#modern au rolan | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

cambion-companion · 6 months

Text

BG3 Companions on a Halloween Date

YES I was itching to do something for the BG3 gang for the season. You could say it's been bugging me. Hah. Ok sorry it's the influence of my pfp.

Let's start with

You want a cozy night in under the covers, watching scary movies (or puppet shows or whatever the heck is the equivalent in Faerun) but he's not sold on the idea. "I've seen enough horror to last me several lifetimes, darling."

Instead Astarion would take you out in the crisp Autumn air, under the distant sun, for a walk crunching through the dried leaves of brown and red.

He'd want to go to the pumpkin patch to find the perfect gourd for a Jack-o-Lantern.

When the sun set so very early in the afternoon, you'd retire back to your cozy abode and set to carving faces into your pumpkins.

Astarion of course would make short work of his, dexterous as ever with those knives, and he would do his best to shape the face into what he hopes he looks like.

Either that or, depending on where you're at in his character arc, he'd remake Cazador BEFORE gutting it and making a whole show of utterly eviscerating the poor Halloween decoration. "Astarion, this is supposed to be relaxing." "This IS my ideal downtime."

You want someone who will snuggle under the covers and watch Hocus Pocus with you? Wyll is your man. But sorry I'm trying to keep to a less modern AU.

Wyll seems like the kind of guy who would put on some fitting music as you two cooked together, dancing in the kitchen intermittently and almost forgetting to check on the cookies before they burned.

He's such a sweetheart, checking to make sure you're happy with just spending an evening indoors with him. "We can go out on the town if you desire, sweetheart." "No, Wyll, I've told you this is absolutely perfect."

Depending on the choices you've made with him thus far, Mizora might pop in to dip her finger in the batter and bamf out again, giving ya'll a cheeky wink. "Ta ta, love imps. You make me physically ill."

Sigh, you're back for more bones hm?

Alright I'll entertain you.

You ask Withers to dance to Spooky Scary Skeletons. He looks at you, unimpressed. "Get thee hence." "Wilt thou harass someone else?"

Ideally I would propose and she'd say "yes". Oh what? Sorry, I was miles away.

For a Halloween date. Hm. A corn maze. Definitely.

She'd be all about her tutelage under Shar's freaks followers and want to show off her sneaking skills.

It would turn into a game of hide-and-go-seek and then it'd get a little creepy before she'd inevitably pounce on you and you'd end of in a fit of laughter together.

"I wasn't going to hurt you!" "Well, Shaddy, sometimes I wonder." "Good to keep you on your toes, then." "Careful, I saw a pond on the way in."

Then you two would go and get some candied apples and chat about memories and flowers that bloom in the gloaming.

Oh Gale.

He'd love to read to you out of a classic gothic novel (cough cough Dracula cough cough) while you two cozy up under some blankets.

He'd probably get fresh with you and run a hand up your leg or something, OH SORRY this is post the patch that fixed that? OK. He'd wait an extra hour.

Tara would curl up next to you and listen as he read from the book, the firelight crackling and warming your bodies as the night grows dark outside.

Afterward he would ask if you'd like to be guided into the Astral plane where you can look down on the All Hallow's Eve festivities below.

yeah, gotta give Tiefling daddy some love. Especially since I still feel bad for massacring them all my last playthru.

Zevlor is another who has seen his fair share of horror, and he would opt to do something more lighthearted with you for a Halloween date.

He seems like a family kind of man, so I expect he would invite the whole gang over for a delicious dinner. Mol and her friends, Arabella and her parents. Rolan and Zorru and maybe even Auntie Ethel will sneak in there. Then it really WOULD be a Halloween experience.

After the dinner and the guests are snoozing or already left he'd wrap an arm around you and pull you close. "Would you accompany me outside? I would like to show you the stars and tell their tales. It's been so long since I've gotten to properly admire them. Or you."

Of course I have to include the daddy devil, who do you think I am?

Raphael would take you to a haunted house, of course. OF COURSE.

Hell, what better house that is haunted than the House of Hope?

It would be horrifying for you, since the no touching rules don't apply there, and most amusing for him.

You'd practically climb the cambion in your efforts to avoid the ghosties, especially that one who constantly says "huuuurt meeee, pleeeaaase."

Raphael would enjoy watching you squirm, and remind you such a fate would not be yours only IF you followed his rules.

Oh yeah, and maybe if you're lucky, or perhaps very unlucky, he'll invite you to his Boudoir.

Oak Father frowns on dissecting pumpkins for the sake of creating superfluous lanterns (or something...I heard it from a friend who heard it from a friend, ok)

Instead, Halsin would druid craft you vines and harvest fruits in whatever shapes, sizes, and colors you desired.

He'd also want to go trick or treating so BADLY. "But Halsin, you're eight feet tall and built like a linebacker. No one is going to mistake you for a kid." Then he'd cast Disguise Self and you'd be forced to take him out on the town in hunt of candy.

