white-kestrel

[white-kestrel]

✧When Two Seas Collide✧

"Sometimes it is difficult to love you."- Halsin

Halsin x Fem!OC | Part 2 of 2 | Part 1 here

Explicit 18+ Word Count: 8.1k CW: Conflicting feelings, love/hate, angst, manipulation, bad habits, mood swings, p in v sex, rough sex, vengeful sex?

Bare feet sauntered through tall grass as Ro made her trek deeper into the forest. With a little help from some brief misty steps, she was able to phase in and out, covering a good distance since she left from the edge of town. Lifting her chin towards the sky, she could see the impending storm gliding its way over, the rays of the sinking sun struggling to pierce through. A distant rumble of thunder met her ears – it was still some minutes away. But it mattered not, for it was the sound of steady flowing water that drew her attention more. It was exactly what she came for.

As the tall grass receded into a flatter bed, the charming waterfall came into view. The waters cascaded down the rocky wall, into a large, natural pond, much calmer and soothing compared to the greater falls on the other side of the forest that raged into a river. The pond, normally a bright cerulean, was a darker, almost gray-blue, most certainly due to the thickening clouds. Nevertheless, a smile touched her lips as she admired nature’s creation while she untied her cloak and let it fall to the ground. Storm or not, she wouldn’t be dry for much longer anyway.

She strolled across smooth grass that gradually transitioned into dark earth. Donned in a thin, white gown, she stepped into the pond, sighing as she moved deeper. It was cool to the touch, but not so much that it made her flinch or shiver upon entering. She waded towards the middle, where the pond was at its deepest, and rotated her body so she was calmly floating on her back.

Staring at the clouds, an array of white that bled into light and dark grays, her mind wandered where she so freely allowed it to. The large elf materialized in her vision, his focused, mesmerizing gaze when she told him about her little adventure. A spark tickled her belly at the memory. There was no change in him. No new scars, no new tattoos, his physique as taut and hulking as she last remembered, and she reveled in it.

He was so careful in healing her, how expertly his powerful arms and magic handled her with such care. The same arms that brutally destroyed that monstrosity not long before. Well, it was the bear’s brute strength mostly, but he was still Halsin. And the warmth his large body exuded felt the same, he even smelt the same, and oh how she longed to be wrapped up in that warmth again.

But he deserved more first. Halsin deserved to know that she had been thinking about him dearly. She frowned slightly as a single droplet fell from the sky, onto her cheek. Halsin had rejected her. She saw it in his eyes, in the way he rose to his feet and away from her. Not as her lover, but with the essence of the once commanding Archdruid. “Does he still love me?” she muttered quietly, asking no one in particular, except for perhaps nature itself. But only the constant, sloshing sounds of the waterfall seemed to answer.

He must, he has to. She closed her eyes, her arms occasionally dipping below the surface and back up again. Did she push him too far? Did she tug on the leash too strongly, forgetting to leave some wiggle room for pleasure? Had she lost all of his devotion in just a mere year?

She loved him, and she knew sometimes she could be… challenging, but it wasn’t on purpose. Not usually, anyway…

There was a tiny part of her that did secretly enjoy the occasional conflict; the tension, the frustration, the chase when she set out to explore, and most of all…she relished in the making up. Halsin had the appearance of such an imposing man, and yet several times she had witnessed him melting into a pool of pudding for her, no matter how upset he might have been beforehand. To watch the druid’s face transform from anger to yearning – threatening to sever ties but then pulling her back into his powerful embrace…

But Halsin did not embrace her this time. He did not chase – rather, he pushed her away and ran. She was no fool, she knew he spent the day purposely avoiding her presence. If he was not ready to talk, she could wait. And she would return to their home tonight, regardless of his belief that they no longer shared it together.

No, she still had him. Old fights were no matter to the present. Halsin was her favorite, and she knew she was his. No amount of roaming could compare to what he did to her, how he invigorated her. A closed grin pulled at her lips, he knew her body so well. Better than anyone.

She just needed a little time to remind him of what they had, the power in their union, the heights that only they could take each other to. Just a little bit of time to— her eyes blinked open as a new feeling penetrated the air, quiet and exploring. An electric nerve dashed across her stomach as she continued to float over the surface. But it was not fear that gripped her, it was excitement. A presence lingered, a beast, somewhere in the tall grass perhaps, or behind the thick trunk of the trees. A presence familiar, their essence unforgettable.

Ro was not a druid herself, but her elven senses were still sharp. And with the innate magic that buzzed inside her core, it only made them even sharper. She knew it was him. Halsin.

Mine.

But he did not come as the man. She could smell the change in his body, the thick musk that swirled in the air, heightened by the rising humidity. It was the bear that crouched just beyond the trees, observing her. It was not the first time she’d felt him watching her from a distance, in his bear form, but it was never in secret, not like this.

An almost giddiness fluttered over her torso, and she had to restrain the urge to smile. Of course he came to check on her, because he still cared. She knew he still cared. A wicked thought suddenly breached her mind – she wanted to test the reach of his concerns. Maybe if she could feign danger... Her heart spiked at the thought, nerves firing in her stomach. Another droplet fell on her cheek, then another on her forehead.

She was a great swimmer, so she would need a little aid to make this more convincing. Remembering a spell she learned during her time away, she ever-so quietly whispered the incantation, “altum spiritum” and inhaled a deep breath, careful not to make it so glaringly obvious what she was doing. Immediately, she felt a cool, tingling sensation fill her lungs as she closed her eyes and waved both arms in a sweeping upward arc, submerging her entire body beneath the surface. Instantly, the muffled sounds of the waterfall echoed in her ears, a soothing, rhythmic song.

The first minute was easy for her, it always was, spell or no. Then a minute and a half passed…then two, still her lungs were at rest, her body calm, as they’d usually be. But her heart was thundering, the anticipation never waning as she kept herself submerged, her limbs lazily swaying. Three minutes… four— a force ricochetted into her side as large paws wrapped around her waist and legs, yanking her body, claws slightly pressing into her flesh.

When she breached the surface, a golden light flashed then dimmed, and smoother arms carried her as strong legs rushed to land. Ro looked up at the mask of horror reflected in Halsin’s eyes, his hair wet and sticking to his cheeks and shoulders. Her heart beamed at the worry across his face, and this close to his chest, she could practically feel the pounding of his heart.

Halsin’s large strides had them out of the pond and back to land in record time. He sat her down on the warm earth, gently but swiftly, already bending towards her to check for her well-being.

“What were you doing, Ro?” The urgency in his voice rumbled towards her, deep and electric. “You were under for so long! You- were you—?” A blue light was already radiating from his hands, fingers twitching with where to focus it.

“What? No, silly.” Ro fell into a light chuckle, her words calm and reassuring. She reached forward, pressing her palm against the hard swell of his bare chest. His heart was battering beneath strong pecs and it sent a rush of excitement through her belly. “I was just enjoying the waters, love. I’m okay, I promise. But I can see how it may have looked otherwise...”

Halsin regarded her, pursing his lips as if to catch some sort of concealed confliction. After another moment, he recalled his magic, and the ethereal blue light faded into the wind.

But Ro noticed the tide of emotions circulating behind his focused eyes. She noticed the slight breath he quivered as she glided her hand down his chest, just a bit.

“But at least if I was in danger, it wouldn’t have been for long. Not when you’re around.” She tilted her head, smiling as her eyes passed between his, warm and inviting.

“Are you sure?” he inquired, his tone vibrating against her hand. It took all her strength not to bite her lip.

“Yes, I’m sure… So can I stand up now?” She made a knowing tilt to their current position, how he was half hovering over her, blocking her legs from shifting.

Halsin blinked, like he was stirring from a trance, and moved to the side. With one hand on her back and the other in her grasp, he aided her to her feet and then took a step back.

“But thank you anyway,” she said, a contented sigh flowing from her mouth.

Halsin does not respond to her directly, instead, he inclined his head, eyes raking the sky. “We are too exposed where we stand. The storm will rage soon, we should return to cover.”

Ro smiled coyly, glancing down at herself. “I don’t mind the storm, seeing as I’m…already wet.”

Halsin’s breath hitched, an involuntary shudder as he truly took her in. His pulse quickened as his eyes roved down her body, how her long dress clung to her, damp and soaked. Her hair partially stuck to her skin, shriveling in loose curls. And her nipples pushed against the tight, wet fabric, the roundness of her breasts so visible beneath. She was completely bare under the white piece of clothing, a simple barrier that could be easily discarded.

