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temperedink · 3 days

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my favourite ACOTAR fic by authors not on tumblr

I wanted to give some love to stories that aren't often mentioned on Tumblr and don't reblogged over and over because their writers don't have accounts here. (I also just want more people to read some of my faves and scream about them with me.)

A Court of Ash and Sunlight by aturner1205 (Elucien; complete)

This Elucien fic had me on the edge of my seat and making up wild theories while it was posting. (I was incredibly wrong in said wild theories.) Elain and Lucien start to get to know each other better when they both are mourning her father on his birthday, and she confesses to him that she's never felt their bond. They're getting closer, and then Lucien is sent off on a dangerous mission, there's an accidental pregnancy, and Koschei after the Archerons. Tons of twists and turns here!

Fury and Siren by hurricane (next-gen; complete)

Next-gen fics where the kids are already adults are sometimes a hard sell, but these two interconnected stories get you deeply invested in Nyx and his cousins (their parents are all still around too). The first one is Nyx and an Illyrian shadowsinger (hmmm...) who's secretly been avenging abused and clipped Illyrian females, and the second is Nessian's son Caden and the only female Darkbringer who's been sent to assassinate him. These boys are definitely their fathers' sons, with their charm and flirting, but their partners do not let them rest on their privilege.

I Miss You (When the Lights Go Out), I Want to Taste the Way That You Bleed, and I Am Done With My Graceless Heart by greenvelvet_couture (Nessriel; ongoing series)

Soooo much Nessriel smut that kicks off when Azriel returns from a mission injured and Nessian want to take care of him (physically first, then sexually). Also a lot about Nesta training her post-ACOSF powers and the dangers that go along with that. But the author is VERY dedicated to the smut, bless her. Part 2 has just started and picks up with Bryce in the Night Court.

A Long Way Down by becauseofreading (Nessian; ongoing)

This one is a tough read, but it does a beautiful job of showing the recovery process from trauma and a suicide attempt. Nesta is suicidal and has deeply convinced herself of her unworthiness. Cassian is taken to task for his treatment of her and the words he's levelled at his mate, and the Valkyries, Azriel, and Elucien rally around her as she tries to heal and love herself with proper therapy. Cassian is ashamed of his treatment of her and is allowed in to help her heal if he doesn't upset her.

Where You Used to Lay Your Head by loveL (Gwynriel; ongoing)

This one is a bit of a time mindfuck, so you have to just accept that the Archerons and the Valkyries were born much earlier than they were in canon. Sixty years ago, Azriel and Gwyn were happy in their secret 20-year relationship (the IC knew he had a partner, but didn't know who she was) when suddenly Gwyn up and left him. Now she's back in the Night Court with Nesta and Emerie after creating the Valkyries in the Day Court, and Azriel is finally going to try to find out what happened that made Gwyn leave and stay away for so long.

Forgive Me, A Court of Shadow and Smoke, and The High Lady, the Shadowsinger, and the Omega, Part 1 and Part 2 by darcyshandflex (Elucien, Azris, next-gen; ongoing)

This epic series starts with Elucien and explaining why Elain has avoided him for so long--but now she's ready to fight for him. In A Court of Shadow and Smoke, we have omegaverse!Azris finally getting together (Azriel's the alpha, Eris is the omega) and all of the emotional and political issues that causes. The final two parts span 30+ years with Azris raising their three girls. When the girls are adults, their future partners are discovered, and that has long-lasting impacts on multiple courts in Prythian. This one is still ongoing, and apparently the final part is going to be sad and I'm not ready for it.

And here are three writers I would have included on this list who have since gotten on Tumblr (I procrastinated on writing this post for THAT long, but they were on the original draft!):

A Little Bit of Light Reading by @infinitefolklore (Elucien; complete)

One of my all-time favourite ACOTAR stories that I have reread a bajillion times. Elain and Lucien are alone at the townhouse and start flirting, which leads to other things, including library sex, a sorta blood duel, a reconciliation, a solstice sex party in the Summer Court, PLUS a threesome near the end, as a little treat.

I Can Wait For You at the Bottom by MissFreakingFortune/ @missfckingfortune (Elucien; ongoing)

Listen, if you're not reading this super-sexy modern Elucien rockstar second-chance romance, I don't know what you're doing with your life. Elain and Lucien were high school sweethearts who had their lives together all planned out, until Lucien left to chase his rockstar dreams. Ten years later, he's returned home for Beron's funeral and once they're back in each other's orbit, they both can't stay away. Lucien is determined to win her back, but Elain is much more wary, even though the attraction is definitely still there. There's also a great big bro Eris, and Mama Vanserra finally has her freedom from Beron so she can maybe start something up again with hot French professor Helion...and also tell him about their child, who is also going to need to know about his true parentage.

Phoenix Rising by Vivienne1412/ @annaskareninas (Elucien; ongoing, complete with regular updates)

I need you to drop everything and go read this fic. Yes, NOW. No, I'll wait.

Beron has seized control over all of Prythian and has either killed or exiled all of High Lords and other powerful fae (Feysand and Nyx are in the Hewn City dosed with faebane everyday; Nessian escaped to Hybern). The humans have also gathered enough power that they're a dangerous threat to the fae. Elain has been working as a nurse for the fae resistance efforts, and her latest patient is the long-thought-dead Lucien, the only free heir of any of the High Lords. They go on the run to protect him, as there's a prophecy about him that makes him the last hope to defeat Beron and Autumn for good, and shore up support from the Continent to get a fighting force. This is an incredibly well-written fantasy story with crazy-high stakes and DRAGONS. Go read it.

#fic rec #elucien #gwynriel #nessian #nessriel #azris #next-gen acotar #reblog with your fave non-tumblr stories!#also if any of these writers are on tumblr lmk

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scarareg · 2 days

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From 0 to 10, which grades would you give to PJO ships?

Hi anon! This is such a fun question! Thanks for sending it! I tried to choose the most popular ships because there are so many variations of them, but if you are curious about a specific one that I didn't mention, feel free to ask!

Percabeth (Percy x Annabeth)

3/10 I give it a 3 only because in PJO they are cute but in HOO they are full of red flags and I hate what Rick did with them. I feel like their goals for the future do not align at all, and it is as if they together because that is what they are used to and not because they are in love. It seems like Percy is always trying to accommodate to what Annabeth wants and I think in the long run that would make him miserable, and those feeling will make worst a relationship that is already fragile.

In the future he is going to resent her so bad, because we already see that he doesn't feel comfortable joking/talking about some topics because Annabeth gets mad, now add him feeling like he has to follow everything she says or do just to be "the perfect boyfriend". It is a recipe for disaster

AnnieLuke (Annabeth x Luke)

1/10 this one is complicated. The thing is that I understand the appeal of a childhood besfrieds to lovers, I love those, BUT Luke never saw Annabeth as anything but a little sister. That + the fact that their relationship became toxic, it just make me uncomfortable. Sorry Annie, but this one is not the one, at least in my opinion (and in Luke's lmao)

Perluke (Percy x Luke)

4/10 I see you fans of friends to enemies to lovers or friends to lovers to enemies, I get it, but to me this one lacks that je ne sais quoi to make it appealing. But I can understand why some people like it. And I am part of the team "Percy had a crush on Luke yet he was the last to know"

Percico (Percy x Nico)

10/10 they are my OTP. I like how they complement each other. They have the history, the angst, the complexity. I like the dynamic of two characters who went through a lot, but deal with trauma in opposite ways.

