Hey y'all, so I did a part two of this because I love happy, insanely, fluffy romantic endings. So I'm going hard here. There will be one more part!
Also, don't judge my Gale x Shadowheart bs here 💀💀 Long story short, first playthrough that was abanadoned, I picked her orgin and did get sweeped up by the mage man. It has not left my brain since.
Also, this has a time skip! A pretty long one too (10 years)
~
Astarion had been having… thoughts lately. Ideas that he couldn’t quite shake. Nothing bad, no. There really wasn’t much to complain about in his life, not anymore. Not when he could walk in the sun freely, unburdened by parasites and his own vampiric nature. The two of you were free to explore the world with no shackles, not including your religious zealotry. And ironically enough, his own.
Astarion would never have guessed that he’d ever become a Selune convert. Well… even now convert may have been to strong of a word. Yes, he was immensely appreciative for the whole sun immunity blessing and he did have a newfound respect for the work of her worshippers. But Astarion wasn’t exactly looking for a deity, or anyone, to be subservient to. Not again. No, he’d much rather watch his love do the dirty work for his savior than fully commit himself. Besides, just because he wasn’t devoted to Selune didn’t mean he wasn’t devoted to you. Which might as well have been the same thing.
Astarion loved you, adored you really, but gods could you be nonsensical at times. He was so happy the two of you had met because someone had to keep this idiotic fanatic alive. Someone to remind you that no darling, not everyone is redeemable. Please put the goblin down.
But he’d be lying if he said he didn’t enjoy being your protector. It was the least that he could do considering everything you’d done for him. And he just… liked having a valid excuse to accompany you everywhere. Astarion had never imagined himself to be such a clingy lover, but here he was. The two of you had been attached at the hip for nearly a decade now, with no end in sight. You had built a life together, had friends together, adventures and celebrations that filled his days with endless excitement and amusements.
That is one thing Astarion had to give Selune and her worshippers, they didn’t exactly lead boring lives. Though he supposed half of that had to with just how involved the opposition was. The two of you had slaughtered enough acolytes of Shar over the years for him to know just how covert they really could be. But it wasn’t just bloodsport that made things interesting, though it certainly did help. The exploring for ancient artifacts definitely helped to fill the time, as well as the constant search to find a cure for the rest of his unholy symptoms.
As great as being in the sun was, Astarion wasn’t quite satisfied with that being the end. It was almost certainly impossible to find a full on cure to being a vampire spawn but… that wasn’t stopping either of you from looking for it. It was morbid, but Astarion wanted his life to have an ending. A natural one like what he hoped for you, not one where he was doomed to immortality and bloodlust until the end of time.
Thank the gods that he had managed to fall in love with an elf. It at least gave him centuries instead of decades to figure out a solution to an eternal problem. Which brought him back to his current problem. Because the two of you had many, many years ahead. And as far as Astarion was aware you both planned on spending them with each other. Which implied… certain things.
Astarion had never been someone to fantasize about marriage. He had no reason to, not when he had been too busy barely surviving. Even when things became serious between the two of you it hadn’t been on his mind. He was much more concerned with keeping you at all instead of keeping you forever.
But that had changed recently. Maybe it was because he had seen you officiate countless weddings over the years; young couples always clamoring at a chance to get a newlywed Selune blessing. Or maybe it was how others took note of the lack of a ring on his finger, taking it as an opportunity for unwanted flirtation. But either way, he couldn’t stop thinking about it. Obsessing about it really, as he was want to do when it came to you.
He just… didn’t exactly know how to broach the subject. What was the reason? A silly little ceremony and a ring had no bearing on the depth of your relationship. He knew that. The two of you were bound to each other by choice, a love that felt as though it got stronger every day. But… it would be nice to have you in such a way. For the world to be aware of the seriousness of what you had together, shown simply through a pair of rings. And the thought of calling you his wife was quite enticing.
He wasn’t quite sure why he was so hesitant to bring it up to you. Well… there was the slight delusional thought in his head that reminding you of forever could possible wake you up into realizing just how much better you could do than him. It wasn’t true, he was aware. But gods, your relationship had lasted a damn decade. When was he going to start feeling secure about all of this?
It didn’t help when Gale of all people beat him to the punch. He and Shadowheart had developed quite the bond since your tadpole days. And your excitement over the announcement was adorable. Adorable enough for him to wonder just how you would react to it happening to you.
But he shoved his worries to the back of his mind, too busy being dragged all the way to Waterdeep for the week-long nuptials. You were highly involved in the wedding, which wasn’t exactly a shock. Shadowheart had stayed your best, most appreciated friend throughout the years, the two of you eternally tied through your shared goddess alone. You wrote to each other constantly and this was far from the first time you had dragged him across the realm for a visit.