Poor guy didn't have much of a childhood and wants to experience the finer things in life. Get those king sized candy bars...just once.

You are a bit huffy, having expected a more...romantic evening than this. But he'll make it up to you later winkwonk , till you can bearly stand it.

You guys would get all CUTE and gussied up together.

Go out on the town.

Pick the best looking victim to be a sacrifice to Lolth.

Wait...what?

681 notes · View notes

cursedhaglette · 2 months

Text

Shoutout Sunday

it is so freaking kind of @littlejuicebox and @tallymonster to tag my work in their shoutout posts, so i wanted to add my own recs of fics i am currently wishing I could leave 1000 kudos on.

also fair warning, i'm a long fic girl. give me an OC to be obsessed, someone i can imagine my own hanging out with, and hopefully one that their author is also obsessed with. i wanna feel that through the writing. and with these, you can.

Pieces Left Stuck in Your Teeth by @howlsmovinglibrary / @wetcatspellcaster - i couldn't put this down when i started it, to the point i was reading it in the car when i should have been grocery shopping. i couldn't stop. it is witty always, devastating at times, and this version of Astarion is just terrible and hilarious in all the best ways

Not Your Sweetheart by @kittenintheden - the most natural dialogue I've ever read, and also the most hilarious. kitten also has such a talent for writing every character in a way that has me laughing each time anyone in her fic speaks. unless it hurts, in which case, it's gonna hurt a LOT

I Want to be Better; Let's Make Each Other Worse by @redrook - my frequent writing bud who's ideas outdo my own more often that not, Jack is an absolute genius and their fic shows it with every word written. the strange ox like you've never seen him before, dolphin riding, ceiling sex - you name it, it's in here AND it makes sense

Pour One Out by the absolutely delicious mind of @aevallare - auristarion supremacy for always. we all know kindred but if you aren't also reading Pour One Out you are, unfortunately, a fool

Sonnet of the Lone Cardinal by @brain-rot-central - neech is doing something truly different with this devastating and delicious A!A piece. and for it to be her first long fic??! the talent is insane

Made for This by @olivedrop - Olive's fic brings me so much joy, not just because Olive herself is an absolute delight, but because her writing is so real and the way she captures the companions feels like it was cut dialogue it's so good

now you want some SMUT? OKAY lets talk - take these and call me in the morning

Think of Me by @scaryanneee is the smut fic of all time for me. i've recced this an unhealthy number of times, probably bordering on it being obsessive

inevitable by @aevallare the smut fic i rec the second most because it's just so easy to place myself in the moment alex writes and as always, i love when the tadpole gets thrown in while folks get nasty

Where were you when I was new? by @kittenintheden - just shut the fuck up and read this and you'll get it. also i'll never stop thinking about how kitten writes dialogue in smut because holy cow

Pent Up by @underdark-dreams - this isn't even Astarion I'm sorry. it's Rolan. i don't even know if i like Rolan. BUT I LOVE THIS FIC. it is so fucking good oh my god.

Careless Whisper by @tallymonster - okay i might be biased because Tally offered to mention Halia here and made her the goddamn prima ballerina, but this is also just So Good and such a fun read. modern AUs don't usually work for me, but this one is that charming

and of course, though i doubt you need my rec to know her by now, anything written by miss @fangswbenefits will make your toes curl. and i mean anything.

#astarion fic writers #astarion fic recs #astarion fanfic recs #astarion fic #astarion fanfic recommendations #fanfic recommendation #fanfic rec #bg3 fanfic #hagbabbles

155 notes · View notes

discordsmuse · 7 months

Text

Discordsmuse Masterlist

❀•°❀°•❀

Hello friends! Finally putting together a masterlist to make it easier for you guys to find all my fanfics here since I only post to AO3!

These will be organized by fandom and character.

❀•°❀°•❀

Baldur's Gate 3

Halsin

dance me to the end of love, NSFW/18+: Fem!Tav and Halsin admit to their feelings post-Moonrise and fuck on a balcony.

Silence, NSFW/18+ : Fem!Tav and Halsin fuck in a closet

Do Unto Others, NSFW/18+ : Fem!Tav wants to give Halsin some attention and convinces him to let her be the giver for once.

Enver Gortash

body more than just a flesh, you can sell it for success, NSFW/18+: Fem!Tav is invited to dinner with the Archduke and things get a little heated.

i will give you all that you need, NSFW/18+: Sequel to the above, Fem!Tav and Gortash bathe together before Enver gets a little handsy.

gracious men are those who suffer, NSFW/18+: Fem!Tav and Enver w/ a free use kink.

legacy with no memory, NSFW/18+: Fem!Durge and Enver Gortash w/a pregnancy kink

I wanna know my god, At least enough to fear Her, NSFW/18+: Fem!Durge and Gortash have a lil bit of hate sex

Gale Dekarios

be my nightfire, NSFW/18+: Fem!Tav catches Gale mid-alone time. Feelings and sex ensue.