They are ride or die for each other, but they keep that information a secret from each other, which makes their relationship really fun.

Most importantly Nico thinks Percy is cool AF and he adores him just the way he is. Percy is one of the few people who tried to get close to Nico and to understand him.

Their empathetic nature would make this relationship super sweet, tender and calm. For example, if one of them need to rest or are stressed out, they can go to the other and they will know if they need to talk or just want to nap.

Bonus points because their relationship with each other's parents would make their relationship even more interesting and fun!

Perachel (Percy x Rachel)

9/10 love this one! My second fave Percy ship! This is Percy's loss, to be honest. Their chemistry is super natural and they are always having fun! Rachel seems like a low-maintenance partner, so being with her must be pretty easy. She would not make drama if Percy can't be there with her for some time because he has to save the world or whatever. I think he can chill with her, and just like with Nico, Percy just being Percy is enough

Valgrace (Leo x Jason)

9/10 What I like about them is that both are insecure about themselves but always see the best in each other. Jason is Leo's hype man and Leo is always thinking about how impressive Jason is. Where Leo is chaotic, Jason is calm. Where Jason is anxious, Leo is chill. They just screams healthy couple

Jiper (Jason x Piper)

2/10 the problem here is how the relationship started. Both of them are really kind to each other, but their romance is based on a lie, which neither of them is to blame for, but it just feels wrong. To me, after knowing how their relationship started, Piper seems to like Jason enough to stay a couple, and Jason was too kind and just rolled with it, and that is not good reason to stay with someone in my opinion.

Liper (Leo x Piper)

9/10 shout out to @maygirlsposts to make me see the light with this one! Before, it never crossed my mind they could be a couple, but gosh! They are so cute together!

Piper and Leo genuinely have a connection, they share sense of humor, they have been through difficult stuff together and are empathetic towards the other's problems. They have a healthy balance between being chaotic when they are chilling, and having the ability to have honest conversations when necessary. They are overall wholesome AF!

Extra points for being the healthy version of Hephaestus x Aphrodite

Jasico (Jason x Nico)

10/10 this one is not my ship,only because I prefer them as besties, but I see the vision of their shippers; and I give them a 10 because they are probably the healthiest ship Nico has, to be honest.

Jason is always so patient with Nico, and sincere yet kind. Is great to see Nico feeling at ease with him. Jason has the stability Nico needs in a relationship.

Both bring the best of each other, and push the other to do and be the best they can be!

Jeyna (Jason x Reyna)

8/10 oh what could have been! The tragedy of the lost potential! They were too powerful together and Rick couldn't handle that.

They have history together and understand each other deeply. They are both strong mentally and physically, so they could be the standard of a demigod couple. They are both healthy people on their own, so their relationship would naturally be nice.

Their love story could have been so interesting, like: separated by war and the gods, reunited by fate!

To tell you a secret, I see them as Nico's unofficial parents/older siblings. Basically, they both adopted him separately, protect him, and genuinely care about him. They would have been one hell of parents lmao

Jercy (Jason x Percy)

6/10 this one is fun! Again it is not my ship, but I like their dynamic. They give "Two bros,chilling in the hot tub, five feet apart cause they’re not gay" energy

Frazel (Frank x Hazel)

9/10 this is the only canon ship I like! Frank is super sweet and Hazel is always so kind, both are just wholesome AF! Like two teddy bears! I like that they started out as friends and both were seen as the "weird kids", that makes me think their bond is just genuine!

Lazel (Leo x Hazel)

5/10 they are cute, I just prefer them as friends. And not gonna lie, the fact that Hazel's ex is Leo's grandpa makes them kinda weird to me as a couple.

As friends will give them a 8/10, they need more time to get closer, but they already are super fun!

Fraleo (Frank x Leo)

6/10 They are funny! Like wholesome-awkward meets wholesome-chaotic. They just make me laugh because of how cute they would be, completely adorable! Too pure for this world!

I like this, but personally I like my ships with more angst, so I prefer them as friends. But you guys, their shippers, you must be the cutest, most wholesome people out there!

Leo x Frank x Hazel

7/10 I see the vision, but as you can see, I like Leo being their bestie instead of in a romance. But I understand! What's better than a love triangle? An OT3!

Pipabeth (Piper x Annabeth)

8/10 I like them a lot! This is the ship I like for Annabeth. In general I think Annabeth seems more comfortable with women. It feels like Rick wrote her as a lesbian-who-doesn't-know-she-is-one, but did so whithout realizing. Her chemistry with Piper (and with Reyna) just comes naturally and she looks like she is having fun!

Piper's fun personality complements Annabeth's logical one. Piper is all feelings, Annabeth is all brains, love that!

Also, just imagine their mothers' reactions when they find out they are dating!

Pipercy (Piper x Percy)

5/10 this is fun! But it needs that something else to make it super appealing to me, you know. Both are crack heads so they would be hilarious and a menace together! I can see the appeal! For me, I just prefer them as besties, like "Prepare for trouble! And make it double!"

Solangelo (Nico x Will)

3/10 in canon, 10/10 in fanon

First of all, can we talk about how fucking ethereal their ship name is? The ship name gets an ∞/10!

Now, the ship. I will start saying that I LOVE ships that are opposites attracts, but sadly this ship is a bit like Percabeth, but better. Let me explain. The concept is there, but at the moment of writing their romance, Rick kinda sucks. Genuinely think fic writers do a better job writing them.

For starters I have a problem with Nico being outed by Cupid. And I do not like at all that he doesn't have time to process that trauma, neither his crush on Percy and the heartbreak that comes after his rejection. Will is shoehorned into the narrative because "Nico needs a boyfriend" and Will is the only character available. He was a glorified extra.

This takes me to that I feel Rick thinks a relationship will solve all of your problems. I firmly believe that Nico needed time alone to recover from all of his trauma, which is a lot. But Rick's solution for this kind of stuff is "get a partner!". (Leo and Piper also suffered of this)

Is like: "Did you live through World War II? Your mom died and you were immediately stuck in an hotel for maybe one or two months? When you finally got out, were you in another century? Your sister died one week later? Years passed and you lived on your own for a while and felt scared and isolated from everyone you knew? Did you fight another war? Went to Tartarus and came back and then get kidnapped? You almost died, again? Had to fight again? Don't worry, having a boyfriend will solve all your problems!"

And I HATE IT! This is not Will's fault, it's Rick's. So I feel bad for not loving Solangelo in canon, but I really think Nico needs time for himself, he will have time for boyfriends in the future after he gets in a better head space.

Conclusion Will and Nico deserve better writers.

Once again thanks Anon! Would love to know what you think about this!

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anxiousdreamcore · 10 hours

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May I humbly asks for your interpretation/opinion/view of the Spider & Quaritch as well as the Spider & Sullies relationships/dynamics ?

