#spawnsong

Evie not that impressed by Astarion's attitude and he doesn’t try to hide his initial opinion of her. He’s been at this game longer and thinks he has it all figured out. All that talk of knightly honor and duty is bullshit and everybody knows it, they just keep the veneer up to make themselves feel superior.

Evie isn’t naive. She knows there are a lot of schemers out there. Hell, her father is certainly one of them. But her friendship with Shadowheart is real and the safety and comfort now available to her is very real. And she got those things by being her genuine self, as much as she can. She’s not going to let Astarion’s cynicism ruin that for her.

Of course, it's difficult to avoid each other when Astarion is Shadowheart's preferred guard

Karlach is wonderful, but Astarion will actually talk to her and give back sass as much as she can give it. Purely platonic and still a bit of distance given their rank, but she’d much rather have him around for company than a stone wall. It’s frankly the only reason Astarion has managed to keep his position.

I just keep thinking about Astarion and Evie wearing each other down.

Peak, “stop being nice to me, it makes me want to be nice back” from Astarion. And Evie too having a few hard lessons thrown her way about the nature of the court she just entered, but Astarion being there to help because gods knows somebody needs to protect her. Her father certainly won’t do it and Shadowheart can’t be with her all the time.

I can’t imagine many of the ladies of the court would trust Evie. Just as many might be jealous of her immediate standing with the princess.

I like the idea of Wyll being in the court though and being one of the few to actually welcome her.

Shadowheart put in the effort to bring Evie here in the first place so her instict would be to defend Evie and squash the rumors. Of course, that would just make things worse.

Evie would even consider leaving so not to undermine Shadowheart’s standing

It's in that moment Astarion realizes Evie is on of the few people in court who means what she says

Astarion knows exactly what people are willing to do to get to Evie’s position. He’s not sure if it’s a testament to her character or foolishness. But he knows one thing, she’s no social climber.

I just thinking about a moment, Evie is playing a lyre or something to entertain some of the other ladies. Astarion is standing guard as usual, but god know he’s not paying any attention to his surroundings. He’s just looking at Evie as the light comes in and touches her face, the music filling the air. He’s reminded about how he was a child imagining marrying some fairy tale Prince Charming. Evie isn’t a fairy tale. She’s so much more than that. She’s real.

Of course, Karlach hears about it Astarion's new interest in guarding the lady Evelyn while she plays and absolutely teases him for it, even if she thinks it’s sweet.

Astarion insists Evie requested she stand guard so nobody disturb her while she practices, which of course means Shadowheart hears about it

She then asks Evie and Evie, deciding to be nice covers for Astarion saying yes, she did ask him to guard

Shadowheart doesn’t fully believe it, but is like, “very well, Sir Astarion you will continue on you duties to guard Lady Evelyn’s door as she requests it”. Then next time it’s officially part of his duties Evie invites him in and asks for some solid feed back..

I also do also need a moment where Shadowheart and Evie by just having the misfortune of being near her find themselves in some real physical danger

Two options with this: either attempted kidnaping or bandits

In the bandit scenario Shadowheart and some of her ladies are traveling when they get attacked on the road.

Shadowheart gets to cover but somewhere in the shuffle Evie gets separated. Astarion splits off to find her only to see her on the ground with the body of one of the bandits on top of her.

He tears him off only to see the man has a knife protruding from his neck.

Evie is still on the ground, shaking and covered in blood, but none of it is hers, as far as he can see.

He’s not really sure what to do. Karlach would be much better suited for this. Hells, as much as he hates to admit it, Gale certainly would. But it’s just him and he can’t just leave her.

So he kneels down, telling her she did well, bastard had it coming. He’s not sure how to ask if he can touch her, but he manages to get her up right and gathered in his arms.

She smells like blood and sweat. How she isn’t crying is beyond him.

He also makes sure to give the corpse a good kick before rejoining the group.

If kidnapping scenario; Shadowheart and Evie are taken

This would likely happen a little further up in the timeline of Astarion and Evie's relationship

The bandits or whoever know Shadowheart is too valuable to hurt. Evie, on the other hand, yes her father is a lord, but not a rich one. She can go back a little bruised without much fuss.

