Set the scene—extremely slow burn romance between Forest Gnome Ranger and our beloved Astarion. They slept together the one time, but our Ranger (Irune is her name) ended the romance (for a number of reasons), not one of which being that she didn’t have feelings for him. She had very soft feelings for him indeed! Very soft and entirely unspoken feelings for our vampire companion.
Now fast forward 3 years after the defeat of the Netherbrain. Our Ranger has returned from her time with Karlach in Avernus. She receives a letter from Grand Duke Ravengard (not to be confused with The Blade of Avernus *pose*), requesting her presence in Wyrm’s Rock. The people of Baldur’s Gate have gifted the Hero of Baldur’s Gate a home, so that she may always be welcome, and as a thanks for saving the city. Immediately she thinks of the last time she saw her companions, when Minsc mentioned that he’d stumbled upon Astarion’s camp in the sewers more than once.
She sends a letter to Jahira asking if she’d see to it that Astarion moves into the home in her stead. She’s a Forest Gnome after all, and she’s not likely to take up permanent residence in the Gate.
Two months later, she finally returns to the city. She informs Astarion of her visit ahead of time, as she will be staying in the home.
Cohabiting with soft soft feelings for a one time fling? Astarion making a vampire cave of the home (like the inside of his tent but a smidge more comfortable)? Not like he’s bringing anyone over; it’s his safe space, if a bit lacking in certain aspects. In comes Irune, our no-nonsense nature loving gnome with Struggles* post-Netherbrain and Avernus. What ensues? FEELINGS, angst, pining, etc etc.
Thoughts? 🤔