Sure! I’ve complained about how my opinion of the characters changed throughout the year of being engaged in the fandom so I might as well share! 🤭

Spider: An audacious, frat-boy-ish teen who stinks of dirt, sweat and will eat a live bug to gross you out. Kiri said that he bites and she was 100% honest because this kid will fling his mask off and tear into your throat if you mess with his baby siblings 😤 at the same time, he’s more than capable of being responsible and gentle, especially when it comes to Pandora, its wildlife and cultures, all of which are clearly very important to him. A menace with a heart of gold and an iron fucking will, untameable. Unbreakable. No authority scares him.

Quaritch: A man so damaged he can’t be repaired. He’s seen too many horrors, killed too many people, watched too many comrades die, has been infected with too much poison. It runs in his veins and destroys everything he touches…which is precisely why he is only likeable as a father. He has never been one before and that part of him is completely new, not yet damaged. The only part of him not yet tainted by the rotten creature that is the rest of him. A mangy, old army dog that will burn Pandora to the ground if its chain is broken, but will lie down and wag its tail for his child, and only him.

Oh, and he’s mentally ill too, at least to some extent, canonically. It’s not to say that his mental illness makes him a bad guy. No. It’s the lack of care he puts into coping with it that contributes to the dumpster fire that is Miles Quaritch. My personal headcannon is that he needs mood-stabilisers yet regularly skips them.

Spider & Quaritch dynamic: Two outcasts who bond over being isolated by their respective groups. Also, Lima and Stockholm syndrome duo! Quaritch gets an instant liking to Spider that soon grows into fatherly love, as Spider brings out the best in him; his most pure, childish and kind traits. Does the rest of him, the rotten, the poisoned, hate it? Oh, absolutely. But he can’t, won’t stop the wild-child from worming his way deep into his decaying heart. Spider meanwhile battles his own platonic feelings and holds onto his resentment as much as he can. He wants to love Miles but he doesn’t. He loves him but he wishes him an agonising death. He wants to be hugged by him and sink a blade into his chest. He wants Miles to prove him that not all grown ups are rotten and he can still be loved. He wants Miles to love him.

Spider & Sully siblings dynamic: “A family disappointment and local cool stoner to his siblings, who are more than happy to take after him because they think his utter freedom and lack of care for authority is cool” kinda vibe. Will play fight with his siblings and bite their noses before kissing them better and shoving them away. Calls Tuk a little gremlin affectionately. Brings Lo’ak back down to Pandora when he spirals into his insecurities or gets too bold and self-sacrificial. Is platonic soulmates with Kiri and feels a profound connection to her, as she does to him. Resents Neteyam for abandoning their little group to become a "respectable warrior". Wants him back. Wishes things could be like when they were kids.

Spider & Neytiri dynamic: She she sees him as a pesky, dangerous demon child that…that didn’t do anything but stay loyal, through all the torture and horrors. A lot of guilt is present between them after the final battle, and they will definitely have a horrible, explosive argument about it sooner or later, but for now they are content at silently sharing space, at time quipping and taking light jabs at each other, because that is their cycle. Playfulness, fear, resentment, until it all explodes and they scream at each other, then the cycle repeats, fuelled by guilt. Is there a chance to stop it? Will they ever be okay?

Spider & Jake dynamic: Hero worship turned disappointment. Spider idolised him for his status and incredible feats as a child but as he grew, and Jake consistently kept him at an arms length without establishing clear boundaries, the constant pining to have him as a father became a never-ending, aching pain in Socorro’s chest. Jake gave him an empty hope that they might one day be a family, without ever clarifying that it’ll never be true, confusing the boy until he was proved not once, not twice, but thrice, that he isn’t needed, isn’t missed, or loved by Jake. He’s a stray animal, and that is all he’ll ever be to him. He knows better now than to wish for something that can never be…doesn’t even want to. Quaritch might be a horrific monster, but at least he genuinely loves him. He doesn’t need Jake’s pathetic scraps of affection anymore. He doesn’t need him anymore.

•

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witch-oftheflowers · 3 days

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Lost Souls

AN: hello enjoy this full story for the monster AU! I love @/bluegiragi au and all this steams back to their universe. I justed wanted to put a twist on it in my way heheh enjoy!

The sun shines down through the heavy clouds. Bright white eyes linger up as the pale woman stared in awe.

She rarely saw the morning sun rise. Not like she used to. When she was alive.

Well... Technically alive?

She tilted her head as she waved her transparent hands through. Sun beam shore through her

Soft mumbles of 'awe' or 'oo' left her lips.

But she was so distracted. She didn't noticed the crunch of leaves behind her. Nor the many crunches of several people approaching her.

Last minute she whipped her head around 360. Her hand still rose. Her hair whispy and floating behind her as she stared

Four men. All monsters. Slowly creeping towards her.

Her white eyes flicker back to her normal brown eyes. She stopped her floating, being transparent. Having a soft glow to her now. Her pale tan skin shined as she seemed 'normal'

Landing on her feet, her long skirt flowing under her as she started to approach towards them.

"Who goes there?"

Her curly hair covered her figure. Hiding parts of her face. She seemed so lost. Her clothes were tatter, faded of color, blood stains litter her attire. It seemed period attire even.

"Just a lad looking for a lass." A deep voice echoed. The scent of cigar? Her eyes adjusted as the fog grew back in.

She stopped as she held her skirt firm in her hands. Getting ready to blow as she noticed the wings.

A dragon?

Then she noticed the others...

A Harpy?

Werewolf?

And...

Her eyes landed to the skull masked man. Feeling her soul tug towards him. She flinched back as she sighs a bit.

"I... I'm no lass?" She said, her voice cracked in broken English. She heard the deep laugh from the dragon. Her eyes widen as she scoffed

"You're a woman yes?"

"Sí."

"You're a lass..." He chuckled as he stopped before her. His cigar illuminated his face as he crossed his large arms. Noticing one wing on him even.

"What do you... Want?" She hesitated as she glared to the others.

Each man keeping a distance. Seeming ready to assist their leader it appeared.

The woman stalked forward as they got a better view of her.

She looked so young...

"I heard a myth of these woods..."

Myth?...

Her eyes soften as she knew what he meant. It was about her...

"A banshee...a crying woman. One that hasn't been able to rest..." The dragon stopped as he guaged her reaction.

She seemed so sad. Her eyes glancing down as she let him continue the myth.

"How long you've been here?"

"...as long I known..." Her voice was somber as she sighs. Her chest heaved as she didn't wanna continue this conversation. Getting herself ready to scream for them to leave.

But the whoosh of black mass covered her mouth before she could try. Her eyes flutter to the skull masked man as she glared. Her eyebrows knit as he returned the same glare.

"Dear.. give me a chance to explain why I'm here." The dragon spoke up as he realized her reluctance towards them.

"My name is John Price..." He said as he inched closer. His one wing flutter as he noticed the fear in her eyes

"Simon! Let her go." Price stated as he shot the large man a stare.

"Sir that wouldn't be wise" He stated back as he met his leaders stare.

"She's scared, it makes sense."

