with his head? ch'lakhou is a monster and is he not a monster slayer?

gale: they don't dislike gale and think he's useful and friendly even if his outlook is baffling to ch'lakhou but frankly one of the biggest reasons they keep him around is because lae'zel likes him. ch'lakhou is surprised when he appears to... well, get it. but ch'lakhou is quick to forget he was also left high and dry by a deity as well, and left to fend for himself in a horrid condition. they're touched by his kindness perhaps more than others.

halsin: ch'lakhou left him in act 2 sorry not sorry. the shadow-curse can be fixed later.

lae'zel: this is a whole essay but ch'lakhou went from 'terrified, as this is the first Real githyanki I have met who isn't me (fake githyanki)' and needing to impress her to realising... oh god this kid is uptight. oh god this kid knows nothing. really wish she'd chill the fuck out. so ch'lakhoi gently screws with her (lae'zel is fun to screw with). lae'zel quickly realises ch'lakhou is not a battle-hardened legend but a weirdo cast-off who, despite being taught to look down on cast-offs as lesser, is still a thousand times more adept at this 'navigating faerûn' thing. they have a major spat after the crèche but over time things cool off and ch'lakhou is just her weird aunt/uncle figure who can beat her in a straight fist fight.

minthara: found her in the dungeons in act 2 at her most wretched and saw themselves in her: a violent, bloodied tool that had been discarded and was going to rot. how could they not save her? how could they not chase her quest for vengeance, so tied up in ch'lakhou's own? ch'lakhou only wonders, when minthara calls them exquisite, whether they see the stone cold blooded killer who they were supposed to be? or the ruthless fighter they actually are. thinks her ideas about controlling the absolute are funny. they might kiss about it later.

karlach: karlach's outlook is simple. kill bad guys, have fun, get laid, get smashed. ch'lkahou's isn't too different (they say). they're simple (they say). karlach's the angel they want to be able to never disappoint. karlach says things like 'I adore you' and ch'lakhou wonders whether she's actually ever seen them, really, really really. ch'lakhou wants to be good enough for her. desperately wants to be good enough for her. (they don't think they're good enough for her). the real test will be gortash. when ch'lakhou says, look, you go ahead and kill him, but take someone else. take astarion or wyll or lae'zel with you. I can't do this. what happens then? does it all fall apart? will karlach see them as failing? did karlach even see more than the cowboy hero act? is it just masks?

astarion: oh! you thought karlach was complicated? or lae'zel? asides from jaheira, astarion is the only person who ch'lakhou thinks sees them, all of them. and yet he frustrates them with his propensity to talk complete shit. he's an impulsive idiot. he's remarkably perceptive and far more clever than he looks, even if he's not as clever as he wants to be. He shares that same hunger for the kill, that same fear of the world, and he understands them like no one else. he has zero time for their maudlin moments or navel-gazing and can't stand their poetry. he stopped them from killling themselves when they were barely more than strangers, and yes it was part of a manipulation game but it STILL had meaning. he also attempted to blackmail them after alfira died (it didnt work). he's the closest thing they have to a best friend. sometimes they're complete mirrors and sometimes they're absolutely nothing alike. they absolutely should not have slept with him, it made it complicated, in ways they can't describe. they called things off because of how terrifying it all was. they still don't know if they regret that.

[thessalian]

Faerun!Alisaie vs the Circus

But first, some wandering around Rivington

Blacksmith: Hey, I can tailor a weapon specificially for you! How do you like to kill people? Would you ever turn a blade on an ally? Tell me about your inner killer!

Alisaie: ...Oh for fuck's sake. It's Orin again, isn't it.

Orin: *taking her proper shape* Better hurry it up, poppet. Gortash is watching. *poof*

Actual Blacksmith: *wandering out of a nearby house* You! You attacked me!

Alisaie: *sigh* Sir, you are concussed.