Abdirak

sanctify you bedsheets with the sweat along your hips, NSFW/18+: Fem!Tav is fascinated by Abdirak and nervously asks him to teach her about Loviatar.

Raphael

delightful little detour, NSFW/18+: Canon rewrite for what happens when Fem!Tav tells Raphael he's bad at sex.

Let the Dream Begin, NSFW/18+: Fem!Tav/Raphael Phantom of the Opera AU, slowburn

Office Hours, NSFW/18+: Fem!Tav/Raphael College AU

Rolan

i wanna have a home, i wanna share it, NSFW/18+: Fem!Tav and Rolan get together post-saving the tieflings from moonrise.

❀•°❀°•❀

Pirates of the Caribbean

Hector Barbossa

The Pirate Lord, NSFW/18+: Barbossa/Reader post-Elizabeth being kinged.

All That Glitters, NSFW/18+: Longform Barbossa/Reader canon rewrite pre-CotBP

Liar's Bet, NSFW/18+: Longform Barbossa/Reader canon rewrite during CotBP and DMC

feel the edges start to burn, NSFW/18+: Barbossa/Reader where reader is friends w/Carina

❀•°❀°•❀

Harry Potter

Severus Snape

isn't it lovely (all alone), NSFW/18+: Snape/Reader closet sex

no death in rebirth, NSFW/18+: Snape/Reader longform amnesia oneshot

Brought to Life, NSFW/18+: Snape/Reader marauder's era classmates to lovers lol

❀•°❀°•❀

Dead by Daylight

Canon/Canon

Contention, NSFW/18+: Ace/Meg against a tree hatesex

Breaking Point, NSFW/18+: Megmillan first time

It's Alright, Teen/16+: The survivors and killers recover post-entity

Anna/The Huntress

Not so much taming as growing accustomed, Mature/16+, Huntress/Reader friendship to lovers

Herman Carter/The Doctor

Untethered, NSFW/18+, The Doctor/Reader where reader annoying him but in the fun, bratty way

❀•°❀°•❀

Resident Evil Village

Karl Heisenberg

Business Partners with Benefits, NSFW/18+: Heisenberg/Reader where reader is Moreau's niece

❀•°❀°•❀

Spider Man

Dr. Otto Octavius/Doc Ock

Working Overtime, NSFW/18+: Otto/Reader where reader is his lab assistant

Bedside Manner, NSFW/18+: Otto/Reader where reader is Doc Ock's lover

❀•°❀°•❀

Labyrinth

Jareth the Goblin King

Midsummer, NSFW/18+: Jareth/Reader at the midsummer fae ball

don't leave me lonely, NSFW/18+: Jareth/Reader sequel to Midsummer

❀•°❀°•❀

The band Ghost

Papa Emeritus IV/Cardinal Copia

Better Than, NSFW/18+: Copia/Reader where he's a little insecure about Terzo being better than him

❀•°❀°•❀

Dracula

Dracula (lol)

Nice Costume, NSFW/18+: Dracula/Reader in a modern setting at a party

❀•°❀°•❀

Our Flag Means Death

Israel Hands

we do get desperate, now and again, Mature/16+: Fem!Reader/Izzy hurt/comfort unrequited love.

i wanna be yours, Mature/18+: Fem!Reader/Izzy first time together

❀•°❀°•❀

The Quarry (2022)

Travis Hackett/Laura Kearney

• fell in love with the fever, Explicit/18+: Travis and Laura are forced to spend some time together 6 months after the incident.

❀•°❀°•❀

This list will grow/change as I write more :D Thanks for reading!

225 notes · View notes

stuffforthestash · 1 month

Text

Modern Academic AU pt2

Originally started because Professor Raphael got stuck in my head and I had (foolishly) hoped if I wrote down some thoughts, that would be the end of it 🫠

Part 1 and Part 3 ------------------------------ Minthara - School of Law. Used to be a high profile defense lawyer but was barred from practice under questionable circumstances, so now she teaches courses on criminal procedure and domestic violence litigation. Male students are actively warned against taking any of her classes. Elminster - Liberal Arts Dean. Has been in the position forever and is something of a legend at this point. He's Gale's mentor and long time family friend, and he delights in showing up unannounced to Prof. Dekarios's lectures. The two of them have a longstanding tradition of leaving surprise pranks in each others offices. Rolan - English department. Newly upgraded from adjunct instructor to junior full time staff, he's been assigned the special hell of having to teach the general ed. introductory writing courses that none of the other faculty want to deal with. He hates it and thinks it's a complete waste of his talents, but is determined to stick through it long enough to get that research grant. Alfira - School of Theater & Music. Teaches vocal technique and musicality at every level. She's also the faculty coordinator for multiple on-campus performance groups, directs the university chorale and composes all their arrangements, is herself in a local acapella group, AND does community arts & outreach programs for kids.