But this was probably the best time. He had to give the people of Waterdeep this, they knew how to celebrate. He wasn’t one to complain over a week filled of music, dance, and drink. The ceremony had been nice as well. Heart-warming even to watch Shadowheart walk down the aisle, smiling in a way she never could when she was devoted to Shar. With Gale sniveling at the other end and you officiating of course.
The jealousy had been an unexpected touch. He couldn’t help but wonder what you would look like in her place. Dressed in white and silver, walking towards him with eternity in mind.
It certainly wasn’t helping his dilemma, he could tell you that much. He was still thinking about it when they made it to the reception. It was impossible to bury thoughts of marriage when you were at a wedding. Would you want a large celebration like this? Or something more small and intimate? Hells, the two of you and a cleric in the middle of the woods would suffice to him.
“To think, Astarion Ancunín at my wedding in the sunlight,” Gale laughed as he plopped down in the seat next to him, effectively putting an end to his internal fretting, “Who would have ever imagined?”
“Certainly not me,” Astarion scoffed with the slightest hint of a smile, “But I suppose things change.”
“I suppose they do,” Gale agreed, his eyes scanning the dancefloor for his new bride. There she was, dancing and giggling with you in the middle of ballroom, “I just never expected it to be for the better.”
“It is a wonder that we’re all still alive,” Astarion agreed, smiling to himself when Shadowheart dipped you as you laughed hysterically, nearly falling over herself in the process, “Let alone being able to find love. Who would have thought the worshiper of the goddess of the dark would end up here.”
“Turns out she was hiding quite the personality behind the Shar mask,” Gale laughed, “Though I suppose we have Tav to thank for that. It was a real fight on who would have her as their best woman. A fight we both obviously lost. Though officiating seemed a good compromise.”
“She certainly has the experience,” Astarion sighed, “But I have a feeling this one will be her favorite. She’s happy for you two. We both are.”
“I’m happy for you too you know,” Gale added with a small smile, “I always thought the two of you would work out. I even made a killing in the pool we had going on for it.”
Astarion stared at him, brow raised, “You had a pool?”
“Oh absolutely,” Gale confirmed, completely shameless as he listed out the rules, “It got quite competitive after awhile. First, it was all about if you’d ever realize your feelings for her. Then when you went and did that we were betting on how long you’d both last before you left. And then when that didn’t happen, well. Let’s just say I got a few platinums richer.”
Astarion rolled his eyes at the news, barely even surprised, “I feel as though I’ve earned a cut of that.”
“Unfortunately it’s now our honeymoon fund. But I’ll owe you one.”
That was another aspect of this whole debacle that Astarion hadn’t even thought about. But gods, did it sound nice. Whole weeks dedicated strictly to the two of you. No religious duties or adventures to worry about, just… them.
The joy of the thought must have shown on his face, because the next thing he knew Gale was looking him up and down, a small smirk on his lips, “What’cha thinking about over there?”
“That this wine is mediocre at best,” Astarion lied, avoid Gale’s eyes, “Tell me you at least got a good deal on it?”
But Gale wasn’t taking the bait. He was still watching him like a hawk. That was the problem with getting closer to people, and having, gods friends.
You had to deal with the discomfort of being read like a book, “Does our little Astarion want to be wed?”
Astarion flinched at the accuracy, taking the time to shoot him a glare as he avoided the question, “I am nearly three centuries older than you.”
“Perhaps, but we both know two of them don’t count,” Gale said, barely missing a beat, “So tell me, do you already have a ring picked out?”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“I can help you pick one you know, there are many fantastic jewelers in Waterdeep. I believe she has the same ring size as Shadowheart, we can bring her along.”
Astarion rolled his eyes, ignoring the small blush creeping up his neck, “I want you to know that if this wasn’t your wedding day I would have slapped you by now. Consider my reluctance as your wedding present.”
“How generous of you,” Gale chuckled. But then he started to speak quieter, his voice taking on a more gentle and serious tone, “She would say yes you know. You’ve had her wrapped around your finger since the day you held that dagger to her throat.”
That was an exaggeration, but Astarion would be lying if he said the mention didn’t make him preen the slightest bit, “You forget that I did have competition.”
“Oh, barely,” Gale laughed, “You don’t get to reminisce of what could have been when you won. Gods, no one had any chance against you. And trust me, we tried.”
Astarion blinked at him, more than a little surprised, “You did?”