Dice: *roll low but with a +22 to Persuasion checks, that doesn't matter one tiny bit*

Actual Blacksmith: ...Right. Fine. Just ... go away anyway; you're giving me a headache.

And, after finding a cave

Wulbren: What were you sneaking around in there for? We're friends since Moonrise Towers, remember?

Alisaie: I was walking into a cave, Wulbren. I didn't know you were in it until I tripped over actual civilisation.

Wulbren: Huh; fair. We really should have a code for that hatch. Anyway, we want to blow up the Steel Watch. You in?

Alisaie: I will stop the Steel Watch, but with the tremors and everything else, I'm not hatching a plan that involves the potential death of civilians! Plus those Gondians you're bitching about might not be acting on their own free will! Look, just ... remember that I talked my way into Moonrise Towers, got you out with a minimum of killing, and got you into the Last Light despite the Harpers being kind of paranoid.

Wulbren: Fine, but I'll have the boom ready when you come crawling back.

Wyll: Sir, she has done the impossible with very little in the way of support--

Shadowheart: Can I hit him? I want to hit him.

Alisaie: Being right is the best revenge, when it comes to people like him. Let's just go, okay?

And, still heading in the general direction of the checkpoint

Danzo: Something's been stopping my pigeons! My letters keep going missing! I am upset about this for ... business reasons! Yes! Just that!

Alisaie: I have a feeling I should be more concerned about this than I am, but I've been dealing with other people's bullshit all day and I'm fed right the fuck up. Still, I will go and find your letters, because I am an altruist and also frankly because money would be a good thing right now, since Gale wants to go shopping.

Gale: It is not. Just. Shopping! And after you promised Raphael--

Alisaie: Wait. What? I haven't even talked to Raphael since he told us about Astarion's back-scars. And even if I had, do you really think I wouldn't just tell him what he wanted to hear and do my own thing anyway?

Gale: ...Ah. Right. Well. I ... have no idea where that came from, then. Sorry. ...So ... pigeons, you say?

Commander Lightfeather: I order my forces away from the temple roof! They never come back from that area!

Alisaie: So something up there's eating them. Do we think it has anything to do with the circus? I mean, there's obviously something weird going on in there, since they're still advertising Dribbles the Clown and I am still lugging around a fucking clown torso...

Gale: Actually ... I have a feeling it might be something ... else.

And sure enough...

Gale: Tara! Good to see you doing so well! Clearly keeping well-fed!

Alisaie: *a-HEM*

Gale: Oh. Right. Please stop eating the postmaster's pigeons.

Tressym: Oh, fine.

Alisaie: I really feel like I should be opening these letters and lying about who opened these letters. But ... nah. Somebody's grifting someone around here and the end of the actual worlds trumps someone getting grifted.

Gale: What if it's about the end of the actual worlds, those letters?

Alisaie: Then we will find out about it later and deal with it at sword-point, same as we do everything else. Now lemme just give these back to the postmaster and then back to camp. You need to hit the books again and I need Karlach for a thing.

Gale: What, you expect something to need bludgeoning?

Alisaie: Nah. Dead clown means investigating the circus. Whether we need to beat up another doppelganger imposter or just a recalcitrant test-your-strength machine, or even if we don't need to hit anything, doesn't matter. Karlach doesn't have a lot of time left and you know she's going to want to see a circus.

Gale: You are altogether too kind. But ... what if I want to see a circus?

Alisaie: I know you. You want a book way more than you want a potentially evil clown.

Gale: Huh. That's true. Very well.

And, on the way into the circus

Klaus: My minion doesn't like you. No circus for you!

Alisaie: *bats eyelashes*

Klaus: ...Oh, all right.

Shadowheart: You are good.

Alisaie: It was either that or point at Karlach and ask if it was wise to disappoint her.

Karlach: *bouncing up and down* Circus! *squeeeee*

Wyll: That might have been fun to watch, but this way is better, true.

Zethino: Test the bond of your love!

Alisaie: Want in?

