#druidic teachings

[avocado-writing]

hi! i was just wondering if you could write some headcannons for astarion, gale, halsin, karlach, and shadowheart about what they are like when you're pregnant/them as parents to a baby

So cute! I love wholesome family requests like these!

Astarion

When you're pregnant: he tries not to be too fussy, but let's be realistic, he likes to cluck about and make sure you're okay. He gets a bit overbearing actually. "Should you be doing that if you're pregnant?" sort of thing, you have to wave him off a couple of times. When you're asleep you hear him whispering to the baby bump about how he's going to protect them, make sure nobody would ever hurt them. (Also when you're in your third trimester the two of you like to pretend that you've gone into labour to get out of social situations you don't want to be in. He's all, "we have to GO my PARTNER is giving birth RIGHT NOW" then when you're far enough away you burst into laughter)

When you've given birth: as an elf, he only needs four hours to trance a night, so he's often holding the baby when you're awake. Speaks in whole sentences, he has no time for baby talk. "babababa..." "Mm, yes darling, I'm just worried this fabric is too sheer for that particular design." Catch him watching you cradling the baby looking utterly smitten from the doorway. He's happier than he ever believed he could ever be.

Gale

When you're pregnant: constantly reading up about magic to make things easier, whether it's to ease back pain or make the delivery more comfortable. Likes to stay up late discussing baby names with you, Tara resting on your lap and cuddling happily into your belly. Also armed with facts about the growing baby is during each month of your pregnancy, lmfao.

When you've given birth: wants to be there for every milestone possible, so takes lots of paternal leave from his teaching job. Baby's first word is 'dada' and he goes crazy for it, he's so so happy. Casts little, harmless spells which make the baby giggle - summoning Dancing Lights above their head to soothe them to sleep in their crib. As the baby drifts off you can often hear him whispering that "the two of you have made my life complete."

Halsin

When you're pregnant: knows all of the natural teas he can brew to help you relax. Always offering backrubs. Talks to the bump a lot, falls asleep with you as his little spoon so he can have his hand on your belly, keep you both safe as you slumber. Waxes poetic about what your baby might look like, whose eyes it will have, whose hair. If it will take to druidic magic or something more scholarly? All he knows is that he can't wait to meet them.

When you've given birth: the baby is usually in a papoose around his chest (when you're not holding them!) He's totally caught up in how lovely they are, how the two of you made something so wonderful. When they get a little older he is a big fan of letting them ride on his shoulders, encouraging them to run their hands through leaves on the boughs of trees and answering every endless question they can think to ask.

Karlach

When you're pregnant: constantly offering to carry things for you so that you don't strain yourself. Talks to the bump all the time. "Come on, kiddo! Mama can't wait to meet you!" Loves to have her hand on your belly and gets so excited when she feels a kick! "We've got a little fighter in there, I reckon!" Every so often asks if you really think she'll be a good mum, a little bit of anxiety creeping in - but you reassure her she'll be just wonderful.

When you've given birth: always standing over the crib to look at the baby, she just seems to happy when they're peacefully asleep. Likes to hum little made-up songs to them when they're settling down for the night. If the baby starts fussing for no reason, she picks them up and bounces them around until they're both giggling wildly. She is most happy when she has you in one arm and the baby in the other 💕

Shadowheart

When you're pregnant: does a lot of healing magic to help you with your aches and pains which helps a lot. She gets super into pregnancy books and is constantly offering you suggestions for how to make things a little easier - maybe because she feels guilty that you're the pregnant one. Offers up lots of soft prayers to her goddess for a happy family and your good health. The two of you bicker good-naturedly about names but do eventually settle on one you both like - maybe after one of her parents.

When you've given birth: constantly checking in that you're alright and happy as a new parent, because she is. Always makes sure there's a bunch of night orchids in the nursery. When the baby gets a bit older and is scared of the dark, she makes sure to teach them the Light cantrip so that they always have a nightlight if they need. And she teaches them to swim, just like you taught her all those years ago.

taglist: @ghosti02art @sadandanxiouswtf @yeethaw13 @trappedinlimbo15 @infinitely-kate @dhampling @wereallbrokenangels @tilldeathdonugget (lmk if you want to be added)

[aerynwrites]

Hiiii idk if you’ve done this already but do you have any HCs for Halsin as a new dad? 👀

Listen I’ve surprisingly only seen a handful of things for Halsin as a Dad and I just - he would be such a good dad 😭

Halsin as a Dad

Y’all this man -

THE BEST DAD. Fight me on that.

The second his child is born this man never leaves you or your kids side.

He’s always doting on you especially after birth, and you basically have to fight him to hold your own kid.

Bc let’s be honest.

Halsin almost never puts his child down.

He’s always cradling them and making sure they’re warm.

One time you even caught him fast asleep in bed with the baby sleeping soundly on his chest.

He also shows you and the baby off all the time.

Constantly telling anyone who will listen about the baby and how cute they are.

Now…as they get older, forget about it.

This man somehow gets even more endearing.

Assuming they show a potential for Druidic magic or abilities he will eagerly show them new things and how to control their magic.

And if they don’t show a tendency towards those things he still shares his love and knowledge of nature.

Teaches him how to speak to animals, how to give back to nature after all it’s given them.

Just generally tries to reach them how to be a good and decent person and attuned to nature 🥺

I could also see him giving them rides in his back when he’s a bear lmao.

Your kid loves his bear form, something that deeply moves him, since so many have been fearful of it in the past.

So yeah.

Halsin is just the best dad okay 😭 would genuinely love to have a kid and would be so amazing with them and you.

[autistichalsin]

I'm sorry, like, I can legit understand where quite a few criticisms of Halsin come from even if I don't agree, but when people get upset that he's a bad leader, I just-

You guys. That's literally the point. The entire point is that he is unable to balance his own moral compass with the strict requirements of Druidic leadership, leaving him with the worst of both worlds, because he can't find a way to act that satisfies everyone. (A lot of) non-Druids see him as too obsessed with nature at the cost of people, and (a lot of) his Druids think he's weak and ineffective. The Grove does as good, if not better, without him around because his successor is able to adhere to Druidic code, preventing discordance. Halsin comments on this several times.

He struggles the entire time with being a devoted worshipper of Silvanus, (who is the god of wild nature in particular and doesn't even care that much about "balance" between nature and humanity, though Halsin clearly does a great deal), and his deep love of humanity- caring so much about others, about suffering, even about suffering that is entirely the result of the problems with civilization.

The entire reason he gets the much-maligned arc about hating the city isn't because "lol hippies", it's because it is the ultimate stress test for his priorities- and what ultimately illuminates his solution. Let the people in need be at the forefront while also getting a chance to serve nature as he loves so much. Him creating his commune isn't just running away from a romanced player- it's him balancing his need to serve the greater good with his struggles with leadership with his love of nature with his love of humanity. And this provides the best solution.

And he agrees with the assessment that he wasn't meant to be a leader, at least not in the Druidic order; if a romanced player tells him his new dream suits him, he softly says, "better than Archdruid ever did. The old teachings could never have foreseen this world."

Halsin isn't bad at all kinds of leadership, if you look closely at OTHER situations where he takes the lead outside of being Archdruid. It's just that weighing his beliefs vs those of the Druids left him unable to act effectively. If he's no longer constrained by those rival beliefs, he shows himself to be extremely effective, and his kindness and compassion guide him to helping those the most in need.

There is, after all, a reason that the first thing we learn about Halsin is that he took a group of Tiefling refugees into his Grove- a highly unusual act for the leader of a Druidic circle. It was all foreshadowing, all along, that his soft heart was going to be in DEEP conflict with the harder nature of the Druids.

That is literally his entire arc. Snarking that Halsin isn't great as an Archdruid is like snarking that Shadowheart seems unable to fully commit to worshipping Shar.

[mooshywrites]

If your requests are still open, may I request an afab gn reader x Halsin where reader is learning how to wild shape for the first time under Halsin's watch? Maybe deer, panther, wolf, and/or bear? Can be as fluffy or smutty as you wish to write, either is fine. 💜

I'd also be down for either a story trade or commission, too (if you take comms), if requests are closed. 👀 Thank you for offering requests and hope you're well.

A Bear and a Deer

Gn!Reader x Halsin

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Masterlist

Art commissions

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A/N - this man was perfectly crafted for fan fiction

Word count - 1.9K

Warnings - wild shifting, very fluffy, angst if you squint, minor spoilers

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“You were beautiful.”

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You had almost spit out your drink when Halsin said he wanted to teach you how to wild shape that morning.

It was such a peaceful day afterward, you and your companions had all agreed to taking the weekend off. The realm may need saving, but you all knew that spending every day fighting nonstop would have you dead before you could even reach Baldur’s Gate. Astarion had decided to pamper himself by hunting all day, Shadowheart and Lae’zel seemed content to relax in their tents. Gale and Wyll had spent most of the day playing various card games, arguing over the rules the entire time. Halsin was off in the distance, whittling away at a new project.