Jaw clenched, he attempted to avert his gaze to anywhere but her body, but he could not resist the pull to roam his eyes down her figure, tracing every dip, every clinch where the fabric stuck tighter. Her taut nipples nearly calling out to him – to touch, to taste...

He grimaced, his thoughts were swirling, body filling with heat. It was her voice that pulled his attention back to her eyes – when did she get so close?

“And from the looks of it, you’re just as soaked as I, Archdruid.” Her serene voice dropped an octave when she called him by that title, a teasing glint in her eyes.

Halsin stared down at her, a stern expression in his bright eyes, a new resolve thickening. A low rumble from the skies vibrated the ground beneath their feet. “It changes nothing. Come.” His instruction was simple, impersonal. He shifted one leg as though to turn but was paused by her words again.

“It changes everything,” she said, a confident gleam in her eyes. Halsin furrowed a brow as she continued. “We’re already prepared for the rains. Nature wants this, does it not?” As though responding to her, a steady stream of scattered raindrops dripped all around them, teasing what was to come.

His broad chest expanded, breathing deep as he clenched his teeth. A shudder skipped down his back as she took another step closer to him. Her eyelashes were wet, eyeliner slightly running down her cheeks, almost in a similar way it would when she’d take him inside of her—

Halsin squeezed a fist, veins protruding as his face twisted into a firm determination, glaring down at her.

“I will not force you, so I will leave you to it then. As long I know you are well.” He held her gaze for another moment longer, chest strong and steady as she stared up at him, silently pondering. But he said all that was needed. She was safe, and if she did not wish to follow, then his business there was finished.

Halsin severed their visual connection and fully turned to leave. He made it a few strides away, almost reaching the long grass when Ro’s voice pierced his ears once more.

“It wasn’t a purchase,” she called to him, her tone edging over a subtle desperation. She let out a soft breath as she watched Halsin pause, the muscles in his bare back tight and sculpted. His high-waisted, auburn pants wrapped snuggly around his thick thighs, but his legs angled like they were ready to continue their stride at any moment.

Her heart sprinted at the sight. How he was not among the gods themselves, perhaps surpassing them all, would forever be a mystery to her. But right now, she needed to act.

“It was truly just a gift, Halsin. I thought of you often and wanted to give you something nice. You deserved something nice…” She stepped cautiously over the soft ground that shifted into short blades of grass. More droplets trickled on her hair, some falling on her face.

She observed his posture carefully, her heart racing. He was almost as still as a statue, save for the purposeful movements of his shoulders rising and falling slightly. She knew every breath he took was sure and measured as she continued her tentative approach.

“But I wouldn’t have been opposed if it led to a conversation or two… maybe we can still have it now? I don’t like how last night ended,” she sighed, her pitch lowering almost into a whisper. “I truly missed you, Halsin.” There was a sincereness in her voice. Despite their sour parting, her time away, she truly missed her druid.

She gently placed the palm of her hand near the middle of his back, hoping to stoke some sort of reaction, anything.

A rough breath juddered out of his mouth and he tilted his head to look over his shoulder, catching her already looking at him. “Now? You wish to converse now?”

“If you’d like to… or perhaps we can save that for afterwards…”

Halsin rotated his body fully, the movement causing her hand to fall away as he faced her once again “Afterwards?”

She bit her lip, reaching up to rest her palm against one of his pecs. He was so warm, tough, as the strands of his chest hair started to slick from the steady trickle of droplets from the sky. The desire to curve her hand and dig her nails into his skin, eliciting a deep groan from his throat, flashed in her mind. It was so incredibly tempting. But she would be patient.

When she roamed her eyes to meet his again, her gaze was sure and confident, burning with a flowering want. It was time to reclaim what was hers, now or never. “Stay with me. Stay and let nature have its way with us, in whatever way it wants.“

Halsin’s entire body tensed as an icy fire burned through him, both hot and cold, igniting something new. His irises flashed gold which only seemed to tantalize her further. “Ro,” he warned, a strained noise falling from his parted lips.

Ro, feeling a surge of confidence mixing with an electric arousal, stepped even closer. Their eyes never left each other as she carefully eliminated all space between them. His breathing came out quick and harsh, like he was trying but failing to calm himself. Her other hand came to rest on his cheek, thumb stroking gently beneath his eye. She leaned up on her toes, gently tilting Halsin’s head towards her, just enough to place a tentative kiss on the scars on his chin.

Her eyes flicked up to him, dark and lingering as he watched her, unmoving. She stared deep into him, noting the dilation of his pupils, but he still did not move. So, she waited, searching for any hint of an intended reaction while pulling back, lowering herself on the flat of her feet.

“I still want this. I want you.” So soft and melodic her voice was, painted with a swelling desire that could not be hidden. She held his gaze, biting her lips before speaking again. “Do you still want this?”

Halsin does not respond, his stance still, expression unreadable. But his eyes were boring into hers, and there was a slight twitch in his jaw as his teeth clamped together. But silence hovered between the pair, save for the calming noise of the flowing waterfall behind her and the scatters of gentle rain landing atop the pond, the leaves, and the trees.

Her heart felt like it was going to shrivel and curl into itself, a wave of defeat stalking behind the door into her mind. Maybe she had lost him… Maybe she had tested him too much. More raindrops fell, touching her face and sliding down her cheeks.

Ro reluctantly removed her hand from his chest. She was about to step away entirely when a strong hand grasped her wrist. Halsin’s eyes burned a dim gold as his other arm came around her waist. A slight yelp escaped her throat as he yanked her towards him, pressing her against his body, leaving just enough room to speak. Her heart raced at the sudden movement, the strength of him squeezing the breath out of her.

“Nature can have us,” Halsin murmured, terse, his breath warm against her face. Then he dipped his face a hair’s breadth away from her lips, nearly overwhelming her with his mass and closeness. The rim of his eyes glimmered, and when he spoke, his voice dropped, thick and commanding. “And I will have you.” He released the hold on her back and used both of his hands to hands to grip the top of her dress. “I will have you in the way that I want.” With uncanny speed and incredible force, he ripped the fabric clean down the middle, exposing her breasts and stomach to him.

A deep groan of appreciation hummed from his mouth as he took in the wondrous sight before him. He pulled more of her dress, hastily dragging it down the length of her body until she could swiftly step out of it, naked and bare against him. He tugged her back him, his lips crashing over hers to the clasp of thunder overhead. He swallowed her moan as soon as it left her lips as his slippery fingers dug into the cheeks of her backside, pressing her into him as much as he was able. Her lower stomach rubbed against the strain in his pants as hot blood rushed through his body, feeding his hardening desire. He groaned at the feel of her needy, desperate hands, scratching haphazardly up and down his back. His tongue wiggled inside her mouth, tasting her sweet tongue that mingled with the taste of the rain pouring over and between them.

Ro felt consumed with a flourish of desire, her core throbbing with the need to be touched as Halsin’s large hands clenched her tightly. His kiss was wild, passionate, teeth clashing as their faces tilted from one side to the other, a desperate dance to consume each other.

She could feel the heaviness of his breathing, hear the weight of his urgency above the pouring rain, its pressure increasing. She yelped as a sudden sting darted up her center as Halsin’s finger plunged within her without warning. He groaned into her mouth, the intensity of his kiss never wavering. But her mouth was stumbling, struggling to maintain the rhythm while his finger pumped inside her. She moaned against his lips as the pain soon mingled into a rush of bliss, her legs already beginning to quake as tingles of pleasure and pain sparkled down her legs when he added a second digit.

This time she broke the kiss entirely, burrowing her face in his chest, needing something steady to hold on to. But Halsin seemed to have other plans as a firm grip tugged at her hair, pulling her back and exposing her neck and chest to him. Ro gasped, closing her eyes as the rain spilled down her face, mixing with the wetness of Halsin’s tongue that dragged down the column of her neck before he used his teeth to scrape down her flesh. She winced slightly as it both tickled and stunned her, it was like his canines were trying to slice into her skin as he raked his way down her towards her chest.

The pressure in her scalp softened as he released the hold on her hair, returning that hand to the center of her back while the other continued to explore her heat, so wet and tight around his fingers.

