#Declan the Hallewell

[yearningaces]

Declan x reader Defender of Chickens

Disclaimer: Declan is my own OC, he is a Hallewell. He's a fucked up lil guy but we love him

TW: animal death mentioned, decapitation, murder(Not really graphic)

Declan is not a good man.

He isn't a 'man' either, he muses. If he is not a good man though, then he is a creature.

Less than that, he is a Hallewell. He is what good men hope to avoid, and what evil men are stalked by in the darkness before their impending end.

He isn't a good Hallewell either though, he supposes he isn't a 'good' anything. He just is.

However…

As the Hallewell remains knelt on the earth of your doorway, gazing into the night sky above, he supposes he doesn't have to be good. He can simply be yours, instead.

The stars are gone tonight, concealed by clouds in the dark expanse of a night sky far above. The world below lies concealed, offering him the only cover he would ever appreciate. Darkness. Pure and unwavering darkness.

The lights of your home have extinguished at this hour, which is for the best.

Declan remembered when he arrived at your doorstep earlier that evening, finding you to be concealing prior shed tears, he was gentle in his embracing of yourself. His burly form was soft, and tender as he guided you to your bed. Declan was gentle as he tucked you in, shifting the blankets with care, ensuring you were as comfortable as you could be as he sat beside you. 'Who causes you grief? What blood must be shed?' He'd asked, his voice always as it ever is when speaking to you, a low soothing rumble.

The Hallewell's hand twitched on the hilt of his dark sword that was resting in his hands as he remembered how warm your cheek had been in his palm.

'It was nothing of concern', you had told him in such a trembling tone. 'I'm simply being sensitive, worry nothing of this', you had said, and oh how that alone lit a fire in his chest, howling out from the bars of his rib-cage at the thought of anyone telling you that your discomfort, your emotions were to be brushed off. As if unimportant.

At the time though, he only smiled softly, biting back his desire to bare his fangs towards anything and everyone who had ever so much as looked upon your form, as if they were worthy of such a sight as his heart. While stroking your cheek with his thumb, Declan spoke far softer than his lungs demanded. 'I cannot help if you do not say, my heart.'

'It was only the fence for my chickens… I woke this morning to find it was torn, and one of the hens was missing. It was no doubt a predator of some sort, searching for an easy meal…' Declan remembered your expression as you spoke of your small flock. His eyes drifted to the coop and the hen house from where he resided before your doorstep. Those chickens gave you enough eggs for yourself and to sell. You cared for them, so now here he sat upon the earth before your home. Watching over your chickens. Your flock, and by extension his.

His mind drifted once more as your trembling voice remained in his mind, seared into his head as if branded by iron and fire. 'The Fisherman's son came to my stall at the market today, he looked happy as he asked of my chickens, Declan we've never spoken before… I didn't know what he meant but it made me wonder something terribly paranoid.'

Declan considered your uneasy words and tone. You were such a wonderful creature, truly. His lovely human, his own beating heart. He was proud he'd kept face when he was seated before you, not once did his voice rise above a low murmur given your state. 'Alright, my heart, I hear your words. I understand your flock is important to you, and it is important to me,' The Hallewell gazed out to the patched portion of the fence, then to the dark treeline beyond. His attention grasped while the memory of your conversation rings in his head.

'I will watch over your flock tonight,'

Declan stands, silent as the grave he is ready to dig as the rustling of the underbrush grows louder

'But, Declan, it's the middle of winter and there is no guarantee anything would even occur-'

The Fisherman's son -Rory- not that his name matters much to a Hallewell, creeps out from the underbrush.

'It will be alright, my dove. I'll merely remain to watch over your flock.'

Declan stalks towards the boy, no more than his twenties, hands already tearing at the patched fencing, unaware of what is coming in the darkness.

'I will merely be rid of any predator that comes scratching at their coop.'

Rory freezes as his hands grasp the fencing. Feeling his mind screaming in the panic of a trapped animal under the blade.

'I would sooner throw myself into the bottom of the nearest well than let anything happen to your flock that you tend to so diligently.'

The blade swings down before a sound can rise from the now bleeding lungs of the Fisherman's son.

'Your flock is vital to you, is it not? Do your chickens not provide you with eggs, and feathers, and meat, and fertilizers? They are yours and by extension, they are mine to guard.'

Declan tears his sword out of the hot-blooded corpse.

'Allow me to be your guard dog, wont you?'

He strikes again, one swing of the dark metal, and the head is severed.

'Let me do this for you, just for tonight.'

Declan's expression is nothing short of sadistic glee as his smile widens, fangs sharp and eyes alight with the glow of malice and delight. The Fisherman's son, the red-haired hot-blooded fool of a jester at best. He'd often be on the receiving end of Declan's ire due to his subtle disregard for you, your work, your livestock that was often your main resource at the markets you enjoyed setting up a stall at. He'd done this for what? Petty pride? A way to lessen the competition of his own fathers stall? No matter, the answer never was of importance to the Hallewell. Better still, the issue was resolved.