Gortash - Newly appointed Dean of Information Studies. He's brilliant, he talks big about new frontiers in infosec and grand designs in the future potential of AI... and is already under investigation by the ethics board for misappropriation of university funds. Ketheric - VP of Alumni and he's been with the university longer than Elminster. Nobody knows why he hasn't just retired yet, despite how much he seems to hate his job. Orin - School of Fine Art. She "teaches" a course on performative art. It's weird and extremely uncomfortable for everyone involved, but for some reason people keep enrolling. Durge - Fine Art Dep't Chair. The deeply disturbing nature of his personal art aside, he's actually good at his job as both the chair and an instructor. Mostly teaches anatomy and live model studio courses. Ulder - VP of Public Affairs. He's a great public face for the university, everybody loves him... except the son he refuses to acknowledge after a falling out years ago. Mizora - Human resources admin. Loves her job because it gives her power over other people. Is more likely to be the source of an HR complaint than the one who actually solves the problem. Thaniel (as requested!) - Also HR. He's the one you hope gets assigned to whatever you need because he's great at it. Is also the only one who can reliably get in touch with Halsin; it's not well known that he can, so he'll usually agree to help those who figure out to ask him.

------------------------------

This started going long, so it looks like I'll be doing a third (and probably final?) installment to cover Dammon, Zevlor, Wulbren, Aylin & Isobel, and any other requests!

#bg3 #baldurs gate 3 #minthara #elminster #rolan #alfira #enver gortash #ketheric thorm #orin the red #durge #mizora #ulder ravengard #thaniel

48 notes · View notes

kaykebitez · 2 months

Text

Kayke's BG3 Fanfic Masterlist

Hello and welcome to my BG3 Fanfiction Masterlist! Here's my small (so far) collection of fics that I have written, mainly with Astarion/Tav but Rolan has also taken over my brain space so he's featured heavily as well. The Dark Minstrel (Series) - A collection of fics featuring my female drow bard Tav, Phaere Vrinn. ○ A Sonnet of Spiders (Main Story) - Rated M - Incomplete Starting in Act 2, Phaere meets the drider, Kar'niss, and comes face to face with her past as a noble of house Melarn. Featuring her developing relationship with Astarion and Halsin, and sibling dynamics with Kar'niss. ○ Sing for Me, Dance for Me, Eyes on Me - Rated E - Complete A oneshot detailing Phaere and Astarion's first time. ○ Pianissimo - Rated M - Complete (?) A two-shot (so far) showcasing Phaere and Halsin showing Astarion how to enjoy nonsexual intimacy. Set in Act 2 and Act 3. ○ Caesura - Rated E - Complete The night before the final push to the Netherbrain, Phaere, Astarion, and Halsin enjoy an intimate night together.

Light Years Away (In the Hells) (Series) - A collection of fics set in a modern AU around my tiefling shapeshifter Tav, Vox.

○ Hands in the Fire (Main Story) - Rated E - Incompelete Astarion visits the mysterious nightclub, The Devil's Den, and meets an enigmatic tiefling shapeshifter. Interestingly, within the walls of the club, Astarion can no longer feel Cazador's compulsion.

Fetch the Bhaal (Series) - A collection of fics centered around my tiefling sorcerer Dark Urge, Karvir.

○ Hold the Light - Rated E - Incomplete A short story detailing Rolan slowly falling for the himbo golden retriever durge, Karvir.

Miscellaneous Oneshots

○ Period. - Rated E - Complete Astarion eats reader!Tav out while they're on their period. That's it. That's the fic. My first forray into BG3 fics.

○ Unconventional Surprises (in Love) - Rated T - Complete Written for the Elturian Tiefling Camp Valentines Day Exchange. Rolan has been separated from his loves, Tav and Astarion, for six months. On the night they're set to return, he tries to surprise them with an over-the-top romantic gesture. Everything goes horribly wrong. Shameless fluff.

○ Arcane Arousals - Rated E - Complete Reader is a Wizard, now working/living at Sorcerous Sundries/Ramazith's Tower with Rolan after the Netherbrain's defeat. You've noticed he has a thing for you, but the insufferable brat won't do anything about it. You decide to take manners into your own hands and tease him until he snaps. Just shameless filth.

25 notes · View notes

annanuna-arts · 12 days

Text

He swelled up a bit

#CEO of Ramazith's Tower #modern au Rolan #Rolan #bg3 #rolan bg3 #bg3 rolan #holy rolan empire #art study #oh no he's hot #SMIRK

208 notes · View notes

lynnlovesthestars · 18 days

Text

The Vault.- Work in Progress page.

Hi, welcome to my work in progress page, where I'll update with the status of the current pieces I'm writing, and to give a sneak peak on what's coming up.

