Summary: With a collar around his neck, Tav is at no mercy to deny her wizard of his deepest desires.
T/W: Collar-play
Notes: Something about having Gale crumble under Tav in a collar for power play tickles my pickle. This is something short and sweet. HAVE FUN READING SINNERS ;D.
MASTERLIST
unedited atm | lovely image by @dekariosz
*CLICK*
The collar clipped to the leash.
Tav clenched the leash with a tug, a sultry smile playing on her lips despite the wicked look in her eyes.
“Remind me why we are the position, Gale?” A tilt of her head, she hunched over to meet eyes with Gale; who was on his knees, a collar securely fastened to his neck.
Despite the harshness of the leather chaffing against his skin, his neck burned red from the base of the collar to his cheeks. A look of pity and desire sparkled in his eyes.
How a powerful woman dominating what was hers filled all his loneliest desires. A flutter in his chest made Gale cling to this feeling of want from Tav.
No matter the mood she was in.
The wizard crumbled beneath her, and a lump was in his throat. But Tav tautly pulled onto the leash, forcing the words out of his pretty lips, “I…Didn’t heal you right away when you went down…”
Tav nodded to his words. “Mhmm, bad boy.”
With a foot on Gale's shoulder, Tav pushed his back against the stand of the tent. With eyes like daggers, a smirk cracked on her lips and it made Gale's heart quicken. In a soft threatening voice, she whispered her damp breath into his ear, “Because if I go down,"
She paused.
Tav pulled away from his ear and glared at him with narrowed eyes and a seductive expression, “who’s going to protect you?”
Their breaths mingled in the air with an anticipation for more.
Just the pure look of submission in Gale's eyes made her giggle and loosen the leash in her grip.
“I’d think about it a little more if I were you, love. But I must admit, you look darling in this collar I found in the Under Dark.” Her finger traced over the leather and then to his neck, tickling his skin with goosebumps.
Gale swallowed, he found it hard to answer her at times like this. He's never experienced collar play, and intimacy with a past goddess seemed merely insignificant when Tav touched him. Or looked at him like this under her control.
It was real.
Physical.
Talking was something Gale wasn't shy about, but Tav noticed it and furrowed her eyebrows at the lack of communication.
She glared down at him, sternly, “Say thank you.”
Obediently with wide eyes, “Thank you.”
“Are you afraid of me?” Her eyes softened with a slight sadness, but her actions were strong and unwavering.
Gale's voice hitched, quickly correcting her, “N-No!” His eyes fell from her stare to her collar bones, and then the outline of her breasts.
A smile crept on her face at the realization.
Teasingly, Tav pulled on the leash, forcing Gale forward, and his hands fell onto the floor with a thud.
“Doesn’t sound too convincing, Wizard.” She places her fingertip under his chin, lifting his head up, “Tell me something I want to hear, hmm? Something — nice.”
Gale nodded with burning red cheeks. His head tilted to the side with an adoration in his voice as he spoke, “I love the way your hair looks when it’s down. Draped over your face like the most delicate veil.”
Tav smiled, “Like this?” She pulled the ponytail off, letting her locs fall over her shoulders and her bangs over her eyes. And the sight made Gale sigh with reveres.
It was like her eyes were like a predator on its prey.
A flush of red fever covered Gale's cheeks and he nodded multiple times in haste, wetting his lips. “I’ve read in a book that things like this are…stimulating to the body.”
His hand softly tugged at the collar around his neck, trying to adjust the tightness.
With a tilt of her head, “Oh — then we should indulge in this study. For personal experience perhaps?”
“I would love to— aaah” A forceful rip pulled the leash upward forcing Gale to crawl on his hands and knees forward, his head forcing up to look up at Tav.
“I love those puppy eyes.” She gripped his face harshly, licking over his lips teasingly and then, a nibble to his bottom lip.
Gale lets out a low grumble, partially from the tightness of the collar, and the other from the pleasure of her touch.
She lowered herself, kneeling before him with the leash tightly in her palm. She admired his hazy eyes, bone structure, and the fullness of his beard.