Her soft whine was swallowed by the rain as his mouth closed on her taut nipple. Only then did the speed of his thrusting fingers waver as he sucked and swirled his tongue around the tender spot. A prickle of pain drew another gasp from her lips as he nipped down on her nipple, only to immediately soothe it with the warm, flat of his tongue.

“Release me,” she heard him say through the rain, the vigor of his voice vibrating against her.

She lowered her head to look at him still tasting her. Her lips parted as though to question what he meant, but her voice felt so far away, nearly all thoughts focused on the shrills of pleasure his fingers still wrung through her. As though sensing her turmoil, Halsin ground himself against her, letting her feel the strict swell confined in his trousers.

Without a word, her near-trembling fingers worked quickly at his buttons, popping them apart until his pants were loose enough to start tugging them down. Instantly, he sprang forth, bumping against her hands, so thick and ready. She tugged around the edges of his hips and dragged his trousers further down his thighs.

A heady groan rumbled up the column of his throat as his hips thrusted forward, sliding himself along her wet stomach. With both hands, she wrapped around his shaft, already so slick as her thumb ran over his leaking tip, made even more slippery from the rain. He ground his hips forward, moving into the rhythm of her stroking hands. Try as she might to maintain a firm hold, her palms started to slack as Halsin’s fingers resumed their hasty pace inside her soaked walls.

Legs quivering, another brief spark of pain shot down her stomach as Halsin bit her other swollen nipple before swirling his tongue around it. A rising pressure boiled inside her core, heightening in pace with his expert fingers. Her hands all but fell from Halsin’s weighty cock, her thoughts incoherent as she tried to steady herself. A simmering growl erupted from his throat, tinged with displeasure as he ground his hips against her again, seeking her touch.

Halsin’s blood throbbed through him, filling and tightening him to almost a painful swell. He ached to feel her touch again, to have her smaller hands stroke and pump him with abandon, but they fell away from him as her rushed moans echoed above the rain. She was starting to squeeze around his fingers, writhing in his strong hold as her legs threatened to fail her.

His name was a pleasurable sigh on her lips, and he knew she was close – he could feel it, could almost smell it. So he curved his fingers, alternating and circling them inside her spongy wetness. His mouth released the clamp on her wet breast, and he stood taller to look at her as his hand continued to work. He especially loved the hasty gasp she made as his thumb came to rub over her sensitive clit.

His mouth hung open as he watched her, eyes closed and lips parted with desperate breaths as the rain dripped down her lips. She was an invigorating sight, so easily succumbing to him, so beautiful and tight for him. His heart swelled with devotion, his body burned with lust, and his brain… his brain was foggy, dazed, submitting to the desires the other parts of him craved.

Another constriction around his fingers, tighter than before. Halsin smirked, wicked and sly. Another few pumps, as fast as his fingers would allow without cramping, and he ejected them with an abrupt pop. A sharp gasp flung from her lips, her face scrunching into a confusing frown as her hazy eyes met him.

His heart thundered behind the large confines of his chest, stimulated by the lustful and lost look in her mesmerizing eyes. If she would not touch him – if she would not stroke him until he was spilling into her hands – then he would deny her this release. They shared another lingering stare as a fleet of emotions passed over her eyes, her makeup completely streaked and coating her cheeks.

Ro’s legs shuddered under her weight and her core throbbed endlessly, an intense pressure that ached to be satiated, to be relieved from the fires that coursed through her. But she felt cold and left wanting as Halsin, whose other hand still steadied her, stared at her with a dangerous look in his eyes. She watched him drag his tight pants down the rest of the legs before he slowly stepped out of them, never taking his eyes off her as he stood completely bare, bold, and proud.

The lovely lines on his face indented as his smile curved into a mischievous look. Confusion furrowed in her brows. What was he— her thoughts were interrupted as Halsin enveloped her in his arms, lifting her off her feet. With more speed and finesse than one would expect from a bear of a man, a coolness hit her back as he laid her flat on top of the wet grass.

Halsin rose on his knees as he looked down at her, his chest moving slowly, muscles tight and flexed, chest hairs clinging damply to his skin. It was a little difficult for Ro to stare at him through the thrashing rain, unrelenting as it poured over them. But she had no trouble seeing the golden radiance in his eyes, even brighter as daylight began to wane. His gaze was starved and almost… enraged?

His eyes bored into hers like she was the source of his vengeance, the final obstacle he’d come to slay. In the distance, high above him, a bright flash flared across the skies followed by the bellowing clap of thunder. The way he looked at her was foreign and new, his normal tenderness and care all but gone. A new passion burned within his eyes, bitter and powerful. Her heart jumped – quickening, a sudden urge to crawl away from him. It frightened her.

Then a spark ran down her belly, and her heart leaped again as her breathing steadily quickened. It excited her. Without thinking, her legs acted for her, spreading for him, an open invitation.

“Halsin,” she muttered, her lips wet and plump.

Halsin did not hear his name fall from her lips, as nature was louder than her soft voice, but he was able to read it. A balanced chuckle rumbled out of his mouth, dark and sensual as he watched her open for him. So willing, so eager.

She followed his eyes that trailed languidly down her body, resting over the area that was still throbbing and soaking for him. He bent over her, the mass of his body completely shielding her from the now relentless rain. It was like the clouds had never moved once they settled above them, content with showering the couple as though nature itself desired it.

Halsin lowered even closer, and she could feel his warm breath kissing her face, his lips so teasingly close to hers. Never did his eyes shift away from hers as he did this. And from this closeness, lost in the intensity of his stare, it looked like the glow in his eyes was moving – shimmering with a magical radiance around his irises, again and again. It was enthralling, and it only encouraged her desires, her belly fluttering in anticipation. A soft moan sang from her lips as the weight of his cock rested upon her, sliding over her most sensitive spot.

Halsin smiled, his lips ghosting over hers, so tormentingly close. She needed to taste those lips again, to lose her breath in his kiss. On instinct, she lifted her head towards him but he pulled back in response, to her frustration. But his mischievous smile never waned, and before she could verbally protest, a tingle drizzled up her thigh as his large, calloused hand glided up her wet skin. She let her head rest back on the grass, eagerly waiting for him to spread her legs wider. He lowered himself back over her face, a featherlight touch as he spoke against her lips.

“I told you,” Halsin muttered low and heavy, in tune with the rumbling in the skies. “In the way that I want.”

Another thrilling flicker of fear and excitement sparked in her gut as his words shuddered down her neck. A final smile from the druid’s lips, his large hand gripped her fiercely and with casual strength and speed, she was flipped over on her stomach. Immediately, she felt swallowed by the powerful mass above her, already pressing himself over her back, forearms resting near her sides. She was practically tasting the grass were it not for the hint of room he gave her to turn her head if she needed to.

“My darling heart…” his breath tickled her ear, warm and stimulating. “I hope you are ready for me.”

A loud cry, in time with the thunder, escaped her throat. Halsin shoved the full length of his cock in the tight, spongy space of her walls. He buried himself inside her immediately, leaving no chance for her to adapt to the stretch as a sting spiked up her back. His fingers that worked at her earlier had just barely prepared her, but it was not enough. Her nails dug into the grass, grabbing fistfuls of wet earth as she felt the girth of him widening her in one thrust. She felt him settle inside her for only a moment, before he withdrew just to the tip, then pounded back into her again.

Her entire body shuddered, breasts pressed against the grass, breath coming in quick pants as Halsin continued to repeat the dance of pulling out almost entirely, only to fill her in a single stroke. Each time, a fire of pain flamed up her core as she struggled to adjust. His movements were punishing, his weight nearly crushing were it not for his elbows keeping him from smothering her entirely. The weight of his balls smacked against her as his thrusts increased in speed. Deep, animalistic grunts filled her ear as his breath coasted down the side of her face.

In time, the firing pain mingled with waves of new pleasure as he moved against her, never wavering, never giving her time. A surge of sensations flooded her body all at once as it awakened to frosty heights of delight where pain still lingered close behind, as though it never wanted to let go. Ro’s moans mingled with the rushing rains, enticing her to take it and to take it well.

Halsin had never been this way with her. They’ve had rough moments, both with and without Wild Shape, but there was always enough preparation. Halsin was a master in foreplay, in taking his time to work his lover up enough to be ready for more. He loved exploring Ro’s body, over and over again, testing how many different pitches of her moans he could elicit from those tender lips. Then he’d make gentle, passionate love to her, for as long as their bodies would allow it. And if she wanted it faster, harder, he’d grant her the wish because he knew she was as ready as she’d ever be.