With a quiet 'cluck' of the familiar-sounding hens that approached the commotion, Declan knelt by the fence and looked over at the chickens. "Ladies," He greeted in the way that so often seemed to amuse you. His eyes roamed the animals. Your flock. Something you had deemed important and now such notion was engraved into Declan's very bones as well. These creatures were to be shielded as readily as he did so for you. He knew the notion was one you'd laughed off, but he also knew how attached you were to these feathered things, after all, you cared for him, the wretched feathered thing he was, why not a chicken as well? While he would never understand, he knew you cared greatly for your animals, and as such he would ensure they would remain protected if only so you had no reason to mourn their early passing.

"Your predator is gone, now keep quiet tonight, our solace must be allowed uninterrupted rest." Declan looked down to the still-warm corpse, and reaching down to the severed throat of the Fisherman's son, he tore a strip of flesh, holding it to the fence as one of the hens was close enough to peck at the sliver of meat, grasping on and pulling it into the coop as the small flock gathered for the midnight snack. "Well done, ladies," Declan observed the hens before standing to properly dispose of the body, only so you'd never worry.

When the deed was done, and Declan's stomach sat full, did he finally re-enter your home. His dark sword was placed by the door, freshly cleaned and polished, his heavy boots left behind as he stalked through the dark home with familiarity.

Your room was silent and warm. Blessedly, you laid with peace it appeared to the Hallewell as he stood by your door.

Ever so slowly, Declan approached your bed, feeling as though he was approaching something far more vital than himself. His heart, laid upon blankets and cushions of your own throne as you slept. Declan felt his malice and hatred melting away from the inside of his rib-cage. Your very presence seemed to soothe some inner part of him that he had never previously known to be anything but loathing and ferocity, yet… Seeing your peace, your comfort despite knowing he was so close. You rested, despite knowing of the blood-stained and wretched thing that loomed and lurked within the walls of your own home, laid out within your own nest, content and safe.

Declan felt something in him wrench at the very idea alone, and seeing you, knowing these things… It only drew him closer.

The Hallewell orbited your presence as a devout worshiper would their solace. The brute of a creature, stained with the evil of the world, tainted with the deeds he had relished in, and never once regretted. Yet despite his very nature, you allowed him to be within your temple of gentle touch, and soft words, feeding his yearnings and his howling pleas for something kinder.

He almost didn't know what to do with himself as he edged closer, towards the side of your pristine resting place. Declan slowly, silently lowered himself to his knees before your bed. His hands resting upon the soft blankets, his forehead placed atop his hands. Declan felt his mouth moving without any noise of his silent words rising, in fear of disturbing your slumber. "My heart, my solace, my everything. You will not again have another tarnish the lands you have so diligently tended to. Never will another place their wretched form upon your home, in harm of your own nor yourself. The jester foolish enough to attempt so will never stain your lands, though his blood will feed them. I swear to you, and should another be shameless enough to try, their head will be placed atop a pike and left before the beds of flowers as a message to any other who might wish to do the same. Rest gently, dear dove, I will see to it, I will see to it all."

Declan will remain right where he is, he will not move as if a statue made of stone fit for nothing more than to be a visage of a human guised beast at worship before its personal devinity, and he will hardly breathe as he listens with bated breath for each beat of his own heart that lies within your own chest, whereas his lies only with visions of you.

Rest well.

[yearningaces]

I feel this needs to be said so

Ofius and Declan, the Giant and the Hallewell both have heavy undertones of worshipful types of love, so let me explain their differences in the most metaphorical way, take your own meanings

Ofius is the lost one who was brought into the light. A keeper of his humans temple. He found this place when he had nothing. The light from inside beckoned him into a fulfilling life there. He keeps the temple clean, repaired, and cared for. He is the gentle worshiper

Declan is the bloodied sinner who carved an altar from stone with claws and fangs. His and the blood of others stains his hands and stone. He would carve out his organs as offerings but will never allow another close enough to see this place. He is the selfish reverence

[yearningaces]

Ok but the Hallewell!?!

Declan?!?!

He's so unhealthily attached I love some toxicity in fiction tbh

So his storyline is like medieval times, right? What if his heart ended up being a prince or princess or upper Nobility that couldn't usually marry commoners, you know?

What messed up method would he figure to be with his heart?? 👀

Ha

Haha

You think social rank stops him?

Tw: mass murder not detailed, death, parental death(as a possibility) blood not detailed

Hallewell are beast of nightmare, Declan is one who preys on humans with a greed of power. There's going to be ample targets within nobility for him to hunt down one by one.

When he realizes his Heart is the Queen's child, grown and of the age of courtships, he'll try to be proper... At first. Only because he wants his heart(who I'm calling you from this point cause that's the whole thing) to genuinely love him. He'll approach you the first chance he gets to see you alone. Either sneaking into a ball and finding you alone out in the gardens, trying to charm you among the flowers that tend to wilt just slightly when he breezes by... Or, what's more likely, is he'll just appear.

Probably when you're alone in the castle.

Walking down a dimly candle lit hall, most likely during a heavy storm so none can hear the sounds of his approach, and you'll hear footsteps behind you, approaching faster, the heavy fall of boots against polished stone flooring, you turn swiftly to see who has followed you and-

Nothing. A strike of lightning illuminated the dark hall through the windows, and truly there was nothing behind you.