Of course Shadowheart swears if they touch her she’ll personally ensure whatever pain they cause her will be delivered back tenfold.

Of course, that might not be enough to discourage them.

Meanwhile Astarion is losing his mind while Karlach, while pissed, has to force herself to be the reasonable one in the moment.

Evie’s father it brought in to discuss the trade for ransom

While the court is agreed to negotiate for Shadoeheart, they will not do so for Evie.

Evie’s father while willing to put up some money, it’s not nearly as much as they’re asking.

Astarion can hardly keep himself silent, wanting to throttle the man because what does he mean his daughter is lost?! They know what they have to do so why doesn’t he do it?! Does she mean that little to him?!

I just love the image of Astarion shoving this so called lord against the wall using all of his will power not to outright kill the man, damn the consequences. But also in this moment Astarion showing his hand to a man who would want to try some way to take advantage of it.

If we go kidnaping scenario; Astion wouldn't be able to lie to himself anymore about his feelings for Evie. The fear he felt was all too real as well as the relief. He'd want to keep his distance, which is about the opposite of what Evie needs after going through something like that.

Evie meanwhile would be a bit of a mess, obviously. The one thing she keeps coming back to is not the pain or the fear, but the fact that somebody came for her. Astarion came for her, when by all accounts he wasn't ordered to do so. In fact his actions were berated for possibly putting Shadowheart in danger. The only reason he still remains in the palace was at Shadowheart's insistence. And yet, he can't seem to look at her.

Bandit attack is a little different

In the aftermath, Astarion himself lingering near Evie even more.

If confronted about it, he calls it job protection; she slipped away from him before and nearly got herself killed. Shadowheart would have him dismissed in the same breath if it happened again, if not outright behead him.

He tries not to read into just how afraid he was in that moment he saw her on the forest floor, covered in blood. Or how proud he was to see she had killed the bastard and was willing to fight to stay alive. He just slips into her shadow and decides it's best he stay there.

Evie meanwhile is also a complete mess

She tries to remain strong in public and not have people see how much it effected her. Only Shadowheart really sees her at her most vulnerable. Well, Shadowheart and Astarion.

He seems to always be around in those moments when she's alone and her walls start to crumble. He's not comforting in the traditional sense, but she feels safe with him.

Astarion offers to teach Evie how to fight. She did well in the skirmish, but luck may not be on her side next time.

She accepts the training and absolutely freeze up when faced with the idea of having to stab someone again.

Astarion doesn’t baby her about it. He straight up tells her that thinking about it will get her killed. She did well before because she wasn’t thinking. That is her instinct to keep living and whatever happens she needs to hold onto that. Survival at all cost.

Either way, I keep picturing a moment's rest between the two of them when Evie thanks him for rescuing her

“You didn’t have to rescue me, but you did. How could I not think of you as my knight in shining armor?”

He remained silent, biting his tongue to keep the truth from slipping past his lips.

He hadn’t acted out of some sense of righteous duty. It was just about the most selfish thing he’d ever done. He’d prove it right now by pulling her into his arms and kissing her until it finally got through that romantic skull of hers. He didn’t care who had to die. The king, the Queen, the princess, they could all choke for all he cared so long as he could keep Evie safe in his arms. But he couldn’t say that.

Instead, he cleared his throat.

“If I’m your knight in shining armor, that doesn’t speak well to your situation.”

She laughed, the sound easing some of the tension out of his body and the air.

“Perhaps, but I’m grateful all the same.”

Evie didn’t say anything, running the fabric through their fingers. It was just about the finest fabric they ever felt. A small pang of guilt twisted inside them for simply touching it, as if their calloused fingers would somehow damage the smooth threads. Carefully, they let it back down on the table next to the pile of other rejected fabrics.

“I’m inclined to agree,” Astarion said. “Cliche as it may be to say, blue truly does bring out your eyes.”

Evie shifted, the familiar anxiety they’d been experiencing for the last two hours rising in their gut.

“I’m not sure,” they said, trying to sound discerning. “Maybe something a little more…simple?”

The tailor’s lips turned into a hard line. Evie had the distinct impression that if they were not the literal hero of Baldur’s Gate, he would have kicked them out ages ago. He must really need the commission.

