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⸻

Surely, Regis' appearance wasn't as much of a surprise as this. It made his head spin. He was heartbroken, a heavy ache lingering in his chest for one he considered a very dear friend (one who had saved his life, no less) and the turmoil and agony he felt.

"Dettlaff... You must have known I would come for you," he said, voice softer than initially intended. He had to swallow his emotions for the time being. "You're in distress. Beings aren't meant to carry this much of a heavy burden alone. You must have known that I would try to find you, that I wouldn't leave you to torture of the mind and soul, left only to suffer alone. Humans call it friendship. Do you not believe in such a concept? Come now. You saved my life. Why can I not try to save you in return?"

@afriendtoravens liked this post for a starter!

He had followed his word. After giving Syanna what she deserved, Dettlaff had gone into hiding, keeping his distance from humans and creatures alike. It was better this way. But yet, it was still hard for him to move on from what had happened.

So when Regis, his old friend, had shown up, he was surprised. "Regis...why have you come here? I have kept my distance."

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"I'm not asking you to, not right now. I'm not asking you for a single thing. I'm sorry for the way things have turned out."

For a moment, he stilled and watched his friend. His fingers wound around the strap on his satchel, worrying away at it in that way of his. He made a soft "hmm" sound in the back of his throat, enjoying a light breeze as the wind picked up around them.

"Humans are curious creatures, as are we to them, if you must know. Think about it. We are a different species to them. It goes both ways. Not at all of us are evil, and the same could be said for them. We are all individuals, ones with our own desires, needs, aspirations, and emotions. No two humans and no two vampires are the same. I beg you not to turn me away, at the very least. I came to you with my heart and my arms open. Don't shut the door on a friendship that's meant so much to me, and so much to you as well, I hope. You saved me. The least I could do is return the favor, even if it's only in an emotional sense. I can't bear the thought of you traveling alone, miserable, and hiding yourself away from the world. You have too much potential for that. You're too kind and warmhearted. Let's put this nasty business behind us."

Dettlaff was not sure what to make of many things after the truth about his Rhena...no Syanna, came out into the open. She had been his light to humanity, his moth, but it was quickly snuffed out realizing she had played him for a fool. And for what?

If anything, that encounter made it harder for him to understand humans and their ways, only wanting him to retrieve farther into what was already familiar to him--- hiding in the shadows around the lesser beings of his kind.

"I don't believe anything you tell me about humans anymore! Nor do I wish to understand them any better. " he snarled. "I knew you would come for me."

After all, they were practically blood brothers now. Something more.

"But how exactly do you plan to save me, Regis?"

⸻

"In all honesty, as courageous of a thought as it was, I would never... I wouldn't..." He trailed off, brows furrowed in pain. It was so unlike Regis to be unable to finish a thought. He appeared pained, distraught. "After being down there myself, I'm not sure if I would ever be able to descend the steps into such a dark chasm again. That cage... I wouldn't want you to feel that same way as well. But the thought remains, along with the sentiment behind your words. Your bravery, as always, is obvious."

He wandered over towards his friend, shedding the satchel and placing it on the floor before eventually lowering himself to the ground beside him. Knelt there, he sighed as he gave Dettlaff a subtle once-over. A hand reached out to brush his friend's shoulder, the gesture caring.

"Life isn't fair," he said simply, "and yet there is nothing we can do about it. We cannot question people's motives, otherwise it'll send us flying into a dark madness. Nevertheless, I am here and I won't let you do that to yourself. I thought I was going to lose you, but I haven't. Here you are, and here I am as well. I'm not leaving you. You might feel as if your heart is broken, and I'm sure that it is, but it will heal if given time. Patience is key."

Regis was speaking from personal experience. He had survived the Queen of the Night, after all, once their love affair had grown stale and come to an end. He was still alive. Dettlaff would be alright. They had to leave this place, though.

