#can Halsin please get a last name

[cowboygenes]

Old doodle I won’t finish but here are the boys in modern clothes

[whaledenwtf]

Halsin x Dryad!Reader - The Summer Solstice

IM BACK BITCHES!!! Instead of doing my presentation for university I'm typing this. You're welcome.

Cross-posted on AO3 here: Link All other links will be at the end of the fic!! ENJOY

Warnings: afab!reader and Male Smut, Breeding Kink, Creampie, Oral (Female and Male Receiving), BEACH SEX YEAH, Size Difference, Oh Yeah Did I Mention MATING PRESS

Once again, my efforts to keep him as true to character have been made. :)

WORD COUNT: 3630

Link to some Summer Solstice Rituals I reference here: LINK

You couldn't help but be impressed. It was the summer solstice, and the Arch Druid of the Emerald Grove handling the rituals of the day was excelling. Excelling enough to gain the attentions of Silvanus himself. You were watching his back from behind an oak tree, admiring the musculature. He was tall, strong. You liked that. Your mind flitted between the mortal and what had happened earlier in the day. The Oak Father presented himself to you in your mind earlier today, expressing his excitement of one of his followers.

"His name is Halsin. He has excelled in many of the rituals and in assisting nature. He has even reached Arch Druid status." He had said offhandedly. You were always a curious Dryad, and knew you had to investigate. You knew Silvanus was meddling but you haven't been around mortals in decades. You wanted to join the festivities after all; the summer solstice was your favourite holiday! The flowers are already in full bloom, the summer air is sweet with the smell of hydrangeas and peonies. You knew many of your companions were celebrating on their own, with nature and chosen company. You decide to get a little closer to the celebrations, walking out from behind the oak tree you were hiding behind. Many of the druids turned to look at you and gasped. Many of them dropped their lutes and violins, the sounds of nature becoming louder in the sudden silence. Many of them came to you, with offerings of honeyed mead and flower crowns. You crouch down to a small elf child holding a marigold and lavender crown.

"Little one, may I wear your crown?" They look at their parents for guidance before nodding and placing the crown above your head. It blooms further once it is placed upon you, and the smell of lavender wafts around the air. You pluck one of the lavender buds from your crown and put it behind the child's ear, smiling.

"Now we match." The child giggles in wonder, before running to hide behind her mother's leg, watching you in glee. You rise to stand, only to notice the Arch Druid had turned around to watch you. You are stunned by his beauty. His face is angular, with a tattoo on the right side and a gruesome bear scar on the left. He was perfect, in your eyes. You smile at the crowd you attracted, before walking past them to reach Halsin. When you get close, you smell him and are enamored further. Pine, musk and cedar. You can understand why Silvanus had sung his praises; he was the embodiment of nature.

"We haven't had a dryad join in our festivities yet. May Silvanus preserve you." You bow dramatically, the vines and leaves that make up your clothing sway beautifully behind you.

"An honour it is to meet you, Arch Druid Halsin. Your reputation precedes you." He chuckles, his voice deep and booming.

"I hope you heard all good things I hope." He smirks down at you, hazel eyes glistening in the twilight. The last beams of sunlight shine on the both of you. You glow with a radiance, like water reflecting sunlight, and he is attracted to you. Your beauty, your essence, is all captivating.

"Silvanus has only sung your praises, Halsin. I had hoped to see you in person and was graced by your ceremony. Wonderfully done." He blushes, the tips of his ears burning crimson. He seems at shock from your words; Silvanus has praised him? He feels truly blessed. You turn to look at the onlookers, who were still gazing at your beauty.

"Please, continue your celebrations. The Oak Father wishes you all enjoy yourselves in the time of festivities. Enjoy nature as he intended." You words were clear, and not a moment later, did everyone begin celebrating again. You turn back to Halsin, who is watching you in wonder. You blush lightly under his gaze, before sidestepping to look at the altar of light.

"Beautiful spread. I see you added citrine and pyrite; as well as some local blooms." That seems to snap him out of his spell and he nods.

"The celebration of the solstice is one I take very seriously." You turn to look at him over your shoulder.

"May I?" He waves over the altar, allowing you to do your magic. Your eyes begin to glow green, and sunflowers begin to bloom in your hand. You lay them aesthetically on the altar, smiling.

"Thank you." He tells you earnestly. You giggle at his enthusiasm, smiling as you turn back to him.

"Of course-" You look at the horizon, noticing the the sun had set. "Well, I believe it is time for the bonfire and feast! Oh, I haven't been to solstice festivities in years." You tell him excitedly.

"Join us." He tells you. You smile widely at him, and his heart flutters in his chest.

"I'd love to. I'll dance- oh and sing! I'm so excited!" You are buzzing in place. He finds it adorable. His hand goes to the small of your back ushering you forward.

"Go on! Enjoy yourself." His hand feels warm on your skin, and you blush.

"What about you?" He waves you off.

"I tend to look over the festivities. Have to make sure we do not lose any cubs." You bite your lip, thinking. You had an idea.

"What if I ask you to celebrate with me? Would you join then?" His gaze glances down at your lips before meeting your eyes.

"I can make an exception, for such a beautiful guest." You blush once again. He smirks as your skin darkens, and he can't help but wonder if that blush shows up on other parts of your body, hidden to his eyes.

"Then I will make sure to save a dance for you." You go on your tippy-toes, planting a soft kiss on his cheek, before running forward into the fray. His hand holds his face where you had kissed him, and he smiles. He can't wait.

You had spent the last hour dancing with the children of the Grove. You were showing them the dryad's dance, a sensual dance with a lot of swirling; your arms swaying. Like a willow tree you wave and sway, the wind following your movements. Your eyes catch Halsin watching at you, a heat in his gaze. At the end of the dance, you end with a flourish, arms spread up towards the moon. Flowers and flower petals fall over the children, who squeal and giggle excitedly. They come to hug you and you pet many of them, sprouting daisies and marigolds to give to each child. Once they receive their gifts, they run around the grove, chasing each other and playing. The music changes to a very familiar tune. The musicians begin playing "Down by the River", and you begin to sing. Your voice, ethereal and otherworldly echoes in nature. You begin to dance, voice still echoing. Like a siren, Halsin felt the pull of your voice, and began to edge closer to you subconsciously. Once he gets close enough, you grab his wrist, tugging him into a dance. You begin to circle one another, one of your hands palm to palm with one another. You continue to sing, your gazes locked. He is entranced by you.

"Down, down, down by the river." You end the song, twirling around Halsin. You both bow at one another, as everyone applauds you both.

"Thank you for the dance." He tells you huskily. You squirm under his gaze.

"I was hoping for more than one dance." You tell him quietly. He feels particularly emboldened by your response, and puts his hand around your waist.

"What were you thinking of?" He asks you quietly. Your hands lay on his chest.

"Perhaps we can celebrate the solstice together... privately." He hums, his arms pulling you closer to him. You feel his strength through your close bodies, and admire him further, hands caressing his chest, mapping his body.

"What of my duties?" He asks you. He doesn't seem to want to decline. You look around, noticing everyone having fun and participating in ritualistic dances.

"Meet me near the shoreline after the last song has ended and nature's music is loud again. I will wait for you." Your lips graze his gently. You taste like freshwater and thyme. His lips become numb, and his mind is emptied of all rational thought. His eyes glow amber as he watches you walk to the shore, hips swaying. A low growl leaves his chest, and he almost transforms into a bear. He can't help but curse his need to diligently do his duties. This night will feel eternal.

When the last notes of music have died down, and all that is left of the large bonfire is embers, he seeks your company. The night is dark, lit by glowing mushrooms and occasional group of fireflies. His path is dark, but he has never felt such peace. He walks the path to the shoreline, where your voice carries as you sing; the sound of crashing waves accompanying your music. His heart beats loudly in his ears, the tips of them twitching in his excitement. In all his years of existence, he has never lain with a dryad. It seems surprising, for many of his years he had taken an extensive amount of lovers, all of which were of many different races and ages. His bare feet finally hit the sand, and he sinks slightly in his continued path to you. He sees your ears twitch before you turn around, smiling.

"I was beginning to get concerned." You tell him softly. Your voice was gentle, and the emotions that burst forward from his heart urged him to speed in his walk to you, almost sprinting.

"You needn't be concerned of me." You rise to greet him, hands stretch out. He gets close enough to grasp them, and pulls you forward. You land on his chest, and are forced to look up at him. The stars are reflecting beautifully in your eyes. They are focused on his own gaze, and he has never felt more grateful for all of the actions, faults and obstacles in his life that had brought him here; with you.

"Can I not be concerned for someone I care about?" He blushes at the remark, and you notice the druid's skin darken. His hands let go of your own to grasp the sides of your face.

"You care?" You bite your lip, watching his amorous gaze.

"When Silvanus spoke of you, I must admit it was not the first time I've heard of the admirable and fearless Arch Druid Halsin. Your bravery and attunement to nature always attracted me to the idea of you. Now that I stand before you, my heart beats in tune with yours; the idea of any other being is far away in my mind. You take the forefront of many of my thoughts, and have been for the entirety of the day." His hands pull your face forward, his lips smashing against yours. This kiss was unlike the other; passion, excitement and need were felt in this kiss. You moan against him, and his tongue takes advantage of your lowered defenses. Your tongues move against each other languidly, caressing one another. You pull away from him, only to push him down so he is laying in the sand. You sit atop his lap, and begin kissing him again.

He decided that if lightning had struck him in this moment, he'd die the happiest man alive. Such words and attentions he had never heard, especially from the lips of someone he's come to admire so much. The world around them dissipated, and all that was left was them and time indefinite- your words and touches, your two souls joining in nature's basest form of love. His hands caress the sides of your body, his touch igniting heat wherever they touch, a heat blossoming in the very core of your being.

When air becomes a necessity for you both, you separate. You begin to pull his ceremonial tunic upwards, before laying it gently next to you both, taking care in the important garb. His pants are next, and his undergarments fall with them. You kneel between his legs and admire him. It seems Silvanus had taken great care in his looks, and his personality. If you hadn't known better, you'd believe him a god; crafted from your mind's eye. In a moment, he lifts himself up to remove your dryadic clothing, mostly leaves and vines, so he could gaze upon you. Once both naked, your touches become lighter, hovering over him ever so slightly. His skin breaks out in goosebumps, the hairs rising slightly.

"Your beauty is one I never thought I could ever gaze upon." You tell him sweetly. His eyes leave your face for a moment to gaze at the rest of you.

"Sitting here, with you, shows me that some of nature's greatest beauties are ones I hadn't had the chance to gaze upon yet. No words can even begin to describe how I see you in this moment; your beauty cannot be fully grasped with something as limiting as words." You crawl further up into the crevice of his thighs, your belly rubbing against his hardened member. Your noses are touching now, and you are exchanging each other's air.

"I need you." You whimper, and one of his hands grasp the back of your neck, under the thickness of your hair to pull you into a savouring kiss. His other hand goes to tread the path of your body; from grasping and playing with the pebbled peaks of your breasts, to caressing your bountiful curves to the apex of your thighs. You moan into his mouth as his thick fingers tickle the outline of your cunt, feeling the wetness that has gathered there. He moans when he realizes truly how wet you had become. His fingers then dip in between the seam of your cunt, to gather some of your nectar before separating from your lips to taste you.

His eyes flash golden at the taste of you on his tongue. Your wanton moan turns into a shriek as he pulls you up until your cunt is levelled with his mouth.

"I'm going to savour you now. Devour you, until you cannot stand, and your voice is strained. May I taste you, sweet one?" You respond to him by laying your full weight on his face. He wastes no time in savouring your scent, and... devouring you. His tongue explores your depths, as his nose bumps into your clit. You grind on him, juices flowing down his chin. He grabs your plush thighs, grinding you harder into him. He pulls away for a moment to release his grab on one of your thighs before plunging two of his thick fingers into you and sucking on your pearl. You will not last with his attentions. He is feasting on you, your moans and pants urging him further.

"That's right, my little lavender. Finish on my tongue and fingers. Cum for me." The authoritative tone his voice took shook you to your core, and you finish on his fingers and talented tongue. With a moan, your juices leak out of you. He begins to lick your mess, moaning at the taste of your essence. His grip on your thighs have waned enough for you to scramble away, legs shaking. You land with a thump on the ground between his thighs, grasping his cock in your hand. You stroke him once, then twice, before rubbing the pad of your thumb on his head and spreading his precum around. You pull away to taste him, and moan. He growls at your debauchery.

"I'm going to taste you, Halsin. Need to taste you." You huff out as if out of breathe, before taking him in your hand again. Your lips descend on him, tasting him. Your tongue was heavenly on him, and he grasped your hair in his hands, bucking into you. You moan around him, taking him to the back of your throat. He grunts at your attentions, grasp tightening. You pull away for a moment, taking deep breathes before looking him in the eye and taking him further into your mouth. You reach the patch of hair at his base, the tip of his cock hitting the furthest parts of your throat.

"O-oh. Fuck-" Hearing him lose his sense of self, and the fact he uttered an expletive made you feverish, and you began to deepthroat him, ushering him to thrust into your mouth. He takes advantage of your wants, thrusting into you. Your hands move upwards, fondling his heavy sack. Without warning he thrusts deep, finishing in your throat. You swallow as much as you could, the taste of him tart but delicious; you want more. You continue to suck and bob up and down his member, until he cums again, shaking and groaning loudly. You pull off of him, gathering the cum and spittle that leaked from your mouth and putting it back in your mouth, savouring him. He watches you with hunger. He sits up and growls, exciting you. His eyes glow amber, and without warning he transforms into a brown cave bear. You bite your lip at the transformation, aroused by his show of strength. He transforms back into his elvish form, stumbling.

"I-I'm so sorry, I transform when my baser... urges become too much." You shake your head, before sitting down and spreading your legs. Your hand spreads your cunt open, and he watches how your thighs and lips glisten with arousal.