“Simple,” he repeated, sharply. “Very well, I’ll see what I can find.”

Without even bothering to pick up the bolt of fabric, he spun on his heel and disappeared into the backroom.

Evie let out a short breath of relief. This whole song and dance had been going on for far too long. First ball or not, there had to be a simpler way. After the next round of samples they’d say they need to think about it and leave. It may be in rough shape, but their performance dress could still do in a pinch. Maybe they could convince Astarion to spruce it up.

As if feeling their thoughts turn in his direction, Astarion moved closer leaning into their ear. “I think you’re going to drive that man to baldness.”

Evie gave what they hoped was a nonchalant shrug. “Not baldness. Grayness, perhaps. His head is fairly well preserved.”

“Either way, he’s cursing your name.” He took up one of the other swatches, a dark blue patterned with silver stars, and examined it with an artful eye. “I still think you would look lovely in this. Not the whole dress, mind you, but for the bodice at least.”

They smiled a little at that. An image of a gown came easily into their mind, although not as detailed as they were sure Astarion could picture it: something grand and striking, something a princess would wear waiting for a knight to rescue them. And with that thought, the fantasy ended.

“I think it’s a bit much for my taste,” Evie said. “Might suit you though. I know you prefer red, but you truly look well in just about any color.”

They glanced over at Astarion expecting to catch him mid preen. Instead, his gaze was solely on them, his eyes narrowing ever so slightly.

“What?”

“Do you actually want to go to this ball?” he said, suddenly.

Evie straightened in surprise. “Of course, what are you talking about?”

“I am talking about that infuriating thing you do when you technically agree to something by not disagreeing before dragging your feet at every step.”

“I don’t–.” They stopped at the side eye Astarion was giving them. It was something they were working on.

“That’s not what’s happening,” Evie corrected.

“Enlighten me then.”

They shifted their stance, suddenly feeling very hot all over. When did it get so stuffy?

“It’s just…it’s all a bit much, isn’t it?”

“The ball?”

“No. I mean, yes, a bit, but this.” They waved their hand around the shop. “He’s charging twenty gold a yard for some of this. And that’s just the fabric, let alone the labor cost. And it’s not as if I’ll ever wear it again. I mean, how many balls can I expect to attend in one lifetime?”

“So, you’d rather wear something you already own?” Astarion questioned with clear judgment in his tone.

Evie’s lips pressed into a line, their defenses rising. “It’s not as scandalous as all that.”

“Only if you want to dress like the entertainment.”

“And what’s wrong with that?”

“Nothing,” he shrugged, “so long as you don’t mind being the entertainment. Or at minimum have people handing you their used cups all evening.”

Evie bit back a groan of frustration. He really didn’t understand.

“I just think it’s all rather frivolous,” they vented.

“You think fashion is frivolous?”

“That’s not what I said.”

“It’s what you implied.”

“I didn’t–.” They stopped, taking a deep breath. This wasn’t going how they wanted it to go. They just wanted to leave and not have to think about hundreds of eyes on them whispering speculations about who they were and where they came from. They almost wished they were the entertainment. It would be more honest and they’d walk out with well earned gold in their pocket.

“Look, I know dressing well is important to you,” they said, carefully. “I know that choice is important to you, but it’s just not to me. I don’t need to make a statement outside of my performances. As soon as I’m off that stage, I am perfectly content for people to stop looking at me.”

Astarion scoffed. “Then you’ve somehow missed the point of the evening. People are going to be looking ,whether you want them to or not. The only thing you have control over is what they see.”

Evie glanced away. He was right, of course. They had wanted to focus on the other aspects of the evening; seeing their friends again, free food, listening to music instead of playing it for once, just seeing how the other half lived. They should have known it would come with a price.

“Well then maybe it is best if I skip it.”

It was a testament to how much effort Astarion was putting into understanding that he didn’t just throw his hands up in frustration. He did, however, get in one exasperated sigh.

“What are you so afraid of them seeing?”

A mouse. A rat. A thief. Gur scum. Unclean. Unworthy. Wrong.