“Of course we did. We all did. What do you think Shadow and I bonded over? But the pining stopped eventually. Then it became…something more. Something deeper. She’s… a magnificent woman, my little shadow. Who has gone through too much…” Gale trailed off, his eyes still following his bride as he softly smiled, “Suffice to say, neither of us are pining anymore. And I’m sure Shadow would love nothing more than to help plan her dearest friend’s nuptials.”
“Who ever said that you two would be involved?” Astarion scoffed, just to be an ass, “For all you know we’ll elope in Neverwinter.”
But Astarion’s grip backfired, if the smile on Gale’s face meant anything, “So that means you are going to propose?”
Oh for fucks sake. Astarion glared at him for the accuracy, at a loss for words. Besides it… it was true. Of course he was going to ask, where else would this fanatic line of thinking end? He just hadn’t expected Gale of all people to be the one to force him to admit it.
“I-yes,” Astarion sighed, finally giving in, “Are you happy now? Yes, I’m going to.”
“Extremely,” Gale grinned, “Because you just won me another three hundred gold.”
Anya is live and ready to show you everything. Watch her strip, dance, and perform exclusive shows just for you. Interact in real-time and make your fantasies come true.
✓ Live Streaming✓ Interactive Chat✓ Private Shows✓ HD Quality✓ Free Actions
Free to watch • No registration required • HD streaming
5 Tips for a Successful Valentine’s Day Proposal (Even Though I Don’t Recommend It)
Valentine’s Day is often seen as the ultimate romantic occasion: roses, chocolates, candlelit dinners. So naturally, it might seem like the perfect day to pop the big question. But, honestly? I don’t really recommend proposing on Valentine’s Day. Why? Because the day already comes loaded with expectations and pressure, which can sometimes overshadow the personal, intimate nature of a…
Surprise Proposal for Two Beautiful Brides | Lauren Loves Erika
You never know who you will meet, or when. Three years ago, Lauren handled the deal that put my husband and I into new cars. During the deal, as I gave her my card, she said, "Wow! A wedding planner. I'll be calling you when I decide to get married."
And now, just as my lease term came up, the phone rang. Lauren wasn't trying to put me in another Lexus....She was trying to close a deal of her own! Just eight months after meeting Erika, another retired veteran, she just knew. The way you know. And when she did, she called me.
I had barely one week to put together the proposal of a lifetime. We devised a plan to get Erika all dressed up; a faux award ceremony. We wrangled the ring, booked the space, adorned it with roses, candles, and a stunning free formed structure under which I set Lauren....
We told Erika that Lauren was needed for Honoree Photos. She waited, patiently, while we set Lauren up. Moments later, I went to fetch Erika, telling her that Lauren asked her to join the rest of the panel in a photo. We chatted as we crossed the pathway about their service, their businesses, and their altruism. Just before I opened the door for her, I adjusted the strap on her dress. She looked at me and said, "Thank you, but I don't think anyone is going to care what I look like!" I smiled, opened the door, and then this happened...
And then all that was left, was the room....
Don't you just LOVE this? Every inch of the gallery was pure romance, and I am giddy at the thought of what Lauren and Erika will do for their wedding.
Want to send your love and congratulations to the brides to be? Leave your comments below! And while you are at it, go ahead and make some predictions about their upcoming wedding. We have not started planning yet, but you know I have something stunning in mind...
Always....
PS - In case you are curious....I did a little deal of my own and once again got another Lexus. After all....with a sales person like this, I'm a driver for life!
Las Vegas Wedding Planner Andrea Eppolito. Styling by T&R Stock. Photo by Dennis Kwan.
I love this time of year. Not only because of the holidays, which are always so full of love and family and tradition, but because those are the things that come together and make us think about our lives. There is this history and legacy that comes together, and also so much hope for the future. I guess that's why so many couples get engaged during the holidays...
I always through it was cliché, until my husband and I got engaged on Thanksgiving, then married one year over the holiday weekend. Cliché? Yes. But also so romantic, so full of love, so deeply connected to all of the other traditions and legacies of my life. Now, celebrating our wedding and marriage get to be a part of that.
So what do you do if you happen to get a ring over the coming weeks? Here are my Top 10 Tips and Thoughts for the Holiday....eh, ENGAGEMENT Season! Just in case you are a bride to be, a groom to be, or if you are hoping to see someone drop to one knee!
Planning to buy an engagement ring? This may not be the best time to shop; at least not in a traditional retail store. Sure, you probably have a holiday bonus in your hand, and the stores have a ton of rings in stock and financing available. Not to mention the fact that there is something intoxicating about just walking in with an idea and walking out with a ring. Which is why it's a great time to propose, but not always the best time to buy. Instead, take your time to visit as many retail stores as possible, look into online options, and work with a diamond broker to educate yourself and secure your stone before the rush, when the deals and the customer service are undoubtably better.