You might’ve gone to him to see what he was working on, but you were too nervous he would spring his Druidic lesson on you sooner. No, you would wait until he found you again to start. Instead, you tried to force yourself into relaxing. Into taking a break from the horrific news of the journey thus far.

Besides, it was nice to remind yourself there were beautiful things about the world.

Like how the sunshine glinted in flashes across the water of the stream next to your camp. Or how the sky shone a brilliant blue. Fluffy white clouds floated lazily across the horizon. The trees swayed gently in the breeze, their leaves rustling in shades of green and gold. The sun casts a warm, golden light over the landscape, warming your skin. You were really starting to take Halsin at his word when he went on long roaming rants about how beautiful nature really was.

As the sunlight danced upon the rippling surface of the stream, you felt a surge of anticipation. Halsin had always been a source of intrigue. His enigmatic smile and deep-set eyes held secrets of a world that existed beyond the realms of mere mortals. You shoved him out of your mind, your imagination having much too much fun trailing over his other more physical advantages.

You were nervous about the impending lesson, unsure of how you could even begin to wild-shift. Halsin was surely a great teacher, but there was a problem beyond that. You weren’t really a Druid after all, and you thought wild shape magic was only possible for Druids who had perfected their skills.

You didn’t have much time to worry more, Halsin walking over to you with a smile on his face.

“Ready?” Halsin grinned.

You nodded hesitantly, your heart pounding with a mix of excitement and trepidation. Halsin beckoned for you to follow him, leading you to a secluded clearing in the woods, where the sunlight filtered through the canopy, bathing everything in a warm glow.

"First, you must attune yourself to the energy of nature," Halsin began, his voice calm and soothing. "Close your eyes and breathe deeply."

You followed his instructions, taking in a long, slow breath and releasing it even slower. As you closed your eyes, you focused on the sounds of the forest, the rustling leaves, and the distant calls of birds. The scent of earth and foliage filled your nostrils.

"Now, feel the connection between yourself and the elements around you," Halsin continued softly. "Feel the energy flowing through every living thing, from the smallest insect to the tallest tree."

As you tuned into the natural world around you, a sensation like an electrical current surged through your chest. You tried to focus on what he was saying, but you were completely taken aback by the feeling.

“How can I use magic like this? I’m not a Druid.” You muttered questioningly, your eyes popping open for a moment.

Halsin smiled, his eyes still shut. “You would be surprised with what magic you can achieve when you listen to nature.”

You furrowed your eyebrows, trying to sink back into the cradle of sights and sounds. you didn’t quite believe him, but you couldn’t shrug off the feeling of mana flowing through to your fingertips either. that was something not even a great Druid could fake.

“Now,” Halsin started, “You must imagine being the animal you choose with all of your might. For example, when I want to be a bear, I feel his claws. Feel the weight of his fur along his body. Feel his impulses, his power.”

Halsin started to shudder as he spoke, his eyes glazing over with a yellow tint.

“And then…” Halsin stuttered.

Then, he transformed. His body shaking as it molded into a lumbering cave bear in a flurry of leaves. You looked on in awe, seeing the way he was able to so easily change his entire being. He was large, quite large. You might’ve been afraid if you didn’t know your gentle giant was still in there somewhere. Still, you took a hesitant step back.

Once the bear had its bearings, it… well, he, looked back up at you.

You could’ve sworn the bear was smiling.

It flicked it’s head towards you, as if it was gesturing for you to give it a try.

You took a shaky breath, trying to think of an animal to relate to. It took some time before you landed on ‘deer’.

You used to sit and watch the herds of deer when you were a child, trying to sneak as close as you could in the tall soft grass. You never got quite close enough, the clever deer always bounding away when you got too close.

You couldn’t really say why they had intrigued you so when you were small. Perhaps it was the way their horns sprouted and wound around beautiful as if they were branches reaching for the sky. Or maybe because of how their eyes seemed to hold so much intelligence, twinkling with life and carefulness. Deep down, you knew the real answer.

It’s because they were free. So so free.

They explored wherever they wanted to, their only fear being that of dying. They didn’t have to worry about what people thought about them, what they were going to do the next day, what their place was in the wider univers. Instead, they just surrounded themselves with the beauty of nature and each other, every night spent under the twirling constellations.

You wanted that feeling. That simplicity of life.

You took a deep breath, trying to capture that feeling in your mind. You imagined yourself as free as the deer were, felt the wind ripple through your fur. You felt the sunlight across your back as you settled into the grass. Felt the power and speed in your legs as you ran across a meadow.

You didn’t even hear Halsin shift back to his normal person, too eclipsed by the vision of a deer’s freedom.

Then, to your surprise, you started to transform.

Your body shuddered and convulsed as the magic coursed through your veins. The world blurred around you, and for a moment, all you could hear was the sound of your heartbeat pounding in your ears. The sensation was overwhelming, yet strangely exhilarating.

As the transformation neared completion, you opened your eyes to find yourself standing on four delicate hooves. You blinked in astonishment at the sight of dappled sunlight filtering through the leaves, casting a warm glow on your newly formed fur. You could feel the gentle breeze rustling through your antlers, and the scent of wildflowers filled your nostrils.

Taking a cautious step forward, you marveled at how effortlessly your new deer body moved. The ground felt soft beneath your hooves as you pranced lightly through the clearing. A sense of freedom washed over you, untethered from the burdens of the human world.

Halsin watched with a smile, his eyes filled with pride. "Well done," he called out, but you were already gone.

You ran as fast as you could through the clearing, your chest filling with glee at the rush of the speed.

You could have stayed that way forever, if you didn’t feel the subtle ache of your mana ebbing. You made your way back to Halsin, feeling your form slip away already.

When you finally shifted back into your body, it was almost a hollow feeling. Your mind not quite catching up with you.

“It went away so fast.” You whispered, looking up at Halsin. You didn’t realize you were crying until a tear slipped off your cheek and onto your chest.

Halsin smiled gently and pulled you into a warm embrace. He stood silently like that for a moment, letting himself soak up all of your unexplained feelings. He must’ve known the feeling based on how he was holding you. Like he knew the sorrow you felt quite well.

“You will get stronger, my heart.” Halsin murmured. “You will get stronger and then you can stay that beautiful silver deer as long as you like.”

You pulled away, giggling softly. “I was silver?” You hadn’t thought about what you actually looked at. You were too preoccupied with how everything felt.

“You were beautiful.” Halsin said simply, his eyes shining with reverence.

As the sun began to set, casting a warm orange glow over the clearing, you felt a sense of peace wash over you. Despite the fleeting nature of your transformation, you knew that this experience had changed you in ways you couldn't fully comprehend just yet.

Halsin led you back to the camp, where a warm fire crackled in the center. You sat on a worn-out rug beside the fire, feeling its comforting warmth seep into your bones. Halsin joined you, his presence reassuring and calming.

"There is much to learn about wild shape magic," Halsin said softly, his eyes reflecting the dancing flames. "But I have no doubt that with time and practice, you will become a skilled shapeshifter."

“Does it hurt that much every time?” You asked softly, emotion welling back up in your chest.

You didn’t have to explain what you meant, recognition coming across the Druids face as he turned back to you. The smile Halsin gave you wasn’t filled with pity. It was just a sense of sad yearning. A feeling you realized you knew quite well.

“Sometimes.” Halsin replied. “It’s much easier to be an animal in nature than a person in all of this mess. But not every time.”

“Hmm.” You offered, feeling comfortable silence settle back over the camp.

You looked back towards the trees, knowing the clearing was just on the other side. You wouldn’t put your responsibility to Baldur’s Gate to the side, but your heart was hopeful thinking of the next time. The next time you could be free like that.

Dusk fell over the camp, casting shadows across the landscape. The crackling fire grew brighter, illuminating the peaceful expressions on both your faces. Halsin reached for something from his satchel and handed it to you

You looked down to see a small wooden pendent in the shape of a deer, intricately crafted from birchwood.

"This is a gift," he said, his voice filled with warmth. "A reminder of the freedom you experienced today and a symbol of your journey as a honorary Druid."

"When did you make this?" you whispered, confused at how he could’ve guessed the animal you would transform into. This had to be what he was working on earlier that morning, right?

“Lucky guess.” Halsin chuckled.

“Thank you.” You said softly, taking the pendent and marveling at its simplistic beauty.

Halsin nodded, his eyes gleaming with pride. "Remember, my heart, you are capable of harnessing nature's magic within you. Embrace it, embrace yourself, and let it guide you on your path. And I’ll always be here to help you on that journey.”

