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rose7420 · 7 days

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Not So Useless: Part 2

Chapter 1 Chaper 2 chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 chapter 8

Summary: After falling to the pit, Freya and Astarion must figure out a way... before time runs out

TW: Mentions of death and near death experiences. Not much going on in this chapter 🤷‍♀️ But it is a palate cleanser if you read sm0lprism's chapter 9 update lol (jk love ya, girlie 😘 ✌️)

Still alive, despite everything. Freya was no worshiper but after surviving a cave in, she just might want to meet the god who has decided to keep her safe and give them a proper thanks. She sat up and rubbed her eyes from the dust that now caked her face, taking note of this foreign surface that twitched underneath her. Freya let out a gasp when she looked down to find herself sitting on Astarion's hand! Everything happened so fast, she never had time to process when exactly he reached up to shield her from the fallen debris.

Freya slipped off his palm and Astarion let out a groan. Red eyes fluttered open before quickly sitting up to look over Tav; they limply laid across his lap. He glanced back over to the borrower. “Are you alright?”

“Forget about me, we need to help Tav!” She exclaimed, eyes falling on the sickly halfling. Despite still breathing, Tav looked even worse than before. Sweat drenched their brow as they shivered in the elf’s arms. No more time was wasted as Astarion quickly rummaged around his bag to tend to their wounds.

“That blasted hag!” He snarled, wrapping bandages around Tav’s side. “I'd rip her damn throat out if she weren't already dead!”

Freya kept her gaze glued to the vampire, the way his crimson eyes fixated on Tav's face, as if he was riddled with concern. No… it wasn't as if he was concerned for Tav's wellbeing! When she was a little girl, her aunt used to tell her scary stories about how vampires are horrid monsters that only care for blood, no matter how sweet their words were, their motives were always the same. But in this moment, Freya could not see a creature of the night, only a man concerned for his companion.

A putrid stench waffed the air, causing them to cough. The realization finally hit Freya, this plague was derived from the Deathsbreath spores, enhanced by vile hag magic to become more deadly than it originally was and now it was filling up this pit to claim three more victims before it faded away.

“What in the bloody hells is going on?” Astarion choked out.

“Deathsbreath, deadly enough as is, but worse… now that the hag messed with it.” Freya exclaimed, her eyes frantically searched for an exit. “We have to get out of here!”

“By the gods.” Any hint of color was completely washed away from the elf's already pale face. He quickly jumped to his feet, keeping Tav cradled in his arms as he searched for an exit. But any tunnel that came off as a route to the surface was effectively sealed off by debris. There were cracks and crevices that Freya could slip through but who knows where they would lead to? Even if a crevice led to the surface, Tav and Astarion wouldn't be able to survive long enough for her to find the group and dig them out.

There was a dry chuckle coming from Astarion as he sunk to the ground. “I'm granted freedom for the first time in two hundred years, and I'm destined to die beneath the earth. It's almost poetic really.”

“You're not dying.” Freya crossed her arm.

“You're not dying if you escape through these little crevices.”

“Do you just expect me to leave you two?”

“Why wouldn't you? You have what you needed from this experience and you have the ability to slip away alive.” He spoke in a flair, but underneath that was resentment in his voice, he must have realized how obvious his tone was because he gave a thin smile. “At least that is what I would do, darling.”

“Lucky for you, I'm nothing like you.” The borrower shot back, causing Astarion to roll his eyes. There had to be a way to get them out of here or at least shield them from the noxious gas long enough for her to get help. Her eyes darted towards Tav, whose skin was drained of color. Freya had seen other people look similar when they caught the plague, without a cure, they always succumbed to their fates, and Freya's heart sank realizing Tav was close to following the others.

The others didn't have a cure… but Freya did.

She practically ripped her bag open to take out the Aixosfeaf. Three leaves could certainly be enough to help her colony, now it was just enough to prolong their lives for Freya to get help. Freya hoisted the leaves above her head. “Here take this. It will help you.”

“But don't you need that to-!”

“Shut up and take the the bloody Aixosfeaf!” Freya snapped to silence him from making her second guess what she was about to do. “It works better when brewed into a potion but keep it under your tongue and the effects should still work.”

Astarion seemed to hesitate, staring at Freya as if he was expecting her to change her mind but his slender hand plucked the leaves from her and did as instructed, tucking the leaf under his tongue before doing the same for Tav. As Freya did the same, reality threatened to settle. The whole reason she ventured to this cave was for her colony, but now her ticket in was currently dissolving in the mouths of larger beings. Perhaps the hag was right, there was no guarantee her colony would accept her back even with the leaves, it was a desperate attempt to be seen as a hero to her people, but now she would never know.