Nearly 1/3 of all proposals happen over the holidays, from mid-November to New Year's Eve. Christmas and New Year's are by far the most popular dates of engagement, but Thanksgiving is growing in popularity as families and friends come together in a slightly more laid back setting.
Making an announcement should be fairly easy, as your nearest and dearest will naturally be coming together to celebrate the season with you. Just be certain to tell your immediately family first, then tell any friends you will be seeing in person before announcing it on Facebook and Instagram.
Your Engagement Photos should look awesome! Everyone is dressed up and fancy, the rooms are filled with candle light, you are surrounded by the people you love the most....If you get engaged during the holidays your pictures should be gorgeous. Thinking you will find a ring under the tree on Christmas morning? Take an extra few moments to brush back your hair, swipe on a lightly tinted chapstick, and give yourself that adorable morning styling that you won't be embarrassed to post on Facebook.
Early holiday engagements are great, but don't allow your happiness to take over the season! Enjoy your newly engaged status, but don't let the meaning of the season get lost in your love. Give people the chance to fawn all over you, and then be sure to return the favor. Your best friend may not have gotten engaged (awkward if she was hoping to!) but she may have gotten a gorgeous designer bag, a great vacation, or something sweet and sentimental. Be as excited for her as she is for you!
Along those lines, don't rush and try to jam an engagement party into the season. There are so many other events taking place, an engagement party will feel like a burden when squished between office parties, church functions, family get togethers, and dinners with your best friends. Hold off on an engagement party until a few weeks into the new year, giving everyone a chance to unwind from the hustle and bustle of the holidays, to catch their breath, and to catch up on their finances before hosting another big event!
Your Big News may get lost in the holiday shuffle! Don't feel bad if you don't immediately hear back when you text or post your big news. Most people will be on a digital diet, stepping away from their social media to enjoy their actual social life. And even if they do see a text from you, they may assume it is simply a greeting. Go ahead and post your news anyway...Then follow up again a few days later with another pretty picture so everyone can admire your new bling!
Not everyone will share your joy. Heartbreaking, isn't it?!? But the truth is, as wonderful as the holidays are, and as truly happy as your friends and family are for you, this is also a reflective time that gives many people the blues. From mild annoyance to major depression and every emotion in between, try to remember that someone's lack of enthusiasm has nothing to do with your (or their love for you) and everything to do something going on in their own lives. As tempting as it is to lose yourself in the moment - or to beat them up over it later - know that they love you, and that once the craziness of the holiday season passes they are sure to come out of their funk and enjoy your new status along side of you.
Be prepared for the questions! As soon as you announce your engagement, expect a flurry of questions, the first one being, "So when are you getting married?!?!?" This is excellent practice for the questions you will get at your wedding, which start with, "So when are you having a baby?!?!" A stock answer of, "We have no idea, we just got engaged!" may hold people off for a moment or so, or it will just lead to more questions and some unsolicited advice. Either way, when you have a moment alone together come up with a united front and at least an idea of when you would like to tie the knot.
The Un-Engagement....For weeks, maybe months, you've been hearing about the big surprise coming your way, the amazing gift your love has planned, how you're going to just die when you open your gifts. You are so excited, and so sure! But then, that small little box under the tree that you were sure was a ring? Earrings. Or a tie clip. Or something else that you don't even really care about because in this moment all you can think is, "Oh my God....It's. Not. A. Ring!" It's hard not to be disappointed (and a little confused) when you have been praying, hoping, waiting, and thinking that an engagement is on the horizon. But there's nothing less attractive that someone crying on Christmas because they didn't get the ring of their dreams. Instead, be gracious, be thankful for the wonderful person sitting in front of you, and know that the proposal is going to be coming when you least expect it.
Are you really getting engaged for the holidays? Do you think it might be coming, or do you know for sure?
If you or a loved one got engaged on a holiday of the past, I would love to hear your strories and see your pictures. Planning a holiday proposal, but not quite sure how to do it? Contact me here for proposal planning ideas! And if you do happen to receive a proposal over the holidays, I want to hear your story and feature your engagement here on the blog! Tell me all about it!
Until then, tis the season! And be sure to keep up on your manicures!
Anya is live and ready to show you everything. Watch her strip, dance, and perform exclusive shows just for you. Interact in real-time and make your fantasies come true.
✓ Live Streaming✓ Interactive Chat✓ Private Shows✓ HD Quality✓ Free Actions
Free to watch • No registration required • HD streaming
Proposal Planning by Andrea Eppolito. Images by Dennis Kwan Photography.