He quietly listened as his friend spoke. He knew Regis wasn't the one who had done him wrong. Dettlaff sat on the ground, as if trying to gather himself, taking his words to heart.

"I needed some time to be away and to think things over. You're not the one I'm angry with, Regis. I value our friendship. If anything...I'm angry with myself and humanity. I loved Rhena. I was only ever kind and warmhearted towards her. She was...everything to me and...when I thought she had been kidnapped, I did everything I could to get her back. Even if it wasn't something I'd agree with, I did it all for her safe return. But...she lied to me. Why?"

He still couldn't understand what happened. All he knew was that he felt nothing but pain and anger. Dettlaff couldn't understand why his Rhena---not Syanna, had done what she did. Then again, she didn't follow through with her promise of meeting him within the three days time to explain herself.

"I gave her a chance to explain herself, but she never showed in time. To me, that only made the answer clear---that she was guilty. That she didn't love me. I didn't want to..." He looked down at his hand he had used to end her. "My original intent was to use the cage to contain myself so she could speak."

But Syanna had made her choice, so he gave her what she deserved. It still didn't make it any easier on him.

♡ (for Dettlaff of course!)

( Love love love this so much. So totally down for this ship. )

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"We have a plan... of sorts. My friend—Geralt—has helped us. We'll have safe passage to Nilfgaard. The Nilfgaardian Empire should be sufficient for the pair of us, and busy enough to hide away within as well. We can escape this place, begin anew elsewhere."

For a moment, Regis fell silent. He had sagged with relief at Dettlaff's words earlier, forehead coming to rest on his friend's shoulder. After all the strife, bloodshed, and heartache, this would be a gift. They were lucky to be alive. Hesitantly, he continued.

"I've never been sure of how to deal with heartache myself, and the gods know I've suffered through enough of it, but I'll do what I can for you. You're such a dear friend to me, and I won't abandon you now. I never will, just as you hadn't left me behind as well. We'll stick together, and that's a promise. You're going to survive this."

Regis slowly drew away, slowly rising to his feet with an exhausted huff. He offered Dettlaff a helping hand, tired eyes resting on him.

"Come," he said softly. "We have horses waiting for us outside. Perhaps someday you can thank Geralt yourself. He's no monster. He's a good man, one with a heart, unlike other witchers. I've known him for a very long time, indeed. He wants only for peace, for me, for you, and for everyone. Let's leave while we still have the chance to do so."

Dettlaff allowed his friend to place his hand upon his shoulder, continuing to let his words sink in as he listened quietly. Regis was right---life wasn't fair. He had wanted his happily ever after with Syanna, but it seemed it would never be that way. Realizing the truth of everything she had put him through, it had hurt the Higher Vampire to his core.

It had almost made him want to lose the will to live, retreating to the shadows. He would have been okay, being around the lesser beings of their kind, but Dettlaff was also happy to see Regis here. To know there was someone who wouldn't give up on him.

Perhaps he should give Regis the chance to save him---to pick up the pieces of himself just as he had done with him and put him back together again, with patience and care.

With this, Dettlaff reached out a hand, placing it on Regis' shoulder in return. "Help me, dear friend. I want to move past this, but I'm not sure how. I don't know how I can trust anyone ever again, especially a human. I do know one thing though...we need to get out of Toussaint. Where should we go?"

He was sure the Duchess would probably keep even more of a guard after all he had done. No one would forget the Beast of Beauclair. And there was also the fact this place would only be a constant painful reminder of his Rhena.

⸻

"I daresay that I'm not yet strong enough to fly for any long distances. It's far too much for my body to handle. I just need some time. I just need to... recuperate from this entire blasted process. My body is too weak. Regeneration is far trickier than I ever would have imagined. So, yes, the horses were a good idea. I suppose, without ever saying the words, that Geralt understood that fact. I'm grateful."

He reached out for Regis shoulder, clasping it fondly as they left together in search of the horses.