He was so pretty.
Their eyes locked in a quiet silence of want and need. Both of their breaths quickened, and Tav paused in her thoughts when her eyes landed on his earring.
This piece of jewelry was attached to Mystra and it made Tav's blood boil.
But maybe she could use it to her advantage…
She brought her lips to Gale's ear, nibbling on his ear lobe and biting on the earring, pulling it with a gentle tug.
Gales breath stifled as Tav whispered, “Mystra. Pray to her now.”
“W-What?”
Her teeth ground against his skin harder, “Pray to her, I want her to know.”
Gale hesitantly chuckled, embarrassment flushed his face in an attempt to change Tav's mind. Of course, he knew how she felt about Mystra and she was stern on her decision, “Tav— I-I….I can’t do that!”
“You can. Do it.”
Tav loosened the leash and Gale brought his hands together.
A symphony of words flowed out his mouth, softly
A smell of roses in the air as a purple hue sparkled in the atmosphere. The weave was channeled and his prayer was answered.
Mystra would know.
The way Gale was wrapped around Tav's finger, pleading for the most physical form of love.
Tav was pleased.
Satisfied.
“Good.” Tav clutched Gale's face, smashing her lips onto his. She gnawed at his bottom lip and Gale clutched onto her hands, kissing her back in desperation.
His lips dug into hers like a lifeline, seeking a feeling of protection from his ex-lover. He could feel a faint sense of the weave surrounding them, the smell of roses encumbered them. It stood still for a moment until the weave slowly disappeared away into nothingness.
Mystra knew.
They pulled away from the searing kiss, their gasps mingling in the air between their lips. The heat between their bodies practically pulled them for more.
"Aren't you just -" Tav caught her breath, "A good listener."
She pressed a kiss onto his lips, her hands unraveling the strings of his shirt, "I love that about you."
Summary: With a collar around his neck, Tav is at no mercy to deny her wizard of his deepest desires.
T/W: Collar-play
Notes: Something about having Gale crumble under Tav in a collar for power play tickles my pickle. This is something short and sweet. HAVE FUN READING SINNERS ;D.
MASTERLIST
unedited atm | lovely image by @dekariosz
*CLICK*
The collar clipped to the leash.
Tav clenched the leash with a tug, a sultry smile playing on her lips despite the wicked look in her eyes.
“Remind me why we are the position, Gale?” A tilt of her head, she hunched over to meet eyes with Gale; who was on his knees, a collar securely fastened to his neck.
Despite the harshness of the leather chaffing against his skin, his neck burned red from the base of the collar to his cheeks. A look of pity and desire sparkled in his eyes.
How a powerful woman dominating what was hers filled all his loneliest desires. A flutter in his chest made Gale cling to this feeling of want from Tav.
No matter the mood she was in.
The wizard crumbled beneath her, and a lump was in his throat. But Tav tautly pulled onto the leash, forcing the words out of his pretty lips, “I…Didn’t heal you right away when you went down…”
Tav nodded to his words. “Mhmm, bad boy.”
With a foot on Gale's shoulder, Tav pushed his back against the stand of the tent. With eyes like daggers, a smirk cracked on her lips and it made Gale's heart quicken. In a soft threatening voice, she whispered her damp breath into his ear, “Because if I go down,"
She paused.
Tav pulled away from his ear and glared at him with narrowed eyes and a seductive expression, “who’s going to protect you?”
Their breaths mingled in the air with an anticipation for more.
Just the pure look of submission in Gale's eyes made her giggle and loosen the leash in her grip.
“I’d think about it a little more if I were you, love. But I must admit, you look darling in this collar I found in the Under Dark.” Her finger traced over the leather and then to his neck, tickling his skin with goosebumps.
Gale swallowed, he found it hard to answer her at times like this. He's never experienced collar play, and intimacy with a past goddess seemed merely insignificant when Tav touched him. Or looked at him like this under her control.
It was real.
Physical.
Talking was something Gale wasn't shy about, but Tav noticed it and furrowed her eyebrows at the lack of communication.