Today was different. Too much had been festering inside of Halsin over the past year. An underlying rage and frustration that had been left to simmer and then smothered before it could reach its boiling point. Each thrust of his hips came with the power of vengeance. Each digging grip on her thighs, with the intent to bruise, was a testament to the sorrow she’d leave behind every time she abandoned him. And now, as he drilled into her with near abandon, his body sliding over her wet back with ease, it delighted his heart.

He knew from the sounds of her cries, the way her knuckles gripped the grass so fiercely that it was too much at once. That the pain was not fully giving in to the pleasure. And yet, she never told him to stop, she never begged him to release her, for he would do so in a heartbeat if she did. But gods he hoped she wouldn’t. He needed to have her like this. He deserved it. She deserved it.

And she felt amazing around him, still so tight, so moist. Had she not taken another since their parting? If she had, they did a poor job of preparing her for him. But it did not matter, for she was finally home now. And he would resume that place in her life, he would do what he knew others could not.

The rain continued its assault as he could barely make out the desperate calls of his name. She was starting to enjoy it; he could feel it in her moans, in her trembling body. Pride swelled within him… but so did a hint of ire. Did she deserve to enjoy this as much as he did?

“Why, Ro?” his breath was ragged, voice hoarse and deep as he pounded without rest. “Why do you make it difficult to love you?”

She uttered a strained whine in response, each thrust of his hips siphoning more mewls and incoherent curses from her lips. He could feel the bear within pacing, growling, frustrated for not having an answer. So in response, Halsin leaned upright on his knees and hoisted her hips up with him. Half off the ground, she was forced to rest on her forearms and knees while her back made a slight arch.

A new sound dripped from her lips as Halsin drilled into her saturated walls, finding himself burrowing even deeper from the new angle. He knew he was reaching the depths of her limits, poking against the edge of all she could take.

He grabbed a fistful of her soaked hair, pulling her back slightly, the other hand gripping her hip. Wet flesh rammed into wet flesh as he gave her all she could handle, completely at his mercy. But still, she never told him to stop, never called for a surrender as her hands tore into the wet grass.

Halsin felt consumed by a flood of emotions and sensations: frustration, rage, lust, mesmerized by the sight of his thick cock crudely disappearing inside her over and over. And he reveled in every whimper, every grip and squeeze as she needily swallowed him back in. And he hated how much he loved it, how much his body burned even more for her even as he was already taking her.

His emotions bubbled to the surface, rising up his throat and landing roughly on his tongue. “Do you love me?” he questioned, hoarse, hips never slowing.

“Uhn,” she whimpered, unable to speak.

He growled, his blood burning. “Do. You. Love. Me?” he asked again, his demanding tone palpable.

“Yes,” was all she could muster, breathing heavily below him.

Echoing booms bellowed above the coupling pair. “Let me hear you say it,” he commanded, his foreboding voice cutting through the pounding rain. But she was too busy keening and sighing, lost in the sensations where their bodies met. “Say it.” A rough slam into her followed his demand.

“I love you! Oh gods, I love you!”

Halsin’s breathing quickened at her loud declaration, his glutes flexing as he drilled into his lover, his heart. Crackling, blue light filled his vision as he watched electric sparks dance over Ro’s fists, flickering up her arms. He grinned – so true pleasure had found her at last.

Her wild magic illuminated her hands, soaring erratically up her arms as she moaned and cried his name. He felt the glimmer in his eyes brightening at the sight, a surge of fire hotter than the hells burning through his veins. Drawn by the electric charges dancing across her wet skin, he released his hold on her hair and hips then clasped both of his hands over her fists. His entire body jolted, head tossing back into the rain as his abdomen flexed and his cock twitched.

Her magic surged throughout his body, launching through his nerves and flexing his muscles. The bear within roared, invigorated by the new energy. It instantly expended some of its own power to mingle with hers as it thundered its way back into her.

“Gods—Halsin—I—” her voice wavered, fingers starting to cramp from her enduring grip.

Ro’s heart pounded, her arms alight with electric charges that sparked down her back and legs. Insurmountable bouts of pleasure rippled through her as she held on to the ruthless thrust of Halsin crashing into her like wild waves against rock. He never slowed, never gave her any chance of reprieve. She could hardly handle him at this pace, at these depths, and despite the stalking pain that never fully went away, it felt euphoric.

Halsin powered through the chaos of her magic, bending his front back down on her, his thrusts unrelenting. His nails started to extend into claws and a deep, rumbling growl crawled up his throat. But the full might of the bear remained caged, it would have its turn another time.

He felt himself swelling more, throbbing as he started to chase his peak. She clenched around him, her legs quivering on unstable knees. He growled into her ear, low and guttural.

“No more leaving,” he demanded. One of his hands moved to her thigh, and he let his claws dig.

She hissed at the sudden puncture, the pain mingling with the charges firing throughout her body. Halsin said something, she thought. Or was it the bear who spoke? She could hardly hear him,not when all she could focus on was the torrent of sensations thrashing through her. Her vision felt foggy, barely seeing through the rain and haze of lust. But then Halsin’s voice sounded closer now, serious.

“No more running.” Another command, deeper this time, the growl vibrating up his throat. The clouds clashed again, emphasizing his words as though he was the thunder and she was his lightning.

Her sparks blazed through him, awakening every nerve as his other hand still seized her fist, fueled by the pleasure and pain that rippled down his body. A surge flowed down his center, his cock swelling until it could contain itself no longer. Lightning bolts illuminated the sky as Ro called out his name, her body shuddering beneath him. The thunder soon followed, a resounding power across the skies as Halsin grunted, thrusting his hip once, then twice, and chased her orgasm with his own. Warm fluid erupted from him as he emptied himself entirely within her. Gradually, his strokes slowed as his body trembled, riding the wave.

Ro felt Halsin twitch inside of her, holding himself for one final, deep hold before he swiftly slid out of her already aching walls. She whined at the sudden release, feeling tender and raw, as her legs collapsed on the ground and the magic that sparked within her gradually fizzled away. A light whimper fluttered from her lips as she felt the thick weight of his shaft resting on her cheeks, sliding in between, spreading their combined fluids over her skin. Soft, satisfying groans rumbled from Halsin’s throat, and she closed her eyes to the soothing, pleasurable sounds of her lover. And as their breathing calmed, so too did the storm, easing into a gentle drizzle.

Content on finding solace on the wet grass, Ro found that moment of calm interrupted as his large hands turned her over on her back. Halsin looked down at her, the rise and fall of his chest steady with deep, intended breaths. His hair stuck to his face and neck, and there was a dim ring of a golden glow in his eyes. She was utterly speechless as she held his stare, eyes slightly hooded while she waited for whatever her lover wanted.

Halsin bent towards her, his closeness immediately warming her entire being, and closed his mouth over hers. She sighed in his mouth, returning the kiss immediately. She fully expected it to be wild and erratic, but his kiss was so slow, so tender, not like the rough, remorseless man she just experienced. He kissed her like how he normally would before and after making love. He kissed her in the way she craved to be kissed when they first reunited – a kiss of passion, adoration, and love.

He groaned into her mouth, eliciting yet another moan from her throat, and she wasted no time wrapping her tired arms around his strong neck. A sudden shiver passed through her front and Halsin broke the kiss, brows furrowing in concern. With no words, he reached for his discarded pants and her torn dress and cloak, before scooping her up into the bulk of his arms.

A deep, contented sigh wafted from her lips as he held her close to his chest. Halsin moved through the forest, golden eyes a mesmerizing light in the budding darkness. He didn’t head the same way they came, rather, he strode a longer way around, avoiding cutting through the town to prevent any curious, roaming eyes. He cared little for anyone seeing him in his full glory, but Ro’s body was not for their eyes.

The entire way back to the cabin, Ro doted on him, kissing his chin and cheek, his chest. Occasionally, Halsin would tilt his head down, letting her capture his lips in a brief, tender kiss. She was so incredibly enamored by him, feeling a flutter in her belly at the recent memory of their powerful coupling. How the storm itself seemed to encourage them, fuel them.

“I told you nature would have us,” she uttered beneath him, chuckling softly.