Pushing aside her feelings, Freya examined the tiny escape routes at her disposal, while there was no clear indicator which ones could lead to the surface, a draft blowing from one crevice was promising. She peered down her jagged pathway, then glanced back towards Astarion and Tav. “Stay put while I find the others.”

He gave a mocking chuckle. “Hilarious, now scurry off like the mouse you are, be useful for once.”

No need to tell her twice, Freya slipped into the crevice and crawled her way forward. Rocks scraped her hands and knees, leaving small drops of blood to trail behind. She wondered if Astarion could smell her blood the further she traveled. The tunnel seemed dark and endless, she almosted feared she picked the wrong route until a ray of light illuminated the dark path. Freya couldn't scramble out of the tunnel fast enough.

The sunlight blinded her to the surroundings, but she could feel loose dirt beneath her fingers. A deep inhale had her nearly choke on the fresh air. Freedom at last, but there was no time to rest, Freya had to find someone to help!

“Aye, what's this?” A rough voice spoke, before stomping over to the borrower, Freya quickly blinked away her blindness to stare up at the unfamiliar voice.

A goblin towered over her, giving her a rotting smile that sent a chill down her spine. Freya pulled out her peashooter realizing she would have to fight. However, a ball of flame was flung into the goblin before he could make a move and he collapsed to the ground.

“I got the last of them, now we have to hurry and find-!” Gale's shouts fell silent as he glanced back over to the dead goblin and locked eyes with Freya. “By the gods, Freya!”

In an instant, the borrower was surrounded by Gale, Wyll, and Karlach, staring at her with wide, fearful eyes.

“What happened down there, little soldier?!” Karlach asked. “Where’s Tav and Astarion?”

“Alive… but trapped.” Freya wheezed out. “There's gas… they don't have forever… we need to hurry!” Her knees buckled and she let out a series of violent coughs. Hells, the Aixosfeaf was beginning to wear off and poison was catching up to her, which means Astarion and Tav might not have much longer, Freya had to pull herself together if she was going to help dig them out!

“Easy now,” Gale halted her from getting up. “You need rest, we can handle the rest.”

Before Freya could even protest, Wyll quickly scooped her up, his fingers protectively curled around her small frame. “I'll take her back to camp.”

Gale nodded. “Karlach, let's hurry.”

Freya only got a glimpse of Gale summoning spells at the fragile pile of stone while Karlach smashed at the wall, Wyll rushed his way back to camp, keeping Freya safely cupped in his hands. “Don't worry friend, we'll save them.”

Freya could only hope Wyll was telling the truth.

#bro the title 🤣 palate refresher #bg3 gt #gt astarion #Gale #bg3 wyll #Tav

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rose7420 · 9 days

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Bite-Sized (9) - A G/t BG3 fanfic

This contains g/t (giant/tiny content) so if that isn't your thing, then I suggest you stop reading. Thank you!

Read on ao3

Summary: Astarion brings Ria along with him to the heart of the Goblin Camp without the rest of the group knowing. However, before they can even get inside, things take a very unfortunate turn. In other words, this is the beginning of Ria's VERY bad day.

Pairing: Astarion x f!borrower!oc (Tav/oc) (slow-burn)

Warnings: MOUTHPLAY WARNING!!! If you are uncomfortable with mouthplay or vore-ish themes, then DO NOT read this chapter! No actual vore occurs but mouthplay is VERY prominent. Don't worry, Ria will be completely fine, I promise. Swearing/course language, mentions of blood drinking, vampire stuff.

Word count: 2.4k

The smell of burning meat and alcohol hit Astarion’s nostrils well before he had even stepped foot into the Goblin Camp. While he preferred more refined company, he did relish in the chaos that goblins often brought with them – and it was clearly abundant in the stronghold of the camp as he followed behind Gale, Wyll, and Karlach. Lae’zel and Shadowheart had reluctantly been nominated to look after the camp while the others were away, much to both the half elf’s and gith’s dismay. He wondered if they would kill each other while he and the others were gone.

His stomach grumbled as dozens of goblins flitted around a roasting spit, cooking what smelled like dwarf meat, as they downed pints of alcohol. Seeing this many exposed necks and pulses made the never-ending ache in his stomach worsen. Soon enough he would be able to feed – thanks to Ria persuading the group, he could drink all the goblins dry if he wished once they were done with the leaders.

Ah, yes, the little snack in my pocket…

He was so swept up in the moment that he almost forgot about the tiny passenger that he was carrying. She hadn’t stirred since they had left camp and he wondered if she had in fact fallen asleep. Her small heartbeat had slowed down considerably as well.

His hand hovered over his breast pocket where Ria was concealed inside, and he gave the pocket a little tap to alert her that they had arrived. Almost immediately the borrower inside began to stir, her tiny heartbeat increasing as he felt her squirm against his chest.