"Prince Charming I am not, my friend," he teased lightly, "but perhaps we can find a bit of a happy ending together. We're brethren, blood brothers, we shall always be the dearest of friends, and I mean it when I say that I will never give up on you. I've said the words often enough lately. If need be, and if asked of me, I'll tell you every single day."

He didn't care where they were going, as long as it was somewhere else. Somewhere other than Toussaint. Dettlaff would follow his friend and go where he would lead. It only seemed best to do. He wanted to move on from all of this. It wouldn't be easy.

Accepting Regis offered hand, Dettlaff rose up. "I suppose I can see why you've been good friends with the witcher. I will have to thank him sometime for all he's done...and continues to do." After all, he knew Geralt had no reason to be helping them as he had. If anything. Dettlaff had always expected him to attempt slaying him. He didn't think he would be so...understanding.

"All I've ever wanted is a happy ending and peace. Yes, let's leave while we can." However, he paused. "Thank you Regis, for not giving up on me."

Perhaps he could find something new for himself in Nilfgaard.

Motivation and Alignment for the headcanon meme :)

Motivation // What or who motivates them to act the way they do? Could that motivator convince them to change? Who or what else could change their ways?

Humanity itself motivates Regis. Deep down, and even plain to see, he is a good man. He wants only to help others. He wants to heal, and in turn, perhaps it might heal him from the past trauma that he's suffered. His Modus Operandi: helping all those who truly require, seek, or deserve it. Geralt was one of those such beings. The two are close friends. He cannot stand by while innocents are being harmed. It just isn’t in his nature.

Alignment // Tell us in detail about your muses' alignment compared to how they see themselves. Do Mun & Muse agree on the same alignment?

Moral and ethical stance is an interesting one here… The "Knight (or Barber-Surgeon) in Shining Armor" trope is fitting for him.

The alignment "Lawful Good" represents a character (like Regis) who is strongly committed to upholding the law and doing what is right. These characters are guided by a strict moral code and believe in using their abilities and power to help others and protect the innocent.

Beyond that, they are willing to follow rules and laws even when it is inconvenient or unpopular, as they believe that order and stability are necessary for the greater good. They may be seen as uptight or inflexible by some, but they are driven by a strong sense of justice and fairness.

Lawful Good Behavior:

• Defending weaker or defenseless characters.

• Allowing an enemy to surrender.

• Using themselves to shield others.

• Refusing assistance for the good of the group.

• Sacrificing their own life for another.

In my mind, this alignment just seems to FIT Regis. Thinking about my own alignment here is hilarious but I’ll do my best.

For me, though? Neutral Good, I think. Nature is perhaps the most neutral of all forces. That's where Regis and I would disagree about some things.

The alignment "Neutral Good" represents a character (or in this case, a person) who is guided by their own sense of morality and desire to do good, but who may not necessarily be bound by laws or strict codes of conduct.

Neutral Good characters are willing to make sacrifices and take risks to help others and make the world a better place, but they may also be more flexible and open to compromise than Lawful Good characters. Regis himself is a stiff and rigid character, in some ways, and unwilling to take no for an answer whenever he has a plan. Were I in that universe, I would be more willing to listen to others and hear them out lol. Neutral Good characters believe in balance and do not see the world in absolutes, recognizing that there are often multiple sides to a situation and that one solution may not be the best for everyone. They may be seen as unpredictable or unreliable by some, but they are ultimately guided by their conscience and a desire to do what is right. (Just saying, randomly: I feel so called out right now. Funny how well that fits.)

Neutral Good Behavior:

• Risking their life to help an innocent.

• Never taking more than their share.

• Willing to break the law to do what is morally right.

• Willing to disobey an unjust order.

Can you tell that I’m a TTRPG (and Dungeons and Dragons) Game/Dungeon Master? Because I write this stuff for a living these days. Gosh, that was all so long. I'm almost sorry.