When im mentioning OC, im always referring to my oc @wisterialynn

Status: I (Idea), W (Writing), E (Editing), B (Beta reading), T (To post), P (or strikethroughed, posted)

Genre: DDDNE (Dead dove), A (Angst), F (fluff), S (Smut), H (Hurt no comfort), C (hurt with comfort)

It includes requests

Astarion:

Untitled (Astarion x reader), where reader gets gravely injured and Astarion doesn't like it. W C F

Pretending pt. 2 (Astarion x reader) After a night of cuddles, waking up in an empty bed feels oddly wrong. W C F

Pretending pt. 3(Astarion x reader) the shadowcurse is way more dangerous than what it seems H W

Little bump (Astarion x reader), dadstarion headcanon T F

request (Astarion x A Tav who rides a very large wyvern, with them having a bond similar to Daenerys and Drogon or Daemon and Caraxes from GOT/HOTD??) W

request (Could I ask for a Astarion x Durge!Tav I've done 2 Durge playthoughs and wish , which ever companion you romance has a reaction when Durge rejects to be bhasls chosen and gets killed but brought back to life by withers [...]) E

Untitled (Astarion x reader) teaching magic to Astarion F I

Bloodshift (Astarion x oc):

Untitled (Astarion x OC) Dddne, oc has gone through some harsh things for the past 4 years, and he has doubtful ways of coping. DDDNE, H, I

Untitled (Astarion x OC) where oc has a gift for Astarion, but he didn't think it through, featuring the couple rings you find in the graveyard near moonrise towers. C W

Untitled. (Astarion x OC) modern au, where Astarion has had a crush on oc for a long time, but does the wrong thing and almost fucks it up. W C

Untitled (Astarion x OC) college au, Artist !oc and best friend! art model! Astarion C W

Rooftops (Astarion x OC). What if they met after the fall of the netherbrain? C T

Nightmares. (Astarion x OC), study of their nightmares and their backgrounds, written in parallel. T C

Untitled. (Astarion x OC), where one can't hide anymore that they have to be caught in the middle of compromising moments, ft. oc background mentions S T

Untitled (Astarion x OC) Guardian angel au. I

Untitled (Astarion x OC) Background study of OC's trauma, ft smut. S E

Untitled (Astarion x OC) study of oc trauma, ft. hurt comfort. C W

Untitled (Astarion x OC) Miniseries walking through their relationship and rewriting scenes from the main game based on how oc would react. I

Holidays (Astarion x OC), for the holiday challenge on ao3, where the two lovers confront the fact that they have lost a lot since the last moment of peace they had. (W C

Karlach:

Untitled (Karlach x reader) finally you get to touch Karlach how she deserves. Inspired by the dialogue in act one- which is bugged in my run so i can do it over n over again) S W

Letters (Karlach x Dammon) title is self explanatory. F W

Untitled (Karlach x ??) Karlach has a twitter gossip account in anon and plays matchmaker. Modern au, socmed au, (Current plan for next milestone to recruit one reader's oc?) I

Wyll:

masquerade (Wyll x reader) meeting at a masquerade and falling in love I

Gale:

Untitled (Gale x reader). The netherbrain has been defeated and only the gods know if you'll survive the fall. W C

Untitled (Gale x reader), you are low on magic items, so you look for alternatives to help your wizard crush. W S

this kiss https://youtu.be/d-QO55xmS5A?si=8Zup_Dgz0iroNNgt W F

Jaheira:

Untitled (Jaheira x reader) sequel of dinner is served. S I

Shadowheart:

Untitled. (Shadowheart x reader) there's only one goddess in the shar temple until you kneel betweet her legs and the Lady of Loss is forgotten. S W

Laezel:

Shattered. (Lae'zel x reader). Vlaakith broke her heart, and it's you that has to pick up the pieces. C W

Halsin:

tbt

Minsc:

tbt

Other:

request (Could I request headcanons for Harleep, Astarion, Gale, Wyll, Halsin, Dammon, Rolan, and Zevlor with kind and patient gn s/o? This is quite self-indulgent of me because I have been told I'm too nice & so patient so I'm curious how they would react XD) W

request (Could you do a separate scenario thing with the companions(Astarion, Gale, Wyll, Halsin, Karlach, Shadowheart, and Lae’zel) The scenario I was thinking of is Tav who’s married to the companions(separate) is arguing with their child in another room about Uno.) W

16 notes · View notes

barbwillbrb · 3 days

Text

Rapid fire:

Cal & Lia gift Rolan a mug. What does it say?

#bg3 rolan #holy rolan empire #rolan nation #i swear this will be important #modern au

15 notes · View notes

ff69k · 2 months

Text

Saw these modern Rolan outfits suggested on twitter apropos of nothing and had to start a list...

what should I add?

#bg3 #bg3 rolan #rolan fanart #rolan #rolan au #modern rolan #tiefling appreciation #the master of ramazith's tower #bg3 au

9 notes · View notes

jin-in-faerun · 2 months

Text

The Great Study of Rolan Pt 1

A College Modern AU of BG3

TW: None

A/N: I’m using my (current) Tav a Seladrine Drow, Druid, AFAB, she/her Rhiannon for this. I will keep it neutral in certain descriptions just as I know a lot of people prefer x-reader style, but I wanted to be a bit self-indulgent. When I get back on my computer I will include a photo of Rhiannon for those who want to know, what Rhiannon looks like.