So you turn to continue walking and almost bowl over a massive figure that's knelt before you on the ground.

A stranger, cloaked in black fabrics and leather armor, gloved hands held just under your own, softly opened, waiting to hold yours. Dark scruffy hair and stubble but the brightest gaze you've ever seen on anyone in your kingdom. Deep brown eyes that almost seem black in the dark hallway. You'd stumble back if you could, but at the motion, one large hand reaches forward, wrapping so so delicately around your lower leg, and his voice is a low rumble, an accent you cannot name-

"Step lightly, my heart. I'd hate to see you fall upon such harsh stone workings."

The hulking form before you speaks with a reference as he bows lower, carefully lifting your leg at the ankle, observing the detailed leather boot that had come unlaced somehow. He lowers himself further to dutifully tie the laces before just as gingerly placing your booted foot back on the ground with an enamored grin up to you, so very ecstatic to simply bask in your presence.

You can absolutely run away if you're uncomfortable. Declan would be hurt, but he'd follow, submissive the way a massive guard dog is. Loyal with a bite.

You could try for conversation and find this intimidating presence would crave nothing more than to sit at your feet while you rest in only the softest chair. Maybe you could even pet his head? He'd never argue if you don't want to though.

Point is, it's a fate bound meeting and I'm sorry regardless of your reaction you're forevermore stuck with this Hallewell. You can control your relationship, tell him how you view him and he'll lean into it 100% with no disappointment I mean all you have to do is look at him and he's so happy he could cry.

So take that

And then, if you care for your family, if you want things done properly, he'll try and ask for your hand or at least to court you, he'll ask the current king or queen since you're theirs.

"Your heir to the throne, I wish to court them, I wish to marry them, may I?"

If they agree? Wonderful! He'll stay his hand despite his instincts trembling with unadulterated rage at the amount of power hungry souls he ought reap in this castle. He'll redirect his attention towards fawning over and adoring you.

If they don't? Even better.

He wants a fight.

Declan is made for nothing but violence and loving you. And he is brand new to loving, but pain and hurt and violence is as familiar as breathing. He'll offer you a leash of his own making. Clip it to him and keep it tight lest he run rampant, unless you want that?

If he's refused your hand, especially if you actually do want him as well but he's barred due to social class and rank?

Declan is a creature made to kill, his prey is humans who's greed for power has grown past the point of correction. Do you know how many in nobility can fall so easily into that rank? So, he can do what he does best. He can kill.

He'll start with lower nobility, the easy pickings. Once that level has been swept clean in his eyes, he returns to the king and queen and ask again.

"Your heir to the throne, I wish to court them, I wish to marry them, may I?"

No.

He returns to mid level nobility, the killings are more brutal, more bloody, taking more time.

He returns to the king and queen to ask for your hand again.

"Your heir to the throne, I wish to court them, I wish to marry them, may I?"

This is his third time asking, and as everything comes in threes this is the last time he'll ask.

If it's no? The high level nobility is next. Tell him anyone you want spared because if you say nothing, none are spared. If they fall into his path of being too corrupt, too power hungry, too evil for redemption, which in a castle among royalty is rampant. When he feels he's made his point, he approaches the only two he's intentionally spared without you telling him to.

Declan doesn't come to the royal court, doesn't come with tidings of peace.

He comes with barely contained malice and hate

He appears in the king and queens bedchambers, fresh blood covering his form draped in darkness and what was once lifeblood. His eyes alight with the adrenaline of a life taken, his own life's purpose reinvigorated many times over. Declan stands at the foot of the queen and kings bed, watching them sleep. In his hand, a sword that's too dark to be steel, but too dark to be true steel.

For a moment he debates slaying both so none can come between you two... But to stay in your graces he waits. Instead, Declan draws his heavy boot back and kicks the bedframe, easily kicking off the corner leg, making the bed drop heavily, Jolting the sleeping pair awake. Once he has their attention, he asks again.

"Your heir to the throne, I wish to court them, I wish to marry them, may I?"

If he is told no a single more time, he will swiftly raise his sword that steams in the cold air as if pulled straight from the fires that forged it, and he will cut the head off of the one to refuse him. Amidst the fresh scent of blood and screaming of a freshly made widower, he will no longer ask, he will only inform.

"Your heir to the throne, I will court them. I will marry them. When they say the time is right, we will be together."

With this, he tips his head down, and leaves.

Let any try to stand between you at that point, he'll only slay any who attempt to do so

And if you hate him for it, that's fine! Hit him, strike him, hurt him, he'll accept it with a smile because it's you! He'll simply continue to follow you, hoping one day you'll allow him closer, he'll never force such a thing but would relish in the chance to be closer if only you allow it

[yearningaces]

dear Declan,

I wish to give you flower crowns, so you can rule by my side in our personal paradise of our own self made dreams.

Sinceramente, your heart. <3

:)

Declan stares at the letter, folded with care, seals with a wax stamp he gingerly removed to save as a token from you.

He reads the words again and again. Analyzing your desires and planning how he can offer them all to you. Your wants are surprisingly simple for a creature willing to tear down mountains and tame seas for you.