"Sir we need to be careful. The lass could attack-" the Harpy spoke up as he met her gaze

Ximena was getting overwhelmed as they bickered with themselves. Her hair floated up as she started to panic, eyes flickering white as she let out a high pitch screech.

Breaking through Simon's black mass as her vocal range kicked them back. The sound wave broke through the silence as the monsters were flung back.

Well the werewolf and Harpy were. The skull man and Price stood strong. Clinging to their surroundings as they tried to fight back the blast wave.

"LEAVE ME ALONE!"

Her voice roared as she finished off the wave. Her hair a mess as it coated her face. Her breathing was labored as she felt a bit faint. Trying to stand strong as she watched Simon and Price getting back to their feet.

"Come on Lass... Hear us out." Price spoke up as he watched her sway. Her eyes flickering white to brown as she was enraged.

"No! I wanna...be alone." She spoke out as she tried to step back. But as she tried, her body succumbed as she went limp. Hair falling in spills around her as she fell

Price rushed over as he caught the woman. His cigar fell in the process as he cursed under his breath.

"Well we got the package.... Let's hope she'll adjust to whatever comes her way." He voiced as Ghost came behind him. His eyes glaring as he sighs

"What's so special about her anyways?"

"She killed multiple soldiers a month again half a team wiped out. Multiple generals wanted her capture... To test on her or convince her to join."

"What the fuck is wrong with them..."

"You know as much as I do. Everything."

Soap and Gaz huffed as they finally returned. Their eyes sore as they were tossed into the cold river behind the forest. A good few miles away.

"Sir can we leave now?" Gaz asked as his feathers flicker from water.

Soap whined as he shook off his fur. A bit panting as he stared to the woman.

"Wee thing tuckered out... Good for us right?"

"For how long...?"

"Let's hope a while." Ghost spoke up as he scooped the woman into his arm. Tossing her over his shoulder.

Ximena whined as she eased up finally. Her hair covering her face, her dainty hands clung to his shoulders.

Ghost froze as he didn't wanna give away the interaction as they started to trudge back through the misty forest. Well the mist vanished once she was knocked out.

The lads a bit impressed she was able to control so much at once.

She ended up being out for three days. And when she came to. Locked in a glass cell. Her eyes looking around as she missed something. A warmth.

"Hello...?" She called out as she pressed her hands against the glass. Not being able to look out.

But everyone could see in. The fear on her eyes. The way her hair was freaking out, smashing against the glass wanting to let her out.

And eventually. Just mist filled the cell. Blocking out their view in.

Who knew what else was in store for their team with this new element to their team.

#rosie rants #rosie writes #call of duty #cod #oc #cod oc #writing #canon x oc #ghost cod #monster au #LETS GOOOO

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chaoticbardlady99 · 3 days

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Darling, Never Stop Haunting Me

(Astarion x F! Ghost Reader)

Chapter 10: Til Death Do Gale and Tav Part

Synopsis: You and Astarion attend Gale and Tav's wedding and respective bachelor parties (a quick filler before shit gets wild again). Astarion is disgustingly, horribly in love.

CW: Briefly described wardrobe smut, dead dove (Astarion's past)

Disclaimer- it's a pic crew and I am obsessed

Likes, Comments, and Reblogs are always appreciated! Thank you for all your support and love!

Chapter 9: Chapter 11: AO3

Astarion walks behind Cazador against his own will. In spite of all the fight Astarion put up- he is never going to win.

He doesn’t know why he is being punished or what he could have even done to be punished. He had been behaving very well to avoid additional beatings.

Two years of being a vampire spawn- he thought he could figure out the game and play it, but there is no game. Just master and spawn. Astarion is nothing anymore and it destroys his entire being.

The silver knife etching poetry into his back stings and aches- it’s been hours now and Cazador isn’t close to being finished.

He feels at the edge of his death again, but this time he is desperate for the relief death would bring. Everything hurts- it all hurts so bad and he feels so horribly alone.

Astarion braces himself for the next part, blinking away his tears and pain- to be met with the sight of a glowing hand on top of his.

He looks up and tries not to make it obvious that someone is there- he wants to enjoy this moment, even just a little longer. He swears he can feel the gentle touch on his hand like a crux for his brain.

The woman is beautiful and shimmering- he knows this person.

It’s you- he’s no longer in Szarr palace because how else would he be able to identify who you are? This is just a dream- this isn’t really happening again.

The pain fades and so does Cazador- the world has slowed down in its entirety as his brain focuses on you.

His ghosty- his silent savior. He thought you were an angel at the time. You sobbed for him, telling him how sorry you were that you couldn’t stop him, you tried to possess Cazador and you became overwhelmed- he was going to destroy you and you don’t want to leave Astarion alone for eternity.

Good- he doesn’t want to be left alone for all of eternity. He doesn’t want to be without you.

Then you are gone- turned into that creature the Lich said he would turn you into and a scream leaves Astarion’s throat. His heart shatters, his bones break, his head splits, and his back aches.

He thought he knew pain, but maybe he never did.

Astarion wakes from his trance with a gasp and he is trembling. His head whips around as he tries to find you- remembering that he was forced to stay here and be apart of the Bachelor party.

The Lich took you- he must have. Maybe he disguised himself as a very handsome individual and Tav’s words held some merit- you wanted to explore options.

Why else would he have that dream? You need his help and you need it now.

Astarion gets up and leaves- not bothering to grab his daggers or his armor. The other men are fast asleep, he will be back before they even realize he is gone.

Waterdeep is still booming with people- men and women cat call to him, but he’s too focused on finding you to care or insult them.

He has to find you- even if you have chosen someone else. Even if Astarion was just a fun time for you- you were not a fun time for him. You are his entire world and being intimate with you has meant everything to him.

If you did meet someone else- what would he do? Could he survive that?

He tried giving you space all day to see if he could handle it and he can’t. Astarion was sick to his stomach the entire night and had to fight very hard not to be an irritable prick because Gale doesn’t deserve that.

You did tell Tav it was a ‘dumbass’ thing to say that you would want to meet others, but you both hadn’t necessarily defined what you are to each other so you didn’t have a plausible reason for why it was a dumb thing to say and your modesty around intimacy would never allow you to just openly say you had sex with him last night and then sucked him off this morning.

Then there is the other worry.

Did the lich get to you? What if you are already turned and there is nothing left for him to do? What if you are gone already and he was too late- even by a second?

He pushes the thought down hard. His entire body felt like it had given up at the thought alone.

He climbs on the side of The Crawling Spider that is not facing the guards- hoping he can sneak into a room and find you.

If only to make sure you are safe.

********************************************************

You are sitting and staring at the ceiling of the tavern room as Tav, Shadowheart, Karlach, and Lae’zel are fast asleep in their own beds, in their own rooms. It was convenient that the Tavern had a big enough space for everyone, but you miss Astarion horribly.

You like waking up in his arms and you had only just spent your first night ‘together together’. Not that you would just offer that information up to these individuals. You don’t want to be the person who leaves the Bachelorette party to be with their partner, but you really are only friends with Tav here. Everyone else is so very nice, but it’s obvious that you are not established and it’s made the entire night somewhat uncomfortable for you.