Halsin responded with a deep, resonating laugh, a beautiful vibration from his chest. After several minutes of walking, they made it back to their two-story cabin, greeted by fireflies that illuminated their entire front yard. They seemed to part as Halsin marched down the middle to the front door. He carried her upstairs, then gently sat her down on the end of their large bed.

Ro had already started feeling warm from Halsin’s closeness, and she wasn’t dripping much anymore, save for her hair still being quite soaked. Nevertheless, Halsin went for the wardrobe and pulled out two soft towels then draped one around her body. The other he placed next to her, having no need for it just yet. He gave her a tender smile as she began patting her hair before he stepped towards the fireplace on the other end of the room.

There were already enough logs in the hearth, and with the aid of a quick spell, it didn’t take long to get a calming fire going. Halsin, still fully naked, walked back towards her and bent down, tasting her lips once again. Ro exhaled quietly into his mouth; all thoughts of the towel were forgotten as she let it rest at her waist.

Halsin’s heart paced happily from the warm sparks of her kiss. A sincere sense of glee and satisfaction blanketed across his chest as he leaned more into her, dipping his tongue inside her warm mouth.

“Gods that was…” Ro gasped a breath, finding time to speak between kisses. “Incredible.” She blinked rapidly, as though drowning in disbelief.

Halsin grinned, and a swell of pride arose from his abdomen. But his smile waned when she made a slight hiss, a flash of pain contorting her face after she shifted her position a little.

Sitting next to her, he frowned, heart racing. “Are you in pain?” He reached for her, a soft touch over one thigh as he analyzed the slight punctures from his claws; then the marks on her breasts, and back to the bruising on her hips from where he gripped so tightly.

“Just some soreness that I’m sure I’ll feel even more tomorrow. But that’s okay.” She placed a hand over his, a reassuring squeeze. “Don’t heal it away. Not yet.”

He chuckled at this and leaned in to place a chaste kiss on her forehead, then a brief one on her lips. “Still, I… I feel some regret for being so rough with you. That was not like me…” He averted his gaze, slightly turning away from her.

“No, don’t be. I loved it! That was a different side of you…” She stole another kiss, and when she pulled away, her mouth curved into a mischievous grin. “Perhaps I should disappear for a year more often.” She half laughed, using her shoulder to lightly bump into him.

The spell shattered. Halsin’s stomach tightened, and his heart fell into the pit of his stomach. Immediately, his face contorted into a frown, the lines in his cheeks deepening. He rose to his feet, grabbed his towel, and swiftly wrapped it around his waist as he paced toward the window.

“Halsin… I’m only kidding.” Ro stood up, loosely binding the soft towel around her body.

“This is the last time,” Halsin spoke without turning around. “We cannot keep repeating this cycle.” His voice was strict, sharp, cutting across the room. All sense of glee and the afterglow of love had instantly soured, twisting into a brutal reality of the chaos that seemed to thrive between the pair.

“Is it?” she challenged, walking towards him. “Because I recall you saying something similar the last time.”

“I mean it, Ro.”

“No.”

“What?” He turned back around, broad chest puffed and imposing as he glared down at her.

But there was no anger in her eyes and no hostility in her voice when she spoke. She stopped right before him, not succumbing to the ferocity in his glare.

“There is no last time, Halsin. You are meant for me and I am meant for you. Be it one day or one year apart, that will never change.”

“Ro—”

“Look me in the eyes and tell me I’m wrong, Halsin. Tell me your heart doesn’t still race for me as mine does yours.”

“I—” he hesitated. And just like that, the domineering, god of a man who seemed to command thunder itself, had found himself melting before her once again.

When he looked at her, he saw so much. The woman he loved, and the woman who put him through so much. And yet, as his mind commanded him to let her go… his lips would utter, shiver, but they said no words. Because as much as she could sting and wound his heart, he also knew what it felt like to be loved by her. When the woman he fell for shined through the darker parts of her. Her tender, compassionate, adoring side. His savior. His lover.

Ro leaned on the very tips of her toes, brushing a soft kiss on his lips before whispering, “Do you still love me?”

Halsin clenched his jaw, but the longer she stared at him, eyes so warm and full of love, he felt forced to relax. “…I do.”

“Say it, Halsin.”

He held her stare for a long time, his skin prickling under her touch. She was even closer now, trapping him with her essence, her beauty. And those eyes – wells of magic and mayhem – the most beautiful eyes he’d ever seen. Once again, he was lost…

“I love you.”

And just like that, the power shifts again. Halsin just doesn't know when to let go😪

In all seriousness, our bear man absolutely deserves the best kind of love! Just couldn't get this idea out of my head from his in game quote. Hope you all enjoyed either way!🖤

[white-kestrel]

Varric & Hero of Ferelden OC (Floralia)

Don't judge me okay NO SPOILERS I'VE ONLY GOTTEN THROUGH HALF OF INQUISITION

[white-kestrel]

greeting an old friend not knowing what's to come

technically a prequel to this

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Clover Lore Masterpost

I'm very touched by everyone who's shown interest in my Baldur's Gate character. Many of you have asked where they can learn more about him, so here is the promised Clover masterpost!

I'll update it as we go along, but things yet to be revealed I'm keeping secret 🌙 It's pinned to my linktree in my bio.

Clover (he/him)

Half-Elf Wizard

Age: unknown, likely early 20s

Height: ~5'3

Introduction

Clover

The Winter Court

Clover's magic

Origins

Clover's spellbook

INT

Halsin and Clover's relationship

Intro

Intro 2

Did Clover help Halsin with the Shadow Curse?

Intimacy (spicy)

Intimacy cont. (spicy)

Intimacy 2

Injury

Thisobald

Scent

Why did you choose Halsin as Clover's love interest?

Post-Game life

(spoiler-free because I haven't finished it either)

What's an average day for Halsin and Clover once they settle in together?

Miscellaneous lore and FAQ 🍀

Clover's relationship with the other companions

Astarion gets suspicious

Clover's very quiet, especially compared to Halsin. Why?

How does Halsin feel about Clover's hair?

More hair...

Clover's outfit (far left, I've made a few minor changes since then)

Can others do art/fic/cosplay? - It's all so welcome!! I didn't think this would become such a thing and I'm touched and delighted by what you've done. ❤️

[white-kestrel]

I swear to God, living alone has made me realize how low my standards are for life

Half my kitchen lights have burnt out and the other half were dim or flickering as they died

I lived like that for a year, watching lights go out and just being like huh I should buy light bulbs

Well guess who finally replaced all her light bulbs and what a huge difference it is being able to SEE in my kitchen

I am the frog that gets boiled alive and is just like ehhh it's just me I can muddle through the dim flickering lights

[white-kestrel]

𝐁𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐇𝐚𝐥𝐬𝐢𝐧'𝐬 𝐬/𝐨 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐝𝐞

⤷ gender neutral, ambiguous race, and any size reader. Requests are open, thank you for reading!

Warnings: swearing, possible spoilers for the game, nsfw included, mentions of parents dying and abuse but only briefly

ᴹᵃˢᵗᵉʳˡᶤˢᵗ | ᴹᵃˢᵗᵉʳˡᶤˢᵗ ᴵᴵ

ENFJ

Hufflepuff

Neutral Good

Libra Sun, Cancer Moon, Aries Rising

𝑺𝑭𝑾🌿

・This man/druid/male has BIG HANDS. And is incredibly tall; 6'5 - so no matter how tall you are, he's still going to be a giant when next to you

・Halsin peppers kisses on your cheeks, nose, forehead, temple, etc.

・So it's pretty easy to say that Physical Touch is his main love language. Halsin adores affection.

・His Pet Peeve are people who don't help those that need aid. He's had a lot of fights with Astarion because the vampire overlooked

・You fell for Halsin first (not meaning to, but his largeness... the way he was so kind to everyone, especially those smaller than him, it was easy to fall in love).

・You didn't expect anything to happen.

・A male such as he had so many people he could choose from, so you were happy to be friends with him.

・And during your journey, there were many nights where he sat beside you, his body warming yours.

・There, he would tell you stories for hours, the fire dwinding as he spoke. Your eyes fluttered closed after an hour and a half of his deep voice beckoning you to slumber.

・You woke up with Halsin still with you, but he had draped a blanket over you, laid back and let you climb ontop of him.

・It became a normal activity.

・Story time and falling asleep with Halsin.

・Your sleep was always dreamless and every morning you awoke refreshed. For the first time in years.