Scanning the area, he noticed that everyone else had gathered towards the centre of the camp. Karlach, Gale, and Wyll were standing near a small stage where Volo, a poor bard that he and the others had met in the Emerald Grove some time ago, was performing some terrible rendition of Dror Ragzlin. They seemed completely enthralled by Volo’s presentation as they didn’t even bat an eyelid towards Astarion’s direction.

“Oi! You smell funny, mister.”

Astarion blinked and swiftly turned his gaze downwards to see a female goblin standing directly in front of him.

“How polite of you to say,” Astarion sneered, sharpening his gaze at the little goblin. “And you smell utterly dreadful. Is that all you wanted to say to me or can I be on my way?”

The goblin chose to ignore his statement and instead took a deep inhale of air through her nose. Her eyes grew as big as saucers as she inhaled and she stared at him intently.

Shit. She can smell Ria.

“There’s something in your pocket, isn’t there?” The goblin said, folding her arms across her chest. “I can’t quite make it out, but it’s different to whatever poxy perfume you have on, and the smell of blood in yer mouth.”

“That’s not for you to know,” Astarion hissed, flashing his fangs at the goblin. “Why don’t you mind your own business. Unless you want my fangs to meet that green neck of yours, you best move along.”

The female goblin nearly jumped out of her skin upon seeing Astarion’s perfectly white fangs flash in the sunlight and she immediately backed away from him.

“S-shit, sorry!” she exclaimed, panic evident in her voice. “I didn’t think a blooming blood-sucker could walk in the sun…you must be some freak or somethin’.” The goblin quickly scampered off, not daring to look behind her as she vanished into the hazy crowd.

The sudden outburst seemed to garner some attention as a few goblins had stopped what they were doing and eyed him up curiously. There was no doubt that they could also partially smell Ria’s scent to some extent, too. It seemed that his own scent wasn’t quite enough to mask the borrowers unfortunately. If any of the goblins stopped to really smell him, then he would be in trouble.

He had to get out of there. And fast.

Astarion wasted no time in melding into the shadows, something that came very naturally to him as a vampire spawn, and quickly vanished from sight. Ria was still safe inside his pocket for now, but he knew if the goblins were made aware of a borrower in their midst, it could end very badly for her. Perhaps it would be a good idea if they could mask her scent somehow. He snuck behind a large stone pillar, now out of sight from the masses of goblins and his own companions.

“Astarion?” Ria’s small voice chimed from inside his pocket.

He opened the lip of the pocket and glanced downwards at the tiny passenger he was carrying. He would never say it aloud, but as her little face stared up at him, he couldn’t help but to admit she did look rather cute. She was so tiny, so vulnerable, so fragile – it would be so easy for her to become injured if he wasn’t careful.

Not that he cared if she got hurt. She was just a borrower after all, nothing more.

So…why was he feeling a sudden urge of protectiveness when he looked at her?

He shook his head, dismissing the thought from his brain.

“Are you just going to stare at me or will you tell me what’s going on?” Ria asked, bringing Astarion back to the present.

He blinked and flashed her a grin. “Well, I was just thinking that it might be a good idea to disguise your scent, darling.”

Ria’s eyes widened in realisation. “Oh…right. I can’t believe I didn’t think of that…” Her voice trailed off as her brain tried to think of a solution. “Maybe I should’ve thought about that before we left.”

“Perhaps that would’ve been a good idea,” Astarion commented. “It’s just fortunate that the goblin from earlier didn’t press me further. I thought my scent would be enough to mask yours, but it seems that you just smell so…” He paused as a grin tugged at the corner of his lips.

Appetising. That’s what he was going to say, but he held his tongue. He knew that teasing her like this when she was only just starting to trust him a little was a bad move, especially after she had asked him not to call her things like that from now on. Still, he couldn’t deny that she did smell delicious. Even with the masses of goblins around him – who significantly had plentiful more blood – her blood sung to him the loudest out of everyone there.

“So…what?” Ria said, her tiny brow furrowed as she craned her neck up at him.

“Never mind,” Astarion chuckled lightly, attempting to shake the growing thoughts of hunger out of his brain. “Well, you know what I mean, anyway. I’m sure you heard the conversation with the goblin. We really do need to hide your scent somehow.”

“You do have a point.” Ria pursued her lips in thought. “I need to have a better look at what’s going on outside.”

He watched the borrower as she wriggled around until her tiny head just barely managed to peak out from the lip of the pocket. He imagined she must’ve been standing on tip toes just to reach that high.

Ria’s gaze searched the Goblin Camp, concentration hardened her facial features as she tried to think of what to do. After a few moments, her eyes finally settled on a large tub where some goblins were collecting alcohol from.

