To Baldur's Gate

Chapter Forty-Five

As soon as the words left my mouth, I knew I was making the right choice. Tav was my heart and soul, and there wasn't a single person I had met in all my years that had ensnared me so - nor was there anyone so willing to accept me for what I was and who I am. 

Still kneeling, I pulled out the small velvet box from my back pocket and opened it, showing Tav the beautiful golden band I had chosen to signify our forever bond. When Tav continued to stand there, grabbing onto the balcony's railing, my heart began to race even faster than I thought possible. 

"Tav? I'm asking you to marry me," I said once again, all bravado gone from my voice. 

"I know, I'm sorry," Tav mumbled, hastily wiping away at her teary eyes. "It's just - are you sure?"

A startled laugh ripped its way through my throat. "My darling, of course I'm sure. I even spoke to your mother and received her blessing. I want you. Forever." 

Tav began to laugh, a small, disbelieving sound. "Then have me." As soon as she spoke the words, I let out a sigh of relief and tears pricked at my eyes. " I will marry you, Astarion Ancunin."

 She knelt before me, so we were equal, and then held out her hand for me to place the ring upon. With shaky hands, I removed the ring from the box and slid it onto her finger, the band a perfect size. Tav leaned forward and kissed me softly. 

"This is the happiest I've ever been," she whispered. I could only nod in agreement, knowing that my voice would shake with emotion. I held Tav's hands in my own and stood, bringing her up with me, then embraced her. I could feel her shoulders shaking with quiet sobs. I stroked her head and held her tight as we stood in the evening light. 

"Shall we go tell the others the news?" She asked, voice muffled from where she was close to my chest. 

I heard applause for Alfira and knew that sooner or later, people would begin to notice us standing out on the balcony. "I suppose so," I sighed. I released Tav from my hug, but not before I landed a quick peck on her cheek. She looked up at me with sparkling ruby eyes and that dazzling smile of hers and I instantly regretted letting her go. 

Tav took me by the hand and led us back into the ballroom where all of our companions and the lords and ladies of Baldur's Gate were waiting. We mixed back in with the crowd of people, eventually running into Wyll and Lae'zel once again. 

"Well now, I see a congratulations are in order," Wyll said, taking Tav's hand and inspecting the golden ring. "A beautiful band for a beautiful woman. I'm happy for you, friend." Wyll brought Tav's hand to his lips and placed a chaste kiss on her knuckles. 

"Congratulations on your engagement," Lae'zel muttered softly. 

"Thank you both," Tav exclaimed, bringing them into a hug. Wyll was happily surprised, but Lae'zel was obviously uncomfortable with the closeness. 

"What are we missing?" Another voice asked. Shadowheart, Karlach and Halsin appeared at my side, expecting an answer. Tav held out her hand and showed off the brand-new ring. 

"Oh my gods!" Shadowheart screeched, hands jutting out to grab Tav and pull her close. Karlach was quite literally jumping for joy. While they were fawning over Tav, I noticed Gale close by, his brow furrowed as he gathered what was happening. I met his gaze and inclined my head toward my now fiancée - a silent invitation. He shook his head and disappeared back into the crowd. 

"So when is the wedding going to be?" Karlach asked me, clapping me on the shoulder. 

"They're barely engaged, Karlach, give them a few weeks to plan," Halsin laughed. 

Tav and I smiled at each other, knowing it would be sooner rather than later. I wanted her to be mine, in every facet possible, as soon as possible. 

"Oh, there's my mother," Tav gasped, spotting her mother somewhere among the dancers. "Are all of you staying after the ball?"

The group of them looked at me, waiting for a response. I shrugged. "We have enough room for all of them to spend the night. I can show you to rooms whenever you all would like." 

Tav clapped her hands happily and kissed me, then made her way to her mother and sisters. I watched her go, heart softening as I watched her excited prancing. 

"Congratulations, Astarion," Shadowheart said to me, nudging me with her shoulder. 

"Thank you. I quite honestly thought I'd be dead before I'd ever be engaged," I joked, but the truth wasn't far off. 

"I've never known two people so deserving of happiness," Shadowheart said. "Tav is the best of us. Even after all that's happened to her, she continues to see the best in everyone." 

I nodded. "I'm scared I'm going to ruin this somehow," I admitted aloud.

Shadowheart's laugh caught me off guard and I looked down at her, eyebrow raised. 

"Even if you somehow managed to ruin the best thing that's ever happened to you, I don't think 
Tav would accept it," She explained. "That girl is head over heels for you. Absolutely smitten. She's not letting you go." 

The thought warmed my heart and even though it had only been minutes since she left, I yearned to hold Tav in my arms, to touch her skin, so have her close to me. 

"Go on then," Shadowheart said, gesturing toward the crowd. "I'm sure she's missing her arm candy."