I think it will be 3 possibly 4 parts? I tend to be able to write Wednesday and Sundays as those are my days off, in USA EST time. As work and household chores are a lot on me. I haven’t written anything multi-part in a while so mind errors and such, I wanted to get this out. :)

Part 1 - Back to Ramazith University

It was the end of the holiday break, time to get back to Baldur’s Gate to the university. She had spent the break visiting Emerald Grove with her friend Astarian and Karlach studying the local cultures.

It was Sunday and the three made their way back to the campus a few other groups of stragglers back to the university were behind them. Karlach was carrying her and Astarion’s luggage as the Vampire Elf was “too hung over” still and hadn’t an ounce of energy left in his body for pack mule work. Rhiannon as usual had packed light, just a back pack holding the essentials with her. As a Druid of the Underdark her tribe always was nomadic and spent a lot of time on the move.

Rhiannon, Astarion and Karlach were in their first years of University, to be exact Ramazith University of Finer Learning. Karlach had been a friend for a while having meet her a year before she had decided to go to university, Astarion she had met the first day of classes. Astarion was still a bit of a mystery to her, he rarely showed up to class but always managed a sufficient passing grade. Karlach managed a sports scholarship but and spent time being tutored by Rhiannon to make sure she keeps her scholarship. Rhiannon studied several classes with a light work load as she was trying to decide what she wanted to truly study.

Rhiannon had made sure Karlach and Astarion had made it to campus fine, as Karlach had to stay in a dorm due to the sponsorship and Astarion well slept somewhere. It was a mystery to where he actually stayed at, it was rumored he slept in the rafters or on the couches of random students. Rhiannon had her own albeit tiny apartment off campus that was more of a closest than an apartment.

Her place consisted of a living room that branched off to a small kitchen with bare minimum equipment. From the kitchen there was a narrow hallway that had a small bathroom and at the end of the hallway the bedroom. It was something that the University offered for some qualifying students at a discounted price.

‘Home at last,’ Rhiannon thought to herself as she plopped the bag on the floor.

It was dark in the apartment not worrying about the light, as Drow seeing in this dim light was of no bother to her. Most of the times she kept it dark just as it reminded her of home and kept her from getting homesick. Homesick for the Underdark was not something she thought she would ever get.

Opening the fridge there was nothing. . .of course she had donated the food that would have gone bad prior to her break. The plan was to get home early to go shopping and stock back up but Karlach wanted to visit the hot springs prior to coming back and set them back a few hours.

“I guess I’ll wake up early and hit the breakfast crowd.” Rhiannon mused as she moved towards the small bedroom to settle down for the night.

As she pulled off road-worn clothes, plopping them to the floor a thought flickered to her mind, a fleeting image of a surly Tiefling. Smirking at the thought of the TA, Rolan pouring his morning cup of coffee muttering under his breath searching for a quiet spot to sit.

Rhiannon had met Rolan prior to university. She had arrived with Karlach a month early to Baldur’s Gate to get acquainted with the city and ran into him with his siblings one day. The city was bustling and immense so many sights that it was overwhelming, a pickpocket had snagged her wallet from skirt pocket, the short Drow chased after the young Tiefling child.

The small child was fast knowing the territory better than Rhiannon was making quick work of the ground. Diving through a group of Tiefling, Rhiannon lost the kid smashing into a broad set of shoulders, both falling in a heap on the ground.

======Flashback=======

With a yelp Rhiannon fell to the ground the Tiefling she fell on let out a groan tail whipping against her angrily instantly bruising the spots it smacked.

‘My wallet!’ Rhiannon managed to yelp as the Tiefling flung her off of his back pushing her backwards.

‘Mattis!’ A voice shouted, a male Tiefling rushed after the small boy while the female Tiefling chuckled looking down at the scene before her.

‘Watch where you are going, fool.’ Growled the fallen Tiefling as he got to his knees, golden eyes burning hate towards her, fangs bared.

Rhiannon was startled, she didn’t have much interaction with Tiefling a few here and there but they tend to keep to themselves. Plus most see a Drow and turn the other way, assuming the worst. She was use to that. He looked like she was a worm, something foul that dare touch him.

‘That kid stole my wallet. . .I was just trying to get it.’ She retorted, bristling at his comment she wasn’t a fool trying to take back what was hers.

‘You dirtied my robes I have an interview shortly and now I look just as drab as you do. Dare I go to one of the most important interviews of my life looking like a Mud Mephit?’ He glowered brushing off his attire, as he got to his feet leaving her on the ground.

‘I think you would need to improve to look like a Mud Mephit, to be honest.’ Rhiannon commented as she got to her feet.

‘Oh I like this girl, Rolan! She’s not here for your shit.’ The female Tiefling said laughing as she help brushed off the male.

