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Seara
"So when do I get to see this gift?" Enver mumbled with the blindfold right over his eyes. He was still in his party attire, the dying sounds of the feast they had thrown for Midwinter Day below them in the fortress. The Archduke and Archduchess in their most charming forms, twirling over the dancefloor, planting little seeds in the nobility their heads and a whole lot of champagne imported from Cormyr. But this little gift exchange was meant to only be between them.
"Good things come to those that have patience, mon coeur." The intricate dress that she had worn to the feast was getting discarded, giving way to the actual Midwinter Day present. Figaro had been very interested in why she wanted to design the undergarments with the lace that she had imported from Cormyr. Even after a year of her being in Baldur's Gate the fashion remained uninspired, very annoying. But it would be worth it seeing the look on his face. Her mage hand was flying around her, helping her as she started to put the silken fabric around her waist and helping her to tie it into a pretty bow. She grinned as she swayed the mage hand to untie the blindfold.
"Here it is, mon amour." He blinked a few times to adjust to the light before he set his eyes on her. It was more revealing then her usual underwear, the red lace revealing what was beneath. She saw how his jaw tensed, how he had to swallow and she knew she had him wrapped all around her finger.
"That is an exquisite gift," he mumbled as he stood up and came her way. His hands getting rid of the bow and letting the silk fall down. One hand went to her waist and the other he ran through his hair.
"By Bane, you're a temptress. Did Figaro see you in this?" She rolled her eyes, even now still he was so possessive over her. Even earlier tonight he had looked especially murderous when a nobleman had complimented her a bit too much for his liking.
"No, I need my designer alive. Does that mean you like it?" She saw how he bit down on his lip and how his hand traveled from her waist to the top of the lace.
"I love it, I do feel like it might be removed quickly," he whispered while he looked at her with hungry eyes.
"Oh no Enver, I plan on keeping this on for a little longer. But there's other things we can do," she whispered back. He groaned while he grabbed her behind. This was going to be delightful.
Cassandra
The temple had been busy during Midwinter Day with sermons and prayer, it had lifted her heart to see all the worship to Him. She retreated to her chamber to change into a different pair of robes for the midnight sermons, she had been excited to be a part of them and to be able to help Him and some of the highest ranking clergy. The doors opened with a creak as she stepped inside. Her chamber was simple, only a bed, a simple wardrobe and desk were in the room. But one thing was different, a body was relaxing on her bed.
"Well, if it isn't my favourite lass," Rugan teased as he sat up. She blinked again as if her eyes deceived her.
"What are you doing here?" she hissed as she stormed towards her bed. If anyone saw him here, there would be whispers that would make it to the High Imperceptor.
"I've been very naughty Cassandra, I might need you to pray over my soul," he said while grinning so wide as he stood up himself. She slapped his upper arm, Bane didn't care for that and he knew it. He was more religious than what he let on, tucked away in his sarcasm and sweet talk. He only replied by pulling her closer and kissing her. Want and need bleeding through it, it had been months since he was sent to Mulmaster again. Months where in secret she had pleaded to Bane to send him here again, if only just for a moment. For a moment she would allow herself to melt into him, to grab his shirt and pull herself even closer. She didn't know how long the kiss took but the moment they broke apart and she saw those blue eyes, she wished it could last longer.
"Lass, I understand why you only want to meet in the Sleeping Serpent. This is dreadful." She glared at him, Bane provided what she needed. The nights she would sneak away to the Sleeping Serpent didn't have anything to do with comfort.
"Don't look at me like that Cass, I've come bearing a gift."
"I don't need gifts, Rugan. Bane provides me with everything I need," she snapped back. The grin on his face didn't waiver. She turned around, not wanting to look at his face anymore and to open her wardrobe in search of the robes she needed. But arms snaked their way around her waist and her back was pushed against his chest.