・But he had fallen in love with you the second time you had conversed. It was your passion, hidden behind your introverted nature, that he fell in love with.

・A person who didn't mind being alone, or didn't have to talk the loudest.

・You were a fresh of breath air for him. And Halsin decided that he couldn't let you leave without telling you how he felt.

・It was a full moon when he confessed his love. The stars shone up above, the air was warm and sweet. It felt truly magical (thanks to Gale...)

・And when he gently clasped your face in his hands, and let his feelings be known - you nearly fainted.

"I was not expecting this, have I offended?" His deep voice said as he hoisted you onto your feet.

"What? No - No! I ... I feel the same-"

・And from then on, you became inseparable.

・He loves animals.

・And when you both settle down together, your home is very busy. With so many different types of animals, sometimes even a kid or two. You help them as best as you can, but their parents were either dead or abusive.

・So Halsin took them out in the yard and showed them how to do basic things.

・Some have magic, some do not.

・And sometimes you felt very overwhelmed, but Halsin understood. And he never pushes you. He tells the kids that you need your alone time, and some people are like that.

𝑹𝒆𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒑 𝑻𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒔

Black Cat (You) x Golden Retriever (Halsin)

Always Hold Grudges (You) x Forgives Too Easily (Halsin)

Character That Thinks They're Already Dating Even Though They're Not (Halsin)

𝑹𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒄 𝑷𝒍𝒐𝒕 𝑻𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒆

Married Couple Who Make Everyone Cringe

𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒎𝒆 𝑺𝒐𝒏𝒈

Dance of the Druids by Bear McCreary

𝑁𝑆𝐹𝑊 🔞 No one under the age of 18 past this point, I bloody mean it. 

・Breeding kink

・Big big breeding kink. Doesn't matter if you don't have that anatomy, the dirty talk is heavily centred on that

・He lasts for a long while. Isn't satiated until round four, but each time he makes sure you cum first. Your pleasure is more important than his (in his mind)

・Likes when you grab, grip, scratch and pull. He especially likes when you bite his bottom lip

・When he's about to cum, he'll bite onto your body, just to taste you.

・Although he has a big sex drive, he would never push you to have more sex.

・He's desperate to make you feel safe with him. It would kill him if you didn't fully trust him.

・He has a very, very large cock. Around 10 inches when erect. It was an ... adjustment, trying to work with it.

・Halsin loves the smell of you, so whenever you aren't with him, he'll get one of your shirts and have it across his face while he jacks off.

[white-kestrel]

tav and the party begin to lose contact with each other over time. suddenly, halsin is old, several generations of children all raised under his wing. he's passed on his responsibilities, made a commune of reithwin. he's losing his sight when he decides to send one last letter, even though the previous ones have been ignored by a grieving astarion and a relentlessly busy lae'zel. the last time they saw each other was over a century ago, at tav's funeral. wonderful, beautiful tav. who died too quickly, even with longer lifespan of one of faerun's seemingly immortal races. something about years of hard adventuring, and the grief of losing shadowheart, gale, karlach, and wyll. halsin, astarion, and lae'zel would be the ones left, the ones who could never connect with each other outside of tav. but halsin feels like his time is short, so he sends two final letters, two final ties to his past life. one to the ageless clothesmaker in the city who has faded from the memory of the people as a hero of baldur's gate. one to the young and fearless warrior who exists outside of time waging holy war. when astarion and lae'zel finally arrive, it's too late to see halsin alive again. he's laid to rest in the forest he grew up in. an oak sapling sprouts where he's buried, and astarion cries over the freshly turned earth, lae'zel holding him as best she can. halsin is given an honorary sarcophagus in the mausoleum that holds tav and the rest of their companions. there are two other stone coffins that will never be filled.

astarion fades into mundanity and routine. he hasn't seen lae'zel in centuries - he only knows she's still alive from the stories that have sprung up, across the realms, of her exploits. he doesn't dream, but he trances often of his time with halsin. with tav. he wishes he'd been less angry when they'd been alive. he wishes he could live without all the regret he has shored up. he visits tav's mausoleum often. with the same kind of flowers they once left on his grave.

one night, centuries after the defeat of the netherbrain, astarion finds an aged lae'zel in the cemetery. her right hand is pressed to the marble of the mausoleum with a quiet calm that astarion has never seen in her. in her left hand are flowers - tav's flowers. her once taut body is unstrung, the curve in her back decrying years of labor and life. topaz eyes flick up toward him with a cunning that he's never forgotten. it feels like ice in his unbeating heart.

"bury me here," she rasps, dropping the flowers, and turning to face him in earnest. "bury me amongst our friends, astarion."

as she collapses, astarion races forward with uncanny speed to catch her. he is the last person to hold her.

he is the last person.

at last, he is face to face with his worst nightmare. he thought he would be angry. he thought he would cry. but instead, an unnerving relief and resignation fill him. he holds lae'zel until the sun rises. they take their last moments together like those awful spirits at elfsong tavern so many years ago. quickly and bitterly. but amongst friends.

the young duke ravengard finds their remains and ensures that they are laid to rest alongside his ancestor. at last, the heroes of baldur's gate are reunited in death.

[white-kestrel]

Young Halsin reacting to a Tav with chronic illness/pain. Different reactions, platonic and romantic

„Let me make you a ginger root and echinacea broth! Once you‘ve finished every last drop, we‘ll do a healing session.“ He scurries off to immediately collect the right herbs.

„I see your pain. How strong you are, still walking and exploring as if nothing is ailing you. I admire your tenacity, not everyone can carry themselves so well, my heart. Let me hold you.“ You walk into his strong arms, placing your cheek against his chest. He places a hand on the back of your head, leaning his chin gently on your scalp. You breathe together, synchronized. The meditative rhythm of the simultaneous rising of your chests fills you with calmness. „Love, I will try my best to lessen your burden. I cannot bear to think you feel this way all the time.“ He kisses your head.

„You say the pain is overwhelming and yet you still continue on? Truly, the strength that takes to bury all of that… I am in awe. I will think of how I can lessen your burden. Come see me after supper. I will prepare something.“

„That sounds exhausting. May I?“ He places a hand in front of your face, the beautiful yellow glow blinding your eyes as he analyzes you. „By Silvanus… that is the level of pain you have? Constantly? That is… wow. I am not sure I can find a cure, but I am certain we can lessen the daily agony for you. I cannot believe I didn‘t notice you were feeling this.“

[white-kestrel]

♡ Halsin Being Love Smitten by an Oblivious Tav ♡

Oh, this is a good one. Halsin — strong, confident, experienced — brought to his knees by one thing he never saw coming: your sheer, unrelenting obliviousness. It’s hard to make him baffled, but you did. You actually made him baffled. Incredible. 

He’s lived for over three centuries. Seen countless wonders, taken many lovers, and faced horrors that would break lesser souls. Nothing has caught him off guard for the longest time it would seem. And yet you have. Because somehow, despite his very clear interest, his smoothest moves, and his voice dropping into that deep purr — you simply don’t get it. Not one bit. 

And by Oak Father, it really do baffles him. 

You see, he feels it every time you walk by — a rush of warmth in his chest, the unshakable need to be near you. He listens to your every word, even your stillest ramblings, with rapt attention, laughing easily and freely in a way he hasn’t in years. It feels good to be close to you. It feels right. And he’s wise enough to know exactly what that means. He is, without doubt, utterly and completely love smitten with you… and Halsin is many things, but shy is not one of them. So naturally — he courts you. 

At first, subtly, slowly… intending to take full pleasure from getting to know you better in that kind of way. A lingering touch here, a playful tease there, a deep-chested chuckle whenever you say something endearing. Surely you’ll catch on. 

You do not. 

You smile at him. You laugh, you listen, you seem happy to be around him. But not once — not once! — you show any sign of realising that he likes you more than a friend. (oh, so much more)

Is he being too subtle? Surely not. Halsin is experienced. He’s seen things. He’s been with partners who could read his desires from a single glance, and here he is — flexing like a fool whenever you so much as glance in his direction, hoping you’ll notice. 

And Oak Father help him, he’s trying so hard. It’s like he isn’t himself anymore. He feels like a young pup wandering into unknown territory. 

So… he finds excuses to touch you. Offers a steadying hand when crossing a stream (as if you’re not perfectly capable), lets his large hands linger on your waist a fraction too long when lifting you over an obstacle. Getting all worked up from the mere brush of your knees. 