‘You’ll think different when Professor Lorroaken denies me the position.’

‘You can just tell him you were hunting the Nightsong and he’ll lap it up.’

‘Hey - I got this back.’ The young Tiefling that had chased after the thief, a bit out of breath he held out the wallet.

‘Thanks, I appreciate that I just moved here and I got a bit lost and distracted.’ She answered taking back her wallet.

====End Flashback====

In the morning Rhiannon woke begrudgingly early heading to the campus to get dibs on a decent breakfast selection. Filling up a plate of food, she found a quiet spot and enjoyed a quiet morning before the busy day of classes.

Rolan was not ready to start the day, he had been working all day on Sunday preparing Professor Lorroaken’s class for Monday morning to make sure everything was just right. The professor was in a mood when he had come back from holiday break a few days ago, he had been at a disclosed location dealing with his “researchers” looking for the Nightsong. The obsession of the professor’s that made more work for Rolan. Sure he was more than qualified to do the work but it was a lot on top of his job at the library, school and taking care of his siblings who just find it always the best ways to cause havoc.

He spotted a strange sight in a corner seat, the first year Drow, Rhiannon eating. She normally wasn’t at cafeteria during the morning as she generally had Cal and Lia at her apartment scrounging for breakfast from her. Shaking his head not truly worried by the appearance of the Drow, just that meant Cal and Lia would be ravenous at dinner tonight. Perhaps he could convince them to visit her for dinner?

Ever since the day that Rhiannon had crashed into him and his siblings, Cal and Lia had made fast friends with her. He couldn’t quite grasp why perhaps her banality was amusing to them? Lia always sung Rhiannon’s praises, she cooks, funny, smart all that but Rolan felt it was just false praises. It wasn’t worth his time to make friends or unnecessary social interaction he was busy with, everything. There was no room for other things, no matter how pretty or endearing they were.

Definitely no room.

None at all.

As if she knew she was being started at, Rhiannon looked up locking eyes briefly with Rolan. Staring through her, Rolan realized that she was looking at him shaking his head dragging fingers through his hair that was slightly damp still from a morning shower. He didn’t have time for such things. Rhiannon smiled at him as he turned away rolling his eyes at the comfort that the smile brought to him.

“Ridiculous.” He muttered heading to the coffee cart, loading up the sugar in a cup.

“You really shouldn’t waste your time on that, pill my darling.” Astarian’s cooing voice called out as he appeared out of nowhere plopping down beside Rhiannon.

“Oh morning Astarion. He’s not even the bit interested in me, I just wish he would accept me as a friend. Lia says that is ‘like the most impossible thing ever’. I think he still holds it against me for crashing into him when I was chasing that thief.”

“He’s a sourpuss, plenty of other prey worthy of your attention and further more of your affection than he is, darling Rhia.” Astarion said, leaning back in the chair, lifting his legs up plopping them on her lap reaching over snagging a handful of grapes.

“I know. . .” She said trying not to be obvious she was watching Rolan saunter over to the exit with just the coffee in his hands.

———

Over the next few weeks, classes were back in full swing and the tests were starting to pour in. Walking down the hallway Rhiannon spotted Rolan, he was carrying a pile of books heading to Professor Lorroaken’s office, her next class. Rushing over to him she snagged some books off the top of the pile so the over encumbered Tiefling could see where he was going, his golden eyes turned downwards to her smiling face with a glower.

“I do not need your assistance I am just fine.” He let out with an exasperated sigh.

“Really? I saw you nearly walk into a student just like a second ago?” She teased, looking down at the books these didn’t pertain to the course load for this semester for Professor Lorroaken.

More Nightsong theory books and ancient history books on gods and myths.

“I did not, I am well in-tuned with my surroundings Miss Rhiannon.” Rolan chastised her, a slight huff as he started heading towards the classroom.

“Hmmm.” She gave a slight frown noticing the bags under his eyes, the weariness in the tone of his voice and the grumbling of his stomach. “When did you eat last?”

“What does that matter to you? It is none of your worries.” Rolan brushed her off as he reached the door, snaking his tail around the door handle pulling it open.

“Have you had a break at all, Rolan? You look worn out, I heard rumors about Professor Lorroaken that he goes though TAs like they are going out of style.”

“That is none of your business, Miss Rhiannon. Please stay out of my life, I do not need your charity. I have more talent than any of those other assistants.” Rolan spat out caught off guard as he entered the room, tail pushing the door more to allow her in.

Shaking her head, Rhiannon followed Rolan to the desk as Professor Lorroaken came out of his private office to see students filing in. Slamming the books on the desk she flickered a glare at the professor who just gave her a confused look unsure of her irritation.

———

On the way home from the market Rhiannon was carrying some groceries knowing that Cal and Lia where coming over later to for dinner, part of their weekly ritual to spend a night together with either games or a movie and relax. Sometimes Astarian or Karlach would join in the festivities making it a full blown party. Tonight was just suppose to be Cal and Lia.