⸻

"I daresay I will. I'd quite like being able to linger somewhere for a while. It would do us well. A home, a shop nearby, et cetera. Anything for a bit of normalcy, I think."

He cast a quick glance in his friend's direction, although his eyes spoke volumes of trust, affection, and fondness. It was a soft look, something warm, and he fell silent for a while afterward.

They stopped briefly on the road to greet Geralt. He was waiting for them, leant against a tree off the path. It was a dark evening illuminated by the moon and a blanket of stars in the sky, the wind was picking up, and Regis indulged in a long hug with his old friend. Having only just found Geralt again, it pained him greatly to have to say goodbye again. It wouldn't be forever, though. Geralt would come to visit them. He would send word to him the moment they settled somewhere.

Later, as they wandered along on their horses, Regis spoke.

"I understand, you know," he piped up, voice softer than earlier in the evening. He was watching the road ahead of him, thoughtful now. "You don't need to explain a thing to me. I've been where you are. I've loved and I've lost in turn. You will heal, just as I did."

"Don't worry my friend, just take it easy." Dettlaff stated, showing the same amount of patience for Regis as he did throughout his whole process of helping him regenerate. It was understandable to the higher vampire that his friend wouldn't still be strong enough yet. Even if Dettlaff would much rather disappear from here in red mist, he wasn't going to leave his friends side.

Walking around a corner, he had spotted a pair of horses the witcher had left behind for them. However, before getting on his horse, Dettlaff gave one last look to Beauclair, as if trying to come to terms with leaving it behind.

Yes, Regis was his blood brother. There was no doubt about that. After all, Dettlaff had used his own blood to nurse him back to health and form. "I wonder Regis...when we get to Nilfgaard, will you be taking up your old profession as a barber-surgeron?"

If anything, Dettlaff had an idea on what he'd like to pursue.

⸻

Regis cast a glance in Dettlaff's direction, a teasing brow rising at the question. A soft sound tumbled from his lips in amusement.

"My past lovers? My, my. Aren't you curious? I think you'll find that I'm rather boring in the grand scheme of things, my friend. But yes, to answer your question, I have taken a few Humans to bed. Their lives are far too short, though. It only brings about heartache in the end."

That was entirely a lie. He was anything but boring. He'd laughed the moment the words left his lips.

"There was one woman in particular, though. A Higher Vampire from the same tribe as myself... She made me rather happy. I believe you know her. The Queen of the Night. She runs a brothel in the Trade Quarter in Vizima. It’s fittingly called the House of the Queen of the Night. We were together for some years. Things were marvelous, right up until they weren’t. Our love grew stale, and I eventually left. She was—is, rather—a fantastic woman. I wonder what she's up to these days."

Normalcy? Nothing about this world their kind had managed to find themselves in was normal. At least the kind of normal they were used too.

Dettlaff couldn't help but nod in agreement, wanting to regain any part of it he could get his hands on. Maybe open up a toyshop in Nilfgaard? After all, he did like fixing things. And human children weren't as bad as the adults.

Spotting the witcher up ahead as they approached the horses, Dettlaff silently stood off to the side, watching as Regis hugged Geralt goodbye. He then thanked the witcher. It wasn't anything like what Regis had done, but he could tell there was a history between them.

Then Dettlaff remained quiet and deep in thought as they started riding off on their horses. He was only pulled from them when his friend started speaking, making him curious. "What other lovers have you had, Regis? Have any of them ever been a human?"

⸻

A slow smirk found Regis' lips for a moment, however fleeting and amused, his mind struck with the memories of his tumultuous youth. He'd been such a wild creature, flirtatious in nature and willing to bed anyone who showed a fair amount of interest in him. The whims of youth and vigor, he mused. How he'd changed...

He snorted. His gaze turned to observe his dear friend, comforted in the fact that he rode along lazily. The horses were neither bothered by the particular species of man that rode upon their backs nor upset by the darkness enveloping them as night approached.