But crowns of flowers are sweeter. Perhaps an isolated castle hidden away where he can offer you a place for such a dream.

With a silent acceptance, Declan folds the letter with care, leaves it on his pillow in his bed, and turns to leave.

As he passes through the small home he'd taken residence in, he grabs his dark sword off the wall, sheathing it to his hip, and began the long trek.

There's a kingdom he knows. A small place hidden in a valley surrounded by mountains. The water is clear as rain, the land is fertile with good soil for crops. And the castle is lavish and not well guarded.

You want to reign over a kingdom in such gentle ways, he'll pave the bloody path for you to walk with ease right there.

Just give him three days

[yearningaces]

THAT MAKES TWO LETS GO!

Tw: vauge mentions of death, murder, abortion, semi-emotional neglect(none of these things towards the reader of course)

I've been calling them the Hallewell.

They're a timeless species with very few still living and long lifespans, not thousands of years but a heafty hundreds they can live up to

Hallewell have humanoid forms either during the day or when they choose to retain them, but it's easier to do so when the sun is out or when they're emotionally calm

When they don't appear humanoid though it's a creature of nightmares, each different from the last depending on when and where they're born but the kicker is this

The moment a Hallewell is born, it will take the traits that terrifies one individual closest to them with a 'foul heart'.

Hallewell are born as a sort of boogyman for adults. Those who have been warped and twisted by either greed or envy or lust or hatred. Kids have low level boogymen to scare them, the Hallewell is a creature of nightmare that will hunt those similar to the foul hearted human it first is imprinted on.

If the Hallewell is born nearest to a human with corporate greed that's taken over their heart, knowingly sending workers into dangerous conditions with hardly any pay so that human can profit? The Hallewell will first hunt and kill that human when they're old enough. From then on they will chase down similar hearted humans, those who have fallen to greed. It will be their entire life's mission they will never stop until killed(which is near impossible, think Dullahan levels of difficult to kill) or they pass away peacefully of old age.

And for a fun fact, a Hallewell cannot make another Hallewell. They just happen in a way that no one understands because they're so rare and really undocumented. They might care for their birth families but easily outlive them and move along

NOW, they do have one weakness, and it's their 'heart'. Their moral compass and reason for being more than a hunting dead hearted being.

This person is one individual chosen by fate, in a sort of soulmate way, that the Hallewell would drop its life's duty for. This one individual can never be harmed without their Hallewell loosing it's grip on any semblance of kindness and goin mad to either stop that harm, by blatant torture and murder, or to avenge them.

If it comes to avenging their 'heart' they will go mad. That's their heart, their guiding force on how to be humane and ethical and good beyond their life purpose of hunting foul hearted humans. A Hallewell's heart being killed will lead to the most horrific event of a fully transformed Hallewell tearing apart anything and everything in sight. Only when they reach their hearts body will they stop, carry them away somewhere isolated, lay with that corpse and not move until they eventually die as well. Only moving at this point to lash out and kill anything that has risked getting to close.

If they have no body to protect until death, they won't stop their rampage until killed. Either by another Hallewell who is the only true force that could stop another of its kind at this point, or by some natural miracle.

Before meeting their 'heart', a Hallewell does good by killing off humans that make others suffer, yes. But they're horrible individuals. Not outright malicious for no reason, and often having a soft spot for creatures of innocence, willing to lend a hand in passing. But that's about it. If you're not a Hallewell's heart, they couldn't care less what happens to you. They will be harsh and cold and rude and damn well cutthroat

The only exception and hardly by anything is their own children.

If a Hallewell has children outside of their heart (which could only happen by accident and only before meeting their heart cause they are loyal to the last breath mind you)

They'll care for the parent financially and physically but will have an emotional detachment. If the parent raises the kid, great. Go along have a nice life I'll send a heafty sum of money on the dot each month that should support both of you but never reach out if you don't have to. (Not a good thing, but as I said-)

If the parent refuses to raise a kid, fine. They will but again they'll be emotionally detached. In some ways they would care by keeping the kid safe and secure, but wouldn't form a bond with them. They'd defend them if they felt it necessary but it wouldn't be out of love, moreso just duty.

If it's a female Hallewell that gets pregnant there's almost no other option than an abortion. She won't go through with a child unless the father pleads for the child and swears to leave her in peace afterwards (will still offer financial support they're not deadbeats just so heavily detached from everyone that isn't their fated 'heart')

That's where my specific character comes in

Consider this medieval times, distant little town of Newhaven

Declan is a Hallewell who preys on humans across the lands who focus on greed of power, towns who's Lord overexerts his power over people to make himself feel good, husbands or wives who abuse their family to feel stronger, those sort. Power hungry. He's a few hundred years old, an older Hallewell, has some unspoken history he keeps tabs on but for the most part travels alone. Settling town by town in humanoid form and traveling by night in the form of a beastly creature as tall as the trees and walking on all four clawed paws.

Consider a griffin but instead of an eagle head and a body split between bird and lion it's a true blend.