"Breed me, my bear." His eyes flash golden again, but he refrains from transforming again. His arms grasp your thighs and pull them to your shoulders. You're bent in half, and the tip of his still very hard cock is poking at your entrance.

"Please Halsin. Take me. Make me yours." You tell him, urging him to thrust into you. He grunts and thrusts into you with one stroke, burying himself to the hilt. Your back arches off the sand, breasts pressed against his chest. Your lips meet again, teeth clashing at the force of your kisses. His thrusts are rough, and he continues to hit that sweet spot. You keen in his mouth, and he chuckles breathlessly. He continues his pace, hitting that spot effortlessly each time. His hips grind against your clit with each thrust, and your body is overstimulated quickly. You know you will not last long, his passion and accuracy in driving you wild bringing you closer to your precipice.

His lips leave yours, before latching onto your neck and biting you. You caterwaul at the action, gripping his triceps tightly. Your nails are digging into the skin, but he does not care. He is selfish in this moment, wishing you would stay like this with him forever, until the world has disintegrated around them. He removes his teeth from your neck, before his lips latch onto your nipple and suckle from them. Its too much, and you arch your back painfully as you finish. Your constricting walls bring him to completion, your cunt milking his cock. You whimper as you feel his heavy load inside you, leaking around his cock. He thrusts again, and both of you seize with sensitivity. He pulls out of you gently, before laying down next to you. His arm pulls you onto his chest, and you bask in his warmth.

"I'm sorry." He whispers to you. Your head snaps up to look at him. He looks upset, his brows furrowed.

"What's wrong, my bear?" He shakes his head.

"I'm selfish. I'm afraid for the sun's rise for that may take you away from me forever. I... I do not want to let you go, my love." Your eyes get misty, and your hug him fiercely.

"Why apologize? If I could I'd spend eternity in your embrace." His arms wrap around you, holding you to him tightly.

"But you cannot." He whispers. A tear leaves your eyes.

"I'm afraid not. But I can promise to come to you again. When the wind wafts the smell of lavender and marigolds in the air, that will be me calling to you." He closes his eyes and savours his last moments with you.

"Then let us enjoy what time we have left." You nod, wiping your tears from your eyes.

Until sunrise, he spends his time with you in silence, basking in your company. He has never felt such loss when the person has not left his embrace. This time with you has changed him, and he does not know how he can continue his devotion and duties after meeting you. When the dawn breaks, you're moving out of his arms, heartbroken.

"I will visit you as soon as I can." You promise him, getting dressed in your dryadic dress. He pulls his clothes onto his body, which has become cold without your touch.

"I will not forget this moment with you-" He pauses, frowning at his realization. "And… What is your name?" He asks you, cringing as he realizes his poor manners. You look over your shoulder, smiling gently as the sun hits your body.

"(Y/N). Hopefully fate allows us another moment together, my handsome bear." You disappear with a flourish, fully bloomed lavender and marigolds left where you were standing. Y/N… Your name is sweet on his tongue, sweeter than the taste of you. He can never forget a name as sweet as yours, a name that will probably stay branded on his brain until his last breathe.

THE END.

If you'd like to request anything, please do so! I'm getting back into writing and I'd love to write anything inspired by the people! Send requests here: LINK Baldur's Gate 3 Masterlist: LINK

[simping-overload]

ᴀ ᴛɪᴇꜰʟɪɴɢꜱ ᴛᴀɪʟ - ᴄʟᴏᴛʜꜱ ᴀɴᴅ ᴛᴀɪʟ (ᴀꜱᴛᴀʀɪᴏɴ)

a/n: a tieflings tail is a 10+ chapter series involving bg3 men and a variety of scenarios with tiefling tavs tail

tags: gn tav, tailor astarion, fluff, 531 words

synopsis: Astarion makes you a sleeve for your tail to keep it warm during the winter months.

『read on ao3』

ヾthis is a multi-fandom blog that is designed for mlm/nbmlm identifying readers! so if you're female or fem please do not follow or interact with my mlm related post!! you will be blocked if you do not heed this warning ゛

Over the course of your adventures with your ever-growing group, Astarion appointed himself as the tailor. Stitching together any holes and tears, he’d find in someone’s clothing.

According to him, he refuses to allow himself to be seen with people who look like disgusting hobos.

He’s mainly self-taught, but after Halsin joined the party, he’s learning from him as well. Halsin himself was taught by his mother and, along the way, picked up more unconventional tricks when he looked after the children of the Emerald Grove.

You are his test dummy to try his newly found tricks on. Though, not only because you’re his lover, but because you’re usually the one who ends up with the most tears and holes in your clothes.

Just as you were now, standing in Astarions’ tent as he patches up your clothing. Some are from old tears, and others are from completely new ones in different places.

Astarion, per usual, grumbles out his disappointments. “By the gods’ love, can you ever just not rip your clothes to shreds anytime you leave camp?”

You suppress your shrug, wanting to avoid getting jabbed with a needle again. “Sorry, Star, we both know that isn’t possible.”

Astarion scoffs, rolling his eyes as he completes the last stitch. Stepping back, he tugs on the fabric, making sure his stitches are secure, and hopefully won’t be teared for at least another few weeks.

It doesn’t seem he’s done as when he stepped away to rummage through his belongings. You stay in your spot, tail curling in curiosity. He turns back around with a long piece of cloth in his hand.

“What’s that?”

“I’m not sure what to name it but, it’s for your tail. Since winter is nearing, I wanted to make you something for your tail. Just to keep you warm.”

You don’t have the heart to tell him that you don’t need one. Since you're a Tiefling, your body heat was more than enough to keep you warm during the winter months.

“Thank you, Star.”

He hummed in response, pulling the long sleeve up your tail and fastens so it won’t fall off. He left a small hole in the end for the tip of your tail to poke out, since you’ve told him before you don’t like that part of your tail being surrounded by anything since it’s the most sensitive there.

You looked at yourself in the mirror. It didn’t look bad at all. The color compliments your skin tone. Twirling and moving your tail around, you get a feel for it. It’s quite comfortable against your skin and were you more susceptible to the cold, you’d for sure be able to keep warm with this.

You hop down from the stool, turning to Astarion. “I like this a lot, love and rest assured I will keep it intact.”

Astarion snorts, grabbing your hand and pulls you to him. “You better, or I’ll make sure you wake up bloodless the next morning, hm?” He teases.

You fake an offended gasp. “You wouldn’t dare.” Leaning down, you press your forehead against his.

“Oh, love, but I would.” He giggles and places a soft kiss on your lips.

[lemonsprite]

Hello can I ask for BG3 Halsin x reader?

Usually people depict the reader as ageless but I was wondering if you can do anything with a reader that's also up in their 300s? They could probably relate on many thing that come with a long lifespan and stuff

Thanks and have a nice day (I know this is like probably brainless time from me but the summer heat is getting me my brain left me)

Thank you guys for all the Halsin ideas I luv my bear husband TT

𝐎𝐥𝐝 𝐞𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 || 𝐇𝐚𝐥𝐬𝐢𝐧 𝐱 𝐆𝐍! 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫

Summary: Halsin can’t remember the last time he’s met someone like you

Word Count:

Warnings: NOT BETA READ!!! nothing!! Just pure silliness

A/N: I had SUCH bad writers block with this one so I apologize if it’s actual doodoo TT but I love writing the bg3 party dynamic sm ugh

Halsin was used to being a pile of dust when compared to all his friends and companions. Despite only being in the middle stages of his life for an elf, he’d lived much longer than those around him.

Part of that knowledge made his heart ache in a weird bittersweet mixture of emotions. Living as long as he did caused him to see the rise of fall of friends and lovers and there was nothing he could do about it. It seemed like a cycle he was doomed too, one that would unfold the same as always.

Halsin knew almost no elves the same absurdly old age as him.

“Karlach I don’t think the camp really needs another cantaloue… we haven’t even finished the other two Wyll bought three days ago…” chided Halsin, placing a hand on top of Karlach’s and slowly guiding the round fruit in her hands back into the market stall.

“Yeah but mate, what’s gonna happen when shadowheart gets her midnight cravings and eats both cantaloupes in one night?” Pouted Karlach, gripping tightly to the fruit. “What will I eat then…? If you think about it… this purchase is just a tactical strategy…”

Halsin gave her a look, one he was all too familiar with when dealing with those much younger and less wise than him.

Karlach sighed and dropped the cantaloupe, making her way to another stall that sold hand made yarn woven weapon sheaths. (Not the best in terms of practicality but very aesthetically pleasing)

“Do you have this in a size Large?” Asked a voice and before Halsin could catch himself, he found his gaze landing on the stranger beside him. Also an elf from what he could tell with their pointed ears.

“The smithy by the Rivington general store sells the same armour for a cheaper price.” Suggested Halsin, moving slightly closer to the new bystander.

“I could…” he coughed, clearing his throat. “Show you the way if you need?”

Halsin had no idea what he was doing. One second, the elf was scolding Karlach and the next he was flirting with a complete stranger. Something in your eyes, the way you held yourself made him want to know you better, hear you speak his name.

“That would be nice…” you smiled, politely putting the not purchased armour back on the market stand and turning to Halsin.

A large crash resounded behind Halsin and he whipped around to find Karlach standing above a pile of shattered porcelain. Like a large dog unaware of how big she was.

“Hey you gotta pay for that!” Angrily shouted the storekeeper as he looked incredulously from Karlach to the shattered pottery.

“That one yours?” You asked, nodding your head in the direction of the destructive tiefling.

Halsin nodded, watching as Karlach tearfully handed over the little money she had.

“I’ve got nine of them back at camp.” He said wistfully, thinking back to the ruckus and chaos of camp.

“I’ve been on my own for awhile now…” you hummed, walking with Halsin as he began to lead you to the nearby smithy, Karlach jogging to reach up with the two of you.

“I’m Halsin.” He smiled. “And this is my friend Karlach.”

“Oh I know you! I spent a century with the emerald enclave, they spoke very highly of you.” You grinned, stuffing your hands in the pockets of your tunic as you walked.

Karlach smiled brightly, nodding her head eagerly. “You should see when he wildshapes! The bear is quite cute.”

“You were apart of the emerald enclave?” Halsin asked, pleasantly bemused as the city surroundings grew less and less frequent and more bursting countryside surrounded him.

“Not apart.” You explained, giving Halsin a sheepish smile. “Just lived with them a good while, even during that big battle with Ketheric Thorm back in the day, helped as much as I could.”

“I can’t remember the last time I’d met an elf who can recall such a time.” Halsin smiled gently. “Say… would you like to join us for dinner at our camp?”

Karlach gave Halsin a knowing smirk.

“That sounds amazing.” You grinned. “I’d love too.”

Despite the scene of utter chaos unfolding around him, Halsin couldn’t bring himself to tear his eyes from your thoughtful gaze.

Shadowheart and Lae’zel were currently arm wrestling for dominance while Gale fought back Astarion, telling him dinner wasn’t quite ready yet.

Halsin had brought you to a quite hill nearby, overlooking all the drama as you two had a quite chat.

“Can’t remember the last time I had a dinner like this.” You quipped, causing the grass to rustle as you leaned back.

“Would you… want to stay…?” Halsin asked shyly, weirdly awkward for a man of his calibre. He hadn’t felt like this in a long time, his usual confident and wise facade slowly melting. You made him feel like a dumb kid again, and he couldn’t get enough of it.

“It would be nice to have someone older with a little more wisdom join the party… I don’t think me and Jaeheria can last another day…” he added with a soft laugh, joining you in the grass.

“Jaeheria’s here?” You asked, raising an eyebrow. “I haven’t seen her in two hundred years.”

“You should stay.” He urged. “I also… just really want to know you better.”

Halsin gently placed his hand on top of yours in the grass, giving you enough time to pull away if you need.

“Yeah… yeah I’d like that.” You smiled, running your thumb over his knuckles and lifting your face to meet his rich hazel gaze.

[theshotsheardacrossworlds]

Hibernation

Set post-game. Halsin starts to feel more tired every day and knows what it means---he will need to hibernate. NSFW.

“Daddy Halsin, are you alright?” One of the tiefling children asked him. He had been showing the children how to take care of the vegetable seeds they had planted in the greenhouse when a jolt of fatigue went through him. Third time this has happened today. Is it that time again? “Daddy Halsin?”

He offered a gentle smile to the child. “Yes, Eustace. I’m well, simply tired.”

One of the other children, a human girl named Poppy, thought for a moment before suggesting, “You should take a nap with Miss Annie, Daddy Halsin. You’re always so happy after being with her!”

He could not help but laugh and ruffled the child’s hair. “You’re very right, Poppy! Miss Annie does make me happy.” He looked at one of the druids, a dragonborn from Baldur’s Gate. “Can you continue their lesson, friend? After, let them wander the square and play to their hearts’ content.”

The druid gave a nod. “Of course. Now children…”

Thankfully Halsin was able to slip away without too much crying, and soon he opened the door to his and Anais’s cottage on the edge of what was Reithwin and now known as Moonrise. He and his beloved agreed to live away from the town center (so I may easily go into the woods whenever I please) but with a kitchen of her design (higher than usual counters and a large hearth) and additions of nature throughout. It was a beautiful home. Certainly not as grand as that manor she grew up in, but thankfully her tastes are much simpler than her mother’s. He smelled something sweet as he entered the cottage. Honey cakes?

“You’re back early!” Anais looked up from her book. She was sitting at the table, her apron covered in flour.

He smiled as he bent to kiss her. She is perfect. She fills my heart with such joy. “I was feeling tired.”

“Again?” Her voice was tinged with worry.

Pulling up his chair next to hers, he sighed. “Yes, but I think I know what it is.” She offered an encouraging nod, and he continued. “Every so often, the bear needs to hibernate. It’s getting to be that time.” He watched as she put a slip of paper inside her book and closed it.

“How long?”

“It can range from a week to three months. It’s never the same, and I won’t know for long I’ve been hibernating until I wake.” She’s going to ask if she can come with me. Oh Annie, please…

As she serious as he had ever seen her, she asked, “Can I come with you?”