She glared down at him, sternly, “Say thank you.”
Obediently with wide eyes, “Thank you.”
“Are you afraid of me?” Her eyes softened with a slight sadness, but her actions were strong and unwavering.
Gale's voice hitched, quickly correcting her, “N-No!” His eyes fell from her stare to her collar bones, and then the outline of her breasts.
A smile crept on her face at the realization.
Teasingly, Tav pulled on the leash, forcing Gale forward, and his hands fell onto the floor with a thud.
“Doesn’t sound too convincing, Wizard.” She places her fingertip under his chin, lifting his head up, “Tell me something I want to hear, hmm? Something — nice.”
Gale nodded with burning red cheeks. His head tilted to the side with an adoration in his voice as he spoke, “I love the way your hair looks when it’s down. Draped over your face like the most delicate veil.”
Tav smiled, “Like this?” She pulled the ponytail off, letting her locs fall over her shoulders and her bangs over her eyes. And the sight made Gale sigh with reveres.
It was like her eyes were like a predator on its prey.
A flush of red fever covered Gale's cheeks and he nodded multiple times in haste, wetting his lips. “I’ve read in a book that things like this are…stimulating to the body.”
His hand softly tugged at the collar around his neck, trying to adjust the tightness.
With a tilt of her head, “Oh — then we should indulge in this study. For personal experience perhaps?”
“I would love to— aaah” A forceful rip pulled the leash upward forcing Gale to crawl on his hands and knees forward, his head forcing up to look up at Tav.
“I love those puppy eyes.” She gripped his face harshly, licking over his lips teasingly and then, a nibble to his bottom lip.
Gale lets out a low grumble, partially from the tightness of the collar, and the other from the pleasure of her touch.
She lowered herself, kneeling before him with the leash tightly in her palm. She admired his hazy eyes, bone structure, and the fullness of his beard.
He was so pretty.
Their eyes locked in a quiet silence of want and need. Both of their breaths quickened, and Tav paused in her thoughts when her eyes landed on his earring.
This piece of jewelry was attached to Mystra and it made Tav's blood boil.
But maybe she could use it to her advantage…
She brought her lips to Gale's ear, nibbling on his ear lobe and biting on the earring, pulling it with a gentle tug.
Gales breath stifled as Tav whispered, “Mystra. Pray to her now.”
“W-What?”
Her teeth ground against his skin harder, “Pray to her, I want her to know.”
Gale hesitantly chuckled, embarrassment flushed his face in an attempt to change Tav's mind. Of course, he knew how she felt about Mystra and she was stern on her decision, “Tav— I-I….I can’t do that!”
“You can. Do it.”
Tav loosened the leash and Gale brought his hands together.
A symphony of words flowed out his mouth, softly
A smell of roses in the air as a purple hue sparkled in the atmosphere. The weave was channeled and his prayer was answered.
Mystra would know.
The way Gale was wrapped around Tav's finger, pleading for the most physical form of love.
Tav was pleased.
Satisfied.
“Good.” Tav clutched Gale's face, smashing her lips onto his. She gnawed at his bottom lip and Gale clutched onto her hands, kissing her back in desperation.
His lips dug into hers like a lifeline, seeking a feeling of protection from his ex-lover. He could feel a faint sense of the weave surrounding them, the smell of roses encumbered them. It stood still for a moment until the weave slowly disappeared away into nothingness.
Mystra knew.
They pulled away from the searing kiss, their gasps mingling in the air between their lips. The heat between their bodies practically pulled them for more.
"Aren't you just -" Tav caught her breath, "A good listener."
She pressed a kiss onto his lips, her hands unraveling the strings of his shirt, "I love that about you."
In chapter 10 of The Consort, Who do you think is going to say “Happy?! Am I the fucking crazy one or what? You can't expect me to just wipe a smile on my face.”