“That’s it!” Ria exclaimed, pointing towards the tub full of booze on the other side of the camp.

Astarion glanced down at the borrower and then his gaze flicked to the giant tub of booze she was pointing at. Multiple goblins were walking up to the tub to take a swig of alcohol in large mugs, some of them downing their drinks as if it were only water.

“Hm, the pungent alcohol would most certainly cover up your scent,” Astarion said. “But getting you in the alcohol, however, seems like a risky move. Are you sure about this?”

“You’re a rogue! Use some of that dexterity of yours!” She flashed him a small smirk. “Just dip me in the booze quickly and then I’ll be out in a second. I’m sure a vampire spawn can handle that.”

Astarion arched an eyebrow, wondering just where the sudden burst of confidence that she had was coming from. Not long ago she had been deathly afraid of letting him hold her, now she was placing even more of her trust in him to pull off a stunt that could backfire badly if he didn’t do it carefully. Still, he wasn’t going to let a borrower downplay him like that.

“If you insist,” he replied. “And I suggest we do it quickly. We really don’t want to attract any more attention to ourselves.”

Ria gave him a small nod in reply before she vanished into the inside of his pocket again to conceal herself. With their new goal in the forefront of his mind, he clung to the shadows of the camp to pass by unseen until he reached the large tub. Very swiftly he reached into his shirt pocket and plucked Ria in between his index finger and thumb and leaned towards the large tub of booze.

“Do it!” Ria whispered fiercely.

Before Astarion could do anything, a strong force collided into the back of his legs, causing Ria to fall out of his fingers as he was knocked forwards. All he could do was watch as the little borrower fell out of his grasp, followed by a small plop as she disappeared into the liquid.

Shit!

Seething with anger, he whipped his neck around to see who the culprit was and his gaze fell on a goblin who looked like they were on the verge of passing out.

“Oh man, I could go for another-HIC!” The goblin spluttered, the smell of beer radiating from his mouth as he wobbled around to gain his footing before passing out on the floor.

Astarion rolled his eyes and hastily returned his attention back to Ria, who was now, quite literally, swimming in the tub of alcohol.

“Hey, you’re holding up the line!” A raspy voice hissed to his left, and he noticed yet another goblin standing close to him. “Hurry up and grab a drink, we all want some!”

Growing somewhat stressed now, Astarion snatched up a nearby cup before returning his attention back to the tub. Ria had fortunately resurfaced, looking rather dishevelled and shaken up, but otherwise she was alright. He wasted no time and scooped her into his cup, keeping it close to his chest as he attempted to sneak away from the masses of goblins that were starting to cluster around them.

“Hey! Where do you think you’re going?” The same goblin with the raspy voice from earlier tugged on his armour, stopping him in his tracks.

Astarion immediately grimaced.

This can’t be good.

“Don’t mind me,” Astarion replied through gritted teeth, wanting nothing more than to turn invisible. “I’m just passing through.”

“Not without having a drink you’re not!” The goblin persisted, clearly somewhat drunk, and clung on stubbornly to his light armour. “You look as pale as a bloody ghost. I’m not letting you go until you’ve drunk every drop from your cup!”

The commotion had now brought even more attention to him, as Astarion quickly realised that multiple sets of eyes were glued to his frame and watching his every move. No matter how he looked at it, there was no getting out of this.

He tentatively gazed down into his cup, and saw Ria’s little face staring up at him with pleading eyes. She could obviously hear everything that was going on, and judging by the petrified look that was painted across her face, she knew exactly what he was going to do.

“Go on!” The goblin pulled on his armour once more, and Astarion had to restrain himself from biting the creature’s head off with how hard they pulled at the fine fabric. “You could do with some colour in your cheeks.”

He pulled his lip into a thin line as his gaze flicked back down to where Ria was sitting in his cup. All the colour had drained from her face as she stared at him with watery eyes, she looked as if she had been crying. Knots twisted in his stomach as he felt a wave of dread wash over him as he tried to rack his brain to think of an alternative. If he pretended to drink, there would be the chance of Ria falling out of the cup and to her death, which he wasn’t going to risk.

The only other option was to drink.

He gave her a wink before mouthing the words ‘I’m sorry,’ silently to her, and her eyes widened in response as he brought the cup towards his lips. The beer hit his tongue and he immediately had to force himself not to spit out the liquid as he took a forceful gulp. He had never been one for beer, wine, on the other hand, or better yet, blood, was more to his liking, but it wasn’t as if he had a choice in the matter. His attention on the beverage was soon replaced as he felt something soft and warm press up against his lips.

Ria.

Her tiny hands were pushing against his lips, her body squirming as gravity pushed her rather forcefully towards his mouth. He was very careful not to swallow her, and rather gingerly he used the tip of his tongue to push her tiny body away from the inside of his mouth so that she wouldn’t fall in.