"I think," Regis began, "that I would prefer to steer clear of her. Katherine is a creature that I would rather not cross paths with again. I'm better off. Passion is heady and fleeting, but the bonds of friendship are strong and unbreakable. Friends are far more important, don't you think? You and I would do well to keep to ourselves for a while. Surrounding ourselves with vampires in a brothel wouldn't be very wise."

After a long moment, and with no small amount of pensive thought, he added, "Humans are a curious bunch. As much as I adore them, because I do, and I'm always willing to assist them however I may, it's best to... keep away, romantically speaking. They move at too fast a pace for me to keep up with. Perhaps that's because our lives move too slowly for them to comprehend. Time stretches on, like a slow-pouring treacle. Romance is such a quick thing for them. For us, it's unhurried and steady. Unrushed, if you will. While it may last for us both, it forms in different ways. Yes, my friend, let's stay away. It's for the best."

Dettlaff raised a brow at his friend when Regis called himself boring, not buying it for one minute. He knew exactly how his friend could be. Or at least what he must have been like in his youth. It was more than likely the same as Dettlaff himself.

However, when he mentioned having once had a human lover as well, Dettlaff felt his heart ache, understanding all too well what it was like to be with a mortal. "Perhaps we shouldn't fall in love with humans then if that's the case?" It only made sense if they would end up losing them anyway due to differences in lifespan among other things. But he couldn't help himself falling for Syanna. It just...happened.

He quietly listened on as Regis continued, blue eyes going wide at the name he recognized. Of course he knew who the Queen of the Night was. She was known, not only between vampires, but humans and every other kind. Dettlaff couldn't help but shake his head, chuckling slightly. "Ah, her. I should have figured that one. I know of her, not in the way you obviously do, but perhaps we could both pay her a visit sometime. You could see what she's up to if you wish."

⸻

For the better half of the night, they traveled this way. As morning arrived, they found a cave to camp in. It would be best for now, just to keep a low profile during the daytime. To stay off the main roads, to stay away from civilization, and to keep quiet. Here in the woods, they were unlikely to run into anyone, but it was still best to remain alert and to stay smart about things. Gods forbid anyone (including knights) saw Regis on the road and recognized him, turning instead to question who his travel companion was.

Making up a small campfire for cooking, Regis cast a gentle look in his friend's direction. He dropped the rabbits he'd caught for a meal down beside the makeshift firepit and began building up said fire, needing to keep busy for the time being.

"Sit, relax. I know you're mentally exhausted. I'll have a meal ready for us soon. I'm going to cook a small stew. It'll be enough for the time being, anyway."

He was surprised to find Regis knew the true name of the Queen of the Night, but maybe it shouldn't have been all that surprising if they had once known each other so intimately. Dettlaff quietly continued to listen to his friend before nodding. "You're right. It probably wouldn't be wise. It is best to keep to ourselves right now."

After all, he was still a whirlwind of emotions (more than usual), and the last thing he needed was to find himself in the arms of a Bruxa. Even if Dettlaff could be impulsive at times, often following his heart, he had learned since his youth to be careful when it came to the matters of dealing with a fiery Bruxa.

His relationship with Syanna had been different. Of course she was nothing like a Bruxa, although she could have the fiery and stubborn attitude of one at times. But now, looking back on it all, Dettlaff wasn't sure what he could believe about any of it anymore. It had all been a ruse...he didn't know what to trust about it. The memories were tainted, even the happy ones.

With this, Dettlaff nodded, a solemn look on his face. "It doesn't help to look back on the past anymore. If there is one thing I've learned, it's best to not be involved with humans romantically and that friendship will never let me down."

⸻

As the rabbits were taken care of and a stew was boiling away upon the fire, he came to sit beside his friend. He bumped Dettlaff's shoulder with his, a warmhearted gesture, and grinned at him.