He sandwiched one of her hands in his as he shook his head. “No. It’s far too dangerous. Best to stay here and—” Please don’t fight me on this. It’s too dangerous. Far, far too dangerous.

Anais smiled sadly. “Carry on as best I can.”

The two sat in silence for a few moments before he spoke again. “I will write to your mother, Nadia, and Astarion to see if any of them would like to be with you while I’m gone. Or perhaps Gale could make the trip from Waterdeep. Or Shadowheart and her parents?” I would also suggest Wyll and Karlach, but alas, they cannot return from Avernus, and gods know where Lae’zel is.

Her other hand now rested on the top of his. “Oh no, please. I don’t want to be a bother. Besides, I’m not alone when I have Scratch, Horace, and Obie here. And there’s also everyone in town. I’ll be okay.” She reassured him with a kiss on his cheek.

Their foreheads touched as he closed his eyes. I don’t want you to feel alone. I want you to be surrounded by love and care while I hibernate. It will make my sleep much more peaceful. “Since we have coupled, we have not spent one night apart. I worry if my hibernation lasts more than a week or two you will be lonely, my heart.” And it breaks my heart to see you sad.

She wrinkled her nose and gave him a quick peck. “Oh, I’ll be alright. Don’t worry about me.” Impossible, dearest one. “Is there anything else we need to do before you, I assume, go into a cave and sleep?”

Halsin chuckled heartily. “Yes! I’ll start scouting for one tomorrow. There is something else, Annie. I need to put on some weight.”

Anais raised an eyebrow. “How much?”

“Usually between forty to sixty pounds. Though,” he remembered a specific hibernation, soon after the Shadow Curse took hold. “There was one time I barely put on forty pounds, and it was…erm, not a pleasant experience. So please forgive me if I eat us out of house and home for the next several weeks.” Upon hearing her laugh, he shook his head. “You’re taking this remarkably well, my heart.”

She waved a dismissive hand with a grin. “To be honest, when you pass a certain point, some things are just filed under ‘strange but interesting druid things.’ This happens to be one of them.” Giving him a kiss on the cheek, she rose to check the items in the oven. “Ooh, these are all done.” Taking the honey cakes out of the oven, she placed the tray on the stovetop. “Nice and fresh, love, though if you’re going to grab one or two, just wait until they cool a bit.”

Chuckling, he rose and embraced her from behind, his large, calloused hands resting on her apron covered belly. “I was…thinking of something else, my love. As I make ready for hibernation, what if I leave you a piece of me?” We’ve spoken about this before, but why does my heart race so?

“A piece of you, hm? A lock of your hair perhaps?” She cannot be serious. “Or,” Praise Silvanus, she’s teasing. “Something else entirely?”

He huffed a breath as he tugged on her earlobe. “Does ‘something else entirely’ cover me filling you to the brim with my seed until it takes, blessing us with a child?”

A small gasp escaped her, her hands now covering his. Attempting to cover mine. Hers are smaller…and so very lovely. “What a coincidence it does! When shall we begin, Halsin love?”

He gave her a quick squeeze before releasing her and taking a honey cake. “Right after I have a few of these, my heart.”

They spent the rest of the day in bed---laughing, making love, and Halsin leaving the bed every so often for more honey cakes. How blessed am I to love a woman who is brave, brilliant, beautiful, and an excellent baker. Annie is truly one of a kind.

***

Halsin was in heaven.

Or what was as close as he would get to it.

In wildshape, he was on his back in a small clearing outside Moonrise, his belly full of fruit, milk, and honey as Anais scratched behind a soft ear. She had been reading a book her mother sent (“More bawdy romance, love” she said) after a morning filled with music lessons for the children. She has taken on the role of teacher so well. The way she lights up when they learn something new is one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen.

“I still have some more strawberries if you’re still hungry, my handsome bear.” she said sweetly. Annie always casts Speak to Animals or drinks a Potion of Animal Speaking before I go into wildshape. The sweetest and most thoughtful woman alive… “There’s still plenty of honey too.”

He huffed. “In a short while, my heart. Need things to settle first.”

She nodded, her nose wrinkling. “Alright, love.” Placing her bookmark where she left off, she closed the book and put it down. She then shifted so she was sitting closer to the bear’s middle. “Belly rub?”

Silvanus preserve me. “If…if that is something you wish to do, sweet one, then by all means.”

Anais slowly rubbed circles on his fur-covered belly, humming her favorite waltz. To Halsin, he had never seen a more beautiful sight. The way the sun is hitting her skin, it appears as if she’s glowing with radiance. Oak Father, thank you for sending her to me. Upon hearing him moan, she chuckled. “That good, huh?”

“You’ve no idea…feels so good, my heart…”

She puckered her lips a little and winked at him. Another way of giving each other kisses while I’m in wildshape. “Good. And don’t worry, my beautiful bear---I love doing things for you, big or small.” How true that is, especially anything with the children. She adores every child and acts as a mother to all. “Oh, and before I forget---the care package from Mum should be arriving tomorrow or the day after. I told her to put in lots of snacks with honey in them for you.”

Halsin groaned loudly as she continued her ministrations. “So thoughtful, lover. You’re so good…” As I hope I am to you. Perhaps I should show her how much I adore her. A golden glow surrounded him as he wildshaped back into an elf. “Come here to me…”

Smiling softly, she shifted to lay down next to him, curling into his more substantial side. Not that she minds. I could be a worm, and she would love me. Blessings be upon you, Oak Father. Thank you for her. “Always coming to you. For you. On you.” She snorted, beginning to laugh. “With you.” They laughed for a few minutes with Halsin tickling her upper arm.

He pressed several kisses to her red hair and murmured, “Come with me before you start supper. Come with me after. Come with me once more after dessert…and more…” Seeing the knowing grin tugging on her lips, he held onto her wide hips as she straddled him. And mindful of how full I am. I am blessed. “More…” She will know how much I desire her.

She rocked a little on the ever-growing bulge in his trousers and chuckled. “And you accuse me of being greedy? You’ve been wanting me more than usual, lover. I’m not complaining, mind you.” Her hands traveled down her sides and rested on top of his. “Is this how it usually is for you when preparing for hibernation?”

He furrowed his brow. “Hmm, the fire burns a little hotter some years but never like this.”

Anais thought for a moment. “Maybe because the burdens you once carried---the battle at Moonrise, the Shadow Curse, Thaniel, the responsibilities of the grove---are no longer present? You said yourself your heart feels lighter than it has in centuries.”

“Very true. It could be that. It could be something else entirely. However,” he squeezed her hips and stared at her with his most loving gaze. “I will choose to believe it is because of you.” After all, it is because of you that light shines here once more. Nature thrives here because of you. My heart is full of joy every day because of you.

Her cheeks flushed pink. Nature blessed her in so many beautiful ways. “You are quite possibly the sweetest man to ever exist,” she smiled brighter than a million suns. “And I adore you.” Untying the laces on his breeches (which are far too tight in more ways than one), she freed his aching member, earning her a groan. “Time to come with me, love.” Hiking up her dress a little, she slowly sank down his massive length and not being silent about it as is her way. Finally, be loud, my heart! “Decided against panties today…had a feeling we’d be…” Yes. Good. Very good, my love. “Gods, I’ve no idea how I get you inside me every time…you’re so bloody huge…”

“Ah, and yet, you take me so well!” He let her adjust to him for a few moments until he was fully hilted inside her. Oak Father take me. She is your most lovely creation. Thrusting slowly, Halsin bit back a moan as she rolled her soft hips. “Annie…my love…”

She clenched around him and squeezed her brown eyes shut. “W-what do you desire?”

“To stay like this…and…” He licked his lips. “The honey.”

With ease, Anais summoned a pair of mage hands that opened the jar of honey and brought it back to her and Halsin. “How should we do this?” She clenched around him and moaned softly. “Eat honey off my hand? Pour?”

“Pour…please, my heart…” He panted, his cock twitching inside her. Oak Father, fill me with your bounty, and let me fill her with my seed. “Please, I beg of you…”

Her cheeks turned redder as she smiled sweetly, tipping the jar towards his lips. “No need to beg, my handsome bear.” She cooed. “I can’t possibly tease the one who owns my heart, can I? Not when he’s been so incredibly good to me lately.” Her smile grew brighter as he swallowed the honey. How am I so blessed? It is the highest honor to hold your heart, dearest one. “That’s it, Halsin love. Jar’s almost empty, and then,” she winked. “Want to me to bounce on your cock for a bit?”

Gulping down the rest of the honey, his calloused hands squeezed her soft hips and thrusted upwards making her to moan. More. I must have more. My blood is on fire. All I want is her. All I need is her. Her. Annie. My heart. My everything.

His everything then tossed the empty jar aside as Halsin swallowed, rolling her hips slowly. “Fucking hells, you’re so bloody much, love…” She reached for his hands, grasping them in hers. “Gods…Halsin, fill me…please…”

“As if…I can ever…deny you…” He huffed, thrusting with as much frequency as he could. He could feel his own end coming quickly but hoped as always that she comes first. It is only right that my sweetest Annie experience pleasure before me. Giving one of her hands a squeeze, he let go. The hand dove under her dress to find the spot where they were joined and began to rub furiously. He reveled in her reaction---completely, openly, happily debauched. That I am the cause of her pleasure brings me so much joy…more so knowing that she feels the same for me. “And if this doesn’t take…I shall fill you again, my love.” So close. Oak Father, hear me---let me bring her bliss always. Let this be the seed that creates life.

“HALSIN!” Anais screamed as her orgasm ripped through her.

Moments later, he reached his own peak, hazel eyes glowing gold. Several grunts escaped him as he once again gripped both her hands. “Annie…” Halsin sighed, feeling not only impossibly full but entirely spent.

She rolled off him and onto her back, staring at the sky. “Yes?”

“Perhaps we may nap here a while before returning home?” He waited for her to respond before noticing she immediately fell asleep. Chuckling, he laid on his side and brushed a few strands of red hair out of her perfect face. “Rest now, sweet one, for there will be more later.”

***

Today is the day. Halsin heaved a sigh as his feet hit the bedroom floor. Today I will leave to hibernate. Today I leave Annie for who knows how long. Annie, my love… As tears began to form in his eyes, he remembered something she said the previous night that made his heart feel lighter.

“Think of it this way---you’re taking a lot of me with you.” Anais wrinkled her nose, giggled, and kissed his cheek. “About sixty pounds worth, I’d say. I’m keeping you snuggly warm until you wake and return to me.”

He was not ashamed to admit that he began to cry after hearing her say that and held her in his arms for some time, refusing to let her go. Not that she minds. She once said if she could spend eternity in my arms she would. The feeling is certainly mutual, my heart.

“I packed a few more herbs to make healing potions in your bag. And some freshly baked cinnamon rolls!” Anais said as she leaned in the doorway of their bedroom. While she was smiling, it did not reach her brown eyes. “I keep trying to think if there’s anything else you need—”

Halsin held up a hand. “You’ve done enough, my love. I am more than prepared for hibernation.” Standing, he grabbed the only pair of trousers that still fit and put them on. “All thanks to you of course.” He smiled warmly at her as he tied them. Loosely. They’ll be off as soon as I reach the cave. Then wildshape. Then sleep. And hopefully dream of her. “Your mother is still arriving tomorrow?”

“Yes. I think she might be staying longer than originally planned. Now that she knows the Ironworks can indeed function without her, she wants to see just how long it can function without her.” She giggled and walked to Halsin, giving him an adoring look over. “Gods, you’re gorgeous. Do you know that, love?”

He enveloped her in his arms and pressed a kiss to her head. “I am nothing when compared to your beauty. Nature truly outdid itself when it created you.”

She rested her head under his chin and grinned. “Flatterer.”

“It’s not flattery when it’s true, my heart.”

Normally she would banter with him further. Instead, she hummed softly and ran her hands over his back and sides. “I’m going to miss you.” She whispered after a few minutes.

Annie, please. I do not wish to cry. I want to leave you with a smile, not with any more tears. “As I will miss you, sweet one. Oak Father willing, I will return to you much sooner than we think.” He cupped her face and kissed her forehead gently. OH! “Remember that Eustace loves—”

“The lavender soap at bathtime. I know. They’ll be alright.”

He had said goodbye to the children the previous night, and while it was not easy for anyone (there were many tears shed and hugs given), he knew they were in the best hands. “Forgive me, I—”

She silenced him with a short kiss and a knowing smile. “We’ll be alright. Now,” she stepped back and sighed, hands on her hips. “Let’s get this show on the road.”

He laughed and hugged her one more time. “I love you, Annie.”

More than you will ever know.

[autistichalsin]

More thoughts on Halsin's bad ending

First, if you haven't already, please watch Merrinla's video of Halsin's goodbye in Act 2 if the player fails to break the Shadow Curse.

So, there's a few things about that video that keep getting to me the more I watch. One... listen to his voice. Watch his face. He is wrestling with himself not to tell the player that he'll go with them, especially in the first one where they beg him to come, and he has to tell them that "this place needs me". You can see his heart break in two as he says it, and you can see how he would give ANYTHING to go with the player instead. But he can't.

The other thing that gets to me is... Halsin is so deeply, devoutly religious for Silvanus. Any other time he invokes his name, Halsin puts his hand over his chest/shoulder instinctively; there is one point in his good ending, where he mentions to the player that he hopes Silvanus will allow him to see Thaniel and Oliver in person again, where he closes his eyes, holds his hand over his chest, and gives a silent, but obvious prayer. But here? Watch him. The movement doesn't look instinctive; quite the opposite, he moves haltingly, like he's not even entirely sure what he's doing. He is convincing himself to make his usual gesture.

One might even go as far as to suggest he feels betrayed by his deity in that moment. The deity he worshipped his entire life, whose favor he sought for over 100 years after the curse fell, spoke (as Halsin says- "the Oakfather has spoken. My place is here")- and in doing so, condemned Halsin to spend possibly the rest of his life in the cursed lands. Halsin gave everything, and Silvanus answered by condemning Halsin to life without the sun, along with the land he tried to save, until he somehow manages.