He pulled the cup away from his lips and glanced downwards at the goblin. The goblin was still stubbornly standing beside him with narrowed eyes, very clearly not impressed with his half empty cup.

“I said drink all of it you elf pansy!” The goblin exclaimed. “That was merely a sip! Come on, you aren’t leaving until all of that is completely gone, and I’m going to look at your cup afterwards, so make sure you guzzle it all down!”

Oh dear.

If the goblin was going to investigate his cup afterwards, he had to ensure that it was completely empty.

Ria wasn’t going to like this.

Very slowly the cup was brought to his mouth once more, and this time he took a hungrier gulp than before. He could smell the overwhelming fear from Ria as she was once again pressed against his mouth, her tiny hands scrambling across his lips, and this time, he didn’t stop her from falling inside. With a final gulp, the borrower disappeared into his mouth and he sealed his jaws shut.

#g/t #male giant #gianttiny #g/t fandom #Astarion #Ria OMG she’s so skeered #This was magnificent and I can’t wait for the next part

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rose7420 · 10 days

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Ascended Astarion would be so mean to a tiny but at least he’s giant and hot??🤷🏻‍♀️

#baldurs gate 3 #bg3 #astarion #bg3 astarion #g/t

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rose7420 · 12 days

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#bg3 astarion #gt coded #burdddd #fine if I can’t be smol I’ll be a bird

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rose7420 · 12 days

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BG3 G/T Astarion Story Part 4

Here it is part four!

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4(this one)

Tav feels conflicted and hurt when Astarion dismisses her and then yells at her, leaving her without shelter for the night. She ends up cold and soaked, nearly succumbing to the elements until Karlach finds her and helps her. Astarion eventually shows concern for her well-being, but Tav is still unsure about their relationship dynamics. Despite the turmoil, Tav finds solace and support from her companions, grateful for their care and friendship amidst their dangerous journey.

Tav and Shadowheart wait outside for the group to continue scavenging. Tav hears Gale scolding Astarion to stop looting so much followed by a groan when the vampire ignores him and continues to stuff his pockets. Tav looks away from the open door, gaze settled on the ground. An unfamiliar tightness starts in her chest and she knows exactly why.

A part of her is upset and even betrayed that Astarion had laughed at her and then walked away without even asking if she was okay. Was she delusional to think she meant anything to him?

“Everything alright?” Shadowheart asks.

Tav sighs. She wants to get this feeling off her chest but isn’t ready to admit her feelings for Astarion yet. The way he’d cared for her after she’d shrunk, protecting her while she slept, bathing with him… His actions tore down the walls she held toward his questionable characteristics and views. He’d let her be open and tender. The perfect victim.

Before she can mutter an excuse the group comes out with bags slung over their shoulders. She unintentionally searches for a white head of hair, but being so close to the ground she’s closer to their boots. She starts to become anxious when the ground trembles from the multiple beings heading her way. But it's Karlach who reaches her first and takes a knee to check on her.

“Hey tiny soldier, you ok? A big run-in you had in there and I know spiders aren’t really your jam.” Tav looks up at her friend and nods. “Yeah, I’m fine.” Tav shivers thinking of the spindly, furry legs that had chased her.

She’s touched that the tiefling cares so much about her, but that’s just how Karlach is and why Tav would do anything for her. The rest of the group approaches and asks her if she’s okay, to the point she has to shoo them away for some space. All but one person.

Astarion’s sitting on a rock inspecting his stolen goods when Tav slowly approaches him. She unhooks the needle he gave her but doesn’t immediately look down at her, even though she knows he hears her. She shoves down the pain that arises from that fact.

“Astarion…I uh have your needle thanks for letting me borrow it.” She says holding the needle out to him.

He doesn’t bother to even look at her when he says “Keep it”, then stands up stuffing the loot in his pockets. She flinches at the sudden movement and is even more shaken when he purposely steps over her. The tremor he causes is so severe she falls. Her body curls into itself, protecting her head with her hands and eyes squeezed shut until the tremors fade.

She doesn’t even realize she’s crying until a hot tear slips over her cheek.

Quickly she wipes it away, smearing dirt onto her cheek right before another set of tremors starts. She realizes she’s still holding onto the needle so she tucks it away. She lifts her head seeing a tall, broad-shouldered figure approaching. Wyll’s kind face comes into view, his dark skin glowing in the midday sun. She can only imagine how pathetic she looks when his gaze locks on her.

He kneels, his mismatched eyes locked onto her. “Hi, the group is moving on. Figured I come to check on you. Need a lift?”

Even without him saying it she hears the implied point of “We saw Astarion and not you.”