Ring by Zameer Kassam.
How does one of Russia's Most Eligible Bachelors get engaged?
It starts with a diamond and an idea! Andrej, once having been named Russia's Most Eligible Bachelor, had met his match in model Katrina Kruglova. He had been thinking about proposing for quite some time, when he was seated next to Zameer Kassam while attending a dinner for their Alma Mater, The Harvard Business School Zameer, a rising jeweler to the stars, is known for personalizing his pieces with hidden messages and imagery that speak directly to the couple. The connection was instant, and the design came to life as the courses were served.
Andrej knew he wanted to propose in Las Vegas, as the city was one of the only places the two had yet to visit together. Zameer, whom I have come to know and love through our time at The Engage Summits, told me to expect a call.
Moments after the ring was complete, Andrej and I began planning the proposal. It would start with a trip to California and a stay at the iconic Hotel Bel Air. Our Concierge Service (available to all of our AEE clients) booked a series of super-luxe specialty cars and planned lunches and dinners in LA's hottest restaurants and lounges. Upon arriving in Las Vegas, the two checked into a suite at the Mandarin Oriental. Dinners, cocktails, and a performance of "O" at Bellagio followed.
This is where things get interesting....While Katrina and Andrej were at the show, our team met with the floral geniuses at Destinations by Design. We moved all of the personal items from their original suite to a presidential one, and filled the space with roses, candlelight, and champagne. Photographer Dennis Kwan flew in just to capture the event! As he shot the room, I changed and secured our tables on the private balcony of PIcasso at Bellagio. With only a few seats available, the plan was for Dennis and I to dine nearby, as any couple of friends would. Appearing to be tourists, Dennis would appear to be taking photos of me and the Bellagio fountains while actually shooting over my shoulder to capture candids of our unsuspecting bride to be.
As Andrej dropped to his knee, Dennis quickly sprung into action, capturing the very moment that he slid that dazzling diamond onto Katrina's finger. We revealed ourselves as willing accomplices in the plan, and took our newly engaged couple throughout the Bellagio and Mandarin for an impromptu photo session.
Before our evening ended, I had one more surprise up my sleeve. Having mentioned that there was one more spot I wanted to take them for photos, I unveiled to them their new suite. Filled with roses and candles throughout, we took another few photos before leaving them to their celebrations.
I am there at the end of the wedding, waving my couple off, saying goodnight to the guests, picking up the final pieces of the night's festivities. But to be there in the beginning...pulling the strings...watching the moment when someone asks a question...when someone else says. "Yes"....
So you already have that perfect, sparkling diamond engagement ring. But you’re still missing one important part…the proposal itself.
We may think that guys are intimidated by ring shopping, but for many it’s the next step that actually scares them more. That’s probably why the holiday season (also known as engagement season) is such a popular time to pop the question, as it naturally provides the perfect, romantic setting.
So, for those guys who have the ring, and know they want to get down on one knee in the next few weeks…here is your lucky break. Here are 5 festive marriage proposal ideas that are sure to win her heart:
Create a Countdown
If you celebrate Christmas – make an Advent calendar where each door she opens reveals a sentimental memory or a reason you love her. It concludes with a proposal hidden behind the last door on December 25!
You could also use the same approach with Hanukkah gifts (next year of course!), making each gift building up to a proposal on the last of day.
Be a Ski Bunny
Do you love winter sports, or plan on taking a holiday trip? Then, tuck the ring away safely on the ski lift and pull her aside when you get to the top for a breathtaking view and breathtaking moment all at once. Or get romantic and cuddle up with champagne and chocolates and a hot tub after a long day on the slopes…and make this special moment all about just you two.
Play on Her Love of Christmas
There are lots of extra decorations around the holidays, so use them to your advantage! Write out your proposal with Christmas lights on your house or bold flowers in the snow, or even dress up as Santa (if she really loves the holiday!).
Let Your Furry Friends Help
Have a favorite pet? Enlist their help by attaching a ribbon around the dog/cat’s neck and sending him over to her. If they are extra cooperative, add to the holiday spirit by attaching some antlers or holiday gear as well! Even more…if she doesn’t have a pet but has been wanting one, buy her one as a surprise and use the same approach to also include the ring!
The NYE Count Down
This one takes a bit more planning and the right environment (plus a couple who doesn’t mind a public proposal), but if you are out celebrating the New Year…use the midnight countdown to set your scene. Start telling her why you love her as the crowd counts down, and when it hits “Happy New Year” pull her close and whisper “Marry me” (don’t forget to then get down on one knee!).
Have you experienced a great holiday proposal you can share?