Tav
Rosaline
Astarion
Ross
Voting ended onMay 1, 2024
And guess what
The chapter is already up, go read if you wanna find out 🤐
Summary: In a tumultuous tale of love, power, and betrayal, Tav finds herself entangled in a complex relationship with Astarion, a heartless vampire lord who will stop at nothing to maintain control over his newfound spawn. As Tav witnesses Astarion’s transformation and descent into darkness, their love is put to the ultimate test amidst love triangles, drama, and the pursuit of world domination. Redemption seems like an elusive goal while Tav grapples with the realization of who her lover has truly become.
Notes: hi hi!! This month has been super busy for me BUT I'M BACK AT IT AGAIN! >:D enjoy reading tho ~ Unedited atm
AO3 LINK | MASTER LIST
Lovely photo by @astarionposting
In an almost scolding shocked tone, Tav exclaimed, “Astarion..!” Her eyes widened as she gazed at the shimmering rings in his hand, then back at him. The sunlight twinkled off the rings.
Astarion was never the sentimental type for events like these. Being undead for so long tainted many things people would celebrate.
Was he doing this for me…?
He thought about me…
Tav’s mind raced with questions and emotions, and she finally mustered the words, “Y-You did this for me, Astarion?” Her voice quivered with a mix of surprise and joy.
With a soft smile playing on his lips, “I know you care about it a lot, love. I would do anything in my power to give you everything.” He cleared his throat, His voice showed a hint of vulnerability. And with a sassy remark, “Now — do you accept my proposal?”
“Of course, Star!” Tav gave a fangy smile as she threw herself onto Astarion, causing them to fall back together.
Astarion’s expression shifted from surprise to pure joy, hugging each other before composing themselves. Tav extended her hand, and Astarion gently took it, sliding the gold band around her finger and then his own.
As he slipped the ring on Tav’s finger, a tingling sensation scratched along her skin.
Ouch...It kinda hurts.
“There. Just as beautiful as its owner,” Astarion stared down at her hand in his, admiring the jewelry.
“It’s very pretty, but why -“ Tav began to question but was instantly cut off.
“The slight discomfort? You’ll get used to it." A hint of possessiveness in his eyes, he smirked while clutching her hand, "There’s a sharp edge in the band; if pulled the right way...Well - you get the idea."
"You see, my wife, it’s meant to be worn and never taken off. If you do, you’ll feel its sting,”
A ring that cuts you if taken off.
It was so....him.
With a challenging smirk of her own, "Aren't you just soo poetic." Tav adjusted the ring with a nod and a smile.
I like the sound of that.
'My wife'
I must be just as twisted as him if I'm okay with this...
Tav peered into Astarion, her eyes shimmering with the sun's light. She fluttered her eyelashes, subtly baiting him into what she would say next. “I have a request,” she said softly.
Intrigued, "Yes?"
In a whisper, Tav leaned in closer, her breath softly dampening the skin of his ear, "Kiss me like how you used to."
His pupils dilated and a rush of nostalgia created a cold sweat down his back.
Astarion knew exactly what she meant - the sweet intimacy of their early days together when their love was just beginning to bloom. Back then, his kisses were shy, filled with a sweet innocence that was unlike their usual roughness.
Tav's request hung in the air, and Astarion blinked a few times, "I-I...Yes," He caught his words finally, "Of course, I can."
He was completely taken aback.
A kiss like before?
I'm way more confident now.
Why would she ever want that?
In that fleeting moment, Tav gazed up at Astarion with hopeful eyes and parted lips, she waited for him to take the bait.
Their lips met in a soft collision, weaving every emotion from the past to the present. It was so gentle that his lips tickled over hers as if Tav was made of glass.
Tav could feel Astarion's eyelashes flutter against her cheekbones, the phantom feeling of the softest kiss he's ever given sent chills all through her body.
Something about that old innocence melted her inside. She was like butter melting in the palm of his hands.
Astarion's hand rested in the crook of Tav's neck, tilting her head ever so slightly. He leaned into the kiss more and Tav's breath hitched in response.
It was starting to become more intense.
That softness Tav craved slowly washed away with each stroke of a kiss and she quickly pulled away with a small gasp, "W-Wait..."
He waited for her to speak, eyes dazed.
"Let's...not have sex."
Bluntly, "Why not?"