The Crawling Spider was a just fine tavern- it is a big dance place with music that is enhanced and warped with magic. It was fun until a couple of men became grabby and tried to drag you off. You were panicking and couldn’t get away from them. They had hungry, lustful eyes and you still shudder thinking about it.

Karlach barely caught you in time, told the tavern owner so they would get kicked out, and decided it may be time to call it a night. Shadowheart and Tav were hammered- Lae’zel had gotten too zealous in the beginning and was already fast asleep upstairs.

You didn’t have a single drop to drink- you had a feeling this may not be the safest place to let your guard down- you are glad your gut feeling was correct.

Your room is in the right hand corner of the main suite with a massive window. The others complained about how horrible it would be to wake up to a hangover and the sun at the same time. You were happy to take the ‘least desirable’ spot.

You could see the Tower from here and you wonder what Astarion is up to with the men. He had tried to convince Tav that he is far closer to her than Gale and that’s why he should be apart of her bachelorette party instead- Tav wasn’t having any of it and told Astarion, “Birdie deserves the chance to meet other people and see if she doesn’t meet someone she’s interested in! Stop cock blocking her, geez.”

You had been absolutely livid when she said that. You said she was out of line and she was surprised with your words. Astarion had smiled at you, but his eyes were entirely too sad and he didn’t talk to you for the rest of the day.

Your heart is aching- you want to know what you did wrong and why he didn’t talk to you after that.

You hope the ceiling might eventually give you an answer, but it remains entirely silent and you have to keep reminding yourself that it is probably nothing.

*tap, tap, tap*

You freeze- not daring to look at the window. You have a magnificent view overlooking the ocean, but there were no guards walking around on this side so Gods only knows who is outside your window right now.

*tap, tap, tap*

You look out of the corner of your eye and jolt up immediately- Astarion is staring in the window and he looks like a nervous wreck. His hair is somehow in disarray and his eyes are somewhat frantic.

You gesture to give you a moment and you get up to check the others are asleep before you close the door to your room and lock it.

You open the window and you expect him to hop in, but he’s studying your features like this may be the last time he ever sees you.

Is he going to leave? Did he feel like he made a mistake after all?

“Did you meet anyone?”

“What?” You ask in bewilderment.

“Did you meet anyone that you like- I hope they are kind if you did?” His voice cracks at the end and somehow, it all clicks into place.

He doesn’t think he’s good enough for you to choose him and he was mentally preparing for this moment. He had been preparing for his rejection.

Your poor, sweet Astarion- how could he ever think you could want anyone else besides him?

“No- I only want you, Astarion,” you lay on the bed and pat the spot next to you, “join me?”

He crawls inside and immediately lays his head on your chest, wrapping his arms around your waist. Your hand finds its way to his hair and you begin to fix the disheveled mess (fix being a loose term). He sighs with relief and you feel him begin to relax.

You feel so much happier- your chest feels lighter. It wasn’t anything you did directly. Tav had just gotten into his head.

“I was worried, you know,” Astarion whispers, “you could have anyone- you don’t need to settle for me. You do know this, right?”

“I am not settling.”

“Yes, you are,” you can hear the lump in his throat, “I am damaged and you deserve someone who is perfect.”

You are going to say it because you mean it and he needs to hear it.

“I love you, Astarion and you are perfect to me. Hells, you’re perfect for me,” your voice shakes, “from the top of your head to the tip of your toes- I love you and no one else is of interest to me.”

The momentary silence is deafening- you are grateful when Astarion at least moves.

Astarion kisses you, lovingly, slowly. You breathe a sigh of relief as you return it. You are surprised to feel tears falling on your face as Astarion hovers over you. You try to pull away so you can look at him, wipe away his tears, but he just will not let you. The kiss only become deeper and deeper with each moment- you feel lost in it as you lovingly play with his hair.

“I love you,” he says between kisses, “I love you so much- Gods, I love you so much.”

You smile against each other’s mouths, returning to the previous activity with ease and less tears. You have only known this dance for 24 hours and yet you adore it more than the majority of activities you have ever engaged in.

He tastes of iron and his favorite wine, his cologne consumes your senses, and you can’t help but think about how easily, perfectly, your body fits with his.

“Stay the night?” You whisper, looking up at him, “I miss you too much to sleep.”

Astarion beams and nods happily- placing a chaste kiss on your lips and you both adjust so that he is curled around you. He leaves soft kisses along your jaw and cheek bones- you giggle when his eyelashes flutter against your cheekbones.

It’s not too long before you both fall into peaceful trance/sleep.

Morning comes, you are alone and a part of you is convinced it was all just a dream. Well, until you truly wake up to Tav squealing about a note she found on your side table because Karlach busted open the door when you wouldn’t wake up to her knocking.

“Ara sal’shiral*, I already MISS YOU SO MUCH! I CANNOT WAIT TO SEE YOU AT THE WEDDING. I LOVE YOU SO MUCH!!!!!!! ASTARION!”

*means My Life, but literally translated means “love of my life” or “you are my soul’s journey.”

Lae’zel looks positively unamused but gives you a smile and Shadowheart is nursing her hangover. Karlach and Tav didn’t drink enough apparently.

“TUNES AND FANGSSS SITTING IN A TREEE- K-I-S-S-I-N-G!!!!”

“Did privacy become a thing of the past after I died!?”

You are so embarrassed, not because they know, but this has to be the way they find out!? You come from a modest time period- courting is a private thing. Yes, you have skipped a significant amount of steps, but you would like a little bit of privacy as you both figure out the intricacies of a relationship.

“It is now!” Tav exclaims, “what changed!? When did he admit his feelings!?”

You don’t know why, but their excitement and wide eyes on you makes you feel… like you belong? Like you have girlfriends like every other woman seemed to have during your time period.

“Well- um we… were intimate two nights ago and-“

“WHAT!?” Tav screams.

“HOW WAS IT!?” Karlach asks leaning forward, “I want to know if Fangs is as good as he says he is.”

“It was incredible,” you whisper coyly, “he was so sweet and gentle- accommodating.”

Tav and Karlach both awe and lean forward for more.

“What?”

“What happened last night!?”

“Oh- he came to see if I had met someone,” you frown when you remember how devastated he looked in the window, “please don’t do that again, Tav. He was a mess and looked horrible. He really thought I wanted to meet other people.”

“I-I am so sorry,” Tav says with a genuine look of guilt on her face, “I didn’t think it would hurt him that much. I just wanted you to both be together after all this time.”

“I really appreciate the sentiment,” you say with a smile, “I know you meant well and all is forgiven.”

The remainder of the day goes by in a blur- you are actually having an amazing time with them now that there aren’t a billion people around. You help each other do your hair, make up, and get your dresses on.

Well, Karlach is actually in a very fancy, one shouldered teal romper with bright orange spots, Lae’zel is in a two piece, black dress suit and the jacket is open revealing a low cut top that accentuates her figure, and Shadowheart is dressed to the nines in a dark gray, chiffon gown with a tight bodice and off the shoulder sleeves.