There is a line Halsin can speak, not shown in the video, if Art hasn't died and the player suggests staying; Halsin tells them if they stay, they'll jeopardize their mission. Then he adds, "This is my burden alone now until either the curse is lifted, or I breathe my last."

And then comes the letter Halsin sends at the epilogue party.

My friend, I was truly heartened to learn of your success in the fight against the Absolute- the whole of the Sword Coast and beyond owes you a debt that can never be repaid. I dearly wish I could have joined in your moment of celebration, but the Shadow Curse remains, and so my vigil must continue. Perhaps I shall yet discover a way to restore light to this place, but until then, the memories of my time traveling with you shall sustain me through all manner of hardships. If the Oak Father is kind, one day I shall feel the warmth of the sun and know the joys of your company once again. Yours until the end, Halsin

In the letter, even when offering a hopeful suggestion that Silvanus might allow him to feel the sun again... you can feel the hopelessness and resignation. Like he doesn't truly think Silvanus will allow him to leave, even if he still worships him and hopes he will.

It's heartbreaking to think about, really, since Halsin is one of THE most devoted Silvanus worshippers. On the other hand, it also makes his good ending, where the curse IS broken, all the more satisfying as a result.

[myers-meadow]

An orange and a knife (Halsin x Tav)

Title: An orange and a knife

Pairing: Halsin x (named) Tav

Summary: You share an orange together. Twice. Or: Your adoration of Halsin grows by the day, but acceptance of those feelings is a whole different beast entirely. One night, they burst to the surface, and you can hide them no longer. Maybe you won't have to.

Warnings: none, all ages; pining, yearning, complicated feelings, happy end. First person pov. An exploration of emotions and how I wouldn't be able to take living close to Halsin as I'd just implode from adoration.

Wordcount: 1459

Please reblog or comment if you enjoyed! Have fun reading! <3 Dividers by@saradika-graphics.

I sank down on the log by the fire, plate and knife in one hand, a big orange in the other. Gale had it left over from somewhere and I gladly took it off his hands. Most of the companions had already retired to their tents, to read, to meditate, to sort out food for the next morning and the journey ahead. Karlach and Halsin were left, wrapped in conversation and I sat my ass down next to Halsin, who immediately scooted over once he spotted me coming. 

"Ay girl, did you borrow that dagger from Astarion?" Karlach joked, pointing to the overly large knife in my hand. They all knew I wasn't a fighter, and I didn't tend to carry weapons, so her guess wasn't a bad one.

"No, actually," I said, going along with the joke. "Wyll lent it to me."

She and Halsin laughed. I laid the plate down on my lap, holding the orange as i sliced off the ends. Halsin leaned back, turning towards me, to allow me to join conversation. Before I came, they'd been discussing Karlach's new ability to touch people, and from the looks of things, they got along swimmingly. My heart swelled at Karlach's joy as Dammon installed the new part earlier that day. Absentmindedly, I cut the orange in thick slices, then cut them in the lenght to eat from the rind.

"You want some?" I held out the plate to them both, leaning against Halsin's arm to reach Karlach, fingers dripping with juice.

"Thanks, soldier!"

Halsin laughed, in that way he sometimes did, somewhat quietly, when he had a joke to himself, or was just too polite to say what was on his mind, but he took a piece anyway. I didn't comment on it, too busy with my first piece, having looked forward to the orange as dessert ever since Gale mentioned the fruit in the morning, hoping no one else got their hands on it before me, fingers sticky, teeth digging in the soft, stringy flesh, sweetness filling my mouth. Moments like these were what kept me sane throughout all this. I realised I was sucking away on my third slice, before coming to my senses and passing the plate along again.

"Have more, please." My cheeks grew hot, hoping I hadn't ruined the romantic tension between them. "Please don't mind me."

Halsin sucked off his fingers and I tried not to look at it for too long, afraid my hunger would show - just as these two were getting along so well. "We were talking about what Karlach wants to do now that she can touch others again."

"And all thanks to you!" she beamed, reaching over for another slice.

"Dammon is a treasure," I said and handed the last piece to Halsin, moving to stand again to clean the plate and knife. "It's getting late, I'll leave you two to it, goodnight, loves! Have fun!"

The next night, Halsin tended to my wounds before I could seek out Shadowheart. Gale was cooking something delicious-smelling back at the heart of camp, and most retreated to do their own thing before dinner. We sat at Halsin's tent at the edge of the light. It was a relief to be back around him, surrounded by his warmth, his smell, the herbs he dries in his tent, the small pots of salves and potions he keeps on hand.

"Let me come with you, tomorrow," he said, voice soft, the healing spell sizzling out, the last of the blue glow fading. "You've been taking hits like you're Karlach, but you're a spellcaster. You should stay back more, like Astarion."

"I try, I just always happen to be-" a gasp left my lips as Halsin rubbed the bruise on my leg with a warm hand, to see if he was done yet, "right there in the middle of it."

He slid my skirt up to see how bad it was, his fingertips leaving goosebumps in their wake, but not from cold. He dipped his fingers in one of his healing salves. "The cultists really don't like you much."

I covered his hand with mine. "I'd be glad to have you by my side tomorrow."

After a particularly rough day of adventuring later that week, my dear companions elected to have me stay at camp. Karlach was overjoyed to join Wyll, Shadowheart and Astarion anyway, so it was a win-win for many. Camp was rather quiet. The hours passed agonisingly slowly, especially as most companions seemed to have their own routines, and no need for company. Sometime before midday I found myself by Halsin's tent. He went out the day before to forage for herbs, and was hanging it all to dry, tying them into bundles with lenghts of string. Movements practiced, it was hypnotising to watch him. Large hands that still had such nimble fingers.

"Did you come here just to stare at me?" His voice startled me. From the way he eyed me, it felt like he was aware of my amorous intentions.

I hummed. "I've never spent the entire day at camp before."

"That doesn't answer my question." His tone was light.

"I'd like to stare, if you'll allow me," I said, eventually. He smiled. His hazel eyes glowed. 

"You're welcome to stay, as long as you have desire for my company."

So I stayed, enjoying the easy conversation, the sun on my face, and fell deeper and deeper in love with him.

No matter how much I tried resisting my feelings, every time I caught a glance of Halsin across camp, a terrible wave of adoration washed over me. The amount of times that Gale got upset when my attention slipped was more than I'd like to admit. With the adoration, came the jealousy. It was foreign to me before, but when Karlach would nestle close to Halsin, the pangs of it were heavy in my stomach.

One night, Halsin sank down next to me, orange and knife in hand, my heart leapt at the sight of him.

"Here, you like oranges, right?"

"You remembered."

"And I remember how terribly awkward you cut it. Here, let me show you an easier way." Halsin angled towards me so much that our knees were touching, and I could see only him, the rest of camp reduced to vague shapes in the dark, the fire behind him illuminating his hair, laying harsh shadows on his face. Beauty. He laughed softly in much the same way as back then, when we shared the orange for the first time. "It'd help if you'd actually pay attention to what I'm doing."

I hummed, but did as he said. Instead of cutting slices, he divided the whole orange into parts, to eat from the rind in a much more effective manner. The knife dripped with juice when he wasn't even halfway done. I ate as he cut, as he didn't bring a plate to put them on. With sweetened lips, I thanked him. "You're right, this makes a lot of sense. Thank you."

He smiled warmly and I almost had to avoid his eyes with the overwhelm of emotion. "Gladly. Frankly, I've never seen anyone cut fruit that clumsily."

I laughed. "Well, I just love to surprise people."

We shared the rest of the orange, in this comfortable bubble of this shared experience. As I was done with my pieces, and Halsin took his last bite before discarding the peel, the juice glistening in the firelight - in an impulse I reached up and pressed a kiss to the corner of his mouth. Immediately, regret drowned out all other thoughts.

"Fuck, Halsin, I'm sorry-"

Seeing my panicked expression, and not caring for how sticky his hands were, he cupped my cheek and kissed me fervently. The sweet citrus mixed with the tobacco he smoked earlier that evening, warm, heady, delicious. Tingles set me alight as though hit by a lightning arrow. In the distance, somewhere, Karlach cheered, and the others didn't remain silent either. It didn't really process - there was only the sensation of his lips against mine, lingering even after he pulled back. Halsin rested his forehead against mine. Somehow my fist was balled into his shirt, and I let go slowly, smoothing out the fabric.

"You've no idea how long I've wanted to do that," he breathed, his voice quiet and heavy with emotion.

"Since the moment-" I swallowed thickly, refusing to look at him still, "we met, amidst the goblin guts."

A laugh rumbled from his chest. He pulled me into him for the best hug of my life and happily I sank into him, heart fluttering lighter than ever before. "Then we have a lot to catch up on."

[merrinla]

Lift the Shadow Curse. Cut content. Part II

In continuation to previous post. This part is mostly about the cut lines.

Upon arrival in the Shadow Cursed Lands, Halsin's comments about this place were slightly different from what we hear in the game.

You'd think all the years passed by would dull the pain of seeing this place again. But no.

An endless sea of silence and shadow. Except for one island of hope. [Last Light Inn]

Any words I could muster would underestimate the horror of this place.

This land has been flooded with shadow right from Shar's own domain. It poisons what grows and corrupts those who linger.

The shadow curse grips the land tighter than ever. It must be stopped. It will be stopped.

He also told you the story about Ketheric and the shadow curse.

He was once warden of these lands, a knight sworn to Selune. But he lost his daughter, and his broken heart proved easily tempted.

Shar embraced him, and he turned Moonrise Towers into a citadel in her name.

The druids and harpers formed an alliance a hundred years ago to put an end to his madness. But we only made it worse.

He was our target, the reason we attacked Moonrise, and we vanquished him. His death blow should have been the end of it.

Instead, Shar answered his prayers, and he unleashed her darkness into this world.

I was there when the curse was unleashed. Many of us marched on Moonrise Towers. Few managed to get away, because of Ketheric Thorm.

When he mentioned Thaniel there was some sort of explanation why he couldn't join us in the search. He tried to find the boy's trace through meditation. Better than nothing. Because in the game he stands and literally does nothing.

He is the heart of this land, imprisoned in the depths of the Shadowfell when the curse was unleashed.

While he suffered there, nature could not heal, just as surely as a man cannot heal while there is poison in his heart.

He must be somewhere out there. I need to find some trace of what happened, so I can bring him home and end this.

Now I must meditate. Listen for Thaniel's presence and beg the Oakfather's strength for what lies next. If you find anything, come to me. Please.

By the way it seems Thaniel had a different name in the early version.

His name is Elwood, but he is not a child as you would normally understand.

Just like in early access, you could argue with Halsin, but these lines were cut out. At first he tried to convince you calmly that you have common goals.

Getting what you need at Moonrise and lifting the curse are two sides of the same coin. You'll need to know what you're facing.

But if you were to take action, should the opportunity present itself? Then perhaps we can both get what we desire.

Of course, but your efforts to rid yourself of the parasite will no doubt further my aim as well.

Keep your focus on the parasite if you must, but please, if you learn anything that might help restore Thaniel and lift the curse. Let me know.

But if you kept insisting that the shadow curse wasn't your problem, he started to get annoyed.

This is everyone's problem. The shadows will find you wherever you hide and no matter how fast you run.

The point is that it's taken a century for me to even begin to understand this curse. Dismiss its power at your own risk.

The point is that ridding yourself of the illithid parasite will be all the more difficult thanks to the curse. Heat the warning or suffer the consequences.

Keep telling yourself that, Sharran. Pretend that your eyes deceive you. But the curse will hamper your search for a cure no matter your beliefs. [if the player is Shar worshipper]

And the last thing. I'm not sure if this is related to Halsin's quest, but I'll mention it anyway. According to some flags, Halsin and Jaheira also had disagreements. There should have been a dialogue in the game where they were arguing in the camp when you ended the day, but other details are unknown.

[theaveragepsychoticbitch]

There's a poll at the end of this.

Bottom Halsin x Amab reader. NSFW. Rawdog, breeding kink, creampie, multiple orgasms, tummy bulge, mating press. Me being insatiable basically.

Fuck.

He's so tight. You feel like you're being suffocated. And so warm. You can feel his heat spreading across your skin from where you're conjoined, your mind slowing down as one goal remains above the steam.

Fuck him harder.

"Please, please, please, please-" chanting meets your ears. Halsin's voice is naught but a whine by this point. The beautiful man beneath you has a blush as deep as blood down to his navel, disappearing into the well groomed hair. Marks of your own making crisscross with battle scars all the way up his neck.

You look him in his eyes, watery things adorned with long, pretty lashes. You can't help but admire the way his hair frames his face as he arches, fucking himself on you while ripping the sheets as he grabs at them. "Oak Father, save me..."

You blink. Time is moving in slow-mo for you, every second lasting hours. You feel as though you can see everything, down to the twitch of his muscles beneath taut skin as white hot pleasure makes his eyes roll back and his hole tighten around you as his dick spits up ropes of white.

But the tears don't come back until his orgasm fades into overstimulation, and you haven't slowed down still, too drunk on the feel of his ass, too possessed by the thought of cumming deep inside him again and again and again.

"[Name], please!" His voice is in tatters, barely a rasp from how raw his throat was. Yet your name still sounded like heaven falling from his lips. When he says it like that, how can you not fall in love? And as in love as you are, how can you not try to breed him like a bitch?

"Please what, gorgeous?" Gods, do you hear yourself? Admiration is practically dripping off your tongue.

"S-shit- slower. Slower...." You're staring again. His words take longer to process the longer you watch the bulge of your cock in his stomach. His skin is sticky with dried cum, but fresh loads spill around your cock with each thrust and cover both of y'all's abdomen and thighs.

Slower? Oh, yeah. That's what he said.