As you looked back at Halsin, your chest filled with warmth. Your cheeks flushed slightly before you looked back to the fire quickly.

You weren’t ready to explore the deepening feelings you had for Halsin. Not after everything you had felt that day.

Instead, you relaxed in the evening air, enjoying the beauty of the night.

The crackling fire and the tranquility of the camp enveloped you like a comforting blanket. The stars twinkled above, casting their ethereal glow upon the landscape. A gentle breeze rustled through the trees, carrying with it the sweet scent of pine and earth.

‘I wonder’ You thought to yourself, stealing one more glance at Halsin. ‘Could a bear fall in love with a deer?’

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[spacebarbarianweird]

Would you do some headcanons for Astarion/a Druid Tav, I know druids are supposed to be opposed to the undead on principal, and I dunno, just want to see people dealing that.

It turned out a bit long and bittersweeet and, I hope, you will enjoy it! Tav \ Reader is a Forest Circle Druid since it's the most popular one.

Astarion x Druid!Tav

Masterlist

Headcanons

You're complete opposites, even if you don't take into account the fact that he is undead.

Astarion has always been a city person, someone who feels comfortable in bustling, busy places.

Even after 200 years of torments, he is still ready to live in his favorite city, Baldur's Gate.

But you are a child of nature, born in a small village and raised by the Druids of the Forest Circle.

You love and respect nature in all its forms: animals, plants, trees, insects…

You can sleep in the dirt and feel comfortable under the starry skies.

All materialistic things make you feel sick. Meanwhile, Astarion craves them as repayment for 200 years of the most pathetic existence.

Moreover, Druids aren't really of the Undead.

The Undead desecrate nature and all your spells hurt Astarion, reminding him he will never be truly alive.

You try not to think about the future. Who knows if you even manage to survive.

But then, it's over. You are alive. The nasty astral thing in your head disappears, and you want just to wash it all from yourself and disappear into your beloved woods.

Astarion cries in pain as the sun burns him alive. He runs away and disappears in the shadows.

You look for him, in daylight and at night, but he is gone. What if he is dead? What if he burnt to death?

After a few days, you finally decide to leave the city and return home. With a broken heart.

Only to wake up at your small camp by soft steps.

You yell at Astarion. You curse him. You even cast a druidic spell that hurts him a bit.

"How could he? Why? So everyone was right about the undead; they are cruel after all."

Astarion apologizes. He was embarrassed and scared. He decided you would never want to have him by your side.

"You are a Druid, my love. You are supposed to hate the undead. I will desecrate whatever you hold dear. I just wanted to say goodbye."

And he looks like a miserable stray cat, saying this.

"I was a Druid when I met you. I was a Druid when I let you have sex with me. I was a Druid when I accepted your darkness. Nature is about a choice. You choose not to be evil. I choose you."

He is still hesitant. "It's not like you would allow me to murder animals."

"Would I forbid a wolf from eating a deer? Would I condemn a falcon for feeding its fledglings? You are a predator, Astarion, so be one. Just don't take more than you need."

You travel through Faerun—Astarion might not admit it, but he misses nature; he craves it.

He wants to enjoy the fresh air and green scenery, far from dirty city streets.

Astarion loves stargazing. You teach him to use stars to find the way in the woods.

You also teach him basic survival skills: how to build a fire, and how to find shelter. He is a good student and soon does all these things even better than you.

There is also something changing about him.

Astarion's obsession with his looks has always come from his vulnerability and lack of body control. His face and body were the only things Cazador didn't take from him.

But nature… nature has a different beauty.

Suddenly, you notice Astarion doesn't freak out if he scratches his perfect skin or breaks a nail.

He is okay wearing simple clothes even if they are a bit dirty or ripped.

He stops asking if his hair looks good, and, some days, he resembles a Feywild, not a High Elf.

First, you worry it's a sign of a soul illness, fatigue, and mental tiredness.

But, no. He is happy. He enjoys walking barefoot on grass or climbing up trees.

One day, he admits to you that he can't be happy in the cities. They will always remind him of his death, revival, and slavery. But the woods mean freedom.

But it doesn't mean he doesn't struggle. Nightmares, panic attacks—name it yourself.

He screams. He cries as if he is being tortured at the very moment.

"No one will hear you here, my love. Cry and scream as loud as you need. Cry away all the pain you've stored in your heart."

And he does. He yells. He howls like a wounded animal. Letting himself express everything he couldn't before.

It's a way of healing.

If you notice he is anxious or depressed, you make the drink for yourself, and then, when you feel the effect, let him drink from you.

You teach him to hunt.

You kill a deer. You eat the meat, he drinks the blood. Together you bury every single bone in the ground so the animals can find the path to their next lives.

There is another perk you have. You know how to polymorph.

You constantly take the form of a falcon, a wolf, or a cat. Other forms don't feel natural to you.

Astarion especially likes your cat form—a red feline with a fluffy tail.

"Oh darling, you are the most adorable little cat."

One of the issues he still has is a fear of touches. It's mostly okay. You sleep together, cuddling each other (almost always naked).

You have sex, loud and wild, not caring about being noticed.

But sometimes he just can't let you touch him. Touches are a pain; intimacy becomes torture.

He tries to force himself, but it always ends up bad.

So when you notice he is like that, you polymorph into the cat.

You crawl on his lap and start purring.

He strokes your fur and ears, pressing you tight to his chest as if you were a plushie.

You just adore being held like that.

In daylight, he stays inside the tent while you look around. Once, he notices you stand in the center of the beautiful meadow—while he, as usual, hides in the tent.

He can't take his eyes from you—you smile, opening your arms wide.

And then, suddenly, you put off your tunic, drop it onto the ground, and start dancing.

Absolutely naked.

There is nothing sexual about it—but something very wild instead.

You dance to the music you are the only one who can hear—as if praying to the sun and to the woods.

You are free. You are wild. You are part of nature.

He looks at you in awe as if seeing you for the first time.

After sunset, he dances with you the same way—naked in the moonlight.

He knows you will always be with him. Even when your time comes.

When it happens, he will bury you in the roots of an oak, giving you back to nature.

Your body will become grass and flowers, and, wherever he goes, he will know you follow him.

And when he decides it's enough, he will undress and dance till the morning comes.

He will face the sunlight one last time and turn into ashes, that will be scattered on the wind.

--

Tag list

@tugoslovenka @marcynomercy @wintersire @vixstarria @not-so-lost-after-all @ashiro20 @theearthsfinalconfession @herstxrgirl @starlight-ipomoea @micropoe10 @astarion-imagine-archive @veillsar @elora-the-slutty-songstress @fayeriess @lumienyx @astarion-beloved @tallymonster @caitlincat-95 @tragedybunny @valeprati

[trippingontheescalator]

Snape Headcanons

He's bad at geography. Sure, he knows this super rare, obscure potion ingredient can only be found in this one area in Laos, but ask him to find Laos on a map he won't have a clue. There was a time he dreamed about seeing world, but he quickly realized he would never get the opportunity and so doesn't see any purpose in learning geography.

A lot of the Marauders' claims about him, like knowing curses as a first year, are exaggerated, but the one thing they're right about is Snape was very nosy. Part of it was because it was useful; knowledge is power, after all. He could trade gossip with his fellow Slytherins, or use it to keep one step ahead of the Marauders (or taunt them with it). But most of it is just his natural curiosity. He's a people watcher. He doesn't often understand people, is bad at human interaction, so he watches from a distance.

Severus knows half the first years think he's some sort of vampire and he revels in it. He knows exactly the kind of image he creates, dressing up in those long black, swishing robes, the spooky dungeons with the jars full of animal body parts. His taste is 33% Mad-Scientist-Run-Amuck, 33% Sad-Victorian-Boy-Dying-of-Tuberculosis, 33% Tacky-Post-Halloween-Discounted-Decor, and 1% Lucius's-Increasing-Despair-to-Make-Severus-Into-a-Functional-Human-Being.

In addition to potions and reading, Severus also does a lot of writing. He's been working on-and-off on a novel since he was fifteen. At this point, it's almost 500,000 words long. One of the few ways he's able to express his thoughts and feelings is through fiction. The main character was heavily based on Lily, especially in the early stages when they were still friends, but as he grew older he put more of himself into the character and now she's become the version of himself he wishes he could be. The night before he kills Dumbledore he burns the entire thing.

Severus knows the DADA position is cursed. Everyone knows it's cursed. He still asks to teach it every year because he also knows that it's the only way he can escape Hogwarts, and he's willing to risk death to do it.