Tav is a stunning bride and she looks positively curvy and bodacious in her A-line silhouette with a long skirt. Her veil is just as beautiful and stitched with the same flowers that are on her dress.

The carriages arrive and you all stammer down the stairs- you are clinging to the skirt of Tav’s dress for dear life, attempting to keep it from getting dirty or torn.

The carriage ride is even more packed with energy and Karlach pulls a bottle of whiskey from her pocket, passing it around as everyone listens to Tav gush about Gale and how excited she is.

“Gods- I cannot believe I am marrying him!” Tav squeals with excitement, “of all the things to happen during our little adventure- who would have thought I was going to meet my damn husband!?”

“You guys were so cute at camp,” Karlach says with misty eyes, “disgustingly, merrily in love.”

“What is it that Astarion would say?” Shadowheart muses with a smile on her face, “it was something along the line of ‘those two dorks were made for each other’.”

Tav giggles, “he was so protective. Gale made me cry one time and Astarion hid his favorite pair of shoes on top of Moonrise Towers.”

You remember hearing this story- Gale had been positively distraught while Astarion snickered from far away.

“If only Tunes had been there!” Karlach claps you on the back, thankfully you hadn’t taken a sip of the whiskey yet, “we probably would have seen an entirely different Astarion!”

“Hmm I do not agree,” Lae’zel says flatly, “he is still the same around us- snarky, flirty, caring, but not completely unguarded- he only softens for you.”

Shadowheart nods in agreement, “Astarion really changed towards the end once you showed up. I mean everyone was thrilled to have a cat around, but he was practically a nervous wreck anytime we left. Orin spooked him pretty bad- he was worried one of the assassins might retaliate.”

Well this is news to you- you didn’t realize he had been so stressed out about your safety. You were always with the others who stayed behind and they were all seasoned warriors.

“Gods he was insufferable then!” Tav laughs, “none of us realized how attached he is to you.”

“Eh- I knew,” Karlach says with a shrug, “I got him drunk enough one night on blood and red wine, he began talking about ‘Ghosty’ and how he wishes they could talk to him because he wants to know them and how they kept him from being so lonely and tried to help him. How grateful he was- hells I think he even asked Wyll if there was a way to bring a Ghost back from the other side at that point.”

You blink, stunned.

“When was this!?”

“Hmmm pretty early into our journey actually,” Karlach says with a nod, “it was after we accidentally blew up the Creche.”

Lae’zel rolls her eyes and grumbles while the rest of the group snorts. You actually don’t know this story.

“Well you can’t just say you blew up a creche and not tell me the story!!!!”

The group dives into the tales and dangers of the Creche. Everything they saw, Lae’zel’s son who is staying with Bex and Danis (apparently they are an adorable couple who loves to babysit, they say it’s good practice as Bex’s belly continues to swell everyday), the inquisitor, Vlaakith, everything. Then they tell you that, yes, they did in fact find the Blood of Lathander, however, they did not realize they needed a special pin. When none of them were willing to grab it- Tav called them all cowards and grabbed the damn thing.

They do admit that Astarion had died which horrifies you, but apparently Withers (who is also attending the wedding, for whatever reason) brought Astarion back and he made sure to read Tav the right act- going as far as keeping her far far away from the Orphic Hammer because he was not about to have the House of Hope topple on top of him.

They even go into that story- the flames, the battle that felt like it took eternity, and Hope, who is also happily coming to the wedding.

It’s fun to hear other perspectives- Astarion tells the stories in the same fashion, but more flourish and leaves out the embarrassing parts about him.

For example- him walking up to a stuffed bear giggling and saying, “RAWR!”

“He never tells me the silly stuff he does,” you shake your head ruefully, “he would do silly things like that at Szarr Palace too, but it was very rare. Usually only if he thought I was around- I suppose.”

“How did you end up in Szarr Palace?” Shadowheart asks with her brow furrowed, “Astarion only said you weren’t a part of Cazador’s shit show, but refused to elaborate further. He said it’s yours to tell and not his.”

“Oh! I did not realize it was even a secret,” you say nonchalantly, “Donella Szarr killed me, Cazador’s aunt and Vellioth’s maker. She tried to turn me into her first vampire spawn, but something happened and I died.

“At one point, I may have thought I was cursed,” you say wistfully, “but now I am grateful because I never would have met Astarion otherwise or been able to help him when I could.”

“Oh you have done more than help, Birdie,” Tav pats your leg with a massive smile, “you have truly saved him and we cannot be more grateful to have someone like you taking care of our sweet traumatized Fangs.”

That makes you a lot happier to hear than you thought it would. It’s nice to know that others see it and it’s not Astarion saying it to you just because.

“Thank you, that means a lot,” you smile, “I am so excited to celebrate you and Gale today, Tav. I could not think of a single soul who deserves such a wonderful love story more than you.”

Tav grabs your face and gives you a big, tipsy kiss on the cheek.

“We are going to party until the sun dies!”

Oh no. You aren’t sure if you can commit to that, but she is quite tipsy so it probably doesn’t hold any merit.

The conversation jumps to Shadowheart and Nocturne- Nocturne is at the wedding and waiting for Shadowheart. They are so adorable and happy together. Damien and Karlach are also happy and doing their weird situationship thing. Lae’zel has actually managed to create a connection with Minthara of all people. The two have been raising Lae’zel’s son together and they are extremely happy.

It’s so wonderful to be amongst a group of people you can finally relate with, but you are still eager to be reunited with Astarion again. You cannot wait for him to see you all dressed up- especially now that you can kiss him and vice versa.

The carriage pulls up and Tav is met by her parents- who walk her to the bridal suite so that they can prepare to walk her down the aisle. The rest of you go inside the venue and begin looking for your own loved ones.

But you can’t seem to find Astarion anywhere!

You walk down the emptier halls, catching the slightest whiffs of his cologne. You hope he is okay.

You are suddenly being pulled into a wardrobe and your shriek is cut off by a hand against your lips. Your red eyed lover stares back at you in the darkness and it’s like clockwork.

Not a single bit of words, just your dress being hiked up and the top being pulled down to reveal your breasts, his pants coming down, and he is pushing himself inside of your already extremely wet cunt. The closeness and the need for him has taken a life of it’s own and you have a feeling you don’t have much time anyway- not that you wanted foreplay. You like how full you feel with him right now as you stretch around him- the desperate snap of his hips as he ruts up into you and his mouth covers yours, swallowing your whimpers and moans.

“I… have… been… waiting,” he says between kisses, looking lovingly in your eyes, “all… fucking day. You all took forever.”

He doesn’t let you speak- not that you could say anything intelligent and understandable, but you let him take you happily. You just hope the wardrobe isn’t shaking around too much- everyone would know what is happening in here.

“Love you- so much,” he moans into your neck and his hands are tangled in your hair, “Gods- you are incredible.”

Your orgasm hits you and you are panting like a bitch in heat as he continues to take you. Your moans are guttural and full of pleasure. It’s not long before you feel him cumming inside of you- the pulse of his cock against your walls is hypnotizing.

You are both breathing heavily when you kiss him gently.

“I… love... you too,” you say between breaths, “I have missed you so much.”