Tav scuffed into a chuckle, "Because intimacy doesn't have to always end with sex. I just want to enjoy my husband."
Her ears went floppy with a flush of her cheeks, "Even if I would enjoy that...very much...my point still stands."
Tav darted her eyes away until Astarion spoke, scared of how he might take it.
He tilted his head, intrigued, "Disappointing, darling, but granted."
Astarion gave a kiss to Tav's forehead. "Thank you."
200 years of sexual slavery still lingered from time to time. Trauma wasn't something Astarion could just throw away. It still very much lived deep within him.
Tav looked over her shoulder both ways, her eyebrow cocking up with disdain. "Love, have you noticed we're surrounded by Cazador's family headstones, right?"
Astarion narrowed his eyes with a single nod, "Indeed we are."
"Sounds - smashing." Tav winked at Astarion.
"Yes, it does." A sinister smile spread across his features and their eyes went dark.
~
DAYS LATER
Tav opened up the front doors, taking in a deep breath of cool air. The wind pushed back her hair in a gentle breeze. Just as she took a step forward, the crinkling noise crumbled beneath her feet.
a letter?
Tav picked the paper up. It was stamped with a red wax, a delicate hand-scripted name on the front in black ink.
Lord Ancunin.
Tav's eyebrow cocked up and just as she went to open it, Astarion snatched up the letter between her hands. His frame completely dominated her from behind.
"Hey..!" Tav crossed her arms with a puff of her cheeks.
Astarion shook his head with a chuckle, clearly amused by Tav's frustration, "Now, now, I'll share in just a moment."
*Rip*
Astarion flicked his wrist out, forcing the paper open with a loud 'pop'. His eyes were relaxed but they suddenly narrowed in concentration.
"hmm.."
"What?" Tav grabbed Astarion's shoulder, tip-toeing to get a glimspe of the letter, "Who is it from?"
Tav's questions came quicker than Astarion's answer and before she got the chance to ask one more, she saw at the bottom of the letter in the prettiest hand-writing she'd ever seen signed,
Rosaline.
Tav ripped the letter from Astarion's hands, "What does she want?" Tav's eyes skimmed threw the letter.
----------------------------------------------
Dear Lord Ancunin,
I am writing to invite you to meet over a bottle of wine at the Inn in the lower city. It would be of benefit to discuss matters of mutual interest in a more relaxed setting. I will be there at dusk.
Feel free to bring your partner along if you wish. Their presence would only add to the enjoyment of our gathering.
I look forward to see you and your partner,
Rosaline.
----------------------------------------------
Rosaline knew Cazador was no longer alive, but what did she want with Astarion so bad?
Hmph.
Tav crumbled the paper, annoyance on her features.
"Isn't someone jealous?" Astarion crossed his arms, leaning his shoulder against the door frame, "I quite like you like this - hah."
Clearly unamused Tav shook her head, "We're not going."
A cocky smile on his lips, "We're not? Are you sure about that? It's...cute - to think you make any of my networking choices."
"Nuh-uh. No way. Not with her."
Astarion heaved out a simple sigh, "Such a fussy little thing." He cocked up an eyebrow and shrugged off her unwillingness, "That's just too bad because we're going."
"Oh really?"
With a sassy tone, "Yees - really, am I supposed to show up alone?" Astarion flashed his hand, the gold band glittering in the light, "Especially with this? Hah - Never."
There was a cockiness in his voice and a daring glare that told Tav everything she needed to know. Astarion meant it and Tav instantly remembered her words to him: "I will learn to love you even if it pains me."
Tav shook her head of intrusive thoughts, "Okay, fine."
Maybe I should calm down a bit. I wouldn't want to come in between Astarion's business proposals.
But I still don't like her.
The first time Tav ever met Rosaline, she completely ignored her and swooped Astarion away with honeyed words. What if that happens again?
"Nothing says 'I love you' more than a jealous lover, scornful of anyone who bats an eye at me." Astarion grinned with a fangy smile. He loved seeing Tav get riled up over him. It made him feel wanted.