"I'm never leaving you," he promised, eyes bright. "It's good to be in your company as well. Together, we will find somewhere to call home. We are going to be okay. If I could, I would take your pain away. I would cure you and make you well once again. A barber-surgeon though I may be, I'm unable to heal this injury of yours—because it's a wound of both the mind and the heart. I cannot physically help you get through this, but I can support you to the best of my ability. I will tell you this, and yes, I know that I've already said it: you are going to be alright."

His eyes surveyed the area, gaze carefully observing the lush greenery around them, the deer off in the distance, and the tall trees that seemed to shield them from any straggling hunters that might be lurking about at this late hour. It was ever so peaceful here. He sighed in relief, arms resting on his knees as he brought them up to sit comfortably.

"You healed me. I'm here because of you. I intend to return the favor."

Dettlaff had welcomed the opportunity to camp, needing a good break when his friend brought it up. Regis was right--- he was mentally exhausted. Even though, as being a higher vampire, he should have all the energy in the world. But there was no doubt that everything he had just been through was still taking a toll on him, and probably would for some time.

After all, he wasn't an unfeeling creature. If anything, it took a lot of energy being sensitive. He couldn't change that. It was in his nature to be passionate.

Following suit, Dettlaff sat down, watching silently as Regis began to cook. He let out a long sigh before finally speaking. "I am...rather exhausted. Between my constant searches of trying to find Rhena, and everything else after that...it's nice to slow down and finally rest." He had been living with desperation and panic for awhile now that returning to his original roots and slowing down was much needed. There was no longer anyone he had to try to find. No need to worry. He glanced around the cave, almost feeling at home. "It is good to be in your company, my friend."

⸻

Regis turned to cast a withering glance in Dettlaff's direction, although it softened after a few moments. He even smiled.

"I'm not doing this to repay a debt, you great knob. I am only teasing you. You could do with a smile. I'm sticking by your side because I care, my dearest friend. I do. I care deeply for you, and you should know that by now."

In truth, despite their bond and only because he truly felt such a deep respect and devotion, he would have gone to the ends of the earth to rescue Dettlaff from the terrible situation that he'd found himself in. Friendship mattered. Dettlaff deserved to have that in his life, especially so considering everything he had been subjected to as of late. He needed a family.

"You're very pack-oriented," he said, stirring the rabbit stew on the fire, "and this, of course, I know. You truly are a born leader. Just for the time being, however, set that aside. Allow yourself to be taken care of. I'm not doing this out of obligation. I mean that, you know. I want to keep your safe, to help you heal, to be there with you throughout it all. It's in my nature. I think, if you'll allow me to say so, that it's something that friends will do for each other."

He supposed Regis was right--- he had saved him, so it was only his turn to return the favor, even if Dettlaff didn't think he needed it repaid. The higher vampire gave a small smile towards his friend. "When I saved you that day, I didn't do it with gaining a reward or favor owed in return in mind. I simply did so because our kind must stick together in this world."

Dettlaff couldn't help being this way. He had always been taking care of and looking after the rest of his pack, mostly lower vampires like Bruxa, Fleders and what not. Since then, it hadn't changed the fact that he consider Regis to still be a part of his family too. He lets out a sigh. "I suppose I can let you return the favor if you feel you must."

Either way, all he knew he could do now was move on and see where their new path together would lead them. Dettlaff only hoped this pain could be healed in time and with Regis' company. One of the curses of being able to live so long was having a great memory.

⸻

"I think that sounds great," Regis replied, a soft smile tugging at the very corners of his lips. He nudged Dettlaff's shoulder with his again in a clear gesture meant for what it was: fondness, love, and comfort, and eventually turned to stir their stew. "The sentiment is true. We can no more change our nature than the waters can cease their flow."

When dinner was finished, still bubbling away on the fire, he dished out enough for their fill into two bowls and gently offered one to his friend. He dug out two spoons from his pack and handed one to him as well. Everything smelled amazing and he relaxed back on the blanket he'd placed down earlier, spoon stirring his meal in its bowl.