His feelings for Lily have gone through the entire spectrum. At times, she was a sister to him, especially the years before Hogwarts. He used to be incredibly jealous of Petunia, wished he could be Lily's sibling and live in their house and have their parents. It became romantic as a young teenager, especially since she was the only person he felt safe enough with for his pubescent mind to fixate on and explore his budding sexuality. Later, as he became friends with the other Slytherins in his year, it was strictly platonic but nonetheless a very deep friendship. They were both trying to control the other, and Severus was especially worried that Lily would end up like Eileen if she gave into Potter's charms. After his failed apology, he grew angry and resentful and he tried very much to hate her (but he couldn't, not even after she married Potter). And then, after her death, it circled back around to brotherly. He liked to remember those early years best of all, and his devotion to a better cause after her death parallels that of Dumbledore's after Ariana died.

Look I know there's a lot of confusion about godparents, and HP didn't help by being coy about religion, but a godparent isn't a legally appointed guardian. Like, they definitely can be if the parents want that (as it appears to be the case with Sirius Black), but that's not the default. A godparent sponsors a child's baptism and is in charge of their spiritual upbringing, making sure they know their catechism, etc (hence the god part of godparent, its a Catholic/Anglican thing). And the most widespread religion in HP does seem to be Christianity with Christmas being celebrated and whatnot (though I do headcanon the purebloods have their own Druidic/Christian hybrid religion going on). With that being said-- Severus Snape is Draco's godfather. He's also Merula Snyde's godfather. And Pansy Parkinson's godfather. And, like, the godfather of 10 other kids of former Death Eaters. Severus Snape climbed the Death Eater ladder; he was one of Voldemort's favourites during the First War and these other Death Eaters were like, "Damn. I got to get on his good side. Please sponsor my child's baptism."

[agent00ani]

Ok it’s been too long since I’ve spoken about BG3 headcanons. Instead of talking about my Tavs though I’m gonna talk about the companions!

POTENTIAL SPOILERS BELOW!

No Minthara because I have yet to recruit her in one of my games, sorry!!! I love her I just haven’t had the ability to play with her and all that.

Halsin

Halsin does not have sculpted abs. He’s got a stomach. I mean come on he’s literally a bear.

He loves talking about the ecology of the various environments you visit. He knows so much about so many plants and animals and fungi.

If you ask him to, Halsin will braid your hair for you. Social grooming is very important to him.

He loves to play with scratch and the owl bear cub in wild shape. He takes the shape of a wolf most often so he’s not too big.

Halsin keeps a nature journal! It’s like his own private version of inaturalist. He tracks the species he sees and where he sees them.

Gale

Gale is skinny and a bit toned during the start of the game, but as he is encouraged to take better care of himself he puts on some weight.

He is constantly asking Halsin about various creatures and Druidic magic. The man’s a nerd, he’s got so many questions and Halsin is kind and patient enough to actually enjoy answering them. They’re great academic buddies. When Gale becomes a professor he invites Halsin to give lectures on ecology and Druidic magic.

Gale has created spells that allow him to make a magic kitchen while on the road. This way he can use more than a campfire to cook.

He loves to stargaze and will point out his favorite constellations if you ask to join him.

Astarion

While he’s good at mending and sewing, Astarion enjoys making perfume far more. He eventually develops perfumes based on each of the traveling companions.

Astarion teaches the entire camp how to wash blood out of clothing and gear because someone has to. Also he refuses to do everyone’s laundry for them.

He often goes with Halsin to forage for herbs and flowers. It’s a chance to stock up on supplies for his perfumes and also to manipulate bond with the Druid.

Him and Shadowheart often discuss poisons together. They have a secret game early in the adventure where they say how they would poison each member of the group, what poison they would use, and why. When both of them start to feel accepted and cared for they switch to talking about what poisons best represent the group members instead.

Shadowheart

She spends a lot of time at camp by herself, even after rejecting Shar. She values alone time. It also allows her a chance to process what has happened to her and what she has lost.

Scratch sleeps with her most nights after he joins the camp. At first she’s annoyed by it(a ‘pet’ distracts from her mission) but it’s not very long before she’s cuddling with him.

Shadowheart collects trinkets after converting. She wants to surround herself with things she enjoys.

Lae’zel

Since she travels with a grindstone, Lae’zel helps everyone maintain their weapons. Not out of kindness at first, but because her allies being weak and having subpar gear makes her weak. Eventually tho she teaches everyone how to do it themselves to help them be stronger(and because helping people care for their weapons is a friendly gesture).

She develops a special bond with Gale and Shadowheart, as all three were manipulated/used/abandoned by their deities. She doesn’t exactly know how to support the others as the process things, but she is Faerun’s greatest hype man and constantly reminds them that the gods were cruel and foolish for what they did.

Lae’zel and Halsin help each other maintain their braids. Hers are more intricate and decorated but Halsin is more than able to put them in properly.

Wyll

Wyll spends a lot of time with Karlach after he refuses to kill her. At first because he wants to apologize for hunting her and prove he can be trusted, then after the transformation for advice on how to live life with horns, and finally because he just loves to spend time with her.

While he wasn’t exactly “shy” before his transformation, Wyll starts bathing last because his own body has become unfamiliar and he no longer feels comfortable being seen without at least a shirt and some pants on.

When the others realize that he’s struggling with his body more than he lets on they do their best to help in their own ways. Karlach teaches him how to care for his horns properly, Halsin helps him learn how to braid his hair around them, Astarion finds clothing that is not only comfortable and modest but also makes him look really good, Lae’zel helps him adjust to the change in his center of gravity by sparring with him, and Gale tracks down books about teifling/fiend anatomy for him to read.

He’s really good with children. When Arabella and then Yenna join the camp he spends his evenings keeping them company, telling them stories, playing with them, etc. Karlach often joins him.

Karlach

She makes use of her unnatural heat to help with as many things around camp as she can. Drying clothes, cooking, heating water for bathing, being cozy when it’s especially cold, etc. because if she can do good things with the engine it feels less like a curse.

Once she can touch people safely, she spends almost an entire evening just cuddling with as many people as possible. It starts with just Scratch and the owl bear cub. Then Halsin joins. Then she goes to find the others for hugs. Astarion jokes about how the two of them could probably reach normal temperatures if they just hugged for long enough.

She and Lae’zel bond quickly through their sparring. The two joke back and forth in their own ways and it confuses the other companions at first, because basically no one else has had a chance to learn Lae’zel’s sense of humor.

Karlach collects the various teddy bears and plush toys they encounter on the journey. Having nice, soft, cuddly things to curl up with makes her feel safe.

Jaheira

She knows how to get you fucked up beyond your wildest dreams. Smoking with her is an ORDEAL.

Jaheria speaks to the younger party members like they’re her kids. This doesn’t become clear until they visit her home, however, at which point said companions have various reactions(Karlach loves it, Lae’zel does not).

Minsc

Minsc quickly joins the sparring sessions. He also starts wrestling matches.

He can often be found having seemingly one sided conversations in camp, apparently talking to boo. The topics of these chats are vast and varied. Gale once heard him discussing the various meanings of different flowers in bouquets according to flower language.

[athanasius-symposium-of-writings]

I love your Astarion work! I was curious if you could write a semi lengthy (if possible) angst/jealous Astarion x Tav/Reader??? Also hurt reader/Tav is always great too. I crave comfort lol

I hope you like it!

Rated: M

Warnings: spoilers for dark ending, transformation, vampiric

The manor is oppressive, heavy as if a ball and chain are leashed to your neck forcing you to bow, this place screams for submission. The want to give in, to let go, be controlled, dominated. It sickens you as Astarion guides you around the home of all his trauma. Naturally, you want to comfort him, hold his hand, and squeeze it to reassure him. However, this is not the time or place. The deeper you both travel into the bowels of Cazador’s palace, the heavier this weight is on your back, choking you as if you misbehaved.

Then came the cells. The sins of the past stabbed and twisted between Astarion’s ribs nicking his heart.

He is distant… You try to tell him this isn’t his fault, that Cazador is to blame. He was used just like they are.

The rules of being a vampire do not help as it is revealed what happened to Cazador’s master is part of the cycle to learn, adapt, and succeed. The rule of two where one will kill the other and repeat the cycle with another. The throne of blood you pray Astarion wants nothing to do with as he sees what is the cost of power.

The Black Mass is unholy and you silently pray to Lathander for his radiance to shine and burn that bastard Szarr to ashes.

Wishful thinking as the moment you enter the ritual chambers things go south, fast.

With now all seven of his spawn, he is strong-- Stronger and though using the spells and holy water do weaken him (barely), he is stronger than most foes.

"Perhaps after my ascension, I shall take your spawn friend as my own." The taunt is spoken during the battle as you struggle to keep up and your hirelings are spread out fighting the summoned bats, werewolves, and ghouls. The words are intended to be salt upon the wound as Astarion is helpless to fight against his master and this ritual. The screams do not help, the blood in the air does not help, and…

You… Are afraid.