And for once, you listen. He's taken you so well this whole time, you need to stop being greedy and fuck him how he really wants it.

You take him under his knees and press them to his shoulders, rising over him till you two are face to face. You smile before you plant kisses about his face. Your strokes are slow, but deep, and long, and hard. His moans were in turn deep, and long, and slutty. His praises for your switch of pace are like music to your ears, and you catch him in another kiss.

His tongue drags your upper lip into his mouth, and your hand leaves his leg to force his jaw open. You dive into his mouth, wet lips and directionless tongues meeting in a sloppy mess of a kiss. Sex is all rough hands and wet kisses, animalistic urges and fogged minds. You find him intoxicating, and he, you.

"Halsin."

"Yes,"

"Halsin, baby, fuck."

"Oh, [Name], yes."

This was it.

He arches, and you wish you could hold his back. His eyes close, tears streak across his cheeks and he tenses. As he begins to shake, your name leaves his lips one final time.

This was perfect.

You feel him twitching around you, and with one final pump you're cumming right along with him. He can feel you filling him up again, and he sighs at it. Your pace slows down, down, down... To a stop. You're fucking exhausted. The crazed, out of body state you'd been in has worn off, and you're left in your skin to suffer at the hands of over sensitivity.

You need to check on Halsin first though.

His eyes are just barely open, but they're trained on you. He's got a soft, familiar smile on his face. He tries to say something, but his eyes close and his lips falter around the words mid-sentence. However you have the sneaking suspicion it was something along the lines of, "I love you."

You get up slowly, feeling too much of everything. His legs fall to rest on your thighs, and you grab his hips to hold him steady as you pull out. You spend a long time watching your cum pour out of him.

Finally, with your eyes stuck at half-mast, you take him into your embrace. It's hot, and you're both ridiculously sleepy, but clean up would have to wait till morning. Because already, you feel yourself going to sleep.

And in the next second, you are. You pass out with your lips lovingly pressed to his forehead, a smile growing on his lips in his sleep.

------

I threw this together because brainrot makes it hard to be a functioning human in a society. Love you guys. sorry for adding another fandom to this damned blog.

[succubusdaydream]

By The Grace of The Moon || Astarion x Werewolf!Selunite!Reader PT2

Masterlist || Words: 2428

Part 1

AN: Hiii tysm for all the support on pt1-like I said last time, some characters may seem ooc but so far im liking how this is turning out. Reader is officially referred to as Tav at the end of this chapter! If you want to be added to a tag list, please let me know. Also I have a Gale fic in the works so be on the lookout for that <3

---

The night seemed to last forever and when Gale woke up to take over patrol, sleep took just as long to grace you. It was a simple pet name. Darling. But coming from his mouth, it sounded like a symphony. You weren’t sure if he felt the same pull that you did. After all, it was only a rumor that non-Lycans could feel it. You, however, it pulled at you like a leash. And his words ran through your dreams as you tried your hardest to get even a bit of sleep.

                In the morning you’re certain that your lack of sleep was noticeable, though your group members never said anything. The scent you had awoken too wasn’t that of rosemary or brandy. ‘At least, not the MAIN scent.’ It smelt of herbs. Like a homemade soup.

                Exiting your tent, you saw Gale and Shadowheart around a now dying campfire. Over it was a simmering pot, no doubt where the smell was coming from. Stretching your back and arms, you sighed as a satisfying pop sounded from them. The noise got the attention of your associates.

                “Ahh, good morning. I hope you slept well?” Gale’s voice was the first to grace your ears as you rubbed the sleep from your eyes and walked forward. You gave a nod and took the soup he had poured and extended to you. “It may not taste the best, but I worked with what we had available.”

                “Thank you, Gale. It smells great.” You sat in silence as you ate before realizing someone was missing. ‘How did I miss the most important person?’ “Where’s Astarion? Did he eat?” You looked toward his tent and caught his scent, knowing he was in there.

                Shadowheart was the one to respond. “He’s been in his tent all morning, might still be catching up beauty sleep.” She had a small smile on her face as she held out her bowl to Gale, silently asking for another helping before she turned to you. “So, what are the plans for today?”

                “Well, Zevlor asked us to speak to the Druid’s leader, Kahga. Although I don’t think she’s their real leader. He mentioned a ‘Halsin’. We’ll see what she has to say. I also want to see if I can find that Githyanki that helped me yesterday, Lae’zel.” Shadowheart was nodding to your words until you mentioned Lae’zel. At this, her face turned into that of a sneer.

                “Githyanki are dangerous company. We’ll do just fine without her.” She quickly finished her bowl and stood up, retreating to her tent to get ready for the long day ahead. You sighed and turned back to Gale, who was silently eating the last of his bowl as he shrugged at you. With a huff, you stood up and re-thanked Gale for breakfast before walking to your tent to get ready as well.

---

The days after that seemed to drag on and on. Zevlor had mentioned a goblin camp nearby and with all the attacks, the druids are sealing the grove and kicking them out. So, after talking with Kahga and agreeing with another druid to find Halsin, their true leader, your group started a long and tiring trek to killing some goblins.

 You spent nearly 2 days taking out the goblins. Their leaders were the most difficult. A priestess named Gutt. A drow named Minthara. And a hobgoblin named Dror Ragzlin. Much to your sadness, they had taken hold in a Selunite temple, destroying her statues and altars. And much to Shadowhearts distaste, you had tried you best to fix one of them, kneeling and saying a prayer. You hadn’t had a shift in a few days, and each night, the moon’s brightness grew and grew. Her blessing helped you control it, but without shifting for long, you got antsy and felt the urge in your bones.

With goblin guts and blood surrounding you, your senses started to become overwhelmed. But there was one last thing you had to do before returning to the grove. Halsin. The druid’s true leader that had been captured. He was somewhere in the temple, and you had promised to find him. So, shaking everything off, your group had split up, searching different rooms before you came across one with only a few guards and worgs guarding a bear. Before you could slip out of the room, they had inevitably spotted you.

With your group split up, you were alone and outnumbered. You panicked as they rushed you and held them back as best as you could before there was a loud crash from the back of the room. The bear had broken the cell doors down and rushed to your aid, swiping some of the goblins away before shifting into a human. He must be Halsin.

“I apologize for the viscera. One should cherish all of nature’s bounty... but goblin guts are quite far down the list. Are you alright?” His voice was deep, and he towered over your frame as he helped you to your feet. You took his assistance with a huff, holding a fresh cut one of the goblins has given you on your side.

“Yes, thank you. You must be Halsin? Your grove is in danger.” Your breath was heavy, and sight blurred. You were reaching your limit for the day and wanted nothing more than to return to camp and sleep. Perhaps even under the moon.

“Yes, and I’m aware. But I cannot leave while the goblins threaten my home. I must stay here and-“ You quickly cut him off with a shake of your head.

“They’re all dead. Zevlor asked us to help take care of them so his group could safely start the trek to Baldur’s Gate.” You pointed your thumb in the direction of the door you entered through. Did the blood on my armor and cuts not give that away?

His eyes widened as he looked you over before glancing at the door. “They are? All of them? Impressive.” He paused as he processed your words fully. “Us? Are there more with you?” And as if on cue, an arrow flew between the two of you as your group entered the room.

The arrow came from Astarion’s bow, his brows furrowed as he notched another arrow. “Back away slowly, or the next one hits.” His voice held a growl and your stomach turned at his jump to defend you from a stranger. How did he know? Could he feel the pull?

Snapping out of your thoughts, you quickly walked up to your group with your hands up. “No, no! This is Halsin, he’s the Grove’s leader.” You motioned him over and continued your conversation. He had informed you of ‘true souls’ that were also infected with the mindflayer tadpoles. They were all lead to MoonRise Towers by followers of The Absolute.

With the promise of telling you more later, he swiftly left to save his grove. You turn to your group, specifically Astarion. “How did you know where to find me?” Please tell me you felt the pull. My goddess, please let him feel our connection.

He scoffs and waves you off. “This was the direction you headed. I could hear voices when I approached the door, so I called everyone over.” Dammit! “Now, let’s go. It smells awful in here and I’m sure we’re all exhausted.” He stows his bow on his back and walks out.

---

                When you had eventually made your wat back to the grove, Zevlor was there to greet you at the gate. “A scout has just reported. The golbins have all been taken out. I’ve taken a collection of coin for your assistance.” He held out a small pouch and a rough backpack. “As well as some camp supplies for your group. Perhaps we’ll join you at your camp tonight for celebration?”

                You grimaced. You just wanted to sleep. Having so many people in camp would hurt your ears with how tired you were. Not only that, but the moon was also supposed to be in its full beauty tonight. You wanted to take a nice run before falling asleep under the glowing moon. “I’m sorry, Zevlor. My group and I are exhausted after that camp, perhaps tomorrow night? We’ll gather some wine and make a bigger celebration out of it, yea?”

                The smile on his face dropped but he nodded. “Tomorrow then.” With that, he walked off to help his people pack their belongings into carts. Your group walked through the grove, smiling as the refugees thanked you and praised as you made your way back to camp. When you arrived, everyone retreated into their respective tents to change out of their armor and start to wind down.

---

That night, after everyone had their fill of dinner and retreated to their beds, you left yours. Looking up at the beautiful glowing moon, you sighed at the feeling of its light on your skin. Finally. What a beautiful night to run. Bless me, Selune, I shall hunt in your name.

                The woods were dark, and animals made noises all around. You had walked far from camp before finding a clearing and stretching your arms out. Feeling your bones crack and bend, you let out a groan as you fell to your hands and knees, your body reconfiguring itself. And soon enough, your body fully shifted. Your wolf was large and nearly pure white. In black, the symbol of Selune blessed your face.

                You stretched your large paws out and shook your fur. It felt great to finally be back on all fours. Lifting your snout in the air, you took a long sniff. Sure, you had eaten dinner, but if you could manage to find a good deer or boar, you could drag it back to camp the next day and simply act as if you were hunting. The wind soon carried you the scent of animals. Boar. And with the scent locked on too, you turned and took off.

                The moonlight sprinkled through the tree leaves and the wind through your fur felt like your goddess herself ran her fingers down your back. Your paws thud against the grass as you close in on the boars. It didn’t take long for you to slow, crouching as you heard the animals snorting. Peering through the bushes, you saw them. Three large boars in a group. If you were fast enough, you could take all of them down, two at most.

                Inching forward, you prepared to pounce. But as you readied your muzzle, a twig snap to your left made their head turn up before running off. Shit! You quickly pounced after them, snarling as you pushed your legs faster to catch up with your dinner. It didn’t take you long to reach them and you quickly realized one of them was slower then the other. Gotcha!

                With one final pounce, you sunk your claws and teeth into the hind legs on the slow pig, pinning it to the ground as it squealed in pain. You silenced it with a strong bite to it’s throat, ripping your head back to howl for your successful hunt. You panted as you continued your meal, the fur on your paws and muzzle coated in blood.

                Although, a breeze of wind stopped your devour. A familiar scent carried through your nose. Rosemary. Brandy. And bergamot. Astarion? Is he out here?

                Your question was immediately answered as a silky voice rang through the trees. “So. You’re the one who scared off my dinner? No problem, I’ve taken down bears twice your size.” You slowly turned your head. And there you saw him for what he was. Red eyes. Fangs. A vampire. Slave to sanguine hunger. And your natural enemy. “Ooh, what pretty markings. Too bad.”

                No. No please. My goddess, why? Have I done something to anger you? My mate is a natural enemy. He stepped closer to you, pulling his knives out and licking his fangs. “You smell delicious. I’m sure you’ll taste just as sweet.” Despite your heart breaking, it still fluttered at his words. I’m covered in pigs blood and he still thinks I smell sweet?

                Caught up in your thoughts, you hadn’t realized he lunged forward, swinging his knives. They had barely missed you as you jumped out of the way, growling in defense as you raised your hackles and bared your teeth. “There’s a good dog, give me a good fight.” He lunged again but you turned your body into him, slamming your back paws into his chest, trying your hardest not to hurt him.

                You lowered your ears and whimpered, trying to show you meant no harm. He shook off the fall and ran back at you. As he swung again, you raised your paw in an attempt to push him away but was met with a harsh sting. He had taken the movement to lodge his other knife into your stomach before pulling it out and jumping back. You let out a howl of pain before leaping for him, grabbing his arm in your jaw, and pinning him to the ground. You brought your mouth close to his face. Your drool dripped down his cheeks and you let out a roar before jumping over him and sprinting away.

---

You had made it back to the clearing you shifted in. In exhaustion, you collapse into the grass and felt your bones shift back. Soon, you lay naked under the moon, your stomach bleeding, and your hands clutched to the wound. Tears left your eyes as you turned on your back, staring into the moon.

“Selune. Have I angered you? I have worshipped you my whole life. I rid your temple of goblins that defiled it. So why? Why have you blessed me with a mate deemed my natural enemy? Can I love him? Will he love me? He’s a vampire. If he finds out what I am, he’ll look at me with nothing but disgust.” If it didn’t hurt your stomach, you’d allow yourself to sob.

Time passed and you eyes started to drift as the tears stopped. But as your world went black and mind went foggy, a beautiful melody reached your ears. The melody your mate sung each time he spoke.

“Tav? Tav!”