She sniffles and nods. “Thanks.”

His hand unfurls in front of her, long fingertips extended. She berates herself when she starts to compare his hand to Astarion’s as she climbs aboard. Wyll’s fingers and palm are shorter but broader, his skin obviously warmer, and even the layout of his palm feels like a new landscape.

She holds onto his fingers as they fold around her and she starts to rise as he holds her to his chest. “Are you okay?” he asks.

Tav doesn’t know what to say. Why did Astarion suddenly act like she didn’t matter? She tries to control the trembling of her limbs, her body still reacting to Astarion stepping over her.

“Give him some time…he’ll come around Tav,” Wyll says raising her to his eyes. Tav sniffles again. “Did I do something wrong? I-I know I didn’t exactly help-”

Wyll cuts her off. “Tav you’ve helped this group so much already and were happy to help you. This is a team. Even if you did something wrong we have your back, just like we know you have ours. Astarion is a being with much complexity just give him some space and let him know you’re there for him.”

“Thanks, Wyll.” Tav sighs, patting the nearest finger.

“Of course,” He lightly squeezes her hand between two fingers. “You ready to catch up with the group?”

“As long as you're walking, these little legs aren’t good for long distances.”

Wyll laughs, the corner of his eyes crinkling.

“Good point, I suppose I can get us both there Little Legs.”

The group finds a campsite next to a stream, surrounded by trees with leaves bigger than Tav. Wyll lets her off his shoulder to stretch her legs as he sets up his tent. The ground is wet and earthy. Tav has already had to get out of a few earthworms' ways in the few minutes she’s been down. Creatures that aren’t too pretty up close. Tav gets ready for bed after a late dinner and washing off in the stream. She finds her way to Astarion’s tent to wish him goodnight, hoping that the bed he usually makes for her is still up for the night. She’s grateful when her feet no longer sink into the damp ground but find themselves on the rough carpet of his tent entrance. His intricate pillows are meticulously placed as she walks by the path they make to the inside of his tent. It’s quiet but she knows he’s settling in for the night with a book. He doesn’t have to hunt for the night Tav knows thinking back to the unfortunate bear who’d crossed their path a few hours earlier.

She rounds the corner of a pillow and sees him propped up with a heavy book held in his large hands. She admires his form, how long and graceful he looks. How his pale hair settles effortlessly which she knows is not quite as effortless as it seems. Her entire body flushes just looking at him. She reaches his bare foot, stopping a few steps away so she can still see his face.

“Hi… I just wanted to say goo-”

“Get out.” Astarion cuts her off.

“Wh-what?” Tav stutters her eyes wide. Her hands start to tremble.

“I said get out. I need my rest.” Astarion says staring at his book.

“B-but my bed? Where am I to sleep? I’m sorry-” Tav tries again

“I said GET OUT!” His voice is loud and she covers her ears as her bottom hits the ground.

This time she doesn’t hesitate to stand and scurry back outside.

She only allows herself to relax after she steps off his rug and goes near the campfire. She’s dumbstruck he was so upset with her. And she has no clue why. She’d given him space all day like Wyll suggested. And now she doesn’t have anywhere to sleep. Ambling around she spots a small tree and walks over to it.

The trunk is smooth against her back as she slides down it. The hollowness she feels is soon turned into sobs. He’d yelled at her. Tav tries to control her breathing but it comes out in pants. She’s crying so hard that eventually, she can only gasp for air when the pain in her throat is too much. Soon, she's so tired from crying that she passes out.

She wakes up to the wet splash of something on her head. She looks up when it splashes her again. It’s raining. The leaves above her are good shelter but the smallest one can’t bear the weight of all the water. She scooches back knowing the reasonable thing to do is find better shelter but she can’t bring herself to be around anyone currently. She drifts off again shortly.

“Tav?”

“Tav where are you? Dammit doesn’t anyone know where she is?”

Tav barely rouses to the loud shouting. It takes all she has to open her eyes, and even more to keep them open. The sky is grey and it’s still raining.

She shivers violently. Hell, why is she so cold?

She tries to stand but can’t even feel her legs. And when she tries to sit up straight her arms and fingers are numb.

Tremors head her way and she prays they’re not from a predator. God why had she been so stupid to sit out here all night?

“Tav?” A voice shouts again, closer this time.

“Here.” Her voice is weak and barely above a whisper.

“I-I’m h-here!” There. Almost a shout but that’s all she has.

Tav watches a black boot plant itself in front of her. “Oh, little soldier…”

Karlach hands instinctively reach towards her but the tip of her claw stops a hairsbreadth away. “Shit, I-I can’t touch you.”

Karlach looks around hoping someone is close but finds herself alone. “I’m afraid if I go get someone I’ll lose you.”