This is too close to what happened to you, at the temple of Kanchelsis. Your master was pleased to watch as you writhed in agony as you turned into the beast you are. A vampire who shares the bestial madness of a werewolf.

Being tossed into a column like nothing as the vampire lord takes special interest in attacking you. Your body is in pain, bruises with internal bleeding, and the mental fear is keeping you on the ground struggling to get up. The laugh echoes, your vision blurring, and when you blink you… See your master standing above you with the bat-shaped head of the staff making you tilt your head up.

“Stay right there.”

He… He is going to win… He is going to ascend…

He is going to kill Astarion!

You must push on! Every muscle in your body protesting as you get up, your blood spilling as your form shifts to that beast, bigger, deformed, and grotesque. The whispers of the dark father in the back of your mind as you roared like a beast unleashed from its cage. Jaheira had been teaching you druidic magic as it seemed you had a talent for it. Seems that comes from the beast within, it hungers and Cazador looks like the perfect toy to chew on.

There is a cost, you know it, this power is tapping into the essence of vampirism. The beast, the hunger that comes with the gift and blessing of Kanchelsis; that cost you care not about, not now. No longer will you allow yourself to be chained down by the memories of the years of torture and abuse!

Astarion needs you, you need him, and you need each other.

Damn the cost! Damn this place, damn everything!

The beast roars with rage! An animal instinct as it recognizes Astarion as the mate, a mate in danger.

The slaughter is fighting to this bat-shaped form you are in, Cazador can’t keep up even in his mist form. When you try to rip his head off or attempt to fly and grab him; he knows how to flee.

“Scurry and scatter like rats!” Your voice is not your own, it is the beast that relishes in the hunt this lordling provides.

There are points when you blackout, in and out of a waking dream, then when the bloodlust no longer consumes your body and mind. Your body is back to normal but the wounds are worse, you need blood soon in order to properly heal.

“Wake up!”

Astarion. The sigh of relief hurts though it is being healed, well attempted to, away by the hireling cleric. Your eyes watch the scene of long-awaited and overdue revenge take place.

“I need your help.” His voice does not hide the desperation, the need.

This was your warning, you should have told him to stop or… You can’t raise a claw against him. There is too much between you to end it with steel or claw. So your eyes and mind are his to see through.

It is through those he seals his fate and the fate of seven thousand souls.

[leenalecklin]

Amento is a wooden doll druid and the newest addition to my growing army of non-living characters. 🌱✨ He’s a shy and kind boy who doesn’t remember anything about his past. Amento’s first proper memory is being rescued from a swamp by an old druid called Vladislava, who became his teacher and druidic master, teaching him the most important thing: “everything is alive”.

A year later Vladislava disappeared leaving behind only her hat, cape and mysterious letter. Unfortunately Amento doesn’t know how to read, so he collected her clothes and decided to find someone who could help him to read the letter.

I play Amento in a Curse of Strahd campaign that we started couple months ago and I’ve been having a blast! We decided with the DM that she will write his backstory and I don’t know what’s going on more than Amento does - so it has been quite thrilling trying to figure out where he came from and why. 

No spoilers in the tags please!! 🙏💚 Thank you!

[miradelletarot]

For the WIP 'midsummer' sounds really intriguing to me!! I need it!

OHH HO HOOHHH, buckle up then! *cackles* It's abundantly smutty lol. This is actually an idea i had this morning after I woke up, and had to write down everything i could before i lost it. So, it's (obviously) unfinished. I am not sure if this is gonna go into the longfic series I'm writing (since it's Gale x Sagora) or if this will be nothing more than a treato/fun brainworm thing, but I kinda dig it lol. Basically, I remember reading about the Midsummer events in Waterdeep and how debauched they are (super hot btw,) and imagined that Gale is particularly very horny b/c he has his druid wifey to play with now during these very lusty festivals (and SHE. LOVES. IT.) I head canon that after they have been home for a while, she sates some of his intellectual boredom by teaching him some druidic magic...hence the wild shaping thing I got going on here. CW: predator/prey, dom!gale, roleplay (or at least the idea of it lol) and uhhh...hot druid things I guess (eta: and probably a touch of a mention of possibly fucking outside lmao).

**Naughty things under the cut. Minors DNI**

“You know, my love –” Gale saunters over to Sagora where she stood at the kitchen counter preparing lunch. He clutched his fingers around her hips from behind, pressing his body into hers as his lips brush against the shell of her ear. “– I was thinking…we could certainly have some fun this evening.”

She shudders as his breath tickles her neck, writhing as she giggles, and spins around to face him, arms draping over his shoulders. “What did you have in mind?” Her coy smirk told him she knew exactly what he had in mind.

“Oh, I was thinking we could start with a romantic dinner, perhaps more than a little wine…a frolic through the woods?” Each thought was punctuated with sultry kisses along her neck, his hands roaming up her waist towards her breasts. She rolled her head back, surrendering to his touch as his lips traveled down along her collarbone to her cleavage that peaked out of her bodice.

She rolled languidly back into him, fingers tousling his hair as she pressed her forehead to his. “And what, my dear wizard, makes you think you can catch me?”

Gale let out a low, growling chuckle. “Well, you’ve taught me a thing or two about your magic. I think I could use that to my advantage.” He pulled away slightly, looking in her eyes with mischievous intent, and a wild smirk curling his lips. “We’ll play a little game. Hide-and-Seek.” Her breath hitched as he dug his fingers into her waist. “I’ll be the wolf, and you…you, my love…will be a cute, little rabbit.” Sagora’s eyes narrowed playfully. “That’s easy. I’ll be so small you’ll never find me.” She wrinkled her nose at him, teasing against his seductive advances.

His eyes went dark with lust as he pushed her back against the nearby wall, one hand clutching her waist, the other braced against the wall over her head as he pressed into her. His voice was thick and low against her skin.

“Careful, little bunny. You don’t want to test the patience of a hungry wolf. Do you?”

Sagora bit her lip, her pulse quickening as arousal pooled between her legs. She whispered. “What will happen if you catch me?” “Little bunnies that get caught...get devoured. Right there…in the middle of the forest.”

Her body shuddered, her walls pulsing at the very implication of Gale’s tongue sliding between her folds. It took her a moment to regain her composure under the crushing weight of her salacious need.

“…And what if you don’t?”

Gale thought for a moment as a sinful darkness filled his gaze. “Then I suppose I’ll have to chase you until I do.” He leaned in close, whispering against her parted lips. “Either way, my naughty little rabbit…I shall have my prize.” He licked the parted seam of her lips with the tip of his tongue before slipping inside, claiming her mouth with abandon. She moaned into him, her hips rocking against the hardness that tented his trousers. _____

[yoga-onion]

Celtic beliefs in trees (20)

Q for Quert (Apple) - September 2nd - September 29th

“Fruit of love - 10th month of the Celtic Tree Calendar (Ref)”

Star: Venus: Gemstone: emerald,; Gender: female; Patrons: Gaia, Aphrodite, Venus, Hera, Pomona, Nemesis, Astarte, Ishtar, Ceridwen, Olwen, Gwen, Arwen, Shekhinah, Freyja, Iðunn; Symbols: faith + gratitude, love + trust, tolerance + Abundance, self-respect, the work of fate.

The original species of apple is the crab apple. The crab apple belongs to the rose family and has short, flower-bearing young branches with thorns. The fruits are firm, round, acidic and vary in colour from yellow to crimson. September is the apple month, when the flowers bloom in late spring, the sweet fragrance is released and the fruit ripens.

Hazel, oak and apple are all legendary magical fruits, and it is believed that the three fruits together will fulfil all the needs of life. Birch, alder, willow, oak, holly, hazel and apple are designated as sacred trees in ancient Irish law. Of these, the apple and hazel were especially considered sacred trees, so much so that anyone who deliberately cut them down was punished with death.

In classical Western mythology, the 'Paradise Island', a paradise of fruit trees, was thought to contain the Tree of Wisdom, which bore three sacred apples. It is important to remember here that the apple, the fruit of love, was the food of the Celtic gods and they ate apples.

The apple tree, a favourite parasite of mistletoe, was regarded as sacred, especially by druids (Ref2). According to Druidic teachings, holy drops from heaven spilled over into the cauldron of Ceridwen, and the three drops that splashed out of the cauldron became the source of wisdom for the three apples that grow on the Tree of Wisdom. These three drops symbolise the three pillars of the Tree of Life in the Hebrew mystical philosophy of Kabbalah. These three pillars represent the masculine and feminine principles respectively, with the central pillar representing the union of the two. These also coincide with the most sacred symbol of the Druids, the 'three rays', each representing the power of vision, the power to manipulate letters and symbols, and the power to understand them. These strange three drops can be seen as a spiritual energy that gives life energy to all living things.