It must have shown on their face as Astarion touched their chin, turning them back to him.

“None of that,” he said, his tone suddenly serious.

Evie didn’t really know what to say. They just knew they couldn’t bring themselves to look directly at him.

Astarion, however, didn’t falter. “You’ve been my mirror in more ways than I’d like to admit. Do you wish to know what I see?”

“I’ve got a feeling you’re going to tell me anyway.”

His face lit up with pride. “There’s my love. Let’s start with that deceptively smart tongue disguised by a very pleasant mouth.”

“Pleasant mouth?”

“Very,” he insisted. “Now let’s see…a nose that one might describe as too long for your face, but actually proportions your features quite well when taken all together. I think it’s the little bump that does it. Good hair with some potential. You are with me after all darling. It’s hard to compete with perfection.”

“I think you’re losing the point of this exercise.”

“I’m not finished. I haven’t even gotten to those two near supernaturally blue eyes of yours. They are always so much more endearing when they’re trying to be annoyed with me.”

Evie tried to glare, they really did, but their smile gave them away.

Astarion’s own grin only widened. “And don’t even get me started on your truly lovely skin and even more enticing neck.”

“Careful my love, you’re starting to drool,” they teased.

He answered by pulling them to him, playfully nipping their neck with a growl.

“Astarion!” They laughed.

“Don’t interrupt me,” he said before moving his lips to their ear. “You’re so much more than all of them.”

Evie’s brows furrowed as they felt the air shift. His tone was softer now and all the more serious for it.

“Even before you saved everyone in this miserable city, you were worth more than any of the fools who thought they were superior because they were the ones to put coin in your purse. If the world actually judged people by the things that mattered, near everyone would question their worthiness to even speak with you. I know I do.”

They felt their heart clench, turning their head to catch their love’s eye. “Astarion…”

He gave them a half smile. “Not to worry darling, it’s only in moments. It’s comforting to remind myself that you’re not infallible. You did make the very foolish decision of choosing me after all. Besides, I’m selfish by nature. I’m not about to do something noble like let you go to find someone better.”

He left his voice light, but Evie could feel the weight of his fears. It had faded for the last few months, but still lingered. Time was the only cure for it. And Evie intended to give him as much as it took.

“I’m holding you to that,” they said.

Astarion watched them a moment, surprise flashing across his features before settling into something much more self satisfied.

Evie felt the need to say something to keep him from getting down right smug, but the kiss he placed on their lips quickly evaporated those notions. He was just as relieved to hear their words and they were to hear his.

They held each other close, even as their lips drifted apart content to stay in their own little bubble for a few moments longer.

“We don’t have to go if you don’t want,” Astarion murmured, “but don’t let what other people think stop you. They’re not worth the consideration.”

Evie took a breath, finally letting his words settle. They wouldn’t be alone. Astarion would be with them, and Wyll and Karlach and Gale and Shadowheart and Lae’zel; really the only people whose opinion mattered. How could anyone make them feel small with love like that?

“Alright,” Evie conceded. “I might need to borrow your eye though. I don’t really know what I’m doing.”

“Gladly, so long as I don’t catch you squirming thinking about how much it’s all going to cost,” Astarion countered.

“I will…try.”

On more than one occasion Astarion and Gale have fallen asleep together, just the two of them, only for Gale to have to wake up earlier to lecture

Astarion doesn't want to loose his hot water bottle so Gale then politely suggests he move over to Evie's room. Gale then half leads/half carries Astarion as the vampire dramatically clings to his back before depositing him on Evie's bed. Astarion then buries himself in her nest.

Evie is absolutely sleeping in until noon and just registers Gale going before snuggling up to Astarion and falling back asleep.

Granted, Astarion does not need to sleep, but when is he going to pass by a moment to be dramatic

Evie is also touch starved af, and can be down right clingy when given permission to

Astarion and Gale have walked in plenty of times to find Evie curled in the other's lap just enjoying the closeness

For as much time as they might pair off, however, I do think the majority of the time they can be found together.

Gale is down right hedonistic when it comes to showering those he loves with affection and receiving it in return

Astarion will be the first to admit he's a greedy bastard and once he gets a taste for something he only wants more.