Shadowheart: Okay ... just ... quietly so you don't blow my rep.

One dreamscape later

Zethino: Your love is beautiful!

Alisaie: My lover is, sure.

Shadowheart: *bluuuuush* You're not so bad yourself.

Karlach: You two are so cute!

Wyll: *quietly to Karlach* I'm going to fight like the hells that hurt us both to make sure those two get a happy ending. Are you with me?

Karlach: *quietly* Damn right.

Akabi: Try your luck!

Alisaie: *spots the cheating* You, sir, must have some stories to tell. A djinn with a fabulous voice and immense power operating in a little circus in Rivington.

Akabi: *flattered, and too distracted to nudge the wheel* Well. Yes. I hail from the--

Wheel: *stops on jackpot*

Akabi: You cheated!

Alisaie: Ah, no. I neutralised your cheating. Big difference.

Akabi: You want the jackpot so bad? FINE!

Alisaie: *poofs*

Shadowheart; Wyll; Karlach: What the--?!?

Shadowheart: You bring her back right now or gods help me I will break you and your ridiculous beard!

Alisaie: *from behind them* Um ... flattered, but ... I'm okay.

Shadowheart: Are you all right? Where did you go?

Alisaie: Jungle full of dinosaurs.

Wyll: And yet you look decidedly unmauled. Good show.

Alisaie: What, you thought I fought them? Fuck no; I snuck to a good spot to use an arrow of transposition, poited past the whole mess and found the portal out. Oh, and Akabi? *holds up Nyrulna* Thanks for the grand prize.

Akabi: *is piiiiiiissed*

A little further on

Karlach: Your clown here's a jerkbag.

Alisaie: Our clown here's an imposter. Hey, TEABAG! Your jokes are as old as fancy Baldurian wine but haven't aged nearly so well!

'Dribbles': HAIL THE ABSOLUTE!

'Dribbles'; Animal Tamer; A Couple Of Others: *start killing the guests*

Displacer Beast: Oh, come on! I would have been doing this too if you hadn't wrecked up my cage so I couldn't break out!

Alisaie: Ugh. Well, at least I got some time on stage.

Stabnation: *ensues*

Back at camp

Karlach: Shouldn't we have said something to that ringmaster lady about the corpse we found?

Alisaie: In the morning. I think I did a little too much altruism today and--

Vlaakith: KILL ORPHEUS AND BE MY GOOD LEFT HAND FOREVER!

Lae'zel: GET FUCKED!

Vlaakith: *poofs*

Lae'zel: I do not like emotions; they are confusing.

Alisaie: Look, you believed one thing your whole life and it got turned upside down. No shit you're somewhere between angry, bitter, and grieving. No one here's going to judge you for that.

Lae'zel: ...Is this ... 'the mortifying ordeal of being known'?

Alisaie: Yep. Now get some rest. If you're going to fuck with a god, even a weakling god, you need some sleep.

Dreamtime

Emperor: Oh. Hi. Sorry. Got distracted. Elder Brain is pissed, and struggling. They're having a hard time controlling it without Ketherick's stone.

Alisaie: So we need to get their stones fast and put an end to this so we don't end up servant to a freed elder brain, which is probably just as bad as being servant to enslaved-by-death-god-assholes elder brain.

Emperor: Given any more thought to being more like me? I mean, you know we're not monsters...

Alisaie: Look, I know you're a people. I know I'd still be a people. Thing is, I don't think I could deal with the dysphoria and dysmorphia and a whole bunch of other dys-es that would ensue if I changed that much.

Emperor: *sigh* Very well. Oh. Shit. Need to focus. And so do you - on getting some rest. You've got things to do tomorrow ... involving ... why are you carrying a clown corpse?!?

Alisaie: You used to be an adventurer. Didn't you ever end up with something entirely stupid going on that you couldn't explain to most people without being looked at like a lunatic?

Emperor: ...Fair enough. Now, follow your own advice to Lae'zel and get some rest.