---

Masterlist || Part 1

TAGLIST: @bdudette ||

[mediumsizedwildcat]

edit: minors please do not interact. i can't control what you read, if you pop up in my notifications i'll block you

well, this spiraled out of “thought” into “ficlet”

durgetash, after durge quest, endgame, genderneutral (they/them) redemption durge, death, resurrection, sad, happy ending, major spoilers (obviously)

when allying with gortash, you meet him at the brain's location and walk the last bit together. he takes the netherstones from you and tries to command the brain. it retaliates, commands him to die.

what if durge realizes this before the brain commands?

what if-

“no.” free of bhaal, they wrap their arm around gortash's neck, nuzzle their nose against the side of his head. amused by defiance, the netherbrain hesitates.

the memories will never return, but this close to their former beloved, durge's heart lets them know exactly how important gortash actually was to them. “he's mine,” they growl.

the brain sends out a vibe, almost as if it means to caress as well as edge on. do it, it challenges, though it doesn't say it, doesn't think it for them to hear.

knowledge flashes in their mind, where to stab to prolong the blood loss. no doubt they studied this to get off to their victim's deaths. to torture efficiently, let their victims believe there was a way out.

durge snarls, shows their teeth to the brain, their dagger pierces skin. they hold their breath, listen to gortash's death sounds. his gasps, the pain in his voice, the satisfaction that it was durge in the end. hope they remembered.

a tear rolls down durge's face, drops and soaks into gortash's robe. they pull out the dagger, hold gortash as he sinks into their arms. part of them wonders if he is that fragile or if he pretends. the brain is satisfied. durge realizes they couldn't win this fight of minds no matter how hard they tried, certainly not with gortash in their arms. but there is an archwizard in their ranks.

durge passes the stones to gale. “your turn,” they say. they pick up the dagger from gortash's lap, wrap their arm around his waist.

gale hesitates, “are you sure?”

durge laughs, no humor behind it. “i'm in no condition to beat an elderbrain, but you're an archwizard. you defied mystra, bested that orb, you'll get that crown, you'll return it to mystra, and she'll free you. if you cannot do this, gale of waterdeep, none of us can.”

gale steps up to the challenge. he binds the brain with every move. it doesn't matter, the brain breaks free. the emperor pulls them into the astral prism.

durge looks up, turns to halsin, to shadowheart. “someone heal him,” they plead, gortash still in their arms, barely alive.

“soldier,” karlach warns, anger radiates from her.

“he can-” meeting the fury in karlach's eyes, durge chokes on their words.

“he planned to blow up children with toys! he sold me to zariel!” karlach picks up her battleaxe. “he doesn't get a second chance.”

durge holds gortash closer, as if to shield him. “ketheric died, orin died. i was much worse than them combined,” they remind. “i raped, killed, and ate babes. i haunted children's nightmares, made them watch as their parents sacrificed themselves to keep them safe. carved their names into their parent's flesh as i killed them, ate dwarf regularly, experimented, tortured, kept the corpses to satisfy sexual urges.”

their body shivers. those are unthinkable horrors to them now, something they would never dare. they're good now. their friends shaped them.

“he did what he knew, what he grew up to do, all he ever saw. if i get a second chance, why can't he? if i-”

gortash chokes and despite the blood loss, pushes out of durge's arms. durge reaches out, places their hand on his cheek, pushes their thumb against his lip.

“we can be better,” they say quietly, “we can be good. he can help with your engine, karlach.” they meet gortash's eyes, hopeful, pleading, “we can be good.”

gortash's expression twists into one of disgust. “weak,” he chokes out. “changed.”

durge's breath catches in their throat, tears begin to sting their eyes. “but,” they trace his bottom lip, “we can be better? together? we can-”

gortash turns his head up, snarls, bares his teeth. disgust in his gaze as it wanders over his former lover's body.

the emperor rolls its eyes. “the netherbrain-”

“shut it, ghaik,” lae'zel warns.

durge pulls their hand away, takes out stillmaker from its place on their thigh. they show it to gortash, a reminder of their time together. a gift from bane's tyrant to bhaal's spawn. “karlach,” their voice shakes with heartbreak, “i need a hand.”

with durge's knowledge of anatomy, they know exactly where to place stillmaker to avoid ribs and puncture the heart. karlach places her hand on the pommel, looks at durge, and nods.

durge turns their head away, closes their eyes, lets the tears fall. they nod. karlach pushes stillmaker into gortash's chest, right where durge positioned it. they pull it out together.

gortash gasps, then his body goes limp.

the party is quiet. they follow the emperor to prince orpheus. no one mentions durge carrying gortash's body.

durge uses the pain. they pretend to let the emperor eat the prince's brain, convince it to bring down the barrier. they use magical chackles to bind the emperor to prince orpheus. they hand the orphic hammer to lae'zel and urge her to free her people's prince.

somehow, durge manages to make them all work together. they carry gortash's body out of the astral prism, they promise voss that once this is over, they will remove the chackles. they watch as the allies they've gathered, the friends they've made, question their sanity. their leadership.

finally, durge speaks up. “i cannot fight.”

silence follows. none believe them. halsin is the first who understands.

“you speak truth,” he says. “the headaches, your intestines... i remember from my examinations. you would need healing at all times. no matter, we have come this far and you have put together a good team. you will be missed during the final battle, but, oak father willing, we will make it.”

make it they did. they defeated the netherbrain, they celebrated. durge reaches for withers' arm. withers understands, but denies.

“one last act to piss off the dead three,” durge pleads.

gortash returns to life in their arms. this time, no sign of disgust. he lifts his hand, cups durge's cheek, “you carried me all the way here?”

“we can be good, enver,” durge pleads again.

gortash smiles, pained by bane's torture. “we can,” he agrees.

[randomfanner]

Halsin + Thaniel and Oliver Headcanons

There will be non-relationship head canons and relationship head canons, all fluffy or Angst content because this is getting really long. I was going to do smut, and I will do smut eventually, but this post is not the post.

TW: Loss of a child, loss in general, lot a of sadness in that. Also in general there is going to be expected backstory trigger warnings. Like the fact he was kept chained to a bed for 3 year. Also on a lighter note, drug use is talked about, it's pot.

Halsin will adopt everything and everyone if you let him. He considers Oliver and Thaniel his kids, he considers Arabella and Yvenna his kids. He considers most of the tiefling kids his kids to an extent. Nieces and nephews perhaps. He loves Scratch and the Cub and Tara(Gale has complained that Tara sometimes goes to Halsin's lap rather than his). If you leave this man alone in the forest and he finds and injuries baby animal or an animal, he will bring it home and nurse it back to health and it will come to visit or just live with you.

We get very little from Thaniel in terms of screen time, and also Oliver after he comes to camp so I am putting head canons.

Thaniel is a good kid. He is pretty quiet, calm and respectful of adults and people in general. He is good with animals, good with plants. Most of the time at the very least. He is... rather reserved. Halsin and Thaniel became friends not because Thaniel let himself be seen, it was a 5 in human year old Halsin chasing this fey child through the woods. He is shy, and doesn't really talk much to people.

Now, he does actually does seem to like talking to you. Halsin has spoken highly of you, Halsin cares about you deeply and you did very much saved Thaniel's life. You killed the man that tormented him for several decades. He does feel he can talk to you.

Now, with that in mind, Thaniel is a fey child. A well behaved and well meaning fey child but he is a fey child none the less. He does have a mischievous. I promise you he has tried to steal your name, and you fell for it Halsin has to talk Thaniel into giving your name back.

Thaniel and Oliver share an end goal with you and Halsin and that is to parent trap your ass. They like you, the fey don't like losing what they like.

Oliver is a little shit. He can be a very sweet little shit and he does like you and Halsin a lot, but he also can torment you in many ways. Mostly because this child has been alone in the wilderness and doesn't have any socialization. Halsin realizes this and is very good at being patient with the traumatized child.

He pulls pranks all of the time when he was around camp, and he does like to trick travelers when they begin coming through. However he does like you and he does like Halsin. So he can be rather nice, he may even let you have his true name... if you promise you will be his mama and papa.

He wants a family. Please let him have a family.

Loss of a Child, Loss, Acceptance of Loss, A traumatized Child

So, man has considered Thaniel his kid for awhile now, he would never say it because once he called himself Thaniel's 'big brother' and Thaniel reminded him, rather quickly, that Thaniel was in fact older then him This was when they were younger Halsin could not guess Thaniel's reaction if he called him son. So when Thaniel was lost Halsin was crushed beyond measure. He did grieve for years and was still admitting grieving until you came along and helped him find his son again. And make sure he would have a friend after Halsin was gone with the earth again. Halsin knows how to accept death, but he also knows it doesn't stop the grieving and that is OK. He may set time aside to be alone and just... grieve if he feels the need to. He grieves but he also remembers. He tries to make good time matter and last for as long as he can. He does... restrain himself during bad times. But when he has those small moments and any chance he gets, he is rather passionate. Even with the smallest things like a kiss or being able to hold hands.

About Thaniel because this kid has some serious trauma. So does Oliver but we get more screen time and information about Oliver so:

Thaniel is a very respectful and mature kid mostly because he is an immortal 8 year old. He is very traumatized. He gets friends and then his friends get older then him and then they die. And he forever young and in the forest. It can take awhile of course, elves live for hundreds of years but... lives for hundreds of years is different then living forever. And he hates being reminded of it so that is why he refuses to let himself call Halsin dad or acknowledge that. He can acknowledge Halsin is older but not that he is going to lose another father and another friend.

Halsin has tried to help him with this as much as he can. He reminds Thaniel that he will still be there for him in the earth, in the dirt and in the spirit. And Thaniel believes it, but it still hurts.

On a bit of a lighter note, reincarnation is I am sure canon in DND, like, there is a spell for that so I assume it is a process they will happen eventually. Druid just speed it up. so Halsin has probably been Thaniel's dad multiple times... (and with you a few times perhaps, if nature has willed you to come together through lifetimes)

So Oliver is like, the best thing that has ever happened to this child. Having a younger brother who will always be a friend is the best thing for this sad forest child. He has a friend who will not get older than him and die.

Small note with Oliver

So, Haslin likes to whittle and just. One day Oliver asks for figure of Mommy and Daddy and his Dog and Halsin does make them for him, of course, and Oliver just sort of puts it on display and man, Halsin has never felt sorry for killing a shadow once in his life and now here he is, mourning with his son because ya.

I have my own traumatized immortal natural spirit child so I really like Thaniel and Oliver. Can you tell?

We done with the angst mostly, be warned pot still remains and so does general Halsin Trauma.

So anyway, I am not crying, and Halsin is a walking snack machine I swear. We are using all DND spells and he has create food and water at all times and uses it a lot. Ever short rest you all get food, water, and he even has bowls and cups prepared at all times that he whittles himself so you have something to enjoy your snack in. He does also offer food and water to all of the refugees when you get to Baldur's Gate.

His snacks consist of berries, nuts and different seeds, when it is a longer rest he can summon meat and vegetables. You know he helps with this sort of stuff all of the time. He likes to cook and I believe he is probably a pretty good cook.

He knows how to cook with a wide range of ingredient. He can cook a dish anywhere you place him. He knows forests, plains, coasts, caves, and even the under dark. He is also very aware of general signs of what is edible and what is not that, so he can always find safe food.

Food is very much a love language for him as well. He cooks for you all the time and also makes you different kinds of sweets. He can bake, he can cook, and he can probably grill and cook on a camp fire. He is amazing at it. Unless you put him in an actual kitchen. Than the poor man because confused and clueless (Poor bear man doesn't understand how a stove works).

Halsin will take care of you no matter what happens. If you get injured he is nursing the wound and cooing that it will be OK because he is here and he has you. He kissing the wound and cure wounds it and will make and will make sure you are all better. He knows you can do with out it, and if you would prefer he can save or wait on the extra bits and simply take care of the wound, however he is taking care of the wound do not mistake him.

He is so doting when you get sick or are pregnant or on your period or if you get poisoned. Man will get you the bed of the finest furs and feed you the best soup to make you feel better. After of course, you down his awful tasting medicine that does cure you pretty quickly because he is a man who knows a thing or two about medicine. He is a healer. He knows how to make you feel better.

Man likes doing hair. It is an elf thing and we can see he believes it on his character look at his hair, he has so many little braids in his hair and he wants to do yours. Please let him do yours. He will explains why he really wants to do it so, you understands how much this means to him. He also wants you to do his, of course. But he just likes, adding flowers to your hair and little bits of nature. No matter what gender or how long your hair is.

Man is also always giving you small gifts. Something he whittled himself, flowers and snacks, pretty rocks, basically anything and everything. He is a bird trying to woo his mate by bringing them shiny things. And it probably works, let's be honest.

Halsin is REALLY good at whittling. It is a little bit more than just a side hobby and he makes toys for kids with his whittling. He will make bears, people, animals, plants, monster, a kid asks for a toy of it, he will carve it. Thaniel and Oliver do have a whole set of bear figurines that keep them safe at night and scare away any beasts that mean them harm.

However he does also use his whittling skills. He can make tools, bowls, utensils, and things for another day. Halsin does not normally need gold however when he is Baldur's gate he is very good at making it on the fly because he can simply whittle something and people will buy it.

Man learns about charity art shows and finds one that does it for nature and makes a number of things to be sold there and by gods is there a bidding war for it. He normally wouldn't be interested but you know, man wants to help nature.

As stated above he does whittle for you all the time, and he also really like to incorporate imagery that reminds him of you and the things you have done and the relationship you have. Sometimes he will care you elegantly into a cup, other times he will show your family through symbols, other times it is just nature. It is really cute.

Cuddler and PDA all the way man, he loves to hold your hand, give you kisses on the cheek, have a hand on your waist, anything to be close to you. He will stop if you ask of course but do expect big bear eyes from him before he does so. He does not mean to do it but he cannot help it. (In a Astarion x Halsin setting, gets hit with those eyes and just breaks and holds his hand).

He will turn into a bear and let you do all the extremely dangerous things to do to a real bear but we all want to do. Touch the soft and fluffy ears, squish the toe beans, don't deny it, we all do. It is quite sweet and has a wonderful time.

Halsin tends to go into a deeper trance than most elves. Sometimes he needs to be shaken out of his trance rather than spoken out of it. He blames it on the bear.

Also Halsin most certainly smokes pot. He probably experiments with natures creations like mushrooms and other things you can smoke. He knows all about the effects, what it will do and often uses it to meditate... or sometimes have a good time.

He would happily invite you to join him if you would be interesting. I think a high Halsin would be extremely entertaining to watch even if you do not smoke pot with him. All formalities drops and he gets so cuddly. He is already cuddly but he is falling asleep on you cuddly.