Tav went deadpanned with a grumble.
A total 'I will kill you' kind of face.
And all Astarion could do was relish in it, laughing and poking fun at Tav's obvious jealousy.
~
The sun dipped below the horizon, and Astarion and Tav made their way towards the Inn at dusk. Both dressed in formal attire, they stood out amongst the common folk.
Upon entering, they were greeted by a cacophony of noise and loud cheering crowds. And then the thick smell of ale hit them instantly.
Astarion's nose crinkled with disgust on his face, "This better be worth my time."
A man approached them, in a simple worker’s uniform. “Lord Ancunin, our esteemed guest has been waiting for you,” he said respectfully, gesturing for them to follow.
With a nod, Astarion and Tav fell into step behind him as he led them through the crowded common room toward a secluded area of the inn.
I don't care what Astarion says, the common area seemed waay more fun than where we were heading.
It was as if they had stepped into another world entirely. The atmosphere shifted dramatically - no rowdy people and loud laughter. Instead, they found themselves surrounded by snobs and people who exuded an air of wealth and power.
Tav gulped to herself.
I hate when people look at me all at once.
Obviously this space was reserved for those of high status, away from the commoners. Not that Tav wished to be here with snobby rich people.
They were soo stiff.
"Ah - Lord Ancunin, I'm happy you accepted my humble invitation," Rosaline called out to them and as they sat down across from her, she flashed a knowing smile.
Astarion, pulled out Tav's chair and she sat down wryly in Rosaline's presence.
"And you!" Rosaline lifted an eyebrow, scanning Tav up and down, "You must be Tav, Astarion's partner in crime, huh?" Her words ended off in a joking tone.
But Astarion pushed Tav's chair in and he flashed Rosaline his hand, showing off the new gold ring, "Her husband, actually." His face was completely unamused but not so much his tone. He loved to brag.
Astarion was more than happy to show off his new title.
Husband.
Deep down, Rosaline masked her shock with fake happiness as she clasped her hands together. But this didn't go unnoticed. Tav saw just how oddly Rosaline clutched onto her own hands so hard...The tips of her fingertips turned white, "Forgive me, I didn't know your title changed since the Waterdeep ball. How....exciting." Rosaline chuckled off the conversation.
Tav chimed in eyeing just how hard she was clutching her hands together, "Things change so quickly, I haven't even had the time to think of wedding plans."
"Is that so?" Rosaline blinked away her feelings and unclasped her hands, "You must! Weddings are quite the commitment."
She tilted her head with a smile, eyeing both Astarion and Tav. "I hope I'll be lucky to be on your invitation list."
Tav blushed at the thought but Astarion replied quickly, leaving no room for promise, "Perhaps...Although I would love for my wife to brag all night long about wedding ceremonies, I know I didn't come here for that."
"Straight to the point." She leaned back into her seat, reaching out to pick up the bottle of wine and pouring the alcohol into her glass. "I like it."
"You know a great deal about Cazador." Astarion leaned over the table, his expression unwavering.
Tav crossed her arms, chiming in after Astarion. "Start talking."
Rosaline took a sip of her wine, batting her eyelashes before gulping the drink. She took a moment and swirled the drink in hand, "Relax, the both of you. Have some wine and I will speak my peace."
Rosaline snapped at the waiter and they quickly scurried over, pouring their glass full of the red wine.
Tav rolled her eyes, "You're deflecting."
"Alright." With a cocky tone she began to lay everything out, "My name is Rosaline Bmuarr, I have a brother Ross; I'm sure you're already familiar with his company, Tav." Rosaline's eyes landed on Tav for a brief moment of silence.
Astarion narrowed his eyes and stared at Tav questionable before she continued to speak, "I've been aware of Cazador's true form for some time now. I, myself, was planning on ending him and the rest of his kin. All those poor souls." Rosaline paused and stared like daggers at Astarion, "But suddenly he dies along with his spawn...and do you know the most interesting part?"
On guard, Astarion listened carefully to her words, "Speak."