Feline features yet instead of fur there's soft under feathers and a more coarse layer of dark brown feathers covering them. Heavy wings with a slightly lighter color under them as well as under his stomach and chest. His head looks more akin to a soft beaked hawk, but wider, more broad, covered entirely in those fur like feathers (trico from the last guardian sort of face, but more filled out and completely covered in feathers) elongated ears, sharp large fangs, horns that tip backwards slightly and a lion looking tail but instead of hair at the end it's feathers more dense and long like on his wings. He's a big fuckin monster that does great at appearing human.

Cause in his human form he's a big burly scruffy looking dude with dark brown hair that's slightly greying at the temple and some stubble on his face that could grow into a full beard if he'd stop trimming it. He's just a big fucking dude that looks like a powerhouse (not bodybuilder but heavyweight lifter sort of build. More fat covering that muscle.)but actually is a big fucking monster hidden in that form

And as these stories go, of course, you are his 'heart'

So you decide how he acts, you're his moral compass. If you don't care about something, he won't care. If you want someone dead and gone it's already done, if you want someone kept safe give him a moment to realize he has to aid someone OTHER than you but he will with gusto. He makes up for his hatred of everything else by absolute devotion to his heart

Would 100% kneel at your feet no matter your stature in the middle of town without giving a shit cause in his eyes you're all that matters, anyone else be damned and if they don't mind their business he'll simply be rid of them

So have fun with that

[yearningaces]

What would Declan do if his heart starts calling him my heart?

Too good not to answer I apologize this is a braindead but canon response

He'll freeze whatever he's doing.

Walking? No he aint

Cooking? Not anymore

About to bash someone's skull in? He knows no one but you

At first you think he's about to hit his knees in devotion like usual. The surprise is that he doesn't. He's in your space within a few long strides, your hand in his and he's pressing your hand to his chest where there's...

Nothing.

Not a pulse beat, nor a breath inhaled. It's just heat. Solid silent heat.

You're running through the stages of grief over realizing he doesn't have a heart beating in his chest but he's completely calm, amused, enamored and so so adoring.

Declan lowers himself slightly, pressing his forehead to yours and moving your intertwined hands to settle over your own steady heartbeat.

And he speaks

"You are my heart in every form of the words. You are my love, you are my purpose, my morality, my care, my happiness, my adoration. I am nothing at your feet, nothing but a rabid beast begging for a scrap of attention from the heart concealed within your beautiful skin." He's so steady in his words, so point of fact and unashamed to be little more than a living weapon that's placed itself into your palm to be used however you see fit.

He isn't done though, taking advantage of the closeness to slowly kneel in front of you, large heavy hands grasping gently onto both of your upper thighs, feeling the beloved squish under his palms and his intentionally gentle grasp. His gaze is up at you directly before his head bows, intentionally kneeling and lowering and bowing and deferring to you as an apostle to its life's purpose. His words are so ironclad as he speaks. "My heart has always been the one in your chest, this is why you are the decider of my every moment, your will be done by my own hands. I am no heart, my beloved. But I will be yours, I have been since your heart beat it's first time, I will be long after this world is rid of us both. I will be your weapon, I will be your love, I will be your loyal dog.... So long as you allow me"

[yearningaces]

Oh hi Yearning! Didn't think I'd hear of you so soon, I hope my previous ask didn't sound like a demand, it certainly wasn't my intention! 🫣 (truly, I'm simply just so grateful for your creations ❤️)

But if you've really drawn inspiration from my little vent, I'd love to hear how Big Scary (to everyone else) Declan might take care of his heart.

There's absolutely no pressure and thank you so much for offering, makes me feel all mushy 😊😊

MY BOOOOYYYYYY

Things are far too silent.

Declan stands before your seated form, your wrist in one of his hands, his gloves tossed aside, sleeves rolled up as he diligently wipes the wet cloth over your skin with silent care.

The sound of water droplets falling from the cloth into the pale of fresh water is the loudest sound in the room each time he re-dips the cloth before wiping along your skin once more.

"..." You're silent, watching the human form of the Hallewell you've come to know so well, watching his surprising silence as his darkened eyes swirl with visions of the soft flesh within his grasp as well as the conditions your dear hands have been laden with. "Say something." You finally murmur, watching the rise and fall of his shoulders as he lets out a deep needless breath.

"You are a steadfast, incredible creature to work with the strain of your position." His tone is low, rumbled with so many unspoken words hardly bit back like molten lava on his tongue only just swallowed down.

"And yet, the words sound as if your tongue burns while you speak them."

"Quite so." His response comes quieter, softer as he lifts your hand up in his own, freshly cleaned skin bare to him as he presses his lips to your inner wrist in reverence. His eyes close as he breathes in the touch, the pulse under his kiss. "Yet, you are proud of your accomplishments because they are your own. I am elated that my heart is one so capable, so steady in such a position as yours. A backbone others very well might crumble without, myself especially."

"You would not-" Your own words are for the first time cut off by Declan as he responds with a greater intensity to his words.

"My dove, the moment you cease to exist this world will be scourged by the fires of desolation amidst my own doing as nothing good may exist without your presence to delight in it."

You stare for a moment, watching as he returns to cleaning the last of your skin. "Don't do that."

"Hm?"

"Don't ruin anything good because I'm gone. Just enjoy it for me."