Another set of tremors starts, but Tav doesn’t care. She’s too cold and keeps drifting off.

“Tav?” The familiar and smooth voice is weak yet still fills her with dread.

As if a fire had been set under her she begins to cry out. All she can think about in her disoriented state is to get away.

“No..no..” She moans just as the second pair of boots fill her vision. She weakly pushes up on her arms but slumps down just as quickly.

“Not sure it's you that she wants leech,” Karlach spits.

Astarion growls, Tav watches as he pulls a thick handkerchief from his pocket, then hands it to Karlach. After she determines it won't burn in her grasp she faces Tav again.

“Hang on soldier, we’ll get you taken care of.” The tiefling’s words are soft as she scoops Tav into the cloth.

“Watch your fingers.” Astarion snaps.

“Back off, I know what I’m doing.” Karlach snaps back.

Tav feels her eyes slowly closing again, lulled by the immediate warmth Karlach gives off. Soon she’s off to sleep.

When she wakes up again this time she’s warm and not drenched with rain. She hears the soft crackling of a fire nearby. Her eyes open to a nest of blankets around her and her head supported by a pillow. She sits up and tries to gather who’s tent she’s in. The soft throw falls down her shoulders, leaving her bare-chested. She gasps and quickly pulls it up to her chin, wincing at how her muscles ache.

“Oh come on darling it's nothing I haven’t seen before.” A smooth voice says. A voice she knows from the first word he breathes.

She hates how her body tenses up now in his presence. How she seems to shrink into herself and stare wide-eyed hoping he doesn’t yell again.

Astarion notices all of these minute reactions and his teasing halts, face falling in shame. Her temper flares at his wounded look. He’d been the one to yell at her! But she’s too weak to tell him off.

For what feels like forever they sit there in silence, avoiding each other’s gaze. Thankfully Shadowheart walks in carrying a small bowl and a cloth.

“Tav thank the goddess you're awake. I have some soup and a cloth for you to wipe off with.”

Astarion takes that as his cue to leave, standing and walking out without a word. Tav watches him leave, her body slouching when he’s gone.

Shadowheart kneels, her dark braid swinging over her shoulder and eyes sharp as she offers Tav the soup. Tav sits the rest of the way up with some help. She takes the bowl and carefully blows on the spoon until it doesn’t burn her mouth.

“So… Astarion and you?” Shadowheart starts.

“Ugh, don’t ask I have no clue. I went in his tent last night to say goodnight then he yelled at me to get out.”

“Ah, so that’s why you camped under a tree last night.” She smirks

Tav winces, “Yeah sorry about scaring you… I just didn’t…”

Shadowheart sets a slender hand in front of her. Tav looks up at the cleric. “You don’t have to explain… I'm just glad you’re ok. But for future reference, if you ever need a place to crash silently my tent is always open.”

“Thanks,” Tav says, knowing that offering trust to her can be difficult to do for Shadowheart. Tav finishes off the soup and cleans off with a damp cloth.

“Uh where are my clothes, and who took them off me?”

“Here and that was me. Sorry, it was me seeing you naked or freezing to death.”

Tav puts on the shirt and pants. Two things that Astarion made for her. The thought sours her mood even more.

“How long was I out?”

“Only a few hours. We’ll head out tomorrow to find some leads on this whole situation.” Shadowheart gestures towards Tav.

“She’s awake?!” A loud voice says before Karlach barrels in through the tent flaps. The tiefling’s eyes are glowing when they spot Tav sitting there.

“Tav! I thought we lost you! Hells I’m so glad you’re alright. I’d hug you if I wouldn’t set you on fire you know?”

“Honestly go ahead. I’m sure Astarion would be pleased to see me gone.” Tav pouts.

“You’d be surprised to know he was in here while you slept. Didn't leave your side once.” Shadowheart offers gently. She takes a seat, criss-crossing her legs.

Tav’s heart warms at the thought until she remembers how he yelled at her to get out and ignored her the whole day. “Yeah well, it would be nice to know if he even gives a damn about me.” She crosses her arms and sighs.

“As much as I hate to defend the leech, he did seem pretty messed up when he saw you slumped against that tree.”

“I was not slumped!” Tav huffs.

“Oh you mean not slumped like-” Karlach imitates how Tav had been “slumped” over earning an eye roll from her.

“Rude! Tav shouts pointing a finger. Her mood sombers, “Thanks for saving me Karlach… I don’t know if I would have made it. I seem to be getting myself in all sorts of crises don’t I?”

Karlach waves her off. “Nah don’t mention it. And honestly, I’m surprised you’re not dead yet.”

“Karlach!” Shadowheart scoffs.

“What? She’s so itty-bitty! I’m sure other people would have conked out by now. Not you though tiny soldier.” She winks.