OK, so, this is a lot, there will probably be a part two or at the very least a NSFW head canon, probably.

[amorgansgal]

So it's been a while since I've written any fanfiction (sorry RDR2 lot) but I've definitely been captured body and soul by Baldur's Gate 3 and I bashed this out this morning. I appreciate fully not many might read this as it does concern my own named tav, Vanya, and I just fancied doing a little creative writing. But if anyone does, hope you enjoy. It's from Astarion's perspective.

Gods, she was annoying

Gods she was annoying. Astarion gritted his teeth as somehow, despite the exhausting fight they had just been through and long day of walking, Vanya babbled on! Gale walked by her side, smiling at her observations on nature, the dinner they had last night, the gnolls they had just fought, her thoughts on whether she would keep her long plait or do something different with her hair tomorrow. Astarion had assumed that all elves were some form of stoicism or stillness, he and Halsin certainly were, but Vanya seemed all too keen to prove the opposite was true!

She scurried around camp, a giddy smile on her lips, greeting people as she went and they would infuriatingly beam back at her, which he was sure just encouraged her. It had taken them goodness knows how long to get out of the druid’s enclave because Vanya had stopped to chat with anyone and everyone, even the bloody animals! She’d almost been pickpocketed by one of the tiefling’s kids to boot because she had to stop to speak to the lad’s sister and Astarion managed to grab hold of the child’s arm before he could wriggle something out of Vanya’s pocket.

‘Really? I didn’t know there were many coastal druids,’ Gale’s comment to Vanya interrupted Astarion’s musings. 

‘Oh no, not many. It’s a bit of a strange calling, most elves like the forests or freshwater lakes or rivers, but we’re there! But I do like the forests too, there aren’t so many animals you can really adopt from the sea, I can’t keep a pet fish on my travels, though I did have a crab. He was very sweet, if a bit nippy.’

Gale’s laugh made Astarion clench his teeth. The greater annoyance Astarion had was somehow, for some unfathomable reason, he was beginning to like Vanya. She did everything seemingly to irritate him, launching herself into fights without so much as a by-your-leave, chaotically flinging around firebolts and laughing joyously as she did! She evidently, rarely ever thought a little tact, decorum and deception would go a long way to avoid a battle, but such things were impossible for Vanya if she thought someone was being wronged or hurt. 

And yet, despite all of her many faults and flaws, she was winning him over and he wasn’t even sure how or when she had begun to do so. Well, he knew what had triggered it, him telling her he wouldn’t sleep with her the night of the tieflings’ party. But the fact he didn’t find her desirable didn’t seem to bother her - she had gone round the entire camp flirting with anyone and everyone, leaving Gale flushed and Shadowheart wryly smiling and Halsin’s eyes following after her and even godsdamn Lae’zel looking at her differently. For him, she was too soft and round for his tastes. Round moon like face, messy red hair that swung behind her in its usual braid, freckles on her cheeks that put him in mind of someone splattering paint over a canvas, she did have beautiful blue eyes, he’d grant her that. And a fine neck. And he supposed that her body was… pleasing to most, but he wasn’t fussed by it. But in any case, it wasn’t finding her attractive that seemed to bother her, what seemed to niggle at her was him just not liking her. No one had to sleep with her, but she wanted everyone under the sun to like her. 

He thought she might learn what he liked, someone who bit back, who could be playful and sharp and acerbic, who might spar with him. But she didn’t, she just was… sweet and nice and kind and it was sickening. She’d rifle through an abandoned box or bag in the old goblin camp and find him a dagger or a lockpicking kit and exclaimed excitedly, ‘Oh, Astarion! This is perfect for you, here you go!’ She happily passed him a book on necromancy, though even that made Gale and Wyll sigh with exasperation. Astarion found himself talking to her about Cazador, admitting to things that he hadn’t told anyone else and- How in the gods’ holy arses had she done it? She’d just been her usual self and slowly worn him down. Was this how she did it with everyone else? Did everyone, who didn’t like her initially, get a concerted effort from her in winning them over? There must be someone who it hadn’t worked on, someone who still didn’t like her however much of a joyful, excitable pup she was. Astarion was tempted to hunt them down and demand they tell him how they resisted.

‘How is it Vanya that you have gone through life, adventuring and fighting, without someone taking advantage of your good nature and naivete?’ Astarion asked pointedly, making Gale and Vanya look around at him. Gale gave him a look and Astarion smirked back at him. Yes, your precious little druid is foolish and overly familiar and one day she’s going to get herself into a mess because she can’t keep her mouth shut or diving head first into situations where she isn’t wholly sure on what’s going on, Astarion thought to himself.

‘Hmm,’ Vanya said, because gods forbid she couldn’t even think quietly! ‘I don’t know.’

Astarion scowled. ‘You don’t know, what do you mean you don’t know?’

‘Do we really have to squabble before getting back to camp?’ Shadowheart asked. Astarion clicked his tongue with irritation. He would’ve thought that even Shadowheart would remain a little contemptuous and irritated by Vanya too, but somehow the druid had worked her charm spell on everyone and Shadowheart had long given up on being cool and sharp with her, except on rare occasions. Too rare for his liking. Only Lae’zel was left, his remaining ally, who would deride Vanya’s softer side. And even then, the githyanki seemingly enjoyed Vanya’s wild attitude when it came to fights. 

‘I guess people like me enough not to take advantage of me and the rest of the time it’s luck!’ Vanya said, turning back round to continue her conversation with Gale.

Astarion sputtered - which was the first time he had done such a thing, but how on earth could the woman be flippant about that too? ‘It’s just luck! No one has ever double-crossed you or used your good nature against you?’

Vanya pursed her lips in thought, then gave him a bright smile. ‘No, not yet. At least, not as far as I know, maybe they did and I just didn’t know about it!’

Gale burst out laughing and Vanya quickly joined him, though Astarion was sure she didn’t quite fully grasp on why such a thing was funny. Astarion glared at their backs and then at the ground. Godsdamn stupid druid with her stupid smile and stupid laugh and careless, thoughtless attitude and everyone in camp encouraging her.

‘You wouldn’t know half the time you had a parasite in your head from the way you take absolutely nothing seriously and waste time gadding about!’ he snapped. The laughter died immediately and while he kept his eyes fixed on Vanya, a tiny flicker of guilt crept into his stomach when he saw the small amount of reproach in her expression. 

‘I do take things seriously,’ she said, her voice suddenly even tempered and cool and measured. It had been what he wanted for weeks, but the tone of it felt wrong and so unlike her that he felt compelled to look away from her unfaltering gaze. ‘I’m worried about the tadpoles, i’m worried about all of you. It would kill me if anything were to happen to anyone here. But I spent a lot of my life not being able to laugh or find joy in things or meeting anyone new and getting to know them, and it’s no way to live, Astarion. So if I seem foolish or irreverent, it’s only because I don’t wish to wallow. I don’t wish to be serious and unable to crack a joke and make people laugh. And what is the good of being stoic and serious all the time? We are infected and there’s not much we can do to change that until we get to Moonrise towers. So I’m not going to sit in camp, feeling sorry for myself, languishing and getting upset when I can’t do anything about it. I may as well find joy where I can.’

‘Hear, hear,’ Gale said, and Astarion could have ripped his head off, but more because he felt… bad… for making Vanya feel bad. When she had spoken about not being able to laugh or meet new people, it didn’t sound like something she had chosen for herself or a malady affecting her in that way, it sounded like she was… coerced, controlled, ordered and he knew all too well the pain of that. Maybe she hadn’t suffered quite like him, but it sounded like whoever had done that had tried to crush her. 

The serious, sorrowful look on her face rapidly shifted and she smiled at him once more, though it looked a little forced and tired for once, and the guilt in his chest blazed hotter, tightening around his heart and throat. He was grateful they were so near camp and Vanya whipped round as Scratch (one of her blasted pets she had picked up) barked and came running up to greet them.

‘Scratch!’ Vanya cried happily and charged off, ruffling his fur and laughing as the dog licked her face and playfully bounced around. ‘I missed you! I missed you so much, how’s my good boy, my goodest of boys? You want to play? Come on, let’s go play! I left your ball in the chest, come on!’ The dog eagerly bounded after her.

Shadowheart left them to take off her armour and to wash, so Gale and Astarion were the only two left of the party who were still watching Vanya hunt through the travellers’ chest for Scratch’s ball. Astarion was about to make his way to his own tent when Gale caught hold of his sleeve.

‘Look, I know you don’t like her,’ Gale began.

‘I never said that,’ Astarion muttered, because the frustrating truth was he did like her.

‘But don’t hurt her in order to bring her down. She might handle things differently and sometimes her relentless optimism can be… a little much, but we need a cheery sort around camp. I think we’re all too serious sometimes. And I get it, someone will hurt her eventually and it might sour her and make her less willing to laugh and trust others, but I like her the way she is. So leave her be.’

And before Astarion could say anything in reply, Gale had already began walking over to join Wyll and Halsin by the fire, and Astarion didn’t know how to explain that he both couldn’t stand Vanya, but also liked her far too much.

[fangbangerghoul]

It's *drum rolls* WIP WEDNESDAY! (I made a new banner that is Ghoul-coded...because it is Ghoul)

Where I dig out things to share that are a 'work in progress' and it has to be on a Wednesday because I was told I would be exiled if I tried this on a Friday.

I also include small updates like the fact that I got a 92 on my research paper! (which I would have cried if I got under a 90 because I gave her more than what the professor asked for and THEN SOME) Another update is I only have a week and a half left of my spring semester!

I have several WIPS in the works. Now that I don't have to constantly write academic papers for class, I actually want to write for myself. Also! My 100 Follower Celebration prompts really have helped me get back into the groove. I am doing them until tomorrow so please feel free to submit a prompt in my ask box to get a snippet in return!

My current list of WIPS: (doc names not work titles)

Great Fireballs of Faerun

Bog Witch Trials

Delghoul

GhoulxHalsinxAstarion

Thorny Feelings

Cup Runneth Over

AND NOW

to the fun part! The current snippet of wip is under the cut! (it's a continuation of the last snippet sunday)

The hissing river helped drown out some of her worries along with the symphony of sounds of the creatures that roamed the forest. It was like its own pocket of time, maybe its own dimension. She was used to the smells of leaves, mud, and pollen that floated around and it felt like home to her. Ghoul was so entranced by nature in front of her she did not notice with her vampire spawn companion sat beside her. He moved so silently that when she did notice she felt her body go on guard, ready for a battle. It took a lot of focus within her to calm her pulse and her body’s knee jerk reaction to fight.

“I didn’t come to bite, unless that’s what you want.” Astarion said with a toothy grin and his smooth voice rung with a coyness that was almost luring. His red eyes examined her with curiosity as if he was waiting for a particular reaction when she did not give it, he looked ahead to the forest across the stream.

“What did you want?” She said pointedly. Ghoul was not trying to be rude but she could tell on his face that question was not said as smoothly as she intended.

“I am just trying to enjoy the companion of my favorite companion and maybe bask in,” He paused for a moment clearly looking for the right word within his mind, “the beautiful nature.”

Ghoul gave a light huff of a laugh she was not born yesterday even if compared to the longevity of life Astarion lived made it feel that way.

“Sounds like Halsin is rubbing off on you, perhaps that’s a good thing.” She gave him a subtle smirk to tease him a bit more.

“There are others ways I’d like him to rub off on me.” His voice was low and Ghoul noticed the excitement in his eyes from the thought. She rolled her eyes at him and waved her hand to signal a whatever. “What? I know I am not the only one whose eyes catch the giant elf. Don’t act so prudish now.”

“I didn’t object, did I?”

“Not with your words, no.” Astarion was now sitting beside Ghoul on the sandy bank with her. She had slowly dipped her bare feet into the cool water and it stung at first before slowly relaxing her muscles. He had followed suit though it was clear he was not enjoying the cool water as much as her.

“Tell me,” She begun as she leaned back onto the palms of her hands to get a better look at the stars. “What are you going to do after all of this is over?”

“My, my, what a question, dear.” His index finger rested on his lip as he pondered Ghoul’s question. The silence from it was starting to make it feel like he would never answer but she remained patient.

“Live freely, revel in debauchery, continue my existence for as long as I can.” He finally answered not looking directly at her. His eyes seemed wistful, yearning perhaps. Ghoul nodded softly taking in his answer. It sounded honest enough for him and she was not going to claim he was lying to her outright. She never knew where she stood with the vampire so on occasion when he seemed to bare himself to her, she was cautious of what he was telling her. She was no saint by any means and she also never spoke the full truth. There were just some things better left in the past of unsaid.

“You?” He leaned in a little closer now, his eyes fixed on her neck and she had a feeling she knew what he was thinking.

“Assuming I don’t die.” She started bluntly and there was a spilt second where a flash of concern or maybe fear appeared on Astarion’s face but she continued. “Perhaps if enough gold were to be made on this journey I can attempt to live in the city, properly this time.”

“Properly?” His eyebrow raised at her statement and she could hear in his voice that he was both dumbfounded and skeptical of what she was saying.

“Not living on the streets again.” She answered to alleviate some of the confusion. “Maybe I’ll just travel as a sword for hire.”

“Isn’t that what you are basically doing now?” Astarion sounded unamused by her answer and a tad disappointed, which now had her raising an eyebrow.

“I suppose.” She leaned up to straighten her back in hopes it would help her think better but in a quick movement she felt Astarion’s arm pull her closer.

“Don’t you ever dream of bigger things?” His voice was smooth, and his eyes pierced hers. Astarion's free hand lightly traced the line of her jaw and for a moment he looked enamored.

“Bigger things than Halsin?” She asked with a devilish smile. Ghoul knew what he was really asking but she was not ready to admit to herself or to him that she never thinks too far ahead. There were always consequences when she did. He snorted at her after she killed the moment and released her from his grasp. She gave him a look that was not necessarily disapproving but perhaps mixed with a disappointment. Ghoul realized she had enjoyed the close contact, but her pride would not allow her to give in to reach for more.