Declan watches you silently, a fiery haze in his eyes, something near predatory before the usual softness overtakes him when looking at you. He offers a nod, standing with your hands in his. "Upon my grave, I swear to enjoy every sunset and rise for you." And with his hand gingerly grasping onto yours, he guides you from the washroom and to your bed. You more than earned a good nights rest after all.

[yearningaces]

Mr. Hallewell, can i please hug you? and maybe groom your hair? if you are in your beast form, way better! Let me see those fangs and claws of yours, so pretty... can i polish them? sharp them? i would like to have the honor to look them up close in their prime. A magestic griffin indeed, not some kind of copy and paste in a cheap photoshop program of an eagle and a lion (wait declan settles on medieval times right? damn i hope the joke reaches over there). I want to cuddle with a griffin, use the wings as blankets and yer chest a harm pillow, sure iknow its lacking the usual bpm but i can share it with ya

aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa i luv declan muahmuahchuchuhugsandkisses

"THE HORNS I FORGOT THE HORNS, should give them some apreciation too

sorry but declan beast form is truly something coming from my wildest dreams, recording the anatomy, the biology, every detail and corner of his existence makes me wonder how such creatures go on without being at least documented at leat once!

(i must recall that if this rant sounds at least creepy please let me know but its just obsession with anatomy on mythical creatures....)"

I feel I can safely assume this was the same nonnie and listen, I live for the ramblings in my inbox

Declan will quite literally, roll over like a pup for you, so please please please give him attention. He would tear down mountains, he would rip stars from the sky, all for you to look at him with a moment of praise so please never hold anything back for worry of being too much he would just exist at a point of joy he'd never imagined possible before while melting around you as best as he could.

Yes he's in medieval times! I don't want to have the limitations of modern day stuff with my world building here, also because I like the idea of a Hallewell being a kingdoms dragon instead of an actual dragon it's amusing to me

And the answer for documentations is this! If he's not hunting someone they won't see him, not truly

There will be reports of larger and larger beasts that move closer to who he's hunting, and it becomes part of the Hallewell's legend. Listen for nature's approach through different footsteps sort of ordeal. If someone truly looked to see him in his shifted form. They wouldn't see him unless he wants them to. They might see a man, or a pack of wolves, or a bear, or maybe MAYBE a dragon. That's not to say Hallewell's aren't documented. But usually it's someone being hunted screaming about what they're seeing before they go missing(dying but yk) and humans pieces those together to form a general idea

Maybe someone sees one when they're not a target, but again that's rare and it would have to be the Hallewell's choice. Usually it's a warning. "Be better or next you see me you'll be the one bloodying my maw"

Back to Declan though, you're his heart. You want him to go beast mode? Of course! He holds the same sentience and logic regardless of form but he can't really speak without a human mouth. He'll growl, and purr, and roar, and make all sorts of sounds, and he'll understand you entirely, but he'll never be able to say words like that because the mouth isn't human so no human words

So yeah, do those things. Watch this horrifying creature melt like a kitten. If you fall asleep on him? He won't move, he will remain as still as stone and if any get close enough he'll bite them in two if they risk waking you

[yearningaces]

Ok but what if I want to cuddle the beast form of the Hallewell? Would Declan let me?

This is a creature that would slaughter thousands at your command, would worship the ground you walk upon with such heavy pious adoration, he'd kneel at your side like a dog begging for a scrap of your attention and would welcome your attention in any form with beloved reverence

Yes you can cuddle him in beast form, he'd die happy knowing you trusted him enough to be so close and would melt into the earth under him

[yearningaces]

Ok ok but wait

A Hallewell as a giant with a tiny fatebound partner

(I want Declan as a giant)

You will literally never escape a giant Declan.

You'd still have the same power over him... Mostly

You're never touching the ground again though, sorry.

Hallewell's obsesse over their heart, and Declan will obsess over your safety, so no. No ground time, where do you want him to take you? He'll carry you, he'll cradle you so lovingly in his marred and callous hands that have only known pain and blood and death yet with a gentleness unknown to the Hallewell.

He might sneak(not really) a kiss while carrying you around.

Would religiously kneel in silence whenever you fall asleep, refusing to risk waking you

[yearningaces]

I want Declan so bad.

I want the power fantasy of the terrifying beyond belief monster who's in the middle of town, throwing someone into the mud on a rainy night, stalking forward with death in his eyes

And freezes when he hears his lil person calling out "Declan?"

Then to turn with the most biggest most pathetic wet cat eyes and saying some "Darling, they were rude about you..." and just have every shitstain stare like 0.0 bc you just singlehandedly stopped a literal nightmare from a massacre cause ain't nobody gonna fuck with you then!

"Beloved heart of mine, they spoke your Devine name with a wretched tongue, of course I mist tear out the offending muscle!"

"... May I tear out their wicked tongues?"🥺

[yearningaces]

Hi! (It got too long, sorry)

So um.. i had some time to think while I was trageling, and I didnt wanted my thoughts to get lost in the void so I wrote some things in my notes about Declan (its not entirely about him, mostly about just Hallewells). So if its okay then I would share it.

The first one is actually just a situation, or well.. so um, I temporarily forgot that he is in the medival times and I had a daydream about him in the modern age.