"So is that why every time I'm here, you visit me? Can you answer that my little Banite?" She couldn't, it was the same song and dance they usually went through. She would push him and he would pull her in. He pressed a kiss on her hair, unusually soft for him.
"I thought you might like this." One of his arms left her for a moment before returning with an gold emerald ring presented in his hand. It was beautiful, she had never held something so precious in her life.
"Found it and I knew you would like it," he whispered in her ear. She turned around, mouths crashing into one another. She had never gotten a gift from anyone before.
Octavia
For years Midwinter Day had been a sad reminder of what was lost to her, her mother and her freedom. To be whisked away to the House of Hope for whatever Raphael had planned for her. But this year, it had been filled with laughter. The streets of Baldur's Gate had been filled with festivities, she had held Dammon's hand tight when they had wandered through them. They had danced while Alfira sang, his tail brushing along her when they walked. Her heart had been so full with warmth.
But it was nothing compared to the fireplace where they sat, their arms around each other and his tail gently wrapped around her. Just love and warmth in the room, a stark reminder of how her life was before. She looked up at him and he was looking at her. There was so much dedication and love in his eyes, it almost didn't feel real. Like it was a dream where she would wake up from. But it was real, as real as his body pressed to hers. Not in a claiming way, but just because they wanted to be near each other.
"I might have a little surprise," Dammon whispered. She looked up at him, curious about this latest revelation. They had exchanged gifts before this morning over breakfast, so it couldn't be a gift.
"I've thought about this for a long time, Tavie. But I didn't know when or how. I always felt like this needed a grand gesture, that you deserved that grand gesture. You deserve everything, my sweet love. You saved me over and over again. And I can't believe that you're by my side every day." A hand cupped her face with all the tenderness in Toril, his eyes looking so soft and admiring her.
"And I want you by my side every day. I want to grow old with you, Tavie. I want to be the lucky man who has little ones with you. I want to be with you, forever and always. I love you, Tavie. More than anything I've ever loved. Please Tavie, will you marry me?" He held up a beautiful silver ring with a blue orbaline crystal embedded in it. It was the most beautiful thing she ever had seen. She was speechless, overwhelmed by it all. He wanted to be with her, he chose to be with her forever. His eyes so full of love looking at her. Tears welling up in her eyes. It was everything she ever wanted.
"Yes Dammon, yes my love." She held him so close that nothing could separate them.
Achlys
"I have a gift," she had laughed the day before. She had leaned on Gortash his desk when she said it, a dangerous smile on her face. The trust was still brittle, they were still dancing around each other. Acquaintances, not really friends. She needed to know what he was made of before she went into the House of Wonders with him, see if he had the stomach for it. If the little lordling could handle her in her own domain. Bloodthirst hanging from her hip.
"So the tyrant came?" she laughed when she had met him in the alley, her eyes trained on him. It was different to see him without all of the embellishment, just clad in black. It suited him in a way, but she preferred him in his usual attire.
"Ofcourse, I wouldn't want to miss out on a gift from my favourite assassin." Maybe he would come to regret it as they stepped into the shadows throughout the city. He followed her closely, his eyes filled with interest. If he wanted to tangle with a Bhaalspawn, he needed to know what he was dealing with. He would need to see it himself.
The scent of death hung heavy in the air, the smell and taste of blood were overwhelming. Her dagger coated in blood and gore, she could feel blood covering her face and hands. But she had something to focus on, Gortash wandering around her prey and looking at the bodies with interest. Half of the family killed with magic, clean and precise. The other ones torn by her blade, the blood a dedication to Father. Worship through slaughter, worship by death. He used his cane to inspect her work, looking at it with intent. There was no disgust on his face.
"You surprise me, this is spectacular. There is precision in your slashing as well. How you cut where they would lose the most blood. It's almost poetic." She just smiled as she went over to him.
"Not afraid little lordling?" She caught his face in her hand, smearing some of the blood along his chin. But he just grinned.
"No, on the contrary, fascinated."