"Yes," he added, "we're going to be just fine, you and I. We'll find our way. We've managed thus far, haven't we? By the skin of our teeth, perhaps, but we're alive. That's all that matters."

At his words, Dettlaff couldn't help but raise an eyebrow, quietly listening to his friend speak and explain himself. He knew Regis meant well. But he wasn't used to being taken care of by anyone else. He had been used to doing things on his own, fending for himself and others, but now, it was all so different.

Thanks to everything that happened with Syanna, Dettlaff felt as though his world was changing again, having to learn how to navigate in it all over again. It was scary, but at least he knew he could trust in his friend. There was at least still someone in this strange place he could look to.

"I can't help but be pack-oriented. It's in my nature as you well know." He pointed out. "Just as it is in yours to be a healer, my friend. Perhaps we can come to a...compromise of sorts on this matter? You take care of me, and I'll take care of you? Seems right."

The elf and the gith, she fears, are going to be the easy ones to sell on the idea. Bloodthirsty killers interested in violence and intrigued by the personal stakes involved—can’t say she’d feel too differently, if their positions were reversed.

It’s a shame she’s got to lie to keep them on the hook.

“Oh aye,” she agrees, despite knowing Jack Rackham is the poorest (in all senses of the word) excuse for a pirate on these waters, “whatever his take is, it’ll be took. I only want what’s owed t’me; the rest can be split amongst the hands that help.” She knows every nick and knot of the Ranger, every splinter of wood in the hull, every thread in the sail: whatever treasure is left aboard the Ranger, be it Astarion’s dreams of gold or a remembered stash of particularly lush wine, it’ll be rendered in return for getting the deed done. After all, to kill confront Jack, there’ll be most of a crew to carve through first, and of them only one worth wasting breath on trying to save. And that’s supposing Read didn’t split when those tentacled freaks took Anne.

“Dunno how much like shoppin ye’ll feel, arter I replace his eyeballs with knives and feed him his own cock.” …she hadn’t meant to say that last part aloud. Ah well. In for a penny, in for a pound….

@neverhangd liked this post for a starter!

"You know, I believe this could be the start of a beautiful friendship!" Astarion said with a smile. He hadn't been expecting to get to know her, even if his plans were mostly to stick beside her and the others, finding a way to survive while plotting revenge against Cazador. But after learning more about her, and seeing some similarities between them, he felt his statement was true. "I wouldn't mind helping you confront your ex. I always do love it when things get a little... bloody! Can we steal his gold too? We could go shopping afterwards with it. It's the best way to celebrate a victory."

❝ eugh, don’t be nice to me. it makes me want to be nice back. ❞ (from Astarion of course XD)

baldur's gate 3 starters (part 1)

Anne opens her mouth, her brows lowered, to argue with Astarion—it’s not being nice, it’s being even—when a new thought occurs and draws her brows up, mouth closing. If he doesn’t want to be “nice” back, she just won’t be “nice” in the first place. She shrugs and pockets the trinket instead.

“Say no more. Kindness be gone—poof!”

"It's difficult to be around you and not feel this way." (from Halsin)

"OOPS... I HAVE A CRUSH ON YOU" PROMPTS

Anne pauses in her washing, slowly sitting all the way back. Her blouse, still heavy with unwrung water, forms a damp patch on her trousers as she considers Halsin. It’s…an unexpected confession, to say the least. Sea glass shards probe Halsin’s admittedly handsome face carefully, combing it over for any sign of deceit. She’s certainly used to inspiring feelings in men—revulsion, hatred, fear, respect—but what Halsin’s describing is…substantially different from those.

“…sorry to hear that.” And she is, in a fashion. Two of the last three men who’d said the same had meant it for the illusory Anne who lived in their heads and not the real thing; the third she hadn’t had time to see disillusioned, taken by the Nautiloid the next afternoon as she was. How long until disdain curdles Halsin’s features, too?

