Beauty and the Bite || Astarion x Fem!Tav

The Scientist's Daughter?

Tav made her way through the bustling streets of Baldur's Gate, the city's vibrant life unfolding around her. The cool evening air carried whispers of distant adventures, and the glow of street lanterns cast warm pools of light on the cobblestone pathways.

Her destination was her father's residence, a modest abode nestled in a quiet corner of the city. Opening the door to her father's home, Tav was greeted by the familiar scent of aging books and the soft glow of candlelight. Her father, a wise and weathered scientist, looked up from his collection of manuscripts.

"Back already, my dear?" he inquired, his eyes crinkling with a smile.

Tav chuckled, "Yes, Father. Gaddis decided to grace the library with his presence today."

Her father raised an eyebrow, a knowing twinkle in his eyes. "Ah, the bard with a penchant for mischief." He turned back to his work. He seemed to be studying a large purple tentacle.

Tav moved closer to her father's desk, curiosity etched across her face. "What peculiar creature have you brought into the house this time, Father?" she asked, peering at the tentacle with a mix of fascination and skepticism.

Her father grinned, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "A creature of mystery and intrigue. I believe it's part of a larger being, one that has fascinated scholars for centuries."

Tav smiled. She slipped away to the kitchen, where she put on her apron and started baking.

While her father continued his studies, Tav found solace in the rhythmic motions of kneading dough and the sweet aroma of ingredients coming together. Baking was her way of grounding herself amidst the fantastical tales and arcane mysteries that surrounded her family.

As the scent of freshly baked goods wafted through the house, her father joined her in the kitchen. He observed her with a warm smile, appreciating the simple joy she found in creating something tangible. "You have your mother's touch, my dear. A perfect balance of science and artistry."

Tav looked up, a wistful expression crossing her face. Memories of her mother, who had been an adventurer herself, flashed through her mind. The tales she had heard as a child, the artifacts brought home, and the sense of wonder that accompanied every return.

With a sigh, Tav said, "I wish I had known her better. Her adventures must have been incredible."

Her father nodded, his gaze distant for a moment. "She was a remarkable woman, your mother. Brave and curious, just like you. Perhaps it's time to create your own adventures, my dear."

Tav considered his words as she placed a tray of freshly baked pastries into the oven.

As the pastries continued to bake, Tav felt a sense of duty tug at her heart. The tales of her mother's adventures and the mysterious tentacle on her father's desk were fascinating, but her father needed her support. The town's skepticism about his studies weighed heavily on him, and Tav couldn't bear the thought of leaving him alone to face the doubts and whispers.

She took a deep breath, deciding that before embarking on her journey, she needed to address the concerns surrounding her father's work. Tav returned to the study, where her father was still engrossed in his research.

"Father, we need to address the rumors and skepticism about your studies. The town is talking, and I can't leave you alone to face this," Tav said with determination.

Her father looked up, gratitude in his eyes. "My dear, I appreciate your concern, but I've grown accustomed to the doubts. People fear what they don't understand, and the mysteries of the arcane are not easily accepted."

Tav nodded, her resolve unwavering. "But they are wrong, Father. Your work is important, and I won't let you face it alone. Let's show them the wonders you've uncovered, prove that there's more to the world than meets the eye."

"Just because they can't see it means they don't believe it. I'm fine dear, trust me."

Tav sighed, understanding her father's resilience but still feeling the weight of responsibility. She gazed at the tentacle on the desk, a symbol of the mysteries her father sought to unravel.

Her nose crinkled, and she smelt burning. "Not again!"

As Tav hurriedly removed the pastries from the oven, a hint of frustration mingled with the sweet aroma in the kitchen. She glanced at the slightly overdone treats and sighed, realizing that her distraction had momentarily compromised the baking.

With a resigned smile, Tav set the pastries on the counter to cool. As the scent of slightly burnt crusts wafted through the air, she couldn't help but think of her father's work and the delicate balance required to unravel the mysteries of the arcane. It was a reminder that even the most carefully tended endeavors could face unexpected challenges.

But, he is busy working right now. Tav decides to pester him more about it later.