“And I, you, my Love,” he places kisses along your neck and begins to rub your exposed, throbbing clit.

Gods you want more- you need more. You want this to go on for hours.

“I need you,” you whine, “I need you to be inside of me again.”

“Hells,” he groans into your neck, nipping at the sensitive skin, “it would be remiss of me to not give you what you desire, my Love.”

One of his deft fingers slides inside you with ease and your back arches- his other hand pulls your head back by your hair, making you look at him. A tight coil is already forming in your belly as he leaves a love bite on your neck and-

“TUNES! FANGS! Wedding is about to start! Where the hells are you!?”

Uh oh.

You are both quickly dressing each other - your poor clit desperate for stimulation again, but now is not the time.

“We are going to have to continue this later,” he growls possessively into your ear, “I’m no quite done with you yet.”

An involuntary gasp leaves your lips and suddenly the wardrobe door is being thrown open.

“You guys couldn’t wait until after the ceremony before you became absolute freaks!?” Karlach exclaims while ‘covering’ her eyes, “Birdie! Your hair!”

Fuck. You didn’t realize that it is now hanging down your shoulders loosely and no longer in the elegant updo that Shadowheart had done.

Karlach grabs you and begins dragging you in that direction, “FANGS! AFTER HER HAIR IS FIXED- WAIT UNTIL AFTER THE CEREMONY!”

*********************************

You and Astarion are sitting up towards the front of the room where the main parties were. Astarion would have pitched a fit if it was anyone else’s wedding, but it’s Tav and Gale’s so he will behave.

He wants to be in the back with you sitting on his lap, fighting to not interrupt the ceremony as he slowly moves you up and down- split on his cock as you should be.

The moment you told him you love him, his entire world had intensified. He has thought about you all day, wanted you all day. Astarion wants to be alone with you for a week and never leave your shared bed.

Naked, smelling of each other, and blissfully looking back at him as you both laugh and talk before ultimately falling back into love making or even just a simple nap.

The moment he saw the carriage pull up- he knew he had to lead you away so he could have even a moment of relief from his desire for you. He originally was just going to say honeyed words and rile you up, but he saw you in your dress with your hair up, exposing your neck and collarbones- he couldn’t wait. Teasing you would only be teasing himself.

He wants to listen to Tav and Gale’s vows, but all he can think about is you.

The first time he felt your presence was his third week in spawn hood when he was struggling to fix his clothes- sobbing and feeling pathetic for what happened to him. The flame had come back with full force when it died- he saw the outline of your hands.

You- his first friend, his silent savior, and the love of his entire life.

You love him in return. You have stuck by him and you came to his aid the moment you found out he was going to be kidnapped. You helped him find a cure for the sun and you have defended him against people who wish to use him.

And you are all his.

You look stunning in your Lavender dress and the happy tears that fall down your face during Gale and Tav’s vows makes him think about what he would say to you.

Astarion would promise to be by your side- in life, death, and undeath. He would let the entire world know that he has promised to love you for the rest of his existence. You, his beautiful bride, all his and being celebrated as you should be.

He can’t wait. He will, but he certainly doesn’t want to.

Gale and Tav kiss and you hop up with everyone else and clap ecstatically. Astarion steps behind you, putting his head on top of yours as he claps too.

Tav looks at him and winks- shooting him a look that says, “you’re next.”

The wedding is fantastic and far more fun than he thought. You love to dance and you teach him moves from styles that you learned a whole century and a half before he was alive.

Astarion hates crowds, he hates being gawked at by lustful onlookers, but with you? He doesn’t care. They can look and want all they want- you are his and he is yours.

Men and women approach both of you all night- only to be met with disappointment. Some even try to say they would love to be in bed with both of you- watching you tell them to hit the road has been wonderful.

You sway in his arms with your head on his chest and his lips touching the top of your head as the music continues to play- you are both off to the side, no longer in the mess of dancers on the floor.

You had drank some more of Karlach’s whiskey and you have decided it isn’t for you- Astarion nearly spit out his own drink when you took a sip and began gagging on the spirit. He had introduced you to a nicer vintage wine that you very much enjoyed and your cheeks are a beautiful blue- entirely flushed.

“Star?”

“Yes, my Love?”

“Where do you want to travel next,” you look up at him with wide, excited eyes, “now that the wedding festivities are wrapping up and you have your ring of Sunwalking- we can go just about anywhere!”

Astarion’s smile threatens to break his face. He had been wondering that too, but didn’t want to push you too hard. He can continue to train you outdoors and Leon won’t be around anymore so it will be significantly safer. Your ability to become incorporeal as well will keep you very safe.

“Hmmm- we could go to Candlekeep,” he muses, “maybe we could find old law and crime books- some music sheets.”

You brighten up at the mention of music sheets- Gods you are so fucking cute.

“Yes! Oh- I could learn how to play more funky songs with my fancy violin! Maybe we could even find a tavern that might let me play! I made a lot of money that one night long ago,” you say wistfully, “shame I never got to spend it.”

Astarion twirls you and then pulls him back to him- one of your hands on his chest and the other on his hand. You look so sickeningly in love- he can only imagine how he looks.

“A massive shame- it must be amended at once.”

“So Candlekeep?” You ask excitedly.

Astarion kisses the tip of your nose, relishing in the way you scrunch your face with a sweet smile. Your eyes are so bright and happy. He wants to see you like this everyday.

“I would say it’s a date.”

Tag List: @n3rdybirdee @fandomarchiveilyd @dajeong @hotmesshobbit @godoffuckedupcats @bitchstarion @hereliesblackdragon @pebble-bb @preciouslittlebhaalbae @lavvyan @beepersteeper

#baldurs gate 3 #astarion #baldurs gate astarion #astarion x reader #bg3 spoilers #astarion x tav #astarion romance #bg3 #astarion x you #karlach #astarion x f! reader #astarion x female tav

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hello-eeveev · 10 months

Text

Okay okay I’ve seen some takes regarding Orym on twitter (specifically about his relationship to Laudna) that I feel the need to refute but I have a lot of thoughts and also I don’t want to get into fights so hi tumblr! rant below the cut 😊

(tl;dr I think the bell’s hells are doing the best they can in a series of complicated situations, but people are expecting a kind of inter-party conflict to come from it that doesn’t line up with the text and I don’t get it, so I guess I must become Orym’s #1 defender, feat. a defense of the c3e63 decision, Ludinus Da’leth hate, and big big feelings about Keyleth and Vax)

Take: Orym is uncomfortable with Laudna’s weirdness/creepiness, as evidenced by him always bringing it up and trying to hide and obscure her undead presence.

My opinion: Laudna loves the fact that she’s creepy. She revels in it. Orym/Liam pointing it out in narration is part flavor text, part acknowledging an important aspect of Laudna. It’s like how he always makes sure everyone knows that Orym is Small. Not to mention, Marisha brings it up in her narration as much as Liam does.

During Laudna’s resurrection ritual, Orym says, “I don’t know what Bell’s Hells will be without your darkness, Laudna. Or your light.” He values both sides of her!

