talk about your muse’s most prized possession(s).
Also asked by @anditsxsorrows
I'm glad the plural is there because even with his astronomically high-standards, Tristan manages to have more collections of valuable objects than pairs of socks (And he doesn't have a shortage of socks) Almost all of his favorites are gifts. And how cherished they are to him is dependent on the giver. Summarizing it to the three highest levels of appreciation:
Everything and anything his sister ever gifted him: From grand, impossible gestures to the smallest, most casual of details. If Aurora gave it to him and time hasn't conquered it, then Tristan has definitely kept it and he knows exactly where it is. This collection is not only his most prized one but also an incredible source of frustration and annoyance because, hard as he tried time and time again, he has never been able to rediscover any of the small treasures she gave him while they were human.
Everything and anything the vampires he turned himself ever gifted him: This is related to other headcanons involving Tristan showing a surprisingly high predilection to offer everything in his power to be the best sire he can. He is astonishingly elitist about giving his blood to transform someone so there are not many of them but when he does find one, he quickly grows an unbreakable sense of pride in them. From mementos from the era they met, to trinkets of their exploits and correspondence. All of those have a special kind of value to him.
Chosen items coming from members of the Strix and the Sisters: Regardless of if it was given as a genuine gesture or a transparent way to earn his favor. The weapons the warriors among the Strix wielded in life. The last living work of the artists among them. Unique magical artifacts of their own creation he is given for his birthday. A varied assortment of talents, history and memories. Unlike the other two collections, personal enough to keep for his eyes only, Tristan is more willing to share this one and very humbly (obviously) endlessly flex about it.