Legend has it that the Otherworld is a magical land of thickly growing apple trees, and that visitors from the Otherworld often come to this world carrying apple branches. Wearing a piece of apple wood is said to bring about a loved one and a long life, and is an essential part of good luck charms and spells. Apple trees were often planted in gardens in the British Isles, as they were believed to protect the home and bring love to it.

木にまつわる伝説・神話

ケルト人の樹木の信仰 (20)

QはQuert (ﾘﾝｺﾞ) - 9月2日～9月29日　

『愛の果実 〜 ケルトの木の暦（参照）の第10月』

星: 金星: 宝石: エメラルド、; 性: 女性; 守護神: ガイア、アフロディテ、ヴィーナス、ヘラ、ポーモーナ、ネメシス、アスタルテ、イシュタル、ケリドウェン、オルウェン、グウェン、アルウェン、シェキナ、フレイア、イドゥナ; シンボル: 信仰＋感謝、愛＋信頼、寛容＋豊穣、自尊心、運命の仕業

リンゴといえば、原種となるのがクラブアップル (ﾔﾏﾘﾝｺﾞ)。クラブアップルはバラ科に属し、花をつけた短い若枝には棘がついている。果実は堅くしまった球形で、酸味が強く、色は黄色から真紅色までさまざまだ。晩春に花が咲き、甘い香りを放ち、果実が熟す9月はリンゴの季節である。

ハシバミ、オーク、リンゴはいずれも伝説的な魔法の果実で、この3つの果実が一緒になれば、人生のあらゆる必要を満たしてくれると信じられている。シラカバ、ハンノキ、ヤナギ、オーク、ヒイラギ、ハシバミ、リンゴは、古代アイルランドの法律では神聖な木として指定されている。このうち、リンゴとハシバミは特に神聖な木とされ、故意に切り倒した者は死をもって罰せられたほどである。

古典的な西洋神話では、果樹の楽園である「パラダイス島」には、3つの神聖なリンゴを実らせた「知恵の木」があると考えられていた。ここで忘れてはならないのは、愛の果実であるリンゴはケルトの神々の食べ物であり、彼らはリンゴを食べていたということだ。

ヤドリギが好んで寄生するリンゴの木は、特にドルイド（参照2）から神聖視されていた。ドルイドの教えによれば、天からの聖なる雫がケリドウェンの大釜にこぼれ落ち、大釜から飛び散った3滴が知恵の木に実る3つのリンゴの知恵の源となった。この3滴は、ヘブライ神秘思想のカバラにおける生命の樹の3本の柱を象徴している。この3本の柱はそれぞれ男性原理と女性原理を表し、中央の柱は2つの結合を表している。これらはまた、ドルイドの最も神聖なシンボルである「3本の光線」とも重なり、それぞれが視覚の力、文字やシンボルを操る力、そしてそれらを理解する力を表している。この奇妙な３滴の雫は、あらゆる生物に生命エネルギーを与える霊的なエネルギーと見ることができる。

伝説によると、異界はリンゴの木が生い茂る魔法の国で、異界からの訪問者はしばしばリンゴの枝を携えてこの世にやってくるという。リンゴの木片を身につけると、愛する人と長寿を得られると言われ、幸運のお守りやおまじないには欠かせない。リンゴの木は家を守り、愛をもたらすと信じられていたため、イギリス諸島では庭によく植えられていた。

[ytptennis]

am I really going to share gale x halsin bulletpoints yes I am

both incredibly well-read obviously; brains are practically encyclopedias & they have very good memory. despite that they still enjoy teaching each other about their respective practices of magic

halsin disputes the notion that druids are all about returning to the dirt & not taking care of themselves bc its "more natural" esp since druids are master medicine makers. halsin smells like apples & sandalwood & grass; gale smells like fruity wine & vanilla & cinnamon

halsin & gale both make their own hygiene products: shampoo/conditioner, moisturizers/body oils, dental care, hair care, etc. they smell so good & are so effective that it becomes their de facto job to make hygiene products for the party at camp

both are chubby & super hairy. no argument; t4t.

they start doing each other's hair early into their friendship

both really good cooks but with completely different flavor palettes

gale has not slept with anyone since mystra & halsin is a verse but isn't really "allowed" per se to bottom very often since a lot of ppl want him to top them

halsin gets flustered over gale's beard, thinks its super hot, wishes he could grow one; goes without saying that gale is nuts about the top of his head only coming up to halsin's chest; he loves being carried

man who uses 700 words & syllables to say something that could be said in a few x man who uses 700 words & syllables to say something that could be said in a few

they grow their hair out really long post-canon; gale travels with halsin across faerun & helps him rebuild the fallen communities

after denouncing mystra, gale is robbed of all his power, essentially reducing him from a nuke to a little teacandle. but since gale was a sorcerer all along, he uses the little bit of power he has left to start all over again & study druidic magic with halsin

they become a well known professorial duo across faerun; everyone from every age group tries to get into one of their seminars when theyre in town

every party member has a crystal ball courtesy of gale so they can all keep in touch with each other anytime they want

[milkywaydrabbles]

He who was found in chains, set free. | VI.

A/N: This is where I'll probably start changing the timeline a bit for the sake of the fic. Canon compliant, for the most part. But you will notice instances of change.

TW: mention of self harm, mention of abuse.

I hope you're all still enjoying the fic as much as I'm enjoying writing it! mwuah xoxo

(Also if anyone would like to be part of a tag list for this fic hmu I will start tagging y'all!)

Can be found on AO3, here!

The days would pass as they normally did, except now you had a safe haven, with food and shelter and a bath, along with the company that wanted you there. It was an absolute dream in your eyes. This was probably the most normal you had felt since being sold. Instances were still difficult for you, like going out to the market. Alucard...Adrian, had asked you if you would like to accompany him to a nearby village, to gather more spices and vegetables he hadn’t grown himself yet. Dread filled your existence with the mere thought of going back out to a public space. You feared you would see someone you knew, somehow, and tell him where you had gone. Hell, you didn’t even know if the man was still alive with all the attacks happening every night. He could have been dead for all you knew. Still, the chance that he could have possibly caught wind of your current settlement was enough to have all the color drain from your face. You politely declined, with a forced smile, stating you’d rather ‘stay here and finish up the housework.’ (He knew you were just making an excuse, he saw how terrified you were. His heart broke for you.)

To make it up to you, he bought you a few journals, he figured you wanted them with how many marked pages there were in your books. You beamed at him like the sun. 

Most nights would be the same also: you and Adrian reading more on magic, him teaching you more of the basic elemental skills witches can learn easily. You also asked him questions on the book of the human body, how to say certain words and to explain certain excerpts better. He happily obliged, giving you time to write down in your fresh journal a few notes. You studied something more akin to druidic magic as you came to learn. More restorative, healing magic abilities. Combining the forces of nature. These studies were mostly on your own, with Adrian reading up on his own studies. He wasn’t able to help you much in that regard, his own magical abilities stopping at the basics or transfiguration, simply there to help with incantations you couldn’t say. But you enjoyed his company. Other nights, well, other nights were...difficult. On more than one occasion Adrian had woken up to the sounds of you screaming, crying hysterically in your sleep. Usually you would wake up before it got too bad, or calmed yourself before Adrian ever opened your door.

Tonight wasn’t one of those nights.

It was always difficult for Adrian to sleep, nightmares coming to him regularly as well. But tonight he was glad he had still been awake, as he heard faint sounds of you crying from down the hall. He was instantly on his feet, making his way down to your room, trying his best to stay calm as he approached you. You were balled up, hands and jaw clenched, tears staining your face. You hyperventilated, nearly choking when oxygen couldn’t come fast enough. He called out to you, trying to coax you awake, but it was so difficult when you jerked away even in slumber. Calling your name once more, he slowly went to reach a hand onto your shoulder and you jostled awake, screaming out.

“Don’t touch me!” you screeched, arms covering your head as you sat up, nails clawing at your own scalp. Adrian took a step back, kneeling down next to the bed and tried your name again. “Please, look at me, it’s Alucard..” He paused, correcting himself. “It’s just me, Adrian. Come on, look at me.” You heard him, muffled and so distant, but you heard him. Your screams dulled down, able to concentrate a bit more on the sound of his voice. All you saw was him. Filling your senses and your mind, was only him. And it was so hard to drown it all out and focus on Adrian. Your eyes were looking at him, but still so unfocused, scanning the room out of fear. “He’s, he was here, he was here!” You sobbed, clawing at your marred arms. Alucard shushed you as best he could, reaching out for you again, stopping you from puncturing skin with how harshly you were scratching at yourself.

“He wasn’t, he was never here, it was a nightmare that’s all.” He whispered, taking your face into his hands once he deemed you calm enough to let go of your hands. Finally, finally you focused on Adrian, silently weeping into his hands. He whispered your name, brushing away the tears from your face. “It’s okay, you’re safe.” 