One day Halsin brings you fruit he’s foraged with a casual,

"If you desire more, I am always at your service.”

"You really do take good care of everyone," you say, eyes shining with pure, unshaken obliviousness. The words he wants to say—I would much rather focus my care on you specifically—catch in his throat, swallowed down by a sigh. Somehow, faced with your innocence, he just can’t bring himself to say it.

Has he lost his touch? Is he truly so out of practice? He has never worked this hard to make his feelings known. And worse—he’s starting to feel things he hasn’t in years. Frustration, longing, an almost feral urge to just grab you by the shoulders and tell you outright.

By the gods, he is horny and in distress. And he’s been horny many times, but in distress like this? No. However… Halsin is not a man who simply gives up. Not to doubt, not to hesitation—and certainly not when it comes to you. Not when he’s waited lifetimes to feel this way again. Not when he’s finally met someone who stirs the very roots of his being.

So, no more subtlety, no more lingering touches. No more charming lines that you so sweetly misunderstand. One evening, with all the weight of a man on the brink, he levels you with a look, strong arms crossed over his chest, and says in a tone that leaves no room for interpretation:

“Tav. We need to talk. And this time, I’ll make sure you understand exactly what I mean.”

Because by the Oak Father, if you don’t realise how desperately he wants you after this conversation—he might just lose his mind.

So he takes you away—away from the crackling campfire, from the idle chatter of your companions, from the weight of the world pressing down on both of you. He leads you to a quiet, secluded glade where the trees arch overhead like ancient sentinels. The stars shimmer above, casting silver light over everything, but Halsin?

Halsin is radiant.

He stands before you, broad and strong, his golden skin illuminated by moonlight. There’s something different in the way he looks at you now—an intensity, a quiet, unshaken resolve. And then, in a voice deep as the earth itself, he speaks:

"I want to lay with you under the stars and feel your skin against mine…”

Your breath stutters. Your eyes widen, because suddenly, everything clicks into place.

The lingering touches. The flirtation you had brushed off as simple kindness. The way his gaze always seemed to find you, the way his presence felt like a steady force in your current life, constant and unwavering. It was never just friendliness. It was never just admiration.

It was this.

It was him wanting you.

The weight of his words sinks into you, slow and heavy like honey pouring thick from a jar. He isn’t teasing. He isn’t jesting—Halsin is far too earnest for that. His kindness, his unwavering dedication, have only blurred the truth for you. But now, there is no mistaking it. There’s no lightheartedness in his tone—only intention. Only want.

The words roll off his tongue like a promise, rich with meaning, with want. His voice is steady, but there’s something beneath it—an unmistakable need. His hand lifts, slow, deliberate, as if he’s savouring every second before he touches you. And when he does—when his large, calloused palm finally cups your cheek—your breath catches.

His warmth is immediate, grounding, real. He’s so close now—too close, not close enough. His golden eyes search yours, darkened with something primal, something deep and unspoken. He’s looking for something—truth. An answer. A silent permission for this moment to become something more.

And gods, the air between you is alive with it. 

Will you give it to him?

That choice—that power—is yours.

︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵

again, thanks for this lovely request

you can find more of my works about halsin ♡here♡ hihi

[white-kestrel]

full

[white-kestrel]

"By your side, I would willingly storm the gates of the Dark City itself. Do not doubt it."

[white-kestrel]

In the key of minor, everything sounds painful - Part 1

This is a short essay about my Warden, Malika Aeducan.

I don't speak or write in English, and I even translate this text with translater, but I really wanted to share the story about my dear girl. The first part is under the cut!

I'll try to translate it into English later, but I'll leave it in the original language for now.

Малика сражалась большую часть жизни ради того чтобы быть той кто она есть - воином, достойным чтобы вести армию. Он принцесса, от нее ждали учтивости, тихого и послушного поведения, увлечений ограниченных ткачеством, заботой о внешности и работой над налаживаний отношений с предполагаемым супругом, которого ей должен был выбрать отец.

Малика была шумной, веселой, своенравной, умной и бросающей вызов. Требующей обучения воина, любящей свою пару кинжалов больше чем братьев. И определенно больше доверяя стальным клинкам, чем гномам.

Малика любила семью, пусть ее и ранило явное пренебрежение старшего брата, снисходительное отношение отца к ее увлечениям, елей слов младшего брата, капающий ядом ей в бокал. Ничего серьезного - лишь первые неловкие интриги. Она улыбалась, притворяясь что это ее не трогает, слишком любящая чтобы отвечать. Слишком лояльная чтобы защищать себя от тех, кто должен был ее оберегать.

Лишь гнула свою линию, становясь лучшим воином Орзаммара. Год за годом, надеясь что если она сделает это, на нее посмотрят без скрытой неприязни и пренебрежения, что может быть тогда она снова сможет доверять своей семье. Пока не поняла что единственный кому она доверяет - Горим, ее второй, готовый ради нее пойти в Бездну, не требуя от нее ничего. Тот кому она доверяла свою спину, тот к кому прижималась в ночи, терзаемая кошмарами, слыша тихий утешающий шепот, не рискующий произносить слова любви. Тот кого любила, потому что он был единственным, кому она могла доверять.

Малика была умна, проводя среди Хранителей времени столько же, сколько на ристалище, с упоением изучая историю Орзаммара, с каждым годом строя все больше планов что она может сделать для родного края.

Малика вежливо отклонила намеки Дункана о Серых Стражах, зная что имея свое положение будет полезнее для Орзаммара, сражаясь с Порождениями Тьмы на Глубинных Тропах, а не поверхности. Она хотела быть полководцем, возвращая Тейги гномам, возрождая все больше культуры ее народа.

Малика была народной любимицей, лучшим воином Орзаммара, гномом, чье будущее сияло словно драгоценный камень, будто благословленная Предками чтобы стать чем-то большим, чем мог кто-либо другой.

Но она была воином, а не политиком.

И смотря в глаза Белена, стоя над трупом Триана, она не чувствовала ничего кроме желания театрально поклониться. Отличная Игра. Пустые голубые глаза, единственное что объединяло Эдуканов, пекло, но глаза Малики были сухие, когда она признавал поражение, но не вину, позволяя увести себя в камеры и снять фамильные доспехи, слишком тяжелые для разбойницы, натирающие до крови. До последнего не отрывая взгляда от пары клинков - тех самых, прошедших с ней десятки боев, тех самых, с которыми она выигрывала каждое испытание, тех самых, которые отец подарил ей после сдачи ее экзамена, наконец признавая Воином, а не просто заигравшейся в ножики девчонкой.

Она знала что суда не будет. Что она умрет. Единственное о чем она сожалела - о судьбе Горима, своего второго, своего человека, которого спишут в расход просто за верность ей. Увидев его, услышав о том что их ждет, единственное что она сказала ему на прощание - «Живи хорошо. Атраст тунша, салрока».

Она выжила на Глубинных Тропах, не до конца уверенная что хотела этого.

Она выжила на Посвящении в Серые Стражи, не до конца уверенная что хотела этого.

Она выжила в Остагаре, не ��о конца уверенная что хотела этого.

Она занялась делом Серых Стражей, возглавляя собираемую армию потому что не знала ради чего выживать дальше.

***

Когда Малика встретила в Денериме Горима, она чувствовала как камень упал с ее сердца. Письмо отца и проклятый щит, с которого все и началось, заменили его. Она обняла своего прошлого второго, своего прошлого самого близкого человека и поздравила с женитьбой и будущим пополнением, позже познакомилась с его женой, пожелав счастья и хорошей жизни.

Она была искренне счастлива за друга, которого не надеялась увидеть.

Она продолжила игнорировать новую рану на сердце опасно близко к той, которую нанес Белен.

Прошло чуть больше полугода.

Она не знала что ее настолько легко забыть.

***

Когда ради Долга Серых Стражей она снова вернулась в Орзаммар, под родные своды и на знакомые улочки, она чувствовала себя чужаком как никогда в своей жизни. Даже ее клинки, которые Малика выкрала из хранилища, лежали в руках незнакомой тяжестью, будто не признавая ту, кем она стала.

Малика знала что Харрумонт был хорошим человеком. Но политиком он был таким же как и Малика, собрав  вокруг себя тех кого смог купить и которые так и ждали возможности убрать Эдуканов с трона, чтобы продиктовать свои порядки, против которых Харрумонт не мог ничего противопоставить.