"That everyone is dead except one." Chin in palm Rosaline leaned over and sipped from her cup, "You wouldn't happen to take his spot, dear spawn?"
Astarion snorted with a cocky attitude, "Spawn - Hah."
Tav wasn't as amused as Astarion was, "Cazador is dead. What's the big deal with Astarion?"
A glow lingered in Tav's eyes, she needed to calm herself down before losing complete control of herself. She took in a deep breath.
Don't let your emotions get the best of you..
"To be honest, I'm livid. You stole my kill, my revenge, all my wasted time." Rosaline crossed her arms a lingering annoyance on her face, "For as annoyed as I am, I'm a woman of opportunity, not a savage like your brothers and sisters."
Astarion glared at Rosaline and the air became intense, "Oh please, do continue. It's getting better."
"We all want the same thing. Power, riches, and authority."
“My proposition for you still stands. I find myself in need of some quick cash, but I’m not one to beg or borrow. No, I prefer to make deals that benefit both parties involved.”
Astarion was curiously intrigued “And what kind of deal are you proposing?”
Rosaline smirked shyly, “Oh, nothing too scandalous, I assure you. I have quite a network of influential friends in high places, especially among politicians. Imagine the doors that could open for you if you had access to such power and connections.”
Tav raised an eyebrow, budging in, “And what do you want in return for this 'golden opportunity' ?”
Rosaline leaned in even closer, her voice dropping to a convincing whisper “I simply ask for a small token of appreciation in the form of gold. With your resources and my charm, we could be unstoppable together. Think about it - power, influence, success… all within your reach with just a little investment in me.”
He paused to consider her offer, captivated by her persuasive words “You certainly paint an enticing picture. How do I know I can trust you?”
Rosaline clinked her wine glass against Astarion's with a reassuring smile, “Darling, trust is the foundation of any successful partnership. And believe me when I say, I always deliver on my promises. You won’t regret taking this chance on me.”
A truth and a lie.
Yes, she needed cash. But at the cost of working hard to tare down Astarion piece by piece.
Rosaline's words lingered in the air, and astarion was drawn into her web of deceit and allure, tempted by the prospect of power and influence at his fingertips.
It would be so easy to have Rosaline do his dirty work behind the scenes. He would never think to ask Tav of such things with perverted and sketchy businessmen.
"I don't make promises, but ill give you a trial run. Don't disappoint me."
Rosaline smiled, but there was a subtle sultry in her voice, and if Tav didn't overlook it herself; it felt like a flirt. "I don't disappoint."
ROSS'S POV
Truthfully, I wasn't going to come. Me and Rosaline haven't been getting along lately, she's more irritable than usual and I couldn't stand being around her.
But I can't let her drown on her own, no matter how frustrated she gets me.
Plus, I'm worried for Tav. I haven't seen her in some days now.
I hope she's well.
Tav forcefully made her way towards the exit doors, completely disregarding Ross's presence. She pushed past him with an accidental shove, continuing her exit without so much as a glance in his direction.
"Tav?" Ross called out for her but she was already outside.
He weaved passed on comers into the Inn and hurried behind Tav outside. It had already gone dark and that's when his eyes finally landed on her.
She was pushing her locs behind her ears, pacing back and forth with deep breaths.
She seems like she's blowing off some steam.
"Something upsetting you?" Ross tilted his head, his eyes softening at hers.
Oh no, Tav wasn't in any kind of mood to smile and give greetings. Her blood boiled and she snapped at Ross with a quickness, harshly spitting out, "Your sister. I can't stand to watch her sit there and be all friendly with Astarion when she barely acknowledges me at all!"
She waved her hands around dramatically with each word, "I want to support Astarion and keep calm, but Gods she makes it soo hard!"
Ross glanced at her hands.
A new shiny addition to her fingers that wasn't there before.
A wedding ring.
Ross felt his stomach turn, a horrible taste in his mouth to the mocking band waving in his face.
He reached out and stopped Tav's hot-headed blabbering, catching her just at her wrist and pulling her hand close to his eye level.
"Excuse you!" Tav tried to pull away but his grip was taut.