And Evie is so affection starved she grabs on to whatever is given to her with both hands

The three of them actually run the risk in getting so caught up in each other, they can forget other people exist

So, when it comes to them all cuddling together, they really don't care who is in the middle, so long as they're together; it's just a matter of who needs what

Sometimes Evie and Astarion conspire to get Gale to finally relax and keep him in bed with them; all but ensuring he's late for lecture or even not to show up at all

Sometimes Evie and Gale can feel Astarion getting inside his own head and want to remind him that he's safe and loved

And then there are the times Evie needs that same comfort, that for the first time in so long, she's not alone

And sometimes it's not even that deep

Evie often comes back the latest so that means she's slipping into the side of the bed with Gale or Astarion in the middle

Because she gets back so late, it's not usual for her to take an afternoon nap with Astarion holding her, only for Gale to join them

Instinctually she reached out into the dark only for her fingers to meet nothing but silk.

Panic threatened to seize her once more, just as a hand slipped around her waist.

"None of that darling," Astarion murmured in her ear. "I'm here."

Evie let out a shuttering breath; her hand moving to clutch his.

She must have been a mess. He didn't even bother to tease her as he pulled her closer.

His chest moved up and down in slow breaths against her back. She took his lead, moving in his rhythm and letting everything else fall away.

This was her home. This was her bed and her husband. She wasn't lost any more. The dark couldn't frighten her.

Cool lips pressed against her neck, cautious and gentle.

"That's better," he said. "For a moment I mistook your heart for a hand drum."

"I apologize for the impromptu performance," she said, keeping her tone light.

"You never have to apologize for that. But I am curious as to your inspiration."

She couldn't see his face, but she knew he was looking at her with soft eyes. Carefully, she guided his hand to her lips, allowing her to kiss his fingers.

"Old memories," she assured, "nothing more."

There was a pause. It was clear he wasn't fully satisfied, but Evie couldn't think of what else to say.

"Did I tell you I finally met Lady Telbrook today?" he asked, suddenly.

Evie blinked. "No."

"Awful."

She laughed. It was a surprised, slightly strained thing, but genuine.

"I mean everything. It's no wonder her husband is having an affair with their footman."

He continued on, talking about every bit of gossip and thought that came into his head while she listened in rapt attention.

Some years after the events of the game, Gale gets into a proper romantic relationship with somebody in Waterdeep. They love each other. Gale is his absolute attentive self, they think he's amazing, every thing is going great

Then, Evie and Astarion drop in for a visit

His partner knows about Evie and Astarion. Gale has talked about them plenty of times.

It's clear they're all very close, but Gale specifically mentions his relationship with Evie, while not romantic, still runs deep

Of course, at the time his partner said that it was fine. Why would they need to be jealous of a friend who is already happily married to somebody else? But then they see the pair of them together

Yes, Gale says it's not romantic, but the only person they're seen him drop everything for has been them...and now Evie

It shouldn't bother them, but it does. How is Astarion not saying anything? His spouse is standing in front of him just casually touching another man like it's no big deal!

Evie also has the audacity to be nothing but polite and kind the entire time while clearly caring for Gale

Gale is still Gale, but with both Astarion and Evie there, they feel like they've missed out on some deeper aspect to him only the pair of them fully comprehend

The worst is when they decide to all go for a night out

Evie ends up running a bit late for some reason leaving, Gale, his partner and Astarion making small talk, but to little success

They admittedly have not been getting on great with Astarion

Gale might assure them that he takes some time to get used to, but it seems the man is determined to be unpleasant

The only time his narrowed eyes seem to lighten at all is when Evie is in the room

It's the signal they've finally arrived, when Astarion lips turn into the first real smile of the evening

They then make the mistake of looking at Gale

He gaze turns and his expression just...melts

They know that look, they've seen that look, but the worst is how it shifts into something sadder, resigned, only to be pushed away just in time for Evie to slip in beside Astarion, seemingly oblivious

How in the hells are they supposed to respond to a display like that?