The thing is that I really love how devoted he is, but I also like how cold he is towards everyone else. And you said that he isnt a entirely a good person so I wanted to play with that thought, how he was acting before he met his heart. (I.. um... its about a car crash so um.. dont read it if it makes you uncomfortable, there is no blood or anything but someone does dies and someone got injured, sorry)

Its colorful because I just realized I can do that in my notes lel (and I was hyped from my own thoughts, how silly)

Next one is like.. um.. mostly an ask. Shortly its about what would be his first reaction when he first sees his heart.

The next one is about um.. shortly, when you cannot communicate what you feel or want, what would he do then?

I am really sorry if any of this is uncomfortable or hurtful for you and you do not need to answer and also sorry for how I wrote in my notes because I was in a hurry... and on a bus so if you see any mistakes in my english then please ignore it. And also ignore this ask if you dont want to answer. (Im just hyperfixating right now here.) Thank you if you answer!

Please NEVER apologize because this is all liquid word gold and nothing could have made me happier to read because you got him! You got him nailed down!! Let's run through this one by one!

Second scenario!

First of all the car crash is 100% in character for a Hallewell. He's done his job, he's moving on without a second glance. Maybe MAYBE if that Hallewell knew his heart already and the woman who was injured looked like his heart? He might toss the man's phone to her. That's really it, they are such an emotionally detached being, not good, but they're doing general good by hunting and murdering the bad in their own way (also please please I'm rotating the powerhouse of this scenario iny mind the next few days of a modern time Declan just... Appearing in the road like that on a dark stormy night to do his job. I need to figure out the best weapon he'd use if not in beast form.) because that's exactly it! To most folks unless the Hallewell has actually shifted, they only see an intimidating human. For the prey of the Hallewell, they see or at least in the back of their mind they feel just how inhumanly wrong this creature is. These aren't good creatures, their job is to hunt and kill foul hearted individuals but that doesn't really make a Hallewell GOOD you know? Very duty bound and almost nothing else is in their heads

It's something I didn't touch heavily on, but whatever decides when a Hallewell is born (be it the deity that drives them like Crom dubh to a Dullahan) or the fate that creates a Hallewell because remember they can't be born from another Hallewell, whatever decides that they're meant to be is what decides who they're fated to. One individual through their entire lifespan, and that's it.

If I could say one good thing about a Hallewell it's that they are viciously devout to their heart. That is their only person, all of the lacking emotions and care is poured into that one person that's why it's so extreme. It's not strictly romantic though, it could be a platonic bond where the Hallewell feels a driving need to be your closest companion. A familial one where in their eyes their heart is their only family, but more commonly a romantic one where they want to be the best partner you could hope for so you'll never want to leave them behind. Because that's it for them, they could never find another person to care for.

Though the way they find their heart is a little... Fitting for how scary they can be.

The reason their heart is called that is because that's how a Hallewell finds them. They hear your heartbeat. They follow it until they find you.

Have you ever been hunted down?

Even if you know you're completely safe, it's terrifying especially if you don't know that and if the Hallewell in question is too excited to consider that fact so it will be a heart attack but once said Hallewell catches up, like I said with Declan, he'll be on his knees as soon as he sees you, holding onto your hand as if in disbelief over your existence because he's spent centuries committed to his duty alone, he's a rarity among Hallewell of being older and only now finding his heart, but now he has, and he would do anything to convince to keep him around. It doesn't matter if his heart is the strongest burliest man around, or the tiniest, he will act with the same adoring worshipful actions. He'd try to go off of your reactions, because at any point a terrifying stranger pledging his lifelong fealty is unnerving at best. He'd offer his home, protection, always good food on the table- he'll cook for you if you'd like, books, gems, fine fabrics, entertainment, himself, anything and everything he has if you will only permit him your presence and should you decide anything more he would be most blessed but would never expect as such.

He's an intense dude... All Hallewell are really.

As for the third thing!

This is hell! A Hallewell unable to aid his heart, Declan would be close to tearing his ribs open to offer you his racing heart if it helps! It's a scenario where he can get very very overbearing but he wants so badly to help and is close to just finding the nearest person he knows you've expressed lacking fondness over to devour them.

Now this is a very dependent scenario, but if you were crying, breaking down good and proper, first and foremost he'd isolate the both of you. No crowds, no guest fuck off everyone he will grip a bitch and toss them halfway across town if he feels they're making the situation worse regardless of who it is. Once alone he'll try to hold you, be it both of you on the ground he wouldn't care, if you let him he'll hold you close and not say a word until you do even if it means staying there for hours until he's stuff and sore he wouldn't care.

If he can't hold you? Okay he won't try again but he's gonna pace around on high alert instinctually patrolling the area you're in to ensure nothing can come near you so you can have the space to breathe properly.

Eventually he'll gain enough sense to bring you water and something light to eat because crying is dehydrating and exhausting. If you let him he'd carry you to bed, tuck you in all nice and cozy and try to help you rest.