И поэтому, стоя в зале Собрания с короной в руках, с ее губ сорвалось жестокое «Белен».

Пустые голубые глаза, которые теперь они делили только на двоих, говорили больше чем тонкие реверансы, полные фальшивой вежливости.

«Ты предатель и братоубийца. И отца отравил ты, не так ли?»

«Все ради блага Орзаммара. Ты сама вручила мне корону, сестра.»

«Все ради блага Орзаммара. Долгих лет процветания нашей страны, Король Белен. Я буду молиться чтобы в день когда ты умрешь Камень тебя отверг.»

Он вручил ей в награду молот Триана. Она подарила ему на прощание щит Эдуканов.

Малика вышла из Орзаммара под звездное небо, втайне надеясь что она в него упадет.

[white-kestrel]

i am a sucker for the typical stoic fictional man who is actually so soft for his s/o. who buries his nose into the crook of your neck and wraps his arms around your waist whenever he can. maybe he’s not always good with his words, but for you? god. he literally hands you his heart on a silver platter

[white-kestrel]

i said to myself 'draw what's in your heart' and what's in my heart is tender loghain/kathy 💗

bonus:

[white-kestrel]

There’s a lot of good “what ifs” for a Rook. What if Rook is the child of HoF, of Hawke, bonded to this or that spirit, etc, but I'd like to make just one more suggestion for who Rook could be:

Cole.

He’s real now, all the way through, with a beating heart and a face that needs shaving every now and then. Varric never knew much about children, and Cole didn’t know much about parents, but everyone needs help to become a person. Things just fell into place. Cole has Varric’s shaving mirror now. The dwarf said “You should hang onto this,” and it took a few years for Cole to understand that actually meant, “It’s yours now.”

There was a hole in Varric after losing Hawke. Cole didn't need to be a spirit to understand that. "Rook" was a chess piece, but it was also a bird, and Varric loved to tell stories about heroes like that. Even in Thedas, this place of immovable fact and reality, Varric could change the world with his stories. He said that Rook was a hero, and like a spirit answering its own nature, Cole became one. Stories were lies, in their own way, but Varric used them to tell the truth.

Solas was the opposite. Solas preferred using the truth to tell lies.

Solas has never seen "Rook," and they hope it will take him off guard when the time comes. Varric's job is to "stop the Dread Wolf," but it edges close to "save the Dread Wolf." Cole prefers that. Solas was his friend, too, even after so much change. Cole hopes Solas will still recognize him with a human heart.

But that human heart can no longer sense blood magic.

Solas wants to be angry when the ritual fails. He wants to accuse. He wants deride. He wants Rook to be unworthy of his grace, but it all breaks to pieces when Cole stands before him. He used to know that spirit, just as he used to know Mythal. Like her, like Solas, like every broken spirit pulled into mortal flesh and forced to decay, Cole has the weight of years on his body. Cole is older. Cole is aging. Cole will die unless Solas brings down the Veil, but Cole wants to stop him. This world is going to kill him one way or another, and yet Cole fights as if this is something to be protected.

They understood each other once. Neither one is sure how much of that remains.

Cole approaches leadership with gentleness, the way he approaches everything. He cannot hear pain anymore, so he tends to his companions with words and hands like a gardener, with the spiritual tenderness only Compassion could muster. Most spirits are confused when the world refuses to shape itself at their command, but Cole has learned Varric's tricks. He knows that if he treats his companions like heroes, they will eventually become so. It's easy to follow a leader like that. It's easy to love a leader like that.

Solas does not know whether he pities the fallen spirit, or envies him. Cole is Compassion. Cole is damaged beyond repair. Cole is happy. Cole doesn't regret a second of it. All things in this world are temporary, and that only makes Cole love them more. Why does Cole think this is worth saving?

(Is Cole right?)

It nearly ruins Solas to leave Cole in that prison. The entire Lighthouse wouldn't have enough space to paint this regret. But he was once Wisdom, and Cole was merely Compassion, and Compassion is not a spirit built for these wicked choices. Better for Pride to carry the burden, because Solas has so many scars on his soul that one more won't make a difference.

Compassion would never have been able to escape that prison. But a human being? A human being knows how to change.

Solas is relieved, dismayed, astonished to see what the spirit has become. To know that change is the very reason Cole bested him.

(Was Varric right? Lavellan? Felassan? Mythal? Is this all for nothing?)

All those mistakes speak together in the end. Cole opens his mouth, and Varric speaks through him. Mythal beside them, Lavellan with forgiveness already on her tongue. Solas is free. This world can be more than his mistakes. There is space for flowers in between the bones. He cannot undo his wrongs, but he can soften them.

And it begins with, "I'm sorry."

Cole smiles. Of course he does. There was never any doubt that he would redeem Solas in the end. He touches the copper chain around his neck, and one of Bianca's broken arrows in his pocket.

"I know," he says, and there is an echo to it.

Cole is glad Solas turned toward redemption. He is glad Solas believed Varric after all this time. He knows what happened was an accident.

But Varric is gone. The dwarves are tranquil. The number of deaths it took to turn Solas' pride is higher than Cole could count. Compared to the Blight, Cole's friendship should seem like hardly any price at all. But losing this is perhaps the sharpest wound.

Cole understands him, in the way of Compassion spirits. But Cole is no longer Compassion. Cole is no longer Solas' friend. As they part ways, as the Fade-tear closes and Solas looks over his shoulder, they both know: Cole understands. But he will never forgive.

[white-kestrel]

Anabelle Hawke & Varric Tethras

"And when we kissed one another for the first time I could swear I heard our souls whisper ever so quietly, 'Welcome home'." - Beau Taplin

[white-kestrel]

A Letter to Varric from the Inquisitor

Varric,  You are gone, and I am compelled to put my grief in ink, to seek some type of connection with you. Just when I thought there was no more sorrow to wring from my bones, I find there are oceans of it, waiting beneath the surface. And I fear if I give myself to it, I will drown.  I am sorry, Varric.  Cassandra, Dorian - they’ve done what friends do best and tell me not to blame myself – that there was nothing I could have done. But...how can I not?  How many nights have we spoken of this very thing? The weight of our choices. The things we must live with. I still remember what you said to me about getting stuck in the losses, about moving away from the guilt of our choices so that we don’t lose ourselves to them.  But I am lost right now Varric. I only put one foot in front of the other because I refuse to let that ocean pull me under.   And I know what you would say to me now - you would tell me not to carry your death as another barb among all the others buried in my skin. But...allow me this moment of selfish despair before I wear the brave face again, the one that reassures everyone else that I can still hold the line:   You wouldn’t have been looking for him if it weren’t for me. You wouldn’t have been there at that ritual if it weren’t for me. You wouldn’t have sacrificed all these years if it weren’t for the belief that Solas could choose another way, and maybe even be saved from himself. A belief that I held as well.   And yes, Varric, I know what you would say to that too - all these years, it was your choice as well.  And I love you for that. I love you for sharing that belief with me, and for being one of the few to do so. But now you have paid for that belief.  I don’t know where this road will lead me. I don’t know if I will have the chance to face Solas, but I hope I do. I hope I have the courage to walk the path you walked, to make sure your sacrifice was not in vain. To see with my own eyes if the man we saw in Solas is still in there somewhere.    The only thing I know is that whatever happens, whether we find a way to stop him or whether he strikes me down as well - this story will finally have its ending - and I hope it’s an ending worthy of one of your stories.   I will miss you, my dearest friend.  At the bottom of the page, there are additional words in different handwriting:  The Stone remembers. It holds him. Warm and strong, carved with care, but never broken. He’s still there, a note in the song, humming low and steady, even when you can’t hear it. 

One of my frustrations with Veilguard has been the inability for the Inquisitor to express grief over Varric’s death specifically (a constant companion in my Inquisition playthroughs). I can overlook many things as my imagination has been cooking for ten years - but this is the one thing I can't quite let go.

For my Inquisitor, for the closure the game never gave, I’ve addressed it through this letter to Varric. While my world state is Solas x Lavellan x Atonement, I wrote this to be Inquisitor neutral while still reflecting the thoughts of my Inky.

I want to thank @lotsofthinkythoughts. Without our recent chats I don't know that I would have finally finished this piece.