Regarding Orym’s disguises for Laudna (i.e. dressing her in white in bassuras, adding flowers to her hair to give her more color in hearthdell), again I don’t think this is a sign of Orym’s discomfort with her. Remember, Orym is a bodyguard. His job is to protect others, protect the group. Yes, several members of Bell’s Hells will draw eyes, but notably, Laudna—being undead-ish, with the Unsettling Presence feature and a canonically scary physical appearance—might strike fear into others. And fear makes people more willing to resort to violence than, say, being surprised by the presence of a robot or a faun. It’s not about making her palatable, it’s about keeping all of them safe. It’s bodyguard behavior.

Also, Orym only does this when they are actively avoiding drawing attention to themselves, and as far as I know, Laudna has only had a problem with it once.

Take: Laudna looked to Ashton and Orym for what to do during the scuffle with Bor’Dor, and Orym encouraged her to let Delilah back in, all because he’s hell-bent on revenge and thinks he can use Delilah’s power to get it. He actively disregarded Laudna’s well-being to further his own goals.

My opinion: No, she wasn’t looking to them for what to do. Marisha said it herself: Laudna was barely present. She couldn’t even hear Deni$e suggest keeping Bor’Dor alive; what makes you think she’s going to see a singular nod from Orym 15 feet away? She had already done Hunger of the Shadow, was already cloaked in the “purple-ish glowing hue that hasn’t been seen in a while,” and Matt had mentioned the heartbeat long before Liam ever said anything. Laudna had already let Delilah back in before Orym nodded and before she killed Bor’Dor. It was a horrible situation all around, but Orym did not convince Laudna to let Delilah back in for his own purposes. It is not his fault that Laudna embraced Delilah’s power or that Bor’Dor died. Laudna made her choice, as heartbreaking and conflicting as it may be, so let her live with it.

And for the record, I think they were justified in killing Bor’Dor. He attacked them with a pretty powerful spell (he did Vitriolic Sphere at its baseline 4th level, which is the second highest level spell he had) and nearly killed Prism in the process. Yes, Bor’Dor did a bit of waffling back and forth between “I’m gonna kill you!” and “just let me die,” but him being a pathetic mess is nothing new. He still tried to kill them all. If they let him live, there was no guarantee he wouldn’t try it again.

I don’t know how to impress this upon people who haven’t already gotten it from just watching the show, but the Ruby Vanguard is a bad group. Ludinus Da’leth is a bad person. He may have convinced some members that his goals are noble, but they aren’t. He is misleading people for his own gain, because guess what? The concept of free will exists even with the existence of the gods! People are allowed to worship them or not, and the gods aren’t smiting people down for refusing to worship them (otherwise Keyleth would be long dead, y’all. she said out loud to the champion of the raven queen that they should use her power while it benefitted them and then find a loophole to get Vax out of her service. and she is so valid for that. 15/10 would do the same).

We had a PC, a dozen or so NPCs, and an entire arc last campaign—and then a whole 4-part series!—that dealt with wizard hubris and its unfortunate consequences. Ludinus was one of those NPCs! What makes you think that Mr. “let’s steal a holy artifact and instigate a war” “should try friends sometime” “Essek looks forward to never seeing his face again” “Trent Ikithon can keep abusing children it’s not my problem” Da’leth suddenly has people’s best interests in mind?

He and the Ruby Vanguard need to be stopped, and Orym, being a person whose driving motivation is “to protect,” is willing to do what needs to be done, even when it sucks.

Take: ooohoohoo Orym’s alignment might be shifting! We need Dorian to get him back on track!

My opinion: No? To both these statements? Firstly, Orym’s alignment isn’t shifting, at least I don’t think so. I’m not an expert on D&D alignments (I think they should be more descriptive than prescriptive/ultimately they matter less than character choices, arcs, and narratives), but I would guess that fighting to maintain the balance of nature and to stop those that would harm others for their own gain is still pretty in line with neutral good? I could maybe see an argument for that being more lawful good, but it didn’t seem like those people were talking about a shift along the horizontal axis.

Secondly, I think Dorian would do the exact same thing Orym is doing. Was that not the whole draw of the Spider Queen’s crown during ExU Prime? Power to protect and save his friends? So I don’t think Dorian would see anything wrong with how Orym is acting, much less take him to task over it.

Take: Look! Orym told Keyleth about Imogen’s mom and said “I don’t care” when Imogen complained! Bad! Mean! Selfish!

My opinion: idk that felt more like Liam being a brat to Laura than anything else.

Like, yes Liam/Orym had his own goals in that convo which were unexpected and uncomfortable, but I don’t think he was wrong to point that out. The moment Keyleth swore to take down Liliana, you could feel everyone in Bell’s Hells get really tense, and I am certain that Keyleth, who has 20 wisdom and ~30 years of experience leading her people and politicking, clocked that instantly. And Orym would have clocked that immediately, and in an effort to make sure that their group had the confidence of a very powerful druid and world leader, decided that full transparency was the way to go.

And I don’t know, this is largely speculation, but Keyleth having that information might mean that she will make sure Imogen doesn’t have to be the one to take down Liliana? Or it might make her more sympathetic and willing to show some mercy to her?

Leaning more fully into speculation bc this relies mostly on inference and assumption: while I do think that Keyleth deserves to know what’s going on with Vax, withholding that information at this juncture might have been another tactical decision from Orym. We don’t know how Keyleth has mourned over the last 30 years, but we know that she’s been angry and we know that losing Vax was and is devastating. I feel like finding out that the love of your life (“forever and ever and ever and always” “I’ll never get over you”) is suffering extreme torment such that the followers of his god are in a period of mourning, basically implying that you’ve lost him all over again, that potentially the one reassurance that you would see him again has been ripped from you, etc., etc. would cause anyone to break down on a good day. Add on the fact that Keyleth is gravely, gravely injured, and you’re basically asking for her to be completely out of commission, because 1) holy moly talk about new trauma, old trauma, grief, longing, guilt, etc. bro I’m an emotional wreck just thinking about Vax and I’m not the one living through it, and 2) that would be a lot of stress on her already extremely stressed body, the consequences of which could be very bad.

It’s a tough decision to make, and while I’m not sure I 100% agree with Orym’s, I think it’s a defensible position.

Anyway thanks for reading this far, I hope you enjoyed my analysis. Again, I don’t want to fight or get into arguments, but I’m down for some brief discussions! Emphasis on brief because I can fall into a rabbit hole very easily, which means this will be the only thing I can think of and I have other things I want to do, shadowgast to write, fearnechetney to draw, and this post already took several hours over two days to write after weeks of mental build up.

#eve talks #I am a consistent liam and marisha character lover #so I am not enjoying the way the fandom is pitting two of my favs against each other #the struggles of loving imogen and laudna and imodna #but being scared of searching up stuff for them #bc I don’t want to see ppl ragging on my boy :(#why do people want them to scream at each other #they love each other #not every conflict has a villain #and orym is not laudna’s #cr spoilers #c3e66 spoilers #critical role #orym #cr meta #long post #ftr I referenced the transcripts for the laudna resurrection and e63 while writing this #so I feel pretty confident about my framing of those

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