“I know I en’t the easiest to get on with, but I’ve appreciated yer company. I can be out of yer hair come morning, if the rest are amenable to sharing some of their provisions for the road. Might be a tenday to be clear of me otherwise.”

Anne rolls her eyes, but affection sits at the corners of her smirking lips. Quite the drama queen, isn’t he? Still. There are worse sorts to have thrown your lot in with. Anne pulls the magpie bait back out—small and shiny and suitably expensive-looking—tossing it in Astarion’s direction. She’s no use for baubles, anyway, and lacks sufficient charms to barter it away at a better price. Let the sulker have his fix. Besides, she knew what he’d meant. She’s learned that most of their little adventuring party shares that trait in common with her and him, that dearth of kindness that makes any gesture towards it so intimidatingly grand. When she’d pocketed the little treasure, she’d only been fucking with him.

“Take back what, exactly? ‘T’en’t like ye complimented me, or gave me nothing.” She isn’t really complaining, of course, only filling the air between them with noise. Small talk isn’t her strong suit—not that banter is, but at least that’s a skill she’s willing to learn. “When ye listen to yerself talk, do ye hear the words or only the sound of yer own voice?”

@neverhangd continued from HERE!

"What?! No that wasn't---"

The vampire spawn now regrets opening his mouth, but more than that, he regrets laying down his guard and briefly thinking that for one moment someone could be kind without strings attached. Perhaps it's his fault? After all, he did tell her to not be nice to him because it did make him want to be kind in return.

Astarion sighs dramatically. "I didn't mean it like that. It was a figure of speech! I said that because I'm not used to people giving me a kind word or offering me things." Watching her pocket the trinket, he holds his head high. "But forget what I said." He huffs. "I take it back too."

Anne levels a look Astarion’s way—at first because of the cunty stance he takes after getting his way and then because he’s the gall to call her a weirdo after not only getting his way, but getting it by making no damned sense! Her own hands go to her hips, her mouth falling open in offense with a scoff. She wouldn’t have cared if he’d managed to show in some way he were grateful for the gesture, but this was taking her kindness and slapping her in the face with it.

“How’s that for a bloody fucking thank ye? Spat on thrice in two fuckin sentences! I’ll keep that in mind, next fuckin time yer idiot arse goes down in a fight. Maybe one of the other ‘weirdos’ will feel like helping a thankless prick. Won’t be me, though.” Not without a sincere apology and a real show of change first, at least.

She makes a point of stepping too close for comfort to him in an effort to remind him of certain immutable facts he seems to have forgotten: namely that despite her nonchalance in most matters, she remains at all times the same raging, just-over six feet of lithe hellcat he sees on the battlefield. That she’s a fucking pirate besides, one of a company not famous for their charity to others. That her kindness comes free only until it’s slapped out of her hand.

“Step aside, little man. Ye’re in my way now.” There’s meaning layered here, for one cares to pursue it.

Anne rolls her eyes, but affection sits at the corners of her smirking lips. Quite the drama queen, isn’t he? Still. There are worse sorts to have thrown your lot in with. Anne pulls the magpie bait back out—small and shiny and suitably expensive-looking—tossing it in Astarion’s direction. She’s no use for baubles, anyway, and lacks sufficient charms to barter it away at a better price. Let the sulker have his fix. Besides, she knew what he’d meant. She’s learned that most of their little adventuring party shares that trait in common with her and him, that dearth of kindness that makes any gesture towards it so intimidatingly grand. When she’d pocketed the little treasure, she’d only been fucking with him.

“Take back what, exactly? ‘T’en’t like ye complimented me, or gave me nothing.” She isn’t really complaining, of course, only filling the air between them with noise. Small talk isn’t her strong suit—not that banter is, but at least that’s a skill she’s willing to learn. “When ye listen to yerself talk, do ye hear the words or only the sound of yer own voice?”