They eventually confront Gale about it, much to Gale's confusion because he thought he explained it very thoroughly

And well yes, technically he did, his partner still can't wrap their head around it seeing it in action; and he absolutely failed to mention being in love with Evie

Gale adamantly denies it, but they can tell even he doesn't fully believe it

Gale, however, does confess that he met both Evie and Astarion at a very vulnerable point in his life

Evie especially helped him though a lot, so he's not about to let this relationship go or change its nature

Astarion had the benefit of witnessing it's inception so while he and Evie got together, and it took some adjusting on his part, he was able to more easily understand it

Gale then gives them an ultimatum of either accepting that Evie is always going to be part of his life or not

His partner decides to leave; while they do love Gale, they don't want to be placed second

Gale is gutted, but he can't bring himself to fully explain to Evie and Astarion why exactly he and his partner split, just that it apparently did work out

Evie can't bring themselves to leave Gale when he's in such a state, and Astarion agrees that a heartbroken Gale shouldn't be left to his own devices

It ends up being the longest they've all stayed together since the Absolute, and new and old feelings start to stir

Astarion for one, fully admits to not liking Gale's ex from the jump, even if he can't fully articulate why

It wasn't anything they did per say

He could point to the way they looked at Evie; with suspicion and frustration. But, even when Evie wasn't in the room, they annoyed him

Something about the way they buzzed around Gale made him prickle; Evie never spurred such a reaction, maybe he's just used to it

Of course Astarion was there when everything blew up and of course he was defensive of Evie and supportive of Gale, but there is also this odd relief

He feels like he should feel guilty about but just isn’t. It at the very least starts him really thinking about his feelings towards Gale. 

Astarion is also furious at himself once he realizes his feelings are romantic and he wants to kiss that wizard on his stupid face

He and Evie have also been discussing possibly opening up the relationship

Astarion has been wanting to experiment with sex again, and while they've developed their own forms of intimacy, he would never push Evie into anything she truly did not want to do

This has been sparking some of Evie's anxieties about past partners growing bored when they couldn't offer them sex, but Evie doesn't want to lose Astarion by outright saying no

Gale is already aware of his feelings toward Evie, and his guilt associated with it made only worse when he starts to feel those same feelings for Astarion, which admittedly have been growing for a few years now

Basically all of them have a lot of complicated histories with relationships and intimacy and it takes a while for them to get it all sorted out between them

Astarion and Gale would be the first to break, some of the same beats playing out with Astarion finally kissing Gale and the two of them going to Evie immediately after to talk it all out

Evie would feel like she’d need to keep her distance as Astarion and Gale work out exactly what their relationship is

A part of her is still so afraid she’s going to be the one pushed out. She loves them both so much, but they each can provide each other not just love but sex and so many other comforts in each other.

Meanwhile Astarion and Gale are just sitting their baffled like, “you do realize the main reason why we’ve tolerated each other long enough to start developing feelings is because we both loved you first”.

Gale might be the one to reach out first asking her to accompany him somewhere, just the two of them. It gives them time to talk, Gale to voice some of his anxieties about starting a relationship with Astarion and wanting to figure out the rules to make Evie comfortable.

It would also be the moment he confesses exactly why he and his ex broke up; yes, there were other issues, but it really came down to his relationship with her

Platonic, possibly romantic, whatever they want to call it in the moment, the love between them is real and now they have a chance to figure out just how deep it goes

Astarion is a little more of a mess, taking longer to accept that yes he does love Gale and no that doesn’t diminish his love for Evie, it’s just different. Evie taught him just how much love he was truly capable of. That itself was a lot to come to terms with, finding out he somehow has even more is nearly overwhelming.

He’d be boarder line paranoid of accidentally pushing Evie away to the point it may slow does his progress with Gale. Luckily Gale is the best person to understand just how important Evie is to Astarion. 

The shop was completely empty, which would not be unusual at this time of night were it any other shop in town. The owner kept odd hours, not opening until well after sunset, the exception being when his wife managed to stumble down the stairs past noon to take orders. An odd set up, but nobody could deny the craftsmanship and so there was little to grumble about.

Astarion moved through the space with practiced ease, not bothering to light a candle as he moved towards the back room and up a small flight of stairs. He did not so much glance at the rolls of golden thread, or dig around the drawers for where he knew a small fortune of gems and finery could be found and easily pocketed. Such treasures were far from his mind at that moment.