He swallowed, an anger in his eyes, "Are you - engaged?"
Her eyes faded from anger to softness with a single nod, "Yes."
Ross let go quickly, a look of disappointment etched on his features. But what made him even more bothered is that Tav didn't even seem guilty about it.
How could you confide in me for His toxic behavior and then accept a marriage proposal?
And to think she'd want better for herself.
Sarcastically, "Thanks for saying congratulations. I can see it all in your face that you're soo happy for me." Tav sighed and rubbed the side of her temple.
Ross crinkled his eyes, shaking his head in shock, "Happy?! Am I the fucking crazy one or what? You can't expect me to just wipe a smile on my face after what happened the last time I saw you."
A slip of the tongue, a confession sighed off his lips, "I've been thinking about you."
Tav turned her head, maybe shocked, confused, curious? The way her eyebrows narrowed didn't seem too welcoming, however. "About? I'm just fine."
"Wasn’t 'just fine' the other day."
And just like that Ross changed the conversation, "Welcome to the annoyed club with Rosaline. She can be really tunnel visioned so get used to it if your fiancé is working with her."
Ross patted Tav's shoulder, the anger was still so visible on her face, "I'll go back with you, and I promise I'll try my best to keep her in line."
Tav pouted and shrugged his hand away, "I'll believe it when I see it."
With a roll of his eyes and a chuckle, he extended out his arm towards the doors, "You first."
She's so hot-headed. Dramatic.
What a disaster.
END POV
Ross and Tav walked back into the inn, the wooden door creaking softly as they entered. With her arms crossed, Tav followed Ross closely behind.
Astarion's eyes fell on Tav, he was starting to get worried about her absence.
His eyes soon followed Ross, the uncertainty in Astarion's eyes felt uncomfortable and threatening for this random man he'd only seen once.
Once at the Waterdeep ball and now again with his wife.
Tch.
And then if Astarion's guard couldn't get any worse -
The scent of Sage wafted past him when Ross took a sit next to Rosaline.
The same scent he had smelled on Tav that night she ran off from their fight.
Astarion flinched involuntarily at the smell as if assaulted by the aroma.
Astarion’s eyes narrowed, fixing a piercing glare on Ross, a clear malice brewing beneath the surface. Sensing the tension in the air, Tav stepped in smoothly, placing her hand over Astarion’s and offering a wry smile.
“Sorry I stepped out I just needed some fresh air,” she remarked casually.
Astarion’s expression softened slightly at Tav’s gesture, though his gaze remained wary as he acknowledged Ross with a curt nod.
“This is my brother, Ross.” Rosaline's tone held a hint of amusement, nudging at him under the table to introduce himself.
Ross gave a daring glare at his sister, "Hello, Ross Bmuarr and uhh - I'm just a simple man with simple pleasures."
"Simple pleasures, indeed." Astarion drank from the glass, his hand sneaking onto Tav's thigh.
He slid his hand onto her upper thigh with a squeeze; painting her face with wide eyes and red cheeks.
The atmosphere in the inn seemed to shift subtly as the group settled into their surroundings, each person silently sizing up the others in their own head.
Ross's eyes traveled to Tav's face, studying the nervous look in her eyes. Those same red cheeks he remembered that night. It made his stomach tingly slightly until Astarion locked eyes with him.
Ah, awkward.
Ross averted his eyes away.
"If you'll excuse me, I have to use the restroom." Rosaline stood up, patting down the curves of her beautiful dress, "Tav, why don't you come with? Let us freshen up." She circled around the table practically pulling Tav up her seat with a mischievous giggle, "Just us girls, hmm?"
With a hesitant glance Tav was sending so many help signals, but it was already too late, Tav was being pulled by Rosaline to follow.
Astarion gave a nod with an amused smile to his dear wife, he knew she didn't want to be dragged away.
And just like that…
The men were alone at the table.
Next part here (coming soon)
Any thoughts? Comment 👇🏼 I love to engage!
the boys are alonneee oh noooo. ASTARION IS CATCHING ON?! yikes. Lemme know your thoughts!