The issue comes in now, if you go to sleep and don't tell him what happened once he's positive you're sleeping he'll lock the house up so you're safely protected from any nosey folks, and he will hunt everyone he knows you've been connected to. Not to kill but it's not off the table. He needs to know who did what to upset you so much and he doesn't care if that means fighting everyone in your town. He'll drag folks out of alehouse and toss them into a ditch to interrogate, he's not above beating someone to near death if they know something and if they're the cause I'm sorry they're no doubt going to die

If you tell him to stay before falling asleep, or find a way to explain, he'll just stay beside you as motionless as stone, watching you breathe. Counting the moments, waiting, watching. When you wake if you can tell him what you want he'll do anything.

If you can't tell him what you want just try to tell him to stay close so he doesn't go on a rampage trying to figure it out himself

[yearningaces]

Any fun facts about the Hallewell?

They can purr

[yearningaces]

Its me again, I have some free time. Hi!

(You give so much information, I was thinking about how to word my questions until now.)

So... you said that... Okay, lets take an example, Declan hunts people who are greedy, power hungry. And you said that um, if I got it right, that the same thing, which fated him how he will look like and what kind of people he will hunt, also will decide who will be his heart.

Does that mean that, maybe, his heart is the fully opposite of the people he hunts?

Next one isnt actually a question (yet lol), but more likely a uh.. thing I realized.

So, he hunts people, bad people, thats his life goal, until he finds his heart. Then from that point his first goal is to be with his heart. Just, there, next to them, right?

(Omg, I only wanted to say two things but another jumped into my mind.) What if his heart doesnt need anything from him? Like, his heart has everything already, and like, literally needs nothing more. No life goals to reach, no one to actually live for, just like.. living. Dont get me wrong they do not reject him, but like... Just what happens? Will Declan just hang around their home? It would be so funny, like a stray cat.

And the other thing I wanted was.... uh.. oh yes! So, I tought that he is like... doesnt make decisions for himslef, just does whatever his heart says. But when his heart is unable to tell him what to do, you said that he will try to act on his own. So like he isnt entirely dependend on his heart. Do I got that right?

(I am just very curious, I hope you dont mind. I just really love the highly devoted, protective and affectionate people in the inside, and very cold and even threatening to the outside. I worded this weird, but I hope you get it. :P)

You got it! Before I said it, yes! A Hallewell's heart is the opposite of who they hunt. That's why they're so perfect in the Hallewell's eyes because if they're born with a need to hunt and kill someone who's say a greedy bastard to the point of no redemption. They'd see their heart, someone who's generous as the model example and perfect, and if you have a lapse in generosity how wonderful that you're making certain to care for yourself! You can do no wrong in your Hallewell's eyes, and yes that can be a slippery slope :D

Also yes, a Hallewell's entire life is dedicated to hunting the evil of humanity until they find their heart, then that life dedication is redirected with the same intensity which is... So much.

If Declan's heart doesn't need anything he's just. He's there. Standing outside the windows looking in during a storm. Just staring like a wet cat begging to be left into the warmth of your home and your embrace. You can need nothing, he'll still find something though even if that just means ensuring nothing touches the life You've built for yourself and offering company however you allow. He's a stray cat, he'll even purr for you if you'd like

And yes! He can make decisions on his own but they're not good ones. If his heart isn't able to guide him, he reverts to his instincts which are very brutal in nature. Animalistic in a way. Protect his heart, keep them safe and fed and warm and should anyone come near, tear them to bloodied piles of viscera. That's the extent of his thinking when in that state.

(I never mind at all! I just can't promise it won't take me a while to get to the answers but it's never a bother I promise!!)

[yearningaces]

I want the most fucked up Hallewell, I want Declan to be an actual bastard that hates the world I love his toxic ass

Because you also said for how much he hates everything else he loves his heart! That he would happily be beat by his heart just for their touch and I am foaming at the mouth

Is it pretty bad?

Yes!

Is it fictional?

Yes!!

So glad we haven't forgot the formula here folks

Declan is sweet and obedient and submissive to you

Anyone else can die, he wouldn't care, he might even prefer it. Living in a desolated world where he's his heart's only company, knowing they're dependant and need him? Heaven. Heaven in a world of ash and ruin (of his own making? 🤔)

But yeah, if someone was on fire next to him and he had a waterskin he'd drink his water and walk away. Not his problem. Declan isn't nice or good. He's a step above evil because he is the nightmare that hunts down the evil. That doesn't make him good though.

He's cold, and cruel, and cutthroat with anyone that isn't his heart. Or anyone his heart hasn't told him to be nice to, but even that only goes so far.

He is not a good person

He's just a worshipful creature at the altar of his own heart

[yearningaces]

d-did he took literally? the thing about ruling together?

i mean, im not complaining! a castle sounds nice!

go on my beloved hallewell, i will be waiting for you! wishing you a succesfull hunt! <3<3<3

100% he took it literally

You have to be so careful what you say around Declan. A one off comment about wishing someone would disappear and you hear news that they're missing and they're never found again.

You say you just wish someone would 'teach them a lesson!' And they're thrown out of their own house, pummeled with an inch of their life while Declan states everything you said they've done wrong

Say that you'd kill for something and he is actually offended because he'll kill someone for you, don't stain your lovely hands with the blood he's waiting to spill for you. And whatever you'd kill for would be offered to you on a bloody silver platter