Even after fleeing from that hell you’ve endured all your life, you couldn’t escape it. You closed your eyes tight and cried, softly, hands grasping at the sleeves of Alucard’s pajamas. You didn’t know what to say, feeling too scared to even feel embarrassment over what had happened. Alucard dipped in closer, pressing his forehead to yours and continued reassuring you that no one would touch you. 

The two of you stayed like this for some time.

--

You danced awkwardly around each other for the first few hours of the day. You didn’t know how to address what had happened the night before, and Alucard had been feeling entirely too many emotions after being so close to you. You both thought the same thing however: the entire situation was much more intimate than the circumstance allowed. It felt like too much, Alucard hadn’t touched someone since Sumi and Taka arrived at his door, and you had never had a man touch you without taking advantage of you. This was unchartered territory, and neither of you were ready to explore that.

So you didn’t.

And you ignored it.

Today was a bit different, after breakfast and washing up you accompanied him outside to the small homestead he had begun behind the castle. You had helped with the weeding, tending to the vegetables and herbs, and even picked some that were ready to be consumed. You already had some ideas for the next few dinners seeing all the fresh goods you had just gathered. Unknown to you, Adrian had looked over while your back was turned and he couldn’t help but smile. And then looked at your exposed arms and legs, remembering all the lacerations he had seen when you first got there. And his smile dropped. 

He supposed today was as good a day as any to ask about them.

--

Alucard made dinner tonight- spatchcocked chicken with carrots and potatoes- you had grown more accustomed to being able to eat delicious meals freely (though some days you still stuttered through a meal, constantly reminding yourself you didn’t have to wait for him to finish his food before beginning). And then he spoke your name.

“What of..what of the lacerations on your arms? And legs? Did he...did he--” Did he make them? Or did you?

You swallowed, and looked anywhere else rather than his direction. Shame filled you, and you tightened your grip on the silverware. “I, uhm, well...--most of them came from him.” Most. Adrian held his breath, and tongue. “I told him the first ones were an accident, but he didn’t like that. So he....he, ah,” your breath quickened, reminded of the terrors.

“So you think it’s cute to fuck with my property, huh? You think it’s fun to damage what’s mine?!” He screamed, towering over you with a knife in one hand, makeshift gag in another. “No one gets to do that but me, you hear me you witch whore?!” You opened your mouth to apologize, instead a wad of fabric was shoved into your mouth and tied behind your head, muffling any sound. You eyes wide, frantically looking at your master trying to scoot away from him from the floor. 

“If you want cuts so bad, then that’s what I’ll give you.” He smirked, before getting to work.

 “I don’t, uhm, I don’t want to talk about it anymore.” You choked out, drinking some water to calm yourself. 

“I’m sorry,” Adrian started “It wasn’t my intention to harm you, I shouldn’t have pried.” 

You shook your head. “No, it’s okay, I understand. I am still a stranger to you.” Not really he wanted to rebuttal, but let you continue. “I would be curious too.”

“Well, are you?” You blinked, looking at Adrian with confusion.

“Curious, I mean. Are you curious about me? We are still strangers.” You could hear a hint of teasing in his tone, the small smirk showing a fang. You smiled.

“I’m curious to learn whatever you will share with me, Adrian.”

-

You and Alucard spoke for hours, well after dinner and cleaning up. Well after it was time for bed. He shared with you his childhood, stories of his mother, looking fondly at the portraits painted of her and his father. He shared tales of Dracula’s travels, how he was a man of science with knowledge to save the world if he really wanted to. And then he told you about Sumi and Taka. And what they had done to him, and what he had done to them. That answered the question of the corpses hanging in front of the castle.

 You, in turn, shared with him any fond memories you can remember. Memories in Gresit with villagers that treated you kindly. You were never sure if they knew the horrors your master had inflicted upon you. And if they did, they never spoke a word of it. All you could be sure was that they never found out you were a witch, something he always hung over your head as a threat. You told him stories of the children you had babysat a few times, stories of their parents.

You told him a story of someone you could have loved, maybe, if times were different.

His chest tightened as you spoke that one. 

You noticed a shift.

“Have you..have you ever been in love, Adrian?” You whispered, almost embarrassed to ask. 

“Hm...no, I don’t think I have.” He looked towards the fire that had been burning in the study. “I don’t think I’ve ever had the opportunity to. It’s been...quite the journey since Dracula.” 

You frowned, thinking aloud to yourself, “I wonder what it feels like, being in love...” you sighed, scribbling nothing in particular in the corner of a journal. 

“I don’t think it’d feel any different.” Adrian answered. “I think...I think you’ll just..know, when you’re in love. And the world will look a bit brighter.” Even if the world’s on fire, it might be bearable with someone you love. 

 The two of you ended up staring at each other, and your breath hitched. Alucard spoke first. “I think it’s time for bed.” Barely above a whisper, and you nodded, bidding him a good night. 

-

It had been a month since you first arrived, and there had been a drastic shift in the air since. What started off tense, volatile, and overwhelming had turned comforting, safe. You felt, dare you say it, almost at home. Sure, there had been times were the line between friend and something else was blurred, but the two of you managed to live together without issues.

A month of studying, slowly learning magic. Apparently you were a natural, according to Adrian. You had been able to catch on much quicker than he had thought possible in the beginning. You were so willing to learn, and absorb as much knowledge that you could that in all honesty it shouldn’t have been a shock to him. But it was a shock to you, how quickly you were able to use regenerative properties to heal, learn how to grow vegetation around you, even shift some soil around you. You had been doing so well, you were learning how to breathe again.

And then it felt a little harder to breathe, when they returned.

You were in the library when you heard a man you’ve never heard before boom his voice throughout the castle. Followed by a more demure voice, a woman perhaps. And then footsteps. And then the footsteps got closer, until they were outside the door that had just swung open. 

“Uh...who the hell are you?”

“Belmont! Be nice” 

You shrunk into yourself. It’d been too long since you’ve had to learn how to interact with people. Trusting Adrian as much as you did now had been an arduous process, and now there are strangers in front of you, asking who you are, bickering with each other. And it was getting harder to breathe, and harder to focus, and your chest felt tight. “Ah, I’m--I’ve been here, living--I uhm,” you couldn’t get any real sentence out, backing yourself towards the towering shelf and gripping onto the sleeves of another blouse gifted to you.

“I’m sorry, my brain damaged partner here is a brute and doesn’t know how to address women properly.” The woman scowled at the man she was with. “Although, I am curious to know what you’re doing here, Alucard normally doesn’t allow...guests. Who are you?” She questioned you again, and you couldn’t find your voice. Everything was suddenly too loud, heart beating in your ears. Your breaths were shallow, going into a state of shock. You wanted to shrink, you wanted to disappear, you wanted to--

“I would appreciate it if you didn’t crowd my guest.” Alucard spoke from behind the pair. Except he was smiling. He was smiling at these strangers, and welcomed them into his home with open arms. You tasted bitterness on your tongue. “Sypha,” he regarded the woman with a smile. Your heart clenched. “Belmont.” He sounded annoyed speaking to the other, but there was still a smile on his face. “She’s a friend.” He introduced you to the two still in front of you, and you forced a smile and a small bow, hands now gripping the front of your blouse by your chest. It was still difficult to breathe. “It’s nice to meet you both. I’m sorry, but I just remembered I have to do something, excuse me.” You scurried away without further explanation, and without shooting a glance at Alucard who seemed lost. 

Belmont, as you knew him, snorted out a laugh. “Finally brought home a woman, huh Alucard? What, only one you could find is as skittish as a mouse?” He really thought he was so funny. And in any other case Alucard would retort with something witty or taunting. Instead, he was cold in response.

“Do not speak about her like that.” 

The man in question furrowed his brows and sighed, dropping it. Sypha chimed in. “Oookay, we came here to catch up! And...ask for help. There’s trouble.”

-

While you were initially going to make the two of you dinner, you feigned suddenly ill, and stayed in your room for the rest of the evening. Alucard, worried, had made dinner with you in mind anyways and fed the two strangers, who had left an hour later to the Belmont hold beneath the Castle. Alucard went to your door, then. 

He knocked. No response. He knocked again, and waited. Maybe you were ill, or perhaps sleeping. Maybe in the bath? He called out your name, and he heard a squeak of a chair. Then patters of your feet. And then the click of the latch.

“Yes?” You spoke, watching him between the crack of the door you had opened. 

“Will you eat dinner with me?” He asked, hopeful. You shook your head. “I’m sorry Adrian I don’t feel well, I wouldn’t want to get you sick--”

“They went to the hold outside. They won’t be back for at least an hour, I assume.” He interrupted. “Please...have dinner with me.”

It was hard to say no to him when he asked so kindly.