Tagging: @bearlytolerant @ellstersmash @staticpallour @spookyspecterino @lisa-and-shadow @therealgchu @the-californicationist

[theshotsheardacrossworlds]

Admire

From this list, "I have always admired you" featuring Rolan and a half-elf wild magic sorcerer named Amelie. Mostly SFW.

"I have always admired you."

“I-I beg your pardon?” Amelie stuttered as she stared at Rolan. With his asshole master defeated, he was free. And soon Astarion will be too. Once Shadowheart checked her over, she rushed to Rolan, who was lamenting the state of his robes.

Then he saw her and said that.

“Your, erm, magical prowess is something to behold.” He was trying (and failing quite badly)not to smile. “As is your grace and your—”

“Please forgive the interruption,” Shadowheart said tersely. “But we need to get Halsin back to camp. He took a beating.”

Amelie’s golden gaze shifted from Rolan to the druid, who was leaning against Gale for support. “Rolan, I can return later if that’s alright, so we could continue our discussion?” Don’t be too eager. Who knows---he may just only be interested in my magic like Gale. Like most wizards are.

“Yes. It gives me time to clean up.” He laughed nervously. “All this horrific mess about. Can’t have that for you, my lady.”

“You don’t have to call me that.” She chastised softly, bowing her head in his direction. “Amelie…please.” I had to tell my companions the truth about me, but then it got out to everyone at the enclave and then at Last Light. And Rolan stopped calling me by my name. Always “my lady” or “her ladyship” or “that damned woman.” I much prefer the last one, of course.

“As you wish, my…Amelie.” His eyes widened. “I mean, you’re not my Amelie—”

“My friend, perhaps you can continue this rather adorable conversation later?” Gale said with a tight smile as his eyes darted towards the barely conscious Halsin. Oh dear, his knees…

With a “bye” that sounded more like a squeak, Amalie scurried back to her companions and Myrmidons and left.

Once they were gone, Rolan exhaled sharply and leaned on a railing for support. “Later. She will return later…”

***

When she did, in fact, return later, he was elated. He ushered her into a swirling purple portal in the shop. “This, my dear, is a private entrance to the master of tower’s residence. Ladies first.”

She could feel the heat from his hand as he barely touched her through her corset top and shawl. The heat is rising elsewhere too. Good gods. “Thank you.” That’s it?! Thank you?! You can do so much better, come on. Exiting the portal, the heat that began on her cheeks traveled towards her chest. “Oh wow, this is lovely.” The main living area for the tower’s master was impressive---high ceilings and windows allowing in much sunlight during the day but at night moonlight and candlelight illuminated the space.

He guided her to a large sofa. “Please, make yourself at home. Would you like some wine? Something to eat? I can—”

Oh my gods, he’s so adorable. “I’m good.” He sat stiffly next to her, hands on his lap. Be brave and break that ice. “Rolan, when you said you’ve always admired me, what exactly did you mean?”

“Exactly that!” He snapped then his expression contorted into one of regret. “I’m sorry. I…You see, it is exactly as I meant---I have admired you since we first met. The most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen, whose magic is as wild and free as her very soul is. Whose bravery saved not simply my life but my siblings’ lives.” His voice broke a little when he mentioned Cal and Lia. “Everyone’s lives if I’m being truthful. You are incredible. How could I not fall in love with you?”

Did he just—

Oh shit, I think he did!

“Forgive me, but I couldn’t delay a moment longer. Not after today.” His yellow eyes bore not simply into her eyes but seemingly my soul. Oh gods. He does like me. No. He loves me. I didn’t think anyone would ever… “My la—Amelie, please say something.” He chuckled nervously. “I beg of you.”

What does Nadia say? Be bold and brave in love? Sure, I’ll do that. She shifted to face him and cupped his cheeks, whispering, “I love you too, even though I thought you hated me sometimes.” She laughed a little but then stopped when she saw him frowning.

“Never, my love. Infuriatingly frustrated with you? Absolutely. Infinitely irritated at your stubbornness? Frightened for you? Every moment of every day. But I have never, not even at most frustrated and angry, never hated you. I could never hate you.” He too shifted to face her, his trembling hands settling on her ample waist. “Gods, you feel magnificent…”

Alright, I suppose I need to tell him to kiss me already or I’ll do it. Hmmm… As she brushed the knuckles of one hand along his cheekbone and being mindful of the bruises (it felt amazing to fry that bastard), she chuckled. “Rolan love? Kiss me please?” Amelie said as sweetly as possible and tried not to laugh.

What she expected was Rolan to kiss her right then and there.

What actually happened was Rolan’s lips crashing against hers. His hands pulling her forwards while he went backwards, head hitting the cushions.

HOLY HELLS! Lifting her head, she laughed. “Rolan! Oh gods, what was that?”

He huffed, rolling his eyes. “I determined it was the right thing to do, so I did it. Unless it was,” he swallowed and bit his lower lip. “Unwanted.”

“No, no. It’s okay. It’s very much wanted, though I’m probably crushing you a bit.” She moved to push herself up, but he wrapped his arms around her tightly. Did he just whimper? Awww, that is so sweet!

“Please, my love. Don’t deny me this. I’ve dreamt of it for so long.” One of his hands found her soft hip and caressed it. “Get comfortable, darling.”

Amelie’s lips touched his briefly and then she sat up. “If I want to get comfortable, maybe we should move it upstairs? And maybe get me out of this bloody corset?” She giggled. “So fucking uncomfortable.”

Rolan was on his feet in moments and took her hand with another eyeroll. “Then why did you wear it, my dear?”

“Because it makes my breasts look amazing, my love.” She said in a playful tone, squeezing his hand. Must make the girls look excellent at all times. Well, when I can. It’s been hard on the road.

“Bloody minx,” he grumbled, guiding her upstairs to his bedroom. “Whatever am I going to do with you?”

As he opened the door, she teased him right on back! Because I’m fairly sure he gets off on it. He must, right? “You could tell me how thoughtful I was to wear this for you.”

He ushered her inside and closed the door quickly. “F-for me? You wore that for me? But I’ve seen you wear it dozens of times—”

Okay, that’s enough for now. Remember, it’s been a long day for us both. She took his waving hands in hers. “Yes, tonight I wore this for you.” She wrinkled her nose and grinned. “I wanted to…show off a bit.”

“While I appreciate the gesture,” he murmured, moving to stand mere inches from her. “Please don’t feel the need to make such an effort, darling.” Rolan removed her shawl and tossed it on a dresser, and then he began to undo her laces. “You are perfect as you are…well, minus the tadpole of course.” They both chuckled, which to her, made him relax.

“Thank goodness for that. Here I was thinking he might find the tadpole thing attractive.” Her hands settled on his waist, and she noticed for the first time that he was not wearing his usual wizarding robes. Loose dark cotton trousers. Equally loose white top. Long sleeves. I wonder what’s under there. “Love, do you mind if I…” She trailed off as her hands slowly went under his shirt, her fingertips barely brushing against his skin.

He inhaled sharply but maintained his concentration as he undid her laces. “Amelie, my love, you may do whatever you like, but please keep in mind my infernal heritage. I am not…I have ridges. Some very sharp in places. I am not,” he paused as he pulled off her top, his yellow eyes filled with adoration. “Soft and smooth as you are, darling.” He ran his hands up and down her plush sides, and she swore she heard him purr. “I am the luckiest man on Toril.”

“Let me see you. Please, love. Please.” She begged sweetly. The only way I know how to beg.

With a huff, Rolan acted like it was a crime that he had to stop touching her in order to remove his shirt. “My dear lady, I—”

She silenced him with a kiss, her hands going up and down his back. Want to feel every ridge. All of them. All of him. “Fucking hells, Rolan!” Her hands traveled to his toned chest and shoulders. “You’re hiding this under your robes?!”

“I take great pride in honing both my mind and body.” He smirked, reaching for the waistband of her leggings. What Astarion tried to make into leggings. Nothing on this bloody adventure fits me. “Perhaps I could show you…?”

Then, the day finally caught up to her and a wave of fatigue washed over her. She smiled softly. “I’d like that. I really would, but um, I…it’s been a long day, love.”

He closed his eyes and nodded several times. Letting go of her, he opened his eyes again and glanced around the room. “Sorry, trying to see if there’s a shirt or something you can wear. That is if you wish to stay of course. I wouldn’t presume…”

Amelie hugged him from behind and rested her head on one of his shoulders. “I’d love to stay the night. Just nothing more than cuddling if that’s okay. And if you can’t find anything, that’s okay too. I can just sleep topless and take my leggings off.” Hold on a minute. You’ve confessed your love to Rolan---one of the most tightly wound people you’ve ever met---and you want to cuddle and sleep next to him practically naked. “I mean—”

Turning his head, his lips touched hers in a soft kiss. “That sounds lovely, and in a show of support for my beautiful lady, I’ll keep the underwear on…tonight. I cannot promise any other nights, my sweet.” He teased and moved to face her. One hand took a handful of her behind, claws digging in slightly while the other caressed her flushed cheek. After a few moments, he awkwardly but so adorably stepped back and stepped out of his trousers. “Once again, please keep in mind…you know.”

Oh I will absolutely keep it in mind, love. Yup. I will do that. Opting not to tease this time, she pulled down her leggings. “You’re beautiful, love. Don’t be so hard on yourself.” Hard. On. Oh fuck me. “I think it’s really sexy.” I’m not sure that was any better. One more time. “It’s part of who you are, and I love it. I love you.” Much better! Fumbling with the leggings, she got them off without falling over. Yay! After she let down her dark ginger hair from her usual double buns (and he fucking gasped seeing my hair down),she and Rolan then lay down in bed, and he pulled the covers over them both. Amelie snuggled into his side while he wrapped an arm around her broad shoulders. His tail, to her pleasant surprise, curled around her hip with the tip resting on a thigh. “This is nice,” she whispered, reaching for his other hand. “And I don’t mind the ridges, by the way.” She teased softly.

“Bah, you love everything about me that I detest. Whatever am I going to do with you, Amelie?”

Closing her eyes, she grinned. “Mia.”

Rolan tensed slightly, his tone confused. “Mia?”

“That’s what my family and best friend call me. I think you’ve earned the right since you’re my beloved. Wouldn’t you agree?” She could hear another cute whine come out of him as he squeezed her hand.

“Hm, yes. I quite agree. Yes.” The hand on her shoulder threaded some of her hair through his clawed fingers. “Mia. My Mia.” Then his voice lowered. “Am I yours?”

“You are all mine, Rolan. For as long as you wish.” There’s that purr again!

“I wish it for the rest of my days.” He said haughtily but then he felt his features soften. “Only if that’s amenable to you, dearest.”

Giggling, she pressed a kiss to his chest. “Sounds good to me, love…” Amelie was lulled to sleep by his purring and breathing. He feels so nice. I should tell him…tomorrow…

[autistichalsin]

Okay so I posted this a few weeks ago then deleted almost immediately because I got scared but now I feel brave enough to post again because there have been leaks. SO

Patch 7 spoilers under the cut

There are MANY variations on the evil endings. The most important distinction is between embrace (or disappointed Bhaal) Durge and everyone else.

Embrace Durge ending comes with three options. 1. You kill your companions right away to spare them what is to come next. 2. You tell them to run and that you'll come for them at the end of days. You teleport to the bottom of the brain, your companions look at you and then bolt. 3. You draw your romanced companion (as always, it doesn't acknowledge polyamory; your other partner is always prioritized over Halsin) in for one last kiss, stab them partway through, and then watch them die. Minthara expresses her betrayal that you were supposed to do this together, spawn Astarion (and possibly Ascended too) says he should have killed you when you had the chance, Gale laments that you made him want to live, and Halsin just whispers "Thaniel... goodbye..." Then you kill the other two in your party, teleport to the bottom of the brain, and (this happens in the other two as well) begin slaughtering everyone remaining before getting a vision of yourself as the last person alive- the only moment when Bhaal will be satisfied.

The Tav/generic option has four basic options: kill everyone at once, make everyone think they're living in a utopia you made for them, force everyone to conquer this world and others with you, or cause chaos to consume everyone, sending them all on a murder spree against each other, while leaving some terrified and un-thralled just to heighten the horror. (Ironically, I feel THIS ending would have suited an embrace Durge far better since it's very close to what they wanted to do!)

There are also additional options for if the Emperor was encouraged to rule instead (you can become his right-hand or try and fail to defy him) and if you romanced Minthara or Ascended Astarion (you can double-cross them at the last minute and make them kneel with everyone else). Ascended Astarion in particular is reduced to weakly pleading, near tears.

Lastly, in addition to the Tav options, each Origin gets their own unique ending. Lae'zel can take off on a dragon and go to kill Vlaakith, Wyll will be crowned the highest ruler by a group of thralls, etc.

ALSO, if you have used any tadpole powers before this point, you will be nearly forced to undergo ceremorphosis, and have to pass a high-difficulty (30 IIRC) roll in order not to transform. If you do, everything does still play out the same, but you are squidded out. I think this is true for both sets of endings but wasn't able to confirm.

Besides evil endings, Halsin and Minthara's spellcasting lines are fixed, but it seems Halsin still doesn't have his own tent, and still can't upcast his innate spells such as Healing Word or Call Lightning. Some other glitches are fixed. On the other hand, some have reported Durge no longer receives the Deathstalker Mantle until late in act 1; no word if this is intentional or a bug (please be a bug, please be a bug.) No added scenes/reactivity when resist Durge is killed then brought back to life, sadly. There IS yet another new scene for Minthara, this one of her asking why you spared her if you're in a good run. Many of the characters (but sadly not Halsin as far as I can tell) have new camp idle animations. Shadowheart not only has a new animation that plays every morning and night of her petting Scratch, but she has lines cooing to him, telling him to come cuddle because it's been a long day, or wondering if he's named Scratch because he likes to be scratched behind the ears, etc.