Jumping the last few steps, he easily avoided the small creak of the second to top panel before deftly maneuvering his way through the waiting door.

The barest breath of relief escaped his lips. The entryway was completely dark, only just illuminated by the street lanterns peaking through the barest sliver of heavy curtains. Once again his dark vision proved a blessing as he took a quick look around.

The room was empty of anything other than comfortable but undeniably stylish furniture and the lines of bookshelves full bear to bursting along the walls. He slipped off his boots, placing them gently near the door making it almost comical how silently he could move along the beautifully embroidered rug. It felt like cheating, but then again, since when was he above cheating.

One final door lay in front of him. At his feet he could see the smallest flicker of candle light peaking out from below the door frame. Somebody was still up.

With a grin, he turned the doorknob and slowly pushed the door open.

It was moments like these that cause Astarion to lament not having a more artistic hand. The being before him deserved to be preserved in oils and canvass, marble and stone.

She did not notice him come in. Her clear blue eyes were focused intensely on the page in front of her, her finger moving slowly under the words while her soft lips mouthed them in time. Her hair lay loose about her, a few strands tucked behind her ear. Astarion could just catch the barest hints of white hiding in the field of black, something she would no doubt deny the existence of if he pointed them out. Her dark olive skin seemed to glow in the firelight, but the final detail that make his unbeating heart stir was the fact she was dressed only in his shirt.

On second thought, maybe it was a good thing he wasn’t a painter. He didn’t much like the thought of anyone else gazing on this image but him.

“Hello darling,” he said, softly.

Evie’s head snapped up, her eyes going wide in alarm as her hand gripped the book in her hand as of to throw it. As soon as he caught the quick progression of fear to recognition to annoyance slip across her face he let out a laugh.

“Milil’s tongue Astarion,” she grumbled, snapping her book shut. “You’re going to give me a heart attack one of these days.”

“Just be happy I’m the one doing it,” he teased, setting down his bag beside the door. “You’re getting slow my love.”

She gave a small pout, but still rolled onto her back, opening her arms to him.

He didn’t need further incentive, launching himself onto the bed causing them both to bounce and his love to laugh. Gods he missed that sound. However, he decided he missed her lips more, kissing her soundly as they both sunk into the too soft mattress.

“Good trip then?” she asked in between his attentions to her mouth.

“Tedious,” he corrected. “Better if you were there.”

“Well if it was so tedious I’m glad I skipped it.”

Astarion gave a huff of annoyance moving his lips across her face and jaw and down towards her neck. He took a deep breath in, the musk of her skin mixing with the perfume of her blood pulsing just below. He could drown in that scent.

“Hungry,” she asked, turning her neck slightly in invitation.

He shook his head pressing a kiss against the fading scars.

“No need darling, just enjoying being home.”

He didn’t need to look up to know she was smiling. He could feel it in the way her hands rubbed up and down his back and brushed the stray hairs at the back of his neck. All the same, he decided to look anyway.

This was his home. Even all these years later, he still had a hard time believing it. He and Evie had all but hung up their adventuring gear and settled in a town just big enough to justify a fine tailor shop. The occasional helpless damsel or bandit gang causing trouble could pull them from their daily routines, but little else. They were both getting older and ready for a place to call their own, something that was denied to them for so long. Even stranger and more wonderful still, Evie had agreed to marry him.

She brushed a stray hair back from his forehead, her fingers tracing down his face before teasing the edge of his ear.

“I missed you, too,” she said, her full love only just tempered by a hint of humor.

He didn’t have the strength to pull away from that perfect touch, and settled kissing her sternum in response.

“I did plenty more than just miss you darling,” he confessed. “There are too many parts of me that miss too many parts of you.”

“Oh?”

He nodded. “For example, my lips missed your lips quite a bit.”

“I gathered,” she said with a barely contained laugh. “What else?”

“My hair missed your fingers.”

The corners of her eyes crinkled in amusement as her hand moved slightly up, allowing her fingers to comb slowly through his hair.

Astarion sighed in contentment, settling his head to rest comfortably on her chest.