You ate in silence, silverware scraping across the plates. You didn’t know how to express how or what  you had been feeling. So you didn’t. And stayed quiet. But Adrian wouldn’t have it.

“Those are my friends. Trevor, and Sypha. They’re good people.” He started, feeling your apprehension. “They helped me defeat Dracula. They have...saved my life on some occasions. I’m very grateful to them.” He’ll never tell Trevor that though. “I do hope you can give them some grace, they don’t know about your, ah, past. But I understand you needing time for that also.”

You could have cried right then and there. Adrian always knows when you need to hear something.

“I’m sorry.” You choked. “I’m sorry for being rude to your friends.”

“Don’t misunderstand, I don’t want nor need your apologies. You’ve done nothing wrong. I only wish for you to know who they are...that’s all.” He reached over the table, extending a hand, open palm, towards you. You don’t know why you felt so inclined to, but your hand met his. Fingers barely touching, but touching nonetheless. You smiled, looking down towards the table. 

The doors swung open, startled you retracted your hand back to your lap. 

It looked like Trevor was going to speak up, but Sypha beat him to it. 

“We need to go, Alucard.” 

“Adrian, where are you going?”

The pair looked on, almost shocked at the name that came out of your mouth. Don’t they know his name is Adrian and not Alucard? 

“There’s...There’s trouble. And they need me to be Alucard. I..I have to go.” It almost pained him to say those words to you. 

You said nothing, tears pooling at the corners of your eyes. But you knew better than to be selfish. You had grown so accustomed to being here, it never occurred to you that you might have to leave. “I’ll pack my things, I’ll just be a minute--”

“You’re staying here.”

You paused for a moment. “But you’re leaving, why would you let me stay in your home unattended?”

“Because it’s your home now, too.” Alucard forgot he had an audience. Trevor cleared his throat, and then grunted with Sypha elbowing him in the side. His neck burned, embarrassed anyone else was here to witness this. He sighed, taking strides towards you and squatting down to your level at the table.

“Stay here. Take care of the castle. I’ll be back soon, alright?”

You nodded.

He left.

And the castle felt just as lonely and cold as the day you left Gresit.

[autistichalsin]

hello!

today i learned (while watching a bg3 stream) that the leaves on Kagha's garb are dead. it's particularly visible during halsin's talk with her after he returns to the grove, because his are green, vibrant and firm, and hers are gray and wilted.

you probably knew this, but i thought i'd report it just in case. what an amazing detail! i love this game so much.

Yes, I noticed that a while back, and it is SUCH an incredible detail/foreshadowing! Not only does it symbolize her own darkness, but then the shallow way she believes in Druidic teachings too; her belief isn't strong enough to be "alive" like Halsin's are, so her leaves are wilted, empty.

[theviridianbunny]

🌙 VIRIDIAN MILLER - HIGH HALF-ELF - WARLOCK (IN DEBT TO THE LADY OF THE NIGHT) - CHAOTIC GOOD - ALCOLYTE 🌙

Raised with druidic teachings- Viridian was the lone Keeper and guardian of the Azure chappel- a sacred spring at the centre of a thousand year old forrest . When the land she swore to protect could not be saved - Viridian cried out in desperation to the moon. Summoning down one of the archfey - the lady of the night -who saved the spring and the half elf - but this salvation came with a high price ...

[cakeboxie]

Our own starlight

A SFW Modern AU Halsin x Tav/Reader ficlet

“What’s something small you miss? From living in the forest I mean.”

“Starlight. It was one of the first things that really threw me off about this… place. Night is unbearably dark, yet somehow unpleasantly bright at the same time.”

TWs: Family death, grief, spoilers abt Halsins backstory.

Reader is gn and undefined besides working in a greenhouse.

AN: waugh this is just kinda word vomit following me having a really good idea. It’s entirely unedited so if you see any errors no you don’t <3

Also I am fighting for my life trying to find a voice for halsin bear with me please.

Halsin remembers being a kid in the cabin his family lived in. His mother teaching him how to cook alongside his younger siblings.

He too remembers sitting outside with his father, the chill of fall nipping at his face while he was taught how to pick good sticks for firewood; along with the promise that next year he’d be old enough to help split up logs with his father.

He remembers a thick book shared between him and his eldest sister while she taught him Druidic magic, and the terror on his mothers face when he gave himself fuzzy little bear ears (and his sister laughing because couldn’t figure out how to get rid of them.)

He remembers being sick, just a little sick. A stuffy nose and a sore throat he caught from falling into the stream in late November when the frost set into snow.

He remembers burying them all that spring.

He didn’t want to, but he knew that disease clings to corpses long after the flesh chilled. He thanked Silvanus that the illness came in December and not one of the warm months that would’ve forced him to bury them immediately lest he meet the same fate.

He remembers the following winter being warmer than usual, but little else of the year.

Halsin knows now that he had gotten lucky, unbelievably so. The gentle winter allowed him to live despite being unwilling to split his own firewood, it allowed him one year to prepare himself before he was truly forced to acknowledge the finality of it all.

He remembers finding his balance the following year. Their garden took quite of bit of work to recover after being abandoned for a year. But he managed it, along with making himself some traps based on some diagrams in an old book and the odds and ends he remembered learning about how to make them more effective from his mother.

“So… why are you here?”

They look up at him, visibly confused.

“Not that I don’t like talking to you- but it seems like you were managing fine past the first year.”

“The expansion of the city drove the animals away. Then men in suits appeared at my door asking for documents I didn’t have. Proof of ownership and deeds to the land our cabin was on. They threatened to arrest me for squatting if I didn’t leave.”

He sips his tea, it was brewed far too hot. Leaving it bitter even with sugar, but it was something he could afford, which seemed few and far between lately.

“I only recently learned what squatting actually is. They’d looked at me like I was a fool for asking”

“That’s… Gods I’m sorry. I can’t even fathom how shit that must’ve felt, I’ve always lived in the city so…”

“It isn’t all awful; being in the city. Living is a much more manageable kind of tiring.”

He was lucky to be as strong as he is, he’d manage to land a job as an unskilled labourer. As much as he resented the title he knew it wasn’t a slight, he didn’t have any of the certifications or diplomas required to hold any other station at the greenhouse he worked in. Even if he knew more about many of the plants they grew from his own personal experience working with them.

One thing of many he’d yet to get used to. Your experience doesn’t matter in the city unless you have a piece of paper proving it.

“That’s fair I suppose… I would give damn near anything to be able to be self-sufficient like that… Alas I’m doomed to forever be a slave to capitalism.”

Halsin wants to tell them that they’re not.

He wants to say that if enough people stopped thinking that they don’t have the option to rebel the entire system would fall apart.

He bites his tongue, figuratively and literally. Wincing as the sharp taste of iron settles in his mouth.

Well, it’s not like his tea could’ve gotten much worse.

“What’s something small you miss? From living in the forest I mean.”

“Starlight. It was one of the first things that really threw me off about this place. Night is unbearably dark, yet somehow unpleasantly bright at the same time.”

They nod, and ponder their tea for a beat.

“Do you have any plans tonight?”

“How forward.”

They scoff, but it lacks venom.

“Just answer me you dork.”

“No I do not.”

Their smile widens considerably.

“You do now, assuming you don’t mind coming over to my apartment.”

He nods in agreement, and they beam.

Another thing that’s definitely not awful about living in the city is them. He had met them through the greenhouse they both worked at, and had kept contact after they had quit.

The afternoon passes by as it usually does during their little dates. They would talk about their job and their cats, he would reply in kind. His tea went cold long before he finished it, and he’d thank the barista as he handed their mugs across the counter.

The walk to their apartment was nice. He realized as they spoke about the bus they missed how much he missed not being alone.

It was a long walk, he silently thanked Silvanus.

Their apartment was almost identical to his on the outside. Grey building, black doors, painfully sterile.

The inside however, was not. Almost every flat surface was plastered with posters and prints, the shelves full of knickknacks and candles more so than actual books.

“Okay so, I don’t have a couch obviously because I have a studio apartment but my bed doesn’t have the best view of the thing I want to show you.”

They push some things haphazardly out of the center of the room, before pulling a blanket off their bed and laying it out.

“Gods this is so sketchy I’m so sorry- Lay on this and close your eyes.”

“It’s alright. I trust you.”

The blanket is soft, but thin. The linoleum below digging into his shoulders as he lays down. There’s a soft click and the lights turn off, they settle beside him after a moment.

“Okay. Open your eyes.”

It takes him a second to put together what he’s looking at.

Stars. Painted on the walls and ceiling between the posters and tapestries, glowing in the dark of their apartment.

“It’s obviously not as pretty as real stars but… I dunno I’ve never been far enough out of town to see many real ones so I made my own starlight.

“It’s beautiful.”

He doesn’t need to be able to see them to know they’re smiling.

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