Going into my replay of Aldiirn, one of my goals was to use Wyll more BUT HE KEEPS DISAPPROVINGā¦ It's kinda hilarious since both are community-minded and self-sacrificing but evidently have very different ideas of the Nature of Man and how to go about adventuring. I came to the conclusion that Aldiirn just doesn't like Wyll because he's too goody-goody. You can't just barge in, shove your morality in people's faces, then leave for the next adventure, that's insane!
Another goal was to act more in-character, which meant using Astarion for anything especially chaotic I wanted to do lmao. The goblins automatically accosted Aldiirn after Astarion did the toast, like YEAH Aldiirn would be running right in to cover for his ass.
A/N: Seeing a beautiful piece of artwork by @velnna and listening to Half life by Livingston I got a very angsty idea for a drabble (so be warned, it's sad). This idea came to me first a while back listening to Just a Man (you know from *that* BG3 edit). @velnna as always thanks for letting me play with your son - and sorry I hurt him... Also thank you to Dad on Maf's discord server for the inspo for the final line.
Warnings: implied character death (but this is just an alternate timeline ok??), self sacrifice
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So this was it.
This is how they would all die.
There was no way they would defeat the Netherbrain. All their endeavours that led them here, all for naught. Unlessā¦
Staeve saw it in his eyes first. How their expression changed from swimming and hopeless to hardened and determined. Astarionās brows drew together - the crease they created between them as sharp as his daggers he lifted up once more.
āStaeve.ā
He had never heard his voice like this. The tone as sharp as a knife and hard as rock.
It scared him.
āIām going to create an opening for you. Be ready.ā
Fear dug its claws into Staeveās throat, choking him, as he began to realise what was about to happen.
āNo,ā the half-drow whispered, weakly grabbing for his loverās wrists with all of his remaining strength.
āAstarion, no! You canāt do this!ā
Panic gave Staeve new power. Helped him to forcefully turn Astarion around to him. Helped him make his love stare into his eyes as he screamed at him again. And again.
He shook him, even making the daggers drop from his pale, blood-speckled fingers.
Staeve kept screaming, feeling his voice become hoarse, hot streams of tears washing away the grime and gore as they made their way down his face.
But as he kept throwing everything at Astarion he noticed ruby eyes remaining hard and unfaltering. The decision had been made.
The last of his strength went with his last drop of hope as Staeveās hands fell weakly from Astarionās. His legs gave up, knees hit the ground hard.
And only then did Astarion shift, taking a final step back before making the run-up.
He dropped down in front of Staeve who could only stare up at him anymore.
āLet me do this one thing right, Staeve,ā he whispered solemnly, cupping his loveās face. āJust this once let me make things right.ā
Staeveās vision was blurred, his head swimming. But he still clearly saw the warmth in Astarionās eyes as he leaned his forehead to Staeveās.
Astarionās hand wandered to the nape of his neck as he pressed his eyes closed. āPromise me, youāll live for me, Staeve. To the fullest.ā When the vampire opened his eyes again, Staeve was sure there were tears in Astarionās eyes as well.
There was nothing in Staeve to do or say. He wasnāt in control of anything anymore it felt like. Not even his own body as he solely kept listening to Astarionās final words.
āAnd promise me,ā the vampire continued, voice breaking, āsometimes - when you sit in the sun - youāll think of me, Staeve. Promise me.ā
Astarion only waited only long enough for Staeve to weakly nod, seemingly the only thing he was still capable of.
Then he crushed his mouth to his loverās, the motion so forceful their teeth crashed together.
Desperation had them kiss so hard it hurt, that it felt like perishing already. Astarionās hand on Staeveās neck pressed down so hard it felt like bones might crush. A single last breath was passed between them as their lips moved against each other as they tried to make this the most vivid moment they had ever experienced.
One so he could never possibly forget this final kiss - how it had felt.
The other so he would go to his end, with the taste of his lover on his lips.
When a small eternity ended and Astarion broke away he grabbed Staeveās face a final time.
āI know in another life, I would have loved you forever,ā Astarion uttered with a smile.
Then he let go, Staeve almost toppling over, suddenly void of anything still lifting him up.
Astarion grabbed his daggers, turned around with a last glance and a smirk - and then he leapt.
