#kscs

Kindred Soul, Cracked Spirit

An Astarion/Tav chapter fic

Chapter 16: Romance and all its strategy:

Astarion breathed a sigh of relief when all the tieflings in their varying states of drunkenness finally seemed to get the hint that he really wasn't interested in talking to them and left him alone. It was all very well to swim in praise and gratitude for their efforts to clear the goblin menace and make the road safe again, but the irritating creatures kept going on to regale him with all their tediously boring hopes and dreams and plans for when they got to Baldur's Gate. He didn't care and he had no intention of acting like he did. Not that he had really heard a word anyone had said to him since Mae had stepped out of her tent after taking a nap and getting ready for the party…

In Chapter Sixteen, the tadfools revel with the tieflings after dealing with the goblin threat. And Astarion and Mae have their own revelry, though the path is less than smooth.

Earning the E rating again with this chapter, folks! (and pretty much most chapters here on out lol)

If you're new to the story, start at Chapter One here! :)

Kindred Soul, Cracked Spirit

An Astarion/Tav chapter fic

Chapter 15: These dreams of you ain't real enough:

So, the legendary Halsin isn't goblin food after all. Looking at the beast of a man, Astarion could see that the goblins would have been hard pressed to cut through all the meat and muscle to chop him down for a stew – or whatever it was that goblins cooked. Though Mae seemed to be making quite a meal of him with her eyes alone. Astarion wasn't jealous exactly, but he couldn't help but feel slightly... invisible. It was made all the worse upon catching Shadowheart and Lae'zel both watching him with raised eyebrows – Shadowheart adding insult to injury with a knowing smirk. He glared at them in turn, which only seemed to amuse them more. So now they're getting along? And at my expense. Wonderful.

In Chapter Fifteen, the tadfools rescue Halsin; Mae continues to confound Astarion when it seems everyone else is having more success drawing her eye; and Mae's Papa pays her another visit.

Kindred Soul, Cracked Spirit

An Astarion/Tav chapter fic

Chapter 14: Know your anger:

She gave a mirthless bark of laughter. "No one's completely innocent." He sighed and she was relieved she was still avoiding looking at him and staring into the fire so she was spared the disappointment likely written all over his face. A long pause stretched out between them before Wyll finally spoke up again. "Mae. Do you know why I favour rapiers over swords?" "They're lighter and subtler?" "Those are some advantages, yes. But no. A rapier is designed to pierce and stab. The movements required involve less waving because the blade is too thin for slashing to be effective. Swords, however, are designed for slashing. And if you're not careful and build up too much momentum in attacking your target, or your target manages to grip your arm to control your movement, you risk getting hurt yourself." She said nothing. What was the point? He wouldn't let it go until he'd said his piece. It was better if she just sucked it up and bore it – no matter how patronising or misguided she found it – or she'd never know peace.

In Chapter Fourteen, Tensions simmer and rise within Mae's band of misfits, making for a disruptive night's rest, and the tadfools finally reach the goblin camp.

Kindred Soul, Cracked Spirit

An Astarion/Tav chapter fic

Chapter 13: Forged and counterfeit:

Astarion was absolutely completely in control of the situation. This was all just a fun little game he and Mae were playing. A classic game of cat and mouse – although it was unclear exactly who was the cat and who was the mouse anymore. An outsider would probably guess Mae as a fairly youthful-looking halfling was the mouse, and he as a vampire spawn was the cat. But they'd be underestimating her – just as he had upon first meeting. She could be – and often was – just as deadly. Regardless, he told himself it didn't matter that she seemed to keep pulling the rug out from under him because he definitely did not care. This was all just a bit of fun.

In Chapter Thirteen, Mae and Astarion do their best to ignore their feelings. Karlach does her best to ignore her disappointment that Dammon's upgrade doesn't solve all her problems. And Wyll and Mae are both forced to reckon with a part of their identities.