Suppose to be.

Until she spotted Rolan walking down the street, heading towards the apartment the shared with Cal and Lia, his footsteps uneven, wobbling a little. Any passerby would just assume this Tiefling was drunk if they even considered that as most ignored Tieflings. It was concerning seeing him like that, his normally deep crimson skin was sallow looking, normally well kept hair was barely held up in a bun strands falling into his face.

There was a part of her that thought he looked rather good looking a bit bedraggled like that. But it was more concerning that he was this worn out from all the work he’s been through, she knew from what Cal had told her that he would leave the University after his tasks are done there come home rest for a bit then go back to the University to the library to do the restocking and cleaning overnight to pay for their housing.

She wanted to say something to offer him to come over to her place to eat with his sibling but the words from earlier burned in her heart. She hesitated as people rushed past her continuing their daily errands as she watched him trudge forward trying to make it home.

Rolan stumbled falling to the ground, people ignoring him as the Tiefling passed out. Rhiannon rushed over to him, ignoring the people around her as she shoved them out of the way trying to get to Rolan. He was breathing roughly as he struggled to get to his hands and knees, swearing softly.

Dropping her bag of groceries to the ground, Rhiannon was on her knees next to Rolan helping him up. She reached a tentative hand to him, wary of his reaction as his head jolted towards her leaning back to miss the sharp horns.

“Leave me I am fine.” Rolan growled angry, recognizing the face before him wanting it to be anyone but her.

Why her?

Why her, kind and gentle face staring at him with pity in her eyes?

Why could it not be her just let people ignore him like normal, that just a Tiefling who cares? No it has to be this sympathetic Drow with her bleeding heart wanting to be friends with him. She was always trying to find ways to talk to him, to endear herself to him. Always there trying to help to remind him that he can’t do everything himself. That he alone isn’t enough to take care of himself and his siblings.

He is enough - he doesn’t need her help.

Shoving her back Rolan got to his feet, feet wobbly as he was feeling drained from all the work the unending tasks. Head spinning he tried to keep his balance, he needs just a bit of rest and he would be fine. Rhiannon jumped to her feet reaching out a hand to support him, to help him stay standing.

“Rolan he is working you too much - you are working too much. Come to my place and have dinner with us. I can call Cal and he can help, we can sit - - -.”

“I said I am fine. Save your pity for someone else. I can handle this. I am not weak.” Rolan spat out pure venom the feeling of her hand on his back just above the base of this tail was comforting.

It was comforting so much it burned the kind touch was something he yearned for. But not from her. From anyone other than her. She was infuriating with her kindness, her concern.

To see her how she treats her fellow students despite so many of them tend to steer away from her knowing most Drow are insufferable. She was far from it. She was a warm comforting blanket on a cold winter day. The touch he wishes for. But he couldn’t stand that she was one to make him feel that way. She was easy to talk to, talented in her classes easily making it in the top ranks, Cal and Lia loved talking to her. He was not easy to talk to, not supportive, not strong he had to work so hard at everything. She was so many things he was not. It was infuriating on how much he wanted to be in her radiance but the burn of it was too much it reflected so much of his flaws. His imperfections. How much he fails his siblings.

It was making him angrier - the frustration fueling his drive feeling awake now he walked away from her. He needed to be free of her. This anger she brought in him was confusing it didn’t feel right…like it wasn’t anger but something else - perhaps he was too tired.

Rolan pushed her back with his tail forcefully barely wanting to be near her making it down the path with more vigor now.

The tip of his tail is sharp it grazes against the exposed thigh as her dress just reached above her knees, spilling blood. Rhiannon stumbled back nearly falling over against, Rolan glanced back noticing the damage he caused pausing briefly as his eyes widen with shock. He snapped his head back forward and rushed off.

The next morning Astarion was helping change the bandage on her leg explaining it was a waste of perfectly good blood.

“Darling Rhia I told you to drop him. He’s just not worth the worry. Why worry over him? If you like Tieflings you know Dammon is one hundred percent available and he’s a little cinnamon roll.”

“Maybe you are right…” Rhiannon said as she thinks about Dammon.

Dammon worked for the university on the custodial staff fixing things in turn to afford some night classes the school offers at a discount. He was sweet and always endearing himself to everyone. Dammon worked for the local blacksmith honing that craft as he took classes for business management.

It didn’t take Rolan to notice that Rhiannon was avoiding him and spending time with Dammon. He just couldn’t figure out why that pissed him off. Why it made his blood pressure rise when the sweat covered Tiefling running up to her with a smile on his face, as he had be toiling away fixing some contraption. The smile on her face as Dammon approached her swooping in picking up her books, offering to walk her to her next class, it made him. . .confused. . .envious?

Whatever it was he didn’t like it. He liked the idea of that smile at him though. . .

———————

Part 2 ||

Tagging: @viennacherries @darkurgetrash (let me know if you don’t want to be tagged)

10 notes · View notes