Tav can’t help but laugh at the trueness of that statement. So far a stream, spider, and now rain had tried to kill her. She sighed and hoped a cure would fall into their hands soon.

#next day reblog

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rose7420 · 13 days

Text

ANOTHER BORROWER OMG

CH 14- Epilogue

Prev ; Chapter 1

Adelaide froze. She didn’t know what to do. Ellie was there! Like right there! She’d seen Ian speak on the phone a number of times, and she didn’t think it would be that hard. But in that moment, her head emptied of every word she ever knew.

“Hello?” Ellie repeated.

If she didn't say something soon, Ellie would hang up.

Adelaide hovered over the end of the phone she was supposed to speak into. “Uh, hi! Hi, yes, hello, hi…Ellie? Can you hear me?”

“Yes?” Ellie sounded confused and a little irritated.

“It’s um…it’s Adelaide.”

“...Adelaide? Oh my goodness, hi! Um…what’s…is everything alright?”

“Yeah, yeah, no, everything is okay.”

There was a long pause. Adelaide didn’t think this far ahead. She was surprised they even made it to this point.

“What have you been up to?” Ellie prompted when Adelaide didn’t elaborate.

Adelaide admired Beans’ ability to hold a conversation. She didn’t talk to people ever until Ian, and for a long time, she only said what was necessary to him. Only recently did she start having conversations about things that didn’t necessarily matter. But Beans did that all the time.

“Uh, dinosaurs, hunters, running and screaming, the usual.”

“Were you on Isla Sorna?”

Adelaide’s jaw dropped. They just aired the news on TV. Hell, they were on the island less than twelve hours ago. “Yeah… Wow, news spreads fast in the human world,” she said.

“I can’t believe you guys would head back there.”

“Well, Ian’s girlfriend went so he had to rescue her, and I wasn’t going to let him go without me, so…Really, we were only supposed to be there for a couple minutes. In and out. Obviously that didn’t happen,” Adelaide chuckled.

“Girlfriend?!” Ellie asked incredulously.

“Yeah, I know, right? But she’s cool. I like her.” Adelaide glanced at Sarah, who was still fast asleep.

“Well, I’m glad…You wouldn’t be up to talking about the island, would you?” Ellie couldn’t keep the curiosity at bay, but she also knew she herself was in no position to be discussing any of what happened in Jurassic Park during the months following their trip. It was too much.

“Sure?” Adelaide was currently numb to all of the events. Maybe later she’d freak out, but if she could talk about it now, she should. She also didn’t mind talking on the phone. In fact, it was infinitely easier than talking to Beans in person. There was no fear of offending them or getting snatched up, and if things went sideways, she could just hang up (if she could figure out how).

Ellie asked question after question, and Adelaide answered them to the best of her ability. She could tell Ellie wanted to know about the makeup of the island and the flora and fauna, but she kept her questions as broad and accessible as possible, since Adelaide couldn’t really speak to the science side of things.

“So…what are you up to?” Adelaide asked.

“Well, I’m trying to write a book, but it’s going a lot slower than I imagined,” Ellie huffed.

“Woah! Is it, um…is it on…”

“No, it’s not about Jurassic Park. It’s actually about soil.”

“Oh…Neat.”

Ellie laughed. She didn’t expect anyone else to be that interested in soil. Adelaide’s reaction was the same reaction she got from most people.

Suddenly, a shadow caught Adelaide’s eye, accompanied by a shuffling sound. She whipped her head toward the sound but didn’t see anything.

“Ellie, I gotta go,” she said distractedly.

“Are you okay?”

“Yeah, yeah, I’m…fine. I’ll call you back.”

“Okay-”

Adelaide didn’t know how to hang up, so she just walked away. She took out her hook and slid down her thread, going through the motions but minding her hand. She kept her eyes trained on the giants’ legs hanging over the edge of the couch as she did so, just in case.

Now that Adelaide was on the ground, she didn’t know how to proceed, but if it was a predator, it needed to be taken care of. She didn’t know how long they’d be staying here, but she wanted to spend absolutely zero time with a pest of any kind. It had to be killed.

But now what? She didn’t see what direction it went in. It was at least safe to assume the kitchen would be a good place to start. If animals and bugs weren’t inside for warmth, they were inside for food.

Still sticking close to the walls, Adelaide withdrew her knife and jogged in that direction until the carpet changed to tile.

Clink.

Adelaide angled herself toward the sound, and what she saw made her drop her knife. Never in a million years would she have guessed this. Never in a million years would she have hoped for this. But despite the complete and utter improbability of the situation, Adelaide found herself looking dead in the eyes of another borrower.

#jurassic park #g/t #giant/tiny #jurassic park g/t #gt #size difference #ellie sattler

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