“Go on my love,” Evie encouraged. “Don’t stop now.”

“My arms missed your warmth,” he said, wrapping himself tighter around her for emphasis. “My nose missed your smell. But if I really had to name it, my ears missed your heart beat the most.”

“And you say you’re not a sentimental,” she teased.

“Exceptions are always made for you my heart.”

She hummed in acknowledgment settling into the sheets, her fingers still running soothingly through his hair.

They at least get the ball rolling when Evie's anxieties start acting up

Astarion won't have this and assures her that they're the heores of Baldur's Gate, she doens't need to spend the winter in customer service

Evie then asks what do they do and Astarion is like, "see...friends? I think?"

So they both decide to go to Waterdeep, where Gale is waiting and absolutely delighted to see both of them

He can and will overwhelm them with a laundry list of holiday activities they absolutely *need* to do; it take Morena pulling him aside to maybe pull it back a bit

Evie is all but drooling at all the food Gale makes and basically lives in the kitchen sneaking small bites where she can

I'm thinking this would be before they all get togther, so Astarion still has some of his jealousies at Gale stealing so much of Evie's attention; but he can't deny how good it is to see her happy and fed, not to mention her blood tastes like indulgence itself like this

Astarion has *opinions* on aethetics and not afraid to voice them

Can and will roast the neighbors for their decor and Gale is not safe from this criticism

The pair of them can and will argue about decorations

Gale puts a lot of effort into the illusions to make them just so while Astarion claims he has no sense of color coordination

It really comes down to the most inane detail, but Astarion will make a passive aggressive comment about it

When all is said and done though, their combined efforts are down right breath taking

There are other traditions that are certainly a mixed bag

Mistletoe is a bit touchy for both Astarion and Evie

Getting cornered under the mistletoe by somebody they don't want to be stuck with can bring up some bad memories. (I imagine Astarion used it once or twice to lure potential victims in)

On the other hand, I can see Astarion carrying some around and sneaking it over a doorway and being like, "oh my love, will you look at that, tradition is tradition after all". Of course, Evie knows he just put it there, but she lets it slide

Now if this is pre all of them getting together, imagine for a moment Astarion finds himself under the doorway with Gale. Gale, knowing Astarion's aversion to unwanted touch decides to kiss his hands despite the ragging from his family and leaving Astarion just a little flustered

Alternatively, imagine Gale finding himself under it with Evie. Gale becomes a bit of a stuttering mess because that was not his intention AT ALL. In fact he'd been actively keeping clear of doorways because of this exact scenario. Evie takes it in stride though, and gives him a kiss on the cheek. Hopefully that's enough not to curse them. Gale then feels himself stuck there looking at her walk away with tender eyes.

But turning back to Astarion and Evie, and the perhaps one of the biggest traditions of the season; gift giving

Astarion loves it

Finally, he can get Evie something and she has to sit there and take it. 'Tis the season after all. And if he gets himself a little something while he's at it, all the better.

Receiving gifts without the expectation of payment later is something he's still getting used to, but he's never been one to turn one down.

Evie is certainly a mixed bag

Giving gifts is a borderline panic enducing process; between not wanting to break the bank and also wanting to make sure it's something the person she cares for actually wants, she can get herself into a tizzy

She doesn't get a lot of gifts but one big gift that is very thoughtful

One year she wrote Astarion a sonata and even found someone to help her transcribe it onto the page so she could give him the sheet music

Astarion didn't know happiness could ache, but he felt it into his soul when she gave it to him

Receiving gifts is also something she is trying very hard to accept

Astarion has absolutely no regard to how much he's spending so receiving a pile of gifts from him when she has only one thing wrapped for him makes her feel so guilty even if Astarion keeps promising her he's doing it because he wants to

He thinks he's found a work around by spreading out the gifts over the course of the season

Just little things here and there; not always wrapped

Hell he won't even give it to her outright, just slip it into her pocket and walk away before she can protest

One of their favorite traditions though, isn't so much a tradition as it is a feeling

It's around this time of year, when the weather turns they find themselves curled up together some place warm and quiet

There's no rush to go anywhere, not in this weather and really with all this food they could hold up for the whole winter